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Seniors Northern NSW

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Embracing ageing Volume 1, Issue 2

May 2016

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“You are lucky to grow old”

20-22 START an adventure in travel pages

12-14

COMMUNITY matters

AT 74-years-old media legend Ita Buttrose is loud and clear on this point.

"If you are lucky, you get to be old," she said.

"My brother was dead at 62, he would have loved to get old.”

Story page 4

17

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23 HAVE FUN

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2 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016

In this edition

News, profiles, opinion pages, community notes, columns, health, travel pages, puzzles.

Contact us Editor: Gail Forrer; gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Advertising Manager: Belinda Bollen belinda.bollen@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Now online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $36.30 for one year (11 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Northern NSW Seniors Newspaper”.

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

The Queensland Seniors newspaper stable include Gold Coast Seniors Newspaper, Brisbane Seniors Newspaper, Toowoomba Seniors Newspaper, Wide Bay Seniors, and Sunshine Coast Newspaper.

The New South Wales Seniors newspaper stable includes, Seniors Northern NSW, Seniors Coffs and Clarence.

Not numbers, it’s about real people FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER editor@seniorsnewspapers.com.au

EACH weekend I read a variety of news that fill me in with a list of statistics.

It goes something like this: one in five will (suffer from this health problem), one in three (will divorce/separate), one in four (will not complete this education qualification), one in two (do not do required weekly exercise) and on it goes: a vast list

who is overseeing the innovative and sensitive storydog program in seven schools with 12 teams of dogs (page 3).

On pages 6 and 7 we bring you the story of of a “wreckspotter’’, a man who has spent 18 years seeking skeletons beneath the sea.

So far he reports on four cane barges and two wrecks at the mouth of the Tweed River. This knowledge brings with it an extraordinary history of our area.

Accordingly, indigenous woman Dale Roberts has recorded the stories of Northern Rivers elders.

We are fortunate that

these stories can now be appreciated by a wider audience.

I also hope you enjoy the words from Ita Buttrose, a lady with an indomitable spirit who is speaking up for every Australian senior.

The date of the Federal Election has just been announced and we will be hearing from a lot of people who will never know us, who have to make decisions based on numbers.

I’m so glad we can talk about real people.

Trust you enjoy the read.

Gail

A feast of reading pleasure opens up

Published by ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd (ABN 73 064 061 794). Printed by APN Print, Yandina.

Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

of numbers that at best elicits an involuntary sigh from me. (All numbers quoted here are fictitious.)

You see, it’s the stories of real people rather than numbers that prompt me to think about things beyond myself.

It’s the actions of real people that enables me to feel gratitude, to realise the definition of a role model, to understand the meaning of community spirit, that gives me answers to the question of why we live where we live.

So in this edition, I’m happy to bring you the the story of Pottsville resident Marilyn Cameron-Dow,

JOURNALIST YVONNE GARDINER

yvonne.gardiner@apn.com.au

TAKE a relaxing break and open up a feast of reading pleasure with this May edition of the Seniors Newspaper for the Northern Rivers.If you’ve never been to Casino, check out the action at one of the North Coast’s

premier events, Beef Week – where city folk meet country hospitality.Open days are also planned for rainforest gardens and fire stations.

Prepare to give to the Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal and

volunteer to collect if you’re so inclined.

If you have a story to tell or an event to promote, call me on 0411 622 720 or email yvonne.gardiner@ apn.com.au

Salvos help out many Selfless devotion that enhances any community

By Yvonne Gardiner

AT 86 years of age, Salvation Army soldier Beryl Maina embodies the selfless devotion that enhances any community.

For about eight years, she’s been a collector for the army’s annual Red Shield Appeal.

“I do my village at Banora Point, which is about 124 units,” she said.

“Because of the age group, they’ve been through the war and they know what the Salvation Army did during the war.

“They respond very generously.”

Beryl is also on the appeal collection roster at the Bunnings store at Banora Point, she works at the Salvos’ Kingscliff family store, cooks for Wednesday night community dinners, and visits people to check that they are okay.

“It’s a helping-hand community,” she said.

“I’m now a Salvation Army soldier because of the work they do.

“I’ve always helped people in some ways. I like the Christian attitude.

“I came to the exercise classes and found such friendship and thought, ‘I think I want to be part of this’.”

The Salvation Army has 500 volunteers but needs another 500 to collect throughout the Northern Rivers for the 2016 Red Shield Appeal Doorknock on May 28 and 29.

Fundraising and public relations manager Rowan Johnstone said there were still streets in the area that needed local volunteers.

“Volunteers can have a fun few hours with family or friends doing the doorknock through local streets, or they can choose a community collection point in their local area,” Mr Johnstone said.

Woolworths supermarkets, Bunnings stores and local shopping centres are collection points where volunteers are needed.

“We are calling our

GIVE GENEROUSLY: Salvation Army Major Darren Elsley demonstrates the spirit of giving to Banora Point collector Beryl Maina in the lead-up to the Red Shield Appeal Door Knock.

PHOTO: YVONNE GARDINER

volunteers ‘hope givers’ this year, as they are much more to us than someone giving their time for a cause.

“They are literally changing lives with us,”

Mr Johnstone said.

“Every hour they are able to collect for us means more money to buy food to put in people’s mouths when they are hungry, beds for those at

night that don’t have them, or support for a parent and their children fleeing a violent situation.

“Every dollar raised makes a difference.”

The Red Shield Appeal

will run from Monday, May 23 to Sunday, June 5.

To register as a volunteer, call 1800 885 332.

Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Reading scheme’s gone to the dogs Story Dogs hopes to expand north

By Yvonne Gardiner

STORY Dogs volunteers are not without ambition.

Sometime in the future, they hope to be in every Australian school.

The service began in Murwillumbah seven years ago, was launched in Lismore in early April and hopes to be set up at Byron and Ballina before too long.

Story Dogs co-ordinator Marilyn Cameron-Dow, of Pottsville, oversees an area with seven schools and 12 “teams” – dogs and their owners.

“Our goal is to help as many children as we can to enjoy reading and, long-term, to be in every school in the country,” Marilyn said.

“Lions clubs sponsor a lot of our dogs.

“The dogs go into the schools. The children and dogs love it.

“We can have four or five dogs in a school.

“We target Year 2 and the teachers decide on the students who participate.

“Those four children (for

ALL EARS: Story Dogs co-ordinator Marilyn Cameron-Dow encourages Tim and Sam Toshack to read to Mack. PHOTOS: PICASA

each volunteer) come out for 20 minutes each and have fun with the dog.

“The children learn to read by the end of the year because it’s such fun and they’re reading to a non-judgmental dog.

“We don’t teach, we just have such fun with the kids.”

Dog owners commit to two hours each week.

Tim and Sam Toshack, with‚ story dog‚ Mack.

Marilyn, a retired teacher, said the Story Dogs service was growing because of demand, and that created a need for more co-ordinators and volunteers.

“There’s a half-hour test for the dog. It’s very vigorous,” she said.

“I’ve only had two dogs fail it.

A non- threatening dog gives the children confidence.

“You can tell straight away whether the dog is obedient, and then the humans have to be trained. They have a day’s training.”

As co-ordinator, Marilyn also fundraises, recruits volunteers and gives presentations to

Story dog Mack.

community groups like U3A. “I’ve been in Story Dogs for four-and-a-half years,” she said.

“It’s been going since 2009 and yet we are national now, except for the ACT.” For more information about volunteering or donating, go to storydogs.org.au.

Seniors 3 IN BRIEF BALLINA Shire Council invites suitability experienced artists to submit an expression of interest for artwork concepts for two new traffic roundabout sites in the Ballina CBD. Site one is the traffic roundabout at the intersection of Cherry and Tamar Sts, while the second site is the traffic roundabout on Fawcett and Moon Sts. Artists are invited to submit concepts for one or both of the sites.

For more information, go to the Ballina Shire Council’s website.

The deadline for submission of EOIs is May 2.

■ FIVE-year market licences are being offered in Byron Shire.

Byron Shire Council is seeking proposals for community markets in Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads and Mullumbimby; farmers markets in Byron Bay and New Brighton, and artisan markets at Railway Park and Denning Park in Byron Bay. A proposal briefing session will be held on May 18 at 2pm at the Byron Shire Council Mullumbimby office in the conference room, for those interested in making application.

Information is available from Tenderlink at www. tenderlink.com/ byron.

4 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016

Speaking up with Ita Ita Buttrose continues 40 years of advocacy Gail.Forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au

ITA Buttrose is loud and clear on this point.

“If you are lucky, you get to be old,” she said.

“My brother was dead at 62, he would have loved to get old.”

In 1988, this doyenne of media received an Order of Australia for service in the health care areas particularly in HIV/AIDS education. In 2013 she was named Australian Senior of the Year for work in dementia.

The award also gave her a platform to talk about age discrimination.

Today her ambition is to make Australia an “Alzheimer-friendly” country, bust out ageing myths and see that mature-age people are treated fairly in the workplace.

But she believes change must come from the top.

“It’s all about leadership, we need enlightened leaders, management, trailblazers to show the way” she said.

“Look at Bob Hawke, John Howard – we need more people like them to speak up.”

The 74-year-old television personality and Alzheimers Association advocate said she saw examples of ageism every day, but remembered clearly the first examples.

“When I had ITA magazine, we would talk to potential advertisers and say our magazine was geared towards women over 40 and 50-years-old.

“At the mention of that age, their eyes would glaze over.

“It wasn’t until the baby boomers reached 50, that people realised this age group was fit, active and contributing.”

She said there was definitely age discrimination in the workplace and advised employers to take off their blinkers.

“In Sydney, I see signs asking for waiters, baristas, people in the service industry.

“If there’s a shortfall in the service industry, why

❝

Kennerley.”

She said among other things, local councils needed to ensure adequate street lighting and solid paving.

“If brick paving becomes unstuck, it can be a hazard,” she said.

She said her personal public speaking appearances held their own safety problems.

“To get to many of the stages, there are steps without railings,” she said.

Ita said she was at the point where she would ask if railings were there - or if not to have them

It’s all about leadership, we need enlightened leaders, management, trailblazers to show the way. Look at Bob Hawke, John Howard – we need more people like them to speak up. not take on older people.

“It’s a myth that older people take more sick leave or have less commitment or can’t adapt. Older people can learn and adapt as well as anyone.”

Ita believes that the key to good health is through preventative measures.

“Regular exercise, eat properly, participate socially.”

Her health advice also extends to fall prevention.

She warned of the prevalence of falls and noted a number of celebrities who had recently sustained injuries from falls.

“Look at Molly Meldrum and just recently Kerri-Anne’s husband John

installed.

Again exercise, is an important preventative, particularly exercises that enhance your balance.

She mostly practises what she preaches: “But I’m not perfect,” she declares.

“I have an hour’s walk every day and longer if I can, I work out with light weights a couple of times a week.

“But I have a terrible dilemma at the moment,” she confessed.

It turned out to be a freezer full of delicious ice-cream samples, she was finding hard to resist.

“I love ice-cream,” she laughed.

In her role as an advocate for Alzheimers,

FORWARD THINKING: Ita Buttrose believes change must come from the top.

she notes that brain health is as important as body health.

“There is a misconception,” she said.

“That dementia is a normal part of ageing, it’s not, it often comes with ageing, but it is a chronic disease.”

She said with dementia sufferers we needed to be

kind and recognise the person inside.

Her own journey with the disease started with her father’s diagnosis and learning to live with him and make him comfortable.

For years now, she has been speaking to groups about this devastating disease and encouraging

PHOTO:

government to better their health policies and nursing services.

Ita intends to keep fighting for change and she invites you to join the battle.

“Kick down that door,” “And say that you demand respect, work and employment.”

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Servicing Northern NSW and Gold Coast areas including Tweed Heads/Murwillumbah, Ballina, Alstonville, Lismore and Casino, Kyogle south to the Clarence Valley.

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Flexible short or long term care services in your home – including convalescence after illness or surgery – or perhaps you require assistance with domestic duties.

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Gail Forrer

Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

The U3A seniors in an active mode

U3A Tweed Coast members show off their skills on World Tai Chi Day.

By Yvonne Gardiner

WORLD Tai Chi Day was just another excuse for U3A Tweed Coast members to be out and active.

U3A Tweed Coast offers 36 different classes in an area covering Tweed Heads, Banora Point, Kingscliff, Cudgen, Cabarita/ Bogangar, Hastings Point, Pottsville and Murwillumbah.

Main venues are at Cudgen, Kingscliff and Pottsville.

The University of the Third Age encourages older people to remain active in their retirement and continue lifelong learning.

One day you can be a student and, the next, a class leader.

Tweed publicity officer Val Sparrow has been learning Italian for five years and took over

Seniors 5 IN BRIEF NOMINATE A LOCAL HERO

YOU might come across them daily, or maybe only every so often - but local heroes make an impression through the positive contribution that they make.

Each year Ballina Shire Council recognises our local heroes through the Australia Day Awards.

Local heroes are nominated by family members, friends, colleagues and community members.

Why not nominate your Local Hero today?

Download and complete the Nomination Form at www.ballina. nsw.gov.au Email: council@ballina.nsw .gov.au Post: Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards | PO Box 450 | BALLINA NSW 2478

WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN BORDER ART PRIZE

ACTIVE: U3A Tweed Coast members show off their skills on World Tai Chi Day.

the cryptic crossword class this year.

“Lots of our members lead classes and attend other classes as well, and all committee members are multitaskers,” Val says.

