vfacebook.com/seniorsnews
4 1300 880 265
Seniors Northern NSW
July, 2017
FREE
National Seniors Lawyers Pty Ltd
We choose to represent senior clients Carolyn Byrne Lawyer
0414 557 636
seniors@nationalseniorslawyers.com.au
PAGE 3
Touring Travel & Cruise Specialists Call our friendly, experienced team to book your next cruise or touring holiday or to join one of Go See Touring’s special group departures.
BLOOMING TASMANIA A SPRING GARD RDEN COACH TO TOUR
$2,995
per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single supplement $485
1300 551 997
per person Twin Share ex MEL, Single supplement from $1,600
FROM
FLOWER FESTIVAL
per person Twin Share ex BNE, SYD, MEL Single supplement $650
FROM
$5,695
11 - 26 NOVEMBER 2017
$3,499
CHIANG MAI
$4,395
HOSTED BY RODNEY VINCENT
Festival, Highland Paradise Cultural Village, Polynesian show, garden visits, cruise Muri Lagoon, $100 food & beverage credit per room.
24 JAN - 5 FEB 2018 11 nights accom inc. Bangkok, River Kwai & Chiang Mai, b’fast, some lunches & dinners, City & Temples Tour, Bridge on River Kwai, Hellfire Pass, Death Railway, Golden Triangle, Mae Fah Luang Gardens, reserved seating at the Chiang Mai Flower Festival.
PAGE 16
14 nights accom, breakfast, some dinner & lunches, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta, Long Tan/Nui Dat, Cooking Class, Imperial Citadel, Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, Ho Chi Min Mausoleum, Cyclo Tour, Old City, Traditional Sailing Junk, Floating Villages.
NORFOLK ISLAND JAZZES IT UP
per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single supplement from $599
ESCORTED TOUR
THE WONDERS OF VIETNAM
28 NOV - 6 DEC 2017 PACIFIC PARADISE TOUR 7 nights in Rarotonga, all meals COOK ISLANDS and sightseeing, Tiare Flower ESCORTED TOUR
goseetouring.com TERMS & CONDITIONS *Price is per person Twin Share fully inclusive. Single Supplement applies. Credit card surcharges apply. Deposit of AUD$500$800 per person is required to secure tour. Tour requires a minimum number of passengers to depart. Prices may fluctuate if surcharges, fee, taxes or currency change. Prices current as at 3 July 2017. Go SeeTouring Pty Ltd T/A Go See Touring Member of Helloworld ABN: 72 122 522 276 ATAS Accreditation A11320
20 - 27 SEPTEMBER 2017 7 Nigh hts Accommodation, Cooked Breakfast st Daily, 7 Dinners + 3 Lunches, Na National Rose Garden, Brickenden Es Estate, Launceston Flower Show, Oaatlands, Inverawe Native Gardens, Avvi Flora Crawleigh Wood Gard rden
JAZZ FESTIVAL
$1,765
per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single supplement from $500
2 - 9 DECEMBER 2017 Return Airfares, 7 Nights Accom, 8 Days Car Hire, 4 Tours, PLUS Your Jazz Package reserved seating at all concerts, Lunch, Dinner + Cocktail Party with the Stars
NEW ZEALAND 23 - 30 JANUARY 2018 FLY CRUISE Return airfares + taxes ex BNE, PACKAGE 3 nights 4 star accom Auckland, FROM
$2,950 per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single supplement $1,350
6421002ab
7 www.seniorsnews.com.au
2 full day tours North Island, all transfers, 4 night cruise Sun Princess, balcony cabin, 7 breakfasts & dinners, 4 lunches
2 Seniors Northern NSW
In this edition
Cover Story: Gabriel Poole .....................................Page 3 Wellbeing ...........................................................Pages 9-11 Feature: Housing & Finance...........................Page 16 Travel.... .......................................................Pages 17-20 What’s On.....................................................Page 21 Puzzles ....................................................................Page 23
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.
Welcome
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 17, 2017
Our world revealed in Census figures
EVERY four years, my natural curiosity is piqued by the publication of Census results. Look here, these figures say, these are the real facts, figures and trends shaping our Australian lifestyle. Did you think you were just imagining a more diverse population, more older people and less people attending the local church? Perhaps, you wondered if these changes just happened in your neighbourhood rather than as a nationwide trend. Wonder no more, the 2016 census figures have made available the statistical information to back up your thoughtful observation. For instance, the marriages of my adult children and a number of their cousins to spouses born overseas has significantly increased the cultural diversity of our family. So when statistics highlighted the rich diversity of Australian society, I felt that our family was more or less
of older adults. This observation reminds me of a comment made by my late mother to the effect of: "When I was growing up you hardly saw old people." My, how times have changed. These days, one in six people is over the age of 65 (compared to one in seven in 2011 and only one in 25 in 1911) and there are now 84,000 more people aged 85 years and older than in 2011. The results have been identified as the success of modern, medicine, improved diet and a greater public health system. Indeed, the number of folk celebrating 100th birthday and beyond, grew to 3500. This month, our publication’s theme is, "Housing Options" and after Census figures noted a huge change in our style of homes, I reckon we are right on the money. In terms of housing, the Census counted
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER Group editor Seniors Newspapers network
conforming to the norm. Census figures revealed more than a quarter of our residents (26.3 per cent) are now born overseas, and for the first time in our history, the majority of people born abroad are from Asia, not Europe. Just over 6,150,000 people were born overseas in census 2016, compared to 5,280,802 in 2011. More than one-fifth (21 per cent) of Australians spoke a language other than English at home. After English, the next most common languages spoken at home were Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, and Vietnamese. Another statistic that bears out what what we see in our neighbourhood is the increased number
10 million dwellings (a dwelling is defined as any structure which is intended to have people in it and is habitable on Census night). While separate houses account for 72%, there’s been a large increase in other forms of dwelling, such as flats, apartments, semi-detached, row housing or town housing. Of the 8.3 million occupied private dwellings, seven in 10 housed families (69% by one family and 1.9% by multiple families). In 2020, I’ll place a bet these alternative housing numbers will increase, but we need information to make informed decisions. I hope our article on Gabriel Poole’s multigenerational living, along with various other ideas will provide this for you. Also, good news for country music lovers Check out advertisements advising how you can win a Troy Cassar-Daley CD (latest release). Cheers, Gail
Hidden Treasures sought for the honour roll NOMINATE: Paula Starkey and Rikki Toi, of Coraki, were named Hidden Treasures in 2015 for their volunteering work. PHOTO: JAMIE BROWN
honour roll. Mrs Starkey was a long-time volunteer on the Coraki hospital
Stay Safe at home with our
Medical Alarms Our medical alarms can help you enjoy life and feel safe and confident in your home.
Lots of options to suit your budget and needs. Call today for a FREE consultation
1300 851 771
www.lifelinkresponse.com.au FER0452 06/17
auxiliary and also with the CWA, and a director on the CWA preschool at Coraki. Ms Toi was volunteer secretary at the Coraki Rural Transaction Centre, and a volunteer with the SES. Volunteering was an important part of society, both women said, noting that without people who worked for nothing, our country would fall apart. Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis is once
again seeking the help of the local community in uncovering women volunteers within Clarence and Richmond valley communities who have contributed their time and energy to help others across rural NSW. “This is not an award program, but a public tribute to the vast number of women who have given their valuable time and energy to help others,” he said. “Women are often the
backbone of families and communities and without their support many groups, including charities, emergency services, the arts, environment, social justice, education and sporting organisations would struggle to survive.” The Rural Women’s Network program, within NSW Department of Primary Industries, initiated the Hidden Treasures project to
promote and archive the work of remarkable women. Nominating a rural woman is easy. Simply go to www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ about-us/rural-support/ rural-womens-network/ hidden-treasures, complete your nomination online or download a nomination form and share a few paragraphs why your nominee is worthy. Nominations close on Friday, July 28.
A PRIVATE CREMATION $1980 includes GST
✓ Loved one taken into our care 24 hours, 7 days ✓ All required mortuary attention and preservation ✓ Completion of all application and registration forms ✓ Doctor's cremation certificates ✓ Environmentally friendly cardboard coffin ✓ Private transport to crematorium and cremation fee ✓ Death registration and official BDM death certificate ✓ Return of ashes to loved one's family or friends
Pre-Paid Plan Available - No Administration Fees Locally owned by Ben & Emma Little Servicing The Gold Coast to Ballina 24 hour essential service
Call - 1300 678 443
6069285aa
WORTHY women are currently being nominated in the 2017 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll, which acknowledges and celebrates the contributions women make to NSW rural communities. Those awarded the “Hidden Treasures” title will follow in the footsteps of many fine women before them. In 2015, Coraki women Paula Starkey and Rikki Toi were added to the
Cover Story
Monday, July 17, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Northern NSW
Seniors 3
Re-imagining our home An ageing population and increased living costs behind a new concept of family home Gail Forrer
AT A time when large brick homes were popping up all across the suburbs, Gabriel Poole’s architectural vision of small, affordable and sustainable housing was a challenging proposition. Now, as house and land prices soar and care of the environment becomes paramount, his vision has become much more than relevant, for many it provides the practical and necessary guidelines for 21st century living. Along with other distinguished accolades the Queensland-born architect has received the Robin Boyd Award and in 1998 the Royal Australian Institute of Architecture Gold Medal for lifetime contribution to Australian Architects. This year, looking forward to his 83rd birthday with absolutely no plans for retiring, Poole is still devising and implementing architectural answers to social conundrums. These days, he is espousing, multigenerational living as a practical solution to the dearth of affordable property, the need for care
for both aged and younger family members and as a means of keeping the human footprint as light as possible upon the earth. Speaking of the need for extended family living, he says: "There’s really not much choice. "The government can’t afford to keep providing nursing homes and the young people can’t afford to buy homes."
❝
researched the pattern of multi-generational housing in Brisbane and Sydney and says the trend is on the increase. KPMG demographer Bernard Salt believes multi-generational living will see Baby Boomers disposing of the big family home and setting up financial arrangements with their children to ensure a future home and care for all.
This year, looking forward to his 83rd birthday with absolutely no plans for retiring, Poole is still devising and implementing architectural answers to social conundrums. In 2014, he exhibited his ideas in a Queensland architectural show at Mt Tamborine. His design adhered to low-cost, modular principles with private areas for grandparents, parents and children. He included aged care facilities including rails, non-slip floors and wheelchair access across the home. This sort of optional housing struck the interest of academic Dr Edgar Lui who has
Since one in four Australians will be over 65 by 2050, he has praised the living style as a creative solution to the ageing population. Finally, Gabriel Poole has often talked about the spiritual dimension of housing and as he moves forward designing housing for the inhabitants, rather than just following fashion, he insists that his designs must also ‘lift the spirits’.
GABRIEL POOLE DESIGN: Addition created for shared accommodation request in Brisbane.
