Toowoomba, March, 2016

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Your Award Winning Seniors' Newspaper – Written for Seniors by Seniors Vol 4. - Issue 2

March 2016

Speaking up for older men

TOMNET volunteer: Ken Dale enjoys his time spent speaking with other older men. Feature pages 4, 5

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs

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Postcards ................. Page 18 entertainment ........... Page 23 Crossword ................ Page 24 Classifieds ................ Page 26 All Advertising, Editorial & Distribution enquiries:

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Published monthly and distributed FREE across the Toowoomba & Darling Downs Also publishers of • Sunshine Coast Seniors Newspaper • Brisbane Seniors Newspaper • Gold Coast/Tweed Seniors Newspaper • Wide Bay Seniors Newspaper Published by ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd (ABN 73064061794)

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

TOOWOOMBA has a shiny new library – literally – for its residents to enjoy.

The high-sheen copper cladding used on the new building at the corner of Victoria and Herries Streets, brings an added sparkle to this much awaited facility in the city’s Civic Precinct.

Costing an impressive $27 million, the new library adds a combination of additional public space and new technology to its existing resources, services and educational programs.

Situated over three levels, the building has been designed to cater to a wide range of users and incorporates a number of features suggested and requested by the public.

Level 1 boasts undercover parking, change rooms, lockers and showers servic-

OPENING HOURS:

The new library boasts green credentials.

ing the new Cycle Hub. Level 2 houses the main library collection as well as the Local History Library.

Level 3 of the new library contains a number of meeting and seminar rooms.The building itself boasts a number of green credentials.

Amongst these are highperformance glazing to reduce solar gain in the building, external and internal sun shading, LED lighting for greater power efficiency and the installation of two in-ground water tanks capable of providing 52,000 litres of water for use on the

9.30am-6pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 9.30am-8pm Thursday; 9.30am-4pm Saturday; noon-4pm Sunday Info: www.tr.qld.gov.au/ library or www.tr.qld.gov.au/ techsavvy Hiring of the library’s meeting rooms: 131 872 or by emailing civic.precinct @tr.qld. gov.au.

Venue details can be viewed on www.tr.qld.gov.au/ communityvenues

surrounding grounds.

Additionally, the building is fitted with 320 tier one solar panels which are able to produce 131, 400 kilowatt hours of electricity a year.

Tap into digital world at free Tech Savvy Seniors program FREE help is at hand for senior citizens who unwrapped new electronic devices during the festive season or who wish to navigate the often perplexing world of digital information and social media.

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is running courses through the Tech Savvy Seniors Queensland program.

TRC Library and Cultural Services portfolio leader Cr Ros Scotney said classes started at the Toowoomba City Library in February.

Cr Scotney said Council would look to extend the free sessions to a couple of regional libraries in coming months.

“The program is open to novices or any senior citizen who wishes to improve

their skills to stay connected in the digital age,” Cr Scotney said.

“Each topic runs for two hours and offers a chance for seniors to learn basic skills and use technology to connect with family and the broader community.

“The program covers a range of topics including how to use a tablet device, introduction to the internet

and email, navigating social media, shopping online and accessing government and banking services.

You can gain more info: contacting Council on 131 872 or calling at the library.

A flyer listing course dates and times is available at the library or details can be viewed at www.tr.qld.gov. au/5techsavvy.

How, when and what you buy at market is a local story THE Toowoomba Farmers’ Market (TFM) was founded by Fiona May in mid 2015.

Fiona set out to find a team of like-minded passionate people who could work efficiently towards achieving great things for the local and wider regional community.

Are you raising Grandchildren?

Do you need information?

Call us!

1300 135 500

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Also ask about Time for Grandparents, a program providing time out for eligible grandparents, activities for grandchildren, grandfamily camps and support with school camps.

www.grandparentsqld.com.au Page 2 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - March 2016

Grown as locally as possible, at TFM you will find vegetables, fruit, meats, breads, eggs, honey, olive oils, wines, cut flowers, seedlings, established plants, small livestock (chooks, piglets, lambs), preserves, soap made from milks (goat, cow) and other artisan value-

adders.

