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In this edition

Cover story ...............................................................Page 3 Wellbeing ........................................................Pages 13–15 Money.............................................................Pages 20–22 Travel ..............................................................Pages 23–28 Puzzle ......................................................................Page 30

Contact us

General Manager Geoff Crockett – 0413 988 333 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 1300 880 265 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Manager Kristie Waite – 1300 880 265 kristie.waite@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Sue Germany – 0408 286 539 sue.germany@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, June 18, 2018

Be loud and proud and claim your age

HELLO Friends, I am often asked how I select stories for publishing, how the everyday reader can submit their own story and how you can make a comment about a story or point of view published in Seniors News.

Firstly, let me say, there are many worthy stories to be told and while online, there is unlimited space, print is limited by page numbers which means stories are limited.

After that, factors to be taken into consideration include timeliness, trends, style, tone and substance of stories.

That is, balancing the weight of stories from infotainment to entertainment articles including our well-being and travel sections and in this month’s issue, our special feature on retirement living options.

Reporters and I regularly discuss and debate the pros and cons of articles. As a senior myself, I reflect upon my own interests and

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

concerns. In the wider world, I attend meetings, seminars and festivals on various relevant topics and at these venues I listen to a range of viewpoints from diverse groups of people.

Then there is my family, all ready to share their point of view with me.

When Seniors News reporter Tracey Johnstone brought me a profile on Sally Evans, her snappy label, Retirement Enthusiast, immediately gained my interest and on reading further, certain parts of her story definitely resonated with me. In particular, her urging of people to wear their age with pride.

“When I hear others say they are not prepared to tell other people what their age is for fear of not

being given an opportunity or for those biases that seem to exist about people of particular ages; when I heard that, I made the decision that I was going to do the opposite. I was absolutely going to come out and talk about it. If we don’t talk about it, then we are just making the problem worse.”

In the last few decades, because people have publicly named and claimed their own truth they have successfully challenged society’s ridiculous stereotypes that inspire gender and race prejudices and ruin the lives of harmless human beings.

The same goes for age – while we all age differently, old age is not the same as it used to be, society demands different things from us and in return, we require different things from society. So, let’s start to get rid of ageism and claim our age without fear or favour.

Of course, if there was anyone who successfully

fought against prejudice, it has to be Carlotta. She wasn’t the first person to undergo a sex change operation, but I’m sure she led the way in talking about her life’s journey.

Our reporter Ann Rickard speaks with the 74-year-old and reveals how this vibrant woman still maintains a stage presence.

Our well-being and living sections also share some great health focused information. I hope it’s practical and helpful, rather than faddish and temporary.

The thing is, while it’s interesting and often inspiring to read about other people stories, it just mightn’t be us.

In the end I think we just like to ‘keep the body and mind moving’.

The best way to submit your story for publication is to email Gail.Forrer@ seniorsnewspaper.com.au The same applies if you would like to send me your comments on Seniors News articles.

— Gail

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Cover story

Northern NSW

Seniors 3

Dismantling barriers in support of Seniors

Let’s face up to workplace issues and find solutions Tracey Johnstone

IN MANY ways, 60-year-old Sally Evans’ personal life reflects her public career goals.

Across a 30 year career, Sally has worked in the private, government and social enterprise sectors.

She has management experience in aged care, health and investment management sectors, inclusive of holding executive positions with Opal Aged Care, BlueCross Aged Care, FTSE Compass Ground and AMP Capital.

Indeed, Sally is the type of person who sees a problem and finds a solution. In her encore career she has identified obstacles impeding the employment of seniors.

Her goal now is to support the seismic shift

of consciousness that is needed to terminate ageism and discrimination against the older employee.

To end this ingrained prejudice, Sally has identified issues that must change including decoupling the perceived link between seniority and pay, losing intergenerational stereotypes and seniors being willing to accept diversity in high performing teams.

Sally also wants people to wear their age with pride.

“When I hear others say they are not prepared to tell other people their age for fear of not being given an opportunity or for those biases that seem to exist about people of particular ages; when I heard that, I made the decision that I was going to do the

opposite,” Sally said.

“I was absolutely going to come out and talk about it. If we don’t talk about it, then we are just making the problem worse.”

She said opening up these barriers will help older Australians to continue to be “economic participants” well past their 60s and even their 70s.

“I want more people to be really proactive in talking about the benefits of what they bring,” Sally said.

Sally also encourages employers to get on board with the opportunities these workers present, in various sectors including human resource management and her particular passion, aged care.

“Employers are missing two really important points,” Sally said of the broader workplace issues.

“If they don’t proactively address this age diversity

in the workplace they are going to have enormous workforce constraints in the future which is in their interests to solve, because if we don’t collectively and individually improve older workforce participation, our overall labour participation rates will fall and that will put pressure on wages and inflation.”

Sally’s ‘new retirement’ is a combination of work, well-being and relationships; about making choices.

Her personal retirement choice is working, but in a different way while using her skills and knowledge from her former full-time working life.

“I am really interested in digital technology and what it is being used for, particularly in healthcare and finance so most RETIREMENT EXPERT: Sally Evans.

weeks I will go to one or two sessions, random things, around digital

technology disruption.

Surrounded by a diverse groups of friends and with her health a key factor in ageing well, Sally remains committed to the road ahead and to discovering new opportunities in the ever-changing workplace and in retirement thinking.

4 Seniors Northern NSW

The government’s point of view

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Would you think about a pre-retirement gap year?

Tracey Johnstone speaks with the Federal Aged Care Minister THE 2018 Federal Budget highlights the government’s return to a focus on older Australian issues through funding programs to deal with employment, skills, health, finance and aged care.

Nineteen of those initiatives fall under Minister Ken Wyatt’s responsibility.

While talking with the minister in his Canberra office late last month about these initiatives, he offered his thoughts on future ageing issues.

Future issues The minister identified the first two big future issue are Australia’s population continuing to have more people living into their elder years and the need to get these people to be re-enabled and abled to remain independent, and living well.

“I notice the number (of people) who psychologically reach this point is that they are old and they start to behave old,” Minister Wyatt said.

“What governments need to do is to seriously think about is this whole notion of an active senior cohort in our population.”

The government wants all older Australians is to think about their life in the context of finances, ageing, aged care and career planning.

“My question to a lot of seniors is, what are you doing for the next 40 years? I want people to get their health check so that they can take the intervention needed to prolong their life, and quality of life, to think about their finances, and be well replaced to retire and look after themselves for the next 40 years with whatever Commonwealth

AGED CARE: Federal Minister for Aged Care, Ken Wyatt AM. PHOTO: COURIER MAIL

pensions exist.”

Minister Wyatt also wants older Australians to consider keeping working, either in their existing industry or in a new one, such as aged care.

“In aged care I need by 2050 another 940,000 people on top of my current 366,000,” he said.

“I want people to turn their minds to other opportunities.”

The 65-year-old is

planning for his future, even putting money aside for when he “needs to be in aged care”.

“The government will provide some level of funding, but equally, having worked in this area, I am ensuring that I have sufficient funding for both myself and Anna for when we go into a retirement village or aged care facility together,” he said.

But, not until his 90s.

He intends staying active

in some form of work and in his community for quite a bit more time.

As to what to do with our leisure time, the minister said we need to plan for our leisure time to help us avoid falling into depression.

“This is why I have sought and gained the mental health funding,” he said.

A gap year?

He advocates a pre-retirement strategy of a planned ‘gap year’ from work of 12 months without pay.

This he suggests could be a good way for seniors to ready themselves for the next life challenge.

Changing attitudes Minister Wyatt uses the example of a sign he saw in an aged care facility, ‘don’t use Google, ask Nan’. The burgeoning population isn’t a burden he reiterated.

“We have got to harness the energy there,” he said.

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attitudes around ageing is a big challenge ahead.

“This is important for all of us to talk about, not just government.”

When challenged about the potential appointment of a Minister for Ageing, the minister posed the interesting question of whether such an appointment would perpetuate ageing.

“Or, do you have every cabinet minister committed to encouraging people to think about longevity to 100 years?” he said.

“Sometimes when you put a label on an area, that label stays.

“In one sense I appreciate that maybe a minister for ageing may focus both the minds of Australians and the governments to build on what this government has commenced, and that is about recognising the inordinate levels of skills still in our seniors, the knowledge that still sits there.”

Northern NSW

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

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6 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

‘Darling, a lot of people call me a pioneer’ Ann Rickard

SHE IS an Aussie living legend and at age 74, Carlotta exhibits no signs of toning down the feathers or taking off the bling.

Over a five-decade career that began in 1963 in Kings Cross as a female impersonator with the all-male Les Girls revue, Carlotta has gone on to become a cabaret performer, television celebrity, a much-loved Australian icon, and perhaps, most importantly to her,

a transgender advocate and political activist.

“Darling, a lot of people call me a pioneer,” she said.

“I don’t know about that, but it’s a shame the government doesn’t hand out awards for people like me. I want one of those medals.

“No, I want two... for earrings.”

What keeps Carlotta performing today after all those years is simple. She loves what she does.

“I feel sorry for people who are in a job they don’t like,” she said.

“I have always liked what I do.”

It was Carlotta’s much-publicised sex change operation in the early ’70s that paved the way for others to follow and opened up discussion about the transgender community.

She acknowledges

she could never have envisaged the change in attitudes today towards transgender people and same-sex marriage.

“It’s good but as much as we have equality now with same-sex marriage, there is still that bit of prejudice,” she said.

“The ‘yes’ vote was wonderful, but I wouldn’t want a husband now. I like (my own) money too much.”

Living on the Gold Coast suits Carlotta at this stage of her life, but she never envisages retirement.

She will perform Carlotta, Queen of the Cross, at the Noosa alive! festival. The show promises songs and stories from 50 years on and off the stage with pianist Michael Griffiths accompanying her as she sings classics by Berlin, Rogers and Hart, Sondheim and Peter Allen.

ENTERTAINMENT SUPERSTAR: Carlotta will be in Noosa in July to perform as part of the Noosa alive! festival.

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Local Story

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Northern NSW

Seniors 7

Fruits of Bob’s labour 70,000 visitors a year come to visit the world of tropical fruit Yvonne Gardiner

DURANBAH farmer Bob Brinsmead is surrounded by the fruits of his labour.

Forty-five years ago he bought a property that held treasured memories for him and now the tourist attraction he built from scratch, Tropical Fruit World, draws 70,000 visitors a year to its gate, half of them from overseas, and probably contains more varieties of fruit on one farm than anywhere else.

As an unassuming achiever, creator and visionary, Bob’s main ambition has always been to grow the best product.

“We were farming the fruit orchard for about 10 years, then it got to the stage when it was sufficiently interesting to open to visitors,” Bob said.

“It had all the basic tropical fruits plus a few more.

“After that, I continued to collect fruit from all over the world.

“We’re always looking at anything new that comes along, it may even be a sub-species.

“When I started, there was a great interest in the Rare Fruit Council.

“I did some collections out in the Pacific in pretty rare places.

“I’ve collected fruit from the Philippines.

Sometimes it’s a matter of collecting a better species or variety.”

Bob is a third-generation farmer, brought up on the land.

“When I was going to school, we were involved with my father growing bananas,” he said.

“The original owners of the Duranbah land were the O’Keefe family.

“About 1939, the NSW Department of Agriculture opened a place for research, primarily for banana research.

“They provided a remarkable educational facility.

“They helped to found the banana industry, and the Tweed was the banana

CREATOR: Tropical Fruit World founder Bob Brinsmead still plays a part with the attraction's development.

capital of Australia.

“When I was 12, they had field days and I came to those. They imported avocado trees already grafted from California.

“I tasted my first avocado here, and then they had macadamia nuts and Chinese lychees and a few mango, which seemed to do well here.

“My roots go back a very long way on this property. “(The year) 1946 was

the height of its glory. It was like a little Garden of Eden.”

The research facility was closed in 1967 and five years later, when Bob was living in Burringbar, the farm came up for sale.

“That experimental plot had disappeared and the owner was running cows,” Bob said.

“I had such a great memory of this property.”

Bob and his wife Val became the proud owners

of the several acres that Tropical Fruit World now thrives on.

Produce from their orchards is sold in Sydney and Melbourne.

Farm management consultant Bruce Fleming taught at university for most of his life, in the areas of environmental health, science and sustainability.

“Tropical Fruit World is a real farm that works well and employs 35 people,” he said.

“I’ve known the family for 40 years.

“They came and asked me if I’d give them some assistance.

“They wanted me to instil a culture of looking after the place.

“We’ve got 175 acres (65 hectares). About two-thirds is under crop, there’s a lot of forest and there’s waterways.

“We’re not clearing any new areas but some crops need replacing.”

Some 500 varieties of fruit grow on the farm, including 15 different varieties of avocado and 10 varieties of bananas.

Visitors come from across Australia and the

world, with the Chinese tourists most numerous at the moment.

“The other big group is from the Middle East.

