Northern NSW, October 2017

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Seniors Northern NSW

October, 2017

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2 Seniors Northern NSW

In this edition

Cover Story: O’Reilly’s .....................................Pages 4&5 Wellbeing .........................................................Pages 11-13 Money ......................................................................Page 14 Travel ................................................................Pages 16-18 What’s On................................................................Page 19 Puzzles ....................................................................Page 22

Contact us Editor: Gail Forrer; gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Manager: Kristie Waite kristie.waite@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Now online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Northern NSW Seniors Newspaper”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland.

The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications. Published by News Corp Australia. Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina.

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

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 16, 2017

Let’s mix it up and learn from the best GENFRIENDS – I’m always up for word invention and I rather liked this one. Since, it hasn’t made the dictionary yet, I take its meaning as a positive term for intergenerational friendships. A recently published report Truth about Age, McCann World Group noted that individual cultures value ageing in different ways, for instance the people of India believe being respected by society is the key to ageing well, while British value a sense of humour, however across the board intergenerational connections promoted a healthy, happy ageing. With this information in mind, we have presented The Intergenerational Issue. The great thing about intergenerational connection is that depending on the connection or program, friendships can be made, education gained and wisdom shared by two or more generations. This month, we tracked

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

down a few stories that personify the meaning of intergenerational. To that end, we have featured the O’Reilly clan – how they have worked together for four generations expanding their tourism business and nurturing the land for future generations. From another angle, Tracey Johnstone reports on the genXchange program. This program focuses on a sharing between educational institutions and the aged care industry. Initially, it came out of a student’s research project and is all about connecting people in the community and reducing social isolation. The underpinning philosophy

supports the transfer of wisdom on one hand, and new skills and new relationships on the other hand. We also bring you up-to-date with one of Australia’s most important care-giving institutions Meals on Wheels - which, of course, relies on the generosity of more-able bodied volunteers. On September 15, Federal Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt announced an additional $8 million in government support for services delivering meals to private homes through the Commonwealth Home Support Program - (See our inside feature story). You may not be aware, but Grandparents’ day is celebrated this month on Oct 25. This means we all have a chance to celebrate in our own way. For the grandparents, who have had to take on a direct parenting role for their grandchildren it means an opportunity to have their message to the

Government amplified. This year the CWA is conducting a support campaign asking the government for considered recognition of the part these grandparents play in the wellbeing of our society. Read the full stories in our Wellbeing section. At times, we all require good, honest sounding boards, and for me that means my three sisters, who generously offer a running commentary on my editorial efforts! Of late, they have told me to take care in writing about too many extraordinary older people, it can make them feel inadequate. My reply is that the goal is to write about inspirational people, regardless of whether or not they are extraordinary. Let’s face it, is it ever too late to live the dream? So, here’s to all my genfriends - may you be inspired and enjoy the Big Read ahead. Cheers Gail

Eat, drink and think the Pink cause in October have something pink on the menu, maybe you can give them some pink ideas which will help them raise funds to support Breast Cancer Network Australia which works to create a better breast cancer journey for woman and men. Dine Pink is the BCNA’s newest awareness campaign which they hope will bring attention to the role food plays in connecting people, especially at a time when they most need support

from family and friends. Callan Smith from MasterChef 2017 TV program has stepped up as ambassador for Dine Pink because his grandmother has been affected by breast cancer. “Food is our universal language that connects people all over the world,” Callan said. “I love how Dine Pink will celebrate the powerful role food plays in bringing people together. It’s something we can all relate to and I

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“Many restaurants and cafes are participating in Dine Pink because they have a personal connection to breast cancer – some are breast cancer survivors themselves, and some have been affected because their mother, grandmother, friend or staff member has been diagnosed,” Rozalee said. “This year 48 women will find out they have breast cancer every day in Australia, and 144 men

will also be diagnosed, so most people know someone who has been affected by this disease. “This October we’re encouraging people to check out where they can Dine Pink when they’re making dinner plans with friends and family and show their support for more than 17,500 Australians who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Cafes and restaurants can sign up for Dine Pink at www.dinepink.com.au.

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encourage everyone to get on board,” he added. The idea for Dine Pink came from one of BCNA’s members, breast cancer survivor Donna Falconer who said she found that often the first thing a person does when something doesn’t go right in their life is to call their friends and family, and organise to meet over coffee or food where everyone can talk about what’s going on and about what support is needed.

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WHEN you visit your favourite café or restaurant this month, why not ask them what they have on the menu that comes in pink. Cafes and restaurants across Australia are being asked to go pink this month in support of breast cancer awareness month. Anything goes; pink meals, cakes, cookies, desserts and drinks, could all be on the fundraising menu. If your local doesn’t


Fighting for Right

Monday, October 16, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Northern NSW

Meet the person with you in mind Tracey Johnstone

AGED Discrimination Commissioner Dr Kay Patterson has set a clear agenda and she plans on using every element of her public sector education experience and network to deliver deep change in issues vital to ageing Australians and the broader community. “I hope by the end I can say I have made a difference for older people,” the 72-year-old said. She has another four years with her support team of three to achieve some lofty, but worthwhile goals around her three chosen focus areas – elder abuse, homelessness for women aged 50 to 70, and seniors in the workplace. ■ Elder Abuse Report On June 14 the Australian Law Reform Commission released its 43 elder abuse law reform recommendations to safeguard older Australians. “There is a lot of momentum around that,” Dr Patterson said. She is now meeting regularly with a team of five from the Attorney-General’s office to develop a national plan out of the ALRC report and a first-time prevalence study. “I have said to both the attorney and shadow attorney that I would rather focus on getting this report implemented rather than writing another report.” Even though the report

Dr Kay Patterson AO.

is

about law reform, Dr Patterson said, “There are things that aren’t in the report that I think need addressing later on.” Registration of Powers of Attorney is a focus area for her. She has also spoken to the Australian Banking Association’s CEO Anna Bligh about finding a practical implementation for this recommendation since the banks have been pushing for this to happen. ■ Homelessness Women who are working, and aged between 55 and 70 and renting, if they become sick or lose their job and can’t pay their rent, they will become homeless. “I think you need a range of solutions because someone at 55 will have very different needs of someone who is 65. I would like to form a council of women who see this as a major issue and could invest into a property fund so that a person who has a bit of super can buy some equity so her rent is doable on the pension then years down the track. Women who have been

working have all sorts of resources; they have networks, and when the time comes they may be able to use them.” For others who don’t have networks and resources, she says it will put downward pressure on social housing. “Can we use their capacity to work or their super, using different solutions for the different women within that group to give them some housing?” ■ Willing to Work Since the mid-1990s and through to the adoption of the Age Discrimination Act in 2004, Dr Patterson pushed for the removal of the compulsory retirement age. Her vision now is to see implemented as many as possible of the commission’s Willing to Work report recommendations. Dr Patterson includes among her concerns about Australia’s older workforce that Australians are living longer than they had imagined they would and a lot of older people weren’t in superannuation from the beginning because it wasn’t portable, which means many of them are approaching retirement with less super. “And, many companies realise there is a big people dip after the Baby Boomers and there aren’t people coming in to fill those places,” she said. “Many companies are realising that suddenly they may have a dearth of

Seniors 3

AGEING ISSUES: Dr Kay Patterson has three major ageing issues she will target in the next four years. PHOTO: TRACEY JOHNSTONE

people and what they’ve got to do is keep their people working longer.” Another area of focus for Dr Patterson is education. She is targeting human resources and health students with the aim to get more human relations courses about older people and the positive things of employing older people into education institutions. “The culture they set now is the culture they will inherit when they are older,” Dr Patterson said. “If young people coming up behind them in clinical situations or employment, see people dealing with older people in an understanding way that gets the fact they don’t always want to have

full-time job, that’s the culture they will experience. If they don’t do that, they get the culture that currently exists which is less than helpful in understanding the motivation of older people.” Her next target is the Human Resources Institute of Australia, working with them to ensure professional development around older worker issues. “I am attending any event they invite me to, to talk to them about what they can do in their businesses and giving them examples of best practice,” she said. “I feel like I need to be like a bee, running around seeing the best practices and then pollinating them

around the country.” Her final target is seeing materials developed, similar to those produced for students, that will help industry leaders to become better informed about the value and importance of older workers. She is looking to groups such as the Institute of Company Directors to get directors to ask questions about diversity. “If they see older people in their company being looked after, and employing them, or making sure they can transition to retirement, then they are going to be more loyal to that company, because that’s what is going to happen to them.”


