Northern NSW, September 2017

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Seniors Northern NSW

September, 2017

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2 Seniors Northern NSW

In this edition

Cover Story: Don Burke ..........................................Page 3 Wellbeing ...........................................................Pages 8-10 Travel................................................................Pages 19-22 What’s On ...............................................................Page 23 Reviews...................................................................Page 25 Puzzles ....................................................................Page 27

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

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Welcome

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, September 18, 2017

Finding myself in a gum tree moment

HOLD on I’m having an Aussie moment.

With Don Burke on our front cover, rubbing shoulders on inside pages with Macca and Andrew McFarlane, I’m feeling right at home among the gum trees.

In 1987, a version of the song Home Among the Gum Trees seeped into the Australian consciousness as the introduction song to Burke’s Backyard television program.

Similar to the theme of Burke’s Backyard, the song recognised and celebrated all things that were, very simply, Australian.

The song was written in 1974 by Bob Brown and Wally Johnston, then the great Aussie band Bullamakanka did a version and the next thing you know John Williamson was singing it and Aussies were humming it across Australia.

The timeless rhythm, playful tune together with those marvellous, earthy Australian lyrics captured

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

the country’s collective imagination and had us all tapping along.

For 17 years, every Friday night via television, the tune’s magic properties welcomed us into the backyards of Australia.

In 2006, at Steve Irwin’s memorial at Australia Zoo, a crowd of thousands joined the chorus as John Williamson sang: “Give me a home among the gum trees, With lots of plum trees, A sheep or two, A k-kangaroo, A clothes lines out the back, Verandah out the front, And an old rocking chair”.

As he watched from above, perhaps Steve would have responded with a “Crikey”, as he saw all these people sing with

pride of their connection with him, their community and their country.

Thirty-five years of broadcasting the radio show “Australian All Over”, hosted by Macca (Ian MacNamara), proves our love of Aussie culture has not diminished (and I very much enjoy the ditty to this show too).

It’s also inspiring to report on the long, colourful and rich career of Aussie Actor Andrew McFarlane. I love the way he has rejoiced in all his roles from the iconic Play School to his deeper and darker movie roles.

For about four decades, these creative men have transformed their appreciation for Australian life into performance, song, and media productions, in doing that they have made it possible for us to look into this mirror and identify our Australian character.

Since we are all Seniors here, I can’t miss highlighting the fact that these people would have to be the poster boys of

the Active Ageing movement.

I also think they would have be in the line-up for Creative Ageing awards (last month’s editorial theme).

But much like this famous song, I too have, been to foreign shores – seen the sights and had delights.

Travelling over planet earth is nothing less than awe inspiring and I have to say that as I sit behind my desk in front of the black framed computer reading through Ann Rickard’s Greek Island stories, I have suffered the occasional pang of severe jealousy.

On the other hand, if you can’t do the real thing, armchair travelling is certainly the next best thing. (Don’t forget to check out Ann’s travel videos on our facebook.)

Whether, national, local or in your own backyard, I trust you enjoy the catch-up conversations with our creative contempories.

— Gail

Spring into new planting ideas with Don Burke

SPRING WITH DON BURKE: Don with grandson Joshua, 3, planting a flower and veggie garden in tank raised garden beds that don’t take up a lot of space, but can still produce plenty of fruit and vegetables.

PHOTO: MAREA BURKE

IT’S the new gardening year for most parts of Australia as the blossom flowers bloom and gardeners start planning their summer pickings.

Before turning that plan into reality, here’s a few tips from gardening guru Don Burke.

World’s easiest veggie garden “You can buy virtually ready-to-eat plants. They often come in 20 to 30cm pots. “What that means, for some of the miniature tomato varieties, is they will grow

quite happily in that.”

Don said.

“All of those in an eight-inch to a foot diameter pot can go on your balcony as long as the pots get sun most of the day or put it out in the garden or near the front door, and you can grow quite a bit of edible food in a very small area.”

Don says if you are only going to grow one fruit, you should grow strawberries. “They will fruit for many years and all they need is fertilising say once a month with a

gentle liquid fertiliser,” he added.

“It’s perfect for a sunny balcony and for an easy-picking plant.”

Try something new this spring Don is keen for older gardeners to turn their gardening hands this spring to growing espaliered plants which are tied flat to lattice work, for example. Fruit trees such as citrus, apple and even olives, grown from when they are purchased with willowy stems, are easy to train

flat.

Planted in a pot of no less than 50cm diameter with two vertical timber pieces which have the lattice work screwed to it and with u-shaped plastic clips which can be purchased from gardening stores, your willowy plant can quickly be turned into an espalier plant. Remember to place the pot facing north where it will receive sun all day. If you aren’t sure which way is north, Don suggests you buy a compass.

Cover Story: Don Burke

Monday, September 18, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Northern NSW

Seniors 3

INNOVATIVE : Don Burke in his secret garden and his lifelong joy breeding budgies.

PHOTO: MAREA BURKE

No weeds grow under Backyard’s first bloke Tracey Johnstone

GREEN thumb expert Don Burke reveals some little known secrets about his passions that have kept the enthusiastic gardener, television star and flower show guest living life to the full.

In one part of his life, he continues to delight all those lucky enough to meet him as he travels throughout Australia presenting gardening shows. However, when those jobs are complete, the outspoken advocate for keeping life simple, but fun, retreats to his small acreage to continue working on his garden and other enthralling passions.

Tucked away in one corner of his Sydney home is a secret garden Don has nurtured for the

enjoyment of his two grandsons. In one area, native orchids overhang from the rocks, and make colourful pickings for the children to present to their mother. In another corner of his five acres he grows Australian indigenous plants, most of which are local natives. It’s one of the few of its kind in Australia.

From time to time Don even allows overseas visitors to the private garden.

“A while back we had a big Chinese group came through as they hadn’t seen Australian gardens,” Don said.

During the visit, he and his wife Marea set up lunch using native Australian food.

“The guests were mostly men and were quite worried about eating

crocodile, so I told them it was great for virility, at which point they ate the lot,” he quipped.

The only native edible plant he grows in that garden section is the common lilly pilly.

“It produces little berries, about the size of a pea, and abundant fruit, and that makes a brilliant jam like quince jelly, and a great sauce to use on meat.”

In another part of his garden, quarantined from the indigenous section, are his lovingly cultivated citrus and vegetables plants.

The 70-year-old remains full of energy and enthusiasm for promoting happy, healthy lifestyles.

He remembers his Burke’s Backyard television show as the pioneer for the cloned

television lifestyle shows which now seem to dominate our prime viewing times.

“I trained as a horticulturist and was a nurseryman for many years,” Don said.

“I then noticed worldwide that the media, in terms of lifestyle and gardening, wasn’t very professional.

“It was really more out of anger and disappointment at how gardening shows were, that I just determined to do it (the show).”

From there, Burke’s Backyard was born. But, don’t ever call it a gardening show. Don said it was all about Australian’s backyards.

“We invented the concept of lifestyle. From day one it consisted of dogs, cats, backyard

pools, kids, decorating the house, building, cooking and plants,” he said.

As to why he almost always wore a woollen jumper on the show, he reveals they were the solution to the problem of where to put his microphone so it would stay close enough to clearly catch his voice.

“Very quickly after we started doing that, many women started sending in jumpers. I loved these jumpers,” Don said.

During the show and by its end 18 years later, Don made sure his jumpers were donated to charities which helped raise “many thousands of dollars”.

“You’d be surprised how much money they went for,” Don said.

One passion Don doesn’t talk a lot about

widely, but which he has treasured for 64 years, is his delightfully colourful budgerigars.

“I have never really distinguished plants and pets; I think they are the one thing,” he said.

“I started breeding exhibition budgies at about seven or eight, published my first genetics theories at 12, so I was a strange little kid.

“One of the great things about getting old is you can return to the passion of your life.

“For those that are not doing what is their passion, get a life and go do what you love doing.”

When asked if he was planning on slowing down any time soon, an emphatic “no” is all that can be heard from the energetic lifestyle leader.

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Profile: Ian ‘Macca’ MacNamara

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, September 18, 2017

Macca’s been all over Oz for 35 years Aussies keep coming back to the show that reflects their everyday life and society Alison Houston

IAN ‘Macca’ MacNamara is surprisingly humble for a man who has hosted a top-rating ABC radio show for 35 years.

Congratulated on what is an almost unheard of milestone, the voice of Australia All Over said the

show’s success was less about him and more about the ordinary Australians who called in and shared their stories.

"It is a really exciting and rewarding program to work on because it connects us," Macca said.

"There are so many

AGELESS: Australia All Over presenter Macca reckons he still loves the job 35 years on because it connects ordinary Australians of all ages and backgrounds.

divisions in society today.

We don’t talk about them on Sunday morning (when the show airs). We don’t get into the political fray.

"It’s always been a very Australian program and what it does is reflect

Australia All Over live from Launceston in 1982, with Macca (far right) meeting some of the local ABC staff.

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society, and the lives and wants and needs of ordinary Australians."

But Macca’s is no ordinary story.

A Sydney boy, who completed an economics degree before heading bush to be a jackaroo, Macca became singer/guitarist for the legendary Col Joye and the Joy Boys before joining the ABC in 1974, working on TV’s A Big Country and Countrywide.

He moved to Rural Radio in 1980 and became host of Australia All Over two years later.

In 1987 the program went national, after city travellers who heard the regional show demanded to know why they couldn’t hear it in their own lounge rooms every Sunday.

But how has it kept its appeal over all those years? Has much changed?

"It’s always been about ordinary Australians going about their ordinary lives, and it still is," Macca

Phone Lines Open: Monday to Friday: 4.00pm Weekends: from 10.00am Saturday and then all weekend

said. "It’s fascinating what people do and the places they call from, whether it’s a ringer at Kurrumba Downs Station or religious people, truckies, people on oil rigs or kids interested in rocks.

"It’s just a lovely reflection of what life’s all about.

"People like hearing other Australians, their down-to-earth attitudes, their humour, their spirit and positivity.

"There’s not many places in the media you get that today, and it’s that reassurance that most Australians are good decent people."

Just back from an outside broadcast in Blackall (about 1000km north-west of Brisbane), Macca said he loved travelling the country and getting out and meeting listeners.

He’s been to about 200 destinations over the show’s 35 years, from the middle of the desert at Old Andado Station, six hours south-west of Alice Springs, to Gatton in Queensland after the 2011 floods, to the centre of Sydney.

"OBs are pretty special.

You get up at four in the morning in a strange town after travelling all day and you might find 3000-4000 people waiting for you in a park in Toowoomba or Adelaide, or 30-40 people in a remote Aboriginal community like Oak Valley in central Australia – it’s wonderful."

And, while he always received letters and shortwave calls from outside Australia, Macca said there were an increasing number of people reaching out on the internet from around the world.

"The world moves a lot faster these days. Life’s changed, society’s changed.

"We’ve got mobile phones and technology, but Sunday is still that bit slower and quieter, when you have a chance to sit and listen to the radio and relax.

"You could be surfing the net, but we surf Australia every Sunday morning – we talk to Australia and the world."

