Toowoomba & Darling Downs, April 2018

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Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

April, 2018

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In this edition

Cover Story: Little Pattie.................................Pages 3&4 Feature Story: Anzac Day .......................................Page 8 Travel: Discover Australia.............................Pages 23-29 Puzzles ....................................................................Page 35

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

The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in south-east 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.

Welcome

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

Life is a colourful complex tapestry

AHH...the memories, Little Pattie, Normie Rowe, Gough Whitlam.

You will find a picture of each of these inspirational Australians in this edition, and for me with each picture comes a memory, if not of the person, then the time and its culture, defined forever by a unique blend of politics, people, power and of course, music.

In many ways Pattie Amphlett shaped our image of Australia in the 1960s, she was healthy, happy and upbeat and yet at the same time willing to dive into the harder parts of history, which includes supporting Australian forces in war zones.

Pattie’s interview is an uplifting read about a person who was born with certain gifts and has used them not only to better herself, but also the lives of others, including a whole new generation.

One would have to say: “Go Pattie”.

But we all have different life journeys and this month I also give it up to

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

the older adult woman who has owned up to being ripped off by an online scammer who she linked up with on an online dating site.

That’s not to say, this doesn’t happen in person, nothing really stops a con, but this sort of scumbag has certainly found a fresh operating field on the internet.

Thank goodness victims have the courage to speak out. It is a brave person who speaks their truth, when they feel hopeless and perhaps not blameless.

As with the #metoo campaign, (which I also speak to social commentator Jane Caro about in this edition), it’s up to us to listen and acknowledge their stories, to let them know that it’s

not their fault, it could happen to anyone, and also understand their story offers support to other victims and hopefully stops more people from suffering the same crime.

This publication covers a range of sections and we endeavour to share good information in all of them.

This month we share professional advice on Cervical cancer and screening together with a report on how childhood polio sufferers are again coping with this disease.

At the moment we are all talking about hikes in private health premiums and many of us are not just talking about it, we are dropping out of health funds.

More on this on our regular Talk’n’Thoughts page.

Our good news health stories comes from the Sunshine Coast, in a Tewantin aged care facility that provides a home for people living with dementia.

NoosaCare director Sandra Gilbert is making great strides in understanding and providing appropriate social and living conditions in this area.

Besides this print story, there is more online on our website: www.seniors news.com.au.

This month our travel section focuses on Aussie travel and we really have some great holiday ideas; from your choice of transport (have you ever thought of travelling on a cargo ship) to finding food and wine in Victoria and 10 top spots to experience in the Northern Territory.

Life is indeed a colourful tapestry, I trust we reflect that in our stories.

And please for more news check out our website and facebook page www.facebook.com/ seniorsnews.

Enjoy Gail.

Monday, April 9, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Cover Story: Little Pattie

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Petite Pattie’s life is full of giving back

Seniors 3 ALWAYS A STAR: Petite songbird Littie Pattie.

At 69 years old, her music underpins the many new directions she has undertaken in her life SONGBIRD Patricia (Little Pattie) Amphlett thrives on being busy, whether she is teaching or learning, singing or volunteering, as long as it involves giving back to the world that still loves her.

Music remains at the heart of her life, but at the end of the silken tendrils of her music is a life richly filled with professional and volunteer activities that reflect her intellectual depth.

Pattie’s journey started with a hit record at age 14 before she headed to Vietnam in 1966 at age 17 where the petite singer found herself the youngest person to entertain the troops.

“They’ve got a big place in

my heart,” she says.

Since then she has been to many other countries where there has been conflict.

“We were in convoy in the southern part of Iraq, travelling from one camp to another,” Pattie says.

She was told there was an outside chance of being fired at, but her long-standing trust of the Australian army gave her enough confidence to jump in the front seat of the Bushmaster for the journey of several hours.

Beside her was a 19-year-old solider who was tasked with looking after Pattie’s group.

“We could see where we were going more than the passengers who were in the back, and I didn’t want to miss a thing. I

must have asked this kid Simon a hundred questions about where we were, his life in the army and about his family.”

Once they finally arrived at their destination where the group was performing, Simon rang his family back in Australia.

“I rang my mum and dad last night,” Simon told Pattie.

“I told them about you and how you asked me all these questions, and said your name was Pattie and described what you looked like.

“My dad said you better look after her son and he really lectured me that I had to really look after you because you were very special to him because he was a Vietnam veteran.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Updates from the Toowoomba Region Council Meetings

The next meetings of Council’s Standing Committees will be held on 10 and 11 April commencing at 9am. The next Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held on 17 April commencing at 10am. All meetings are at City Hall, 541 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba.

Tech Savvy Seniors

Free computer classes are now available at Oakey and Highfields Libraries. Our friendly trainers help people gain new skills and confidence using mobile devices and computers. For more information phone Oakey on 4692 0154 or Highfields Library on 4699 6519.

Payment Options

Did you know we have a number of options to pay your rates and charges to Council?

They range from online options that you can complete on mobile devices or computers, to over the phone or in person.

To view all your payment options visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/payments

ANZAC Day

Services will be held throughout the region to remember those who have fought for our freedom and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Veterans have one thing in common - they have all served or are currently serving their country. Whether male, female, full time or part time, deployed or home service - they are all veterans. Wear your medals on the left and march proudly as a veteran this ANZAC Day. To find more information on services in your area visit www.tr.qld. gov.au/anzacday

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

Active Seniors

Milne Bay and Highfields Aquatic and Fitness Centres have plenty of options to keep you active. Join us for Aqua Aerobics, Steady Steps, Qigong for Health, Pilates, Yoga, Tai-Chi, Zumba Gold, Senior Citizens group (HFR only) and aquatic walking lanes. Concession rates available, contact MBAC 4688 6330 or HFR 4699 6530 for more information.

Council Cabs

We’re excited to be continuing our Council Cab service. The service provides affordable transport for seniors and people with a disability. Eligible users can travel from their home to their nearest major shopping centre one day a week. The service allows residents to enjoy greater independence and convenience without relying on friends and family to get out and about, whether for shopping or socialising.

For eligibility criteria and locations of the service in your area call 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/councilcabs

CHANGE Project

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

Winter Pool Closure

It’s that time of year again when the regional aquatic centres close for winter.

Swimmers will be able to have their last swim on Sunday 15 April before closing for the season on Monday 16 April. Milne Bay Aquatic Centre and the 50m outdoor pool will remain open.

TRC_0218_SN

Tracey Johnstone

4 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs FROM PAGE 3

“He was a terrific young man: he never left our side after that,” Pattie said.

Pattie’s music teacher once made her promise she would teach singing, because of her temperament.

More than 20 years ago, she started doing just that and works for four Sydney high schools, including a performing arts school.

“I have learnt so much from them,” Pattie says.

“I learn about life and constantly kept up with the attitudes of young people. Who wouldn’t want to know about young people?

“For all the bagging some people give them, I get to see a terrific side of young people and I can honestly say I know we will be in good hands. They are going to be looking after us and I am really happy with that.”

Pattie, or Miss Patricia as the students call her, has devised a modified curriculum which uses her experience as an ongoing performer, rather than one that is technique only.

“Most of the time I let the kids choose their songs,” Pattie said.

She finds many of the children have been to musicals and often choose songs from those

performances.

“I like imparting the knowledge I have and I genuinely like helping kids get better in what they love to do,” Pattie says.

There are always a few stars among the students, but it’s the “triple threat” ones she really keeps an eye out for – ones who can sing, dance and act at the same time, and do it well.

Back in 1972, Pattie formed a strong friendship with Gough Whitlam. She was part of the group that performed It’s Time for his election campaign.

“I remained close to the principles he espoused, became a Whitlam-ite, and a friend of the Whitlams,” Pattie says.

One of the former PM’s legacies is the Whitlam Institute at the Western Sydney University which pursues the causes he championed.

Pattie sits on its volunteer board which oversees debate on public policy in the areas of equality, indigenous recognition and improving talented Australians’ access to the broader community.

She also sits on the board of the Jessie Street Trust, which was set up in recognition of one of Australia’s 20th century Australian activists, Jessie Street.

Cover Story: Little Pattie

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

Former prime minister Gough Whitlam with singer Little Pattie during the election campaign in 1972.

PHOTO: FILE PHOTO

AUSSIE ICONS: Little Pattie and actor/singer Normie Rowe warm up in 1997.

PHOTO: KELLY DAVID

Each year the trust conducts a luncheon which raises funds to provide grants for projects similar to the ones Jessie championed, such as the rights of women and indigenous people, peace and disarmament, and the elimination of discrimination.

Pattie still performs often, mainly at private functions and some festivals, and practises for an hour every day.

“When you teach, you are singing almost every day with the kids,” Pattie says.

“If one day I say I have had enough or it’s time to put my feet up or it’s time not to have such a busy life… I know I will always be active and busy doing things.

“I will always want to do something for other people, too. That’s kind of in my family’s DNA.”

SONGBIRD: Patricia, singing to an audience of Australian soldiers at the Bokah Music Bowl, a temporary stage with a parachute as a shade canopy. She accompanied Col Joye and his band the Joyboys on this and a later tour of South Vietnam in August 1966.

PHOTO: AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

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Online Dating

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

Heartbreaking love scam a lesson for all Tactics cyber lovers use to reel in money from online victims Ann Rickard

JAN Marshall, 64, is an intelligent, educated woman who held good corporate jobs in Brisbane and Melbourne. But five years ago, in a quest to find love through a legitimate online dating site, she was scammed out of $260,000, her entire life savings.

Now facing a bleak future on welfare, Jan is sharing her story to show other seniors how easy it is to be hoodwinked.

“Scammers target people looking for love,” Jan said.

She thought she’d met the man of her dreams when he contacted her after she’d been on the dating site for just a day.

He told her he was a self-employed civil engineer who travelled the

world on projects. He said he was working in Canada at the time and would shortly be travelling to Dubai for another large project, but was not averse to coming to Australia to meet her at the end of the Dubai job.

Then the ‘love bombing’ started, a barrage of emails and messages showering Jan with attention, compliments and then passionate declarations of love.

“Scammers get you off the legitimate website quickly, saying they would rather communicate with your private email,” Jan said. “Then they close down their profile on the website and all communication is done through email and Messenger.”

While many people reading this might wonder at Jan’s naivety, scam-

ONLINE LOVE: Author and survivor Jan Marshall.

PHOTO: CAROL SHEARMAN

mers are professional and ruthless, and. for someone who has a trusting mind, it is easy to fall prey.

By the time Jan’s dream man asked for money she was deeply in love, said yes to a marriage proposal and was looking

for a property they could buy in Australia to spend their future together.

Jan’s scammer did not ask for money directly, rather a loan to help him with taxes due on product being held in Dubai on the job he was working on.

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Jan sent her first lot of money through bank transfer believing it to be a loan. Then came other requests for money, always with plausible reasons why his own money was being held temporarily frozen.

Jan says in the beginning the scammer will show a photo of himself, but this is always a stolen photo, and he will never allow his victim to see him on Facetime or Skype.

“The photos are always stolen,” Jan said.

While Jan was falling in love with the ‘civil engineer’ over daily emails, texts, phone calls and messages, her scammer was most likely sitting in a call centre in Nigeria reading from a wellpractised script.

“I had used all my savings and then taken a further $45,000 in credit card debt and then I took money out of my selffunded super fund which I was (legally) not able to do,” she said.

After Jan had given all she had, her scammer sent a final dismissive message to tell her he was boarding a plane for England and to thank her ‘for everything.’

Jan says authorities are powerless to do anything to trace scammers and warns that men are just as susceptible as women.

Romance Scam Survivor: The Whole Sordid Story is available www.romancescamsurvivor.org.

HEALTH INFORMATION SESSION Tuesday 24th April, 10.30am to 12pm Featuring expert speakers from Drayton Medical Centre, discussing seniors’ immunisation and other health topics.

We’d love to see you there!

It’s easy to make the most of every day when neighbours and staff become like family, a range of amenities is at your doorstep, and there’s always something to get involved in.