4 Seniors Northern NSW

Cover Story: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 16, 2017

Behold, the regenerative Indigenous history

GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

TO UNIVERSITY research students the rainforest regeneration of O’Reilly’s property, in Lamington National Park is something to behold. “It’s highly valued as dairy land that has gone back to rainforest without any replanting,” Shane O’Reilly said. At 55-years-old, Shane is the third European generation to live on the land. He speaks in a relaxed tone and notes that the Rainforest Retreat, though now boasting architecturally designed unit, day spa and 25m infinity edge poll is still an unpretentious place. “The staff are good, the guests are friendly – it’s a relaxed, communal feel,” he said. The first O’Reilly settled there in 1911, four years later the Lamington Park was declared a state forest. In 1994, World Heritage

ECO RANGERS: Intergenerational connections grow as environmental knowledge is shared and enjoyed.

They were in their mid-50s, worked all their lives, they had a lovely asset but no money. They had put all their money back into the property,” Shane said. status was bestowed on Lamington in recognition of its high biodiversity, and the fact it contains a living museum of the evolutionary steps taken in the development of

Australia’s modern flora. It now includes 20,200 hectares of varying forest types, from temperate Antarctic Beech forest high on the border ranges through the sub-tropical

rainforests, to the dry eucalypt forest of the northern escarpment. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, in the Gold Coast hinterland, has been a family owned and operated business since first opening in 1926. After devoting more than 40 years to the business, the second generation family members, including CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

PRIOR to European settlement, the Lamington region was inhabited by Aboriginal people of the Yugambeh language for thousands of years. The Yugambeh group inhabited the Gold Coast and hinterland, roughly between the Logan and Tweed rivers. The group lived as distinct family tribes in various regions, although interaction between them was well established. The family tribes that lived closest to Lamington National Park are the Birinburra, Kombumerri, Wangerriburra and Migunberri people. The Yugambeh people understood seasons, plants and animals and used them to provide a comfortable lifestyle. Whereas early European farming methods required toil from dawn to dusk in order to achieve a small return, the Yugambeh people were able to feed a large group with just a few hours’ walk a day.

Trading of food was well established between Aboriginal groups and early Europeans relied on trading with the Aborigines to survive. The Yugambeh people monitored plant and animal resources to ensure that food gathering was both efficient and sustainable. They gathered nuts, honey and other plant material, perhaps even planting many of the nut trees that grow today. Using an assortment of weaponry, they hunted a wide variety of species. Nets were used to catch fish, flighted birds, land fowl and land animals to the size of a kangaroo. Dingoes were trained to aid in the hunting of wallabies and kangaroos. Social gatherings such as corroborees were well attended, attracting visitors from as far as Grafton, Tenterfield and Maryborough. These corroborees were held for a variety of reasons.

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Monday, October 16, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Cover Story: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

Northern NSW

Seniors 5

beauty of the landscape THIRD GENERATION : Shane O’Reilly.

PHOTO: ADAM HEAD

Morans Falls is part of the diverse environment. FROM PAGE 4

84-year-old Big Pete O’Reilly who built the Australia’s first tree-top walk 30 years ago and still spends a day a week on the property, retired in the late 1990s, and so charged the third generation with the responsibility of carrying on the business into the new millennium. Fortunately, this is a

family who had foresight and goodwill to care both for themselves and the land. As Shane O’Reilly tells it, when he returned to the property in 1989 after working in an international hotel, his parents and uncle and aunt who ran the property, were ready to retire. “They were in their mid-50s, worked all their lives, they had a lovely

Thirty-years-ago the tree-top walk was constructed. It is thought to be the first of its kind in the world.

asset but no money. They had put all their money back into the property,” Shane said. “They could have sold, but they didn’t want to. “They were happy there.” With that in mind, he put together a retirement strategy for them and by the mid 1990s they were ready to retire. Shane spent an idyllic childhood on the land

before heading to boarding school. His intimate knowledge of the land and family photographs allow him to follow the dramatic growth, landscape changes and weather patterns across a century. His two children, not yet teenagers, are enjoying a similar childhood and whether they follow in his footsteps is up to them. But why wouldn’t they.

O'Reilly family timeline until 2012.

Shane has said each generation has added their own direction to the retreat, for instance Big Pete O’Reilly’s birdwatching excursion is this year celebrating a 40th anniversary.

While Shane talks about the eco rangers project that provides conservation awareness and time out for the parents. “It gets kids away from their iPad,” he said.

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6 Seniors Northern NSW

genXchange

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 16, 2017

Connecting gen friends Tracey Johnstone

GENXCHANGE – have your heard the word yet? If not, be on alert, because it will soon be in your neighbhourhood. genXchange is the brainchild of Queenslander Charlotte Mellis, who has nurtured the cross-generational collaborative project through the pilot stages and is now driving it, to roll out nationally in 2018. On Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the local genXchange group coordinators, Sam Wall and Kristen Ottley, said they were bringing local university students and community elders together in a way that gave meaning and purpose for themselves, and had them involved in the community. “It gives them (seniors) the opportunity to prove they have so much value and knowledge to give,” Sam said. “We want to create awareness around social isolation and it’s a dignified way of sharing wisdom without being derogatory towards any generation,” Kristen added. “Both generations have something to share and we want to get rid of the stigma around old age and redundancy which a western culture seems to give to elders.” Sam and Kristen are working with a group of about 70 seniors and 11 occupational therapy students, who are using their volunteer involvement as practical experience for one of their study units. Each Tuesday members of this genXchange group meet across various activities – computer classes, Spanish lessons, arts and crafts, walking or participating in community gardening. On a

Wednesday the Breaky Club group serves meals to the homeless, socially disadvantaged and isolated at the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre. Debra, 63, is a member of the gardening group. She said genXchange was letting her get in touch with the “younger generation”. “I am learning what they want to do and how they feel and see life, and their future,” Debra said. “What I can teach them I will find out along the way.” Sam, 26, said, “We are creating friendships and connections rather than seeing it as a chore that we have to do. “I have learnt to engage with them. I used to have, like most people, an ageist way of thinking. From this program, it has broken down a heap of barriers for me. “I am able to have a really authentic

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GEN FRIENDS: Emma (USC student and genXchange member) and Jack (genXchange member) at Smell the Roses garden and social club. PHOTOS: TAYLAH BERGANN genXchange team members Sam Wall (community co-ordinator, Qld), Charlotte Mellis (director, Australia-wide) and Kristen Ottley (student liaison, Qld).

conversation, really easily. If the best thing I can do is listen and be actively engaged with these people, that’s great.” “I love being able to do that, coming here every Tuesday and treating them the same as my friends and anyone of my

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generation,” Sam added. Kristen, 28, chimed in, “Seniors are wiser people. They look a little bit different, but they are still young at heart. That’s the one thing I have really learnt the most.” Charlotte said genXchange has

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partnered in Brisbane with Aveo Springfield for a cooking program and creating vertical gardens, in partnership with students from the University of Queensland the University of Southern Queensland. Charlotte said, “As we roll out we will be partnering with universities and other education providers around Australia who will be accessing the platform

to register their details for students who will be able gain approved credit points for their qualifications based on the partnership with the universities. “In exchange for that there is a huge amount of value to be gained by connecting with a genfriend, someone in their community of a different age.” She is also hoping to partner with aged care providers, retirement villages and hospitals to develop a program which suits their community’s needs. To join in with genXchange, go to www.genxchange.org.

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genXchange members at Express Yourself (Speak Spanish or Knit for a Cause) at the Sunshine Coast's Maroochydore Library.


Monday, October 16, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Northern NSW

Seniors 7


8 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 16, 2017

Talk’n’thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

Science of leading a long life MOMCHILOVSTI, telomeres, epigentics, RADD, lutathione – these words might sound rather out of the ordinary, but as the conversation around longevity expands these words are gathering familiarity. Dreams of drinking from the fountain of youth have long been part of the human race – but these days dreams are fast being replaced with scientific research. In 2013, Google announced the creation of CALICO, short for the Californian Life Company. Its mission is to reverse engineer the biology that controls lifespans. In 2015, American Liz Parrish experimented with gene therapy to find what she has called a cure for ageing.

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

The gene therapy she injected into her body had only been tested on mice. Two years later she believes certain areas of her body (Telemeres) have been made more youthful. “We have the opportunity through the booming field of genetics to pioneer the future,” Liz Parrish told a festival on ageing in California conducted by RADD (Revolution against death and dying). The RADD website explains their vision: “We’re at a unique

turning point in terms of the plausibility of radical life extension. It’s not a new idea. Taoists were interested thousands of years ago. 19th century Russian philosophers talked about physical immortality. Books written in the 1950s and 60s predicted it would happen. So this is a critical time for people to come together to learn what is happening now and to understand how they can make a difference in their own lives.” In the late 1990s American scientist J. Craig Venter PhD* discovered and subsequently became the first human to have his complete DNA sequenced. For his latest project, he has raised $300 million to form a new company,

Human Longevity, which aims to take the DNA information he helped unlock to increase longevity. Behind this program is the Health Nucleus program – a $25,000 physical examination. The health data from this test is combined with the person’s DNA sequencing and together this data provides a comprehensive health picture of the body. Australians are also recognised for their longevity studies. This month Professor David Sinclair was named as an industry category winner of the 2017 Advance Global Australian Awards. David Sinclair PhD is a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School . He is also a Conjoint Professor at the University

of New South Wales and Honorary Professor at University of Sydney. Dr Sinclair’s research is focused primarily on understanding genes that fight disease and ageing, with a focus on treating the major causes of death and disability. These include diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Longevity is one of the most prominent areas of scientific research underway today. This article is just a tiny taste of what is happening in the world and, perhaps, what is just around the corner. Ageing science: Telomeres: At the ends of the chromosomes are stretches of DNA called telomeres, which protect our genetic data.