Last year’s winter market was a huge success, with more than 4600 visitors to the farm gate at Cawdor.

The second Farmers’ Markets in spring was the first at the Farm Grounds at Toowoomba Showgrounds and 5000 people attended.

Join Us Online Get online to find your news, your way.

The upcoming autumn and winter markets will be located at the grounds next to Cobb and Co on the corner of Lindsay and Campbell Sts from 8am-1pm on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. Info: http:// toowoombafarmersmarket.com.au/

Feeling social?

Join the conversation!

Visit us at seniorsnews.com.au

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community news

Unexpected highlights of business volunteer program

Volunteer sets up a plan for micro-finance WHEN John Randall of Warwick was offered Vanuatu as his first assignment for Australian Business Volunteers, he doubted it would have the excitement factor he wanted. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

He now knows that most visitors to these islands see only five per cent of this totally different, vast other world that still has a long way to go.

He has been there twice since joining with ABV three years ago.

ABV’s priority is to place recently retired business professionals in short-term business-focused assignments under the Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program, an Australian government initiative in developing countries in South-

East Asia and the Pacific region.

After retiring three years ago, John found ABV on the internet, and contacted the Canberra-based organisation.

The recruitment criteria are specific - the focus of the screening is on personality

ject is identified the process is very streamlined. John said everything happens within weeks, including health checks, vaccinations and an interview in Brisbane.

John’s business background is development expertise and small business

The idea is to make it possible for young people to stay in their villages instead of moving to the city... type; the volunteer has to have a high degree of transferable skills, be confident, with a high degree of resilience, self-reliance and to be low-maintenance.

The projects on offer need to suit the volunteer’s experience and fit with his commitments but once a pro-

mentoring, something he has done for many years in Australia. In Vanuatu his key role was establishing a strategic plan for a microfinance scheme. The idea is to make it possible for young people to stay in their villages instead of moving to the city.

Have you applied for Seniors' Week grant? experience and knowledge as leaders, carers, grandparents and advocates.

“It’s on for young and old” has become a catchcry of the event and will be used again in 2016 to build on its success over the past two years.

From Saturday, August 13Seniors Week 2016 will

run through to Sunday, August 21. Last year 737 events were held from the Northern Peninsula Region to Mount Isa, Cairns to the Granite Belt.For Seniors Week info call COTA on 1300 738 348, email seniorsweek@cotaqld.org.au or visit www.cotaqld.org.au.

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AusAid, supplies funds to enable young Ni-Vans (the local people) straight out of training school to set up their own business, but the proviso is that the trainee has to do a Small Business course before he can get the money.

John Randall wrote the syllabus for the course and the criteria, and did pilot projects on four islands.

And it’s working. One trainee set up a successful bakery in his village, and others are setting up market gardens using the money to buy more land, or buy the basic tools.

The concept of profit-making, of charging more than it costs, had to be introduced as it is foreign to them.

John’s first assignment has extended to another stage and he has now agreed to the second assignment.

John Randall on assignment in Vanuatu.

In Brief

Updates from the Toowoomba Region

City Library Shuttle Bus Service

Council Cabs

The Free City Library Shuttle Bus service has been extended until March 2016. In addition, two further stops were introduced along the loop making a total of 8 stops in the CBD. The service is now available to the wider general public to use.

Hours of operation are Monday to Saturday (excluding public holidays) 9:30am-2:30pm.

The service cannot be booked and will run on a 30 to 45 minute loop.

Designated stop locations are: 1. Gallery Lane next to Council’s Customer Service Centre at 4 Little Street 2. Margaret Street Taxi Rank located next to the Suncorp building and old Gardentown Shopping Centre site 3. Grand Central Shopping Centre rooftop carpark – near the Coles travelator 4. The Bus Interchange Facility located on Neil Street, Platform 4, Stop 4a 5. Toowoomba Post Office – the taxi rank outside Fitzy’s Hotel 6. Empire Theatre – taxi rank just north of the Neil Street crossing 7. Toowoomba City Library corner of Ruthven and Joseph Streets – taxi space on Ruthven Street 8. Milne Bay Aquatic Centre located on the corner of Herries and Victoria Streets.