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Monday, April 9, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 7

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

ANZAC DAY

Military history is on display

THE regional community of Meandarra on the Western Downs, just under three hours west of Toowoomba, is home to one of the most impressive collections of Anzac military history you will find in Australia.

The Meandarra Anzac Memorial Museum is one of just two of its kind in the country and is set apart by its incredible pieces of huge historical significance to Australia and to history enthusiasts.

Among the most significant pieces are equipment from the Light Horse Brigade, a Canberra bomber aircraft, a grant tank in North African colours and a water buffalo tank from the South West Pacific campaigns.

The museum also houses a unique collection of artefacts from our Anzac veterans, who represented the three armed services of navy, army and air force.

Western Downs Regional Council spokesperson for community and cultural development councillor Kaye Maguire said the centre was a truly exceptional collection.

“Walking alongside the personnel carriers, the tanks and amphibious craft you can really imagine the sacrifice they made for their community,” she said.

“They were so willing to represent their country and community and you feel very proud to be an Australian as you wander through this collection and read their stories.”

Go to www.ourwestern downs.com/meandarraanzac-memorial-museum.

March for women Network works to change the perception of veterans Alison Houston

FEMALE service and ex-servicewomen are being urged to march together with pride this Anzac Day in Toowoomba to commemorate and celebrate their proud service.

The move is part of the

By The Left initiative, run by the Women Veterans Network Australia, aimed at broadening the public’s perception of exactly what a veteran looks like.

Within three days of going up, the local Facebook site for the event had registered 89 people as interested.

By the Left co-ordinator Kellie Dadds, a former army officer who served for 22 years in multiple deployments, said the aim was to make Anzac Day more inclusive, and get away from the traditional perception that every Australian veteran was an elderly, white, medalwearing male.

The initiative takes nothing away from those veterans, Kellie was quick to point out.

But veterans can be male or female, young or old, have served full-time or part-time, and been deployed at home or overseas, in combat or peacekeeping.

The one thing they have in common cannot be seen from the outside – having served their country.

Lee Withers is an 11-year army veteran, part

HELP

WALK PROUD: Members of the Townsville branch of the Women Veterans Network Australia gather under the banner which female veterans from Toowoomba and across the nation are being urged to march behind this Anzac Day.

of the Toowoomba Anzac Committee and the region’s WVNA co-ordinator.

She said it was a sad fact that a lot of our female and younger male veterans felt they simply didn’t “fit” or weren’t “worthy to march” according to the classic model of a veteran.

As a result, too often they, and other veterans who have not served overseas and hence not earned medals, have stood on the sidelines during marches, if they go at all.

By the Left is the word of command in the military when soldiers are about to step off on a march, but also denotes

that only veterans are allowed to wear their medals on the left.

Sadly, over recent years, a number of females and younger veterans nationwide have been challenged – sometimes aggressively – about wearing their medals on the left.

When 100 ex-servicewomen at a Department of Veterans Affairs meeting were asked in 2016 if any of them had been challenged about their medals, the whole room put up their hand – something had to be done, and By the Left was born in September last year to make a difference this Anzac Day. So this year in

Toowoomba, female veterans are being encouraged to march as one under the WVNA banner at both the Dawn and mid-morning services.

Young veterans and other veterans who want to show their support are welcome to march under the same banner or under the “miscellaneous units” banner.

“Indications so far are that hundreds of women around the country will be marching, many for the first time,” Kellie said.

The important thing, Lee said, was for everyone who had served to find somewhere they felt welcome to take pride in that service.

“I think while at the

moment it is just seen as a one-off, it is definitely something we should try to promote into the future to have an influence on community perceptions and pass the banner to a younger generation of veterans so that the Anzac Day tradition is not lost,” she said.

This year’s Toowoomba’s march, which will as usual culminate in a service at the Mothers’ Memorial, will be led by the aviation corps, which celebrates its 50th year.

For a full rundown of all the regional Anzac Day services, see Toowoomba Regional Council’s events register - calendar for April via user.tr.qld.gov.au.

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 9

10 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Local Story

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

Hike for autistic kids Foundation helps change the lives of children and families Alison Houston

TAKE a Hike on Sunday, April 22 and discover exactly how the AEIOU Foundation changes the lives of young children with autism in Toowoomba.

CEO Alan Smith, who each year takes part in the three hikes in Toowoomba, Brisbane and Townsville, said Toowoomba had always been his favourite event.

“The community is so engaging, so supportive,” Alan said.

He used to have quite a bit of time to get to know his fellow walkers, with the hike traditionally covering 40km.

For the past two years, the distances have changed to your choice of 5km, 10.5km or 21km, embracing all abilities.

“We get a lot broader cross-section of the community involved this way,” Alan said.

“And this is first and foremost about raising awareness – the

fundraising is a bonus.

“There’s no pressure on anybody, but if they can raise a couple of hundred dollars and have fun along the way, that’s great.”

Proof of his sincerity is that since changing the event, funds raised have dropped by about $50,000, but the number of participants has doubled.

But since the foundation runs “on the smell of an oily rag” and resources and toys “get broken again and again and again” so that new ones are constantly required, more residents are needed to put their best foot forward for the kids.

And that’s what this is all about.

Corporate Affairs manager Deborah Whiteoak said Toowoomba AEIOU provided therapy each year for up to 15 children aged two to six years, and across Queensland AEIOU has helped about 1000 children make life-long

SUNDAY WALK: About 200 people last year took part in Take a Hike Toowoomba, but the AEIOU centre needs more support, from seniors, singles, families and groups.

changes since its establishment in 2005.

Generally children will spend two years at the centre with research showing early intervention (20 hours of intensive therapy a week for two years) is vital to help kids with autism develop “all those skills other kids may take for granted” and achieve the best outcomes.

Those outcomes, Deborah said, were “extraordinary”, with children often coming to the centre with no communication, no self-care skills (including feeding and toileting), having problems with social skills and challenging behaviours.

They leave with all these core skills, ready to reach their full potential,

with many transitioning to the general school system and others, who may have other intellectual or development difficulties, set up with independence skills that “can change their whole life trajectory”.

Also a regular Take a Hike participant, Deborah said “nothing beats that feeling of being part of a collective group and knowing you are doing

something positive for the community”.

She said participants covered all age-groups, with a number older people walking with grandchildren, as well as family groups, singles and teams.

Among first-time walkers this year will be Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio, a supporter of AEIOU and Take a Hike for several years.

“I’m thrilled that they have invited me to walk with them,” the mayor said, encouraging others in business and the general community to register. Toowoomba is a community that cares about itself and it’s always so heartening to see such community support and spirit in helping to achieve the best outcomes for the young people in our community who have an extra challenge.”

Sign up now or find details at takeahike. org.au.

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

Talk’n’thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

Seniors call for shake-up

Government asked to look into the healthcare system AUSTRALIA’S health system does work for most people. Good medical staff, hospitals and treatments are available, that’s one of the reasons longevity is increasing. But, it’s a slippery slope to a ‘no money, no treatment’ climate. The kind of world that may enable many of us to live longer, but in poorer health and ultimately wonder what’s the point of going on when constant pain is a daily companion. The country’s middle class is rather like the country’s private health system, membership fees are rising and there’s a reduction in the social benefits.

The article below from National Seniors Australia advocate Ian Hensche is calling for the government to check the system that sees “Older consumers being forced to give up their health insurance because of rising costs, while private health funds made $1.4 billion in after-tax profit in 2017 an increase of 7.3

per cent over the previous year. These are taxpayer-subsidised businesses and we question the appropriateness of this level of profits.”

- Gail Forrer Seniors Newspaper supports National Seniors Australia in a renewed appeal to the Federal Government to focus on inefficiencies in the health system, saying average out-of-pocket expenses had increased by three times the inflation rate over the past decade.

National Seniors’ Chief Advocate Ian Henschke said revelations to our newspaper owner News Corp report that the Australian Medical Association was recommending specialists charge up to three times more than the Medicare fee for hospital procedures showed why many older people were struggling to pay health costs.

“The industry data showed some specialists were stripping pensioners of their superannuation by

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

charging $20,000 for out of pocket fees for Parkinson’s disease deep brain stimulation and $10,000 for hip and knee replacements,” Mr Henschke said.

“According to these reports, some doctors are charging 10 times more than what even the AMA recommends, contributing to the $1.6 billion a year in gap payments not covered by patients’ health funds or Medicare.

“Medicare statistics show 86 per cent of anaesthetics and 53 per cent of operations cost more than the schedule fee.”

Mr Henschke said the high cost of specialist fees and the affordability of private health insurance were the two biggest health concerns for older Australians, according to National Seniors research conducted last year. The Federal Government must address the issue of

LOOKING AFTER THE PEOPLE: After a lifetime of working hard, many older Australians are now struggling to pay for their healthcare.

PHOTO: ALEXRATHS

affordability for older consumers, many of whom had paid contributions for decades.

Insurance premiums had increased by more than 40 per cent between 2010 and 2017, and would rise another 3.95 per cent from April 1. In its 2018/19 Federal Budget submission, National Seniors Australia said a survey of members, many on low and limited incomes, revealed that 74 per cent could not afford an average four per cent jump in premiums, forcing them to cut or cancel their cover and back into the public health system.

“People who have

worked hard all their lives cannot afford to pay health insurance premiums, or get the cover they need, when they most need it, for operations such as a hip or knee replacements,” Mr Henschke said.

“What we said last year still holds true: despite ever increasing premiums, when seniors come to make a claim for a service it’s either excluded or the out-of-pocket expenses have skyrocketed. The current system of government-approved premium setting lacks transparency and improving competition in the private health

insurance sector is needed urgently.

“Older consumers are being forced to give up their health insurance because of rising costs, while private health funds made $1.4 billion in after-tax profit in 2017 an increase of 7.3 per cent over the previous year.

These are taxpayer-subsidised businesses and we question the appropriateness of this level of profits.

“Our message is clear.

The system has huge problems and they need to be fixed.”

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

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Seniors 13

Wellbeing

MOVEMENT AND MUSIC: Nia combines dance, martial arts, yoga and mindfulness, and Gentle Nia classes have just started, specifically designed for seniors.

Gentle new seniors’ class exercises body and mind Every routine offers different levels and can be altered Alison Houston

FITNESS and healing without exertion is the secret of Nia – combining dance, martial arts, yoga

and mindfulness – with classes now being offered in Toowoomba.

Michelle Harbrow is already known in the area for remedial massage and

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Bowen Therapy, but became a Nia instructor in January, having sought out a rehabilitative exercise technique for herself as well as her clients.

She offers both Classic Nia classes and, from this week, Gentle Nia, aimed specifically at Seniors.

“I’d always been a sporty person – mountainbiking, snowboarding, horseriding, playing hockey – and I had a lot of injuries, which is how I discovered massage and Bowen therapy,” the 45-year-old said.

“But I’d really shied away from sports for the last 10 years because I didn’t want to reinjure myself.

“Then I discovered Nia, and now I can get all that fitness in a spirit of play.”

Born in San Francisco in 1983, and originally christened Nia for “non-impact aerobics”, the technique has been redefined as “neuromuscular

integrative action”, reflecting its holistic nature.

Elements target the body, mind and spirit and include breathing, stretching, strength training and actions which give you a cardiac workout based around alignment, structure and form rather

❝

of just what the technique could achieve.

“She’s 65 or 66 and she’s so fit and lively and passionate and such an inspiration – I thought ‘I want to be like that’, stay on that path to a healthy body and have a happy life,” she said.

“And the beautiful thing

I thought ‘I want to be like that’, stay on that path to a healthy body and have a happy life.

than major exertion or “pounding”.

“Every movement we do with our bodies is mapped in our brain, and if we stop those movements we can lose that ability, but we can also rewire our brains and create more neural pathways, which is particularly important as we grow older,” Michelle said.

Michelle said meeting Nia’s creator Debbie Rosas during training had given her an appreciation

is Nia really is for everyone. Every routine offers different levels and can be altered according to ability; you can even do the exercises in a chair.”

Nia starts with music, which drives the movements – there are 52 in all – with each routine practised for up to a couple of months and focussed for instance on stability or shoulder movement, so participants can really see how their abilities are

expanding.

