Toowoomba, May 2019 by seniors

May, 2019

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MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Positive living choices

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News – Visionary philanthropist What’s on Community group guide Wanderlust Wellbeing Living Puzzles

Ideas for present and future living

Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor WELCOME to our May edition. This month, we celebrate hairdresser Wendy Gunn and the passion for her work which has led to being recognised with a prestigious award. I thought her story, so full of enthusiasm and positive attitude, was a great way to kick off the month. However, it’s election month and time to think about the improvements we want or need and how our politicians are responding to these issues. Our Talk ‘n’ Thoughts topic brings to light the issues that in one way or another are more relevant to the situation of older people. This article highlights the need for action in areas such as internet access, dental treatments and affordable housing together with the proposal of a special tribunal dedicated to deal with issues to do with seniors. The subject of accommodation style is the topic Tracey Johnstone has investigated in our monthly double-page feature – and there’s plenty to talk about. New architectural/building ideas are being generated

and implemented around the world and Australia has joined the push to come up with innovative and viable housing solutions. From professionals to community-minded groups, there is a focus on coming up with a range of creative alternatives to accommodate more healthy, happy lifestyles. Our Wellbeing pages include practical stories on caring for our health – with great info on new cancer research and what it means for breast cancer patients, along with tips for happy feet so that you can do lots of very beneficial walking. I believe that our community notes pages are also part of the wider wellbeing section, so thanks goes to groups who send us community news each month to share with other readers. Enjoy the read. Gail

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 Brett Mauger – 07 3623 1657 brett.mauger@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “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.

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Visionary philanthropist Couple saw value of Australian arts, literature and history AT A time when rural and regional areas, along with Australian art and artists, were often considered second class, Toowoomba transport entrepreneur and philanthropist Bill Bolton was a maverick. He and wife Marion not only saw the merits of Australian talent but staunchly believed their community deserved the best when it came to access to the arts, literature and history. It was an incredibly forward-thinking attitude for the time, according to Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery Bolton Library services officer Jayson Althofer. He is curator of the newly opened Bill Bolton’s Vision – 60 Years On, running at the gallery until July 21. While much of the publicity around the collection has understandably focused on Bill Bolton’s friendship

with the great Lionel Lindsay, with whom ideas of the gallery, a library, history room and museum (now Cobb+Co) sprang, Jayson said it goes well beyond. “He was quite extraordinary,” Jayson said. “He wanted, particularly the youth of what was then seen as ‘the backblocks’, to have access to seriously great art that, as Prime Minister Robert Menzies said at the opening in 1959, would catch ‘the divine fire of the imagination’.” The Bolton Collection was originally named The Lionel Lindsay Art Gallery and Library. Lionel wrote in his autobiography that his friend had insisted on using his name, with the pair’s friendship “cemented by their shared admiration” for JF Archibald’s Bulletin, the bush poets, “for the Anzacs and the old traditional Australia”. The collection has been

VISION: Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery’s Jayson Althofer in front of one of the Bolton exhibition paintings by five-time Archibald Prize winner John Longstaff (1861–1941) in 1912. at the present Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery for 25 years and includes more than 400 works of art dating from the 1880s, primarily to the 1940s. That includes the works of Australian Impressionists Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts and Frederick McCubbin, and Lionel’s siblings Percy, Norman, Ruby and

Daryl. There are also outstanding pieces from the 1950s and ’60s, including work by renowned South Australian war artist Ivor Hele. These were commissioned by the transport operator to reflect more horsepower and action and illustrate the works of Henry

Lawson and Banjo Paterson, including The Lights of Cobb and Co (1959). Coming from a history and literature background himself, Jayson is equally excited by the collection’s rare books and maps from the early 1600s, first editions of Captain Cook’s journals, volumes of Matthew Flinders and other explorers.

Access to library items and other collection materials not in the exhibition is by appointment. Phone 07 4688 6652 or email art@tr.qld.gov.au.

Updates from the Toowoomba Region Water restrictions

Water restriction levels vary depending on where you live. As a Region we’re aiming to reduce our water consumption to 200 litres/person/ day. Call us or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/ waterrestrictionsbytown for more details.

Planning scheme workshops

We’d love to see you at one of our regional planning scheme workshops to hear your thoughts on how the Region should be developed over the next 15 years. Visit yoursay.tr.qld.gov. au/buildingourfuture for workshop locations and dates.

Green IS

We have prepared a Green Infrastructure Strategy to guide how we develop, manage and deliver environmental resources, or ‘green infrastructure’, across the Region. The current phase of this project is now open for consultation and we’d love to hear from you. Visit yoursay. tr.qld.gov.au for more information.

CHANGE Project

A range of low-cost opportunities are available in the Toowoomba Region each week to help residents get out and active. For full details and to join visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/change

Choose the right bin

Confused about where to put your rubbish? Head to www.tr.qld.gov.au/recycling for handy hints and information on what can be recycled. Let’s recycle right!

Are your animal registration details up to date?

Animal registration notices will be issued in late May. If any of your details have changed, give us a call today and we can update your information before the next animal registrations are issued.

Support Hear and Say, Eva’s Place at 2019 Mayoral Prayer Breakfast

CatholicCare Social Services SW Queensland Director Kate Venables and her husband, Anglican Bishop for the Western Region Cameron Venables, are the guest co-speakers for the 2019 Mayoral Prayer Breakfast at Rumours International at 6am on Tuesday 14 May. Proceeds will be donated to Hear and Say and Eva’s Place. Prices are $25 for adult tickets and $12 for school-age children. Tickets can be purchased at customer service centres or by visiting www.tr.qld.gov.au/breakfast

Events Register

Looking for something to do or planning an event? Check out the events register to see what’s on in the region and advertise your event for free! Go to www.tr.qld.gov.au/events

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

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Alison Houston

There are also manuscript copies of poems and letters by Henry Lawson and hand-coloured prints by John Gould and wife Elizabeth. In his opening speech back in 1959, Prime Minister Menzies said, “I hope that for centuries to come people will come more and more to find in this place something of pride in their own country”. Jayson is running three specialist tours and talks on the exhibit. These comprise Bush Poetry in Motion: Bill Bolton and the Painter Ivor Hele on Sunday, May 12 (RSVP by May 9); A Collection of Geniuses: Bill Bolton and the Lindsay Family on Sunday, June 9 (RSVP by June 6); and a twilight tour From the Vault: Up Close and Personal with Lionel Lindsay’s Prints (RSVP by July 16).

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MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Defying age with plenty Forget the number, it’s about doing what you love at any age

Tracey Johnstone

BRILLIANT RECOGNITION: Wendy Gunn, accompanied by her hair model, receives the prestigious 2019 L’Oreal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy. Photo: Christian Fournier

CHAMPAGNE corks popped in Paris when Australian hair colourist Wendy Gunn was recently announced winner of the 2019 L’Oreal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy with her Rising Sun look. The pro-age industry leader has been on her feet since age 15. Now at 70 she is still putting in 60 hours a week at her Brisbane city business, Ink for Hair. “I am living my life passionately,” Ms Gunn said. “Also, I am passionate about what I do and I am good at it. “I am not about to curl up; I am not about to buy my last car or my last TV.” The road to the international L’Oreal trophy win was arduous. It started with a photograph of her work being sent to judges in Australia who then determined the top 20 in

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The pro-age industry leader has been on her feet since age 15. each state. Next it was “doing” the model’s hair, dress and make-up in real-time for the top three in the state. After that it was on to the Australian titles in Melbourne where Ms Gunn took out the national award in early 2018. She created her look using strategically placed apricot and peach colours which resulted in a rose gold tone in her model’s hair. In France, she had to do it all again in real-time and then be judged against 32 other countries. “What the competition

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DOWN UNDER: Petula Clark back on stage. Elvey-directed comedy Medal For The General in 1944. Her film credits have since included Vice Versa with Anthony Newley (directed by Peter Ustinov), The Card with Alec Guinness, and Finian’s Rainbow with Fred Astaire (a role that was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress). Over the years she

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has also had lead roles in major theatrical productions such as Sound Of Music, Blood Brothers and Sunset Boulevard. Later this year she will return to the West End for the first time in 22 years as part of the brand-new Cameron McIntosh production of Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre. “It came out of the

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blue,” she explained at the time she was at her Geneva home and planning her tour to Australian. “I got a call from London asking me to join the production to play the Bird Woman. “I’ve never seen Mary Poppins, though of course I know the music,” Petula said. While this is her first appearance in Mary Poppins, Petula Clark is no stranger to musicals, although a one-song performance a night is a long way from her last on the West End 22 years ago. Back then she had centre stage, carrying the mammoth musical Sunset Boulevard. But don’t think this reduced workload means Petula is slowing down – the octogenarian is considering recording another album in London.

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been looking at over-50s hairstyles for herself. “I told her I was the wrong hairdresser for her because that’s not how I look at my clients,” Ms Gunn said. “I look at body shape, face shape and lifestyle. I don’t look at the age of someone.” Ms Gunn’s age certainly doesn’t define her. It’s just a mindset. “I am having a ball,” she said. “My grandmother said you always have to have something to look forward to.” So, she looks after herself with weekly massages, facials and regular visits to the podiatrist, and switching off from her dynamic lifestyle by going to good restaurants and spending quiet time learning oil painting. Ms Gunn suggested she should write an inspirational book titled Avoid Retirement and Stay Alive. “It’s probably not what the Seniors want to hear, but I’m about whatever I do in life,” she added. “I have got to love what I do and I will keep doing it while I love it.”

