Toowoomba, December 2018

December, 2018

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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS

Tony Bonner ... on life, sobriety and the meaning of family

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Merry Christmas to you

INDEX 3 News - Over-80s Mayoral party 4 Cover Story - Tony Bonner 9 Talk n Thoughts 10 Community group guide 13 Wanderlust 21 Wellbeing 23 Living 31 Puzzles

Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor

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New ways to check driving skills

25

IT’S seems such a long time ago when the mention of a whole year ahead felt like an eternity, but these days I know I’m not alone when I say that every Christmas seems to come around faster than the last one!

Just a couple of weeks ago, I was blessed with my second grandchild, a healthy little girl. I feel there is absolutely nothing that could be a better Christmas gift than the safe delivery of this little one.

But I will also be spending time with my other grandchild, five-year-old Maryam who has reached the age of pondering team activities.

“GG (stands for Grandma Gail), she says looking up at me with her big brown eyes: ‘What can we do today’?”

Fortunately, thanks to a number of community groups who answered our call-out for ideas, I have a list that will keep both of us busy. I hope it gives you some ideas too.

This year we have filled many pages sharing the latest news on activities for the mind and body. On that line, I’m happy to say at age 61, I have completed nearly five years of part-time study and gained a Masters of Arts in

Literature (research). I now happily join a fast-growing list of people in my age group who have completed post-grad study. I’m one of those people that find study more natural that exercise! But I’m naming 2019 as my active body year – so watch out for plenty of physical exercise stories.

Christmas is time for friends, families and community. I’d like say Merry Christmas to our community of Seniors Newspaper readers, to our advertisers, to all those who contribute community notes and articles, to the great people who have let us interview and write stories about their lives and to my talented work colleagues.

Personally, I’m off to spend time with my three sisters and families and hope to catch up with my favourite Aunty Gem and cousins.

Best wishes Gail

CONTACT US General Manager Geoff Crockett – 07 5430 1006 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 07 5435 3203 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Brett Mauger – 07 5435 3203 brett.mauger@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Brisbane Seniors Newspaper”.

The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.

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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.

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

3

Mayoral party a gift to Toowoomba over-80s Seniors recognised for the pivotol role played in region

Alison Houston AGE does not define who you are or the active role you play in the community.

That was the message Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio took back to the office after his annual Mayoral Over-80s Christmas Party recently.

Each year, the mayor invites octogenarians and beyond to celebrate with him at the Toowoomba Showgrounds Founders Pavilion, and this year 680 accepted the call.

“In today’s society, we are living longer, and we see and do more, so being over 80 no longer means you can’t enjoy activities or get out and about,” Cr Antonio said after chatting and swapping stories with a

number of the participants.

“Talking to those who attended it was great to see we had residents who still run marathons, go bungee jumping, travel and work as volunteers – they are visible and active members of our community.”

The mayor paid tribute to the senior citizens from all cultures who have helped make the region what it is today.

As we look to the future, he said “we must not forget where we have come from, and the rich traditions we have made together as individuals and a community over the years”.

“Our seniors have played a pivotal role in helping us get to where we are today.

“They are part of our past, present and future,

HAPPY DAYS: Mayor Paul Antonio shares a festive moment with resident Kathleen Davey. and council and the community are proud to acknowledge them.”

Council also celebrated with the rest of the community on December

6 as City Hall was transformed by thousands of Christmas

lights and a party to celebrate them being turned on.

Updates from the Toowoomba Region Council Meetings

CHANGE Project

The next meetings of Council’s Standing Committees will be held on 11 and 12 December commencing at 9am. The next Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held on 18 December commencing at 10am. All meetings are at City Hall, 541 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba.

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

PARTY TIME: Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk with a member of the 100+ club.

Welcome to 100+ club WELCOME to the club.

That was the message from Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk as she inducted 30 new members into the 100+ club at a special Christmas celebration at Parliament House.

The Premier said the latest acquisitions added to the rich fabric of living history of the 100+ club.

“This year is particularly poignant, because these very special

Queenslanders were alive and some old enough to remember when the bells rang out marking the end of the First World War.” Those stories include 100+ club inductees Alfreda McDonald and Albert Lindsay Boyd.

Ms McDonald helped the war cause after learning morse code through the walls of the floristry shop in which she worked, while Mr Boyd was on the frontlines

when Darwin was attacked in 1942.

However, the Premier would be amiss if she didn’t reserve special praise for the club’s current longest serving member – the ‘Queen of Queensland’, Mabel Crosby, who celebrated her 109th birthday in September.

Ms Palaszczuk said the 100+ club embodied what it meant to be a Queenslander.

We’d like to hear your thoughts and ideas on the future of sport, active recreation and healthy living in the Toowoomba Region.

Have your say by completing our survey and go in the draw to win some amazing prizes to the value of up to $500! Surveys are open until 5pm on Friday 21 December 2018.

Complete one online via http://yoursay.tr.qld. gov.au/activate-survey or in hard copy at Council Customer Service Centres.

Water Restrictions We’ve introduced medium level water restrictions to a number of communities across the region including Hodgson Vale, Valeview, Cambooya, Clifton, Greenmount, Pittsworth (including Brookstead and Southbrook), Cecil Plains and Yarraman.

This is to preserve our underground water supplies and bores. For more information on these restrictions and what areas are affected, call us or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/water

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

The year’s winding down, the jolly season is here and it’s time to celebrate!

There are plenty of events around the region to spread the festive spirit. Head to www.tr.qld.gov.au/christmasevents to find events near you.

New Years Eve Fireworks New Year’s Eve is a time to party all around the world and Toowoomba Region is no exception! Come along to Frog’s Hollow, Queen’s Park on Monday 31 December for a night packed with activities and fun for all.

Enjoy food stalls, a petting zoo and free kids’ rides from 3.30pm, family fun activities with heaps of prizes from 5.00pm, and of course, our fireworks spectacular from 7.45pm! This event is proudly sponsored by Orchy Toowoomba. For more info call 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/events TRC_1218_SN

Activate Survey (prizes to be won!)

Regional Christmas Events

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COVER STORY

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Digging deep

Bonner’s life rates high on satisfaction, just not happiness

A BIG LIFE: Tony Bonner looks back at history and future dreams.

Photo: Tracey Johnstone

Tracey Johnstone TONY Bonner is sitting on a bench on the balcony of his beloved Manly Life Saving Club. In the background the ocean waves crash. A group of novice surfboard riders tentatively head out under the watchful eye of an instructor. The Norfolk Pines sway in the gentle breeze. Horns honk, running bare feet slap on the pathway below. All is seemingly very everyday.

For this internationally recognised actor, it’s his normal. It’s his safety zone. There, he is king of the club – immediate past-president for the fourth time, newly minted Life Member, grandson of the first club president, and still active patrol man. It’s where he comes every day he is at home.

More than 50 years of acting, directing, singing, dancing, coaching, teaching and mentoring isn’t enough. Bonner is still looking for happiness in his life.

He has travelled the world, worked alongside the likes of Kirk Douglas, Roger Moore, Tom

Selleck, Tony Curtis and Paul Hogan. He will also be forever remembered for stint as the helicopter pilot in the iconic Australian television series Skippy which went to air 50 years ago this year.

Some readers will remember when Cosmopolitan boldly launched its male centrefold series in 1972 with Burt Reynolds in America and then Bonner in Australia.

“I thought it was great and always have,” Bonner said.

Last year’s awarding of an Australian Medal remains one of his Bonner’s fondest life moments. He has received many peer awards, but to also be recognised publicly for his entertainment industry roles, along with his contribution to lifesaving and to several high-profile charities; there has been nothing more precious to him.

Bonner’s most recent work was as a feature actor in the Australian crime thriller film Landfall which is due in cinemas this month.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

COVER STORY

5

to get to Tony Bonner Unlike America, Bonner says there are less and less roles in Australia open to veteran actors.

“Once you hit 50 you kind of start to become invisible,” Bonner said. “ But for Bonner, he has two more films “in the air”, awarded writer and journalist Matthew Condon is working on Bonner’s biography and Katie Rae is painting his portrait for next year’s Archibald Prize.

Even with all that to Bonner’s credit, it just seems that still isn’t enough.

Bonner’s slight tilt of the head to the left and a gentle creasing of the brow introduces the intense side of the still

very handsome, single, 75-year-old.

That intensity is a product of his tempestuous life journey and its outcomes.

Bonner ran away from a violent home scene just after he had turned 14.

“I caught a daylight train to Melbourne, rented a little room in east Melbourne, and started,” Bonner said.

He battled alcoholism from the age of 14 through to 46.

“I danced with the devil back then,” Bonner added.

He put down the booze and the cigarettes, once and for all. His work improved. His relationships improved.

“It’s only been pluses,” he said.

Next year Bonner will proudly mark 30 years of staying dry.

“If there is such a thing as miracles in the life, and I believe there is, I am one,” he said.

About 14 years ago he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Bonner has since then mentored both men diagnosed with the disease and their partners about the experience, reminding them, “your life is more important that your erection”.

So, will he know when he has found his happiness?

“I don’t know; I’m sure there will be a feeling that

says to me, this is what you have missed all your life,” he said.

A slight lowering of the direct gaze. His tense shoulders ease ever so slightly. The corners of his mouth give way to a gentle, loving smile. The pall over Bonner’s life lifts as he talks about his family; his greatest personal pride.

Bonner’s continuing strong relationship with his ex-wife, Nola Clark, and enduring connection with his three daughters and their children are what he says have kept him alive.

Living long enough to become a greatgrandfather is absolutely

FROM LEFT: Tony Bonner was the first Australian centrefold for the Cosmopolitan magazine, published in 1972; young Tony (as flight ranger Jerry King) with Skippy the Bush Kangaroo; and Tony with actor Shawn Brack in Travis Bain’s new thriller movie Landfall, in cinemas from this month. at the top of Bonner’s list for the future.

“To even say that from someone who didn’t think he would get past the age of 20 because of the way I was living; for me to still be here at 75 and to think, holy crap, there is a distinct possibility you are going to be a greatgrandfather; to me it’s nearly incomprehensible,” he said.

Bonner started the day with a swim in the ocean at first light. By the end of the day he has turned his mind to hosting a

fundraising function at the surf club, before heading off to coach aspiring actors and continue his charity work for The Smith Family, Bravehearts, the Variety Club and the Wesley Mission suicide prevention program.

“It’s in my nature,” he said.

“I have been blessed to have been in a battle and knocked around a bit, and survived. I get great pleasure if I can be of assistance to someone; if I can put a hand out, then I am really blessed.”

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NEWS

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Professor’s inventions made for better world Medical-engineering projects served to save countless lives

Ali Houston THEY say everyone has a story to tell, but former University of Southern Queensland professor John Grant-Thomson AM, a finalist in last month’s Queensland Senior Australian of the Year Award, has more to tell than most.

The award recognises people aged 65 and over who continue to achieve and contribute to the nation.