They come here in the height of their summer and they love the greenery and buy a lot of product,” Bruce said.

“Visitors get fruit-tasting, a farm tour, a gift shop, fauna park and a ride on the ‘water dragon’ that goes on to an island, and we’ve got a miniature rail at times.”

Plantation House is the farm restaurant and function centre.

“We’ve spent the last couple of years renovating it,” Bruce says.

“We’re going to open on Sunday lunch for restaurant meals.”

That’s an amazing place to dine, with spectacular views over the Tweed Valley.

Tropical Fruit World can be found at 29 Duranbah Rd, Duranbah.

It’s closed only one day a year, Christmas Day. Seniors living from the Gold Coast to Byron pay half price entry – $19.

Visit tropicalfruitworld. com.au for more.

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8 Seniors Northern NSW

Local Story

IN THE GREENROOM: Dorothy Thompson and Robyn Hargrave in the Mark Waller painted barrel.

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

PHOTO: VIC LETO

Lennox surfing stories in print Book publishes first time images and original stories DONATIONS of photos and stories of surfers, visitors and residents of Lennox Head are now secure in a professionally produced, locally edited, designed and printed quality book titled Surfing Lennox – From Then to Now. The book was released during the Love Lennox Festival early in June.

This 104-page pictorial captures changes in the once sleepy fishing hamlet of Lennox Head to present day with the crowds that are attracted to the world-renowned surfing destination.

Lennox Head Heritage Committee convenor Robyn Hargrave said a team of volunteers had devoted more than 1500 hours of their time to help the committee and Lennox National Surfing Reserve Inc collect, reproduce and share many previously unpublished images and recollections of surfing in

and around Lennox over 70 years.

“Two of the first to try the waves at Lennox share their stories in the book,” Robyn said.

“In the 1940s, Dorothy Thompson and her siblings gave it a go on their father’s building planks and Judy Gibbon was the first female to surf the Point in the 1960s.

“We were helped financially by grants from the Royal Australian Historical Society, Ballina Shire Council and a last-minute effort from Ben Franklin, Nationals MLC and Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy and Northern NSW. “And the generous community who gave to our GoFundMe campaign made all the difference.”

Surfing Lennox, From Then to Now is available at Lennox Bookmark, Ballina St, Lennox Head.

Surfing Lennox crew (from left) Max Perrot, George Leslie, Robyn Hargrave, Vic Leto and Phil Myers. PHOTO: CHRISTIAN PHOTIOU

Local Story

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Lismore celebrates Italian heritage

From Prosecco to pasta, pizza, risotto to gelato Yvonne Gardiner

LISMORE’S 2018 Friendship Festival – Piazza in the Park – invites all-comers to enjoy a taste of Italy for a day with a twist of humour, fellowship and involvement in arts and leisure activities.

They’ll also take part in conspicuous consumption of authentic Italian delicacies from Prosecco to pasta, pizza, risotto, gelato, classic desserts and great coffee.

The festival day on Sunday, June 24, from 10am–3pm, will be a dynamic outdoor celebration in the city’s CBD and is an integral part of a weekend packed with excitement that includes the Lismore Lantern Parade on Saturday night.

Spinks Park on Sunday comes alive with typical piazza-themed activities, while CBD cafes take on the Italian theme.

Organising committee member Dr Ros Derrett

helped initiate the event, now in its third year, which attracts about 3500 festival-goers.

She can’t claim Italian heritage, but works as a volunteer with an Italian day club for seniors.

“I’m interested in what sort of a lifestyle they’ve had,” Ros said.

“It’s influenced us since Roman times. In this district we had two significant waves of migration. Italians have made a great contribution and the festival is

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Northern NSW

Seniors 9

ITALIAN CONNECTION: Julie de Nardi points out the sister-city connection between Lismore and Conegliano in Italy. A tree is to be planted this month in Spinks Park in recognition of that link.

celebrating that.

“We’re looking to build up our knowledge of the Italians who settled here.

“We are embarking on a three-year history project inviting Italian settlers and their descendants to indicate on a series of maps where their families came from in Italy and where they settled in the region on their arrival.

“This is in conjunction with the regional museum and St Carthage’s Community Care Senior Italian Day Club. We expect a book to come from this.”

At Piazza in the Park, entertainment will include the Curly Cousins, who bring fun and love of music and movement for

young people in performance and workshops, and Domenico and the Latin Mafia Band.

“The tug of war was extraordinarily popular last year,” Ros said.

“We’ve got bikes and cars of Italian make, whether vintage or contemporary.

“Antonio Mazzella from the Commedia Academy of Australia draws inspiration from the Italian mask comedy form known as commedia dell’arte.

“Whether directing theatre performances, performing for schools, conducting workshops for students and the community or creating giant carnival floats, his

passion is to promote this hilarious Italian art form in Australia and beyond.

“Bring your own masks and costumes to link the old and the new through the novelty of theatre sports.”

The Friendship Festival celebrates the region’s Italian heritage through classic music, dance, food and wine, games like bocce, and merchandise stalls.

“We see it as a boutique event, it’s not a big site,” Ros said.

“There’s lots of food, wine and Italian flavours.

The most favourite dish in Australia is spaghetti bolognese.

“Any money raised keeps the event free.”

10 Seniors Northern NSW

Neighbourhood News

Advertisement

ALL THINGS LEGAL CONSEQUENCES OF DYING WITHOUT A WILL – SEPARATED BUT NOT DIVORCED! Many couples separate permanently but remain married and do not obtain a divorce. The legal issues if one of them die without a Will can become very complex. Wills and Estates lawyer Amanda Smith discusses this often overlooked subject.

We previously dealt with the impact of marriage upon existing Wills and how it revokes them unless the Will is made in contemplation of marriage. However, the situation in reverse is something that happens quite often. There are many couples who separate and for various reasons do not obtain a divorce nor do they file property settlement orders with the Family Court. This does not present too many problems while both of them are alive but if one of them dies unexpectedly and does not have a Will in place, the laws of intestacy apply to that person’s estate.

Although the intestacy laws differ slightly from state to state, a surviving married spouse will normally inherit the lion’s share of the estate of their deceased husband or wife. This will be the case notwithstanding the fact that the couple may have been separated for many years and have no intention of leaving each other their assets!

Not only does the surviving spouse inherit most of the estate (they inherit all of the estate if there are no children involved), they are also deemed to be the person with the highest priority to apply for Letters of Administration in relation to the estate. This means that they can apply to the court to be appointed to administer the estate, once again, notwithstanding the fact that they may well have been separated from the deceased for a substantial period of time and have had very little to do with his or her lives for many

years. Although the succession laws in the states provide rights to surviving de facto spouses and children to bring claims against the estate of the deceased person, these proceedings can be expensive and quite stressful to the family involved.

The impact in Queensland can be particularly harsh as under the intestacy laws in Queensland a de facto spouse must live continuously with the deceased for a minimum period of 2 years prior to their death in order to qualify as a de facto spouse (S.5AA Succession Act QLD). If they are just short of this 2 year period, they cannot bring a claim against the estate and the surviving spouse of the deceased will inherit the bulk of the assets.

The easiest way to ensure that your affairs do not end up being hijacked by the laws of intestacy is to make sure that you have an up to date Will which makes proper provision for your assets to go to the family members or beneficiaries that you wish them to.

This is particularly so if you maintain the marriage and do not obtain a divorce.

It is a relatively simple thing to do to rectify the situation but we find that there are many of our clients who find themselves in this position. If you are separated at any time, you should immediately review your Will and Enduring Power of Attorney.

If you require advice in relation to having your Will done for you, please contact our 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.

1800 621 071

attwoodmarshall.com.au Coolangatta Kingscliff Robina Town Centre

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

DALLAS LINEDANCERS

POTTSVILLE classes are held on Fridays at 9.30am at the Community Hall (near the oval) 1 Tweed Coast Rd, Pottsville. At our classes we have special offers for novice beginners (1st hour) and follow on with an improvers/early interim hour – other classes on Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Phone 0403 225 313 or go to: dallasline dancers.com.

LISMORE OVER 50S LEARNING CENTRE.

WE OFFER a range of art and exercise classes for mature age people. Most classes are held at the Lismore Heights Bowling Club, High St, Lismore Heights. New members are always welcome.

Phone Barbara on 6624 2237 or 0401 503 732 or see our facebook page, Over 50s Learning Centre Lismore.

TWEED HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

IN PLACE of the usual Fete this year, the Tweed Hospital Auxiliary will be holding an exciting new event. Our Spring Carnival of Crafts will held on October 12 and 13.

It will be a celebration of a variety of crafts and we are inviting expressions of interest from the craft community to hold a stall at the event. The cost of a stall will be $25 per day.

For more details email the Secretary: tweedauxcraftcarnival@ gmail.com.

SOUTH TWEED SPORTS CLUB

COME and play cards with our happy club. 500 is played on Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Euchre played Thursdays 1.30pm to 4pm. We will help you brush up on your skills.

Phone Carole Almond on (07) 5523 3538 or Jan Fairbairn 0409 550 538.

TINTENBAR HALL

CARPET Bowls is on fortnightly on a Friday from 10am to 12pm, June 29, and July 13 and 27.

Phone Marg on 6687 8033 for more information.

LANTERN PARADE

THE Lismore Lantern Parade is an annual community arts festival held on or around the longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice.

This year on Saturday, June 23. Each year the parade attracts more than 30,000 people. It celebrates community, art and nature with arts, crafts, workshops,

WINTER SOLSTICE: This year's stunning Lismore Lantern Parade is on June 23.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

regional cuisine, markets, a spectacular parade, lanterns, bands, street theatre, music, carnival dancers, illuminated puppets, fire art and pyrotechnics.

The parade starts at 5.30pm at Carrington St, Lismore. The festival takes place in the heart of the Lismore CBD with lantern-making workshops held in the months and weeks before the festival begins. Bring the whole family along to these fantastic events. Details at www.visit lismore.com.au.

WORLD THEATRE

THIS is a new production of Oscar Wilde’s social comedy, Lady Windermere’s Fan, filmed live at the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End, starring Jennifer Saunders as the Duchess of Berwick, making her return to the West End stage for the first time in more than 20 years.

World Theatre On Screen is presented by Byron Theatre, 69 Jonson St, Byron Bay, on Saturday June 23, 1pm to 3.45pm.

First performed in 1892, Lady Windermere’s Fan explores the ambiguity of upper-class morality and the fragile position of women in society in the late Victorian era in one of Wilde’s most popular and witty plays. To book, go to www.byroncentre.com.au/ event/.

KINGSCLIFF PARKRUN

THE Kingscliff Parkrun is a free weekly 5km timed run every Saturday starting at 8am. The event takes place at Bells Boulevard, Salt Village, Kingscliff.

Runners set their own pace and enter for the enjoyment.

Average number of runners per week is 60.

This is an out-and-back course alongside the Pacific Ocean, just metres from the beach.

The course runs 2.5kms on a flat fast pathway through Salt, and seaside towards Casuarina.

Runners wishing to run with a dog are welcome. but please keep the dog on a short lead or harness

and under control throughout the event.

More volunteers needed.

Details at www.parkrun. com.au/kingscliff/.

MACLEAN MARKETS

MACLEAN Community Markets are held on the second Saturday of each month from 7am to 12pm in the main car park, near the Maclean Bowling Club.

Stalls offer an array of items including jewellery, clothing, plants, craft items, freshly baked cookies and cakes and a great range of fresh produce.

So bring yourself and the family and come on down to the Maclean Community Markets.

The Maclean Lions Club took over as the new operator of the markets in May. Email macleanlions club@gmail.com

ILUKA MARKETS

RUN on the first Sunday of the month and set amid the trees on the Iluka Sports Ground, the Iluka Markets have become widely recognised as having a friendly and relaxing atmosphere.

Wander through this market and you will find variety and quality stalls.

There is locally inspired art, original craft and woodwork, handmade jewellery, locally produced soaps, cakes and preservatives – the list goes on with this growing market, only 12 minutes off the Pacific Highway at corner of Owen and Spenser Sts. Phone 6646 6177.

OLLEY’S OBJECTS

THE latest exhibition at the Margaret Olley Art Centre features works by contemporary artists inspired by the objects which surrounded her and became integral to her life’s work.

For the exhibition A Painter’s House, four contemporary painters were invited to respond to objects in Olley’s home studio.

Show runs until October 7, Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre, 2 Mistral Rd, Sth Murwillumbah.

Info: artgallery. tweed.nsw. gov.au.

Notes continued on page 12

Northern NSW

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 11

Talk’n’thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

There are big changes ahead

HOW are you feeling at your age?

Older? wiser? Hopefully.

Bolder? Depends. More mellow? Likely. Are you at an age where you can say with ease ‘I am what I am and I’m OK about that’?

Certainly, Doria Ragland, the mother of Meghan Markle (no need to say anymore), proved the point with the grace and confidence she exuded as she took her place at her daughter’s wedding.