“The way we live is generally very repetitive and we forget how to move the full range of motion in our joints,” Michelle said.

“Everyone has loved the classes; loved the routines and how they are growing each week as individuals – step by step, little by little – and their capacity is expanding.”

If you would like to learn more, Michelle is holding an open day on Saturday, May 19, or to get involved earlier, she currently has a New to Nia offer, with three classes for $30.

Casual classes are otherwise $15 each or $10 for Seniors.

She operates out of Mayhem Dance Academy, 4 Foundry St, Toowoomba, with Classic Nia classes at 5.30pm Thursdays and 9am Saturdays and Gentle Nia Thursdays at 4pm and Saturdays at 10.30am.

Call Michelle on 0437 926 862.

14 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs COMMUNITY NEWS: To allow for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (100 word maximum). If you would like to submit a photo please ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces, in a nice bright setting.

The deadline for the May issue is April 24.

Email editor@seniors newspaper.com.au

Toowoomba’s, 2018 Woman of the Year.

NATIONAL SERVICEMEN'S ASSOCIATION (QLD) INC.

A VERY well attended and successful National Servicemen's Memorial day was held in February.

Wreaths were laid at the Sate Memorial by invited dignitaries and Military personnel as well as the State president, Alex Garlin; the branch president Bill lane and Mrs Isabel Jenner representing the widows of National Servicemen.

We plan on selling badges and other memorabilia at shopping centres before Anzac day. If you are able to assist we would appreciate any help or just call in and say 'Hello'.

Contact Dennis on 4630 8228 for more information. Social lunches are held on the third Friday of each month at 12 noon at the City Golf Club. All Nashos and supporters are most welcome. Come along and chat with your fellow Nashos. Our meetings are held monthly at the Irish Club Hotel. The date for the next meeting is Tuesday, May 8 at 7pm.

Contact the secretary on 4633 2564 for more.

MARKET DAY

OUR Saviour’s Lutheran Women’s Guild is holding a market day on Saturday, April 28, from 7am to 12 noon, at the church hall, corner West and Alderley Sts. There will be cakes, preserves, clothes, craft, plants, books and garage items. Phone Shirl on 4630 1104.

ZONTA CLUB OF TOOWOOMBA INC.

WE RECENTLY held an annual IWD luncheon at the Toowoomba Golf Club and 160 guests attended.

The eminent guest speaker was Merren McCarthur, Chief Executive, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines and Virgin Australia Cargo. Dr Sharyn Donaldson was named Zonta Club of

Wellbeing

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

GARDEN CITY BRANCH OF NATIONAL SENIORS AUSTRALIA

WE MEET on the third Monday of the month at Drayton Bowls Club, Cnr Ball and Gipps Street at 9.30am. Next meeting is on April 16 when our guest speakers will be from the Crime Prevention Unit of Qld Police. They will be speaking on many topics including Scams, Elder Abuse and Home Security.

Visitors are welcome.

Cost $7. April 24 is the date of the bus trip to Brisbane Domestic and International Airports. We will be hearing about the new runway and doing some plane spotting.

Phone Hazel on 4635 4519.

HEAR AND SAY TRIVIA NIGHT

A TRIVIA night at Toowoomba Anglican College and Preparatory School will be held on Saturday, April 28 from 6.30pm. Cost: $160 for a table of 8. Bookings: hearandsay.com.au/ toowoomba-trivia/ or call Jim Green on 3850 2111.

ST ANDREW’S TOOWOOMBA HOSPITAL

LOVELY LADIES: Yvonne North and Rhonda Weston from the Zonta Club of Toowoomba enjoying lunch for International Women's Day 2018.

AUXILIARY

WE ARE holdings Euchre Mornings from 9am on April 9 and 23 and every second and last Monday of each month at St Andrew’s Hospital, Conference Room 1. Cost is $3 per person includes morning tea. Enjoyable morning and meet new friends. Inquiries with June, phone 4630 7270.

ST ANDREW’S TOOWOOMBA HOSPITAL

WE ARE holding a Fashion Parade on Saturday, April 21 from 1.30pm at St John’s Lutheran Church Hall, 431-433 Bridge St, Wilsonian. Cost is $15pp and includes afternoon

tea. Inquiries with Joy on 4630 7770 or June 4630 7270 for more information: Ladies Autumn Collection by Postie Fashions.

Afternoon includes Lucky Door Prize, Craft & Cake Stalls and Raffles.

THEATRE NIGHT

THE Toowoomba Repertory Theatre is presenting a play, Steel Magnolias - a hilarious story of love, loss and enduring loyalty. The night will be hosted by The Missionary Sisters Of St Peter Claver as a Fundraiser for Charity.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start on Saturday, April 28. Raffle tickets will be available on the night.

Tickets are now on sale at $20 each, phone Helen on 0416 055 976 or The Sisters on 4632 1818.

CENT SALE

THE Missionary Sisters of St Peter Claver are holding their Mother's Day Cent Sale on Saturday, May 5.

It will be held at All Seasons Function Hall, Cnr North And Tor Sts Toowoomba. Doors will open at 12.30pm for a 1.30pm start. For an entry fee of $5 each will receive a free sheet of tickets, lucky door entry and a Buffet Afternoon Tea. Gifts for Mother's Day are among the prizes. All Proceeds go to Charity.

Contact the Sisters on 4632 1818.

New process for detection of cervical cancer WOMEN’S cervical screening is a confronting and, for many seniors, an unpleasant experience but a necessary medical exercise, at least until the age of 74.

Up until December last year Australian women aged 25 and upwards were encouraged to have a Pap test every two years by their GP. A new testing regime is now in place, called a Cervical Screening Test, which collects cells in a similar way to the Pap

test.

But this test is looking for human papillomavirus which can lead to cell changes in the cervix, while the Pap test was used to look for existing changes in cells.

When a CST is normal, testing will be done every five years by a GP. This timeframe is based on that being the minimum time cervical cancer can develop.

Gynaecologist Dr Bogdan Benga explained that the change in the

testing regime was in response to false negatives in some Pap test results and some missed lesions.

“The main driver for us to change the screening is because nearly all cervical cancers are due to an infection from a high-risk papilloma virus,” Dr Benga said.

“The new test can pick up the high-risk viruses that are linked with cancer. It revolutionises the way we look at screening for cervical

cancer.”

The Pap test still exists, but will only be used to obtain further information on abnormal cells where an HPV screening test returns a positive. The specimen collected in one examination will be used

for both tests.

Dr Benga expects the viral test combined with the Pap test will become the “mainstay” in cervical screening.

The new screening test is particular to asymptomatic women such as a woman who is

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 15

LIVING WITH PAIN

Help to cope with chronic surgical pain Voice your concerns to your GP as soon as possible Tracey Johnstone

BECOMING better informed on why post-surgery chronic pain occurs could assist you in ensuring this notoriously difficult to treat condition can be managed more effectively.

There are three types of post-surgical pain – acute, chronic and intermediate.

Not unsurprisingly after the trauma of a surgeon cutting into you, it’s highly likely your body will react with acute pain in the first three, five or seven days after that surgery.

Pain expert and director of pain medicine at the Royal Perth Hospital, Professor Stephan Schug said this is primarily caused by nerve injury.

“That’s why bigger and more interventional and traumatic surgery like total knee joint replacement causes so much more chronic pain than hip joint replacement,” Dr Schug said.

The ongoing or chronic pain, which affects between five and 10 per cent of anyone who has been through surgery, often remains difficult for seniors to understand and deal with, both physically and mentally.

Pre-operative risks The risk of chronic pain can depend on several factors – ■ The type of surgery

such as total knee replacement. “Up to 15 per cent of people who have had this operation can have severe chronic post-surgical pain,” Dr Schug said. “It’s much less for a total hip replacement; possibly under 5 per cent. The reason is most likely there is much less tissue and nerve trauma when you replace a hip then when you replace a knee.”

■ Repeat surgery.

■ Once you have an injury or ongoing moderate to severe pain, acute pain after surgery can become chronic.

■ Females have a higher risk of developing chronic pain. “We don’t know why exactly,” Dr Schug said.

“There is a lot of thinking that this has to do with the hormones.”

■ Younger age patients due to the plasticity of the nervous system. “For a 30-year-old, the same surgery causes more pain than for a 70-year-old,” Dr Schug said.

■ If you have long-term chronic pain before an operation, the risk of that pain remaining increases.

“Most people who have a knee or hip replacement, already have chronic pain which has made them have the operation,” Dr Schug said. Their nervous system is already sensitised to pain and they have a much higher risk of developing chronic

UNDERSTANDING PAIN: Chronic post-surgery pain often remains difficult for seniors to understand and deal with, both physically and mentally.

PHOTO: DEAN MITCHELL

pain afterwards.”

■ Psycho-social factors such as re-operative anxiety or a person who is a significant catastrophiser, can increase the risk of post-surgical chronic pain.

Post-operation actions Often the post-operative pain is in response to injury to nerves. Nerve pain is continuously there, but Dr Schug said it can become more obvious when you are lying bed and without the distractions of the day around you.

“Taking a good post-operative analgesic can reduce the risk of

post-operative pain and with joint replacement, getting proper rehabilitation,” Dr Schug added. “It will improve the function of the joint, improve the nerve function and reduce the risk of developing chronic pain.”

Intermediate pain “There are more and more pain clinics, but because there is so much chronic pain, the waiting lists are relatively long,” Dr Schug said. “That is why we are trying to fast track people who come out of surgery with a problem so that they don’t go on the wait list and

have to suffer in chronic pain.”

The new approach is to provide a transitional or intermediate pain medicine service, between acute and chronic, which is aimed at recognising and treating developing nerve pain before a person becomes a chronic pain out-patient.

“If we notice after the initial post-surgery acute pain period there are problems, and we are offering an in-patient acute pain service, then we can offer for a patient to come back to a chronic pain appointment later,” Dr Schug said.

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He noted this new approach will be discussed further during this month’s Australian Pain Society conference.

How can you help yourself?

Start with talking with your GP, many of whom are receiving training in recognising and treating chronic pain. The GP may also refer you to a chronic pain clinic.

If you are visiting your surgeon immediately post-surgery, you should voice your concerns directly to the surgeon so he/she can exclude infection and prothesis issues.

16 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, April 9, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 17

Living

Village lifestyle at club Golf pro helping to direct club into unique future direction Alison Houston

TOOWOOMBA Golf Club’s new general manager Jonathan Zirkler has taken up the job at a pretty exciting time.

The club is planning a 78-apartment retirement village on club-owned land with retirement village operator Aura Holdings.

Accountancy trained, Jonathan’s not exactly a new face at the club.

Having done his golf traineeship there from 2002-2005 and worked in the pro shop in 2008, he said the new job “felt like coming home”.

He said the partnership with Aura was a “unique fit” and was simply an offer too good to let pass.

The development will comprise three separate buildings and cover the existing overflow car park and golf buggy storage area, adjacent to the ninth green; close to the clubhouse and pro shop, without impacting on the

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course itself.

The village will include an indoor pool, gym, private dining room, wine room, billiards room, consulting suites and a hairdresser. A large lounge and library will spill out onto a deck and community gardens area.

The club will benefit from development of a new chipping and putting green, which Jonathan said would very closely reflect shots you play on the golf course itself, as well as profiting from enhanced patronage for the clubhouse and functions.

“The members have been very positive about this, and see it as an opportunity for the club to settle its future and embrace more members,” he said.

Internationally awarded architects Cox Architecture has designed the proposed village to be sympathetic to, and make the best of, its Dementia Care Training and Education Program module could have national application and become part of a suite of materials offered by Dementia Training Australia.

The program, offered online, aims to deliver tailored, quality training and education in

NEW LOOK: Toowoomba Golf Club and Aura Holdings are partnering in plans to develop a 78-apartment retirement village where the course is literally right outside your door.

PHOTO: JOHN

surroundings.

Aura Holdings director Mark Taylor said the village was aimed primarily at over-70s, and would be offered first to golf club members.

Plans are currently before council, but it’s hoped that, if all goes

smoothly, works could be under way in September, and the one, two and three bedroom apartments available from mid-2019.