AT 86, legendary singing sensation Petula Clark is not ready to “sit back and grow radishes”. “Maybe one day,” she joked from her London bolt-hole as she prepared to pack her bags. Petula is about to embark on a tour of Australia – starting in Cairns on April 27, ending in Perth on May 18, and including stops in Caloundra, Rockhampton, Maryborough, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Port Macquarie and Adelaide. “I’ve got nothing against radishes but I’m not ready yet,” she laughed. Petula Clark OBE – the woman with the powerful voice who has had worldwide hits with Downtown, I Know a Place, Colour My World, Don’t Sleep in the Subway and I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love – is doing anything but slowing down. She started her professional career as an entertainer on BBC Radio, making her film debut in the Maurice

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made me do is realise that I don’t have to be limited by how old I am,” Ms Gunn said. Back on the floor of her business and with a full week of bookings ahead, she said she had one of her three daughters back by her side after 10 years out on her own. She also has two 20-something juniors who are in on her journey of exploring the latest trends and techniques. “If you want to be good at anything, you have got to be prepared to constantly learn,” she said. Doing a make-over is one of Ms Gunn’s greatest challenges and joys. “Someone who is a bit older and set in a time-warp; just changing how they look changes how they feel,” she said. “My philosophy is what you wear starts with your hair.” This very direct woman doesn’t look at the age, she looks at the person. Recently she turned around an old friend’s attitude to living with some life-changing advice. The friend said she had

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MAY, 2019// SENIORS

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It sat in pieces for almost 40 years with little work done.

SHINING EXAMPLE: The restored Shay locomotive on display back where it once ran at the Ravensbourne Sports Ground.

Historic Shay loco on track Alison Houston TIPPED off the rails back in 1936 and left to rot, its job done, an original Shay locomotive that hauled timber from Ravensbourne to Hampton from 1904 has had a rebirth. The historic steam locomotive, restored by the Munro Tramway Historical Group (MTHG) and unveiled to a crowd of about 180 on March 30, is now destined to bring tourists to the area. It sits on a spot where the train line once ran, on the corner of the Esk-Hampton and National Park Rds at Ravensbourne Sports Grounds. At its peak, the 2’6” gauge line extended 26km, with Duncan Munro having travelled to America to buy the unique locomotive to replace horse-drawn haulage for the A&D Munro Palmtree sawmill. MTHG president Col Seccombe said the restoration had taken 10 members three years. They dedicated every Saturday to the job. While it is not operational, which would have cost millions of

Restoration team members at the unveiling (back) MTHG president Col Seccombe, (middle, from left) John Jeffery, Bruce Steele, Michael Kinion, Chris Tait, Brian Piers, Phil Egan, Ian Angow and (front) Geoff Brumpton. dollars, he said the Shay was otherwise in good condition thanks to a $30,000 grant from the Heritage Bank. “There has been so much support within the group, and there’s a lot of nostalgia and interest in it in the district,” Col said. Formed in 2015 to

research the history of the Munro tramline, the timbering families of Palmtree, Perseverance and Ravensbourne, and explore the possibility of restoring the locomotive and opening sections of the rail as walking trails, MTHG has about 40 members. Col said most of those

involved in the restoration were not train enthusiasts as such but interested in the tramline, which passed through many of their properties. Farmers, he said, are naturally “good at fixing things” and, being predominantly seniors, this team had a lot of experience to draw upon.

Originally discovered decaying under lantana, having been picked over by locals for parts, the Shay was shipped down to the Illawarra Light Rail Museum in 1974, where it sat in pieces for almost 40 years with little work done. The late Ian McRae sought its return for

Ravensbourne’s Sketches Mountain Resort in 2010 and began the ambitious project of restoring it, before the pieces finally came into the hands of MTHG. At the opening, Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio praised the hard work and commitment that had gone into the volunteer project and pointed to its historic as well as monetary value to the community as a tourist attraction. Ian McRae’s son Stuart presented the bronze bell that his father had cast for the train some years earlier. Stuart spoke lovingly of his late father’s enthusiasm for the project and the effort, investment and time he had put into it. A restored Hornsby engine, imported from England in 1908 to pump water from a well into the boiler, has also been restored and donated by Doug Shum to be displayed on site. For more information, contact the Hampton Visitor Information Centre or go to munrotramway.wixsite .com/mthg.

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What's on

Alison Houston Journalist

BUSH MECHANICS EXHIBITION

ON NOW until August, this exhibition is based on the ABC TV series. Told through the show’s distinctive brand of humour, it showcases the ingenuity of outback mechanics whose clever resourcefulness can turn branches, spinifex and sand into tools and spare parts to get cars back on the road. It’s at Cobb+Co Museum. Phone 07 4659 4900 or go to cobbandco.qm .qld.gov.au/.

MOTHER’S DAY TRIVIA

WELL, the main point is, don’t forget mum on Sunday, May 12! But here’s just one idea for you. Get your team together for Toowoomba Hospice’s Mother’s Day trivia night at the Club Hotel Clifton from 2–5pm on Saturday, May 11. Cost is $25 per person, which includes afternoon tea. There will be prizes, not just for the winners, but also for ‘lucky last’, best hat and lucky door. And in the spirit of ‘fun-draising’, participants are invited to bring $5 notes to bribe the adjudicator and gold coins for the lucky number boards. Phone to book on 07 4697 3336.

CROWS NEST SHOW

THE 116th Crows Nest Show on Saturday, May 11, from 7–11.30pm has action for all ages, including main ring performances, fireworks,

GOOD TIMES: The Apia Good Times tour has a big line-up of familiar names, comprising Vika and Linda Bull, Brian Cadd, Joe Camilleri, Kate Ceberano, Russell Morris, Ross Wilson and John Paul Young at the Empire Theatre from 7.30pm on Thursday, May 30. entertainment and all the country show classics. That includes cattle, woodchopping, chainsaw racing, cookery, poultry, tractor pull, grand parade and more. Entry is $15 adults. Find them on Facebook.

MAYORAL PRAYER BREAKFAST

TOOWOOMBA couple Kate and Cameron Venables are the first guest co-speakers for the Mayoral Prayer Breakfast at Rumours International on Tuesday, May 14. The couple has a work history across social services, teaching and theology in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The 27th breakfast will raise funds for Hear and Say and Eva’s Place. Tickets ($25 adults) are on sale until 10am Monday, May 13. Phone 13 18 72, go to tr.qld.gov.au/breakfast or to the council service centre.

DOLLS, BEARS AND CRAFTS ALL things crafty and cuddly will be on show

and sale at the Doll and Bear Winter Craft Show at the Lutheran Church Hall, Phillip St, Toowoomba, on Saturday, May 18, from 9am–4pm. A puppet-maker is attending this year and you will see people in action “crafting”. Enjoy the treats at the teddy tea room too. Entry is $5 (under-12s free). Supporting Toowoomba Hospice. Phone Barb on 0409 895 584 or go to countryheartevents.com/.

RELAY FOR LIFE

WHETHER you participate or donate, you’re an important part of Toowoomba’s Relay for Life. There are more than 100 teams comprising more than 600 participants in this year’s event from Saturday, May 18, to Sunday, May 19, at Queens Park. The target is to raise $125,000 and by Anzac Day $49,000 had been reached. Relay for Life is an overnight event that raises funds for the Cancer Council.

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It’s also a chance for the Toowoomba community to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, patients and their carers, to honour and remember loved ones lost to cancer and to raise money to help save more lives. Earlybird registration is $30 adults ($40 after May 13). Opening ceremony 2pm Saturday, with the candlelight ceremony at 5.30pm and closing Sunday 8am. Go to toowoombarelayforlife on Facebook.

THE TEN TENORS

HERE’S a feel-good pressie for Mum or anyone you love. At Empire Theatre on Wednesday, May 22, the Ten Tenors are celebrating love, and singing some of the most popular love songs of all time. It includes everything from pop to classics, with a twist of these guys’ incredible talent. Tickets are from $85. Phone 1300 655 299 or go to empire theatre.com.au.

WINTER RUNWAY

STEPPING Out Winter Glamour Runway raised more than $22,000 for cancer care services at Toowoomba’s St Andrew’s Hospital in 2018 and is back on Monday, May 27. Founded by Kaye Foley Model Agency and Academy, it showcases the top trends in fashion for this winter season from local retail giants to the region’s boutiques. It’s at Rumours Convention Centre from 7pm and tickets are $49.50. Phone 07 4697 6210 or email kaye.foley6@ bigpond.com.

APIA GOOD TIMES

THE Apia Good Times tour has a big line-up of familiar names, including Vika and Linda Bull, Brian Cadd, Joe Camilleri, Kate Ceberano, Russell Morris, Ross Wilson and John Paul Young. Each will perform their hits and favourite songs, culminating in a finale with all seven acts sharing the stage. It’s at the Empire Theatre from 7.30pm on Thursday, May

30. Tickets are from $99. Phone 1300 655 299 or go to empire theatre.com.au.

HAVE A GREEN SAY

CONSIDERING how important our “green” is to this region, it’s worth considering having a say on Toowoomba Regional Council’s draft Green Infrastructure Strategy (Green.IS). It will guide how council plans, delivers and values the region’s natural assets. It covers everything from our famous gardens and tree-lined suburban streets to fertile agricultural plains, habitat corridors, creeks and bushland parks. Go to yoursay.tr.qld .gov.au/greenis. TAOIST TAI CHI SOCIETY ASSOCIATION NEWS INTERNATIONAL Workshop 2019 – Gatton, Queensland. July 17–21 at the University of Queensland, Gatton Campus. For workshop: register online via the workshops link at taoist.org.au.

The drama of Queensland Opera OPERA Queensland’s blockbuster 2019 season continues from June 13 to 22 with a new production of Puccini’s politicallycharged thriller Tosca, directed by Opera Queensland’s artistic director Patrick Nolan, conducted by Oliver von Dohnányi, and featuring an all-star cast headlined by New York based Australian soprano Rachelle Durkin. First performed in 1900, Nolan said

Tosca’s importance was undiminished 120 years on. “Tosca is often described as the greatest opera of them all, owing in large part to Puccini’s exquisite score. Yet, as a story, Tosca still has so much insight and relevance for contemporary audiences. The questions it asks and the social, political and economic scenarios it examines keep it alive to the here and now,” Nolan said.

“In a world where political tyranny and intolerance is widespread, Tosca offers a necessary plea for artistic and political freedom. “With every scene, Puccini ups the stakes. Once you get on board, you can’t get off.” Opera Queensland’s Tosca plays five performances at the Lyric Theatre QPAC from June 13–22, 2019. For tickets and information, visit www.oq.com.au

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MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Community notes

Community group guide

WE welcome your community notes. If you would like to submit a photo ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces, in a nice bright setting. Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au.