Fronting up to the likes of the English royal family without losing her nose stud, dreadies or poise proved this middle-class 61-year-old AfricanAmerican woman was made of sturdy stuff.

Could she have done

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

that at age 20, 30, 40 or 50? Perhaps not. It seemed to me that she drew her strength and style from the well of lifetime experiences.

Could she have felt that way 50, 40, 30 or even 20 years ago? I doubt it.

The world hadn’t gone through or settled with the changes delivered from the fights against a host of discriminatory behaviour – most of all those of race and gender.

We are the first older

AN OUTSTANDING MOTHER: Doria Ragland.

generation to reap the benefit of these disruptions In many ways, Doria

Ragland represents a cross section of mature-aged people. She has married, divorced,

brought up a child, educated herself, worked and cared for extended family.

It takes a lifetime to rack up these accomplishments and they should be respected and appreciated, not only in family life, but also in the public sphere and the workplace.

But, sadly in many cases, there is still a lingering discrimination that forbids an honest recognition of the innate value of these qualities.

It is called ageism.

Ageism means that you can be smart, healthy, happy and reliable and endowed with positive skills that came from a lifetime of experience, but in certain situations,

usually employment, if you own up to a certain number, then you’re out of the race.

If anything, the royal wedding presented a world healed from much of the pain caused from past prejudices.

It showed how increased longevity has led to four generations of a living family, it showed how there are old people and older people.

And in this new era, it also showed that it’s time to disassociate all the prejudices we link with a person’s age and instead see the reality of who they really are. The same as any discrimination, ageism is hurtful and unhealthy and the world is better without it.

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

Join Us

Online

Read past editions and more Seniors News on our website – embracing ageing.

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Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au

TELL YOUR STORY!

Have you written your life story?

Do you want to pass a legacy on to your family?

Do you have a novel waiting to be published?

We are now accepting manuscripts See ‘New Author Information’ on our website to submit your story or ...

EMAIL: info@zeus-publications.com www.zeus-publications.com

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CALL (07) 55 755 141

WE welcome your community notes. To ensure they are published in our July issue please email to us by July 4.

Email editor@seniors newspaper.com.au

U3A ●TWIN TOWNS

WE HAVE a special offer from May 1 - pay only $75 to become a member.

Over 50 classes to choose from including: languages, art, technology, exercise, dancing, gentle martial arts, yoga, guest speakers, literature, current affairs and book discussions, mah-jong, card and board games.

Come and join us – we’d love to meet you. Email: u3a1office@gmail.com or phone (07) 5534 7333.

●U3A TWEED COAST WE ARE almost half way through 2018 and the great news is that from July 1 it costs just $25 to join U3A Tweed Coast.

This one-off fee gives you unlimited access to more than 40 courses and activities until the end of December. Courses range from tai chi to art, book clubs to singing, languages to tennis.

Unravelling the secrets to Cryptic Crosswords is the newest course on offer, beginning in July. Inquiries

Neighbourhood News

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

with Jeni on 0401 821 681 or tweed coast.u3anet.org.au.

Retired or Semi Retired?

Join us, we meet on the fourth Monday of each month at the South Tweed Sports Club at 10am. We are a mixed club and have interesting speakers, as well as an outing each month. The Speaker for June 25 is Andy Bell.

Topic: "Undercover Cop Stationed in Victoria & New Zealand". Phone Annette or Ron on (07) 5523 4016.

VIEW CLUBS ●TWIN TOWNS DAY

WE PROUDLY support The Smith Family's Learning for Life program which provides disadvantaged students with financial assistance, emotional support and access to educational programs to help them get the most from their education.

Members were delighted recently when the CEO of South Tweed Sports, Angus Southwell, presented the VIEW Club's treasurers with a cheque for an additional student. Ladies who are interested in fun and friendship and in finding out more about how our club supports The Smith Family are invited to join us for lunch on the first Thursday of each month at South Tweed Sports 11am for a two course lunch including tea or coffee.

Cost is $25. To book phone Freda on (07) 5524 1357 by the Monday before.

●TWIN TOWNS EVENING

WE MEET on the second Wednesday of each month at the Blue Room of the Tweed Heads Blue Room.

GOLDEN CELEBRATION: Jenny Alder, Barb Chapman and Pat Moore from Twin Towns Evening VIEW club, attended a luncheon for Twin Towns Day Club's 50th birthday. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

A delightful two course meal and guest speaker.

Women of all ages are most welcome. To book phone Trudy on (07) 5524 1770 by 1pm on the Monday prior.

●COOLANGATTA/ TWEED

WE WILL be celebrating our 28th birthday on the June 21. Our theme is ‘50 shades of red’ and it will be held at the South Tweed Sports club at 10.30 for a 11am start.

Entertainment will be Stephen Michael. Our luncheons are are held on the third Thursday of the month. All ladies are welcome. Bookings and apologies: phone Elaine on (07) 5524 4461 before Monday, June 18.

TWIN TOWNS & DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

MEETINGS are held on the second Monday of the month from January to November. Our next meeting is Monday, July 9.

The venue will be South Tweed Sports Club, Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed in the downstairs auditorium. Our very special guest speaker the one and only, Noel Burdette, a highly respected and well-known Brisbane Horticulturist, plantsman, gardener. Noel is passionate about naturalistic gardening practices - is joining us to talk to our members about care and selection of indoor and outdoor potted plants. His presentation

will be complete with some surprises and prizes! The hall opens at 8.30am for entry and benching your exhibits.

Cuttings and trading tables will start at 8.45am. Morning tea is available and the general meeting from 10am. Cost is $4, paid at the door.

Raffles, lucky door prizes and much more. Hope to see you there, bring a friend. Phone Monika Ross on 0412 638 373 or go to twintowns gardenclub. com. Don't forget - our Flower and Garden Show is September 29 at The Tweed Civic Centre.

PROBUS CLUBS ●BANORA POINT NEW to Tweed Area?

●KIRRA-TUGUN (MIXED)

MATURE Active retirees are offered a varied range of activities book club cards, trivia, mahjong, movies, theatre , dining, golf, walking, group travel (local and overseas).

Something for everyone Join us on the fourth Thursday each month at Currumbin RSL phone Rod on 0438 341 909.

QUOTA

THE Casino Quota Club is holding its annual Craft Fair on July 28, at the Community & Cultural Centre in Walker Street, Casino from 9am-3pm. A variety of craft stalls will be on display. Morning tea and light refreshments will be available. Entry is via gold coin donations.

Phone Lenore 0414 918 167.

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

12 Seniors Northern NSW

Northern NSW

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 13

Wellbeing

Move to the Groove, helps treat dementia Beat isolation and dance with a group to lift your spirits

the steps all on his own.”

The program exercises the body and the brain delivering therapeutic benefits to our participants.

By getting up and moving about, your body releases a chemical called endorphins which triggers a positive feeling in the body.

Combine this with the sense of purpose the program provides, the social engagement, the routine and feeling of something to look forward to each week and the program is changing the participants mental state, their outlook on life and the way they interact.

The benefits of which impact not only the individual, but the support network that surrounds that person.

“If you’re happy in what you’re doing, and it’s making you smile, your nurturing your personal well-being,” Feonie said.

Customers who have previously been isolated, suffering from depression, who have dementia are happier, more engaged and are starting to take care of their well-being again.

Feonie makes a point of being silly with the participants to break

MIND AND BODY: Move To The Groove classes support wellbeing for the whole person.

down the barriers, to remove any nerves and to encourage laughter within the group.

The participants laugh with one another, they support each other, and they celebrate each other’s successes.

www.feroscare.com.au

* Plus a one-off delivery, programming and activation fee.

FER0664 05/18

CALL TODAY 1300 851 771

lunch and then the floor dancing.

Research indicates that by engaging in social dancing, it lowered the seniors risk of dementia by 76 per cent.

■ Classes will be run from the cottage on Cudgen Road in Kingscliffe.

Interested parties are welcome to phone for more information 1800043186

No Gap Eye Surgery

LOOKING FOR A LITTLE MORE SECURITY AT HOME? Take comfort knowing help is available at the press of a button with the Care@Home personal alarm.

From as little as $8.95* per week, it’s the smart way to live!

Move to the Groove runs on Mondays each week for a four-hour period. Participants warm up with tai chi style movements, enjoy a light morning tea, seated choreography development and practice,

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.

Dr Emanuel Svoboda

Servicing the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers 6 Scott Street, Coolangatta Qld 4225

(07) 5506 6777

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“IT’S our latest program to be launched, and already we’re witnessing the powerful impact it is having on the lives of our customers and their carers”, Lifebridge Australia CEO Bronwyn Mitchell said.

Move to the Groove is a highly engaging, social and collaborative dance program, by Lifebridge Australia, for the aged.

Participants in the program are over 65 and experience a range of conditions including dementia, isolation, mobility restrictions, depression and more.

The group program works at an individual level seeking to overcome such barriers through a range of individualised techniques.

“We had one customer join us with early onset dementia who struggled to adopt any of the movements of the program,” program instructor Feonie Pegler said.

“We provided him with visual props, got him counting the beat of the song, gave names to each of the steps and guided him with each of the movements.

“To our delight within three weeks, he was doing

Dr Meon Lamont

14 Seniors Northern NSW

Wellbeing

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

New TV listening device beats world’s best hearing aids hands down

The TV Voice Pro is completely wireless. You can listen at the volume you prefer without affecting others.

Men’s health: Is your big end worn?

WHETHER you are in your 60s, 70s or older, it’s a good time to check out your bottom for wear and tear, and even some corrosion.

You can use the following check list from Foundation 49 for some of the items you should consider talking to your GP about and to find out more information.

■ Bowel cancer (extractor corrosion or big end problems): www.cancer.org.au/ ■ Bowel continence (worn big end): www. continence.org.au/ ■ Constipation (blocked extractors): www.betterhealth. vic.gov.au/ and www.betterhealth. vic.gov.au/ For more men’s health information, go to the website www.malehealth. org.au.

DIFFICULTY Hearing the TV Clearly is Now a Thing of the Past, Thanks to a Brand New TV Listening Device.

A new TV Listening Device has been released that is specifically designed to deliver clear TV audio for those with any level of hearing loss.

The product was developed by two hearing specialists from Australia who have engineered the sound to not only work for all degrees of hearing loss, but also to focus on speech frequencies for television listening.

Hearing specialist Don Hudson says he worked with another hearing specialist and audio engineers to create the product for those with

hearing loss.

“If you have any level of hearing loss, and are having difficulty hearing the TV audio, then this is the product for you. The headset is completely wireless, you can listen at the volume you prefer without affecting others in the room, and most importantly you can expect to hear the television dialogue with excellent clarity.”

Hearing specialist Don Hudson says trouble hearing the television is one of the strongest complaints by those with hearing loss.

“Even those with the very best hearing aids often complain that television dialogue is unclear, and their family

complains if the TV volume is turned up.”

“We have worked for two years to optimise the speech circuitry to work for the three most common configurations of hearing loss. Other headsets focus on stereo sound effects and quality bass, but those features are generally not beneficial to those with hearing loss. My patients main concern is to hear the TV dialogue, and the ‘TV Voice Pro’ system uses circuitry that is customised to work for hearing loss and optimise speech clarity for television listening. That’s what makes it so effective.”

The “TV Voice Pro’ headset is completely

LEND AN EAR: A TV listening device has been designed to deliver clear audio for those with hearing loss.

wireless, has up to 120 dB of volume, weighs just 70 grams and is a fraction of the cost of purchasing a hearing aid. The device is rechargeable and guaranteed to connect to any television.

The purchase price is $349.00 and comes with

a standard 30 day money back guarantee. Simply call 1300 300 446 to place your order with the customer service team.

You can also visit www.TvVoicePro.com.au for further information or to purchase online.

ADVERTORIAL.

Ignorance doesn’t defeat bowel cancer “WHEN bowel cancer is detected, the best thing you can do is to make sure your doctors pursue it quickly to reduce further problems long term,” David Gardiner said.

He’s 57 now, but at the age of 51, David was diagnosed with first stage bowel stage after a routine check-up with his GP. There were no symptoms. It was only during a GP check-up that David discussed the government screening kit which he had received, but ignored as he was aware there were issues with kits.

“My GP handed me another kit and recommended I do it,” David said.

A positive result was returned. His GP booked him in for an immediate colonoscopy.

“It was booked and done two weeks later,” David said.

“Three weeks later I went in for surgery and had 10-15cm of my lower bowel removed.”

David found the treatment advice voluminous and varied, so he sought the advice of an independent doctor who guided him through the

CANCER SURVIVOR: David Gardiner.

process. As result he declined chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“I felt it was the right decision for me,” David added.

His recovery has been good, helped on by talking to a nutritionist to assist with developing a suitable diet.

“I was given dietary

advice on leaving hospital but to be honest, the information consisted of lists of good and bad options, which were very limited and sometimes not that clear. It was probably the most difficult part of my recovery,” David said.

