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\ PAGE 23 CREATIVE PATH AHEAD: (From left) Phil Jarratt , John Brasen and Norm Innes checking the waves at Noosa Heads.

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Seniors Special

IN THIS EDITION Vintage Journalist/surfer Phil Jarratt ..............................................................pages 4–5 Live and Let’s Save ......................................................................................... pages 14–15 Wellbeing ......................................................................................................... pages 21–25 Travel ................................................................................................................. page 26–30 What’s On..........................................................................................................pages 31–32 Puzzles .......................................................................................................................page 35

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No slowing for some people FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

Breathe Better.

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The weather has warmed up and often as we move towards December 25, so does the pace.

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■ On behalf of all Seniors Newspaper staff, I wish you, readers and advertisers a very happy and safe Christmas.

- Gail

Contact us Editor Gail Forrer gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Manager Kristie Waite kristie.waite@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Now online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au 6419119ac

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showed that age is no barrier to speed and fitness. For inspiration read our story on page 6.

This story complements our cover and I couldn’t resist headlining with the surfing fraternity’s popular catchphrase “Old Guys Rule”. Yes, three vintage surfers are our page 1 boys.

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Gold Coast

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

The celebrity doctor cuts rents for elderly

He shared laughs on TV, but he also shared affordable housing AUSTRALIA’S first celebrity doctor, Dr John Knight AM, has spent decades amassing a residential property portfolio that supports elderly Australians.

John, also known as Dr James Wright, answered the nation’s medical queries in print, radio and as a regular guest on Midday with Ray Martin for 30 years.

He’s in the running to be Senior Australian of the Year.

In 1973, John and his late wife Noreen established Medi-Aid Centre Foundation, a charity that provides accommodation for the elderly, particularly those who are frail, have no family support and no home.

Now at 89, John has battled through heartbreak, personal and financial loss and cancer, but he’s kept buying property for Medi-Aid and now has almost 1000 investments – including hundreds of Surfers Paradise waterfront apartments – that are rented out for a meagre sum.

Dr Wright said the rising cost of living had made it increasingly difficult for people to survive on the aged pension.

“If we can make it affordable for them, they’ll eat right, they’ll get their

❝

In 1973, John and his late wife Noreen established Medi-Aid Centre Foundation, a charity that provides accommodation for the elderly. right medication and look after themselves, and they can keep their independence and have a quality of life,” he said.

While John could afford to live in luxury, he chooses to live in the same unrenovated home where he raised his four children and has lived for the past 60 years.

In Queensland, Medi-Aid accommodates about 200 elderly people in individual home units, mostly on the surf front overlooking the ocean, located in various high-rise blocks.

The majority of tenants have had an unfortunate background, or negative sudden life change (death of a partner, cancer, illness, old age, eviction from their home, or no home).

Dr Wright, probably Australia’s best-known “media medic”, is often called The Merry Medic because he dispenses

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“Each year, the list of finalists offers an insight into our nation – the problems we seek to confront, the issues we want to highlight and the ideas we choose to pursue.” Prime Minister, The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP The Australian of the Year Awards provides all Australians with the opportunity to recognise someone who makes them proud in four categories: Australian of the Year Senior Australian of the Year (those aged 65 years or over) Young Australian of the Year (ages 16 to 30) Australia’s Local Hero The Awards operates at two levels – state/territory and national. State and territory selection committees select four finalists for each award category, with one of these finalists becoming the state/territory award recipient.

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4 Seniors Gold Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Legendary surf writer

Vintage journalist Phil Jarratt ventures into world of movies Gail Forrer

THERE’S plenty of talk about 50 being the new 40 and 60 the new 50 etc. But what does that really mean? You still wear cool clothes, you still like rock’n’roll and you’re on Facebook?

In the case of vintage journalist/surfer Phil Jarratt, it means the start of a new career at 64 years old.

With 32 books behind him, a history of print editorship and founding the annual Noosa Festival of Surfing, Phil has moved from the small-scale print page and gone to the big screen.

For the man who was editor of Australia’s first surfing magazine, Tracks, it’s the story he had to tell – the colourful journey of the pioneers of the Australian surfboard industry known affectionately as the Brookvale Six. “Through the stories of these Aussie pioneers we trace the roots of the

modern Australian surfboard, from fine-tuning the toothpick for wave riding in the ’40s through to the arrival of the Malibu chip, the development of the Omani in the ’50s and the peroxide surf boom of the early ’60s,” he said.

The Noosa-based author is a daily surfer, but after suffering a series of minor heart attacks and undergoing the insertion of a stint, he is lucky to be alive.

He said he’d been experiencing heart disease symptoms, but ignored them.

“Until then, I thought I was bullet-proof,” he said.

He reckons that, like most people his age, he has mellowed.

But just like his health scare, the arrival of this state of mind has also sneaked up on him.

During his early journalist surfing days, he said he took no prisoners.

“When you look back, you wonder how you weren’t beaten up behind the pub more often,” he

SURF PIONEERS: Gordon Woods, one of the Brookvale crew, (far right) in a 1966 ad for his surf shop.

said with a smile on his white-whiskered face.

Phil’s writing career started with five years at the Sydney Morning

Herald. “It was a great foundation,” he said.

From that point on, his career was all about words and waves. Later

on, his wife of 40 years and his children entered the equation.

His huge amount of creative work required a

lot of production time.

“Yes, I’m a workaholic,” he said.

“I work long hours, I work late, but I don’t

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Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 5

rides new career wave recognise weekends and I work from wherever I am.”

He said a trip to Sri Lanka this year was the first time he actually hadn’t worked.

“I liked it and might do it again,” he said and grinned.

Meanwhile, his biography The Life of Brine, A Surfer’s Journey will be out next year. This promises to be a fun and truthful account of an Australian surfing

storyteller. He said the first person he had to check it with was his wife Jackie. After that, a few mates mentioned were allowed to read it.

He’s proud of his happy family, including three daughters and four grandchildren, and is glad they are living close by.

He has stepped down from his role in the Noosa Festival of Surfing and his daughters have stepped up.

“The festival numbers are 35% up this year already,” he said proudly.

And it’s about this time of year he takes a small step back into the festival to support his daughters.

Other than that, life goes on as usual. Except, in deference to his age, he’s given up short boards.

“I ride a longboard now,” he said.

DETAILS

Jarratt was born in 1951 and raised in Wollongong, starting surfing in 1960.

He’s written more than 30 books, a dozen or so that are surf-related, including Salts and Suits, which was shortlisted for the Blake Dawson Prize (business literature). He He was the head of marketing for Quiksilver Europe and a special projects manager for the brand in California. He’s been named one of Australia’s 50 most influential surfers by Surfing Life magazine and has been awarded Surfing Australia’s Surf Culture Award three times. Phil is also the founder of the Noosa Festival of Surfing, which began in 1998. ❚ Men of Woodand Foams"Pioneers of Australian Surfing"was produced by Panga Productions with Noosa-based, Shaun Cairns.

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

George’s gold a walk in the park

Join your mates in upcoming Masters Games

By Angela Bacic

GEORGE Megas, 80, and the most senior athlete competing in November’s 10.5km road race walk in Runaway Bay at the Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games, took home two gold medals.

George has been competing in road race walking for more than 20 years and has been a competitor in the Pan Pacific Masters since its inception in 1998, missing just one year.

He came away with a gold medal in the 80-89 year division of the road race walk, and another in the 3km track race walk, this year and was very happy with his achievement, despite the hot and humid conditions.

“I did very well; I’m not sure about my time but it doesn't worry me,” George said.

“I’m happy I finished the race.”

Born in Alexandria, Egypt, to Greek parents, George was fortunate

❝

He came away with a gold medal in the 80-89 year division of the road race walk, and another in the 3km track race walk, this year and was very happy with his achievement. enough to represent his birth country in basketball, table tennis and indoor volleyball.

After moving to Australia, he again excelled at sport and represented NSW in the same three sports.

When he moved to the Gold Coast, George met some racewalkers who showed him the ropes of the sport and he took it from there.

“I like it because I can look after my health,” he said.

“I enjoy being active.”

He has continued to

return to the Games for one main reason.

“I enjoy the friendships – making a lot of friends,” he said.

George even has some words of wisdom for the next generation of road race walkers: “Eat healthy.”

He hopes to see more entrants in two years’ time for the road race walking event.

“You'd be surprised what you get out of it,” he said.

“You don’t make friends just for the day, but afterwards as well.

“To take part in big events, I look forward to it.”

The 10thBiennial Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast showcased competition in 43 sports and hosted 13,000 participants from Queensland, interstate and overseas.

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Gold Coast

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 7

Mum found, still looking for dad – an adoptee’s story BERYL found out when she was seven years old that she’d been adopted.

In the years after that, having no original birth certificate or medical records caused problems.

With the help of adoption agencies, Beryl started looking for her birth parents.

She knew she was born in Sydney in 1950.

In 2012, Beryl found out her birth mother’s identity, but too late to meet her.

“I lost both mums in 2005, not knowing my birth mother,” she said.

“I now have my original birth certificate and my birth certificate which was amended, and my adoption papers which I got in 1992.

“All through, I needed medical records.

“When I had my children, my doctor said, ‘I think you’d better start doing something about this because we need records’.”

In January this year, Beryl made contact with a

man who was married to her niece.

Her birth mother had entrusted documents to his care.

“I rang him and he posted photos. I sent him photos of me,” Beryl said.

“It’s been quite good to have this relative by marriage to have as support.

“He and I feel like long-lost friends.

“He’s told me a lot about my mother and I got her medical records. She was actually a nurse.

“She went into the army for a period of time, in the nursing corps.

“She was 22 when she had me and unwed.

“I didn’t have a photo of my mother till this year. In some ways, I look like her.

“It was quite exciting actually.

“It was more exciting to make contact with a relative who had no idea I existed.”

A briefcase containing the precious documents was miraculously untouched in a house

LIFE SEARCH: Beryl has finally found a photo of her birth mother.

blaze … protected by “angels”, Beryl’s male relative said.

Beryl was missing from the family tree found among the documents.

She says looking for her birth parents has been a long and difficult search.

“I’m going to keep going. I’ll be 66 next

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can’t talk to their families about it,” she said.

“If they do find out something, it may be a comfort to them.

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8 Seniors Gold Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Talk ‘n’ Bowen Court is a bright FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

MEET Michelle. She’s a warm and stable 64-yearold lady, divorced with two children in their late 30s and lives in Brisbane.

She is one person who doubts if she would be alive today without the particular assistance offered by Bowen Court.

If you checked Michelle’s CV you would find an impressive work career including administration in Prime Minister Gough Whitlam’s office, secretary to an SBS chairman and with

her husband, she owned and and managed a successful coast tourism business.

In the private sphere, she has two adult children, who are educated, employed and good people.

She was divorced after 20 years of marriage.

What won’t be noted down is how her daughter battled a dreadful drug addiction at 19-years-old, followed by a diagnosis of thyroid cancer, and how Michelle had to leave her own career to care for her and ensure her daughter’s passage to health.

“I just did what any mother would do,” she said.

After that, her divorce further damaged her financial situation.

“I had a little money,” she said “And while I didn’t have to pay full rent,” I managed.

For some time a friend rented her their holiday house. When that finished her ex-husband let her live in his unit and pay just a $100 a week. When he wanted to raise more rent, she had to leave.

His money was from his family, not from their marriage.

Michelle’s personal grooming portrays an innate stylishness.

Her smile is warm and she’s ready to be upfront with me, but she is challenged.

Due to cancer treatment, she has lost all of her teeth, she shows her underarm, where a long scar has replaced

skin excised to replace her cancerous tongue.

Nevertheless, she’s happy to make the effort to speak and is easily understood.

“The doctor said that it’s only because I was such an articulate speaker, that I am managing to speak this clearly now,” she said.

Michelle is also speaking now because she was fortunate to find accommodation at Bowen Court, New Farm.

What is Bowen Court?

It’s a 51 unit complex developed under a partnership between Blue Care (Uniting Care Queensland) and BHC (Brisbane Housing Company) which brought

STRONG: Michelle has had a tough life.

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Gold Coast

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

thoughts

Seniors 9

Share your thoughts

Do you think the government should rethink the former NRAS funding?

Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

light in Michelle’s life about the renovation of an existing, uninhabitable building into affordable, modern apartments for low income earners over the age of 55.

Joint owners Blue Care were approved for 51 incentives (rent assistance) under the National Rental Affordablity Scheme (NRAS). BHC undertakes the tenancy management at the development and NRAS compliance for incentives. * Bowen Court won the 2016 UDIA Award for Affordable Housing, through the transformation of a former ageing retirement village into a thriving inner-city community for over-55s.

HOW GOVERNMENT ACTIONS CAN AFFECT THE PROPERTY MARKET

NRAS (National Affordable Rent Assistance Scheme) 2014: The Abbot-lead Federal Government abandoned the fifth instalment of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (known more commonly as NRAS).