Australia All Over airs on Sundays from 5.30-10am EST on ABC Radio.

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Ian ‘Macca’ MacNamara meets listeners during an outside broadcast in Tamworth in January this year.

Monday, September 18, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Profile: Andrew McFarlane

Northern NSW

Seniors 5

McFarlane’s many faces Play School stalwart has branched out to darker side Alison Houston

WE’VE been inviting him into our living rooms for decades.

But these days we are just as likely to find Andrew McFarlane laughing it up with the Play School toys as exploring his darker side in series like The Devil’s Playground and Clever Man. And he’s loving the juxtaposition.

There is absolutely no hint of age in talking to the 66-year-old, except perhaps that his experience is opening up new acting opportunities and challenges. Even Andrew is surprised when the interview starts by referring to his 17 years on Play School: “Wow, that shocks me. That’s a very long time.” He’s not one of the stars, he clarifies quickly, the presenters are just “necessities”, there to help the toys – the true stars for 50 years – relate to their child audience.

Things had definitely changed over that time, he said, but the essence remained the same – a safe and secure place for children to learn and discover.

“It’s a landmark in Australian TV, in Australian culture and young childhood,” Andrew said.

“It has a nostalgia and people have great affection for it. It’s everyone’s show.” But the sets, the clock, even those iconic windows have transformed to meet today’s technological age.

“It has to change to keep the show vibrant and relevant, but it still maintains that excitement and discovery of childhood,” Andrew said.

And he appreciates the “delightful irony” that today Jemima can “jump on the worldwide web”

Andrew McFarlane has been part of our TV lives since the 1970s, but his love of life show no signs of slowing.

and do things on technology that the presenters have to catch up on.

“I’ve always said it’s a privilege to be invited into this world of early childhood – everything about the world to them is new and exciting.”

Quite frankly, it also allows him to be a big kid.

“I’m allowed to dance really badly and sing slightly off-key, to dress up and fly around like a butterfly and everyone thinks it’s cute, because that’s what’s expected of me,” Andrew laughed.

But there are also demands on the Play School set which the presenters – there have been about 100, many of them Australia’s best known actors – don’t find in normal roles.

“You have to be completely unselfconscious and very honest,” Andrew said.

“Actors are always trained not to look at the camera, but here we have to look directly into the camera and pretend we are just talking to one particular child, so each child feels we’re relating to them directly and feels connected.”

And then there are the stars – household names

A KID AT HEART: Andrew McFarlane still delights in playing with the real stars of Play School, like Big Ted, and having been part of children’s development for 17 years.

PHOTO: © AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION.

like Big Ted, Humpty, Jemima and Scrap – who, like all celebrities, have to be carefully handled. In this case, that means not picking them up by the neck or the ear! Because, of course, the toys are not toys to their viewers but very real “people”. Andrew was preparing to be special guest for the Dress-up Party as part of Play School’s 50th birthday celebration exhibition at Toowoomba’s Cobb+Co museum when we spoke, which raised the question of Play School’s live shows.

“They are intense – exhausting,” Andrew laughed. “It’s hard work being young!

“We have a few minutes of quiet when we sing Twinkle, Twinkle, but the rest of the time it’s like trying to catch runaway baby chicks while riding a roller coaster.

“Their energy levels are so high and their

concentration is continually changing.”

But, he admits, it is perhaps being part of Play School – combined with yoga – that keeps him young, with a career showing no signs of slowing. Starting out as the boy-next-door character of eldest son John in 1970s The Sullivans, Andrew went on to other memorable “nice guy” roles as the trusted Tom Callaghan in The Flying Doctors, the dependable Lieutenant Keating on Patrol Boat and guest spots on just about every other big-name Australian series you can think of.

But recently, “our Andrew” has been discovering his darker side, from the quietly menacing Dr Milson in A Place to Call Home to more “twisted and corrupt” characters in The Devil’s Playground, Clever Man and Netflix cult hit

Glitch. It was his personification of Father Andrassi in The Devil’s Playground, for which he won Most Outstanding Performance, that Andrew said really opened the door for him to more demanding, nefarious characters.

“It’s a really exciting time now for television,” Andrew said.

Access to cable networks and the growth of Netflix and its counterparts had raised the bar, he said, not just changing the way audiences enjoyed TV, letting them watch programs how and when they wanted, but changing the genre of programs, the way they are made, the way they are acted and resulting in “really innovative, great writing”. And he plans to be a part of it … as well as Play School … for a long time to come.

“The concept of age

and maturity has changed. When we were young, roles for people my age now were very stereotypical – they’d go to bed early, garden, go to the pub – whereas now those people are instrumental in life.

“Sixty and 70-year-olds are leaders in industry, leading very active lives, still behaving outrageously.

It’s a different landscape and today’s writing and drama has to reflect that.”

Famous names There have been about 100 Play School presenters in 50 years, the longest serving being Benita Collings from 1969–99 and John Hamblin 1970–99.

Others include: Georgie Parker (2006–12), Alex Papps (2005–), Christine Anu (2004), Matt Passmore (2002–11), Andrew McFarlane (2000–).

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, September 18, 2017

Talk’n’thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

Share your thoughts

Email editor@seniors newspaper.com.au or go online to www.seniorsnews. com.au

Mental note: I am not ageist DON’T say that again, it’s discriminatory. My friend made that comment after a certain memory escaped me and I smiled and filled in the gap with an: “Oh dear, it’s a senior moment”.

Really, I thought, no need to be so serious. I said I only used that phrase occasionally and I saw it simply as one of those things that people, including myself, begin to say at a certain age and I warned her that I wasn’t fond of over-the-top politically correct language. She didn’t get my reasoning: “It’s age discrimination against ourselves,” she persisted. “It continues the myth that a memory slip-up is an inevitable part of ageing – which it is not.”

After a bit more argy

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

bargy, I could see her point. These days, most of us are mindful of typecasting other people through stereotypical descriptions, but seem not to care so much about ourselves. I guess, that would make us our own worst enemy. And yes, how can we expect others to stop ageist thinking, if we use it against ourselves.

In effect, as this light-hearted phrase becomes inbuilt into my own and other’s conversation, I concede that we are slowly, but

SENIORS NEWS: Celebrating the age of active wisdom.

surely, reinforcing the myth that memory loss is automatically connected with age: This certainly

doesn’t support a positive ageing attitude. An extract of article in Welcome Trust, Ageing: Can We

Stop the Clock? Welcome Focus (2006) was clear about the disadvantages. “… in clinging to stereotypes, we overlook the advantages of having larger numbers than ever before of older people rich in skills and life experience that they can, and do, contribute not only to the economy but also to their families and communities”.

Dr Barry Gordon in his book Memory: Remembering and Forgetting in Everyday Life, notes that each individual experiences a variation in memory over the course of their lifetime and declares that forgetfulness is a sign that something is wrong with your brain.

Incorrect, he says. “If we didn’t possess the capacity to forget we’d all

go crazy. The ability to remember what is important and the ability to discard the rest is a skill to be treasured.”

Recently, I came across the wise words of American writer and social anthropologist Mary Catherine Bateson. In her book, Composing a further life, she talks about the age of ‘Active Wisdom’ which she defines this as the time of life: “When you have the harvest of a life of learning and thinking and observing, and you are still active”.

I hope to include myself in that category and if you do too, how about we recognise and appreciate who we really are rather than undermining ourselves through silly comments.

— Cheers Gail

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, September 18, 2017

Hyperbaric therapy can heal your wounds faster Faster healing seems like a miracle cure to Max Bundsen MAX Bundsen is dressed all in black.

But his beaming smile betrays the attire.

He sits in a doctor’s office at the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine with his feet heavily bandaged.

But he’s cracking jokes as if he’s centre stage at a comedy club.

He’s a prankster, a happy-go-lucky bloke with the magical knack of breaking the tensest of situations.

Max is also a diabetic and amputee.

“I ended up with a small split in the tip of my right greater toe last year,” the 57-year-old Max told Seniors News.

“It was only two or three (millimetres) long.

“Then the toe started to swell up,” he said.

Max was immediately rushed to hospital where his wound was again measured.

This time they couldn’t find the bone and had no choice but to amputate.

It was just the second day after he first noticed the “small split”.

But here he is, feet tightly wrapped, another 90-minute plunge in the chamber just around the

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My wound just healed” corner (a not too pleasant thought for a self- confessed claustrophobic) but a wide grin creeps across his face!

The smile only grows that much larger as he talks about the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine.

“My wound just healed,” Max said.

“It works!

“The hyperbaric therapy is fantastic.”

But make the mistake of believing this is a man struck by some miracle cure.

Max may be a prankster but he’s no fool.

When his doctor told him he was a “good candidate” for hyperbaric treatment, a dumbfounded Max pored over every article and video he could find to determine the risks and rewards of the procedure.

Now, Max is one of the foremost, albeit on a layman’s level, minds on the technology driving his own recovery.

Why do the patients

FEEL BETTER: The Hyperbaric team has the expertise to help you with faster healing.

wear cotton clothes when diving?

“It’s to stop static electricity.”

Max is such believer in hyperbaric medicine that he’s one of the first regulars to welcome new patients and help them settle into their first dive.

Back home in Rockhampton, he regularly hands out Wesley Centre brochures at diabetic meetings.

He knows the treatment is “not for everybody”, but implores other diabetics and sufferers of cancer treatment to, as his doctor told him, “try it, you’ve got nothing to lose”.

“The hyperbaric therapy gets … you feel(ing) better and your wounds heal so much quicker,” he said.

“For my own case, it works “I’m all for it. I believe in it.”

Hyperbaric Chamber for treatment.

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

• Diabetic ulcers • and many more

Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy help you?

Go to wesleyhyperbaric.com.au for the full list of treatable conditions.

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Call 07 3371 6033

Northern NSW

Monday, September 18, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

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Seniors 9

10 Seniors Northern NSW

Wellbeing

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, September 18, 2017

MEN’S CANCER MONTH SPECIAL FEATURE

Men, how is your sex life?

You may have an underlying problem that causes ED Foundation 49

HUMAN sexuality is complex and varied and can be influenced by any number of factors.

These include but are not limited to your age, your physical and emotional health, medications you may be taking, substance use and abuse, lack of sleep and work stresses to name a few.

Sometimes one person’s sex drive doesn’t match his or her partner’s sex drive.

The simple truth is that everyone is different and there is no norm for sexual behaviour.

Erectile dysfunction is a common condition where men have difficulty getting and maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual activity.

Often men joke about it, but when it happens over and over, it’s not only

distressing but can mean something is wrong.

We take getting an erection for granted, and think it will come up whenever we demand.

However the mechanism is complicated, requiring the mood and healthy nerves and arteries to make it happen.

Most men will have occasions where things don’t work out – that’s normal and shouldn’t cause concern. However when it persists this can be very distressing to both the man and his partner.

The longer it is left untreated, the more the relationship may suffer.

Unfortunately many men start to avoid sexual activity rather than seeking help.

