Toowoomba & Darling Downs, July 2017

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Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

July, 2017

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2 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

In this edition

Cover Story: Gabriel Poole .....................................Page 3 What’s On..................................................................Page 8 Travel ................................................................Pages 11-14 Wellbeing .........................................................Pages 16-19 Feature: Housing & Finance ........................Pages 22-23 Puzzles ....................................................................Page 27

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

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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, July 10, 2017

Our world revealed in Census figures

EVERY four years, my natural curiosity is piqued by the publication of Census results. Look here, these figures say, these are the real facts, figures and trends shaping our Australian lifestyle.

Did you think you were just imagining a more diverse population, more older people and less people attending the local church? Perhaps, you wondered if these changes just happened in your neighbourhood rather than as a nationwide trend. Wonder no more, the 2016 census figures have made available the statistical information to back up your thoughtful observation.

For instance, the marriages of my adult children and a number of their cousins to spouses born overseas has significantly increased the cultural diversity of our family. So when statistics highlighted the rich diversity of Australian society, I felt that our family was more or less

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

conforming to the norm.

Census figures revealed more than a quarter of our residents (26.3 per cent) are now born overseas, and for the first time in our history, the majority of people born abroad are from Asia, not Europe.

Just over 6,150,000 people were born overseas in census 2016, compared to 5,280,802 in 2011.

More than one-fifth (21 per cent) of Australians spoke a language other than English at home.

After English, the next most common languages spoken at home were Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, and Vietnamese.

Another statistic that bears out what what we see in our neighbourhood is the increased number

of older adults.

This observation reminds me of a comment made by my late mother to the effect of: "When I was growing up you hardly saw old people." My, how times have changed.

These days, one in six people is over the age of 65 (compared to one in seven in 2011 and only one in 25 in 1911) and there are now 84,000 more people aged 85 years and older than in 2011. The results have been identified as the success of modern, medicine, improved diet and a greater public health system. Indeed, the number of folk celebrating 100th birthday and beyond, grew to 3500.

This month, our publication’s theme is, "Housing Options" and after Census figures noted a huge change in our style of homes, I reckon we are right on the money.

In terms of housing, the Census counted

10 million dwellings (a dwelling is defined as any structure which is intended to have people in it and is habitable on Census night). While separate houses account for 72%, there’s been a large increase in other forms of dwelling, such as flats, apartments, semi-detached, row housing or town housing.

Of the 8.3 million occupied private dwellings, seven in 10 housed families (69% by one family and 1.9% by multiple families).

In 2020, I’ll place a bet these alternative housing numbers will increase, but we need information to make informed decisions.

I hope our article on Gabriel Poole’s multigenerational living, along with various other ideas will provide this for you.

Also, good news for country music lovers Check out advertisements advising how you can win a Troy Cassar-Daley CD (latest release).

Cheers, Gail

Cover story

Monday, July 10, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 3

Re-imagining our home An ageing population and increased living costs behind a new concept of family home AT A time when large brick homes were popping up all across the suburbs, Gabriel Poole’s architectural vision of small, affordable and sustainable housing was a challenging proposition.

Now, as house and land prices soar and care of the environment becomes paramount, his vision has become much more than relevant, for many it provides the practical and necessary guidelines for 21st century living. Along with other distinguished accolades the Queensland-born architect has received the Robin Boyd Award and in 1998 the Royal Australian Institute of Architecture Gold Medal for lifetime contribution to Australian Architects. This year, looking forward to his 83rd birthday with absolutely no plans for retiring, Poole is still devising and implementing architectural answers to social conundrums.

These days, he is

espousing, multigenerational living as a practical solution to the dearth of affordable property, the need for care for both aged and younger family members and as a means of keeping the human footprint as light as possible upon the earth. Speaking of the need for extended family living, he says: "There’s really not much choice.

"The government can’t afford to keep providing nursing homes and the young people can’t afford to buy homes."

In 2014, he exhibited his ideas in a Queensland architectural show at Mt Tamborine. His design adhered to low-cost, modular principles with private areas for grandparents, parents and children. He included aged care facilities including rails, non-slip floors and wheelchair access across the home.

This sort of optional housing struck the interest of academic Dr Edgar Lui who has researched the pattern of

Pam’s

multi-generational housing in Brisbane and Sydney and says the trend is on the increase. He notes reasons for this increase include: the need to take care of aged family members and childcare arrangements together with budgeting considerations for nursing homes.

KPMG demographer Bernard Salt believes multi-generational living will see Baby Boomers disposing of the big family home and setting up financial arrangements with their children to ensure a future home and care for all. Since one in four Australian will be over 65 by 2050, he has praised the living style as a creative solution to the ageing population.

Finally, Gabriel Poole has often talked about the spiritual dimension of housing and as he moves forward designing housing for the inhabitants, rather than just following fashion, he insists that his designs must also ‘lift the spirits’.

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Gail Forrer

CREATIVE THINKER : Architect Gabriel Poole conjures up alternative spaces and places..

Updates from the Toowoomba Region

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Did you know that we have a sister city in Whanganui in New Zealand? This year we’re visiting and we’d like to take you with us!

We’ve partnered with Stonestreets Travel to create a stunning 14 day tour through the North Island of New Zealand. Departing from Toowoomba’s Wellcamp airport on 7 November, this legendary tour begins in Auckland and will show you the highlights of the North Island, including New Plymouth, Wellington, Napier, Rotorua and Paihia before returning to Toowoomba on 20 November. Your tour includes 13 nights’ accommodation, luxury coach travel, transfers, all tour admissions, meals where indicated $5,490pp (twin/double) $1,145pp (single supplement). For more info or to book, call Stonestreets Travel on 4687 5555 or visit www.stonestreets.com.au

Toowoomba Camellia Show

Our region’s high altitude means that most of our garden’s flowers fade in winter, but the beautiful Camellia thrives! Show your love for this unique flower by joining us at the 2017 Toowoomba Camellia Show & Garden Expo on 15-16 July at the TAFE Horticulture Centre, Campbell Street, Toowoomba. From 9am-4pm each day, you’ll enjoy the amazing winter garden, Camellia competitions, Japanese Camellia tea ceremony, food, entertainment and the chance to buy a large range of Camellias. Entry for the show and expo is $8 OR just $5 for the Winter Garden OR $10 for both. For more info, visit www.toowoombacamelliashow.com

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

Takatsuki Photo Exhibition

The Toowoomba Takatsuki Photographic Exhibition and Sister City Photographic Competition is now touring around the regional galleries. Head to the Clifton Gallery, 69 King St to see this wonderful exhibit. The exhibition will run from 19 June-14 July. For more info call 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au

Anzac Day Working Group

To all Australians, ANZAC Day is a tradition, paid for in blood and celebrated in our freedom.

It is a day in which not only do we salute the ANZACs, but in paying tribute to them, we also take the opportunity to invigorate our national spirit and pride. Toowoomba Regional Council is seeking new members to join our Anzac Day Working Group. Members will assist in the organising, implementing and delivery of Anzac Day events relevant to the Mother’s Memorial on behalf of the Toowoomba Community. Key tasks include event delivery and program content, pre-Anzac Day commemorative services, parade coordination and support, coordination of the wreath laying service and on-site logistics. The role may also include other events from time to time determined for the commemoration of Anzac Day. Members regularly provide input, advice and report on Anzac Day topics relevant to the group and work both autonomously and in conjunction with other members outside of meetings in order to achieve the group’s core objective. The next meeting will be held on Monday, 24 July, 6pm in the Community Venues, Toowoomba City Library and we’d love to see you there. For more information on becoming a member call 131 872 or email info@tr.qld.gov.au TRC_0717_SN

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4 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Profile: Troy Cassar-Daley

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 10, 2017

y r t n u Co r e m r cha

IT’S AN odd sensation getting off the phone after interviewing Troy Cassar-Daley – it feels like I’ve been talking to a mate I haven’t seen for a long time rather than a complete stranger, never mind a country icon.

As with his music, there’s an ease, an honesty and humility which you can’t help but like.

Over the past year he’s invited us into his life more than ever through his autobiography Things I Carry Around and the album by the same name.

He has been touring the album for six months and says he’s excited to finish at home this month in south-east Queensland where he has spent the past 28 years of his life.

“It’s very special because this album is so personal and such an emotional thing,” he said.

JOURNALIST ALISON HOUSTON To capture that intimacy, the stage is set like a lounge room which he’s inviting audiences into for a chat, and he said at times “you can hear a pin drop, it’s so emotional”.

Troy said many of the songs had been sitting in the background for years because he felt they were “too personal to record”.

They are joined by songs inspired by the at-times painful task of delving back through his own history for the autobiography, which included coming to terms as a youngster with living in two worlds and

embracing both his mother’s Aboriginal heritage and his father’s Maltese.