Applicants who applied for the fifth round of approvals (which closed in August 2013) were abandoned entirely. Conversely, those projects already formally approved still received government concessions. Up until 2014, NRAS delivered 14,575 dwellings with a further 23,884 in the pipeline.

PRIVATE ENTERPRISE CREATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING BHC (Brisbane Housing Company) COMPANY PROFILE BHC is an independent, social business (with both public Benevolent Institution and Deductible Gift Recipient status) that provided affordable rental accommodation.

Since the organisation started in 2002, it has developed more than 1500 homes in key growth areas. BHC has created more than $400 million in residential dwellings and has sold in excess of $100 million to investors and owner occupiers.

The portfolio is the largest wholly-owned, purpose-built affordable housing portfolio in Queensland.

APPROACH BHC’s rents are set at a discount tied to the local area’s market rental value, ensuring a balance between affordability for tenants and the financial viability as a social business. BHC retains ownership and/or management of the majority of the housing developed and therefore has long-term vested interested in these communities.

Its mixed tenure model means that many of its developments are home to low- to medium-income tenants, owner occupiers and market renters alike. Through this approach, BHC offers investors and owner occupiers the opportunity to purchase properties that are competitive in the market, with the additional social benefits of contributing to Queensland’s supply of affordable housing.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or go online to www.seniorsnews.com.au.

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All Things Legal

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Message from the Minister – Funding to better protect Queensland Seniors

CONTESTING A WILL – HOW EASY IS IT TO BRING A CLAIM? COURT PROVIDES GUIDELINES FOR CLAIMS BY ADULT CHILDREN There has been a dramatic increase in the number of claims brought by family members in deceased estate matters. Australia has an aging population and the post World War II generation of children born during the 1940’s and 1950’s are coming to the latter phases of their life spans. These hardworking parents usually have a family home which has appreciated in value substantially, along with other assets including savings and superannuation.

It is not unusual for current day estate values to be valued at several million dollars.

Inevitably this increase in the value of the assets of parents who are dying leads to disagreements amongst the family when it comes to dividing up the estate assets amongst the surviving beneficiaries. The advent of the internet and the increased access to information for people has contributed to an increased awareness of legal rights with respect to estate matters. Indeed, a short Google search will quickly inform you of the rights of certain parties to make a claim in each of the states and territories of Australia. This Google search will usually include a list of lawyers advertising for estate litigation claims, frequently on a “no win no fee” basis.

MINISTER’S MESSAGE CORALEE O’ROURKE

It is no surprise to understand that this has led to an increased number of applications being made to the Courts in family provision claims. These are claims made by eligible applicants who challenge the Will of the deceased on the grounds that it has not made adequate provision for them. A similar claim can also be made in estates where there is no Will and the laws of intestacy apply.

As festivities begin across the state, I’d like to assure all seniors that as a Government, we are stepping up our efforts to make sure you are better protected against financial abuse and fraudsters.

We have allocated $400,000 additional funding to the Seniors Enquiry Line to better protect Queensland seniors so you can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

All too often, we see older people becoming victims to financial abuse, and this extra funding will support the Seniors Enquiry Line to raise awareness about targeted scams.

In recent times various Supreme Courts in the states of Australia have appeared to take a more conservative approach to claims being made by adult children, especially in circumstances where the adult beneficiary is able bodied and financially established. It is difficult to generalise in relation to these claims because they each turn on their own facts, but there has certainly been a trend for Courts to deny claims made by adult applicants who are independently secure in their financial circumstances. This can apply even when the estate assets are of a reasonably high value.

The other issue that is relevant in this equation is the conduct of the adult beneficiary towards the deceased and the family generally. Although what constitutes ‘disentitling conduct’ in relation to an estate is a wide and varied issue, recent decisions are focusing on the moral aspect of the claim and the character of the beneficiary bringing the claim against the estate in deciding what provision is adequate in the circumstances of the case. The Courts attempt to follow general community expectations when it comes to considering these issues in claims by adult children.

The good news for aggrieved family members who believe that they have not been adequately provided for is that they may still be able to bring a successful claim against the estate.

For the Court to make a family provision order in favour of an applicant the Court must be satisfied that adequate provision for the proper maintenance and support of the applicant has not been made. If the Court is satisfied the provision made for the applicant is not adequate, the Court will then consider whether further provision ought to be made in his or her favour.

The factors the Court considers in the assessment of the above questions include the nature and size of the estate; the provision (if any) made for the applicant in the Will; the financial circumstances and ‘needs’ of the applicant for his or her maintenance and advancement in life; the nature of the relationship between him or her and the deceased; any contribution (financial and non-financial) to the deceased’s welfare and to the acquisition, maintenance or improvement of the deceased’s estate and the extent of the claims of other persons on the estate of the deceased.

Whilst the Court will take into account all of the factors outlined above the predominant considerations for the Court are the relationship between the applicant and the deceased person and the financial circumstances of the applicant.

In the event that the Court is satisfied that the power to make an order is enlivened then the Court determines whether it should make an order, and if so, the nature of any such order, having regard to the facts known to the Court at the time the order is made. The decision made at the second stage involves an exercise of discretion.

❝

The Seniors Enquiry Line (1300 135 500) is a vital service, funded by our Government and operated by UnitingCare Community.

This will become even more important over the Christmas period, when people are spending more on presents and a little Christmas cheer.

The Seniors Enquiry Line (1300 135 500) is a vital service, funded by our Government and operated by UnitingCare Community.

I am pleased the Enquiry Line has already begun to build its networks and update its phone scripts, to ensure seniors receive improved

support and assistance, if they phone about fraud or scam-related issues.

We want seniors to be armed with this knowledge, as well as support services and available resources, so that you can better protect yourselves, and can live actively and happily in their later years.

I understand this time of year can be particularly difficult for those who may not have family nearby.

There are some great resources about staying healthy, happy and connected available on my Department’s website, and I encourage you to reach out by visiting www.qld.gov.au/seniors or calling 13 74 68.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable Christmas and a happy New Year.

Thank you all for your support and contributions to communities right across Queensland this year.

Leave a gift in your Will for a cancer-free future for children

TIME LIMITS TO BRING A CLAIM There are time limits applicable to claims brought against an estate. In Queensland claimants have 6 months from the date of death to provide written notice of an intention to claim and a claim must be filed in the Court within 9 months of the date of death.

In New South Wales you have 12 months from the date of death to bring a claim although there is provision for executors to distribute the assets of an estate after 6 months from the date of death providing that they advertise and give a notice of intention to distribute the assets.

The Court has discretion to direct an application be heard out of time. The onus is on the applicant to establish sufficient grounds for extending the time limit. The most significant considerations for the Court in exercising the discretion include: whether there is an adequate explanation for the delay, whether the beneficiaries are prejudiced and whether the estate remains intact. Court’s take a very strict approach to applications commenced outside the statutory time limit.

The best practice is to obtain legal advice from lawyers who specialise in this area of law as soon as possible. It is certainly not problematic to obtain preliminary advice from a lawyer on the prospects of a claim and most firms will provide this preliminary advice free of charge. Some cases may be taken on a “no win no fee” basis.

Attwood Marshall have a dedicated estate litigation team with senior lawyers who practice exclusively in this area.

Please contact Department Manager, Donna Tolley on free call 1800 621 071 or direct line 07 5506 8241 or email dtolley@attwoodmarshall.com.au in order to arrange a free initial consultation.

What have you got to lose? Call us now to make an appointment or log onto our website for a live chat – www.attwoodmarshall.com.au

Help discover new treatments to change the lives of children being treated for cancer.

Please consider leaving a gift in your Will to The Kids’ Cancer Project, an independent national charity dedicated to funding childhood cancer research.

Visit www.thekidscancerproject.org.au/giftinwill to learn more or call Owen Finegan for a private chat on 02 8394 7704.

Fill in the coupon to discover how your Will can help the littlest cancer patients.

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competition

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Gold Coast

Seniors 11

Riding their way to the win

THE Palm Lake Resort and Seniors Newspapers’ $69,990 Majestic Caravan Giveaway competition brought out the creativity and sense of humour in hundreds of entrants.

There were so many great entries, it was hard to pick. But in the end, there is only one winner and that is ... Rodney and Jenny Simmons, who were helped to victory by an internet-savvy son with a larrikin streak.

Rodney, 70, said his son spotted the caravan competition online and sent an email off to Seniors Newspapers to request a sticker, after telling him it would be the perfect prize for he and Jenny to try for.

When the sticker arrived in Windsor, NSW, where the family has lived for all of Rodney’s life, its Retired Not Expired slogan struck a chord.

“We’ve retired all right, but we’ve not had it yet,” Rodney said.

The couple’s three sons have a small farm at Pitt Town where the grandkids go to ride their bikes and get away from it all – and it was there the creative spark arrived for the

DELIGHTED WINNERS: Rodney and Jenny Simmons were the lucky winners of the $69,990 Majestic Caravan Giveaway with this creative photo. BELOW: Some of the other entries in the competition.

photo. Rodney, who often visits the farm to mow the lawns for the kids, said one son had come across a life-size bull statue some years ago that had pride of place in the

paddock. “We were walking past and my son said to his mother, ‘Jump on that bull!’ ” Rodney said.

“She told him she’d never be able to get up on

it and he went and got her a ladder. Old mother climbed up the ladder and I pretended to be getting chased over the fence.

“It was funny. We were having a scream of a

laugh about it.”

Rodney said in 70 years they’d never won anything of note, until now.

“It doesn’t happen to us. We’re just little old parents who’ve got three

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boys, two granddaughters and four grandsons,” Rodney said.

“You cannot believe how pleased we are.”

Palm Lake Resort chief executive officer Manuel Lang and Seniors Newspapers general manager Geoff Crockett chose the winning entry at PLR headquarters on the Gold Coast on Monday, November 28.

Mr Lang said it was a great photograph that really captured the spirit of the Retired Not Expired motto. He said it was wonderful to see the prize going to such a deserving family.

Mr Crockett agreed, saying the judging process had been a lot of fun and generated lots of laughs and plenty of challenges.

He congratulated all the entrants on their efforts and wished the Simmons happy travels with their new van.

The Win a $69,990 Majestic Caravan Giveaway competition opened in August and has been a partnership between Palm Lake Resort and Seniors Newspapers.

Thanks so much to all those who entered.

12 Seniors Gold Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Community HOW TO SUBMIT NOTICES

HELLO readers, would you like to promote your club or group and let your community know what’s going on with your members for free. Club Notices deadline for the next issue is January 5.

Send your notices and enquiries to Nicky or Chris via email communitynotes @seniorsnewspaper. com.au. We look forward to hearing from you. Nicky and Chris.

GOLD COAST BRIDGE CLUB

HELD in Surfers Paradise and promoting bridge and providing regular beginners classes and coaching at all levels.

Brush up your skills or learn new ones from our experienced teachers. We conduct bridge sessions 6 days a week and 2 evenings come and meet interesting people from all walks of life. For more details phone Cecily or Lynley on 5538 3112 or

0418 984 856.

GOLD COAST WINE & FOOD SOCIETY

Good friends celebrate a fine year

WE RECENTLY held our Christmas luncheon at the beautiful LakeFront Bistro in the French Quarter at Emerald Lakes, Carrara. In January, The Society is hosting their Australia Day function in Runaway Bay. Contact Bruce for details on 5578 9454.

GOLD COAST & HINTERLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

QCWA COOMERA BRANCH

ALTHOUGH QCWA is not just about tea and scones, there is no doubt that cookery contests attract a lot of attention and are hotly contested.

Coomera’s latest contest saw master shortbread maker Rosie Murphy take out first prize again, while our newest member scored in the brownies section. Ginger scones featured at morning tea.

Five members received awards at the QCWA State

MENTION

Centre, Southport. The tap class will welcome beginners at the start of the new semester in February, 2017. Details and/or enrolment, phone 5591 6671 during office hours 9am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. Please note the office is closed until January 16 2017.

MERRY CHRISTMAS: Gold Coast Wine & Food Society recently held its Christmas luncheon at the beautiful Lake Front Bistro in the French Quarter at Emerald Lakes, Carrara.

Conference in Knitting and Crochet, Floral Art and Soft Craft. Our first meeting for 2017 will be on February 9, at our historic hall, 161 Maudsland Road, Oxenford. Facebook: QCWA Coomera. A very

SENAD

Happy Christmas and New Year to all.

U3A GOLD COAST INC.

AT OUR Christmas Party, the tap class entertained members and guests.

