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General Manager Geoff Crockett – 07 5430 1006 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 07 5435 3203 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Tracy O’Connor – 0438 478 204 tracy.oconnor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au 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 “Sunshine Coast Seniors Newspaper”.

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NEWS

JUNE, 2020//

SENIORS

Vitality to thrive in village Tracey Johnstone JOINING the Sunshine Coast’s burgeoning health and wellbeing sector is ComLink’s Vitality Village, with construction starting in late April on its Kawana location.

The five-level complex will house both the Queensland head office of ComLink as well as more than 400 people across a range of like-minded companies working collaboratively.

Innovator in residence Michael Doneman said these existing small- and mediumsized companies, or “villagers’’, were not startups.

“They will be filtering ideas that actually come from their contact with their clientele,” he said. “It’s not just aged services, but health and wellbeing generally. We are interested in mental health, youth, homelessness and more

because they all overlap because of the way people live their lives.”

As these types of companies often don’t have the money to conduct research, the Vitality Village hub will facilitate entrepreneurship, with the companies discovering ways of doing their existing business better or developing new revenue streams through new products and services.

Mr Doneman said the project would come together through four concepts: co-working, incubation, acceleration or taking the proven business case through to where the product or service was investment- or grant-ready, and commercialisation.

ComLink chief executive officer Feda Adra noted this approach and resultant diversification of these businesses would assist them to reduce their reliance on government funding, which was often used to

HEALTHY START: CEO Feda Adra at the project launch of ComLink’s Vitality Village health and wellness hub at Kawana.

help the businesses to continue operating.

Mr Doneman said engaging seniors with the village would be part of ComLink’s bias.

“Part of our curatorial bias is to see ageing through an asset lens, not a deficit one,” Mr Doneman said. “This applies to the village.

“Ageing is not a period of

decline, decay and erosion.

Ageing is a period of wisdom and integration. It’s a period where new kinds of exchanges are possible with future generations.

“If we can see ageing people in that way, Vitality Village is not just about fixing broken people, it goes beyond healing and making people better.

“It’s also about optimising the life that you are leading.”

The village will not be a residential care facility.

While it will be for the whole community, seniors will benefit greatly from the village approach to care.

Its community garden and adjacent cafe, which will be staffed by a three-hat, nowaste chef, will encourage

community members to work and learn about nutrition.

“It will become a social space for garden clubs, churches and schools, and an intergenerational meeting point for elderly people and where heritage varieties will be planted and discussed, stories gathered.

We are very big on stories and storytelling,” Mr Doneman said.

Technology will also be used to enhance the experience of this space, Ms Adra said.

The idea of a webcam set up in the garden area could allow seniors who are unable to visit the garden to see what was happening there at any time.

“ComLink will be in there along with a disability provider and some really creative companies that are working on the latest project with virtual reality,” Ms Adra said.

The village is due to open on May 21, 2021.

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Volunteers rally for PPE project THE Sunshine Coast’s renowned sense of community spirit has flourished during the COVID19 pandemic.

This has been seen in abundance through initiatives like volunteers producing more than 1000 medical-grade face shields for use across the region.

The 3D-printed personal protective equipment (PPE) has been helping keep the region’s health workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

During the CV19 Sunshine Coast Hackathon, more than 50 volunteers worked at venues across the Sunshine Coast – including Kawana Community Hall.

Dozens of face shields were made each week to support Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH), Buderim Hospital and other healthcare providers in the region.

The project started when five Sunshine Coast Maker Space and Peregian Digital Hub members heard that global supplies for PPE were quickly diminishing.

They decided then and there they wanted to help their community.

Dominic Vrolijks, who runs the Sunshine Coast Maker Space, joined forces with Peregian Digital Hub’s Chris Boden and their teams tested and experimented with various face-mask designs.

“Since March we’ve been liaising with the team at SCUH, offering to make 3Dprint face shields for use in the ICU ward,” Mr Vrolijks said.

“The SCUH team was very supportive so I rallied a team and set up a Facebook group to invite people to help.

“The group grew very quickly, and within two days we were able to present two

advanced prototypes for evaluation.

“Over the next few days we modified the design and delivered our first batch of 60 face shields the same week.”

Dr Owain Evans, clinical director surgical services at Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, said the health service had been humbled by the support of the Sunshine Coast business community during these challenging times.

“We’re very fortunate to be living in a community that has really rallied together to support one another,’’ Dr Evans said.

“Equally we’re proud to be able to support our local entrepreneurs.’’

The volunteers, including Sunshine Coast high school students and University of the Sunshine Coast professionals, helped to adapt an existing open-

WELL SUPPORTED: Dominic Vrolijks helped co-ordinate the PPE project.

source design to meet the intensive care unit needs at SCUH. Mr Vrolijks said the volunteers had been instrumental in the project’s outcomes, which had helped save lives.

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Sunshine Coast Council Mayor and local disaster management group chair

Mark Jamieson said the council was pleased to offer council-run community facilities to provide the space and venue for the PPE production and applauded the community spirit demonstrated throughout the project.

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FEATURE

JUNE, 2020//

Winds of change Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor THIS month we lead with Kathryn Greiner, a woman who, both in private and public, has her finger on the pulse of older Australians.

At 73 years old, Greiner is not keen on being described as “elderly’’.

The word elderly seems to have come from another time – long before this generation of older people reaped the benefits of modern medicine and lifestyle.

COVID-19 has also placed aged people in front of the debate because of the initial perception there were some who considered the virus an older person’s problem. However, the Prime Minister’s has said: “Every Australian matters. It doesn’t matter whether they have just been born or are approaching the end of their lives — every Australian matters.”

Certainly, the intergenerational solidarity shown through

many and varied acts of community kindness has supported the value of older adults during this difficult time.

Sadly, I also have to inform you that due to fast-changing world events in the areas of technology and including the COVID-19 virus, this will be the last issue of Seniors News (both in print and digitally).

Seniors News comprises a small team of dedicated professionals who have endeavoured to provide you, our readers, with inspiring, practical and entertaining reading aimed at empowering the older person.

I trust that in some way this has been achieved.

Finally, to our readers and advertisers, thanks so much for all your support, it has been a pleasure working with you. Gail

SENIORS

Stretching the friendship Tracey Johnstone THE enormous success of the ABC television series Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds has led to researchers looking at how this intergenerational experiment can be offered in the broader community.

There have been similar projects conducted through other aged care facilities, but few are known to exist in the non-residential seniors community.

With support funding from the University of NSW’s Ageing Futures Institute, project co-leaders, Dr Stephanie Ward from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, and Neurology Australia’s senior research scientist Dr Ruth Peters, will investigate how to bring older adults and young children together for learning activities.

“We were all initially inspired by the television program, which I was on,” Dr Ward said.

The geriatrician found the

UPLIFTING CONNECTION: Resident Stuart has fun hanging out with Jax and Michaela in a scene from the TV series Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds.

Picture: ABC-TV

key outcomes from the show were purpose and connection.

“I could see the way that the experiment gave the adults a sense of purpose and how important that was, for some of them, in changing their health and their attitudes,’’ Dr Ward said.

“The sense of connection is incredibly important for all of us at any age but can become more difficult to maintain at an older age.”

It underpinned much of the transformation the TV show researchers and

viewers saw.

“It reminded us as well how incredibly resilient and resourceful older and younger people are and what magic can happen when you bring the two generations together,” Dr Ward said. “Coming out of that, we want to look at what is sustainable and feasible in the longer term for intergenerational projects, and what will be useful for community-based older populations.’’

The multidisciplinary Intergenerational Integration Initiative project

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will look at the best way to deliver a similar project to what was conducted in the aged care home but within the broader seniors community.

“We want to bring together older adults living in the community with children living in that community,” Dr Peters said.

Dr Ward said: “We saw in the television show how beneficial it could be but we need more evidence to find the best way to do this.’’

While the TV show was based on four-days-a-week interaction, the researchers are considering a shorter format. The decision will hinge on the feedback they receive from an Australiawide survey in which they want anyone aged 18 and over to complete. It is available at coghealth.net. au/the-intergenerationintegration-project.

By the end of this year, the project team hopes to have resources available on how groups can conduct ongoing face-to-face interactions.

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COMMUNITY

JUNE, 2020//

SENIORS

Poem

THE KRAUSS STORY UPGRADE: The repainting of Buderim's historic Krauss locomotive has at last been completed and Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Tramway members are delighted with the result.

The Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Tramway Group wants the Krauss locomotive to be included into the Buderim landscape on a permanent basis. Pictured next to the cherished locomotive are (from left) Ray Mitchell, Caroline West, Maureen Mitchell, Erwin Deient, Karin Svensson and Bruce Horton.

I steamed into Buderim in 1914 And what a reception I got The farmers all cheered because they all knew That I’d come here to improve their lot.

I served the community for 20 years To Palmwoods and back every day Bringing in goods for Buderim town And taking their produce away.

Not just produce I carried but passengers too And soon I became quite renowned For bringing in tourists from Brisbane up To spend time in Buderim town.

But then it was found I was needed no more And I realised to my dismay That trucks could do my job better than I And I would be going

away.

And so I was sold off to Bingera Mill And for 30 more years I pulled cane But then diesel locos arrived on the scene And I was redundant again.

For 40 more years I was shuffled around And slowly began to decay My parts were being stolen until I was found By enthusiasts from Buderim one day.

So Buderim welcomed me home once again And work was begun straight away To make me look good so the people could see me In Buderim on public display.

But things didn’t work out the way I had planned And I stayed in that leaky old shed And dreamed of the life that I hoped would be mine In a lovely glass building instead.

My paintwork was fading so to my delight My owners came up with a scheme To have me repainted by expert restorers So that I would glisten and gleam.

