Seniors Toowoomba, April 2020

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Cover Story Feature – Kathy Quirk Community Notes Wanderlust Wellbeing Living Money Puzzles

10 Bookshop owner looks to start a new life chapter.

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APRIL, 2020//

Doing life differently Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor LIFE has changed in a heartbeat.

Some six weeks ago, I took a month’s holiday leave. I love the rural parts of Bali, the gentle culture, the flowers and rice terraces and it’s one of the places that is always on my agenda when I think of having a break.

However, news had started to circulate about a dangerous virus, its rate of transmission and related quarantine periods. Fortunately I stayed at home.

The decision to stay at home in Australia led me to find some great local places – places that I may well have never visited had I travelled overseas.

Likewise, while I’m at home, I’m endeavouring to do things that would otherwise have passed me by.

For instance, I’m looking forward to playing a few card games with the family, practising my quiz game skills and

doing online yoga lessons. Who knows, I may even cook up some intricate meals – though that would be a stretch (I relinquished much of my home-cooking skills when the kids left home).

Most of all, I have promised myself to stay calm in this time of chaos and challenges and as an elder in society act as a role model for younger generations.

As Seniors News editor, I look forward to giving you some fine reading material. This month, it’s great to be able to feature Wally Lewis’s (aka, the King) warm smile on our front page. Wally is in good company with a range of other personalities whose meaningful lives, I’m sure, will make inspiring reading.

Take care.

SENIORS

CONTACT US 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 Mark Smith - 07 3327 3327 mark.smith@newsregionalmedia.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 “Toowoomba Seniors Newspaper”.

The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications.

Published by News Corp Australia Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina.

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

Responsibility for election material in this paper is taken by Gail Forrer, cnr Mayne Road & Campbell Street, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006.

Stay safe and informed during the pandemic.

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UNITING TOOWOOMBA: Soldiers’ Memorial Hall Community Consultation Group discussions are progressing well. The group comprises Kathryn Chaffey of Toowoomba Regional Council, Toowoomba United RSL Sub-Branch president Roland Thompson, TURSL chaplain David Snap, community member Graham Palmer, RAAF Association of Toowoomba's John Bushell, community member Aaron Hall, TRC's Alison Garland and Bradley Head, TURSL's Dieter Hitchins and Harlaxton RSL Sub-Branch's Terry Brown.

Alison Houston ANZAC Day marches and gatherings have been cancelled but Toowoomba United RSL sub-branch is working towards streaming a small ceremony that would be available online.

“At this stage everything is still up in the air, but our deputy president Scott May is working very hard from isolation on making it happen,” said sub-branch president Roland Thompson in late March.

In the face of coronavirus dangers, RSL Queensland is also urging everyone to honour this special day by standing for a minute’s silence at the end of suburban driveways at 6am on April 25, in place of traditional dawn services.

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social media, and we agree it’s a brilliant way to collectively honour the dedication, commitment and sacrifice of our service people – even though we cannot physically be together,” said state president Tony Ferris.

The Toowoomba subbranch is urging people not to gather at the Mothers’ Memorial, saying that everyone has a duty and responsibility to our veterans’ health and that of the community in general.

Meanwhile, in good news, Roland said Soldiers’ Memorial Hall Community Consultation Group discussions were progressing well. The group has now had about six meetings, considering how best to use the $4.5 million in grants to restore the hall and maximise its use.

“The RSL will always be there, but now the hall is going to be what it always should have been, a Toowoomba asset for the Toowoomba RSL and the entire Toowoomba community,” Roland said.

That includes the front section being open to all exservice and other small organisations, while the back hall will be hired out at a peppercorn rate for functions.

Roland said perhaps the most exciting thing to come from the talks was a greater understanding between the area’s 35 ex-service groups, which currently all meet separately at pubs, halls and other venues.

For updates on Anzac Day plans, go to trsl.org.au, @toowoombaunited on Facebook, or phone the office on 07 4632 3506.

To assist in the management of the Coronavirus. We’re practicing social distancing to ensure the health and safety of our community. This has resulted in some temporary changes to our services. These are being reviewed and updated regularly.

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Many events have been cancelled

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GTWMF is now cashless only

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Closure of all libraries

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CHANGE Project activities cancelled

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Closure of all Council-owned art galleries

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Closure of aquatic and fitness centres

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Closure of Millmerran and Crows Nest indoor sports centres

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Closure of Council campgrounds

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Closure of all function and cultural centres and town halls

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Closure of walk-in visits at the Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery office

Customer Service phoneline open hours aligned with centre hours 8.30am – 5.15pm Monday – Friday and is now cashless transactions only. Face to face service by appointment at Toowoomba, Millmerran and Crows Nest centres on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 1pm and 4pm for selected services which cannot be conducted by phone or online.

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Closure of Jondaryan Woolshed

Mt Kynoch Laboratory testing services has been suspended except by appointment

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Free plant pickups have been suspended

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Closure of Peacehaven Botanic Park Nursery

Closure of playgrounds, outdoor gyms, BBQ facilities and skate parks

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Closure of Reviva Re-Use Shop at Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility (GTWMF)

Animal management centre dropoffs via drop-off box only and releases by appointment

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Closure of City Hall

These changes are being reviewed and updated regularly visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/ servicechanges to stay up-to-date. Contact individual event organisers or facility managers for more information.

For bookings for all events call 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au

TRC_0420_SN

Anzac tributes may go online

Changes to services from the Toowoomba Region

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SENIORS

Life perspective that’s fit Footy legend tackles ageing in style ALMOST 30 years since he last pulled on a Maroons jersey, Wally Lewis is in a very good place.

Fresh from celebrating his 60th birthday late last year, the man hailed as one of the greatest rugby league players of all time says these days he is more comfortable enjoying life as a husband, father and grandfather than a State of Origin legend.

His media career is going from strength to strength, the health scares of more than 10 years ago are behind him and he’s even signed up as an ambassador for George Hartnett Metropolitan Funerals.

“I’m certainly in a very good place at the moment,” Wally reveals.

“I’m very comfortable with life and have reached the point where I’ve realised that I’m not afraid of

growing old. It wasn’t something I ever expected, but it’s a nice place to be.”

Wally says his health battles before being diagnosed with epilepsy in 2006 started reshaping his outlook on life and the arrival of grandchildren had been another big step before his 60th birthday last December.

His current collaboration with Hiram Philp Funerals on its “Live in the moment: Live on in the memory” campaign had also helped him put life and death in perspective as it urges people to think about how they would like to be remembered after they die.

Wally says the question made him stop and consider what was important to him.

“I think most sportspeople, when they are going through the highs of

‘‘

I’ve reached the point where I’ve realised that I’m not afraid of growing old. their career, see themselves as being invincible, and I was no different,” he said.

“I was 10-foot tall and bulletproof but you get to a point in your life where you really have to stop and consider what’s important and how you want to be remembered after you die.

“I had a serious health scare before I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2006 and it

Wally has been a keen golfer for almost 40 years, and is a regular sight at the Wynnum course.

made me seriously think about my own mortality.

“I had struggled with epilepsy for many years but it took having a seizure on national television to make me confront it.

“While I wouldn’t call that a highlight of my life, it did change me forever.

“When you get to experience something like that, it gives you an

appreciation of the time you have in this world and how you want to spend it with those closest to you. That can never be undervalued.

“I sat down and considered how I wanted to be remembered and I realised I already knew most of the answers.

“I know that I want to be remembered for much more than my football career.

“First and foremost, I’d like to be remembered as a good husband, a good father and a good grandad.

“My own dad was a huge part of my life and I hope I’ve lived up to that example.

“I’d also like to be remembered for my personal struggle with epilepsy and work in raising awareness of the condition.”

Shooting a video for the funeral home campaign took Wally back to Bill Cash Memorial Park, in the Brisbane suburb of Cannon Hill, where he and his brothers played for the Cannon Hill Stars after their parents, Jim and June, bought their first home nearby.

It was there his rugby league career began at the age of six and he said memories came flooding back as he sat beside the field.

“Mum and Dad still live in Cannon Hill and I know the

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for a King area very well. I went to school just 250 metres from the field and I drive past virtually every night on my way home from work and look at it and remember plenty of good times,” Wally said.

“I have so many special memories of that ground but one that stands out is the coaches saying, ‘When you go onto the field proudly wear the jersey and proudly display it and let that play a role in your performance’.’’

“That was something that stuck with me all these years later when I was pulling on a Maroons jersey – be proud of the jersey and let it show in how you play the game.”

These days, Wally is more likely to be found on the golf course after becoming “hooked” on the sport while playing with Brisbane club Valleys.

“Valleys coach Ross Strudwick and a player by the name of Ian Sommer used to play golf every week

and one day I asked them, ‘Why do you play golf?,” Wally explained.

“They said it eased the tension, gave them something to think about besides footy and it was fun.

“So I gave it a go and quickly found out that was an accurate assessment and I’m still playing almost 40 years later.”

Despite not getting on the course as much as he would like, Wally said he was welcomed with open arms every time he headed for a round at the Wynnum course.

“No one looks twice because they’re used to seeing me. That’s what I like about it,” he said.

“I’d love to be playing more often and had a dream of getting my handicap down to single figures but the best I achieved was 11 and now it’s out to 17.’’

He might be busy with his television career and other media commitments but

Wally said these days his family came first.

“They are the centre of my universe. The births of Jamie-Lee and her brothers, Mitchell and Lincoln, are the proudest moments of my life. I’ll be honest, I cried my eyes out every time.”

He said his new outlook on life included a new perspective on dying.