Started with

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DEC

They danced two numbers: Chattanoooga Choo-Choo and Five Foot Two with a lot of verve and vivacity! The U3A Tap class meets every Thursday morning from 9am to 11am, at the Lawson Street Community

WE would like to advise that we will be closed on Christmas Day and open on New Year’s Day, Sunday January 1, 2017 from 10am–3pm. The many buildings contain a multitude of items of significant historical interest, including equipment from the Southport cable station, Aboriginal artefacts, an extensive photographic display, farm equipment and blacksmiths tools.Admission is $5 with CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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3:00pm Nativity Play 11:30pm Midnight Mass

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DEC

7:30am or 9:30am Christmas Day Celebrations

Gold Coast

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 13

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retirementbylendlease.com.au *Terms and conditions apply. “Live Fee Free” and gift card offers available to the first 8 reservations. First 16 reservations will go in to Luxury Holiday prize draw. Visit retirementbylendlease.com.au for details. Offer only available at The View Apartments. Pricing and availability advertised are correct at the time of printing but subject to change without notice. Information about the facilities provided in the village is correct at the time of printing but may change as the needs of residents change. Photographs are for illustrative purposes.

Some images may depict items not provided by Lendlease within the units such as furniture and other decorative items. Published by Lendlease RL Realty (QLD) Pty Ltd ABN 25 138 535 814. October 2016.

14 Seniors Gold Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Live and

Let’s be frugal but very festive BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN OF COURSE you bought your Christmas cards and wrapping paper when it was on sale in January, right?

No? Well here’s some ideas to save you money before the merry madness begins.

Let’s look at Christmas gift wrapping and decorations on a budget.

✰IT’S A WRAP✰

Do you need information?

Call us!

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Also ask about Time for Grandparents, a program providing time out for eligible grandparents, activities for grandchildren, grandfamily camps and support with school camps.

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✰DECORATIVE IDEAS✰

★ Table decorations – some can be pretentious so for a more natural and less expensive alternative, fill a glass jar

✰CHRISTMAS TREE✰

★ If you’re over dragging out the old artificial tree, go evergreen and use a live plant or tree.

You can decorate it for the festive season then use in your home or garden after the season is over. ★ Alternatively, find an old spray of branches and paint them gold or silver, add some fairy lights and you have a festive look and an up-cycled tree.

Have a very merry and thrifty Christmas.

Keeping

YES, IT is possible to enjoy your Christmas lunch without breaking the bank. The best way to do this is to share the load and a budget. Don’t hesitate if a guest asks if they can bring something.

Have a list ready to go and write down who is bringing what so you get a good coverage and don’t double up.

Make it simple and just remember don’t overdo it.

Start with a punch and a few dips and nibbles.

Just a few as you don’t want to ruin your lunch: also ask guests to BYO drinks.

If you decide to go with the seafood lunch you can go to your local fishing co-op before Christmas and order the prawns. Buy green and frozen prawns as they are much nicer when you poach your own.

CHEAP EATS, NO TRUFFLES CHRISTINE PERKIN The sweet, meaty flavour of prawns makes them perfect contenders for poaching and helps to retain moisture and gives the opportunity to add flavour by adding aromatics to the poaching liquid.

Prawn cocktails are a nice starter. Making your own dressing for prawns is so quick and simple instead of paying $. If you buy in bulk, you can reduce the cost per kilo quite significantly. Why not see if a friend wants to go halves in a 5kg box of prawns?

Bringing Back Memories Easy Listening From the ‘50s to Today

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Are you raising Grandchildren?

★ Discount stores will have the cheap, thin paper but does it really matter when it gets ripped off and thrown away? ★ If you buy the expensive wrap, you can always recycle it for next year. ★ You can make your own wrapping paper by buying a roll of brown paper. Add some ribbon in Christmas colours and tie off with gum nuts or holly. ★ Save your boxes and containers of various sizes from the recycling bin. ★ Wrap them in Christmas paper and use for the more delicate gifts.

or vase with Christmas bush or some greenery from your garden, add water and a tea-light for a floating candle effect. ★ Wreaths – get artistic by using many materials such as flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs, ornaments and candy canes. ★ Pine cones – spray paint them gold or silver or roll the pine cone in some glue and then in some glitter for a sparkly finish. ★ Hang from your tree with a ribbon. ★ Cinnamon bundles – take five cinnamon sticks and form a bundle. ★ Tie with a piece of ribbon or string and make a bow on top and use as a place setting on the table. ★ Bauble ornaments – remove the top off the clear balls and add glue and glitter or tinsel inside for a brighter, more decorative effect.

Gold Coast

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

1. ALLOCATE MONEY IN ADVANCE

it simple Calamari and mussels are tasty and cheap seafood so don’t hesitate using these delicious sustainable morsels on a platter. If you buy sliced leg ham from the deli instead a large piece or leg you will only use what you need far less outlay.

Buying cheaper cuts of meat can save bucks and will taste wonderful when marinaded and cooked slowly. This can save quite a few dollars off your budget if you use a shoulder cut instead of leg of lamb or pork buy early before the rush and freeze. Roast chicken is also a better idea than turkey much cheaper and less prone to drying out.

Making your own sauces can be very simple, quick and cost effective and yum.

Why not have a baking

day and make your own mince tarts and plum pudding? Home-made always taste better. The process is fairly simple for mince tarts. Buy the pastry and a jar of fruit mince from your local supermarket and bake a batch. Shortbread is also another simple treat to make. Plum pudding can be fiddly but well worth the effort.

Cold desserts can be made of fresh fruit with dipping sauce, pavlova and my all-time favourite trifle.

Just remember less is more so you can enjoy your day. Try to make sure most of your preparation is done the day before or earlier and write that list of what you need to do and when to do it.

Have a very tasty and Merry Christmas!

Even though Christmas is an annual event, many people don’t prepare themselves financially in the lead-up to December.

It is actually the perfect time to create a personal budget.

Allocating money in advance is a great way to prevent finances from going into the red during one of the most expensive times of year.

Before deciding on the amount of money for Christmas spending and gift buying, put together a comprehensive budget and cash flow forecast as this will help determine the final figure.

In the budget, include all additional expenses such as food, drinks and socialising. For parents, sticking to one main present per child is a good way to prevent overspending.

2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ONLINE SHOPPING

Get in early and make online bargains part of your Christmas shopping mix.

Completing payments with debit cards rather than credit cards avoids the risk of being hit by a seasonal spending surcharge – in the form of unwanted interest payments in the new year.

A great way to make sure you stay within the Christmas budget you have set is by keeping an

ongoing tally of your spending.

3. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE KRIS KRINGLE

If your family still spends up big at Christmas, it’s time to introduce them to the delights of Kris Kringle. Not only does it have an element of surprise, but it also helps to considerably reduce the cost of gifts for everyone.

Kris Kringle involves buying one significant gift of meaning for one person, rather than lots of little ‘obligatory’ presents that people either don’t need or don’t want.

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Saving $20 per week might not seem like a lot but it adds up. A set-and-forget periodic payment of this amount in your internet banking will give you $1000 to spend on Christmas this time next year.

This proves the old adage that little and often really does fill the purse or wallet.

5. FIND OUT WHAT OTHERS WANT

Gift vouchers can also be great presents to give as Christmas is always followed by the sales period, with most retailers starting their sales on Boxing Day. Ensure the recipient is aware of the expiry date so it can be redeemed within the set time frame.

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Seniors 15

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16 Seniors Gold Coast

First prize winner

neighbourhood news FROM PAGE 12

children free.For details phone the Secretary Colleen on 5529 1962, email to histsocbun@bigpond.com or facebook.

COOLANGATTA SENIOR CITIZENS CENTRE FOR 50 & OVER SENIORS

WELCOMES all Gold Coast and Tweed Heads area residents and visitors. The Centre has a large range of activities, including Bingo, Dancing (including lessons), Free Computer Lessons, Card Games, Choir Group, Indoor Bowls, Craft, Light Exercises, Line Dancing, Mah Jong, Qigong, Rock & Roll, Spanish Lessons, Snooker & Eight Ball, Social Table Tennis, Tai Chi, Yoga, Ukulele Lessons, Monthly Bus Trips, Free Monthly Concerts, Hairdresser & Free Wii on the Big Screen. Our next Free Monthly Concert will be Monday January 30, 2017 at 1pm QLD time.

Detailsandbookings phone 07 5536 4050 or visit 2 Gerrard Street, Coolangatta.

SWEET TREATS: QCWA Coomera’s master shortbread maker, Mrs Rosie Murphy with her delicious entry.

VIEW CLUBS

VIEW stands for the Voice, Interests and Education of Women,

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

boasting more than 16,000 members nationally across 330 clubs, working together in support of children’s education charity The Smith Family.

■ BURLEIGH/PALM BEACH

OUR Club will celebrate the Christmas spirit at their meeting on Tuesday, December 20 at 10am at Treetops Tavern, West Burleigh. Burleigh Palm Beach VIEW will continue to meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month in 2017. The 1st meeting of the year will be on Tuesday, February 21 at Treetops Tavern, West Burleigh, at 10am. New members welcome. Phone Ros on 5520 5821.

■ SURFERS PARADISE

OUR CLUB hold meetings and lunch on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Southport Golf Club at 11.30am and 12pm for lunch. Always with an interesting guest speaker.

New members and visitors most welcome.

For an opportunity to meet new friends and join in our social activities and really enjoyable surroundings, phone Nancy on 5592 6730 or

0421 639 574.

■ LOGAN

OUR ladies are urging the local community to support disadvantaged children and young people with their education by joining the club which sponsors three school children. Logan VIEW Club ladies meet at 11am on the second Wednesday of the month at the Rec Club, Alba Lane (off Jacaranda Avenue), Kingston. Cost of $22 includes a two-course lunch and a guest speaker. Phone Cheryl on 3711 9146.

■ SURFERS PARADISE

OUR MEMBERS are urging the local community to support disadvantaged children with their education by donating to The Smith Family’s 2016 Christmas Appeal. The funds raised will help 8715 disadvantaged children across Australia get extra learning and mentoring support they need to create better futures for themselves.

VIEW Club President Lorna Annakin said: “VIEW is proud to be supporting The Smith Family’s Christmas Appeal.”

To make a donation to The Smith Family’s

Christmas Appeal visit www.thesmithfamily .com.au or call 1800 024 069.

■ COOLANGATTA TWEED

AUSTRALIA Day celebrations will be held at the home of Penny Thorpe, Thursday January 19 commencing at 11.30am DST. This will be a Fun Day with Aussie food, games and activities. Any enquiries to Penny on 5534 3931.

NEVER ALONE

OUR hard-working volunteers at the Never Alone Friendship are nearing the end of a very busy year, spent ensuring the guests were looked after and the program met its aims and goals in serving the community.

The Centre is nearing its 7th anniversary and has changed many peoples lives and opens every Wednesday between 9 am and noon and meet at the Burleigh Heads Masonic Hall, First Ave Burleigh Heads. For a $2 donation, guests can enjoy morning tea, listen to guest speakers or entertainers and attend the occasional outing.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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Seniors 17

18 Seniors Gold Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

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FROM PAGE 16

Table games, bingo, trivia quizzes all go toward a fun filled morning. The Centre is self-funding and relies on the generosity of people offering donations to keep this important program running. Details call 5562 2993.

neighbourhood news

Gold Coast

Changing people’s lives through friendship

SOLACE

IS AN Organisation for people grieving the loss of a partner. We meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 10.30am at Broadbeach Senior Citizens Centre, TE Peters Drive, Broadbeach. Phone Betty on 07 5580 7034.

END OF LIFE CHOICES

VOLUNTARY euthanasia options are discussed at meetings held quarterly on the Gold Coast. Details phone Elaine on 07 5580 8215.

PROBUS CLUBS ■ COOMERA VALLEY

OUR club for retired and semi-retired men and women that meets on 2nd Wednesday of the month, 9.30am for 10am start with guest speaker and morning tea.

The Club meets at the Holy Rood Church Hall, cnr Old Tamborine Rd and

SHARING AND CARING: Never Alone volunteers enjoying some time off and enjoying a barbecue at Burleigh Heads.

Tamborine-Oxenford Rd, Oxenford. The Club enjoys outings to theatres, trips to interesting places, dining out and picnics.

Visitors and prospective members are most welcome.

Call John Woodlock 0421 074 491.

■ SORRENTO

A LARGE group of our members enjoyed Gold Coast Canal cruising recently. Devonshire tea was served.

Probus mantra is ‘Fun, friendship and fellowship’.

Come and join our mixed group.

Phone Doreen on 5526 6126.

■ BURLEIGH WATERS

RETIRED or semi-retired men are invited to join us at Club Meetings, 10am on the 3rd Monday of each month at Burleigh Waters Community Centre, 131 Christine Ave. 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 5520 6332 or Colin 0427 272 829.

■ RUNAWAY BAY TO close the year a

Christmas lunch will be held at Paradise Point Bowls Club on Tuesday December 13. All members & friends are invited to attend, coming together at 11.30 am on the verandah. The club will reopen January 16 2017 when all past and new members will be welcome to continue the fun, friendship & fellowship enjoyed during 2016.