“Everyone is encouraged to contribute voluntarily in some way to the running of their U3A.

“Of the 36 different classes on offer, some of the most popular are mah jong, yoga, tai chi, and the language classes – French, Italian, German and Spanish.

“We do lots of fun things as well – singing, dancing, cards, etc – and First Friday Forums provide all sorts of

themes such as Ellie Willkie’s great presentation of her hilarious poems, and the Tweed ukulele band.

“We are always seeking to progress and provide new subjects and we encourage anyone, member or not, who has a special interest or talent that they would

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

like to share with others, to contact a committee member.

“It doesn’t have to be academic; it could be cake decorating, beading, knitting or crocheting.”

Visit the website f or details: tweedcoast u3anet.org.au/wp.

ACCLAIMED artist Euan Macleod announced the winning works in the 2016 Border Art Prize at the official opening of the exhibition at the Tweed Regional Gallery tonight.

Euan was impressed by the “variety of media, styles and subjects all handled with enthusiasm and passion”. As he walked around the exhibition, surrounded by the viewing public, he noted that gallery visitors “were really engaged”.

IN BRIEF BYRON RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY

COUNCIL is reviewing Byron’s rural land uses as part of a new Rural Land Use Strategy.

Existing rural strategies such as the 1998 Byron Rural Settlement Strategy and 2004 Sustainable Agricultural Strategy are outdated.

As a result a more holistic strategy that provides a clear vision and planning direction for all rural land uses in the Shire is required.

Visit www.byron. nsw.gov.au to view the strategy and get involved.

TWEED SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE STRATEGY

COUNCIL is implementing a Tweed Sustainable Agriculture Strategy to highlight key issues affecting farm sustainability in Tweed Shire On 17 March 2016, Council resolved to exhibit the draft Tweed Sustainable Agriculture Strategy, which which will be on public exhibition from Wednesday 30 March to Wednesday 11 May 2016.

Submissions must be made in writing by Wednesday 11 May 2016 to: Tweed Sustainable Agriculture Strategy | General Manager | C/O Natural Resource Management Unit | Tweed Shire Council | PO Box 816 | Murwillumbah NSW | 2484

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016

Historic discovery Tweed River full of history

By Yvonne Gardiner

THE NSW Government’s maritime heritage team are working closely with the Tweed Valley Museum at Murwillumbah and Cudgen “wreckspotter” John Gilbert to record and document sites in the Tweed River.

In the last 12 months, retired commercial diver Mr Gilbert has found four cane barges at Condong and two wrecks near the mouth of the Tweed River, which the heritage team had no knowledge of.

Mr Gilbert has been a “wreckspotter” in the Tweed area, both in the river and offshore, for about 18 years.

He’s interesting in finding out about a wreck’s purpose and history.

Once found, a wreck or relic is mapped and recorded by the heritage team, led by Dr Brad Duncan.

“I guess my favourite at the moment is the one near the north wall of the Tweed River entrance,” Mr Gilbert said.

“Once I had a dive on it, I was very interested to try and identify it, as originally I thought it was the tug Terranora, but the remaining engine and boiler appear too big to be that vessel.

“My favourite wreck offshore is the Alberta which was wrecked in 1890 on the outer reefs off Kingscliff. It was about 2214 tons.”

Maritime archaeologist Dr Duncan works closely with Mr Gilbert and has recently completed his second visit to the Tweed.

“The trip was very productive.

“We investigated

WRECKSPOTTERS: Cudgen diver John Gilbert (left) and maritime archaeologist Dr Brad Duncan.

reports of two new wreck sites and historic wharf remains at Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah,” he said.

“Closer inspection of the wreck/wharf site at Murwillumbah also revealed the partial remains of another timber vessel, along with two small boilers used to produce steam.”

Dr Duncan said seven wrecks had been reported and inspected so far in the Tweed River.

Sugar cane barge graveyards have been discovered in the Clarence and Tweed rivers – at Harwood Island and Condong.

“Although they were remarkably plain vessels, these barges were used to transport the sugar cane

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Wreck of a barge lies in the Tweed River at Condong.

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Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

brings life to relics FROM PAGE 6

and other produce up and down the rivers,” Dr Duncan said.

“As such, they were essential components of the industrial and social landscapes of these rivers, and their wrecks and other associated infrastructure – such as wharves and mooring pylons – represent

❝

Seniors 7

maritime relics in rivers are protected under the NSW Heritage Act 1977.

Tweed Regional Museum director Judy Kean said her staff were working with the Office of Environment and Heritage to register all the wreck relics in the museum collection, many of which were currently on display until August as part of the

The North Coast Steam Navigation Company wharf, where Budd Park now is, and Condong Sugar Mill wharf and moorings were once busy commercial sites. symbols of a bygone age where rivers were the highways to the interior.

“Another favourite is the wreck of the tug Champion II at Ukerebagh Island, Tweed River.

“Although it is located in shallow water, the local currents have scoured the sand away from the bow section, creating an impressive five-metre hole around it which is easily snorkelled by local divers.”

Historic shipwrecks and

WRECKED! exhibition.

Ms Kean said rivers such as the Tweed contained important historic wrecks and remains.

“As the main transport routes for passenger and commercial traffic over many years, they carried a busy stream of traffic and wharfs dotted their banks,” she said.

Dr Duncan said about 2500 historic maritime sites had been recorded in NSW.

WRECKED: A wreck of a barge lies in the Tweed River at Condong.

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PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

8 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016

talk ‘n’ thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

Report advises career plans for employment longevity

UNTIL they start planning for encore careers, mature-age Australians will continue to experience high long-term unemployment rates, a new report has found.

A National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre report entitled Change is inevitable, so plan for it, A survey of career planning among mature age Australians studied the experiences, perceptions and likelihood of career

planning of people aged over 50.

The findings show over half those in the workforce had never undertaken any activities to plan for their career. Of those not working during the past five years, 77 per cent said they were unlikely to undertake career planning in the next three years.

National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill said career planning was

❝

Australians are increasingly expected to work past Age Pension age

vital for people of all ages and occupations.

“Planning can support people in a variety of situations including those wanting to extend their working life, change careers, return to the workforce after many

years away or transition into retirement,” O’Neill said.

“It also allows people to better respond to the work environment’s rapid changes, including technology, globalisation and economic

restructuring.

O’Neill said the lack of interest in career planning presented many challenges for individuals and government.

“Australians are increasingly expected to work past Age Pension age. Yet, older people are still facing the barriers they did ten years ago.

“My advice is that if you’re hoping for career longevity, a bit of forward planning can help.”

■ Age qualification for Pension If you were born between ★1 July 1952 to 31 December 1953, 65 years and 6 months ★1 January 1954 to 30 June 1955, 66 years ★ 1 July 1955 to 31 December 1956, 66 years and 6 months ★From 1 January 1957, 67 years

A mother’s love and her son’s betrayal

By Sincerely Suzanne

I have a little story, and sadly it is true.

My flesh and blood betrayed me, I don't know what to do.

He'd ring me with a drama, it would rock me to the core.

Then a week would pass me by, and he would ring once more.

He borrowed from my pension, and our term account.

Promising he'd pay us back, the full, and fair, amount.

I was a fool to trust him, but a mother's love is strong.

Through your eyes your precious child would never treat you wrong.

Our savings have diminished, we are in a private hell We've been cheated out of money, and I've lost a son as well.

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

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Seniors 9

Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

All Things Legal DEALING WITH A DEATH IN THE FAMILY – WHY DO YOU NEED PROBATE?

PHOTO: KATE HOLMES

Elders tell their stories

Northern Rivers Elders write book

ABORIGINAL woman Dale Roberts has been working with some of the Northern Rivers most respected Elders for more than two years, recording their stories before they are lost.

After consulting further with the Elders, it was agreed that a book would produce a lasting legacy celebrating their life stories and passing on valuable knowledge to future generations.

The Elders called the book Our Way Stories.

Dale’s interest in creating the book started with listening to the stories of her friend Uncle Magpie.

"I just thought to myself, what a wealth of knowledge he has to share and he wanted to share it so generously. I just wondered, if he

doesn’t get to pass on his knowledge, where does it go?" she said.

"In my view it is imperative that the stories be recorded from the Elders, to pass on

❝

crowdfunding campaign launched early in May on Pozible would cover the $13,500 printing and publication costs of the 120-page large format book.

What a wealth of knowledge he has to share and he wanted to share it so generously...

If he doesn’t get to pass on his knowledge, where does it go?” information before they pass over and the stories are lost."

Arts Northern Rivers came on board to support the project and secured funding from Arts NSW, allowing Dale to spend eight months capturing the Elders’ stories.

Arts Northern Rivers CEO Peter Wood said The Elders Book Project

Pending a successful campaign, the book will be launched, with many of the Elders present, at the 2016 Byron Writers Festival.

You can support The Elders Book Project or pre-purchase a copy of Our Way Stories at http://pozible.com/ eldersbook.

Freecall

1800 621 071 Visit our website attwoodmarshall.com.au Coolangatta | Kingscliff | Robina

6093269ah

BOOK PROJECT: Aunty Marge Close tells her story.

Losing someone you love can be devastating enough. Not only are you grieving the loss of this person, but you may also be tasked with the role of finalising their affairs as the executor of their Will, often the last thing on your mind in your grief-stricken state. Just the thought of it can be daunting because it is unfamiliar territory and it’s certainly not a situation any one wishes to be placed in. Unfortunately, it’s a situation you are likely to find yourself in throughout your lifetime.

During the process, it is common to hear foreign terms such as “Probate” or “Letters of Administration”.

Generally, the majority of people have never heard of either of these terms and those who have tend to have misconceptions about what they actually mean. We often hear statements such as, “there’s a Will so why do we need Probate?” or “we don’t need Probate because our family gets along”.

99% of the time we are simply asked, “What is Probate?” and “Why do we need Probate?”. It is important to understand what Probate (or Letters of Administration) is in order to appreciate why it is required to administer a deceased estate.

What is Probate?

A grant of Probate is essentially confirmation by the Supreme Court of the authenticity of the last Will of the deceased. The process involves advertising with the prescribed legal publications to ensure that there are no later Wills in existence and a subsequent application to the Supreme Court to effectively “prove” the last Will. An affidavit sworn by the executor is filed with the Court, and the document itself is inspected by the Probate Registrar with a fine tooth comb to confirm its validity.

What are Letters of Administration?

A grant of Letters of Administration is the equivalent to a grant of Probate in the circumstances where a person has died intestate, ie without a Will or without a valid Will.This grant is also required if the executor of the will has died, has lost capacity or has renounced. The administrator (akin to an executor) is appointed by the Supreme Court. This grant is more difficult to obtain and priority to apply is determined by the rules of intestacy in the relevant States.

Why is Probate required?

You may often hear from someone you know, whose mother/father/brother/sister died, that they didn’t need Probate compelling you to question why it is required at all. After all, there is a Will so why does it become so complicated after the fact? Yes, there are circumstances in which the executor will not be required to obtain Probate. This is may be the case where the assets are jointly held or it is considered a “small estate”, where the assets of the estate are of low value. However, it is important to understand that every estate is different. There is no stock-standard estate plan because the personal and financial circumstances of each person are varied.

There are many issues to consider when it comes to the duty of an executor and the administration of the estate, however, the most common reasons for obtaining Probate are outlined below:Authority to deal with assets Most asset holders will not release or transfer assets held by a deceased person until a grant of Probate has been provided to them. For example, in New South Wales the sale or transfer of all real property held solely in the name of the deceased cannot be carried out without a grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. Generally, most banks and financial institutions will not release the contents of a person’s bank accounts if the value is over a certain threshold. There is no set or standard value, and each financial institution determines its own value at their discretion. It can also depend upon the family dynamics and who the beneficiaries are (and how many). For example, if a male dies and has several de facto partners with children from different marriages, it is unlikely a bank will release funds without a grant and, even if they do, they require indemnities to be given.

Production of the grant effectively ensures that the executor is legally authorised to deal with the assets.

There are certain procedures set out by the Supreme Court to flush out any prior Wills and if a grant is not issued it is almost impossible to determine that the last Will is in fact the last testament of the deceased. Essentially, the asset holder is guaranteed that they are in fact dealing with the correct legal personal representative and if a later Will is found the liability rests with the executor for intermeddling with the estate.

Protection from claims There are certain statutory time limits imposed by the respective Succession Acts in each State and Territory for an executor to safely distribute the assets of an estate.These time limits are in place to allow any person whom is eligible to make a claim for provision from the estate sufficient time to provide their notice (“eligible applicant”).

For example, in New South Wales, the executor must wait 12 months from the date of death before he/she may safely distribute the assets of the estate to the beneficiaries. The reason for this is that an eligible applicant has 12 months from the date of death to file their claim. There is the option to distribute after 6 months from date of death by publishing a ‘Notice of Intended Distribution’ with the Supreme Court of New South Wales. It should also be served upon any known eligible applicants. If no one comes forward within 30 calendar days from the date of publication then the executor may safely proceed with distribution.

In Queensland, there is a 6 month notice period from the date of death for people to give notice of a claim against the estate and legal proceedings must be filed no later than 9 months from the date of death if that notice has been given. It is therefore prudent to wait at least 9 months from the date of death before distributing but this can be shortened with written confirmation from any potential claimants they will not bring a claim.