For men in middle age, the blood flow to the penis may be impaired because of smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes or high

MEN'S HEALTH: Get advice on dealing with the common problem of erectile dysfunction.

PHOTO: BOWDENIMAGES

cholesterol. When this is associated with ED it can mean the circulation to the heart may also be impaired.

Checking out a man with ED often picks up these problems in a timely

way, allowing the underlying conditions to be treated before more serious problems arise.

Mental health problems also frequently affect sexual function.

For most men with ED,

treatment is available which will allow an erection to be achieved and sexual activity restored. The local GP is in a position to guide men about these treatments, as well as assessing the

important associated factors.

Other sexual dysfunctions are not so common but also need to be addressed. These include loss of interest in sex, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation and inability to climax. Again the local GP can help with these conditions or recommend an expert who can help.

If you are having problems in this area talk about it with your partner.

Sometimes they feel rejected as they don’t understand what is going on. They may feel they are to blame, or you no longer find them desirable, or you may be getting sex elsewhere.

If talking to your partner about your sexual needs and concerns is too difficult, seek professional assistance from a third party you trust, like a GP or sex therapist.

For more details, go to www.andrologyaustralia. org.

Men’s Health: Learn what cancers affect men and help reduce the risk RATHER than ignore the fact that cancer may affect you, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk or find it early.

■ Stop smoking.

■ Keep a healthy weight.

■ Protect yourself from the sun.

■ Be active every day.

■ Slow down on alcohol.

■ Eat moderate amounts of lean red meat and limit or avoid processed meats.

■ Enjoy eating plenty of fruit and vegetables.

■ Each a variety of high-fibre foods.

■ Go low with salt and fat.

SKIN ■ There are three main

types - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

■ Keep an eye out for new or changing skin spots.

■ Use this check list to go top to bottom - check your head, scalp, neck and ears, sides and front of torso, your back, arms, hands, fingers and fingernails, toes, toenails and soles.

■ Ask a family member or friend to help check the back of your legs and upper body.

■ Visit your GP if a spot has changed colour, size or shape, has an irregular

border, or becomes itchy or bleeds.

PROSTATE ■ This is the most commonly diagnosed cancer.

■ The exact cause of this cancer is unknown.

■ Risk increases with age for men 60 and over, and for those with family history.

■ Early prostate cancer doesn’t usually cause symptoms.

■ Later-stage urinating symptoms can be feeling an urgent need to go, difficulty starting, a slow or intermittent stream, leaking or dribbling after

urination, pain when urinating, pain in the lower back or pelvis, blood in the urine.

■ Doctors can conduct a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and may also do a rectal examination.

TESTICULAR ■ It’s more common for men aged 18 to 39, and in men born with an undescended or partially descended testicle or testicles.

■ Look for a hard lump on the front or side, a change in size or shape, a difference in size between testicles, a heavy or

dragging feeling the scrotum, pain or discomfort in the testicle, scrotum or lower abdomen.

BOWEL ■ Bowel cancer risks increase with age, with men over 50 the most common to be diagnosed.

■ Risk factors are a history of bowel polyps, ulcerative colitis or Chron’s disease, and a family history of the disease.

■ It can be treated if detected early.

■ Most often there are no early symptoms.

■ If your bowel habits

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change, go see your GP. LUNG ■ Smoking causes 90% of lung cancers in men.

■ Other risk factors are being over 60, a family history of lung cancer, a history of lung disease and exposure to substances such as asbestos, coal gas, diesel fumes and radiation.

■ See your GP if you have a persistent cough which lasts more than three weeks, a change in a cough or coughing up blood.

For more details on the cancers listed above, go to: cancercouncil.com.au.

Northern NSW

Monday, September 18, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 11

Living

Living together 24/7 Retirement might put strain on your long-term relationship

TUNED UP FOR THE THIRD AGE PAUL McKEON challenge could be waiting for you in the early years of retirement is a major plus as this allows you to be better prepared if or when it arises.

Here are some tips to consider if living together 24/7 is, or could cause, a strain on your loving relationship.

■ Talk to your partner about what you want to do in retirement, as you may have different ideas and

THRIVE TOGETHER: The change of being together in retirement all day, every day can cause relationship strain. Be prepared to try new experiences and activities.

Rise and recharge to better health DO YOU realise how much time you spend each day sitting down? Long periods of sitting increases our risk of developing heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. Experts are even calling sitting the new smoking.

Some sedentary behaviour fast facts are: ■ The way in which we work, communicate and travel has changed drastically in recent decades.

Almost all of these changes have resulted in our bodies moving less.

■ Studies are telling us physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.

■ Lots of sitting is associated with a higher risk of chronic diseases such as waist circumference and blood glucose, insulin, and blood fat.

■ We often underestimate how many hours we spend sitting during their day, including at a computer/device, commuting, driving and in front of the television.

Become chair-aware, by downloading the free

smart phone app, Rise & Recharge to help you spend less time being sedentary and more time getting back your active health. Use Rise & Recharge to track the time you spend sitting and how often you get up. Move at least once in a 30-minute period and add up your periods of movement to achieve your star rating for the day. Aim for the ultimate of achieving a 5-star day. To help you achieve this, customise your app reminders to receive regular alerts to get up and move.

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happy.

■ Focus on the positives of your relationship and your partner, rather than only seeing the negatives.

■ If you are having problems in the relationship, be prepared to discuss them openly and calmly.

■ Make changes to your own behaviour that will help improve the relationship.

■ Be prepared to try new experiences and activities. Now is the time to explore the opportunities that life offers.

If you would like more comprehensive advice, we have published a book titled How Your Relationship Can Thrive in Retirement.

It’s on our website: retirementbooks.com.au.

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WITH most of the emphasis in retirement planning is on our finances, many people are surprised to discover that living with their partner 24/7 is not as easy as they anticipated.

In fact, the early years of retirement can be a danger time for a long-term relationship.

The reality for many couples is that they have grown apart through the years with their focus on careers, children and their individual lives, and the change of being together in retirement all day, every day can cause relationship strains.

Understanding in advance that this

some compromises could be necessary. It’s important you both listen as well as talk.

■ Discuss changing domestic chores and responsibilities so each partner makes a similar contribution.

■ Give each other space.

Spend some time apart every week.

■ Focus on what you can do to improve the situation, rather than thinking or saying what your partner should change.

■ Learn to resolve disagreements without damaging the relationship. It’s not necessary to have an argument.

■ Take responsibility for your own happiness rather than expecting your partner to make you

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12 Seniors Northern NSW

Living

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, September 18, 2017

The Rainbow dragons Competitive paddlers who are winning races and friendships

THREE septuagenarian members of the Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Club are training hard to compete in the Masters Games in Tasmania, in late October.

With five knee replacements between them, these 70s+ athletes train at Lake Ainsworth four to five times a week in “Fightin’ Fit” preparation for the games at Barrington Lakes, in Tasmania from October 24 to 28.

Dragon Boating is an “all encompassing” sport, requiring rhythm and timing, core muscle strength as well as a solid leg drive. Good technique is crucial to the boat’s speed and the sport demands complete focus while racing.

The three athletes are Annola McQuade, Gary Wilkinson, and Graham Tucker who participate in “on land” exercises of weight training and aerobics, as well as “on

❝

Good technique is crucial to the boat’s speed and the sport demands complete focus while racing. the water” drills in strength and endurance.

Annola has been a “Dragon Lady” for over 10 years and boasts of being the oldest female competitive paddler on the team. She has participated in several Pan Pacs and Masters Games and looks forward to the Tasmanian experience.

Gary joined the club last year bringing with him an extensive knowledge of boat maintenance.

He found that dragon boating was a great way to keep fit and he enjoys the camaraderie.

Graham is relatively new to Dragon Boating too, after realising that surfing

was not a viable sport for him anymore. He appreciates the team effort required by every paddler to get the boat across the finish line.

For both men this will be their first Australian Masters Games.

We wish them good luck and kind weather.

MASTER ATHLETES: Annola McQuade, Gary Wilkinson, and Graham Tucker from the Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Club.

The Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Club Inc. is an inclusive sports club that encourages paddlers of all abilities to participate. We have a strong athletic focus as well as supporting breast cancer survivors and people with disabilities.

The breast cancer survivor group and their supporters, Rainbows Dragon Abreast (RDA) meets every Sunday morning for a paddle.

The club motto is Fitness, Fun and Friendship and even though we paddle hard we also have an emphasis on physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Website: www.rainbowdragons.com.au

Online search for a Senior flatmate FOR some Seniors it can be a quandary working out how and where to start looking for a housemate, but one national website is offering a solution.

Amanda Graham’s website Senior Flatmates gives both the landlord and the tenant a free tool to connect online. Seniors looking for somewhere to

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compatible. Each advertisement is vetted by Ms Graham’s team before it goes live. There is a search box to see what is available. Once an ad is chosen, there is an email form and a phone number for the individuals to connect directly with each other. Website: seniorflatmates.com.au.

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Included in the advertisement may be a person’s view on sharing, their expectations including pets, smoking, sharing bills, and so on; all of which helps others determine if they would be

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Monday, September 18, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 13

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14 Seniors Northern NSW

Advertorial

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, September 18, 2017

Ageing is for the lucky

Research is carried on to find means of healthy ageing WE HAVE all heard the phrase that we are now living with an ageing population.

One (very good) way to look at this is that it means that we can all walk this earth about twice as long as people did only 200 years ago.

What a great achievement of mankind.

This has mainly come about because of better nutrition, breakthroughs in science, better healthcare and we now live in a time that is relatively peaceful.

What luck to have a much greater chance of living a little longer on this lovely little planet.

As we age, we must all realise that we are truly very lucky.

Though, not all aspects of ageing are a walk in the park. For example, one in three people over 85 will have some form of dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia in seniors and is at the front of everyone’s mind as the population continues to live such wonderful long lives.

To help understand and even find possible ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, many types of studies around the world are attempting to find new ways of treating this debilitating disease.

Some studies look at the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, but

AGEING POPULATION: Due to breakthroughs in science, better healthcare and nutrition, we are living longer than previous generations.

the majority have now taken the approach of trying to prevent and/or slow the early stages of this disease.

The need to find a treatment for this disease has three key perspectives.

First, an individual point of view, where a person can have a better quality of life as they enter old age.

Second, a family point of view, where the family is less emotionally strained by the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Finally, a societal point

❝

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia in seniors and is at the front of everyone’s mind as the population continues to live such wonderful long lives. of view, where society can benefit from a healthier population where less resources are put into this area of healthcare and maybe put into something like park lands, education, community groups or other areas.

To help pave the way for future generations, researchers and volunteers are leading us to new breakthroughs in fighting this disease.

With the generous contribution of the public through participating in

clinical trials, we get closer and closer to a solution.

Soon we may all be the lucky ones who live into old age with healthy minds and happy hearts.

If you or anyone you know would be interested in participating in clinical trials, please contact the Genomics Clinical Trials Centre (part of the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation at the Queensland University of Technology) for more information on ways to be involved: Genomics Clinical Trials

Centre, call 5688 7170.

Address: 299 Rio Vista Blvd, Mermaid Waters.