But first I needed a much better shed To protect the new look I would get So that was provided and in it I sat And I knew there was hope for me yet.

I loved the makeover that they gave me then It made me feel just like a queen And everyone said just how lovely I looked The best that they ever had seen.

So here I am waiting to go on display And then I’ll be able to boast That this little loco is without a doubt An icon of our Sunshine Coast.

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COVER STORY

JUNE, 2020//

SENIORS

How society will change Greiner analyses post-pandemic life Tracey Johnstone

SOBERING VISION: Kathryn Greiner (AO), chair of the NSW Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing, says life will never return to what it was before COVID-19.

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MEMO to ScoMo: 70 is not “elderly”, bristles Kathryn Greiner (AO) as she stares down the barrel of the “new normal’’.

The chair of the NSW Government’s Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing and the CRC Longevity Project recognises nothing is the same right now, and nor will it be in the future when Australia, and in fact the world, gets to the other side of COVID-19.

“Social change is a pendulum that swings out,” she says. “This time it has swung way out, causing great disruption to our lives.

“When that pendulum comes back and things come back to what we now call the ‘new normal’, it will never be in the same place that it was again. We are going to be further down the technological track.

“We will have to manage our spending because things will cost a lot more because we won’t have the income we used to have.”

Seniors will need to adapt to this new normal. Every aspect of their lives, and those of younger generations, are being impacted by this health crisis and its consequent financial crisis.

While rigorous debates will ensue as the state and federal governments confront the challenges of retaining old social and economic policies, and implementing the introduction of new ones, Kathryn sees some key issues ahead that seniors need to get across.

Inviting seniors to supermarkets at an allocated time, Kathryn says, was a positive move and one she hoped would continue well into the future. However, supermarkets have announced they have stopped the initiative as stock levels have returned to normal.

“The concept that our older people deserve a bit more space and time to shop, I think, is a classic one,” Kathryn says.

However, asking seniors to do this at 8am is a tough

call for many of them, who struggle to be mobile at that early hour. She has also noticed a surge in the conversation around the lack of fit-for-purpose housing, particularly public housing, which has been highlighted to younger neighbours who are assisting seniors to cope with their everyday tasks.

Work changes The call is for the doubling of the JobSeeker (formerly Newstart) allowance to stay even though the Government has said it will reduce it in late September.

It is vital for those who are unemployed and are not old enough to qualify for the age pension.

“I think the community won’t allow the Government to go back,” Kathryn says.

“We are going back to post-Great Depression thinking by government, which is why there has to be a platform to support people who cannot work and who cannot find jobs.”

For several years now, there has been a big push to keep older workers in the workplace longer. That will change. Kathryn sees those over 50 struggling even more to find a job or keep an existing one.

“I fear we are going to go back to an era where it will be even harder for somebody who is over 55 to be maintained in employment.”

The challenge will come from younger people’s attitude to working. The favoured gig economy will slow down as young people seek to move from casual work towards permanent employment.

Staying home It’s highly unlikely many Baby Boomers who have saved to travel overseas every two or more years will have the cash to spend on their dream adventures.

Many will find the value of their investments will have decreased significantly. So too their dividend income.

“Where the travel industry has picked up the last four or five years with this ready market, that market has gone. And they

will have reputational issues to address,” Kathryn says.

Family stress “The numbers will go up,” Kathryn says about psychological elder abuse, which is happening behind closed doors.

“We are hearing older people being confined to their bedrooms in a generational share house.

“I heard of one independent-living resident who went to the shops and was then told he had to leave his accommodation. In the regional areas, there are tremendous problems with older people even being able to get to the shops.”

It is also expected that many Baby Boomers will be asked to provide financial assistance to their children, who will struggle to meet their financial commitments.

Cash to card Cash, for the most part, has disappeared.

We’re online in almost every way. Health, social connections, banking – we’re there now.

That’s OK for those seniors who can afford an NBN connection, Kathryn says, but what about those who can’t afford it or haven’t become accustomed to technology?

“We know the Commonwealth Bank is a hair’s breadth away, if not already, from not accepting cheques anymore; everyone will have to do internet banking.

“For a lot of older people, that’s a struggle.”

She says the Government needs to provide financial assistance to seniors, much as it does with things like electricity, so they can all be digitally connected via the NBN. Telehealth nod Another change that has every likelihood of staying is telehealth, if Federal Health Minister Health Greg Hunt has his way.

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and how seniors will fare ‘‘

meeting weekly with the state’s peak agencies to identify ageing issues that need to be highlighted to his State Government colleagues.

Kathryn is also putting her mind to the idea of a phone app that provides immediate senior-specific information and the possibility of keeping engaged the younger generations who have stepped up to assist Meals on Wheels as volunteer delivery drivers.

I fear ... it will be even harder for somebody over 55 to be maintained in employment. improve the accessibility of medical personnel. Kathryn uses the example of visiting her physiotherapist.

While she had five faceto-face sessions, she believes that after the initial assessment, she could have had the subsequent recovery sessions conducted through online consultations.

Ageism arises While the EveryAGE Counts campaign is working overtime to quell the resurgence of ageist attitudes among the younger generations, the idea posed as a question to Prime Minister Scott Morrison by Leigh Sales on the ABC’s 7.30 show on April 16, about locking down older Australians until the coronavirus crisis passes, receives an aghast response from Kathryn.

“That is absolutely outrageous,” the 73-year-old says.

Older Australians can be active, not so active, needing help or infirm – we are not all the same.

“The Government needs to avoid the ageist attitude digging deep into our society,” Kathryn says.

Ex-Socceroo Craig Foster led the Play for Lives campaign, one of the positive initiatives to come from the pandemic.

“They need to do a report that shows that the virus did kill people from across the age ranges.

“It’s often the ones that have a complicated or an immune-challenged system that causes the death.”

Good neighbours Community connections have been rife. They are bringing out the best in many people, who are supporting their neighbours in many ways.

But is it sustainable?

Seniors will probably see these community outpourings dissipate as the younger generations return to work, their social connections spread out from their homes and local streets, and the children return to normal school attendance.

“I think it will be hard to maintain,” Kathryn says.

Creating an in-building

intranet is one suggestion she makes for those living in close communities to stay connected well after this pandemic.

Another suggestion is using local libraries as social hubs.

“Hopefully for those that have been isolated but somehow found their way into engaging in a group, let’s keep our fingers crossed they feel motivated to keep engaged in that group,” Kathryn says.

Taking action The five years ahead will be interesting, Kathryn surmises. The trillion dollars the Government has committed to getting Australia to other side has to be paid back, somehow.

Where will that money come from?

“I fear it will come out of the older people,” Kathryn says. “Will that mean the

GST will rise? Will that mean there will be a wealth tax?

“Will that mean that a land tax will come on to the family home? Negative gearing will go out the window.

“These are areas that we as a nation have been dancing around. This kind of a crisis may bring them back to the fore.

“Certainly, in the short term, if not in the long term.”

Not all that she sees coming out of COVID-19 is bad. Look at the #PlayForLives campaign.

Former Socceroo Craig Foster is driving the campaign, which is encouraging professional athletes to take on essential volunteer positions left vacant due to COVID-19.

Kathryn cites this as a good example, as well as the recruitment of volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers

through sports clubs with footballers who’ve suddenly found time on their hands.

The “innovation and agility in organisations and their capacity to pivot” is impressing Kathryn.

Take, for example, the restaurant trade with its move to takeaway meals.

“The second one is the recognition that older members of our society are due a certain degree of respect, which has been missing in our very forwardlooking, young-thinking country,’’ she said.

“I think we have to bring more care back into the community and we have to look after those who may not be able to look after themselves.

“The Government is (also) far more aware of older people.”

NSW’s minister responsible for ageing, Dr Geoff Lee, is already virtually

Local governments Seniors need to push their local councils to be the “dynamic driver” of community connections, Kathryn enthuses.

While many councils struggle to be innovative, Kathryn sees opportunities for them if they can pivot as a result of what they observe during the pandemic and reinvent themselves as key delivery agents for positive community change.

“The further away from the ground you get, the harder it is for the granularity of it to be seen as so important; you think far more in the macro,” Kathryn says.

“I think the issues of people and their everyday lives are very much micro; they are on the ground with state and local governments.”

When it becomes appropriate to meet, Kathryn expects various local and state government entities to discuss the lessons learnt and the changes that need to be made.

Seniors Virtual Expo 2020 To find out more phone Melissa Wilkie on 0421 166 699 Visit www.facebook.com/seniorsnews or www.seniorsnews.com.au

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While attending any sort of Expos in person is not allowed right now, Seniors News is about to bring the Expo to you – online! From June 1 to July 30 www.seniorsnews.com.au will turn the spotlight on businesses who are supporting seniors to live a better life, and also supporting Seniors News as we continue to publish our eight monthly newspapers and online content every day. Watch for updates online.

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NEWS

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SENIORS

Community notes

Community group guide Since this is our last publication, I would like to thank everyone for sending in your community notes and pictures. It’s this collective contribution that has made Seniors News a true community publication and it is now, as always, much appreciated, Gail, Editor.

VINNIES SHOPS TO REOPEN VINNIES shops are a vital community service.

We are reopening our 53 shops across Queensland in a staggered approach.

Drop back in to your local shop now.

TYPE 2 DIABETES WORKSHOPS OUR free Type 2 Diabetes and Me workshops are returning to the community.

If you are diagnosed with T2D, newly diagnosed or looking for a refresher, then join us on either Thursday, June 18, in Caloundra or

Thursday, July 2, in Maroochydore.

Workshops cover selfmanagement, annual cycle of care, healthy lifestyle behaviours and support.

To accommodate social distancing, group sizes will be limited. Bookings are essential.