CREATIVE THINKER : Architect Gabriel Poole conjures up alternative spaces and places.
GABRIEL POOLE DESIGN: The Shed House 2007.
4 Seniors Northern NSW
Profile: Troy Cassar-Daley
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 17, 2017
y r t n u Co r e m r cha
IT’S AN odd sensation getting off the phone after interviewing Troy Cassar-Daley – it feels like I’ve been talking to a mate I haven’t seen for a long time rather than a complete stranger, never mind a country icon. As with his music, there’s an ease, an honesty and humility which you can’t help but like. Over the past year he’s invited us into his life more than ever through his autobiography Things I Carry Around and the album by the same name. He has been touring the album for six months and says he’s excited to finish at home this month in south-east Queensland where he has spent the past 28 years of his life. “It’s very special because this album is so personal and such an emotional thing,” he said.
JOURNALIST ALISON HOUSTON To capture that intimacy, the stage is set like a lounge room which he’s inviting audiences into for a chat, and he said at times “you can hear a pin drop, it’s so emotional”. Troy said many of the songs had been sitting in the background for years because he felt they were “too personal to record”. They are joined by songs inspired by the at-times painful task of delving back through his own history for the autobiography, which included coming to terms as a youngster with living in two worlds and
embracing both his mother’s Aboriginal heritage and his father’s Maltese. “The book was the hardest thing I’ve ever written,” Troy admitted. It took about two years to complete, partly because he found it so confronting to look backwards “for someone who has always just wanted to move forward in life”. In contrast, the music, he said, was “quite a relief... to tell a story in 3-4 minutes”. But it wasn’t always like that. “In the old days starting out I was playing a lot of other people’s music. You have to make yourself familiar to people,” Troy said. “But my end goal was always to play my own music and tell my own stories.”
YOUNG TALENT: Troy Cassar-Daley’s autobiography reveals the beginning of his career.
And tell them he has, through 10 solo albums which have sold in excess of 450,000 copies and won him an array of awards, including 35 Golden Guitars across his 30-year career. Not bad for a bloke who hasn’t hit 50 yet! Things I Carry Around won Troy the coveted Album of the Year at this year’s Country Music Awards, where his legacy was also recognised by his induction as the 50th and youngest artist on the
Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown. His name now sits on a plaque on a granite bolder beside that he touched as a kid of Slim Dusty. “It was a bit mind-blowing really,” Troy said of the moment, which he adds was made all the more special by the presence of wife Laurel Edwards and kids Clay and Jem. “If you strip back the layers of paint, I’m still that kid lined up to get Slim Dusty’s autograph.”
His autobiography began, appropriately, by talking to Slim’s wife Joy, with whom he indulges in a cuppa and sandwiches each Tamworth festival. When he told her how much he had enjoyed her book, she planted the seed that he should write his own story. Despite some hesitancy, he said the autobiography captured the truth and emotion he wanted it to – swearing and all – with readers telling him they feel like
Monday, July 17, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Profile: Troy Cassar-Daley
Northern NSW
Seniors 5
SEE TROY IN CONCERT July 28-29 - Broadbeach Country Music Festival. If you are in the area, you can also see Troy at these locations: Thursday, July 20 – Kedron Wavell Services Club 8pm. Tickets (adults from $42) at ticketmaster or the club on 07 3359 9122. Friday, July 21 – Nambour RSL Club Dinner from 6pm; Show from 8.40pm. Tickets ($69 dinner & show) on 07 5441 2366. Go to www.nambourrsl.com.au Saturday, July 22 – Ipswich Civic Theatre 7.30pm. Tickets (adults $45) on 07 3810 6100 or at www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au Sunday, July 23 – City Golf Club Toowoomba 2pm. Tickets (adult $35) on 07 4636 9000 and online at www.citygolf.com.au.
he’s sitting across the table talking to them. And perhaps it’s that honesty which best sums up Troy’s approach to his music and his life. On his Roll of Renown plaque it says that he “embodies the spirit of Australian country music”. And when asked what that means to him, his answer is “honesty – being who you really are”. “When I heard Slim Dusty sing, I knew he was singing about him and about me, and that’s what it’s about.” In today’s world, filled with so much tragedy and confusion, Troy said he hoped music would remain an escape for many, as it was for him as a kid and continues to be.
In his opening track, Funny How Things Change, he sings of a simpler time when people talked and shared more of themselves one-to-one, but Troy said having looked back on his life, he wouldn’t change a thing. “Even when I was broke, I was happy. I was able to continue loving music. I never had a plan B,” he said. And while the Gympie Muster, where he first met Laurel, will always have a special place in his heart, Troy said every audience had a life and a character of its own. “To be truthful, any time I can step on stage and make my music it’s a special gig.” PHOTO: MIK MCCARTIN
6 Seniors Northern NSW
Local Story
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 17, 2017
All Things Legal INVESTIGATION OF AVEO HIGHLIGHTS TRANSITION TO CARE ISSUES that you are paying for your retirement village unit. It could well be that by doing this you would impact your entitlement to Centrelink benefits either totally or partially. It is very important that you obtain legal advice and financial planning advice from professionals who specialise in this particular area so that you can ensure that your interests are properly protected both from a legal stand point and financially. We have advised many clients who have entered into agreements with retirement villages and have paid significant amounts by way of a bond or leasehold lump sum without obtaining any legal advice as to the agreements that they have signed or obtaining any financial planning advice with respect to their ongoing taxation and Centrelink benefits. On many occasions the Retirement Villages urged the clients to sign agreements without appropriate legal advice indicating the documents simply require a lawyer to ‘witness’! It is very important that all people who are looking to move into a retirement village “shop around” and compare the various retirement villages and other care facilities that are available in the market. Once again, having an experienced legal practitioner, accountant and/or financial planner who deals in this area regularly will assist you in investigating which is the best option for you both from a physical care perspective and ensuring that this is also the best financial solution for you. The exit fees and other amounts payable are triggered after certain time periods and only after you leave or pass away. It is very important that you properly understand these critical issues before entering into these agreements. Many clients do not understand the difference between freehold title and leasehold. Most people have owned their properties as freehold land with a title deed. The majority of retirement villages are leasehold arrangements. Fortunately, there has been a marked increase in the number of different retirement villages and care facilities that are available on the open market which has led to greater competition in the industry with lower exit fees and more generous terms and conditions. The market on the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales area is particularly competitive and the opening of new facilities with surplus rooms has further led to a reduction in these terms and conditions. Like most things, people need to undertake appropriate enquiries and due diligence with respect to the retirement village that they wish to reside in, quite often for the rest of their lives. This is a very important decision and equally important that residents take the time to carefully weigh up their options and obtain the correct advice. We reiterate that people considering the transition to care should obtain proper legal and financial planning advice from professionals who have experience in this complicated area before they sign or agree to any terms and conditions. Attwood Marshall has a long history of acting for retirement clients and advising them in relation to these issues. We also have accounting and financial planning professionals who specialise in this area and can assist with all relevant issues involving a transition to care. Contact Details You are welcome to contact our office with any enquiries concerning Retirement Village Agreements, transition to care arrangements and estate planning advice. 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.
Freecall
1800 621 071 Visit our website attwoodmarshall.com.au Coolangatta | Kingscliff | Robina
CAN YOU HELP? Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter volunteers (from left) Bob and Sue Smith, with Marlene Croft raise much-needed dollars. PHOTO: YVONNE GARDINER
Raise your hands for a worthy cause By Yvonne Gardiner
SENIORS with time on their hands volunteer for a variety of reasons, and choose from numerous worthy causes. Many on the Northern Rivers help out the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter. For 35 years, this service has delivered aero-medical search and rescue services for the northern parts of NSW. Volunteers do many tasks, including selling raffle tickets, working in one of the six op shops in the region, helping out with major events, collecting money tins, administration and catering events. Bob and Sue Smith sell raffle tickets at shopping centres in Ballina. Sue, a volunteer for eight years, says she contributes about 100
hours a year to the service to “give back to the community’. “We’ve had people come up to us while we’ve been selling raffle tickets,” she said. “One person said, ‘if it wasn’t for the service, I’d be dead now’. “All the money comes from the community and stays in the community. “We also empty money boxes at the helicopter base and help with mail-outs.” Marlene Croft has been volunteering at the Ballina Op Shop two days a week for seven years. “I was suffering from depression and couldn’t get about,” she said. “I classify the op shop as my safe house. “I work Tuesday and Thursday on a regular basis. “We’re helping to save lives.
“It’s a fantastic organisation.” The op shop is in need of more volunteers and donations of good quality, clean clothing. Coming up is the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter annual appeal called Rescue Day, on August 11. Rescue Day is a celebration of the lives and families the service has touched since it started in 1982. The service seeks support from the community on the day to sell merchandise or collect donations in their town, or to hold a red and yellow fundraiser among social or sporting groups, or at workplaces. To find out more about becoming a volunteer, call 1800 155 155 or visit the website for more information at: www.helirescue.com.au.