You can also access useful information on Alzheimer’s disease with the following organisations: ✰National Dementia Helpline: call 1800 100 500, 8.30am to 4.30pm, Weekdays or website: fight dementia.org.au. ✰Alzheimer’s Association Queensland: call 1800 639 331, email: helpline@alzheimers online.org or website: alzheimersonline.org.

QUALITY OF LIFE: Our population is living longer and research is required for healthy ageing. Though, not all aspects of ageing are a walk in the park. For example, one in three people over 85 will have some form of dementia.

Northern NSW

Seniors 15

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Monday, September 18, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

16 Seniors Northern NSW

HOW DO I FIND A WILL AFTER SOMEONE DIES?

A family member or close friend dying unexpectedly is difficult enough to deal with. What happens if you can’t find a Will? Attwood Marshall Lawyer Larisa Kapur, who practices exclusively in Wills & Estates, gives some tips on this difficult area of law.

We receive many enquiries from family members and friends unable to find the last Will of a relative or friend who has passed away. They are often hoping for a quick and easy solution to help them locate the last Will. Many people believe there is a central ‘Wills register’ and that solicitors can easily find them. Unfortunately this is not the case and finding a lost Will can become a timely and costly exercise for family and loved ones of the deceased person.

It is much easier for friends and family if a Will can be found. Most banks and insurance companies require a certified copy of the Will and the death certificate before they will release any funds. In many circumstances (and depending on the amount or value of the assets involved), they will require a Grant of Probate of a Will or Letters of Administration.

Is there a centralised Will registry?

No - there is not a Government operated Will registry in existence. There are a few internet based, privately run, Will registries that charge ongoing fees for storage of an electronic copy of your Will and an address of where the original Will is kept. This is not something that is utilised often due to the ongoing membership fees and the requirements to keep contact details updated.

Where to start looking for the Will?

In order to progress with the deceased Estate administration it is vital to conduct rigorous searches in an attempt to locate the last Will of the deceased. The Court will require evidence of the searches taken to locate the last Will of the deceased in any application for a Grant by personal representatives of the estate.

If you are unable to locate the Will at the deceased’s last known residence and by searching personal possessions and paperwork then you should try the following steps: 1. Contact the person’s bank to see if they held a safety deposit box or had documents held in safe custody or securities; 2. Contact local solicitors where the deceased person resided throughout their life and ask if they hold a copy of the Will for the deceased (look for any paperwork or correspondence from solicitors); 3. Contact QLD Public Trust Office or NSW Trustee and Guardian (or equivalent in your State) – they have an online Deceased Will Enquiry portal that allows you to search for Wills they may have in their custody; 4. Submit a request to the Supreme Court of NSW to search the Probate Office as they maintain a Will registry, where any person can voluntarily deposit their Will for safe keeping – fees apply; 5. Contact the Law Society of NSW and request a search of their safe custody.

Also solicitors can place an advertisement in the “lost Wills section” of the Law Society of NSW Journal for other solicitors state wide to see (the equivalent in QLD is through the QLD Law Society Proctor Journal); 6. Check the person’s computer and smart phone – there may be an electronic copy of a will or evidence of their testamentary intentions.

There is no quick and simple way to locate a lost Will. The above steps are a starting point and are to be considered as part of a process of elimination.

Was there a valid Will that may have been lost?

Another important thing to do is establish if the deceased actually did make a Will but it is missing. A valid Will usually appoints an Executor and gives them immediate rights in relation to the administration of the deceased Estate and the assets owned by the deceased as at the date of death. No Will means the next of kin will need to apply to the Court to be given these rights in lieu of the Will (Letters of Administration). This is an added cost to the Estate.

If a Will cannot be found but there is evidence to confirm that it was last seen and in the possession of the deceased then there is a legal presumption that the Will has been intentionally destroyed by the Will maker in order to revoke it. To rebut this presumption the court will consider facts to prove that the Will existed with the intention to remain and that it was duly executed.

Things to consider as to whether the Will was intentionally destroyed or not are:1. The context of the Will and the Will maker’s attitude towards the beneficiaries.

Has the relationship changed between the deceased and any family members or close friends that were intended to be beneficiaries in the Will?

2. Did the deceased talk and/or mention their Will to friends, family or neighbours?

3. Is there any evidence that the Will was destroyed?

4. Was the deceased able to destroy the Will (consider physical and mental limitations)?

What if the Will is nowhere to be found but there is evidence of a Will?

If there is concrete evidence that a valid and duly executed Will existed prior to the death of the deceased and it was not revoked, then it is very important to obtain proper legal advice to explore your options.

An interesting case from 1993 demonstrates the Courts power to reconstruct a Will should there be evidence in support of the claim. A famous Sydney artist, Brett Whitely, hand wrote his Will, had it witnessed by two independent witnesses and hid it at his house. At that time, Mr Whitely shared the existence of the Will and its whereabouts with a trusted friend. Subsequently, Mr Whitely openly discussed terms in his Will with his daughter and some of his friends on numerous and separate occasions. After Mr Whitely’s death the Will was nowhere to be found. An application was brought to the Court to reconstruct the Will based on sworn evidence about the terms of the Will and its existence. The Court found there was sufficient evidence to reconstruct Mr Whitely’s Will!

CONCLUSION Hopefully you have picked up some useful tips from this article to assist in finding a Will. Sometimes speaking to lawyers who are experienced in this area of law can help you in your search.

Please note Attwood Marshall Lawyers offer free storage of important legal documents in our secure safe custody strong room as part of our service to our clients. Our clients’ families know exactly where to look for important legal documents when you get sick, lose capacity or die.

You are welcome to contact our office with any enquiries concerning lost Wills & Estates. 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 minute appointment with one of our dedicated Estate lawyers.

Freecalll

Visit our website attwoodmarshall.com.au

Coolangatta | Kingscliff | Robina Town Centre

Community HOW TO SUBMIT NOTICES

TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (100 word maximum). If you would like to submit a photo, please ensure it is at least 180dpi with faces in a nice and bright setting.

Deadline for the October issue is October 4. Email Nicky or Chris at community notes@seniors newspaper.com.au.

ACTIVITIES AT TINTENBAR HALL

CARPET bowls: fortnightly on a Friday at 10am-noon, September 22. Scrabble: fortnightly on a Thursday at 10am-12pm, September 28. Contact Marg on 6687 8033 for more information.

TACT COMPUTER CLUB A NEW course will be available ‘Microsoft

Office’ starting in October, covering aspects of Outlook, Email, PowerPoint and One Note.

This will be an interesting learning experience for all students TACT is located at The South Tweed Sports Club, 4 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South. Days for new and prospective are held on the last Friday of each month from 10am- 12pm.

Members can enrol at any time TACT has 22 PCs Running windows 10 & 8.1 the club gives tuition for beginners through to Advanced students in a fully comfortable air conditioned computer room set aside for students. Call 07 5524 9212 or visit www.tact.org.au.

AOOB TWIN TOWNS BRANCH

OUR monthly meetings are held on the 1st Friday of each month at South Tweed Sports Club, Tweed Heads South at 2pm (NSW time) in the Secret

Garden Room. We are a not for profit organisation raising money for local children’s charities, story dogs, palliative care, baby and children’s wards at Tweed Heads Hospital and Westmead Children’s Hospital. New members are most welcome. We raise our money by holding raffles and bus trips. Our next bus trip is to the Port of Brisbane on October 22. Contact: Twenette on 07 5523 2939.

NSAA (QLD)

THE Gold Coast South-Twin Towns Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia - Serving from Tallebudgera to The Tweed. If you served in any Forces of the Commonwealth "between" 1951 -1972 then why not join us and re kindle the camaraderie you experienced during your Service. We also have a full Social Program and New Members are always welcome to attend.

CHAMPION GARDENER: (centre) Jean Connolly of Uki with Murwillumbah Garden Club President, Wayne Tagget and Patroness, Marguerite Boyd.

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Neighbourhood News

FROM PAGE 16

Contact: Tom Hughes, Public officer on 07 5513 0665.

U3A TWIN TOWNS

THE dynamic Ilona Tanner is this year’s U3A Twin Towns recipient of the Senior of the Year award.

While Ilona said she was surprised by the accolade, a look at the list of her contributions to U3A during her 10 years as a member makes it clear, this is a well-deserved award. Among her list of other valuable skills are leadership with her holding the role of vice president of the local group, convenor and instructor of the laughter yoga group, photographer, caterer and co-convenor of the 2017 Network Queensland State Conference. We offer classes, activities and social events for mature men and women in the Gold Coast/ Tweed areas.

Join for the remainder of 2017 at a reduced membership fee of only $40. Classes available include physical activities and inner health such meditation, stretch and dance, tap dancing and yoga. We also hold classes such as art, calligraphy, pen and ink and card marking workshops. Every Friday, members play board

MEETINGS are held at the Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club on the first Wednesday of each month at 10am and outings on the third Wednesday of the month. Visitors are very welcome. Call Norma on 02 6676 3360.

UNITING TOASTMASTERS CLUB

COOLANGATTA SENIOR CITIZENS CENTRE FOR ‘50 & OVER SENIORS’

WE WELCOME all Gold Coast and Tweed area residents and visitors.

The Centre has a large range of activities

■ KIRRA TUGUN

TOP SENIOR: Twin Towns U3A president Frances Garland with Senior of the Year 2017, Ilona Tanner.

PHOTO: RUTH VOSS

including, bingo, new vogue dancing, computer lessons, cards, choir, indoor bowls, craft, light exercises, line dancing, mah jong, qigong, rock & roll, eight ball, table tennis, tai chi, yoga, guitar & ukulele, bus trips, hairdressing & beauty. Our next free monthly concert will be on Monday, September 25 at 1pm Qld time featuring “Smokehouse” Country Band. Call 5536 4050 or visit the centre at 2 Gerrard Street, Coolangatta.

PROBUS CLUBS

the Probus Club Of Hastings Point Tweed Coast will be on Tuesday, October 17 at 10am at the Tri Care Retirement Community, 87/89 Tweed Coast Road, Hastings Point, Visitors Welcome, Enquires with Julie on 0418 966 256 or website http://hastingspt probus.org? At our October Meeting, Katja McPherson, a solicitor from the Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre will give a presentation.

Katja will talk about elder abuse. Elder abuse is seen to be a growing problem in the community.

■ HASTINGS POINT

■ KINGSCLIFF

THE October meeting of

Seniors 17

TWEED

MIXED

games, cards, mahjong and on Thursday’s, table tennis for all skill levels; in addition join discussion groups, literature and digital photography. Call 5534 7333 or email: u3atwintowns@gmail.com

COME in and join us to Improve your public speaking and leadership skills at The Uniting Toastmasters Club. Learn how to speak with confidence, to think on your feet and be provided with constructive feedback. Meetings every Tuesday morning 9.30am-11.30am at 17 Applecross Way, Elanora.