“The book was the hardest thing I’ve ever written,” Troy admitted.

It took about two years to complete, partly because he found it so confronting to look backwards “for someone who has always just wanted to move forward in life”.

In contrast, the music, he said, was “quite a relief... to tell a story in 3-4 minutes”.

But it wasn’t always like that.

“In the old days starting out I was playing a lot of other people’s music. You have to make yourself familiar to people,” Troy said.

“But my end goal was always to play my own music and tell my own stories.”

YOUNG TALENT: Troy Cassar-Daley’s autobiography reveals the beginning of his career.

And tell them he has, through 10 solo albums which have sold in excess of 450,000 copies and won him an array of awards, including 35 Golden Guitars across his 30-year career.

Not bad for a bloke who hasn’t hit 50 yet!

Things I Carry Around won Troy the coveted Album of the Year at this year’s Country Music Awards, where his legacy was also recognised by his induction as the 50th and youngest artist on the

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Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown.

His name now sits on a plaque on a granite bolder beside that he touched as a kid of Slim Dusty.

“It was a bit mind-blowing really,” Troy said of the moment, which he adds was made all the more special by the presence of wife Laurel Edwards and kids Clay and Jem. “If you strip back the layers of paint, I’m still that kid lined up to get Slim Dusty’s autograph.”

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His autobiography began, appropriately, by talking to Slim’s wife Joy, with whom he indulges in a cuppa and sandwiches each Tamworth festival.

When he told her how much he had enjoyed her book, she planted the seed that he should write his own story.

Despite some hesitancy, he said the autobiography captured the truth and emotion he wanted it to – swearing and all – with readers telling him they feel like

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Monday, July 10, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Profile: Troy Cassar-Daley

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 5

SEE TROY IN CONCERT Thursday, July 20 – Kedron Wavell Services Club 8pm. Tickets (adults from $42) at ticketmaster or the club on 07 3359 9122.

Friday, July 21 – Nambour RSL Club Dinner from 6pm; Show from 8.40pm: Tickets ($69 dinner & show) on 07 5441 2366. Go to www.nambourrsl.com.au Saturday, July 22 – Ipswich Civic Theatre 7.30pm. Tickets (adults $45) on 3810 6100 or at www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au Sunday, July 23 – City Golf Club Toowoomba 2pm. Tickets (adult $35) on 07 4636 9000 and online at www.citygolf.com.au. ★If you are on the Gold Coast, you can also catch Troy in a completely different sort of gig at the Broadbeach Country Music Festival on July 28-29.

he’s sitting across the table talking to them.

And perhaps it’s that honesty which best sums up Troy’s approach to his music and his life. On his Roll of Renown plaque it says that he “embodies the spirit of Australian country music”.

And when asked what that means to him, his answer is “honesty – being who you really are”.

“When I heard Slim Dusty sing, I knew he was singing about him and about me, and that’s what it’s about.”

In today’s world, filled with so much tragedy and confusion, Troy said he hoped music would remain an escape for many, as it was for him as a kid and continues to be.

In his opening track, Funny How Things Change, he sings of a simpler time when people talked and shared more of themselves one-to-one, but Troy said having looked back on his life, he wouldn’t change a thing.

“Even when I was broke, I was happy. I was able to continue loving music. I never had a plan B,” he said.

And while the Gympie Muster, where he first met Laurel, will always have a special place in his heart, Troy said every audience had a life and a character of its own.

“To be truthful, any time I can step on stage and make my music it’s a special gig.”

PHOTO: MIK MCCARTIN

6 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Local News

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 10, 2017

Jumpers, Jazz and you

By Alison Houston

IT’S daunting to know where to even start writing about this year’s Jumpers and Jazz in July.

Labelled “Queensland’s quirkiest yarnbombing and jazz winter festival,” it celebrates its 14th birthday this year, with visitor numbers totalling about 34,000 annually – not bad for a town of 13,500.

The 10-day event, which runs from July 20–30, has become such an all-encompassing celebration of everything Warwick that it now runs more than 100 events.

These cover everything from the expected craft – knitting, crochet, felting, weaving, and more – and music by artists too numerous to mention, to the unexpected, such as pottery and woodwork, a winter gardening expo,

poets’ breakfast, kombucha tea and vegan leather flowers morning, the town crier’s history tours, murals, a suitcase rummage, steam train rides, the Killarney Fire Drums and Bonfire, and the RACQ Grand Historic Auto Display.

There’s also wonderful gastronomical feasts to devour along with the entertainment at the Winter Dinner on Friday, July 21 and throughout the festival at local cafes, restaurants, hotels and clubs, and even a jazz lounge inside the town hall.

It all culminates in the Picnic in the Park and Warwick Potter’s Winter Craft Market at Leslie Park from 8.30am on Sunday, July 30.

Here, organisers encourage residents and guests to relax in the

winter sun and enjoy jazz from some of the festival favourites.

While the two book-ending weekends are undoubtedly the busiest, for those who would rather avoid the crowds, there’s plenty on offer midweek.

That includes what has become a unique favourite, the Hot Pots Soup Night and Mudtastic Meanderings Clay Art exhibition opening.

Basically, this is your chance to purchase a pottery soup bowl, fill it with delicious homemade soup and enjoy a mulled wine while listening to the Blue Violets under the stars at Warwick Potters Gallery, Horsman Rd. Or, the next day, from 7–8.30am enjoy the Meandering Jazz Breakfast hosted by the Groovy Grannies, again

YARNBOMBED: Warwick dresses its streets and trees to impress during Jumpers and Jazz.

PHOTO: IZELLE BARNARD

featuring The Blue Violets, and supporting St Andrew’s Hospital Cancer Case Centre.

And of course,

throughout it all, there’s those wonderful ‘yarnbombing’ tree-jumpers, which first brought the festival to

fame, available to be admired every day, or via a guided tour. To find out more, go to www.jumpers andjazz.com.

USQ Bookcase a real page-turner Alison Houston

CURTAIN UP: Playwright, author and USQ alumnus David Burton speaks at last year’s Bookcase writers’ festival.

USQ Bookcase writers’ festival is not just for writers or aspiring authors, it’s also for the bookworm in all of us and those just wanting a different perspective on life.

The three-day event, now in its fourth year, kicks off on Friday, July 21 with the opening night celebration at which you can rub shoulders with award-winning authors and writers while enjoying drinks and canapes.

The Bruce Dawe National Poetry and high school Get Writing competition winners will be announced here.

But Saturday is the real page-turner, with a full program of events from 9.30am–4.30pm including everything from blogging to writing for therapy, overcoming writer’s block, writing for children, crafting a compelling protagonist to life-story writing and visual narrative, as well as the keynote speech by author and investigative

10

%

reporter Amanda Gearing and her panel on the 2011 floods.

There’s also a special In Memoriam to pay tribute to children’s author, illustrator and linocut artist Narelle Oliver, a USQ alumna who grew up in Toowoomba and died late last year, but was responsible for award-winning books including Don’t Let a Spoonbill in the Kitchen.

There’s author Q&A sessions and book signings, and tickets for the day cost just $10,

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with children under 12 entering free. At night, watch the special charity presentation of Don’t Tell and a Q&A with the author, for just $5, proceeds from which go to Bravehearts.

Then on Sunday, get really serious with a range of masterclasses on investigative journalism, eBooks, flash fiction and social media.

To find out more, including prices of masterclasses, go to www.usq.edu.au/ usqbookcase.

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Entertainment

What’s on

THE monthly Dine Down Town Street Food Markets, in the St Luke’s Church grounds, is a new place to meet and munch while raising funds for the upkeep of these heritage-listed buildings.

For just a $2 entry from 5-8.30pm on Friday, July 14 you can pick from 20 food and beverage sellers featuring a mix of multicultural cuisines, sweet and savoury, and relax under the trees to music.

But be warned, it’s cash only. Go to the website www.theoriginalmix. com for details and dates.

WINTER ORCHIDS

TOOWOOMBA Orchid Society’s Winter Show is at St Paul’s Church on the weekend of July 15-16 from 8.30am-4pm (3pm Sunday).

Check out the displays and talk to members, who love to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for orchids, and provide you with

PARKINSON HONOURS JOE COCKER

JOURNALIST ALISON HOUSTON growing tips. Cost is $4.

Go to the website www.toowoombaorchid society.org.au.

GATTON SHOW

ENJOY some real country fun at the show from Thursday, July 20 to Saturday, July 22. This year’s theme is The Salad Bowl of the Lockyer. After rain dampened last year’s 100th show, organisers are looking to make the 101st something special.

The night-time program includes the Outback Riders tribute, stunt riders, and a smash-up derby. And by day there’s local craft, cooking, produce, school art, as well as the usual favourites and a fantastic fireworks display. Go to www.gattonshowsociety. com.au.