Council is trialling a cab service to help older people and those with a disability travel to their local shopping centre.

The cab picks you up from your home and takes you to your local shopping centre once a week. The service will need to be pre booked by calling 1300 811 394 before noon on the day before your trip. You will travel in a shared taxi. It then takes you home at a set time a few hours later.

It costs $2 per person, per trip (which is $4 there and back). Council subsidises the rest of the cost of the fare.

If you live in one of the service areas, are aged 60 or over, have a disability or hold an eligible concession or pension card, then you qualify to use the service.

You can also bring a carer or dependent children (under 10) with you for free.

When you book, the operator will check to make sure you qualify.

A COUNCIL ACCESS & DISABILITY TRANSPORT INITIATIVE SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Council’s Advisory Committees

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

GraffitiSTOP

To report graffiti and for removal and prevention tips call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or TRC on 131 872. Free graffiti removal kits can be collected from Council Customer Service Centres. Photos of graffiti can be uploaded using the GraffitiSTOP app or the iCouncil app which are available to download free from the App Store.

There will be no Regional Youth Advisory Committee or Regional Access and Disability Advisory Committee meetings until further notice from the new Council.

TRC_0216_SN

By MARG JOHANNSON

March 2016 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors- Page 3

community news

Older men reaching out to peers Opening up and sharing stories allows others to reveal their own experiences

TOMNET

By JENNIFER GRAHAM

THE Older Men’s Network (TOMNET) is a notfor-profit group, established in Toowoomba in 2001.

It aims to offer a range of support services for older men in regional, rural and remote locations in South West Queensland.

These men are not necessarily accustomed to reaching out for help. However, many men in this age group can find themselves “at risk” when life issues such as the death of a spouse, retirement or the onset of illness slowly get on top of them.

Based upon a model of peer support – older men supporting older men – the organisation is all about helping individuals to meaningfully reconnect with social networks, re-engage with the wider community, then pay the favour forward by reaching out to other men who may be in the same predicament.

Good company: Neil Wright and Ted Luck.

TOMNET General Manager: Louise Adcock.

TOMNET Toowoomba general manger, Louise Adcock, said: “A lot of the blokes that come in the door come in with a significant issue they

are dealing with.”

Many are reticent at first to open up about their worries, fears and emotions, but when others begin to share their own life stories –

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ing issues such as what will retirement be like, what will change, what will be missed and what can be done to make these changes easier.

Nowadays, retirees have a good twenty years to positively contribute to the community and enjoy a fulfilling life, so nipping potential problems in the bud before they escalate is a proactive approach.

TOMNET members come from all walks of life and the environment at weekly get-togethers is non-confrontational and supportive.

Statistically, the five years immediately following retirement is a difficult time for men.

king ?

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bers have taken part in mentoring programs with local teenagers, being both a sounding board and a source of non-judgemental wisdom.

Statistically, the five years immediately following retirement is a difficult time for men.

Having long been defined and given importance by their job role, the sudden “relevancy deficit” that many experience can be difficult to cope with.

Many people are financially prepared for this part of their life thanks to the proliferation of superannuation seminars on offer, but emotionally, many have no idea about what is about to “hit” them.

Recognising this, TOMNET is about to roll out a series of seminars address-

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the emotional highs and lows – a recognition of themselves in the experiences of others helps to kick-start a transformation. Ms Adcock said that by: “demonstrating that it is okay to share [members] start telling each other stuff they’ve never told anyone”, often leading to a volcaniclike purging of long-suppressed detail.”

TOMNET operates a Community Care program through which TOMNET member volunteers actively seek out and help others.