Phone 07 5479 9670 or email SC-T2D-Education @health.qld.gov.au.

SUNSHINE COAST COMPUTER CLUB INC OUR club was formed in 1988 with Caloundra TO PAGE 13

STAYING CONNECTED: Tourism Noosa volunteer coordinator Wendy Cutting and volunteer Bernadine Devereux, with 100-plus other volunteers, have been self-isolating but still keep in touch thanks to strong connections made through the Noosa Inspiration Centre.

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FROM PAGE 12

identity the late Ernie Camilleri as one of the founding members.

The club had a few name changes during the years, with the present name being adopted in mid-1997.

When the club was formed, the only “technology’’ item that widely concerned people was the computer.

As there was the need from early days of the club, hands-on computer lessons for the public and members, in subjects from beginners to advanced and special interests such as word processing and digital photography etc, were held.

To meet the need, club meetings were held at venues over the Coast from Caloundra to the North Coast, including Noosa and Yandina.

Currently the club has meeting venues at Caloundra and Buderim, where weekly meetings are held (pre-coronavirus.)

Over the years, technology items such as computers, smartphones, tablets and household devices are being used for so much more, both in business

and for personal use.

Technology, particularly in the past few months, has kept people in touch with each other and been used for online shopping and even for medical care by video links. The club has advanced by keeping up with the latest in technology to pass on to members.

For further information, phone 07 5492 1005, go to sccc.org.au or email the club at sccc@internode.on.net.

ST PETER’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, MAROOCHYDORE IF YOU miss attending church and would like to become part of an Online Church community, Reverend Tania Eichler at St Peter’s Anglican Church has five services a week and they can be accessed via Facebook.

The Sunday service starts at 9am and weekday services are at 9.30am.

The Facebook address is facebook.comstpeters anglicanchurchmaroochy dore/live/. For more information, phone St Peter’s on 07 5443 2133.

MELANOMA PATIENTS AUSTRALIA

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BECAUSE of government restrictions, the Sunshine Coast Branch of Melanoma Patients Australia is unable to hold its usual monthly meetings; however, we are still active and meeting online via Zoom.

If you have melanoma, or a friend does, and you would like to talk to some of our friendly, caring group members, please phone Christine on 0412 689 546 and she will arrange for you to be included in our next online chat.

TOURISM NOOSA’S VOLUNTEER ARMY STAYING CONNECTED OVER the past seven weeks, Tourism Noosa’s 100-plus volunteers have been selfisolating but staying in touch thanks to strong connections made through the Noosa Inspiration Centre.

Tourism Noosa head of visitor experience Jasmin Boyd said while the incredible team of volunteers were taking a well-earned break from their ambassador duties, they were also staying connected with their “Tourism Noosa family’’.

“Mental health and

SAVVY SENIORS: Technology, particularly in the past few months, has kept people in touch with each other, and facilitated online shopping and access to medical care by video. Groups like the Sunshine Coast Computer Club can help those keen to learn more.

wellbeing is very important, particularly in these selfisolating times, and we know that many of our volunteers would miss their weekly shifts as ambassadors in our centres,’’ Ms Boyd said.

“Through a weekly informal update via email, regular telephone calls and our closed-group Facebook page, we are uniting our vollies and chatting with

them regularly. Many are also talking to each other during their usual shift time and they are appreciative of the contact.”

Volunteer Sue Havilah said she was missing her Tuesday mornings at the centre, while Carol Blake commented: “Your continued contact is appreciated. It’s good that we vollies have made a lot of

good friends through volunteering over the years.’’

Heidi Schum said: “Thank you for the updates, it is very much appreciated keeping us connected. After all, we are a huge family and some of us have been working together for many, many years as you know.

TO PAGE 14

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COMMUNITY

“Staying together and we will get through this together.’’

Ms Boyd added: “Keeping involved and informed is important and we have set a few challenges over the past few weeks, including this week completing the Free Infection Control COVID Certificate. One of our amazing vollies, Bernadine Devereux, completed it within 90 minutes of the challenge being posted!

“Like our volunteers, we are looking forward to when restrictions are lifted and we can welcome back our knowledgeable volunteers, who are the backbone of our centres.”

SOCIAL BALLROOM DANCING AT POMONA EVERY Tuesday evening from 7-9.30, Pat and Norm Young organise a social evening at the Pomona Memorial School of Arts Hall.

Cost is $4, which includes supper. It is a very enjoyable evening as Pat and Norm provide new vogue as well as old-time dancing.

Come and be a spectator and see if you will enjoy it.

Everyone is welcome. Phone 0407 456 939 for more info or come and visit.

FREE BREAST CANCER SCREENING BREASTSCREEN Queensland Sunshine Coast Service (BSQSC) resumed routine breast screening in May following the temporary suspension of service due to COVID-19.

BSQSC clinical director Dr Alison Roper said BreastScreen Queensland was an important early detection service for women, reducing illness and death from breast cancer.

“The wellbeing of women and our staff is always our top priority. BreastScreen Queensland is implementing a range of strategies to minimise and address risk from COVID-19 for women who attend for breast screening and also our staff,’’ she said.

“Following infection control and public health advice, social distancing will be maintained in waiting areas and additional cleaning of facilities and equipment has been implemented.’’

Women who had an appointment cancelled will be contacted to make a new

appointment. “We understand that some women may have concerns about attending screening at this time,’’ Dr Roper said.

“If this is you, please talk to your own doctor about whether breast screening at this time is right for you, based on your individual circumstances.”

BreastScreen Queensland has clinics in Gympie, Noosa, Nambour, Maroochydore, Caloundra and Caboolture.

The mobile breast screening service returned to Tin Can Bay at the end of May, to be followed by Maleny and Kilcoy in June and Bribie Island in July.

“While our service was suspended, some of our staff were redeployed to other areas of the health service,’’ Dr Roper said.

“They are now keen to get back to providing a worldclass breast cancer screening service for women on the Sunshine Coast.’’

Women aged 50-74 can book a free breast screen.

Appointments are available now and no referral is needed.

Phone 13 20 50 for an appointment or more information. Early detection could save your life.

SENIORS

STORY TIME: Sunshine Coast Council libraries will reopen their doors to a limited number of customers at any one time. The library Click & Collect service remains available for Sunshine Coast library card holders.

LIMITED REOPENING FOR LIBRARIES SUNSHINE Coast Council libraries will reopen to a limited number of customers at any one time, following the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group chair Mark Jamieson said the safety of the community and staff continued to be at the forefront of decisions made by the council.

The library Click & Collect service remains available for Sunshine Coast library card holders, and the community is reminded to make use of the library’s extensive online programs and eLibrary service. One exception to the reopening will be the Maleny Library, which is undergoing refurbishment and will not reopen until a date in June. A limited Click & Collect service will be available at that location.

Returns chutes are available at all libraries and Wi-Fi remains available. Follow Sunshine Coast libraries on social media for updates and exciting content you can enjoy from home.

For the latest information about council facilities and services and business assistance, go to sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/ coronavirus.

FREE SUICIDE AWARENESS TRAINING USC’s Alliance for Suicide Prevention – Sunshine Coast will offer free online training to help community members stay alert to the signs of known precursors to suicide, as many people struggle with additional life pressures due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The alliance is coordinated by USC’s Sunshine Coast Mind & Neuroscience – Thompson

Institute and was formed specifically in response to the Sunshine Coast’s suicide rate.

The free online training takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete and is open to all members of the community.

Participants will learn how to recognise the signs that someone might be having thoughts of suicide and become equipped to start a conversation that could save a life. The training incorporates video scenarios and interactive learning based on evidence.

Experience in this field of study is not required.

A survey is also incorporated into the training to help USC researchers better understand the long-term effectiveness of the online suicide alertness training.

For more or to register for the training, go to thealliance.org.au/training/ start.

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SENIORS VIRTUAL EXPO 2020 ADVERTISING FEATURE

Bringing the expo to you THERE is no getting away from it – COVID-19 restrictions have made life pretty challenging for all of us, as individuals and as businesses.

Many of our readers look forward to this time of year when they can get out of the house and head along to a seniors expo to see what’s new among the industries and businesses who count them as customers.

For business owners, the expos traditionally offer the opportunity to meet new customers face-to-face and share their products or services. Right now, having thousands of people wander through an exhibition hall is not able to happen.

There are still great products and services out there to be showcased though, and that’s where the Seniors Virtual Expo 2020 is

here to help.

For the months of June and July, Seniors News will host an online virtual expo on our website at www.seniorsnews.com.au, where we will share the latest products and services from our advertisers, supported in print with regional advertising most relevant to readers of each of our eight monthly publications.

By promoting businesses online and in print, we’re making it easier for readers to contact businesses in the way that suits them best, and making it possible for readers to order products directly from the websites of the businesses involved.

For many businesses, online sales have helped to keep them going while their shopfronts are closed.

For Seniors, our online

editions (complete with live click-throughs to websites mentioned in stories and advertising) have seen increased interest.

And while COVID restrictions closed some of our regular distribution points such as libraries and sporting clubs we’ve found there’s been a jump in demand for our news online.

In March, traffic to our website jumped to 325,138 page views for the month and 129,923 unique visitors (as reported by Adobe).

Businesses signed up so far include Bite Dental, Algester Lodge, Jubilee Community Care, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Stafford Fashions, Aidacare, Gourmet Meals, Wellways and Van Homes.

Follow the expo action at www.seniorsnews.com.au/ topic/virtual-seniors-expo2020.

ONLINE EXPO: There are some great products and services for consumers to view and purchase online and the Seniors Virtual Expo 2020 is able to assist you with that in the comfort of your own home.

Embrace the Internet!

It’s time to jump on the social media bandwagon!

