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Journey through 7 pages of travel \ PAGES 15 - 21

Stand up, laugh with Mandy Nolan \ PAGE 3 CYCLING SENIORS: It was all smiles for the morning ride as Northern Rivers riders geared up for new roads ahead.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

The Trailblazers The Northern Rivers Rail Trails (NRRT) group, set up in 2013, has asked state and federal governments for a multi-million-dollar grant to start the project.

By Yvonne Gardiner

KEEN cyclists and walkers from across the Northern Rivers are backing proposed trails on disused rail lines.

NRRT treasurer and regular bike rider Marie Lawton said rail trails were established all over the world and in every state of Australia, apart from NSW.

1300 551 997 www.goseetouring.com

“We’re hoping to get $13 million so we can start building the rail trail from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek,” she said.

“That’d pay for a detailed plan and then for

the build – the path, fix bridges and tunnels, do signage…

“It’s a very expensive business.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Honouring Anzac Day memories \ PAGE 7

Practical tips for your finances \ PAGE 12

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2 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

In this edition

Lunch with the Leos.................................Page 5 Changing demographics...........................Page 6 Community Notes................................Pages 8,9 Health....................................................Page 10 Entertainment.........................................Page 11 Travel...............................................Pages 15 -21

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 “Brisbane Seniors Newspaper”.

Published monthly and distributed FREE across the Sunshine Coast. Also publishers of Gold Coast/Tweed Seniors Newspaper, Brisbane Seniors Newspaper, Toowoomba and Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper, Wide Bay Seniors, and Northern Rivers Seniors Newspaper.

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 no necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endoresement by the owner/publisher.

New age of seniors Hello readers, Welcome to the first edition of our Seniors, Northern NSW, publication. I trust our fresh design and stories express the vigour and vitality of this region along with the wit, fun and practical intelligence that I see as the backbone of our demographic.

When I was growing up in the ‘70s, the traditional divide between young and old was pretty much still a thick line drawn in the sand at a certain age.

This was when a grandparent was an “old” person, people retired at an definite age, dating was for the young and sport was something you watched on Saturday afternoon television. Use of the word “ageist” was rare and someone over 50

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER editor@seniorsnewspapers.com.au

was not expected to plan their Easter holiday around the Byron Bay Blues Festival.

Well, things have certainly changed since then. If you take a look, which you probably do, you will probably find which music/writers/ sports festival your friends are attending through shared social media channels.

If you’re not on social media perhaps you’re out taking Tai Chi lessons in your local park or getting fit for an upcoming

Masters triathlon category. We’re discussing working longer in a variety of areas, considering alternative housing options and the force behind our age-group has seen government realise our worth (and problems) and shape policies according to our requirements.

As Group Editor of the Seniors Newspaper Network, my publication ethos is to respect the old and reflect the new.

As an over-55er myself I’m joining in on lifechanging conversations about changing ageing, creative ageing and our newspaper’s motto, Embracing Aging.

Northern NSW has its own particular style in all of these areas and because our newspaper

has a history of taking up challenges and continuing our publication journey into new areas, we have headed into the lush beauty of this area to further this conversation with you. In return, through the stories of our Northern NSW based journalist Yvonne Gardiner, we seek to reflect local people, local lifestyles, raise contemporary questions and consider solutions, ultimately with the aim of making a positive contribution to everyday lives. Check us out online at www.seniorsnews. com.au ■ And we’d love you to love us on facebook at www.facebook.com/ seniorsnews.com.au Cheers Gail

Happy to join Northern NSW community JOURNALIST YVONNE GARDINER

yvonne.gardiner@apn.com.au

THE Seniors Newspaper is now a part of the Northern NSW community.

And we’d like to hear from you, residents aged 55+, about the topics, events and issues you’d like us to cover in our monthly publication.

In this first Northern NSW edition, we give a taste of what’s happening around the region and celebrate the achievements of people who put ideas into action.

I’m Yvonne Gardiner, your Seniors reporter and

I’m looking forward to speaking with you and writing your stories for our future editions.

You can contact me on on 0411 622 720 or email yvonne.gardiner@apn. com.au.

Huge potential in rail trail

Supporters working on legislation changes so railway lines can be used for rail trails FROM PAGE 1

“Supporters are also working on trying to get the legislation changed so that district railway lines can be used for rail trails.”

Ms Lawton said rail trails would attract cyclists, walkers and horse riders of all ages to boost the regional economy and create jobs.

“There’s a whole group of seniors in this region who love to ride bikes,” she said.

“All the politicians we’ve spoken to think a rail trail is a great idea.”

Ms Lawton has ridden trails in the Otago region of New Zealand and in Victoria.

“You could just see that the Otago region in NZ was pretty much a wasteland,” she said.

Installing a rail trail on a disused line has turned Otago into a popular destination for travellers.

NRRT delegates went to Sydney in March for a statewide launch of the Make It Happen campaign to set up rail trails in NSW.

Tweed councillor Barry Longland outlined the proposal to establish a Tweed Valley Rail Trail along the disused rail corridor from Murwillumbah to Wooyung.

“This campaign and its

❝

We’re hoping to get $13 million so we can start building the rail trail from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek, launch will be important steps in getting rail trails projects off the ground in NSW and to start seeing the benefits that are being enjoyed by so many similar projects in other parts of Australia and in other countries,” Cr Longland said.

“We are confident the Tweed Valley Rail Trail remains very

ON THEIR BIKES: Adventurers Jan and Gordon Hayes on the picturesque Otago rail trail in New Zealand

well-positioned to be one of the first rail trails in NSW, because of the project’s massive potential and the amount of planning and investigations that have already gone into it.

“The incredible scenic beauty of the corridor route, through areas including three World Heritage-listed national parks, and its close proximity to major population centres and

tourism hubs, give it huge potential to be one of the most successful trails in this part of the world.”

The 24km trail would link historic villages of Stokers Siding, Burringbar, Mooball and

PHOTO:

Crabbes Creek.

NRRT is hoping the Tweed Valley Rail Trail will be the first leg of a 130km Northern Rivers Rail Trail from Murwillumbah to Casino.

Seniors 3

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Stand up with Mandy ❝

Mandy is a generous gift-giver when it comes to laughter Ann Rickard

THE expression “laughter is the best medicine” might be a cliché but clichés are called such because they are true.

Comedian Mandy Nolan is no cliché – she is one of the most unique women we’ve encountered – but she uses the cliché of laughter as the best medicine in her approach to helping people with dementia.

“The project is called Stand Up for Dementia,” she said from her home in Byron Bay. “It is a comedy workshop I developed about eight years ago.”

The program involves role-playing with dementia patients and Mandy says she sees amazing results.

“Stand Up for Dementia is about role-playing with props,” she said. “We work in groups, for about an-hour-and-a-half for six to eight weeks.

“By the end people will

be performing, doing small improvising with each other. It is play.

People become uninhibited. They laugh all the way through it.”

Mandy developed the program after thorough research into the therapeutic benefits of humour therapy.

“People with dementia don’t get their memories back, obviously, but for me what I am passionate about is working with them to bring laughter, to enrich them.

“We need more funding for resources for projects such as Stand Up for Dementia. We need money to enrich people’s lives when they are in throes of dementia, not just for research to ward off dementia.

“We need to give them (dementia patients) meaningful days, experiences while they have dementia. Funding for that gets forgotten.”

Mandy not only brings

The project Stand Up for Dementia involves role playing with dementia patients and Mandy says she sees amazing results.

LAUGHTER THERAPY: Mandy Nolan brings laughter to dementia patients.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

the gift of laughter to dementia patients, but to everyone she meets in the course of her work as comedian, author, presenter, blogger, columnist, social commentator and facilitator.

She even holds workshops teaching others how to become comedians.

“I have taught more than 1000 people stand-up comedy already,” she said. “I teach the techniques of how to do it.”

Her one-woman shows at the Melbourne Comedy Festival have all been hits.

Mandy has also written three successful books (Home Truths, Boyfriends We’ve All Had, What I

would Do if I Were You) and writes regular soapbox columns for her local paper (in the Byron shire) as well as on-line magazines and blogs.

She is intelligent, astute and always engaging.

“Comedy is not just about laughing,” she said.

“When people come up to me after a show and say ‘oh, that is so true’ about something I’ve talked about, I feel really happy that I’ve connected, that I have led them down a path they relate to themselves.

“Comedy is a bit like being an anthropologist, a David Attenborough, you start observing behaviours, your own behaviour.