Mark and partner Tim Russell have been involved in retirement developments for 30

dementia care to health professionals.

important information easily accessible for people with dementia and their carers.

The book can be viewed or listened to on a computer or tablet.

It presents information on how to look after yourself in a way that is easy to understand.

It is accessible for

DEMENTIA TALKING BOOK

A NEW digital talking book, Information on Dementia in English, which provides information in plain English, aims to make

years, and currently have eight projects at various stages from the Sunshine to the Gold Coast.

Mark is confident that their more personal approach, putting the emphasis on creating homes rather than houses, in a beautiful everyone, including people with low general literacy, disabilities such as vision impairment and people who would receive the information through an interpreter.

Topics included are diagnosis, dementia and communication, dementia and behaviour,

environment, with an existing community and the opportunity to take up an active pastime will prove very popular.

To find out more, go to www.auraholdings.com.au or, for the golf club, go to www.toowoombagolfclub. com.au. self-care information for people with dementia, safety, how to support people with dementia with daily tasks, driving and travel and planning for the future.

Available online, go to: boltonclarke.com.au/ talking-books/ information-ondementia/english.

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

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Monday, April 9, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 19

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Living

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

Celebrating all cultures, including our Aussie-ness

Harmony Day help spread message of belonging for all Alison Houston

SINCE 1999, Harmony Day has been promoting cultural diversity throughout Australia each March 21, and spreading the message that “everyone belongs”.

But Toowoomba Multicultural Society president Gitie House OAM, who spoke at last month’s USQ Harmony Day celebrations, said that while celebrating other cultures, we must also remember to celebrate being Australian.

“Australia is so special with its indigenous cultures, the settlers, migrants and refugees,” she said.

“I think it is very important to understand the freedoms Australia gives us – to appreciate that, to value and nurture it.

“People think

multiculturalism is just about other cultures – those with colourful dresses or languages, but it’s for everyone – and sometimes we are so focused on what we can improve that we forget the work and goodwill which has brought us to where we are.”

Gitie came to Toowoomba in 1978, and said things had certainly changed for migrants to Australia over the decades.

At that stage, for instance, the University of Queensland refused to recognise her Bachelor of Science (Hons) and work towards a Masters in Physics despite the fact the curriculum she had completed in India matched Queensland’s.

Many of those who had migrated before her, from Greece and Italy for example, had been made to feel ashamed of

COMMUNITY BELONGING: Toowoomba Multicultural Society president Gitie House says multiculturalism isn't just about other cultures.

speaking their native language, their cultural dress, or in any way showcasing their differences, and had,

sadly, lost some of those traditions as a result.

Today, she said, Toowoomba practised and celebrated inclusion and

diversity and had become “a rich kaleidoscope” of cultures, partially as a result of the university’s attitude in opening its doors to international students and teachers.

“I have always found Toowoomba people are very embracing, very friendly and welcoming,” Gitie said.

“I know some people have had some very frightening experiences even here – receiving rude comments because they dress differently, taxi drivers being abused for being from a different country and, of course, the mosque being burnt …

“But Toowoomba is not a racist place; there are just a few misguided people, and there is not a place on the planet that doesn’t have some of those.

“The majority of people are so nice, and there is so much community support that you can get past these things … that is Toowoomba’s strength.”

Events like Harmony Day and the Languages and Cultures Festival on August 12, she said, gave everyone a chance to celebrate and learn about different cultures.

She suggested that programs seniors could get involved in included helping to teach English to migrants and refugees.

“Nothing helps you to learn a language faster and better than having someone chat to you about just the normal things of life... like what you are cooking today, what you have planned,” she said.

Taking part in programs at neighbourhood centres, the Toowoomba Refugee and Migrant Service, Harmony Day celebrations and the LCF, brought people out of isolation, regardless of background, to share what was important to them, and gave them a sense of belonging to a rich global community, which was vital for understanding, peace and harmony.

THE MEANDARRA ANZAC MEMORIAL MUSEUM The regional community of Meandarra on the Western Downs, just under three hours west of Toowoomba, is home to one of the most impressive collections of ANZAC military history you will find in Australia.

The Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum is in fact one of just two of its kind in the country, and is set apart by its incredible pieces of huge historical significance to Australia and to historian enthusiasts of all backgrounds.

Among the most significant pieces are equipment from the Light Horse Brigade, a completed Canberra Bomber aircraft, a Grant Tank in North African colours and a Water Buffalo tank from the South West Pacific Campaigns.

The museum also houses a unique collection of artefacts

from our Australian ANZAC veterans who represented the three Armed Services of Navy, Army and Air Force for our country.

Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Kaye Maguire said the centre was a truly exceptional collection.

“Walking alongside the personnel carriers, the tanks and amphibious craft you can really imagine the sacrifice they made for their community,” she said.

“They were so willing to represent their country and community and you feel very proud to be an Australian as you wander through this collection and read their stories.”

To find out more visit ourwesterndowns.com/meandarraanzac-memorial-museum

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, April 9, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 21

Money

Labor makes changes but still hits franking credits THE spectacular u-turn by the Labor Party on its plan to remove the ability of retirees on the pension who own shares to claim a cash rebate on the tax-paid company dividends is certainly a welcome step.

But it will do little if anything for close to one million Australians who are members of self-managed superannuation funds and many other self-funded retirees who fall outside of the age pension safety net.

If the ALP is elected at the next election, and manages to get its planned legislation enshrined into law, there is likely to be considerable upheaval in the retirement space as people are forced into selling assets, to shift capital into other areas, and perhaps even to sell and spend up some of their retirement funds to qualify for the age pension.

Indeed, the latter strategy may become the favoured choice of many who are outside of the age pension qualification limits but who actually earn less from their retirement savings than those being paid a part or full government pension.

The ALP backflip After pressure from the Federal Government as well as superannuation and financial lobby

FINANCE TONY KAYE groups, Opposition leader Bill Shorten went back to the drawing board and came up with a new draft of his plan to tax retirees.

The political olive branch from the ALP is there would be a “Pensioner Guarantee” on its policy.

That means any pensioners owning shares and receiving either a full or part age pension, a disability support pension, carer payment, parenting payment, Newstart or a sickness allowance, would be able to avoid the planned dividends slug.

SMSFs with at least one pensioner or allowance recipient also would be exempt from the changes.

The revised plan will reduce the additional revenue Labor’s policy was estimated to make in its first two years from $11.4 billion to $10.7 billion.

But even those revised figures show many Australians benefiting from the current dividends policy will still be caught in the crossfire.

Those people are the trustees and members of SMSFs and other self-funded retirees, who

PENSIONER GUARANTEE: An ALP policy that would see pensioners able to avoid the planned franking credit changes.

PHOTO: BLIZNETSOV

will be bearing the brunt of this proposed legislation.

Actuarial research house Rice Warner says the plan is “extraordinarily bad policy”. These are six reasons why: ■ It is product-specific, attacking SMSFs but no other types of superannuation funds.

■ Labor’s forecast additional revenue figures

do not take into account the major tax changes which took effect from July 1, 2017 and mean retirees with larger balances already face reduced franking credit refunds or an increase in their tax bill.

■ It is easily avoided by a change in asset-allocation, or by partial or full transfer into

an APRA fund, so it will not deliver much of the tax claimed.

■ It signals that retirees should shift away from Australian shares to less appropriate assets, weakening our domestic capital market.

■ It will lead to some SMSF retirees earning less and moving to a part age pension earlier.

■ It further weakens confidence in the stability of government policy towards superannuation – even those not directly affected may experience reduced confidence that saving extra for retirement will be rewarded.

“We accept that there are still many members of SMSFs with very large balances (which Labor ignored when it did its comprehensive review of superannuation),” Rice Warner says.

“If it is deemed that they need to pay more tax, there is a relatively simple solution. Simply have a limit on the total amount allowed to be held in superannuation at retirement.”

SMSF Association CEO John Maroney says many SMSF members receiving a partial age pension will be subject to an “unfair, two-tiered and complex” system. “Potentially, these SMSF members are worse off than people with less savings but refundable franking credits and a part-pension,” he said.

“The end result is to reduce people’s incentive to save for retirement to achieve self-sufficiency.”

Tony Kaye is the editor of Eureka Report, which is owned by financial services group InvestSMART. For more go to: www.investsmart.com.au.

Wills Estate Planning Enduring Powers of Attorney Expert Legal Advice WITH THE PERSONAL TOUCH Looking for legal assistance? Turn to James Madden of Madden & Co, Solicitors of Toowoomba.

With extensive experience in all areas of practice, he’ll work with you to help you get the outcome you want.

www.maddenco.com.au

admin@maddenco.com.au

BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY. CR118370AA

516 RUTHVEN STREET, TOOWOOMBA 4639 4488 0402 807 230

22 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

What’s on

students and families, with up to 50 boutique stall holders, and featuring emerging and established artisans, as well as a choice of gourmet food fans from 12-5pm at 451 McDougall Street, Glenvale. There’s also live music and lots of fun for the grandkids.

Phone 4659 1111 or go to pinkfigmothers daymarkets@gmail.com.

JOURNALIST ALISON HOUSTON

IT’S SHOWTIME!

SUSTAINABILITY is the key at this year’s Toowoomba Royal Show from April 12-14. Paul West, the star of SBS’s River Cottage Australia, and landscape architect Costa Georgiadis, of ABC’s Gardening Australia, are special guests. At the Tastes of Queensland Kitchen, chef and self-sustainable farmer Paul speaks of his grapples with the seasons, planting, livestock and getting to know his local coastal community (11.30am, 2pm and 3.15pm). In a happy hour evening session at the Lion Craft Beer Bar (5pm) each evening join Paul as he pairs food and beer.

Meanwhile, Costa will have workshops at 10am, 12.30pm, 2.45pm and 4pm each day at Pohlman’s Vege Patch.

And of course there’s all the usual fun of the show.

Adult tickets are $15, concession $10 and children $5.

HANG YA BOSS OUT TO DRY

IT’S TIME to Hang Ya Boss Out to Dry again for Toowoomba Hospice on April 20. The target is to raise $40,000 for the hospice to continue its free palliative care for terminally ill individuals.

CURATOR CONVERSATION

SHOW YOU CARE: Joining in the Mother’s Day Classic, raising money through a 3km walk or 5km run. It’s at Queens Park on Sunday, May 13.

PHOTO: BEV LACEY

Bosses are placed in a cherry picker or scissor lift and raised into the air.

They have to secure $2000 from family, friends and colleagues to be released. For details go to www.toowoomba hospice.org.au or phone Mark Munro at the hospice on 4659 8500.

VOLUNTEER OVERSEAS

AN information session is being held at Toowoomba library for anyone who might be interested in volunteering overseas for a year with Palms Australia. They are looking for people with skills to create sustainable change in developing countries like Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Samoa,

Kiribati, Myanmar, Ethiopia and Kenya. The session is on Saturday, May 5 from 10.30am-noon but RSVP by Friday, April 27. Phone Roger O’Halloran on 9560 5333 or visit palms.org.au.

BIG SKIES FESTIVAL

THIS IS the first Big Skies Festival, and it looks like a winner for the Western Downs from Saturday, April 28. The seven-day festival climaxes with the Day on the Plain from 10am on Saturday, May 5, at Jimbour Ampitheatre, with some of Australia’s music legends taking the stage, including The Eurogliders, Wendy Matthews, Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows, Glenn Shorrock, Richard Clapton, Frankie J Holden

and Wilbur Wilde. The festival kicks off with the 106th Dalby Picnic races at Bunya Park Races on the first Saturday, and in between there is a stack of entertainment from cinema under the stars to the Food and Fibre exhibit showcasing what’s grown and created on the Western Downs, to hot air balloon rides, foodie experiences, and a guide to the galaxy. Go to bigskies2018.com.au.

CENTENARY’S HALF CENTURY

CENTENARY Heights State High School is celebrating 50 years of education this year. And on Saturday, April 28, past students are invited to remember the good times with

guided tours from current students and a ticketed two-course lunch.

Students from 1968 1993 tours will run from 10am-2pm, with ticketed lunch 12-2pm and students from 1994-2017 tours will run from 2-4pm.