6189035aa
Funerals | Burials | Cremations | Pre-arranged Funeral Services | Private Crematorium
43 Holland St Goonellabah
6437446aj
Elderly Should Obtain Proper Legal and Financial Planning Advice Before Signing Retirement Village Contracts The recent exposé of AVEO by the Four Corners program and the Fairfax Media has highlighted the importance for retirement age people to obtain proper legal and financial advice before entering into retirement village or nursing home contracts. Wills and Estates partner Angela Harry discusses some of these issues. The issues identified in the Four Corners program concerning AVEO Retirement Villages are nothing new. Despite the introduction of specific legislation in both Queensland and New South Wales in order to protect elderly couples and singles when they enter into contracts with companies running retirement villages, this has not prevented the apparent exploitation of retirement village residents by introducing onerous terms and conditions in their agreements. Quite often these agreements contain the following:• “Exit Fees” of between 25-40% of the initial purchase price (known as the “ingoing contribution””) for the retirement village unit from the date of entering into the agreement until it is sold; • Payment to the village of 50% of any capital gain (however the resident is usually responsible for 100% of any capital loss); • “Refurbishment Fees” are charged to the resident which effectively passes on the cost of a complete refurbishment of the unit (sometimes this can be as high as $40,000.00); • Legal Fees incurred by the retirement village operator which can amount to thousands of dollars; • Having a virtual monopoly with respect to the sale of any unit in the complex by banning external real estate agents. In this way they regulate to whom and for how much exiting residents can sell the unit. There is also a sales fee (usually a further % on the value of the property) Unfortunately the % figures in the agreements are often complex and difficult to understand. In most instances the resident who has purchased the retirement village unit will live there until they pass away and it is only when the family members sell the unit that the actual cost is realised. We have had a number of estates of late where the exit fees have been in excess of $100,000 for residents who have lived in the unit for only 2 or 3 years! These are just the highlighted terms and conditions that are included in many of the agreements that residents enter into when they agree to move to a retirement village or similar nursing home complex. In many cases the agreements are leasehold and not freehold. This means that the resident only has a lease of the unit (usually whilst they are alive) and the transfer of the lease is subject to the consent of the retirement village operator. There can be issues when the company that is the retirement village operator goes into liquidation or is insolvent. Although the legislation protects the interests of the residents if this occurs, there is still a lot of red tape associated with selling or transferring the leasehold interest to a new owner. If the retirement village operator does go into liquidation or enters into some form of financial administration, this is a clear disincentive for any “new buyers” of the units. The transition from owning your own home or unit to moving into a retirement village is a very complex one. Not only are there lengthy agreements and legal notices that you need to sign in relation to the retirement village, there are also potential issues with selling your home and how this affects your Centrelink benefits. This is particularly relevant if the value of your family home exceeds the bond or leasehold amount
Ample onsite parking Alfresco area Private viewing area Easy access Spacious Chapel Catering services available
1800 809 336
21 Kalinga Street WEST BALLINA www.parkviewfunerals.com.au
Monday, July 17, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Nostalgia
Northern NSW
Seniors 7
On the lookout for surfing history of Lennox Head Could you help fill out some of the missing gaps in this book? By Yvonne Gardiner
THE history of surfing around the Lennox region is to be captured in a book. A Surfing Lennox crew is collecting photos and data for the book which will be released to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of the Lennox National Surfing Reserve in February. Lennox Head Heritage Committee convenor Robyn Hargrave said the surfing reserve was recognised in 2008 as a site of environmental, cultural and historical significance to Australian surfing. “We have assembled an experienced volunteer ‘surf-crew’ working with the Lennox Head Heritage Committee to preserve our surfing history,” she said. The team is calling for donations of photos, recollections and any surfing lifestyle memories for the publication which will reflect the transition of surfing Lennox circa 1958 through to the present. “It is generally thought that in 1958 Ballina man Barry Regan was one of the first to surf Lennox Point on his five-metre timber board,” Robyn said. “But even Barry is not sure he was the first.”
Surfing Lennox volunteer Phil Myers said old and new photos were fine for the collection. “As images come in, they will be displayed in the foyer of the Lennox Head Community Centre,” he said. “We are sure to have a few laughs at those fond and sometimes crazy memories.” Phil started surfing in 1964, when he was 12. “I think surfing was far more pleasurable than football,” he recalls. “It’s exciting and exhilarating.” Phil is the longest continuous Lennox surfer and dweller on the project team and is a renowned surfboard shaper. He’s keen to see the book finished, because “if someone doesn’t do it, that history is lost”. Phil has seen many changes over the years in the Lennox township. “It’s gone from a sleepy little village to the latte capital of the north coast,” he said. And he can’t remember seeing white pointers in the early days. “I’ve seen more sharks in 10 years than I’ve seen in my lifetime,” he said. “When you’re confronted with something that big, it’s a concern.”
Longtime Lennox surfer Phil Myers and Lennox Head Heritage Committee convenor Robyn Hargrave delve into the surfing history of their region. PHOTO: YVONNE GARDINER
MORNING OF THE EARTH MOMENT: A surfing wonderland at Lennox Point.
Robyn said the heritage committee had identified a huge gap in its collection – the surfing history of Lennox Head – with only two photos, two books and one newspaper article about the subject. “We thought we had hit the jackpot when we contacted the Lennox National Surfing Reserve committee, but unfortunately all the original images they had used for their 2007 publication had been returned to donors and, with a very few exceptions, were lost to our collection,” she said. “Now we are excited to be involved with very experienced surfing members of our community in collecting, preserving and sharing the last 60 years of images and memories of surfing, its culture and impact on the lifestyle of Lennox Head. “Those who help us with images and memories of surfers and beach goers since the 1950s are assured all material will be kept safely and made available for the future.” Anyone who can contribute to the collection of surfing history of Lennox Head and adjoining surf breaks, can contact Robyn Hargrave on 0412 660 994 or Phil Myers on 0403 230 892.
PHOTO: STEPHEN POPE
STAGES5 4 AND G SELLIN! NOW
Planning your retirement future? Visit Catherine Bashforth today to learn more about living at Oak Tree.
17 Mackellar Place, Goonellabah 1300 367 155
www.oaktreegroup.com.au
8 Seniors Northern NSW
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 17, 2017
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 word maximum). If you would like to submit a photo, please ensure it is at least 180dpi with faces in a nice and bright setting. The deadline for the August issue is August 9. Email Nicky or Chris at communitynotes@seniors newspaper.com.au
NSAA
GOLD Coast South-Twin Towns branch of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia, serving from Tallebudgera to the Tweed, will hold its next general meeting on Sunday, July 23 at 10am in the RSL sub branch Anzac Room of the Twin Towns Resort. If you served in any Forces of the Commonwealth "between" 1951–1972
then why not join us and re kindle the camaraderie you experienced during your service. Call Tom Hughes on 07 5513 0665.
on 07 5590 5919.
■ HASTINGS POINT TWEED COAST
CURRUMBIN ELANORA VIEW CLUB
WE MEET at the Currumbin RSL at 10am on the fourth Tuesday ofeach month. VIEW is a club for fun and friendship for women who help raise funds to assist the Smith Family.
MOVERS: U3A Twin Towns members Stretch and Dance classes.
FASHION PARADE
■ KINGSCLIFF MIXED
THE Annual Fun Fashion Parade will be held at St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church cnr Powell & Florence Streets, Tweed Heads on Saturday, July 29 at 1pm. Portofino fashions, sizes and styles to suit all women, bargain bins and sale racks with a delicious afternoon tea, raffle and lucky door prize. $10. Call Yvonne on 0419 357 634.
■ BANORA POINT
PROBUS CLUBS
NEXT meeting will be held on Thursday, August 3 at 10.30am. Visitors are very welcome. Meetings held 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 welcome. Phone Norma on 6676 3360.
Join Seniors Digital Newsletter
NEW to the Tweed area, retired or semi retired and want to make new friends? Our club meets on the fourth Monday of each month at South Tweed Sports Club at 10am. We’re a mixed club and have interesting speakers and an outing each month. July speaker is Jo Cooke – subject Feros Care home service. Contact Colin on 07 5590 7454 or Norma
look out for this box
THE next meeting will be on Tuesday, August 15 at 10am at the Tri Care Retirement Community 87/89 Tweed Coast Rd, Hastings Point. Our speaker will be Jonathon Howard. He is the editor of the local newspaper, the Tweed Valley Weekly. Visitors welcome, enquires with Julie on 0418 966 256 or www. hastingsptprobus.org.
■ KIRRA TUGUN
IF YOU have an active, alert mind and are wanting a bit of fun, and meet new friends, call us or just come along to our meeting at the Currumbin RSL on the fourth Thursday of every month at 10am. We have a guest speaker every meeting. www.probuskirra tugun. org.au or phone Ken on 0403 524 964 or Rod on 0438 341 909.
U3A ■ TWIN TOWNS
WE WILL hold an open day on Wednesday, August 23 at 4 Boyd St, Tugun from 10am to celebrate 2017 Seniors Week in Qld. There will be a variety of demonstrations and tutors will be available to discuss our classes and activities. On August 25 we will present a free concert with afternoon tea. The Swinging Seniors Sensational Show will be held at the Scout Hall, 2 Scott Coolangatta, doors open at 1pm. Bookings: 07 5534 7333 or 0405 445 164.
■ TWEED COAST
THE next term starts on Monday, July 17 with 46 classes to choose from. Our special membership fee for the remainder of the year is only $25. Phone Val on 0421 686 310 or www.tweedcoast.u3a net.org.au. For more notices, see page 10.
How to Sign Up 1
Head to www.seniorsnews.com.au
2
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!
Sign up
here
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!
6634521aa
living + money + wellbeing + TRAvel
Northern NSW
Monday, July 17, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 9
Wellbeing
Kingscliff business ‘dementia-friendly’
INCLUSIVE INITIATIVE: Keith Heckenberg and partner Pamela Payne present Greg Follett of Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club, with dementia-friendly accreditation.
staff, which obtained them the dementiafriendly tick of approval. Kingscliff Beach
"We have been making our club available to people with dementia for some time and it’s great
❝
The committee comprises people living with dementia, carers, services, individuals and church representatives. Bowling Club operations manager Greg Follett said being able to help people in the community feel happy and safe was rewarding.
to get this recognition," he said. "We are looking forward to the club making changes to its signage, which will improve
understanding and support people with dementia to find their way around." Pamela Payne, carer of husband Keith Heckenberg who is living with dementia, says as a carer it is wonderful to be in a place where you know your partner will be acknowledged. For more information and a toolkit with tips on how you can make your organisation more dementia-friendly, visit the website: www.dementia friendly.org.au or contact the Alzheimer’s Australia NSW Port Macquarie office on 02 6584 7444.
Enjoy life the way you deserve to
Small changes to your diet can lead to big changes with your health. • Increase energy and wellbeing
• Reduce pain with weight loss • Assist with falls prevention and rehabilitation • Get help managing the following conditions; diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, heart disease, high cholesterol and blood pressure, liver and kidney health and malnutrition
Call 0412 591 424
Department of Veteran’s Affairs Gold and White card holders bulk billed when clinically relevant Medicare referrals accepted
6600732aa
THE Tweed DementiaFriendly Steering Committee is delighted to announce the Maddie and Lil boutique, and Kingscliff Beach Bowling Club as the first two businesses in the area to be officially accredited as dementia-friendly. Both organisations have committed to incorporating dementiafriendly principles into their environments and service procedures, to improve accessibility and inclusiveness for people living with dementia and their carers. The initiative is part of the Alzheimer’s Australia NSW Liveable Communities Program, which saw the Tweed Dementia-Friendly Steering Committee launch last August. The committee comprises people living with dementia, carers, services, individuals and church representatives. Members conducted site visits with the two businesses, providing feedback about changes that could be made in order to become more dementia-friendly. Both businesses subsequently committed to making alterations to their physical environments and providing dementiaawareness training for
Home visit consultations available Renee Hrudicka Accredited Practising Dietitian renee@nutritionyourway.com.au www.nutritionyourway.com.au
hyperbaric oxygen therapy treats • Diabetic ulcers (prevention of amputation)
• Radiation injury (bleeding, urgency from the bladder or bowel, dry mouth and Radiation Tissue Damage)
Call now to speak to our mediCal team. on
07 3371 6033
6463699ae
• Non-healing and infected wounds ulcers • Anaerobic Bacterial infections • Bone infections (osteomyelitis) • Blood in urine/stool • Osteoradionecrosis (ORN)
10 Seniors Northern NSW
Wellbeing
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 17, 2017
Stay healthy and informed LAUGHTER YOGA CLUB
LAUGHTER is proven to benefit our physical, emotional and mental health, This club, which is weekly will be run by Meredith Yardley, certified Laughter Yoga Leader. It doesn’t matter if you live here, or are just passing through, everyone is welcome. Tuesdays from July 18 from 5.30–6.15pm at St Mary’s Administration Hall, Burnett St, Ballina. Bring water and wear something comfy. Cost: gold coin donation if you can afford it.