Epigenetics: essentially, affects how genes are read by cells. Glutathione is a very simple molecule that is produced naturally all the time in your body. Momchilovsti: The area in Bulgaria known as “the village of longevity’’ because of the high number of centenarians living there. Dr J. Craig Venter is an American biotechnologist, biochemist, geneticist, and businessman. Human Genome: are are made up of millions of cells each with a set of instructions for making us, like a recipe book for the body. PLEASE NOTE: AT THIS MOMENT, EXERCISE IS KNOWN AS THE BEST POSITIVE AGEING THERAPY.

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

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10 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 16, 2017

BREAST CANCER FEATURE

Choosing 3D over more usual 2D mammogram Tracey Johnstone

SINCE the relaxation of the rules around medical services advertising, a raft of competing radiology businesses are promoting all that is on offer, including the very latest in breast imaging. One service being actively pushed is 3D mammography, which for many women may not be necessary, suggests Dr Deborah Pfeiffer, past president of the Australasian Association of Breast Physicians. “I am concerned about the commercial advertising of breast imaging services without women understanding the basis of its need,” Dr Pfeiffer said. “Once upon a time,

most women went to their doctor to ask who they should see for certain tests. “Now women increasingly go to their doctor and tell them what they want.” So, while women may be better informed about what is available, they don’t necessarily fully understand what is needed. Depending on a women’s breast density, 3D imaging may offer a significant advantage in detecting notable changes. Currently, BreastScreen Australia only offers conventional digital 2D mammography, while 3D mammography, or tomosynthesis, is only offered through private

MAMMOGRAMS: The difference in resolution between standard and 3D mammography.

providers. “The difference between the two is that standard digital

mammography uses two images of the breast in opposite planes and gives

a high-quality image of the breast structure but has some shortcomings, particularly in very dense breasts,” Dr Pfeiffer said. “3D images take more pictures, still in two views and with a slightly higher dose of radiation, and then uses a computer program to construct a three-dimensional view.” For women with very low-density breast tissue, 3D imaging doesn’t offer any significant advantage, but for women with medium density, it could make the difference in being called back or not called back for investigation of a possible abnormality. For women with high to extremely high density, 3D is better than 2D, but they may still need to

also have an ultrasound. The downside to 3D imaging is that it’s more expensive and not fully covered by Medicare. So, it comes down to a woman determining through her GP or specialist whether the expense of 3D mammography is justifiable for them. “For some women it’s not worthwhile, but for others they should always have it,” Dr Pfeiffer said. Dr Pfeiffer points out that 3D imaging doesn’t replace an MRI investigation, which is only applicable for a small number of women. To find out more about breast imaging, contact your GP or BreastScreen Australia.

Cutting edge technology gives best outcomes DR PAUL Chou is a leading radiologist specialising in many areas of imaging including women’s imagery, pain management, MRIs, biopsies and vascular procedures. Dr Chou is passionate about providing the best outcomes for his patients and with the use of state-of-the-art technology, together with his own specialist training, he is pleased to achieve this for his

patients. “I love radiology because it combines the best of medicine and technology together,” he said “Technology is constantly evolving in this current society and that allows me as a medical practitioner to deliver the best medicine to my patients.” Dr Chou said the ability to offer three specialised modalities for detecting and treating breast cancer under one roof was rare. The three modalities offered by QDI Varsity Lakes, Kawana and Chermside clinics include ultra sound,

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mammography and MRI. “This means we offer prompt and accurate diagnosis,” he said. “Which places us in the best position for early detection and treatment.” The clinics offer per-operative diagnosis and interoperative

assistance to surgeons. This means the radiologists can work hand-in-hand with surgeons, providing evaluation of tumours or targeted legions and relaying results while the patient is in surgery, which in turn increases the surgeon’s efficacy. Dr Chou obtained his Bachelor of Medicine,

Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 2003 from the University of Melbourne. Following residency in Melbourne, Dr Paul Chou completed his radiology training at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane in 2010. Dr Chou has completed two radiology fellowships at the University of Toronto Health Care

Network/Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Canada (2011–2013). Paul is a sub-specialist in abdominal imaging and women’s imaging. Dr Chou actively participates in registrar training and is an examiner for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists. He is also a staff-specialist at Mater Hospital in Brisbane, and a radiologist for Breast Screen Queensland. Active member of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists and Breast Screen Queensland.

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Monday, October 16, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Northern NSW

Seniors 11

Wellbeing

Healing help for wounds Quinn Jones

JEFF’s voice starts to creak as he reaches for the glass of water. He squeakily apologises for the interruption before taking a sip and letting the cool water soothe a throat ravaged by cancer. The relief will only last a moment. “At the end of the treatment you come out rather scarred,” Jeff told Seniors News. “It’s not nice. Your whole neck is like a big burn and the inside of your mouth is ulcerated. “You heal up gradually but it doesn’t quite go back to the way it was. “And going back to the way it was, that’s why I’m here.” The “here” is the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine. Gold Coast resident Jeff happened onto the centre during a local cancer support group when one of the nurses from the hyperbaric unit was invited down to present information on the treatment. The nurse explained the facilities, described the chamber, spoke of the staff but what caught Jeff’s attention was the success rate: hyperbaric medicine can improve the quality of life – almost back to normal – in 80 per cent of patients. “When you have cancer, you do try everything and anything because you don’t want to be that person who missed out,”

FEELING BETTER: Gold Coast resident Jeff is a through-and-through convert to Hyperbaric Medicine.

he said. “I tried herbal medicines and everything else. “ But it’s all much of a muchness. “(But) hyperbaric therapy helps the healing of the burns.” Now, almost midway through his treatment, Jeff is a through-and-through convert of the therapy and the Wesley Centre. “They’re organised, they know what they’re doing and they’re very

professional in their work,” he said. “The nurses are brilliant, the technical staff are great, Doctor Aung, even though she goes at a million miles a minute, is fantastic!” Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine physician Dr Aung, currently conducting a trial to see if the treatment alleviates Xerostomia, a condition more commonly known as dry mouth, is keeping a very close eye

on Jeff and other patients affected by radiation injuries. “Most of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which are very radiation sensitive,” Dr Aung told Seniors News. “And when you irradiate the cancer cells, in the way are the mandible (jaw bone) and the salivary glands. “So the radiation kills the cells and kills the blood supply.”

This result in less oxygen to the damaged area and slows the healing process which, in Jeff’s case, leads to dry mouth. However, Dr Aung is hoping a six-week program of 90-minute dives inside the hyperbaric chamber may eventually correct the damage. “We compress (the patients) to 2.4 absolute atmosphere and give them a 100 per cent oxygen. This increases the

oxygenation in their blood levels, promoting blood supply to the wound area, and stimulate healing,” Dr Aung said. Dr Aung and the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine are recruiting patients for the study in to dry mouth following radiation. Contact the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine on (07) 3371 6033.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treats: • Non-healing wounds • Radiation tissue injury

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Call 07 3371 6033


12 Seniors Northern NSW

Wellbeing

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 16, 2017

Help protect your skin Tips on how to practice sun safety during this summer

TAKE CARE: Skin checks are vital for your skin's health.

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■ Slide on some sunglasses: make sure they meet Australian Standards. While getting a

professional skin check is vital, it is important to keep a keen eye on your own skin regularly. If you see a strange spot or a

change in a mole or freckle, immediately consult a doctor who has expertise in skin. By taking simple preventative

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SKIN cancer when left untreated can be one of the most dangerous afflictions. With summer fast approaching now is the time to revisit your skin protection routine as well as recognise the early signs of trouble. Prevention is always better than treatment, so make sure you take the correct steps towards protecting your and your family’s skin. Follow these tips from the Australian Skin Cancer Council to ensure your are practising smart sun safety: ■ Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible. ■ Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ (or higher) sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.

Dr Meon Lamont


Wellbeing

Monday, October 16, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Northern NSW

Seniors 13

GRANDPARENTS: Delegates at the CWA NSW’s annual conference where they decided to enter the debate on recognising grandparents as the family of the grandchildren they are looking after, not foster carers. PHOTO: COUNTRY WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION NSW

Grandparents as carers CWA advocates for change of rules around care-givers Tracey Johnstone

THE voice of the Country Women’s Association of NSW is joining the growing chorus of people calling for grandparents as carers of their grandchildren to be recognised as family rather than as foster carers. Decision makers in

government will be targeted as the CWA seeks change around grandparent versus foster carer status and the surrounding rules. NSW chief executive officer Danica Leys said the CWA had good access to state politicians when they need and want to advocate for change.