“During a routine PET scan a very small tumour

PHOTO: NINA BEILBY

on my thyroid was discovered. Apparently, it had a one per cent chance of being cancerous. After further tests, it turned out I was indeed in that one per cent, so that was another surgery I underwent. Thankfully that side of things is also under control.”

David is continuing with

colonoscopy and blood tests, “but they are no longer as frightening”.

“The entire process opens you up to a whole other world and in the blink of one positive test, so many more issues can arise that you had never even contemplated,” he said.

“This experience has made me realise the importance of talking to your family about their medical history. Until I was diagnosed I had no idea both my aunt and grandmother had had bowel cancer.”

For his over-50 friends that haven’t done the test yet, he has supplied them with test kits.

“My closest friends and family, and my brothers have all had bought-forward colonoscopies,” David added.

Talk about it, says David. If you are aware of a symptom or problem, if there is bleeding or irregular bowel movements, talk to your doctor and to your family.

To find out more about bowel cancer, go to bowelcanceraustralia.org or phone the Bowel Cancer Australia Helpline on 1800 555 494.

Wellbeing

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Northern NSW

Seniors 15

Busking in the good life

Three years after a brain injury Kim McLean is back on track Yvonne Gardiner

LISMORE musician Kim McLean knows how incredibly lucky he is, especially to live in a country with a really good level of health care.

The member of Lismore music groups’ Black Train and Dogtown, known also by his stage name The Reverend, has recovered completely from injuries suffered in a road accident in June 2015 at Ballina.

His motorbike had collided with a 4WD and Kim had been thrown through the windscreen of the vehicle.

“I thought I’d come away almost unharmed, however I had a very small bleed on the brain which wasn’t spotted in scans immediately afterwards,” he said.

“Four to five weeks later, I was getting ‘migraines’, nausea and vomiting. I thought most likely my neck was out of line.

“However it was a brain haemorrhage which had

been building since the initial impact.

“I drove to Lismore Base Hospital one day but they sent me away without any scans.”

Kim woke up one morning soon after, seeing double and disoriented, and friends took him to hospital for emergency brain surgery.

“I’d been hoping to make it to Splendour (in the Grass music festival) to play in an event there, however I ended up cruising past the festival on my way to Gold Coast Hospital,” he said.

Three years later, Kim’s recovery is now complete.

“Since my accident I’ve just continued without a hitch,” he said.

“I remember walking towards the Mecca cafe, where we often busk, a week after the incident and finding it quite hard to walk, but I wanted to prove to myself I was at least capable of that, and I found I could sing and play as well as ever.

“So essentially there’s been no change …

STREET MUSIC: Dogtown performs at The Lismore Vintage and Handmade Market, with Kim McLean on the right.

PHOTO: YVONNE GARDINER

business as usual.

“However I’m very aware that for many people there are all sorts of challenges to deal with after similar injuries.”

While Kim and his band Dogtown don’t go hunting for gigs, they just come their way.

“I’m pretty easygoing and I always want it to be fun for the members, and to give something to the listener that will stay with

them in a positive way,” he said.

Dogtown are regulars at The Lismore Vintage and Handmade Market, playing purely acoustic music.

“Dogtown’s musical style is generally an up-tempo string band,” Kim said.

“We like to play hard-driving songs with a folk feel.

“When we’re trying out

a new song, it has to deliver the goods on the street – the lyrics have to be powerful or meaningful and the music has to be really working.

“Because we are mostly not amplified, it has to be fairly unsophisticated, easily picked up and rhythmic … and mean something to someone’s life.

“And it doesn’t let the singer indulge themselves

in narcissism. It has to be something worth sharing, helpful in some way to others.

“The band shares some of the Black Train repertoire but has old blues, and our string band versions of some Led Zeppelin numbers, some Bob Dylan, Paul Kelly…

“It’s way more eclectic than Black Train which is mostly old timey – early American folk, Appalachian and some old gospel.”

Kim considers the music scene in Lismore “amazing”.

“There are different strands happening simultaneously – a rock scene, touring acts in the bigger venues, some jazz, the Lismore Symphony, various choirs, an old timey session, the open mike at Eltham run by Phil Levy, and probably a lot more I don’t know about because I actually don’t go out much except when playing.”

The Lismore Vintage and Handmade Market is on the first Saturday of the month, from 10am–2pm, at The Conservatorium of Music, 152 Keen St.

Harold and Bobby find friendship

GOOD MATES: Tweed centenarian Harold Cattell and his new friend "Bobby" enjoy each other's company.

PHOTO: YVONNE GARDINER

HAROLD Cattell and his dog Bobby are new best mates.

At 100 years old, and after his former pet died, Harold was told by animal re-homing officials that he was too elderly to adopt another dog. That’s when Churches of Christ Care’s Community Care Services stepped in to find another companion for Harold.

The Tweed Heads South resident has been supported by the care services for more than 15

years to help him live independently at home.

“They cook two days a week and mow the front lawn and trim the hedges,” Harold says.

“I mow the back lawn.”

When Churches of Christ Care heard that a seven-year-old dog needed re-homing as his owner was terminally ill, “Baby” was introduced to Harold. Baby’s now called Bobby, and is rapidly getting used to the name change, having been dubbed Dude and Blaze

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in his early years.

Harold has his new dog’s “papers” that show Bobby, a fox terrier, was originally adopted out by the Snowy Mountains Animal Rescue.

“He’s friendly with everybody,” he said.

“I had 15 visitors yesterday and he liked all of them.

“He sits on my lap and watches television.”

Harold is not a stay-at-home centenarian – he still drives to the shops and regularly goes

to the retirement village nearby for “three beers and a dance”.

Bobby is taken for walks beside Harold’s motorised scooter.

Born in Armidale and married in Casino, Harold has lived in the Tweed Shire for 35 years.

He’s the last of nine siblings.

“They all died young, in their 70s,” he said.

And his secret to longevity: “I don’t smoke, don’t swear and never go out with bad women.”

16 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Stepping ahead

Developments in your area

In this feature you will find the latest styles, amenities and locations available in living options

CASINO BY GATEWAY LIFESTYLE, CASINO www.gatewaylifestyle.com.au/ community/casino NEWLING GARDENS RETIREMENT VILLAGE, ARMIDALE www.retireaustralia.com.au STRATHEARN VILLAS, SCONE www.strathearnvillas.org.au

Gail Forrer

MODERN hotel-like services, availability of health professionals, fun entertainment centres, provision for pets and attractive government financial incentives to ‘downsize’ are among the factors driving the demand for retirement living options around the nation.

Today’s Retirement Villages, a key component in the mix of retirement options, stays founded on the original concept of providing a supportive accommodation in a community environment.

But, beware, in the new millennium everything else has changed and evolved to meet the modern senior.

After the results of the PwC/Property Council Retirement Census (2017), PwC Real Estate Advisory Partner Tony Massaro said retirement village accommodation continued to be an affordable option for the current generation of Australian seniors, who, for the most part, own their own homes.

“The national average entry price for a two bedroom unit is at $424,000,” Mr Massaro said.

“This is almost one third less than the median house price in the same postcode.

“Every city needs vibrancy, diversity, connectivity and inclusion to truly thrive, so it’s exciting to see senior living continuing to evolve to support these needs with a myriad of amenities and care options – from dining to healthcare services to organised social outings.

“As our population ages, and more of us work longer, our cities are going to need to work for seniors Australian in ways they never have before.”

Ben Myers, Executive Director of Retirement Living at the Property Council of Australia said nearly 200,000 seniors

GRAFTON BY GATEWAY LIFESTYLE www.gatewaylifestyle.com.au/ community/grafton YAMBA WATERS BY GATEWAY LIFESTYLE, YAMBA WATERS www.gatewaylifestyle.com.au/ community/yamba PALM LAKE RESORT BALLINA www.palmlakeresort.com.au/ homes-for-sale/paradise PALM LAKE RESORT TEA GARDENS https://over55palmlake.com.au/ tea-gardens/ GEMLIFE LENNOX HEAD, SKENNARS HEAD www.gemlife.com.au/news/ 2017/08/15/gemlife-lennoxhead/ VANTAGE AT EVANS, EVANS HEAD www.vantage-at-evans.com.au

ENJOY RETIREMENT: There are a variety of living options to suit your needs.

Australians have made the informed choice to choose retirement village living, and this number was set to grow share in the coming decade.

However, he noted the census data also revealed occupancy of retirement villages was close to capacity, highlighting the forthcoming shortage of age appropriate housing for Australian in their local communities.

“While entry into retirement villages remains affordable, but a lack of supply will put upward pressure on prices and make access to villages for seniors much harder,” Mr Myers said.

He called for more development in view of population figures predicting approximately 382,000 seniors seeking a place in a retirement village in 2025.

This is more than double the number

2

of residents currently calling a retirement village home.

■ The full summary of figures from the 2017 PwC/Property Council Retirement Census can be found at www.retirementliving.org.au/research.

Operators who own and/or manage more than 56,000 retirement living units participated in the Census.

2

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Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Industry Insights

Northern NSW

Seniors 17

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATE NORTHERN RIVERS JUNE 2018

Come for festivals, stay for lifestyle

ONE of the events Casino in northern New South Wales is famous for is Beef Week. This celebration of the rural way of life sees 100 events take place over 11 days, with more than 25,000 people attending People’s Day alone in 2018!

Many of the residents at Casino by Gateway Lifestyle moved to the community after visiting Casino as grey nomads, attending events like Beef Week, and deciding they liked the place so much they wanted to put down roots.

The town provides easy access to the nearby

Richmond Range National Park, as well as many beautiful National Parks.

With easy access both north and south, it’s a great spot from which to hop in your RV and take off for a week or more.

Gateway Lifestyle doesn’t charge any entry nor exit fees under the land lease living model, which allows residents to purchase a home at a lower price than traditional housing options.

This simple model means residents can free up capital that was previously tied up in land and use it to travel, take up new hobbies, or for retirement.

THE GOOD LIFE: Gateway Lifestyle village, Casino.

Gateway Lifestyle CEO Trent Ottawa says the organisation is finding that a high proportion of residents, working or retired, are moving into their communities specifically to free up capital.

“The quality in lifestyle

and affordable cost sees many of our residents living the sort of life they’d always wished for,” Mr Ottawa says.

“We have lots of residents that travel and appreciate that they can lock up and leave and feel secure in doing so.”

PHOTO: ALAIN BOUVIER33 CRECENT ROAD E

Mr Ottawa says their community has a range of facilities to complement its relaxed and easy-going atmosphere.

“With a limited number of new, purpose built homes – all of which have space for your RV or trailer – available right now, this

is a great time to be downsizing into a low maintenance lifestyle.”

The sales team at Casino would love to hear from anyone interested in an inspection. Call on 1300 361 311 or visit gatewaylifestyle.com.au for more information.

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18 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Northern NSW

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 19

Have you been exposed to asbestos from James Hardie Building products?

Sean Ryan

Director

mobile. 0457 222 709 toll free. 1800 316 716 email. sean@vbrlaw.com.au

Do you suffer from breathing problems?

Leading Lawyer Asbestos and Dust Disease Compensation 2016, 2017

Call us today as you may have a valuable claim for lump sum compensation

We handle all types of claims for:

Who are we?

Sean Ryan has dedicated his entire legal career to acting on behalf of persons who have contracted asbestos disease.

•

Pleural plaques

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Asbestosis

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Mesothelioma

•

Lung cancer

•

Oesophagus cancer

Strict time limits apply to making some claims so call 0457 222 709 today for an obligation free discussion on whether you have a claim against James Hardie.

He has successfully handled hundreds of asbestos disease claims and has won many victories including successfully running the first ever jury trial for lung cancer in Australia.

Sean Ryan has been voted as a Leading Lawyer in Australia in the prestigious Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession (2017) in the area of Asbestos and Dust Diseases Compensation.

Serving all claims in Northern NSW toll free. 1800 316 716

email. claims@vbrlaw.com.au

www.vbrlaw.com.au

facebook. @vbrLawyers

20 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Money

Understanding the nuances of bequests Before you update your will, consider these expert tips

JOURNALIST TRACEY JOHNSTONE WHEN preparing your will, it’s a good time to consider bequests to charities that are close to your heart, ones that you have supported in the past and want to support one last time.

A gift of this nature, known as a bequest, is easily included in a will and can be made to any number of people and charities – it’s your decision.

Individuals ■ You are free to give the contents of your estate, under your will, to whoever you wish.

■ The ‘natural person’ must be alive at the time of your death.

■ They must be recognised as a ‘natural person’ under law, not an organisation.

■ If you give a bequest to someone who has died before your estate is settled, the bequest will fail.

Charities You need to ensure: ■ The charity is

registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. The charity must have a charitable purpose.

■ That your will accurately describes the charity – its full name, registered address, even it’s ABN – so that you leave no doubt as to who the intended recipient is.

If you make a bequest to a charity which you don’t fully describe in your will, that bequest can go to places that you didn’t intend or it may fail due to the lack of clarity.