ACTIVITIES AT TINTENBAR HALL
CARPET BOWLS: Fortnightly on a Friday 10am–12pm, July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25. SCRABBLE: Fortnightly on a Thursday, 10am–12pm, July 20 and August 3, 17 & 31. Contact Marg on 6687 8033 for more information about these activities.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COURSE
Hospital. Support your local hospital.
A.O.O.B’S TWIN TOWNS BRANCH
ON THURSDAY, August 3 and Friday, August 4 from 9.30am–4.30pm, Lennox Head’s first Mental Health First Aid Course will be held at the Lennox Community Centre. Mental health first aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem, or is in a mental health crisis. Participants in this course will learn skills and gain confidence to assist friends, family and co-workers experiencing mental health problems, including signs and symptoms, where and how to get help, and what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective. www.communityspaces. com.au.
AL-ANON
IF SOMEONE in your family has a drinking problem, you can see what it’s doing to them. But can you see what it’s doing to you? Al-Anon may help. Call 1300 252 666 or go to www.al-anon.
Feeling unwell or in pain? We are there when your doctor is closed or unavailable
Doctoronduty comes to you All visits bulk billed*
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. For further information phone Twenette 07 5523 2939.
COOLANGATTA SENIOR CITIZENS CENTRE FOR ‘50 & OVER SENIORS’
GET TECH SAVY: The Smart Phone Course for Seniors is a two-hour free course in Ballina, delivered by local volunteers to help seniors learn more about their smart phone.
TWEED HOSPITAL AUXILIARY
WE WILL be holding our Annual General Meeting on Monday, August 7 at 2pm in the auditorium of the Tweed Heads Civic Centre.
Doctor Home Visiting Hours: Monday to Friday: 6.00pm – 8.00am Saturday: Noon – 8.00am Sunday & Public Holidays: All day and all night
All are welcome. Don’t forget that the auxiliary holds bingo sessions every Sunday at 1pm at the Tweed Heads Bowls Club. All proceeds go to the Tweed Hospital Auxiliary to purchase equipment for the Tweed Phone Lines Open: Monday to Friday: 4.00pm Weekends: from 10.00am Saturday and then all weekend
1300 2255 47 Or visit www.doctoronduty.com.au for more information www.facebook.com/doctorondutyaust
* for all calls booked before midnight
WE WELCOME all Gold Coast and 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, rock & roll, yoga, guitar & ukulele, bus trips, hairdressing and more. Our next free monthly concert will be on Monday, July 31 at 1pm Qld time featuring Dixie Jazz Band. Please phone 07 5536 4050 or visit the centre at 2 Gerrard St, Coolangatta.org/ australia. Murwillumbah meeting Monday 10am at ConXions Church, 19 Prince St.
CASINO QUOTA
WE ARE holding our Annual Arts Craft and Quilt Fair on July 29 from 9am–3pm at The Casino Community & Cultural Centre in Walker St, Casino. Entry is by gold coin donation. Morning teas and light lunch available.
NRCG 6476298ac
NORTHERN Rivers Community Gallery, Ballina will launch a
vibrant cross cultural exhibition in July celebrating a unique collaboration between two groups of remote indigenous women textile artists. Wahng Ngullboo Karridjarrkdurrkmirri Working Together. Bundjalung Wake Up Time & Kunwinjku Women textile artist collaboration. The exhibition is open until Sunday, July 23. The Gallery is located at 44 Cherry St, Ballina and is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am–4pm and weekends from 9.30am–2.30pm. For information call 6681 6167 or visit www.nrcgballina.com.au.
TWIN TOWN & DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB
OUR next meeting will be on Monday, August 14 in the function room at the South Tweed Sports Club, 4 Minjungbal Dr, Tweed Heads South. There will be an interesting guest speaker. Doors open at 8.30am and our meeting starts at 10am. Visitors are welcome. Contact Monika on 0412 638 373 or email ttgclub@gmail.com.
SMART PHONE COURSE FOR SENIORS
BALLINA Shire Council’s program Broadband for Seniors is launching a new course this month to help our local seniors discover the magic of smartphones. The free course will cover the fundamentals of operating a smart phone, including using the internet, sending text messages and emails, using apps and more. The program begins on July 24 to 31 at the Council’s Kentwell Community Centre, Ballina. Places are limited and bookings are essential. To book call Ballina Shire Council Community Spaces on 6687 6291 or email communityspaces@ ballina.nsw.gov.au.
$
35
from
p/wk
$
30
$
from
25
from
p/wk
32 Northlink Place, Virginia 2364 Gold Coast HWY, Mermaid Beach
6582496aa
p/wk
Brand Insight
Monday, July 17, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Northern NSW
The hard road less travelled
Seniors 11
Alternatives to stay in your own home and receive care THERE isn’t any no doubt that life can be challenging, particularly as you get older and need some help with daily tasks and taking care of yourself. But what if you could get help to turn your life around and avoid the need to move into a nursing home? Imagine feeling more relaxed, healthier. And happier. And getting help with medication or house hold duties; someone to prepare meals; or personal care like bathing if that’s a challenge? Or to drive you to doctors’ appointments or the shops? Feros Care is on your team. And here to help
CARE AND SUPPORT: Feros Care can help you get back to a better life.
you get back to living a better life. How, you ask? For a start, as a senior living in your own home you may be eligible for a government-subsidised Home Care package to create your affordable solution. A Home Care package comprises services designed to help seniors live a healthy, active, and
connected life – at home. Partnering equally with Feros Care, you’ll be involved in developing a plan and choosing services that suit your needs and lifestyle. We’ll discuss your health goals and your priorities and ask you about the things that are important for you to stay living independently at home.
Sounds good? As we know, the only constant in life is change, so the services provided can change to reflect this. As frequently as you need. So, you’ll never be stuck with a service you don’t need or want. We can also help you with nursing care such as pain management, skin management; mobility/safety aids; and
A helping hand to assist with daily tasks.
continence management. Then there’s social and exercise programs; pet care and helping with lawns and gardening. Or a Home Care package may include innovative services such
as remote health monitoring; smart home technology; and computer training. Feros Care can help you turn your life around. Call 1300 763 583 for more information.
No Gap Eye Surgery At The Eye Care Clinic, our eye surgeons and specialists care enough to see you as people, not just as someone with a problem. Dr. Svoboda and Dr. Lamont personally see you all the way through your procedure - right from the first visit till they are totally satisfied all is well. Nor does this high level of care mean that you are charged an arm and a leg. We actively work to keep the costs as low as possible, and provide services including age related macular degeneration, cataract surgery, glaucoma, lid tumours, diabetic eye disease, iritis, laser surgery, dry eyes and lid malpositions. Those who are insured also enjoy the cost saving benefit of our No Gap Policy. What’s more, there’s no need to travel out of the local area for the actual surgery as our surgeons operate in Tweed Heads. When you want someone that takes a sight better care of both you and your health, ask for The Eye Care Clinic. You’ll see we really do care.
Servicing the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers 6 Scott Street, Coolangatta Qld 4225
6544375aa
A Home Care package comprises services designed to help seniors live a healthy, active, and connected life – at home.
Dr Emanuel Svoboda
(07) 5506 6777
Dr Meon Lamont
SPECIAL OFFER FOR PENSIONERS From as little as
10
$
*
A WEEK you can choose:
+ Having your meals Having your home prepared & personal care cleaned & shopping for 3 hours a week done for 2 hours a week
Lawn mowing & gardening for 1 hour a fortnight
Transport & support to get to your social groups & hobbies
A podiatrist at home every 6 weeks, a Lifelink Falls detector, & so much more!
CALL FEROS CARE TODAY ON 1300 090 257 *Subject to eligibility and income testing. Time and frequency of services depend on the Home Care Package level approved.
www.feroscare.com.au/care
12 Seniors Northern NSW
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 17, 2017
Living
Super senior enters world tennis contest By Yvonne Gardiner and Mitchell Craig
A GENEROUS donor who outlaid $4000 in crowdfunding at the last minute has given 87-year-old Margaret Fisher the chance to compete again in the World Super Seniors Championships. The donor, known only as Saucy Senior Against Ageism, gave half of the amount that Margaret needs to go to Florida in the US in October.
“Everyone had been so generous with their pledges,” Margaret said. “I’ve only been in Byron Bay seven or eight years now.” Tennis Australia has picked Margaret in the over-80s team “with the young ones”, as she puts it. And she’s no slouch when it comes to practice for the prestigious event. “I’m on the court now five days a week,” she said. “I just tightened up the schedule now.
“I think my backhand is the best shot I’ve got. “This is serious business – I don’t take it for granted. “I’m feeling good, I’m practising and I enjoy it.” Last year at the World Super Seniors Championships in Croatia, Margaret won a bronze medal in the doubles over-80s, a second bronze in the mixed doubles over-85s and a silver in the women’s singles over-85. Margaret isn’t a
Regain the freedom of your home Simple, safe and stylish, Acorn Stairlifts give people the chance to enjoy their own homes once again.
• The only company to supply and install our own stairlifts • For straight or curved staircases • Indoor and outdoor lifts • Free home assessment FREE DV • Fast installation DG to Stair uide • Safe and reliable
lifts!
1800 870 617 For FREE BROCHURE & QUOTATION | www.acornstairlifts.com.au
stranger to international tennis tournaments ... in 1953, she competed at Wimbledon. “I got into the draw for the singles and the ladies’ doubles with an Australian girl,” she said. “We got into the tournament proper, and got to the first round.” On a visit to centre court before the tournament, Margaret was awestruck. “It was overwhelmingly wonderful,” she said. “I couldn’t believe what it was like. “I danced on centre court – I even took a bit of it (which she still keeps in a glass case).” Margaret spent 20 years out of the sport, then picked up a racquet again in 2010. Two years later she was the Australian Over-80s Women’s Tennis Champion and backed up that effort in 2015. A cancer scare has kept her off the court briefly. “Once I picked up that racquet again when I turned 80, I reignited my love for the game,” Margaret said. “Seven years ago, I couldn’t even run. I’m as surprised as anyone that I’m running around the court again. “It’s lovely to have a reason to get up each morning and it’s wonderful to be strong again. “I’ve never been to America, so that should be interesting.”
ABOVE: Byron Bay’s Margaret Fisher is on her way to the World Super Seniors Championships in October; and Margaret on centre court Wimbledon in 1953.