“I think most people fear death – it’s inevitable but not something you are ever going to invite into your life earlier than it should be,” he said.

“I don’t want to die – I’m having too much fun growing old.

“These days my life is all about family and there’s nothing I love more than having them all over for a barbecue or a game of footy, playing with the grandkids and just spending time together.

“Those are the memories I want them to keep of me when I’m gone.”

HOUSE RULES: Wally Lewis on his veranda, where he loves to host family gatherings.

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Positivity your best weapon in war on stresses Eva Bennett WITH all the drama going on with the coronavirus, would you rather stay cool-calmcollected or panickingparanoid-pessimistic?

How we constantly think affects our emotions and then our physical health, especially if we are stressed a lot of the time.

In fact, research has shown that 80 per cent of our illnesses are caused by the way we may constantly think in a negative way – worry, anger, fear, etc. In fact, the book that helped me turn my life around 30 years ago was You Can Heal Your Body, written by Louise Hay in 1976 and reprinted

many times since then.

I travelled around Australia a few years ago, giving a presentation I created, called The 4 Levels of Fitness, which showed people how the way we think – our mental health – affects the way we feel, which in turn affects our physical health, and how social fitness also can keep us healthy.

A bit hard at the moment with all the social distancing we have to do! So it is really important to focus on our mental health during this health crisis.

When I was running presentation skills courses for many years, participants

SENIORS

Wise words for satisfying post-work life Alison Houston

MIND OVER MATTER: Eva Bennett urges people to think positively for better mental and physical health.

would often have stressful thoughts about forgetting the words of their speech.

So, early in the two-day course we would do some “legal sniffing’’. Using my aromatherapy background, I would give each of the participants a few drops of rosemary essential oil (good for memory and flu) on a tissue. Then they walked around the room, saying to themselves: “I now remember the words of my speech.”

Amazing how much more confident and less stressed they became with their talks when they stopped telling themselves how they always forgot the words.

They were much more effective being able to make regular eye contact with their listeners rather than needing to read the whole speech and not looking up at the audience.

So, catch any negative thoughts that may be running around in your mind about the coronavirus and change them to more positive ones, as you deepen your breathing and say a few times every day: “I now stay cool, calm and collected and look after my health.”

It’s better to strengthen your immune system with positive thoughts than let worry and panic weaken it.

Good luck and good health!

HAPPY retirement is about far more than just whether we have enough money.

Looking for answers for herself, family and friends, all approaching retirement, Toowoomba psychologist Judy Rafferty found a huge gap in practical tools and strategies to use in considering this next important phase of life.

So, four years ago, she set about researching and writing her own book, Retirement Your Way: A Practical Guide to Knowing What You Want and How to Get It. It’s about purpose, connection and identity, Judy says.

“When you know what you want, that’s how you decide if it’s time to retire.”

Pre-planning has been shown to improve people’s experience in retirement, with aspects to consider including sources for wellbeing, exercise and mental stimulation.

“Some people absolutely sail through retirement and it’s not an issue for them, and that’s great,” Judy said.

“But even people I speak to who haven’t had issues benefit from reflecting on what they want out of life.

“So I’ve written this book for those not yet retired who

need to create a vision; those who are retired, because we can always improve on what we are doing; and those who have been forced to retire unexpectedly due to illness, family crisis or redundancy, who often really struggle.”

Judy said she regularly saw people in her practice who didn’t recognise retirement-related issues were behind problems they reported, such as depression.

As part of her research for the book, Judy ran focus groups and discovered prime questions people wanted answers to included: How do I know when to retire? What am I going to do with myself? How do I avoid becoming a full-time grandparent?

Even good long-term relationships, she said, could be affected by the changes in dynamic and roles associated with retirement.

Suddenly, for instance, you find your partner has time to do jobs such as cooking and cleaning – which sounds ideal – but they don’t do it quite as you would, leading to frustration Retirement Your Way includes information, strategies and tasks to complete, and is available at bookstores and online.

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THE blood flow-boosting nature of beetroot juice and its ability to reduce arterial stiffness in older adults has helped a University of the Sunshine Coast researcher to win a national industry medal for her PhD. Dr Meegan Walker was awarded the 2019 Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Medal for her thesis titled Blood Flow During Passive Leg Movement: Impact of Vascular Disease and Nitrate Supplements.

The thesis identified interventions, such as beetroot supplements, that could enhance the function of blood vessels.

“My early studies demonstrated how oxidative

AWARD: Meegan Walker’s research cited beetroot’s benefits.

stress reduced nitric oxide, impairing blood flow in older adults and leading to conditions like peripheral arterial disease,” Dr Walker said.

“My recent studies

showed how healthy sources of nitrate, such as beetroot juice or a big green leafy salad, increased nitric oxide, improving blood flow and vascular function for older adults.”

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APRIL, 2020//

Video eases strain

Expert’s advice to keep in touch Alison Houston KEEPING people feeling connected through video and phone calls, Facebook and emails is vital as Australia and the world increase social distancing and isolation rules around coronavirus.

That’s the advice from Professor of Psychology and Counselling at USQ Toowoomba, Dr Bob Knight, whose work focuses on older adults.

That means staying in touch with family and friends as much as possible, particularly other seniors who may not have access to, or be confident with, internet use.

“Generally, seniors have great coping resources from their decades of experiences,” Dr Knight said.

Some may still remember the days of the Great Depression and World War II, to which the current crisis is being likened.

But for those of us in the Baby Boomer and later generations, the professor said, this was truly the toughest time most of us would have encountered.

“It’s important to stay involved with everything that has given you pleasure in the past as much as you can and however you can within the restrictions,” Dr Knight said.

“Think actively about what you can still do that you enjoy and how you can do it in a more solitary environment.”

That includes, for

instance, if you do have internet nous, playing interactive games such as Words with Friends, a popular Scrabble-type online word game you can play with up to 30 friends from around the world.

Card and board games, brain-training games, crosswords, word and number puzzles such as Sudoku, and jigsaws were other ways to keep your mind active, he said.

Drag out those old stamp books or photo albums to sort through, start knitting, crocheting, doing art or other craft work again, or for the first time, write your life story or teach yourself a new language, Dr Knight said.

With the media filled with negative stories at the moment, Dr Knight said we also needed to balance staying informed with becoming overwhelmed with bad news.

“As part of active morale management, you need to be aware of what makes you feel better and what makes you feel worse and think about how much news you watch as opposed to involving yourself in things that you find fun or mentally stimulating,” he said.

He advised all ages, but particularly seniors, to ensure they exercised, to keep muscles active and the oxygen flowing for better health mentally and physically.

“It’s a challenge to reorganise our lives, and requires real rethinking and a problem-solving

SENIORS

Alison Houston

FIND BALANCE: USQ Toowoomba Professor of Psychology and Counselling Bob Knight says it’s important to balance staying informed and the impact of too much bad news.

approach,” Dr Knight said.

However, he emphasised the importance of checking on how others were doing, and staying as socially connected as possible.

American research by the National Institute on Ageing showed working together to keep communications open and find purpose could stop physical isolation becoming loneliness, which has been shown to increase physical and mental health problems.

Such problems include high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline,

Alzheimer’s disease and even death.

People who engage in meaningful, productive activities, on the other hand, tend to live longer, boost their mood, and maintain their wellbeing and cognitive function.

If you need mental health help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300224 636.

Dr Knight’s top tips for contented isolation • Stay connected – Use video, phone, email or Facebook to reach out socially to family and friends.

• Keep your brain active – Challenge yourself with things such as crosswords, Sudoku, card and board games, jigsaws, and interactive online games.

• Rediscover old hobbies or learn something new, such as a language.

• Stay active. Try to do some exercise to keep yourself physically and mentally healthy.

• Think about what you enjoy and how you can still do it in a more isolated way.

• Check on family, friends and neighbours.

• Stay informed but don’t become overwhelmed by too much bad news.

FREE web streaming of funeral services will relieve some of the strain for mourners unable to pay their respects in person due to coronavirus restrictions, Burstows Funerals codirector Don Burstow says.

As well as health and travel limitations, at time of writing, the Federal Government had limited a funeral service to just 10 people.

“The social-distancing laws are so important for the ongoing health of our society, and we uphold them while taking every measure to help those who grieve understand their loss, and most importantly mourn their loss,” Mr Burstow said.

It was important primary mourners were still able to gather, and Mr Burstow suggested holding a more inclusive memorial or celebration of life might be helpful once health regulations permit.

Web streaming had been possible for some time for those unable to attend the main chapel in person due to work or family commitments, illness, mobility problems or distance.

The funeral is recorded and edited live and uploaded in real time so anyone who has been provided with a secure password and link can see the service.

The recording can also be made available on USB. “We understand the importance of the funeral and the part it plays in the mourner’s healing journey and this is a practical way to help everyone who wants to be a part of that special time do so,” Mr Burstow said.

He said social distancing was also affecting another important aspect of the grieving process.

“During times of grief it will feel unnatural to refrain from hugging, kissing, shaking hands, but for now we must,” he said.

He suggested one way to express care and compassion might be to place your hand on your heart.

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Shop looking at new chapter Alison Houston THE Book Tree owner Ann Hewitt says one of the joys of owning a book store is “there’s always something new on the horizon”.

Despite 20 years in the industry, five at The Book Tree, she said she still got a thrill opening the delivery boxes, especially when new releases came in.

So, it’s with mixed emotions that she is looking to sell the business, she tells Seniors News Toowoomba between customers.

Everyone is stocking up on books in case coronavirus forces shops to shut and people have to self-isolate, she explains of the especially busy morning. But she admits it is heartwarming that people are looking to books for comfort.