“You look at it like you’ve never seen it before. The mundane, the repetitive behaviours ...

things like changing the toilet roll – something everybody has to do – can become humorous because it is a shared experience.”

Mandy is writing another book which promises to be full of her unique insights.

“I am a feminist but I have a funny way of looking at feminism,” she said. “We have moved towards a world of Botox and eating disorders and anti-ageing and there has been so much talk about it, a lot of which women find too academic or boring.

“I want to write about it, but in a way that is comedic and fun but with a lot of research, asking why there is so much talk about body image, why women are still left in the kitchen scrubbing pots.”

Tweed & Byron shire koala recovery starts here

NATIONAL ICON: Saving our vulnerable wildlife is on the agenda at the Tweed Byron Koala Connections Forum.

PHOTO: HOPE FENNELL

SAVING a national icon will be the main topic of conversation at the Tweed Byron Koala Connections Forum in May. The free forum, co-ordinated by the Tweed and Byron shire councils through their Koala Connections Program, is on Friday, May 6, at Byron Community Centre.

Tweed Byron Koala Connections was set up in 2013 to address the threats to coastal koala populations in Tweed and Byron shires. Since then, 55 hectares of new koala

habitat have been created on more than 120 priority sites.

The $3.5 million program will improve this habitat to protect koalas and many other species of endangered fauna and flora through tree planting, weed control, community engagement, pest management and fire management and planning.

Tweed Shire Council’s senior program leader (biodiversity), Scott Hetherington, said that together with a range of

threat management activities to reduce the impacts of cars, fire and dogs, Koala Connections had combined science, strategic thinking, innovation and community engagement to deliver a critical response to koala recovery.

One of the groups involved in Koala Connections, Lismorebased Friends of the Koala, stressed the urgency of habitat retention in its latest annual report.

“Our immediate priority

is always on the daily needs of our region’s koalas, but working to enhance their habitat is a major long-term priority for us, as without habitat our koalas can’t survive,” the report said.

Secure a place at the forum by visiting www.eventbrite.com.au/ e/tweed-byron-koalaconnections-forumtickets-22428640668.

Lunch will be provided at the forum, at the Byron Community Centre in Jonson St, Byron Bay, from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

4 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

40 YEARS ON: Neil Hayward, who recently retired from the Clarence Valley Council after more than 40 years of service, enjoys a send-off from workmates.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Neil clocks off for last time work day.

Not anymore.

Neil, the longest-serving employee of the Clarence Valley Council, retired just before Easter and is now spending his time doing exactly as he pleases.

At a brief farewell function at the council’s Bruce St works depot in Grafton, Neil said he was happy to be taking on another challenge.

“The tear only lasted until I got to the bar,” he

Yvonne Gardiner

AT 3.55pm on March 29, Neil Hayward looked at his watch and a tear came to his eye.

For the past 40 years and 21 days, Neil would check his watch around that time and know he only had a few minutes to go before he knocked off for the day.

He’d say his farewells and catch up with his workmates the following

joked.

“I’ve made a lot of friends and had a lot of good work experiences.

It’s been great.”

Neil officially hung up his work boots two days after he turned 65.

Now it’s time for his family and a spot of relaxation.

“I’ll play golf a couple of times a week and I’ve got a boat and a caravan so there’ll be some fishing and travelling happening,”

Neil told the Daily Examiner.

“My daughter lives in Canberra so that will probably be our first trip.”

Neil said working for the council for four decades had been a “good journey”.

“I worked for three different councils during that time - Nymboida, Pristine Waters and Clarence Valley Council at different depots, with a lot of different people. I’ve

made some good friends along the way,” he said.

His managers all spoke highly of him.

Works and civil director Troy Anderson said Neil had always acted in the best interests of council, ratepayers and his work colleagues.

General manager Scott Greensill said having long-serving staff members like Neil gave strength and stability to the organisation.

And while Neil was looking forward to the freedom retirement brings, he said it was early days yet.

“It still feels like I’m just on holidays. I keep looking out the front (of his house) for the work ute.”

And it isn’t just Mr Hayward adjusting.

“It’s only been a few days and my wife has told me to get back to work already,” he said.

Electric Seniors make our community stronger year’s Byron Shire president of the calls and transportation. commitment to music and Wheelchair Scooter THIS Positive Aging Award went Brunswick Valley Quota Mayor Richardson also local choirs; Joyce who has a Club and served on the took the opportunity to Bertenshaw for countless Portable in Car Boot tohearta person of gold - Betty Brunswick Valley VIEW acknowledge all seniors volunteer hours at Byron Byrnes.

Mrs Byrnes is well known in Byron Shire from her long career in nursing and at retirement, she was deputy matron of Mullumbimby Hospital.

At the Seniors Week morning tea, Mayor Simon Richardson said Mrs Byrnes was recognised for the award due to her generous nature and support of community groups and individuals.

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“You make our community stronger, more compassionate and caring and ensure we have a better understanding of the world around us,” he said.

Mayor Richardson congratulated the five Positive Aging finalists: Isabelle Truesdale for her tireless work at Mullumbimby Garden Cemetery Club; Norma McCabe for her

Respite Care; David Shaw for dedication to the arts and support of community groups; and Jillian Ann Richardson for her positive outlook on life and support of many residents at Feros Care Village.

Mayor Richardson gave a special thanks to Pippy Wardell and her team of volunteers for providing a fun-filled morning. “We couldn’t have done it without you,” he said.

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Club committee, helping disadvantaged children.

As an active member of the Mullumbimby branch of the CWA, Mrs Byrnes has been hands-on with every project; from catering to garage sales to fundraising. She is a member of the Monday Painters art groups and the CWA Handicraft Group. In between her community roles, Mrs Byrnes take care of elderly friends with regular phone

APPLICATIONS are now open for the Ngarakal Githabal Dialect Exhibition to be held at Lismore City Hall in May. Artists are asked to explore Bootheram Lore which uses landscape and the sky as a reference for this creation lore.

Arts Northern Rivers is interested in hearing from indigenous artists who work across any medium.

Works are to be

delivered by May 6. The exhibition is the culmination of The Bundjalung Project, developed by Arts Northern Rivers and funded through the Federal Government’s Ministry for the Arts Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program.

Contact Mark Cora on (02) 6628 8120 or by email: mark@artsnorthern rivers.com.au.

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Dine in an olive grove

Biggest Barbecue raising funds Susanna Freymark

A VISIT to the Mongogarie olive farm involves a lot of talking and walking between the rows of 1100 olive trees with Angelo and Donato Leo. Inside, Maria Leo bakes a tasty orange cake with chia seeds.

The Leo family have lived on the farm for 26 years and have built guest accommodation, The Lodge, and an oil processing shed.

They hold social events where 20 or more people can dine at a long table.

On Sunday, April 17, they will host the Lions Biggest Barbecue to raise money for the Childhood Cancer Research Foundation.

Angelo promises it will be “something very special” and guests will not only be served delicious food, they can tour the olive farm and see how the oil is pressed and bottled.

Angelo’s son Donato

FAMILY HOSPITALITY: Angelo, Maria and son Donato Leo open up their olive farm in Mongogarie. PHOTO: RICHMOND RIVER EXPRESS

ran Da Leone Cafe in Casino for 20 years.

These days you’re more likely to catch him checking the rows of olive trees and talking about the biological approach he takes to farming.

“I do soil tests and we plant the trees (nine

metres apart) so they have lots of room and get lots of sun,” he said.

The grass is left to grow long as cover for predators of the insects that feed on the trees.

When the olives are ripe, everyone is enlisted to pick them.

“The family, my wife and the kids help,” Donato said.

Fellow Lions member Dick Beattie is a regular picker.

“We give Dick a small tree to pick from because he is small,” Angelo said.

“Even the kangaroos

start to become Italian and snack on the olives.”

The Biggest Barbecue begins at 10am.

Mongogorie Rd and the farm are signposted, about 27km from Casino.

Call Dick Beattie on 6662 1009 with inquiries.

Seniors 5

Revive the spirit at unique festival A FASCINATING session is sure to appeal to seniors at the Byron Spirit Festival in Mullumbimby this month.

Mira Stannard is among the presenters, she’s a pioneer in home and water births and a passionate believer in the influence of a gentle birth and positive parenting on the well-being of families and society as a whole.

Together with her partner and soulmate, Tansen, she established the Birth and Beyond movement in Nimbin in the 1970s.