Statutory protection is only afforded to the executor or administrator when Probate or Letters of Administration are obtained. If a grant is not obtained, they leave themselves open to liability for any claims brought against the estate by creditors or beneficiaries. Take for an example, the instance where an executor distributes the assets in accordance with the Will without obtaining Probate. An illegitimate child or a former spouse may come out of the woodwork (as is often the case) after hearing of the death some time after the fact with the intent to seek provision from the estate (i.e. bring a claim against the estate). If the assets have been distributed prior to the requisite statutory time period, and no notice has been given to the public of the distribution the executor becomes personally liable. This is despite the fact the executor has acted in good faith and distributed the assets in accordance with the contents of the last will of the deceased.

There is also the possibility a later will could be in existence without the knowledge of the executor.

There are many good reasons to obtain a grant of probate if you are an executor! Don’t listen to back yard legal advice or get advice from lawyers who don’t specialise in this area.

In most cases, the reason an executor chooses not to obtain Probate is because they do not want to incur the cost of doing so. They are often misinformed or have not been provided with the correct advice in relation to the liability that goes hand in hand with their duty as an executor.

We strongly advise any executors or administrators to carefully consider their position and obtain accurate legal advice from experienced legal practitioners in this complex area. It may save you a lot of grief and money!

For enquiries please contact Wills & Estates Department Manager, Donna Tolley on direct line 07 5506 8241, email dtolley@attwoodmarshall.com.au or freecall 1800 621 071.

10 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016

VIEW walk promotes Learning for Life program ALL VIEW clubs from the Tweed region will come together for a walk on Sunday, May 15.

The Walk for View starts at 10am from the northern end of the Tweed Boat Harbour.

Twin Towns Evening View Club’s publicity officer Pat Moore said the walk would last 30 to 40 minutes and was held to promote VIEW clubs and

their part in the Learning for Life program.

“This helps disadvantaged Australian children reach their full potential in learning,” Pat said.

“Our many members are working and raising funds for that to happen.

“We give the children a hand up, not a hand-out by providing books, sporting equipment, uniforms,

etc.”

People of all ages are invited to walk. Wheelie walkers and motorised scooters are most welcome.

Enjoy a sausage sizzle at the finish for a gold coin donation.

For details, call zone councillor Rosie Mc Dermott on 0407 892 952.

OUT AND ABOUT: Active Twin Towns Evening VIEW Club members take a boat trip on the Tweed River.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

BEAUTIFUL WALK: Marie Matthews from The Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens, pictured in the gardens.

PHOTO: PATRICK GORBUNOVS

Set your sights on better eye care. We have

At The Eye Care Clinic, our eye surgeons and specialists care enough to see you as people, not just as someone with a problem. Dr. Svoboda and Dr. Lamont personally see you all the way through your procedure - right from the first visit till they are totally satisfied all is well.

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, squints, dry eyes and lid malpositions.

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

A pathway to forest splendour

Dr Emanuel Svoboda

Botanic Garden’s new forest walk

By Yvonne Gardiner

Dr Meon Lamont

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.

When you want someone that takes a sight better care of both you and your health, ask for The Eye Care Clinic.

You’ll see we really do care.

(07) 5506 6777

6074840ab

Servicing the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers

LISMORE Rainforest Botanic Gardens will unveil its new hoop pine forest walk at an open day on Sunday, May 29.

This event is part of the inaugural Botanic Gardens Open Day across Australia and New Zealand.

Friends of the Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens president Marie Matthews told the Northern Star a special activity would mark the open day.

“We are encouraging people who are walking the new path to carry to the top a stone and place it in position to start marking out the path of

❝

People who are walking the new path to carry to the top a stone and place it in position to start marking out the path of our new labyrinth.” our new labyrinth,” she said. “We will record their name in a special labyrinth builder’s book which we will display in our visitors centre.

The hoop pine forest, planted near the entry to the gardens at the

Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre, will include lookouts, seating and presentation spots for group tours.

“I see it as being a feature not just for a few people, but for anyone who comes to Lismore,” Ms Matthews said.

The gardens are on Wyrallah Rd, Lismore, about 3kms south of the CBD. A teddy bears’ picnic is an open-day activity, as well as a guided walk of Wilson’s Park rainforest species garden.

Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell, a long-time volunteer, will conduct an official opening of the new path at 11am.

Seniors 11

Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

The K Rudd approach that’s worth copying Kevin Rudd is one senior who just keeps pushing his limits

By Ann Rickard

IMMIGRATION Minister Peter Dutton’s meanspirited comments recently that Kevin Rudd should retire and just take up caravanning must have sent shudders through many seniors.

While caravanning is marvellous, to suggest that it is all older people should be doing is offensive to all seniors.

Kevin Rudd, Australian Prime Minister from 2007–2010 and again in 2013, is now based in New York where he has no caravan but does have a number of impressive titles, the main one, President of Asia Society Policy Institute.

He also has his eye on the top job at the United Nations, replacing Ban Ki-Moon.

I don’t think caravanning is on his agenda.

Rudd is one senior who just keeps on keeping on.

Love him or hate him, you have to admire his capacity to push on when, at age almost 60, and with no financial concerns he could so easily sit back and relax.

No matter the number of set backs, turmoils, scandals and even just plain hurdles he has had to deal with in the past, he has never taken the easy road and given up.

Despite a busy schedule that takes him all over the globe, Kevin Rudd still takes as much time as he can to visit the place of his birth and childhood, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

He has long had a beach house on the Sunshine Coast and whenever he can, he manages to squeeze in a

mini escape with his wife Therese, children and now grandchildren.

Continued study and constant learning along with on-going work are vital to his wellbeing.

“My attitude to life and work is that no matter whatever I am doing, one day they will take me out in a box, from some desk, somewhere,” he said in a telephone interview with Senior’s Newspapers while he was en route from Washington DC to Ottawa.

“In some cultures people are working in their 70s, 80s and even 90s not because they have to, but because it is part of their life.

“That is somewhat different to Australia.

“My aspiration is to keep working as long as I am useful.”

His work now with the Asia Society Policy Institute ensures his mind is constantly alert, open and engaged.

“It’s (the institute) a think tank, focussing on big policy challenges that face Asia over a decade ahead,” he said.

“I’ve been in Washington talking to the administration about the challenges in Asia, including North Korea, India and China.”

Learning something new has always been an important part of Kevin Rudd’s life, instilled by his mother when he was a bare-footed young boy on a dairy farm in Eumundi in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, catching a ride to the Eumundi State Primary school on a milk truck.

“There were no libraries in those days,” he said.

“I remember the day my mother bought me a book on architecture.

STILL WORKING: Kevin Rudd hopes to keep working as long as he is useful.

❝

My aspiration is to keep working as long as I am useful.

“She was always trying to expand our minds; I remember seeing a section on classical Chinese architecture in that book, these interesting elegant buildings of curved roofs.

I’d never seen anything like that before. There were not many of them around in Eumundi!

“I got interested in China then. Later when I

became interested in politics I remember watching Gough’s (Whitlam) visit to China in 1973, watching it carefully, thinking that was the place where they had the curved roofs.

“I watched every piece of Gough and Margaret in China. China then became a big part of my thinking.”

That thinking became a passion which turned into

a long love affair with everything Chinese.

He studied the language at the Australian National University after he’d finished school and hitch-hiked down the east coast to Canberra.

“I found studying Mandarin really bloody hard,” he said.

“If you are learning a foreign language and want to speak it fluently, the easiest thing is to start when a little kid at school.

But I persevered for the first three months, every day at the Australian

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

National University in Canberra. By about the three month point, I remember saying ‘this is like going back to Grade 1, sounding out words’. But slowly ... it all started to come together. It took five years (to become fluent in Mandarin) I have workable French but my wife is terrified of me speaking it in case I get it wrong.”

Whatever your opinions on Kevin Rudd, you have to admire his work attitude and strong sense of purpose ... it’s a good act for seniors to emulate.

The chance to see inside your local fire station FIREFIGHTERS are encouraging people of the Northern Rivers to visit their local fire station for the Fire and Rescue NSW annual Fire Station Open Day this month.

Fire stations across the state will be open from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, May 21, and families are

encouraged to come along and meet their local firefighters and learn more about fire prevention.

A range of free activities will be on offer, including firefighting demonstrations, station tours and fire safety presentations.

Firefighters will also be on hand to provide advice on installing smoke alarms, changing smoke alarm batteries and preparing a home fire escape plan.

Children will be able to see fire engines and firefighting equipment up close, which is always one

of the highlights of this much-anticipated day.

For the first time, Fire and Rescue NSW is this year partnering with Lego City to spread the fire safety message on the fire station open day.

The partnership will have a new Brigade Kids activity booklet and Lego

City minifigures available for open day visitors. With May being the 10th anniversary of the introduction of smoke alarm legislation and ahead of winter, the open day is also a timely opportunity to talk to the experts about replacing your smoke alarms.

❝

Children will be able to see fire engines and firefighting equipment up close, which is always one of the highlights

12 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016

First Class an indulgent world

HELLO readers, to enable us to respond to your request for publication of more Community Notices, we ask that you keep your notices short and to the point (100-word maximum). Club Notices deadline for the next issue is June 1, 2016.

Enquires to Robyn, Nicky or Chris via email: communitynotes@ seniorsnewspaper. com.au

PROBUS CLUBS ■ BANORA POINT

We meet on the fourth Monday of the month at 10am for 10.15am in the South Tweed Sports Club.

A friendly mixed club for retirees and semi-retirees.

The guest speaker for the May meeting will be Barbara Waters, who will speak about her book ‘From Here to There’.

Visitors and those interested in joining the club are welcome at the meetings and social outings. Info phone Bae on 07 5590 9738 or 07 5590 5919 or Google our website ‘Banora Point Probus’.

■ KINGSCLIFF MIXED

Our club holds its meetings at Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club on the first Wednesday of each

U3A Twin Towns members with Karen Andrews MP (second from left) at their High Tea function.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

month at 9.45am and outings on the third Wednesday of the month.

Visitors are most welcome. Phone Norma on 02 6676 3360.

■ HASTINGS POINT

Hastings Point Tweed Probus meets next on Tuesday May 17 at 10am at the Tri Care Retirement Community, 87/89 Tweed Coast Road, Hastings Point. Visitors welcome, enquires to Julie on 0418 966 256 or website http://hastingspt probus.org There will be a presentation from Barry

sAmE DAy

DENTURE REPAIRs AND RELINEss

CFS/ME/FMS SUPPORT GROUP

Our Support Group meets on the first Friday of every month at 10.30am at the HACC Community Centre, Cnr Heffron Street and Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South. All welcome. For further information call Bronwyn on 5593 9319.

TWEED HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

Andrew Innes

6090910ag

John Lintonn

New second clinic downstairs for easy access.

Get your dentures repaired in just a few hours.

Quality workmanship guaranteed.

Tiffen from Nunderi. He is a Bush Poet and since 2005 he has won 1st, 2nd, 3rd and runner-up prizes in 15 Bush Poetry Competitions. About 15 years ago, an old farming friend introduced Barry to Australian Bush Poetry. He will give recitations of his own work as well as those of other bush poets. Not to be missed.

JohN LINToN & ANDREw INNEs - sERvINg LoCAL foR ovER 30 yEARs

BALLINA DENTAL LAB AND DENTURE CLINIC

6686 8842 | 10/48 Tamar St, Ballina

The Tweed Hospital Auxiliary will hold its annual Fashion Parade at Tweed Civic Centre, Cnr Brett and Powell Streets, Tweed Heads on Friday May 27. Doors open at 9.30am for a 10am start.

Tickets are $20 pp, which includes morning tea.

Maggie-anne Leybourne, from BAM Corporate Events, will be the compare with many local

Seniors Travel All Day for $2.50 If you hold a pension or Seniors Card it’s just $2.50 for aday trip Red Ticket - the cheapest way to travel all day.

The Red Ticket even includes transfers between bus operators it’s a great way to get around!

It costs very little and is a great way to get around!

Contact us now!

P: 6626 1499 | 76 Military Rd, Lismore | www.nrbuslines.com.au

AOOB TWIN TOWNS

Our monthly meetings are held on the 1st Friday of each month at South Tweed Sports Club, Tweed Heads South at 2pm in the Secret Garden Room.

We have guest speakers bi-monthly. All members and intending members are invited. Phone Evelyn on 07 5599 8283.

AOOB’s Twin Towns would like to announce the results of the Mother's Day Raffle drawn on the May 7,2016. 1st prize Tony Organ, 2nd prize Peter Rigney, 3rd prize Evelyn.

We would like to thank everyone who supported the raffle.

U3A ■ TWIN TOWNS

U3A Twin Towns are holding a Big Morning Tea to raise funds to support research into Cancer on May 20 from 10am to noon at 4 Boyd Street, Tugun. Come along and bring a plate and your friends and donate to this very worthy cause.

Bookings are essential, phone 07 5534 7333 or email: u3atwintowns@gmail.com Members will gather in June to celebrate their 25th Anniversary and several events have been held leading up to their Anniversary Celebration.

■ TWEED COAST 6311884aa

Northern Rivers Buslines

fashion houses being represented. Tickets are available in the Tweed Hospital Gift shop and at various venues around the Tweed where raffle tickets are being sold. The auxiliary will also be holding a craft stall at The Pines Shopping Centre on May 19 from 8.30am to 5pm. Proceeds from both of these events go to the Tweed Hospital Auxiliary for purchase of equipment for Tweed Hospital.

U3A Tweed Coast Friday CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

I WAS lamenting to a mate recently about flying Economy when I travel.

We were having a lively chat about our travel dreams, as you do when you reach a certain age, have finished raising a family and are more free to travel.