Prof Grant-Thomson served in the Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Army Medical Corps and spent three decades as a reservist.

He was a member of the NASA team that established the Toowoomba Cooby Creek tracking station that

researched satellite communication systems, culminating in the moon landing.

He worked at the university – even before it was a university – for more than 30 years, starting in 1970 as a data processing technician before increasing study eventually brought him to the title of Professor of Medical Engineering.

But it is his work inventing the world-leading Mansell Infant Retrieval System (now Neocot) in 2000 for which he will go down in history.

It began, not surprisingly given his Defence Force background, with the idea of a Mobile Intensive Care Retrieval Facility—a stretcher with its own power and life-saving features—which he

LIFE'S WORK: Former University of Southern Queensland professor John Grant-Thomson AM was a finalist in last month's Queensland Senior Australian of the Year Award.

Photo: COURTESY USQ developed to bring hospital-standard care to the frontline in the 1990s, but only 10 were made.

The concept was then reworked after extensive consultation with doctors in neonatal and paediatric units, and Neocot, a heated capsule surrounded by monitoring

and resuscitation equipment, was developed allowing a baby to be transported under intensive-care conditions to a specialist hospital.

It is used to move more than 300 premature or critically ill babies throughout Australia each month, and is now also

used in Europe, with inquiries fielded from the UK and USA. "USQ has remained involved with the Neocot system over many years, with more than 30 final-year engineering students undertaking work-experience programs with Toowoomba

manufacturer BAC Technologies," USQ Vice-Chancellor Geraldine Mackenzie said.

BAC currently employs five full-time USQ graduate engineers on the project, keeping the device at the forefront of medical technology.

Prof Grant-Thomson has said it is a great example of what can be achieved through academic and industry collaboration, with the strong sense of community involved in working in Toowoomba leading to long-term staff commitment.

Prof Mackenzie commended Professor Grant-Thomson on his ongoing dedication to the community, saying he had "forged a legacy based on service and innovation".

The Queensland Senior of the Year Award went to speech pathologist and bionics advocate Dr Dimity Dornan AO, who established Hear and Say.

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New method to monitor driving Talk 'n' thoughts

Gail Forrer Group Editor

DRIVER SAFETY: New technology can help us identify the state of our capacity to keep driving.

‘‘

Sensors are also installed to measure the driver’s reaction times

FOR many people realising it’s time to let go of a driver’s license can be one of life’s greatest challenges.

Often the ability to drive has meant the freedom to travel when and where you like, no need to rely on other people or deal with public transport.

It’s recognition that your body and mind are still fine tuned enough to handle the roads without danger to yourself or others.

If you don’t come to terms with ageing (poorer eyesight, less hearing, perhaps some frailty or memory loss) and make your own choice to relinquish your licence, it may mean you have had to concede to the wishes

of people younger (perhaps ones that you may not even feel are wiser) than you and that can be difficult.

So it’s heartening to see that modern technology has been employed which can assist with the driving experience.

For instance a federally funded project has developed a new Virtual Reality Driving Simulator for Older Drivers targeting people between 70 and 80 years of age.

This project is now being trialled in the Inverell district of northern New South Wales and aims to check the driving skills of senior Australians and improve road safety.

Called Hector VR, it is touted as a groundbreaking innovation, to enable Australian seniors to live longer, better lives as they are supported to maintain their proficiency on the road.

It can also be used to test driving skills and

make the decision to keep driving or not.

Developed by aged care provider McLean Care in partnership with Deakin University’s School of Engineering, the trial uses emerging interactive virtual reality, linked with smart sensor technology.

The driving simulator is contained in the shell of a Holden Captiva vehicle, to increase the sense of reality for drivers.

“Sensors are also installed to measure the driver’s reaction times and heart rate to assess their responses to a variety of situations that can arise when driving,” Member for New England Barnaby Joyce told the National Seniors.

“In addition to helping older drivers maintain and test their skills, Hector VR is designed to help those with medical conditions, such as dementia and who can no longer drive, to re-live the driving experience.

“The virtual driving

scenarios are modelled on the township of Inverell, including important local buildings, major shopping centres, retail outlets and landmarks, to make the user’s experience as realistic as possible.

“The simulator includes differing road environments and realistic scenarios such as country driving and various levels of traffic.”

Development of the virtual reality driving simulator was funded through the government’s $34 million Dementia and Aged Care Services grants scheme, which is promoting innovation across the country. * The Federal Government funded $726,000 towards the project. * Info sourced from NationalSeniors: https://nationalseniors. com.au/news/latest/ high-tech-boost-to-road -safety-for-seniors .

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Community notes

Community group guide 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 ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces, in a nice bright setting. Email editor@seniors newspaper.com.au.

NSA

Toowoomba THE Toowoomba Branch of National Seniors meet for a morning tea on the first Thursday of each month at All Seasons Function Centre, cnr.

North & Tor Streets, Wilsonton, commencing at 9.30am.

Our first meeting for 2019 will be February 7 and we will be having entertainer Ron Fraser.

This is our morning tea where we give a donation to The Hospice - Adopt a Room. Come along, visitors welcome for a sing-a-long. Our bus trips are the third Thursday of each month.

For information phone

Desma on 07 4613 6750 or Yvonne 07 4638 5252.

THE BLACKALL RANGE WOODCRAFTERS GUILD INC

OUR annual Santa Shop was held at St Mary’s Hall, Montville Green on December 1 and 2. A steady stream of people passed through the hall, several purchasing items made by the Woodies.

A large number of families enjoyed the cooler evening on Saturday for the lighting up of the tree and for the visit by the bearded gentleman who handed out gifts to the many children.

WOODIES: Brian Harris is showing Andrew Powell one of the vintage wooden vehicles made by Hugh McKenna at the Blackall Range Woodcrafters Guild, Santa Shop.

The Woodies also conducted a very popular sausage sizzle which was well-patronised.

The raffle prizes were smaller in size this year, making it easier for the winners to carry them home. All prizes were items made by members of the Guild. Visitors on Saturday included Councillor Jenny McKay, State Member Andrew Powell and Federal Member Andrew Wallace.

TOOWOOMBA QUILTERS CLUB DONITA Bellette, Program Manager for Youth Services at Yellowbridge Qld,

JOHN WOOD

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gratefully accepted a generous cheque donation from Marilyn Cooper, Convenor of the Toowoomba Quilters Club Quilt Exhibition held in September during Carnival of Flowers. The value of the cheque equated to the nett proceeds of ticket sales in the Quilt Art Union which brought tears of joy to Donita’s eyes. At Yellowbridge’s ‘The Haven’, Donita supports local homeless youths, and youths at risk of homelessness, with skills to assist them towards independence. Back in September, Diana Ball bought two tickets in the

BENITA COLLINGS

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charity Quilt Art Union when she visited the Quilt Exhibition with her friend, never expecting to win it, but she did. An excited Diana was presented with her stunning prize quilt on Tuesday by Marilyn Cooper. Diana plans to use the quilt in her bedroom where her curtains will match the blues in the quilt. “Wow! The best prize I have ever won”, she said.

souvenir card and printed on site. On December 17-21 (Monday-Friday) from 10am-1pm at Palmerin Street (near Rose City entry) and opposite the visitors information, Warwick.

Contact Dianne on 07 4661 3527 or 0427 000 887 or Sue on 0427 962 281.

Supported by the Christian Churches and volunteers parishioners.

COMBINED MISSION COMMITTEE

CAROLS IN THE CHAPEL

THE Combined Mission Committee of St Stephen’s & Middle Ridge Uniting Church will hold their Holiday Reading Sale at 264 Stenner St, Toowoomba on Friday, January 11 and Saturday, January 12, 2019 from 7am-noon. Come and browse the great variety of books for your Holiday reading. Proceeds will benefit the U.C. Leichhardt Patrol.

CHRISTMAS DOWN UNDER

ENJOY the story of the first Christmas told through free activities such as: craft, puppet shows at 11am and noon, story telling, face painting and a free family photograph with the Nativity scene attractively presented in a

CAROLS in the Chapel is a community event as a prelude to Christmas hosted jointly by Warwick Uniting Church & Scots-PGC College at Oxenham Street, Warwick.

The program on Thursday, December 20 at 7.30pm, consists of meditative readings and Christmas carols designed to foster a deeper appreciation of the meaning of Christmas. Guest musicians share their talents on the organ, other instruments and with voice. Bookings are not required and there is no admission fee although donations towards expenses are appreciated. Following the program supper will be provided in the hall at the rear of the chapel.

Inquiries to David on 0417 720 152.

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Great Christmas gift!

“Funny” “Delightful” “Very clever and comical” Stage Whispers

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GEOFF HARVEY on piano

a comedy revue about ‘old’ people and the young people they have to deal with!

Hurry BOOK NOW before you forget!

EMPIRE THEATRE, TOOWOOMBA I 1300 655 299 I www.empiretheatre.com.au I 26 April 2019

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

Cruise into new cultures And taste the difference

PAGES 32-33

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12 DAY BIRDSVILLE & CARNARVON GORGE

15 DAY ALPINE AUTUMN EGGSTRAVAGANZA Departs: 19/04/19

Special Event The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, will return to Sydney at ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park in October 2019. One of the greatest shows on earth, featuring more than 1200 performers from around the world. We have secured a limited number of premium seats. To secure your seat, join our waitlist. Be quick!.. seats won’t last long! Full details will be forwarded to you in the coming days.

• 2 Nights Canberra • Pillaga Pottery • Taronga Western Plains Zoo • Age of Fishes Museum • Anzac Parade Memorial Walk • Australian War Memorial • Parliament House Tour • Goulburn Guided Tour • Darling Harbour Lunch Cruise • Slim Dusty Centre

• Nundle Woollen Mill • Hunter Valley Gardens • Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk • Kiama Blowhole • Hawkesbury River Cruise • Berry Tea Shop & Treat Factory • Kosciuszko NP • Eden Killer Whale Museum • Macenmist Truffles • Canberra Sightseeing

Adult: $TBA Single Supplement: $TBA

Adult: $3347 Single Supplement: $1314

Adult: $5289 Single Supplement: $1314

SPECIALISING IN SENIOR’S TRAVEL info@downundercoachtours.com.au

Departs: 11/05/19

• 2 Nights Carnarvon Gorge • Birdsville Pub & Big Red • Min Min Encounter • Longreach Sightseeing • Arcadia Valley Escape Adult: $4880 Single Supplement: $1057

16 DAY CORNER COUNTRY & THE FLINDERS RANGES

Departs: 20/07/19

11 DAY ISLANDS IN THE SUN Departs: 07/06/19

• 1770 LARC Tour • Footlights Theatre Restaurant • Whitsunday Cruise • Magnetic Island Tour I am interested in receiving your • Reef HQ Townsville 2019 Coach Touring Brochure.