Let Seniors ease you into the exciting world of online. Get every news story - big or small, the latest exclusive offers, plus a whole heap more when you connect with Seniors on social media.

Opening Doors to the Seniors Lifestyle

Visit facebook.com/seniorsnews or seniorsnews.com.au

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FEATURE

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SENIORS VIRTUAL EXPO 2020 ADVERTISING FEATURE

Providing you with quality healthcare needs Healthcare Equipment and Service providers.

Our business has been assisting Australians in the Hospital; Residential AgedCare; Home & Community Care; and Rehabilitation sectors for over 25 years.

“Aidacare’s vision is to be Australia’s leading Healthcare Distributor in our chosen areas of focus providing unparalleled customer service and product excellence as a path to optimal healthcare equipment solutions for our customers” We participate in NDIS, DVA, iCare, and MASS services to assist clients in conjunction with Therapists nation-wide.

We are proud providers of equipment for: Aged Care Facilities; Home Care; Post-operative discharge; Rentals; Supply to NDIS or Ageing needs; Veterans; General service and repair to equipment; Complex Rehab consultants and local professional Therapists; Scripted manual and power wheelchairs; Seating & positioning products; Pressure management cushions and manual handling equipment.

Visit our Sunshine Coast showroom today at 2/35 Premier Circuit Warana.

For more information, go to aidacare.com.au or phone 07 3086 2980.

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Servicing and repair of essential equipment continues to be available.

Aidacare and Aspire brands are trusted benchmarks for quality and service in the supply of Assistive equipment. Our focus on product quality and ongoing services & support has made Aidacare & Aspire trusted brands throughout Australia.

That’s why you’ll find us on most Government Healthcare Equipment Contracts and in Supply Agreements with many Private Sector Healthcare organisations. Operating since 1987, Aidacare is one of Australia’s largest

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THE Aidacare Sunshine Coast store is operating, and available to help all customers.

We have adapted to current challenges to supply and deliver on all “Essential Services & Products”.

We supply to seniors in isolation or lockdown due to COVID 19. We are able to do in-home trials and deliveries subject to compliance with current guidelines.

Showrooms are all Open and managing face-to-face contact in compliance with Government Health Guidelines. Staff have appropriate PPE safety for all, and equipment is thoroughly cleaned and

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SENIORS VIRTUAL EXPO 2020 ADVERTISING FEATURE

Support for carers

The Posture support bras are perfect for those ladies with health concerns like osteoporosis and arthritis.

Find your perfect fit AT Big Girls Don’t Cry Anymore, we specialise in Bras Sizes 6 to 36 Cups A to N and with over 270 different sizes.

We have the largest range of fuller figured, plus size and curvy bras in Australia.

At our premises we have 1.5x2m fitting rooms in store or we do free virtual fittings with the use of Facetime or Skype with experienced trained corsetieres by appointment. We have many different styles of bras and swimwear – underwire,

non-underwire, sport, leisure, t-shirt, plunge and front opening with either posture support or not.

The Posture support bras are perfect for those ladies with osteoporosis frozen shoulders, arthritis or just for women who prefer to do their bra up in the front.

We are located at 1a/1806 Sandgate Road, Virginia open 7 days a week from 9am-5pm.

You can also shop online, go to www.brastogo.com.au or phone 07 3265 1811.

AUSTRALIA’S 2.7 million unpaid carers now have access to greater support with the introduction of the Australian Government’s Carer Gateway.

Carer Gateway provides practical information and advice and connects carers with local support services including support planning, counselling, peer support, financial packages and emergency respite. It’s free to access for anyone caring for a family member or friend who is living with a

disability, mental health condition, chronic health condition, terminal illness, or is frail aged.

Wellways Australia is the chosen service provider of Carer Gateway services throughout Queensland.

Wellways has been working with carers for the past 40 years and has long recognised that carers require support in their own right. If you provide support to a family member or friend phone 1800 422 737 or see www.carergateway.gov.au.

Lyall is carer to his mother-in-law. Carer Gateway provides information and advice and connects carers with local supports.

A Vanhome granny flat is a great addition to the backyard.

Fabulous granny flat THE Granny Flat. It’s a staple in Australian housing and accommodation and as common as a tin of Milo in the kitchen cupboard.

These secondary dwellings have been popular for decades, with reports showing Aussies are building more and more each year.

The issue the majority of the population face with building a granny flat is that they require development or building applications.

One Australian company, however, is completely revolutionising the granny flat.

Vanhomes is a family-run business hailing from the Central Coast of NSW which specialises in a one-of-akind, folding granny flat.

A Vanhome is a legally registrable and compliant caravan, built on to a series of hinges that allow them to fold out in a matter of hours.

They range from 17sq m up to 60sq m and don’t require any building application, so without council approval.

They are relocatable and can be set up in half a day as a fully functional granny flat on your property. Visit www.vanhomes.com.au.

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Laguna Estate - a lifestyle choice

Is ‘grandma’s ghetto’ your idea of a retirement village? If so, stop right there! There is nothing further from the truth.

In the past, most residents entered these villages aged in their seventies as part of a move to downsize, decrease maintenance responsibilities, experience a greater sense of safety and security, or for health and lifestyle reasons.

Today, younger retirees from age 55 are seeing the benefits of relocating to a retirement village, with the emphasis on lifestyle and making the move a liberating experience.

To those who say that they are not ready for such a move, many of the residents at Laguna Estate say that they wish they had made the decision earlier. It has given them the freedom to travel, visit family or just pursue new hobbies without any of the worries they previously had with the upkeep and security issues of their previous home.

Combining outstanding resort facilities with stylish homes in a fully landscaped environment, this village strikes the perfect balance between privacy and independence whilst encouraging a vibrant and rewarding community in which to live.

There are spacious villas and serviced apartments from which to choose, all in a quiet, peaceful location yet

so close to all the vibrant action of Noosa. The range of facilities is cleverly geared towards anyone over the age of 55, whether you are physically active or prefer a quieter lifestyle - and the grandchildren are welcome here. so what will sell you on your decision to make Laguna Estate your home?

It is a combination of many things – particularly the smart community facilities and the activities which cater for all lifestyles, but also the quality finish of both the new and the refurbished villas, the resort-style feel, the professional and hugely cheerful staff and the low monthly fees.

At some time in the future you may need living assistance but this too is catered for at Laguna Estate with assisted care apartments available.

Three meals a day, cleaning, weekly towel & linen changes and 24 hour on-call emergency staff are all part of the service.

Laguna Estate is a class act – phone 1800 012 049 for lots more information and an appointment to view this special retirement estate at 21 Lake Weyba Drive, Noosaville.

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Island haven back in swim DAYDREAMING of a winter break on a Barrier Reef tropical island where you can dive and snorkel among the coral?

Your dreams can come true when Lady Elliot Island reopens on June 13 for overnight guests and day trips from Brisbane.

Lady Elliot is within 250km of the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg via a scenic day flight.

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort owner Peter Gash says the family-run island will operate on a 50 per cent-bed capacity under their COVIDSafe plan. This ensures all operations comply with strict Queensland Health guidelines.

Peter also operates the Seair light aircraft that will V1 - SESE01Z01MA

whisk you from Redcliffe Airport to Lady Elliot and back for the best reef day trip from Brisbane. The plane boards early morning and flies up the coastline past the holiday spots of Mooloolaba and Noosa and the contrasting sands of Rainbow Beach.

After an 80-minute flight, guests arrive at Lady Elliot, and it doesn’t take long before you are dipping into the water and swimming among the coral.

Manta rays and turtles are frequently spotted here, and divers and snorkellers both find tropical fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, clams and sea urchins.

Guided snorkel tours and snorkel safaris help ensure everyone gets a chance to explore the reef. There is also a glass-bottomed boat, which reveals all the underwater action as you glide over the surface.

On low tide the beach becomes a different sort of wonderland as the island’s marine biologists take groups out to explore the littoral zone. Be sure to pack a pair of old sandshoes or beach shoes to walk among the coral. Bright-blue starfish are plentiful here.

It doesn’t take long to walk around this 45-hectare coral cay island, which is home to 88 species of birds.

Once mined for guano, it is now a wildlife sanctuary.

Peter has put Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort at the environment forefront with hybrid solar-power stations replacing diesel engines.

The Lady Elliot daytrip flight gives you five hours to explore the island. You’ll be able to pack in plenty during that time, including a swim, snorkel, beach walk, island exploration and lunch.

For more information, visit ladyelliot.com.au.

***Coronavirus (COVID-19) update*** • Great Value Holidays is a 100% QLD family operated tour company specializing in Seniors Travel • In these uncertain times, we wanted to reach out to advise of the current situation with our tours.

• 95% of our valued customers are Queenslanders visiting our wonderful Outback and Coastal destinations.

• We have no overseas customers travelling due the current travel bans on coming into Australia.

• We are in the process of deferring tours to later in the year when things are safe.

• Should the situation change we will be guided by Government Advice at that time.

• We are proud to be part of the QLD Tourism Industry and confident we can navigate through this together and continue travelling in our incredible country

*2020 Christmas Tours*

• Hunter Valley Christmas Lights Spectacular 06th Nov 8 Days from $2490 • Christmas on the Incredible Indian Pacific 23rd Dec 7 Days from $3590 • A Gold Coast Christmas Adventure 23rd Dec 5 Days from $1590 • Cairns Christmas Capers 21st Dec 6 Days from $1590

*2021 Rail Tours*

• Cooktown Discovery 04th May, 05th July 8 Days from $1590 • Cairns Port Douglas Chillagoe Caves 11th May, 17th July 8 Days from $1490 • Townsville Cairns Combo 11th June, 29th Sep 8 Days from $1440 • Iconic Historical TNQ Pubs & Places 01st June, 21st Sep 10 Days from $1990 • Awesome Foursome Gulflander Adventure Departs Monthly April - Oct from $2590 • Best North West QLD Karumba & Mt Isa 10th April 13 Days from $2890 • Longreach & Winton Experience Departs Monthly April - Oct from $1590

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ESCAPE

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Soak up the charms of Kiwi hotspot

SENIORS

BATHED IN BEAUTY: The 15km Tarawera Trail is based around Lake Tarawera, near Rotorua, New Zealand. The trail ends in Mt Tarawera’s shadow.