On Sunday, April 29 past staff and volunteers are invited for guided tours from 10am-noon, with a ticketed lunch from 12-2pm for reminiscing with former colleagues.

Phone 4636 7500 or email CHSHSturns50 @centheigshs.eq.edu.au.

PINK FIG MOTHER’S DAY MARKET

HELD at Darling Downs Christian School on Sunday, April 29, this is not just an event for

COBB+CO Museum’s curator conversation on May 2 is presented by Andrew Christy, senior curator (Mineralogy) from Queensland Museum. He will speak on Meteorites – 4.5 billion Years of Impact. The curator conversation is presented on the first Wednesday of each month at 2pm.

Bookings not required.

MOTHER’S DAY AND CLASSIC

DON’T forget folks, though it’s still a long way off, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13, so hit those markets and find something unique for the mum in your life, or treat her to one of the wonderful cafes and restaurants around the region. Maybe step out from Queen’s Park on a 3km walk or 5km run for the Mother’s Day Classic, raising money and celebrating the lives of those touched by breast cancer. Phone Liz on 0403 195 332, email mdctoowoomba@ gmail.com.

Exciting spirit of an underground opera house ENJOY the experience of hearing and seeing opera from the silver screen performed in Brisbane’s Underground Opera House.

Laugh, cry and cheer to a concert of magnificent arias, duets and ensemble pieces that accentuated famous scenes of some of the biggest movies of all time.

From The Godfather to Pretty Woman, The Omen to Up, this season has already had standing ovations...

EVENT DETAILS

★What: Opera in the Reservoir – from the silver screen.

★Where: Brisbane’s Underground Opera House at the Spring Hill Reservoir.

Venture 6m down into this subterranean wonder. Located behind The Old Tower Mill (Brisbane’s oldest building) on Wickham Terrace, in Albert Park, the reservoir was lost to Brisbane until activated

by Underground Opera in 2014. ★When: April 20-29.

Show times: Wednesday 7.30pm, Friday 7.30pm, Saturday 1.30pm and 7.30pm, Sunday 1.30pm. ★Tickets: Each is an intimate performance with only 126 seats per

STUNNING OPERA: The location is unique, the sound perfect for intimate performances.

show. Tickets on sale at Ticketmaster.

April’s Opera in the Reservoir features Louise Dorsman, Dominique Fegan, Lionel Theunissen and Glenn Lorimer, accompanied by Mark

Connors, taking on powerful arias and enchanting ensemble pieces fill the sensational location.

“My goal is to make our audience laugh, cry and cheer for every

concert I produce,” company founder Bruce Edwards said.

“A not so beautiful duet between a recorder and a kazoo had our Opera in the Castle audience in stiches; yet when Dominique starts to sing, you are instantly encapsulated by sound and emotion.

“It is truly a privilege to be able to put these incredible entertainers on stage in such a unique space.”

WHAT IS UNDERGROUND OPERA?

The Underground Opera Company was started by

Bruce, a former miner and tunneller of 25 years, 10 years ago.

He had a desire to do things a little differently.

“Over the last ten years I have produced shows in gold mines, road tunnels, caves, in power stations, castles and in 2014 activated the extraordinary Spring Hill Reservoir for the first time in its 150-year history,” he said.

“For each new venue my biggest reward is the audible gasp from the audience as they enter any of the amazing spaces we perform in.

The Reservoir certainly provides this reaction.”

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, April 9, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

T ravel

Seniors 23

including DISCOVER AUSTRALIA feature

New ways to travel DISCOVER Australia a different way, transporting yourself along the waterways and highways to the many corners of this magnificent country using transport that isn’t the norm but still offers an exciting experience.

You might have to use a car, coach, plane, cruise ship or train to get to your newest destination, but once there why not book yourself a cargo ship, houseboat, motorcycle, or go cycling or on a walking tour. Better still, why not try a combination of these experiences.

CARGO SHIPS, NO NEED TO DRESS UP The only booking agency around for cargo ship cruising in Australia

seems to be Freighter Expeditions. They offer a weekly experience on board the 28-passenger, 80m ship Trinity Bay, which works between Cairns and Thursday Island. The working ship delivers supplies to isolated communities located inside the Great Barrier Reef.

Freighter Expeditions also offers a trip on the MV Malu Titan, which sails from Horn Island for a seven-day round trip, departing on a Sunday.

This ship has only five cabins.

FLOATING HOTELS

Well, you can’t actually travel around Australia on a houseboat, but you can try hiring one in different locations during your tour.

Here are some places where houseboats are

available for hire: About two hours drive from Melbourne in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range is Lake Eildon, with 540km of shoreline, bays and coves to discover.

Just outside of Sydney, head north to the Hawkesbury River where there are at least eight houseboat hire businesses on the stunning waterway. .

Discover Walpole on Western Australia’s far south coast where the tranquil waters of the Frankland and Deep rivers will help calm your travelling soul.

rentals for touring. Here are just a few.

The Victorian business Scenic Wheels has discovery tours plus short and long-term rentals of new and late-model BMWs. BikeRoundOz does several tours plus rentals in Australia for touring on sealed roads and off-road, short and long distances.

They have offices in all capital cities.

Southern Cross Motor Bike Tours are in Darwin.

They offer small group guided tours to locations “where no other operator can”.

RUMBLE HIGHWAYS

GET FIT WHILE TOURING

There are actually a surprising number of companies offering guided and self-guided motorcycle tours, and

Do the distance at leisure and by a healthy method; go cycling. Better still, load your bike up on the

Join Us Online

back of your car or caravan and stop in interesting places.

Cycling Tours has small-group guided and self-guided tours across some fantastic locations.

Each tour includes accommodation, luggage transfers, vehicle support, airport transfers, GPS navigation and cycling equipment.

Australian Cycling Tours has guided and self-guided tours in Victoria and NSW, plus long-distance tours, with everything down to the last detail looked after.

The Melbourne company All Trails organises fully supported tours in various locations around Australia.

ONLY NATURAL SOUNDS TO SAVOUR

JAPAN In Full Bloom 11 Day Departing 31 March 2019

Get online to find your news, your way.

AFRICAN WILD LIFE SAFARI 17 Day Sept 2018

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Tracey Johnstone

Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au

SENSATIONAL SINGAPORE 2019

Sometimes walking is the best way to discover a new place. Simple to do, cheap, healthy – with a friend, group or on your own. No need to be a mountain climber, just enjoy the great outdoors.

Check out Park Trek.

They specialise in small-group walking holidays, visiting destinations all over the country.

The small-group Australian Walking Holidays team can take you on the Larapinta Trail, Overland Track and many more fascinating trails.

Great Walks of Australia offers guided day and multi-day tours through Australia’s World Heritage-listed national parks. You get to experience incredible nature during the day and luxury during the night.

VIBRANT VIETNAM 13 Day 21 Oct - 11 Nov 2018

CUBA 8 Day & Flights Departing Oct & Dec 2018

THAILAND

NORFOLK

Lights & Highlights Nov 2018

8 Days 6 - 13 Oct 2018

NORTH INDIA

NEW ZEALAND

6 - 21 Oct 2018

North & South 2018 / 2019

Contact us for Tour Details - 2018 / 2019

Bookings & Enquiries 07 4696 1857 For all tour details, visit:

www.getawaytours.com.au | tours@getawaytours.com.au

24 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

Victoria: Food and Wine

Have you mixed a holiday with a culinary adventure?

IMAGINE learning new cooking skills using local produce and then enjoying the fruits of your labour over a glass of chilled wine.

Regional Victoria offers travellers the opportunity to indulge in the pleasure of using their love of food and taking on new challenges by joining in culinary experiences which go from masterclasses to simple joys. Add in some food festivals, craft markets, the odd sculpture park, fine art galleries and even finer wines, and you have the makings of a wonderful experience.

Mornington Peninsula George’s Boutique B&B & Culinary Retreat offers gourmet hands-on cooking retreats and new half-day classes for small groups.

Half-day classes include Chocolate Unwrapped, Patisserie and seasonal produce.

Tre Gusti at T’Gallant is a ‘three tastes’ cooking class combining food, wine and song in the

winery’s cucina barrel garden.

Daylesford and Macedon Ranges Discover the secrets of perfect wood-fired sourdough bread at the RedBeard Historic Bakery in Trentham.

Spoons Kitchen provides a rustic country-style cooking-class experience utilising fresh local produce that changes with the seasons.

High Country At Rinaldo’s Casa Cucina cooking classes in the King Valley, chef Adam Pizzini shares with students his experience, knowledge and Italian family traditions in a relaxed and informal setting.

And at Pizzini Wines, learn how to make dishes like antipasti and tapas, ravioli and gnocchi, delectable desserts and, of course, The Dinner Party.

Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges It’s where ‘Italy meets

Daylesford offers great food and wine.

DISCOVER VICTORIA: Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove.

the Yarra Valley’. Al Dente Cooking offers a banquet and hands-on informative cooking lesson complete with wine from Sticks Yarra Valley and Italian espresso.

Bella Vedere has cooking classes with charismatic head chef Gary Cooper two days a week.

Great Ocean Road Hands-on cooking classes at Sunnybrae Cooking School in Birregurra run every Monday. Bread baking in

one form or another is covered and the wood oven is often used.

Gippsland The flavours and ambience of Sri Lankan village life are enjoyed at the Claypot Cooking School in Woolamai.

At Culinaire Cooking School, participants actively engage in the food identification and preparation. Lessons range from Seafood Cookery to Basics for Blokes and Girls, to

PHOTOS: VISIT VICTORIA

guest chefs and specialty workshops.

Philip Island At Cleanskin Kitchenware and Larder Store, cooking classes can be either participatory or through demonstration depending on the individual’s preference.

Discover knife skills or Spanish paella.

For more cooking school ideas and to find out more information on any of these regional venues, go to visitvictoria.com.

A country hotel in the heart of the Yarra Valley.

PHOTO: ROBERT BLACKBURN

Murray markets.

River

farmers’

PHOTO: THE MURRAY

Call our frie endly, expe erienced team to book your next crui uise or touring ho oliday or to join one of Go See ee Touring’s special gro roup departures.

1300 551 997 goseetouring.c com

SENSATIONAL SINGAPORE ESCORTED TOUR

20 - 27 JULY 2018

$3,995

per person Twin Share ex BNE, SYD & MEL, Single supplement $1,000

World premier tropical garden show.

Exciting garden designs and exquisite floral creations from over 50 designers and 19 countries. Flights, accommodation, meals and touring. Fully escorted ex Brisbane.

LITTLE BIT COUNTRY

HOSTED BY FORTUNATO ISGRO

28 JULY - 4 AUGUST 201 18

$2,799

per per erson Twin Share Ex BN NE, Single sup upplement $400

GO SEE ALASKA

CONNOISSEUR LAND & CRUISE PACKAGE

27 AUGUST - 09 SEPT 2018

$8,350

per person Twin Share ex BNE & SYD, Single supplement $4,069

Return economy airfares, 1 Night Anchorage, 2 Nights Denali Princess, Wilderness Lodge, 2 Nights Mt McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, 7 Night Cruise from Wittier to Vancouver, Glasss-domed Wilderness, Rail from Deenali to Witti ittier, Breakfast daily.

AFRICAN WILDLIFE SAFAR ARI PRIVATE PR VEHICLE TOURING

1 – 17 SEPTEMBER 2018 8

$10,5 500 TAKE OFF TO TASSIE

SOCIAL CROQUET HOLIDAY TOUR

6 - 14 OCTOBER 2018

$3,625

per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single supplement $730

per person p Twin Sh hare ex BNE, S SYD,& MEL Single supplement $1,070

ESC SCORTED TOUR

6 - 21 OCTOBER 2018

$4,79 795

9 Days of willdlife game, drivess in privat ate 4x4 vehicles, 12 nigh hts of luxury Sopa pa, Lo Lodge accom, Opportuniity to visit Masai aii M Mara villages, Boat ride on n Lake Naivvasha, FFully escorted by a Go See, Park fe fees & taxes.