The fourth Byron Spirit Festival embraces yoga, music, dance, tantra, healing, indigenous insight, along with guided meditations, sound baths, gourmet organic food, and unforgettable celebrations. The Festival takes place at Mullumbimby from April 15 to 17.

Seven venues are used including the Civic Hall, Byron Community College, Yoga Peace, and St John’s Anglican Hall. Tickets: www.spiritfestival.com.au

NORTHERN RIVERS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PROudlY PRESENTS

Romantic EncountERs ConduCtor WarWiCk Potter Dvorak – Symphony no 7 | Weber – Oberon Overture Schumann – Konzertstuck Date: Sunday 24th April 2016 Time: 2.30pm Venue: Tweed Heads Civic Centre Brett Street Tweed Heads Tickets: Adults $40, Concession $35, Students $15. 15 years and under FREE

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seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

Seniors flock to coastal lifestyle

BOOK THIS SPACE!

Seniors News Embracing b Ageing

GREY COAST: It’s predicted that many more seniors will be “ageing well” on the North Coast of NSW. PHOTO: WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

If you like what you’re reading, why not advertise here?

We’d love to share your stories and promote your business to readers just like you. This is the perfect opportunity to share what your business has to offer to those who are most interested. Don’t miss your chance to reach our readers!

To find out more about advertising in this paper and online, call Daniel Clarke on 1300 880 265 or visit our website at www.seniorsnews.com.au To share your business’ story or photo, email Gail Forrer at gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au + Follow us on 6313951aa

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News + LifestyLe + HeaLtH + traveL + fiNaNce + reaL estate + eNtertaiNmeNt

NORTHERN New South Wales may in future be dubbed “the Grey Coast”, if predictions prove true.

ABC North Coast NSW reports that a draft regional plan for the state’s north coast has been released predicting the population will grow by more than 97,000 over the next 20 years.

The report says 90 per cent of that growth will be people over the age of 65 who will then make up almost one-third of the region’s overall population.

Over 65s currently comprise about 20 per cent of the north coast’s population.

Parliamentary secretary for the north coast, Chris Gulaptis, told the ABC that the challenge would be to find ways to keep younger people in the region.

“We have been called ‘God’s waiting room’, but we are trying to manage that,” he said.

“We are trying to bring in younger families and that will happen through bringing in the university to Tweed Heads and, essentially, encouraging other industries and manufacturing.

“Albeit, we know the major population is ageing and aged.”

Northern NSW Health Service chief of staff Wayne Jones said plans were already in place to deal with the situation.

“We’ve understood the growing and ageing population challenge coming our way for a long period of time,” Mr Jones said.

“Obviously we have an aged-care plan but, more specifically, it’s when you’re looking at some of your capital infrastructure.

“Some of the builds we’re doing around Byron Central Hospital, some of the capital works at Lismore, the planning for work at Tweed and Clarence, a lot of those are built for a range of reasons, and core to that is the ageing population.”

The draft plan suggests new homes, jobs and services will be directed primarily to the region’s cities – Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Tweed Heads – where two-thirds of the population growth over the next 20 years will be accommodated.

New housing will be accelerated in the cities and in other centres across the region to make the most of existing services, to meet the community’s different housing needs – particularly the ageing community – and to improve affordability.

New release areas including Cumbalum, Kings Forest, Cobaki, Brimbin and Thrumster will also provide for more housing and greater housing choice.

Seniors 7

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Young and old pause to remember the fallen DETAILS

By Yvonne Gardiner

YOUNG people with no experience of war are as much involved with the commemoration of Anzac Day as those who served in the forces.

School students join with the elderly on Anzac Day, April 25, to remember the terrible loss of Australian lives in all wars.

Like many Anzac Day organisers, Ballina RSL Sub Branch makes a point of inviting a senior student from one of the local high schools to deliver the keynote address during the main commemorative service.

Honorary secretary Charles Nicholson says the invitation is rotated around the local high schools.

“This keeps the younger generation involved and participating and furthering their own education,” he said.

❚ The Anzac Day march in Ballina starts at 10.30am in River Street, with the main commemorative service at 10.55am at the RSL Memorial Park, Grant Street. ❚ An RAAF FA-18 Super Hornet from Amberley will conduct a flypast. ❚ The dawn service will begin at 5.30am at the RSL park memorial.

“Anzac Day in Ballina is a significant community event and draws large numbers of participants in the commemorative services and the march.”

For those too frail to attend the official services, Ballina RSL members visit St Andrew’s Nursing Home and the nursing wing of RSL LifeCare Ex-Services Home for Anzac “service and cheer”.

ANZAC DAY: Tributes laid at the dawn service at Ballina last year.

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8 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

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

If I read another popular author writing a memoir (or essay or column or even just a paragraph in a newsletter) about the angst of turning 50, I’ll go bonkers.

I wrote about that subject 20 years ago. You could say I led the way.

I can’t quite remember what I wrote about turning 50 myself those two decades ago, but I do remember putting little bullet points in a column about all the fun stuff that was waiting for me over the hillock of 50.

Anyway, enough of that.

Turning 70. A couple of months ago. Very Big Deal.

There is something about the number 7 coming before a big 0 that made me nervous for the entire year I was 69.

Like you, I was sick of reading about 60 being the new 40, and 50 being

the new 21...all that rubbish.

I wanted to read about 70 being the new 30 – which would have had my stamp of approval – but hadn’t come across anything.

Most writers, advisors, authors, influencers seem to give up writing about anyone over 70.

The 70 year old is downgraded to the unpalatable words “70 and beyond”.

The “...and beyond” bit I find quite offensive.

It is as if anyone over 70 is not worthy of a full sentence, just a throw-away line “...and beyond”.

Read any beauty or health advice in any magazine or book, and you’ll find lashings of guidance for the over-50, even the 60-plus, but poor old 70 never gets a look in...has to content itself with “...and beyond”.

The only thing upsetting about turning 70 for me was the complete and utter lack of recognition, let alone celebration.

On the morning of the 70th, when the husband woke and said a quiet:

“Happy Birthday” and I said, “well, is the limo at the front gate?” you can only guess at my disbelief when he gave me a look of absolute puzzlement and said: “No, I haven’t planned anything. I suppose a lunch would be nice but I haven’t made any reservation.”

That was it. No card, flowers, champagne...nothing.

NOTHING. The strange thing is, my husband is a very thoughtful person. He just honestly did not think turning 70 was worthy of anything.

So after we’d cleaned up the shattered plates and cups (all that was close enough to throw at the dreadful moment) he rushed out buy a card and plastic orchid – and that was it.

In a perverse way the complete lack of celebration has turned out to be a good thing.

My 70th birthday just slipped right under the radar. Until now. Now I have announced it proudly to you. Keep it to yourself. ann.rickard@apn.com .au

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HELPING OUT: Wardell Knit 'n’ Knat group with some of the hand-knitted blankets they handed to the Ballina Lions Club which supports women and families in distress.

PHOTO:CONTRIBUTED

includes morning tea.

A Mother’s Day stall will be held in the foyer of the Tweed Hospital commencing Monday 26 April for 2 weeks.

■ Boots for Boys Alstonville Wollongbar Quota Club have launched their next major project ‘Boots for Boys’. This is a decorated shoe competition which will be held as part of this year’s Quota Craft & Garden Fair in Alstonville on August 27-28. Any kind of boots can be decorated in any way – from army boots, football boots, gumboots etc. Check out the website www.quotaalstonville.com or contact Diane Parker on email quotaalstonville @gmail.com or phone 0416 214 012.

■ Grumpy Old Seniors We get together every Friday from 10.30am at the Reflection Cafe, Worker’s Club, Keen Street, Lismore. We would love some new faces to join us. For more info phone 02 6624 3216.

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

All are welcome, even just for the knatter! Phone Sue Steel for more info on 02 6683 4994.

PROBUS CLUBS ■ Hastings Point Tweed Coast We will meet on Tuesday April 19 at 10.00 am at the Tri Care Retirement

Community, 87/89 Tweed Coast Road , Hastings Point. New members welcome. Enquires Julie 0418 966 256 or web http://hastingsptprobus .org ■ Kingscliff Mixed Kingscliff Mixed Probus Club holds its meetings at Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club on the first Wednesday of each month at 9.45am and outings on the third Wednesday of the month. Visitors are very welcome. Phone Norma on 02 6676 3360.

■ Coolangatta Tweed VIEW Coolangatta Tweed VIEW Club's celebration of International Women's Day was another very successful occasion this year. Over 100 VIEW ladies and many Service Organisations attended.