THE FRIENDS OF SYMES THORPE

CLUB INC.

WE WILL host a charity tombola on Friday, May 17, at the facility at 69 Stenner St. Guests can enjoy morning tea from 9.30am before the tombola begins at 10am. All funds raised will go towards residents’ activities.

MEMBERSHIP fees – one membership level only. $90* for 12 months. Pro-rata rates per quarter (*includes basic NMRA membership) = $30 for public liability insurance). Email: toowoombamodel railwayclub@gmail.com or to Facebook – Toowoomba Model Railway Club.

NATIONAL SENIORS AUSTRALIA

11TH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF DAY

Garden City WE MEET on the third Monday of the month at Drayton Bowls Club, cnr Ball and Gipps Sts at 9.30am. A cost of $7 includes morning tea. There is a bring-and-buy stall and lots of raffles, as well as a guest speaker. Monthly bus trips are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month. For more information phone Hazel on 07 4635 4519. Toowoomba Morning teas are held on the first Thursday of each month at All Seasons Function Centre, cnr North and Tor Sts, Wilsonton, commencing at 9.30am. Lucky door and raffle prizes can be won. Visitors welcome. Our bus trips are the third Thursday of the month. For information, phone Desma on 07 4613 6750 or Yvonne 0419 220 073.

TOOWOOMBA MODEL RAILWAY

ON FRIDAY morning May 10, the Rotary Club of Toowoomba East will hold its 11th annual Charity Golf Day at Toowoomba Golf Club Middle Ridge. Money from this event will go towards the Toowoomba Hospice. If you are interested in being a sponsor or putting in a team, phone Rotarians John Liley on 0408 457 762 or Graham Christensen on 0408 350 518.

TOOWOOMBA HOSPICE

WE WILL be hosting a Mother’s Day Trivia event in Clifton at the Club Hotel on Saturday, May 11, from 2pm for a 2.30pm start. Hospice administration and fundraising manager Mark Munro said it was all about putting the ‘fun’ back into FUNdraising. There will be six rounds of 10 trivia questions with an interval after the third, when afternoon tea will be served. There will be

FUNDRAISERS: Toowoomba Hospice’s Mark Munro and Rotary Toowoomba East’s John Lily look on as sponsor Ivan Walls of Alpine Refrigeration and Hospice chairman Graham Barron OAM get in a few early golf swings. prizes for the winners, lucky last, best hat and lucky door. Cost is $25 per person (six people to a team), with only eight teams competing. You can arrive early and have a few drinks before, as well as stay for dinner after the trivia. You can bribe the adjudicator for an answer for $5, plus you will need some gold coins for the lucky number boards. The Toowoomba Hospice is in O’Quinn St and provides free quality care in partnership with the community for those with a terminal illness. To book your team phone the Club Hotel Clifton on 07 4697 3336.

GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT

PEOPLE experience grief in many ways. It is normal for bereavement to bring with it a mixture of intense feelings of sadness, confusion, anger, guilt and fear as well as fond memories of happier times. Blue Care recognises that some people may need extra support during this journey and since 1990 has been

conducting specialised Grief and Loss programs for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The Blue Care Grief and Loss program aims to provide information on the grief process as well as offering practical advice and effective coping skills, while providing emotional and social support. The program runs as a small group, meeting for two hours each week for eight consecutive weeks, usually on Blue Care premises. There is no cost for the program and the trained facilitators volunteer their time to the program, recognising the individual and community benefit it provides. Programs are scheduled in Toowoomba, Stanthorpe, Warwick and Kingaroy throughout the year. The next Toowoomba program commences on Thursday, May 9, from 9.30–11.30am. For more information or to register your interest phone Margaret Spinks on 0491 071 787, or email bluecare.grief.loss@ gmail.com.

MOTHER’S DAY HIGH TEA

ON WEDNESDAY, May 8, from 9.45–11.30am, the Toowoomba Hospice will hold its annual Mother’s Day High Tea at Gip’s Restaurant. Enjoy a delicious high tea with your mum or grandmother for only $45 per person. There will also be a small raffle to raise funds for the Toowoomba Hospice so bring your gold coins. The Toowoomba Hospice is situated in Harristown and has provided free palliative and respite care based on mutual respect, trust and individual needs for more than 800 mothers since opening in 2003. For bookings, phone Gips Restaurant on 07 4638 3588.

TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL ART GALLERY

BILL Bolton’s Vision – 60 Years on, is exhibiting at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery now through until July 21 at 531 Ruthven St, Toowoomba. Special Sunday session – Sunday,

May 12, at 1.30pm – Bush poetry in motion: Bill Bolton and the painter Ivor Hele, presented by Jayson Althofer. Phone 07 4688 6652 for more details.

TAOIST TAI CHI SOCIETY 2019 INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP

FROM Wednesday, July 17, to Sunday, July 21, at the University of Queensland – Gatton Campus. Cost for five-day package: $860. Includes all meals and accommodation. Weekend options available. Other packages available, which exclude meals and accommodation. No three-day rate, no other daily rates. There will be only set pick-up times. Workshop times: Wednesday to Saturday from 9.30am–9pm for and Sunday 9.30am–2pm. Register online via the workshops link at taoist.org.au or email registrar.qld@taoist.org for more information.

The Forum For Your Two Cents Join our exclusive online community, where you’ll find other seniors ready to socialise and share. Seniors online - connecting you to an exciting retirement.

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SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

NEWS

OPEN DAY

SATURDAY 25 MAY

10AM – 2PM

Guest speaker:

ANDREW WINTER Property Guru

IT’S ALL HAPPENING AT LIVING GEMS TOOWOOMBA

– don’t miss out!

Well-known property expert and TV personality, Andrew Winter, will speaking at Living Gems Toowoomba to give you the best tips on downsizing your life for retirement. With a number of fantastic display homes to inspect, it is the perfect opportunity to envision your newly up-styled life! Enjoy a tour of our fantastic award-winning Country Club, where you can be sure to find fun at every corner. Have a swing on the golf simulator or try your hand at lawn bowls; whatever takes your fancy – Living Gems has it all.

Visit livinggems.com.au/openday to secure your front row seats for Andrew Winter’s presentation. Be quick, only 50 seats available!

500 South Street, Toowoomba 1800 316 398 | livinggems.com.au

NEWS

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Brand new ideas to shape Tracey Johnstone

INNOVATIVE DESIGN: The recently completed intergenerational co-housing Nightingale Housing project # 1, which is located in Brunswick, Melbourne. Photo: Peter Clarke has been a fringe movement in Australia up to now, but the examples are getting more mainstream.” Collaborative housing Ms McGee said collaborative housing could be alternative communities and it could be mainstream. It could incorporate several generations or be seniors only, and could be owner-occupied, rental or a combination. “Typically, you have a slightly more compact home in lieu of the greater shared facilities,” she said. “There is a whole spectrum of these developments that essentially have two principles – they integrate more sharing and they are about resident participation rather than speculative housing

where a developer builds and then sells.” Affordability in construction and in the cost of living are key drivers in these models. Sharing of garden tools, social areas, the laundry, grandkids’ play equipment through to car sharing and achieving water and energy efficiencies, and even a shared visitor overnight accommodation rather than having a guest bedroom within the home, can all be options. “It means apartments are delivered at a lower cost, typically between 15 or 30 per cent less than equivalent properties in that area,” Ms McGee said. Building close to shops and a transport hub are also an important part of these models. It’s also about

residents having control over the residential design and ultimately its management, and about having a sense of community and integrating with the wider neighbourhood. The following models are underpinned by the fundamental principles of co-housing and layered with a range of unique characteristics. Nightingale Housing Nightingale #1 is the only known completed co-housing build so far in Australia. It’s an intergenerational, resident-run, owner-occupied, 20-unit block in Brunswick, Melbourne. “The model is founded on three basic principles – environmental, social and financial sustainability,” Nightingale Community

Engagement Leader Dominica Watt said. Savings are achieved from the use of clean-energy services and low-cost utility and building costs which help with long-term affordability. The units are sold at a cost which includes a capped 15 per cent return to the initial project investors. “Construction savings are shared with homeowners, who meet each other and the designers, well prior to the building being built and after they have been successful in the ballot.” Following the deliberative design approach, owners are intimately involved in the common area design process. “It gives residents the

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THE world of ageing is evolving in many different ways compared to the experience of previous generations, particularly with living choices. For so long we had the choice of either ageing at home or selling up and moving into a retirement village. But that is changing, driven by the baby boomers who have an appetite for living choices that are contemporary and apply across the generations. Sustainability, affordability, fighting homelessness, social connection, shared economy, ageing in place, control of the living space and communal are the buzzwords of the new housing options. Some of these options are deliberative, small-scale, collaborative and co-operative models, and build-to-rent. And these are only the current models, several of which are already in place in northern Europe and in the US. Expect more choices as social innovators, financial institutions, public organisations and government agencies all come together over changes to financing and legislation to allow these evolving models to become part of the mainstream offerings. Another barrier is getting older Australians to accept this evolution to co-housing living choices. University of Technology Sydney’s Research Director and former architect Caitlin McGee said that when seniors heard the term co-housing, they tended to think of it as the “extreme end of spectrum”. “It’s not a commune,” she explained. Co-housing

chance to work together and we know that is a really important key in creating community,” Ms Watt said. “By the time they move in, everyone knows each other and it feels like a safe, connected environment.” Nightingale #1 includes value-aligned commercial tenants on the bottom floor while the top floor has a shared garden and laundry facilities. There are resale rules and the prices are tethered to the local market. Deliberative design AGEncy is a resident-led model where a group of Sydney friends and acquaintances, aged from 54 to 71, are working together to address their future living needs. Co-founder Keryn Curtis, 54, said it would be like living in a normal owner-occupied apartment building. “But also having a relationship with the people living in the building and shared amenities,” Ms Curtis said. The group plans to be the developer of an inner-city site. Eight people have agreed to be the project funders, which they hope will deliver 12-14 apartments. “Everyone is part of the co-housing group,” Ms Curtis said. “It’s an intentional community; you have to take part. “From the ground up, you decide what you do and don’t want to share.” The end result is a development based on the individuals’ needs and affordability, not on what a developer decides is the market need. Village approach IRT plans to have in place within about two years a new retirement village at Kanahooka, NSW. It will include in one

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

NEWS

present and future living move away to find somewhere cheaper to live,” Ms McKenzie said. “The community were strongly in favour of co-housing as long as the model provides a combination of private and shared space. “It’s not a commune. It’s more a collective of people who share a vision of how to live together.” The CHASM team is encouraging its community members to understand they can create a secondary dwelling. “If we can get people in the town to agree to and can afford to do that, and then rent it out, then you are providing affordable rental housing for these people who are in housing crisis,” Ms McKenzie added.