To search for a charity’s Australian registration details, go to www.acnc.gov.au.

Why leave a bequest?

When planning a bequest you may consider the following: ■ If I could change things for the better in my community, what would they be?

■ What causes do I care the most about and want to support?

■ Do research, public education, sport, self-help, community groups, international aid or advocacy appeal to me?

How are gifts made?

Generally, the bequest

GOOD TURN: A bequest is easily included in a will and can be made to any number of people and charities.

from an estate has to be written into a will or a valid codicil. There can be exceptions where a court can recognise a

Leave the legacy of a cancer-free future for children Consider leaving a gift in your will to The Kids’ Cancer Project, a charity dedicated to funding childhood cancer research.

Visit thekidscancerproject.org.au/giftinwill to learn more or phone Veena Singh in confidence on 02 8394 7715.

Complete the form to learn how your will can help the littlest cancer patients.

Post to (no stamp required): The Kids’ Cancer Project REPLY PAID 6400 ALEXANDRIA NSW 2015

Title:

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Address: State:

Send me more information

Telephone:

Request a call from Veena

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testamentary document which reflects the deceased’s true testamentary intentions and which can be

admitted to probate.

Most solicitors can advise you or talk to an estate planning specialist for complex

PHOTO: LIDERINA

matters. To find them, phone your state Law Society office.

Northern NSW

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 21

Federal Budget choices are designed to please

Most of them won’t kick in until until July next year

The current PLS interest rate of 5.25 per cent per annum will apply to existing and new loans.

The measure will give older Australians more choice to draw on the equity in their homes to support their standard of living in retirement.

RE-ENTERING THE WORKFORCE

FINANCE TONY KAYE AFTER introducing tougher financial measures for seniors in 2017, the latest Federal Budget was ostensibly designed to please.

It didn’t contain any nasty surprises for seniors, as such, but rather a series of measures focused on giving retirees a financial boost.

Yet, all of the changes announced are not due to come into effect for another year.

They include an expansion of the Pension Work Bonus (PWB) and the Pension Loans Scheme (PLS), allowing pensioners to earn more from paid work, and helping older workers to re-enter the workforce.

PENSION WORK BONUS

From July 1, 2019, the PWB will increase to $300 per fortnight, up from $250 per fortnight.

This means that the first $300 of income from work each fortnight will not count towards the pension income test.

This is in addition to the income-free area, which is currently $168 a fortnight for a single pensioner and $300 a fortnight

The government announced it will provide incentives to businesses to hire workers aged over 50, encompassing wage subsidies for employers worth up to $10,000.

A Skills and Training Incentive also will provide up to $2000 for workers aged 45-70 at risk of being made redundant through technological or economic change to undertake reskilling or upskilling.

MONEY ADVICE: No nasty surprises in this budget.

(combined) for a pensioner couple.

So, a single person with no other income will be able to earn up to $468 a fortnight from work and get the maximum rate of Age Pension.

Pensioners will also continue to accrue unused amounts of the fortnightly PWB, which can exempt future earnings from the pension income test.

The maximum accrual amount will increase to $7800 per year.

The government is also extending eligibility for the PWB to earnings from self-employment. That means a pensioner can earn $7800 per year through self-employment

without impacting their pension.

To ensure the PWB only applies to actual engagement in work, there will be a ‘personal exertion’ test.

It is not intended that the PWB would apply to income associated with returns on financial or real estate investments.

PENSION LOANS SCHEME

From July 1, 2019, the government will expand eligibility of the PLS to all Australians of Age Pension age, including maximum rate age pensioners, and increase the maximum allowable combined Age Pension

A bequest is more than a donation, it is a remarkable gift that can help to save lives in your community.

For more information on leaving a bequest through your Will, visit www.helirescue.com.au/SupportUs/Bequests, email enquiries@rescuehelicopter.com.au or call 1800 155 155.

1800 155 155 | www.helirescue.com.au

PHOTO: PEOPLEIMAGES

and PLS income stream to 150 per cent of the Age Pension rate.

Full rate pensioners will be able to increase their income by up to $11,799 (singles) or $17,787 (couples) per year by unlocking the equity in their home.

PLS participants have the flexibility to start or stop receiving PLS payments as their personal circumstances change, and generally repay the loan once their home is sold.

Existing age-based loan to value ratio limits will continue to apply. This means that PLS holders will not be able to owe the government more than what their home is worth.

WORK TEST EXEMPTION

From July 1, 2019, Australians aged 65 to 74 with a total superannuation balance below $300,000 will be able to make voluntary contributions for 12 months from the end of the financial year in which they last met the work test.

The work test exemption will give older Australians additional flexibility to contribute more into superannuation as they move into retirement.

Total superannuation balances will be assessed for eligibility at the beginning of the financial year following the year that they last met the work test.

Existing annual

concessional and non-concessional caps ($25,000 and $100,000 respectively) will continue to apply to contributions made under the work test exemption.

Individuals will also be able to access unused concessional cap space to contribute more than $25,000 under existing concessional cap carry forward rules during the 12 months.

As bring forward arrangements for non-concessional contributions are not available to those 65 and over, individuals will not be able to access bring forward non-concessional contributions under the work test exemption.

THINGS TO DO BEFORE JUNE 30

■ Make sure you make your minimum pension payment before June 30.

■ If you don’t meet the minimum pension payment, the Tax Office deems your super fund to have not been in pension for the whole financial year, meaning you’ll pay tax on income and gains for that period.

■ If you had more than $1.6 million in pension or transition-to-retirement pension on June 30, 2017, you were able to then potentially take advantage of the Capital Gains Tax relief provisions that were outlined to soften the blow of the new Transfer Balance Cap of $1.6 million.

These decisions need to be made soon, if they have not been made yet.

Tony Kaye is the editor of listed financial services company InvestSMART. www.investsmart.com.au

22 Seniors Northern NSW

Industry Insights

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Asbestos disease compensation made easy

THE partners of vbr Lawyers are among Australia’s leading asbestos compensation lawyers. Their expert knowledge allows them to do the hard work in the background to ensure a quick, stress-free and above all, successful process for clients.

Sufferers of asbestos disease, many of whom have never engaged a lawyer, can be anxious when considering the compensation process for the first time, only to end up being pleasantly surprised about the speed and the outcome of the process that can be achieved for them through the expertise and experience of vbr Lawyers.

Here are some

commonly asked questions from new clients: ■ Aren’t I too old to claim compensation?

No. vbr Lawyers regularly bring claims for clients with asbestos disease in their 70s, 80s and even their 90s. If you have an asbestos disease, meaningful compensation is likely to be recoverable no matter what your age. While we acknowledge that no amount of money can be true compensation for one’s health, our clients genuinely appreciate the peace of mind and security that the lump sum compensation can provide them in their advanced years.

■ How can I afford to pay

legal fees?’

There will be no out of pocket costs to you at all. vbr Lawyers act on a no win no fee basis meaning that you only pay any legal costs to us unless and until you actually recover compensation. Even then our costs amount to only a small fraction of the compensation recovered and in many cases the vast majority of your costs will be paid for by the entity paying the compensation.

■ Won’t it take too long?

At vbr Lawyers we are able to complete an asbestos compensation claim usually within three to six months. It is very rare for an asbestos compensation claim to go over the eight months.

■ I have asbestos disease but it’s not cancer. Can I still make a claim?

We’ve Gone

Social!

Some of the non-cancerous or benign asbestos conditions such as asbestosis, asbestos related pleural disease and pleural thickening can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain even though they are not malignant.

Some of these conditions can get worse with time. If these so called benign diseases are causing those symptoms, it is highly likely you will be entitled to significant compensation. It will cost you nothing to contact us and have us investigate your entitlements which we will advise you about at no obligation.

■ I have lung cancer. I have been exposed to asbestos but I have also been a smoker. Am I entitled to compensation?

Unlike the specific

SEAN RYAN: Director of vbr Lawyers.

asbestos cancer mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer often requires some additional proof for there to be an entitlement to compensation, so that if the asbestos exposure is significant, compensation may be recoverable irrespective of a smoking history. If you are in this situation, you will lose nothing and pay nothing to have an initial obligation fee investigation of your entitlements.

■ I have known about my asbestos condition for some time but I haven’t done anything about it.

Am I too late to claim?

In most Australian states, time limits for common law compensation for asbestos disease have been completely removed.

There remain some time limits in certain types of compensation claims but even where these have expired, there may be a basis to extend them.

■ Contact vbr Lawyers today on our toll free number 1800 316 716 to find out if you can bring a claim for lump sum compensation.

Join the conversation on Facebook.

Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au CR115679AA-1

No out-of-pocket cost to you, due to no-win, no fee, basis.

Northern NSW

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 23

T ravel

10

ways to make the most of a flight

Travel author ANN RICKARD has done more than her share of long-haul flying, and like everyone else, she hates it. But she’s learnt a few tricks along the way to make things less stressful.

Here are her top 10 tips...

THERE is a saying, ‘if you don’t fly Business Class, your kids will’.

In other words, leaving a hefty inheritance for your offspring will allow them up the front of the plane.

As a senior you’ve earned that privilege.

So fly BUSINESS CLASS if you can.

Best you get up there before your offspring do.

OK, we agree it is not always possible to fly Business Class, but next best is PREMIUM ECONOMY. Not all airlines offer it, and those that do don’t all give you a welcome glass of bubbles before take-off, and yes, the food is not all that much better than in Economy, but oh, the lovely extra space, and the limited number of seats in the cabin.

Worth every cent.

And you have priority check-in.

Lovely.

If you are down the

back in ECONOMY on a long-haul flight, keep in mind the amount of money you’ve saved and will have to spend at your destination.

Makes it less hurtful.

There are several ways to make Economy more comfortable, but planning is key.

Here’s what we do.

REQUEST AN EXIT ROW WHEN YOU BOOK. Some airlines charge for these rows and it’s up to you to see if you think it’s worth it.

However, many passengers don’t like an extra payment so there is a good chance exit rows will still be available at check-in.

If you ask nicely, smile politely, you have a good chance of succeeding in snapping an exit seat... all that extra leg room, no one in front of you reclining their seat.

But be warned... most exit seats in the middle rows of the plane are taken by people with babies.

SAVE OR SPEND - WITH -

AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES

*

We all know what that means.

REQUEST AISLE SEATS, ALWAYS. Getting out of your seat every hour is recommended to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Unfortunately, window seaters will have to climb over you.

But if you are in the middle row of the plane in an aisle seat with just two seats next to you, chances are they will be occupied by a couple who will climb over each other to get out the other side... leaving you in peace.

As a couple, we request an aisle seat each, middle row, one behind the other.

We might not be sitting together but we both have easy access to get up and out.

TAKE YOUR OWN

SNACKS. Nobody enjoys airline food... well, we’ve never met a person who does.

Having healthy snacks such as dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars (a chocolate bar for indulgence) will make you feel more in charge of your own nutrition and feel less unkindly towards airline food.

Drink lots of water and little alcohol, we all know that now.

INVEST IN GOOD QUALITY, SOUND BLOCKING HEADPHONES. Being able to block out everyone around you is a blessing without price.

Same goes for a good

eye-mask, gentle on the eyes and with good black out qualities.

MAKE YOUR OWN COMFORT PACK. Buy small travel size moisturiser, mouthwash, toothbrush/paste and socks, pop them in a small travel toilet bag and you have all the comforts of those who have paid three or four times more than you up in Business Class.

We call them ‘nerd cushions’ those unattractive NECK CUSHIONS you see people walking around airports with.

They are daggy, but

they save your neck and head from lolling when you sleep and sleep you must in economy.

Or you can always take your own pillow, bulky, but comfortable.

USE THE PAY-AS-YOU-GO AIRPORT LOUNGES. They make a stop-over comfortable and have you refreshed for the next step.

The price is worth it for the complimentary drinks, snacks, magazines. But more importantly... the tranquillity away from the masses.

A bit of peace and quiet makes all the difference.

Save up to $3,000* per stateroom now or get up to $3,000+ onboard credit to spend during your voyage later!

Adriatic Wonders

Experience the classic beauty of the Mediterranean on this exceptional voyage.

Itinerary Venice • Ravenna • Hvar • Kotor • Dubrovnik • Koper • Venice Cruise departs 29 September 2018

7-night cruise onboard Azamara Quest ® from $2,630*pp

Australia & Indonesia

Discover life in the strikingly different worlds of Australia and Indonesia.