Details call Warren 5514 0234.

■ KIRRA/TUGUN MIXED

OUR club celebrates our 25th birthday this year and we are celebrating this

“silver” anniversary with a silver service lunch, and by wearing silver, not necessarily as our hair colour!

As we meet at the Currumbin RSL, where they have a great cafe’ and bistro, everyone is invited to stay on for lunch.

Careful selection of interesting speakers and entertainers for our meetings, and the introduction of varied interest groups getting together throughout the month, now gives members a great variety of entertainment and this attracts even more people wanting to join.

Seniors 19

■ BURLEIGH/ PALM BEACH

OUR Club will celebrate the Christmas spirit at their next meeting on Tuesday 20 December at 10am at Treetops Tavern, West Burleigh. VIEW Clubs support the work of the Smith Family in helping disadvantaged Australian school children further their educational goals. Burleigh Palm Beach VIEW will continue to meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month in 2017. The 1st meeting of the year will be on Tuesday 21 February at Treetops Tavern, West Burleigh at 10am. New members are always welcome. Details call Ros on 5520 5821.

■ SURFERS PARADISE

Our Club hold meetings and lunch on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Southport Golf Club at 11.30am and 12pm for lunch.

Always with an interesting guest speaker.

New members and visitors most welcome.

For an opportunity to meet new friends and join in our social activities and really enjoyable surroundings, call Nancy on 5592 6730 or 0421 639 574.

20 Seniors Gold Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Finance What will you be doing at 65? Think cash or credit FIGURES from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate one in five Australians more than 45 years of age are planning to continue working up to their 70th birthday.

But what is this working future going to look like?

Will it be full time employment or part-time work to top up savings?

A growing number of people more than 50 years of age are now putting their skills and experience to use in their own businesses, becoming senior entrepreneurs or SeniorPreneurs to supplement their retirement income.

What type of business you choose is limited only by your imagination but here are a few things you

should consider: 1. What do you love doing?

Find ways to be involved in doing the things you love. Follow your passion and aim to reap rewards on all levels: financially, mentally and emotionally.

Working on something that interests you personally can be more sustainable and rewarding.

2. Find like-minded people Find people who share your interests regardless of any age differences.

Discussing ideas with people experienced in the areas you may not be familiar with can lift your ideas from the drawing board into reality.

Consider contacting organisations like the SeniorPreneurs Foundation or Elderberry — groups like these can help you connect with

WANTED

other people who are forging ahead to become their own boss. You can also go to the Queensland Government business website for more tips.

3. Make your workspace fit your lifestyle Many small businesses are run out of spare space.

In today’s online world there is no need to go to great expense renting space. Just make sure you check you’re not breaking any local regulations before you fire up the furnace in the back yard.

4. Be clear on your objective If your goal is simply to earn enough to allow you to be financially independent in retirement, there is little point racking up huge debt to fund the venture.

Before you jump in with both feet consider:

■ How much do you need to ‘earn’ to maintain a comfortable retirement?

■ How much can you earn before you impact any Government entitlements you may be getting or could be eligible for in the future?

■ What will be the best strategy for your Superannuation payout?

5. Financing your venture There are a number of strategies you can use to fund your new venture, such as redrawing on your mortgage or taking out a small loan.

Alternatively, there may be grants available.

Again, before pursuing any of these options it’s worth seeking guidance from a financial adviser.

Tony Rigby is an Authorised Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd, ABN 89 051 208 327, AFS Licence No. 232706.

It’s Good to Share

THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE CHRISTMAS is a wonderful time of year but it can also put extra demands on our finances.

Getting in early for festive shopping lets you stagger spending over time, which can make things more manageable.

The usual rules of smart shopping apply at Christmas – shop around for a good deal; draw up a purchase list to avoid impulse buys; and hold onto receipts in case Aunty Ethel isn’t so keen on the power tools you’re planning to put in her Christmas stocking this year.

Important rules also apply to the way we make purchases. In particular,

aim to pay with cash or a debit card. It’s easy to get caught up in all the pre-Christmas sales and go overboard with spending, however sticking to cash wherever possible means you shouldn’t get into too much trouble.

If you don’t have the cash, consider lay-by. It may be old fashioned but it’s a perfectly acceptable way of buying, and with most retailers you’ll pay no extra charges.

A big incentive to choose cash over a credit card is that you’ll avoid interest costs – an extra expense that can take the shine off a bargain very quickly.

Paul Clitheroe is a founding director of financial planning firm ipac, Chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

Who do you call...

◆ Coins Australian Predecimal & Decimal 1966 Round 50¢,

Seniors Card 137 468 or 1800 175 500 (free call outside Brisbane)

◆ Banknotes Australian & World ◆ Medals & Tokens

Centrelink: Retirement 132 300 Disability, Sickness & Carers 132 717 Employment Services 132 850

◆ Gold & Silver

Seniors Enquiry Line 1300 135 500

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Submit your photos, stories, events and notices online. Look for the ‘share your event or story’ box on our home page.

Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au

Department of Veteran Affairs 133 254 or 1800 555 254 (Regional) National Information Centre on Retirement Investments (NICRI) 1800 020 110

Phone Geoff Yates (07) 5535 5894 or 0412 11 32 11

National Aged Care Information

1800 200 422

www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

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Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Wellbeing

Seniors 21

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Home doctor savings QUEENSLANDERS have been praised for using after-hours home doctor services to relieve pressure on emergency departments.

It’s estimated that using home doctors can save the state health system $100 million.

A new home doctor call centre on the Gold Coast – the National Home Doctor Service Patient Contact Centre – was officially opened by Queensland Health Minister Cameron Dick in late-November.

The service’s executive chairman, Paul Mirabelle, said new research by Deloitte Access Economics showed Queenslanders were leading the way on using home doctor services to treat non-emergencies outside of business hours.

“In the past year there have been 762,198 after-hours home doctor visits in Queensland – the highest number for any state or territory across Australia,” he said.

“This is good news for Queensland, as the more patients we can treat in their homes, rather than in emergency departments, the more money we save for the health system.

“The cost of an after-hours home doctor visit to the health system is $128, while the cost of a patient being treated in an emergency department is on average $368 and it’s much higher when an ambulance is called.

“The Deloitte Access Economics report finds that without access to after-hours visits by doctors to households and aged-care homes, the

HOME VISITS: Queensland Health Minister Cameron Dick (left) and Paul Mirabelle, executive chairman at National Home Doctor Service, are guests at the opening of the Patient Contact Centre at the Gold Coast.

cost to the Queensland health system would be $100 million higher over the four years of the budget forward estimates, mainly due to avoided

emergency department and ambulance presentations.”

The report includes a case study comparing the levels of home visits and

low-urgency emergency department presentations in two regions with similar demographics – the Central Coast in New South Wales and the Gold Coast.

On the Gold Coast there were 82 home visits per thousand people and 19 low-urgency emergency department presentations per one thousand people.

On the Central Coast, where home visits were fewer at two home visits per 1000 people, there were many more low-urgency emergency department cases, at 52 per 1000 people.

“The case study shows that where there is higher use of home visits, as is the case on the Gold Coast, there are fewer low-urgency cases in emergency departments,” Mr Mirabelle said.

“Despite the budget

savings and benefits to patients, vested interests are pushing for the removal of the Medicare rebate for home doctor visits.

“The association representing home visit doctors has started a campaign to protect home visits, where patients can share their stories about why home visits are an essential Medicare service.

“After-hours home visits are especially important for parents with young children, the elderly and people living with disabilities.

“With the opening of our new contact centre, which will employ more than 100 people, we hope that home doctors can help even more patients on the Gold Coast, relieving pressure on emergency departments in the area.”

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Nor does this high level of care mean that you are charged an arm and a leg. We actively work to keep the costs as low as possible, and provide services including cataract surgery, glaucoma, lid tumours, diabetic eyes, iritis, laser surgery, dry eyes and lid malpositions.

In fact those who are insured also enjoy the cost saving benefit of our No Gap Policy.

What’s more, there’s no need to travel out of the local area for the actual surgery as our surgeons operate in Tweed Heads.

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

A short 12 steps to a stress-free Christmas

1/ Start with stillness: Before starting teh Christmas rush, go somewhere quiet to gain a sense of poise. “Be the calm you want to see!”

2/ Let love lead you: Take opportunities to spread seasonal ‘peace and goodwill’. Reordering priorities to do everything with intentional love can bring a sense of calmness and control.

3/ Value family and friends: As you sign, seal and send your Christmas cards (via email or snail-mail) treat each one as an opportunity to value the person you are sending it to.

4/ Be kind to yourself and others: Research shows kindness is good for your health. So saying sorry, no matter who causes the collision, might be the way to negotiate crowded streets, transport and busy shopping centres.

5/ Shop ethically: ‘Treat others as you would like to be treated.’ The Golden Rule could translate to ‘love the Christmas crowds as you would want

STAY CALM: Try and enjoy the Christmas spirit this silly season.

them to love you.’

6/ Embrace spontaneity: Keeping an open mind and making room for flexibility as each day unfolds reduces stress and increases joy.

7/ Be grateful: Scientists are accumulating evidence which verifies what spiritual thinkers would affirm from experience: a gratitude attitude can reduce anxiety and depression.

8/ Enjoy yourself: Appreciate the festive

lights. Share in the growing anticipation of your children. Meditate on the Christmas story and let the message inspire you.

9/ Don’t forget others: For some reason the season of goodwill seems to bring out the worst in many people’s experience.

Spare a prayer for those in need and, when you can, make a difference in practical ways.

10/ Peace interludes: Pausing for moments of

• Independence • Security • Peace of Mind

THE IDEAL SITUATION

ACTIVE AGEING DR ALEX McHARG PhD HI, IT’S me, Dr Mac. I began my last column with diaphragm breathing. I re-emphasised the importance of a balanced diet, the need to use weights to avoid frailty issues and the importance of cardiotraining. Just because it is coming up to Christmas does not mean that you have to “drop the ball” and overeat the wrong foods. It is a time to re-connect with family, friends and establish new relationships.

Be the first person to say hello to someone you have met at social gatherings, at the health food or other shops and introduce yourself as a “Positive Aging Connections” person and be willing to share experiences.

As promised, here is some more information on using weights and cardio-training: I have always advised using “free weights”, such as dumbbells, to begin with.

For more information please call Jan on

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mental stillness can make all the difference, even transform your day. Be honestly aware of your thoughts and when they start going round in circles or racing in a wrong direction steer them back to that place of spiritual poise.

11/ Forgive even if you can’t forget: It’s amazing how long family feuds and broken friendships can last if we’re not careful.

The run-up to Christmas offers an opportunity to review and revise our mental list of grievances before they ruin our holiday break or, even worse, our health.

12/ Give beyond the gifts: Celebrate Jesus.

One way to look at his life is that he showed us how the qualities we choose to express can improve our experience and touch our loved ones and neighbours.

(Writers, Tony Lobl and Kay Stroud, share ideas about the relationship between thought, spirituality and health.

Read more at www. health4thinkers.com)

A good weight to start at should be 3kg.

Your basic weighttraining exercise routine, (while in standing position), should consist of a variety of bicep and forearm curls, full side rotation shoulder movements and then vertical presses. A gym can help to introduce you to a mix of safe exercise routines. You can slowly increase the weight as you grow stronger. Begin with 10 reps of each movement going up to 30 and do this six times a week.

Don’t forget to stretch first and afterwards. I have always included an exercise bike as a cardio routine and I suggest you put one in your living areas, so that there can be no excuses for not, “getting on your bike”.

There will be more on using an exercise bike and weights exercises in 2017.

To all the readers of the Seniors Newspaper, have an enjoyable and particularly healthy Christmas and use your New Year’s resolutions to focus on a naturally healthy and active lifestyle in 2017... With Best Seasons Greetings... Alec

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Enjoy an exciting day out where every stop is a new adventure . . .

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Please phone Jan to make sure you receive your copy

St. Patrick's Day Entertainment & Traditional Irish Lunch ........................................17 Mar Leisurely Country New South Wales Lunch Byron Services Club.............................. 20 Apr The Scenic Rim, Fassifern Valley, Kalbar & Lunch Old Boonah Butter Factory............ 6 May Ipswich District, Queen's Park, Historic Homes & Buildings, Japanese Gardens, Lunch Brothers Leagues Club.......... 27 Jun Special Mystery Xmas in July Lunch - Wonder Where?.... 06 Juul

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22 Seniors Gold Coast

Gold Coast

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 23

Evidence hard to swallow Experts warn air pollution is killing us

CRUNCHING NUMBERS ❚ 27,519 healthy years of life are lost by Australians every year from exposure to air pollution ❚ 3000 Australians die preventable deaths each year from air pollution ❚ $2.4billion – the total economic cost in the year 2000 of air pollution from motor vehicles alone. ❚ Up to $8.4 billion – the annual estimated health costs of air pollution in Sydney. ❚ Zero – the safe level of exposure to many of the major air pollutants.