“I love to get away a couple of times a year,” I said to my mate. “I always travel Economy, keeps costs down.”

“Ah, yes,” said the mate, “but if you travel Economy, your kids certainly won’t. They’ll be in Business Class... spending the inheritance you left them because you sat down the back of the plane.”

That got me riled. I’d never thought of it that way.

Like most seniors I want to leave my offspring a decent amount when I go, but hey, yes, why should they get the benefits of my hard work and travel Business Class on their inheritance while I spent my twilight years squashed down the back with ageing knees and rising temper.

So, it’s up the front for me from now on. Sorry, kids, your inheritance just took a dip.

There is something indecently smug about clutching a Business Class boarding pass as you sweep to the front of the queue and board before everyone else, before the crush, before the masses come on board to bash you around the shoulders with their heavy hand luggage and rattle about in overhead lockers and squeeze nosily into the small seat next to you.

This was my experience on Cathay Pacific recently.

I am sure most airlines’ Business Class sections are gorgeous but let’s focus on Cathay for the moment because I’ve just flown from Australia to Europe and back and I’m feeling rested, sprightly, not the least jetlagged, and above all, I feel loved.

Who wouldn’t enjoy being greeted by gracious flight attendants who come at you smiling widely and bearing trays with glasses of fruit juice and champagne?

All before take-off.

The gorgeous pamper bag comes next, a little pouch of heaven: Jurlique moisturiser, refresher, hand lotion, a toothbrush and paste, a sleep mask, mouth wash and socks to put on the bare feet while the shoes rest happily in the shoe locker.

“What would you like to

SNAPSHOTS OF LIFE ANN RICKARD ann.rickard@apn.com.au

drink, Mrs Rickard?” the attendant says, pointing to bottles of top-shelf liquor and premium wines, good champagne.

It just keeps on getting better.

A white cloth is gently placed over your large meal tray, and the gracious attendants offer multi courses of culinary joy.

You change all your preconceptions about inedible airline food once you’ve feasted in Business Class.

Everything is more than edible. It’s wickedly good, and there is so much of it.

Prawns with a crispy bacon and white cabbage salad with beetroot cream; Chilean sea bass with baby kale, saffron fennel mash and gazpacho sauce; braised beef cheek, lamb chop, spinach, roasted pepper and truffle gnocchi. And here’s the thing ... it really tastes as good as it sounds.

Time now for the true pleasure of Business Class, that coveted thing that outweighs all the joy of the food, the wine, the movies, the warm nuts, the pamper bag, even the shoe locker ... the flat bed.

Off you go, press the user-friendly button on the side of your seat and down glides the back while simultaneously up glides the front.

In one smooth movement you are laid back, feet up on the ottoman, ready to relax until you touch down in Paris.

But another press of the button and further down you smoothly glide until you are flat back, on a bed long enough for even the tallest of people.

With a soft doona and comfortable people there is nothing more to look forward to other than your pleasant dreams ... until you are softly awakened to find more gracious attendants on hand with yet more sublime offerings.

For more information on Cathay Pacific, its Business, Premium Economy and Economy class sections and its routes from Australia to destinations all over the world: visit: www.cathaypacific. com.au

Seniors 13

Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Keeping your heart and blood vessels in shape

Christine Porter is a prize-winning professional artist and is one of the speakers at Inspiring Lismore.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

FROM PAGE 12

Forum. This month’s topic sounds fascinating, ‘Healthy Minds’. What does this mean and what can we do about it? Our guest speaker Dr Sandra Masih will share some insights gained from her many years of experience in this field. Knowing ‘Seniors’ there are sure to be some light-hearted and funny moments.

Held on Friday, June 3 at the Uniting Church Hall, 24 Kingscliff Street, Kingscliff at 2pm and finish with an enjoyable time and afternoon tea. $2 donation please.

Enquiries to Val on 0421 686 310.

YAMBA BOWLING CLUB EUCHRE

Yamba Bowling Club Euchre Club, runs a twice weekly event, Monday and Thursday from 7pm, with 20 participants on each evening.

We cordially invite visitors to our area to attend any of these gatherings. $30 prize pool, plus numerous jackpots. The Big one will be our second major Tournament, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 October. $3,000 prize pool (dependent on numbers) Check it out on google ‘Yamba Euchre Tournament’.

NSA TWIN TOWNS

Gold Coast South – Twin Towns Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia.

Serving from Tallebudgera to The Tweed will hold its next General Meeting on Sunday, May 22 at 10am in the RSL Sub-Branch Anzac Room of the Twin Towns Services Club.

If you served in any Forces of the Commonwealth between 1951 -1972 then why not join us and re kindle the camaraderie you experienced during your Service. We also have a CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

HEART disease is far too common in Queensland.

We all know of or have heard about someone dying from a heart attack and sometimes we wonder how this could have happened? “He or she seemed so fit and well and it seemed to come out of the blue.”

So what can we do to try and prevent early onset of heart and blood vessel damage?

Unfortunately you usually do not know that you have risk factors for heart disease because often there are no symptoms to warn you. So here is my checklist for reducing the risk: If you smoke, then quit.

There are now numerous programs available through your local GP and pharmacy and with newer medications which can assist in the quitting process, the excuses for continuing to smoke are very few.

Get your blood pressure checked. High blood pressure does not usually cause any symptoms and so the only way to know if yours is elevated is to get it measured.

GOOD MEDICINE Dr MICHAEL GILLMAN If it is high when measured, then it may be worthwhile investing in an electronic blood pressure monitor so you can see what the readings are like in the “real world”.

Take some readings in the morning, during the day, at home and at work so you can get an idea of what is happening in a typical day.

Get your blood sugar level tested.

Impaired glucose tolerance is a precursor for diabetes and again does not have any obvious symptoms.

A fasting blood test ordered by your doctor is the only way to accurately check your levels.

Get your blood lipid or fat levels tested and make sure you know what your “good” and “bad” cholesterol levels are.

There are no symptoms for high lipid levels and again this needs to be

investigated by a blood test from your doctor.

Be physically active and maintain a healthy diet.

There is so much confusing and conflicting advice given about diet and exercise.

If we cut through all the input from marketing and various vested interest groups and simplify the advice, we come up with the following.

Cut down on refined carbohydrates (sugars), saturated fats, salt and alcohol. Try to eat whole foods rather than processed foods. Aim to do three to five hours of moderate intensity physical activity or 1.5 – 2.5 hours of vigorous intensity physical activity each week and aim to do some muscle strengthening activities on at least two days each week.

It is recommended to have these health checks from the age of 45 or from the age of 35 if you are from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background. www.drmichaelgillman. com

ARE YOU OVER 40?

YOU ARE AT RISK OF

BOWEL CANCER

A $15 investment could save your life!

BOWEL CANCER is the most curable cancer when detected early.

Bowelscan Kits are available from your participating pharmacies and Rotary stalls during May Completed kits MUST be return posted by Wednesday 1st June.

Early detection is your best protection You will be notified of your result whether positive or negative.

A Project of the Rotary Club of Lismore, promoted throughout District 9640 and supported by Australian Rotary Health

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14 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016

Lists to help keep balance CHANGING GEARS: With Eva Bennet.

SOME of you work, some of you are retired, some of you are transitioning into retirement. So, how busy is your life? If you are busy…busy…busy too much of the time on activities that drain your energy, you’re not really enjoying life.

NOW could be a good time to sit down and create three lists to help you maintain a more balanced, healthier lifestyle and not fall into the trap of becoming a workaholic or overloading yourself with commitments and draining your energy.

If you have been retired for a few years and find that life has become bland, creating the three lists can help to spice up your life and recharge the batteries.

List 1 – Write down the tasks/activities that are essential in your life.

List 2 – Write down the tasks/activities that you feel obligated to do, but in the big picture, these are the things that can drain your energy. After one of my retirement life planning seminars, a man who had been retired for five years said some things he thought were important before he retired, hadn’t been that important at all in the big picture, and had only wasted time he could have spent on more meaningful and enjoyable activities. It is not selfish to say “No” sometimes.

List 3 – Write down the things you would love to have more time to do that are not work related. I have found that the people who have developed a work-life balance, getting involved in activities outside of work and meeting new people, transition into retirement more easily.

It’s a good idea to review your list every so often and make any adjustments to keep on track.

Get back in the driver’s seat, change gears and enjoy the journey of life!

FROM PAGE 13

full Social Program and New Members are always welcome to attend. For info contact Tom Hughes, Public Officer, on 07 5513 0665.

INSPIRING LISMORE

Three local, inspirational, community leaders are sharing their stories of challenges and successes in life and business, to inspire locals with inspired work-shopping as part of the event.

We are building a community of Inspiring Community Leaders around Australia. Our aim is to connect people in villages all around Australia. We are currently in 6 locations and aim to be in 100 locations by the end of 2020. This is an opportunity for successful locals to “give back” to the community by sharing their simple, personal stories.

The event will be held on Tuesday evening, May 24 from 6.30pm to 9pm at the Lismore Library meeting room. If you or anyone you know is looking for inspiration and wish to spend an evening with other inspiring locals, this event is perfect.

100% of the ticket sales from the event are being contributed to Realising Every Dream Incorporated - a not-for-profit disability

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TWEED AREA COMPUTER TUITION

TACT has a new course called ‘Basics Plus’ starting Friday, May 27 (NB not the first Friday each month). Course enrolments for all classes will be held the last Friday of each month from 10am till noon. People can join any time.

Obtain more information by visiting the club’s website www.tact.org.au or by contacting Tact on 07 5524 9212. TACT is a self-help, not for profit, group that operates out of a fully equipped training and air-conditioned room.

The computer club is located in the South Tweed Sports Club, 4 Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed.

At the May meeting the Guest Speaker will be Barbara Waters, a local author who has recently published a book entitled ‘From There to Here’, stories from the lives of tenants in North Coast

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Wardell Knit n Knat group meet in the Wardell and District War Memorial Hall every Thursday morning from 9am-12pm.

Members do work for charity or bring their own projects.

All are welcome, even just for the knatter while supporting local charity groups. Phone Sue on 02 6683 4994.

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Tickets available online: http://inspiringaustralia. coach/inspiringlismore.

Community Housing from Tweed to Grafton.

The stories describing the many roads travelled will provide a light-hearted and entertaining talk. The next meeting is on Thursday May 19 at the South Tweed Sports Club, Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed Heads at 11am.

Members are asked to phone Kay on 07 5524 4089 by May 15 with apologies.

Visitors are very welcome and are guaranteed a warm welcome. VIEW stands for Voice Interests and Education of Women. It is one of Australia’s leading women’s volunteer organisations and supports the education of disadvantaged children through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life programmes.

■ CURRUMBINELANORA

Ladies, come along to our ‘Bring a Friend’ day on Tuesday May 24, RSL, at 10am. Our meeting will include a Guest Speaker, Mr Dennis Smith, who will inform us about Parkinson’s Disease.

We also have social events and support disadvantaged Australian students through the Smith Family Program. For Guests and Apologies please contact Carlene on 5590 8247 before 8.30am Monday, prior to Meeting. Would love to see you there.

■ TWIN TOWNS EVENING

We meet at 6.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month at the Blue Room at Tweed Bowls Club. Next meeting is May 11. New members always welcome.

Enjoy a meal with friendly ladies and help support disadvantaged Australian children. Call Barbara on 07 5523 1057 before 1pm Monday prior for guests and apologies.

TWEED BRIDGE CLUB

Bridge lessons for beginners. Six Saturdays starting June 18 at 9am.

Cost $50 includes a book, guide and morning tea.

Contact the club on 07 5536 1570 if you are interested.

MARINE RESCUE POINT DANGER

Volunteers required for Marine Rescue Point Danger with opportunities for positions in Marine Operations, Communications and Fundraising.

Please contact Glenda on 07 5536 9333. Email: admin.pointdanger marinerescuensw.com

QUOTA CRAFT FAIR

The Quota Craft Fair is on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 July, open 9am to 4pm each day.

It will be held at the Tweed Heads Cultural and Civic Centre, cnr Brett and Wharf Streets, Tweed Heads.

Admission: Adults $5, School Students $3, Under 12 Free.

Proceeds to Blair Athol Support Services and Quota Local Projects.

Enquiries to Sue Wickham 07 5524 2618, Barbara Lee 02 6674 3276.

Light Refreshments available and a wide range of crafts on display and for sale, including patchwork, jewellery making, card-making, woodwork, handmade crafts, tatting, embroidery, painting and much more. * WE value your community group notices and welcome your community notes and pictures into our Seniors Northern NSW monthly publication.

You are invited to email your notices and photos to editor@seniorsnewspaper .com.au

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A happy group enjoying and chat and a bite to eat from the Wardell community of Ballina Shire.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

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Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Freedom of mind, body

A CELEBRATION: At Love Lennox, the Slider Buskers.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Lennox Head street party

THE Love Lennox Festival is a celebration of everything we love about Lennox Head as a quality cultural destination – beautiful beaches, family ambience, superb quality food and drinks, chic boutiques, great music and exciting entertainment for all, with special events for the kids.

Love Lennox Festival will be even better this year, with the addition of live music in various

venues going into the evening.

This is proving to be a very popular annual event in Lennox Head with a festival atmosphere, markets, arts and crafts and entertainment. A full day of free and family friendly celebrating life in the village. The event starts at 9am and is a family fun atmosphere with a variety of performances by buskers and entertainers, local business specials and

give-aways and heaps more!

Activities this year include the Dogs of Lennox competition and a surfboard Swap Meet and the Flavours of Lennox which encourages local eateries to sway their customers with enticing $5 flavours and the chance to win People’s Choice Award.