‘‘

It’s more a collective of people who share a vision of how to live together. Co-operative community The residents of this affordable housing model, who are often long-term tenants, have control of the decision-making on the management of their environment. In Cabramatta, Common Equity NSW is developing affordable, ageing in place housing specifically for older Vietnamese and their extended families. The model will also create opportunities to maximise savings in transport, energy and food costs through various sharing and pooling processes. Another of its projects

ALTERNATIVE LIVING: CHASM’s Marg McKenzie and Julia Peddie, with Zonta’s Margie Richter (centre) receive a donation from Zonta towards its Age Friendly Project. Photo: CHASM is Newcastle Cohousing (NewCoh). It’s focused on achieving a self-managed, intergenerational housing group which combines private living and community sharing. It’s in its early design stage, but the plan is to allow for both rental and owner-occupied apartments and town houses. Both projects are aimed at small self-contained residences, but with several communal areas set up to encourage sharing and social interaction. Build-to-rent The Property Council of Australia CEO Ken Morrison said build-to-rent developments would be owned by institutional

This is the house style the CHASM group is looking to purchase for its small-scale co-housing pilot project. investors looking for income, such as super funds, and focused on tenancies of much longer than 12 months. These complexes will provide affordable intergenerational housing in an area that is well

serviced, and where not all amenities are built into the apartment. “There is a much bigger focus on common facilities,” Mr Morrison said. “It’s more than just a place to live; they feel part

of the community. The economics of this makes it possible because of the single ownership and the motivation of the owner-manager to keep the tenants happy which makes them highly motivated to continue with their leases.” Sydney’s Mirvac and Melbourne’s Salter and Grocon groups are all interested in the concept. On the Gold Coast, the 2500 Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village units are being transformed into this model. When? Anyone interested in these housing options should “watch this space” and start doing their research now. It’s a rapidly changing space.

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area of the village nine one-bedroom, self-contained, owner-occupied units of about 50sq m each. “We were looking at other options for downsizers with the idea of giving them a slightly different mix of private and public spaces,” IRT Head of Strategy & Innovation Rob Bruce said. “The residents can set their own agenda within that space and collaborate on whatever they like to whether it’s art projects to car spaces, cooking together in an oversized kitchen, watching movies together, all of which will help solve some of the problems of social isolation and loneliness.” Small-scale co-housing This model is based on renovation or rebuilding of an existing home or block of units to achieve an increased number of residents on the site, Ms McGee explained. “They could informally look after each other which might reduce the need for formal care,” she said. “If care is required, at least they will be co-located and it might be cheaper or easier.” CHASM in Maleny in Queensland is developing a version of small-scale co-housing to give its older residents the choice to remain living within their existing community. “Ageing in place is a crucial thing,” CHASM co-founder Marg McKenzie, 65, said. Whether they do retrofit or new build, each of CHASM’s designs considers ageing needs. Growing property prices and Airbnb has made several of Maleny’s former rental properties unavailable. “People were finding they were being priced out of town and having to

NEWS

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

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MAY, 2019// SENIORS camping ground with tent accommodation, caravan, RV powered sites, glamping-style tents and eco cabins. Camp Crocodile Hunter will open as part of the Australia Zoo 50th anniversary celebrations. Info: australiazoo.com.au.

TRAVEL IDEAS

ROAR AND SNORE WITH THE LOUDEST

IT’S an unforgettable overnight experience at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. During Roar and Snore you will get to take in the spectacular sight of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as the sun dips down and you drink in the views from the harbourside campsite, get up close to some of Taronga Zoo’s friendliest residents, dine in style at our delicious buffet dinner and breakfast, experience an exclusive night safari led by passionate keepers and guides, unwind in the comfortable safari-style tents while listening to the night sounds of the zoo and join in feeding time and close encounter sessions where you will form a special bond with the animals of Taronga Zoo. Grandchildren over five are welcome. Accommodation is in two or four-person tents. The all-weather, overnight program usually is run as: meeting time is 6.15pm, meet a creature at 7.15pm, dinner at 8pm, night safari at 9pm, unwind at campsite with dessert at 10pm before sleeping to the sounds of the zoo. Next morning, rise and shine at 6.45am, behind the scenes tour number 1 at 7.30am, behind the scenes tour number 2 at 8.15am, continental breakfast at 9am and check-out at 9.30am. For details and bookings, go to taronga.org.au or phone (02) 9969 2777.

ROCK THE BOAT

SUZI Quatro, Jon Stevens, Russell Morris and Ross Wilson accompanied by other legends will be on the Radiance of the Seas from November 24, 2020. Sailing from its new home port of Brisbane,

SOLO GROUP TRAVEL

WHEN trying to find a travel companion becomes too hard, Two’s A Crowd is an option. The company organises small group, fully escorted tours for between 10 and 15 solo travellers. They aim to create a safe travel experience and at a fair price. Single supplements are low and room sharing is out.

CAMPING OUT: Taronga Zoo Roar and Snore is a great idea for grandparents and their grandkids, or for adventurous seniors. the 2500-passenger ship will host the seven-night Rock the Boat cruise to New Caledonia. It will take “rockers” to Noumea and the Isle of Pines. The cruise offer includes artist signings, music workshops and dance lessons with concerts day and night. The cruise cost is from $2799 per person, twin-share. For more details, phone Cruise Express on 1300 766 537 or go to cruiseexpress.com.au.

STRETCH OUT AT LAKE MACQUARIE

CHOOSE serene or strenuous when you go on a walking weekend at Lake Macquarie. From the pristine coastline to rugged cliff tops, significant indigenous sites and the towering trees at the Watagans Mountains, you’ll feel a million miles away while walking in Lake Macquarie. Three of the best walks are: Stroll along If you are looking to combine a Sunday stroll

Bird painting by Xiao Lang.

Photo: National Museum of China

with a good gossip with the girls, then Warners Bay is the place. The 6.2km walk is mostly flat, so suitable for all fitness

levels. When you’ve returned to Warners Bay Esplanade and have coffee on your mind, you’ll have plenty of

choices. Bring the binoculars A whale-watching hot spot, the picturesque 8.3km Caves Beach Coastal Walk which crosses the clifftops south from Caves Beach to secluded Pinny Beach in Wallarah National Park, is a beautiful walking moderate trail ideal for observing the northern migration between May and July. Have your hiking boots handy The Watagans Mountains is a hiking haven for seasoned walkers and is one of the region’s best-loved escapes. The 8km Watagan Trail is for experienced walkers as it is steep and challenging, boasts rainforest views with dramatic moss-covered walls, stops at historic heritage sites, brilliant birdwatching and spectacular vista across the Hunter Valley from the Hunter Lookout.

WILDLIFE CAMPING

IN 2020, Australia Zoo will open a 108-site

TREASURES OF CALLIGRAPHY AND INK PAINTING

THE National Museum of Australia in Canberra has open until July 28 a free Australian-first exhibition from the prestigious National Museum of China (NMC). On display are Chinese art and calligraphy and featuring exquisite artworks that have never previously been seen in Australia. The Historical Expression of Chinese Art: Calligraphy and Painting from the National Museum of China features a sweeping 14-metre-wide animated digital experience, which brings historical figures to life in intricate moving detail. The exhibition consists of more than 100 objects from China and showcases the breadth and traditions of these art forms through the works of three Chinese modern artists. Intricate Chinese symbols painted with majestic strokes, golden fish jumping from crystal clear ponds, sweeping mountainous landscapes, blooming cherry blossoms and grand historical narratives feature in the stunning artworks.

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• 2 Nights Airlie Beach, 1770 & Townsville • 1770 Distillery • Butterfly Walk • Port of Gladstone Harbour Cruise • 1770 LARC Tour • Footlights Theatre Restaurant • Capricorn Caves • Whitsunday Cruise • Magnetic Island Tour • Reef HQ Townsville

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Travel trends for seniors

‘‘

COWBOYS/CAVES

See Cowboys in action at Texas Longhorn Ranch, visit Historical Charters Towers, Caves at the incredible Undara Lava Tubes and Castle Ruins of Paronella Park. 8 Days from $1390* lus applicable discount rail fare*

Departing 27 July, 21st Sept

ULURU — FIELD OF LIGHTS

Visit Uluru, The Olgas, Alice Springs, The Western MacDonnell Ranges, Simpsons Gap and experience the global phenomenon that is the Field of Light created by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro. 7 Days from $3690.

Departing 8 July, 12 Aug

GULFLANDER ADVENTURE

Travel the Gulf Country of northern Qld aboard the legendary Gulf & Savannahlander Trains. Visit the Atherton Tablelands, Georgetown, Cobbold Gorge, Finnegans Rest & Mt Surprise and traveling back to Cairns on the through lush tropical rainforest aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway. 10 Days from $2,490

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EXPERIENCE LONGREACH & WINTON

There’s plenty of fascinating things to see and do in the heart of Qld. Visit the Qantas museum and Stockmans Hall of Fame or Winton — the birthplace of Waltzing Matilda and it’s Age of Dinosaurs Museum. 7 Days from $1,340

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you are unable to partake in. ■ Travel expenses to avoid delays that lead to an event If you’re heading to a wedding, funeral or work conference and your transport there gets delayed or cancelled, your travel insurance can be the difference between you arriving on time, or not at all. For example, as an InsureandGo customer, if your planned method of transport to any of these important occasions is delayed, or cancelled during your journey, and the resulting delay would mean you miss the occasion, they will step in and pay additional travel costs to try to get you to your event on time. Expenses for injuries while zorbing, husky sledding or ostrich riding If you are an adventurer seeking a change from regular sports, there are many weird and wonderful activities you could be insured for in the case of an injury. InsureandGo, for example, would cover your medical expenses if you get injured while zorbing... or camel, elephant or ostrich riding!