MORE than 3000 Australians die premature deaths each year from SOURCE: ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AUSTRALIA urban air pollution, with seniors among the most susceptible, experts have warned.

World Health Organisation Director in the department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health Dr Maria Neira said the evidence of health issues and deaths linked to air pollution was too big to ignore.

"The risks from air pollution are now far greater than previously thought or understood, particularly for heart disease and strokes," she said. "Few risks have a greater impact on global health today than air HIGH RISK: An estimated 3000 Australians die each year from air-pollution. pollution; the evidence signals the need for concerted action to clean disadvantaged, those Few risks have a greater up the air we all breathe." living near major roads or WHO estimates indoor industrial areas and in impact on global health air pollution was linked to some cases rural areas. today than air pollution; the 4.3 million deaths The people most evidence signals the need for worldwide in 2012 and susceptible to health externally 3.7 million issues caused by air concerted action to clean up the air deaths from urban and pollutants are the elderly, we all breathe. rural sources. children, pregnant women — Dr Maria Neira, World Health Organisation It states the increasing and unborn children and number of factories and people with chronic motor vehicles, which disease.

Department of effects, he said it all came release harmful gases, is The Chairman of Elanra Pharmacology and down to the balance of a major contributing factor Medical, a Gold Bioclimatology (Hebrew ions in the air. to respiratory issues in Coast-based company University Israel) said, it is “These winds cause a western countries. which specialises in air a direct result of this type large increase of positive Griffith University’s quality and its impact on of hot, dry wind with low ions in the air. It is this School of Engineering the human body, Joshua humidity that is notorious mixed with the pollutants Professor Igor Agranovski Shaw, said the recent hot, for causing depression, that is bad for mankind,” said major air pollutants dry wind in Victoria which allergies, asthma, fatigue, he said. affecting Australians right saw hundreds of people migraine, irritability and Positive ions are now were inorganic and suffer asthma attacks and moodiness plus more,” Mr believed to be linked to organic gases, particles of allergic reactions, was Shaw said. making people feel mineral nature and proof air pollution was rife Having spent more than lethargic, tired and biological particles. in our society. half a century studying depressed whereas He said those most at "Just as Professor F G this phenomena and negative ions are linked to risk were the Sulman of the trying to reverse its feelings of energy and

❝

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enthusiasm.

He said the way we lived today meant more positive ions were produced every day, creating an imbalance.

"The impact of living in concrete vertical villages (apartments), wearing synthetic clothes, synthetic carpets and fluorescent lights, wi-fi and air conditioning are the biggest modern issues," Mr Shaw said.

"This modern way of living has separated us from the earth, the way we were intended to live, creating a large quantity of positive ions in the air; too many.”

Mr Shaw developed Elanra ionisers in an attempt to rebalance the ion levels.

“The earth corrects this

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24 Seniors Gold Coast

wellbeing

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Get tuned up for Christmas with checks at audiologist

Osteoporosis a risk

Trial of the latest German hearing aid models on offer

GOOD MEDICINE Dr MICHAEL GILLMAN

AUSTRALIAN Audiology Runaway Bay and Tweed Heads is inviting all hearing aid users to have a free check-up in the lead-up to Christmas.

Owner/ Doctor Partho Paul said the festive season was just around

❝

You are going to see a revolution in the hearing aid technology in 2017.

— Dr Partho Paul

the corner with planning for celebrations now in full swing.

“All pensioners who are current hearing aid users are urged to come forward and get their ears

HEAR THE GOOD NEWS: Drop into Australian Audiology, located at Runaway Bay and Tweed Heads and get a free check-up for hearing aid users.

checked for a quick hearing test and get their aids recalibrated to optimised their hearing to the fullest,” he said.

A trial of the latest 2017 hearing aid models is also on offer.

These can be adjusted remotely by an audiologist while a client remains at home.

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revolution in the hearing aid technology in 2017,” said Dr Paul, a hearing specialist from Tweed Heads.

“This new technology allows us to program the hearing aids remotely using your smartphone.

“The new generation of smart hearing aids do not require battery change any more. The model just

released is an innovative technology from Signia, of Germany” To find out about the pre-release limited offer, 24-month interest-free options or to book an appointment, phone Australian Audiology on 1300 TO HEAR or 07 5513 0338. Website: http://australian audiology.com.au/

OSTEOPOROSIS is a disease process resulting in decreased bone strength which increases the risk of fractures. While most bones are affected by this process, the most common areas of fracture are the wrist, the hip and the spinal vertebrae. One in three men in Australia over the age of 60 will have an osteoporotic fracture.

During our life cycle, bones normally turn over minerals such as calcium, but as we age the minerals are lost more quickly than they can be replaced. As the bones lose the minerals, they lose their mass and density. Factors such as low testosterone, high levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, and some medications used in asthma, arthritis and kidney disease, can all lead to an acceleration in bone mineral loss.

Lifestyle factors such as little physical activity and poor nutrition can also influence the disease.

Men who have symptoms such as loss of height or previous fractures, a family history of osteoporosis, or chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney or liver disease or testosterone deficiency should be tested.

The diagnosis is made with a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan. This test measures the density of the bones in the spine and hip and compares it with the bone density of a healthy average adult of the same sex and ethnicity. A “T-score” is derived and the number can inform the doctor if bone loss has occurred. A score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis and the need for treatment.

Medications can prevent further bone loss and can even improve bone mass. These medications can be in tablet or in an injectable form.

It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes enough calcium in the diet and to have adequate levels of Vitamin D. Weight-bearing exercise is also is great importance. drmichaelgillman.com

Gold Coast

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 25

Oxygen Therapy

Radiation Care Jenny, a 48-year-old pelvic cancer survivor started experiencing symptoms of chronic radiation damage seven months after her treatment and she sought help from the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine, Australia’s largest, private and fully comprehensive hyberbaric facility.

“I found it difficult getting out of cars, bending down, getting off the couch or from a sitting position,” said Jenny. “My experience was also one of instability or a sense of instability, I didn’t feel strong and so stopped wearing shoes that had a heel on them as I felt I might fall. Even coughing caused discomfort. Internally I felt swollen and tender. They were vague symptoms in many ways but things just didn’t feel right.

“After my consultation at the WCHM I was keen to start straight away. In the end I undertook the full 40 treatments.

Initially, there was no improvement after the first 10 treatments but that is to be expected. Between 10-20 treatments I thought I felt more comfortable. From 20 treatments on I knew I was improving.

Gradually less discomfort, no pain.”

Jenny continued to improve after her HBOT sessions ended and it wasn’t long before she was back in high heels.

See www.wesleyhyperbaric.com.au www.wesleyhyperbaric.com.au for more information

Almost half of the 131,000 new cases of cancer that will be diagnosed in Australia this year will be treated with radiation therapy as part of the overall healing process.

The advancements made in radiation therapy means it can now target tumours more accurately and minimise damage to the surrounding tissue.

However, despite these improvements, the normal tissue surrounding the tumour may be affected with the impact not realised for months, sometimes years after the treatment ends. This chronic radiation damage can affect the bone and or soft tissue and is generally a result of scarring or the narrowing of the blood vessels in the treatment area.

During radiation, many of the smallest of blood vessels may be damaged or destroyed, which then limits the access of ingredients necessary for healing such as oxygen, antibiotics, nutrition, vitamins and growth factors. If the process is prolonged and the healthy tissue does not receive enough blood, then the tissue can die and in the past would have required surgery to remove it.

But doctors are finding excellent success with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) which works by improving blood circulation, supplying more oxygen to damaged tissue, reducing scarring and increasing stem cell activity.

Patients have 30 - 40 two-hour sessions in a pressurised hyperbaric chamber like the world-class facility at the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine which operates on the grounds of the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane. The combination of the pressure and 100% oxygen drives the dissolved oxygen into the plasma giving the body the building blocks it needs to repair itself. Generally, oxygen is transported around the body only by your red blood cells but HBOT allows the oxygen to be dissolved into the plasma, central nervous system fluids, the lymph glands, even the bone and can therefore be carried to areas where circulation has been reduced. So oxygen can reach the damaged tissues and support and enhance the body’s healing process.

HBOT has had its most publicised success in treating the damage to the jaw bone as a result of cancers of the head or neck but it is also helpful for people who have had radiation therapy for the pelvis for prostrate or gynaecological cancers and developed injuries to the bladder and bowel. Research published in medical journals also point to benefits to women who have complications after surgical reconstruction following a mastectomy and radiation.

See www.wesleyhyperbaric.com.au for more information The Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine is a fully registered and accredited private day hospital and has contracts with most of the major health funds. As we are a day hospital patients are admitted and discharged daily and all our doctors participate in the no-gap scheme. Most patients have very little to no out-of-pocket expenses for their treatment with us, making this a very cost effective treatment especially if they have wounds/woundcare as this is all covered during treatment. We will also look after uninsured patients as long as their condition attracts a Medicare MBS number.

An abnormal bowel.

Ground Floor Suite 53, Sandford Jackson Building 30 Chasely Street, Auchenflower • 07 3371 6033 www.wesleyhyperbaric.com.au

A healthy bowel.

6463699ab

26 Seniors Gold Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Travel Ann Rickard proves seniors can be pleasantly active on a tropical island.

JUST A five and a half hour flight from Australia’s east coast takes you into another world of dazzling island landscapes and delightful cultural differences that make a week in this idyll feel like a month-long holiday.

The Cook Islands in the South Pacific offer the perfect escape for mature travellers: not too far to get to, an island to laze on if you are so inclined, but also a place for soft activities if you like a little adventure with your island lolling.

The main island of Rarotonga is small (just 69sq km) and surrounded by a coral reef that creates a lagoon so clear and dazzlingly blue its presence, peeking through palms from so many vistas, is instantly soothing and simultaneously energising.

The beachfront Pacific

Tropical utopia Resort Rarotonga, with its 2ha of tropical gardens, is one of many luxe resorts, a good choice for us seniors.

At its toe-in-the-sand restaurant, the food is served in portions so big you’ll feel obliged to take out one of the free kayaks to paddle it off.

Or you could just don a snorkel and step off the sand into the lagoon’s underwater kaleidoscope of fish and coral. If that’s too much effort, make use of the resort’s glass-bottom boat, it goes out every afternoon.

Other not-too-difficult activities include a half-day cycle with Storyteller’s Eco-Cycle Tours. You’ll cycle about 10km with operator Dave and his co-star Uncle Jimmy, but it is mostly on flat ground through the island’s back roads in the lush hinterland with its

mist-shrouded mountains.

You stop every five minutes (very agreeable) to learn about the island’s bounty of taro plantations, avocado and mango trees and myriad plants with healing properties.

Dave and Uncle Jimmy care for you every kilometre through the verdant island and you’ll feel alive, especially when you finish the tour with a frolic in a hidden waterhole (an effort to get in but worth it).

As South Pacific tropical utopias go, the Cook Islands are right up there. The welcome is warm (there is a lot of cheek kissing, get used to it) and the pace is slow.

If you are over 50, ladies you’ll be called ‘aunty’ and gentlemen will be ‘uncle.’

Cook Island tourism guru Aunty Nane greets

most planes and with her beaming smile and ample curves covered in a mu mu (remember them?), she radiates instant welcome.

When the sun goes down (and it does spectacularly) there is night-time stand-up paddling off Pacific Resort’s beach, where LED lights under the board light up the crystal waters beneath you.

Kave from Ariki Holidays promises to have you standing on a board even if you are a good age.

“We have had people in their 70s get up on the board within 10 minutes,” he said. “You can kneel or sit on the board if you don’t want to stand, the experience is just as good.”

A Progressive Dinner involves no more activity than getting on a bus and going to three homes, where local

families wait with an entree, main course and dessert cooked by themselves using locally grown produce.

It gives charming insight into Rarotonga’s culture as well as cuisine.

For a big night out, it has to be Te Var Nui, the largest over-water night show on Rarotonga.

Learn the island’s cultural history in a series of pavilions with interactive shows before going into the enormous gardens surrounded by rocks, waterfalls and mini lagoons, where you eat your fill at a grand buffet (be careful, it’s overwhelming), before a show featuring energetic dancers and musicians performing on floating and fixed stages.

A 45-minute flight from Rarotonga takes you to Aitutaki, an island of sapphire water so gorgeous it defies belief.

07) 4687 5555 ESCORTED TOURS! (www.stonestreets.com.au

Lic No TAG 1446

A cruise of the luminous-blue lagoon will reinvigorate you (and possibly add another 10 years onto your life, it is that special). The good people of The Vaka Cruise Company will help you on board their Polynesian-style boat, Tit-ai-Tonga, for a six-hour cruise to three islands, including the famous One Foot Island.