Jacqui’s, corner Albion and Victoria Sts. Phone 0402 420 460.

ARGUABLY Australia’s greatest soul voice Doug Parkinson presents the ultimate tribute to Joe Cocker with an eight-piece band at the Empire Theatre on Friday, July 21.

Cocker is most famous for what he did with other people’s songs, including Delta Lady, You Can Leave Your Hat On and You Are So Beautiful. And Parkinson will include a few of his own hits as well. Adult tickets $69.90.

Go to www.empiretheatre .com.au or phone 1300 655 299.

POP-UP SHOP

WARWICK Spinners and Weavers Inc. is running a pop-up shop from 9am-4pm from July 21-29 as part of Warwick’s Jumpers and Jazz festival.

This will include demonstrations and workshops twice daily at 10am and 2pm in the conference room at Cafe

SHOW OFF AT PLAINLAND

YOU are invited to show off your car, bike or non-powered vehicle at a Friday Night Meet and Greet at Schulte’s at Plainland on Friday, July 28. Southern Cross Charities holds the event on the fourth Friday of each month from 4-8pm.

Market stalls cost $10. All money raised goes to Beautiful Gate Orphanage in Lesotho in southern Africa. Phone Barbara Quinn on 0412 140 239.

VISITORS ON STAGE

TOOWOOMBA Repertory Theatre Group is bringing Visitors, by Brian Norris, to stage, with fundraising nights from July 12 and public nights July 22, 28 and 29. It’s described as a heart warming, gentle but relevant tale of “a family confronting aging with humour and

fortitude”. Doors open at 7pm, for performance at 7.30pm. Go to www.toowoomba repertorytheatre.com.au.

CURATOR CONVERSATION

MILITARY historian and Toowoomba Historical Society vice-president Greg Lamerton presents The Battle of Milne Bay, 75 Years On as part of the monthly Curator Conversation series hosted by Queensland Museum curator Jeff Powell from 2-3pm on August 2 at the Cobb and Co Museum. Talks are free with admission, which is free to local residents on proof of address.

ADVENTURE EXPO

THE 2017 Queensland Outdoor Adventure and Motoring Expo and Queensland Hunting Expo is on at Toowoomba Showgrounds from August 4-6.

More than 170 local and regional companies

display thousands of products and services, including the latest in caravans, camper trailers, motor homes, vehicles and 4WDs, camping gear and accessories. It runs 9am-5pm (4pm Sunday).

Adult tickets are $10. Go to www.adventureexpo. com.au.

TEN TENORS TURN 20

YOU just can’t help smiling when the Ten Tenors perform, and now they are celebrating their 20th anniversary with a tour that includes the Empire Theatre on Saturday, August 12. With more than 2500 live shows to their credit and more than 90 million people worldwide witnessing their vocal power, this classically based group has lost none of their fun. If you like the tenor voice, this show has it all. Adult tickets from $79.50. Go to www.empiretheatre. com.au or 1300 655 299.

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 10, 2017

Its tIme for senIors Week thIs August!

Be sure to check back in with Seniors in August for all of our Seniors Week coverage. From events to promotions and everything in between, Seniors Newspaper has got you covered.

Pick up your free copy of the August edition at your local stockist or read online at seniorsnews.com.au LiViNG + MONEY + WELLBEiNG + TraVEL

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Have a Seniors Week event that you want to let readers know about? Get in touch!

Email communitynotes@seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, July 10, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 9

Talk ‘n’ thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

Vets join to care for ageing pets Tracey Johnstone

OVER several months, the lives of the elderly and near-homeless Mary* and her little, fluffy dog were turned around through the work of volunteer veterinarians working in a park in Frankston, Melbourne.

Each month, she bought her companion to the park for treatment and advice by the charity group Pets in the Park.

The vets helped the little dog back to good health by clipping its overgrown nails and treating both ear and skin infections.

“She was so grateful for the support we gave her,” PITP’s director Dr Mark Kelman said.

“She saw her dog walk better and its ears treated. Those simple

things made such a difference.

“Talking to her at the event she brightened up.

It’s really what we are there for; it’s not just the pets, we help the people as well.

“One of the reasons we run these events monthly is there is a lot of camaraderie and community as a result of people getting together.

“Partly it’s about helping people realise there are there who want to help and love them as well.”

PITP started in a Parramatta park in Sydney in 2009 by Dr Kelman.

Since then he has also recruited volunteer veterinary specialists and supporters in Sydney city, central Melbourne and Frankston, Brisbane and Canberra, with more

locations to start clinics in the next six months.

He said they dealt with a mix of people, “which certainly reflects what’s going on in society”.

❝

would spend every last dollar they have on their pet and then leave little to look after themselves,” Dr Kelman added.

“That’s why this service

She was so grateful for the support we gave her.

PETS IN THE PARK: Founder and volunteer, veterinarian Dr Mark Kelman with one of his patients.

:

“We definitely have a population of senior people who are in need of our help, and those people are either homeless or at risk of homelessness,” Dr Kelman said.

The volunteers offer full veterinary services at the pop-up clinics in parks, with an undercover area to cater for cats.

“In a lot of cases, if they didn’t have us, they

— PITP’s director Dr Mark Kelman is so important as we are trying to give them a hand so they can live a bit easier and hopefully help them get out the situation they are in if that’s what they want to do.”

All services are free and funded purely by donations.

For more details of Pets in the Park and to support their work, go to www. petsinthepark.org.au. *Not her real name.

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

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 10, 2017

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, July 10, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 11

Travel ANN RICKARD hopped on board the luxury hotel barge Panache in France and glided slowly from Pont-L’Eveque to Paris. She offers her 10 top reasons to go barging, beginning with the obvious: it’s perfect for seniors in no hurry.

10 points to to show you the best of barging apple tart tatin. Cheeses we’d not encountered before (Morbier, Saint Nectaire, Munster) came with each meal and a charming story of their origins.

4. Wine: Local wines are chosen with meticulous care and offered with engaging information. It’s wine education at each meal. Just saying a few of the wine names we

enjoyed on Panache stirs the palate: Pouilly Fuisse; Sancerre; Chassagne Montrachet…more please.

5. Accommodation: Panache has spacious cabins with gleaming bathrooms stocked with L’Oicctane products.

Cabins are serviced daily, showers and loos work very well. Evening turn-down and a little

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9. Style and elegance: Panache is all teak and leather and fresh flower displays. Beautiful china and glassware adorn the table at every meal.

Service is intimate, friendly with a “nothing is too hard” approach. The crew speaks English.

10. Adventure and scenery: Going through the many locks along the waterways provides lively entertainment. Watching deckhand Judy jump on and off the barge with the deftness of a mountain goat to do nautical things with ropes and bollards was part of the experience. Then there are all those bridges to go under and the slow-passing French countryside stretching to the horizon.

Barging provides more than ten reasons to go…it’s all about leisure, indulgence and discovery.

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6. Le Bar. European Waterways who operate a fleet of barges in France, Scotland, the UK, and Holland, has an open-bar policy. Help yourself any time from well-stocked shelves or ask one of the stewards to make you a cocktail. French Martinis before lunch, Sidecars

before dinner, Brandy after dinner (usually refused but nice to know it was there.) No nasty bar-bill surprises at the end of the cruise.

7. Excursions: European Waterways puts as much thought into its shore excursions as it does to ensure your comfort and gastronomy fulfilment. A mini-van waits at each anchorage and you are comfortably driven into the countryside to experience famous landmarks, renowned cultural and historic sites…each time to return to the comforting arms of the crew waiting with a new-to-you cocktail.

8. Friends: Most European Waterways barges take eight guests, some 12, so the atmosphere is more like a house party on a private vessel. Guests’ ages usually range in figures mature folks like (about 45 upwards). Full charters mean you can get the gang or the family together and have the barge to yourselves.

Bookings & Enquiries 4696 1857

For all tour details, visit: www.getawaytours.com.au

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1. Because it is slow. Just the dawdling pace of a luxury barge makes you wind down. It travels only a few kilometres a day and floats so slowly you can disembark after breakfast, walk or cycle along the towpath and embark for lunch (or morning tea if you like a short walk.)

2. You are spoilt: Panache has a crew of six: captain, pilot, chef, stewards and deckhand. As it takes only 12 guests that means plenty of attention and lots of indulgence. You lift not a finger.

3. Food: With an onboard chef sourcing the best local produce, every meal is a gourmet adventure.

Our chef Oli presented us with salads that ranged from beetroot and goat cheese to duck with artichoke and capers.

Main courses of stuffed pork fillet, rack of lamb, seared pigeon, scallops with crayfish and beef bourgignon, delighted all of us. Desserts defied any attempt at restraint, from triple chocolate terrine to

12 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 10, 2017

Monet’s Gardens by barge Pleasure planted in a stunning art garden Ann Rickard

MONET’S Gardens in Giverny, not far from Paris, must surely be on the bucket list of every traveller in the world. That was my first thought as I looked at the long queues outside the gardens.