For further information about VIEW and any enquiries re joining our Club please phone President Dianne Lutze on 5590 9119. New members are very welcome.

■ Raw Foods & Essential Oils U3A Twin Towns will hold a raw foods and essential oils workshop on Saturday April 23 from 10am-12.30pm. There will be food to taste, so a charge of $5 to cover costs. Preferred maximum is 20. Any enquiries to Alison Watson on 0405 461 008 or awatson1803@yahoo. com.au

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The untold joys of turning the big 7 ZERO

WELCOME readers to our first edition of the Northern NSW Seniors Newspaper.

If your community group would like to place a free notice into our newspaper we ask that you keep your notice short and to the point (100 word) maximum. We do accept photos which should be supplied as a high resolution jpeg attachment.

Deadline for the next issue is 2 May 2016. We hope that you enjoy what our newspaper has to offer.

Enquiries to Robyn, Nicky or Chris via email: communitynotes@ seniorsnewspaper.com.au ■ Lismore Bridge Club Bridge classes in basic card play are held on Friday afternoons. Bridge sessions are held every Thursday and Saturday afternoon at the Italo Club in North Lismore. For more info phone Jonathon on 6622 6227.

■ Richmond Tweed Family History Society We meet on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Players Theatre, 24 Swift Street, Ballina from 2-4pm. For more information phone Nola Rodey on 02 6686 3257.

■ Cancer Support Group Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at the Kentwell Community Building in Ballina. The aim of the group is to provide a safe, supportive and friendly environment for people with cancer to share their feelings and discuss how it has affected them. Contact Theresa on 0433 605 668 or David on 0428 187 025.

■ Tweed Hospital Auxiliary The Tweed Hospital Auxiliary will be holding its annual Fashion Parade at the Tweed Civic Centre, Cnr Brett & Powell Sts, Tweed Heads on Friday 27 May 2016. Doors will open at 9.30 am for a 10.00 am start. Tickets are $20 per person, which

Seniors 9

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

AS men become older, we are often accused of going through a male menopause. Some of us become tired, irritable, lacking in motivation and have declining sex drives.

This is where the term “grumpy old men” comes from. So do males go through menopause like our female counterparts do?

Testosterone is produced predominantly in the testes.

The medical term for low testosterone is hypogonadism and it is present in around five per one hundred men. To make a diagnosis we need all three of the following ■ Ballina Radio Yacht Club Sails are held every Saturday afternoon at Prospect Lake or Chickiba Lake, East Ballina. For more info phone John McGuiness on 6686 6242.

■ Annual Brisbane Model Train Show The Annual Brisbane Model Train Show is on again on Saturday and Sunday 7 and 8th May 2016 at the Marque, Brisbane Showgrounds.

Telephone the clubhouse on 3862 9633 or 0433 440 031 for more information. See the model train website www.brisbanemodel trainshow.com.au ■ Lennox Head Residents Assoc Residents Association monthly meeting is held at the CWA Hall, adjacent to Lennox Cultural and Community Centre. For more info phone Robyn on 0412 660 994.

■ TACT A new course called Basics Plus with Barbara starting Friday, May 27 at 11.30am, an excellent way of learning how to set up your printer. More info can be obtained by visiting the club’s website www.tact.org.au or by contacting Tact on

many other causes of this group of symptoms such as sleep apnoea, early depression, anaemia and other hormone disorders.

If the testosterone is found to be low on a blood test, then the next step is to work out why.

So if you or a loved one is a “grumpy old man”, go and see your local Doctor and arrange for some proper testing to find out exactly why you feel this way. Avoid taking testosterone or testosterone boosters unless the testicles have failed.

For more information see www.DrMichael Gillman.com

GOOD MEDICINE Dr MICHAEL GILLMAN criteria. Firstly, there must be an unequivocally low level of testosterone in two early morning blood tests. There must be signs of low testosterone such as lack of facial and body hair, loss of muscle mass, weak bones such as osteoporosis, amongst other signs. Finally, there must be symptoms such as tiredness, lethargy, low sex drive and difficulty concentrating. There are

SEE THEM: Model train enthusiasts will be at the Annual Brisbane Model Train Show on Saturday and Sunday May 7 and 8, at the Marque, Brisbane Showgrounds.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

07 5524 9212.Club is located in the South Tweed Sports Club, 4 Minjungbal Drive South Tweed.

■ AOOB Twin Towns Our monthly meetings are held on the 1st Friday of each month at South Tweed Sports Club, Tweed Heads South at 2.00 pm (NSW time) in the Secret Garden Room. We have guest speakers bi-monthly. All members and guests are invited to attend. Phone 07 5599 8283.

■ Woodburn Orchid Show The annual Woodburn Orchid Show is the biggest of its kind in the Northern

Rivers. Held in the Woodburn Memorial Hall, it draws orchid lovers from as far away as Queensland and Coffs Harbour. From May 6 to 8.

■ Arts Extravaganza The Autumn Arts Extravaganza showcases local and emerging artists of the region. This major annual exhibition is curated by Nimbin Artists Gallery located within the School of Arts complex.

The gallery is open daily and can be accessed from the main street next to the hall. Nimbin School of Arts Hall, 47 Cullen Street, Nimbin until April 20 from 10am-4.30pm. This is a free event.

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

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.

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Help for grumpy old men

10 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

Could lack of good sleep harm you?

Smart, small pendant will catch if you fall

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Sounds like a bold statement, but it’s general knowledge that the three main keys to staying in shape are correct diet, exercise and sleep. Sleep is often overlooked as a priority in our busy lives and it is that vital to our overall well-being that many of us suffer without being aware.

By design, we spend one third of our life in bed and the environment we sleep in will have a direct impact on our bodies ability to heal and regenerate. People with sleep apnoea are often among the worst snorers and lack energy during the day. CPAP can help with this but if the bed we’re lying on isn’t physically supporting us correctly, our health may still be deteriorating faster than it should. Diabetics often have circulation or leg swelling problems. People with lower back pain,

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Set your sights on better eye care. We have

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

body the best chance to get the most out of the third of its life you’ll spend in bed. www.cpap.com.au 1300 133 298 Written by Bryce Perron - Owner of CPAP Direct

MORE THAN 35 per cent of 65+ year olds fall each year. That’s more than 1,000,000 people, 3000/day, resulting in over 1,500,000 hospital days spent on fall related injuries.

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Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

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12 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

Veteran pensions set to increase

Give and take in latest changes to assets test

By AMP financial adviser Anthony Jones*

New pension rates fully effective from April 14

VETERAN pension payments will increase in March in line with the biannual indexation process.

Pension recipients including veterans, their partners, war widows and widowers across Australia will see the increase from 20 March 2016.

Due to pension rates calculating on a daily basis, the first pension paid after the indexation on pay day March 31, 2016 will comprise both the old and new rates.

The new pension rates will be fully effective from payment date April 14, 2016. The table below highlights the new fortnightly rates.

These are the maximum rates of payment and SERVICE PENSION

BIGGER PAYMENTS: Higher veteran pension payments began on March 20.

PHOTO: FILE

include any Energy Supplement payable.

Pensions are indexed twice a year in March and September. For a full list

of pension rates, please visit www.dva.gov.au or call 133 254 or 1800 555 254 from regional Australia.

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Increase

(fortnightly) (fortnightly) Single person

$867.00

$873.90

$6.90

Couples (each)

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$658.70

$5.20

Single person –transitional

$731.50

$737.20

$5.70

Couples (each) –transitional

$590.00

$594.60

$4.60

War widow(er)’s pension

$880.90

$887.90

$7.00

Income support supplement

$259.90

$262.00

$2.10

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$1341.50

$10.60

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$903.50

$910.70

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$741.00

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$473.10

$476.90

$3.80

10 per cent

$54.24

$54.62

$0.38

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These are the maximum rates of payment and include any Energy Supplement payable.

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WINNERS, LOSERS: Anthony Jones on new asset test rules.

PHOTO: ANNALYEASE BACHILLER

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Experts say single people need an annual amount of $43,184 and couples $59,326 for a comfortable retirement. hit age pension age your superannuation does become an assessable asset.

Renovate Funds spent on home improvements and renovations are not assessed against your pension. So if you’re thinking about updating that kitchen now might be the best time to break out the renovation tools. Not only will it give your home a fresh update, it will have a positive impact on your pension.

Gifting early You can gift up to $10,000 each financial year, up to a maximum of $30,000 over five years, without impacting your pension. So if you have some spare cash that you plan to use to help the kids, plan ahead and consider giving it away

before reaching your pension age. But be mindful of being too generous. Keep an eye on the limit and don’t leave yourself short.