The cheerful crew barbecue tuna to serve with bounteous salads while you play in the water, and when you reluctantly sail back to shore and reality, they entertain with music.

At Aitutaki’s Tamanu Beach Resort, with its swinging hammocks and fresh petals on the bed, you breakfast on tropical fruits overlooking the lagoon, sip a cocktail as small waves gently lap your feet. You’ll wonder what the rest of the world is doing.

The writer was a guest of Cook Islands Tourism.

More information and full details of the Cook Islands are online at sale.cookislands.travel.

8 DAYS

From

$3,195 Dbl / Tw

Exciting escorted Australian and international group tours

5 DAYS

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$1,795 Dbl / Tw Share

1

pp

14 9 DAYS

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$4,995

Dbl / Tw Share pppp

10 9 DAYS Limited Seats!

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$3,995

Dbl / Tw Share pp

HURRY

This tour will sell out again

3

5 DAY MYSTERY TOUR

TRACKS TO THE CORNER 3

CAPE YORK

E Enjoy a short escape including tthee race that stops Emmavillee, a ccharming town north of Glen • Private Marquee at • Emmaville Sheep Races • Dogs of Law show • Ballandean Estate Wines • Glen Innes Local Tour • Na!onal TransportThals • Flight h included

The demand for our 2017 4x4 outback trek by outback tracks to Lake Eyre, has been so high that the tour has already booked out twice, so we’ve managed to put together a third run to the corner in 2017. Journey into the heart of Australia to Charleville, Quilpie, Ray Sta!on, Cooper Creek, Birdsville, Oodnadata, Lake Eyre, Innamincka, The Dig Tree and Cameron Corner.

A must-do adventure through one of the world’s last unspoiled wildernesses to the !p of Australia.

• Rainforest Lodge Stay • Cape Tribula!on Beach • Cooktown Sightseeing • Visit Old Laura Homestead • Moreton Telegraph Sta!on • Giant Termite Mounds • Thursday and Horn Islands • Stand at the Tip of Australia

it’s taery!

Mys

10 March 2017

18 May 2017

6 August 2017

8 DAYS

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$5,095 Dbl / Tw Share

pp

6

9 DAYS

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2

KING & FLINDERS ISLANDS TASMANIA’S TEMPTATIONS King and Flinders Islands are the underses!mated neighbours of Bass straight. You won’t believe how much there is to see, experience, taste, learn and do on these small and scenic islands.

The pair is some!mes referred to as the chalk and cheese isles.

There you’ll see wildlife, beau!ful scenery, shipwrecks, relics, taste delicious foods and much more.

6 October 2017

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Australia’s Island State, the “Apple Isle” is amazingly abundant with natural wonders, intriguing stories, historic relics, and unique and interes!ng culture. This tour explores it all, tales of convicts and shipwrecks, stunning views of gorges and rivers, quaint and character filled towns and delectable culinary delights.

13 October 2017

2 NATURAL NORFOLK ISLAND If you imagined a lush, beau!ful island with sandy beaches, jagged cliffs, fascina!ng history and a relaxed way of life you’d be picturing the beau!ful Norfolk Island.

This island paradise in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean offers an unbelievable collec!on of experiences and tales to discover. We’ve created an all-inclusive tour to explore the wonders of Norfolk Island, with a perfect blend of touring, free !me and night !me entertainment.

Includes: Entry to 14 Norfolk experiences| Return flights from Brisbane | 7 nights accommoda!on | Breakfast and Dinner daily | Some lunches | Airport Transfers

27 May - 3 June 2017

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

A window to the soul of Africa Shirley Sinclair

THE words on the blue and gold mat at the entrance to the check-in lounge are prophetic of the journey on which we are about to embark.

For the next 30 hours and 1600km, we will peer into the lives of everyday South Africans, get close with their history, culture and traditions, observe industry and agricultural practices, and be embraced by their dramatic and diverse scenery. But this is much more than that for me: it is also my window of opportunity to sample a whole new world of excellence in service and elegance in travel.

The Blue Train through South Africa’s interior has cemented its reputation among the world’s great rail journeys for its relaxed ambience and grand old-world style.

It starts with the seamless check-in.

Attentive staff have us out of the taxi, with our luggage organised, paperwork done and floating into the comfortable welcome lounge with a pot of rooibos tea in under seven minutes.

You know this is going to be special. Before we know it, white-gloved porters in matching white long-sleeved shirts and colourful vintage-style waistcoats are showing us the way to Carriage 18, Suite 34.

The rich blues and

golds that have become The Blue Train’s signature design, coupled with the solid birch wood panelling create a tranquil yet sophisticated ambience in the suites and throughout the public areas of the train as its smooth ride reaches a maximum speed of 90kmh.

The journey ebbs and flows while passing through some towns, or stops to replenish water supplies and for the off-train excursion.

It doesn’t take long to discover that the Observation Car (with windows on three sides) and the Lounge Car (next to the Dining Car) are the social hubs of the train – places to share tales of holiday adventures, rub shoulders with some of the world’s most interesting people, and simply enjoy each other’s company while watching the changing landscapes.

Adding to the comfort are specially designed thinner-than-normal body sides that create spaciousness within, plus a revolutionary air-conditioning system that maintains an even 20-21 internal temperature even when the outside temperature in the African continent reaches 45 degrees.

But many prefer retreating to their compact oasis of their suite: simply reading a book and occasionally lifting the head to be surprised by yet another unusual

travel

African setting, watching a new-release movie on the in-cabin TV, taking in the journey on the “driver’s eye view” camera or drifting off as their favourite background music creates a lullaby soundtrack.

Your surroundings border on opulence with rare Gialo Royale Italian marble and fittings plated in 24 carat gold in the bathroom, comfortable lounge chairs with matching ottoman, double-glazed long, rectangular windows with automatic roll-down blind, dual-control air-conditioner, occasional chair and fold-down table, closed-circuit TV, recessed soft lighting, and bed with white cotton sheets and plush duvet with a selection of pillows and cushions.

Your suite’s butler is at your beck and call from 6am-11pm, and thereafter on request, to outline everything from how to lower and raise the electric blind to where the remote controls are kept, replenish drinks and snacks, ensure the room is tidy and the bathroom sparkles, make and put away the beds while you are at dinner and breakfast, ensure your stay is as relaxing and comfortable as possible, and always have a ready smile and be happy to chat.

Similarly, the bar and dining car staff are a breath of fresh air –

Gold Coast

Seniors 27

OFF TRAIN EXCURSION: The lap of luxury found at the Lord Milford Hotel in Matjiesfontein.

combining grace, etiquette and manners as they promptly fill that request for an exotic cocktail, or add sides of mushroom and bacon to your breakfast dish, or help you combat a dreadful cold by suggesting specially prepared lemon, ginger and honey tea. Dining on specialities such as springbok tenderloin served in a barley casing with herb jus (a dinner main meal option), pan-seared scallops with parsnip puree and cranberry reduction (recommended brunch starter) and breakfast delights such as eggs benedict or savoury omelette with your choice of filling while watching this fascinating new world pass by your table-to-ceiling window is nothing short of divine.

Karoo lamb, line fish, crayfish, Knysna oysters, ostrich and cuts of venison grace the menu when in season and fresh fruit and vegetables are always available as part of the showcase of fresh, South African cuisine created on board and fine Western Cape wines.

With the exception of caviar, French champagne and external phone calls, everything on board The Blue Train is included in

the price.

So you can add that cheeky nip of scotch to your coffee, indulge in an afternoon mojito or three, select that recommended bottle of wine with dinner, have a beautifully brewed cup of your favourite tea blend at any time of the day or night, and shout the bar with chardonnay if you wish.

As we roll into our final destination, we start to count a procession of highlights – from the welcome champagne and tropical fruit, to “the world’s shortest tour” on a double-decker bus ride around the main street of Matjiesfontein while being regaled with stories of the enchanting colonial town frozen in time, to the animated conversation over cigars and warmed cognac late into the night in the Club Car Lounge (the only area where smoking is permitted).

Our journey ends with handshakes and merriment as we bid farewell to newfound friends who have shared our grand experience.

The “window to the soul of Africa” has also revealed a kind, hospitable heart.

■ The writer was a guest of The Blue Train as part of an Aust Society of Travel Writers convention

Welcome aboard.

THE Blue Train, owned

by Transnet Freight Rail, operates two trains of 14 or 19 carriages long that can accommodate 52–80 guests.

Our train, the longer of the two, was completed in 1998 with an Observation Car (with full rear panorama window) that can be converted to a conference centre for 22 delegates.

Over 25 years of service, the two trains are expected to travel 12 million km.

While the official name The Blue Train enjoys a 70-year history, the wheels were set in motion for the current trains in 1994. That vision has long been met, with The Blue Train being the undisputed winner of the title of Africa’s Leading Luxury Train in the World Travel Awards since 2009.

DAY TOURS

EUMUNDI MARKETS & GINGER FACTORY.............................................................................................................................30 Nov XMAS LUNCH @ HARRIGANS ................................................................................................................................................... 6 Dec CASINO MINI RAIL..................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Dec CITY CAT & EASTS LEAGUES...................................................................................................................................................11 Jan MADURA TEA............................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Feb PRAWN TOUR............................................................................................................................................................................. 22 Feb ROMA ST GARDENS ................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Mar WOODFORD TRAIN & MARKET ............................................................................................................................................... 19 Mar

EXTENDED TOURS

Matjiesfontein.

XMAS NELSONS BAY......................................................................................................................................................22-28 Dec 16 EASTER @ KINGAROY.....................................................................................................................................................14-18 Apr 17 ROCKHAMPTON & CAPRICORN COAST................................................................................................................................. Jun 17 FLORIADE & OUTBACK NSW.................................................................................................................................................... Sep17 MELB CUP @ PT MACQUARIE...........................................................................................................................................6-9 Nov 17

Majestic scenery.

Xmas in Nelsons Bay 22 – 28 December 2016

Celebrate the festive season visiting Nelson Bay on Port Stephens in NSW. We are staying at Marina Resort in the heart of Nelsons Bay for 4 nights.This tour has some great inclusions including Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular, dolphin watch cruise on Port Stephens Harbour, visit to Fighterworld at Williamstown and visiting the Standing Stones in Glen Innes. Come and join in the festivities with us, celebrating Christmas at Nelson Bay in Port Stephens NSW.

Twin share $1980 Single Sup $480 extra

FREE OFFER for Community groups. Our experienced tour planner is happy to work with your tour organiser or committee. Take advantage of our years of experience to make your group travel hassle free and more enjoyable.

Sunrise Tours

Gold Coast Pty Ltd • ABN: 34 162 097 118

Ph: 07 55 716 719 | Mob: 0448 084 505 | Fax: 07 56 096 019 TERRIFIC VIEWS: Colourful crops.

PHOTOS: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR

PO Box 620, Biggera Waters, Qld • Email: info@sunrisetoursgc.com.au

6448950aa

We offer 33, 53 or 63 coaches to cater for all size groups

28 Seniors Gold Coast

travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Tahiti sets pace with marathon at Moorea

HOLIDAY PACE: The Annual Moorea Marathon has a scenic view. PHOTO: CHRISTIAN DUROCHER

TAHITI’S stunning island of Moorea will next year host one of the world’s most picturesque marathons.

During the annual Moorea Marathon, runners of all ages will be lining up on March 25, 2017, to pound the pavement during one of three events, from a full 42 kilometre marathon to a 21km half marathon or 5km colour run.

Each offers views of Moorea’s imposing mountain peaks and stunning blue lagoon.

Held annually since 1988, this year’s event is expecting 1200 participants including 20 from Australia and New Zealand.

Entrants planning to combine the run with a beach break can enjoy a seven-night package from event travel specialists

Tahiti Mana.

Priced from $3550* per person twin share, travellers will receive registration to the event of their choice, five nights at the Manava Beach Resort and Spa Moorea in a garden view room with breakfast, two nights at the Manava Suite Resort in Tahiti in a lagoon studio room with breakfast, return economy flights with Air Tahiti Nui from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane via Auckland and transfers including inter-island ferry.

While in Moorea, guests will also receive a stand up paddle boarding guided tour and a 50-minute monoi massage at the Manea Spa to help recovery.

Early bird deals are available and there are also upgrade options for those wishing to prepare

escorted ESCAPES

for the race in style from their own overwater bungalow.

As part of the race entry, runners will receive a souvenir t-shirt, access to the pre-race pasta party, post-race marathon lunch and beach activities.

Held on Temae Beach, the event festivities have become popular with marathon participants who enjoy the opportunity to experience traditional Tahitian culture during their stay.

For more information about the Moorea Marathon or tomake a reservation, visit www.tahitimana.com.au.