Adult: $4498 Single Supplement: $1027 Please add me to your mailing list: 42 DAY GREAT WESTERN Name: _____________________ ADVENTURE Address: ____________________ Departs: 15/08/19

• Great Central Road • Burke & Wills Dig Tree • Kings Canyon • Cameron Corner • Uluru & Kata Tjuta • 4WD Ridge Top Tour, Arkaroola • Cape Leeuwin & Jewel Cave • Depot Glen & Milparinka • Monkey Mia • Wilpena Pound Adult: $5898 Single Supplement: $1150 Adult: $15348 Single Supplement: $4430

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Prices quoted are per person twin share

14

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

A new winter cruise tour NORWAY and Iceland – two of the most popular destinations for Australians right now – are showcased in a new 2020 winter cruise tour combination package released by Cruise Express.

The 23-night combo tour, which includes 15 nights on land and six at sea, features Norway’s spectacular Northern Lights, a husky sleigh ride, a hotel made of ice, stunning fjords and snow-shrouded villages as well as the volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, glaciers and whales.

The journey begins with the 15-night ‘Northern Lights of Norway’ cruise tour which will see Australians fly on January 25, 2020, to Norway’s capital, Oslo, for a two-night stay and tour showcasing the city’s Viking heritage.

Guests depart Oslo by train to the renowned fjord country for overnight stays in Voss and Bergen.

A tour highlight is a journey on the panoramic Flam Railway – one of the world’s steepest and most picturesque train rides.

SPECTACULAR SHOW: The Northern Lights from Hurtigruten.

Rising over 860m, the track traverses a winter wonderland of snowy peaks, icy waterfalls, mighty rivers and whispering pine forests.

In contrast, a breathtaking cruise through two spectacular

fjords – Naeroyfjord and Aurlandsfjord – provides perspective of this stunning region from sea level.

The tour includes a guided walking tour along the colourful harbour-front of Bergen from where the

itinerary moves to sea for a six-night voyage aboard Hurtigruten’s 690-passenger ship, MS Kong Harald.

Named after the king of Norway, the ship serves as a passenger, freight, mail and car service for

Photo: Rjan Bertelsen

isolated Norwegian towns along the coast.

Magnificent fjords, mighty glaciers and snow-clad mountains are just some of the picture-postcard spectacles on show during the voyage.

Quaint towns like Trondheim and Alesund offer a chance to experience a different way of life high above the Arctic Circle.

After rounding the most northerly point in Europe, North Cape, the voyage ends in the remote town of Kirkenes where guest can stay in accommodation made of snow, see reindeer, join a thrilling husky sled ride and scour the dark, night skies for the swirling colours of the Northern Lights.

The Norway tour ends with a flight back to Oslo for a night before flying back to Australia.

Guests can add on Cruise Express’ eight-night adventure holiday in Iceland which includes return flights from Oslo to Reykjavik, accommodation and extensive touring taking in Iceland’s dramatic landscape of geysers, lava fields, fjords, thundering waterfalls and abundance of humpback and minke whales.

Phone Cruise Express on 1300 766 537 or go to cruiseexpress.com.au.

15

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

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ng Of feri rs Senio or nts f Discou ravel il T QR Ra rs Tou

FEEL SAFE & SECURE FROM START TO FINISH

ToTal Tasmania

sydney mini subs

On the night of 31 May 1942, 3 Japanese This amazing tour takes in the complete circuit midget submarines entered Sydney harbour Including Hobart, Port Arthur, Queenstown, On this fascinating tour we cruise the Gordon River Cruise , Cradle Mtn, Dove Lake, Stanley, Devonport, Cataract Gorge, Launceston Harbour and visit the attack locations Tamar Valley, Legerwood, St Helens, Coles Bay, plus much more !!! 5 Days from $1790 including 1 way flights to SYD. Freycinet NP & Richmond. 11 Days from $3490.

Save $100pp when booking in December for April Departures

The Gahn experienCe

CookToWn

TALENTED: Country singer, comedian and instrumentalist Lindsay Waddington.

Everyone can join in for some serious fun

Cooktown is known for is its well documented history after Captain Cook ran aground.

Later it became a bustling port, exporting gold and had 47 licensed pubs So, step back in time and enjoy the living history paying homage to an era of great hardship. 8 Days from $1490* Plus Pension Rail Fare when travelling by QR Rail*

CoWboys / Caves

This unique tour visits Cowboys at Texas Longhorn Ranch, Historical Charters Towers, Caves at the incredible Undara Lava Tubes and Castle Ruins of Paronella Park. 8 Days from $1390* Plus Pension Rail Fare when travelling by QR Rail*

Join us on the Iconic Ghan Gold Class Adelaide to Darwin and experience the vast Australian Outback in Style and comfort. $3490.

uluru – Field oF liGhTs

Welcome to our special Uluru and Alice Springs tour. The Field of Light is a global phenomenon created by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro which comes to life under a sky brilliant with stars. 7 Days from $3690.

Save $100pp when booking in December for April Departures

Go See Touring invites whole family to come Tracey Johnstone COUNTRY musician and comedian Lindsay Waddington is leading a group on a wonderful adventure to Norfolk Island for the Go See Touring’s 2019 A Little Bit Country tour.

He’s going to have a busy time between performing in three shows with the six other Go See Touring hosts and ensuring his group members are having a fantastic family time during the island visit from July 26 to August 2.

The celebrity host will be entertaining guests with his country rock instrumental and singing talents. He’s also a comedian; quick to share a cheeky joke to brighten up anyone’s day.

Alongside Lindsay for the

concerts will be singer Graeme Hugo and yodeler Wayne Horsburg, rocker Lucky Starr, crooner Fortunato Isgro, singers Rodney Vincent and Geoff James.

“There will be a lot singing, a lot of partying and a lot of fun stories,” Lindsay said.

On the nights when there is no show there will be time to sit back, relax and enjoy the laid back music sessions. “If there are stories to share, a poem to be told; it will be just like a big family get-together, that’s what we want,” he added.

The cost for the tour to Norfolk Island, which has a stunning backdrop to its interesting history, includes a convict settlement tour, a murder mystery dinner, a night as a convict, airfares, accommodation, meals

and much more.

Lindsay’s group already has several bookings locked in, but there is room for more.

“It’s going to be a real family environment for people who just want to have a good time, go sight-seeing, learn about Norfolk Island and enjoy being with other people,” Lindsay said.

“We have a few things up our sleeve, a few little fun things that will happen; I’m a bit a practical joker,” he offered. But, as to what Lindsay’s alluding to means you will have to join the tour to find out more. For full tour information and costs, go to goseetouring.com or phone 07 3868 4760. itunes link: itunes.apple. com/au/album/ nullarbor/ 1433935034.

The majesTiC river murray

It’s by far the largest river in Australia.

It begins as a small stream in the Australian Alps and 2520 river kilometres later it empties into the Southern Ocean near Goolwa in South Australia. 10 Days from $3495.

yamba & byron bay shorT break

Join us on the wonderful 4 Day tour to Yamba, Byron Bay, Clarence River Cruise, Maclean, Evans Head, Angourie, plus much more. All inclusive with accomm & meals.

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With an increasing amount of leisurely time comes the ability to truly enjoy the luxury of travel, and we’re here to make sure you receive the best experience available.

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Discover our great deals & destinations visit www.greatvalueholidays.com.au or phone 1300 722 661 Terms and conditions apply: See website for details.

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16

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

‘‘

Drive toward the Southern Peninsulas and explore grand capes with towering spines

A MAGICAL WORLD: Beautiful view of Halong Bay, Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Photo: Nikolay Tsuguliev

Live the travel dream This month we profile destinations and experiences 40 to 36 as we count down the 2018 list of the World’s Best Journeys which we hope will inspire you to live life to the full.

THE top 50 bucket list has been selected by Flight Network and over 500 top travel journalists, agencies, bloggers and editors.

There are travel experiences to suit different styles and budgets.

DRIVE THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY

❚ CRUISING along the Wild Atlantic Way on Ireland’s west coast harmoniously connects rugged landscapes with unique people, many of who still speak Irish Gaelic.

Skirting around the coastline, expansive views and traditional villages captivate drivers along the route from the Northern Headlands down to the Havan Coast.

The road opens up as you steer toward the Surf Coast and the wildness of the seaboard captivates with red-gold beaches.

Continue driving south towards the Bay Coast to discover crystal coves and islands perfect for swimming, kayaking, and kiteboarding. Ride to Cliff Coast and immerse yourself Ireland’s music

capital, spending the day listening to live bands in local pubs.

Drive toward the magnificent Southern Peninsulas and explore grand capes with towering spines extending far out in the ocean before stopping for an overnight stay on the Haven Coast to dine on artisan fare.

Getting there: Choose a small but sturdy rental vehicle when arriving at the airport. All of the major airports in the country whether it be Dublin, Shannon or Cork will get you close to the Wild Atlantic Way, but the closest is Shannon Airport with accessible road links to a number of counties along road and is less than an hour from the Cliffs of Moher. For drivers who decide to start their tour at its southernmost point, Cork Airport is just a 20 mile trip.

CRUISE THE MEKONG RIVER

❚ THE Mekong River is one of the most fascinating on the planet. It starts in the Tibetan plateau and snake its way through China, Myanmar, Laos,

Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It has been an important medium for transporting people and goods for thousands of years and today is an important international trade route.

Cruise from the very end of the river north through Vietnam’s Mekong Delta area up into Cambodia’s capital city, where it meets that Tonle Sap and travels through the Cambodian countryside. The scenery is unmatchable and the journey unforgettable.

Travellers will transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho Port to board an incredible teak ship that has been specifically built to cruise the Mekong River.

Visit local artisan villages, the Gao Giong bird sanctuary, a beautiful Taoist temple and Koh Okhna Tey, otherwise known as silk island.

Explore Con Phuoc Island, Koh Trong Island and Phnom Penh, visiting the National Museum, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and the Killing Fields and Genocide museum. The journey ends in Siem

Reap staring at the famous Angkor Wat monuments.

Getting there: Fly into Tân Son Nhât International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is the departing airport.

TAKE THE ROAD TO HANA DRIVE

❚ NAVIGATING curves near crashing waves of the Pacific and stopping for tide pool swims beneath waterfalls attracts drivers to a single stretch of Hawaiian coastline.

Unrivaled as the top attraction on the lush island of Maui, the Road to Hana drive winds along the 52-mile stretch of coastline from Pa’ia town to the community of Hana.

If you’re able to lease a convertible, you’ll have panoramic views of the surf and scenery.

Drive from the town of Kahului in central Maui and head towards Hana through the surf town Pa’ia on Maui’s north shore. Tour Maliko Bay before heading to Twin Falls to cool off in one of its natural pools and

waterfalls. Drive up to Honomanu Bay Lookout and stop for a walk on the beach before steering towards the Keanae Peninsula lined with vibrant hibiscus and jagged lava rocks.

Reaching the Koolau Forest Reserve, park the car and explore Wai anapanapa State Park where tide pools turn red several times a year due to the arrival of shrimp.