This may be in the form of visits to private homes or aged care facilities for some meaningful conversation with otherwise isolated individuals or through the manning of a telephone support system.

In recent times, some mem-

The Older Men’s Network Free membership Branches in Crows Nest, Dalby, Goondiwindi, Highfields, Inglewood, Millmerran, Oakey, Roma, Tara, Toowoomba Access for residents of Freedom, Lourdes, Nubeena, Westhaven and Yukana residential care homes Weekly gatherings, social outings, activities and interest groups Free professional support Information, advice and access to social support services Toowoomba office open Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm; Friday 9am-3pm Ph (07) 4638 9080

Unit 108, Medici Medical Centre | 15 Scott Street, Toowoomba www.bickel.dental | 1300 BICKEL (1300 242 535)

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community news

Giving is receiving for a TOMNET volunteer

By JENNIFER GRAHAM

TOMNET Volunteer: Ken Dale.

KEN Dale, retired at the ripe old age of 71.

Now at nearly 73 years old, he says he has found his niche as a TOMNET volunteer.

“I get as much out of it as I give,” he said.

Chief amongst Ken’s roles is his visitor work with aged care facilities.

On a regular basis, he set-

tles down with a small group of residents for an informal, but important, chat.

“We have a yarn, tell a few jokes, a bit of fun. “But we also talk about health problems which is a good thing, as blokes don’t like going to the doctor.

“It’s so nice to go to the homes and to see a smile on faces.

“The guys are so respon-

sive and it is amazing how they will talk and talk and talk.

“And we talk about all sorts of subjects.”

About once a month, Ken rolls out his cooking skills and with the help of other volunteers, puts on a barbecue for the residents.

He said it can add a bit of variety and interest to otherwise fairly regimented lives.

It’s also an activity that he thoroughly enjoys and says he gets as much enjoyment out it as the men.

So if you are an older man and feel you have something to give, why not contact TOMNET? Don’t hesitate, your skills will definitely be valued and you will always be welcomed.

TOMNET Toowoomba 4638 9080

Older men brought up to believe it was weak to express their emotions THE statistics are truly sobering - every day, more than one Australian man over 65 takes his own life with the Darling Downs and the Southwest having the highest rate of suicide for older men in Queensland. What is going on with older men in our society?

What are they up against and why do so many struggle to cope?

Physical health problems, becoming a carer, losing a partner, loneliness, social isolation and loss of identi-

ty after retirement are amongst the roll call of challenges facing older members of the community. Many may say, “So what? Women have to face this too, why is this a men’s issue?” The answer to this is quite complex.

Although of the same species, men and women are often viewed as coming from different planets (think Venus and Mars) and this is often true in the contrasting ways the sexes cope with loss and loneliness. Whether this is as a result of biology or socialisa-

tion, is up for debate, but it does provide food for thought. Traditionally, little boys (today’s older men) have been brought up to be “tough”, not to cry, not to show weakness, to be protectors and providers and are often defined by their occupation and role in the workplace. So what can you do if you know an older man who is “doing it tough”?

The Older Men’s Network (TOMNET) has a number of suggestions for family and friends. These include: Starting a meaningful con-

Friends: Neville Banbrick, Ken Dale, Joe Short, Neil Wright and Ted Luck.

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more fulfilling life.

As for older men themselves, TOMNET suggests there are many ways to selfhelp, such as: Getting involved in a social network – finding some new mates, someone to talk to; Consider volunteering; Try something new, an inADVERTISEMENT

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By JENNIFER GRAHAM

March 2016 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors- Page 5

community news

NATIONAL Seniors has welcomed the announcement of Australia’s first major national inquiry into elder abuse.

Attorney General George Brandis QC said the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) would conduct an inquiry into laws and frameworks in an effort to put the rights of older people on the agenda.

National Seniors has called for a national elder abuse prevention strategy and public awareness campaign in its 2016 federal budget submission.

“A safe and secure old age free from abuse and neglect is a basic human right,” National Seniors spokesman Michael O’Neill said.