We meet in the Robinson Hall next to the Coffee Shop. You are welcome as our guest, as the first three visits are complementary. Contact: Norma on 5534 3270 or Tuti via email: t.aulia14@gmail.com

Northern NSW

WE CAN offer you a great variety of outings, entertainment, sports, brain teasers like cards and mah jong, dining, theatre etc. If you are retired or semi retired, you are probably in the “Baby Boomer” fun loving and active age group. Maybe you are looking for a bit more social life in your retirement, and would like to meet similar minded active fun people. We have a meeting with guest speaker once a month but nearly every week there is a variety of activities you can join in with. Maybe the walking gang, maybe take in a movie and coffee, or an adventure. But best of all is our great group of friendly members.

Contact: Ken on 0403 524 964 or Rod on 0438 341 909. probuskirratugun.org.au.

VIEW CLUBS ■ COOLANGATTA

OUR next meeting will be held on Thursday, September 21 at the South Tweed Sports Club, Minjungbal Drive, South Tweed Heads at 11am.

The Guest Speaker will be John Howell, author of "The Only Woman at Gallipoli", a fascinating story which will be of interest to all. Visitors are most welcome. Come along and enjoy fun and friendship with members over a Luncheon on the third Thursday of each month. Visitors are always welcome and will enjoy fun and friendship over a Luncheon. Contact: Leonie on 07 5523 3774.

■ MURWILLUMBAH EVENING

OUR next dinner meeting will be on Monday, October 9 at the Murwillumbah Services Club. The meeting starts at 6.30pm for a two course dinner at 7pm.

Cost $25. We will hear from a very interesting guest speaker by the name of John Howell who has written his first book ‘The Only Woman at Gallipoli’. It emerged from a snippet that he read – a story so fascinating that it started a search.If you would like to attend or know more, call Lesley Larsen on 02 6672 6753.

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.

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Listen every weekday from 9am – midday.

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

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Monday, September 18, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

18 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, September 18, 2017

Money

Super way to shrink Andrew Heaven, WealthPartners

ANDREW Heaven, an AMP financial planner at WealthPartners Financial Solutions, talks about putting downsizing proceeds into superannuation.

Question: My wife and I are looking to downsize the family home and move into a smaller property.

We believe we can put some of the proceeds of the property sale into super. However, we are in our 70s and haven’t worked for years. What is the process of investing these funds into super?

Answer: As part of the 2017-18 Budget, the government announced the superannuation downsizer contribution for those looking to sell a family home in retirement and invest the proceeds into

super.

From July 1, 2018, individuals aged 65 and over will be able to make personal, on-concessional contributions into their super of up to $300,000 from the sale of their home. For those who qualify for the superannuation downsizer contribution, the existing super contribution rules for people aged 65 and older; work test for those aged 65-74 and no contributions for those aged 75 and over will not apply.

Additionally restrictions on non-concessional contributions for people with balances above $1.6m will not apply under this new initiative.

Draft legislation was released on July 21 which provides additional details of the requirements to be eligible to make a superannuation downsizer contribution.

Both members of a couple will be able to take advantage of the superannuation downsizer contribution cap. Meaning that a couple could contribute up to $600,000 ($300,000 each) to super.

There is no obligation for you both to have been on title, just that one of you was on title.

The consultation draft legislation provides for the sale of any type of property, however caravans, houseboats or mobile homes are specifically excluded.

While there is a cap of $300,000 per person, the limit of the contribution is the value of the property sale. So if you sold the family home for $450,000, the limit would be $450,000 for the couple, provided no more than $300,000 was contributed per person.

If an individual was to

sell a property for $160,000, then $160,000 would be the limit. Individuals must have owned their property for a minimum of 10 years however they are not obliged to have lived in the property for the full 10 years. There is no obligation to make a subsequent property purchase.

You can move into retirement communities, aged care, smaller properties, homes not close to schools or away from major employments centres or into your adult children’s homes.

Superannuation downsizer contributions would be required to be made to a super fund within 90 days of settlement of the property.

Extensions to this deadline may be sought from the Australian Taxation Office.

Pensioners and veterans can access

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You may make multiple contributions within the 90 days provided that in aggregate the contributions are within the caps and meet all other criteria.

However, you are limited to one superannuation downsizer contribution from the sale of a property, even if you sold a subsequent qualifying property. In order to take advantage of the superannuation downsizer contribution, the contract of sale must be entered into on or after July 1, 2018.

Therefore exchanging contracts on the property prior to July 1, 2018 would void any entitlement to utilise the superannuation downsizer contribution, so be careful.

The superannuation downsizer contribution is a non-concessional contribution therefore there are no tax

FINANICAL PLANNER: Andrew Heaven.

deductions for making the contribution.

The consultation period for the draft legislation closed on Friday, August 4. Please note the draft legislation is not yet law and may be subject to change.

As to whether using the superannuation downsizer contribution is of benefit to you will largely depend upon you personal circumstances.

Q&A with The Coach story first appeared on the WealthPartners www.wealthpartners.net. au.

They can be followed on Facebook and Twitter. Any general advice in this story doesn’t take account of your personal objectives, financial situation and needs.

Go to www.seniorsnews.com.au for the full story.

Are you a pensioner or veteran with hearing difficulties?

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*Available free to eligible pensioners and veterans only. **Private customers only. Offers end 31st December 2017. Contact Australian Audiology to find out if you qualify.

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Northern NSW

Monday, September 18, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 19

Travel

10 ANN Rickard has visited the Greek islands every year for the past 15 years.

She gives us 10 reasons why she’d love to buy the Greek islands.

1. Because it sounds marvellous: There is something special about saying, ‘the Greek islands’. It’s like saying ‘the Bahamas’ or ‘the Maldives’. It has a ring of the exotic about it. (Not that you want to go to the Greek islands just to say it out loud… but, it sounds pretty good, no?)

2. The Aegean: I could give you 10 reasons alone about the joy of the sea in Greece. Swimming in the Aegean is like wrapping yourself in silk, like immersing yourself in an invigorating salt bath. The sea is so clear and blue it is like looking through a bottle of Bombay Sapphire Gin. 3. Sunshine, lots of it: If you go in summer (and when else?), you are guaranteed consistent sunlight. In my 15 years of summers in Greece, I have never once encountered a cloudy sky or a drop of rain. It is the

things to love about the Greek islands

guarantee of consistent sunshine from sunrise to sunset that makes it ideal.

4. Greek salads: Sunripened tomatoes, briny black olives, crunchy cumber, rings of red onion, full-fat feta, a sprinkle of oregano and a dressing of olive oil (Greek of course) and lemon juice. Greece on a plate,

eat it every day.

5. The sea again: There is no fear of shark attacks or rips or currents to wash you out to sea, so swim out as far as you dare, look down through the crystal-clear water past your toes and the ocean bed below, tread water and stay there until you feel 10 years younger.

6. Choice: So many

islands offering different aspects. Party person?

Mykonos is your go. Crave peace and quiet?

Karpathos is still reasonably empty. History and culture? Rhodes has so much of it. Making new friends from around the world? Crete has a plethora of global visitors in the summer.

7. Getting around:. Fast

ferries and speedy catamarans are good if you want to island hop.

They run all day and early evening in the summer.

Best to do your research, arm yourself with timetables and plan.

Flying is quick, but you must contend with small airports and often delayed flights… not for us seniors.

8. Blue and white and splashes of red: White-washed villas, blue domed churches, crimson bougainvillea… don’t need to say any more.

9. Santorini: The rock-star of all the islands. Soaring brown cliffs rising from the caldera topped with clusters of white buildings that look like icing sugar, give Santorini the wow factor. Vivid lingering sunsets that defy belief, windmills, panoramic views out over the caldera… Santorini tops the bucket list of travellers across the world.

10. Plate smashing: Mostly only done in the tourist restaurants but fun to watch, as is a Greek dance show: lots of zorba and leg lifting and swift kicking. You’ll find plenty of these tourist restaurants in the Plaka below the Acropolis in Athens. Starting your Greek island hop with a stay in the vibrant Plaka will set you up for a perfect holiday.

Read more of Ann’s musings at www. annrickard.com

20 Seniors Northern NSW

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, September 18, 2017

Travel check list for seniors Some helpful travel tips that will assist you on your journey Ann Rickard

ANN Rickard is a seasoned and senior traveller who has made many mistakes in her annual travels. She gives us some tips that will help seniors enjoy smoother travelling.

■ The advantages of senior travel are many, mostly that we are free now to go any time, and out-of-season or shoulder-season means travel bargains. April through June is a lovely time to visit Europe or the US before the crowds have descended and when accommodation and tours are cheaper. The same goes for September and October when the masses have gone home.

■ Speak to your doctor before you go and ensure you have enough

medications to last through your holiday and at least a week after. Ask your doctor to write a list of medications and keep it with you when you travel.

If you do have to visit a pharmacy, the pharmacist will be able to match a similar brand.

■ Travel insurance increases with your age, especially once you are over 70. But travel insurance is essential.

Never leave home without it. Read the covenants on your policy carefully, especially the one about getting you home if you are taken ill and can’t fly on commercial airlines.

■ Always have a spare (or two) pair of glasses. And take your prescription with you in case of emergencies.

■ We all know to pack light, but how many of us

do it? Stick to the adage of packing, then taking half out, and if you are brave, take half out again.

I cannot emphasise this too strongly.

Many is the time I have had to post half my clothes home for lack of need – and postage is expensive.

■ Make sure your suitcase wheels are in good order, and if you must take another carry-on bag, ensure it will fit on top of your suitcase so it can be wheeled along with it.

■ Sensible walking shoes, one pair. Sensible multi-purpose flat shoes, one pair. That’s enough.

No more.

■ Train travel is becoming more popular every year.

No security airport hassles, departing and arriving in the heart of cities. But getting heavy suitcases on and off trains is difficult for the senior travel. Again, pack

light, lift easily. Ask anyone near you for help.

Or pay a porter.

■ When travelling on trains, pack your lunch and snacks. Simple sandwiches and water or drinks will save money and avoid you getting up and walking along the aisle of a fast-moving train to the dining car.

■ Long haul flights are the curse of every Australian traveller, especially seniors. If you can afford it splurge on Business Class (you deserve it).

If not, ensure you have an aisle seat so getting up and moving about is easier.

■ Some of the big international airports have long distances to walk between gates.

If you have knee or back problems or are just a slow walker make arrangements ahead and book a people-mover, or a wheelchair if necessary.

■ Stairs are the enemy of

STAY COOL: Ann shares some travel tips that will help you enjoy your holidays without the headaches.

the senior traveller, especially in Europe, where many of the smaller hotels do not have elevators. Always book a ground-floor room.

■ Ask for seniors’ discounts everywhere you go. That means everywhere, from hotels to museums and tourist icons. Even if there is no sign, still ask. You’ll be surprised how many places offer seniors’ discounts but don’t advertise it.

■ Toilet stops. Make the most of any restaurant or café you are in and use the loo even if the urge is not there. It will be 10 minutes after you have

left, and public toilets in countries other than our own are scarce (and scary).

■ Always keep an eye out for seats, benches and chairs in museums, parks, squares, streets.

Seniors need to sit more than other tourists.