Pictures: Graeme Wilson

Immerse yourself in nature with lakeside walk Graeme Wilson FOLLOWING last December’s tragic eruption on White Island, it was with some trepidation that I contemplated tackling New Zealand’s latest great walk.

The 15km Tarawera Trail near Rotorua ends in the shadows of active volcano Mt Tarawera, responsible for the country’s most devastating eruption in 1886.

It took the lives of more than 100 locals – completely burying a nearby village – with ash spread across 15,000sq km and the accompanying roar heard almost 1000km away in Christchurch.

But with history showing the average space between eruptions is about 1500 years, and zero recent sign of activity, my partner and I set off justifiably confident that this sleeping giant was unlikely to reawaken any

time soon.

The free walk starts on the shores of Lake Tarawera, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Rotorua in the North Island, and winds its way around the lake with picnic and toilet facilities along the way.

While some choose to make a full day of the picturesque undulating return walk from the Te Wairoa carpark to Te Rata Bay (Hot Water Beach), we decided to spend a leisurely five hours on the one-way trip.

That still allowed time for a well-earned relax in the heated lake waters at journey’s end before a 15minute water taxi ride provided a rapid return to our starting point.

On arrival at Hot Water Beach, you’re greeted by plumes of steam spiralling invitingly upwards as boiling water from thermal springs creates a naturally heated

shoreside spa.

Along the preceding path, short climbs and descents alternate as you work your way from pumice-strewn lakeside beaches to elevated vantage points among the native ferns so famously replicated on the jerseys of New Zealand sporting teams.

The Kiwis are justifiably proud of the renowned beauty of their country and we deliberately took our time to stop regularly and take it all in.

We encountered just a few fellow hikers on our walk and, of course, the trail has been even quieter in the past few months, with New Zealanders locked down during a highly successful response to contain the COVID-19 virus that has decimated other parts of the world.

But the hope is that with both Australia and New Zealand having standout

success in managing the virus, country borders will soon reopen to allow transTasman travel.

When that happens, I highly recommend you grab the chance to venture across “the ditch” and enjoy all our near neighbours have to offer – and as a bonus be able to do it in relative peace as the rest of the world remains locked out and watching on in envy.

Here’s cheers to good times at the newly reopened Secret Spot Hot Tubs. It’s the perfect place to fully submerge yourself in the healing waters or just soak your feet while enjoying a glass or two of your favourite tipple.

Rotorua itself is New Zealand’s cultural tourism capital and staying a night either side of your Tarawera walk opens up many exciting opportunities.

Maybe take a mountain bike ride in the vast forestry areas, stroll through the awe-inspiring Redwood Memorial Grove, and ride the gondola to the top of Mt Ngongotaha to take in panoramic views of Rotorua

and surrounds.

And if Hot Water Beach has you hooked on the soothing qualities of a dip in steaming water, drop into the newly reopened Secret Spot Hot Tubs.

Fully submerge yourself in the soothing, healing waters, or choose to just soak your feet while enjoying a glass or two of your favourite beverage.

Sweet as.

An abundance of New Zealand’s iconic native ferns adds to the visual feast that is the Tarawera Trail.

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The trail’s short climbs and descents alternate as you work your way from pumice-strewn lakeside beaches to elevated vantage points among the native ferns.

‘‘

The Kiwis are justifiably proud of the beauty of their country and we deliberately took our time to stop regularly and take it all in.

Walk this way for a hike to remember.

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Hot Water Beach’s plumes of steam spiral invitingly upwards as boiling water from thermal springs creates a naturally heated shoreside spa.

22

WELLBEING

JUNE, 2020//

SENIORS

Wellbeing

Finding solace in helping to handle grief Tragedy leads Doris to bereavement education years working as a grief educator and now training funeral directors with some of Australia’s best-known brands – including White Lady, George Hartnett Metropolitan and Somerville Funerals – on how to deal with people coping with the death of a loved one.

The daughter of postWorld War II migrant parents who spoke only German in their Geelong home, Doris was so determined not to be “the wog kid” that she devoted herself to learning English and became an overachieving, straight-A student.

Not content with simply being bilingual, she studied Japanese in high school and then Japanese and German at university, ultimately becoming a Japanese teacher at her alma mater – Oberon High School at Belmont.

“Mum is German and Dad was Ukrainian – she was 20 and he was about 27,’’ Doris recalls. “They were lucky to come to a country that was

LEARNING to grieve can be the toughest lesson of all.

When Doris Zagdanski was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago, someone suggested to her it was the worst thing that could ever happen.

“I just looked at them and said ‘No, I’ve already survived the worst thing in the world – breast cancer is just a small stumbling block’,” the Gold Coast grandmother recalls.

“I didn’t tell them the details, just that breast cancer didn’t rate for me.”

That might sound surprising until Doris explains that, for her, the “worst thing in the world” was losing her daughter Claire to cot death, which is now known as sudden infant death syndrome.

More than 40 years later, the 66-year-old admits that while she might have learnt to live with the grief, she has never forgotten what it was like.

But she has found a way to handle the pain, for many

LIVE

AN

ED INSPIR

very good to them and gave our family so many opportunities.’’

Doris’s father passed away about 10 years ago but her 91-year-old mother still lives in a nursing home in Geelong and continues to speak to Doris and her siblings in German, while they respond in English.

Determined to make something of herself, the young Doris became an overachiever.

“If I didn’t get an A – 95 per cent or 100 per cent – I considered I didn’t do well,” she says.

But as is so often the case, the attitude that set Doris up to soar when she achieved also set her up to crash badly when she felt she failed. For her and her husband, Peter, that crash came on June 17, 1980.

Her life was changed forever that night after she discovered Claire’s lifeless body in her cot and then could only watch as Peter desperately performed CPR, sobbing as he begged their

DEALING WITH DEATH: Funeral industry trainer Doris Zagdanski.

baby girl to start breathing again.

“It took me at least five years to emerge from that cloud of grief. I’ve since learned that you don’t get over that sort of grief – you learn to incorporate it into your new way of living.’’

Compounding Doris’s pain was a feeling that she hadn’t been allowed to say goodbye properly during the funeral process.

“I’ve always regretted that I didn’t get to pick her up and hold her one last time, from the moment we found her in her cot. “l didn’t get to do it when the ambulance took her away and when I asked the funeral director if I could

8

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only worked as a funeral director, but also devoted her life to training others in the industry on how they can do their jobs with compassion, respect and empathy.

“A mentor in the funeral industry once told me that what happens in the first five days after a death can impact on that family for the next five years,” Doris says.

Doris has written seven books and countless articles and columns to help people deal with grief, and since 1992 has worked for national funeral brand InvoCare, both as a funeral director, Queensland general manager, and now as a trainer based at Nerang.

Buy now from a Newsagent near you!

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of the w the work Supporting t Women’s Country Queensland ciatiion Asso

— from LA to

hold her one last time, he said, ‘No, we don’t do that’.’’

Three years after Claire’s death, Doris met a funeral director and told him how she felt, in no uncertain terms.

She pulled no punches in letting him know she thought funeral directors knew little about grief – parents’ grief in particular – and didn’t know anything about holding funerals that were a meaningful way of saying goodbye. To his credit, he invited Doris to share her views at a conference of funeral directors and two years later, in 1984, offered her a job.

Since that day she has not

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WELLBEING

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23

It’s a sight for sore eyes Video hook-up simple option for accessing OPSM’s advice OPSM continues to support the eye care of Australians in light of COVID-19 with the launch of tele-optometry.

Those with eye health needs can now book a remote video consultation with an OPSM optometrist from the comfort of their home.

Using video-conferencing technology, an OPSM optometrist will ask the patient a series of questions to evaluate their eyesight, make an informed diagnosis and guide them through the next steps, including appropriate management.

Peter Murphy, OPSM director of eyecare and community, Australia and New Zealand, said: “OPSM wants to ensure that Australians continue to have access to eyecare services in the current health crisis, especially for those in remote communities and aged care facilities, people with disabilities, and essential workers.

FRESH FOCUS: With some COVID-19 restrictions still in place, OPSM’s video consultations give you convenient access to professional help, whether you have eye concerns or have lost or broken your glasses.

“Our tele-optometry services will help in two main scenarios. The first is where the patient may have an eye health concern. The second is where the patient may have an urgent need to replace their lost or broken glasses.’’

To better inform people,

Mr Murphy answered some questions about eye health and COVID-19.

Can COVID-19 be transmitted through the eyes?

Current research shows that the chance of spreading the virus through the eyes is possible, but rare. Multiple

studies found only a small amount of the virus in tears of infected individuals. That said, in alignment with the Australian Government Department of Health, you should take all necessary precautions to avoid touching your eyes.

Do glasses help protect

against COVID-19?

While glasses can provide some protection from COVID-19, that protection is limited to the shielded area of the eye. In alignment with the Australian Department of Health, you should take all necessary precautions to avoid touching your eyes.

How should I clean my glasses in this period?

COVID-19 is thought to remain on some materials for hours or days. For this reason, it is advisable to regularly clean your glasses.

A standard hand soap or glasses cleaning spray that contains detergent should be effective at removing potentially harmful microbes. Using antibacterial products such as a hand sanitiser or household cleaning spray to clean your glasses is not recommended. This is because they probably contain alcohol or chemicals that could damage the lens surface of your glasses.