More information go to web site http://lovelennox. com.au/

MONDAY, April 25 was ANZAC Day and so it seems particularly apt we talk freedom.

How much freedom have these freedom fighters really managed to salvage?

In a report published by the US Department of Veterans Affairs at least 22 American veterans take their lives every day.

It’s no secret that yoga can aid mental well being.

And recent scientific studies indicate that yogic practices are very effective in the treatment of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) It is believed that through the practise of all the eight limbs of Yoga as described by the ancient sage Patanjali, it is possible to create new neurological pathways.

Can this be true?

On a physical level, yoga and freedom are simpler to explain. The great Yin Yoga pioneer, Paul Grilley, has some succinct logical things to say about the trajectory of aging.

He says that all humans follow the same trajectory of aging, but, some faster than other. Hence the only way to die young is to slow the aging process down.

TARAJI JOURNEY THERESAHERN But how?

In the words of Ashley Montagu: “the idea is to die young as late as possible” Yoga definitely is a key to dying young according to Tara from Tarji Journeys. Check out what she has to say here www.taraji.com.au/yoga.

She is convinced the yogic path has profound results in producing new neurological pathways.

Grilley points out the aging trajectory begins with birth. From the day we are born we become more yin-like. Yin represents stability whereas yang represents mobility.

Babies are all mobility and flexibility and need to gain stability or strength.

The first stages of aging are about gaining strength, not flexibility.

Focus on the muscles!

Get stronger. More yang like. At some point, perhaps in our 20s or 30s, we reach that mid-point. We are

balanced between yin and yang: we have the flexibility and the stability we need. But, unfortunately, the trajectory continues, we keep getting more yin-like.

If only we could hit the pause button and stay there, but we can’t.

As we age, we get stiffer and stiffer. We can be strong well into our declining years, but the real health issues develop out of stagnation. Our joints shrink-wrap. Our ligaments shrink. Our brains shrink. We dry up and curl up, until, like a leaf in autumn, we crumble into dust and blow away. As we age, we need more yin practice to combat the growing rigidity.

Youth is a time for yang: Seniors need yin. Of course we need it all, but it is the relative importance that changes.

Most of the seniors that practise yoga are wanting to regain mobility, especially in their joints, or to rekindle the flow of energy through their bodies.

By following the energy water ways of yin yoga we can all head down that path to dying young.

Namaste, Tara

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seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016

Experience the third life chapter with lots of joy SENIORS, Boomers, whatever label you identify with … a very warm welcome to this third chapter in your lives.

For me this time is one for living “juicy”.

It doesn’t have to be a path of decline, but a time for re-imagining our lives with courage, passion and creativity.

Some of you may have re-invented your lives, moved interstate,

Mariana Trapera, psychotherapist.

CONTRIBUTED

embraced new learning, or be caring for family, or following your dreams.

Given we seem to be living longer than generations before us, the spotlight is now on us!

As I’ve been sailing through these transition years with relative ease, I feel confident that you can too, with renewed optimism, extra skills and clarity about what’s important to you now.

Often transitions require bridging the old and new realities –

composing a new life story.

Our third chapter can offer us the space for slowing down, for introspection, and for letting go of any grief or loss.

Even “wasting” time is allowed!

It can also be a season in search of a purpose. A more meaningful life after work. Or sharing pearls of wisdom with your grandchildren.

Despite feeling invisible at times, we “grey-haired adolescents” can still take the stage. With our accumulated years of experience, resilience and wisdom, we can start a revolution.

In the months ahead, I plan to share with you the insights I’ve gathered about juicy ageing into my 69th year, including latest heart and brain research, the field of epigenetics

Message from your NSW state Minister Minister for Ageing John Ajaka updates us THE brightest minds from government, academia, business and the non-government sector have come together to discuss how NSW can seize the opportunities being created by an ageing population at a roundtable held at the Museum of Contemporary Art this month.

Minister for Ageing John Ajaka hosted the roundtable as part of consultations to renew the NSW Aging Strategy.

More than 20 representatives attended including representatives from the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Aging, Telstra, the NRMA, Westpac, Urban Taskforce and Mission Australia.

“The so-called ‘greying’ of the community will mean significant change for our people, our communities and our economy. All too often, pundits focus on the challenges of an aging population. But this change isn’t one-sided.

Change brings with it both challenges and opportunities,” Mr Ajaka said.

“The task for people, communities, business and government is how best to manage the challenges and, most importantly, seize the

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The NSW Aging Strategy is a whole-ofgovernment approach to responding to an ageing population... opportunities being created by an aging population.

“This roundtable was focused on how government can better work with the private sector, including harnessing their ideas and innovation, to deliver the best outcomes for our

NSW Minister for Ageing John Ajaka.

seniors.”

The NSW Ageing Strategy is a whole-of-government approach to responding to

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

an ageing population that is based on community input. The Strategy is aimed at ensuring older people can experience all

the benefits of living longer, and are able to fully participate in life.

The proposed five key priority areas of the Strategy include: ■ Health and wellbeing ■ Working and Retirement ■ Housing choices ■ Getting around ■ Inclusive communities The Strategy is a ‘living’ document, and is now being revised from the ground up based on the feedback from stakeholders and the community. The Strategy led to the creation of highly successful initiatives like Tech Savvy Seniors, the Elder Abuse Helpline and the expansion of the NSW Seniors Card.

The second NSW Ageing Strategy will be released later in 2016. For more information on the first NSW Ageing Strategy, visit: www.adhc.nsw.gov.au

Can a healthy diet prevent dementia?

By Catherine Escher and Rowena Gomez, PhD (Palo Alto University)

WE all know that eating healthy is good for our bodies as we age, but did you know that eating certain foods may reduce your risk of dementia?

Science shows some promising results.

Recently, research on healthy aging has examined the relationships between diet, dementia, and cognitive decline. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH

Diet) and the Mediterranean Diet have been used in interventions to improve brain health and function.

These two diets were initially used to improve heart and general health.

And two studies showed that cognitive performance improved after participants followed the DASH (Smith et al., 2010) and Mediterranean Diets (Martínez-Lapiscina et al., 2013).

Inspired by the DASH and Mediterranean Diets, Morris and colleagues (2015) combined the best

of both of these diets and added a few items shown to improve brain health (i.e., green leafy vegetables and berries) to see whether a new diet could reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease in older adults. The result was the MIND diet (Mediterranean-I ntervention for Neurodegenerative Delay).

Source: Martha Clare Morris, et al. (2015) Morris and her colleagues studied eating patterns of 923 older adults over a period of about 4.5 years to see

whether they developed Alzheimer’s disease. The results? Those who successfully followed any of the three diets were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who did not.

Despite slight differences, the common ingredients between these diets are high amounts of vegetables and low amounts of processed foods containing saturated fats.

The main take-away being that a healthy diet consisting of natural,

plant-based foods may reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

It is important to note that these research findings do not prove that eating certain foods will prevent dementia.

Despite this, we still recommend a diet high in vegetables and low in processed foods to our family members who are concerned about cognitive decline as they get older.

The only potential “side effects” of eating healthier are a healthier body and mind – so eat up!

and longevity, techniques I’ve found helpful, and insights gained from years of self-inquiry and deep, spiritual practice.

I’ll also be inspiring you to embrace your senior years with zest and optimism, so that you too can age with more joy, ease and wellness. http://thejuicyyears. blogspot.com.au http://www.heartand soulawakenings.com

Sitting a pet in your time THE best thing about retirement is having all the free time and doing fun things. As many people say life begins at retirement, when you can invest time in hobbies that you couldn’t do before.

One of the latest hobbies that is becoming extremely popular amongst retirees across Australia is pet sitting (when pets are cared for in local homes for travelling pet owners).

5 reasons why pet sitting is the perfect pastime if you can’t commit to owning a pet full time: 1 Extra income – By becoming a pet sitter, you can earn up to $1000 a month depending on the services you provide to travelling pet owners in the comfort of your own home.

2 Companionship – A pet can be a great companion for those whose kids have moved away or have lost their spouse. They can be the perfect cure to loneliness.

3 Stress Buster – Pets can help relieve stress and also be of great help for people suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.

4 Fitness buddy – Exercise is an integral part of our lives, playing with a pet makes seniors more active 5 Bodyguard –Dogs are often considered the best for guarding a house, even a small dog can deter a robber with barking.

Best of all you’re the boss, and can choose the hours or days you’re available, and pick the pets you want to look after.

Deb Morrison is the chief executive officer of online pet-sitting website, www.petcloud.com.au

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Helping seniors move Delivering a new service for a growing market of older people THE saying “necessity is the mother of invention” means, roughly, that the chief motive behind the newest ideas, or services, is a need. Senior move managers are delivering a new service for a growing market.

In the next 40 years or so the number of seniors is anticipated to increase by about 24% or 1.8 million people.

Such a dramatic change to our demographics means lifestyles, services and family expectations and responsibilities will change. For some, it’s happening already.

The rise of the “sandwich generation” (a generation of people, typically in their thirties or forties, working full time, responsible both for bringing up their own children and for the care of their ageing parents) is the driving force behind the growing demand for senior move managers.

Why do people use a senior move manager?

When older adults decide to downsize the family home and move to a smaller residence or make a transition to a

retirement home, it’s common not to have moved in 30, 40 or even 50 years. The thought of the organisation, project management and physical activity related to such a big pack and move is overwhelming for the entire family.

Calling on a senior move manager who has the multi-faceted skills and time to empathetically arrange a move is an excellent solution for families with work

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Calling on a senior move manager who has the multi-faceted skills and time to empathetically arrange a move is an excellent solution commitments, who are geographically dispersed, living interstate or overseas and simply can’t be there to help with the moving process.

HELP WITH MOVING:Leah Steinberg and Clarissa Brandt realise s eniors are often daunted by the prospect of moving home.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

What does a senior move manager do?

First and foremost a senior move manager takes the stress out of transition and moving. By understanding the unique needs of each client a senior move manager creates a personalised plan to plan, perform and

position a move with absolute care, making a new home feel like home.

The list of assistance that a senior move manager can provide is exhaustive.

Just some of the tasks they can undertake include: ■ Declutter and

Life care increasingly important BABY Boomers want more than just a roof over their head as they age. Your want to be supported to live an active independent life for as long as possible. You also want high-quality homes for affordable prices in great locations.

Yes your expectations are high, but why shouldn’t they be? You’ve worked hard, probably raised a family, and now you want to enjoy life.

Setting yourself up for a comfortable retirement is important, but so is planning for when you’re a little less independent.

IRT Group operates two Lifestyle Communities on the Sunshine Coast and has just opened a third, IRT Woodlands in Kawana Forest at Meridan Plains.

According to IRT, Sunshine Coast seniors generally wait until their late 60s or early 70s to move into a lifestyle community, meaning you may need support sooner that you think.

“In deciding whether lifestyle community living is right for you, you need to consider how that community can support

INDEPENDENT LIVING: IRT Woodlands in Kawana Forest at Meridan Plains. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

you as your care needs change,” said IRT’s Queensland general manager, Lance Taylor.

“At IRT Woodlands, residents will be able to arrange for home care services to their villa, but they also have the choice of an on-site 60-suite care centre if they develop high-care needs,” Mr Taylor said.

“This means they won’t have to leave their IRT Woodlands family,” he said.

Mr Taylor said this gave people peace of mind.

“People choose to live in communities like IRT Woodlands for the lifestyle,” he said.

“We offer affordable, high-quality living in a scenic coastal setting with

top-notch facilities like a community centre, pool, BBQ area, theatre room and gym.

“It really is like being on holiday all year round, but knowing you have a home for life is also important, and IRT Woodland’s on-site care centre means we can provide that.

Visit www.irtwoodlands. org.au

downsize ■ Organise waste and donations ■ Find storage and movers ■ Arrange cleaning and maintenance ■ Co-ordinate styling and real estate ■ Help with settling in and unpacking

CONTACT CARE TO MOVE 07 3810 8619 support@caretomove .com.au www.caretomove .com.au

Supercharge your health with superfoods CANCER Council health guru, Katie Clift, shares five superfoods that are super for your health and happiness.

Superfoods, by definition, are nutrient-rich foods considered to be especially beneficial for your health and well-being.

They are readily available, delicious and affordable.

Here are my top five tips: 1. Quinoa: This protein-rich grain contains all the essential amino acids that your body needs to repair itself. With twice the protein content of rice, quinoa is also high in fibre, gluten free and a very good source of B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and manganese.

2. Broccoli: This leafy vegetable is a perfect staple to add to your diet.

It is high in fibre, folate, vitamin A, C and K. Steam your broccoli lightly for a healthy addition to any meal or add raw florets to salads.

3. Blueberries: A nutritional powerhouse whether eaten fresh or

frozen. Blueberries are very low in kilojoules, but high in all the right nutrients and antioxidants. Just a handful of these delicious berries will leave your body feeling energised.

4. Chickpeas: As part of the legume family, chickpeas are widely used in culinary dishes around the globe. From being the core ingredient in hummus, to a tasty addition in salad, these little peas are rich in nutrients. The proteins in chickpeas, on average, are of higher nutritive value than those of other grain legumes.

5. Spinach: Long established as a highly nutritional food, spinach and silverbeet are particularly high in fibre, iron, folate and magnesium. Research shows spinach also contains cancer-fighting properties and boosts brain power. A standard serve is one cup of raw leafy green, or half a cup if it’s cooked.