Thousands of people flock to Giverny every day in summer to see where Claude Monet lived for 40 years, developed and grew his gardens and painted them so famously.

Although you must share the glorious gardens with the hordes and squash into the house shoulder with hundreds of others – the experience is still strangely serene.

Who could not feel peace in these extensive gardens that Monet cultivated, loved and painted? Despite the crowds all you seem to hear is the sound of birdsong, the buzz of bees.

NATURAL BEAUTY: The real life Monet lily ponds visited by thousands of people every day in the summer at Giverny.

The beauty of a Monet painting comes to life as you stand by the ponds and gaze at the lilies. It is surreal to stroll through the Japanese garden, sit a moment in the bamboo section, gaze at the roses or brush slowly past

Touring Travel & Cruise Specialists

graceful weeping willows all meticulously maintained and now a living museum of scenes so many of us have admired on canvas and in myriad prints.

Our visit was on a shore excursion from the luxury

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hotel barge Panache, a most pleasant way to see the gardens rather than driving from Paris and all its chaos.

Our captain on board Panache had gone to the gardens the day before while we were at anchorage, purchased the tickets, so we would not have to wait in line.

Service way above the call of duty, and one we appreciated as we slipped past the long queues.

It is not just art lovers and ardent fans who flock to the gardens: gardeners, landscapers, botanists all find the gardens fascinating. It is a way to get an understanding of Claude Monet’s work, to feel connected.

The son of a grocer and obviously way ahead of his time, Monet rebelled against his family and insisted he was an artist, taking his easel outdoors to paint exactly what he saw before his eyes – at a time when painting outside was not the norm

Monet's bridge is a picture of serenity.

and when artists were trained to paint their subjects in the controlled lighting of studios.

Monet loved to paint everyday things: lily ponds, landscapes, ladies strolling the gardens with parasols, families picnicking. A visit to these beautiful gardens brings the works to life and gives a connection to the impressionist artist.

Once you have strolled through the gardens you will look on a Monet painting through new and

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7 Nights in Rarotonga, all meals and sightseeing, Tiare Flower Festival, Highland Paradise Cultural Village, Polynesian show, garden visits, cruise Muri Lagoon, $100 food & beverage credit per room.

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TERMS & CONDITIONS *Price is per person Twin Share fully inclusive. Single Supplement applies. Credit card surcharges apply. Deposit of AUD$500-$800 per person is required to secure tour. Tour requires a minimum number of passengers to depart. Prices may fluctuate if surcharges, fee, taxes or currency change. Prices current as at 23 May 2017. Go SeeTouring Pty Ltd T/A Go See Touring Member of Helloworld ABN: 72 122 522 276 ATAS Accreditation A11320

The beauty of Claude Monet’s famous lily ponds.

insightful eyes.

You can arrange all manner of visits to the gardens, half day tours, full days, out of Paris, or just book on line. We believe the most comfortable and convenient way to see them is as we did, from a shore excursion on board luxury barge Panache.

More information on the itinerary that incorporates the gardens at website: gobarging.com

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, July 10, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 13

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14 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 10, 2017

Unique long weekend escape to the Riverina Discover heritage and great food on this rail adventure

A FIRST for Cruise Express – a cruise tour with no cruise Australian cruise agency, Cruise Express, is offering its first escorted cruise tour without a cruise – a unique, new, four-day trip by heritage train to the NSW Riverina region over the October long weekend. Timed to coincide with the Taste Riverina Festival, which celebrates the region’s fine wines and abundant produce harvest, the Long Weekend Rail Adventure starts in Sydney on Friday, September 29, when the privately chartered heritage train departs Central Station, complete with buffet and compartment cars from the 1930s.

Hauled by the 62-year-old, 4204 ‘Streamliner’ locomotive,

the train will stop for lunch at the 139-year-old Junee Railway Station Café and for afternoon tea in Narrandera – the gateway to the fertile Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area – before arriving early evening in the Italian foodie haven of Griffith.

The next day brings a visit to Corynnia Station, a working sheep and cotton farm where the group will enjoy lunch sourced from local produce. After free time in Griffith, an exclusive, wine-paired dinner follows at the iconic McWilliams Winery, with the event co-hosted

by Princes Cruises.

Day three will offer a morning sightseeing tour of Griffith followed by a special ‘farm to fork’ lunch at Piccolo Farm where guests will take part in a farm forage and

Taste Riverina Festival.

Some of the incredible Riverina produce available.

INDULGE YOURSELF: De Bortoli Winery wine tastings

a cooking demonstration and enjoy lunch featuring paired wines and fresh local ingredients harvested by hand on the farm. An indulgent afternoon of wine tasting follows at Calabria Wines and De Bortoli Winery – both pioneered by Italian

migrants. Griffith’s Italian origins will be savoured at dinner with a sumptuous, private dining experience at Zecca Handmade Italian which offers seasonal and authentic, regional Italian food, using fresh, locally sourced produce and wines.

The final day of the tour on the public holiday, Monday, October 2, will see guests rejoin the heritage train for the daytrip back to Sydney, with a stop to visit the Temora Aviation Museum for a barbecue and private aerial display of ex-military

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escortedescapes.com.au *Travel restrictions & conditions apply. For further details refer to escortedescapes.com.au. Prices are correct as at 1 Jan 17 & are subject to change. Quoted prices on sale until 8 weeks prior to each departure date or until sold out prior. Prices are per person, twin share and subject to availability. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store and are fully inclusive of taxes, levies, government charges and other applicable fees. Payments made by credit card incur a surcharge. All cruises are based on lead-in inside cabin twin share. ^Interest Free: Approved applicants only on a Lombard 180 Visa card. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply including a $99 Annual Fee charged on the account open date and annually on the anniversary of the account open date. Minimum finance amount applies and is valid on holidays over $999. Interest, currently 22.99% p.a., is payable on any balance outstanding after the 12 month Interest Free period. Ask in store for details. Offer ends 31 Dec 17. Credit provided by Lombard Finance Pty Limited ABN 31 099 651 877, Australian Credit Licence number 247415. Lombard® is brought to you by FlexiGroup®. ~60+ DISCOUNT: Offer valid until 31 Dec 17. New bookings only, limited to one $100 discount per senior. Minimum booking value of $2500 per person consisting of air and land/cruise arrangements, or a land/cruise only booking over the value of $2500 per person. Valid State/ Territory accredited seniors card must be presented to consultant at time of quotation. Please ask us for further details or visit our website at http://www.escapetravel.com.au/terms-conditions. FROM BRISBANE. Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Escape Travel. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412.

ETEEM76716

Monday, July 10, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 15

16 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 10, 2017

Wellbeing Brighter life for men with good food diet NUTRITION and Dietetics students from the University of the Sunshine Coast are working with men to make them more aware of the important

connection between diet and mental health.

Ricki-Lee Driver and her partner, Courtney Lynch, have found many men are unaware that making

small changes to their diet could boost not only physical health, but also their mental and emotional state.

“If a person isn’t getting

U3A in Toowoomba Inc. In association with Toowoomba Regional Council Presents

Seniors’ Information Expo This Seniors’ Week event is in its eighth year – a fun and informative day.

Once again held at the HumeRidge Church of Christ complex

the right nutrients in their diet, they’re more susceptible to conditions like depression and anxiety,” Ms Driver said.

“We want to teach the public about the different components of food and how each component links back to the brain.

“Research has shown that men tend to have poorer diets than women, and are less likely to talk about their mental well-being, so it’s particularly important to reach them.”

To achieve good mental health through diet, Ms Driver explains men need have a balanced diet which is varied and contains foods from each of the five food groups – fruit, vegetables, grains, meats or alternatives, and diary.

The daily recommended consumption of the five food groups are:

MEN’S HEALTH: University of the Sunshine Coast fourth-year nutrition students, Ricki-Lee Driver and Courtney Lynch.

For men aged 51 to 70: ■ Six grains, two fruit, at least five vegetables and legumes, at least two

meats or alternatives, at least two dairy and up to two unsaturated fats and oils.

For men aged 70 and older: ■ At least four grains, two fruit, five vegetables and legumes, at least two meats or alternatives, at least three dairy and up to two unsaturated fats and oils.

Men should be aware that various food nutrients influence the health of the brain and ultimately a person’s mood state.

Deficiencies in any of these has been linked to lower mood states, and increased risk of depression and anxiety.

Ms Driver recommends that any man that has concerns about his diet should consult with a local dietitian.

Full story at: seniorsnews.com.au

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Wellbeing

Monday, July 10, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 17

Easy health hints for 70 year olds & beyond MEN'S HEALTH: Investment in long-term health by keeping active, engaged and happy.

there is a significant link between your health and your lifestyle, so try to follow some of the following tips: ■ Keeping fit and well, both physically and mentally, is essential.