Itinerary Cairns • Thursday Island • Darwin • Komodo • Bali (Benoa) • Surabaya • Borobudur (Semarang) • Singapore Cruise departs 08 March 2019

14-night cruise onboard Azamara Quest ® from $3,416*pp

(07) 5513 1433 info@allabouttraveltweed.com.au www.allabouttravel.travel *Conditions apply: Prices are per person twin share cruise only in AUD based on lead-in stateroom category, unless otherwise specified. Prices are correct as at 28 May 18 & are subject to change without notice & availability at time of booking. Seasonal surcharges, blackout dates & single supplements may apply. Prices may vary due to currency fluctuations & surcharges. Taxes, fees & port charges are not included in advertised price. Valid for new bookings only & not combinable with any other offers unless specified. Offer valid until 30 Jun 18, unless sold out prior. Offer is subject to availability, capacity controlled & may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Maximum savings & onboard credit is per couple based on a Club Suite stateroom. Offer is applicable to guests 1 & 2 in a stateroom only. Combinable with back to back savings, onboard booking program, LCV quarterly savings, up to one OBC program & reduced singles. Existing bookings may be cancelled & rebooked onto the new promotion during the promotion period, however applicable cancellation charges will apply & bookings must take the current prevailing rates. Any booking that is modified after the promotion has ended will result in the loss of the promotion. +For single occupancy bookings, OBC amount will be prorated based on the single supplement paid. OBC is in USD, has no cash value, is not redeemable for cash or transferable & will expire if not used by 10.00pm on the last evening of the cruise. Further conditions may apply. Booking, cancellation & credit card service fees may apply. ATAS No. A10619.

24 Seniors Northern NSW

Industry Insights

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

It’s All About Travel

Shape your trip with agency’s knowledge and experience

❝

DAVID and Kylie Bantoft have two travel agencies on the southern part of the Gold Coast – Tweed Heads South and Kingscliff.

All About Travel is proud to be part of the local community and as an independently and locally owned business, our customers are of paramount importance to us.

Our senior travel consultants collectively have over 120 years of hands-on retail travel planning and first-hand experience, having visited many countries.

Our team can provide the following travel services to our clients: Cruising (we have three Cruise Master consultants), special interest group travel, tailor-made itineraries, corporate travel, coach touring, honeymoons, bridal registry and gift vouchers, travel insurance and visa assistance.

As a result of extensive travel, both domestic and

Being part of the Travellers Choice group, we have excellent buying power and were awarded “Top 30 Travel Agencies” Australia wide in 2016. internationally, we have gained an immense amount of travel knowledge, training and personal travel experiences.

This means our travel consultants can offer the added extras to ensure you have the best, hassle free travel experience possible.

Our repeat clientele business confirms to us that our staff do get it right.

Being part of the Travellers Choice group, we have excellent buying power and were awarded

YOUR LIFE, YOUR ADVENTURE: All About Travel ensures your every trip is the trip of a lifetime.

“Top 30 Travel Agencies” Australia wide in 2016.

The Travellers Choice Group itself, were the winner of the best Travel Agency Group in 2015 and a finalist in 2014 and

2016.

Please call into either office or telephone to arrange your next holiday.

■ ALL ABOUT TRAVEL KINGSCLIFF:

Kingscliff Shopping Village, Pearl Street, Kingscliff (Shop 28).

Phone (02) 6674 5022 or email info@allabouttravel kingscliff.com.au.

■ ALL ABOUT TRAVEL

PHOTO: RA2STUDIO

TWEED HEADS: Suite 15 Corporate House, 8 Corporation Circuit, Tweed Heads South. Phone (07) 5513 1433, email info@allabouttravel tweed.com.au.

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Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Travel - Industry Insights

Northern NSW

Seniors 25

The charm of paradise Norfolk island offers plenty of adventure, indulgence, culture NORFOLK select are your Norfolk Island specialists – we love Norfolk Island and we know that you will too!

“Paradise.” That was Captain James Cook’s description of Norfolk Island. This paradise went on to become a harsh penal colony and home to many convicts.

Today, Norfolk Island is home to the descendants of the Bounty Mutineers who are incredibly proud of their heritage and culture.

Norfolk Island’s warm, friendly people, timeless beauty and unique history makes this the perfect destination to visit at any time – you will find a special charm that draws visitors back time and time again.

Norfolk Island really is an easy destination to visit. It is just a short flight away with direct departures out of Brisbane with Air New Zealand. You can either travel on a valid Australian Passport, or a

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Norfolk Island’s warm, friendly people, timeless beauty and unique history makes this the perfect destination to visit at any time valid Australian Driver’s Licence, or government approved photo identification.

There is so much to see and do and surprises to be found. Did you know that beautiful Emily Bay has been voted by travellers as one of Australia’s best beaches?

Norfolk Select Marketing are dedicated Norfolk Island specialists.

We are ATAS accredited and offer extensive knowledge of Norfolk Island – David has just returned from his 105th visit to the island!

Our staff are all

PARADISE: Norfolk Island really is an easy destination to visit.

passionate about this special Island destination and we have a wonderful working relationship with our suppliers on Norfolk

Island.

We offer fantastic deals all year round and can tailor-make your holiday package to ensure a

holiday like no other.

We look forward to assisting you with your travel to Norfolk Island.

We love Norfolk Island and

we know that you will too!

■ Phone Norfolk Select Marketing on (07) 5524 4966 for a quote now.

Visit the open-aired theatre it’s the new Hollywood of the Outback Goldstone, all of which were filmed in the area.

Now in its fifth year, the nine-day festival, themed “Wide Open Roads”, is setting up to be its best yet.

Festival passes have just been released for audiences to experience the best in Australian film and outback culture.

Festival goers will have access to a range of quality Australian films including the award winning Sweet Country, Breath and Strange Colours, and a sneak

peek at a brand-new Queensland film.

The emblematic venue of the Festival is Winton’s The Royal Open-Aired Theatre, which celebrates its 100th birthday as part of this year’s festival.

This is a birthday party not to be missed.

Imagine celebrating the 100th birthday with dinner and the best film from 1918, The Sentimental Bloke, accompanied by newly composed live musicians providing the soundtrack to the film.

Festival director Mark Melrose said the seminal event provided Australians with a platform to not only celebrate local film, but Australia itself.

“There is nowhere in Australia where you can witness so many Australian films in such an iconic location such as Winton, the home of Waltzing Matilda, the birthplace of Qantas and the dinosaur,” Mr Melrose said.

For tickets, visit vision splendidfilmfest.com.

Discover a New Destination Every Month Look out for Wanderlust in the next issue of Seniors

6729615et

RELAX UNDER THE STARS: The Royal Open-Aired Theatre at Winton.

THE iconic outback Australian town of Winton is set to welcome many visitors from outside Outback Queensland, as it hosts the world’s largest film festival dedicated to Australian film, The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival from June 29 to July 7.

Fittingly known as “Hollywood in the Outback”, Winton has inspired numerous cinematic masterpieces including Nick Cave’s The Proposition and Ivan Sen’s Mystery Road and

26 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

The world’s Top 10 WELCOME to the most definitive list of beaches ever assembled a diverse collection of off-the-beaten-path slices of paradise from every hidden corner of our planet.

To create The World’s 50 Best Beaches, FlightNetwork has consulted 600+ of world’s best travel journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies to gain insight from their opinions and expertise. By asking the top travel professionals, Flight Network has created the most trustworthy and accurate list out there to inspire travellers and help choose their upcoming winter holiday destinations.

Here are the top 10: 1. GRACE BAY Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10 Remoteness 8/10 Sand and Water Quality 10/10 Annual Days of Sunshine 319, Average Annual Temp. 29°C Grace Bay Beach, in Turks and Caicos is the most iconic and awe-inspiring stretch of sand in the world, and you’ll know you’ve set foot on one of the most spectacular beaches the moment you arrive. The protective and remarkably colourful barrier reef, which sits 1.6km off the shore, keeps the ocean swells at bay, making Grace Bay one of the most ideal places to soak in warm Atlantic waters.

Swimmers enjoy consistent plush sands without the annoyance of

Navagio Beach.

rocks, seaweed or pollution. Those looking for a truly unforgettable underwater adventure can take the short boat ride to the barrier reef just minutes away. With sunny skies roughly 319 days a year, this island opens its welcoming arms to visitors year round with delicious sands that wrap you in luxury and clearest waters that beckon you to dive in.

Travellers can fly directly into Turks and Caicos via Providenciales International Airport, the closest airport to Grace Bay, for around an incredible $300. To get to Grace Bay, visitors can rent a car, hop onto public transport, or grab a taxi.

Your tropical beach getaway is right at the edge of your fingertips.

2. WHITEHAVEN BEACH Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10, Remoteness 10/10, Sand and Water Quality 10/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 292, Average Annual Temp.

27°C

Whitehaven Beach will make you believe in love at first sight. Composed of 98 per cent silica, the sand here is some of the whitest on Earth. But the baby-powder-like sand isn’t all that makes every visit to this piece of paradise one to remember.

Visitors can only access this 7km of coastline along the warm, clear waters of the Coral Sea by helicopter or seaplane to experience this spectacular island. Seeing all of that untouched natural beauty from above will make you believe in a tropical utopia with glowing sands and crystalline beaches.

Situated on Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands with an always comforting 27°C temperature, this stretch of sand backed by tree-covered mountains is a heaven on earth which one must see to believe.

Venturing into this beautiful beach is easy when flying directly into major airports in Australia . You have quite a few

options once you have landed to get to Whitehaven Beach, including boat, helicopter or sea-plane.

3. ANSE LAZIO Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10, Remoteness 7/10, Sand and Water Quality 9/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 226, Average Annual Temp.

29°C Anse Lazio in Seychelles places each visitor into their own tropical paradise with soft, golden sand and sunlit atmosphere. Crystal clear water and lush coconut palms backed by granite boulders create a setting that feels more like a dream than real life.

Anse Lazio is recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, known for its picturesque views and vivid colours. The saturated waters wrap each swimmer in a teal dream while the dark green palms frame the golden sunset. The magnificent stretch of

Pink Sand Beach.

coastline offers a tropical oasis for every traveller whether they prefer vigorous activities or serene environments.

Waters at an average 27°C draw visitors in for days spent snorkelling and swimming while the warm 28°C weather presents the perfect opportunity for exploration, activities, or a rest on pillow-like sands with a mimosa in hand.

Anse Lazio is located on the northwest coast of Praslin Island, east of Zanzibar and northeast of Madagascar. The beach may feel likes its quite removed from the world but is actually easily accessible. You can obtain cheap flights to Africa and then fly to Seychelles or to Madagascar. Visitors can catch the speed ferry for an adventurous trip or take a short 15-minute flight from Mahe to Praslin.

4. PINK SANDS, BAHAMAS Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 8/10,

Remoteness 8/10, Sand and Water Quality 10/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 223, Average Annual Temp. 28°C Pink Sands Beach has a fairytale-like name, and you’ll understand why when you set foot on the beautifully coloured sands. The nearly 5km of stunning coastline, saturated in golden sun and pink plush ground, will plant itself in your memory forever. Harbour Island in the Bahamas is home to inviting stretches of coastline and mellow waters protected by an offshore coral reef. This portion of the island is an especially dreamy part, known for its pale pink sand made from the bright red and pink shells of the microscopic Foraminifera insects. The colour contrasts and meshes with the turquoise waterline, creating sunrise and sunset colours that are unlike anything else you’ll see in your lifetime.

You can find flights to the Caribbean from all major countries in the

Northern NSW

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 27

Anze-Lazio Beach.

Best Beaches Grace Bay.

world. The closest airport to Harbour Island is North Eleuthera (ELH) airport.

5. NAVAGIO BEACH, GREECE Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10, Remoteness 8/10 , Sand and Water Quality 8/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 275, Average Annual Temp. 19°C Navagio Beach in Greece will dazzle your tropical dreams into reality as blue and white beauty combine to create a shipwrecked oasis. In fact, you will not be able to get the clear, crystal blue waters and fine gravel sand off your mind for decades to come. The remoteness of the island only adds to the spectacular and unique atmosphere of Navagio on Zakynthos Island. The baby blue waters and towering golden cliffs absolutely enchant travellers with its exotic features and atmosphere.

The shipwrecked Freightliner MV Panagiotis, washed on the

gravel beach, only adds to the uniqueness of the paradise.

The crisp 19°C weather and 20°C water welcome visitors into a new kind of tropical island meant to be experienced through vivid sights and slow strolls.

Navagio Beach location is most easily and quickly accessible by first flying into the Zakynthos International Airport in Greece.

6. BAIA DOS PORCOS, BRAZIL Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10, Remoteness 10/10, Sand and Water Quality 9/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 258, Average Annual Temp.

27°C Tucked away in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago is Baia Dos Porcos, also known as the Bay of Pigs, one of the most awe-inspiring beaches to experience.

The myriad blues meddle in perfect harmony on the still water filled with rock

formations, including the iconic Dois Irmaos rocks which means the two brothers. Even better the beach is likely to be all yours, as it requires a trek to get to, and you have to pay per day to stay on the island, limiting the number of daily visitors.

Water sports are forbidden which means its all serenity, all the time.

Instead, search for the turtles and wildlife that inhabit the area and find yourself in preserved and natural beauty.

The best time to fly to Brazil is between December and March, during the Brazilian summertime. The closest state to Fernando de Noronha is Recife.