“This first national response to elder abuse will focus on the issue.

“We hope to see stronger laws and a national framework arise out of this inquiry.”

Mr O’Neill said while elder abuse incorporated physical, psychological, social and sexual abuse and neglect, National Seniors was also concerned about financial abuse.

Reports indicate that fi-

nancial abuse forms approximately 50 per cent of all abuse.

“Evidence from Queensland’s Elder Abuse Prevention Unit has shown that 65 per cent of reported cases also involve financial abuse as a secondary form of ill treatment.

“At a national conference on elder abuse we heard of a number of cases of vulnerable older victims losing between $500 and $500,000 each, often to relatives and to their children in particular,” he said.

In its submission, National Seniors also recommends the introduction of national Powers of Attorney legislation and mandatory reporting for the financial services sector.

According to the World Health Organisation, elder abuse is “a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.”

The ALRC is set to report back to government by May 2017.

Blue Care shows how to be fit and healthy OLDER people in Toowoomba have been finding out just how much a bit of exercise can improve their health and wellbeing through a group program run by not-for-profit provider Blue Care.

Blue Care accredited exercise physiologist Elise Hoyer said residents from Blue Care Toowoomba Aged Care Facility were enthusiastic participants in a weekly walking group.

“I had one resident come up to me recently to tell me that she always felt much better after getting some fresh air and a walk in the gardens,” she said.

“And another said he was doing it so he could keep up with the younger residents.

“We also run a weekly seated exercise group which is held indoors, and is ideal for those with limited mobility.

“Regular exercise helps with more than just muscle

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“It has also been shown to reduce the rate of falls in older people by more than 30%.

“You’re never too old to start exercising, and the

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people in the community, such as balance, Parkinson’s disease, chronic disease and diabetes.

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community news

Friends, family gather to celebrate Jean’s 100th

Report links seniors’ longterm unemployment rates to lack of career planning UNTIL they start planning for encore careers, mature-age Australians will continue to experience high long-term unemployment rates, a new report has found.

A National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre report entitled “Change is inevitable, so plan for it.“ A survey of career planning among mature age Australians studied the experiences, perceptions and likelihood of career planning of people aged over 50.

The findings show over half those in the workforce had never undertaken any activities to plan for their career.

Of those not working during the past five years, 77 per cent said they were unlikely to undertake career planning in the next three years.

National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill said career planning was vital for people of all ages and occupa-

tions.

“Planning can support people in a variety of situations including those wanting to extend their working life, change careers, return to the workforce after many years away or transition into retirement,” O’Neill said.

“It also allows people to better respond to the work environment’s rapid changes, including technology, globalisation and economic restructuring.

O’Neill said the lack of interest in career planning presented many challenges for individuals and government.

“Australians are increasingly expected to work past Age Pension age.

Yet, older people are still facing the barriers they did ten years ago.

“My advice is that if you’re hoping for career longevity, a bit of forward planning can help.”

THE Freedom family celebrated 100 years of the life of Jean Warnock at Freedom Aged Care on Taylor St, Toowoomba.

Francess Jean Warnock was born, first child of seven, for Joseph and Marion Warnock at Hillcrest Private Hospital in Rockhampton. They lived on a cattle property Calliweera, North of Rockhampton in the Ridgelands area.

Jean had two sisters and four brothers and attended school at Ridgelands, usually riding with her brother Bob, double back on the horse.

Jean’s formal schooling finished about grade four and when time permitted, the children were educated by correspondence at home, in between their cattle work.

Jean married Louis Slack of Gayndah (Louis had come with his dad to Calliweera to buy store cattle for their property near Gayndah) in Rockhampton in

A valued community and family member: Jean Warnock turns 100.

August 1940 and they went to live in the Gayndah area on a block which he had drawn in a land ballot.

Louis passed away in 1979.

Jean has three children, Jan, Bill and Merv.