■ Have an annual health check!

■ Keep your weight down to a healthy level.

■ Keep your activity levels as high as you are safely able to.

■ Eat nutritious food with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

■ Many men in their 70s are affected by depression and emotional problems as they lose some independence.

Speak to your family, your mates or your GP if you are feeling depressed.

■ Remember; it’s never too late to improve your diet, get fitter, energise and find new interests and

friends.

Next up is using the following 70s health check when talking with your GP: ■ Weight and waist measurement.

■ Blood pressure.

■ Cholesterol and glucose levels (diabetes).

■ Eye checks.

■ Bowel cancer screening.

■ Flu and pneumonia shots.

■ Blood test for kidney and liver function, and iron levels.

■ Bone density.

■ Mental health – talk about any issues or concerns with your GP or a counsellor.

Put the following Foundation 49 DIY tips into action to keep enjoying your life and good health.

■ Keep moving, walk daily and do any other activities that keep you fit and well.

■ Stay connected – keep in touch with friends and

family, socialise and get out and about as much as possible.

■ Keep your brain active – Do Sudoku puzzles, crossword puzzles, play cards and other games that engage you.

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■ Moderate your alcohol – have three alcohol-free days each week.

■ Talk it over – talk to your GP or a counsellor for assistance and advice.

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18 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 10, 2017

Wellbeing

Monday, July 10, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 19

A big hearted fundraiser HELPING: Toowoomba Hospice chairman Graham Barron OAM, Teagan Killen, TRRC Club secretary Danny Wiedman, and event sponsor Andrea Hohn, from Connolly’s Lawyerswith one of the jerseys.

IT DOESN’T matter what your age or which team you back, everyone supports the Toowoomba Hospice.

That was clearly shown by two recent events, the Toowoomba Rangers Rugby Union Club Ladies’ Day, which raised $5000 for the hospice’s Adopt a Room campaign, and the Drayton Villas Retirement Village annual morning tea and bring-and-buy fundraiser, which raised $3000 to be split between

the hospice and Olive McMahon Lodge.

The hospice provides free palliative care for the terminally ill, while the lodge, operated by the Cancer Council, provides accommodation for those undergoing outpatient cancer treatment.

Drayton resident and event organiser Alvia Rogers said the village event’s success was a united effort.

“We sold handicrafts, jams, pickles, knitted and

crocheted items, and much more, all made by residents,” Alvia said.

The Rangers’ Ladies’ Day organiser Teagan Killen said the club’s annual event was a chance for wives, girlfriends, partners, mothers, grandmothers and any other female supporters to enjoy good, drinks and “watching the guys tough it out on the field”.

“We rely on the support of our entire community

whether it is community groups,clubs, businesses, companies or individuals – we need their help,” said a grateful Toowoomba Hospice Administration and fundraising manager Mark Munro.

The Rangers choose a charity each year to receive the funds raised, and decided on the hospice this year as a recognition of the care and compassion given to long-time club supporter Rob (Robbo) Armstrong.

Fran’s diving into cancer recovery with hyperbaric Surviving the challenges of head and neck cancer FOR sufferers of head and neck cancer, July is the month when their condition hits the international spotlight.

World Head and Neck Cancer Day is marked down for July 27 with 55 Head and Neck Societies, 51 Countries, and several government agencies organising events to highlight the day.

Key pointers for these groups are to raise awareness of the conditions, and talk about risk factors, cessation, prevention, public education, screening, early diagnosis, physician education, outcomes and survivorship.

For Fran Levy, head and neck cancer is very real.

In Fran’s own words, she describes her battle.

“In 2004, at the age of 47, I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma.

“This is a children’s

cancer, which goes from nothing to life-threatening in 8-10 weeks.

“My tumor, in my soft palate, was very advanced and I was not expected to live.

“I was given very intense chemo for 10 months, with 6 weeks of radiation in the middle. It was a shock to all when my treatment stopped and we discovered that the cancer was gone!

“What a relief, as I had young children still at the time.

While the cancer appeared to have been defeated, the side effects of the treatment required to kill it off remained.

For Fran, finding a solution to these side effects led her to investigate hyperbaric treatment, settling on a series of treatments at the Wesley Hyperbaric

SO SUCCESSFUL: Fran Levy has discovered the benefit of ‘dives’.

Centre in Brisbane.

“The side effects from radiation began to show soon after, with the worst ones in my mouth and jaw, which had taken the full

brunt of the radiation.

“My major ongoing problem was, and still is, non-healing ulcers in my gums and osteoradionecrosis of my

jawbone. The limited saliva that I have left has no healing properties, resulting in ulcers that become extremely painful, open wounds.

“Soon after my first bout of these ulcers, someone I knew recommended the Wesley Hyperbaric Centre to me.

“I contacted them, was referred by their doctor, and commenced my first round of treatment, known as ‘dives’.

“It was so successful that the ulcers closed and healed completely, and I have been back many times since with the same fantastic outcome.

“I also have pre and post dives when I need teeth removed, and my specialists are always amazed that the wounds heal so quickly and so well.

“The chamber is comfortable, the staff are extremely helpful and understanding and the treatment clinic for wound dressing of non-healing Diabetic ulcers is outstanding.

“I have seen several patients in my treatment times have limbs and/or digits saved from amputation by the Hyperbaric treatment they have received.

“I tell everyone I know about this treatment, and cannot recommend it highly enough. It has meant that I have been able to successfully slow down the inevitable degeneration of my jaw and gums.”

The Australian and New Zealand Head and Neck Cancer Society Winter Ball, to be held in Brisbane on July 28 at the Riverlife Sunset Marquee at Kangaroo Point will support World Head and Neck Cancer Day and donate funds raised from the evening into further research of head and neck cancer. To find out more see www.facebook. com /ANZHNCSwinterball or www.anzhncs.org. For more on hyperbaric see wesleyhyperbaric.com.au Brand Insights is sponsored content.

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20 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 10, 2017

Living

Your time to smell camellias at Queensland biggest show

By Alison Houston

IT’S not often you put flowers, vintage cars and bikes, crafts and produce, entertainment and a Japanese tea ceremony together in one sentence, not to mention one venue.

Unless, that is, you’re talking about Toowoomba’s annual Camellia Show and Garden Expo – the biggest camellia show in Queensland.

On again over the weekend of July 15–16, show president Kevin Cotterell said his committee was “over the moon at the way the event has grown in reputation”.

Busloads of people arrive in town specifically for the show, with 3500 attending over the two days last year.

The attraction of camellias, Kevin said, was that they did so well in the Darling Downs soil and

climate, flowered from mid-March to August, and remained attractive year-round with their “lovely glossy leaves”.

Once having a reputation for liking only shady conditions, these days camellia varieties can be found for any spot, including full sun.

For those with a penchant for the species, this year’s show sees the release of a new variety, the Ballerina Camellia, so you can be one of the first

to get your hands on this tall, slender breed that likes the spotlight (in the form of full sun).

But this show goes far beyond the hundreds of camellias on show, with an expansive garden expo featuring plants and products for all green thumbs.

There’s also a range of guest experts including conservationist and ABC Gardening Australia’s Jerry Coleby-Williams, who trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, Gardening for the Good Life’s Claire Bickle, who is passionate about organic gardening and sustainable living, and Toowoomba’s own gardening guru Brian

Sams.

This year’s show has a Japanese theme, including displays of bonsai and Ikebana, as well as a Japanese tea ceremony – which is actually not so unusual when you realise tea is a type of camellia.

The show opens on Saturday with a display of Minis and Harley Davidsons, as well as other vintage and veteran cars and bikes.

There will be music presentations throughout the weekend, as well as a Red Hatters’ Parade on Sunday and celebrity flower arranging.

This year’s feature winter garden is at Stirling

House, Leslie St in Rangeville, and belongs to Colin Fitzgerald, whose garden includes almost 100 camellias – more than half of which are currently in bloom. It also boasts the legendary Golden Camellia – the only known specimen in Toowoomba.

Colin will open his house to the public in conjunction with the show from 10am–4pm.

Entry is $8 for the show and expo, $5 for the winter garden or $10 for both.

Funds raised will go to the Toowoomba Hospice.

For more information go to www.toowoomba camellia show.com.

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REVVING UP FOR FLOWER SHOW: Members of the Historical Motor Cycle Club of Queensland Toowoomba Area join Deputy Mayor Carol Taylor and fellow councillors to celebrate the launch of this year’s Toowoomba Camellia Show and Garden Expo with show committee members.

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Seniors 21

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22 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 10, 2017

Housing and Finance Feature

The pressure for affordable housing Tracey Johnstone

AT the age of almost 74, Peter Montgomery believes his age cohort are the forerunners to a major affordable housing crisis in Australia.