“It’s just a matter of how the government chooses to prioritise this issue going forward,” Ms Leys said. “We will be talking to other like-minded organisations as well, and seeing if we can, as a collective, get a bit of a push-on with this issue.” State president Annette Turner will lead the powerful voice of 400 branches statewide, most of whom will take up the

role of advocating for change through their local contacts. Ms Leys said this year’s state conference adopted the grandparent policy as part of the process of looking at the issues around the changing face of families in the bush. “The grandparents’ position was bought to our conference in May from a Riverina area branch,” she said. “They had been

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noticing this issue across their area. “At the conference the motion passed unanimously. “It was surprising to me that so many people got up and spoke quite passionately about it, and also spoke from a very personal point of view. “It’s quite surprising how many people are affected by this issue.” Ms Leys said she learned from that debate

there are a lot of grandparents caring for their grandchildren on either a full-time or close to full-time basis, acting as the child’s primary carer and often as their parent. “This is happening more and more across the state,” she said. “One of the biggest reasons our members are telling us is there are issues particularly around substance abuse in lots of regional communities.”


14 Seniors Northern NSW

HOW TO DEAL WITH “OUTLAWS” IN YOUR WILL – THE SPOUSE OR PARTNER OF YOUR CHILDREN One of the most common issues raised by our clients when making their Wills is their concern that when they leave their assets to their children, they will be passed on or owned by the spouse or partner of their child. Wills and Estates partner Angela Harry discusses this very common issue in the context of estate planning. There is an old Irish saying: “A son is a son until he takes a wife, a daughter is a daughter all of her life.” Many families will relate to tensions created within families by the partner or spouse of family members. Parents separate and remarry, sons and daughters get married or have de facto partners who, for whatever reason, do not seem to get on with the family members! I’m sure many of you have experienced these interfamily problems firsthand and have a son or daughter estranged from the family, due to problems faced with the spouse or partner. This can get even more complicated when the spouse or partner has children from another relationship. Stories of a son or daughter having to ‘pick sides’ between their partner and their family are very common, with warring parties causing havoc at family get togethers. How do you provide for your child or children when you are concerned about their spouse or partner getting access to your hard won assets? It is not an easy situation to manage. When your children marry or have a long term de facto partner, it is normal for most couples to provide in their own Wills that when they die, their entire estate is left to their spouse. The thought of this happening for certain parents who do not trust or even despise their children’s spouse is often a burning issue. Although you cannot regulate what your children do with their own Wills and their own lives, you can structure your estate planning so that your assets are left to your children by way of a Testamentary Trust. A Testamentary Trust is simply a Trust set up in your Will which holds the assets on behalf of your child with certain conditions that you can determine by drafting your Will to suit your circumstances. These Testamentary Trusts are sometimes called Lineal Decedent Trusts or Bloodline Trusts which basically provide that the assets are to be kept within the family and cannot pass outside to non-blood related family. The whole issue of Testamentary Trusts is a very complicated area but it is certainly possible to draft an appropriate Testamentary Trust in a Will to ensure that your children are protected with provision made in relation to their spouse or de facto partner. One of the most important things when setting up a Testamentary Trust to achieve this goal is to ensure that the trustees that you appoint to uphold and administer the Trust have some independence to ensure that the Trust is followed through. A common mistake in drafting a Testamentary Trust Will is to appoint the child themselves as trustee of their own Trust. Obviously this leaves the administration of the Trust entirely to your son or daughter and they can be persuaded to act in certain ways by their spouse or other “advisors”. It is therefore very important to appoint an independent co-trustee or completely independent co-trustees to ensure that the terms of the Trust are honoured by your child. It is common to appoint professionals as executors and trustees in a Will. Quite often in our estate planning our clients appoint the senior partner or legal practice director of Attwood Marshall Lawyers and the family accountant. This ensures that not only is the Trust carried out in accordance with its provisions that are set out in the Will, you also have the benefit of the professional advice of an experienced lawyer and accountant in this area. Whether the main aim of the Testamentary Trust is to ensure that your child or children cannot put the assets at risk in relation to their de facto partner or spouse, a Testamentary Trust is an excellent structure to generally protect the assets that you have left your children from all types of claims, including “predators and creditors”. The Testamentary Trust is also a good vehicle from a taxation perspective with great flexibility in distributing income to family members and appropriate beneficiaries. As parents you always want to do the best by your children and unfortunately there are many instances of significant issues with spouses or partners of your children. This can create great disunity and stress within a family and at least you have the absolute right to determine how your assets are going to be dealt with after you die. Although these types of Testamentary Trusts can be challenged by your children in certain circumstances, the prospect of this happening can be ameliorated if proper care is taken in relation to your overall estate planning and the drafting of your Testamentary Trust Wills. Unfortunately, many people elect to make simple Wills (or even worse) do it yourself or Internet Wills which simply do not cut it when it comes to these types of issues. Attwood Marshall Lawyers offer a free 30 minute initial consultation to discuss your estate planning in relation to these important issues. Please contact our Wills and Estates Department Manager, Donna Tolley on direct line 07 5506 8241, email dtolley@attwoodmarshall.com.au or free call 1800 621 071 to book your free 30 minutes estate planning review appointment with one of our dedicated Estate Planning lawyers.

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Coolangatta | Kingscliff | Robina Town Centre

Money

Diversify for better returns SIX out of 10 Australians own investments outside of the family home and super. That’s good news. The only problem is that many people are still putting all their eggs in one or just a few baskets. The latest investor study by the Australian Securities Exchange found 40% of investors admit they don’t have a diversified portfolio. Almost one in two investors think their portfolio is diverse, yet they hold, on average, less than three different investment products. Diversification plays a key role in long-term investing. To understand why, it can help to think about what goes on at the racetrack, where the bookies always seem to win while the punters are invariably left empty-handed. The secret to bookmakers’ success is that they spread their risk by continually changing the odds to encourage punters to back as many different horses in a single race as possible. This spread of money means the wins should outweigh losses. Punters, on the other hand, concentrate risk by betting on just one horse in each race. Unless the horse wins, the punter loses his money. When it comes to investing, the strategy of

THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE

Aussie shares didn’t even make the top four, earning an average of 4.3% annually in the past decade. spreading your money so you have a little in a broad number of investments, not a lot in one, can strengthen long-term returns and minimise losses in much the same way that bookies hedge their bets. However, a wealth of research shows diversification is a weak spot for many investors. The ASX found we tend to stick to cash, property and Australian shares. In addition to concentrating risk, this can mean missing out on decent returns earned by other asset classes. As a guide, a recent ASX/Russell report found residential property topped the league table of returns for mainstream investments in the past 10 years, averaging gains of 8.1% annually. What’s surprising is that in the same period, global

bonds (hedged) and Australian bonds were the next best performing investments with average annual returns of 7.4% and 6.1% respectively. Aussie shares didn’t even make the top four, earning an average of 4.3% annually in the past decade (though to be fair, this period includes the global downturn when share markets tanked). Cash delivered woeful returns of just 2.8% annually in the 10-year period. It’s a compelling argument to consider expanding your portfolio beyond the mainstays of cash, bricks and mortar and local shares. Investments like bonds, infrastructure (which incidentally returned 13.3% globally in the past year) or international shares (10.6%) can be good additions to a portfolio. These types of investments can be difficult to access as an individual investor and a managed investment fund – either listed or unlisted – offers an easy way to expand your portfolio into new areas and reap the rewards of diversification.

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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Monday, October 16, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Neighbourhood News

Northern NSW

Seniors 15

Community HOW TO SUBMIT NOTICES TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (100 words maximum). If you would like to submit a photo please ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb up to 1mg of faces in a nice and bright setting. The deadline for the November issue is November 2. Email Nicky or Chris at communitynotes @seniorsnewspaper. com.au.

BEGINNERS LINE DANCING

FREE lessons for novice beginners, learn to line dance for fun, relaxation & exercise. All ages, don't need a partner. Mondays and Wednesdays 9.30am for beginners and 10.30am early intermediate, 11.15am for intermediate. Parkwood/Arundel Community Centre-(across The Road From 172) Napper Rd Arundel/Parkwood. Fridays at 9.30am at the Pottsville Community Hall, 1 Tweed Coast Road, Pottsville. Details call Dallas Linedancers on 0403 225 313.

KINGSCLIFF MIXED PROBUS CLUB

HOLDS its meetings at the Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club on the first Wednesday of each month at 10am and outings on the third Wednesday of the month. Visitors are very welcome. Details call Norma on 6676 3360.

VIEW CLUBS

VIEW (Voice Interests and Education of Women) is a valued part of The Smith Family and proudly supports their Learning for Life Programmes, which help children in need to participate more fully in their education.