Beautiful Tasmania - food, wine and the hospitality of some of the state’s friendly croquet clubs when we visit them for an afternoon’s social croquet. Combine the fun and friendship of hitting through the hoops with some wonderful touring and dining.

INTRIGUING NORTH INDIA FROM

7 Nights No orfolk Island - fligh hts, accommodati tio ti on fabulous tourin ing and meals. PLUSS Two big “Little Bit Country” showss with your host plus Lucky Starr, Rodn ney Vincent and Graeme Hugo.

per person Twin Share ex BNE, MEL, SYD& PER, Single supplement $1,000

13 nights quality 4star acco omodation, co ooked breakfast daily, 3 x lunches & 12 x di dinners.

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Services of local guide, Gratuiti ties and visas.

Visit Old & New Delhi, Udaip pur - City of Lakes, Jeep Excursions in R Rajasthan, Train ride in Aravalli Ranges, aand so much more.

TERMS & CONDITIONS *Price is per person Twin Share fully in nclusive. Single Supplement applies. Credit card sur urcharges apply. Deposit of AUD$500-$800 per person is required to secure tour. Tour requires a minimum number n of passengers to depart. Prices may fl fluctuate if surcharges, fee, taxes or currency change. Prices current as at 18 February 2018. Go SeeTouring Pty Ltd T/A A Go G See Touring Member of Helloworld ABN:: 7 72 122 522 276 ATAS Accreditation A11320

Travel

Monday, April 9, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 25

Discover the wild side along Limestone Coast Explore and indulge in SA SOUTH Australia’s Limestone Coast stretches down the south-west coastline which offers visitors a diverse experience.

The coast goes from the mouth of the Murray River and to the Glenelg River.

Beaches and caves, stunning coastline, delectable coastal and country food, and famous South Australian wine are there to be seen, touched, smelt and tasted.

The wild coastal scenery, natural wonders and World Heritage site at Naracoorte are an adjunct to the renowned Coonawarra region inland from the coast. It’s the jewel in the region’s wine-making crown and is well-regarded as Australia’s top producer of premium red wines thanks to the rich terra rossa soil.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: The Oberlisk, a stunning landmark located on the Limestone Coast.

PHOTO: BEN GOODE

GETTING THERE Fly, catch a coach or drive your way to the Limestone Coast. Mount Gambier, the region’s

biggest town, is about 500 kilometres from Melbourne and Adelaide.

ACCOMMODATION There is a wide range of

accommodation options from motels, serviced apartments, bed and breakfast, camping and caravan parks.

IT’S HERITAGE Take in 20 sites of international and national significance including Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake.

The Pool of Siloam at Beachport is seven times saltier than the sea. The megafauna fossils in the World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves are around half a million years old.

Australia’s first Saint, Mary MacKillop, lives-on in the town of Penola.

COORONG NATIONAL PARK Scenic campgrounds are located on both sides of the lagoon. You’ll need a permit to enter the park.

This is great place for 4WD, fishing, boating and birdwatching. More than 80 bird species live in this series of long, shallow saltwater lagoons. Only towering white sand dunes separate the Coorong from the wild Southern Ocean.

You can explore the

park on foot along one of many walking trails, in a kayak, or by four-wheel driving along beach tracks.

WINE REGIONS The coast’s wine industry was founded in 1891. Start with Coonawarra and its red wines before sampling wine from cellar doors in Wrattonbully, Mount Benson and Padthaway.

COAST DELICACIES Salivate over the local honey, native preserves, pickled walnuts and emu mettwurst, plus lobsters and Wagyu beef. Keep an eye out for Eat Local signs.

There are visitor information centres at Beachport, Bordertown, Millicent, Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, Penola and Robe which are open every day.

For more information, go www.southaustralia. com.

Darwin

Cairns

Alice Springs

The

Wellcamp Airport

n Gha

Start & Finish

UPCOMING INFORMATION NIGHTS

Adelaide Th eO

TRAIN

ve r la nd

Melbourne

PL ANE

THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE 16 Days Departing 27 April 2019

8,350*

$

per person, twin share

Single Supplement +$1,750* per person

See all these great destinations in one seamless tour!

Book before 30th of June to save $100 INCLUSIONS:

HIGHLIGHTS:

• • • • • •

• See Melbourne, The Great Ocean Road

Flights Airport & Train station transfers Sightseeing in all destinations Many meals Small Group Escorted

• Adelaide, Hahndorf & Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island • Alice Springs, Katherine Gorge, Darwin and Kakadu • Cairns, Kuranda & The Great Barrier Reef

Throughout the year we host a number of free information nights to help you learn about various destinations around the world and how you can get there to experience them. We also host a few special events held externally to our offices to support other local business.

28TH March

09TH May

25TH May

02ND June

5:45pm - APT Small Ship & Europe River Cruising

10am-8pm - Scenic Information sessions Worldwide

Travelmarvel Great Rail Journeys

9am-2pm Dalby Travel Expo!

Our Dalby Office at Crn of Archibald & Condamine Streets.

Our Office at Southtown Shopping centre, Toowoomba.

City Golf Club Toowoomba

Down Steam Drayton for the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning tea

19TH June

05TH July

12TH September

10TH October

5:45pm - APT Canada, USA, South America & Antarctica

5:45pm - Princess Cruises Worldwide

5:45pm - All things Travel!

2:30pm - Insight Vacations

Our Office at Southtown Shopping centre, Toowoomba.

Our Office at Southtown Shopping centre, Toowoomba

Europe Coach Touring Our Dalby Office at Crn of Archibald & Condamine Streets. Afternoon tea at Kingfisher Cafe.

REGISTER TODAY AND WE WILL REMIND YOU CLOSER TO THE DATE!

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26 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

Heart of Queensland Carnarvon Gorge: so near yet far enough to get away Erle Levey

MENTION Carnarvon Gorge and most people will tell you they would love to go there. But they haven’t. It’s so near to Brisbane and other major population centres of Southeast Queensland yet far enough to leave it for another time.

The roof of Queensland they call it. The range of mountains are so vast and diverse. The rain that falls here gives rise to some important rivers and streams. Five major river systems rise within the park's boundary: the Comet, Dawson, Maranoa, Nogoa and Warrego. Such is the geography of the range that it virtually creates its own climate.

Arriving in late afternoon it was beautiful to see the cloud hanging majestically around the imposing sandstone cliffs … much like you see in the New Guinea Highlands.

It added to the mystery that surrounds the gorge, said to be where there are still trees and plants dating back to the age of dinosaurs. A good introduction to the national park is to attend the 4.30pm briefing at the Wilderness Lodge Discovery Centre.

It was arranged that I join Michelle Whitehouse, of Australian Nature Guides, as part of the guided hike up the gorge the next morning –

Friendly face wallaby at Carnarvon Gorge.

The Ampitheatre at Carnarvon Gorge.

SPECTACULAR: The entry to The Ampitheatre at Carnarvon Gorge.

7.30am start from the Rangers Centre near the creek.

The tour takes you up the lower gorge to the Ampitheatre, Ward’s Canyon, the Art Gallery and the Moss Garden. It’s the diverse nature of Carnarvon that appeals so much.

The gorge is beautiful in its own right but those

us as if it was the dawn of time and there is no need to be worried about our intrusion into their domain.

You could see where the echidnas had been digging in the dirt for ants.

Apparently they sense the movement of the ants and listen for them. The rock formations are stunning.

So weathered and pitted.

creeks and gullies off to the side hold some real surprises. The soft early-morning mist swirls around the cliff faces and the moisture drips from the trees. The wildlife is incredible. Wallabies and kangaroos feeding on the new shoots of grass beside the walking track.

They are not disturbed by our approach. They treat

BREATHTAKING: The view from Boolimba Bluff at Carnarvon Gorge.

The trees reaching up towards the sky. The bird calls, the parrots darting through the trees.

As we walk Michelle tells me a major factor of the national park is the geology. Three river catchments interact here and it provides a major intake for the Great Artesian Basin. This is a resource that is millions

of years old, the minerals adding to the quality of the water, providing a resource as pure as you could find.

Despite the arid nature of the Queensland Outback the Carnarvon Creek has not dried up in five million years.

To read the full story, go to www.seniorsnews. com.au

PHOTOS: ERLE LEVEY

Travel

Monday, April 9, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 27

MODERN TRADITIONS: Henry Jones IXL Art Hotel, Tasmania.

Hobart: enduring charm Erle Levey

IT’S a part of Australia yet it’s apart. A place steeped in history that relies on those foundations to look to the future.

Mention its name and most associate it with the sea … sailing in particular.

Yet we were on a plane, a direct flight from Brisbane even though there are more flights available with stopovers at either Sydney or Melbourne.

Our destination?

Hobart.

Its co-ordinates: 42.8 degrees south, 147.3 degrees east.

That’s the thing about Tasmania. The different air … cleaner, crisper.

The pace, not as hectic.

Time is your friend, not your enemy.

It’s like that first date ... dinner and fine wine, music, maybe a visit to an art gallery.

There is a gentleness in the air ... of caring, sharing secrets.

It’s so easy to fall in love with Hobart.

There’s a sincerity, a friendliness.

Old-fashioned sense and

sensibility mixed with the flirtiness of modern times.

As an introduction, we are whisked off from the airport to the Museum of Old and New Art, as much an attraction now as the convict settlement at Port Arthur, the view of Hobart and the Derwent River from Mt Wellington.

There is no traffic jam on the expressway.

Bellerive Oval is off to the left.

The limousine glides along the highway beside the river before pulling up a curved drive and we are at the gallery.

MONA is the largest privately funded museum in Australia. It deliberately underwhelms you from the outside – Hobart and Mt Wellington are reflected on an entry wall.

Step inside and be confronted by one of the most controversial collections of art in the world.

Comparisons are immediately drawn with Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane.

They are similar but not the same.

While GOMA is above ground and a celebration

Small enough to explore easily, large enough for diversity

of the light and space of Queensland’s sub-tropical climate, MONA is cut deep into the sandstone – dark and confronting.

MONA will seduce you, provoke you, inspire you.

To truly see Hobart is to arrive by sea. Standing on the docks, with tributes to Antarctic explorers, you realise how much of Hobart’s history is bound up with the ocean.

Ships, ferries, yachts and fishing boats pull up in the city centre at Sullivans Cove.

At the end of the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race weary sailors make it to the safety of Constitution Dock in the heart of the city.

But you think back to the early settlers in Van Diemen’s Land. Think of whalers and sealers who fished the southern ocean. The early explorers in their square-rigged sailing ships. How did they navigate through raging oceans from their ports in the northern hemisphere to the other side of the

world ... one step from Antarctica?

The docks open on to the streets; to the south is historic Salamanca Place with its sandstone warehouses converted into bars, coffee shops and restaurants as well as art galleries and theatres.

To the north is the Henry Jones Art Hotel that includes the IXL Atrium, once the factory for IXL Jams.

You’re in a city ... but you’re not.

Hobart is a very walkable place. Battery Point with its beautifully preserved early buildings and inviting bakeries and tea houses.

The Saturday markets at Salamanca Square are a good example of how connected Tasmanians are with the land and the sea, with what they grow, with what they produce.

Ask a waiter or chef at a restaurant the origin of the food they are serving and they will most likely be able to tell you the farm it has come from.

It’s like seeing the way things are supposed to be. Grounded yet open to ideas. That’s the way I felt walking around the streets of Richmond, a classified historic town in the Coal River Valley, about 30km north-west of Hobart.

Initially, the banks of the river were the source of coal for the newly founded settlement of Hobart. That was in 1803.

Today, the picturesque valley is the source of another valuable resource in the form of outstanding wines.

Richmond is the most recognisable name on the Coal Valley map, the home of more than 50 historic buildings and structures.

None is more famous than the bridge that straddles the crystal clear waters of the Coal River.

So clear that platypus are said to live in its shadow.

The second-most photographed bridge in Australia and the oldest still in use, it was built in 1823 by convicts from sandstone quarried at Butchers Hill and hauled by hand carts to the site.

Sitting high on the hill is St John’s Catholic Church

(1837) and burial ground, the oldest Catholic Church still in use in Australia.

Richmond Gaol was built in 1825 as part of Governor Arthur’s system of police districts.