“The government are talking about the demographics of the ageing population but they don’t appear to be addressing any of the related issues that are starting to emerge,” Peter said.

“At our age, we are the frontrunners. But what about the ones that are coming behind? They’re not all going to be financially independent.”

Peter is living his own crisis now. He and his wife Barbara exist on a part-pension, plus he runs a small business that helps pay for the house they have to rent, plus food and “spiralling utility costs”.

“Renting is hugely expensive. If we were on the aged pension only, we would be paying around 70% of it on rent,” Peter said.

He is also caught in the middle of a family health crisis and without funds to buy a home, it’s a daily battle to keep his and his wife’s heads above the tideline.

❝

Renting is hugely expensive. If we were on the aged pension only, we would be paying around 70% of it on rent.

In his early 60s and with his wife diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, Peter decided to sell the family home in Queensland, which gave him enough money to pay out all his debts, including a mortgage, and buy a caravan which he and his wife could live in.

“We had a huge back-debt on the mortgage, which I cleared, but having cleared it, it meant that we were cleaned out. Then we did the sums and worked out

we no longer could afford to keep it,” Peter said.

Peter and Barbara then moved to Victoria, where most of his family lived, and spent 18 months in the caravan.

The proud former farmer struggled with the confined environment so the couple settled into a rented house for a year.

When it came time to renew the lease, he discovered how insecure renting can be. The owner wanted the house back to demolish and build units on the site.

“So we had to move again,” he said. The next house he rented for just more than 12 years, until the owner died and the family took possession and promptly told Peter to move out.

He calls it “investor determination”. “People buy a property, lease it out for a while and renters think they are secure. But no they’re not because the lease isn’t going to be renewed because the owners are going to demolish the house and put units on it.”

When pursuing another rental property, Peter said he experienced overt age discrimination. While the agent wouldn’t say it out loud, Peter voiced it for her. “I said there is no way in God’s earth that we can be that bad a tenant, so can I say to you it’s got a lot to do with our age?”

His other accommodation choice is public housing, but he expects to wait at least six years for it to become available.

“I suggest that it’s been at least 20 years since there was in any state a major building project for community housing that met specific needs,” Peter said.

“I am doing all right because I am working and I am reasonably healthy, but what about the poor people who may have been in a house as long as us, are older than us and that get the same notice to vacate?

“They might not have a family that can help them or they might not be able to raise a bond , where do they go? They’re the forgotten people.”

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: We are the frontrunners for the crisis in affordable housing, but what about the people who are coming behind us?

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Monday, July 10, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 23

Housing and Finance Feature

Affordable Housing: Your share Home Equity release Tracey Johnstone

THERE are three main options for older Australians wanting to release equity in their home; reverse mortgages, the Pension Loans Scheme and shared sales proceeds arrangements.

The most commonly used option is a reverse mortgage.

REVERSE MORTGAGE

■ A person, generally aged 60 and over, can access their home equity.

■ The lender takes a mortgage over the property.

■ The minimum amount is usually $10,000, and a maximum is set usually based on the lender’s age.

■ The loan can be received as a lump sum, a regular payment or sit ready to be drawn down when required.

■ It only needs to be repaid once a trigger event occurs, such as the sale of the house, the breach in the contract or the death of the borrower.

■ Interest is charged and compounded monthly, over the period of the loan.

■ Loans can have either fixed or variable interest rates.

■ A No Negative Equity Guarantee is in place so that the loan, regardless of its length or the movement in interest rates, will not exceed the value of the home.

■ If the loan is taken out by a couple and one of them dies, it will stay with the surviving partner.

■ Most providers will allow for top up amounts or further borrowing,

depending on the lenders borrowing margins.

■ Some providers will allow for the loan to be used for the payment of an aged care accommodation deposit.

National Seniors Financial Information Desk manager, Craig Hall, explained the concept behind this type of loan is to give people who own a house, but are income poor, help to get them through costs such as daily living expenses or cover a major one-off expense.

“It’s important for the borrower to understand how much of the asset will likely be passed onto the provider upon repayment,” Mr Hall said.

“Projections must be given to the borrower to give them an understanding about what equity will remain after so many years (of the loan), and they have to use the MoneySmart calculator on the ASIC website.”

Mr Hall said legal advice was mandatory to ensure the borrower knew the terms and conditions of the loan.

“We also suggest a person seeks independent financial advice as they can advise on whether the loan will affect a person’s Aged Pension and will it impact on provisions for aged care, for example.”

There is also one provider that has launched a loan product which, subject to the retirement village allowing for it, means a person could take out a reverse mortgage on their village contract.

PENSION LOANS SCHEME

■ This is a government scheme.

■ It’s available for people who aren’t on an Aged Pension or are on a part-pension.

■ It’s based on the what amount of equity is offered, how much is to be kept back and the age of the borrower.

■ The government takes out security over the home.

■ It will then top up the aged pension to the maximum amount per fortnight.

■ That amount, which becomes the loan amount, and with interest, would accrue.

■ The current interest rate is 5.25%.

■ The full loan amount would then be repaid at the time of a trigger event.

It can also be repaid, in part or in full, at any time prior to a trigger event.

“For example, if the full pension is $500 per week and if I am eligible for an Aged Pension at $300 per week, I could say I want the full pension.,” Mr Hall said.

“The $200 difference forms part of the Pension Loans Scheme and that’s the part that accrues interest over time.”

A borrower should note that they can access the loan if they are of age person age and because they aren’t eligible for a payment or only for reduced payment rate because of the assets or income tests, but not both. Full details on the loans are available from www.humanservices.gov. au/customer/services/ centrelink/pension-loans-

scheme. The advantage of a reverse mortgage is that it’s likely more money can be borrowed or a lump sum borrowed for a major expense.

SHARED SALES PROCEEDS ARRANGEMENTS

■ It’s called Homesafe and is only offered by Bendigo Bank.

■ Contracts can only be made for properties located in metropolitan Sydney and Melbourne.

■ There is no interest charged on the loan.

■ A home owner can access a lump sum by selling a share of the future sale proceeds of their home. So, when the property is sold, the owner forfeits some of the home equity as the loan provider takes an agreed percentage of the sale proceeds.

■ There are eligibility requirements such as the minimum age is 60.

Of these three equity release options, the reverse mortgage has the most flexibility. “The reverse mortgage has been around for the longest,” Mr Hall said.

“They had a bit of a bad name in the late 2000s until the industry started to clean itself up a bit.

Since then they are more user friendly and quite flexible.

“If you have other resources such as term deposits, it’s generally a no-brainer that you would be better off using those first.

“For those who don’t have other resources behind them, their house is something they can tap into.”

EVERYDAY MATTERS CAROLYN DEVRIES CEO of New Way Lawyers

WE ARE excited to continue with Part 4 of our series which focuses on debunking some of the common myths about separation, divorce and property settlement.

This month we look at what is probably the most common myth that is shared with people who have recently separated or divorced and trying to resolve property matters.

MYTH NUMBER 4: EVERYTHING IS SPLIT 50 / 50

Ever since we were children, we have always been told to share and our instincts seem to tell us that the fairest way to share is equally.

A very common myth about property settlement is that assets and debts are automatically divided 50/50 following separation or divorce.

While this may be the case for some relationships, it does not apply across the board.

There is no legal presumption that the court will equally divide the assets and liabilities of your relationship.

Although there have been some very interesting recent cases coming from the courts regarding property settlement it is still generally accepted that when determining the division of assets and liabilities the following four-step approach should be followed: ■ 1. All the assets and liabilities held by the individuals to the

relationship are identified and valued; ■ 2. The contributions that each party made to the assets and liabilities to the relationship are considered.

Contributions are defined broadly and include initial contributions, contributions during the relationship and contributions following separation.

Contributions may take the form of financial and also non-financial contributions which include contributions in the role of homemaker and parent.

■ 3. The future needs of both the parties to the relationship are then considered, such as the age of the parties, the health of the parties, the income and earning capacity of the parties and care arrangements for any children of the relationship.

■ 4. The outcome is then further considered and if necessary adjusted to ensure that it is fair and just.

After following this approach, the entitlement of each party to the assets and liabilities can be ascertained.

■ PRACTICAL POINTER:

Following separation or divorce you may be able to reach an agreement with your partner or spouse about how the assets and liabilities to be divided.

While it is positive if you can reach an agreement amicably with your partner or spouse, you may benefit from receiving legal advice about your entitlements and rights prior to reaching any agreement.

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24 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Neighbourhood News

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 10, 2017

Community

TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (100 word maximum).

If you would like to submit a photo please ensure it is at least 180dpi with faces in a nice and bright setting.

The deadline for the August issue is July 27.