More information call Cancer Council on 13 11 20.

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seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016

Cancer Council Australia Pro Bono Program WE CAN help you if you or someone in your family has cancer, and you need advice.

Assistance is free for eligible clients.

The Cancer Council Pro Bono Program can help you with legal issues, financial planning, small business accounting and workplace (HR or recruitment) advice.

Some of the things we can help with are: drafting wills; early access to superannuation; mortgage hardship

variations; credit and debt issues; insurance claims and disputes; managing workplace issues before, during and after treatment; budgeting; transitioning to retirement; debt management.

Cancer Council will connect you with a lawyer, financial planner, accountant or HR/ recruitment professional who will help you.

Advice is free for eligible clients.

You will need to pass a means test in order to

qualify for free assistance.

To access this service please call 13 11 20.

Can you help us?

If you are a lawyer, financial planner accountant or HR/ recruitment professional and you would like to help us, please contact the Pro Bono manager, Sarah Penman on (02) 9334 1845 or email probono@cancercouncil. org.au for information.

For more go to www. cancercouncil.com.au.

Start planning to fund your own retirement THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE Working Australians have almost one-tenth of their salary added to their super each year through employer contributions.

Yet many people aren’t embracing the benefits of super to grow a nest egg.

A recent study by MLC found two out of five Australians don’t think they will be able to fund their own retirement, and expect to rely on government support in their senior years.

One in five people are pinning their hopes on a big inheritance to ensure their financial security.

At present, 53% of Australia’s retirees rely on the government as a source of income, and given our ageing population it’s hard to see how this level of support can be sustained.

This is why we are continually being urged to

build a pot of retirement savings ourselves, and superannuation provides an ideal way.

Super is lightly taxed when we’re in the work force, and you can withdraw your super tax-free from age 60.

That makes super far more tax-friendly than investments held outside super – and much more of a sure thing than an inheritance.

As we head towards the end of the financial year, it’s worth looking at ways to grow your nest egg.

If you’re a PAYG worker, consider speaking with the boss about adding to your super through salary sacrifice.

This is where you choose to have part of your before-tax salary paid into super rather than receiving it as cash in hand. Salary sacrifice can fast track your nest egg.

If you’re self-employed, making contributions to super can provide a valuable tax deduction.

You can claim a tax break for up to $30,000 of contributions for the

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current financial year, or $35,000 if you were aged 49 or over on June 30, 2015.

If your spouse is a low income earner (less than $13,800 annually) or not working, you may be able to claim a $540 tax offset when you make a contribution of up to $3000 to his or her fund.

Low to middle income earners can cash in on the government’s co-contribution scheme.

If your income for the current financial year will be below $50,454, tipping $1000 into super from your own pocket could see the government add as much as $500 tax-free to your fund.

Check out the co-contribution calculator on the government’s MoneySmart website to know what you could be entitled to.

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.

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PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

A look at top 20 stocks performance Tim Maher at Maher Digby Securities

ONE of the big standouts of the lethargic performance of the Australian sharemarket in recent times has been the underperformance of the large cap stocks. Banks have been down, the supermarket wars have taken their toll on our major retailers, and until very recently, resource companies were being decimated due to the collapse in commodity prices.

The top 20 stocks account for almost 50% by market capitalisation of the ASX, so when they are going backwards, it is hard for the overall market to go up. And they have been struggling.

In the year to the end of March, the top 20 stocks returned (including dividends) -16.34%. This compares to the overall market’s return of -9.59%.

So far in 2016, the overall market is close to flat at -0.19% (including dividends), while the top 20 still lags at -3.42%.

When you view returns over a longer time frame, as you may probably guess, they are more closely aligned. Over the 5 years to end March, they are about the same, while over 10 years, the top 20 has outperformed with a return of 5.29% pa compared to the S&P/ASX 200 return of 4.43% pa.

While the US markets are now not that far off the highs they touched last

year, the Aussie market at 5216 has a long way to go to challenge the 6,000 level that it got so very close to in March 2015.

Improved performance in the Australian Market top 20 would require some fundamental elements: The commodity prices need to bottom - the market has to believe that the worst is behind and that there aren’t producers or companies

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in the top 20, but there is potential for improvement if governing influences stabilise.

For more Information contact Tim Maher at Maher Digby Securities Pty Ltd - Financial Advisers – AFSL No. 230559 (see advert Page 3). Ph: 07 5441 1266 or visit our website www.maherdigby.com.au This document was prepared without taking into account any person’s

The Aussie dollar would need to stay down to help the economy keep growing, otherwise some of our large cap companies will find delivering top line growth pretty difficult. servicing the mining industry in danger of collapse. With the oil price stabilizing around US$40 a barrel and iron ore surging through US$60 a tonne, BHP and Rio had strong rallies in early April.

In regard to the Banks, the market needs to gain confidence that bad debts are under control and that there isn’t a risk of a major deterioration.

The Aussie dollar would need to stay down to help the economy keep growing, otherwise some of our large cap companies will find delivering top line growth pretty difficult.

So currently the Australian market is flat based on market influences on key players

particular objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not guaranteed as accurate or complete and should not be relied upon as such.

Maher Digby Securities does not accept any responsibility for the opinions, comments, forward looking statements, and analysis contained in this document, all of which are intended to be of a general nature. Investors should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to their personal objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend consulting a financial advisor.

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Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Take Kyäni for health Help your body help itself

BOOK THIS SPACE!

Seniors News Embracing b Ageing

TOP TRIO: All products are food and plant-based.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

THE Kyäni Triangle of Health features three distinct products.

They are all food and plant-based to help create more energy, more nutrition and to create an environment where our bodies can heal themselves.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re two years old or 92 years old.

Each product works systematically to provide optimal wellness with one easy-to-use system.

1. Encourages normal immune system function.

2. Assists in maintaining normal cardiac function.

3. Maintains normal skin and mucous membranes.

4. Protects the body’s cells from oxidative damage.

5. Enhances normal function of the nervous system – relieving stress.

6. Maintains normal fat

metabolism and energy production.

7. Promotes normal neurological function.

8. Assists in normal blood formation and cell division.

9. Contributes to macronutrient metabolism.

The Kyäni Triangle of Health was created using the cutting-edge science to help you and your family Experience More.

Most people feel a significant improvement in as little as two to four weeks.

As a result, Kyäni now offers a 30-day trial with a money-back guarantee.

Contact us today to learn how you can Experience More with Kyäni.

Phone Barry on 0477 279 105 or Christine on 0409 644 852 from NEWSTART to Wellness.

Email: barry@newstart2 wellness.com.au

Keep your life in check with bowel cancer scan AUSTRALIANS participating in Rotary’s lifesaving bowel cancer awareness initiative will benefit from the inclusion of faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) in all Rotary-branded bowel screening kits this year.

The tests are available in participating Australian pharmacies or on line at bowelscanqueensland. org.au from May 1.

The program will see more than 120,000 FITs used as part of the Rotary

Bowelscan programs this year across Australia.

The FIT is one of the most effective and easiest ways to reduce the risk of bowel cancer.

Gastroenterologist, Dr Howard Hope, said the national inclusion of the faecal immunochemical tests was an important next step for the already successful program.

“Bowel cancer is the second most common newly diagnosed cancer in Australia,” Dr Hope said.

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20 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016

travel

Travelling overseas, local or interstate? You will find all the information you need in Seniors’ colourful travel pages.

River cruising luxury

Wall-to-wall comfort as a kaleidoscope of Europe’s charms glides past your panoramic window Ann Rickard

IF EVER there was a holiday designed specifically for us mature folks, it would have to be river cruising.

There are many reasons for this, more about them in a minute, but the top one would surely be: no children on board.

We love children, most of us seniors are doting grandparents, but we don’t love the little tykes when they are running amok around the decks and lounges on a ship.

River cruising is not designed for children, there are no facilities for them, they’d be bored.

River cruising suits those of us who enjoy the ease of being moved smoothly from one place to another, those who love to unpack just the once, who adore being pampered and wined and dined to the brim. Those who love a no-bingo-orextravagant-theatre policy, those who are more the gather-around-the-piano type.

Avalon Waterways’ newest river ship, Imagery II, has just been launched on the Rhine, formally christened by “godmother”, New

Zealand personality, Judy Bailey. It now awaits your pleasure.

You are going to love this spanking new ship with its Suite Ship policy: two entire decks of roomy suites with marble bathrooms complete with L’Occitane products, and more space than any other ships cruising Europe’s great rivers.

What you are going to love beyond all the many loveable details on board Imagery II, is the wall-to-wall windows in your suite, a whole wall that slides back to transform your suite into one large alfresco balcony and – this is luxury without measure – the bed faces the window.

Think about that.

You wake up each morning in a comfortable wide bed beneath a floaty white doona to lazily watch a kaleidoscope of Europe’s charms glide past your panoramic window.

If you (or better still, your mate) has padded quietly to the elegant lounge at the aft of the ship, where a gleaming coffee machine will dispense any coffee style of your choice, and he brings it back along with a big home-baked cookie to enjoy in bed, well, you are

AVALON WATERWAYS Avalon Waterways offers river cruises across Europe including the eight-day Romantic Rhine itinerary travelling between Zurich and Amsterdam.

Highlights include Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rudesheim, the Rhine Gorge, Koblenz and Cologne. Departures in 2017 now on sale, priced from $3462 per person twin share.

FLY WITH CATHAY: Until May 31, 2016, Avalon Waterways is offering return economy flights to Europe with airlines including Cathay Pacific from $789 per person with all 2017 European cruises of 7-14 days. Cruises of 15 days or more are available with free return economy flights. www.cathaypacific.com.au For full details and bookings see travel agents, or for information visit www.avalonwaterways.com.au Deluxe Stateroom: from $3462 per person twin share Panorama Suite: from $4371 per person twin share Royal Suite: from $5421 per person twin share

going to be in holiday heaven aren’t you?

And your exciting day hasn’t even started yet.

The unprecedented growth in river cruising has astonished everyone in the travel industry, even Avalon Waterways’ management who are frantically building more ships to keep up with demand.

Avalon Waterways does not let its ships age.

When they are only just past juvenile stage, they are sold or sent off to ship

graveyard.

Hence, all Avalon’s long sleek river ships are modern and fresh. None more so than Imagery II. The decor is contemporary and restful with tasteful and luxurious object d’art and contemporary art works at every turn.

The lounges and dining room are fitted with up-to-the-minute furniture with exquisite fabrics.

On the expansive top open-air deck, the sun lounges beckon, and a

small spa sits beside a giant deck chess set. The chef even grows his own herbs in pots up on the deck.

You will never be short of something exciting to do on Imagery II as her itinerary stops at some of Europe’s most beautiful cities, towns and villages.

And the ship docks right in the heart of things. You have only to walk off to have Avalon’s private buses with local guides waiting a few steps away to whisk you into the heart of Europe’s excitement, history and culture.

There is always at least one free shore excursion at every stop, and a host of others to suit all tastes, whether it is exploring flourishing wineries, trawling ancient castles, visiting impressive museums, gazing at mighty cathedrals, indulging in shopping or a enjoying a night of classical music.

Themed cruises are planned: wellness, adventure, culture. There is much to look forward to.

On our itinerary, stops included Wiesbaden in Germany, where a walk of the old town Mainz took us through centuries of German history, and where the spring flowers and rows of daffodils

made us feel even more welcome.

At Lahnstein in Germany, we were taken to the Marksburg Castle where local guides led us through the vast and gloomy halls of this great castle and gave us vivid insight into life in the middle ages (very uncomfortable it was back then, no electricity or running water, but at least plenty of servants to empty chamber pots.)

After every excursion there was a warm welcome back on board Imagery II, with the crew greeting us like much-missed friends before showing us the lounge where coffee and cake waited.

This Romantic Rhine cruise on Imagery II glides you past some of Europe’s prettiest charms: Hansel and Gretel houses, endless vineyards stretching high on rising hills, and too many castles to count (although we tried, got to 42 at one stage.)Comfort is what most of us prioritise for our travels as we age.

Followed by ease of getting from A to B. Imagery II provides the lot.

The writer was a guest on board Imagery II.

Seniors 21

Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Hosted Rail, Coach, Air & Cruise Tours AUSTRALIAN FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED ON THE GOLD COAST 11 Days $2,190*

Cowboys, Caves & Castles

*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare.