She said the decision to “put the sale out to the universe and see what happens” came after she and her husband lost their mothers last year within a few months of each other.

“It makes you reassess everything,” she said.

With both working six days a week, in their early 60s and with four grandchildren whose lives they want to be a greater part of, she said the couple had decided it was “time to ease back a little bit”.

However, originally from Sydney, and having lived in Toowoomba for about 20 years, Ann said she loved bookstore customers.

“People are always so nice, and you get to have really interesting conversations with interesting people from a diverse cross-section, so every day is different,” she said.

With the shop going well and a year to run on the lease, Ann said it should be attractive to potential buyers, but the same factors meant there was no pressure to close if they didn’t sell.

“Older clientele in particular really like that we are an independent book store not in a shopping centre; they like good customer service and that we can help them choose books, especially for grandkids,” Ann said.

Even in the current crisis, she said in late March, she had plans to keep the store operational if the doors themselves had to close, by providing free deliveries within the 4350 postcode as well as taking mail orders.

Her suggestions for isolation reads for seniors include: Hillary Mantle’s historic novel The Mirror and the Light (the final part of a trilogy), Irish crime novelist

GOOD READS: The Book Tree owner Ann Hewitt ... preparing to sell the store while concurrently putting in place plans to help customers beat the isolation blues.

Dervla McTiernan’s The Good Turn and Ariel Lawhon’s story of Nancy Wake, Code Name Helene.

“We all need a laugh at the moment,” so How Good’s Australia – The Betoota Advocate is also on Ann’s list of good reads, with Australia’s oldest newspaper dissecting the last few turbulent years with tongue firmly in cheek.

“We’ve had three prime ministers in four years, a scandalous ball-tampering scandal … and, worst of all, the cancellation of both the NRL and AFL footy shows,” the promo reads.

Coming up to Easter, Ann said, a lot of older customers liked to give a book along with a chocolate egg.

It kept both parents and grandkids happy, she said,

with new titles for the littlies including Sue deGennaro’sEaster Days and Colin Buchanan’s Australians All Love Easter Eggs. And blurring the lines between book and screen with a 3D mini-movie on each page, check out the latest “Photicular album”, Outback – The Amazing Animals of Australia by Dan Kainen and Ella Morton. As for her own

future, Ann said it was hard to know, but one thing was for sure: she was looking forward to more reading!

For details on the shop sale, phone Bryan Gray on 0414 568 936. For book tips, go to The Book Tree, 456 Ruthven St, thebooktree.com.au, @TheBookTreeToowoomba on Facebook or phone 07 4632 4310.

Cancer fundraiser staying step ahead of social barriers with virtual format Alison Houston ORGANISERS of the Mother’s Day Classic are determined not to let it become a victim of coronavirus – taking the much-loved breast cancer fundraiser virtual.

They are encouraging as many people as possible to sign up and “make Mother’s Day mean more by being a part of something bigger and uniting around a common cause”.

Toowoomba host Mark O’Connell told Seniors News Toowoomba that while things were in the early stages of planning at the end of March, organisers were keen to find innovative ways to generate interest.

“I’m a runner, so I’ll be putting in some kilometres for sure, whatever way I can

do it,” the Toowoomba Road Runner said. “We’re really looking at building awareness to get people involved and seeing what ideas we can generate to make this fun for everyone, including through social media.”

Many seniors traditionally take part in the Toowoomba event with family or friends, and Mark hopes they will participate in the new format, even if they are not on social media themselves.

The new challenge is to walk or run 4km or 8km anywhere and any time on or before Mother’s Day – whether that’s around your living room, your backyard, at the local park or just up and down your street.

You can register for the basic $25 event, which includes access to the

exclusive virtual page with inspiring community and fundraising content, prizes and giveaways. Or go for the full $45 race pack, which also includes a race bib, the 2020 Mother’s Day medallion and sponsor giveaways posted to you.

“The heart of what we do is keeping the community connected and celebrating those who have been touched by cancer,” said Australian event CEO Zara Lawless. “In these uncertain times, particularly for seniors, we need to stay connected and look after each other more than ever.’’

To register or find out more, go to mothersday classic.com.au, find the event on Facebook at @mdcwalkrun or phone 03 8677 3853 or 03 8677 3849.

GET CREATIVE: As the Mother's Day Classic goes virtual, you can still raise money for breast cancer research by walking or running 4km or 8km anywhere, at any time before the special day for mums.

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FEATURE

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SENIORS

Much-loved nurse leaves Kathy calls it quits after half-century of service Tracey Johnstone OVER 50 years, nurse Kathy Quirk has seen the landscape of the Atherton Tableland town of Herberton change ever so slowly as she watched the ebb and flow of the generations.

At the far end of the town where it might take no more than a few minutes to drive from one end to the other, we sit in an old-fashioned timber booth in the quirky Jacaranda Coffee Lounge savouring our tea and coffee, hidden from the searing north Queensland heat.

It’s just along the street from the Royal Hotel and the little convenience store that services the town’s 900 residents. Follow the road either way alongside Wild River, up the hill to find Mount St Bernard boarding school, three churches, a historic village and the Herberton Mining Museum overflowing with historical treasures.

‘‘

I have nursed a lot of people and they’ve had babies.

Now those kids are parents.

Kathy sits with her chin tilted down, eyes on the table, wary of the tape recorder, hoping no one she knows will stroll in.

Hardly possible, one could assume. The 67-yearold has been an enrolled nurse at Herberton Hospital for 50, actually as of March it will be 51, extraordinary years.

She’s a shy, quietly spoken indigenous woman who is reticent to talk about herself until you invite her to speak about her time working in her home town’s hospital.

Then Kathy’s chin lifts, her voice raises a notch and her eyes sparkle with pride.

“Families that I have known over the 50 years or so come over and ask if I am still working,” she said.

“I have to stop and think, who are you? Then they have to tell me their name because I forget. I meet so many people.

“I have nursed a lot of people in the old hospital and they have had babies.

Now those kids are now parents themselves.”

It was Kathy’s first job after leaving Herberton State School and it’s remained her only job throughout her working life.

Once Kathy finished high school she went looking for a job. She knew it was going to be hard to find one in the local area. There was only a college, school, hospital and small local businesses and

SHINING EXAMPLE: Humble nurse Kathy Quirk has been devoted to Herberton Hospital patients’ care for 51 years but is bidding her work farewell while looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren.

Picture: Tracey Johnstone

not enough jobs to go around.

At that time Herberton Hospital delivered general care to the surrounding Atherton Tableland population, which was farming the rich soil or working in mining. It was the first established town in the Tableland. The local historians will tell you mining gave the town wealth, two newspapers and 24 pubs.

A family affair Kathy always wanted to be a nurse. She had a dream of working at Cootharinga in Townsville, which provides support to children and adults with disabilities.

But really, she didn’t want to leave town, where her single mother and five siblings were still living, and where the family’s previous generations lived.

“Mum worked hard and supported us,” Kathy said.

She cleaned the local pub for many years before securing the cleaning job at the Herberton Hospital.

Luckily for Kathy, her mother found out the matron was looking for a nurse’s aide. Kathy got the job on a three-month trial.

“From there I just stuck it out,” Kathy said.

“It was like a family thing.”

Her mother worked at the

hospital for some 30 years.

One of Kathy’s sisters also worked there for 20 years, in the laundry and kitchen.

Kathy worked as an unregistered nurse’s aide for about 10 years before she headed 100km down the hill to the TAFE college in Cairns to do her nursing certification course.

She remembers the early days of the busy maternity ward and when some mothers had to adopt out their babies. These are family secrets she holds close to her chest.

“We got attached to those little babies; it was sad when we had to say goodbye to

them,” Kathy said.

With progress comes change Gone now are those days as the hospital changed dramatically about 35 years ago.

While the town’s history has been proudly preserved, its population gradually depleted as the nature of the farming and mining changed, and the commercial and social centre of the region moved to the nearby town of Atherton.

All the general and maternity care was moved 15 minutes along the ridge to the major health hub at

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big mark on small town

Herberton Hospital director of nursing Deanne Hellsten with Kathy in front of a photo of the original hospital.

Atherton District Memorial Hospital, leaving Herberton Hospital with 38 beds for aged care and palliative care patients.

“It’s hard as when they get in there all they want to do is go home,” Kathy mused about the predominantly former farmers. We have had a few climb fences to get out.”

Kathy has happily stayed as an enrolled nurse working on the frontline.

“I find I can do better with hands-on nursing,” she said.

“I hate paperwork. I would rather look after them, care for them. I don’t

want to be up the top; too much responsibility as an RN.” She admitted she has also struggled with everything being online, from training to patient record-keeping.

As her retirement date approached, Kathy received many accolades from within her community. One she eagerly shared was from Wendy, whose mother was admitted to Herberton Hospital in 1996.

“This was a terribly stressful time for my family and I with two nurses in the family,” Wendy wrote.

“The guilt we felt in

having to admit mum to Herberton was overwhelming. We thought we would do all her care at our family home, but soon realised that we could not deliver the complex care that mum needed.

“Kathy was one of the nurses who settled our guilt and grief at leaving mum at Herberton through her personalised care and attention towards mum, but very inclusive of our large family. We never had a reason to question or complain about the care mum received, but when we knew Kathy was on duty our

Kathy as a proud young nurse who went on to become a highly respected fixture at Herberton Hospital.

minds were more at ease.

“Kathy has always demonstrated her gentle, caring, thoughtful nature to residents of Herberton. Her nursing care and encouragement have helped many co-workers thrive in a very complex environment, and many have been fortunate to have Kathy as a professional colleague and friend. This is no mean feat when the pressures of

paperwork, policies, standards and new procedures are pressing down on a cohort who only want to deliver hands-on nursing care.’’