■ COOLANGATTA TWEED

WILL be acknowledging Anti Poverty week at its October meeting on Thursday October 19 by inviting well known humanitarian John Lees of 'You Have a Friend' to address the meeting. VIEW members and guests attending this meeting are asked to bring tinned and packaged food for distribution by John's organisation to the homeless and needy. The meeting is held at South Tweed Sports Club, Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed Heads and commences with Fellowship at 11am. Lunch is served at 1pm. Members are asked to call Kay on 5524 4089 with apologies by Monday October 16.Visitors are always welcome. Come along and have fun and fellowship whilst supporting a worthy cause. For more information on VIEW call Secretary Janice on 5524 5707.

■ CASINO

OUR Club holds a Luncheon meeting on the second Thursday of each month at The Casino RSM Club at 11am. An Interesting guest speaker follows lunch. All women are welcome. Acceptances & apologies are to be phoned to

Thinking of a

HAVING FUN: Twin Towns Evening VIEW Club celebrated their 28th Birthday Celebration. The theme was "Once upon a fairy tale". The ladies gave their version of Fractured Fairy Tales as well as dressing as characters.

Barbara on 6661 2530 before Monday prior to the meeting.

■ TWIN TOWNS EVENING

OUR Club meets the second Wednesday of each month. Held at the Tweed Heads Bowls Club at 6.30pm (dst) new members always welcome. Call Trudy 07 55241770 by 1pm on the Monday prior with Guests and Apologies. More info on Facebook: twin Towns Evening View.

END OF LIFE CHOICES

VOLUNTARY euthanasia options are discussed at meetings held quarterly on the Gold Coast. The next meeting will be held on November 9. Details call Elaine 07 5580 8215.

TACT COMPUTER CLUB

WE had a new course "Exploring Microsoft Office" begin on October 6 which includes Power Point, Excel, Publisher, Outlook. An excellent course for all to learn the advantages of this program. Enrolments for Tact lessons are held on

Territory Holiday in November?

the last Friday of each month from 9.30am till 12 Noon. Students can enrol at any time. Details regarding courses call 07 5524 9212. TACT Computer Club is located at South Tweed Sports Club 4 Minjungbal Road Tweed South.

TWIN TOWN & DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB’S

OUR next meeting will be our Annual General Meeting on Monday, November 13 at 10am in the downstairs auditorium at the South Tweed Sports Club, 4 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South. The Guest Speaker TBA. For more information go to http://twintownsgarden club.com. We have a great committee to see us through 2018. How lucky are we to have such enthusiasm looking to our needs. Our chosen charity for our annual donation in 2016 was the Wedge Tail Palliative Care Home at Murwillumbah. Members: Do You Have A group in need of help? Let us know now. Meeting day at 8.30 am Hall is open for entry and benching commences, 8.45am

(approx.) Cuttings Table is open for business at 8.45am, Trading Table commences selling. Morning Tea available from when announced until 9.45am. Meeting starts at 10am. Cost: $3 entry fee paid at the door includes morning tea. Begonia Group: Meets at 9.30am on the third Monday of the month at a venue to be nominated (usually a member’s garden). Call Pat 5534 6188.

A.O.O.B'S TWIN TOWNS BRANCH

OUR monthly meetings are held on the first Friday of each month at South Tweed Sports Club, Tweed Heads South at 2pm (NSW time) in the Secret Garden Room. We are a not for profit organisation raising money for local children's charities, story dogs, palliative care, baby and children's wards at Tweed Heads Hospital and Westmead Children's Hospital. New members are most welcome. We raise our money by holding raffles and bus trips. Details call Twenette 07 5523 2939.

TWEED GOLD COAST FAMILY HISTORY ASSOCIATION

INVITES members and visitors to attend their monthly get together at South Tweed Sports Club, Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South on Tuesday, November 14 commencing at 1.30pm. Our Research Room is open 10am to 7pm Tuesday, 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Friday and on Saturday 9.30am to 3pm. This month our

guest is Eric Kopittke speaking about German Immigration in the 1800s. Details call Trish 07 5524 2156.

COOLANGATTA SENIOR CITIZENS CENTRE

FOR 50 & over seniors and welcomes all Gold Coast & Tweed area residents and visitors. The Centre has a large range of activities including, Bingo, New Vogue Dancing, Computer Lessons, Cards, Choir, indoor Bowls, Craft, Light Exercises, Line Dancing, Mah Jong, Qigong, Rock & Roll, Eight Ball, Table Tennis, Tai Chi, Yoga, Guitar & Ukulele, Bus Trips, Hairdressing & Beauty. Our next Free Monthly Concert will be on Monday October 30 at 1pm QLD time featuring "DAVO" the comic genius. Details call 07 5536 4050 or visit the centre at 2 Gerrard Street, Coolangatta.

U3A

TWIN Towns offers classes, activities and social events for mature men and women in the Gold Coast/ Tweed areas. Join for the remainder of 2017 at a reduced membership fee of only $40. We hold classes such as Art, Calligraphy, Pen and Ink and Card Marking workshops. Every Friday members play Board Games, Cards, Mahjong and on Thursdays, Table Tennis for all skill levels; in addition join Discussion Groups, Literature and Digital Photography. Details call 07 5534 7333 or u3atwintowns@gmail.com

Come to Marrakai and be part of our Mango Madness Festival. Some events at renown local venues include • Friday 3rd November: Quiz night with prizes, live band at the Corroboree Park Tavern. • Saturday 4th November: Dinner at the Mary River Wilderness Retreat. • Sunday 5th November: Cocktail Party at the Purple Mango Cafe and Boutique Brewery. • But wait there’s more! • Air Boat rides, Sunset Champagne Cruises on the wetlands, Helicopter Fishing Trips,

Proudly presented by the Marrakai Progress Association.

https://www.facebook.com /marrakaiprogress/

Contact the various Vendors below for further information. Corroboree Park Tavern - (08) 8978 8920 Mary River Wilderness Retreat - (08) 8978 8877 Purple Mango Café - 0407 739 738

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16 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 16, 2017

T ravel

10 ACE REASONS TO LOVE TRAIN TRAVEL ANN RICKARD climbs on board a train and gives us her top 10 reasons to love train travel in foreign lands

1. The big train stations, especially in Europe and the UK, are intoxicating. The atmosphere is electric: the big clocks, the buzz of people going to places we have only dreamt of visiting, the romance, the magic…try finding that at an airport. 2. No check-in. How we hate long check-in queues at airports where it seems every person in front of us has a tonne of luggage and a mammoth problem to solve. With trains, you just turn up and get on. The recommended time to be on the platform before departure is two minutes (unless it’s the Eurostar, which does require check-in). 3. High speed trains get you there super-fast. Hurtling through the countryside at 300 kilometres an hour is exhilarating. 4. Arrive in the centre. Most airports are out of town and require an expensive taxi ride or bus transfer to get you in the

city centre. With train travel, get off, and you are there right in the heart of London, Paris, Rome, Madrid…. oh, let’s go. 5. Comfort. The inter-city trains have comfortable and spacious seats with head rests, plenty of leg room, power sockets for laptops and electronic devices. 6. Buy flexible passes in Australia before you go and snag a deal. In Europe, a Eurail Global Flexi Pass gives you access to countless trains in 28 countries. In the US, an Amtrak USA Rail Pass lets you hop on and off as you please. Similar passes apply in Canada and Japan. Flexible? We think so. 7. The dining car. Slip into a booth, have a waiter bring you anything from poached eggs to fillet of beef, depending on the time of day. There is wine, too. 8. Budget restraints?

Pack a picnic to enjoy at your seat. BYO food is expected. We’ve seen people on trains (mostly in France) enjoy a multi-course lunch complete with wine, finishing with cheese and fruit… all from their backpack. 9. Atmosphere. The stunning architecture of big train stations, the

restaurants, cafes and shops. In Paris, at Gare de Lyon, the fabled Le Train Bleu restaurant with its gilt and chandeliers and Parisian grandeur is worth a station visit alone, even if you never get on a train. 10. Plan your train journey so you depart or arrive at your hotel check-in/check-out times. No hanging around with luggage. Speaking of

which, travel light…really, you must…getting heavy suitcases on and off trains is not for sissies (or seniors.) For more information on rail tickets and passes, visit www.railplus.com.au or phone 1300 555 003. About Rail Plus Rail Plus is Australasia’s leading international rail specialist. The company

provides retail and wholesale travel companies with the ability to quickly and efficiently book and ticket an unrivalled range of train journeys, rail passes and point-to-point tickets on major rail networks across Europe, the UK, Asia, North America, Australia and New Zealand.