139 Minjungbal Drive Tweed Heads South Phone (07) 5523 3431 Mobile 0423 028 468
Mr Property Services Noble Lakeside Park - Kingscliff
Call Kelvin 0423 028 468
$329,500
North Star Resort - Hastings Point
Call Kelvin 0423 028 468
View over 50 homes at www.mrpropertyservices.com.au
$275,000
Cobaki Broadwater - Tweed Heads West
Call Kelvin 0423 028 468
$340,000
The Palms Village - Tweed Heads South
Call Kelvin 0423 028 468
$269,000
Email: kprice@mrpropertyservices.com.au
Monday, July 17, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
FALL
MEDICAL DETECTION ALERT! SAVES LIVES
Northern NSW
Seniors 13
Book your Obligation free Demonstration today
1300 699 159 24 hours - 7 days
safeTwear® Pendant Automatic fall detection
A detected fall automatically connects to 24/7 response & monitoring centre
2 way voice communication
Speak & hear directly trough the pendant
Medical alert button
Traditional button push for Help as well as fall detection
Australia wide coverage
No longer be restricted to "at home" use, safeTwear goes with you - Everywhere - GPS/Satellite Tracking Technology so smart, yet simple to use
The world's smallest - Smartest fall detection & Medical pendant
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Phone : 1300 699 159 Email : care@emsas.com.au Web : www.emsas.com.au.
24/7 response & monitoring We are more than just a call centre, we’re a support network available at all times… Stay connected Anywhere / Any place / Any time No lock in contracts Prepaid packages available, for a lifetime of monitoring, at one low cost…
YOU'LL NEVER BE ALONE
You, your family & friends can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with wearing your safeTwear pendant. Plus the added advantage & benefit of being connected within seconds to our professional response/monitoring centre, who will immediately get you the Help you need
Limited Seniors Only Offer! Over 65? Call 1300 699 159 You may qualify for a Free safeTwear pendant & KeySafe.
Valued at over $500 While stock lasts.
14 Seniors Northern NSW
Living
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 17, 2017
A Uki Refugee Project promotes harmony Advocacy, fundraising and friendship are on the agenda SUPPORTING refugees is a focus for many people on the Northern Rivers. Uki Refugee Project works with other groups in Lismore, Pottsville and Federal to better the lives of refugees. Bryan McLelland, a Uki group member, says one way to do this is to host more friendship visits or homestays. “The best way for people to understand the refugee situation is to meet refugees,” he said. “We’ve been having the friendship visits since 2014 and they’re working beautifully. “I think it’s given the people who’ve come a broader sense of Australia.” Refugees from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Sri Lanka have been welcomed at friendship
visits to Uki. Bryan said the Uki Refugee Project concept was established about five years ago. “We were all concerned about the way the government was treating refugees,” he said. “It took about 12 months before we actually began to do things.” Advocacy is part of the Uki group’s activities, together with raising money for school needs and legal costs. Each year, project members Tina Wilson and Matt Ottley organise a musical event, and this month (July) they will present A Devilish Tale – The History of Harmony. “It follows the development of musical harmony through the ages, from Ancient Greece through to contemporary music, focusing on a time in the 12th century when
FRIENDLY PROJECT: Uki Refugee Group members (from left) Bryan McLelland, Matt Ottley and Tina Wilson meet to promote the production A Devilish Tale – The History of Harmony. PHOTO: YVONNE GARDINER
the so-called ‘Devil’s chord’ changed the face of music,” writer and producer Matt said. The “Augmented 4th”, known as the “chord of evil”, was banned in Renaissance church music.
In those days composing music was very much an act of praising God – the music should therefore be beautiful and moving. The Augmented 4th, or Tritonus, which spans three whole steps in the
scale, is one of the most dissonant musical intervals around. It was considered unpleasant and ugly, and was named “diabolus in musica” – the devil in music. Matt says the Murwillumbah production
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
By Yvonne Gardiner
of A Devilish Tale has three acts, the first featuring Perth keyboard player Alf Demasi as a slightly mad and irreverent Benedictine monk. “The Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir will also make appearances. There’ll be lots of visuals, music and humorous moments,” Matt said. The next friendship visit planned by the Uki Refugee Project will take place September 22–24, and potential hosts are invited to register an interest by emailing uki.refugee.project@ gmail.com. ★ A Devilish Tale – The History of Harmony is a 50-minute stage performance followed by a magical musical improvisation. Saturday, July 22, from 6pm for a light meal, with the performance 7–9pm. Playing at The Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah. Cost $25 per ticket (including the meal), book with www.trybooking.com.
Northern NSW
Monday, July 17, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 15
The kids have left home? Really don’t need a house anymore? But we do need 3 bedrooms? Would love to live by the ocean? Close to Brisbane CBD? Stunning pool, spa and BBQ facilities? and would love to have great ocean views too? THE SCARBOROUGH TICKS ALL THESE BOXES AND MANY MORE!!! All apartments offer 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathroom and 2 car spaces with prices starting at a very affordable $599,000 Skyhomes and Penthouses from $899,000 offer incredible value Inspect these exclusive apartments from 10am - 4pm Wednesday to Sunday | 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
16 Seniors Northern NSW
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 17, 2017
Housing and Finance
The pressure for affordable housing Tracey Johnstone
AT the age of almost 74, Peter Montgomery believes his age cohort are the forerunners to a major affordable housing crisis in Australia. “The government are talking about the demographics of the ageing population but they don’t appear to be addressing any of the related issues that are starting to emerge,” Peter said. “At our age, we are the frontrunners. But what about the ones that are coming behind? They’re not all going to be financially independent.” Peter is living his own crisis now. He and his wife Barbara exist on a part-pension, plus he runs a small business that helps pay for the house they have to rent, plus food and “spiralling utility costs”. “Renting is hugely
expensive. If we were on the aged pension only, we would be paying around 70% of it on rent,” Peter said. He is also caught in the middle of a family health crisis and without funds to buy a home, it’s a daily battle to keep his and his wife’s heads above the tideline. In his early 60s and with his wife diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, Peter decided to sell the family home in Queensland, which gave him enough money to pay out all his debts, including a mortgage, and buy a caravan which he and his wife could live in. “We had a huge back-debt on the mortgage, which I cleared, but having cleared it, it meant that we were cleaned out. Then we did the sums and worked out we no longer could afford to keep it,” Peter said.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: We are the frontrunners for the crisis in affordable housing, but what about the people who are coming behind us?
Peter and Barbara then moved to Victoria, where most of his family lived, and spent 18 months in the caravan.
The proud former farmer struggled with the confined environment so the couple settled into a rented house for a year.
When it came time to renew the lease, he discovered how insecure renting can be. The owner wanted the house back to demolish and build units on the site. “So we had to move again,” he said. The next house he rented for just more than 12 years, until the owner died and the family took possession and promptly told Peter to move out. He calls it “investor determination”. “People buy a property, lease it out for a while and renters think they are secure. But no they’re not because the lease isn’t going to be renewed because the owners are going to demolish the house and put units on it.” When pursuing another rental property, Peter said he experienced overt age discrimination. While the agent wouldn’t say it out loud,
Peter voiced it for her. “I said there is no way in God’s earth that we can be that bad a tenant, so can I say to you it’s got a lot to do with our age?” His other accommodation choice is public housing, but he expects to wait at least six years for it to become available. “I suggest that it’s been at least 20 years since there was in any state a major building project for community housing that met specific needs,” Peter said. “I am doing all right because I am working and I am reasonably healthy, but what about the poor people who may have been in a house as long as us, are older than us and that get the same notice to vacate? “They might not have a family that can help them or they might not be able to raise a bond , where do they go? They’re the forgotten people.”
Affordable housing: home equity release THERE are three main options for older Australians wanting to release equity in their home; reverse mortgages, the Pension Loans Scheme and shared sales proceeds arrangements. The most commonly used is a reverse mortgage.
REVERSE MORTGAGE
■ A person can access their home equity. ■ The lender takes a mortgage over the property. ■ The minimum amount is usually $10,000, and a maximum is set based on the lender’s age. ■ The loan can be received as a lump sum, a regular payment or sit ready to be drawn down when required. ■ It only needs to be repaid once a trigger event occurs, such as the sale of the house, the breach in the contract or the death of the borrower. ■ Interest is charged and compounded monthly, over the loan period. ■ Loans can have either fixed or variable rates.
■ A No Negative Equity Guarantee is in place so the loan, regardless of its length or the movement in interest rates, will not exceed the home value. ■ If the loan is taken out by a couple and one of them dies, it will stay with the surviving partner. ■ Most providers will allow for top up amounts or further borrowing. ■ Some providers will allow for the loan to be used for the payment of an aged care accommodation deposit. National Seniors Financial Information Desk manager Craig Hall explained the concept behind this type of loan was to help people who owned a house, but were income poor, to get them through costs such as daily living expenses or cover a one-off expense. “It’s important for the borrower to understand how much of the asset will likely be passed onto the provider upon repayment,” Mr Hall said. “Projections must be given to the borrower to give them an understanding about what equity will remain
after so many years (of the loan), and they have to use the MoneySmart calculator on the ASIC website.” Mr Hall said legal advice was mandatory to ensure the borrower knew the terms and conditions of the loan. “We also suggest a person seeks independent financial advice as they can advise on whether the loan will affect a person’s Aged Pension and will it impact on provisions for aged care, for example.” There is also one provider that has launched a loan product which, subject to the retirement village allowing for it, means a person could take out a reverse mortgage on their village contract.
PENSION LOANS SCHEME
■ This is a government scheme. It’s available for people who aren’t on an Aged Pension or are on a part-pension. ■ It’s based on the what amount of equity is offered, how much is to
be kept back and the age of the borrower. ■ The government takes out security over the home. It will then top up the aged pension to the maximum amount per fortnight. That amount, which becomes the loan amount, and with interest, would accrue. ■ The current interest rate is 5.25%. ■ The full loan amount would then be repaid at the time of a trigger event. It can also be repaid, in part or in full, at any time. “For example, if the full pension is $500 per week and if I am eligible for an Aged Pension at $300 per week, I could say I want the full pension.,” Mr Hall said. “The $200 difference forms part of the Pension Loans Scheme and that’s the part that accrues interest over time.” A borrower should note that they can access the loan if they are of age and because they aren’t eligible for a payment or only for reduced payment rate because of the assets or income tests, but not both. More on the
loans is available at: www. human services.gov. au/customer/ services/ centrelink/ pensionloansscheme. The advantage of a reverse mortgage is that it’s likely more money can be borrowed or a lump sum borrowed for a major expense.
SHARED SALES PROCEEDS ARRANGEMENTS
■ It’s called Homesafe and is only offered by Bendigo Bank. ■ Contracts can only be made for properties located in metropolitan Sydney and Melbourne. ■ There is no interest charged on the loan. ■ A home owner can access a lump sum by selling a share of the future sale proceeds of their home. So, when the property is sold, the owner forfeits some of the home equity as the loan provider takes an agreed percentage of the
sale proceeds. ■ There are eligibility requirements such as the minimum age is 60. Of these three equity release options, the reverse mortgage has the most flexibility. “The reverse mortgage has been around for the longest,” Mr Hall said. “They had a bit of a bad name in the late 2000s until the industry started to clean itself up a bit. Since then they are more user friendly and quite flexible. “If you have other resources such as term deposits, it’s generally a no-brainer that you would be better off using those first. “For those who don’t have other resources behind them, their house is something they can tap into.”