■ Never take your good jewellery. If you must bling-up, make sure it is costume jewellery and your diamonds are sitting safely at home.

■ Ensure a family member or friend at home has your passport details. If lost or stolen, it is more efficient to correct if you know the number. www.annrickard.com

A blooming beauty of a weekend in Sydney Rivendell Flower Show getting ready to flower at debut event Seniors News

GARDENING enthusiasts have a great reason to escape to Sydney for a spring weekend to take in the Rivendell Flower Show at the Thomas Walker Estate.

The inaugural show is on September 23 and 24, just when the city is showing off its glorious spring blooms.

In addition to showcasing an incredible line-up of landscapers and floral designers, the weekend festival will feature an array of floral exhibits, presentations, interactive workshops, market and food stalls and live performances.

An exciting program featuring a variety of guest presenters – including Don Burke – will entice those with a green thumb.

The event organisers are expecting about 2500 visitors.

To help visitors enjoy spending a full day at the show, a picnic basket lunch can be purchased and enjoyed on the banks of Yaralla Bay. In other parts of the estate, visitors can participate in the timeless experience of savouring a high tea served in the estate’s decorated fountain courtyards.

The majestic Thomas Walker Estate, which is open to the public only once a year, is located in Sydney’s inner-west, in the grounds of the Concord Hospital.

Organising committee member Don Burke OAM said the show’s debut features a stellar program, showcasing the work of local and national

SYDNEY IN SPRING: The Rivendell Flower Show committee members, patron Dame Marie Bashir, Don Burke OAM, Alice Kang, Cecily Rogers and Sharryn White.

PHOTO: RAY RILEY

gardening enthusiasts, landscapers and creative professionals.

“I am tremendously impressed with the calibre of the show,” Mr Burke

said.

He will have on display his beautifully coloured budgerigars in their antique cages, along with colour co-ordinated

flowers from his garden.

Funds raised from the show will go towards Concord Hospital’s Department of Geriatric Medicine.

Tickets are now available. The cost is adults $20, children $5 (under 12). For details, visit www.rivendellflower show.com.au.

Northern NSW

Monday, September 18, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 21

Antarctica, Patagonia & Chilean Fjords j 23 d days from f $21 $21,499 499

per person twin share

Plant your Fl Flag in i thi this maiden id expedition cruising season including Chile, Patagonia & ANTARCTICA; a true Bucket list item! Hurtigruten is changing the world of expedition travel forever, building the safest, greenest & most advanced expedition ship ever created. The MS Roald Amundsen will feature impressive custom-built expedition equipment, taking you to some of the world’s most intriguing spots. Along with Antarctica the highlight of the journey, visit one of the most scenic national parks in the world, see the rich wildlife of Patagonia, the Chilean fjords & Cape Horn. This Exclusive Escorted Group will head first to Chile to spend 3 days exploring Santiago before flying south to Punta Arenas to board this once-in-a-lifetime cruise on this brand new state-of-the-art hybrid vessel.

Enjoy spending time ashore, kayaking, hiking & close encounters with penguins, birds & seals, whilst on-board your comfortable basecamp at sea, there will be workshops & presentations to prepare you for the incredible experiences ahead. Spend the last amazing days cruising north up the South American Coast, including the National Park of Torres del Paine, and disembarking in the colourful Chilean port of Valparaiso for one more night in Santiago.

Our Exclusive Fly/Cruise/Stay package includes;  Return Economy Airfares from Brisbane to Santiago, Chile  3 nights 4-star twin share accommodation in Santiago  Return airport & port transfers & a Santiago city tour  Economy flight from Santiago de Chile to Punta Arenas  19 day Hurtigruten Cruise in an outside twin share cabin, full board, landings with boats & activities both on board & ashore.  Wind & water resistant jacket  1 night post cruise accommodation in Santiago with port and airport transfers  Fully Escorted based on minimum 10 passengers  The option to extend your stay in South America.

Full itinerary details & ship information available in-store

Departs Brisbane 5th March 2019 *Terms & conditions Apply. Prices are per person & are correct as of 31July 2017 but may change depending on surcharges, fees, taxes and/or currency changes,. Advertised price is based on lead-in cabin category– outside Polar twin share. Valid for cruise date 8 March 2019 and offer not combinable with any other offer. A 30% deposit is required within 7 days of confirmation and full payment is required 100 days prior to departure. Offers strictly subject to availability. Package cancellation fees apply. Hurtigruten standard Booking terms & Conditions apply. Escort inclusion is based on minimum 10 passengers travelling. Travel insurance is mandatory and any required visas are the responsibility of the traveller, however Tripaway Cruise & Travel can assist in obtaining these prior to departure. Prices do not include tipping for tour guides, drivers or porterage nor items of a personal nature.

1300 737 544

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

Murwillumbah Tweed City Tweed Heads Coolangatta Elanora Palm Beach

Main St, Murwillumbah Tweed City Shopping Centre Tweed Mall Shopping Centre The Strand at Coolangatta The Pines Shopping Centre GC H’way & Palm Beach Ave

22 Seniors Northern NSW

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, September 18, 2017

A mythical and magical Coromandel Erle Levey

CLEAR aquamarinecoloured sea water tempts one to swim. Yet being mid-August in New Zealand, no way.

It reminds you of the Greek Islands, only better.

The sand beaches, dramatic limestone and sandstone cliffs as well as caves.

A photo in a travel brochure had inspired me to seek out Cathedral Cove and the quirk of nature that formed its intriguing cave. It’s one of the top spots to see and do in NZ – along with the nearby Hot Water Beach.

Yet no one had told me about it. Until now.

Cathedral Cove is walking distance from the small village of Hahei on the Coromandel Peninsula. This area of New Zealand’s North Island has long held an attraction. A workmate loved going there. Home, he would call it. That was while we were working at Whakatane, on the lower end of the Bay of Plenty. It was half a lifetime ago but his wistful tales of what it was like there became etched in my mind.

Back in Australia many years later another work colleague would speak lovingly of this special piece of the Shaky Isles.

This winter I had the chance to get a glimpse of this somewhat mystical place so locked in the hearts of New Zealand’s early inhabitants, the Maori.

Coromandel, renowned for its natural beauty, green pastures, misty rainforests and pristine golden beaches, is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most popular and best-loved holiday destinations. It was named for HMS Coromandel, a sailing ship of the British Royal Navy, that sailed into here in 1820 to get kauri pine to use as its spars.

The peninsula is steep and hilly, the range rising to a height of about 900m forms a spine. The large island of Great Barrier that lies beyond the northern tip can be

❝

You can just imagine the Maori canoes coming ashore. thought of as an extension of the range.

This rugged nature means that much of it is relatively isolated. Small islands and island groups lie offshore while the peninsula shows considerable signs of past volcanic activity.

Hahei is to the north of Whitianga, short for the explorer Whitianga-o-Kupe who came to Aotearoa, the Maori word for Land of the Long White Cloud, before the great canoe migration some 600-700 years ago. Captain Cook visited Mercury Bay when he first sighted New Zealand in October 1769

Stingray Bay at Hahei, New Zealand.

on his voyage of discovery.

He had named it to mark the place where the expedition observed the transit of the planet Mercury.

Getting to Cathedral Cove takes time ... time to enjoy the views, time to drive carefully along the roads that twist and turn up ridge lines and down gullies, sometimes winding along the magnificent coastline and otherwise through rainforests and pine plantations or rich dairy and sheep country. Once you get off the State Highway 2, the villages become smaller. Apart from some nice homes there is just the shop at Hahei. For Cathedral Cove you need either to park in the village at a designated area and walk along the coastline – perhaps 2.5km – or catch a boat tour. Otherwise, drive up Grange Rd and if it is on a weekday you might get a park at the start of the pathway leading down to the cove.

All along Grange Rd there are yellow lines on both sides of the road to signify no parking ... a tow-away zone. Once at the car park, there are good boardwalks and viewing platforms looking back to Hahei beach and of the islands. It’s a magnificent outlook. You can just imagine the Maori canoes coming ashore here or Cook sailing past.

The early part of the path is friendly for those with a disability but the

CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS: Cathedral Cave, Hahei, New Zealand.

slope down tells you when to stop according to your fitness as it soon gets steeper. Most of the pathway is sealed but there are steps down to Stingray Bay which is about 10-12 minutes from the car park, also on the last part to Cathedral Cove.

Stingray Bay is well worth the detour for the seclusion and the clearest blue of the water ... after all, it is the Pacific Ocean.

Cathedral Cove is about 45 minutes’ walk each way from the car park.

Along the way are plantations of pine trees as memorials to the world wars. The last little bit has stairs that in parts might be steeper than you expect. There is a

sheltered sand beach and the cave linking through to a second beach.

Cathedral indeed. Walk through and dodge the waves. There is even a likeness of an outline of Western Australia seeping onto the wall of the cathedral arch as a result of minerals. There is an air of grandeur, especially with the coves framed by elegant pohutukawa trees.

Then there are the rock outcrops and islands in the jewelled seas.

Te-Hoho is a large pinnacle of pumice breccia rock sculpted over centuries by wind and water. The walk to Cathedral Cove and back is made for many feet. As well as walking, there are kayak tours, sailing trips,

Coromandel Ranges, New Zealand.

a water taxi and glass-bottom boat tours.

The calm waters, the colours make a huge impact. Just like the sunshine brings a huge difference to the feel.

Check the weather before going. It would not be as comfortable in rain.

As well as being a great place to dive and snorkel, you are also a 10-minute drive from Hot Water Beach. This remarkable feature is best enjoyed two hours before and after low water mark. Take a shovel or hire one, dig into the sand and relax in the warm to hot water seeping up through the sand. It’s good to come across such uncrowded places.

Coromandel, take the time.

Northern NSW

Monday, September 18, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

What’s on

See what’s on in your area and check out these local events Compiled by Nicky Norman

ELVIS TO THE MAX FAREWELL TOUR

AFTER 30 years and 30 Australian tours, Elvis impersonator Max Pellicano’s Thank You Very Much The Farewell Tour lands at Twin Towns on Friday, September 22. It will be fans last chance to see the Detroit entertainer in The Showroom, wearing replica costumes crafted

by Elvis’s costume maker Bill Bellow and performing all the hits they know and love. Elvis to the Max: Thank You Very Much. The Farewell Tour: Friday, 22 September, 8.30pm, from $60. Bookings at www.twintowns.com.au or 1800 014 014.

OCTOBER EXHIBITION LAUNCH EVENT

NORTHERN Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG), Ballina launches four exciting new exhibitions in October.

Shadows - Yvonne Fenech; Avian Criminals and Other Fine-Feathered Friends - Angela Parr; Enchanted - Latesha Houston; Unlocked - Arts Fabrika. The exhibitions open Wednesday, September 20 and continue until Sunday, October 15. The official launch event is Thursday, September 21 from 5.30pm-7.30pm and all are welcome to attend.

The Northern Rivers

Community Gallery is located at 44 Cherry Street Ballina and is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and weekends from 9.30am until 2.30pm. For further information contact the Gallery on 02 6681 6167. www.nrcgballina.com.au.