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trip comes to an abrupt end as a result of illness or injury to a relative or travelling companion, your travel insurance policy should reimburse you for any travel bookings you were not able to make use of. ■ Small medical claims You might think travel insurance only covers the cost of major medical treatments or surgeries, because your excess makes it not worthwhile to claim for smaller expenses. But did you know that you can remove your standard excess entirely? This enables you to make claims like visiting a doctor, or purchasing medicine for an unforeseen illness abroad, even if the bill was as little as $20. ■ Ship misses a port For each scheduled port your cruise failed to dock at during your trip, you should be able to receive compensation. For instance, InsureandGo will pay $50–100 per port missed – up to $1000 in total. If you missed your cruise departure entirely, because of an accident en route to the ship for example, InsureandGo will cover pre-booked costs, such as land tours, that

FROM an injury in an ostrich riding accident to cancelling your trip because you’ve been called up for jury duty, there are a range of unexpected incidents your travel insurance can reimburse you for. InsureandGo reveals some surprising mishaps you may not know about. ■ Unable to leave cruise cabin If you were confined to your cabin because you were sick, your insurer may be able to cover any expenses incurred. For instance, InsureandGo will pay sick cruise-goers $75 for each 24 hours spent confined to their cabin – up to $2500. ■ Cancelling your trip for these surprising reasons Having to cancel your trip because your home was burgled, you were made redundant at work, or you were called up for jury duty, will allow you to claim the cost of most of your travel bookings, including airfares. This is one of the reasons why it’s a good idea to purchase your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, so you can be covered before your holiday even begins. ■ Trip shortened due to illness or injury If, unfortunately, your

COOKTOWN

Step back in time to where Captain Cook ran aground. Cooktown later it became a bustling port, exporting gold with 47 licensed pubs. Visit Cairns, Port Douglas and The Daintree. 8 Days from $1490* Plus applicable discount rail fare*

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in a social competition has become quite popular too. “We do a lot of tours to places like Vanuatu and Norfolk for croquet, bowls, petanque and indoor bowls,” Mrs Bantoft said. “It’s a great way to invite participants from both sides of the Tasman to enjoy some friendly rivalry.” Blending the needs of these energised senior travellers has led the company to develop events that incorporate sport activities and offerings that are innovative experiences. They take club groups

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AFTER 26 years of working in travel with older-age clients, GoSee Touring owners Kylie and David Bantoft have developed a good sense of how the travel market is changing for these Australians. “It’s changed in the last decade, especially with people being more active and more aware of their health,” Mrs Bantoft said. “They just want to experience things. It’s not just about seeing different sights, it’s about exploring and getting into the culture of different destinations, meeting the locals and enjoying their food. “Seniors are more savvy, they want to explore, they want to get out and enjoy their life. “They want to stay in a place where they can unpack for seven days and go out and do their touring.” Playing a favourite sport

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TOTAL TASMANIA

Tasmania, “the Island of Inspiration” is an island of dramatic coastlines, quaint villages, convict-built heritage and magniﬁcent food and wine. Incl Hobart, Port Arthur, Derwent Bridge, Tamar Valley, Beauty Point, Cradle Mt & Gordon River Cruise. 11 Days, $3,490. Departure Dates: 26th October 2019

Departing 27 July, 31 Aug, 14 Sept, 5 Oct

INDIANUltimate PACIFIC GOLD CLASS & WA ADVENTURE Coastal QUeensland &

There’s no betterPort way to appreciate the sheer breadth of Australia than by islands doUglas to the WhitsUndays crossing Gold Class Steppingin aboard Paciﬁc, you’ll Travel theitscenic cost ofStyle. Queensland comfort the andmighty revel in Indian it’s highlights including: Gorge & WorldasHeritage listed Daintree Nationaladventure Park. You’ll feel a realMossman sense of anticipation this unforgettable Australian also visit the Great Barrier reef aboard luxury catamaran, Green Is, Magnetic Is, begins to unfold. 8 Days from $3,990 Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays. Townsville, Cairns & Port Douglas. 10 days from $1,990. Departing 3rd Aug & 22nd Oct. Plus applicable Rail Fare

ECCENTRIC LIGHTNING RIDGE

The most unique mining town in Australia, Lighting Ridge boasts with over 100yrs of opal mining history. Fossick for your own treasure on lands that 100mil years ago dinosaurs roamed. Visit Museums, Mines and Caves and even an artesian pool! 5 Days from $1,390. Departing 16 Sept

CANBERRA BLUEFloriade MOUNTAINS Canberra

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and public groups on tours such as visiting the Singapore Garden Festival, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival and Taranaki Garden Show. There are also the music enthusiasts’ tours to Norfolk Island. “They get the best of both worlds by travelling with their group or joining a group of like-minded people to enjoy the hobbies they like doing and also see another part of the world,” Mrs Bantoft said. Other tours being introduced in 2020 in response to the evolving Seniors travel market are experiences for food lovers, touring with an opera star, a UK flower show, an Irish music tour and another one to the southern US – both led by Australian musicians. “We believe we are Seniors travel experts, especially when it comes to group travel.” Go to goseetouring.com.au or phone 1300 551 997.

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

‘‘

We drank in the clean air and quietness after the traffic madness of Hanoi.

NATURAL BEAUTY: A flower farm in the mountainous region of Sapa, northern Vietnam.

Photos: Yvonne Gardiner

Wonders of Vietnam Yvonne and John Gardiner take a 17-day ‘eco’ tour on their first trip to Vietnam

Children enjoy national day celebrations in Hanoi.

STANDING in a queue for three humid hours alongside hundreds of Vietnamese families was an unexpected but ideal way to “meet the locals”. Vietnam, including its crowded capital Hanoi, was celebrating its national day and we were caught up in the excitement of the city on the second day of our visit. Families had surged into Hanoi to pay homage at Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, which shelters his embalmed body. Their reverence for this former leader was obvious. Despite the long wait in hot, steamy conditions, the Vietnamese people we encountered were polite, cheerful and

friendly. Children impressed us with their good behaviour. Youngsters learning English took the opportunity to converse with us – Aussies who looked somewhat out of place in a sea of Vietnamese faces. This heartwarming introduction to Vietnam was the beginning of a 17-day “eco” tour extending from north to south. From the mountainous region of Sapa to the central districts around Hue and Hoi An and the Mekong Delta down south below Saigon, the trip covered a kaleidoscope of rare and wonderful experiences. An overnight train ride north from Hanoi took us to the beautiful Sapa Valley. Like a Garden of Eden, green hills are topped by mist, while roaring rivers and waterfalls tumble downwards. We drank in the clean air and quietness after the traffic madness of Hanoi. We passed villagers working in the rice and corn fields, aided by water

buffalo. We were welcomed into a primary school and invited to take photos of giggling children. After hours of walking in the mud and rain, we hesitantly accepted a lift from motorbike taxi riders to avoid a further two-hour trek to our homestay. Fully aware of the warnings put out by travel experts about the risks of riding motorbikes in Asia, we climbed aboard, and, after a fast, bumpy journey, were thankful to get to our destination in one piece. The main town, Sapa, is obviously much-loved by tourists, with its swanky restaurants and numerous souvenir shops. Cat Cat village, within walking distance of Sapa, is home to the hospitable Hmong tribe. The ladies weave hemp from the marijuana plant, and dye it with henna. Traditional Hmong houses are very basic, made from blackened timber planks. Corn hangs from the roof inside. There’s an open fire with no chimney, and the top

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

ANCIENT ROYALTY: The Imperial City in Hue and (inset) a Vietnamese fisherman shows off his skills.

from north to south

floor is used for storing food. From primitive living we progressed to high-tech exhilaration with a thrilling ride on the cable car to Fansipan peak, Vietnam’s highest mountain. We soared into the clouds and a rainbow appeared over the valley. At the top is an ultra-modern complex with gardens, shops, restaurants and temples. In central Vietnam, we were overawed by the magnificent Paradise Cave, a true natural wonder. The 570m steep climb to a small entrance in the mountain tested the body. Inside for a kilometre, cathedral-sized spaces hung with vibrantly coloured stalactites and stalagmites sculpted over millions of years. This wondrous cave was discovered in 2005 by a hunter in the national park. Man-made rather than natural wonders were on display at the tombs of two kings in Hue. Minh Mang tomb was quite a large complex with a man-made lake and

Photos: Yvonne Gardiner

A natural wonder – the Paradise Cave in central Vietnam. tomb on a hill. Khai Dinh, Vietnam’s gay king, had an exquisitely beautiful mausoleum with a statue of himself amid fabulous mosaics. He’d been to the

Palace of Versailles in France and wanted a similar standard in his burial chamber. Enchanting pagodas, 1000-year-old temples, harrowing wartime tales,

myriad bonsai trees, orange-robed monks, diminutive dancers, hardworking people, delicious food, a singing boatman, net-making lessons from a

fifth-generation fisherman … the variety of life and depth of experiences in Vietnam is amazing. As for politics in the country, communism and capitalism seem to exist

comfortably together, although a statue of working-class Uncle Ho seemed strangely out of place alongside the Cartier diamonds showroom.