Northern NSW
Monday, July 17, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 17
Travel ANN RICKARD hopped on board the luxury hotel barge Panache in France and glided slowly from Pont-L’Eveque to Paris. She offers her 10 top reasons to go barging, beginning with the obvious: it’s perfect for seniors in no hurry.
10 points to to show you the best of barging apple tart tatin. Cheeses we’d not encountered before (Morbier, Saint Nectaire, Munster) came with each meal and a charming story of their origins. 4. Wine: Local wines are chosen with meticulous care and offered with engaging information. It’s wine education at each meal. Just saying a few of the wine names we
We’ve Gone
enjoyed on Panache stirs the palate: Pouilly Fuisse; Sancerre; Chassagne Montrachet…more please. 5. Accommodation: Panache has spacious cabins with gleaming bathrooms stocked with L’Oicctane products. Cabins are serviced daily, showers and loos work very well. Evening turn-down and a little
Social!
chocolate on the pillow…who doesn’t love that? 6. Le Bar. European Waterways who operate a fleet of barges in France, Scotland, the UK, and Holland, has an open-bar policy. Help yourself any time from well-stocked shelves or ask one of the stewards to make you a cocktail. French Martinis before lunch, Sidecars
before dinner, Brandy after dinner (usually refused but nice to know it was there.) No nasty bar-bill surprises at the end of the cruise. 7. Excursions: European Waterways puts as much thought into its shore excursions as it does to ensure your comfort and gastronomy fulfilment. A mini-van waits at each anchorage and you are comfortably driven into the countryside to experience famous landmarks, renowned cultural and historic sites…each time to return to the comforting arms of the crew waiting with a new-to-you cocktail. 8. Friends: Most European Waterways barges take eight guests, some 12, so the atmosphere is more like a house party on a private vessel. Guests’ ages usually range in figures mature folks like (about 45 upwards). Full charters mean you can get the gang or the family together and have the barge to yourselves.
9. Style and elegance: Panache is all teak and leather and fresh flower displays. Beautiful china and glassware adorn the table at every meal. Service is intimate, friendly with a “nothing is too hard” approach. The crew speaks English. 10. Adventure and scenery: Going through the many locks along the waterways provides lively entertainment. Watching deckhand Judy jump on and off the barge with the deftness of a mountain goat to do nautical things with ropes and bollards was part of the experience. Then there are all those bridges to go under and the slow-passing French countryside stretching to the horizon. Barging provides more than ten reasons to go…it’s all about leisure, indulgence and discovery. Details: visit website: gobarging.com The writer was a guest on board Panache.
Join the conversation on Facebook. Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au Newspaper
6634530aa
1. Because it is slow. Just the dawdling pace of a luxury barge makes you wind down. It travels only a few kilometres a day and floats so slowly you can disembark after breakfast, walk or cycle along the towpath and embark for lunch (or morning tea if you like a short walk.) 2. You are spoilt: Panache has a crew of six: captain, pilot, chef, stewards and deckhand. As it takes only 12 guests that means plenty of attention and lots of indulgence. You lift not a finger. 3. Food: With an onboard chef sourcing the best local produce, every meal is a gourmet adventure. Our chef Oli presented us with salads that ranged from beetroot and goat cheese to duck with artichoke and capers. Main courses of stuffed pork fillet, rack of lamb, seared pigeon, scallops with crayfish and beef bourgignon, delighted all of us. Desserts defied any attempt at restraint, from triple chocolate terrine to
18 Seniors Northern NSW
Travel
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 17, 2017
NATURAL BEAUTY: The crowds flock to see Monet's bridge .
Monet’s magnificence Experience the sheer beauty of famed painter’s real-life garden Ann Rickard
MONET’S Gardens in Giverny, not far from Paris, must surely be on the bucket list of every traveller in the world. That was my first thought as I looked at the long queues outside the gardens. Thousands of people flock to Giverny every day in summer to see where Claude Monet lived for 40 years, developed and grew his gardens and painted them so famously. Although you must share the glorious gardens with the hordes and squash into the house shoulder with hundreds of others, the experience is still strangely serene. Who could not feel peace in these extensive gardens that Monet cultivated, loved and painted? Despite the crowds, all you seem to hear is the sound of birdsong, the buzz of bees. The beauty of a Monet
The beauty of Claude Monets famous lily ponds.
painting comes to life as you stand by the ponds and gaze at the lilies. It is surreal to stroll through the Japanese garden, sit a moment in the bamboo section, gaze at the roses or brush slowly past graceful weeping willows – all meticulously maintained and now a living museum of scenes so many of us have admired on canvas and in myriad prints. Our visit was on a shore excursion from the luxury hotel barge Panache, a
most pleasant way to see the gardens rather than driving from Paris and all its chaos. Our captain on board Panache had gone to the gardens the day before, while we were at anchorage, and purchased the tickets so we would not have to wait in line. Service way above the call of duty, and one we appreciated as we slipped past the long queues. It is not just art lovers and ardent fans who flock to the gardens:
gardeners, landscapers and botanists all find the gardens fascinating. It is a way to get an understanding of Claude Monet’s work, to feel connected. The son of a grocer and obviously way ahead of his time, Monet rebelled against his family and insisted he was an artist, taking his easel outdoors to paint exactly what he saw before his eyes – at a time when painting
outside was not the norm and when artists were trained to paint their subjects in the controlled lighting of a studio. Monet loved to paint everyday things: lily ponds, landscapes, ladies strolling the gardens with parasols, families picnicking. A visit to these beautiful gardens brings the works to life and gives a connection to the impressionist artist.
You can arrange all manner of visits to the gardens, half-day tours, full days, out of Paris, or just book online. We believe the most comfortable and convenient way to see them is as we did, from a shore excursion on board luxury barge Panache. More information on the itinerary that incorporates the gardens is at the website: www.gobarging.com.
Northern NSW
Monday, July 17, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 19
HERE’S YOUR INVITATIONS PRINCESS S - TWICE AS NICE SALE & 2 CRUISE INFORMATION NIGHTS S
Princess Cruises’ Cruises TWICE TWICE AS NICE Sale is ON NOW — PLUS with HELLOWORLD HELLOWOR RLD D TRAVEL EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE E you’llll get an you ne extra a $100/cabin $100/ $ 00/cab cab bin credi credit c ed t & also receive up to $200 o on n-board n board credit per stateroom when you book interior or oceanview on selected voyages, or make it twice t c twi ce as nice and receive up to $400 o on n-board n board credit per stateroom statte eroom when you book a balcony, min ni-suite n i suite or suite su ite on selected voyages. Enjoy an all -inclusive inclusive holiday sailing to beautiful destinations like the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe. Alaska & the Americas.
Join Peter from Princess Cruises & our Helloworld Travel Team at Tweed City for an informative evening where you can learn all about Princess cruising plus hear about th the he newest n and most ost luxurious ship. Majestic Princes ss, s s arriving g in Australia in n September S 2 201 2018 018 1 t th t th WHEN: 6pm WHEN: pm m Tue 25 5 and Wed 26 6 July WHERE: Helloworld Travel Tweed City. Shop 205, Tweed City Shopping Centre, opposite Telstra Shop Drinks & nibbles will be provided PLUS Bonus Sale offers on the nights so register early to book your seat for on one of our amazing exclusive cruise deals.
RSVP Ph: 07 5523 2535 E: tweedcity@tripaway.com.au
GET HELLOWORLD TRAVEL & PRINCESS BONUS DEALS
SCENIC 2018 EARLYBIRDS
Save up to $600 per couple on Scenic Cruise & Tours to Canada, Alaska & USA with Early Payment Discounts PLUS fly to Canada from $995pp ex Sydney or Brisbane PLUS get g t our Helloworld Travel Exclusive o on n-board n board credit of US$200pp for your cruise. Only with Scenic & Helloworld Travel can you stay at the full range of iconic Fairmont Hotels & resorts across Canada. From the towering Rocky Mountains to the spectacular Alaskan terrain; the drama of Niagara Falls & the unique East Coast cities, visit these areas which are unlike anywhere else.
For Earlybird offers book with us before 31 July ASIAN EARLYBIRD INFO NIGHT
BUCKETLIST FLY/STAY/CRUISE E & MURWILLUMBAH H INFO NIGHT Maiden expedition p season to Chile, Patagonia & Antarctic ca!
MS Roald Amundsen willl be the safest, greenest & most advanced expedition ship. This journey will take you to the most intriguing spots along the South American coast; one of the most scenic National Parks in the world, the rich wildlife of Patagonia, the Chilean Fjords & C Cape ape e Horn and to the h highligh ht— ANTARCTICA! ANTA AR ARC RC CTICA! WHEN: Wed WHEN: Wednesday nesday 2nd August at 5.30pm
T s Exclusive Escorted Group This p will head to Chile to first explore Santiago before flying to P Patagonia ata at tag ago gon nia to experience an incredible oncce e-iiin e n--a n a-lifetime a lifettime cruise on this brand new stattte e-o e of-th o f th he h e-art e art hybrid vessel. Enjoy time ashore; kayaking, hiking & close encounters encco ounters n with penguins, birds & seals; whilst o on n-board n board there will be workshops & presentat presentations tions to tion prepare you for the e experiences ahea ad a d. Our Fly/Cruise/Stay y package includes return airfares to Chile, 3 nights in Santiago with all transfers & a city tour, a flight to Punta Arenas, 19 days Hurtigruten Cruise in an outside cabin with full board and landings, and the option to extend your stay stay y in Sou South America. Full details available in in-stores
Find out how to save up to $1200 per person on travel to Asia in 2018 on a wide range of Wendy Wu Wu’s s popular tours. Join Angelina, our Wendy Wu Tours expert & the Helloworld Travel Elanora team at an Info Evening covering early bird offers on trips to China, Japan, Tibet. Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia Borneo, India Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Singapore, & Hong Kong . WHEN: Wed Wednesday dnesday 9th August 6pm WHERE: Helloworld Travel Elanora Shop 32, The Pines Shopping Centre. Drinks & nibbles will be provided plus plu Early Bird Exclusives for 2018 travel
RSVP Ph: 02 6672 1030 E: murwillumbah@tripaway.com.au
Chile, Patagonia & Antarctica
RSVP Ph Ph: 07 5598 1444 E: elanora@tripaway.com.au
WHERE: H Helloworld elllo ow orld Travel Main St Murwillumba ah— a h—Shop Shop 1 / 49 Main Street Drinks, nibbles & Antarctic presentations.