MURWILLUMBAH AND DISTRICT CLUB GARDEN CLUB INC.

THE annual spring flower show will be held on September 28 and 29 at Jessie McMillan Hall near the Presbyterian Church Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah. Come and view entries in eight sections including open and decorative rose section, general cut flowers, pot plants, open and restricted floral art, school student floral art and fruit and vegetables.

Entry is by gold coin and light refreshments are available. There will be a stall with well priced plants. Visitors are welcome after judging (approx 10am) until 3pm on the Thursday and 9am to 3pm on Friday.

LISMORE’S 2017 FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL

PIAZZA in the Park in Spinks Park, Sunday, October 1 from 10am-5pm. A free family friendly event celebrating community spirit through all things Italian with fun and local connections.

DIVERTITI: Italian food, music, dancing and more at the Piazza in the Park on Sunday, October 1 from 10am-5pm.

Food, wine, coffee, music, games, dancing, photo exhibitions, kids activities, cars and bikes, tug-o-war and more food.

Festivities allow residents and visitors to be an Italian for a day. Join the fun. Contact Aliison Kelly on 0428 216 079.

KITTY FLANAGAN

SMASHING is a brand new show from Kitty Flanagan.

Lovesongs, sex, algorithms, chimps, clowns and psychics, everything is getting "smashed". Leave the kids at home unless you fancy them getting a real Flanagan style education.

(Please note ticket prices may attract a transaction fee). Duration: 1 hr, 20 mins (No intervals). *Allocated seating (numbered tickets).

Please note there is a $3.30 booking fee per transaction (not per ticket)

for all ticket purchases.

Lismore City Hall, 1 Bounty St, Lismore, On Friday, October 20 at 8pm-9.15pm. Ticket information: Adult: $54.90 Seniors: $49.90 Concession: $49.90 Group (10+): $49.90 Buy Tickets on: 1300 066 772.

RAW NORTHERN RIVERS

PARK Lane Theatre, Lennox Head will come alive with displays and performances from up to 30 of our region’s most exciting creatives. RAW showcases are dynamic displays of the best of what our cultural community has to offer; each event could be a mix of anything from visual art, jewellery making, sculpture, dance, live music, fashion parades, performance art, design,

Women do well in barbershop battle

THE all-female members of the Headliners Chorus have returned from the Battle of the Barbershop in Stanthorpe.

There they challenged the men of High Altitude Harmony from Toowoomba to prove that, although men originated four-part barbershop harmony, women have perfected it.

The duel by the vocal duo ended in a draw as both choruses received enthusiastic applause and standing ovations for their performances at the Robert Channon Winery.

The Headliners from the wider Ballina area resurrected their Abba costumes and presented songs by the much-loved Swedish group, along with selections from their vast

HAIR-RAISING CONCERT: Headliners Chorus challenges the men in the Battle of the Barbershop.

repertoire which includes jazz, rock, popular and show tunes.

High Altitude Harmony treated the audience to some great barbershop

standards and also sang their two competition songs - a haunting rendition of Mona Lisa and the upbeat “I can’t give you anything but love

baby”. The concert proved to the audience as well as the participants that music provides stress relief at any age, especially in a choral situation.

The culmination of the “acapella with attitude” event was a combined chorus singing the patriotic and moving Eric Vogle song Shelter, written about Australia.

Headliners Chorus musical director Cathy Gordon holds vocal education courses in Ballina for prospective new members or anyone who wishes to experience the joy of song.

For more information, call Tracey on 0438 446 809.

photography and much more. It is an exciting, vibrant night of variety in its layout and program, and a fantastic opportunity for local creatives to network and enjoy a shared experience. RAW will showcase at Park Lane Theatre on Thursday, October 19 and returns Thursday, March 15 and Thursday, October 25, 2018. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets are $20 pre-sale or $25 at the door. On sale now via: www.community spaces.com.au.

CASH LIVE: THE JOHNNY CASH EXPERIENCE

AWARD winning and highly acclaimed Australian country singer Daniel Thompson and Golden Guitar winning, Telecaster picking, Australian country music legend Stuie French, along with their powerhouse backing band, The Tennessee Express are excited to bring you CASH Live The Concert Experience and their brand new show CASH Live Revisits Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison.

The show will not only feature the Folsom Prison album in its entirety from cover to cover, it will also feature a set of The Man in Black’s greatest hits from throughout his entire career, including ‘Ring of Fire’, ‘I Walk the Line’, ‘Folsom Prison Blues’, ‘I Still Miss Someone’, and many more. CASH Live Revisits Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison on Friday, March 23 2018 at 8pm at

Seniors 23

Park Lane Theatre, Lennox Community Centre. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the bar from 6pm. Tickets are $55 each and on sale now via website: communityspaces.com.au

LOCAL LIBRARIES ★ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUP

Are you learning English?

Join our English Conversation Group. The group is aimed at people from non-English speaking backgrounds who wish to improve their English speaking skills. Meeting each Wednesday at 10am in the Murwillumbah Library.

★ROB OLIVER PHOTOGRAPHER

Join Rob Oliver as he presents his latest book Murwillumbah and the Tweed Valley – a beautiful presentation of art style black and white images capturing the history, romance and beauty of our local area. Thursday, September 21 for a 10am start. To book call Murwillumbah Library on 02 6670 2427.

★SMALL BUSINESS FACEBOOK WORKSHOP Jay will show you how setting up a small business and using Facebook media can benefit your business.

Bookings essential on 02 66 741 607.

Small things can make the biggest difference FREE lymphoma educational seminar at Lismore Workers Club this September for World Lymphoma Day. The Leukaemia Foundation is holding a FREE lymphoma awareness educational seminar for people diagnosed or affected by lymphoma.

The seminar will present the latest information on lymphoma and its management, with the aim of providing practical and emotional tools to help you with the ‘small things’ that can make the biggest difference both during and after treatment.

Important details for the event are:

WHEN: Friday,September 29, 2017.

WHERE: Lismore Workers Club, Keen St Lismore.

TIME: 9.30am registration, 10am to 2.30pm.

SPEAKERS: Haematologist Dr Louise Imlay-Gillespie and Nora Thomspon.

RSVP: Limited seats are available, please email: khogan@leukaemia.org. au or call 6621 6501 to confirm your seat.

For more information about the Leukaemia Foundation and our work in improving access to treatments for people living with lymphoma, please visit their website: www.leukaemia.org.au.

24 Seniors Northern NSW

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, September 18, 2017

Let’s save Reap the benefits

HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN SEPTEMBER is a peak planting month and if you want to capitalise on the relatively mild conditions of spring and early summer, you can produce a wide variety of vegetable crops that can be used in the kitchen.

Grow the veggies to make your own antipasto that will give barbecues, dinner parties, picnics, and even sandwiches that special touch. You can also give gifts of your cooking save a little and

give a gift that your friends and family will love.

It’s all about thinking ahead and planting fruit and veggies you will use in the coming months.

Plant the ingredients for tomato relish, pickled cucumbers, rosella’s for the most wonderful jam and cordial, eggplants, tomato and capsicum you can cook and preserve in olive oil.

Why not make sun-dried tomatoes in your oven or make your own beetroot slices for those summer barbecues or a delicious Beetroot Relish. You can stock up your pantry and save money on your weekly shop. Then enjoy the satisfying fruits of your labour.

GET SOME HELP: If you are unsure of what garden villains might be harmful to your garden, get some advice from your nursery.

GROW: Rosella's make one of the most delicious jams.

WHAT TO PLANT

HERBS: plant basil, chives, coriander, fennel, lemongrass, mint, parsley, and tarragon .

FRUIT & VEGETABLES: plant artichoke, beans, capsicum, celery, Chinese

cabbage, cucumber, eggplant, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, melons, okra, onion, potato (tubers), rosella, silver beet, spring onion, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato and tomato. For recipes go to www.seniorsnews.com.au

Repel bugs with an alternative BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN INSECTS can be extremely annoying and affect your health, especially if you have an allergy. Major itching is just one side effect from a mozzie bite but in severe cases, they can spread disease and cause respiratory failure.

The chemical compound DEET or diethyltoluamide is the most common active ingredient found in insect repellents, so finding a natural alternative is a better option.

There are a variety of essential oils that can

repel bugs, so by using a combination of oils, you can produce a plant-based natural insect repellent.

Spring is here and summer is around the corner, so create your own special blend and smell and little sweeter than the standard Aerogard.

Bug-Repelling essential oils: Citronella, lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, tea tree, peppermint, patchouli, cedarwood, lavender, cypress, rose geranium, rosemary, bergamot and lemon. ✰Lemon eucalyptus oil The most recommended and studied of the natural repellents goes by the trade name Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), which is extracted from lemon

eucalyptus trees. A preferred DEET alternative, it can be mixed with cedarwood, lavender and rosemary essential oils. This combination is a good start to keep the pesky insects away. ✰Citronella oil Aside from various benefits like being an antibacterial and antiseptic, the insect repellent properties work on mosquitoes that carry yellow fever, lice, and fleas. Apply minimal amounts of pure citronella oil to your forearms for up to two hours of protection. ✰Lavender oil Apply directly onto skin or as part of a formula, such as diluting it into olive oil, or put it in some apple cider vinegar. Also

GO NATURAL: Find an alternative to chemicalbased insect repellents by making your own.

try combining it with vanilla extract, lemon juice and some distilled water. Shake up the combo and spray it on exposed skin.

More information via: www.diynatural.com.

Beware of villains lurking in your garden THERE is nothing quite like a good day out in the garden on a sunny spring morning.

It’s easy to spend the entire day just pottering about and forgetting all your troubles. Soaking up the warmth, getting back in touch with what’s been happening in the garden But hang on a minute, there’s something not right. Among the bright new leaves and petals I see the dreaded caterpillar. I’ve somehow missed the warning sign of the white moths fluttering about the veggie garden. They lay their eggs on soft new leaves and then in a very short amount of time hungry caterpillars emerge to munch away. Now that I’ve seen the tell tale holes in the leaves, I arm myself with a trigger pack of long-life pyrethrum, a fast acting contact insecticide which is derived from chrysanthemum flowers.

All I need to do it keep a sharp eye out for the little green caterpillars. If I see them I squirt them. I can also spray aphids, ants,

thrips and whitefly if I see any of those on my mission. I’ll do this each week or so to stop any more unwanted invasions.

The white curl grub is another sneaky garden villain that I dread. They are the larvae of the African black beetle. They fly in like air bombers and lay eggs in soft soil which in about 4 weeks hatch and turn into a grotesque grub with a endless appetite for fresh plant roots. You can often find the white curl grub in planters and pots where the soil is soft and moist.

I have used a couple of different methods to destroy the grubs. I usually use a Searles granular insecticide which I sprinkle onto the area and water it in well, it is quick acting and does not harm your plants but not suitable for edible crops.

Another solution is the eco-grub, an organic insecticide containing natural eucalyptus and tea tree oil, which is safer for pets. If you are unsure ask your local nursery staff for advice.