Follow the signs to Wailua Falls and awe at the waterfalls cascading over the mountains before ending the drive with a stop Waimoku Falls to gaze up at its magnificent 400 foot waterfall.

Getting there: Kahului Airport is east of the Kahului CDP on the island of Maui and is the main airport servicing Maui.

You can also fly into Honolulu International Airport on Oahu before commuting to Maui on a brief, 30-minute flight.

Major car rental companies are at the airport or you can take a taxi or shuttle bus and lease a cruising vehicle like a convertible. There is also daily ferry service to

17

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

Black sand beach,Waianapanapa State Park. Maui, Hawaii.

The epic Irish Landscape and seascape along Ireland’s The Wild Atlantic Way. Champ, down on the valley floor and walk along the crystal stream.

Returning to Chamonix, be sure to take a ride on the city’s world-class cable car and get a bird’s eye view of the Mont Blanc massif.

Getting there: You can hike alone or benefit from a mountain guide’s experience. Several guide companies are available when you arrive in Chamonix. The most direct way is to fly into Geneva Cointrin International Airport.

Once there, you can take an airport transport to Chamonix or hire a car.

Another option is to take the Eurostar or TGV train from Paris or Lyon and connect on local train onto Saint Gervais Les Bains where you can pick up the Mont Blanc Express Train into Chamonix.

Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang, Vietnam. and from the nearby island of Lanai.

HIKE THE TOUR DU MONT BLANC

❚ REACHING a cumulative 10,000m of descent and ascent, the Tour de Mont Blanc’s 170km hike is a trekker’s dream with plenty of hotels and mountain huts along the way for taking in the

landscape to its fullest with very little gear.

Set out in Chamonix, France, for an 11-day hike towards Les Houches to photo chamois, deer, and eagles during the excursion. Continue ascending to Les Contamines and take in the mountain resort vibe and renowned cuisine.

Hike onward to Les

Photo: AND-ONE

Chapieux, a small hamlet on the tour inhabited by shepherds and their flocks. Refuge Elisabetta is next on the route providing a comfortable overnight stay for walkers.

Trek to the resort of Courmayeur and take a ride on the SkyWay Monte Bianco cable car and peer at peaks of the Matterhorn and Monte

Rosa. Spend some time at La Vachey, the seasonal inn and restaurant, before hiking to La Fouly to scale winding trails of its mountain peaks.

Walk to Champex and take in the culture of the Swiss village. Hike to Trient and take a detour to explore Trent Glacier before continuing to Tre le

MOTORCYCLE FROM HO CHI MINH TO HANOI

❚ TRAVEL from Vietnam’s coast to the highlands with the wind blowing in your face and your heart pumping with excitement the entire way. There is no better way to travel from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi than on a motorcycle, zooming past some incredible scenery.

This 2770km ride is equal parts of beach and

Photo: 7Michael

Photo: upthebanner

mountain, giving travellers the chance to be totally immersed in the beauty of Vietnam.

The ride is an unforgettable. Weave through highlands, mountains and along coast lines, gazing at magnificent undeveloped beaches, stopping in lonely villages and visiting cultural sites like the Ninh Hoa Salt Fields, Imperial City in Hue, and Vinh Moc Tunnels.

Spend time exploring cities, lazing on beaches and sampling regional Vietnamese cuisine. Snap photos of beautiful French colonial architecture, pristine beaches, and the Long Son Pagoda.

Wander around Hoi An’s old town, explore the Tràng An Scenic Complex and ride the Vinpearl Cable Car. Visit must-sees and find hidden gems, but most importantly, enjoy the ride!

Getting there: Fly into Tân Son Nhât International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Check the dates of the 6-day Vietnamese New year before booking your flights to try to avoid motorcycling from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi at this time. The roads will be congested with locals much more dangerous to be on.

18

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

On Foot Holidays launches new Dordogne route in France ON FOOT Holidays has announced a new walking route in the picturesque Dordogne region of southwest France, their fourth in the country. The new, self-guided, inn-to-inn walk follows the Dordogne River through classic French countryside and medieval villages and is ideal for Australians looking to experience a taste of quintessential France.

On Foot Holidays has designed the Dordogne route so walkers can feel like a local as they take in the less-travelled byways and backwaters of the Middle Dordogne landscapes and the unique flavour of the Dordogne Valley.

Beginning in the medieval city of Beaulieu sur Dordogne, the seven-night walk takes travellers through the Dordogne valley’s country meadows and picturesque villages as guests stay in traditional inns and hotels along the riverside, experiencing local life and authentic French cuisine.

MEDIEVAL CITY: Dordogne, village of Beaulier-su-Durdogne.

After four days of walking amongst the hills and quaint villages above the charming countryside, the route heads over the

limestone plateau to the striking village of Rocamadour.

The village climbs up a cliff face and is a

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 2 - 9 MARCH 2019

SINGAPORE SHOWCASE

HOSTED BY GRAEME HUGO, RODNEY VINCENT & FORTUNATO ISGRO

$3,999

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

7 Nights 4 accom, cooked breakfast daily, 1 lunch + 5 dinners, all touring and entrance fees, Singapore Zoo, Gardens By the Bay, National Orchid Gardens, High Tea at Raffles, Changi Tour, Sentosa. PLUS 2 x Fabulous Concerts - Singapore Showcase 2019

ENGLISH BLOSSOMS

INCLUDING THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

$5,445

per persson Twin Share Ex BNE NE or SYD Sing ngle suppliment $1,000

SOCIAL CHESS CHALLENGE

$2,085

7 nights accom, experience the beauty of this Island paradise and the opportunity to compete in this friendly competition. Lots to see & do, stunning scenery, sandy beaches and jagg gged cliffs. Rich in history and culture. Inc. Haalf Day Orien entation Tour, Welcome dinner, Breeakfast bu ushwalk, lk, some dinners and Chess Tourn rn nam ment Registration

per person Twin Share Ex BNE & SYD Single suppliment $435

A TASTE OF SINGAPORE SINGAPORE SI FOOD FESTIVAL

$3,999

* per per erson Twin Share Ex BNE NE, SYD, MEL. a sup ppliment $1,000

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

The Dordogne walk.

Payments can be made by via Earthport FX transfer, a system which offers Australians the convenience of paying for walks in Australian dollars at a local bank, saving transfer charges and credit card fees.

Rated one of Europe’s leading self-guided walking tour operators, On Foot Holidays offers 33 self-guided walking tours across Europe.

19 - 26 JULY 2019

7 Nights Park Hotel Clarke Quay, y, cooked breakfast daily, 3 x Lunches, 4 x Din Dinnerrs, fully escorted by a Go Seee Touring Escortt, t Singapore Botanic Gardens, High h Tea Fullerto ton Ho Hotel, Food Walking Tour, cookking Clas ass, Hawker er Centres, Gardens by the Baay, Skywalk, Supertree Show

20 - 27 JULY 2019 7 Nights accommodation, 8 Days Car Hire, Half Day Orientation Tour, Choice of Half Day Scenic Tour, Breakfast Bush Walk, Island Fish Fry, 2 x Feature Dinners with Entertainment, PLUS Full Christmas Dinner with Entertainment

NORFOLK ISLAND From

$1,855

dge Wells, 3 Nights Che heltenham, 3 Nights Tunbrid 1 Night Oxford, 3 Nights London, 10 Br Breakfasts / 2 Lunches / 6 Dinnerrs, Great Dixter Ho ousse, Sissinghurst, Castle, Leed ds Castle, Can nterbury ry Cathedral, Bath, Sudely Casstle, Abb bey House Malmesbury ryy,HidcoteManor,Cottswolds,Blenheim Palace, RHS Wisley, Chelsea Flow wer Show.

5 - 12 JULY 2019

NORFOLK ISLAND From

13-25 MAY 2019

pilgrimage destination that sees over one million people visit each year.

The journey comes to an end alongside the Ouysse river, a tributary of the Dordogne, at a Michelin-starred restaurant to celebrate the end of the walk.

The seven-night walking holiday is graded medium with up to five and a half hours of walking each day (shortening options usually offered).

Including seven nights’ accommodation, seven breakfasts, four evening meals and all luggage transfers – meaning travellers simply carry a day pack – the route costs from £1060 per person, twin-share (approximately A$1869 depending on exchange rates).

The Dordogne inn-to-inn walk is available from May 2019.

Shorter six, five and four-night options are also available.

per person Twin Share Ex BNE Single suppliment $470

WELCOME TO SR LANKA SRI ESCO ORTED TOUR

$4,17 75

* per person Twin Share Ex BNE, SYD, MEL. Single suppliment $1,150

26 NOV - 10 DEC 2019

Joiin us for 13 nights 3* and 4* accom, dai aily breakfast and dinner, fully escorteed byy a Go See touring escort. Negombo Fish Markets, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Si Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple le, Jeep Safari in National Parks, Matale Spi pice Gardens, Madu River Cruise & 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 26 November 2018. Go SeeTouring Pty Ltd T/A Go See Touring Member of Helloworld ABN N: 72 122 522 276 ATAS Accreditation A11320

Dordogne, village of Carennac.

Accommodation and information packs are provided for all the routes and optional guides are available on select itineraries.

Walkers select their departure dates, luggage is transferred between inns each day and all routes are designed by locals and tested by staff from On Foot Holidays.

Visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk.

19

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

Top tips for fishing round the Snowy Mountains Find out the easiest ways to catch Trout in the lakes Nige Webster

Nige Webster.

SKILLED RELAXTION: Fishing on Lake Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains

Photos: Destination NSW

ABOVE: Boat on Lake Eucumbene, Snowy Mountains. worms, mudeyes, yabbies, powerbait – off the banks or troll a lure behind a boat.

Two to 4kg rods with six to 10lb breaking strain lines will cover most bases.

There are many lures which will catch fish in the lakes: winged Tasmanian Devils, bibbed hardbodies that imitate trout and dive between one and three metres will work well.

Getting lures deeper

beneath downriggers is also popular.

Trolling attractors with baits behind them is deadly when the weather is really good. Sight fishing the dams with a fly rod or casting streamer

flies early, late in the day or at night during summer are proven ways to catch trout on a fly rod.

The rivers are simply stunning and walking them with a fishing rod is a treat. Check regulations

‘‘

Mid-winter sees the area overrun with ski enthusiasts and expenses rise, so best times of year to travel here include September to May

but most rivers are lure and fly only and closed at times.

Next month I will take you on a Darwin fishing trip.

Nige Webster works for AFN Fishing & Outdoors and presents and produces The Fishing Show on 7Mate.

Win a double pass to see

Cold Pursuit

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow country Colorado, COLD PURSUIT is a pulsepounding revenge thriller with a unique look that will excite filmgoers the world over.

Quiet family man and hard-working snowplow driver Nels is the lifeblood of a glitzy resort town in the Rocky Mountains because he is the one who keeps the winter roads clear.