Helloworld Hellowo Travel
Season 2018/2019
1300 737 544 tripaway.com.au p y
tripaway@helloworld.com.au
Murwillumbah Tweed City Tweed Heads Coolangatta Coolanga Elanora Palm Beach
Main St, Murwillumbah Tweed City Shopping Centre Tweed Mall Shopping Centre The Strand at Coolangatta The Pines Shopping Centre GC H’way & Palm Beach Ave
20 Seniors Northern NSW
Travel
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 17, 2017
Heritage of Budapest A city that holds the beauty and secrets of centuries
JOURNALIST ERLE LEVEY MAKING sense of life in an exotic setting, you have to pinch yourself. A 17-hour flight from Brisbane to Budapest and here we are walking through the streets of this city of mystery. For many years, hidden behind the Iron Curtain of Soviet occupation, this cross-roads of civilisations between East and West is more than that. It dates back centuries and has hosted both the victors and the vanquished. It’s a place of two cities ... Buda and Pest. The building of the Chain Bridge in 1849 did more than joining these two cities geographically, it joined them politically. The suspension bridge, like the underground railway and even Hungary’s Parliament House, were inspired by what the civic leaders had seen in London. The underground was second only to London in its inception in Europe. When built, the Chain Bridge at 202m long was then amongst the largest in the world. Parliament house has tremendous facade to the river –cathedral-like as opposed to London’s castle-like Westminster parliament. Buda was the cultural and political centre – more relaxed while Pest was the commercial heart, more cosmopolitan. Budapest is a very walkable city. Wide avenues and narrow streets, a spider’s web of laneways but so full of character. You can smell the history and be absorbed by the old architecture. There are concerts every night, from organ and trumpet recitals at the basilica to Bach at a cathedral or a strings concert at St Annes. Budapest was the second capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a great city and railways played their part in its development. We are booked into Radisson’s Hotel Beke in Pest. Not overlooking the Danube River like the more fashionable hotels but somewhere
comfortable, full of character. It’s like stepping into a movie, one set when train travel was at its height. A place of home-made pastries at the buffet and a pianist playing in the lounge of an evening. We are in Central Europe for a concert tour of four countries by the Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir. A group of four of us set off to explore this city, so full of colour. Such a melting pot of cultures. St Stephens Basilica stands out as a land mark. Seeing its dome makes me realise I am really here, in this place that is so full of history. There are many faces. Buildings rotting in neglected disrepair, while others display all glitz and glamour. A walk down Andrassy Boulevarde and you could be in Paris, Berlin, London or Rome. Big brands, big prices. Yet just a few hundred metres up the road the desperate homeless claim their park benches for the night. You can see its dome from many parts of the city. But as well as looking up you can look down. The ravages of a broken and battered 20th century of war and uprisings shows on the faces of Budapest. Faces of buildings, faces of people. Some faces are spectacularly beautiful while others sad, unhealthy. Budapest had been occupied by the Ottoman Turks for 150 years and that is remembered in the foods at the Central Market which first opened in 1897. Near the river, it is full of stalls filled with fresh fruit, cured meats, breads and pastries, all sorts of wines and liqueurs including the national drink, palinka. Much like slivovitz, it is traditional fruit brandy generally made from plum, apricot or peach. Ideal for when visiting friends or relatives, a welcoming drink. “Egeszsegedre!’’ That is the greeting you will often hear. Due to prosperity arriving from joining the European Union and abject poverty remaining, the contrasts created are strong and in-your-face. The maintenancedeprived buildings are evident though, often just
TWO CITIES: There are many faces to Budapest and each has a fascinating story to tell.
three storeys high with a basement. And quite often it is downstairs where you will find the city's ruin bars; grunge bars would be the easiest way to describe them. They have been around since the early 2000s and form an important part of Budapest's night life. Created in run-down or abandoned buildings, they were left in a ramshackle state and filled with random furniture and fittings rather than redeveloping them. On this day we line up for langos, the traditional Hungarian bread filled with anything you like. It satisfies many tastes. How do you eat it? The best way you can. Across the Danube from the markets is the Gellert Baths, part of the Hotel Gellert built in 1912. References to the healing waters of Budapest’s thermal springs date back to the 13th century. Word of the therapeutic benefits of the magical spa waters have spread
far and wide. Today, they are particularly popular with those from the colder parts of Europe. Yet a wave pool has been added so body surfing has been added to saunas and hot tubs as an attraction, especially for visiting Australians. The only thing they cannot heal is a broken heart, I am told. Yet then again, they can revive your outlook on life. That is the thing about Budapest, such competing interests. I could talk about tranquil walks across the Green Bridge ... wines by the Danube, walking for miles across the city to reach the Astoria's cafe with stunning musicians serenading our cup of tea. Budapest is a city of domes and spires, bridges and ballrooms, goulash and beer. And of course the many magical performance moments for the choir. The first time we entered the back 'secret' spiral staircase down into the spiritual rooms of the Matthias Church.
The first church on the site was founded in 1015 by St Stephen, the King of Hungary. It has been the scene of several coronations, weddings and burials. It has seen a century and a half of Turkish occupation, was a base for German and Soviet occupation in World War Two as well as the Soviet occupation of Hungary. Today it houses the Ecclesiastical Art Museum which starts in the medieval crypt and leads up to the St Stephen Chapel. It contains a number of sacred relics and stone carvings, along with replicas of the Hungarian royal crown and coronation jewels. With this sense of history and place, the first time three of us crept up the stairs to take a look at the logistics of fitting 45 people into a space they'd never seen before was spellbinding. So often in these circumstances the musicians go through the
motions, the waiters simply do what is needed. Yet when the choir stood and sang as one, Waltzing Matilda, the evening was turned on its head. The waiters adopted a spring in their step and a flair when presenting the platters. The musicians lifted their tempo, their enthusiasm, and choir members showed their dance steps as well as songs from the floor. A night of so many good memories. And you realise the effect that respect and appreciation can have instead of entitlement and suspicion. The first notes of the choir in such a space will stay with me forever. They resonated throughout the ages. Then afterwards to take the coach across the river to the Karpatia restaurant with wood panelling and old fashioned lights. A gypsy group of musicians in the corner. Such a night. One that you dream of.
Northern NSW
Monday, July 17, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 21
What’s on and 10-kilometre courses are Australian Athletics certified and the course follows the picturesque foreshores of Ballina. Starts at 9am at Missingham Park, Ballina. www.ballinalions.com.
CURRENT TO SEPTEMBER 17:
TWEED Regional Gallery’s first international touring exhibition, David Hockney: Words & Pictures, features works by one of the most influential living artists. Hockney has been described as “arguably Britain’s greatest living painter” and in 2011 was voted by his peers as the most influential British artist of all time. The international collection will be supplemented by outstanding original Hockney etchings, lithographs and photo collages, including colourful portraits of the artist’s mother and a self-portrait loaned to the gallery by the artist’s Australian-based brother, John. This unprecedented display will be a ticketed exhibition, with admission prices kept affordable. Gallery at 2 Mistral Rd, South Murwillumbah. Inquiries on 6670 2790.
JULY 22:
ENJOY Christmas in July at Ballina RSL Bowling Club with dinner from 6pm. Be entertained by Spin Duo until 10pm. Paul and Simone of Spin Duo have been performing together for more than eight years and bring both classic and new songs to life with incredible harmonies. They specialise in disco, pop, rock, ballads, and rock’n’roll. Price for the night is $35 which includes a two-course traditional Christmas meal with a complimentary drink on arrival, bon bons and roasted nuts. Book with Ballina RSL
JOURNALIST YVONNE GARDINER
yvonne.gardiner@apn.com.au
AUGUST 8:
Club, or call Vicki Veitch on 6681 9500.
JULY 22:
THE Combined Rotary Clubs of Lismore present A Symphony of Opera, an early evening concert featuring the Lismore Symphony Concert Orchestra, four superb opera singers and well-known conductor and pianist Nicholas Routley. Dress in your finery and be treated to champagne and canapes prior to the concert then sit back and enjoy a concert to remember. To be held from 4.30pm to 7pm at Southern Cross University, Whitebrook Theatre, East Lismore. Cost adult $65. Book on the website. Inquiries to Gae Ferris on 0412 742 095 or email gaef1@optusnet.com.au.
JULY 27:
OPERA Australia is putting on a special fundraising concert to support NORPA’s rebuild after the flood devastated the entire bottom floor of Lismore City Hall, leaving the theatre company without an office, box office and rehearsal space. The gala concert will feature the entire cast from The Marriage of Figaro with a live chamber orchestra performing a selection of arias and ensembles from some of the world’s most-loved operas including The Barber of Seville, Carmen and The Marriage of
UP, UP AND AWAY: The Lismore Aviation Expo will include aircraft, trade stands, joy flights, market stalls, classic cars, motorcycle displays and food stalls. PHOTO: CATHRYN MCLAUCHLAN
Figaro. Tickets $50. Concert starts at 7.30pm at Lismore City Hall. Inquiries to 1300 066 772 or lismorecityhall.com.au.
JULY 29:
ATTRACTING more than 6000 visitors last year, the Lismore Aviation Expo is back in 2017 for an even bigger and better celebration of all things that fly, drive and ride. The aviation expo will include aircraft, classic car and motorcycle displays, trade stands, joy flights, market stalls, children’s entertainment and food stalls. There will be gravity-defying aerobatics, magnificent warbirds and old-fashioned aircraft, helicopters and hot air balloons. Entry fees are adult $5, under 16 free for the event which runs from 9am–4pm at the Lismore Aviation Centre. Inquiries to 1300 878 387.
JULY 29:
WARDELL Red Cross
presents A Night Of Country Music with the show starting at 7pm. There’s a great line-up of country artists from the Northern Rivers including Rainer Eichhorn from Ocean Shores, Bob Bolewski from Ballina, Max Maher from Casino, Geoff Gibson and Diana Alvos from Kyogle, Cynthia McKeough from Broadwater, Margaret Edge from Whyralla, and Raf and Graham Richardson from Mullumbimby. Admission includes show and supper, with adults $15, students $10. Tickets at Wardell Post Office. Show runs 5.30–10.30pm at Wardell Sporting and Recreation Club. Inquiries to Ros Walsh on 6683 4111.
AUGUST 4–6:
REGIONAL Australia’s most popular literary festival features a riveting line-up of writers and thinkers who converge on the iconic coastal town of Byron Bay for the
three-day Byron Writers Festival. This year promises to present another program of compelling and diverse voices, to captivate and lead audiences on profound and entertaining journeys. Workshops July 31 to August 3. Three-day festival runs 9am–5pm. Byron Writers Festival Road Trip rides again this year, heading west to the northern NSW tableland towns of Casino, Glen Innes and Tenterfield from July 31 to August 2. Visit www.byron writersfestival. com.