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Cruising on the Columbus Maggy Oehlbeck SAILING out of Yokohama at dusk aboard CMV’s Columbus was a promising start to our mini-voyage between Japan and China. We were on the top deck watching the retreating lights of this famous gateway port to Tokyo. On the docks below, an exuberant Japanese high school jazz band was doing its bit for international relations and we couldn’t resist swaying to the beat (or the boat). We left the rails, smoothed our hair and swooshed indoors to the swank Grill, one of five dining options on board. I couldn’t pass up the surf and turf. Columbus is the flagship of independently owned Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ (CMV) fleet of five ships. Many Australians will remember her as Pacific Pearl from her P&O days. Now with new owners, new itineraries and a makeover she is homeported in Tilbury, UK. We joined her on day 67 of her 120-day round-theworld-voyage. Ours was a six-day

UPMARKET COMFORT: The Raffles Lounge on Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Columbus. stint. Those who boarded in London had already adopted her as home. Most were British with a 20 per cent mix of Germans, Dutch and Australians. Many had already signed up for next year’s RTW sailing on January 6, 2020. Columbus carries 1400 voyagers in 775 cabins. 150 cabins are allocated to solo voyagers – a growing trend on cruise ships these days. We found our ample-size ocean view

cabins highly satisfactory. All have plump European bedding, ensuite, personal safe, bar fridge, TV and hairdryer. As on most cruise ships the atrium is the social hub – a good spot to watch the passing parade, shop, have coffee at Hemmingways, scan newspapers, do crosswords and even have a choir rehearsal! I couldn’t believe my eyes – or ears when I saw 30 or so British voyagers avidly practising their choral pieces while – at a

The atrium and main reception on Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Columbus.

‘safe distance’ – a German choir was doing the same. All good fun. Wisely both choirs dispersed before cocktail hour so we could enjoy the melodious renderings of the professional piano and violin duo – a classy accompaniment for champagne or tea, a martini at Raffles perhaps, or any other atmospheric lounge bar on board. The tone is traditional British country house – perfect for couples and solos who like a gracious

style of cruising that delivers classy entertainment, fine food, friendly staff and plenty of fun. Yes, there are formal nights and everyone loves them. Meanwhile in the Palladium Show Lounge, the professional entertainers were brushing up on their dance routines and testing sound levels for the night’s performance of Hello Dolly. Equally, voyagers like the camaraderie of amateur theatrics, ukulele and guitar groups, line-

dancing, ballroom dancing, bridge and special-interest talks. And, of course, shore excursions. Next morning, we awoke to views of Kagoshima’s active volcano letting off steam. Shore choices were a stroll around its slopes, and visiting Sengan-en Garden and museum complex. Others chose natural sand baths at Ibusuki city hoping to emerge revitalised after being buried to the neck in warm sand. Or alternatively a tour of Chiran’s Samurai Houses and Peace museum. Meanwhile, stay-athomes were happy with the gym, spa, creating in the Crafters Studio, or snoozing on deck. Columbus’ crowning achievement is the outstanding cuisine. Restaurants are: Waterfront – full-service dining room; buffet-style Plantation Bistro adjoining the pool deck; Fusion for fabulous Indian cuisine and the exceptional Chef’s Table private dining degustation dinner – a not-to-be-missed experience. For more cruise details, go to cmvaustralia.com.

A deluxe balcony ocean view suite on Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Columbus.

Cruise & Columbus.

Maritime

Voyages’

Photo: Maggy Oehlbeck

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

OUTBACK STAYS: An artesian bore in outback Queensland. Photo: Sean Scott

Shandonvale Station heli-mustering sheep.

Charlotte Plains Farm Stay.

CARNARVON

Take the 60km selfdrive tour around the station past lagoons, creeks and waterholes, then stay in the comfortable shearers quarters or one of three separate campgrounds. Visit kilcowera.com.au.

Top Qld station holidays

NOONBAH STATION, VIA LONGREACH

station gets the gong as the fun capital of the farm scene thanks to the chance to go helimustering, catch a fresh water yabbie, and do a little bit of old-fashioned butchering. The four bedrooms in the 100-year-old shearers quarters offer queen beds, 1000-thread count sheets, a fully-functioning kitchen and a classic claw-foot bath. Visit shandonvale station.com.au. Tip: Close to Barcaldine and the Tree of Knowledge Festival, held in May.

“Fiery sunsets, dazzling stars, and breathtaking peace” is how owners Angus and Karen Emmott describe the 52,000ha beef cattle station that’s been in their family for four generations. Guests can camp at a secluded waterhole, or, sleep peacefully at the Old Schoolhouse, a renovated corrugated iron cottage where Angus and his siblings were schooled by Air. Visit noonbahstation. com.au. Tip: Stop here on the way to Winton’s Way out West Fest (April, just ask Angus and Karen about the secret back road to get to there faster).

MOBLE HOMESTEAD, QUILPIE

BONUS DOWNS FARMSTAY, MARANOA

A tin shed on a property that’s almost the size of Laos is what you’ll find at Gilberton Outback Retreat, an 88,000sq km station that is home to 1200 head of cattle and one incredible guest cabin. This station was started in 1869 and has been passed down through seven generations. Guests can relax, get involved in station life, fossick for gold (hello good fortune!) or explore indigenous rock art located around the property. Gilberton Outback Retreat is four hours’ drive southwest of Cairns. Visit gilbertonoutback retreat.com.

Get a true taste of station life and hear about farming practices straight from owners Lyle and Madonna Connolly. A tour of the quintessential grand homestead is a must-do before hitting a swag, the shearer’s shed or the jackaroos cottage for the night. Visit bonusdownsfarm stay.com.au. Tip: Just ‘down the road’ (120km) is Roma’s Easter in the Country in April and the Cobb & Co Festival in Surat in August (150km).

SHANDONVALE STATION, VIA BARCALDINE

Dust off your stereotypes (and your city clothes). This century-old

Join proud wool producers, the Rutledge family, at their home in Quilpie on a property that has been passed down through five generations. Choose from two huts, a homestead garden room, and a governesses quarters-come-cottage that literally floats above the waterhole, staring from $150 per person including dinner and breakfast. Tip: Spend a day at the Quilpie Diggers Races (May and September).

GILBERTON OUTBACK RETREAT

WALLAROO OUTBACK RETREAT, NEAR

It’s a huge 71,000-acre cattle farm but that’s where the farm experience stops. At Wallaroo Outback Retreat guests trade shearers sheds for eight tepee tents (with real crisp linen and posturepedic beds), six bathrooms, two rustic firepits and an incredible timber lodge built from wood milled straight from the land. The retreat is the brainchild of farmers Pauline and Justin MacDonnell, a couple who grew up in the region and fell in love with cattle country dotted with cycad-filled gorges and Aboriginal rock art. Tents start from $120 per night. Visit wallaroooutback retreat.com.au/about.

self-catering shearers quarters, the shearing shed (open air). Visit charlotteplains. com.au. Tip: On August 30, 2019, cowboys, bull riders, shearers and stockmen will descend on Cunnamulla for the Cunnamulla Fella Festival.

KILCOWERA STATION

Halfway between Thargomindah and Hungerford is Kilcowera, a 49,000ha working cattle station with a pretty shearers quarters campground with barbecues, fireplaces stocked with wood, picnic tables and a basic camp kitchen.

10. MYELLA STATION

The first owners of Myella Station hit the jackpot, literally, when they purchased their farm as part of a 1935 land lottery. Today their descendants’ main job is to fatten cattle into prime beef exports, by buying males at two years old and feeding them quality grass.

Their other job is sharing their home with guests from all around the world, setting up informal 4WD farm tours and teaching visitors about wildlife, bush tucker, conservation, and farming practices. A two-day package at $270 per person includes bus transfers from Rockhampton (125km northeast of Myella), all meals, two horse rides and farm tours. Visit myella.weebly. com. Tip: Continue the horse theme and check out Paradise Lagoons Campdraft in May or the Rockhampton River Festival from July 12–14, 2019.

HERBERTVALE STATION

Follow station owner Shelley Hawkins as she leads a five-day, 66km trek across the northwestern pocket of Outback Queensland – on foot – and mostly on her Herbertvale Station. Small group tours depart from Mt Isa and continue to the limestone gorges of the Boodjamulla National Park. Hikers enjoy guided trekking, sunset refreshments, chef-prepared meals and an already-pitched tent and sleeping mat for $3150 per person. Visit trekwesthiking. com.au. Tip: Herbertvale Station is just a few ‘klicks’ driving distance from Mt Isa Mines Rodeo (August 8–11, 2019) and the Drover’s Camp Festival, Camouweal (August 23–28, 2019).

CHARLOTTE PLAINS FARM STAY

This sheep station that once pushed 60,000 animals through its huge shearing shed every year is 54km from Cunnamulla. Take the three-hour tour and find out more about the history and jump in the artesian bore and mineral rich baths. Stay in

1300 551 997 | (07) 5513 1086 E: info@goseetouring.com www.goseetouring.com

Watch this space for our exciting 2020 tours to be released very soon faBulous fiJi

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Don’t want to spend Christmas at your place this year? Why not visit beautiful Norfolk Island. 7 nights accom, car hire, orientation tour, island Wonderland by night, Breakfast Bush per person twin share Walk, Island Fish Fry, Behind the Hedges, Convict Settlement Tour, 4 x ex Bne, single Dinners, PLUS full Christmas Lunch supplement $490

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QUEENSLAND’S Outback is the birthplace of legends (Waltzing Matilda was first performed in Winton), it’s shaped a ‘fair go’ attitude (the first worker’s strike was in Barcaldine), and launched some of the nation’s most impressive events (Birdsville Races and Winton Vision Splendid). It’s also home to the best station stays in the land. Here are 10 of the top on offer.

NEWS

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

FLOWER POWER: Floral displays, uniting generations, are just one aspect of this carnival. INSET: Felicity Schubert and the magazine with her mum on the cover from 1955.

The carnival celebrates 70 years in full bloom

Alison Houston FOR 70 years the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has been the beating heart of the city, and it’s not getting old. On the contrary. Like most septogenarians, it’s grown with the years, with experience, adapted to changing times and become stronger. This year’s event, themed The Power of the Flower, from September 20–29, will see a record 77 events, up from 66 last year. Organisers expect a new record attendance is also likely, with 255,639 people last year injecting more than $24 million into the local economy. But while looking to the future, carnival organisers are also keen to acknowledge the festival’s heritage, and a highlight of this year’s festival will be the 70th Anniversary Memorabilia Gallery in the annex at City Hall.