Originally, Richmond was an important military staging post and convict station linking Hobart with Port Arthur.

Today, accommodation ranges from Georgian-style cottages to B&Bs, historic inns and hotels to farm-stays or lofts and studios among vineyards.

However, it is wine that has got heads turning.

It is now home to more than 200 vineyards and demand for Tasmania’s high-quality pinot noir and other premium wines now exceeds the capacity to supply.

The beauty of Tasmania is its size ... small enough to explore easily, large enough to be enthralled by its diversity.

Expect the unexpected, expect to be surprised, expect for your senses to be captured by the softness of a shower of rain or the chill of a breeze from the Southern Ocean against your cheek.

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28 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

DISCOVER ACT: Take time to visit Old Parliament House.

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

PHOTOS: TOURISM AUSTRALIA

Our capital on show

Canberra inspires and excites with many events THERE is nothing boring about Canberra and its surrounds; it’s a place that is alive with entertainment, exhibitions, markets, art, outdoor and indoor activities.

The list of places to visit is impressive – national gallery, museum, zoo, aquarium, archives and library.

Then there is Questacon (fun for kids and for seniors), the Mint, War Memorial, old and new parliament houses, Banjo Patterson Park, Brindabella National Park and a whole lot more of everything for you to see and do.

Let’s not forget all the events that are on in Canberra.

Top of the list for the coming year are:

★Cartier The exhibition at National Gallery of Australia. Cartier: The Exhibition is a breathtaking display of some of the world’s most exquisite jewels, featuring items from royal families, celebrities and the astonishing Cartier collection. On until July 22. ★Arthur Streeton The Art of War at the National Gallery of Australia. Bringing together key works from collections across Australia and overseas, an important survey exhibition of Arthur Streeton’s war art. Open until April 29. ★The Ongoing Story of the 1967 Referendum To mark the 50th anniversary of the 1967

referendum, discover the historic events and strong relationships involved in making the referendum happen and explore the significance of the referendum today. On until May 25 at at the Museum of Australian Democracy. ★Lustre Pearling in Australia at the National Museum of Australia. Discover the intriguing stories behind northern Australia’s unique pearling tradition. Learn how pearls and pearlshell evolve, and hear the stories of the people who have collected and harvested them. On until July 22. ★1968 Changing Times at the National Library of Australia. Sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll…and a missing prime minister 1968 was momentous.

SURPRISING ATTRACTIONS: Have a wild time at the National Zoo.

A time of tumultuous world events, including the Vietnam War and the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. On until August 12. ★Glorious spring Floriade It is a floral display of more than a million bulbs and annuals planted across 8000 square metres of inner city parkland. It’s a diverse,

ever expanding program of music, cultural celebrations, food and wine, horticultural workshops, market traders, artistic displays, entertainment and recreational activities. On from September 15 to October 14. ★Behind the Lines 2017 The Three Ring Circus at the Museum of Australian Democracy.

Roll up, roll up to Behind the Lines 2017 at the Museum of Australian Democracy and marvel at the political cartooning spectacle that is The Three Ring Circus. On until December 1.

For more information on ACT events and venues, go to www.visitcanberra. com.au.

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, April 9, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 29

Indian Pacific “Gold Class” & WA Adventure, 8 Days, 12 Sep $4750* PP*

Return Flights Ex BNE Blue Mountains & Broken Hill Perth, Swan River & Fremantle Busselton & Margaret River All Meals Accommodation

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30 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

Let’s save

Tasty homegrown tomatoes

HOME-grown tomatoes are the tastiest and they are very easy to grow from either seed or seedlings, provided you follow our simple, step-by-step program.

PREPARATION

Garden Beds: Add one barrowload of 5-in-1, Real Compost or animal manure per square metre to growing area and dig thoroughly into soil.

Sprinkle with garden lime at the rate of one handful per square metre.

Mulch thoroughly.

Raised beds are usually best unless soil is naturally very well drained.

No-dig method: Beds can be built up from layers of organic material topped with compost or potting mix into which seeds or seedlings are planted.

One method is to make a

newspaper base to suppress weeds and then add successive layers of lucerne or cane trash, animal manure, straw, another layer of animal manure and well-made, mature compost into which seeds are planted.

Each layer is about 20 cm thick and must be watered.

Sides can be left open or contained by boards or wire mesh.

Growing from seed: Use a proprietary Searles Seed Raising mix and make shallow holes about 0.5cm deep and 10cm apart. Cover lightly with the mix, firming it down and watering gently.

Thin out seedlings to 3cm apart when they are 2cm high. Plant out when about four weeks old and the same size as bought seedlings.

Growing from seedlings: In hot weather plant out in the late afternoon or evening; about 50cm apart in rows 1.2 metres apart.

Set roots firmly in place, leaving plenty of top growth above the surface and removing any leaves which might be buried.

Dose each plant with a dilute application of SeaMax Fish & Kelp to promote strong root growth.

Put 2m stakes next to each, train one or two shoots up the stake and secure with a soft binding material tied loosely round the stem but not right under the leaf.

Watering Tomatoes: Give plants a good soaking around the roots every other day, keeping the soil slightly moist below the

surface. In extremely hot weather watering once or even twice a day may be necessary; heat stress is shown by wilting.

Overwatering can cause root rot.

A perforated soaker hose or trickle/drip irrigation system is best.

Feeding Tomatoes: Keep soil healthy with regular mulching and applications of 5-in-1 or Real Compost and/or animal manures.

Tomatoes will grow very well in a healthy soil that is rich in nutrients, particularly if boosted with applications of SeaMax Fish & Kelp to the leaves and soil.

Pruning: Not strictly necessary but occasional pruning of top growth will encourage a low, bushy plant.

Pests: Most common pests can be kept at bay

GROW YOUR OWN: Tomatoes grow well in a healthy soil.

with an all-purpose organic spray such as Ecofend Vegetable & Garden.

Always try organic solutions rather than chemical solutions. Fruit can be covered by paper bags just before it starts to colour up.

Diseases: Visible signs are blotches on fruit and/or leaves, wilting of leaves or whole plant, unsightly patterns on fruit,

leaf-yellowing or distortion, sudden collapse of plant.

Most common prevention and control methods are copper-based fungicidal dusts and spray of Mancozeb but seek advice from your garden centre, taking a specimen of the problem with you.

More info at: searlesgardeniproducts. com.au

Quinoa, tomato, asparagus and goat’s cheese tart INGREDIENTS

190g (1 cup) quinoa, rinsed, drained 1 teaspoon Massel vegetable stock powder 500ml (2 cups) water 400g grape tomatoes 2 bunches asparagus, trimmed, halved 2 eggs 50g (1/2 cup) parmesan, finely grated 150g soft goat’s cheese 150g low-fat ricotta 2 tablespoons fresh continental parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped 2 teaspoons lemon

Tomato pie.

rind, finely grated Fresh basil leaves, to serve Balsamic vinegar, to drizzle

METHOD

Step 1 Place the quinoa in a small saucepan with the stock powder and water.

Stir to combine and bring to the boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 12 minutes or until the water is absorbed.

Remove from the heat and then set aside to cool.

Step 2 Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan forced.

Line a baking tray with baking paper. Place the tomatoes and asparagus on prepared tray. Spray with olive oil. Roast for 8-10 minutes or until tender. Set aside.

Step 3 Place the cooled quinoa in a large bowl.

Add the eggs and grated parmesan. Season and stir until well combined.

Step 4 Lightly spray a 26cm non-stick fluted tart tin with a removable base with oil. Press the quinoa

mixture evenly and firmly into the base and side of tin to form a thick crust.

Place on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes or until light golden.

Step 5 Combine the goat’s cheese, ricotta, parsley, chives and lemon rind in a bowl. Mix until smooth.

Spread the cheese mixture over the quinoa base.

Top with the roasted tomatoes and asparagus.

Roast for a further 5–10 minutes or until warmed through. Sprinkle with the basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

Staying connected with the free Wi-Fi available MOST of us with mobile phones are on a plan with a service provider that includes some data.

It is important to not exceed your data usage and be hit with unexpected charges. One way to avoid this is by taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi available in most public places.

Wi-Fi technology may be used to provide Internet access to devices that are within the range of a wireless network that is connected to the Internet.

One gigabyte (GB) is made up of 1024MB. The most popular plans offered by mobile phone companies, (unless you

BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN have unlimited usage) are 1GB, 2GB or 5GB of mobile data allowance.

Devices that can use Wi-Fi technology include personal computers, video-game consoles, phones and tablets, digital cameras, smart TVs, digital audio players and modern printers.

Wi-Fi compatible devices can connect to the Internet via a WLAN and a wireless access

point. Such an access point (or hotspot) has a range of about 20 metres indoors and a greater range outdoors.

Hotspot coverage can be as small as a single room with walls that block radio waves, or as large as many square kilometres achieved by using multiple overlapping access points.

Your Apps can be busy running updates, checking for new emails or backing up content to the cloud like your photos – without you doing anything.

Therefore, you can be using data without realising. Be sure to close the windows/opened

pages from your phone to avoid this from occurring.

Wi-Fi provides service in homes, businesses as well as in public spaces at Wi-Fi hotspots set up either free-of-charge or commercially, often using a captive portal webpage for access.

Organisations and businesses such as airports, hotels, and restaurants, often provide free hotspots to attract customers.

If travelling overseas and you’re concerned about data roaming charges – simply keep your phone settings on ‘Aeroplane mode’ and this will disable any access to

TAP IN: Wi-Fi provides service in private homes, businesses, as well as in public spaces at Wi-Fi hotspots.

data, yet still enabling you to access free Wi-Fi. How to access free Wi-Fi: 1. Tap the Settings icon to open the Settings menu.

Tap WiFi. 2. Select the name (SSID)

of your WiFi network from the list of available connections.

3. Enter the WiFi password and then tap Join to finish. Some devices may be different.

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, April 9, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 31

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Briese Lawyers is a dynamic firm based in Toowoomba offering a wealth of legal experience to its valued clients.

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Jeff Hannaford is a Community Chartered Accountant and Trouble Shooter who has been in business since 1978 when he opened up his first office in Inglewood.

His business has now grown with another 2 offices in Texas and Millmerran.

Jeff supports the AOOB Organisation because they are involved in charity and charity begins at home.

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For a free insight into what changes you could make to your Business or life phone Jeff on 0429 894 937 or Millmerran 4695 1477 Inglewood 4652 1106 or Texas 4653 1155

32 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

Trades & Services Home Maintenance

1 MAN UTE & TRAILER

HOME MAINTENANCE/ CABINET MAKER

Ph Greg 0414 681 278 Only work valued at $3,300 or less

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Entertainment

Monday, April 9, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 33

The boy from the bush musters up goosebumps The themes of this year’s muster, ‘Mates, music and making a difference’, resonate with Lee Alison Houston

CROWDS at the Gympie Muster this August will get the first taste of new music from Lee Kernaghan, with his latest album to be released in October.

Speaking to Seniors Newspapers , Lee spoke of the “magic when a new song is born” but said it was no easy process, with this album involving hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of songwriting.

“Maybe 90 per cent of them aren’t that good, but every now and then you get a gem that puts goosebumps on your arm – I’m a big believer in the goosebumps factor; they never lie,” he laughed.

One song that continued to give goosebumps, he said, was 2013’s Flying with the King, about his journey to Perth as a young man sitting beside the iconic Slim Dusty, a tribute which still brings tears to the audience’s eyes every time he plays it.

Lee said he had been honoured when Slim had agreed to record Leave Him in the Long Yard with him on his second album, Three Chain Road.

“He was always incredibly supportive of new talent and we won the Golden Guitar for Best Duet Performance of the Year,” he said.

But it was Boys from the Bush, from his 1992 debut album The Outback Club, which put Lee on the map, although it caused a bit of consternation among the pundits, who argued it was “too rock” to be country.

He said that was his dad Ray’s influence, playing the records of 1950s rockers like Chuck Berry and Elvis, but he’d always been “country to the core”.

“Country music tells the story of our country, our people and our way of life – that’s what keeps me so passionate about it,” Lee said.