AUGUST 6:
HEAD to Missingham Bridge Reserve to join in the Ballina Lions Fun-Run-Walk. This event is for all skill levels, from elite athletes through to walkers. Many runners who regularly compete in triathlons join in the fun, such as Ballina Athletics Club, Ballina Little Athletics and the Ballina Triathlon Club. The five
THE mid-60’s music scene was dominated by British acts, three of which became household names – The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Herman’s Hermits, one of the most successful groups throughout the world. From their beginning in Manchester, England, on April 1, 1964, the band has chalked up more than 23 hit singles, 10 hit albums, three major movies and countless television shows and concert tours. The Herman’s Hermits show at the Star Court Theatre, Lismore, starts at 7.30pm. www.starcourt theatre.com.au/shows.
AUGUST 18-20:
THE Bangalow Music Festival will delight audiences with a sublime program of chamber music, bringing the highest calibre chamber and orchestral musicians from around the world. This is inspiring music in a beautiful location presented by the Southern Cross Soloists. Bangalow is situated in the luscious hinterland of Northern NSW and only a 15-minute drive from Byron Bay. It’s a charming village with restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and clothing and antique shops. The festival is an unique experience, complete with music, food, scenery and camaraderie. Website: southernxsoloists.com.
Talented Beccy Cole tips hat to music legends ON HER latest tour, country music star Beccy Cole is “tipping her hat” to the old favourites and the well-loved superstars of the genre. Beccy is paying tribute to the country music legends and also her mum, Carole Sturtzel, who encouraged her love of performance. “Mum was quite an identity. She sang on a few television shows in the ’60s and ’70s, especially in South
FAMILY BOND: Beccy Cole and her mum Carole Sturtzel are top entertainers in the country music sphere.
Australia,” Beccy said. “One of her big jobs was to demonstrate the
twist. “By the time I came along, mum had a country band called Wild Oats. “I always wanted to be like mum. I started to sing with them at 14. “Once you got me up there on stage, you couldn’t get me off.” Beccy says her mum is still an amazing performer who takes bookings. “My mum, who is an absolute saint, takes 24-hour care of my
98-year-old grandparent,” she said. “We’re a pretty close family.” Beccy teams up with Adam Harvey on her current The Great Country Songbook Volume II tour, to recreate the songs of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash and June Carter, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. “The most important thing is, these are the songs that my mum
sang,” Beccy said. “When I heard them, I thought they were my mum’s songs.” Dolly Parton, in pictures, was strewn all over a young Beccy’s bedroom wall. “I’ve modelled myself on her in a lot of ways,” she said. “I’ve had a chance to meet her three times; the third time was last year on a trip to America. “Dolly’s 71 and still incredibly talented and I’m so impressed by
that.” The Great Country Songbook Volume II tour comes to Ballina RSL Club on Saturday, August 19, starts at 8.30pm. Adam and Beccy have toured the country on several occasions since their first encounter almost 20 years ago. The pair has handpicked the most popular country music duets of all time for their latest album. For tickets: call 6681 9500 or ballinarsl.com.au.
22 Seniors Northern NSW
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 17, 2017
Reviews
Crime Mystery Health Wellbeing Recipes
Oz gangsters in US history
AUSTRALIAN Desperadoes is Terry Smyth’s incredible story of how Australian gangsters terrorised California. They were the Australians who made American history. In the roaring days of the 1850s California gold rush, San Francisco was the most dangerous town in America, made so by a notorious criminal gang known as the Sydney Coves. The Coves – San Francisco’s first organised crime gang – were Australians: men and women with criminal careers in Australia who had come to the US, mostly illegally, during the gold rush. The Coves had come not to dig for gold but to unleash a crime wave the likes of which America had never seen. Robbery, murder, arson and extortion were the Coves’ stock-in-trade, and it was said that the leader of the gang, Jim Stuart, had killed more men than any man in California.
The gang’s base in the waterfront district came to be known as Sydney Town. The area was a no-go zone for police – many of whom were in Stuart’s pocket anyway. So just as Capone would one day rule Chicago, the Coves ruled San Francisco. And more than once, just to make sure there was no doubt that Frisco was their town, they burnt it down. The Coves were hated and feared by the respectable citizens of San Francisco – who derisively called them ‘Sydney Ducks’ but never to their faces – and, realising the forces of the law could not or would not take them on, they decided lynch law was the only solution and formed a vigilante group. The streets of San Francisco became a battlefield as the Coves and the vigilantes fought for control of the city, with gunfights and lynchings almost daily spectacles as the police stood idly by. Jim Stewart was
Here’s some healthy and easy recipes QUICK and achievable recipes for fresh, healthy and wholesome food are on offer in this new book. Callum Hann of Masterchef fame and Themis Chryssidis, an accredited practising dietitian, present over 70 simple, quick and convenient recipes for fresh, healthy, flavoursome food. The dishes use easy to find, seasonal ingredients, that represent good value for money and which require minimal preparation and clean-up time. Valuable nutritional information is given for every recipe. The book is divided into four seasonal
chapters, each with a collection of recipes using readily available ingredients in season, with suggestions for variations and substitute ingredients. The Quick. Easy. Healthy. Good Food Every Day book is available to purchase online from Nutrition Australia, http://www.nutrition australia.org. RRP $39.99.
arrested in Sacramento for killing a sheriff but escaped to be involved in one the most celebrated cases of mistaken identity in the annals of American crime. When the smoke cleared, the Coves’ reign of terror was over. Some were strung up from storefronts in the street, some fell in a deadly gunfight with Jonathan R. Davis, one of the fastest guns in the west, others escaped capture and returned to Australia. The story of the Sydney Coves is little-known, fascinating and well worth telling. Terry Smyth’s Australian Desperadoes is published by Penguin Random House and available in July at bookshops. RRP hardback $34.99.
A piece of crime and mystery IT’S the story of a nineteenth century court case involving Thomas Guthrie Carr, a notorious, larger-than-life character who made his living as a mesmerist, phrenologist, public speaker and some say charlatan. Thomas Guthrie Carr is charged by Eliza Gray with mesmerising her and raping her while she was under his influence. But if mesmerism and Mr Carr are shams, was Eliza raped? In the tradition of The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, Charlatan is the story of a notorious nineteenth-century court case involving a larger-than-life character.
Learn about brain health & dementia
With a driving narrative and novelistic pacing, this scrupulously researched account of the life of Thomas Guthrie Carr, stage mesmerist – who lied, fought and sleazed his way around Australia and New Zealand between 1865 and 1886 – is more than just a fascinating piece of social history. Catherine Jinks’ Charlatan is published by Penguin Random House. RRP $32.99.
GROUNDBREAKING publication on the hot topic of brain health and dementia prevention plus over 70 recipes to keep your brain healthy. On average we can expect to live 10-20 years longer than our grandparents’ generation. These extra years are a bonus but also impose challenges to our bodies and brains. Recent scientific investigations have uncovered foods and ingredients that can help protect brain cells from damage by oxidation and inflammation and keep the systems that support them working
as well as possible. An international authority on nutrition for aged care, dietitian Ngaire Hobbins presents a compelling argument that the food you eat can make a big difference to your quality of life. * Published by Allen & Unwin. * Better Brain Food is available in August from book stores.
Puzzles
Monday, July 17, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Z E P
D E T T S I S
A R A B Y
U D L A Y C
Y E A B R K V
A N D W A F E N
D E S A C R A
I
N C S A Y N
E S T W T E R
B E B U G L
T A I L R O T
D
W E I E N D O E
R E P E E A T E
G H Y A R
E
L L
Y
I
454
K M
S A
Good 12 Very Good 16 Excellent 20+
16 17
18
19
22
TRIO
Can you complete these four words, using the same three-letter sequence in each?
SUDOKU
23
Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
CORKS HUSTLE ATTUNED NUDE ROCK TUNE LOVER
SUDOKU
JIGGERED
WE’RE CELEBRATING AGEING NExT MONTH AT SENIORS!
Last month, Australian Census Survey Data was released and it had alot to say about the senior lifestyle in Australia. This month, we talk to people behind the statistics and discuss the reality of life for Seniors in contemporary Australia.
We will give our best tips and tricks on how to get over the humps and make the best of life in 2017! Pick up your free copy of the August edition at your local stockist or read online at seniorsnews.com.au LiViNG + MONEY + WELLBEiNG + TraVEL
6634516aa
TODAY
K
15
ALPHAGRAMS
H L
E I
14
21
Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential. For example, if the five-letter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on. How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb, e.g. he burns with anger.
13
ROCKS, SLEUTH, TAUNTED, UNCORKED, VOLUNTEER.
woRD Go RoUND
12
20
alpHaGRaMS
H
11
alike hake hike hikes kale kame khaki lake leak leaks like likes make makes mask milk milks MILKSHAKE sake saki shake silk skim slake
R K E A S S
10
WORD GO ROUND
I
9
K A Y A K
E M S S C
5
8
TRIO: KIL
V L E B I
O A D O
C H S E I
7
N D A E N D A Y C E S C A S T W E R R V E R
L
I
R V H E R
4
6
R I M A S W L F E M U S S L C A R A D B A Y R D E T E T S I S T T A I L R O T H
P O E L E Y B
S I O C
I M S L
3
R E P E E A T E L V L E B I C H S E I N C S A Y N P O E L E Y B
R
Down 1. Hire (5) 2. Every other year (8) 3. Amend (6) 4. Unfeeling (4) 5. Prostitutes (colloq) (7) 6. The lowest point (4,6) 9. Took place (10) 12. Compatibility (8) 14. Playhouse (7) 16. Implant (6) 19. Pried (5) 20. Manage (4)
2
I R I S E I S S O C I E B R O A D V O B E D L E L G L Y A Z I A T E R P E I G H N Y A O E R
R A R A T O R
Across 1. Mazes (10) 7. Egg-shaped (5) 8. Leave suddenly (colloq) (7) 10. Enthusiasm (8) 11. Greenstone club (4) 13. Fugitive (6) 15. Counterbalance (6) 17. Level (4) 18. Badge (8) 21. Dispense (4,3) 22. Distribute (5) 23. Moved to a new position (10)
1
B U R R O W E D
The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square fits in with that letter and write in the letters. You can also shade the black squares if you find it helpful. After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.
QUICK CRoSSwoRD
QUICK CROSSWORD
3/7
Seniors 23
Across: 1. Labyrinths 7. Ovate 8. Vamoose 10. Keenness 11. Mere 13. Outlaw 15. Offset 17. Tier 18. Insignia 21. Mete out 22. Issue 23. Redeployed. Down: 1. Lease 2. Biennial 3. Revise 4. Numb 5. Hookers 6. Rock bottom 9. Eventuated 12. Affinity 14. Theatre 16. Instil 19. Nosed 20. Cope.
JIGGERED
Northern NSW
24 Seniors Northern NSW
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 17, 2017
Can you spare a few hours to help beat cancer this Daffodil Day? 25th August 2017 FIND A SITE NEAR YOU AT daffodilday.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85