Win A Double Pass to BCC and Event Cinemas’ special seniors screening of Battle of the Sexes Seniors can enjoy a complimentary morning tea when they catch a special screening of Battle of the Sexes on Wednesday 11th of October at BCC and Event Cinemas.

Battle of the Sexes tells the true story of the legendary tennis 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carrell), as they go head-to-head on the tennis court.

And thanks to BCC and Event Cinemas, Seniors is giving you the chance to win a double pass!

To be in the running, simply email communitynotes@seniorsnewspaper.com.au. Make sure you tell us your name (first and last), contact number, email, postal address and Seniors Newspapers region, then answer this question What movie are you most excited to see in the next year? Or 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 18/09/17 – 2/10/17. Competition drawn 5pm 2/10/17 at Cnr Mayne Rd and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Winners announced in Seniors October Editions 2017. Total prize value $54.00 (including GST). Entry is open to all permanent residents of Queensland, residing in the Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast NSW Seniors distribution areas. Permit number: NSW/LTPS/17/17638.

Wellbeing + Travel + living + Money

6649140av

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

Northern NSW

Monday, September 18, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Reviews

Seniors 25

READINGS Making changes in your retirement, memories of an outback nurse and helping kids understand about dementia.

The skills and heroism of outback nurses

Grandma happy, despite memory loss IN A scenario familiar to many families, picture book Grandma Forgets looks at the issue of dementia through children’s eyes.

The grandchildren hold dear all the memories that have slipped Grandma’s mind. She forgets the rules for games, but still "smiles and claps along", so the children can continue to enjoy her company. Grandma Forgets is an uplifting story about a family bound by love.

This is a warm, hopeful story about a family who sometimes need to remind their grandmother a little more often than they used to about how much they care.

Author Paul Russell is a teacher, artist, playwright, author and father of two.

Illustrator Nicky Johnston is an educator, speaker and author/illustrator of children’s books. www.ekbooks.org. RRP $24.99.

STORIES and memories capture the experience of nursing in the bush, gathered by the inimitable Bill ‘Swampy’ Marsh, best-selling author of Great Australian Flying Doctor Stories and Great Australian Police Stories.

With hearts as big as the outback, remote nurses are a dedicated and gutsy bunch who work selflessly to care for their communities, often in isolated and inhospitable conditions, with few resources but plenty of experience, courage and care. They deal with it all: broken limbs, labour pains, snake bites, sunburnt backpackers, lost explorers, vaccinations, and defibrillations – even the occasional crook cattle dog.

One thing they are never short of is stories to tell.

This eye-opening collection is inspiring, poignant, heartbreaking and hilarious.

RRP: $29.99

Rethink retirement with help of a friend WHEN you retire you leave behind five very important work benefits that most people are unwittingly dependent on during their working life.

Those benefits, or really needs, are money; having a sense of who we are because of what we do; structured days, weeks and months; socialisation or ability to connect with people through work; and a sense of usefulness by contributing in some way and engaging with the wider society.

Joanna Maxwell’s recently launched book, Rethink Your Career, provides practical ideas on how to manage the loss of these needs through structuring retirement, identifying who you are and thinking about where you want to go next.

Ms Maxwell recommends that everyone take times to plan for their retirement including determining who they want to be. Available from bookshops, Booktopia and as ebook. RRP $32.99.

26 Seniors Northern NSW

Local Story

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, September 18, 2017

Preserving Tweed history Yvonne Gardiner

AUTHOR David Rae is so devoted to preserving the social history of the Tweed Coast, he’s spent countless hours of his time and his own money on books that do just that.

His first Tweed Coast history book, Glimpses at the Past, published in 2010, has proved so popular it’s now on its fourth reprint.

Now David and his design and layout specialist Christian Ellis, both of Cabarita Beach, are working on a 400-page encyclopedia of the Tweed Coast, and are searching for any old photos.

“The encyclopedia covers the period from the 1880s to the 1980s, mapping the history of the early settlers, schools, churches, public halls and events,” David said.

“Early photos which are borrowed will be returned within 48 hours.

“I’m quite convinced these photos are out there somewhere.

“It was in the 1880s when the first dairy farms started appearing on the Tweed.

“The cedar-getters came before that.”

David hopes the encyclopedia will be finished for Christmas 2018.

“There’s an enormous amount of work to be done,” he said.

“If we don’t do it, the social history is going to disappear off the face of the earth.

“A third of the people I interviewed for (Glimpses at the Past) are now dead.

HISTORY IN PICTURES: George W Rogan, cream carrier at Cudgera circa 1920s or early 30s.

PHOTO: G. TAGGET

“We’re not in it to make a quid, we’re about preserving history.”

The region of interest includes Tweed Heads, Fingal, Duranbah, Kingscliff, Bogangor, Cabarita Beach, Hastings Point, Pottsville, Wooyung, Burringbar, Mooball, Cudgera, Round Mountain, Clothiers Creek, Reserve Creek, Sleepy Hollow and Palmvale.

If you can help with photos or sponsorship, call David on 6676 1118 or Christian on 0410 625 277.

David Rae and Christian Ellis lavish time and effort on an encyclopedia of the Tweed Coasts social history.

PHOTO: YVONNE GARDINER

The home of Snowy Potts, the first house in Pottsville, then Potts Point.

PHOTO: L. POOLE

Tweed exhibit showcases local aussie movies THE ‘Tweed on Film’ exhibition features objects, movie props, behind the scenes photographs, and film clips from movies and TV that have been made in the Tweed or are about

the Tweed. The exhibition features the wedding dress worn by the character Muriel (Toni Collette) in Muriel’s Wedding, on loan from the National Film and Sound Archive of

Australia, and props from the recently filmed Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, and much more.

Alongside film props is content telling the story of productions that have

used the Tweed as a film location and films about local people, places and events.

Documentaries featuring local identities and events such as Banana Business, Taylor

Made, Murwillumbah Swamp Beer and other favourites are also included in the exhibition.

A full program of workshops and events is on the website: www.museum.tweed

.nsw.gov.au. Exhibiting until Saturday, November 25.

Cost: Free.

Tweed Regional Museum 2 Queensland Road, Murwillumbah or call 02 6670 2493 for more information.

Puzzles

Monday, September 18, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au 1

2

3

4

7

5

6

15

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Across 7 Which king of the Huns devastated much of the Roman Empire before he was defeated? (6) 8 Which greyish Eurasian wild horse was hunted to extinction by 1919? (6) 10 What is hollandaise sauce thinned with? (7) 11 What was Walt Disney’s middle name? (5) 12 What secretive drab grey and brown bird lives near marshes? (4) 13 What rice-paper screen in a sliding wooden frame is used in Japanese houses? (5) 17 What is the loincloth worn by male Hindus? (5) 18 What is a baby deer? (4) 22 What flower features in the title of an Alexandre Dumas novel? (5) 23 Which is the only member of the cat family that cannot completely retract its claws? (7) 24 What figure indicates the antiknock rating of petrol? (6) 25 Where did the League of Nations establish its headquarters? (6)

8 9

10

11

12

13 14 17

19

18

20

22

21 23

24

Down 1 Which university is the US’s oldest? (7) 2 What sheet with cut-out designs or letters is used to reproduce these? (7) 3 What type of shoes usually have wooden soles?

(5) 4 Drawings and carvings of what small dog have been found in ancient tombs in Egypt? (7) 5 Which country occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula? (5) 6 What is an acute but non- specific sense of anxiety? (5) 9 What word originates from Greek for “master builder”? (9) 14/15 Which film introduced the bumbling Inspector Clouseau? (3,4,7) 16 Which serious disease is also called “wool sorters’ disease”? (7) 19 What leather device sharpened old razors? (5) 20 What was measured in ells? (5) 21 Who was brother of Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail? (5)

25

SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 9

10

ALPHAGRAMS

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

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential.

For example, if the fiveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

16

17

18

19

22

24

Down 1. Firewood (8) 2. Held on tightly (5) 4. Stream dweller (3) 5. Overwhelmingly tempting (12) 6. A token amount (7) 7. Otherwise (4) 8. Done without good reason (12) 12. Temperamental (5) 13. Felt curious (8) 15. Throb (7) 19. Bed covering (5) 20. Repeat (4) 22. Animal’s lair (3)

S

SUDOKU

5x5 R E S T S

Across: 1. Kick 3. Lenience 9. Neutral 10. Ramps 11. Legitimising 14.

Nip 16. Idols 17. Leo 18. Bloody-minded 21. Claps 22. Deliver 23. One by one 24. Stud.

Down: 1. Kindling 2. Clung 4. Eel 5. Irresistible 6. Nominal 7. Else 8.

Gratuitously 12. Moody 13. Wondered 15. Pulsate 19. Duvet 20. Echo 22. Den.

QUICK CROSSWORD

ALPHAGRAMS: LIFTS, MARRED, NEUTRON, OVERSTEP, PATHOGENS.

I L

S

FLITS RED RAM ONE TURN TOP SERVE HEPTAGONS

SOLUTIONS

E R E C T

471

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word.

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

TODAY: Good 21 Very Good 29 Excellent 37

T

T O T E S

Y

A C

C

S T I L E

Could you be a GENFRIEND? Don’t miss the chance to barter your wisdom and make new friends!

The more we grow, the more we know and the more we have to share.

If you believe in a bit of give and take, then get on the program and read about Intergenerational knowledge sharing in our October edition!

Pick up your free copy of the October edition at your local stockist or read online at seniorsnews.com.au 6513898ai

T P

L

S

GK CROSSWORD

Across 1. Boot (4) 3. Mercifulness (8) 9. Unbiased (7) 10. Sloping surfaces (5) 11. Making legal (12) 14. Small drink of spirits (3) 16. Greatly admired individuals (5) 17. Star sign (3) 18. Stubborn and unhelpful (6-6) 21. Applauds (5) 22. Hand over (7) 23. Singly (3,2,3) 24. Horse breeding farm (4)

WORD GO ROUND

T

WORD GO ROUND

23

E S

S

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

20 21

R

Across: 7 Attila, 8 Tarpan, 10 Vinegar, 11 Elias, 12 Rail, 13 Shoji, 17 Dhoti, 18 Fawn, 22 Tulip, 23 Cheetah, 24 Octane, 25 Geneva.

Down: 1 Harvard, 2 Stencil, 3 Clogs, 4 Basenji, 5 Spain, 6 Angst, 9 Architect, 14/15 The Pink Panther, 16 Anthrax, 19 Strop, 20 Cloth, 21 Peter.

15

R

acetyl aptly city clay cyst easily easy espy eyas lacy laity lays paisley palsy pasty patsy pays peaty piety pity play plays salty scaly silty slatey slaty slay spacey spacy spay SPECIALTY spicy splay stay stye style styli tipsy typal type types typical yaps yeast yelp yelps yeti

14

T T

12 13

2/9

5x5

A 11

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A S S E T

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

Northern NSW

LIVING + MONEY + WELLBEING + TraVEL

28 Seniors Northern NSW

WINNER

WINNER

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, September 18, 2017

WINNER

•

Best Medium Density Project

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Best Commercial Project $5 million - $10 million Recreational Project

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Best Exhibition Prize Home