7. PLAYA PARAISO Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 9/10, Remoteness 8/10, Sand and Water Quality 10/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 290, Average Annual Temp. 20°C Playa Paraiso in the Riviera Maya is a quintessential beach

destination for travellers on the hunt for perfection.

Stunning white sands and bright teal waters combine to create a beach unlike others in Mexico. The thousands of annual tourists will agree that Paraiso’s waters are always welcoming and calm while a bounteous coral reef rests just offshore for an adventurous snorkelling or scuba diving session. For those who want a tranquil getaway, Paraiso is their paradise with soft sands just waiting to be relaxed on while the 290 annual days of sun offer a sun-kissed glow.

With an average temperature of 20°C and water at 21°C, visitors are always able to find themselves comfortable and serene in their tropical paradise.

Known as Paradise Beach for a reason, Playa Paraiso is easily accessible with numerous direct flights to Cancun International Airport.

8. HYAMS BEACH, NSW

Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10, Remoteness 8/10, Sand and Water Quality 9/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 251, Average Annual Temp.

17°C No place on earth invites you to relax and unwind quite like the luxuriously soft white sands of Hyams Beach.

Located on the South Coast of New South Wales , this postcard-worthy stretch of sand along the Jervis Bay invites visitors to enjoy underwater adventures in crystal waters or sink their toes into the whitest sands in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. For the more athletically inclined, hike in the Jervis Bay National Park located among the beach beauties. Dotted with rugged rock formations and bright green foliage, you may have to pinch yourself to make sure you are not dreaming when you set foot on the luxurious sands of Hyams Beach.

The closest international airport is located in Sydney.

9. HIDDEN BEACH, MEXICO Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10, Remoteness 10/10, Sand and Water Quality 8/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 299, Average Annual Temp.

25°C Imagine a beach completely tucked away inside a cave with a cavernous opening in the

roof to let the perfect amount of sunlight enter.

That is Mexico’s Hidden Beach, and it’s undeniably one of the most interesting beaches in the world. Located just a one hour boat ride from Puerto Vallarta on the Islas Marietas, the only way to reach the golden sand at Hidden Beach is to jump off a boat and swim or kayak through a tunnel to shore. It is said that the hole in the roof of the cave, creating an ideal sunbathing area, was made when Mexican forces were engaging in bombing practice during World War I. Fly from major airports across various countries into Cancun or Cozumel.

10. TRUNK BAY, US VIRGIN ISLANDS Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10, Remoteness 7/10, Sand and Water Quality 10/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 140, Average Annual Temp.

27°C It remains one of the best-preserved beaches in the world. Venture to Trunk Bay Beach in the US Virgin Islands, where you will find a 205 metre underwater snorkelling trail, roughly half a mile of silky sands.

Any major airports will offer flights directly into the US Virgin Islands.

Find more information at flightnetwork.com/ blog/worlds50-best-beaches.

28 Seniors Northern NSW

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Sail to Torres Strait Islands Explore the culture, cuisine and amazing views BECOME an expeditioner in 2019 as you explore a rarely visited part of Australia, the Torres Strait islands.

Five Ahoy Buccaneer expeditions will journey to southern islands of the Torres Strait archipelago as well as to Cape York.

Spread out across 150km of ocean between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, the archipelago is home to a blend of Melanesian and Indigenous Australian cultures surrounded by stunning blue waters.

Dugongs, dolphins, giant marlin and sea turtles thrive in the crystal blue waters. The reefs provide opportunities for fishing, snorkelling and fishing.

The 19-guest motor yacht Oceanic will take passengers on a round-trip from Horn Island to the unique and culturally rich islands where a local guide will each day showcase the diverse history of the Torres Strait Islands.

Guests will be immersed in indigenous cultures, tales of

Book now to sail your way to the Torres Strait Islands in 2019.

head-hunters and the history of Possession Island, the place where Captain Cook claimed Australia for England in 1770.

Travellers can also visit the remains of the World War II airbase on Horn Island or enjoy a beer at Australia’s most northerly pub – the Torres Hotel on Thursday Island.

Accommodation on board is in double bed and bunk cabins, as well as sleeping under the stars in deluxe swags on deck.

The 24m rigged vessel also boasts indoor and outdoor dining areas, two lounges and a deck spa.

Fresh and healthy cuisine is prepared by an onboard cook who regularly sources much of the menu from what is caught from the sea each day.

The cruises begin and end on Horn Island with daily Qantas flights to the islands from Cairns.

The tour costs $2520 per person, including for solos, in a deck swag and from $3150 per person in a cabin, twin-share.

The cost include meals, shore excursions and transfers during the cruise. The flights to and from Horn Island are additional.

Ahoy Buccaneers is offering a 10 per cent saving on its six-night Torres Strait Islands cruises departing on February 25 and March 4, 11, 18 and 25 in 2019, if booked by June 30, 2018.

For more information, phone Ahoy Buccaneers on (08) 9193 7650 or go to ahoybuccaneers. com.au.

EXCITING TRAVEL: Indigenous culture, wildlife and amazing natural views are all part of the Torres Strait Islands tour.

Cruisin’ to the music ENJOY music on high seas – listening, dancing and singing to country, rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis and cabaret – with South Pacific as your background.

Cruise Express is offering free cabin upgrades, drink packages, speciality dining and on-board spending money are available on four music cruises schedule for later this year.

All these seven-night cruises sail round-trip from Sydney aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas.

■ Cruisin’ Country – a seven-night cruise for country music fans starring artists John Williamson, Troy Cassar-Daley, Graeme Connors and Gina Jeffreys. Sailing from Sydney, October 9.

■ Rock the Boat – a seven-night cruise celebrating rock ‘n’ roll and featuring famous acts Foreigner, The Romantics, Ross Wilson, The Eurogliders, Shannon

Noll and Russell Morris.

Sailing from Sydney, October 21.

■ Cruise N Groove – a seven-night cruise dedicated to Elvis and including the best Elvis tribute artists from around the world. Sailing from Sydney, November 6.

■ Bravo! Cruise of the Performing Arts – an eight-night cruise starring award-winning performers Todd McKenney, Teddy Tahu-Rhodes, The Celtic Tenors, Cheryl Barker and special guest Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Sailing from Sydney, November 13.

Bookings made on any of the four cruises through Cruise Express

by June 13 can choose from two offers: A free cabin upgrade plus either a US$100 per person onboard spending credit, free speciality dining package or internet package; or a deluxe onboard drinks package valued at up to US$520 per person for bookings in balcony cabins and above.

HIGH SEAS FESTIVAL: Music man John Williamson.

Each cruise costs from AUD $2495 per person, twin-share. The fares and

onboard bonuses are subject to availability.

For more information

and to make your booking, phone Cruise Express on

1300 766 537 or go to www.cruiseexpress. com.au.

Feature page

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Northern NSW

Seniors 29

Grannies, so yesterday!

Beware, your grandma name can be the one that sticks

Columnist Ann Rickard is a proud grandmother of seven of the most beautiful grandchildren in the land, but she says she’s not biased. She gives us her take on grandmother names.

Choosing a grandmother or grandfather name might seem of little importance when you first find out you are going to become a grandparent, but believe me, it is.

This name is going to stick with you, and if you have happened to choose a name off-the-cuff that you don’t really have a fondness for, you are going to hate it until your dying day.

So... give it lots of

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

thought.

No longer are us ladies required to be called granny (we shudder at that one).

Any woman of a certain age now will remember or know about the grannies of yesterday. Always old beyond their years, usually with a tight perm in their grey or white hair, a heavy cardigan around their stooped shoulders, hanky up the sleeve, a chair by the fire, slippers on the bunioned feet,

GRANDPARENT JOYS: Choosing a suitable name is part of the fun.

PHOTO: BOWDENIMAGES

knitting at hand. That is so not us, right?

Today’s grandmothers

have caramel highlights in their blonde, fashionable hairstyles, they will sport

the latest fashion labels, wouldn’t know what to do with a hanky if they owned one, and are more likely to be found at the gym doing high intensity interval training than in a chair by the fire.

So, we need a name that makes us sound as fabulous and fun as we are.

Ten years ago, I went through the name choosing when my first grandchild was due.

Rejecting outright ‘nanna’, ‘grandma’ or ‘granny’, but considering cute Italian and French names of nonna and grand-mere, I decided to keep on looking. I thought briefly of a Dutch name but grootmoeder didn’t quite cut it. And seeing as I am not Italian, French or Dutch, it wasn’t quite right.

I consulted many a

sassy woman of a certain age on this important subject. Finally, one came up with the name “Mimi”.

I liked it. And so my life as Mimi began.

Seven grandchildren later and the name is now as much part of my personality and character as my proper (boring) name, Ann. Mimi is an easy one for children to say. It is very close to ‘mummy’. And say it they do. From the very minute they can talk.

So entrenched is my Mimi name, my adult children call me that now.

Mum has all but been forgotten.

They are all endearing and traditional and right.

Unless you are a groovy grandfather with a sleeve tattoo and a motorbike, then you’ll need to look for something a bit more you.

— annrickard.com

A winding path from abuse to academia GREGORY Smith’s story so defies belief, it is hard to know where to begin.

Perhaps the beginning, where all extraordinary stories start.

Born in Tamworth in the 1950s and raised by a confused mother and an abusive alcoholic father, Gregory was doomed from birth.

Regular beatings from his father set the pattern for feelings of shame and low self-esteem. But nothing could have prepared the 10-year-old to be bundled into the car with his sisters, told by their mother they were going on an outing to their Aunt Muriel’s, only to be dumped at an orphanage in Armidale.

EXTRAORDINARY LIFE: Dr Gregory Smith.

PHOTO: MAYETA CLARK

The abuse continued, with the Sisters of Mercy showing anything but mercy, dealing out beatings and punishments including

locking the small boy in a dark cupboard under the stairs.

When his mother picked him and his sisters up from the orphanage almost two years later without explanation, his spirit was so broken he was convinced he had no place in society.

Taken out of school at 14, labelled as a ‘simpleton’ and sent to work at the local flour mill, Gregory’s teenage years were a blur of petty crime, running away, and the inevitable confrontations with authorities. Later, when he was wrongly diagnosed as a sociopath, his descent

into alcoholism and drug addiction led to homelessness and almost total isolation from society.

On one of his many treks to nowhere, ill and depressed, he found himself wandering into the forest in Northern New South Wales, going deeper and deeper without purpose or intent.

“Going into the forest to live was never a plan,” he said.

“I didn’t just wake up one morning and think ‘I’m going to go into the forest and live there’.

Like so many other things in my life I just ended up in the forest.”

After a decade in the forest, Gregory began

hallucinating about aliens and ancestors. His weight had dropped to just 40kg. He knew he was near death and it was time to leave, to go back and give society another chance. With no plan or goal, he drifted around various locations from Tweed Heads to Byron Bay. One day sitting on a park bench he watched workmen erecting a building. His curiosity piqued, he asked the workmen what they were building and when they replied ‘a university’ he knew he wanted in. Education, an inner voice told him, would be the key to going forward. From that moment, he decided

never to take a drink or indulge in drugs again.

With no IT knowledge, Gregory knew the first step to education was to learn about computers. It turned out a free TAFE course wasn’t quite the answer when he realised he had signed up to learn how to build computers.

After a couple of mentors helped him find modest accommodation, he began his long, slow way back into society.

Today, at age 63, Dr Gregory Peel Smith, has a PhD and teaches Social Sciences at Southern Cross University.

■ Dr Gregory Smith’s story is told in full in his memoir Out of the Forest, in bookstores now.

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Be wary if the number in the ad is disconnected.

If the buyer/seller says the number is disconnected because they are overseas, ask for a landline phone number at their current location as well as a mobile phone number.

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30 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Live and let’s save Golden years of retirement

WE SHOULD all be rewarded with a pot of glorious gold at the end of the retirement rainbow.

Many seniors will still be working but need to plan what their future will look like in retirement.

Maybe that will include travelling, volunteering, looking after the grandkids or downsizing to a cheaper, more manageable style of living.

As with all major life changes, your regular income will change over time, so it’s good to review your finances at the end of each financial year. Prior preparation will assist with a smoother transition into retirement.

Some income sources during retirement to help with ongoing expenses: Age pension, home

BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN equity release, income from super, investments outside of super, part-time employment, selling the family home.

Keeping an eye on your finances: ASIC has an app, TrackMySPEND, which can give you a clear picture of your purchasing habits, and help gain control of your money.

You can record the following types of expenses: your weekly household budget, costs for special events like weddings or celebrations, work or travel expenses,

coffees, lunches and any other cash expenses that you find hard to record.

This app allows you to nominate a spending limit (per week, fortnight, month or year) and track your progress; separate ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ to identify opportunities to save; create ‘favourites’ so you can track frequent expenses; view your expense history; add ‘tags’ to categorise expenses and set spending limits for each category; create expense reminders sent as text messages to your phone; auto-fill expenses based on past entries.

Bonus features include free data backup to prevent data loss, syncing your profile and use on multiple devices, exporting data to a CSV

POT OF GOLD: Good money management now will assist towards greater financial rewards in retirement.

file (for Excel, or other financial software).