What lies ahead Around the town there were more strangers now, Kathy said. Jobs for the locals have mostly gone to Atherton or to further down the range.

Her husband, Bernie,

drives to Cairns every day to work, leaving home at 4am.

Kathy still rises at 5am every day – it’s a habit she knows will be hard to break.

The little hospital remains proudly atop the town hill watching over the changing community.

There are fewer buildings now, but the garden surrounds are lovingly looked after.

There are younger staff working at the hospital.

Kathy sometimes wonders if they are thinking, “She’s been her too long and it’s time she moved along’’.

“I could have worked another 12 months, but then I thought, it’s time to get out and enjoy my life as I have spent more than half my life working at the hospital,” Kathy said.

“I feel I have had enough.”

Kathy said she would take with her many lovely memories of her time at the hospital and of some of the patients, particularly those who don’t have family visiting them until it’s too late.

“We’re their family,” she said quietly as her chin dipped and she lapsed into deep thought.

But now her eight grandchildren beckon.

Kathy’s daughter wants her to start a hobby. Maybe volunteering at the local Salvation Army shop is on the cards, Kathy suggested, but then added, only as long as the bashful senior can avoid the customers.

But really, looking after the extended family is what she wants to do in retirement along with many more family fishing trips.

Here’s hoping for post-virus world with fresh injection of life appreciation Paul McKeon WHAT is the coronavirus outbreak really teaching us?

The following email arrived in my inbox claiming to have been written by Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft. I have some doubts about Bill’s ownership, but who actually wrote it is not as important as what’s in the article. I think it makes some important points. See what V1 - SETE01Z01MA

you think. “As I look at the world today, I want to share with you what I feel the corona/COVID-19 virus is really doing to us: 1) It is reminding us that we are all equal, regardless of our culture, religion, occupation, financial situation or how famous we are. This disease treats us all equally; perhaps we should treat each other that way too.

2) It is reminding us that

we are all connected and something that affects one person has an effect on another. It is reminding us, by oppressing us for a short time, of those in this world whose whole life is spent in oppression.

3) It is reminding us of how precious our health is and how we neglect it by eating nutrient-poor, processed food.

4) It is reminding us of the shortness of life and of what

is most important for us to do, which is to help each other. Our purpose is not to buy lots of toilet rolls.

5) It is reminding us of how important our family/ home life is and how much we have neglected this.

6) It is reminding us that the power of free will is in our hands. We can choose to cooperate, to share, to give, to help and to support each other or we can choose to be selfish, to hoard, to look

after only ourselves. Indeed, it is difficulties that bring out our true colours.’’

– Paul McKeon is the founder of www.mylife change.com.au and the publisher of books about lifestyle issues affecting people in their 50s, 60s and 70s. His books are titled The Rest of Your Life, Relationships in our 50s-60s and Beyond and How to Stay Healthy, Active and Sharp in Retirement.

Paul McKeon.

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CULTURAL CONNECTION: Petar and Ristana with Bolton Clark diversity manager Jaklina Michael.

Welcome to cultural diversity Gail Forrer WHILE the world reels from the shock of a new virus, it can be easy to forget the positive societal changes that have also changed the world – particularly for seniors.

One of the many changes to be celebrated is access to aged care provisions for culturally diverse seniors.

If you are an older person from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background, there are aged care services specifically for you.

Many organisations now offer specific diets, activities, languages or spiritual needs, whatever your cultural, linguist or spiritual background.

Bolton Clarke diversity manager Jaklina Michael said culturally appropriate care and services were about understanding, respecting and meeting the needs and expectations of people.

That included having access to care workers who are culturally competent, information seniors can understand and use, and support in receiving aged

care services.

“Bringing those things together means people can feel safe in their experience of aged care services and can share their diverse characteristics and life experiences without fear of discrimination,” Jaklina said.

For Bolton Clarke athome support client Petar, who emigrated from Macedonia in 1967, creating that cultural safety has involved a multidisciplinary team working closely with his family over time.

Petar, 80, lives with his wife and son but has highcare needs due to diabetes-

related health issues including vision impairment and foot amputations.

He grew up in a small village and speaks, reads and writes Macedonian. He has everyday conversational English but requires a professional interpreter for more complex conversations such as health education.

Petar and his wife, Ristana, settled and raised their family in Wollongong before moving to Melbourne to live with son Johnny after he had a stroke in 2000.

For Petar, support in accessing the nearest Macedonian Orthodox

church and subscribing to broadcast Macedonian TV programs have been important in meeting his care needs and reducing his isolation.

“He was experiencing barriers to accessing services, putting him at risk of premature entry to residential aged care,’’ Ms Michael said. ”His Bolton Clarke wound care nurse raised her concerns and a team approach was put in place to support the family.

“The team arranged a Macedonian-speaking worker, a culturally

competent diabetes specialist nurse and a Macedonian interpreter to better understand Petar’s cultural identity and specific needs and ensure he had access to culturally safe and appropriate support.’’ * If you speak a language other than English, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 for support to talk to My Aged Care or with your aged care provider about your services.

TIS National covers more than 100 languages and is available 24/7.

Purrrfect time to learn pet first aid skills PET owners can follow the social distancing rules and learn new skills online to save their pet in an emergency.

As we all do our bit to flatten the curve, pet lovers can gain the skills to save their pet before they reach the vet as Red Cross First Aid offers a new online course teaching essential cat and dog first-aid basics.

Dr Philip H Brain, a smallanimal medicine specialist

with 30 years of experience working at the Sydney Animal Specialist Hospital (sash), said: “You never know when or where your beloved pet might need you to deliver first aid.

“The Red Cross Pet First Aid course will help you deal with injuries, help prevent illness and could save the life of your pet whilst you seek veterinary attention.”

Animal lovers Cheryl Bond and her family share

their property with six horses, chickens, three dogs and a cat. Cheryl says the online course would have helped her read the signs better when her dog of 16 years passed away this year.

“When my dog Sara crashed in the middle of the night, I was on Google typing ‘how fast should my dog breathe’, and even if I could measure it, I had no idea of a normal breathing range and you naturally panic in the

middle of an emergency event.

“If I had done the online course, it would have empowered me to know the signs, as you can’t always call a vet at 3am.

“The course was extremely useful.’’

To take an online Pet First Aid course, simply go to redcross.org.au/petfirstaid.

The course costs $35 and you can add a kit and bundle the two together for $69.95.

LIFESAVER: Learn pet first aid online with Australian Red Cross.

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Community notes

With the coronavirus preventing clubs from meeting, we welcome any submissions that promote your club’s aims, history and achievements. Member profiles and photos are also most welcome. Please email submissions to editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au.

NOTE: Because of the social restrictions in place due to the coronavirus outbreak, please check directly with the club/ group or event organiser to ensure the following details about any future events or activities are still correct.

their experience as a carer.

All that is needed is about an hour of your time. The interview can be conducted on the phone and any information you tell me will be confidential.

If you would like to participate, phone Rosemary on 0437 327 600 or email rosemaryt8@gmail.com.

CARING FOR ELDERLY FAMILY MEMBERS NATIONAL SENIORS I AM a mature-age student at the University of Southern Queensland and am doing a research project exploring the values associated with caring for elderly family members. I am especially interested in carers who live in regional or rural areas. I would love to hear from any carers who would be prepared to talk about what motivates them to care and

Toowoomba DUE to coronavirus we have cancelled any bus trips and morning teas until further notice.

When we can return, our morning teas are on the first Thursday of the month at Toowoomba Bowls Club in Lindsay St. Watch out for notices in this paper or the Chronicle. Phone Desma on 07 4613 6750.

EMPOWERING WOMEN: About 230 guests, including Maureen Burke, Margaret Christensen and Pam Smith, attended the Zonta Club of Toowoomba’s IWD event.

ZONTA CLUB OF TOOWOOMBA INC WE RECENTLY staged a sellout International Women’s Day luncheon in the magnificent Panorama Room, Picnic Point.

About 230 guests attended to enjoy friendship and generosity over a two-

course meal.

They came from Toowoomba and as far away as Cunnamulla to celebrate IWD and support the Zonta mission to empower women.

Zontian members sponsored four students from The Glennie School and Centenary Heights State

High School to attend the luncheon along with a teacher.

Through the grand windows of the Panorama Room the gum trees glistened in the sun while inside, mountaineer Alyssa Azar took to the couch to respond to questions from Toowoomba City Councillor

Geoff McDonald.

Alyssa responded to questions about her preparation for her gruelling feats, in particular, the preparation and ascent of both the north and south faces of Mount Everest.

One experience Alyssa shared was of the 2015 CONTINUED PAGE 16

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COMMUNITY

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INTERNATIONAL GUEST: (L-R): Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki, Mayor Paul Antonio, U3A International president Professor Francois Vellas, U3A Toowoomba president Rhonda Weston and U3A Toowoomba tutor coordinator David Weston.

SENIORS

Muriel Burrell, Robyn Storey and Ros Spalding at the Zonta Club of Toowoomba’s IWD event at the Panorama Room, Picnic Point.

FROM PAGE 15

earthquake. She was at the base camp when a tsunami of snow came railing down the mountain and covered most of her tent.

She had three minutes to react and apply her avalanche training. For 30 seconds she thought she would die.

Zonta Club of Toowoomba’s Woman of the Year was announced, with Ans Van Erp being the worthy recipient.

Ans spoke with passion about Zonta’s continued efforts to empower women in our local community and all over the world.