Experts say single people need an annual amount of $43,184 and couples $59,326 for a comfortable retirement.

It’s important to get advice early and consider your options sooner rather than later. *Anthony Jones is an Authorised Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd, ABN 89 051 208 327, AFS License No. 232706.

Any advice given is general only and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs.

Because of this, before acting on any advice, you should consult a financial planner to consider how appropriate the advice is to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

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THERE will be winners and losers when new assets test rules are introduced on January 1 next year.

More than 200,000 part age pensioners face a partial cut to their age pension while more than 90,000 face the prospect of losing their pension completely.

On the positive side, from January the Government will increase the assets test limit to qualify for the full pension from $291,500 to $375,000 for couples who own their own home and from $202,500 to $250,000 for singles.

However, under the new rules the amount you will lose for every $1000 over this limit will double from the current rate of $1.50 to $3 per fortnight.

With the age pension rate reducing at twice the current pace, those close to the upper limit could really start to feel the pinch.

For couples who own their own homes the upper limit will effectively be cut to about $823,000 and $547,000 for singles.

As of January 1, a couple who owns their own home with assets in excess of $823,000 faces a $14,000 cut in pension payments.

So what options are available now for reducing your assessable assets and keeping part or all of your pension?

Contribute to super For those under 65, your superannuation is not included in your assets. Consider making larger or more contributions before you hit pension age or contribute to your partner’s superannuation if they are under pension age.

But remember, once you

THE release of the Intergenerational Report confirms the government’s continued intention to cut the age pension, highlights the need for more focus on combating age discrimination and having a more dynamic workforce participation policy, and reaffirms the need for a comprehensive retirement incomes review, says leading seniors’ advocate COTA Australia.

COTA Australia chief

executive Ian Yates said population and demographic changes heralded “the age of the senior”, which should be celebrated.

“The ageing population means we are going to be forced to better value older people in our society as we will need to rely on them to balance future budgets,” Mr Yates said.

“A productive future of Australia will need to be a productive older Australia.

“The Intergenerational

Report acknowledges the economic benefit of harnessing the wisdom and experience of older people through greater participation in the workforce.”

Mr Yates said COTA welcomed the government saying it was open to alternative measures to bring the Budget back to surplus.

“We look forward to a constructive dialogue with the government on doing just that.”

Seniors 13

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

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14 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

What’s on in our area

Fun days for the family, art shows, food, music and song ■ Alstonville Main Street Family Fun Day Plans are under way for the Main Street Family Festival which will be held on Sunday, May 29. The Alstonville Lions Club will be making it bigger and better this year. The main street will be closed and we are hoping families from around the Ballina Shire will join us for a fun-filled day out. There is something for everyone including the Main Street Markets, fun rides and face painting for the kids, live music and entertainment.

■ Love Lennox Festival Keep June 4 free on your calendar because that’s the date for the 2016 Love Lennox Festival which showcases what everyone loves about Lennox Head. There will be live music and performance stages for local musicians and the festival will finish in the evening with Jazz by the Sea at the Community Centre. $25 entry, BYO food and beverages and relax and listen to some amazing music.

■ Gallery upcoming exhibitions In Feather and Sea Rebecca Tapscott further explores the synchronistic diversity of birds, delving into their habitats around the Ballina coastline. The carefree nature of beach living is often juxtaposed against darker narrative undertones, giving meaning to the fatal interaction within the cyclic dynamics perpetuated in nature.

Dates: April 13 to May 8.

La femme is an intriguing collection of artworks that are simultaneously intimate

self-examinations and heartfelt interpretations capturing aspects of what it is to be female. Colour, pattern, animals, life drawing, emotions, stamp collecting, retro images, famous artworks, protestors and the cosmos, this exhibition unintentionally has it all.

Dates: April 13 to May 8.

Loud in the Gallery a dynamic exhibition promoting and celebrating the artistic achievement of secondary school students in the Ballina Shire. Dates: April 13 to May 8.

The collective exhibition Dolly looks at dolls – from abushkas to Barbies and beyond – and their ever-changing uses and representations in our culture. Dolls have been featured since the beginning of civilisations, and they possess a timeless quality to sooth and entertain us whilst

LOCAL PRODUCE: The Harvest Food Festival celebrates local food.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Fanciful and Familiar is coming to the Somerset Civic Centre, Esk on May 15.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

❝

There is something for everyone including the Main Street Markets, fun rides and face painting for the kids, live music and entertainment. reflecting our values and traditions. Dates: May 11 to June 19.

■ Harvest Food Festival Autumn is here and so is harvest time. The Northern Rivers Food Festival runs from April 21-24 and includes four events that will see the

community connect with local producers and celebrate local food. Long Table Harvest Dinner on Thursday, April 21 at 6.30-10pm; Epic Northern Rivers Food Adventure on April 22 from 8.30am-3.30pm; Sunset by the River on April 23 from 4-7pm and Harvest Festival Picnic on April 24

from 11.30am-3.30pm.

For more info go to www.harvestfoodfest.com or call 0411 035 876.

■ Ballina Country Music Club A free country music show will be held on Sunday, May 1 at the Cherry Tree Sports Club from noon to 5pm. For info call Keith Holmes

6686 7956.

■ Sweethearts of Song Fanciful and Familiar coming to the Somerset Civic Centre, Esk when members of the Esk Community Touring Choir, bring their unique brand of entertainment to the stage on May 15 commencing at 2.30pm,

presenting songs, many familiar, some fanciful, but all well known from South Pacific, Oklahoma, Sunset Boulevard and more. Raffles, afternoon tea and entertainment for adults $12; children under 14, $8. For more detail go to http://eskchoir.webs. com/upcomingevents.

NRSO welcomes back baton of Warwick Potter THE Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra (NRSO) welcomes back Warwick Potter to conduct their first concert of the season Romantic Encounters, which will take place on Sunday, April 24 at 2.30pm at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre.

Warwick Potter was born in Hastings, south of London, and studied piano as his main instrument.

He took up the bassoon when he was told it would be much easier to make a living playing bassoon as

there were quite a lot more pianists to compete against!

And so it was as a member of a wind orchestra in his teens, that Warwick got his first opportunity at conducting and he was hooked!

He did undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the Royal College of Music in London and recently completed a PhD in Music Performance (conducting) at the University of Queensland.

Warwick has conducted the Adelaide, Canberra,

Darwin, Queensland (QSO), Tasmanian, West Australian Symphony Orchestras (WASO) and

❝

Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra (Brisbane), MOST Symphony Orchestra

It was as a member of a wind orchestra in his teens, that Warwick got his first opportunity at conducting and he was hooked!

Camerata of St John’s across a range of orchestral portfolios.

In the youth ensemble sector, he has conducted the Queensland Youth Symphony, Young

(Education Queensland) and the Great Public Schools Symphony Orchestra since his move to Brisbane in 2010.

He has also played

bassoon with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, QSO and WASO. Warwick does not have time for many hobbies with a full-time position at UQ and a growing family, but enjoys horse racing (in the UK) and bridge.

He is a qualified teacher for the English Bridge Union.

The NRSO is delighted to have the University of Queensland French Horn Quartet playing for you Robert Schumans’ Concert Piece For 4

Horns, Op. 86.

The members of this fine young quartet are: Daniel Sherson, leader, first solo; Benjamin Tomarchio, second solo; Timothy Allen-Ankins, third solo; and Michelle Henderson, fourth solo.

We hope to see many of you at the concert to welcome back guest conductor Warwick Potter and special soloists for Romantic Encounters at 2.30pm on Sunday, April 24 at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre.

Seniors 15

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

travel

Whether you want to explore overseas, local or interstate you will find the information you need in Seniors’ colourful travel pages.

Secret Mykonos taverna Treat yourself to a Greek dining experience that will rival all others

Ann Rickard

WHAT are the chances?

You discover a tiny taverna on a Greek Island, so hidden it is invisible.

It has no telephone, no electricity, no signage, a no reservations policy.

You have to know someone who knows someone who knows someone else and is willing to tell you all about it.

It is in a remote section of Mykonos, on a desolate hill amid a brown denuded landscape, blocked from sight beneath the bushy umbrella branches of a large tree.

Three of us were determined to experience it after learning of its rustic charm in hushed whispers on a busy beach on the island.

“It’s very small. It opens only for lunch.