He and his wife live in a comfortable cabin away from the tourists. The town has just awarded him “Citizen of the Year.” But Nels has to leave his quiet mountain life when his son is murdered by a powerful drug lord.

As a man who has nothing to lose he is stoked by a drive for vengeance. This unlikely hero

uses his hunting skills and transforms from an ordinary man into a skilled killer as he sets out to dismantle the cartel.

Nels’ actions ignite a turf war between a manically unpredictable gangster known as Viking and a Native American gang boss. Justice is served in one final spectacular confrontation that will leave (almost) no-one unscathed.

Want to see the movie? We have 5 double passes to give away! To be in the draw, just fill in our form online at www.seniorsnews.com.au/ competitions

^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 03/12/18-10/1/19. Competition drawn 2pm 14/1/19 at Cnr Mayne Rd and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Winners announced in Seniors February Edition 2019. Total prize value $200.00 (including GST). Entry is open to all permanent residents of Queensland, residing in the Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay Gold Coast and Toowoomba Seniors distribution areas and NSW in the Northern NSW, Central Coast and Coffs & Clarence Seniors distribution areas. NSW Permit Number LTPM/18/03133

6913137aa

THE NSW high country is a personal favourite of mine and I’ve spent years of my life fishing here. If you enjoy freshwater trout fishing then this is one of the premier places in the country to travel to.

Lakes Tantangara, Eucumbene and Jindabyne are regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout and Atlantic salmon; they also support a self-sustaining population of brown trout.

The rivers that run into these lakes are all well known for fabulous fishing within season.

These rivers are closed to fishing during the spawn run of June to October, but the lakes are open year-round.

There is a lot of accommodation up here in the way of hotels, motels and caravan parks.

Mid-winter sees the area overrun with ski enthusiasts and expenses rise, so best times of year to travel here include September to May. I often stay in places like Jindabyne, Kalkite, Old Adaminaby, Providence Portal and the like. My favourite place to stay is Rydges Horizons in Jindabyne which has a beautiful view over the lake.

The easiest ways to catch a trout in the lakes is to bait fish – scrub

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SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

An emergency plan could save your life

21

Wellbeing

Be informed and prepared to stay safe this summer Alison Houston

THERE’S no doubt after the bad weather and devastating bushfires of recent weeks that this is not just the season to be merry.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is encouraging Seniors to make sure they are informed and prepared for storm, flood and fire situations.

Local South Western Region community and engagement officer Tracey Brown said it was important for Seniors to “help us help you”.

“The more they prepare themselves, their families and their homes for disasters the better we can support them and the community in recovery efforts,” she said.

That includes keeping the State Emergency Service phone number, 132 500, handy for easy access on your fridge, in your phone, or using the new SES app, tuning to local ABC radio for emergency broadcasts, and obviously calling 000 in the case of an emergency.

It also means listening to warnings and evacuating when told to,

HELP US HELP YOU: There is now an SES mobile app available in case of emergency, but remember to do what you can to help yourself. and staying out of flood waters.

“Don’t put your life or the lives of our emergency responders in danger for no reason,” Tracey said.

She also warned Seniors to make an emergency plan.

Many people, she said, thought that if it was just themselves they didn’t need a plan or, since they had survived disaster situations in the past, they would be okay again.

However, she pointed out you may not be as fit, fast and able to react as you were.

Where you stayed and fought for your home 10 or 20 years ago, you may now need to plan to evacuate to friends or

family.

She also encouraged people to keep their phones on, both to receive official emergency warnings and in case people are trying to contact you.

Also let friends and family know your emergency plan so they are not worried, and don’t place themselves in danger or waste resources looking for you unnecessarily.

The emergency service has specifically designed a 28-page user-friendly brochure called Senior and Safer with every-day as well as emergency situation tips to help keep you stay safe.

It states, “at the very

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Safer to access the document or call Tracey on 4616 1907 for a printed copy.

Cleaning out gutters and installing smoke detectors remain important tasks in fire safety, and Tracey said the government-initiated Home Assist Secure service for over-60s could help keep homes safe if help was required. (Call 4639 3821 or 137 468).

Get Ready Qld is another important source of information to ensure you know what to do in an emergency at getready. qld.gov.au, while Prepare Act Survive is at ruralfire.qld.gov.au with all you need to know about bushfire safety.

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Finally, in case of a heatwave, or very hot conditions, older people can be susceptible to heat stress, so ensure you are getting airflow through the house, use blinds and curtains to shade rooms from the sun and stay inside through the hottest part of the day, from 10am–3pm, or visit an air-conditioned building such as a shopping centre or library.

Drink small amounts of water every 15–20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty, avoiding alcohol, caffeine or sugary drinks, eat small meals more often, slow down,avoid strenuous activity.

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WELLBEING

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Clarifying TV audio for those with hearing loss BRAND INSIGHTS

Emergency medical monitoring 24/7 BRAND INSIGHTS

“DON’T self-monitor a medical alert device. Just DON’T do it.” Paul Joseph, the heart and soul behind Emergency Medical Services Pty Ltd, is emphatic on this point.

His company supply the safeTwear medical alert device but more importantly also provide 24/7 monitoring for them.

“I’ve heard so many horror stories over the years from customers who come to us because self-monitoring went horribly, horribly wrong.

Having a family member or friend responsible for the medical alerts is a terrible idea. It puts enormous pressure on them to be by their phone and available to take the call. Imagine the guilt you would carry if you missed a call from your loved one that resulted in injury or worse, death! I would never want to put that kind of pressure onto the people I love. As well as that, often the person wearing the medical alert device won’t push the

button because they don’t want to be a nuisance.”

“Having a professional, independent, specialist response centre with experienced responders manage the emergencies is far better than relying on friends and family. Our response team are trained professionals who deal with medical emergencies every day.

They are calm, fast acting, and know the right information to collect to ensure the ambulance has everything they need, including the customers exact location and full medical history on screen.

Because in an emergency situation, every second and the small details count.”

Paul’s extensive experience in this medical alert and the home security industry has equipped him well to put together this service offering that is literally saving lives.

“We also save grey hairs! The stress of false alarms on family members is almost as bad as an actual emergency, especially if

they miss the call for any reason. They might be showering, at the movies, deep asleep or in a work meeting, typically a person isn’t connected to their phone 24/7 despite the fact it feels like we are! Each month we deal with thousands of false alarms and every alarm is treated as an emergency until we can determine otherwise. The response team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.”

“We actually call it the ‘Danger of Self-Monitoring’ because to us, it really is that serious. Friends and family will often panic in these situations and fail to collect the relevant information the ambulance will need. Just don’t do it, I can’t stress it enough.”

“With the holiday season approaching we have some excellent deals for seniors which include the medical alert device and in certain cases a lifetime of monitoring. Call us today for more information 1300 699 159.”

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The wireless TV Voice Pro headset weighs just 70 grams and allows wearers to listen to television at their own preferred volume without affecting the audio volume for others in the room.

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HEARING Specialists have developed a new wireless headset specifically for those with hearing loss to clarify television audio.

The headset was developed following extensive hearing assessments of over 1000 people with hearing loss who struggle to hear the TV clearly.

Hearing specialist Don Hudson says the TV Voice Pro headset will deliver better clarity for TV audio than even the world’s best hearing aids.

This comes down to the fact that the original audio for TV is often highly inconsistent.

“The clarity of the TV audio itself is often highly variable, as many channels differ dramatically in the clarity of the dialogue, and the volume is often changing too. We know as hearing specialists that hearing aids find it hard to correct this problem, as the originating problem is how the audio has been mixed for each TV program.”

The new wireless TV Voice Pro headset overcomes this problem by altering the original TV audio.

The adjustment to the TV audio puts a deliberate focus on speech frequencies to clarify TV dialogue for the user.

“The TV Voice Pro headset automatically recalibrates the TV audio to focus on speech frequencies, so the user can hear the dialogue clearly. With adequate volume control function, it will work to clarify TV audio for those with any

On returning from a threeweek Christmas holiday, all my vegetables were as I left them in these bags in the fridge – fresh and ready to eat. I have been Roslyn Roberts using these amazing bags Hammond Village for more than two years and Coombabah, QLD they are still going strong.

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It is a rechargeable device and no batteries are required.

The purchase price is $349. TV Voice Pro comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.

To order, phone 1300 300 446 or order online, go to TvVoicePro.com.au.

TV Voice pro is currently offering free express courier deliver for all pre-Christmas orders.

Better service MORE staff and a taskforce to reduce wait times for Aged Pension Centrelink services are coming. Minister for Human Services and Digital Transformation Michael Keenan said 100 extra staff had been moved into the pension processing team. An extra 2750 staff are also being recruited to reduce the pressure on phone lines.

“Once the full 2750 are on board, I can say with confidence those who rely on Centrelink will notice a significant improvement,” Mr Keenan said.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

23

Ideas for busy kids

Living GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS

Readers share ideas for creative fun with grandkids Tracey Johnstone WE HAVE reached out to some of the many clubs that contribute their monthly news to Seniors News to share their great ideas for grandkid and great-grandkid holiday activity ideas.

PROBUS CLUB OF BURLEIGH WATERS

Grandchildren can use their imagination to create some wonders, such as: ■ Christmas bells from egg cartons – cut out the raised bell-shaped parts.

■ Christmas pom pom balls using polystyrene balls, wire and art flowers, bows and ribbons.

■ Decorate pine cones using spray paint and glitter.

■ Lanterns – make from coloured paper.

■ Christmas decorations – create stars and other shapes from coloured cardboard.

■ Cooking is so much fun – gingerbread people, Christmas trees, chocolate fudge squares, chocolate or apricot balls, muesli bar squares (these can all be made in a

microwave).

■ Make your own gifts such as lavender-filled pillows about 8cm square, plus allowance for seam.

■ Also, make ribbons and bows for dressing up other gifts.

■ Christmas table – make napkins and design your own centrepiece.

■ Christmas bon bons – use toilet roll, paper towel centres, coloured paper and ribbon.

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For grandparents to share some activity with the grandchildren, all it takes is a bit of imagination and simple everyday items.

To start, all you need is some white cardboard, scissors, glue, pencil, coloured texta pens, old Christmas cards and you are under way.

Let the kids use their own imagination and ideas.

If able, let them cut out pictures from the old cards and glue onto the blank cardboard cards, use their own words and writing to and from inside the card and enjoy their

Some of the Probus Club of Burleigh Waters during their outing to Brunswick Heads.

Photo: Brian Hallam

Glasshouse VIEW Club library bags for Learning for Life students. Photo: contributed display of pride at having made the card themselves.

Decorations for the Christmas tree can be made the same way... bells and more from silver or gold paper.

U3A TWIN TOWNS, TUGUN ■ Creating a cubby from cardboard boxes.

■ Make a Christmas tree from a tree branch, painting it white and hanging it with decorations made by the kids.

■ Cook coconut ice or fudge and make little boxes to hold it – give it as a gift.

■ Go on a walk and get the children to draw what they saw while out, and accompany it with a short description.