The annual award is presented to an outstanding woman living in the Toowoomba Regional Council area who has made a significant contribution to the community.

TOOWOOMBA HOSPICE WANT to hang ya boss out to dry? The Toowoomba Hospice administration and fundraising manager wants to encourage staff to hang their boss out on Friday, May 8, for a good cause – Toowoomba Hospice.

The hospice has cared for more than 1500 clients and the highest standard of care has been afforded to all.

However, to maintain this level of support, the hospice is forced to rely heavily on the financial assistance of the community to fund an operating budget of $1.75 million a year.

Just over $336,000 has been raised over the past eight years. As an extra incentive, the boss who raises the most money has

Anne Bedgood and Valda Burns at the Zonta Club’s well-attended IWD event.

International Women’s Day luncheon guest speaker Alyssa Azar with Zonta Club of Toowoomba president Kate Charlton.

the opportunity to host the 2021 Hang Ya Boss Out To Dry at their workplace. All those who get hung out to dry go into a draw to win a Weber barbecue being donated by Toowoomba BBQs and Fireplaces in the Bernoth Centre.

The event, being hosted

by Mitchell Bernoth Toowoomba, will be held on May 8 from 6am at the Bernoth Centre (663 Ruthven St) with a live outside broadcast until 10am by Lee from the Triple M Breakfast Show.

Abbey’s Cottage Cafe will be selling breakfast burgers

organisation reaching more than 10 million members in more than 60 countries.

Local president Rhonda Weston, who is a member of the International Governing Board, welcomed Prof Vellas to our city and invited U3A presidents from around Australia to meet him.

Flying in to hear Prof Vellas speak was Peter Alcock, chairman of U3A Alliance Australia and the president of U3A Network WA; Susan Webster, the president of U3A Network Victoria; and Laurene Mulcahy, the president of U3A Network NSW.

and coffee, with proceeds going back to the hospice.

Contact Katrina at events@toowoomba hospice.org.au or to register online, go to toowoomba hospice.org.au.

U3A Toowoomba Inc. THE 2270 members of U3A in Toowoomba Inc. were delighted to welcome Professor Francois Vellas to Toowoomba.

Prof Vellas is the international president of the Association of International Universities of the Third Age and heads an

Joining them were presidents and delegates from 13 U3As around southeast Queensland.

Among the guest speakers were Mark TuckerEvans, CEO of COTA Queensland, and Peter Homan, CEO of Southern Queensland Country Tourism. Cr Geoff McDonald officially opened the seminar.

One of the key outcomes of the seminar was to introduce U3As Australia wide to the opportunities of international U3A study tours, inbound and outbound. The inaugural

study tour was held in China in May 2019 when several Toowoomba members joined with 170 members from 10 countries visiting not only the tourist attractions but meeting and joining in activities of Chinese U3As. While in Toowoomba, Prof Vellas visited many of our local tourist attractions and he was honoured with a mayoral reception.

Executive Dean Professor Barbara de la Harpe hosted an event at USQ and the connections between U3A and USQ were strengthened.

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True colours of Australia Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of our heritage sites PAGES 20 AND 21

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War sacrifice front of mind

FAMILY MATTERS: Back-Roads Touring takes small groups of Australians to Anzac memorials in France and Belgium, and researches travellers’ fallen descendants.

Q&A with Mark Banning, Back-Roads Touring battlefield tour leader.

Q: Where did your passion for this line of work stem from?

A: I’ve been interested in the Great War since a very early age. My dad would entertain me with stories of his own father’s war service, which saw him gassed and then held as a prisoner of war for nearly four years.

Although I never met my grandfather, this sparked a nascent interest in these incredible war stories.

Q: You’ve been working with small-group touring company Back-Roads Touring for a decade, guiding Aussies through the Western Front and sharing the stories of our Anzacs.

Can you tell me about who your guests typically are?

A: Yes, since 2008! It’s

been a real privilege to accompany many Australian visitors to the battlefields of the Western Front in France and Belgium as a tour leader for Back-Roads Touring. My guests are a mixed bunch.

Although some guests are simply wishing to visit these Anzac sites out of interest in the experience, knowing these battlefields are an intrinsic part of Australia’s history, many have chosen these tours very specifically to connect with a fallen family member.

Q: Tell me about the process of uncovering the stories of Aussie travellers’ fallen Anzacs. You receive the name of an ancestor of a Back-Roads guest – then what?

A: My chief research assistant and partner, Mary, and I uncover the unique stories of what these

ancestors faced on the Western Front. Firstly, we establish whether the soldier survived. In all honesty, our research is made a great deal simpler if the soldier was killed as his name will be recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, allowing us to check its database and identify the site where the man is either buried or honoured. For those with graves, I then aim to ensure the guest can visit the military cemetery while on tour. For the many Australian soldiers classed as having no known grave, there are three locations where these men are remembered: the Menin Gate at Ypres, the VC Corner Memorial at Fromelles and the Australian National War Memorial at VillersBretonneux.

Hats off to Outback Queensland’s fascinating historical showpieces ONCE the world is back to normal you may feel it’s time to pack your swag, grab your Akubra and head west across the Great Dividing Range and into Outback Queensland.

With fascinating attractions such as the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, classic pubs and genuine Aussie characters, Outback Queensland is an experience like no other.

It’s a region that resonates with the origins of some of Australia’s most treasured icons, from our unofficial anthem, Waltzing Matilda, to the beginnings of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the birthplace of Qantas. Spectacular natural highlights range from the red dunes of Windorah to the emerald waters of Lawn Hill Gorge and the dinosaur trail that traces the prehistoric pathways of creatures from 95 million years ago when Outback Queensland was home to an inland sea.

Navigating Outback Queensland

The first thing to note is just how big this Outback area is – around half of Queensland, or about 832,000 square kilometres.

It’s defined by the state borders on the west and south, the Overlander’s Way in the north, and stretching west of the Great Dividing Range in a line that arcs from Hughenden in the north to Charleville and Cunnamulla in the south.

It’s a vast area with big distances between its small communities, making Queensland the most decentralised state. Plan plenty of time or set your itinerary to take in one or two of the main sectors of Outback Queensland.

The Central West The Central West is the heart of the Outback and the gateway to this great region.

It includes the towns of Longreach, Barcaldine and Blackall and out to dinosaur country at Winton.

The region is home to some of the legends of Australia’s bush heritage – Waltzing Matilda was

penned here, Qantas was “born’’ here, and the folklore and stories of the bush, from the stockmen to shearers, were played out here. The main centre is Longreach – home to some of the biggest attractions of the Outback.

Longreach The wide brown landscapes and shimmering horizons surrounding Longreach offer the promise of adventure, while the township’s heritage and attractions give plenty of opportunity to discover what life was like here for the early settlers.

Close to the airport is the outstanding Qantas Founders Museum. Displays turn back the clock to the 1920s and follow the story of the airline from its inception in Winton up to modern day. You can see the original heritage-listed Qantas hangar containing DH-50 and DH-61 aircraft.

For the best QFM experience, join a guided tour of the resident Boeing 747 and 707 plus the unusual Catalina flying boat.

COLOUR YOUR WORLD: A stunning sunset at Camden Park Station, Longreach.

Head down Longreach’s main highway to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, established in 1988 by two legendary Outback figures, artist Hugh Sawrey and stockman outfitter RM Williams.

The landmark attraction tells the story of pioneers, Aborigines, explorers, the overlanders, cattle drovers and early settlers.

Winton and Dinosaurs About 180km northwest of Longreach is the “Dinosaur Capital of

Australia’’, the historic town of Winton. A.B. “Banjo’’ Paterson’s famous national poem and song Waltzing Matilda was penned at nearby Dagworth Station and first performed at Winton’s North Gregory Hotel on April 6, 1895.

The iconic Waltzing Matilda Centre was destroyed by fire in 2015, but the magnificent new centre opened with much fanfare in April 2018.

The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History is just 24km

out of town and has guided tours.

Barcaldine and Blackall The Matilda Highway connects to communities including Ilfracombe and Barcaldine just over 100km east of Longreach. Since the late 1800s, this region has been known for its sheep and cattle production.

Barcaldine was the site of the Shearers’ Strike of 1891; the historic event is marked by the Tree of Knowledge sculpture, which includes the trunk and branches from the original iconic tree.

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COLONIAL INSIGHT: A digital storyboard in the Hyde Park Barracks, where technology and history combine to shed light both on the convicts who lived there and the Aborigines who were impacted by the arrival of the penal colony inhabitants.

Pictures: Tracey Johnstone

Arresting look at early days Tracey Johnstone

Artist Jonathon Jones inspecting his work on the Hyde Park Barracks courtyard.

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The space, light and presentations make it a pleasure to move around.

location so that it can share the story of the nearest exhibit.

For the hearing-impaired, soon there will be an iPad option to use when touring the building. The rooms

contain an array of artefacts, dioramas and digital storyboards. It’s not cluttered; the space, light and modern presentations make it a pleasure to slowly move around the area.

In the courtyard is the artwork of Jonathan Jones.

He has created an exceptional display of cobblestones of convict arrows and emu feet that show the intersection of early Australian life.

To view the display, book at hydeparkbarracks.sydney livingmuseums.com.au.

Sessions cost $20 for seniors.

***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

Kind Regards form the Great Value Holidays Team

Ask About our sEP & oCt sPECiAls !!!!

Visit www.greatvalueholidays.com.au or phone 1300 722 661

Terms and conditions apply: See website for details.

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ON GADIGAL land in the heart of Sydney city looms large the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks, with its gates reopened to the public after a major refurbishment.