Northern NSW

Monday, October 16, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 17

19 DAY GRAND MEDITERRANEAN ESCORTED FLY-LAND-CRUISE DEPARTS BRISBANE 17 MAY 2018

From $5,670

INCLUDES:

per person, twin share Fantastica Inside cabin

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1300 737 544

tripaway@helloworld.com.au tripaway.com.au

Murwillumbah Tweed City Tweed Heads Coolangatta Elanora

Main St, Murwillumbah Tweed City Shopping Centre Tweed Mall Shopping Centre The Strand at Coolangatta The Pines Shopping Centre


18 Seniors Northern NSW

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 16, 2017

Fiery ostriches at battle beside the road to Damaraland. PHOTO: DEBBIE PLUNKETT

Sundowners in Ongava Game Reserve, near Etosha. PHOTO: JEREMIA

BY DAY 10, my Namibia travelling companions wanted me to use something other than the word extraordinary to describe this vast desert country. But that was hard as no other word could truly encapsulate the nature of a country gradually emerging into its own since gaining independence from South African in 1990, and finding its financial feet through its natural resources and tourism. In early August, Wilderness Safaris took me on my first 4WD experience, rolling out of the capital Windhoek in a seven-seat truck with the phone turned off and in the company of three Americans, two of which were professors, a medical specialist from Melbourne, my husband Gary and myself, and the most amazing guide, Jeremia. The striking landscape unfolded as we soon left the paved highway and started out across the

rolling dry savannah, past craggy hills and into the desert. Just before sunset, when I was starting to wonder where our camp could be in the seemingly deserted landscape of rocks and then rough sand, appearing before us and nestled under a craggy outcrop was our first glamp. The permanent tents of the Kulala Adventurer Camp looked out across the pristine desert of red and yellow. A short distance away was a watering hole for the desert-adapted wildlife to visit. No amount of photos or words could have prepared me for the beauty, comfort, but also enthralling rawness of this location. It was on that first night, sitting around the camp table, accompanied by white linen, cool wine and interesting company, that I came to realise our guide was going to deliver the most amazing journey. His depth of knowledge of everything from the stars, landscape, birds,

NAMIBIA: A Himba woman trading local wares outside the entrance to Etosha National Park.

PHOTO: GARY MCCARTHY

Striking Namibia welcomes guests geology, country history and culture was without exception and readily shared. The six of us were back in the classroom and ready to learn. We started each day before sunrise, catching the first rays as we downed our ample breakfast and welcome cups of tea. For the road, Jeremia had packed cool drinks, plentiful lunch and even a secret supply of dried fruit for snacks. We also learnt not to waste any food, with leftovers collected and handed to people we met along the desert tracks. The Namib Desert part of our trip took us to south to Sossusvlei and the red

dunes where we climbed the fine edge of one of the steep dunes, only to then have to work our way down its edge to the dry pan below, where it hadn’t rained since 1965. From there Jeremia, who quickly was nicknamed Hawkeye, took us back north and towards Walvis Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. We were already seeing oryx, springbok, black-backed jackal, wilderbeast, ostrich, zebra, chameleon lizard, meerkats and even cheetahs. This coastal centre was an interesting diversion from the desert, with its busy port and amazing thick sea fog, but we were

all happy to get back on the road, heading north to Etosha National Park. A short stop at Cross Bay, where a massive fur seal colony made for pungent viewing, was our last view of water for quite some time as we headed back inland to Damaraland Camp to view herds of desert-adapted elephants and discover minerals. A visit to the Twyfelfontein UNESCO World Heritage site, where the rock drawings are between 2000 and 6000 years old, and then onto the Living Museum village were the last memorable moments of our time in the desert before headed

further north. As the savannah rolled out in front of us, Jeremia told us of Namibia’s battle to save its rhinos. As we crossed into Ongava Game Park’s Andersson’s Camp, next to Etosha, he told us in the first two weeks of July, already four rhinos had been poached in Etosha. During our final days of the adventure, we saw white and black rhinos, impala, ground squirrel, lots of guinea fowl and small birds, giraffe, warthogs, more fabulous zebras and elephants, and a lion. My husband wants to go back there, soon, and so do I.

Join Us Online Get online to find your news, your way.

Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au

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Tracey Johnstone


Entertainment

Northern NSW

What’s on

ABBA-SOLUTELY FABULOUS!

AWARD winning entertainers Rhonda Burchmore, OAM and Lara Mulcahy reunite this November for their hilarious new concert, ABBA-SOLUTELY FABULOUS! 2017 also marks 40 years since ABBA caused a sensation when they toured Australia for the first time, beginning a love affair with Aussie fans, which endures to this day. The group’s global hits remain on the top of every feel good party playlist! Tickets on sale now for Saturday November 4 at the Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads. To book go to www.twintowns.com.au or call 1800 014 014.

THE SHEILA’S SHOW

A CELEBRATION of Women will be presented by Tintenbar UpFront at Tintenbar Hall on November 10 featuring a wide variety of female performers from the Northern Rivers. Rainbow Dragons Abreast Inc Lennox Head, supporting breast cancer survivors, will benefit from the night. Tickets at the door $10 with $5 Members/Concession. Details call 0422 211 224.

MINJUNGBAL ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE

FOR A unique insight into Aboriginal culture, you can’t miss Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Run by the area’s Aboriginal community, it’s a popular meeting place for Goori people and other Aboriginal peoples. You’ll find museum exhibits, informative videos, Aboriginal art, and you may even be lucky to see traditional dance and song on the outdoor performance area.Pack a picnic, or cook up a storm on the barbecue, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon under the trees while you immerse yourself in local culture. Located at Kirkwood Road, South Tweed Heads and opening hours are from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday. Admission is $15 for adults. $7.50 for concession card holders. Details call 07 5524 2109.

RUSSIAN DELIGHTS

NORTHERN Rivers Symphony Orchestra has compiled a program of

COMPILED BY CHRISTINE PERKIN Tchaikovsky favourites, packed with many of his timeless melodies. We invite you all to join us and share in enjoying an afternoon of enchanting music and welcomes guest conductor, Neil Flottmann offering a delightful Tchaikovsky program consisting of: Symphony No. 4 in F min op 36, Swan Lake Suite op 20a, Polonaise from Eugene Onegin op 24. Sunday October 29 at 2.30pm NSW time (1.30pm QLD time) at the Tweed Heads Civic Centre, Brett St, Tweed Heads. Tickets: General $45, Concession $40, Students $20, Children 18 years and under free. Tickets can also be purchased at Andersons Treasure Store Murwillumbah 02 66722794 (cash only please) or Tweed Civic Centre Box Office Monday 23 to Friday 27 October 10am to 3pm (cash only please). Details call 0466 819 154.

NOVEMBER EXHIBITION LAUNCH EVENT

NORTHERN Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG), Ballina launches four exciting new exhibitions this month and welcomes community and visitors to join us in the Gallery. Pack HuntedBrooklyn Winter, Nature Portraits- Judy Oakenfull and Finding Furuta Louise Fulton. The exhibitions open Wednesday October 18 and continue until Sunday 12 November 2017. The official launch event is Thursday October 19 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and all are welcome to attend. The Northern Rivers Community Gallery is located at 44 Cherry Street Ballina and is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and weekends from 9.30am until 2.30pm. For further information contact the Gallery on 02 6681 6167. www.nrcgballina.com.au

2017 MURWILLUMBAH SHOW

IF GREAT value family fun is what you are after, look no further. With two days

SUCH A TREAT: Live In Concert Rhonda Burchmore and Lara Mulcahy are ABBA-Solutely Fabulous!

of jam-packed activities, this year’s program really does have something for everyone. The Show will open on Friday November 3 with a Rodeo at night and local music legend Dan Hannaford playing on the Bushman’s Stage. Festivities will continue Saturday November 4 with a variety of entertainment including craft stalls, farm displays, sideshows, wood chopping an animal nursery and all the traditional show competitions in craft, cookery, horticulture, art and photography. All this will culminate in a performance by legendary blues band Devils Kiosk, spectacular fireworks, monster truck displays and a dare devil moto bike stunt show on the Saturday night. The Murwillumbah Show is held at the Murwillumbah Showground. Ticket Prices: Adult - $10, Child (3yrs-12yrs) - $5, Child (Under 3yrs) – free, Aged Concession - $5, Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children) - $25, MembersFree. Details go to www.murwillumbahshow. com.

BALLINA PRAWN FESTIVAL

SET ON the banks of the glorious Richmond River, the Ballina Prawn Festival is one whole day and night of fun, laughter and community. From tasting the delicious sizzling prawns, mingling amongst the buzzing crowds, or taking an exhilarating spin on the Ferris wheel, the Ballina Prawn Festival delights young and old. This quirky celebration of rich local heritage has a raft of unique, often hilarious and very entertaining activities where audience participation is warmly encouraged. The festival program highlights including DIY Raft Building Competitions and River Races, Prawn Shelling &

Eating Contest, The Ballina Signature Prawn Dish Competition, and the spectacular Boat Muster. Details go to https://www.ballinaprawn festival.com.au/ Cost: Adults $10, Children $5 Located at Missingham Park, Ballina, Saturday, November 11 from 10am until 10pm.