The couple bought a house in Eidsvold when the children were school age and

became involved in the local community. They were foundation members of the Eidsvold Bowls Club and Jean played bowls until she was 95.

Over the years she was involved in many areas, including the QCWA at local and district levels, the An-

glican Guild, the Ambulance Committee (still selling tickets in the Ambulance Wheel on Friday mornings at 95), and the Show Society.

She has three grandsons and two granddaughters, five great granddaughters and three great grandsons.

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March 2016 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors- Page 7

community opinion news

Taskforce looks at new housing options

Independence is the focus

THE Palaszczuk Government understands that seniors can be faced with barriers such as cost of living, equality and independence when it comes to housing options as they get older.

Which is why we have appointed the Advisory Taskforce on Residential Transition for Ageing Queenslanders, to identify

Coralee O’Rourke

affordable and independent housing options, so

that older Queenslanders can retain their independence.

The taskforce will consider the needs of older people and will aim to improve choice, affordability, fairness and independence, while reducing complexity as they move into the next phase of their lives.

The taskforce will consider and advise the State Government on options for the supply of housing, supports and other initiatives that will improve choices

for Queensland seniors.

The Palaszczuk Government is committed to working with the experts to ensure all options are explored, and that older Queenslanders can have access to the best and most appropriate housing options.

The Taskforce will provide a report with advice and recommendations to the Palaszczuk Government in the second half of 2016.

– Minister Coralee O’Rourke

What do seniors do if unable to buy retirement housing?

MY POSITION is that, due to my own fault, at age 74, and my wife at 73, are still working to supplement the aged pension to pay the rent on our present rented home, which we enjoy. However, over the past few months, we have spent much time on the internet

trying to find any type of suitable housing for when we have to eventually give up working due to age, maybe in a short period of time. I was unable to find any retirement village or over-50s-type accommodation.

None of the many places

we tried offered rentals of any sort. Out of our pension, we are prepared to pay for housing, should there be any on offer, in any area. We are currently paying $385/week, and with a small supplement from working, can manage.

What happens to folk like

us who don’t have the means to buy into aged care housing? There must be a lot of people worried about the future.

This is not a typical Australian “whinge” but an earnest enquiry as to the solution for a lot of people.

Name supplied

Seniors'

Aim is to avoid the

ELDERLY residents could avoid a heartbreaking move away from their home towns and be able to retire locally under a new Palaszczuk Labor Government initiative to build adaptable housing in regional communities.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said a pilot scheme will target up to four towns in Central West and North West Queensland.

“The Ageing in Place Project is about caring for pe-

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad

ople as they enter their senior years, it provides suitable housing so that people can stay in their towns, close to friends and family,” Ms Trad said.

CONTINUED PAGE 9

Free talks on retirement PAVIL is a specialist advice and information service, offering assistance to residents and prospective residents of retirement villages and manufactured home parks in Queensland.

We are a free, state-wide service funded by the Department of Housing and Public Works. We are part of Caxton Legal Centre, a community legal centre lo-

cated in South Brisbane.

PAVIL is focused on providing tools for park and village residents to ‘self-resolve’ problems as much as possible. This is a very efficient and effective way of providing our services as our client group is generally well equipped to self-advocate once armed with relevant knowledge and CONTINUED PAGE 9

Toowoomba Multiservice Centre “Your home away from home” Located at: 6-8 Buckland Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350 Open 24hours/7days

Encouraging the wellbeing of clients and carers, our Centre offers expertise in dementia care. Our wellness and supportive philosphy of care is applied through every day familiar activities to give meaning and enjoyment to those who visit.

Services offered at our charming, specifically chosen Queenslander include:

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For further information please call 1800 639 331 or 07 4635 2966 Page 8 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - March 2016

6067897ac

www.seniorsnews.com.au

opinion community news

housing initiative for regional Qld

need for seniors to move away from home towns and be able to retire locally

living options in community road show FROM PAGE 8

information, and it also enables us to provide advice to a greater number of people overall.