‘‘

Miss Australia 1955, Maureen Kistle, brought nationwide publicity to the 1956 carnival by gracing the magazine cover.

Organisers expect a new record attendance is likely...

Special guests at the March 30 carnival launch included Elizabeth Cornford, 79, of Kearneys Spring, who remembers watching the very first carnival parade back on October 28, 1950. Led by a bullock team and watched by a crowd estimated to be 50,000 strong, that first parade stretched for almost 5km. Just five years later, local girl Maureen Kistle really put Toowoomba into the forefront of the Australian consciousness by becoming Miss Australia – at the time one of the most recognised

faces in the country. The following year she graced the cover of the Carnival of Flowers magazine and the images

made national headlines, giving the carnival fantastic publicity. Her daughter Felicity recently unearthed a copy

of the magazine among her late mother and grandmother’s collection of pictures, articles and trophies. “My mum was only a teenager when she won Miss Australia and I was not born until she was 41, so I was never truly aware of her former life,” Felicity said. “Mum achieved many things in her life. “She ran a very successful restaurant in Brisbane city, became the first female presenter on ABC TV in Queensland, wrote for The Courier Mail and sat on various boards including QPAC and Channel Nine Brisbane – not to mention having a wonderful marriage to Sir Sydney Schubert, Queensland’s co-ordinator-general under Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen. “She raised two daughters and her

connection to her home city, Toowoomba remained strong throughout her whole life.” Toowoomba Regional Council tourism spokesman Geoff McDonald said it was the diversity of the carnival program that kept it so successful, from its amazing flower and garden displays, to its music, food, beer and wine, history, art and craft, workshops and displays. Both the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery and Toowoomba City Library will run 70th anniversary programs this year, 80 private gardens will be open for view across the city, and the full entertainment line-up will be released later this month. Info: go to tcof.com.au or phone 13 18 72.

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

Terry finds time to be fit for life

Wellbeing

Yoga complements other activities Alison Houston TERRY Harris doesn’t think there’s anything particularly special about him... and that’s the point. It’s exactly why he agreed to do this story, to let people know they can be just as fit and feel just as good as him in their 60s and 70s. At 71, the South Toowoomba resident said people often remark they wish they, or their dad, could do what he does. That includes CrossFit sessions at the gym three mornings a week – to which he cycles 8km each way – men’s yoga twice a week and kayaking and fishing most weekends. “It’s just my lifestyle; it’s what I do,” he said simply. The cycling, he said, was these days just “a warm-up” for the gym. However, he used to take part in charity rides, including Melbourne’s 210km Around the Bay, and is keen to get back into practice aiming to Ride the Range (though probably not the most gruelling climb route). CrossFit is essentially a combined workout of

weights, athleticism and gymnastic designed to build strength and increase fitness and endurance. Terry said his daughter got him involved about five years ago, and he hasn’t looked back.

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He had been pleased to discover BrikMan Yoga, designed specifically for men only... Always “fairly active” he believes it is just a case of making the time to exercise and adapting to your age. That’s regardless of whether you are still working full-time, part-time or retired, as he has been for about 18 months. “I used to go the gym at 6am three days a week

before work, so I’ve got that discipline in my life and I still do it,” he said. Retirement, he stressed, wasn’t the end of something so much as “the start of a whole new life”. “I have aches and pains sometimes; I am getting older, but I work through them and like anything you compensate and adapt.” In his case, that meant giving up running, which he swapped for cycling when he started suffering shin splints, and in turn taking up CrossFit for broader fitness. “Sometimes it hurts a bit, but I don’t let that hold me back and I like to challenge myself,” he said. “At the same time, I’m not stupid about it. If I feel a twinge in my back I don’t push myself to keep going and damage it, I move onto something else.” He said he had found yoga was the perfect complement to his other activities, increasing his flexibility, mobility and strength. Having tried yoga which was “all lycra and candles” with one of his daughters, he had been

READY TO GO: Terry Harris loads up ready for another kayak adventure... just one of the many activities he enjoys while staying fit and healthy at 71. pleased to discover BrikMan Yoga, designed specifically for men only as well as mixed classes. “It’s just amazing,” he said of the results. He described trainer Greg Cawley as “very down to earth”, with the men’s style targeting flexibility and strength,

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which suited him, and no fancy outfits to wear. “It’s hard work but Greg’s mantra is always that you’re aiming for progress not perfection, so you just work within your limits to improve what you can do,” he said. “Anyone can be fit – it’s just making the time to

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MAY, 2019// SENIORS

HAPPIER TOES: Taking better care of your feet will ensure you have pain-free movement.

Photo: Bill Oxford

Tips for happy feet and toes

Tracey Johnstone IF YOU keep your feet healthy, you will be able to do so much more to stay active and have better overall health. But when you can’t easily see what is happening down there with your feet, chances are you will ignore the problems with them until the road back to good foot health is painful and expensive. Australian Podiatry Association ambassador and podiatrist Charlotte Bodell has some top tips for seniors for better foot health, with the help of your local podiatrist. General foot health ■ Be very careful when cutting your nails that you

don’t cut your skin and expose your feet to infection. ■ Recognise that as we get older our nails thicken, which makes them harder to cut. Your shoes will press on the thickened nail, which can cause the nail bed to become sore and a corn to occur under the nail bed. ■ The fat pad on the ball of your foot and heel wears out over time which can lead to hard calluses on the metatarsal joints on the balls of your feet. The podiatrist can remove the hard skin for you. Bunions In the ’50s and ’60s men and women squeezed their toes into fashionable pointy shoes. Even footballers and

boxers were squeezing their feet into tight shoes. This has led to seniors having problems with their nails, and with bunions and retracted curly toes. “If they have a bunion, the big toe comes over (the second toe), but also sometimes the second toe overrides,” Ms Bodell said. “When this happens, a corn happens on top, so you need to make sure your shoes are deep enough.” Other causes of bunions can be hereditary or your foot’s biomechanics. The bunion can be fixed by a podiatrist if it is painful. This can be done by surgery, orthotics, wearing night splints and doing daily feet exercises,

and wearing suitable orthopaedic footwear. Type 2 Diabetes University of South Australia researcher Dr Helen Banwell said there has been a 30 per cent increase in the number of lower limb amputations in the past 20 years. “About 85 per cent of these are preceded by a foot ulcer and could be prevented with appropriate care,” she said. “When the blood level goes above seven, the extra sugars sit at the end of the nerves.” The nerves at the top of your fingers and the top of your toes get killed off, which results in neuropathy disease and no feeling. The extra sugars also stick to the inner walls of

the arteries, which affects your circulation and leads to vascular disease. “Also, if you have a cut it will take longer to heal,” Ms Bodell added. A serious side-effect of all of this is if you have a blister on the bottom of your foot and you have nerve damage, you won’t know the blister is there. It can become infected and form into an ulcer, which can then go deeper and become an infection in the bone. Hospital IV antibiotics will be needed, and amputation is a possible outcome. An amputation can increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack. If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, make sure your GP refers you at least once or twice

a year to a podiatrist where you will get neurological and circulation testing. Pedicures Relying on a pedicure isn’t the best choice for managing long toe nails. ■ You need to ensure the equipment is sterile and the soaking sink is free of flaky skin that might have tinea or wart skin on it, which your feet can pick up. ■ When your big toenails are cut, they may be not shaped to avoid you getting an in-grown nail, especially if a spike of nail is left behind. ■ When your nails are painted, don’t forget the brush has been on other people’s nails, which means you can pick up fungal infections.

Medicos campaign to raise heart surgery hopes Tracey Johnstone BRISBANE cardiologists are teaming up with leading Sydney and Melbourne heart doctors and surgeons to launch the Hope for Hearts campaign which promotes keyhole surgery to replace faulty heart valves for people aged under 80. One of Australia’s most undiagnosed heart conditions, one in eight older Australians are diagnosed with aortic stenosis (AS) which is traditionally treated with invasive open-heart surgery. If left untreated, up to

HEART HEALTH: There is hope for saving more lives with keyhole surgery. 50 per cent of these people die within two years of diagnosis. Caused by a narrowing of the aortic valve, AS

symptoms include shortness of breath, angina or chest discomfort, and light-headedness or

passing out. Non-invasive keyhole surgery, known as TAVI, eliminates the need for open-heart surgery for many patients but is only available for patients aged over 80 years and those who are deemed high risk. The Hope for Hearts campaign is a call to broaden Medicare rebates and cover from private health insurers. “AS is under-diagnosed and unappreciated by patients and doctors,” Dr Karl Pool from Brisbane’s St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital said. “There needs to be more awareness of TAVI

which has been done for 15 years and has proven to be superior to open heart surgery.” The results and recovery from a TAVI procedure can be quite remarkable. High-risk patient, 77-year-old Mychael McLoughlin, underwent surgery last year. “I had the procedure on Friday, was sent home on Sunday and could drive a car by the following Wednesday, which is just incredible,” he said. “Before the surgery, I was flat out walking 25 metres, but after the procedure, it wasn’t long before I could do 200

metres, then 400 and that’s continuing to improve.” TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) takes about one hour and does not require a general anaesthetic. Patients are often discharged within three days. Patients in the public hospital system often have to wait up to a year for a TAVI procedure, which increases their risk of dying. A Medicare rebate is currently only available to patients considered high or moderate risk and is not covered by private health insurance.