■ Make a book out of folded A4 paper and write a sentence or two on each page with an accompanying drawing.

■ Make up bubble mixture and have fun blowing bubbles.

■ Make a kite with lots of colours and streamers and fly it.

■ Press some flowers.

■ Create a diorama, which is a fun way to build an exciting scene in a small space.

for grandparents to teach their grandchildren how to make; all you need is some bright and interesting (for young ones) material.

Doing this activity can help the grandkids feel that they are helping those in less fortunate circumstances.

For more information on what sizes for the bags, phone Janet on 0448 845 303 or Gillian on (07) 5496 9474.

GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY VIEW CLUB

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View clubs struggle each year to make enough library bags for the Smith Family’s Learning for Life students who are unable to make their own.

These are easy enough

Some great activites seniors can share with youngsters include: ■ Cooking.

■ Puzzles.

■ Memory games.

■ Reading children’s stories.

■ Charades.

Our grandmothers suggest: ■ At home – cooking, especially pikelets; French knitting; colouring-in; making Christmas decorations and cards; making pasta necklaces, button pictures and wooden spoon dolls.

■ Out of the home – join in the local shopping centre activities including painting of plaster moulds, magic sand and tie-dyeing; check out the activities at the local library.

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■ Spend time with the grandkids as they cycle around the local park.

■ Get them to take you to a local historical site and ask them to guide you around the site and tell you all about it.

■ Visit your nearest library.

■ Make cards from pieces of paper, cardboard, stamps and anything else you have stored in your craft room or box.

■ Visit the local museum and National Trust locations to see their current exhibitions.

■ Show the grandkids how to fix little things around the house like pumping up bike tyres.

U3A Twin Towns members at Tweed Heads Library with Madison, Addison, CRAFTWORKERS: Bev Cornwell, Edna Down, Heather Ramm, Lyn Iluka and Aurelia and their mothers Smith, Glenda Reinke, Robyn Busk and Mary Pape from the Hervey Bay Nina, Margaret and Candice.

VIEW Club Committee.

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24

LIVING

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

‘‘

From those of us who have much, much is expected

CHRISTMAS GIVING: Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO Alison Kennedy and Civic Church's Matt Gregg.

Make this Christmas happy for yourself and others

Alison Houston FOOD is the number one priority for Lifeline as we head into another Christmas in which need has grown across the Toowoomba region.

Charities are asking, whether you need help or can lend a hand to others, to contact them, make donations or volunteer now.

It is not just singles and families, but the elderly, already struggling with bills and on pensions or small incomes, who often find themselves cash-poor due to the demands at Christmas time.

Lifeline Darling Downs CEO Derek Tuffield said more than 200 families had booked for food assistance even before December 1.

Lifeline will distribute food and hampers from December 10–23 and

HOW TO HELP

BEST FOODS TO DONATE

• Lifeline’s Loads of Love Appeal runs until December 20, with parcels going out between December 10 and 23. Bags can be collected, filled and dropped off at Toowoomba’s Grand Central Shopping Centre, Civic Church or Lifeline branches as well as other venues, or donate online at www.lifelinedarlingdowns. org.au. Go to https://loadsoflove.org.au.

• The Salvos welcome donations at cnr West St and Anzac Ave, Toowoomba. Call 4632 7206.

New, unwrapped toys can also be donated here or left at the Kmart Wishing Tree. To donate to Adopt a Family, call 0409 159 700.

• Base Services is also calling for donations of non-perishable goods and toiletries by Friday, December 14, or cash donations which are tax deductible. Drop donations at 10 Neil St, Toowoomba, call 4638 2399 or go to www.baseservices.com.au. A hamper for the homeless costs $45. Swags, backpacks, water bottles and blankets are always needed.

Rice, pasta, pasta sauce, noodles, meal bases, cereal, long-life juice and milk, poppas, canned foods, spreads, snacks like dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars and crisps, sweet and savoury biscuits and lollies. (Toiletries including soaps, moisturisers, shampoos and deodorant are also appreciated.)

immediately after Christmas, when they have found there is also an increased demand for help.

Last year, Derek said,

they found there was particular demand from separated fathers on low income or government payments financially stressed when the kids

came to visit at Christmas.

Across the region Lifeline expects to help over 700 families this Christmas, and hopes to collect 20,000kg of food throughout southern Queensland as part of its Loads of Love Appeal in collaboration with the Civic Church (formerly Metro Care).

The Salvos hope to help about 200 families with toys through their Toy Appeal this Christmas, while others will receive help through the Adopt a Family program and food donations.

On Christmas Day itself, the lonely, homeless and others hit by financial crisis are welcome at Frances Holmes’ 15th Christmas lunch at St Luke’s Anglican Church hall, Toowoomba.

Each year up to 80 people join the party from 11.30am–1pm for roast chicken with all the trimmings and dessert.

"I’ve always lived by the motto that from those of us who have much, much is expected," Frances said.

Call 0408 070 300 by December 20 to book

your place but, in the case of emergency, Frances said no-one had ever been turned away.

Base Services’ Basement Kitchen is involved in supporting the lunch, as well as supplying basic food and Christmas hampers to the homeless and others in need.

Toowoomba Hospital Foundation is also running its third Neighbourhood Christmas, partnering with Civic Church to host a two-course lunch at St Joseph's College, James St, for those who might not otherwise have the chance to celebrate.

Contact THF or your community service provider to be referred to attend, and if you can help by volunteering time or donating, call 4616 6166 or email thf@health.qld.gov.au.

Flower power at its golden best

Ross Begent, Cr Geoff McDonald and Carnival of Flowers co-ordinator Kate Scott celebrate victory.

TOOWOOMBA’S fourth gold medal for Best Major Festival at the Queensland Tourism Awards is a tribute to the passion and commitment of more than 2000 Carnival of Flowers volunteers, including a large contingent of seniors.

“This level of support is a credit to the nature of our very strong community spirit,” Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio said.

“The community warmly welcomes visitors, friends and family into their homes, gardens and lives and I am very proud of

how the entire region prepares for months beforehand to ensure we are looking our best each September!”

Even fellow-finalist the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games wasn’t enough to trump the carnival, which beat the Gold Coast’s Blues on

Broadbeach Music Festival in Silver.

The carnival is now in the running for its third national title in March.

A win there would make it the first Queensland entrant in a decade to be honoured with Australian Tourism Hall of Fame status.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

25

Money

MONEY ADVICE: How much money does one need to live a comfortable retirement?

Photo: Arisara_Tongdonnoi

Tony Kaye THERE’S an old joke that if you ask three economists for their views on the economy, you’ll get four answers.

To an extent, the same variance in views appears to be the case when it comes to answering the question: how much money does one need to live a comfortable retirement?

Or more to the point, do most Australians have enough funds to last them through their life?

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia calculates that to have a ‘comfortable’ retirement, single people will need $545,000 in retirement savings, and couples will need $640,000.

Such balances would generate $42,950 per

How much retirement money is enough? annum for a single, and $60,604 for couples, according to ASFA, which assumes the retirees own their own home outright and are relatively healthy.

Yet, how much is needed to be comfortable in retirement does depend on who you ask.

A new study by the public policy think tank Grattan Institute suggests that the conventional wisdom that Australians don’t save enough for retirement is wrong, and that the vast majority of current and future retirees are likely to be financially comfortable.

Grattan says its modelling shows that, even after allowing for inflation, most workers can expect a retirement income of at least 91 per

cent of their pre-retirement income.

Furthermore, it says that through a combination of the Age Pension and their compulsory superannuation savings, many low-income earners will actually get a pay rise when they retire.

“Australians tend to spend less after they retire, and even less into old age,” according to the study’s authors, John Daley and Brendan Coates.

“Their medical costs increase, but are largely covered by the taxpayer.

“Many retirees are net savers, and current retirees often leave a legacy almost as large as their nest egg on the day they retired.”

They note that loosening the Age Pension assets test could boost retirement incomes for around 20 per cent of retirees, rising to more than 70 per cent of retirees in the future.

This would also deal with anomalies in the system, where some people who save $100 while working increase their total retirement income by less than $100 in real terms.

But the institute has hit a raw nerve with Industry Super Australia (ISA), the umbrella organisation for industry superannuation funds, in suggesting that the legislated plan to increase compulsory superannuation contributions from 9.5 per cent to 12 per cent should

be scrapped.

Grattan said because it believes most Australians will be comfortable in retirement, there is no need to boost retirement incomes.

In addition, it states that superannuation tax breaks and age-based tax breaks should be reduced to ensure the retirement incomes system does not become an excessive burden on future budgets and endanger funding for aged care and health.

However, the ISA says Grattan’s modelling showing the current 9.5 per cent Superannuation Guarantee levy will deliver adequate incomes for future retirees is “deeply flawed”.

ISA says the research’s

flaws include assuming that everyone can top up their super with extra voluntary contributions; that workers have a continuous, uninterrupted 37-year working life and contributions; and that living standards in retirement shouldn’t keep pace with the rest of the community.

Ultimately, most Australians will want to have created a sizeable nest egg for their retirement to ensure they can have a reasonably comfortable lifestyle.

But how much we should have saved for retirement depends on who you ask.

With average life expectancies continuing to rise, one thing is indisputable: the professional number crunchers will need to keep revising up their estimates as many of us have longer lives.

Tony Kaye is the editor of listed financial services group InvestSMART and Eureka Report.

Government boost to upskill working seniors

JOB HUNTERS: The government has created a new program for older workers.

Photo: piranka

ARE you looking for a new career before retirement but are having a rough time matching your skills to the dream job?

The government has announced a $17.4m boost to help mature-aged Australians to upskill or transition into new careers through the Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers Program.

The four-year plan is expected to provide 20,000 eligible

Australians – between the ages of 45 and 70 – with advice and guidance on taking the next step in their careers.

The Skills Checkpoint Program uses individually tailored assessments and referrals, to provide workers with advice on how best to use their existing skills in the workforce, or identify opportunities for upskilling. It can also refer participants to educational and training

opportunities to assist with transitioning to a new role in their current industry or switching to an entirely new career.

The Skills and Training Incentive will match funding to ensure that older Australians have access to upskilling and reskilling opportunities Info: education.gov.au /skillscheckpointprogram. jobs.gov.au/skills-andtraining-incentive

26

MONEY

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Scrooge hits pricey gifts

It’s always wise to think twice before spending Paul Clitheroe IT COULD pay to hang out some of your smaller stockings for Santa Claus this year. Research by Finder shows three out of four Australians are tightening their purse strings this festive season, and drawing a line on gift giving.

Ebenezer Scrooge may have been onto something when he said, “Bah! Humbug” to Christmas presents because in pure economic terms gift giving doesn’t always stack up.

I may spend $100 on a present for my wife, but if she doesn’t like it she won’t get $100 worth of enjoyment. And for economists that means breaking one of the golden rules of spending.