Sitting atop of Martin Place in Queen’s Square on Macquarie Street, the convict-era structure has been transformed, providing an immersive experience.

Next-generation technology and history combine to present an insight into the lives of both the convicts who resided there and the Aborigines who were impacted by the arrival of the penal colony inhabitants.

About 4000 artefacts are on display, some of them preserved thanks to the rodents that collected and hid them in the bowels of the building.

It takes about 90 minutes to walk through the three floors of the building, which now has a lift. Instead of text storyboards, each visitor uses a personal audio unit with the commentary controlled by where you are standing. Step too far in one direction or the other and the audio picks up your

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WORLD CLASS: The beginner-friendly Elabana Falls Track is a half-day walk that branches off the Main Border Track, about 1km from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

Take your time and plan for future travel THE World Heritage List records more than 1000 natural, cultural and mixed sites that are protected by international convention and considered important for the whole world.

The list is administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

World Heritage-listed sites are managed under the World Heritage Convention.

In Australia, World Heritage-listed properties are managed cooperatively by state and federal governments in accordance with the Australian World Heritage Intergovernmental Agreement.

Here is a list of a few of the sites:

THE GREAT BARRIER REEF The Great Barrier Reef was the first Queensland site to be recognised for its representation of major stages of the Earth’s evolutionary history and as the largest coral reef system on the planet.

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia straddles Queensland’s southern border and encompasses Lamington, Springbrook, Mt Barney and the Main Range National Parks. This area is the most extensive remaining area of subtropical rainforest and is home to nearly all of the world’s Antarctic beech rainforest.

A slightly prehistoric twist sees ancient Australian mammals preserved in limestone at the Riversleigh Fossil Mammal site in Outback Queensland on the list. Some fossil deposits date back 25 million years.

WET TROPICS Extending from Cooktown to Townsville and including the Daintree Rainforest, the Wet Tropics of Queensland protects Australia’s largest remaining area of wet tropical rainforest with cultural significance for the Aboriginal people who have called this area home for thousands of years.

Aim to reach all of these World Heritage-listed areas and you’ll have an adventure plan that covers most of our beautiful state!

MOUNT BARNEY Mount Barney, Scenic Rim Area The distinctive peaks of mounts Barney, Maroon, May, Lindesay, Ernest, Ballow and Clunie dominate the skyline in Mount Barney National Park. These rugged peaks are the remains of the ancient Focal Peak shield volcano that erupted 24 million years ago. Mount Barney is the second-highest peak in southeast Queensland and most of the park lies within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.

The park’s cascading

creeks and pristine forest habitats preserve many rare plants and vulnerable animal species. For a leisurely visit, drive to Yellow Pinch picnic area and photograph kingfishers swooping over the water. Very experienced walkers can climb sheer rugged mountain peaks to awe-inspiring views of craggy ridges and distant ranges. For the less adventurous, there are a few moderate walks around the mountains’ bases.

Facilities: Barbecues, car park.

SPRINGBROOK Springbrook Plateau, Springbrook National Park, Springbrook, Gold Coast Springbrook Plateau, Springbrook National Park, offers breathtaking lookouts, magnificent waterfalls, dense rainforest and ancient Antarctic beech trees. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area.

Dominating the Gold Coast’s western skyline, Springbrook’s cool forests and mountain streams offer views of impressive landscapes, and walks among subtropical and temperate rainforest, open eucalypt forest and montane heath. The plateau has many lookouts with fabulous views.

Visit Purling Brook Falls, which cascades 100 metres

FRASER ISLAND Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and is noted for its exceptional beauty, ever-evolving coastal sand-dune formations and habitats, as well as 250km of sandy beaches.

RIVERSLEIGH FOSSIL MAMMAL SITE

Please check with Government advice before leaving your home and visiting any of the sites mentioned in this story.

into a deep rainforest valley lined with palms, tree ferns and stream lilies. From Goomoolahra picnic area, walk 50 metres to another waterfall and two striking lookouts. Stroll 300 metres from the Tallanbana picnic area, just past Canyon Lookout, to the top of Twin Falls; or continue on a longer walk through the canyon.

NSW THE NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) manages four World Heritage areas that are either entirely within the national parks estate or partially in the NSW national park estate. These are: Australian Convict Sites – Old Great North Road, Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, Greater Blue Mountains Area, Willandra Lakes Region.

GREATER BLUE MOUNTAINS

Greater Blue Mountains is a World Heritage-listed area of diverse landscapes filled with plants, wildlife, caves and rock formations in NSW national parks. It’s full of cultural significance, with six Aboriginal groups having connection to the Country of the Area, as it’s tied with Dreaming and rock art.

The Greater Blue Mountains Area is one of the largest and most intact tracts of protected bushland in Australia. The area is a deeply incised sandstone tableland covering 1 million hectares spread across eight adjacent conservation reserves. The landscapes of this property lie inland to the west of Sydney and extend almost 250 kilometres from the edge of the Hunter Valley to the Southern Highlands near Mittagong.

An enormous variety of plants occur here, but eucalypts dominate the landscape: the area is home

to 96 species (13 per cent of all eucalypt species).

WILLANDRA LAKES Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area is an ancient landscape formed by wind and water. The area includes a small section that is Mungo National Park, where Mungo Lady and Mungo Man were uncovered. Dating human habitation back to more than 40,000 years, the discovery is believed to be the world’s oldest site of ritual ceremony. Preserved in the arid environment are ancient fireplaces, calcified plants, stone tools, and animal bones.

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A waterfall in lush Lamington National Park, part of the magnificent Gondwana Rainforests of Australia area.

The Great Barrier Reef is a tropical paradise.

The Walls of China in Mungo National Park at Willandra Lakes, NSW. Picture: NSW Tourism/Don Fuchs

four convict sites in NSW that, together with seven other sites across Tasmania, Norfolk Island and Western Australia, make up the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property.

Finished in 1836 using convict labour, Devines Hill and Finchs Line were completed as part of Old Great North Road – which originally spanned 264km and connected Sydney and the Hunter Valley. Today 43km of road remains alongside Dharug and Yengo national parks.

GONDWANA RAINFORESTS OF AUSTRALIA The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area contains the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world, large areas of warm temperate rainforest, and the majority of the world’s Antarctic beech coolV1 - SETE01Z01MA

temperature rainforest.

These extraordinary areas still contain ancient and primitive plants and animals from which life on Earth evolved. Get to know Gondwana Rainforests along a walking track, on a driving route, or by staying in nearby accommodation.

DORRIGO NATIONAL PARK The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia comprises 50 separate reserves scattered between Newcastle and Brisbane. With a combined area of 366,500 hectares, this World Heritage site is the most extensive area of subtropical rainforest in the world. Providing an essential habitat for more than 270 threatened plant and animal species, the Gondwana Rainforests are a priceless feature of eastern Australia’s landscape.

Just 90 minutes from Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo

National Park is one of the Gondwana Rainforests’ most beautiful areas. This park is known for its excellent birdwatching, as well as its beautiful waterfall walks and barbecue areas. Start at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre before making your way onto the boardwalk. This 70metre-long platform brings guests to stunning Skywalk Lookout, where you can take in panoramic views of the Rosewood rainforest basin, the Bellinger Valley and beyond from 21 metres above the rainforest floor.

LORD HOWE ISLAND GROUP The Lord Howe Island Group is a collection of 28 islands, islets and rocks situated about 600km east of Port Macquarie, in the Tasman Sea. The largest of these islands is Lord Howe itself, a 10km-by-2km land mass formed by volcanic activity some 7 million years ago.

Heritage listed in 1982, the Lord Howe Island Group has been recognised for its endemic species as well as its stunning – and largely untouched – terrain. The islands also sit on the southernmost coral reef in the world, which is home to more than 90 species of coral and 500 species of fish. The west coast of Lord Howe Island features a sheltered, sandy coral reef lagoon with excellent snorkelling opportunities, while the island’s south is covered by forested hills that rise to the highest point on the island: Mount Gower.

In most cases, Lord Howe Island can only be reached by air. However, this very isolation has allowed the region to develop such an impressive range of unique flora and fauna. Visitor numbers have been limited to 400 people a night in an effort to reduce the impact of tourism on the island.

GONDWANA RAINFORESTS Get in touch with nature in the Word Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, the most extensive subtropical rainforest in the world. Making up the Springbrook and Lamington National Parks in the Gold Coast hinterland, it is within only a short drive of the beach life.

Be spoilt for choice in Springbrook National Park, home to native wildlife and four sections of walking trails with stunning lookouts.

Capture the flowing water stream at the Natural Bridge or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Springbrook Plateau to be blown away by waterfalls, breathtaking views and lush rainforest.

Enjoy more than 160 kilometres of walking trails scattered with waterfalls, ancient fauna and flora through the Lamington National Park. Or walk among the treetops on the 1.5-kilometre Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, which takes you from the canopy floor up to a 40-metre cantilever with a viewing platform over Cedar Creek.

Take a step back in time in Gondwana Rainforests, one of the few places in the world where the plants and animals closely resemble their ancestors.

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Prescription for survival Blueprint for protection with measures for seniors in place

• Touching objects or surfaces (such as doorknobs or tables) that have droplets on them from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face.

THIS information is sourced from a Federal Government fact sheet dedicated to specific advice for older Australians. It outlines the COVID-19 facts and the measures you, your family and friends can take to protect older Australians.

The spread of COVID-19 and Australia’s response is evolving. For more details, go to www.health.gov.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

WHAT IS COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS)?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus. It was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China. It has now become a global pandemic.