Single supp $490

• Staying Townsville, Charters Towers, Undara & Cairns • Meals • Charters Towers, Miners Cottage, Ghosts of Gold Tour • Undara Lava Tubes guided tour then a bush breakfast in the Ringers Camp • Savannahlander tour from Mt Surprise – Cairns • Cairns City Sights & Skyrail experience • Daintree River Cruise, Mossman Gorge and Port Douglas Tour • Paronella Park – Castle in the Wilderness • Cassowary Coast • Gorgeous Green Island with glass bottom boat & coral and reef tour • Friendly & helpful tour host

Per person twin share Single supp $340

Tour dates: 6th September 2016

• Bowral Tulip Feasterville • Bradman Museum • 3 Nights Canberra Floriade • Parliament House & War Memorial • Captain Thunderbolts Grave • Armidale & Tenterfield • Fully Hosted Tour date: 17th Sep

8 Days $1048*

*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare. Single supp $290

Drovers & Stargazers Tour date: 12th July

• Accommodation in Longreach, Blackall & Charleville LAST SEATS AVAILABLE • Meals • Sunset Cruise on the Thomson River, Dinner & waterhole camp dinner with “Smithy’s Outback Spectacular” • Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Stockie’s Show Qantas Museum & Tour of 747 • Winton, Waltzing Matilda, Age of Dinosaurs • Strathmore Station

Grand Adventure Gold Service

11 Days $2,290*

*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare. Single supp $650

7 Days From $3,920*

*(Senior Pension /CSHC fare, twin share)

• Includes Return Flights from Brisbane, 3 Days Gold Service on The Ghan, • 2 nights Darwin & 2 nights Adelaide • Delicious meals (& Beverages while traveling on The Ghan) • Stay in Darwin with City Sights Darwin Tour • 3 Days on the Ghan with all off train tours, meals & beverages included in Gold Service • Tour Adelaide, visit Handorf • As with all our tours a helpful Tour date: 3rd Oct 2016 fun tour host will travel with group

• Accommodation at 4 star Cairns Queenslander • Meals on tour • Gorgeous Green Island • Paronella Park, Innisfail, Scenic Cassowary Coast • Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree River Cruise • Skyrail, Kuranda, Mareeba to Jaques Coffee Plantation • Helpful fun tour host Tour dates: 13th, 20th June, 25th July, 31st Oct

10 Days $3499*

Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide

Staying on Daydream Island & Airlie Beach

• Bowen, Coffee Plantation • Daydream Island with Full Hot and Cold Buffet Breakfast • Daydream Island, Port of Airlie and wander through the New Marine precinct • Markets & Airlie / Shute Harbour Tour with Lunch at the Whitsunday sailing club Departure date: 2nd September • Crocodile Safari &

Bowral Tulips, Canberra Floriade Escorted Coach Tour 8 Days $2,299* *p/p t/share & Spring in the Highlands

Cairns, Daintree & Cassowary Coast

7 Days $1,029*

Whitsunday Daydreaming

*per person Twin Share ($590.00 single supplement) *Includes return airfares from Brisbane

8 Days From $2,795*

Norfolk Island Show day

*(twin share, Single sup $450)

• Return Airfares • Melbourne through to Adelaide • Geelong, Apollo Bay • 12 Apostils, Warrnambool • Mt Gambier, Victor Harbour • Kangaroo Island & Seal Bay

Selling Fast book your spot Now !!!

• Orientation Tour • Mutiny on the Bounty • Night as a Convict • Breakfast Walk, Wonderland by Night

• Hahndorf, Adelaide Tours • Helpful Host

Best of Coastal Queensland

Tour date: 7th Oct

10 Days $1,599* *Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare.

Single supp $320

• Cairns, Skyrail, Kuranda, Port Douglas • Mossman Gorge & Daintree River Cruise

*Plus applicable rail fare Single supp $490

• Convict Settlement Tour • Show Day !!!!!!

• Friendly local Host • Unique Show day tour

Indian Pacific Gold & WA Wild Flowers

Tour date: 4th Oct

14 Days $5,490*

*Per person twin share. Single supp $1000

Departure dates: 16th July, 1st Oct.

• Green Island day tour • Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour • 3 Island Tour, Daydream, Hamilton and the Iconic Whitehaven Beach • Rail content can be booked with discounts applied.

• Helpful Host

We book and apply your pension card discounted rates for rail content of the tour. * All tours subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances.

Includes travel time.

Tour date: 25th Aug • Gold Class Premium Service on the Indian Pacific for 3 nights with all meals and beverages and many Off Train excursions included • 4 Nights in Perth • Swan River Cruise

Call 07 5529 9322

• 7 Nights Southern Western Australia Wild Flower Tour • Margaret River and Wineries • All Breakfasts, Dinners and most Lunches, Fully Hosted • Experienced Coach Captain

www.greatvalueholidays.com.au E: info@greatvalueholidays.com.au 6298937ab

MORE GREAT TOURS AND DESTINATIONS CALL FOR BROCHURE

22 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016

Connect with country Learning from Barcaldine’s Tree of Knowledge Erle Levey

THERE is one thing Outback Queensland offers apart from its well-known bush hospitality, the country air and big skies of a night … its history.

Barcaldine Shire mayor Rob Chandler sums it up well when he says: “Australia grew from inside out when it opened up the outback.”

There are few better places to understand a chapter in Australia’s history than at the Tree of Knowledge in this town.

In 1891 the ghost gum directly in front of the railway station witnessed a divisive confrontation that threatened to plunge the nation into civil war as striking shearers stopped non-union labourers arriving by train to fill their jobs.

The strike was a bitter campaign fuelled by lowering of shearers’ conditions by sheep station owners.

Now, 125 years later, a dramatic reconstruction of the seven-metre high tree

Tourism is an integral part of the Barcaldine Shire’s economy.

PHOTO: ERLE LEVEY

stands outside the station where visitors are welcomed, with tourism being an integral part of the Barcaldine Shire’s economy.

Celebrations for the anniversary will be highlighted by a town party and street parade on May 1 this year.

Yet in 1891 the wool industry was the unrivalled economic pillar of the colony of Queensland.

The 200-year-old ghost gum saw protesting sheep shearers mark the foundation of the Australian Labor Party.

Striking shearers

YAMBA TOURS

marched under the Eureka flag to put forward their protests against poor working conditions and low wages.

In 1991, the tree was found to be suffering from dieback but it in an act of vandalism it was poisoned with glyphosate in 2006.

Two years later the tree was successfully cloned by workers at the former Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

More information: www.treeofknowledge. com.au * The writer was a guest of Queensland Rail Travel and Outback Queensland Tourism

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Contact Vickie & Rick Lea for an Information Pack LOCAL KNOWLEDGE, LOCAL DRIVER & TOUR DIRECTOR SHOWCASING THE CLARENCE VALLEY www.yambatours.com.au vickie@yambatours.com.au

HISTORIC SITE: The Tree of Knowledge, Barcaldine. Photo: Erle Levey, Sunshine Coast Newspapers PHOTO: ERLE LEVEY

YOU will see more, do more and learn more when you travel on an escorted small group tour.

“Senior travellers should enjoy being seniors, relax and not let a holiday become hard work,” says Ken Osetroff, director of Toursgallery.

Why go through the agony of staying in your own badly-chosen hotels, missing the train, getting lost and not knowing where to go?

On an escorted tour your tour manager is with you every day to help overcome the worry and frustration of travelling in a foreign country.

Forget about trying to find hotels, where and when to catch the bus, or trying to work out where the best shops can be found.

Your tour manager can take you to special places known only to the locals, craft artisan’s supply shops, neighbourhood flea markets and rural villages. Group tours gained a bad reputation years ago when mass production travel companies crammed 55 people into a 55-seat bus.

HAPPY GROUP: Sumo Stadiuma, Destination Management.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Today, Toursgallery guarantees that every person on their coach tours can have two seats, by limiting each group to between 10 and 15 guests. You are no longer just a number in a crowd, when your Toursgallery tour manager and local guides are able to provide you with personal attention.

“We often add more visits than what is written in our brochure.” said Osetroff. “When possible, we do like to give our guests more than what they have paid for.”

Most of Toursgallery’s guests are over 50 years of age, but younger people who appreciate the

benefits of escorted small group travel often join these tours.

For over 30 years Toursgallery has been creating and operating 15 exclusive journeys every year to Japan, Greece, USA, Iceland, UK and Costa Rica. These tours are designed for the discerning traveller who likes quality accommodation, meals and all entry fees included.

Toursgallery’s Brisbane office is also a fully licensed travel agency, where guests can speak directly with the people who design each tour.

Phone 1300 307 317 if you would like to talk about your travel plans.

Seniors 23

Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Fun rides on for Beef Week

GREAT LINE-UP: Apia Good Times Tour 2016 at Twin town Services Club on June 4.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Apia Good Times back on 2016 tour

BEFFED UP: Supporters of Casino Beef Week in 2015 line up, (from left) Belinda Dockrill, Ebony Nowlan, John Hamilton, Grant Shedden, Sarah Yeo, festival president Stuart George, Lena Mager and Frank McKey. PHOTO: MARC STAPELBERG

By Yvonne Gardiner

CASINO looks set to be jam-packed from May 21–31 as the townsfolk celebrate Beef Week.

Accommodation is booked out and the program is planned for 11 days of family fun.

This year, the annual Beef Week Festival theme is Around the World.

Beef Week president Stuart George said the theme gave a broad range of ideas for the parade and town to dress up.

“You could decorate your store as your favourite city like New York or you could choose the national costume of your

favourite country – the options are endless,” he said.

Retiree and Beef Week committee member John Hamilton said the event was one of the biggest on the NSW North Coast.

“We can have up to 15,000 people at the Saturday parade. It’s nationally known,” he said.

“It’s a community celebration. The focus of the week is family-orientated.

“We aim to have new things every year.

“I think it gives the community an opportunity to celebrate who we are, and to feel good about

ourselves.

“The interest and the energy are not waning at both committee and festival level.”

Mr Hamilton said there was much to celebrate with the beef industry enjoying peak prices.

“That’s what the town rides on,” he said.

“The Chinese are having a good taste of our veal, so there’s big markets opening up in that.

“The prices are as high as they’ve ever been.”

The festival, sponsored by the Northern Co-operative Meat Company, runs for 11 days and hosts about 100

events.

With a focus on cattle and life on the land, the Casino Beef Week Festival is expected to attract about 20,000 people.

On the main Saturday, cattle competitions are followed by a live auction.

Rides, rodeos and the free Breakfast with the Butchers draw visitors seeking a fun rural experience.

Also on offer: Sideshow alley; races; a fitness competition; family day; busking; fashion; an art exhibition; bush poetry; orchid show; cow milking; craft show; and whip-cracking … something for everyone.

APIA is thrilled to announce that Apia Good Times Tour is bouncing back in 2016 for the fourth consecutive year.

With another stellar line-up of Antipodean legends including Daryl Braithwaite, Kate Ceberano and, making their Good Times debut, Jon Stevens and John Paul Young will take to the stage to perform their hits separately and together for a show that will have audiences across the country up on their feet.

Daryl Braithwaite is one of Australia’s premier live performers with an award-winning career spanning more than 35 years.

Kate Ceberano is an icon in Australian music.

She is also the first Australian woman to be inducted into the Australian Songwriters’ Association Hall of Fame.

The singing and songwriting career of Jon Stevens has spanned more than 25 years, fronting iconic Australian bands Noiseworks and INXS, together with theatre stints in Jesus Christ Superstar, among others.

❝

This year’s legendary line-up will deliver stunning performances As a regular on Countdown in the 1970s, John Paul Young was undoubtedly one of Australia’s most popular artists.

This year’s legendary line-up will deliver stunning performances of hits like The Horses, As The Days Go By, Pash, Bedroom Eyes, Touch, Take Me Back, Yesterday’s Hero and Love Is In The Air, to name a few.

Each artist will perform a solo set of their hits and join in an extraordinary finale with all four sharing the stage.

INFORMATION:

■ Appearing at the Twin Towns Services Club, 2 Wharf St, Tweed Heads ■ Saturday, June 4, at 7pm ■ All age event ■ Ticket information: Phone 1800 014 014.

■ Additional fees may apply.

What’s on in Northern New South Wales for May ■ Lismore Vintage Market COME along to the inaugural Lismore Vintage Market on Saturday, May 28, at 11am and Saturday, June 25, at 11am. The market is to be be held at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, cnr Magellan and Keen sts, Lismore. It’s a fantastic monthly outdoor vintage market which showcases original vintage, antiques, retro fashion, homewares and collectables in the heart of Lismore CBD. A great day out for all ages.

Plains Farmers’ Market on Saturday, June 4, at 8am.

The markets showcase the best of the region, with local farming provedores offering farm-to-table produce like meats, cheese, wine, vegetables, honey, flowers, plants, olives, artisan breads and so much more. Enjoy a beverage and morning tea as you listen to live music.

Relax over your lunch while the kids visit the craft activity stall. Held at 23 High St, Miltons Rd, Bannockburn.

■ The Golden Plains Farmers’ Market A GREAT opportunity to purchase fresh and local produce at the Golden

■ Mal’s Blues Bar YAMBA Golf and Country Club’s back deck becomes Blues Central on the last Sunday of every

month with Australia’s premier electric guitarist Mal Eastick and monthly invitational guest performing from 4.30pm.

This month it will be on Sunday, May 29. Mal has been a long-time performer and, in addition to playing with some of the best acts of the Australian music scene, Mal has more recently performed at such high-profile events as Broadbeach Blues Festival, Bimbadgen Blues festival, two Thredbo Blues Festivals and as a guest with Bluezone at the Basement in a guitar show featuring Kevin Borich, Phil Emmanuel, Phil Manning and others.

Catch Mal and his special

located at River St, Yamba.

MARKET DAYS: Many great items to find at the Lismore Vintage Market.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

guest from 4.30pm on the last Sunday of every month at Yamba Golf and Country Club. For details about the guest acts or for more information visit the club website or Facebook

page. Entry is free and the club courtesy bus is in operation from 2pm.

Seafood Steak and Seafood will be open for lunch and dinner. Yamba Golf and Country Club is

■ Norco Primex Field Days THIS is a major regional agricultural field day located in the pre-eminent primary beef producing area of Australia – Beef Capital, Casino, in NSW Northern Rivers. The event is under new management, organised and promoted by Rural Press Events, the organisers of many major events in Australia and New Zealand including the giant AgQuip Field Days in Gunnedah NSW. Located at Primex Site, Bruxner Hway, Casino, on Thursday, June 23, to Saturday, 25, 9am–4pm.