It’s a line that fewer of us are willing to cross this year. From bulk buying to DIY gifts, Finder says 76 per cent of Australians are

looking to cut costs this Christmas.

One in two people are setting a spending limit for gifts, while 17 per cent are running a Secret Santa to cut the number of people they have to buy for. The same percentage will make their own gifts, and 13 per cent of us will rummage through last year’s presents to re-gift unwanted items in 2018.

A further 15 per cent will take a leaf straight from Scrooge’s book and skip presents altogether.

It’s not the sort of news that will be welcomed by the retail sector, which relies heavily on the bumper Christmas spending boom. But the next few weeks are a time of year when we’re under a fair bit of pressure to buy something – anything – for friends and family.

Perhaps this explains why so many of us don’t receive gifts we particularly value.

Gumtree’s 2017

Unwanted Gifts Survey found Australians collectively received more than 21 million unwanted gifts last year, with an average value of $68 each. It doesn’t help either that one in five of us admit to shopping online after we’ve had a few too many festive drinks.

Christmas really is a magical time of year, but it’s always worth thinking twice before wasting money. Make a list, make a budget, and make it count are handy guidelines to follow.

It can be worth doing some research to find out what you could give that will be truly valued – and kept.

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

NIFTY THRIFTY: Ebenezer Scrooge may have been onto something when he said, "Bah! Humbug" to Christmas presents.

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DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

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WOODFORD MAGNETISM Bill Hauritz welcomes Bob Hawke to the stage in 2016.

Photo: Tessa Mapstone

Bill’s the king of Woodford Gail Forrer TIME IS nigh for the annual Woodford Folk Festival. And the founder, the ever-optimistic, Bill Hauritz is feeling the annual return of butterflies in his stomach.

“It’s a nervous time,” he confesses.

He reels off a long list of serious things to complete including the undertaking of major earthworks, the upgrade of sewerage, various final constructions and tight timelines. But a history of success gives him confidence.

“We always do it,” he said.

Woodford Folk Festival is the largest annual not-for-profit arts and music festival of its kind in Australia, showcasing 2000-plus artists, musicians and presenters in more than 400 acts, across 25 venues to an estimated aggregate attendance of 125,000 people.

The festival showcases the depth and diversity of Australia’s cultural, artistic and social expression with music, dance, cabaret, circus, comedy, workshops, debate, street theatre, films, forums, visual arts, an entire children’s festival and many special presentations, including a spectacle Fire Event on New Year’s Day. Sixty-five-year-old Mr Hauritz started the festival in 1987 at Maleny showgrounds, the festival grew quickly and in 1994 it was moved 20km away to 500 acres at Woodford – thus the name Woodfordia.

Along the way, the festival has faced all sorts of challenges, including the nail-biting

moment when the festival’s future rested on a court decision.

“The first year of the move to Woodford, we fought a court case and waited on the eve of the festival to know whether we had the rights to host it.”

Fortunately, for Woodfordia devotees it was a positive decision and despite the occasional set-back, it became the flourishing event it is today.

But for Bill Hauritz, every year there is one extra special moment that makes all the work more than just worth-while.

“At 11.30pm on New Year’s Eve, we ring the village bell and there is three minutes silence.

The whole place is quiet, the people in the 13 bars, all the people in the venues – about 22,000 people – stop,” he said.

“Some people like candles, others just take stock of the moment, the year is about to change, perhaps it’s time to remember or make a wish – but for everyone, it’s a gift, a special moment in time.”

A sunrise ceremony then takes place on the Woodfordia hilltop on New Year’s Day. The community greets the sun as they listen to Tibetan chants and guest musician.

Naturally over such a period and especially at the time of the festival, the weather is hot and often wet.

There have been extremes such as heatwaves and long deep rains.

But Mr Hauritz and his band of workers have tackled the weather event with their usual practical way.

This year a special

material will provide shade above 70 metres of walkways.

“The bamboo material brings the temperature down about 7-8 degrees,” he said.

In terms of rain everything is undercover other than the amphitheatre area and finally with sealing of roadways complete, there will be no more dust storms from dirt roads.

Unfortunately, former Prime Minister Bob Hawke and his wife Blanche will not be there to feel the difference.

“They have come nine years in a row, he said.

“But bit this year – he’s not really up for it.”

Other Prime Ministers to make their way to the festival include Julia Gillard, Kevin Rudd and Malcolm Turnbull.

But for all the famous people, it’s the multigenerations of ordinary folk who have a special appreciation of the festival.

“There are people who came at the start, who are still coming and now bringing their grandchildren – it’s a third generation of patrons.”

The annual Children’s Festival is an integral part of festival, a place that accommodates kids with all sorts of crafts, music and full-on fun.

After every festival the committee seeks feedback.

“We have listening posts, we do serious research and every year there is a revolution of change,” he said.

“We don’t succeed on everything – but we try.”

The festival runs from December 27, 2018 to January 1, 2019. Visit woodfordfolkfestival. com/tickets.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

NEWS

Reflections from an Australian reporter

O’Brien’s life in historical context Tracey Johnstone

I CAN remember growing into social and political awareness at the hands of journalist Kerry O’Brien.

He was at the dinner table with my parents and then myself for almost 30 years that Kerry reported for the ABC on This Day Tonight, Four Corners and 7.30.

Kerry’s recently released A Memoir sits on top of my pile of books that I have been quietly and carefully collecting over the last three months in preparation for a few weeks of summer holiday reading.

It’s a thick book, but my initial review of it indicates it is going to be well worth taking the time to read it as the veteran journalist takes me on a journey through his experiences of living and working during Australia’s social, political, media and cultural evolution from the 40s through to 2015.

Throughout his 50-year career, Kerry has borne witness to significant changes to it Australia’s political landscape and the processes in which is reported.

“We are certainly in a different era of journalism than the one I grew up in, in many ways,” Kerry said.

“The fundamentals of journalism are absolutely still the same, but the trappings have changed massively and the means of delivery have changed massively.”

When he started working in television in the ’60s the newsroom waited three or four days for the film of major events to reach Australia.

The digital storm, as Kerry describes it, has turned television into an instantaneous medium.

“The second thing is where print always saw itself, in my early years, as the superior news medium, these days it is scrambling to keep up and we are converging on each other,” Kerry said.

“It’s only a matter of time, and not far away

NEWS LEGEND: Kerry O'Brien, political journalist and author writes his own story (inset). before we are fundamentally using exactly the same means of delivery.

“In other words, we will be sharing common spaces and not just one space because there will be many means of delivery.

“I guess the days of hard copy newspapers are all but gone.”

These changes are driving a reduction in journalism staff, but no decrease in the workload.

“That is having an impact on the quality of news,” Kerry said.

The other key change in journalism Kerry notes is the 24-hour news cycle which has impacted on political reporting.

“It’s this kind of blind desire to fill the digital space simply because it is there whether you have something worth

reporting, something worth analysing, or not,” he said.

“So, we have wall-to-wall mountain of words that sometimes has something to offer, and often doesn’t.

“And we have politicians who feel compelled to be available when they are asked, no matter how frequently and regardless of whether they have got something to say, or not, because they worry that if they don’t fill the space, somebody on the other side of politics will fill it for them.

“The overall quality, I think, has plummeted in many ways.”

But Kerry remains a strong advocate for the ABC arguing that now, more than ever, as the social and political landscape changes

dramatically, Australia needs the public broadcasting service.

“Yet, here we are, watching the place being hit from one side to the other with a wall of hostility from the government, constant attacks from Rupert Murdoch who happens to own 70 per cent of the print output of the country as well as television influence and radio,” Kerry said.

“Although I know from personal experience the ABC has been an enormously resilient institution, you can’t simply assume that it can continue with its resilience and can continue just battle on regardless no matter what harpoons are being thrown at it.”

The young, carrot-top boy who spent his

formative years in the small town of Brisbane and once dreamt of being a jackaroo, came to interview some of the world’s most influential decision-makers and to drive hard Australia’s understanding of the political changes occurring around them.

His decision to chronicle his journey and that of his family, including their Irish heritage, has been made possible by drawing on his published articles and spending countless hours reading transcripts and

29

watching his interviews which he rarely watched once recorded, and from going through his extensive collection of notebooks and diaries.

“I have been able to take the interviews and look at what John Howard was telling us in response to the questions, compare it with what we now know of those events like East Timor, Iraq, kids overboard, the boarding of the Tampa, gun control laws, the Wik Native Title judgement, the Stolen Generation reports, John Howard’s kind of obsession with the wars and the waterfront dispute, and I think new patterns emerge which I think might help in the next round of interpretation of that part of history,” Kerry said.

While former prime minister Paul Keating said in his 2015 Sydney Opera House interview with Kerry O’Brien, “anyone who is any good never wrote about themselves”, while discussing the motivation to chronicle his life, Kerry neatly side-steps this comment by claiming he believed Mr Keating was referring to politicians at the time, not to someone like Kerry.

“The biggest motivator (for me) really was the realisation that simply the accident of the different places I worked in my 50-year journey through journalism, I had a ringside seat for many, many milestone moments in post-war history, not just within Australia, but globally,” he said.

“I was standing on the steps of Parliament House when Gough came out to make his famous utterance about Kerr’s cur.

“I then followed, for Four Corners, Whitlam through that campaign while a colleague, Alan Hogan, followed Malcolm Fraser.

“I have very vivid memories of that event and the election that followed.”

Kerry’s book encapsulates this and many other significant milestones and offers a fascinating personal insight, with a few cheeky side observations, while keeping true to the historical facts.

Published by Allen & Unwin, Kerry O’Brien, A Memoir is in bookshops now. RRP$44.99.

30

DECEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

What's on

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

IT’S the ongoing joy which is Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland, running from 7-10pm until Christmas Eve. This is the 16th year since the Burstow family began the traditional Christmas-themed lights display which has become a favourite with all ages.

Organised in Queens Park by the Lions Club of Toowoomba West, a gold coin donation gives you entry plus entertainment by local groups, roving entertainers, special treats for the grandkids and a barbecue, Christmas raffle and Christmas cakes for sale.

Last year more than 85,000 people enjoyed the event, with Lifeline Darling Downs & South West Qld, Toowoomba Hospital Foundation and Toowoomba Hospice sharing the $90,000 raised, and over $5000 donated to other organisations. Phone 0400 357 206 or go to christmaswonderland .com.au.

THE ART OF WEATHER

EXPLORING weather in their upcoming exhibition, the Artists of Crows Nest group focuses on the effects of weather, how we respond, adapt and survive. Recognising that the weather has a profound influence on our everyday lives, local artists have responded through painting, drawing and mixed media, depicting landscape, flora and fauna, agriculture and architecture. It runs 10.30am-3.30 until Sunday, December 16 at Crows Nest Regional Art Gallery. Phone 07 4698 1687.

Alison Houston Journalist

CROWS NEST CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS in the Park will be at Crows Nest’s Centenary Park (weather-permitting, otherwise in the William St Community Hall).