For more information on Tahiti visit www.tahititourisme .com.au. *subject to availability, terms and conditions apply.

Enjoy your holiday knowing you have an expert with you every step of the way.

INCLUDES RETURN AIRFARES PLUS DOOR TO DOOR BRISBANE AIRPORT TRANSFERS*

BEST OF MYANMAR (BURMA) PANAMA EXPLORER 17 DAYS

23 DAYS

Highlights Enjoy a small group private tour to this ancient magical land. Explore temples and pagodas in Yangon and Bagan and enjoy the unspoilt scenery of this wonderful country. Relax on a 2 night upstream cruise on the Irrawaddy River from Bagan to Mandalay and explore the tranquil Inle Lake region. Plus breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 5 dinners.

Highlights Cruise through the Panama Canal in style on the luxurious Celebrity Infinity. Visit ports of call in Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico. Includes 3 nights in Miami and 2 nights in San Diego with included sightseeing and touring.

Plus breakfast daily, 14 lunches and 17 dinners.

Departs Brisbane: 4 Nov 2017

$6745* * solo traveller from $8295 from

Departs Brisbane: 29 Apr 2017

from solo traveller from

$7450*

$10,750*

ESSENCE OF SOUTH AMERICA 24 DAYS

AFRICAN ADVENTURE

Highlights Small group private tour focusing on Peru, Brazil and Argentina. Stay in an Amazon river lodge, explore the famous Machu Picchu and cruise on Lake Titicaca. See Rio’s famous landmarks, the mighty Iguassu Falls and finish with extended time in Buenos Aires. Plus breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 7 dinners.

Highlights From stunning Cape Town, we head north to Fish River Canyon and the amazing sand dunes of Sossusvlei in Namibia. Enjoy game viewing in Etosha and Chobe National Parks and explore the Okavango Delta in traditional mokoro. Finish in Victoria Falls with the ‘Flight of the Angels’ helicopter ride. Plus breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 18 dinners.

$10,995* * solo traveller from $12,595

$12,950* * solo traveller from $14,550

Departs Brisbane: 28 Apr 2017

from

30 DAYS

Departs Brisbane: 30 Jun 2017

from

1300 722 079

escortedescapes.com.au *Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Please ask us for further details. Prices are correct as at 16 November 16 & are subject to change. Quoted prices on sale until 8 weeks prior to each departure date or until sold out prior. Prices are per person twin share and subject to availability.

Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store and are fully inclusive of taxes, levies, government charges and other applicable fees. Payments made by credit card incur a surcharge. Visa information based on Australian Passport holders. Where a visa is required the cost included in the trip price (Australian passport holders only). Arrival and departure transfers included up to the return value of $100 pp. If costs between your home and Brisbane airport exceed this you can either choose to pay the difference or have the $100 pp refunded and make your own arrangements to and from Brisbane airport. Participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Escorted Escapes product is exclusive to Qld and Nth NSW Escape Travel stores. All cruises are based on lead-in inside cabin twin share. All Escorted Escapes are subject to minimum passengers booking, paying and travelling together. Escape Travel reserves the right to cancel the tour should the numbers travelling not meet the required minimum. Should this occur a full refund will be provided. Please ask your Escape Travel consultant for further details. ^ Interest Free: Approved applicants only on a Lombard 180 Visa card. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply including a $99 Annual Fee charged on the account open date and annually on the anniversary of the account open date. Minimum finance amount applies and is valid on holidays over $999. Interest, currently 22.99% p.a., is payable on any balance outstanding after the 12 month Interest Free period. Ask in store for details. Offer ends 31 Dec 16. Credit provided by Lombard Finance Pty Limited ABN 31 099 651 877, Australian Credit Licence number 247415. Lombard® is brought to you by FlexiGroup ®. FROM BRISBANE. Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Escape Travel. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412.

ETEEM74885

travel

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Gold Coast

Seniors 29

Sail the sea with bionic cocktails & bar-keepers A ROBOT arm walks into a bar, and the bartender says, “I’m out of a job”.

No joke, on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class ships, the Bionic Bar makes other barS you’ve ever visited outdated.

So cool even James Bond would be impressed, the two robotic bartenders produce two drinks per minute and up to 1000 each a day from an endless selection of cocktails. Guests just log into the system via the ship’s iPad ordering system and their cocktail of choice goes up on the visual order list.

The robot arms even have names.

On Anthem of the Seas,

FUN AND FANCIFUL: The Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Sea's Bionic Bar with Robotic Bartenders.

they are called Shaken and Stirred, while on Harmony of the Seas the names are Mix and Mingle.

There’s also a few saucy one-liners and bar

chat on the board, the sort of stuff that bartenders regularly exchange, but it’s usually hard to hear.

The bartender robots are excellent at muddling,

stirring, shaking and straining your creation.

Once completed, the drink is ready to claim via your wristband. Your perfect cocktail just slides across the bar into your hand.

There are 30 different spirits and 20 different mixers, so you are unlikely to be stuck for an option.

It’s also possible to experiment and create your own cocktail by

Terry’s Tours

& Charters for our latest brochure Phone 07 55909380 Come along and enjoy one of our fantastic Day or Extended Tours Or look at our new website www.terrystours.com.au

SHORT GETAWAYS FAWLTY TOWERS

TERRIFIC

TANGALOOMA 4 Day Tour, 13th-16th March 2017

Live on Stage in the Playhouse at QPAC Brisbane.

Come and join Terry at Australia’s Premier Island Resort

Overnight Tour, 11th - 12th January 2017

National Parks. Tangalooma on Moreton Island is a

Fawlty Towers - Live on Stage is based on the hilarious and much loved BBC TV series.

natural wonderland waiting to be explored!

John Cleese has announced that actor Stephen Hall will star as Basil. This original adaptation and all-new Australian cast, will bring all your beloved characters to life!

INCLUDES: Bus Stop Pick ups and Drop offs, Luxury Accommodation at Royal on the Park, Buffet Breakfast, Dinner + ‘A Reserve’Ticket

$380.00 Per Person Twin Share

just 75 minutes from Brisbane Surrounded by crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and untouched

We ALL get to experience hand feeding a pod of wild Bottlenose Dolphins and if that’s not enough, we enjoy a Sunset Cruise + more!

INCLUDES: Home Pick ups and Home Drop offs, Quality Accommodation, All Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners, World of Dolphin Presentation, Dolphin Feeding, Sunset Cruise, Whale History Tour, Back of House Tour and Launch Transfers.

$945.00 Per Person Twin Share

6442532ac

EAT, DRINK AND BE KERRY KERRY HEANEY

mixing flavours. Only you can decide if you are up to that task.

There is the occasional breakdown, and a bit of human error to contend with but the ship’s captain says the bionic bartenders are the most reliable staff on board.

The bionic bar was created by Makr Shakr, a Turin-based Italian robotics company. They collaborated with Marco Pelle, a principal dancer at the New York Theatre Ballet, to ensure the movements are made with grace and harmony.

By computer mapping his actions, Makr Shakr tried to make the robot look like a human, and it works. When the arms are not making drinks, they have been known to be a little creative with their dance moves, because as everyone knows, a good bar is all about theatre.

Disclaimer: Ed+bK travelled on Anthem of the Seas as a guest of Royal Caribbean.

30 Seniors Gold Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Cruises, Cruises, Cruises FJORDS & BALTIC CAPITALS

P&O SUMMER SHIP P-OUT T

ROYAL CARIBBEAN DEALS

Fly 15 June‘17 DATE 2017

Cruising g Northern Europe e is the best way to discover & appreciate a corner of the planet with incredible remote & uncontaminated spots; from spectacular specta acular fjords to acu o fa fascinating ascinating Baltic cities. Fly to o Copenhagen n & spend 1 night nig ght ex exploring xploring, before cruisin xplo cruising isin ng through awe -inspiring inspiring g Norwegian fjords s.. The next 7 night s cruise ta takes akes you through gh tthe he Baltic region to seaside e Warnemu Warnemuend uend uen de d e, Neoclassical Neoclass sica sical Helsink kii, me k medieva dieva al Tallinn n & legendaryy St Petersburrg. This 16 day escorted Petersburg. package includes rreturn ret tu urn flights to Copenhagen, Copenha a en age n, 1 night pr pre re e-cruise, e cruise, all transfers & two 7 7-night night cruises with all meals & entertainment in an inside twin share cabin.

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$629

$649

$799

27 Jan

7

Barrier Reef

$679

$699

$899

16 Mar

9

Discover Vanuatu

$979

$999

$1399

16 Jan

11 Fiji Adventure

$1399 $1449

$2299

4 Feb

14 Indonesian Explorer $1499 $1529

-

CRUISES FROM BRISBANE Other cities & dates available

CELEBRITY Y –SAVE UP TO $400pp

PRINCESS SAVINGS

FREE BEVERAGE PACKAGE For Ocean View & above

COME BACK NEW

Fly 13 Sep‘17

Cruising the e Med d brings you the best in the culture, traditio tradition on & monu monuments onu uments enriching its shores. Fly to Ven Venice n e for 2 days exploring nice before your first 7 7-night night cruise n se on MSC S Sinfonia Sinf visiting the e Greek reek k Isles s of o Mykonos & Santori Santorini, toriini, Croa Croatian tian n ports ts off Dubrovnik & Splitt pl plus Italy’s Ital y s Ancon na. n a. After a scenic drive to o Geno oa, o a, board your next 7 nigh n nights of cruising ng g o on MSC Armonia a to the French Rivierra, Spanish Minor Riviera, Minorca ca a & the amazing Mediterranean Mediterra terranean islandss off Sardin Sardinia, din nia, Malta & Sicily y be before efore for a call to o Naples s with options to visit the e Isle of Capri, Sorrento & Pompeii.

This escorted fly/cruise package includes return flights to Ita Italy, aly, a all transfers, 2 nights in Venice, & two 7 7-night night cruises with all entertainment & main meals in an inside twin share cabin.

18 days from

$5689*

per person twin share

Tripaway Cruise & Travel

1300 737 544 tripaway.com.au p y

deals@tripaway.com.au

*Terms & Conditions: Prices are correct as at 6 December 2016 and are subject j to availability. y Offerss may be withdrawn or amended at any time and are subject to change until paid in full. Escorted groups are subject to minimum qualifying numbers and vary between packages.. For full terms & conditio ns and detailed individual flyers and package inclusions see your Tripaway Cruise & Travel consultant. Travel Schmoo Pty Ltd trading as Tripaway Cruise & Travel is independently owned & operated under license from American Express & helloworld.

Murwillumbah Tweed City Tweed Heads Coolangatta Elanora Palm Beach

Main St, Murwillumbah Tweed City Shopping Centre Tweed Mall Shopping Centre The Strand at Coolangatta The Pines Shopping Centre GC H’way & Palm Beach Ave

Gold Coast

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 31

What’s on

Christmas carols sung to perfection

Silvie gives shining performance at Arts Centre

CHRISTMAS CAROLS: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

concert with major orchestras and performed with celebrated theatre composers Stephen Schwartz and Stephen Sondheim.

She is well-known to Australian audiences through her regular appearances on Carols By Candlelight.

This show, starting at 11am on December 14, is a perfect end-of-year celebration for a club, group or friends.

This is a wonderful heartwarming live show.

Make your way to The Gold Coast Arts Centre at 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise.

Bookings essential at theartscentregc.com.au.

ALL COACH TRAVELLERS

AT TE

DECEMBER HOLIDAY BLUE MOUNTAIN TOUR

NT

ION

Leura - Katoomba - Sydney - Lithgow - Mudgee Wineray Tamworth - New England 8 Days Friday 23rd - Friday 30th December 2016 $1,999 Fare includes motels/Resort, all dinners & breakfasts, (2) Lunchs & morning teas. All admissions.

MUDGEE AUTUMN TOUR

Orange - Parkes - Bathurst - Goondiwindi 7 Days - Sat 18th - Fri 24th March 2017 $1,899 Fare includes: Motels, Breakfst & Dinners, (4) Lunches. All Admissions

TENTERFIELD AND GLEN INNES

6470220aa

CELEBRATE the festive season with Christmas carols sung by guest artists including the exquisite Silvie Paladino in Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas at the Gold Coast Arts Centre.

Silvie has performed throughout Australia, Asia and London’s West End. She starred as Eponine in the Australasian tour of Les Miserables and was then invited to perform the same role in the London production.

Her other performances include lead roles in Cats, Miss Saigon, Mamma Mia, The King and I, Jerry's Girls and Chess.

Silvie has sung in

Autum Tour - (Easter Long Weekender) 4 Days Friday 14th - Monday 17th April 2017 $999 includes: Motels, Breakfasts & Dinners, (3) Morning Teas and Lunches.

HOME PICK-UP & RETURN: Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, Redcliffe, Brisbane, Ipswich, Redlands, Gold Coast, Tweed Will mail Itinerary on all tours.