They cook enormous pork chops and delicious sword fish and giant baked potatoes on an open fire and the views over the sea are

wonderful but you might have to wait to get in, and if the food runs out, that’s it, they close.”

Such pressure.

But we were unwavering. We found it.

A queue had formed outside. Opening time was 1pm and not a second before.

When the clock struck one, the owner, a large handsome man looked over the top of a wall at the long line of desperate hopefuls outside, pointed at those he deemed first in line and said: “You, you, you and you.”

We were in. And smug.

The small bare tables, the inspiring simplicity of the mouth-watering food, the smell of the open grill fire, the glittering sea views, the haughty discern of the owner, and the strict policy that the baked potato came only with the pork, never with the swordfish, all made for such a vivid experience, I returned to Australia and wrote about it.

I referred cheekily to the wonderful owner as The Potato Nazi. He had

WORTH FINDING: Tables are small and bare and the food mouth-watering.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

refused to give our friend with the swordfish a potato despite our pleading and offers of extra payment.

“No potato with the fish,” he said firmly and there was no question of negotiation.

We had loved it very much and despite the tongue-in-cheek reference to The Potato Nazi, I wrote fondly of it.

In my wildest dreams I could not have imagined someone from regional

Queensland would cut out the article, take it all the way to the remote

part of Mykonos, find the hidden taverna and brandish my story in front of The Potato Nazi.

Really? What were the chances?

He was not pleased when we returned the following year for another magical experience.

With a livid face, he pointed at me. “You,” he thundered, “I don’t let you in.”

Fortunately, after my pleas that the story really had been flattering in its mischief, he conceded and let us in where he produced my small story from a scrapbook and reluctantly said his wife thought I had described him perfectly.

We have returned to the taverna every year

for a decade now on an annual pilgrimage because it is, quite simply, the most glorious Greek Island food experience.

Other writers before and after me have written about this marvellous place - there was even a story in the New York Times, much to our owner’s feigned horror.

The Potato Nazi has a soft heart. His taverna is small and despite the fish/potato policy, he loves to please everyone. and is uncomfortable about the queues.

He even passes free wine in small pink aluminium containers over the wall to the people waiting outside.

I’m not going to tell you the name of the taverna in case you print this out and take it to him.

I really like my annual pilgrimage.

Elements of Byron offers cabana city relaxation Kiri Ten Dolle

REFRESH: The Elements of Byron infinity pool is irresistible.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

TOO often a weekend away is never long enough. By the time you relax it’s time to check out and head home. Not at Byron Bay’s newest resort.

The first view you get walking into Elements of Byron’s impressive dune-shape reception is probably the best-looking infinity pool I’ve seen in a long time. It’s cabana city.

Private huts, daybeds and banana lounges surround the three-house-pad-sized pool, serviced by a

barefoot bar. Where are we again?

We order a cocktail and head for “adults only” sun pods overhanging the water – why not? I’m in my element.

The resort, which opened last month, is sprawled out across 20ha with almost two kilometres of beach frontage on Belongil Beach – it even employs a lifeguard for resort guests.

Our room is wetlandthemed and perched over an existing tea-treestained lagoon speckled

with lily pads.

A swipe of the keycard from the waterfront terrace and the locked sliding door lets you into the beautiful blonde timber and marble finished space, dappled with light.

A visit to Osprey Spa is a must. I’m asked to choose an affirmation card from a pile of cards before relaxing into a La Gaia Mother Earth facial.

I read the card: “Close your eyes. Breathe slowly and create an ideal image. Smell the

surroundings, feel the ground, touch what you can see. Make it as sensory as can. This can be your happy place, you can visit any time just by closing your eyes”. I think I’ve found my happy place. *The writer was a guest of Elements of Byron.

Elements of Byron 144 Bayshore Dr Byron Bay NSW 2481 Rates from $380 p/n incl continental breakfast, complimentary yoga class. www.elementsof byron.com.au

16 Seniors

travel

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

The mysteries of Laos Land Of A Million Elephants deserves all of its accolades Melissa Findley

THE Mekong River flows through Laos, a South-East Asian country known for its mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe communities and Buddhist monasteries.

The easygoing, waterside capital of Vientiane is the site of That Luang, a shrine allegedly containing the Buddha’s breastbone, the morning market of Talat Sao, and the Patuxai war memorial, a massive monument meaning Victory Gate.

Laos deserves all the accolades it receives.

Adrenaline seekers can lose themselves in underground river caves or whitewater rapids.

Wildlife enthusiasts can trek through pristine forests, still home to rare creatures, and foodies can experiment with the abundance of flavours that is Lao cuisine.

How lucky was I to visit The Land of a Million

Elephants, where I fell head over heels in love with this country. I went to check out elephant conservation and to discover Laos.

Waking up at sunrise, I walk along the upper Mekong, quietly roaming the streets, observing the glowing temples.

The locals are up, going about their daily routine as I saunter to Wat Sisaket, the oldest original temple (built in 1818), and the only one to survive the Thai invasion of 1828. Across the street I get to explore the Haw Pha Kaew temple.

Then I discover the golden-spired stupa, Pha That Luang, the most important national monument in Laos and symbolic of both the monarchy and Buddhism.

Something I find heart-wrenching, but also very moving, is spending time in the COPE Centre, which provides prosthetic limbs for victims of mine explosions and brings attention to the tragic

ADVENTURE: Life on the Mekong River.

after-effects of the Indochina wars.

Less than an hour’s flight to the former royal capital, Luang Prabang, I get closer to celebrating the 20th anniversary of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status and the arrival of the Elephant Caravan. As soon as I

arrive, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace, and I allow for a few days to explore the historic architecture, the Buddhist temples and to watch the sunrise procession of 200 Buddhist monks.

The water lures you in when you see the beauty

PHOTO: GEOFF POTTER

of the waterfalls near Luang Prabang.

A two-hour cruise along The Mekong on board a slow boat brings us to the mysterious Cave of a Thousand Buddhas at Pak Ou. Here, in a tradition that has lasted centuries, local people add annually to a

repository of Buddha statues.

On my visit to Laos, I take the chance to participate in the Elephant Caravan, whose mission is to stave off the extinction of this majestic species in the small, landlocked country.

Two islands of Thailand

Koh Samui’s twin sister island Koh Phangan is spectacular Phil Hawkes

IT SEEMS everybody’s heard of Koh Samui. It’s a well-known tourist magnet in the Gulf of Thailand, right?

An island with great beaches, food, markets, hotels and resorts? Yes, that’s all true.

But there’s a twin sister island not far from Samui.

Too far to swim, unless you’re an experienced channel swimmer, but just a short ferry ride away. It’s called Koh Phangan (pronounced Ko Par Narn).

And it’s spectacular.

I discovered Phangan about 30 years ago. There was little development then. Backpacker lodges all around the island, some on quite remote beaches, reachable only by longtail boat. Not too accessible in a medical emergency. But it’s funny how, despite this lack of access, the entire world made the annual pilgrimage to the Full Moon Festival on one tiny corner of the island. Do I

remember that event? Not very well.

Phangan has changed.

No longer the exclusive haunt of backpackers, its natural attractions (which are considerable) are now enhanced by a huge range of activities and the full spectrum of accommodation choices right up to five-star level.

We now find ourselves at the stunning Santhiya Resort, a 30-minute ride from the ferry port on the other side of the island, but well worth the bumps.

Here, the general manager is on hand with musicians and staff to welcome guests – a sign of the personal service the hotel is famous for.

Perhaps the most defining feature of Santhiya is the extraordinary attention to detail in the villas as well as the public areas. The owners have their own wood carving and furniture factory, evident in small decorative touches such as individual lampshades, screens and even

IDEAL: A peaceful view from Bo Phut Resort and Spa.

doorknobs.

The outdoor shower and bath in most villas is fun to use in this tropical climate. The resort is particularly conscious of environmental sustainability, and includes extensive use of recycled timber (although one guest complained that a wooden railway sleeper was “too old”)! Other practices include the use

of herbal products, minimum use of plastic, and segmented waste disposal.

Santhiya has two dining areas: the main Chantara restaurant with quality Thai and international cuisine; and By the Sea at beach and main pool level, with a bar and more informal menu. This resort makes a trip to Koh Phangan worthwhile.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Back in Koh Samui for a few days, we’ve arrived at sister property Bo Phut Resort. Another member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it’s located on Bo Phut Beach just a short walk from the popular Night Market. If there’s one thing you should experience in Samui apart from all the outdoor sports activities and shopping, this is it.