For more go to www. moneysmart.gov.au.

Financial assistance: If you need financial assistance advice, particularly if you are in debt and have legal

problems, there are community legal centres and Legal Aid that offer free legal advice and services.

Queensland – Legal Aid Queensland 1300 651 188 and NSW – Legal Aid New South

Wales 1300 888 529 or (02) 9219 5000.

Women’s Legal Services Queensland – 1800 957 957 or 1800 457 117 (rural, regional and remote) and Women’s Legal Services NSW – (02) 8745 6900.

Winter planting ideas for newest rose varieties A RANGE of beautiful new roses becomes available during winter so now is the perfect time to start planning which varieties you want to plant in your garden.

Yates have three stunning new-release roses from Treloar Roses to tempt you: Unconventional Lady (Korsamasi) This is a hybrid tea rose with large, deep, pink, fragrant flowers. The vigorous bush grows to around 1.6m tall and its long flower stems make it a wonderful rose for cutting.

Climbing Future (Korjoslio)

It’s a climbing rose that is covered in softly scented large white flowers with a pale pink blush.

Growing to around 2m tall, it’s a beautiful rose for growing against a fence or over a large arch.

Garden of Roses (Korfloci) This one is a floribunda rose with delicately scented, full soft apricot blooms. It’s a compact rose, growing to around 60cm high, so is ideal for smaller gardens and pots.

Roses do best in cool to warm temperate zones.

■ When deciding on where to plant any new roses in your garden,

choose a spot with well-drained soil that receives at least six hours of sunshine a day.

■ An area with good air movement is also beneficial, as this will help to reduce disease problems.

■ If planting a new rose in a pot, use a pot that has good drainage holes and fill with a good quality potting mix like Yates Premium Potting Mix.

CATERPILLAR TIME

With vegetables like kale, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower in full swing, caterpillars like the cabbage white butterfly caterpillars will be on the

rampage. Even the smallest of them can chew through mountains of foliage and left unchecked can result in heartbreaking skeletonised leaves.

You may not see them, just their damage or droppings, as many are cleverly camouflaged.

They are easily controlled by regularly spraying with Yates Success Ultra.

Spraying should start as soon as the first caterpillars or their damage is spotted and repeat applications every seven to 14 days.

For more great winter gardening ideas, go to www.yates.com.au.

DEEP PINK: The Unconventional Lady rose is a new offering from Treloar Roses.

PHOTO: TRELOAR ROSES

Event Cinemas “Amore” Screening Giveaway

Thanks to Event Cinemas, we have 10 double passes to give away to their screening of André Rieu’s “Amore” concert film.

Affectionately known as ‘The King of Waltz’, André Rieu stages an annual summer concert series in his beautiful Netherlands hometown of Maastricht, performing for thousands of fans from all over the world against the stunning medieval backdrop of the town square.

Visit eventcinemas.com.au for more details on the screening.

To be in the running, simply visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitions to enter online. Good luck!

Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558. Promotional period 04/06/18 - 06/07/18. Competition drawn 2pm 06/07/18 at Cnr Mayne Rd and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Winners announced in Seniors August Editions 2018. Total prize value $400.00 (including GST). Entry is open to all permanent residents of Queensland, residing in the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Toowoomba Seniors distribution areas and NSW in the Northern NSW, Central Coast and Coffs & Clarence Seniors distribution areas.

Wellbeing + Travel + living + Money

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Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au for more information.

Puzzle

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

JIGGERED

4/6

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.

B U S E R A C

D U O B S E

T H E M R

I F N G

Y E E

N A C A R E

E E D R E R A

R O A P E M B

T T R S H

E F C R E T

G V E R E

S T E A R G

B L S E T H

S O I P E U

C U R A O

U R E E E M

T L E I F L E

U N A M B U

S E S S J A

C K S A A T I C

S C A R B A K

L P A W L X O

L A K W B E A

T Y

D T E A O T

M A S

K S C

S L O

Northern NSW

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across 1. Reunited (10) 7. Long-limbed (5) 8. Folds (7) 10. Alters (8) 11. Boast (4) 13. Speaker (6) 15. Mollycoddle (6) 17. Move slowly and cautiously (4) 18. Counselling (8) 21. Horses (colloq) (3-4) 22. Bury (5) 23. In particular (10)

Down 1. Stiff (5) 2. Happy shout (3,2,3) 3. Arrested (colloq) (6) 4. Frozen (4) 5. Makes certain (7) 6. Perplexing (10) 9. Tourists (10) 12. Benevolence (8) 14. Bowmen (7) 16. Breakfast food (6) 19. Mad (colloq) (5) 20. Deal out (4)

1

2

3

Seniors 31 5

4

6 7

8

9

10

11 12

13

14

15 16

17

18

19

20 21

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.

V

REFER, SEARCh, TRAIPSE, UNSORTED, VEGETABLE.

ALPHAGRAMS L E E R H E R

L

U

SUDOKU

K S A I C K S C U E E M P W L O F Y E E

JIGGERED

TRIO: hOR

Across: 1. Reconciled 7. Leggy 8. Creases 10. Modifies 11.

Brag 13. Orator 15. Cosset 17. Inch 18. Guidance 21. Gee-gees 22. Inter 23. Especially.

Down: 1. Rigid 2. Cry of joy 3. Nicked 4. Iced 5. Ensures 6.

Flummoxing 9. Sightseers 12. Goodwill 14. Archers 16. Muesli 19. Nutty 20. Mete.

QUICK CROSSWORD

1. What year were the Australian 1 and 2 cent coins discontinued?

2. Worldwide, which is the most common blood group?

3. Confessions of a Hooker: My Lifelong Love Affair with Golf is an autobiographical book by which comedian, who died in 2003 aged 100?

4. Which song from a stage musical has the words “The truth is I never left you”?

5. What is the French “la Manche” known as in English?

6. What were the final four words in many days of Samuel Pepys’ diary?

7. Who is the sun god in Egyptian mythology?

8. What does the Latin expression “compus mentis” mean?

F A I R

A R M E D

T I P T O P

A M S L E T E M A OM I S T I N E L A A L U D E N A R D D G E O O R

D R A E N L K I T I I N S E T R T I A

E A D A C E S T T E N D S P I E C E D E S A N E R O N H E R I T R E D O Y I O N A N G L E R O N S D D S

QUIZ

H A N G E R

7 LETTERS ELATION ELITIST INERTIA INHERIT MARTINI STAMINA

QUIZ

V I O L A

5 LETTERS ARMED CANER DODGE DRANK ENTRY FATAL IDOLS IRONS OMENS RACES SANER SNIDE STEAD UNDER VALET VIOLA

6 LETTERS ATTEND CINEMA DEEPEN HANGER REIGNS RETARD TANGLE TIPTOP

C L A M

4 LETTERS ADDS ALES ARID CEDE CLAM DEAD DEER EATS ERGO FAIR

HAMS MEMO POOR REDO TONE YARD

WORDFIT

V A L E T

3 LETTERS ACT ADO ALE ILK ILL IMP ION LOG NOD PIE SOH USE

1.1991, 2. Group O, 3. Bob Hope, 4. “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina”, 5. The English Channel, 6. And so to bed, 7.

Ra, 8. Of sound mind.

Solution opposite

O C A U T T R Y E E F R E L R A X N I N U G

WORDFIT Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword

D S I A P E M G A V E S S T L I L E T T S H U A M B

Good 25 Very Good 34 Excellent 43+

A C S S S A F R E

MA

S G O B R E O R A R E J K E C A T

550

A E

D B A S E T T A S T E B A R U S C U A A N C A K E L A W B E

TODAY

A

FREER ARCHES PARTIES ROUNDEST GET A BEVEL

M

D L

M R

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

There is at least one nine-letter word.

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

T E O R O P E M D O B E S C R B A T H E R

WORD GO ROUND

WORD GO ROUND

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.

alameda alar alarm alarmed alder area areal armada armed dale dame dare deal dear derma dermal dram drama dream earl lade lama lame lamed lamer lammed lard lead lemma madam made male mama marae mare marl marled MARMALADE mead meal medal medlar rale rammed read real realm ream

ALPHAGRAMS

32 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

NORFOLK ISLAND

Explore one of Australia’s best kept secrets!

Historic Norfolk Island really is the perfect destination to ‘get away from it all’

*Packages are based on ‘k’ class airfares. Blackout dates may apply HIDEAWAY RETREAT Great value! ✔ Return airfares, including all taxes ✔ Return airport transfers on Norfolk ✔ 7 nights in a self contained one bedroom Apartment ✔ Rental car daily incl. all compulsory charges ✔ Half day Island tour PRICED FROM TWIN SHARE

Price ex BNE: $1096.00 p/p

CASTAWAY

✔ Return airfares, including all taxes ✔ Return airport transfers on Norfolk ✔ 7 nights in a Garden Room ✔ Continental b/fast daily ✔ Rental car daily incl. all compulsory charges ✔ Half day Island tour PRICED FROM TWIN SHARE

Price ex BNE: $1265.00 p/p

8 DAY DISCOVERY TOUR OF NORFOLK ISLAND

OCEAN BREEZE COTTAGES

Lovely ocean views!

Includes breakfast daily! ✔ ✔ ✔

✔ ✔

Return airfares, including all taxes Return airport transfers on Norfolk 7 nights in a self contained one bedroom Cottage Rental car daily incl. all compulsory charges Half day Island tour

THIS COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE IS EXCEPTIONAL VALUE! Suitable for singles, couples and small groups of friends, at any time of the year! Includes return flights, return airport transfers on Norfolk Island, 7 night’s accommodation at Castaway in a Garden Room, full breakfast daily, car rental daily, a full touring schedule including 4 dinner shows and 12 general interest tours plus leisure time to enjoy the local markets, parks, beaches and crystal clear lagoon. This amazing tour package can be tailor-made to meet your interests

PRICED FROM TWIN SHARE

PRICED FROM TWIN SHARE Price ex BNE: $2415.00 p/p

Price ex BNE: $1319.00 p/p

Check out our website for many more great deals and recommended tour suggestions www.norfolkislandescapes.com.au E: norfolkselect@bigpond.com Ph: 1800 724 400 or 07 5524 4966 DA & K Bantoft t/as Norfolk Select Marketing ATAS No: A10619 IATA: 0235976-6 ABN: 93 367 366 822

ASK US ABOUT OUR DEFENCE FORCE BENEFITS! Melbourne Cup

THE SHIP YEAH!

SALE

Itinerary Brisbane • Melbourne • Brisbane 7-night cruise onboard Pacific Dawn departing 03 November 2018

Interior stateroom from $1,199*+pp Discover Vanuatu

Itinerary Brisbane • Santo • Pentecost Island • Port Vila • Mystery Island • Isle of Pines • Brisbane 10-night cruise onboard Pacific Aria departing 23 April 2019

Interior stateroom from $1,399*+pp Christmas Cruise

Itinerary Brisbane • Noumea • Isle of Pines • Lifou • Brisbane 8-night cruise onboard Pacific Aria departing 20 December 2018

Interior stateroom from $1,549*+pp

$1 deposit and free room upgrade from interior to oceanview when you book before 14 August!+

Suite 15 Corporate House, 8 Corporation Circuit, Tweed Heads (07) 5513 1433 info@allabouttraveltweed.com.au www.allabouttravel.travel

*Conditions apply: Prices are per person twin share cruise only ex BNE in AUD unless otherwise specified based on Value fare types. Prices are correct as at 06 Jun 18 & are subject to change without notice & availability at time of booking. Seasonal surcharges & single supplements may apply, & prices may vary due to currency fluctuations & changes to taxes & surcharges. Valid for new bookings only & not combinable with any other offers unless specified. +Ship Yeah! Sale offer valid until 14 Aug 18 on selected sailings, unless sold out prior. Offer only valid on P&O Value & Value Plus fare types. Some oceanview rooms have obstructed views. Deposits are non-refundable & conditions differ from standard P&O Booking & Travel Conditions. AU$1pp deposit: Required upfront (for all passengers) followed by final payment or the remainder of the standard adult deposit amount to be paid as follows - for cruises departing between 10 Dec 18 - 02 Feb 19 final deposit is due 95 days prior to departure; for cruises departing between 03 Feb - 30 Apr 19 final deposit is due 150 days prior to departure. Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure. Free Room Upgrade: Upgrades are subject to availability of rooms in the higher grade. Where offer is unavailable Onboard Spending Money will replace upgrade. ^Offer valid 26 Jun - 02 Jul 18, unless sold out prior. Onboard credit is non-refundable, not transferable & not redeemable for cash & cannot be used in the medical centre or casino. Whilst all information is correct at time of publication, offers are subject to change or withdrawal. Further conditions may apply. Booking & cancellation fees may apply. Credit card service fees may apply. ATAS No. A10619.

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Plus, receive bonus onboard credit when you book between 26 June – 02 July!^