24 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016

To advertise, call 1300 136 181 or visit finda.com.au Buy & Sell Wanted To Buy

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visit headspace.org.au headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health under the Youth Mental Health Initiative.

FRENCH FILM: Just A Sigh is a romantic comedy that unfolds in real-time against a backdrop of vibrant Paris starring Gabriel Byrne and Emmanuelle Devos.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Cinematinee goes local

OVER the last year Screenwave, in parternship with the Jetty Memorial Theatre, have grown a local film and screen culture scene for audiences that love the finer things in life: travel, food, love, music and travel.

The Cinematinee program exhibits world cinema, arthouse, and independent film titles on the big screen at the historic Jetty Memorial Theatre fortnightly on Thursdays with daytime sessions at 10.30am and 1.30pm.

“We love seeing people come together in the cinema. There’s something really special and dear to us about the cinema experience, when the lights go down,” explains Screenwave’s artistic director Kate Howat, “Sharing these wonderful films, that don’t often receive widespread release and distribution, for an appreciative audience has seen audience flock in numbers to the Jetty Theatre, creating a great social scene for mature audiences around film!”

There are three upcoming films in the next month for Cinematinee.

Marie’s Story (May 26th), a moving French film about a 19th century nun and her unique friendship with young, deaf French student, is followed by Truth (June 23rd), featuring a powerhouse cast of Cate Blanchette, Robert Redford, and a cast of

Australian talent delving into the ethics of journalism, followed by Just A Sigh (June 30th), a romantic comedy that unfolds in real-time against a backdrop of vibrant Paris starring Gabriel Byrne and Emmanuelle Devos.

For information and ticket bookings, visit www.jettytheatre.com or call the Jetty Memorial Theatre Box Office on (02) 6652 8088.

■ SYDNEY WRITERS FESTIVAL LIVE AND LOCAL

❝

We love seeing people come together in the cinema. There’s something really special and dear to us about the cinema experience...

After the success of its inaugural Live & Local program in 2015, Sydney Writers Festival returns to Coffs Harbour in 2016!

One of Australia’s best-loved forums for literature, ideas and storytelling, Sydney Writers Festival will stream its headline events from Roslyn Packer Theatre in Walsh Bay direct to Coffs Harbour on May 20.

Prepare to be stimulated and engaged

by conversations, debates and discussions, as the Festival brings the world’s finest authors to Coffs Harbour in real time.

As well as hearing new ideas from great thinkers, audiences have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions at each event, sending questions direct to the Sydney stage.

Be part of Live & Local, streamed live by Sydney Writers Festival and delivered locally by the Jetty Memorial Theatre.

Sydney Writers Festival Live and Local Showing: Friday, May 20; Saturday, May 21; Sunday, May 22.

Ticket Prices: $5 All tix; $30 Festival Pass (all seven sessions) Duration: Each session 1 hour Friday, May 20, 10am William Boyd and Julian Barnes: History and Fiction; Friday, May 20, 11:30am - Jonathan Franzen: My Reading Life; Friday, May 20, 1:30pm - Let Nature Be Your Teacher; Friday, May 20, 3pm Inside the New Yorker; Friday, May 20, 4:30pm - Andrew Denton: Better off Dead; Saturday, May 21, 10am - Why Women Should Rule the World; Sunday, May 21, 10am Kerry O’Brien: Living with Keating.

FESTIVAL PASS (All seven sessions) visit www.jettytheatre.com

Seniors 25

Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Easy meals for special family get-togethers Spend your precious family time wisely, choose quick and easy meals Angela Casley

H

AVING the family around doesn’t need to require a full broadway production for the occasion and you certainly don’t need to provide a meal that’s on par with the likes of Jamie Oliver.

It’s hard enough to call, arrange and organise the hoard of children and grandchildren to have to worry about what’s for dinner.

Family time is about enjoying those precious moments with the kids, so do yourself a favour and choose a dish that’s easy and quick.

Pasta is one of those foods that can be made into an impressive meal — like this zucchini and rocket dish — in minutes.

The tomato sauce can be made well ahead of time and stored in the fridge, which just leaves a little last-minute cooking and then dinner is served.

Everyone loves a good chicken pie and this one is extra delicious. It is pastry-free and comes with a tasty sweet potato and potato mash topping. I have thickened the filling with just a little cornflour to ensure it doesn’t get too stodgy as there is nothing worse than thick, gloopy pie filling.

Mix it up with other herbs if you have them. Tarragon complements chicken beautifully, as does dill. With no butter in the filling, you may want to make it a little richer by making the liquid half cream, half milk. I’ve made individual dishes, but one big pie is just as easy.

Serve with a winter coleslaw or hot vegetables.

A maple and pecan tart is always a favourite.

Maple syrup adds a dark richness and works beautifully with the texture of the nuts and pastry. Again, this can be made ahead of time.

This dessert demands a blob of whipped cream , and is delicious served with a strong black coffee.

Cooking a simple dinner for your family to celebrate the wonderful part they play in your life will always be gratefully received.

ROCKET AND ZUCCHINI PASTA

Serves 6 Ingredients ■ 2 tbs olive oil ■ 3 zucchinis, sliced or peeled thinly lengthways ■ 100g feta ■ 2 cups rocket leaves ■ 400g dried pasta, cooked as per packet instructions ■ ½ cup basil leaves Tomato sauce ■ 2 tbs olive oil ■ 1 red onion, chopped ■ 4 cloves garlic, crushed ■ 400g tinned tomatoes ■ 6 fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped roughly ■ ½ cup red wine ■ 1 tsp sugar ■ 1 tbs chopped fresh oregano ■ Pepper and salt to taste Method

To make the sauce, heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot.

Add onion and garlic and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Add the tomatoes, wine, sugar and oregano.

Simmer for 15 minutes until thick and rich. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat the second quantity of oil in a frying pan.

Saute the zucchinis until soft and lightly browned.

Remove from heat, crumble through the feta and fold through the rocket leaves.

Toss the pasta in the tomato sauce and fold through the courgettes.

Garnish with basil leaves.

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EASY AS: Fresh tomatoes make a healthy sauce for pasta.

PHOTO: VALERIE HORTON

26 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016

\ RECIPES TO TRY

Caramel popcorn

Serves 4 Ingredients ½ cup corn kernels 2 tsp salt 1 tbs flavourless oil ½ cup honey 1 tsp vanilla ¼ cup cream 25g butter Method Preheat oven to 180C. Line an oven tray with baking paper.

Into a small bowl combine corn kernels, salt and oil.

Pour into a brown paper bag and seal well. Cook for 3 minutes in microwave or place in a pot and cook until all

popped.

Place into a large bowl.

In a small pot place honey, vanilla, cream and butter.

Bring slowly to a simmer, stirring.

Continue to cook until syrup is a caramel colour, thick and glossy. Pour straight over popcorn, stir quickly, then tip on to baking tray.

Place into oven for 15 minutes until golden, stirring once to ensure an even colour.

Cool and devour.

Did you know?

Corn cobs found in ancient Peruvian sites point to popcorn being eaten as early as 6700 years ago.

Carrot and cardamom buns Makes 12 Ingredients 10g dried yeast 1 tsp sugar 300ml milk, warmed 500g plain flour 1 tsp salt 25g caster sugar 2 tsp ground cardamom 1 tsp lemon zest 50g butter, melted 1 cup grated carrot Topping: 1 egg, whisked 1 cup coconut 1 tbs caster sugar 1 tsp ground cardamom Method Combine yeast and teaspoon

of sugar. Sprinkle over the warmed milk and leave to stand for 10 minutes until frothy.

Combine flour, salt, second measure of sugar, cardamom and zest in large bowl. Add butter to milk then pour into the flour. Mix to combine, place on a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and put in a warm area until doubled in size. This will take about one hour.

Remove to a lightly floured surface and knead in the carrot. Divide mixture into 12

balls, pinching the bottom to make them round. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Leave for a further 40 minutes covered to double in size.

Preheat an oven to 170C. To make the topping, combine egg, coconut, sugar and cardamom. Brush buns with a little egg wash then place a little topping on each bun. Place into the oven for 20 minutes until golden.

Keep an eye on the topping, if it’s looking a little brown, cover with tinfoil.

Delicious at lunch or morning tea.

Almond crumble banana bread

Makes 1 loaf Ingredients 4 large free-range eggs 1 cup nut butter* 2 ripe bananas ½ cup rice flour or flour of your choice 1/3 cup molasses, maple or honey also works well ½ cup coconut oil or butter, melted 1 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 tsp baking soda 1 cup roughly ground almonds for topping * I like to use almond butter. I recommend making your own as it can be expensive to buy.

Method Preheat oven to 160C and line a loaf tin with baking paper.

Add all ingredients except ground almonds into a food

processor or high-powered blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Pour batter into loaf tin, and then sprinkle ground almonds on top.

Bake in oven for 1 hour, or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted in middle of loaf. Leave to cool slightly before slicing. Will keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

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Seniors 27

Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Put your thoughts into a ‘goodbye’ plan Positive steps taken now will benefit your loved ones ADVERTORIAL

SCOTT Steenson, local funeral director with Guardian Funerals, is passionate about making sure every funeral goodbye held across the Northern Rivers meets each family’s needs.

In Scott’s experience the best way to take care of loved ones, as well as to ensure your final goodbye will take place in accord with your wishes, is to plan ahead with a pre-paid funeral plan.

“There is a growing trend for people to plan ahead for funerals, with around one in ten funerals currently performed being preplanned to some extent,” said Scott Steenson, Regional Manger Guardian Funerals.

“That’s only one in 10 families which benefit from the gentle care that a funeral director can provide directly to families that, thanks to the wisdom of their loved one, have been spared the emotional and financial uncertainty that comes when arranging a funeral after the death of a loved

one,,” Scott adds “Yet that leaves a lot of families to arrange and pay for the funeral directly after the loss of a loved one, which can take its toll both emotionally and financially on those who are left behind,.”

Scott is a funeral services professional with more than 20 years’ experience in arranging funerals across the Northern Rivers region.

His professional care has been an asset to the families of Ballina, Casino, Lismore, and surrounds, and he is always keen to share information on a wide variety of funeral matters.

Pre-paid funerals is just one of the areas Scott shares his knowledge on as he makes himself, and members of his team, available to discuss funeral myths and coping with grief to community groups.

Recent research of Australian men and women over 50 shows that many people are giving the subject of their own deaths some detailed thought, yet many have not taken the next step of

CERTAINTY: Taking positive steps in planning for your funeral, will provide emotional and financial benefits to your family.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

turning these thoughts into a funeral plan that will speak to a person’s life, passions and interests.

More than 3400 individuals responded to a recent online Grief and Loss survey conducted by Your Life Choices and their responses show that many of us are giving deep

thought to our final send-off.

Ninety two per cent of respondents have given thought to their own death and 67% have some specific end-of-life wishes; including who should deliver the eulogy, whether or not to include photographs or video into

the funeral service, as well as other funeral aspects such as who should be pallbearers, ideas for the wake, and even what vehicles to use.

Yet when it comes to locking in all of these personal choices, to create a funeral service they would be happy to

share with others, only 41% have taken a step towards communicating those wishes to their families or a legal representative.

To speak to Scott Steenson about a pre-paid funeral plan, call Guardian Funerals on 1300 662 172.

ANZAC Centenary Arts and Culture Fund gives support for expression WORLDWIDE commemorations marking the centenary of the First World War started on August 4, 2014 and will continue until 2018. For Australians the ANZAC Centenary will be one of the most significant commemorations to take place in the lives of current generations.

The ANZAC Centenary Advisory Board determined that the ANZAC Centenary should focus on the centenary of the First World War and a Century of Service — commemorating more than a century of service and sacrifice by the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, Australia and its allies during war and on

peacekeeping operations.

The ANZAC Centenary Arts and Culture Fund will provide $4 million over four years to support the development, production, presentation, exhibition or performance of arts and culture projects that interpret, explore and contribute to the ANZAC story and the ANZAC legacy.

Projects supported through the ANZAC Centenary Arts and Culture Fund will give Australians the chance to express their own history of service and sacrifice and explore how this service and sacrifice shaped our nation. Artistic expression will convey many themes, stories, reflections and messages

about Australia’s experiences of war at home and abroad in powerful and diverse ways.

Sir Jonathan Mills AO will provide creative leadership of the ANZAC Centenary Arts and Culture Fund, which will be delivered through two affiliated funding streams.

Production and Commissioning Fund $2 million will support a range of projects with an emphasis on national and regional collaboration and reach through the Production and Commissioning Fund.

Projects must be collaborative and have broad geographical reach to be considered. This means a project should be

CENTENARY: ANZAC Centenary projects will give Australians the chance to express their own history of service and sacrifice.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

accessible across state borders, or at a minimum in a number of locations in a single state or territory.

If your project does not meet this criterion, you may like to consider applying for the Public Grants Program.

Public Grants Program $2 million through an open public grants program will provide funding to individuals,

organisations and groups for commemorative arts and culture projects that engage local communities, particularly in regional Australia. The Public Grants Program will give communities an opportunity to access and contribute to quality arts and cultural activities that commemorate the ANZAC Centenary. This includes projects that focus on

Australia’s service and sacrifice following the First World War, to cover a century of service and sacrifice by Australian men and women.

For more information on the ANZAC Centenary Arts and Culture Fund, please contact the Ministry for the Arts by emailing anzac@arts.gov.au or phoning 02 6141 4994.

28 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016

Mangrove Restaurant

$12.50 SENIORS SPECIAL

A hearty beef casserole

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