HOW IS IT SPREAD? The virus can spread from person to person through: • Close contact with an infectious person (including in the 24 hours before they start showing symptoms).

• Contact with droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to colds and flus and can include: fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath.

While the COVID-19 virus is of serious concern, it is important to remember, at this stage, that most people displaying symptoms may be suffering from a cold, flu, allergies or other respiratory illness, not necessarily COVID-19.

DO I NEED TO BE TESTED IF I HAVE THOSE SYMPTOMS? If you develop symptoms within 14 days of last contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case or returning to Australia, you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will tell you if you need to get tested.

There is a global shortage of test kits, so the medical advice so far is to limit testing and target it towards people who may have been exposed to the virus.

WHY IS THIS VIRUS SO DANGEROUS FOR OLDER PEOPLE? The risk of serious illness from COVID-19 increases

CAN I GO TO THE SHOPS OR CATCH THE BUS, OR SHOULD I STAY IN MY OWN HOME? All Australians are being asked to practise “social distancing”, including staying 1.5 metres away from other people where possible.

Only people diagnosed with, or exposed to COVID19 and those returning from overseas are required to self-isolate in their homes.

LAYING DOWN THE LAW: Heeding the ever-changing behavioural rules as the coronavirus outbreak worsens is even more important for seniors, who are at most risk.

Picture: AP/Vadim Ghirda

with age. The highest rate of fatalities is among older people, particularly those with other serious health conditions or a weakened immune system.

There is currently no cure or vaccine for COVID-19, or immunity in the community.

For people living with dementia or some form of cognitive impairment, the ability to follow instructions or to alert others about potential symptoms may be a challenge.

This is especially so where there is a limited capacity to communicate verbally or express pain and discomfort.

In this situation, observation by someone who knows the person with dementia may assist in identifying changes in their health.

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I AM AN OLDER PERSON. WHAT CAN I DO? Even if you are feeling well, it is important to take steps to prevent the virus spreading. Good hygiene and taking care when interacting with other people are the best defences for you and your family against COVID-19.

This includes: • Covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.

• Disposing of tissues immediately they are used, into a dedicated waste bin, and washing your hands.

• Washing your hands often, with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet, and when you have been out to shops or other places.

• Using alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces you have touched.

• Where possible, stay 1.5 metres away from other people, an example of “social distancing”.

• If you are sick, avoiding contact with others.

If you start to feel unwell, phone the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 or your GP, who will be able to provide you with further advice.

Older people aged 70+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), or people with chronic conditions, are able to seek medical support from their GPs through bulkbilled telehealth (videolink) and telephone services.

Video applications include FaceTime and Skype.

ARE OTHER VACCINATIONS IMPORTANT? It is very important that you reduce your risk of getting other illnesses while COVID19 remains in our community.

There is no vaccine for COVID-19. However, it is important that you get the 2020 flu vaccination as soon as it is available from your GP or pharmacy.

Discuss with your doctor whether you should have a pneumococcal vaccination against pneumonia, which is recommended for everyone over 65. You should also discuss having a shingles vaccination.

WHAT IF I NEED URGENT ASSISTANCE THAT CANNOT BE PROVIDED BY MY CURRENT CARER? Older Australians can access short-term home support services (such as meals or personal care) in an emergency without having had an aged care assessment. Assessments can also be conducted using telehealth rather than faceto-face where appropriate.

Speak with a home-care provider about these measures.

I HAVE A HOME CARE PACKAGE. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME? Consumers with Home Care packages have flexibility with how they spend their funds over a wide range of care and services to support them to stay safe, healthy and independent.

The Government will ensure home-care providers have even greater support to meet the changing needs of clients as the virus unfolds.

Wellbeing I NEED ADDITIONAL MEDICAL / HEALTH SERVICES. WHERE CAN I GO? As part of the COVID-19 National Health Plan, the Australian Government has increased access to bulkbilled MBS telehealth and telephone services and fasttracked electronic prescribing of medicines.

The Government’s telehealth scheme allows doctors, nurses and mental health professionals to deliver services via telehealth or by telephone, provided those services are bulk billed, to those people who are 70+ years of age (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people); people self-isolating at home; or those with chronic health conditions or immunocompromised.

Patients are encouraged to contact their health service providers to ask about the availability of telehealth and telephone services.

The Government is creating measures to allow prescriptions remotely and have their medicines home delivered to reduce their potential exposure to COVID-19. More information on the COVID-19 National Health Plan is available at www .health.gov.au/ resources/collections/ coronavirus-Covid-19national-health-planresources.

CAN I STILL HAVE CONTACT WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY? The Government is advising everyone to practise “social distancing”. If you are an older person (60+), you should consider limiting physical contact with other people, especially young children, and avoiding large groups of people. You may wish to limit your visitors to one or two people a day, and limit the duration of visits.

Children and young people may carry COVID-19 but show no symptoms, so it may not be safe for them to visit an older relative.

These measures may be stressful for you and your loved ones. A chat over the phone, video call or email, rather than visits in person, are a good precaution.

For the latest advice, go to www.health.gov.au.

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Ex-judge keen to raise bar in fitness pursuit At 94, he’s a self-confessed parkrun addict ONE walk was all it took to get former NSW Supreme Court judge, 94-year-old The Honourable Adrian Roden, hooked on parkrun, proving age is no barrier when it comes to being active and healthy.

Judge Roden completed his first parkrun in North Sydney in February last year, and recently completed his 30th parkrun, placing him slightly ahead of the schedule he set for himself.

Having chalked up 150 kilometres in just over 12 months, Judge Roden hit 25 parkruns on 25 January this year, one week before his 94th birthday, and said he planned to reach 50 before turning 95 in 2021.

“My plan is to do 25 parkruns before my next birthday and the same again for another two years, in order to reach my 100th parkrun,” Judge Roden said. “parkrun has added an extra dimension to my life.

I’m really not sure what I would do without it.”

When not walking the regular 5km free community event, Judge Roden was hoping to volunteer so he

could maintain weekly contact with the parkrun community.

“People say it’s like a second family. The friendship of the people at North Sydney is quite remarkable. It’s the nicest group of people that you could imagine meeting, who previously were complete strangers to me.

“On the day of my 25th parkrun they put on a party for me and presented me with a special T-shirt where we normally go for coffee after the run. There was a cake and speeches, it was wonderful.

“They still keep in touch with me even now that parkrun has been suspended due to the coronavirus.’’

Often asked what is the secret to a long and healthy life, Judge Roden insists it isn’t a secret. Just the luck of the genetic draw, followed by all the obvious sensible things.

North Sydney parkrun Run director Paul Harper revealed Judge Roden’s competitive spirit.

“Before attempting his first parkrun, Adrian

watched for a few weeks, seated on a nearby park bench,” Mr Harper said.

“The interesting participation data that parkrun produces for parkrunners appeals to Adrian’s analytical mind. It allows members to compare their own performance against others in the same age group and Adrian was delighted to find he was not alone.

“Everyone relates to and enjoys Adrian’s company, despite him not listening to their gentle cautions to slow down a little – he is very competitive, regularly completing 5km in around 50 minutes.” parkrun’s strategic director of Asia Pacific Tim Oberg said community connection and inclusion was what parkrun was all about.

“It’s very special that as the largest mass participation sporting event on the planet, parkrun has this incredible ability to connect people in such a personal way,’’ he said.

“The decision to suspend parkrun events worldwide in

ON THE RUN: Former Judge Adrian Roden, 94, participating in a parkrun.

response to the COVID-19 pandemic weighs heavily on us, so to see communities like North Sydney continuing to offer support to each other outside the usual event format is truly heartening.’’

Judge Roden was introduced to his local North Sydney parkrun by nephew Leigh Roden and Leigh’s wife, Sue, both trail runner’s

in their 60s. Suitable for all ages and abilities, parkrun is a free 5km run or walk that takes place every Saturday morning at more than 380 urban and regional locations throughout Australia.

In line with government advice regarding the COVID19 pandemic, parkrun is currently suspended around the world until further notice.

For updates, see https:// www.parkrun.com/news /2020/03/12/covid-19.

To stay in touch with parkrun Australia, members can also search for @parkrunAU on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for fun ways (such as the Great Big parkrun Quiz held online on March 21) to keep spirits up and stay connected during this difficult time.

We can still love our neighbour – but we have to be creative NEIGHBOUR Day is Australia’s annual celebration of community, but with people across the country being asked to practise social distancing and self-isolation, it might be difficult to appreciate a day that emphasises social connection.

More so than having someone to chat to while collecting the mail, or to borrow a cup of sugar from, social connectedness plays a major role in preventing loneliness and depression, according to the Department of Health – particularly for groups such as retirees and the elderly.

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Residents at Ingenia Rental communities are proving that now, more than ever, it’s important to recognise the positive impact of “neighbourly‘’ behaviour by doing what they can to make life a little brighter for their neighbours.

Ingenia Rental resident Melanie Valdes has always been a community-focused individual and said that even the simplest acts like smiling and saying hello could boost someone’s day.

“To me, being a good neighbour means offering to help wherever you can – I recently helped a new

resident move in next door and not only was that helpful for them, but we got to have a really nice chat and connect as neighbours,” Ms Valdes said.

“Another one of my neighbours is an elderly lady and I know she doesn’t have access to a car, so whenever I go grocery shopping, I always make sure to check what’s on her shopping list – I know it means a lot to her, especially now.’’

Ingenia Rental Chambers Flat manager Ian Thompson said he regularly saw amazing acts of kindness and connection between residents.

“On a daily basis, neighbours check on each other, chat from their balconies, help new residents move in – and even now with everyone maintaining a physical distance, I am constantly amazed by the displays of generosity,” Mr Thompson said.