What can I do about increased screen time straining my eyes?

There are many studies that associate prolonged computer use with eye strain and discomfort.

Ocular surface dryness (due to infrequent blinking) can result in symptoms. To minimise this, you should take a break every 20 minutes and look at an object 6m away for at least 20 seconds. You can also change your computer display brightness.

Arthritis website takes holistic approach relevant to any patient ARTHRITIS Australia, in partnership with the Australian Rheumatology Association, has launched a new online rheumatoid arthritis patient support website.

The free MyRA website provides individually tailored information designed to help people seize control LIVE

ED INSPIR

AN

and become active participants in their journey with the disease.

“Everyone’s journey with rheumatoid arthritis is different. Some people are at the starting point, while others have been living with arthritis for decades,” said Arthritis Australia CEO Andrew Mills.

The MyRA website was developed in collaboration with state and territory based arthritis organisations, informed also by respected international arthritis peers.

The result is a digital platform that provides a holistic patient support system. It covers topics such as symptoms, risks,

treatment options, diet, exercise, day-to-day tips, support services and how to manage pain, mental health and fatigue. It looks at how to build good relationships with healthcare teams and provides updates about COVID-19. The website also links to the National Arthritis Infoline.

8

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game-changer for people with RA. “Patients may only have face-to-face time with their rheumatologist for a few hours each year and GPs can’t be expected to cover everything outside of that,’’ Prof Proudman said.

Visit https://myra.org .au, or phone 1800 011 041.

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the work of Supporting and Country the QueenslAssociation Women’s

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Wendy Favorito has lived with RA since she was six, and participated in the trials of the website.

“It is fantastic that there is now a one-stop shop for robust and reliable information,’’ she said.

Rheumatologist Professor Susanna Proudman said the holistic approach was a

Ruth is for women who care about their families, their communities and their country.

It’s a down-to-earth magazine that shares stories about local women and their life journeys whilst celebrating Australian communities, produce, designers and ideas.

Our writers are from all walks of life and each piece they contribute brings the magazzine together in a way that will bring you joy, comfort and inspiration.

Never miss an edition!

To subscribe, call 07 469 09302 or email to: ruth.subscribe@newsregionalmedia.com m.au

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24

REAL ESTATE

JUNE, 2020//

SENIORS

Living

VERSE-ATILE: Actor John Howard’s lockdown selfie (left) during a poetry reading and (above) his sidekick Colin the cafe kelpie.

Howard brushes off the blues Tracey Johnstone IT’S ironic: the industry we are relying so heavily on to keep us occupied as we stay at home during the COVID19 crisis is largely being ignored when it comes to financial handouts.

“It seems the spirit of our society is not considered essential,’’ actor John Howard says.

“That’s what we do: we tell stories about our society.

Apparently, according to this Government, that’s not essential, yet it seems in lockdown people find it extremely essential.’’

Most of the industry participants who have brought us films, plays, operas, TV shows and music live on casual employment; day to day, contract to contract.

Add age into the mix and the immediate future is dire.

Howard, 67, a Silver Logie winner, star of many iconic Australian movies, plays and TV shows such as SeaChange and Packed to the Rafters can’t qualify for JobKeeper, is too old to receive JobSeeker and is far from ready to retire, so the pension isn’t the answer either.

There is no reason for him

to stop working; he knows he can keep going until he drops, as long as there are acting roles for him.

On March 15 and in the throes of delivering a stellar performance in Melbourne as part of the national tour of the comedy show Senior Moments, Howard found himself unemployed and on a plane home to Sydney.

The upside of that experience? He discovered he has a “beautiful” singing voice. Delivering Puccini’s Nessun Dorma in a mock opera during the show, Howard was quite surprised he could do it, and well.

Could he add this to his long list of talents? Yes, he declares.

During this social isolation around Howard, many of his colleagues are continuing to develop acting material, but with a reduction in arts industry government grants and the restrictions around social gathering, several have turned to Woolworths, working stacking shelves.

Howard holds some hope that his writer colleagues will remember to include roles for older actors.

“Normally (when a job finishes), you go and get a job somewhere to keep some cash coming through,’’

Howard has discovered his painting talent during lockdown and produced some impressive work (above and left),

Howard says. “Over the 45 years I have been working, sometimes I have been working and sometimes I haven’t. This is unusual as there aren’t options.’’

Back in his apartment at the seaside suburb of Manly, the past few months have been a time of reflection for Howard as he struggles with no income.

Reinvention is currently the most obvious option for him. Howard is keeping himself amused by writing poems, or “Pome’’, as he calls them – because he doesn’t like to take himself too seriously – and painting.

He posts his work to his Facebook #JohnHoward and

Instagram #JohnHoward ActorOfficial accounts.

Encouraged to share his work, unruly-haired Howard dons the iso poet’s dark glasses and launches into reading his favourite Pome, called Grace.

“And now a gentleness comes to us.

In the eye of our storm of desire and fear.

A quietness my love.

Out of our talking, into our listening.

Grace.

The most beautiful word I know my love comes to us.

And we can be truly happy.”

There’s not much money in poems, Howard admits,

but his newly discovered painting talent is another thing. Last year he “invaded” the studio of artist and friend Sophie Gralton.

While cleaning her brushes, he found the inspiration to try painting a parrot.

“Some months later I put it on Facebook to see what would happen,” Howard says. “Someone bought it. I thought, hello! So, I painted a few more birds, then I got a run on ibises and from there it went to ‘Can you paint my dog?’.”

When the mood takes him and the artistic side of his brain gets juiced up, he will spend 20 minutes or up to eight hours a day

painting. Howard has also taken on painting people, but those efforts are not for showing yet.

The idea of an exhibition is brewing in his brain but that will happen sometime in the future as he develops more material and skills and waits for the world to return to normal.

“I am really enjoying it, so I am looking to be as good as I can.”

Facebook has become an important tool for Howard to remind his many followers “I am still around; I haven’t shuffled off to Buffalo”.

He’s also accepted an advocacy role with the Queensland organisation Designer Life, which offers career transition for matureage job seekers.

“It’s about retraining people over 40. There’s going to be a lot of that going on,” Howard says.

“The reason I am doing this is I think it’s a very worthwhile thing for people to be considering.

“The longer this goes on, I am thinking I am going to have to reinvent myself.

“A lot of us are having to reinvent what we are doing, who we are and how we are going to make a living.”

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Kindness restores faith Plenty we can be proud of as mateship rules in tough times Gail Forrer GET in early, push, shove and elbow in.

In the last days of March this year, that’s the way many Australians beat their neighbours to toilet paper, sanitiser, rice and pasta.

When the supermarket shelves emptied, underground chats shared the names of newly stockedup supermarkets, but they, too, emptied quickly.

Finally, for those not up for the physical challenge of crowds and competition, the supermarket offered up specific shopping hours.

Panic buying is a survival mechanism linked to selfpreservation, says psychiatrist and author Dr Mark Cross.

“When the individual becomes more important than the community.”

In the uncharted world of COVID-19, for many Australians, panic buying was a first response, a behaviour brought about through existential anxiety.

But, according to 55-yearold Dr Cross, a man who publicly shares details of his life lived with serious anxiety attacks yet speaks out with candour, humour and authority, there is a flip side to this behaviour and it’s very positive.

“The community has

SERVE OF GOODWILL: Britt Ayling with the paid-forward coffee notes at her New Farm cafe GROUND, where customers have embraced the idea of helping others.

Anxiety expert and author Dr Mark Cross says there have been many examples of random kindness during the lockdown.

reached out to support each other,” he said.

Queensland’s Care Army, which has enlisted people able to check in on the elderly and vulnerable during lockdown, is an example of giving support and saving lives.

However, Dr Cross notes there have been individual examples across the country.

“Neighbour has gone to neighbour to share and shop. I’m so proud to be Australian,” says the former South African.

“The way we have

range of items – with an intergenerational flavour.

Because of all the footpath art, chalk can be in short supply.

The art often drawn by kids has brought a hearty response from admiring grandparents.

A rush of home-baking has meant a shortage of baking dishes and ingredients, but also a sharing of recipes between young and old, and bicycle stores report business is booming – for every age group.

And while our shopping

embraced each other is the Aussie spirit of mateship.

“Social media seems to be kinder too – there’s a sense of humour, just look at the memes.”

Brisbane cafe owner Britt Ayling said she was a recipient of some of the goodwill.

She has owned her New Farm cafe GROUND for two and a half years, gaining a reputation for serving great coffee with a warm smile.

In the early days of the virus, her custom-made outdoor chalkboard was stolen.

Britt flipped the situation by installing a board that quickly filled with the “pay-it forward’’ notes. The community generously gave and the recipients appreciated their free cup of coffee. And there have been other acts of random kindness.

“When I mentioned I was finding it hard to get flour, a customer brought some in,” she said.

As the supermarket shelves have refilled, others have emptied.

Rather than panic buying, there is a rush on a new

habits are in the spotlight, Dr Cross says it’s also time to be aware of how wasteful our society is.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics says the average Australian creates just over 2000kg of waste a year.

Each household spends $1266 on goods purchased but never used.

About $600 worth of food is wasted by each household every year.

What are your good-news stories?

Please send them to me at Gail.Forrer@seniors newspaper.com.au.

Talk about tricky teen subjects — you can with expert guidance Gail Forrer BE prepared.

There are things that an angst-filled teenager will not want to ask their parents.

But if the grandparent/ aunt/uncle/ godparent is open, receptive and well read, the touchy conversations may well start with them.