CLASSICS FOR CANCER

AN INTIMATE classical chamber music concert to raise funds for local cancer charities based in

Lismore who provide targeted support for local cancer patients. Music will include ensembles made up of local musicians who are freely donating their time and instruments to put a mixed chamber program including Piano, Flute with String quartet, Wind Sextet, Brass with Strings, Double Oboe Concerto, Piano and a combination of Soprano, Alto and Tenor singers. Program will include composers such as Vivaldi, Puccini, Bach etc. Event also includes a VOLUNTARY fundraising raffle. The venue is Pidcock Performing Arts Centre, Woodlawn St Johns College, 203 Woodlawn Rd, Lismore on October 22, Starts at 3pm. General Admission: $30. Details email Email: classicsforcancer@ gmail.com. To book go to https://www.trybooking. com/book/sessions? eid=265329

TEA COSY WORKSHOP

Seniors 19

At the Murwillumbah Library on Thursday October 19, 1.30pm. Join this two day workshop with Wendy Buss and create your very own bright and cheery tea cosy. Participants are able to purchase a Tea Cosy kit for $10-$15 or you can bring your own materials. Call Wendy for more information on 0421 582 298. Bookings are essential.

BIRD WEEK IN BYRON BAY

AN INFORMATIVE and fascinating talk presented by Byron Bird Buddies about our local birdlife. We mark this special week with an exhibition of artwork featuring local birds and a display showcasing the bird-related resources held in the library collections. This is a free event on Wednesday October 25 from 10.30am to 11.30am at the Byron Bay Library. To book or further information call 02 6685 8540.

23rd ANNUAL TWEED ORCHID SHOW & FAIR Presented by Tweed District Orchid Society & Proudly Supported by

TWEED CIVIC CENTRE

Cnr Wharf & Brett St, Tweed Heads, NSW 2485 Saturday November 4th 2017 – 8.30am to 4pm (Daylight Saving Time) Sunday, November 5th 2017 8.30am to 4pm (Daylight Saving Time)

FULLY JUDGE SHOW Top Queensland, interstate and local vendors with orchids, Bromeliads, African violets, ferns, hippeastrums, potting mixes and fertilisers etc for sale

Light Refreshments

ADMISSION $3

Enquiries 0438 582 890 | 0416 114 007 |02 6674 2025

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Monday, October 16, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au


20 Seniors Northern NSW

News

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 16, 2017

$8M to help fund MoW Alison Houston

UP TO one million older Australians are under-nourished or at risk of malnutrition, making them more prone to illness. It’s a scary figure, but it gets even more frightening when you learn that it costs $1000 to keep someone in hospital for a single night. That’s what the government spends to subsidise Meals on Wheels for one person for an entire year in many parts of Australia. On September 15, Federal Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt announced an additional $8 million in government support for services delivering meals to private homes through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). Mr Wyatt said supporting people to live as independently as possible in the comfort of their own homes was a top priority and acknowledged that volunteers delivered more than a healthy meal. “The visit is also an opportunity to have a friendly chat and to check on that person’s well-being,” Mr Wyatt said. “We need to maintain and grow this type of service into the future.” Australian Meals on Wheels Association president Nelson Matthews welcomed the funding boost, particularly for services which had been chronically underfunded and forced to raise meal prices to “levels we think are unacceptable”. In some cases that meant charging over $10 per meal for the first time in the organisation’s more

than 60-year history, while other services went into the red attempting to keep prices lower, something which Mr Matthews said was simply “unsustainable”. He said the additional funding would “help stall further price hikes for those who can least afford them”. The government now intends to contribute a minimum of $4.70 towards the cost of each meal. Some Queensland services had been receiving under $3 per meal in subsidy. “The government has recognised the massive return in downstream community benefits and health savings it gains through preventative care services like Meals on Wheels,” Mr Matthews said. He pointed to the UK experience, where hospitalisation rates of malnourished older people increased by over 200% when funding for in-home support services such as delivered meals and social support was cut. So why did it take so long for the Australian Government to identify the benefits of this service which runs on the good hearts of volunteers and, as Mr Matthews put it, “the smell of an oily rag”? Why was it refused extra funding earlier in the year, despite the fact it’s estimated that for every $1 the government provides in subsidy, they get $5 back in downstream health savings? When Seniors newspapers spoke to Mr Matthews after the funding announcement, he said funding had passed to the Federal

CARE AND COMFORT: Australian MoW Association president Nelson Matthews said the service was all about keeping people at home longer.

MORE THAN A MEAL: Roger Darlington’s visits from Meals on Wheels make all the difference.

Government from the States in recent years, and there had been a lack of understanding as to

how it operated, that customers paid for their meals and that, because MoW services had

developed independently from grassroots community efforts, each service ran slightly

differently with slightly different funding. While the exact details of how the $8 million will be divided have yet to be released, Mr Matthews was hopeful it would address the current inequities and take pressure off local services. “Food is essential,” Mr Matthews said “But MoW is essential not just for providing a well-balanced and nutritious meal, but for the care we provide through social contact, monitoring of health and well-being, which is an enormous comfort for customers as well as the families of older people who might otherwise be quite isolated.”

Protect your grandkids online AS TECHNOLOGY has permeated our lives and those of our children and grandchildren, an insidious reality has arisen – strangers can chat online to our children. While there are many great educational and fun apps out there, a lot of them also have chat functions, which can open up the virtual door to predators engaging with our children. Sadly, an increasing number of Australian children are being coerced into taking sexually explicit videos or images of themselves by predators online. Over the past few years

our online investigations team has seen a rise in cases containing self-generated child sexual abuse content. Tragically, this is coming from children as young as 3 or 4, whose innocence and naiveté are literally being snatched away. With all of the benefits the internet brings, the dangerous consequences of handing over an internet-connected, camera-enabled device to a child cannot be ignored. It is important that if you give a child a tablet or smartphone, you lay down the ground rules and stay engaged in their online lives. Educate them about how to use technology

safely and set firm boundaries around use inside and outside the home. The following guidance can help you reduce the risk of your grandchild being exploited online. ■ Get engaged in your grandchild’s digital playground – know what sites they’re on, what apps they’re using and who their ‘friends’ are online. ■ Teach your grandchild how to recognise stranger danger online, just as you would in the real world. ■ Use parental control tools. ■ Set safe search settings. ■ Disable your webcam

through computer/laptop settings. ■ Disable access to smartphone cameras within apps. ■ Ensure your grandchild uses internet-connected devices in common areas of the home. While prevention is paramount, it’s also worth knowing the signs that indicate your grandchild is being groomed online. Some red flags in your grandchild’s behaviour can include: ■ Being very secretive, especially when it comes to their online activity. ■ Engaging with older friends, including boyfriends or girlfriends.

ONLINE SAFETY: An increasing number of Australian children are being coerced into taking sexually explicit videos or images of themselves by predators online. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

■ Appearing withdrawn, anxious or depressed. ■ Sleeping problems, including nightmares and bed wetting. ■ Missing school. ■ A change in eating habits or the development of an eating disorder. Parents and

grandparents are our children’s first line of defence against risks they can be exposed to online, and the eSafety Office is here to assist you at esafety.gov.au. Together, we can protect our children online and offline.


Monday, October 16, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Northern NSW

Seniors 21

It’s time to discover a life beyond dreams... Enjoy this superb beachside location with its magnificent Moreton Bay views from the luxury of your new spacious 3 bedroom apartment with its 2 balconies, 2 bathrooms and 2 car spaces. But be quick as they’re selling out fast! 3 bedroom apartments available from $599,000 Top floor sky homes with their extraordinary panoramic views offer amazing value from $899,000 Inspect these apartments this week Wednesday to Sunday from 10am - 4pm 113 Landsborough Avenue Scarborough To make an appointment at any other time or for further details call 0477 432 432 or 3606 1717 sales@thescarborough.com.au | www.thescarborough.com.au


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Across 6/7 Who was the loud-mouthed bigot in the 1970s TV series All in the Family? (6,6) 10 Which old disease is on the increase in the US, blamed by some on illegal immigrants?(7) 11 Triticale is a hybrid cereal produced by crossing rye with what? (5) 12 Footballer Edson Arantes do Nascimento has always hated his nickname, meaning “little baby”. What is it? (4) 13 An estimated 4,000 of which animal are killed every year by cars and dogs in Australia? (5) 16 Which airline began with a merger between three small US airlines which flew mail between Florida and Cuba? (3-2)

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SUDOKU

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

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 16, 2017 17 What was Buffalo Bill’s surname? (4) 20 In India, what polite form of address is sometimes said after a man’s name? (5) 21 In what painting technique is paint applied thickly, showing brush or palette knife marks? (7) 22 What colour is an aircraft’s “black” box? (6) 23 Who rules a country if a monarch is absent or ill? (6) Down 1 Which famous Spanish-born painter collected and kept all his toenail clippings? (5,7) 2 What is the technical name for the shoulder blade? (7) 3 What spike is driven into a rock crevice to aid a mountain climber? (5) 4 What is the topmost planking of the side of a boat? (7)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

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6 7

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9

ALPHAGRAMS

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

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

A

15

18

19

22

SUDOKU

5x5 R E E D S

Across: 1. Withdrawal 7. Naked 8. Nucleus 10. Absolute 11. Tier 13. Escort 15. Solemn 17. Fund 18. Cataract 21. Reigned 22. Inane 23. Agreements. Down: 1. Wakes 2. Tiddlers 3. Denote 4. Arch 5. Apelike 6. Uncaredfor 9. Strengthen 12. Donation 14. Cunning 16. Random 19. Amass 20. Ante.