Bo Phut Resort itself is a haven of tranquillity away from the noisier parts of Samui. Its Thai-style bungalows are beautifully equipped with the most comfortable beds, inside and outside sitting areas and modern bathrooms. It’s so quiet here that we’re able to get plenty of rest before the long flight home via Kuala Lumpur.

Seniors 17

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

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18 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Broken Hill is gold

Seniors 19

travel

Uncover the secrets of this mysterious town Erle Levey

Approaching Broken Hill from Wentworth, western NSW. PHOTO: ERLE LEVEY

Australia. And there is all that mining. Broken Hill is the “BH” in one of, if not the world’s largest mining company, BHP Billiton.

Driving through the shimmering heat, the road sign indicates to watch for kangaroos for the next 150km.

The thing about having “nothing to see” is that there is so much to see.

Rock formations, red soil, the way the sunlight catches in the grasses, the different shades of green in the gum trees.

You think of stopping to capture the moment on camera but then say to yourself, “oh, I will do it down the road a bit”.

That’s just it. The moment has passed. The country changes.

You become so aware of the slightest variations and realise how important it can be to life out here.

Way off to the north-west you notice some ranges ... long, low,

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blue. Is that it? Is that why it’s called Broken Hill? Two mountain ranges broken in the middle?

Last Cab To Darwin scriptwriter Reg Cribb says of the Broken Hill area: “This part of the world has a brutal beauty to it and the people that live there are just clinging on to their economic survival by their fingertips.

“It is a part of the world that is probably as foreign to most Aussies as it is to overseas visitors.”

Cribb said he wanted Australian audiences to feel a sense of loss when they saw the landscape.

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1681122

BROKEN Hill. Why would you want to go there, a mate had asked, there’s nothing to see.

Exactly. That’s why I am driving along a straight road into the morning sunshine, the salt flats and patchy grasses.

Broken Hill had always held intrigue but somehow was always that little bit out of reach. Isolated yet at the heart of much of Australia’s social and economic development.

It is on the way from Brisbane to Adelaide, which is more than 500km to the south-west.

Yet going from Sydney, just over 1000km away to the east, you are more likely to go through Balranald and Mildura.

Melbourne is 725km to the south.

A sense of mystery surrounds the place, having been featured in a swag of movies, including the confronting 1971 drama Wake In Fright, the 1994 hit Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the series of Mad Max movies and the recent Last Cab To Darwin with Michael Caton. (Story continues after gallery.)

Actor Chips Rafferty was born there. He starred in such films as Rats of Tobruk and in what was to be his last film, Wake In Fright.

Then again, the Brushmen of the Bush rose to fame with their art while based at Broken Hill, so it must have something going for it.

The Indian Pacific stops there on its journey across

20 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Dep. July 25 & Nov 7

Flying Singapore Airlines into Saigon and out of Hanoi. 20 day tour of the coast of Vietnam.

ITALY $6,985

18 Day Tour

Dep. June 3

Flying Cathay Pacific into Rome. 14 day first class tour of Italy visiting Rome, Pisa, Florence, Milan, Lugarno, Venice, Assisi, Sorrento, the Isle of Caprice, & the Italian Lakes. 2 day Hong Kong stopover.

SWITZERLAND $4,995

13 Day Tour

Dep. July 15

Flying Qatar Airways into Zurich. 11 day tour of Switzerland. Tipping included. Twin share available for anyone requiring it.

THAILAND MOUNTAIN & BEACHES $3,275

2 Week Tour

Dep. Aug 3

Flying Thai into Bangkok plus 3 flights within Thailand.

Visits Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai & Phuket.

First class accommodation.

U.S.A. NATIONAL PARKS $4,925

18 Day Tour

Dep. July 19

$5,985

18 Day Tour

SOUTH AMERICA Dep. Oct 5

Flying Singapore Airlines into Istanbul, plus a flight within Turkey. 15 day tour of eastern Turkey & the Black Sea coast. Optional extension to West Turkey 7 Gallipoli. Tipping included.

VIETNAM LUXURY TOUR $4,999

20 Day Tour

Dep. Oct 10

Flying Singapore Airlines into Saigon & out of Hanoi, plus 2 flights within Vietnam. 19 day tour of the coast of Vietnam plus the Sapa hill tribe area. Superb 4-5 star accommodation. Tipping included.

NEW ZEALAND GARDEN TOUR & FESTIVAL $4,139

11 Day Tour

Dep. Oct 26

Flying Air N.Z. into Auckland & out of Wellington. Visits 7 outstanding gardens & Taranaki Garden Festival.

Tour lead by a gardening expert.

SRI LANKA (CEYLON) $4,385

16 Day Tour

Dep. Sep 19

Flying Singapore Airlines into Colombo. 14 day coach rail tour of Sri Lanka, visiting most places of interest in this beautiful country.

CHINA HIGHLIGHTS $3,290

13 Day Tour

Dep. Oct 13

Flying China Eastern into Shanghai & out of Beijing plus 2 flights within China. 12 day China tour visiting Shanghai, Xian, Hangzhou, Suzhou & Beijing.

No single room supplement for solo travellers.

WEST TURKEY $5,490

18 Day Tour

Dep. Oct 19

Flying Singapore Airlines into Istanbul.

15 day tour of Turkey including Gallipoli & Ephesus.

1 day Singapore. Tipping included.

EUROPE IN DEPTH

Flying United into Denver & out of Las Vegas.

Visits Deadwood, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, BryceCanyon, Zion & Grand Canyon national parks and Las Vegas.

$8,795

SCANDINAVIA & THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

BRITISH PALACES, CASTLES & GARDENS TOUR

$7,265

22 Day Tour

Dep. Aug 18

Flying Thai into Stockholm & out of Oslo. 17 day tour of Finland, Lapland, the Arctic Circle & Norway.

3 days Thailand at a beach front resort hotel.

U.S.A. & CANADA $6,995

4 Week Tour

Dep. Sep. 2.

Flying United into Los Angeles & out of New York.

12 day tour of western U.S.A. & 15 day tour of N.E. U.S.A. & Canada.

GREECE & THE GREEK ISLANDS $5,785

18 Day Tour

Dep. Oct 7

Flying Emirates into Athens. 11 day Greece tour, 4 day cruise of the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete & Santorini. 2 nights Dubai stopover.

34 Day Tour

Dep. Nov 2

Flying Cathay Pacific into London & out of Paris.

31 day European tour visiting 11 countries.

2 nights Hong Kong. Tipping included. $8,675

17 Day Tour

Dep. Sep 20

Flying Qatar Airways (world’s best airline 2015) into London & out of Edinburgh. Inside visits to Buckingham, Hampton Court, Edinburgh & Holyrood Palaces and Windsor, Cardiff, Kenilworth & Ainwick Castles & the Royal Yacht Brittania, plus many historical sites & buildings with all entrance fees & tips payed.

CENTRAL ASIA $9,275

26 Day Tour

Dep. Oct 6.

Flying Asiana Airlines into Almaty & out of Tashkent plus 4 flights within central Asia. 22 day land, air & high speed train tour of Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan & Turkmenistan.

Korea stopovers. Tips included.

$10,995

22 Day Tour

Dep. Oct 9

Flying Qantas & Lan Airways into Santiago plus 7 flights within South America. 20 day tour of Chile, Peru, Bplivia, Brazil & Argentina by plane, coach, rail & boat. Optional extensions to Galapagos Islands and to the Amazon.

SPAIN, PORTUGAL & MOROCCO $5,195

20 Day Tour

Dep. Oct 11

Flying Cathay Pacific into Madrid. 17 day tour of Spain, Portugal & Morocco. 1 day Hong Kong stopover.

AROUND TAIWAN $3,345

9 Day Tour

Dep. Nov 2

Flying Cathay Pacific into Taipei. 8 day Taiwan tour including spectacular Taroka Gorge. Tipping included.

No single room supplement for solo travellers.

JAPAN AUTUMN LEAVES $6,195

13 Day Tour

Dep. Nov 8

Flying Cathay Pacific into Tokyo & out of Osaka.

12 day Japan tour. Nearly all meals and tips included.

INDIA $5,265

19 Day Tour

Dep. Nov 17

Flying Singapore Airlines into Delhi and out of Bombay.

16 day coach, air & boat tour of India including the TajMahal. 2 day Singapore stopover. Tips included.

LAOS, NORTH VIETNAM & THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE $4,590

24 Day Tour

Dep. Sep 1

Flying Thai into Chiang Mai & out of Hanoi. 5 day tour of Golden Triangle, 7 day Laos tour including 2 days cruising the Mekong River, 10 day North Vietnam tour including Halong Bay cruise.