Sixty-four-year-old Melbourne journalist and media identity Eileen Berry is the energising force behind the creation of Parent Guides, an Australian not-for-profit organisation V1 - SESE01Z01MA

that has set up a comprehensive website and various book guides to help parents, grandparents and carers to educate themselves about drugs, sex, social media, mental health and more.

The guide came about after Eileen, a concerned citizen, caring aunty and godmother, realised she was not hearing or seeing the sort of conversations that could support our youth.

“I can’t believe it,” she said. “The conversations we weren’t having years ago – we’re still not having now.”

The website www.parentsguides.com.au presents up-to-date research and expert advice in a “no-holds-barred’’ way that tackles difficult issues and facilitates conversations.

Helping families to be mentally strong and deal with the “tremendous challenges” they face is close to the heart of retired businessman, father-ofthree and grandfather of seven, David Corduff.

The Beyond Blue speaker and now Parent Guides ambassador is passionate

about mental health. He often sees parents, carers and children struggle to cope with social media, cyber bullying, drugs, gambling, mental health, and respect.

“There is a definite gap in connections – and this resource helps to plug it. In an ever-changing world, parents need to access factual, research-based information such as the Parent Guides,” David said.

David worked in manufacturing and has been married to Liz for 45 years.

He arrived from Ireland in

NEW PATH: Parent Guides can help communicate with a teen.

1971 and became an Australian citizen in 1988.

He is a board member at Presentation Family Centre

on the Mornington Peninsula, which offers short-term, low-cost respite facilities for families affected by adverse conditions.

David is also a fan of Alan Hopgood’s superb play about suicide, Jess Chooses Life, and wants to see it and Parent Guides promoted more widely, particularly in schools.

“Life is always full of challenges,” David said.

“It is our response to these challenges that determines whether the outcomes are good or not so good.’’

26

REVIEWS

JUNE, 2020//

Suspense builds in steamy series finale THOSE who usually make the pilgrimage to Currumbin Creek’s Elephant Rock for Anzac Day had to change their plans this year due to COVID-19.

The spectacular Dawn Service draws people from across Australia to reflect on the sacrifices of our veterans and frontline services in a hauntingly beautiful location, making the area famous.

A not-so-well-known event occurred in Currumbin in the 1990s when two old circus elephants were retired to Currumbin Valley.

Author Donna Munro lived at Currumbin at the time. Her deep love of animals and a particular fondness for elephants made her intrigued by their plight.

The ban of exotic circus animals on the Gold Coast was first made by the city council in 2009 but was later overturned and lifted in 2013. It wasn’t until as recently as 2016 the ban was reinstated.

Most of the elephants were retired to a sanctuary in Victoria. Two elephants on a property in Currumbin Valley may have been relocated later, or spent their last days roaming the bush in freedom.

Locals recollect it, but with no media evidence, it now seems like folklore, so why not include it in a piece of fiction?

The intriguing story made a unique backdrop for Munro’s latest work of contemporary women’s fiction, Elephant Creek, the Sunshine Coast author’s last stand-alone story of The Zanzibar Moon series.

Elephant Creek is described as “steamy romantic suspense’’ set on the Gold Coast.

Emma Jarvis has a dilemma – should she keep dating rock-star handsome Wade or pursue her crush on sexy, silent, probablymarried Noah Cooper?

Noah and his Down syndrome daughter, Hope, are due for a fresh start. But a car accident propels Emma into their secretive world.

Will Noah put his guard

down long enough to let love back into his life?

Emma finds that convincing Noah of a police conspiracy is one thing. Avoiding combusting when she’s near him is a totally different predicament.

Noah has enough problems without falling for delightful Emma and her lust-inducing cut-off shorts. His wife’s abandonment. Proving his father’s innocence. And Hope, beginning mainstream school where bullies lurk.

When Noah learns his dead brother’s son, Jai, is with Emma’s family, he must cut contact with Emma or lose what’s most precious to him. But when Jai and Hope disappear, can the adults unite to find the missing children in the Australian bush? Will an old circus elephant be the key to bonding them before it’s too late?

The sequel to The Zanzibar Moon brings all three books to a final enthralling, emotional conclusion in a stand-alone story filled with passion and heat.

“I love including a feisty woman, a gorgeous man, animals, children and family — to tug at readers’ heartstrings. Everyone can relate to loving a child or a pet, and falling in love,” Munro says.

– Warm Witty Publishing, RRP $25.99.

Woman of substance VIVID and compelling in its portrait of one woman’s struggle for fulfilment in a society pivoting between the traditional and the modern, The Henna Artist opens a door to a world that is at once lush and fascinating, stark and cruel.

Escaping an abusive marriage, 17-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist – and confidante to the wealthy women of the upper class.

But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own.

Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her name and her livelihood.

As she pursues her dream of an independent life, she is startled one day when confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down with a high-spirited young girl in tow, a sister Lakshmi never knew she had.

Suddenly the caution that she has carefully cultivated as protection is threatened.

But she perseveres, applying her talents and lifting up those around her.

Cop’s riveting pursuit of serial killer HOLD on to the sides of your armchair while you delve into author Katherine Firkin’s novel Sticks and Stones.

The Australian news journalist takes the reader into a world she knows well from her time reporting on Melbourne’s underworld.

The places are familiar, the crime story stark and engaging.

It’s easy to connect with the innocent characters and their stories: the disappearance of Daniel Norman’s sister and then of mother Natale Gibson.

Children are abandoned.

Detective Emmett Corban, of the Missing Persons Unit, shuffles off his complacency quickly when the missing person reports turn to vicious murder in Melbourne backstreets.

All that is seen is not as it seems. Family secrets, drugs, homelessness and despair make this an edgy read.

Lies are told and retold, a serial killer abounds; just how is Corban going to find the answers... and quickly?

Just as the net seems to be tightening, the investigation is

SENIORS

turned on its head. The body of a woman is found ... then another.

During Firkin’s time working for the Herald Sun, she covered some of Victoria’s most notorious and colourful criminal events, such as the death and funeral of the infamous underworld figure Carl Williams.

Her novel seethes with the undercurrents of modern life in a city tormented by its criminal past.

Sticks and Stones is published

by Penguin. RRP $32.99.

– Tracey Johnstone

Shattering experience spurs tips COVID-19 has shown us it is never too early to prepare, “just in case’’.

Heidi Wyeth is no stranger to loneliness. After losing her husband, Mel, to pancreatic cancer in 2017, Heidi says her life stopped: “All I could do was try to survive.’’

Now, with the world to a greater or lesser extent in lockdown, she says many people are facing up to life’s greatest unknown.

“While the elderly and chronically ill are immensely vulnerable, global statistics have shown us that no one is truly ‘safe’,’’ she says.

“That’s a sobering reality.

The sort of realisation that will, I hope, spur people on to take charge of their affairs, just in case the worst does happen.’’

Heidi’s insight comes from personal experience.

“My husband and I didn’t think ‘what if’ – it was something we’d deal with in later life. And suddenly it wasn’t. Suddenly it was something we had to deal with then and there.

“My husband wouldn’t have known where to find online login or bank account details, addresses, how bills were paid and so on.

“And now that he’s gone I need them to be accessible to the rest of our family in the event that something happens to me.”

It was that realisation that spurred Heidi to create Just in Case – a straightforward “what’s what and where’’ covering everything from letters for loved ones to insurance details and your digital footprint.

“In the midst of our fight against Mel’s cancer, and later as I adjusted to life after loss, it became clear that so many people overlook these basic details.’’

Go to www.justincase book.com.au. RRP $19.99.

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Ride out virus volatility Mark Digby IT IS normal for markets to act as they are in uncertain times. Of course, this has meant, in the short term at least, a significant decline in share values. These kinds of declines were also seen at the time of the GFC. It is important to remember with regard to investments in shares that in time, when the crisis is over and the world gets back to business, the markets will recover. In the short term, however, for many retirees the significant declines in financial markets have eroded the account balance of their superannuation pensions and annuity portfolio values.

Option to reduce pension drawdowns An optional strategy to manage this phase is to reduce pension payments so as not to dig too deep into the value of their assets.

Many pensioners are electing to take this strategy and the Government has

27

Money

Government initiatives could form part of a financial strategy deeply considered in consultation with your financial adviser.

This is not a good time to draw down on your superannuation investments unless absolutely necessary.

GO WITH THE FLOW: The Federal Government has reduced the minimum annual pension payment required by 50 per cent.

made a significant change to the minimum income payment rates. To assist retirees, the Government has reduced the minimum annual payment required by 50 per cent for accountbased pensions and annuities, allocated pensions and annuities, and market-

linked pensions and annuities in the 2019–20 and 2020–21 financial years.

This means that eligible retirees with enough cash flow to ride out this period of market volatility will not be forced to sell shares, property or other assets in a falling market simply to

comply with the usual minimum drawdown amounts.

By preserving more of their capital, they will have more money working for them to capture the market upswing when it inevitably occurs.

Option to draw down

$10,000 from super This strategy may be appropriate for investors with cash-based assets already built into their portfolio. Any consideration to draw down on super to provide cash flow (also introduced by the Government) should be

– For more information, contact Mark Digby at Maher Digby Securities Pty Ltd – Financial Advisers – AFSL No. 230559 (see advert Page 3). Phone 07 5441 1266 or visit www.maherdigby.com.au, This article was prepared without taking into account any person’s particular objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not guaranteed as accurate or complete and should not be relied upon as such. Maher Digby Securities does not accept any responsibility for the opinions, comments, forwardlooking statements, and analysis contained in this document, all of which are intended to be of a general nature. Investors should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to their personal objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend consulting a financial adviser.