QUICK CROSSWORD

ALPHAGRAMS: INEPT, JILTED, KEEPING, LAMENTED, MUTILATES.

Down 1. Rouses (5) 2. Small fish (8) 3. Signify (6) 4. Curve (4) 5. Simian (7) 6. Neglected (7-3) 9. Reinforce (10) 12. Gift (8) 14. Sly (7) 16. Haphazard (6) 19. Accumulate (5) 20. Poker stake (4)

I S L E S

O H

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb. TODAY: Good 14 Very Good 18 Excellent 22

S

SOLUTIONS

T R I C E

479

U S

E

S U G A R

W

WORD GO ROUND

T

WORD GO ROUND

E K

O R

E

PEN IT JET LID PINE KEG METAL END STIMULATE

HOUSEWORK owes resow rows serow shew show shower shrew skew sower swore whore whores whose woes woke wooer woos woosh wore work WORKHOUSE works worse

23

Across 1. Retreat (10) 7. Bare (5) 8. Core (7) 10. Total (8) 11. Layer (4) 13. Accompany (6) 15. Dignified and sombre (6) 17. Pay for, sponsor (4) 18. Waterfall (8) 21. Ruled (7) 22. Mindless (5) 23. Arrangements (10)

E

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

20 21

I A

16 17

S

GK CROSSWORD

14

R

Across 6/7 Archie Bunker, 10 Leprosy, 11 Wheat, 12 Pelé, 13 Koala, 16 Pan-Am, 17 Cody, 20 Sahib, 21 Impasto, 22 Orange, 23 Regent. Down 1 Pablo Picasso, 2 Scapula, 3 Piton, 4 Gunwale, 5 Skeet, 8 Rita Hayworth, 9 Pyromania, 14 Babbage, 15 Ross Sea, 18 Sheaf, 19 Ypres.

13

T U

11 12

30/9

5x5

A 10

5 What is also known as claypigeon shooting? (5) 8 In 1946, which star’s picture was taped to the first peacetime nuclear test bomb, at Bikini atoll? (4,8) 9 What is an obsessive desire to set fire to things? (9) 14 Whose (Charles ____) “analytical engine” calculator designed in the 1830s was finally built in 1991? (7) 15 In a southern ocean, which cold water body lies between Victoria Land and the Edward VII Peninsula? (4,3) 18 What is a tied bundle of reaped grain stalks? (5) 19 Near which Belgian town were major battles fought in 1914, 1915 and 1917? (5)

A P A R T

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

Puzzles

What’s

Going On? Are there exciting things happening in your local senior community? Share your story online. Look for the ‘share your event or story’ box on our home page. Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au

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22 Seniors Northern NSW


Northern NSW

Monday, October 16, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 23

Let’s save

Get crafty with your grandkids

Recipes for kids HONEY JOYS

Ingredients 4 1/2 cups cornflakes 120g butter, chopped 1 1/2 tablespoon honey 1/3 cup caster sugar Method Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan-forced. Line 12 hole, 1/3 cup capacity muffin pan with paper cases. Place cornflakes in a large heatproof bowl. Place butter, honey and sugar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until butter has melted and mixture is smooth. Add to cornflakes. Mix well to combine. Spoon mixture evenly between paper cases. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden. Stand for 2 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool.

PANCAKES

Ingredients 1 1/2 cups milk 1 egg 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups SR flour 25g butter, melted or spray oil Method Whisk milk and egg and vanilla together in a jug. Sift flour into a bowl. Make a well in centre. Add milk mixture. Whisk until just combined. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Spray with oil or brush pan with butter. Using 1/4 cup

mixture per pancake, cook 2 pancakes for couple of minutes or until bubbles appear on surface. Turn and cook for 2 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining mixture, brushing pan with butter between batches. Serve with butter and honey. There are so many variations. Try mashing a banana and adding to milk mixture.

PIZZA

Pizza bases/individual bases pita bread or wraps can also be used Tomato base sauce or BBQ sauce Grated cheese Sliced mushrooms Capsicum finely sliced Bacon- chopped Chicken- chopped Prawns Finely sliced red onion Cooked mince steak Pineapple pieces Cover the pizza base with sauce of choice then add a small covering of grated cheese. Start the toppings with meat first then progress with mushrooms, capsicum then onion and pineapple and top with cheese. The secret to a great pizza is to not overload. If you do the pizza will be soggy so less is more. Pop the pizza into a very hot oven and cook for 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN small bowl. ★Vaseline. ★Scissors. ★Homemade glue/wallpaper paste. ★Strip of card, approx. 2cm x 25 cm. ★Stapler. ★Masking tape. To make bowl: 1. Lie newspaper out on the table and create a work area. 2. Blow up the balloon and fasten with a knot and spread plenty of Vaseline all over it. 4. Sit the balloon in the cup with the knot facing into the cup. 5. Brush over some glue/paste with the paintbrush on the top half of the balloon. 6. Cover the top half of

PREPARATION: Paper mache can be a fun activity to enjoy with your grandchildren. Just keep ahead of the mess.

the balloon (that is covered in paste) with strips of newspaper. 7. Make sure the newspaper is wet entirely with glue - add more if required. 8. Paste the strips horizontally and vertically as this will strengthen the bowl. 9. Cover the ends that

Cooking with the kids I LOVE cooking with kids, they’re so interested in learning how to make the yummy food they enjoy. Start with something simple like pancakes, fritters or honey joys, then progress to lemonade scones, pizza and rice paper rolls. The rolls may not look perfect when they’re finished but the kids think they are very clever with this healthy option. You can also, depending on the age of the kids, teach them how to prepare the ingredients. You will be very surprised how much kids are capable of at a young age. For stress-free cooking with kids, let

HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN them help choose the menu beforehand, give them a few options that are suitable and it is best to ensure you have the ingredients for what you are cooking and be organised. Don’t complicate the menu or the kids will lose interest very quickly. Have all the ingredients ready to go measured and portioned and make sure you have a stool or chair available for

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them if they are a little height challenged. Let’s get cooking!

LEMONADE SCONES Moist and fluffy scones, made with only 3 ingredients! Serve warm with jam and cream Makes 10

Ingredients 3 cups self-raising flour 1 cup thickened cream 1 cup cold lemonade Method Preheat oven to 200C Combine the flour, cream and lemonade in a bowl and mix until just combined. Do not over mix. Turn out onto a floured surface, and gently pat down to 2.5cm thickness. Use a 6cm round cutter to cut scones. Flour the cutter so the dough doesn't stick. Brush the tops lightly with milk. Place on a lined or greased tray, slightly touching each, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden on top. Place on rack to cool. For more recipes go to www.seniorsnews.com.au

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3 INGREDIENTS: Delicious Lemonade scones.

haven’t been glued down properly with glue. 10. Add at least six layers of newspaper and glue to the top half of the balloon. 11. Leave it to dry. After it is dry, remove the newspaper mould from the balloon. 13. Trim off the rough edges, using scissors. To make a base for the bowl: 1. Turn the bowl upside down. 2. Make a loop/circle with the strip of card, and staple in place (as a base) and attach the loop with masking tape. 3. Paste on some glue and cover it with newspaper pieces/strips extending up on side of bowl. 4. Once the bowl and base are completely dry it is ready to paint and decorate.

Head to www.seniorsnews.com.au Scroll down until you see a box on the right hand side of the page titled ‘Stay Connected’. 3 Enter your email address and hit ‘Submit’. 4 Check your email – we’ve sent you a message! Click on the link in the message to confirm your subscription. 5 Enjoy all the latest news from Seniors in your inbox as it happens. It’s that simple! 1 2

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YUMMY: Honey Joys are easy to make and kids love them.

LIKE most French words, papier (paper) mache sounds so much better than its English translation, which means, chewed paper. This can be a fun, low cost activity to enjoy with your grandchildren and impress them with your handy craft skills. Together you can create a bowl of any size for trinkets in their room, as a gift or as a fruit bowl for the family. The bonus is you should have most of what you need at home. What you need: ★Recycled paper, like lolly wrappers, coloured paper, envelopes, newspaper, magazines and wrapping paper. The newspaper will be ripped into small pieces/ strips (4-5cms wide and at least 15cms in length). ★Paint and paintbrushes. ★A balloon. ★A wide cup/


24 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, October 16, 2017


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