While he now lives south of Brisbane, and has as many fans in the city as the country, Lee

said he had spent his formative years growing up “a regular country kid” riding horses and motorbikes around Albury-Wodonga.

His mum’s parents were dairy farmers and his father’s father, Pat, was a drover for 50 years.

Lee said he loved doing concerts in the small, more isolated country towns, like Longreach where he had just played.

“They may be little towns but they’ve got huge hearts and great community spirit,” he said.

“A lot of those places have provided the inspiration for so many of my songs over the years … and the people there don’t just know the songs, they’ve lived them as well.”

The Gympie Muster has a big place in his heart, being his first outdoor show back in August 1992.

In the 25 years since, Lee has released songs, albums and videos at the Muster, but particularly recalls releasing Three Chain Road there in 1993 in “a relentless downpour of rain”.

“Everyone stayed out in it, and after the show I signed autographs and there was such a huge line-up of people waiting there in the rain … I wasn’t going to let one person go without an autograph or saying g’day.

“It was about five in the morning by the time I finished and people were all recovering in their swags and a new day was dawning – it was incredible.”

He loves the theme of this year’s Muster, ‘Mates, music and making a difference’, which are the cornerstones of his life.

Lee was named Australian of the Year in 2008 for his support of regional and rural Australia, and his Pass the Hat around Australia, Spirit of The Bush and Farmhand concerts have raised millions of dollars for drought, flood and bushfire relief and beyond.

MUSTER-ING FACTS The Gympie Muster is from August 23-26, Other artists on this year’s line-up include Lee Kernaghan, Troy Cassar-Daley, John Williamson, Ian Moss, Beccy Cole, Sara Storer and the Wolfe Brothers.

Book now at www.muster.com.au.

PHOTO: MICHAEL DANIEL

Soar with Star Wars with the Qld Symphony

DRAMATIC: The Queensland Symphony Orchestra performs Star Wars.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

QUEENSLAND Symphony Orchestra will present the Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert featuring a screening of the complete film with Oscar winning composer John Williams’ musical score performed live to the film on Saturday, July 7.

The concert will be led by acclaimed conductor Benjamin Northey.

Since the release of the first Star Wars movie nearly 40 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both

cinema and culture.

The show has inspired enthusiastic audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, ground-breaking special effects and iconic musical scores composed by Williams.

Star Wars fans will be able to experience the scope and grandeur of this beloved film in a live symphonic concert experience.

Legendary composer Williams is well known for

scoring all eight of the Star Wars saga films to date.

Williams has won five Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, seven British Academy Film Awards, five Emmy Awards and 23 Grammy Awards.

With 51 Academy Award nominations, Williams is the Academy’s most nominated living person and the second most-nominated individual in history, after Walt Disney.

In 2005, the American Film Institute selected Williams’ score to 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope as the greatest American film score of all time.

The soundtrack to A New Hope also was preserved by the Library of Congress in the National Recording Registry, for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

■ Tickets and more information at www.qso.com.au.

34 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

Reviews The Little Book of Big Happiness

ONE of the great purposes of life is to be happy. If you’re one of the millions of people searching for happiness, stop chasing your tail – it’s already here. Right here, right now.

You just need the tools to access it. They can be found in Bernadette Fisers’s The Little Book of Big Happiness.

Written by the bestselling author of The Little Book of Big Weightloss, it’s a simple, down-to-earth guide to tapping into that greatest source of happiness: you.

In this empowering little book, Bernadette shares her practical steps to a joyful life that you can start straight away.

From living in the moment and moving your body, to getting out into nature and embracing failure, these are real tips for real people that anyone can embrace.

In an hour, you’ll be on your way to a happier you.

Published by Penguin Random House, The Little Book of Big Happiness, is available from mid-April in bookshops and online.

RRP$22.99.

One Knife, One Pot, One Dish

Classic spy thriller A RUSSIAN honey trap agent targets a young CIA operative to uncover a senior-ranking mole at the heart of the Russian Intelligence service.

Dominika Egorov, former prima ballerina, is sucked into the heart of Putin’s Russia, the country she loved, and spat out as the twists and turns of betrayal and counter-betrayal unravel.

American Nate Nash, idealistic and ambitious, handles the double agent, codenamed MARBLE, considered one of CIA’s biggest assets.

He needs to keep his identity secret for as long as the mole can keep supplying golden information.

Will Dominika be able to unmask MARBLE, or will the mission see her faith destroyed in the country she has always passionately defended?

Written by Jason Matthews and published

by Simon and Schuster, Red Sparrow is available now in bookshops and online. RRP $19.99.

BEST-selling, internationally celebrated chef Stephane Reynaud pares down delicious French food to its essential best ingredients with 160 one-pot recipes that even the most inexperienced or time-poor cooks will love.

One Knife, One Pot, One Dish offers pre-dinner dips and snacks, hearty vegetarian dishes, slow-cooked roasts delicately seasoned with herbs and spices, classically simple one-pan desserts such as clafoutis, simple one-pot recipes for fish, beef, lamb, veal, pork or poultry, and even ideas for the perfect cheese course.

Stephane has demystified and made simple good French cooking – preparing dinner has never been this easy.

Stephane is chef and owner of restaurant Villa9Trois in Montreuil, just outside Paris.

Published by Murdoch Books, One Knife, One Pot, One Dish is available in bookshops. RRP $39.99.

Gold coins, Roman wishes THREE Gold Coins is a deliciously complex non-fiction novel of families, food, adversity, hope and love.

The coins are for love, for marriage and to return to Rome.

Two days ago, Lara Foxleigh tossed three gold euros into the Trevi Fountain. Now, she is caring for a cranky old man and living in a picturesque villa... half a world away from her home and the concerns of her loving family, but cloying family.

Soon, it seems as if those wishes she made in Rome just might be coming true, and she may even be able to help heal a 15-year-old tragedy, until Lara’s past threatens to destroy everything she loves . . .

Three Gold Coins is a masterfully written celebration of food, family, triumph over adversity, love.

Australian author Josephine Moon wrote The Tea Chest, The Chocolate Promise and The Beekeeper’s Secret.

Published by Allen and Unwin, Three Gold Coins is available from bookshops. RRP $29.99.

Event Cinemas “Breath” Screening Giveaway

Thanks to Event Cinemas, we are giving away double passes to their Seniors morning tea screening of BREATH on Wednesday 9th of May at BCC and Event Cinemas.

BREATH (M) is based on Tim Winton’s award-winning and international bestselling novel set in mid-70s coastal Australia. Two teenage boys, hungry for discovery, form an unlikely friendship with a mysterious older adventurer (Simon Baker) who pushes them to take risks that will have a lasting and profound impact on their lives.

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

Want to buy some tickets to the screening? Cinebuzz for Seniors members can get tickets for just $10* from April 18 and best of all, membership is free! You can join online at eventcinemas.com.au

Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558. Promotional period 03/04/18 - 27/4/18. Competition drawn 3pm 27/04/2018 at Cnr Mayne Rd and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Winners announced in Seniors May Editions 2018. Total prize value $80.00 (including GST). Entry is open to all permanent residents of Queensland, residing in the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Toowoomba Seniors distribution areas.

Wellbeing + Travel + living + Money

6786606ac

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

Puzzles

Monday, April 9, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

JIGGERED

9/4

The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3 3 s uare ts in with that letter and write in the letters. ou can also shade the black s uares i you nd it hel ul. ter co leting the rst 3 3 area work out which s uare oins on to it and continue until you have ade a co lete crossword.

V E C L T

M

A L L O

N C Y E T W

B

R E

L M E

E

E B R O A

I

TRIO

22

SUDOKU

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

B

EMPIRE ENRAPT GLADES HEARTH HOOKED INDIGO INTEND NOODLE OUTLET PARIAH REALMS REOPEN SLALOM STREET VAPOUR

QUIZ

7 LETTERS LENDING PADDING

QUIZ

1. In 1971, which Queenslander became Australia’s first Aboriginal parliamentarian?

2. Who ate Turkey Lurkey?

3. The musicals West Side Story and Kiss me Kate were based on whose plays?

4. In golf, where would you find a links course?

5. What is the lake behind the Aswan High Dam called?

6. Who had a mountain retreat in Berchtesgaden?

7. Who played princess Leia Organa in Star Wars?

8. And who were her famous parents?

E A T E R Y

6 LETTERS APOLLO AROUSE BREWER DOREEN EATERY

E L E C T

4 LETTERS BEEN CLUB HENS LEAK LEER PALM PAST ROOT TEST

S P A T E

A N T

5 LETTERS AIMED AORTA HYDRA KOPEK LOGIC MOLES SHEEN SLOBS STEED THESE TIGER TREEN

R O B E

Solution opposite

TORE TUSK VAMP

R

Fit the words into the grid to create a nished crossword

3 LETTERS AND ANT ATE EAR KEN LIE MIL OAT ORE PAN SOU WED

R

WORDFIT

I S R O D N Y E W T E A X I C O T E R C H E

Good 13 Very Good 18 Excellent 22+

O C I A L H L G E O E N U B R A E A C S P R I N E E B M M A L A R B S P E S O M A A N I L B L A T

U C

CANOE STIR UP REqUITE NO LARIAT ASSISTANT

S W A T S A E C A R E N T A R B R I V I A O B O A R M L M E T A S E H U S H A I N E W R L L I V E C S C L A E E T P

534

N T

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

There is at least one nine-letter word.

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

S C I S S O R S

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

WORD GO ROUND

TODAY

P

23

Can you complete these four words, using the same three-letter sequence in each?

cape nape neap pace pact pane pant pate paten patent patten pean peanut peat pecan pent puce PUNCTUATE punt putt tape tapu taupe teacup unapt uncap

A E

21

N

T

U T

19

20

ALPHAGRAMS

WORD GO ROUND

18

H E A R T H

I

A A I L L A T

A B

17

S L O B S

T

C E O E R

I

16

H E S E E A L M S N R A P T S L I E T O R E A I M E D N G T E N D R O O T C O R E L A D E S U T L E T B E E N

M A L B P E S

I

V

15

T R E L E E N N D I I N N D G I G O

A M W A R S

S C A S

N U A E C

14

M P I A H L L O MO K K O P E P A D E N K A L O W E R E E T D R A

A R

13

A R O U S E

H

12

V A P O U R

S E L

A R T R I E O

11

P A S T

A T E E N T

C O M A N P B

10

WORDFIT

I S E R L O D E

8

9

1. Neville Bonner, 2. Foxy Loxy, 3. William Shakespeare, 4. Near the sea, 5. Lake Nasser, 6. Adolf Hitler, 7. Carrie Fisher, 8. Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher.

R O B

R C H E R

7

QUICK CROSSWORD

T E A X

P

6

5

Across: 6. Author 7. Hasten 10. Impulse 11. Talon 12. Fear 13. Scars 16. Knoll 17. Bike 20. Oddly 21. Acrobat 22. Yelped 23. Agenda.

Down: 1. Satisfactory 2. Stopgap 3. Coyly 4. Lantern 5. Stale 8. Nonessential 9. Herculean 14. Enzymes 15. Ribbing 18. Adult 19. Drugs.

W S A P A R

T H

S E

4

JIGGERED

S

I

U N R

3

TRIO: OpE

I S S

Down 1. Acceptable (12) 2. Temporary (7) 3. Demurely (5) 4. Portable light (7) 5. Lacking freshness (5) 8. Incidental (12) 9. Requiring great strength or e ort (9) 14. Proteins (7) 15. Poking fun (7) 18. Fully grown (5) 19. Narcotics (5)

2

SUDOKU

I S E

Across 6. Writer (6) 7. Hurry (6) 10. Sudden urge (7) 11. Claw (5) 12. Dread (4) 13. Dis gures (5) 16. Small hill (5) 17. Cycle (4) 20. Peculiarly (5) 21. Tumbler (7) 22. Squealed (6) 23. Meeting plan (6)

1

ALPHAGRAMS

O L R S E

QUICK CROSSWORD

Seniors 35

OCEAN, puRIST, QuIETER, RATIONAL, SATANISTS.

S O C C H A G E

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

36 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, April 9, 2018

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