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

Records a treasure trove of classic tunes

Living

The right record for good cash Alison Houston

VINYL RESURGENCE: USQ Senior Lecturer in Media Studies Daryl Sparkes says rarity is what makes albums more valuable, but the sound is what really matters. of up to $5000 for an original pressing of the Sex Pistols’ Never Mind the Bollocks. “The punk movement weren’t known for being great carers of their stuff, so a lot of the originals were lost and it is rarity which makes it valuable,” Daryl explained. That’s why albums mass-produced by big-name record companies like Sony aren’t worth much, while early recordings of artists before they became well known, by small or independent companies, rise in value. One of the first 100

‘‘

There’s that sense of special ownership which is important to a lot of people. copies of The Beatles’ White Album, for instance, will sell for thousands despite the fact it’s since been produced millions of times – check the serial number. Daryl said about half the albums today were being bought by those under 25, possibly because they were “cool” again, but also potentially

as a result of their parents’ nostalgia for vinyl. He believes vinyl provides a far more immersive experience for people than simply flicking a button on your phone or MP3 player. “It’s something tangible and real you can hold onto and look at the art work, and there’s that sense of

special ownership which is important to a lot of people,” he said. While the hisses and pops of the old record player were once seen as a negative, Daryl said many see them as adding character to the listening, and vinyl also produces a much warmer sound than CD. “It takes you back all those years to when you first listened to that song, who you were with and what you were doing, and how exciting it was to get that album,” he said. Daryl readily admits he is a bit of a hoarder, and vinyl isn’t his only

collection, with books, paintings, antiques and movie posters from the 1960-80s making up his one-man museum. And you never know what may one day be of value. Daryl points to the release of a little independent film called Mad Max in 1979 which no one expected to do much – original posters for which now sell for up to $3000. So, before you clean out that cluttered garage, attic, basement or spare room, it could be worth having a good look at exactly what you have.

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EVERYTHING old is new again... and some of it is worth a whole lot more than you would ever have thought. With the birth of the crisp, clear sounds of the compact disc in the 1980s, few expected vinyl records would make the resurgence they have over recent years. In fact they have become so strong, hitting more than $20 million in new sales in Australia last year, that the Australian Recording Industry Association has launched a new weekly vinyl albums chart. But there is also quite a lot of money about for the right sort of old vinyl as well. USQ Senior Lecturer in Media Studies Daryl Sparkes is a die-hard vinyl lover. He has a collection of about 1000 albums, including jazz and blues from the 1920s-40s, a bootleg copy of The Doors in 1970 playing the Isle of Wight which is very close to his heart, picture and coloured discs, and other limited releases and music which never made it to CD. It is these unique style of records which, if you have them, might just be worth some money. 1970s punk and ’80s new wave and new romantics are the latest albums to have gone up in value, with an asking price

LIVING

MAY, 2019// SENIORS

Taste of country flavours Alison Houston HAMPTON Blue was one of the first commercial producers of blueberries in Australia, starting back in 1986 when Australians really weren’t too sure what to do with them. Back then they would sell at markets and advertise on community radio in Brisbane to appeal to European listeners who would come out to the farm armed with buckets to pick their own fruit. Today, owner Sue Groom said the family operation has about 13,000 blueberry plants as well as raspberries across 20 acres (8.1ha), and sells fresh and frozen fruit, plants, jams, sauces and vinegars commercially. It is just one of the producers featured in this year’s Hampton Festival, celebrating all things High Country from May 17–19. Festival organiser Wendy Allen said the three-day program, culminating in the Hampton Food and Arts Festival on Sunday, again had a number of new features along with the favourites to keep it as fresh as the produce, art

and music it promotes. To complement the annual art exhibition, they are “bringing the beach to Hampton”, with a sand sculpture artist creating a huge piece that “really depicts the area” and holding workshops. When it comes to music, there are six talented young local musicians busking around the grounds this year as well as the main stage entertainment, including the home-grown Hobsons. “It’s always a lovely atmosphere, relaxing under the gum trees and enjoying food, wine, beer and music away from the hustle and bustle,” Wendy said. The Growers on the Green precinct is a very special focus, allowing visitors to see and taste local produce such as blueberries, avocados, persimmons, olives, honey, cheese and more, and speak to the people who produce them. The Grooms certainly have a story to tell, with Sue a former executive secretary and husband Rob, a lecturer in agronomy, having decided back in 1982 that they wanted to “actually grow something” themselves. Having found what they

HAMPTON FLAVOUR: Robert and Sue Groom, of Hampton Blue, sharing their product at last year’s Hampton Food and Arts Festival. believed to be the perfect property, and after an initial unsuccessful foray into kiwi fruit, they decided on blueberries at the recommendation of a friend. Involving their sons, then just 10 and 12, in the planting made it a real family affair from the start. One of their boys, Andrew and wife Kirsty, now have their own kids about the same age, and have recently purchased a property nearby, about 20 acres of which will also be dedicated to blueberries. But despite the passing

years, Sue said she and Rob, now both in their 70s, had never tired of the taste of their produce. “We love eating them,” Sue said. “It’s lovely walking out into the orchard and having breakfast, or eating them as we go when we grade them.” The secret to Hampton Blue’s unique flavour, she said, was the soil, with customers coming back to them repeatedly for the quality and full taste over supermarket offerings. While they chose never to use chemical sprays, for the past nine years

Hampton Blue has been fully certified organic. With health in mind, Sue also ensures their value-added products, including jams, a blueberry desert sauce (which you can try at the festival in prepared Lick! Icecream tubs), the savoury Moroccan blueberry sauce and the low-acid raspberry vinegar all use a minimum of sugar. Sue is Hampton Festival secretary and has been involved with the event for 16 of its 17 years, when it began as one of the first festivals of

its kind. “I look forward to it, but it does take a really big effort from the community,” she said. About 4000 people attended across the three days last year, with the same expected this year. That includes Friday’s Autumn Feast in the Woods and Saturday’s A Taste of the Region Lunch, which continues into Sunday’s full-day festival. Info: hamptonfestival.com or phone 07 4697 9066. Hampton Blue info: hamptonblue.com.au

Grow your knowledge at Winter Garden School IT’S the garden school that keeps them coming back for more. Leafmore Garden Society’s biennial Winter Garden School on June 12–13 is celebrating its 10th event, and president Ed Power said currently two-thirds of bookings were return customers. It’s a good indication that organisers are doing things right. Ed said having retired from work, he joined the society after attending his first school in 2013, impressed by the range of speakers, and the knowledge and friendliness of members. He said that hadn’t changed, with the garden school committee coming from a range of backgrounds, offering an array of skills, and everyone willing to “muck

in and do whatever needs to be done to make it the best it can be”. About 150 people are expected to take part this year, the majority attending both days of the school. In his second year as president, Ed said the society had received a lot of feedback about “what a fabulous program you’ve organised this year”. The keynote speaker is ABC Gardening Australia long-time researcher and now presenter, and author of The Thrifty Gardener, Millie Ross. “She’s very practical and down to earth, and that appeals to a lot of people,” Ed said. A professional horticulturalist, garden designer, writer, broadcaster, and passionate home

DOWN TO EARTH: The Thrifty Gardener author and ABC Gardening Australia presenter, Millie Ross, pictured with rescue dog Squid. gardener, Millie is best known for her unconventional approach to low-cost gardening, allowing people to create the best garden possible with “whatever you’ve got”. But Ed said he believed this year’s line-up really

had everything covered, from the ground up, starting with soil scientist Andrew Biggs, and continuing to Russell Young’s extensive knowledge of all types of plants, propagation, pests and diseases and giving your garden the “wow”

factor. Shirley Dance brings specialist rose knowledge, Linda Brennan speaks on growing and cooking with edible plants, while Adam Woodhams talks photography and sustainability and Mike Wells gives water efficiency tips. Started by grand champion garden owner Pearl Beh back in 1980, the society is named after her parents’ property, Leafmore, and aims to foster a love of gardening and extend people’s horticultural knowledge. Members meet on the last Friday of each month at St Anthony’s Parish Hall, Harristown. They feature guest speakers, flower competitions, monthly garden visits and regular

bus trips, as well as just a general love of gardening and shared experiences and knowledge to help tackle any gardening problems. “We’re very well-travelled. Wherever there’s a garden tour, some of our members will have been on it,” Ed said. The Winter Garden School cost is $90 per day or $163 for the two days, including morning tea and lunch, and attendees can buy a range of plants, tools and other garden-related items at the trade stalls. Garden school details: Bookings close May 31. Dinner with guest speaker Millie Ross ($45). Leafmore Garden Society, ph: Ed on 07 4632 5499 or email: leafmore4350 @gmail.com.

SENIORS \\MAY, 2019

Secure inheritance rights on your super Andrew Heaven I WAS recently asked by a couple who have just updated their wills if they need to nominate each other using binding death benefit nominations in their superannuation. Why, they asked, does it need to be a binding nomination? Your will is a legal document that sets out your wishes for the distribution of your estate assets on your death. Assets owned jointly as “joint tenants” are not covered by your will as ownership will revert to the surviving owner on your death. Similarly, assets held in trust on your behalf are generally not dealt with under your will, but are governed by the terms of the applicable trust deed. Superannuation is an example of an asset held in trust on your behalf. As the trustee owns the assets on your behalf, the legal mechanism to

instruct the trustee on how to distribute the proceeds of your superannuation on your death is contained within the fund’s trust deed. As such, superannuation death benefits are generally not able to be dealt with under your will. A superannuation lump sum death benefit can only be paid to an eligible beneficiary or be specified to be paid to your estate as the death benefit nomination. An eligible beneficiary must be a spouse, your child, an individual financially dependent upon you, or an individual you have an interdependency relationship with. An interdependency relationship is defined as a close personal relationship, where you live together, one or each of you provide financial support and domestic support and personal care. Broadly, there are two

types of superannuation death benefit nominations – binding and non-binding. A non-binding death benefit nomination is not binding on the trustee of the superannuation fund to pay out the funds to your specified beneficiary. In some circumstances, a superannuation trustee may allocate a portion of your superannuation benefit to an individual regardless of your nomination, provided they meet the definition of a beneficiary, that is the fund trustee retains discretion as to how your death benefit will be dealt with. On the other hand, a valid binding death benefit nomination compels the trustee to pay your death benefit to the nominated beneficiary provided they are an eligible beneficiary at the time of your death. That is, the surviving trustee will not have any discretion with regards to who it allocates your superannuation death benefit to. Presumably,

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