Running from 5-8pm on Friday, December 14, it will include carols by students from Crows Nest and Geham State Schools. There will be a barbecue, fairyfloss and other treats, face-painting, Santa, fireworks, and even presents for the kids prepared by the Lions Club of Crows Nest.

Phone 0438 115 322.

RIDE FOR KIDS: The Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club takes to the road for Toowoomba’s 41st annual Toy Run from midday on Saturday, December 16.

CLIFTON STREET PARTY

CAROLS AT THE BLUFF

THE Clifton Christmas Street Party is also on Friday, December 14 from 6-9pm, with a barbecue, music and of course Santa for the grandkids.

It’s in King St. Phone Rhonda on 0498 117 033 or Ruth 07 4697 303.

THE PRINT ROOM

THIS free exhibition of Australian printmaking from the Toowoomba City Collection 1960-1979 is on at the Regional Art Gallery from December 15-March 10, 2019.

Printmaking in the 1960s and ’70s became an important visual communication platform and was for the first time placed alongside painting and sculpture as a major form of artistic expression for artists including John Olsen and Barbara Hanrahan.

HARLAXTON Brass Band will keep the carols in tune at Carols at Spring Bluff Railway Station from 4-6.30pm on Saturday, December 16. BYO chair, blanket and picnic, or refreshments are available at the Spring Bluff Cafe. Unfortunately, due to the historic and undulating nature of the site, it is not wheelchair accessible above the station platform level.

TOY RUN

THE Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club is off for Toowoomba’s 41st annual Toy Run from midday on Saturday, December 16. If you ride, you’re invited to join hundreds of others from South-east Queensland, Northern New South Wales, the Darling Downs and Toowoomba to help bring

some Christmas cheer to kids who might not have much to celebrate otherwise. The annual ride, starting at 12pm at Picnic Point, makes its way just 16km to the clubhouse at Toowoomba Showgrounds, where the toys – unwrapped please – are collected and riders can enjoy a drink and gold coin sausage sizzle by the Lions Club. There’s a particular request this year for gifts for kids over 6 years, and not to forget teenage boys. For those wanting a longer ride, there are four inbound rides to choose from, leaving from Gatton, Goombungee, Oakey and Nobby. They all depart at 10.30am and regroup with the main ride at Picnic Point in Toowoomba. Go to dmcsc.org.au/ toowoomba-toy-run or phone Jason Rodgers on 0418 659 091.

DARYL BRAITHWAITE

DARYL Braithwaite will farewell 2018 early at Clifford Park with a full concert inside the Clive Berghofer Grande Atrium straight after the final local race on Saturday, December 29.

Toowoomba Turf Club chief executive Blair Odgers said the club was delighted to bring Braithwaite back to Toowoomba to sing all the crowd favourites including of course, The Horses.

Tickets are available now, go to cliffordpark.com.au.

Early bird tickets cost $15 or $25 at the gate.

There’s also the option of an additional pre-purchase three-hour canape function. It’s the club’s last meeting until Saturday, January 25.

Phone 07 4634 6066 for details.

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS

IT’S family fun again at Frogs Hollow, Queens Park, Toowoomba, for New Year’s Eve with food stalls, a petting zoo and kids’ rides from 3.30-8pm. Other entertainment starts at 5pm and for the kids, and those of us who won’t be awake at 12pm, there are fireworks at 7.45pm.

SUMMER TUNES

WE DON’T have the full details for this summer’s line-up yet, but Tweed Regional Council’s Summer Tunes program usually provides free live music by local musicians of various genres at parks in the region each weekend in January and February. So, keep your eye out for more information as it becomes available.

Big stars in big laughs for the senior moments

SERIOUSLY SILLY: The cast of Senior Moments get into the Christmas spirit ahead of a busy touring schedule for their comedy revue.

OPEN up the wallet and do yourself a favour this Christmas by giving the gift of laughter.

The cast and crew of the hilarious comedy revue Senior Moments have announced they’ll be at it again from February 2019 with a 17 show tour across Australia.

Actors John Wood, Max Gillies, Benita Collings, Kim Lewis and Russell Newman will be joined by Midday Show maestro Geoff Harvey on piano as

they share hilarious stories of growing old.

Senior Moments is described as a “deliciously funny and fresh collection of comic senior moments, scenes and songs, with hilarious sketches and wonderfully witty songs performed by some legendary show business seniors”.

“It’s a seriously silly show for otherwise sensible seniors.”

The 90 minute show will tour theatres is Adelaide,

Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart and Canberra, and regionally on the Gold Coast (February 27 to March 2), Newcastle, Wollongong, Caloundra, Port Macquarie (March 15-16), Wyong (February 2) and more.

Tickets start at $55 and are on sale now, go to seniormoments show.com.au for more information.

SENIORS \\DECEMBER, 2018

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

1

2

3

4

5

Across 1 In Russia, what is a grandmother called? (8) 7/8 Whose 1956 album was the first to sell over one million copies? (5,9) 9 Which television broadcasting system is used in most of Europe? (3) 10 What is the resting place of a wild animal? (4) 11 In croquet, with what does a player strike a ball? (6) 13 What is the upward projecting part at the front of a horse saddle? (6) 14 Crossing the Pacific in 1520, Magellan lost more than 80 per cent of his crew to what? (6) 17 Which jungle dweller had a monkey friend named N’kima? (6) 18 What is a protective crust over a healing wound? (4) 20 In billiards, with what does a player strike a ball? (3) 22 What is a skilful teller of anecdotes called? (9) 23 What colour comes from Urdu for “dust-coloured”? (5) 24 Which sea lies between the West Indies and the Azores? (8)

6

7 8 9 11

10 12 13

14

15

16 17

18

19

21

20 22 23

PUZZLES

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Down 1 In the Bible, which tower was built in an attempt to reach heaven? (5) 2 Detective Hercule Poirot came from which country? (7) 3 What strong, lockable cabinet protects valuables? (4) 4 Aviator Amelia Earhart was born in which US state? (6) 5 What is an underground vault beneath a church? (5) 6 Which branch of medical science is concerned with muscles? (7) 7 Socrates died by drinking what? (7) 12 From 2000 to 2004, Michael Schumacher won five consecutive world drivers’ titles with which team? (7) 13 What might you eat on Shrove Tuesday? (7) 15 Which weapons of war had their origins in China over 2000 years ago? (7) 16 What board covers the ends of rafters? (6) 17 “I Don’t Want a Lover” was the 1986 debut single for which Scottish band? (5) 19 From Spanish, what is a small donkey used as a pack animal? (5) 21 What word for “sausage” originated in Australia in the 1940s? (4)

1/12

24

SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

6

5

7 8

9

5x5

ALPHAGRAMS

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

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 fiveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

P

10

A

11 12

D

13

O

14

17

18

T E

16

N S

E

15

LEASE HOT FUR NOUGHTS TEACHERS SUNLIT SEA

R D

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

19 20

SOLUTIONS about auto BATHHOUSE bathos boast boat boats bosh both bout ethos hoes hose host hots house oast oath obeah obtuse oust sabot shoe shot shote shout south stoa those thou toes tosh

21

G

22

WORD GO ROUND

E N T R Y

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

Solution opposite

BLACKOUT

ALPHAGRAMS: EASEL, FOURTH, GUNSHOT, HECTARES, INSULATES. QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 6. Lateral 7. Defer 9. Mad 10. On the road 12. Hardhearted 15.

Acclimatise 17. Boorishly 19. Cap 21. Bares 22. Cadaver.

Down: 1. Carat 2. Few 3. Gain 4. Terrorise 5. Relaxed 8. Threat 11. Tall order 13. Demise 14. Scholar 16. Valet 18. Loan 20. Hay.

DOUBLE CROSS

D O S E D

A H

A G A T E

601

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.

TODAY: Good 16 Very Good 22 Excellent 26

P R O N E

O

WORD GO ROUND

U B

SUDOKU

5x5

S A T E S

T S

E H

Down 1. Gold measurement (5) 2. Not many (3) 3. Profit (4) 4. Intimidate (9) 5. Unstressed (7) 8. Menace (6) 11. Formidable task (4,5) 13. Death (6) 14. Academic (7) 16. Manservant (5) 18. Advance (4) 20. Mown grass (3)

GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Babushka. 7/8 Harry Belafonte. 9 PAL. 10 Lair. 11 Mallet. 13 Pommel. 14 Scurvy. 17 Tarzan. 18 Scab. 20 Cue. 22 Raconteur. 23 Khaki. 24 Sargasso.

Down: 1 Babel. 2 Belgium. 3 Safe. 4 Kansas. 5 Crypt. 6 Myology. 7 Hemlock.

12 Ferrari. 13 Pancake. 15 Rockets. 16 Fascia. 17 Texas. 19 Burro. 21 Snag.

Across 6. Sideways (7) 7. Postpone (5) 9. Demented (3) 10. Travelling (2,3,4) 12. Uncaring (11) 15. Adjust to a new environment (11) 17. Roughly, crudely (9) 19. Limit (3) 21. Reveals (5) 22. Body (7)

F T A I G A H R F H O B E Y S

J O C L V R P E X O P O M I J

G O B L E T T G R I S T L E C

A K K E J I O I L N E C S L G

S W A G A S I M O N M H I D E

S A A A O A B E O E P E I E R

F S A L O N L N A B C D O D O

X F B Q B E Q G P E C J I E W

N I T P I C K O F A R I S E N

D N P O L H E R F T Y M C X F

S H A M Z P A S T D B P I T O

O A T P K L P O K K P R L R M

V B L Y L A V A F N E E D E D

D I C I W Y G K S E U S W M L

V T H I R S T B T E N S U E U

BLACKOUT

Work out which squares need to be deleted to reveal a completed crossword.

Solution opposite

DOUBLE CROSS

R E G I R I N O S B O T C E L Y I E L S

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

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E N S U E T H I R S T

$30,000* of luxury inclusions as standard DISPLAY HOMES NOW OPEN

BE IN YOUR NEW READY-BUILT HOME FOR SUMMER FULLY FINISHED, JUST FURNISH If you’re dreaming of an over 50’s resort lifestyle for summer, then we have gorgeous ready-built homes ready to move into today. All of our homes are fully finished, complete with $30,000* of luxury inclusions as standard including ducted air-conditioning, stone benchtops, European appliances and fully landscaped gardens. Just furnish and enjoy your summer.

SALES CENTRE & DISPLAY HOMES OPEN 7 DAYS Freecall 1800 280 129 | 97-161 Hogg St, Toowoomba, QLD | PALMLAKERESORT.COM.AU THE BEST IN OVER 50’s LIFESTYLE RESORTS. IT’S TIME FOR YOU. *Subject to change without notice. Conditions apply. Images may depict fixtures, finishes and features such as furniture, homewares, refrigerators, window coverings and decorative lighting which are not supplied by Palm Lake Resort. Whilst every endeavour has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, Palm Lake Resort cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from misdescription or inadvertent errors contained herein.

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Contact us today to arrange your personal tour.