Email Nicky or Chris at communitynotes@ seniorsnewspaper.com.au

per person (gets you five raffle tickets). Can’t make it? Perhaps you would like to donate any raffle prizes just let me know. The fun kicks off at 7pm, You can call ahead to reserve a table, please phone 4632 0888 and ask to make a reservation. It is all good fun and we don’t take things too seriously, new players are always welcome.

U3A

you would love your grandchildren to develop the Christian faith that you value but the families are too busy with other concerns, consider bringing them along.

There are people of all ages to help with crafts or just chat over the meal.

Phone the church office on 4661 1080 or just turn up.

DARLING Downs Hospital and Health Service mobile women’s health nurse Kathryn Anning will visit a variety of locations to conduct free Well Women’s clinics throughout July. The service is free and confidential and is available to all women. Ms Anning also provides a range of services including pap smears, breast awareness and sexual health testing as well as advice for issues such as continence, menopause, contraception and general well-being.

Upcoming clinics will be held at the following locations: ■ Warwick Hospital Wednesday, July 19, at the Specialist Clinic, Warwick Hospital (Eastern side of the Hospital), between 9am-3pm. Phone Warwick Hospital outpatients department on 4660 3841 for inquiries and bookings.

■ Clifton Medical Centre, Tuesday, July 11, between 9am-3pm. Phone Clifton Medical Centre on 4697 3097 for inquiries and bookings.

■ Pittsworth, Allied Health rooms, Beauaraba Living, Tuesday, July 11, between 9am-3pm. Phone 4619 8422.

■ Oakey Hospital, Monday, July 17 and Tuesday, July 18, between 9am-3pm. Phone 4691 4888.

TRIVIA

ARS CANTORUM

SENIORS Information Expo is on August 23.

Toowoomba Regional Council is sponsoring this community Expo and once again it will be the key Seniors Week event in the Toowoomba Region.

Council sponsorship enables free entry to the public. Our committee have planned the usual 75 booths so that there is a percentage of new exhibits, as well as a great variety to interest you.

This gives you the opportunity to seek out information you may need, and to learn of the diverse activities Seniors can participate in. Doors open at 8.30am to 2.30pm on Wednesday, August 23.

Devonshire Teas and light lunches available. Parking attendants will direct you to free car parks and a courtesy vehicle is available to transport you to the front door of the expo. Details phone Irene 4636 3316, Rhonda 4613 6559 or Trish 4687 7659.

TOOWOOMBA CALEDONIAN SOCIETY & PIPE BAND INC

IS holding a Ceilidh on Saturday, August 26 in the Drayton Hall Toowoomba.

Starting at 7pm with the Pipe Band. Come along and enjoy a night of Scottish Entertainment which includes Highland dancing, lots of community dancing (all called and walked through) Cost of the evening is $10pp Under 13 free and school-aged children $5 and a plate of food for supper. Details phone Mar 0429 700 217.

WARWICK SPINNERS AND WEAVERS INC.

POP up shop opening from July 20-29, open hours 9am-4pm. Part of

FREE WOMENS HEALTH CLINICS

CARING FOR YOU: Women’s Health Nurse Kathryn Anning offers free health checks at various locations in Toowoomba region.

Warwick’s Jumpers and Jazz Festival. Also demonstrations and workshops twice each day at 10am and another at 2pm. No bookings necessary. Venue: Conference Room at Cafe Jacqui’s, corner Albion and Victoria Sts, Warwick.

Phone 0402 420 460 or visit Warwick Spinners and Weavers on Facebook.

GARDEN CITY BRANCH OF NATIONAL SENIORS

WE Meet on the third Monday of the month, except December. The next meeting will be Monday, July 17 at Drayton Bowls Club, 9.30am. Cost $7. Visitors welcome. A volunteer nurse, Deb Louden from Mercy Ships will attend this meeting to give a presentation about the work that they do. Bus trip on Wednesday, July 26 is a Theatre Restaurant ‘Christmas in July Luncheon’ at Toorbul Community Hall. Details phone Hazel on 4635 4519.

QUILT SHOW

A UNIQUE display of first-time-ever exhibited quilts will be on show during 2017 Carnival of Flowers. The annual Quilt Exhibition presented by Toowoomba Quilters Club Inc will be held at the St Ursula’s College Salo Centre in Rome St, Toowoomba, from Saturday to Friday, September 16-22. Doors open Saturday to Thursday 9am-4.30pm and Friday 9am-2.30pm.

Hundreds of quilts in traditional, modern and

art styles, small items, sales table, charity quilt Art Union, raffles, Traders stands, light refreshments and more. Admission: $5.

Wheelchair friendly. Phone Betty 0447 247 081 to book bus tours.

ANNUAL BOOK SALE

THE St Stephen’s and Middle Ridge Uniting Church Combined Mission Committee will hold their Annual Book Sale on Saturday, July 29 from 7am-noon at 264 Stenner St, Toowoomba. Proceeds will go to support the Leichhardt Patrol ministry.

CENT SALE

THE Missionary Sisters of St Peter Claver are holding their Cent Sale on Wednesday, July 12 at All Seasons Function Hall (corner of North and Tor Sts, Toowoomba). The $5 entry gives you a free sheet of tickets, Lucky door entry and buffet morning tea. Doors open at 8.30am for 9.30am start. Details phone Sr Miriam on (07) 4632 1818.

MAINLY MUSIC

FOR those grandparents who care for preschool children, mainly music offers a relaxed program of music, play, morning tea and interaction that can be enjoyed by all ages at the Warwick Uniting Church. The Warwick program operates 2 hour-and-a-half sessions on a Thursday morning during school term at 9.15am and 10.15am with a common morning tea for both groups. The cost is $4 per family, and there is always at least one grandparent-family there.

Warwick Uniting Church offers Mainly Music, which gives grandparents the opportunity of being out in the community while caring for grandchildren.

On occasions there are even four generations of the one family. So if you are looking for an activity for a Thursday morning, come and visit and see how you and your little one will enjoy the experience.

Details phone 4661 1080 or just turn up.

MESSY CHURCH

HAVE you heard about Messy Church?

Sometimes we think about it as a 21st century Sunday School at the Warwick Uniting Church where young families experience the Christian faith stories that can support their life values as adults, a relaxed, informal program that operates at the Uniting Church, opposite the Court House on a Friday evening, twice a term from 5-7.30pm. Most families give a donation to cover the cost of the meal. If

GRAB some friends and come down to test your knowledge every Wednesday night at the Toowoomba Sports Club.

Registration is between 6pm and 7pm in the Great Western. It would be great to see as many of you and your friends/ family members to come along for a great night all raising money for Triple M GM5FK appeal and the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation. Entry is $5

Local choir, Ars Cantorum, is presenting, Christmas in August at St.James Church, Toowoomba, on Friday August 11 at 7pm.

Nativity themed music featuring Bach, Beethoven, contemporary composers and traditional carols will be followed by a cheese and wine supper.

Admission is $15.

Enquiries 0412 327 616.

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Monday, July 10, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Live and let’s save

Seniors 25

POWERED BY

Go ahead and try a DIY project BEFORE you jump into a ‘do it yourself’ project, make sure you have enough time, the right materials and understand that you might need plenty of patience.

Things don’t always go as you first planned out, so be aware of unexpected costs.

It might be a good idea to start small if you are a beginner.

You can visit your local Bunnings or hardware store for DIY classes.

Construct simple pieces if you are unsure of your skills.

If you like a challenge, here are some pros and cons to help you decide on Y, a DIY project is for you.

Pros: ■ It is a great way to

BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN develop creativity.

■ Simply painting or refinishing old furniture can give it a new look and a new lease on life.

■ DIY projects often give you a chance to design your own furniture or other home decor items.

■ You get to choose colours, materials and sizes, giving you a greater sense of control.

■ You get a sense of satisfaction from making something yourself.

■ It’s a chance to recycle or upcycle products to create something of your

DIY projects give you the chance to recycle or upcycle products to create something of your own.

own for individuality.

Cons: ■ The most common one is having an unfinished DIY project due to lack of time, expertise or access to the right materials.

■ There is always the chance of failure and wasting your money, materials and time.

■ It can be easy to

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underestimate the complexity of a project.

■ Make sure you have the right safety equipment and working conditions to avoid injury.

Overall, a DIY project is a great way to spend your spare time during the cooler weather. www.thespruce.com

Your health and vitality in winter

WINTER is here and healthy eating is always a challenge so here are a few ideas to help stay on track.

A good healthy breakfast makes a great start to the day.

Porridge with a serve of fruit or eggs and tomato and what about sourdough toast with avocado, sliced tomato and a poached egg, my favourite!

Be prepared and stock your cupboards with canned goods such as baked beans, tinned fruit and veggies; which can

Linking seniors with community information across Queensland 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday www.seniorsenquiryline.com.au DELICIOUS: Ken’s smashed avocado and egg.