“When times have been tough for certain residents, those who may have fallen ill or lost their job, I’ve witnessed their neighbours help them pay rent or donate their time to help with chores.

“While our residents often come to us looking for

affordability, flexibility and security first and foremost, it’s the friendship and support they find here that makes them choose to stay long-term.’’

The 2020 theme for Neighbour Day was originally set to be “Social Connection” but has since been changed to “Creative Connection” and focuses on how Australians can be great neighbours and build relationships in a creative manner.

“One of our residents in particular has always made time to help some of the older residents that have mobility issues,’’ Mr

Thompson said. “ He collects their mail, helps pick up groceries – and I think what those residents appreciate most is the time he takes to chat to them.

“Physical distance certainly isn’t stopping people from feeling connected.’’

“I think Neighbour Day will be very special this year thanks to the everyday heroes we have here at Ingenia Rental.

“It makes you feel humble, to say the very least.’’

For more about an Ingenia Rental community near you visit www.ingeniarental. com.au.

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Money

Past market routs offer important takeouts for investors.

MARKET MAYHEM: Australian share prices have plummeted in the past month as the COVID-19 outbreak takes an increasing health and economic toll around the world. Avoiding the temptation to sell now, and instead securing well-priced shares, may pay off when the market bounces back.

Picture: Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP

Learn from history’s lessons Paul Clitheroe THE coronavirus outbreak puts us firmly in extraordinary times.

Mass lockdowns, social distancing and a widespread health threat are all new to us. But there is nothing new about volatility in investment markets.

Spending time bunkered at home, I took to researching previous market downturns.

It turns out there have been plenty over the past century, probably more than many people realise.

Fortunately, the years of positive returns have far

outnumbered – and outweighed – the down years.

Even so, if you drew a line graph of sharemarket movements over the past 100 hundred years, it would resemble a profile of the Himalayas, with plenty of ups and downs.

The difference is that with sharemarkets the long-term trend is progressively upward. Indeed, the outcomes of past market routs offer three important takeouts for investors.

1. Don’t sell at the bottom When we hear day after day about falls in share

values, it’s extremely tempting to sell out.

In fact, it can take nerves of steel to hang in. But hanging in makes a lot of sense.

COVID-19 may be a new bug, but since 2000 we’ve seen a number of serious viral outbreaks.

SARS (2002), MERS (2012) and swine flu (2009) have each had a negative impact on global equity markets.

But once the virus subsided – as it did in every case, markets took off. The catch is that to enjoy the lion’s share of the gains, you had to be in the market.

2. Consider portfolio rebalancing It may seem counterintuitive but now can be a good time to rebalance your portfolio.

Rebalancing means selling one type of investment and buying others so that you maintain your preferred weightings across different asset classes.

This ensures that your portfolio continues to reflect your goals and tolerance for risk.

Let’s not gild the lily.

Australian shares have dropped 22 per cent in the past month.

Red ink has been spilt

across the market, and while some sectors have fared better than others, it’s likely that your asset allocation is completely out of whack.

3. Embrace dollar-cost averaging The beauty of rebalancing is that it encourages us to buy low and sell high, and shares and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are offering exceptional value right now.

It’s understandable that you may not feel confident tipping a chunk of cash into the market at present.

The solution can be dollar-cost averaging – steadily drip-feeding your money into the market by

investing a set amount each fortnight, month or quarter.

It’s a great way to hedge your portfolio against market ups and downs.

As always, watch the fees you’re paying on your investments.

This is one aspect of your portfolio you have complete control over regardless of market conditions.

– Paul Clitheroe is chairman of InvestSMART, chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

Extra federal money aims to support seniors by ensuring continuity of care NEW measures for the aged care sector have been unveiled as the Federal Government continues to strengthen Australia’s defence against COVID-19.

The National Cabinet agreed on temporary funding to support aged care providers, residents, staff and families.

Building on the last package of measures, additional funding of $444.6 million is expected to strengthen the industry, with specific mechanisms to

reinforce the aged care workforce. It will include: • $234.9 million for a COVID-19 “retention bonus’’ to ensure the continuity of the workforce for aged care workers in both residential and home care. This will mean a payment of up to $800 after tax per quarter – paid for two quarters – for direct-care workers.

• Two payments of up to $600 after tax per quarter – for two quarters – for those who provide care in the home.

• Payments will be delivered to providers to pay their workers, and part-time workers will be paid a prorata rate.

• $78.3 million in additional funding for residential care to support continuity of workforce supply.

• $26.9 million for a temporary 30 per cent increase to the Residential and Home Care Viability Supplements and the Homeless Supplement. This includes equivalent viability

funding increases for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program providers, multipurpose services and homeless providers.

• $92.2 million in additional support to home care providers and organisations that deliver the Commonwealth Home Support Program, operating services including Meals on Wheels. This will include services for people in selfisolation.

• $12.3 million to support the My Aged Care service to meet the surge in aged carespecific COVID-19 inquiries, allowing for additional staff to minimise call-wait times.

Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said these important measures offered a reinforced framework to ensure the sector would continue to support those we love.

“As the transmission of COVID-19 increases rapidly, it is our priority to protect

and support elderly and vulnerable Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.

“Aged care is a critical sector that faces staffing challenges as existing staff are either subject to selfisolation requirements due to COVID-19 or are unable to attend work.

“We know we are asking a lot of this workforce as we face this unprecedented health emergency. Their work practices are changing – and this announcement is in recognition of this.”

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1

2

3

7

4

5

Across 1 What does a tanner produce? (7) 4 Eastermonath was Old English for which month? (5) 7 What clamp is fastened across all strings of a fretted instrument to raise the tuning? (4) 8 What is a slang term for the act of incriminating a person for a crime? (6-2) 10 What weatherproof coat got its name from the Scottish inventor of its fabric? (10) 12 Which country is nearest to where the Titanic was found? (6) 13 What style of hat got its name from the heroine of a George du Maurier novel? (6) 15 What is the chief female singer in an opera or opera company called? (5,5) 18 What is the study of armorial bearings and the tracing of genealogies? (8) 19 What weapon is an Australian Aborigine’s waddy? (4) 20 What is another name for the disorder called athlete’s foot? (5) 21 What navigational instrument is used for determining latitude? (7)

6

8 9

10 11 12

13 14 15

16

17 18

20

19

Down 1 What colloquial name applies to a doctor relieving for another? (5) 2 Who received Academy Award nominations for his part in The Godfather and The Godfather Part II? (2,6) 3 Which bird group includes the ostrich, emu, kiwi and the extinct moa? (6) 4 What would an Italian call a motorway? (10) 5 Which industrial area was occupied by French troops in 1923-24, after Germany defaulted on war reparation payments? (4) 6 What is also known as Hansen’s disease? (7) 9 In which film is magic summoned by “Bibbidi-bobbidiboo”? (10) 11 Who played Hawkeye in TV’s M*A*S*H? (4,4) 12 What handicraft involves yarn being made up into a patterned fabric using a hooked needle? (7) 14 Which small, blue characters were popular with 1980s children? (6) 16 Whose deputy is called a prior? (5) 17 In which country is the town of Gonabad? (4)

27 28/3

21

SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

DOUBLECROSS

5

8

6

7

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

9

10

11 12 13

14

15

16

17

18 20

19

21

22 23

24

25

Down 1. Poorly made (6) 2. Glint (5) 3. Panache (4) 4. Burning (6) 5. Cut (8) 6. Budding (7) 7. Live (6) 12. Currents of air (8) 14. Praise (7) 16. Moderate (6) 17. Place of worship (6) 18. Go back on a deal (6) 21. State one’s view (5) 22. Harvest (4)

Across 1. Division along racial lines (11) 8. Taking everything into account (7) 9. Expenses (5) 10. Moist (4) 11. Wrongdoing (7) 12. Female deer (3) 13. Den (4) 15. Curse (4) 17. Flog (3) 19. Shut out (7) 20. Centre (4) 23. Hunt illegally (5) 24. Exact (7) 25. Artistic marvel (11) SOLUTIONS

5x5 T H I R D

S O R E S

ALPHAGRAMS: EASEL, FRIEND, GLINTED, HOLISTIC, INCESSANT. GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Leather, 4 April, 7 Capo, 8 Stitch-up, 10 Mackintosh, 12 Canada, 13 Trilby, 15 Prima donna, 18 Heraldry, 19 Club, 20 Tinea, 21 Sextant.

Down: 1 Locum, 2 Al Pacino, 3 Ratite, 4 Autostrada, 5 Ruhr, 6 Leprosy, 9 Cinderella, 11 Alan Alda, 12 Crochet, 14 Smurfs, 16 Abbot, 17 Iran.

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.

LEASE FINDER TINGLED THIS COIL INSTANCES

5x5 W

DOUBLECROSS

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Segregation 8. Overall 9. Costs 10. Damp 11. Misdeed 12. Doe 13. Lair 15. Oath 17. Tan 19. Exclude 20. Core 23. Poach 24. Precise 25.

Masterpiece.

Down: 1. Shoddy 2. Gleam 3. Elan 4. Aflame 5. Incision 6. Nascent 7. Reside 12. Draughts 14. Acclaim 16. Temper 17. Temple 18. Renege 21. Opine 22.

Reap.

M

T C

S S

O

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

I O

E

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

E D

All puzzles © The Puzzle Company

TODAY: Good 10 Very Good 13 Excellent 15

smug sued used

S

A C T O R

D

I G

W A S T 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 S H

WORD GO ROUND

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SUDOKU

ALPHAGRAMS

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