How to get back on track when shockwave forces rethink about your retirement plans Dianne Charman FOR many, the countdown to retirement can feel like a very long wait. After saving for many years, meticulously planning and reviewing your strategy, that final 5pm buzzer can’t come soon enough! But things don’t always go to plan and could be affected by illness or injury, redundancy... or even a global pandemic.

So, here’s how a shockwave might impact your retirement plan, and what you could do to get back on track.

Shockwaves: how income changes affect your retirement plan Generally speaking, reduced hours or an unexpected redundancy as you transition to retirement, when many may already be looking at reducing their work hours, may have little impact on your plans. Or it may allow you to do something you’ve always planned but never been able V1 - SESE01Z01MA

to, like retraining to qualify elsewhere. Similarly, some are delighted by redundancy in those final three years, as it often results in a large payout that is a little bonus into early retirement.

However, longer-term income changes, such as permanent illness or injury preventing you from working, or redundancy five to seven years from retirement during tough economic conditions, can have serious implications for your retirement plans.

Help! I’m dealing with a shockwave…

It’s normal to be stressed or worried when something unexpected happens.

The first thing to do is breathe and regroup.

Review your assets and your immediate expenses to discern what needs to be addressed now, and what can wait. From here, it’s important to seek professional advice to help re-strategise and ensure minimal impact to your long-

term plans.

If you can, defer leaving the workforce for as long as possible. That could mean working reduced hours, or in a slightly different field. This will allow you to keep earning an income, and slowly add to your super.

During a time like this, you may need to adjust your expectations about what retirement will mean for you. Maybe you’d planned to travel, but an injury or international travel restrictions won’t allow it, or you’ll need to retire a little earlier or later than planned.

When dealing with shockwaves and their consequences, it’s also important to prioritise your own wellness. Whether that’s your social life, your physical and mental health, or your financial wellness, you need to put you first.

What you can do to protect yourself The key to preventing huge impacts from shockwaves is to have a

sound retirement plan. This includes prudent asset allocation, managing the art of insurance, and regular reviews with a professional adviser. Regular reviews give you the opportunity to consider whether your current asset allocation is still the most suitable option for you, a cashflow check-in, considering your work situation, your health and any other risks, like how you would manage if your partner passed away unexpectedly.

This process doesn’t need to be onerous; however, planning for retirement takes more than a couple of years.

Ensure you give yourself enough time to enact a plan that will put you exactly where you want to be, and best protect you from any surprises.

When things don’t go to plan, it can feel like you’re being dumped by wave after wave.

Sometimes, the best

thing to do is get out of the water and give yourself a moment to regroup before jumping back in with a plan to ensure you keep your feet planted firmly in the sand.

– Dianne Charman, of Jade Financial Group, is an authorised representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd, ABN 89 051 208 327,

AFS licence no. 232706.

Any advice given is general only and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, before acting on any advice, you should consult a financial planner to consider how appropriate the advice is for your objectives, financial situation and needs.

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It’s time to take it slow NOTHING beats a good ol’ beef stew. Except maybe a beef stew in a slow cooker – you barely have to lift a finger to bring this recipe together.

Slow cooker classic beef stew SERVES: 6 PREP: 20 minutes COOK: 5 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients 1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1.2kg gravy beef, cut into 3cm pieces 1 large brown onion, finely chopped 2 carrots, peeled, finely chopped 1 large celery stick, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, finely

Slow cooker chicken Diane drumsticks

chopped 1 tbsp sweet paprika 2 tsp beef stock powder 125ml (½ cup) passata 4 dried bay leaves 2 fresh rosemary sprigs 20g butter, at room temperature 2 tbsp plain flour Mashed potato, to serve Fresh continental parsley leaves, to serve

Method 1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large frying pan over high heat.

Cook the beef, in batches, for 5 minutes or until evenly browned. Use tongs to transfer the beef to a slow cooker.

2. Heat the remaining oil in the pan. Add the onion, carrot, celery, rosemary and bay leaves. Reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring often, for 5

ONLY 15 minutes’ prep goes into these slow cooker chicken drumsticks. The classic Diane sauce pairs perfectly with chicken and potatoes.

SERVES: 4 PREP: 15 minutes COOK: 5 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients 1½ tbsp olive oil 8 chicken drumsticks 600g baby potatoes, quartered (see tip) 1 brown onion, halved, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed

minutes or until tender. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic. Add the paprika and stir to coat.

3. Spoon the onion mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the stock powder, passata and 375ml (1½ cups) water.

Cover and cook on high for 5 hours or until the beef is very tender.

4. Place the butter in a

1 tbsp plain flour 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 125ml (½ cup) chicken stock 300ml cooking cream 200g button mushrooms, thickly sliced Chopped fresh continental parsley leaves, to serve Crusty bread, to serve

Method 1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over mediumhigh heat. Cook the chick-

en, turning often, for 5 minutes or until golden.

Transfer to a slow cooker and add the potato.

2. Add the remaining oil to the pan and reduce heat to medium-low. Add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until the onion is soft. Add the flour and tomato paste.

Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Gradually add the stock, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the cream.

3. Pour the cream mixture over the chicken mix-

small bowl. Add the flour and use a spoon to mash until combined. Add to the beef mixture in the slow cooker and stir well to combine. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until sauce has thickened. Season. Serve with mashed potato and topped with parsley.

Recipe by Alison Adams Photo by Jeremy Simons ture. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Stir in mushroom. Cook for 1 hour or until the chicken and potato are tender. Season, sprinkle with parsley and serve with bread.

TIP: Make sure the potatoes are cut into evensized pieces so they cook evenly.

Recipe by Tracy Rutherford Photo by Vanessa Levis

SESE01Z01MA - V1

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

PUZZLES

\\JUNE, 2020

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5

ACROSS 1 What wood was favoured by Thomas Chippendale? (8) 7 What wood was used for Thor Hyerdahl’s raft Kon-Tiki?

(5) 8 Which country is Central America’s largest? (9) 9 What does a mendicant do? (3) 10 What hard durable wood is used in shipbuilding? (4) 11 Where is the Grand Prix d’Endurance raced? (2,4) 13 Where were Johann Strauss father and son born? (6) 14 What word describes garish, tasteless art? (6) 17 Which French painter was a pioneer of pointillism? (6) 18 What is a lump or thick place in yarn? (4) 20 What is water condensed into droplets overnight? (3) 22 What is a geographical index or dictionary called? (9) 23 What is an appeal to some supernatural power to inflict evil on someone? (5) 24 What nationality was UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros Ghali? (8)

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7 8 9 11

10 12 13

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20 22 23

DOWN 1 Whose painting “Impression: Sunrise” gave the Impressionist movement its name? (5) 2 What unit of measure equals 2.471 acres? (7) 3 What is a religious and spiritual teacher in Hinduism? (4) 4 What is a lump of precious metal found in the ground?

(6) 5 A black trefoil denotes which card suit? (5) 6 Which Dutch artist painted “Yellow Wheat and Cypress” in 1889? (3,4) 7 Which state is Germany’s largest? (7) 12 “Eluding” is the only one-word English anagram of what word? (7) 13 Which Flemish artist was appointed painter to Charles I of England in 1632? (3,4) 15 The film Amadeus suggests which composer was responsible for Mozart’s death? (8) 16 In a German atlas, what is Gdansk named? (6) 17 What object did King Arthur call Excalibur? (5) 19 Which poet’s name was the middle name of actor James Dean? (5) 21 What is a knob on an organ pulled to change the sound quality? (4)

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SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

DOUBLECROSS 4

6

5

7

Find a finished crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.

8 9

10 11 12

13

14 15 16 17

18

19 20

22

Down 1. Stick (5) 2. Go downwards (3) 3. Silent (4) 4. Essential (9) 5. Always (7) 8. Wicked (6) 11. Instantly (5,4) 13. Jinx (6) 14. Arsonist (7) 16. Path (5) 18. Gone (4) 20. Seizure (3)

Across 6. Most (7) 7. Lure (5) 9. Mist (3) 10. Boundary line (9) 12. Mean (colloq) (11) 15. Big spenders (4,7) 17. Six-sided (9) 19. Task (3) 21. Betrayer (5) 22. Emit (7)

SOLUTIONS

5x5 R E S I T

S E E D S

ALPHAGRAMS: BROTH, CAUSES, DYNAMOS, ENLARGES, FULMINATE. GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Mahogany, 7 Balsa, 8 Nicaragua, 9 Beg, 10 Teak, 11 Le Mans, 13 Vienna, 14 Kitsch, 17 Seurat, 18 Slub, 20 Dew, 22 Gazetteer, 23 Curse, 24 Egyptian.

Down: 1 Monet, 2 Hectare, 3 Guru, 4 Nugget, 5 Clubs, 6 Van Gogh, 7 Bavaria, 12 Indulge, 13 Van Dyck, 15 Salieri, 16 Danzig, 17 Sword, 19 Byron, 21 Stop.

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

THROB SAUCES MONDAYS GEAR LENS LIFT AN EMU

5x5 E

DOUBLECROSS

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 6. Maximum 7. Decoy 9. Fog 10. Perimeter 12. Tightfisted 15. High rollers 17. Hexagonal 19. Job 21. Judas 22. Radiate.

Down: 1. Baton 2. Dip 3. Mute 4. Necessary 5. Forever 8. Sinful 11. Right away 13. Hoodoo 14. Firebug 16. Route 18. Away 20. Fit.

E

A L I G N

E

R E

E E R I E

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

S M A R T

WORD GO ROUND

V1 - SESE01Z01MA

SUDOKU

ALPHAGRAMS

TODAY: Good 18 Very Good 27 Excellent 32

M

R L

R R

E

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

S G

E

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

D T

All puzzles © The Puzzle Company

pectin pence piece pierce pincer prentice pretence price prince receipt recent recipe recite recti rice tierce trice

21

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