KEN’S SMASHED AVOCADO AND EGG

■ 1 ripe avocado ■ 2 slices sourdough bread ■ 1 poached egg ■ Squeeze of lime juice Toast sourdough bread while cooking poached egg, spread avocado over

toast then add a squeeze of lime juice and top with egg. Sliced tomato is a also a nice addition Season to taste.

Tip: Keep the stone in the leftover avocado and splash with lemon or lime juice then cover to stop avocado browning.

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HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN

help with the choices you can make when trying to think of what to cook.

You can always use canned veggies to add to casseroles and soups for extra convenience and flavour.

Enjoy 2-3 serves of fish a week either baked or make a fish pie but try to use low fat pastry or filo as an alternative.

Frittata’s are also a great option for a pastry free pie or quiche.

Lots of fresh or canned fruit and vegetables are very important for a balanced diet.

Eating with the seasons means more money in your pocket and better tasting ingredients on your plate. So shop with that in mind when you go to the green grocers or supermarket next time.

Win a Copy of ‘Troy Cassar-Daley – Things I Carry Around!’

This month we chatted to Troy Cassar-Daley to get his take on ageing. To celebrate, we are giving you the chance to win one of three copies of Troy’s latest album, “Things I Carry Around”.

To be in the running, simply email communitynotes@seniorsnewspaper.com.au. Make sure you tell us your name (first and last), contact number, email, postal address and Seniors Newspapers region, then answer this question Have you or a family member considered a retirement or lifestyle village, now or in the future?

Good luck!

Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitions for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558.

Promotional period 03/07/17 – 26/07/17. Competition drawn 9am 27/07/17 at Cnr Mayne Rd and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Winners announced in Seniors Newspapers August 2017. Total prize value $60.00 (including GST).

Wellbeing + Travel + living + Money

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

26 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

Writers Festival

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, July 10, 2017

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Be wary if the number in the ad is disconnected.

If the buyer/seller says the number is disconnected because they are overseas, ask for a landline phone number at their current location as well as a mobile phone number.

All contact details of the person buying or selling the car should be verified to ensure they are genuine.

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LIFE LESSONS: Investigative reporter and author Amanda Gearing writes to make a difference and has covered the 2011 floods and the 2001 sexual abuse case which led to law reform, portrayed in the movie Don’t Tell.

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JOURNALIST ALISON HOUSTON NO QUEENSLANDER will forget the scenes of flood horror and heartache which swept through Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley on January 10, 2011, claiming 24 lives.

But for those who lived through that devastation – the life and death choices which no-one should have to make, who risked their own lives to save others, who lost family, friends, property, and in some cases everything dear to them, who had to completely rebuild their lives – those six years in many cases have been an eternity.

Some of these brave survivors will take part in a panel, hosted by investigative reporter and author Amanda Gearing, as part of USQ’s Bookcase writers’ festival from 1.30pm on Saturday, July 22. Her book, The Torrent: A True Story of Heroism and Survival is also officially launched.

Amanda, who is also keynote speaker at the festival, covered the floods for three weeks for The Australian newspaper and won a Walkley Award in 2012 for her ABC Radio National documentary, The Day that Changed Grantham.

She spoke to 120 survivors from the eight worst-affected areas for her first book, released a year after the floods, aimed at raising awareness of flash flooding, improving preparedness and hopefully saving lives.

For her latest book, she returned five years later and re-interviewed 30 of that original group to update what had happened for those individuals and their communities.

While reporters often return to the scene of a tragedy one or two years afterwards, Amanda said this was the first longer term data, which showed that while some people had successfully moved on with their lives, many were still haunted by that day, suffering PTSD and still fighting for insurance compensation.

She writes: “Those who lost possessions but who were not traumatised by the disaster, who remained healthy and had insurance with companies that promptly paid their claims, were able to resume their work, repair or replace their homes and return to a relatively normal life within months or a few years.

“However, for those people who were bereaved of one or more family members during or after the flood, who were traumatised on the day, who lost their ability to work or whose insurance claims were slow and difficult, the journey has generally been far more challenging”.

Amanda said while emergency services debriefings led to the adoption of new equipment by helicopter rescue services, including special equipment for children, multi-tasking of fire crews to conduct winch rescues, the addition of power boats to the rescue fleet, and a change to coloured wetsuits for swift water operators to improve their visibility at night, there were still major lessons to be learned from the tragedy.

Victims, for instance, were offered counselling and relief funding only in the affected towns – which many could not attend either because they had been forced to move away, or because they were suffering PTSD, meaning that in many cases those most in need, never received help.

Those affected have

since suffered chronic illness, marriage break-up, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Some have been forced to stay on in the region because they received little or no insurance, and alternative government housing was only offered a few miles up the hill, forcing people to cope in situ with their trauma, when many would have preferred to leave.

Amanda said it was important to learn every painful lesson which could be learned from the suffering which occurred, and continues to occur.

That includes the need to change policy, to alter insurance practices, to understand the fragmentation of the communities and to officially recognise those amazing members of the public who put their own lives at risk to help save their neighbours in situations when even trained officials with the right equipment struggled.

This is not the first cause in which Amanda’s writing has played a major part. She was instrumental in reporting the Toowoomba Supreme Court trial in 2001 that became the case behind the movie Don’t Tell, a charity screening of which will also be shown on Saturday night, followed by a Q & A hosted by Amanda with lawyer and executive movie producer Stephen Roche.

Amanda’s keynote address is on Saturday, 10am. On Sunday, she will run an investigative journalism masterclass in which she delves into her 18-month investigation that led to law reform in Australia and forced the resignation of Governor General Peter Hollingworth over failure to protect children from a known child sex offender.

For bookings, simply search USQ Bookcase.

Puzzles

Monday, July 10, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

D E T T S I S

A R A B Y

U D L A Y C

Y E A B R K V

A N D W A F E N

D E S A C R A

I

N C S A Y N

E S T W T E R

B E B U G L

T A I L R O T

D

W E I E N D O E

R E P E E A T E

G H Y A R

E

L L

Y

I

TODAY

K 454

K M

Good 12 Very Good 16 Excellent 20+

S A

16 17

18

19

22

TRIO

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

SUDOKU

23

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

CORKS HUSTLE ATTUNED NUDE ROCK TUNE LOVER

SUDOKU

JIGGERED

ALPHAGRAMS

H L

E I

15

21

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

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.

14

ROCKS, SLEUTH, TAUNTED, UNCORKED, VOLUNTEER.

woRD Go RoUND

13

20

alpHaGRaMS

H

12

What’s

Going On? Are there exciting things happening in your local senior community? Share your story online.

Look for the ‘share your event or story’ box on our home page. Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au

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Z E P

11

alike hake hike hikes kale kame khaki lake leak leaks like likes make makes mask milk milks MILKSHAKE sake saki shake silk skim slake

R K E A S S

10

WORD GO ROUND

I

9

K A Y A K

E M S S C

5

8

TRIO: KIL

V L E B I

O A D O

C H S E I

7

N D A E N D A Y C E S C A S T W E R R V E R

L

I

R V H E R

4

6

R I M A S W L F E M U S S L C A R A D B A Y R D E T E T S I S T T A I L R O T H

P O E L E Y B

S I O C

I M S L

3

R E P E E A T E L V L E B I C H S E I N C S A Y N P O E L E Y B

R

Down 1. Hire (5) 2. Every other year (8) 3. Amend (6) 4. Unfeeling (4) 5. Prostitutes (colloq) (7) 6. The lowest point (4,6) 9. Took place (10) 12. Compatibility (8) 14. Playhouse (7) 16. Implant (6) 19. Pried (5) 20. Manage (4)

2

I R I S E I S S O C I E B R O A D V O B E D L E L G L Y A Z I A T E R P E I G H N Y A O E R

R A R A T O R

Across 1. Mazes (10) 7. Egg-shaped (5) 8. Leave suddenly (colloq) (7) 10. Enthusiasm (8) 11. Greenstone club (4) 13. Fugitive (6) 15. Counterbalance (6) 17. Level (4) 18. Badge (8) 21. Dispense (4,3) 22. Distribute (5) 23. Moved to a new position (10)

1

B U R R O W E D

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 3x3 square fits in with that letter and write in the letters.

You can also shade the black squares if you find it helpful.

After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.

QUICK CRoSSwoRD

QUICK CROSSWORD

3/7

Seniors 27

Across: 1. Labyrinths 7. Ovate 8. Vamoose 10. Keenness 11.

Mere 13. Outlaw 15. Offset 17. Tier 18. Insignia 21. Mete out 22. Issue 23. Redeployed.

Down: 1. Lease 2. Biennial 3. Revise 4. Numb 5. Hookers 6.

Rock bottom 9. Eventuated 12. Affinity 14. Theatre 16. Instil 19.

Nosed 20. Cope.

JIGGERED

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

28 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs

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