MEXICO & CUBA $8,975

18 Day Tour

Dep. Nov 7

Flying Qantas, American Airlines & Aeromexico into Dallas & out of Havana. 8 day Mexico tour, 7 day Cuba tour, Dallas stopover. Tips included THAILAND SHOPPING TOUR $2,495

10 Day Tour

Dep. Nov 30

Flying Thai into Bangkok. 5 nights Bangkok, 3 nights Hua Hin in centrally located hotels. Tips included.

Twin share accommodation guaranteed for anyone requiring it.

VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS $2,895

11 Day Tour

Dep. Jan 16

Flying Singapore Airlines into Saigon & out of Hanoi plus 2 flights within Vietnam. Optional extension to Angkor Wat.

The prices listed mainly include return air fares from Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane, airport taxes & fuel levies, good twin share accom., many meals, all transfers, Australian tour leader & local tour guides.

For more information or bookings contact:

MACLEAY VALLEY TRAVEL Pty Ltd Phone Toll Free 1800-810-809 We try harder to find you the best travel deal 33 Smith Street Kempsey 2440 | E-mail: info@macleayvalleytravel.com | Website: www.macleayvalleytravel.com

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$2,625

EASTERN TURKEY & THE BLACK SEA

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 21

22 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

Classics never go out of style Risotto can always be dressed up or down to suit any occasion Angela Casley

I

NSPIRED by the simple black dress, I have opted for a series of stylish dishes that I trust and know will always look good and impress no matter the occasion.

A little like that favourite dress in your wardrobe.

The joy of a good risotto is its simplicity. It needs only a couple of flavours such as onions, garlic and plenty of parmesan.

Other vegetables or herbs can also be added, provided it is done at the correct time. All soft herbs should go in just before serving, while harder vegetables, like pumpkin or even mushrooms, should be added earlier to allow time to cook through.

I was planning on a scallop risotto today and then I saw these beautiful Pacific oysters, a favourite of mine, so in they went at the end. Be sure to save all the juices when straining off the seafood as it really intensifies the flavour. And make sure you taste the risotto before you add any extra salt, as the stock and seafood may well be enough. The grapefruit brings a freshness at the end, while the chopped fresh dill or parsley is a must.

For today’s stir-fry I was shopping for garlic chives and oyster mushrooms at my local Asian grocery, when an old Chinese man stopped me to ask how I planned to cook them. His suggestion was with egg – the only way in his book, and he seemed rather amused at my combination.

Stir-frying is one of those quick, simple dinners. If you don’t have the ingredients I have, other vegetables will also work to enhance the dish. Red peppers, leeks and even spinach would be good choices if you can’t get to an Asian food store.

Poached pears in red wine are impressive to look at and eat. Not too sweet, cool, juicy and a very refreshing dessert. They, too, are easy to make and a great way to use up

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

that half bottle of wine you have left over from the night before.

Poaching pears fills the house with a wonderful aroma that smells a little like mulled wine, and it’s so tasty I am guilty of slurping a bit of the juice before reducing it.

If you like the juice a bit thicker use a little arrowroot to ensure it coats the pears.

This is a wonderful dessert.

Scallop, oyster and ruby grapefruit risotto Serves 4 Ingredients 2 tbs olive oil 1 onion, chopped finely 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 cups risotto rice 2 litres seafood or chicken stock ½ cup white wine 20g butter

450g combined scallop and oysters, juices reserved ½ cup grated parmesan Freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 ruby grapefruit, segmented

Method In a heavy-based pot heat the oil. Add the onion and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until translucent but not browned.

Add the rice, stirring for 3 or 4 minutes to start the cooking process. Pour in the wine, and wait for it to be absorbed by the rice.

Ladle in the hot stock, each time cooking until it is absorbed. Continue this process and be patient to achieve a nice creamy risotto. Add any juices from the seafood.

Towards the end, when the rice is nearly cooked, prepare the seafood. Heat the butter in a frying pan. Add the scallops and oysters and fry until lightly browned.

Remove the risotto from the heat and add the seafood to the risotto. Stir through the parmesan, freshly ground pepper, grapefruit and chopped parsley or dill.

Serve while piping hot with a little extra parmesan if required.

DESSERT

Apricot Sorbet

Serves 4–6 Ingredients 120g sugar 1 cup water 500g apricots, stones removed zest and juice of 1 lime Method Place the sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Simmer until the sugar is dissolved.

Add the apricots and lime then continue

to simmer for 10 minutes until the fruit is completely soft.

Pour in a blender and blitz until smooth.

Place a sieve on top of a bowl and push the mixture through to remove any bits.

Cover and chill in the fridge.

Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker until set, then place in the freezer. Remove 10 minutes before serving.

Serve in glasses as dessert or a little in a shot glass between courses.

Seniors 23

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Maria, still glamorous Ann Rickard talks to one of her favourite role models, a sassy woman who is ageing far better than a bottle of rare wine. laughed. “I’ve just bought five more sets of eyelashes, lots of turquoise and gold eye shadow and more lipsticks.”

In an entertainment career that has spanned 58 jam-packed years and seen Maria perform on stage both nationally and internationally, as well as star in a number of movies, she still has what it takes to steal the limelight.

The Sicilian born beauty with the bountiful cleavage made her first singing performance at age 17, four years after she found the joy of make-up, false eyelashes and big hair. She has never stopped performing or wearing make-up since.

Maria not only whips her audiences up with enduring cabaret songs belted out in her unique sexy style, she makes them laugh and feel

STAR STILL SHINES: The one and only Maria Venuti.

marvellous.

“People are always coming up to me and thanking me for making them smile,” she said.

That she does, never caring if it involves making fun of herself.

Becoming braver and less self-conscious is a benefit of ageing Maria now enjoys and wishes

the same for all other seniors.

“You tend not to worry about how you look from a certain angle or if you bum looks big,” she said. “You think ‘I am what I am’ and that is how I feel now. I think everyone should look hard in the mirror and find their own uniqueness and build on that. ”

PHOTO: DANIEL LINNET

She has never held back when it comes to over-the-top outfits, “I always wear low-cut necklines. If I wear anything too high I feel claustrophobic. I have to let my girls out. It’s like taking a deep breath. It elevates me.”

“I like to keep it interesting, flamboyant

but not garish...although I don’t mind a bit of garish.”

As for retirement?

It’s a dirty word to Maria.

“I will never retire,” she said.

“There is a line in the song The Party’s Over. It goes...‘take off your make-up, the party’s over, it’s all over my friend’.”

THE KING OF TALKBACK RADIO JOHN LAWS ON 2HC AND 2GF With over sixty years of commercial broadcast experience, John Laws asks the hard questions – and cuts through the political spin. For unmissable news, information, entertainment and talkback, Australia relies on John Laws.

Don’t miss the host who calls it like he sees it.

Listen every weekday from 9am – midday.

Coffs Coast 100.5 FM | 639 AM www.radio639am.info

Clarence Valley 1206 AM | 103.9 FM www.radio2gf.com.au

CR114733AA

Rice flakes, power naps, false eyelashes, sorbolene moisturiser.

What could this mixed bunch possibly have in common?

They are all included in Maria Venuti’s daily routine and they keep her fired with energy and looking show-biz glamorous even though she has just passed her 75th birthday.

“Just write 75 once, darling,” Maria said during our fun interview. “No need to mention it again after that.”

But sensible eating, lots of power naps, big fake eyelashes and the twice-daily slathering of moisturiser on face and décolletage keep Maria Venuti ready for the spotlight at any time of the day.

“Darling, I can’t go past a beauty shop, especially when they have a 50 per cent off sale,” she

24 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

MOTHER’S DAY • SUNDAY MAY 8 SET ITALIAN MENU FEATURING FOUR COURSES

Antipasto, pasta, pizza and salad, finishing with homemade Italian desserts.

SPECIAL S MOTHERS DAY RAFFLE AT 3PM SPECIAL OFFER

$12 for a bottle of Moore’s Creek Shiraz or Sauvignon Blanc.

$35

PER PERSON $10 FOR CHILDREN UP TO 12

Cafe open 10am I Lunch Daily 11.30am - 2.30pm Dinner from 5.30pm I seagulls operates on DST

Ground floor at seagulls club I www.seagullsclub.com.au Like us on Facebook @ facebook.com/SeagullsClub seagulls practices the responsible service of alcohol