Please Phone Sunshine Coast / Brisbane: Gold Coast:

3343 6722

5520 1499

Coastal Variety Tours

6329454ah

Happyas m Christ

32 Seniors Gold Coast

what’s on

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

Coast Christmas Carols events ★NERANG CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS

Bring a chair or rug and enjoy an afternoon entertainment program.

It is featuring local artists and school bands, huge evening program with traditional carols and a visit from Santa and Rudolf.

You can buy ride passes for the kids.

Food and drinks will be available before fireworks finale at 8.30pm.

★SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB CAROLS ON THE BROADWATER

Head to the Southport Yacht Club for festivities such as Santa’s arrival from the North Pole at 5.30pm, a live band singing all of your favourite Christmas carols.

There’ll be face painting and plenty of waterfront fun.

Cost: Free

★UPPER COOMERA HIGHLAND RESERVE CHRISTMAS IN THE

PARK

With pre- entertainment from 5pm and carols from 6.30pm, this Highland Reserve-based event is a family-friendly community event and Crosslife Baptist Church is presenting simply carols in the park.

Cost: Free

DECEMBER 18 ★CHRISTMAS CHILL AT LINKS

Relax on the clubhouse lawns and enjoy carols by candlelight performances from Coomera Anglican College and other artists.

There’ll be entertainment for the kids, raffle, candles, glow sticks, drinks and food available, no BYO. Money raised from event to benefit Links Hope Island Community Project, One Girl.

Cost: Free

★SURFERS PARADISE CAROLS ON THE BEACH

Held under the star on the picturesque Surfers Paradise Beach, bring a blanket, some chairs and enjoy an evening of song and family fun.

Hosted by Charli

Robinson from Sea FM, there’ll be an all Aussie line-up of carols talent.

Cost: Free

★JACOBS WELL CAROLS

Children will be entertained from 5.30pm.

There will be a visit from Santa at 6.30pm before community carols performed by some great local artists.

Fireworks will end the night with a bang about 8pm and there’ll be food, drinks and glow sticks to buy.

Cost: Free

DECEMBER 20-24 ★2016 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS BUS TOURS

The City will once again be hosting the Christmas Lights Competition and Murray’s Coaches will co-ordinate bus tours.

The tours depart nightly from The Arts Centre Gold Coast at 7pm.

It will return by 10pm.

Cost: From $10 to $15 (online booking).

Don’t miss out.

Visit our events calendar to see more information about 2016 Christmas Lights Bus Tours.

CELEBRATIONS: Fireworks on Surfers Paradise Beach.

PHOTO: SURFERS PARADISE ALLIANCE

New Year’s Eve party SURFERS Paradise will light up for New Year’s Eve with the familyfavourite “superheroes” theme returning for a fourth year.

Bring friends and family and count down the New Year beneath one of the largest fireworks displays in Queensland – in Surfers Paradise.

Fireworks shows will be held at 8pm and midnight on Surfers Paradise Beach.

Additional fireworks can be seen at 10pm from the Surfers Paradise Riverside.

Kids, both big and small, are invited to come dressed as their favourite superhero.

The New Year’s Eve Carnival will see the

Surfers Paradise foreshore come to life with fun entertainment including kids’ slides and rides from Tuesday, December 27, to Sunday, January 1.

Surfers Paradise will go off with a bang as the latest in pyrotechnics produces one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Queensland.

The city will celebrate in true Gold Coast style with beach and boat parties, glamorous and glitzy events and good old-fashioned pub and club parties.

Enjoy free New Year’s Eve fireworks at: Broadbeach: 8pm and midnight Broadwater Parklands Southport: 9pm – bring

the whole family to Southport’s Broadwater Parklands in Marina Parade from 5pm where The Food Truck Feast runs until 9pm.

Coomera: 9.30pm – from 5pm there’ll be a community family event with amusement rides, sideshow alley, live entertainment, kids disco, food and drink stalls. No alcohol.

Currumbin Creek: midnight – the Currumbin RSL is hosting a range of paid entertainment options that culminate in a spectacular fireworks display.

North Kirra Surf Club: 7.30pm – plenty of family fun, a barbecue, drinks, glow sticks, jumping castle.

NEW YEARS EVE

FEAtuRiNg ARtiSt...

Mirusia Saturday 31 December 6pm & 9:30pm QPAC Concert Hall Black Tie package $180 for 9:30pm performance only Champagne and canapés on the roof to watch the fireworks and mingle with the stars

$98 Adult A Res • $93 Pensioners $35 Full-time Students with student card Book Today QPAC.COM.AU 136 246

6446302aa

DECEMBER 17

Gold Coast

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 33

To advertise, call 1300 136 181 or visit finda.com.au Motoring

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Catch Up With

John Waters This January

Perennial Australian actor John Waters has been given Yoko Ono’s full support for the production of Through The Looking Glass, where John plays the lead role of John Lennon.

Find out what made the publicity shy Yoko Ono give Waters the nod.

6492266aa

Pick up your free copy of the January edition at your local stockist or read online at seniorsnews.com.au

News + LifestyLe + HeaLtH + traveL + fiNaNce + eNtertaiNmeNt

34 Seniors Gold Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

The Free 4 Sale classifieds Box 56, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558 or email free4sale@seniorsnews paper.com.au BED Mattress and base single 94 x 2040 Sleepmaker Sports Support.

Excellent condition $175 PH 5577 1815.

Coombabah.

BREVILLE Cafe Venezia Espresso coffee machine, used once, as new $150 PH 5630 8158. Highland Park.

A GREAT SENIOR’S SPECIAL

Holiday in the Hinterland at Clouds of Montville Monday to Thursday

FUNERAL SERVICE E

3 nights accommodation for 2 in a self-contained, ground floor studio apartment including fabulous cooked breakfasts served to you each morning...

TOTAL PRICE $355 per couple or

Why pay too mucch?

Upgrade to a 1st floor 1 bedroom apartment for an additional $20 per night. King bed, balcony and our iconic views to the coast.

Price from $5,100 includes:

TOTAL PRICE $415 per couple

5 night packages also available beginning Sundays.

FABULOUS BONUS

• Transfer of deceased • Celebrant / Minister • Memorial book • Quality coffin • Cremation • Floral Tribute • Chapel service • Doctors certificate • Death Certificatee

Morning or Afternoon Tea at the beautiful Secrets By The Lake overlooking Baroon Pocket Dam. So bring your Bowls, bring your Golf Clubs, there’s lots of fun to be had at Clouds.

A big fabulous cooked breakfast will set you up for a big day, every day!

Call us Now

ELECTRIC Welder, 6 packs of rods, 2 face masks, new lenses $250 PH 0419 209 763.

Broadbeach.

LARGE Electric recliner, dark brown, soft French leather $500 PH 5533 9365. Elanora.

PORTABLE Sauna, high tech, detoxify, refresh, improves circulation.

As new with guarantee $95 Neg. PH 07 5523 2856. Tweed Heads.

For a loving farewell .... not an expensive one

07 5442 9174

166 Balmoral Road, Montville 4560 www.cloudsofmontville.com.au Not available with any other offer Subject to normal availability

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FREE 4 SALE Classifieds – you can submit (one) item each month and write up to 20 words. Items for sale must not exceed $500.

Post to Gold Coast Seniors Free 4 Sale, PO

Phone 1300 311 747

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Transfer 8mm Films to DVD • Slides and Photos to DVD • Camera/Video Tapes to DVD • LP Records & Audio Cassettes to CD

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Must present this Coupon Valid till 31/12/2016

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• Super and Standard 8 Films to DVD

puzzles

Monday, December 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

I N

E E D

L A L O W E

T

E R O U S T

A U C C K

D D E D D O S

W A G N E

H A I R B A

L E

R O A N B L U

F S E C R E A

H E E R A

B E

I

18

TRIO

Can you complete these four words, using the same three-letter sequence in each?

SUDOKU

20

H I TODAY

R E

E 396

P Y

P R

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter.

There is at least one nine-letter word.

No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb, e.g. he burns with anger.

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

JIGGERED

SUDOKU

DOWSE DETOUR MUNDANE EVEN THEM ALIEN WITS

SOWED, TOURED, UNNAMED, VEHEMENT, WAISTlINE.

WORD GO ROUND

21

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

ALPHAGRAMS

C

19

Good 11 Very Good 16 Excellent 20+

4 LETTERS AHOY AIDE ALLY ANON

ANTS ARID BEAN BEES BETA BLUE CROP CUTS ENVY EVIL HUGE IDOL LANE LIRA MATT NOSE NOUN ONTO OVAL OWED POUT RAIN SACS SALT TALE

TREE VIOL VISA WILL YEAR 5 LETTERS ALLEY APHIS BATON BOONS LATHS RIDER ROADS SLICE 6 LETTERS ACCEPT BOWLEG 8 LETTERS APPROVED HERALDRY MAHOGANY STEALTHY

QUIZ 1. How many Australian rugby teams were in the Super 12 competition?

2. la Paz is the capital of which South American country?

3. The complaint Scrivener’s Palsy is more commonly known as what?

4. If the answer to a multiplication sum is the product, what is the answer to a division sum?

5. Who did Priscilla Anne Beaulieu marry in 1967?

6. Who won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance Grammy Award in 2005 for her song “Sunrise”?

7. “Moon-starer” is an anagram of which occupation?

8. What is melanophobia the fear of – the colour black, vegetables or flying insects?

QUIZ S A L T

Solution opposite

3 LETTERS ANY ATE AYE DAN EMU EWE HOB IMP KEA KIP NEW NOD PUP ROE RYE TOO TUG YEW

1 Three (ACT Brumbies, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds), 2 Bolivia, 3 Writer’s cramp, 4 Quotient, 5 Elvis Presley, 6 Norah Jones, 7 Astronomer, 8 The colour black.

Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword

ALPHAGRAMS

WORDFIT

A N Y E EW

Y E N S E B E

15

eyrie heir here hipper hire hirer hype hyper peep peer peri PERIPHERY pier pipe piper prep prey preyer pyre rehire ripe riper ripper yippee

S O M K A I N C

17

14

WORD GO ROUND

T U P I P P E

16

13

B E E S

O A R F F

12

O W E D

B A C E O A C C

11

H E R A L D R Y

F Y I A R S

E

10

C R O P

L I M

9

A I D E

G O N

7

S L I C C U E T S T R O I O D E R

N S T T A

6

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

A I R O M

L Y E

E A D Y E U

5

WORDFIT

I

T

E

4

8

B R E A U R S E L Y E E F Y I A R S G L O I N M I M S E E A R

B R E A U R S

3

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

L W A K A M

Down 1. Despondency (5) 2. Unflappable (13) 3. Annoyed (9) 4. Dirty (6) 5. Me (Fr) (3) 6. Non government industry (7,6) 7. Gives up (7) 11. Expression of surprise or shock (4,5) 12. Clothed (7) 14. Victor (6) 17. Foundation (5) 19. Small amount (3)

2

B A C T E R O O E A C C U S T O O R N A R A B L U F F L T L E W A K B E A M H Y E N S E E E R A B E D E A D D E D Y U D O S E

I M S E E A R

Across 1. Catching up (7) 5. Sulked (5) 8. Chances (13) 9. Spoil (3) 10. Sleds (9) 12. Uncertainties (6) 13. Screens (6) 15. Personifying (9) 16. Recede (3) 18. Provides evidence (13) 20. Fear (5) 21. Changes, improvements (7)

1

TRIO: lOO

The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square fits in with that letter and write in the letters.

You can also shade the black squares if you find it helpful.

After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.

QUICK CROSSWORD

QUICK CROSSWORD

12/12

Seniors 35

Across: 1. Gaining 5. Moped 8. Opportunities 9. Mar 10.

Toboggans 12. Doubts 13. Covers 15. Embodying 16. Ebb 18.

Substantiates 20. Dread 21. Reforms.

Down: 1. Gloom 2. Imperturbable 3. Irritated 4. Grubby 5. Moi 6. Private sector 7. Desists 11. Good grief 12. Dressed 14.

Winner 17. Basis 19. Tad.

JIGGERED

Gold Coast

36 Seniors Gold Coast

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, December 12, 2016

International Award Winner

Living Gems Residential Resorts has won two more international awards. The Queensland owned and operated company took out the Most Outstanding Lifestyle Resorts in the World Award for the second consecutive year.

This year, the international judging panel added the Most Outstanding Resort Housing Developer in the World Award to Living Gems’ impressive collection.

We are honoured and delighted to be recognised by international housing experts. We strive to create master-planned communities based on fun and friendship.

PACIFIC PARADISE 1800 279 782 | CABOOLTURE 1800 288 918 | GLENVALE 1800 348 977 | LOGAN VILLAGE 1800 051 481

www.livinggems.com.au