A significant part of our role is to provide community legal education about parks and villages and how they operate in Queensland.

To do this, we have set up a program of community

talks called ‘Retirement Living Options’ at libraries across South East Queensland between March and June 2016.

Reaching people with relevant information at the early stages of considering retirement living options, will give them tools to: compare their options, highlight questions that they need to ask before

signing up, better understand the type of commitment they are about to make.

We want to ensure that prospective residents enter into contracts “with their eyes open”. For more information contact the Park and Village Information Link (PAVIL) at Caxton Legal Centre Inc. on (07) 3214 6333.

Report says aged services providers in rural and remote areas doing it tough LEADING Age Services Australia (LASA), the voice of aged care, says the latest ACFA report is all the proof Government needs that most age service providers in rural and remote areas are doing it tough and it must now take action if it is truly committed to helping rural communities.

The Financial Issues Affecting Rural and Remote Providers report confirms that age service providers face higher costs in most areas of operation com-

pared to their counterparts in non-rural and remote areas, resulting in a negative operating EBITDA for many residential aged care providers.

“It is a stark reality that the average rural and remote aged care facility has a negative Operating EBITDA of $2004 per resident per annum compared to $8840 in non-rural and remote areas,” LASA National CEO, Patrick Reid said.

“Care management costs are nearly four times

higher in rural and remote facilities than in non- rural facilities. Registered and enrolled nurses costs are almost double. Labour and maintenance costs are more than triple. Catering, laundry and cleaning costs are higher, as are utilities and consumables.

The only expenditure item that is less for rural and remote providers is allied health professionals, and that is because they simply aren’t available,” Mr Reid said.

These projects will also bring an economic boost to the towns, employing local trades and services where possible and providing apprentice training opportunities.

Another positive aspect is technology to make the houses more energy and

water efficient.

This includes community solar panels, storage batteries and essential circuits which could enable them to operate off the grid during black outs.

“As well as being energy efficient, they will also be water efficient, providing a

comfortable home with reduced energy bills,” Ms Trad said.

Economic Development Queensland will construct the homes and will consult with councils, businesses and community associations on preliminary concept designs.

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support services to be provided in the home, delaying the need for aged care.

“It is important we support regional Queensland to have appropriate size and accessible dwellings. In many centres there is a lack of diversity in home types, so downsizing is sometimes not an option and can lead to people moving from the town where they have lived their lives,” Ms Trad said.

“Compared to metropolitan areas, these remote areas often lack a highly competitive property development sector.”

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for example have confirmed strong interest in this exciting project.”

The strategy includes building one and two-bedroom low-set duplex and villa homes featuring wider hallways and doorways to accommodate wheelchairs.

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FROM PAGE 8

“Too often, residents in our more remote or regional towns are confronted with the difficult decision to move to a bigger centre because of a lack of appropriate accommodation.

“Economic Development Queensland will shortly engage with local governments, the development sector and community organisations to identify candidate towns to pilot the initiative.

“Already, early discussions with Barcaldine, Winton, Longreach and Cloncurry

1800 363 811

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March 2016 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors- Page 9

community news

Bean there and great coffee here

Coffee Scene: Ground Up Espresso Bar in Searles Walk.

By JENNIFER GRAHAM

OBSERVANT readers would have noticed the emergence of a new “coffee zone” in Toowoomba.

Coffee establishments have been setting up in shop fronts along Ruthven St, the odd little laneway and the occasional hole-in-thewall to service a growing appetite for good quality coffee. But what is driving this trend? And is the increased number of businesses a boon or a bane for owners?

Full of Life Organics café owner Jason Tong said: “Coffee tastes a lot better

these days…it’s not just about boiling a jug!

“The way coffee is made now changes how people approach coffee.”

Mr Tong feels the growing F&B hub in the city centre

Tash Ziebarth, Isabel Row and Rebecca Mears at Full of Life Organics café.

but you do need a major point of difference.”

In the case of Full of Life Organics, the point of difference is a “back-to-basics” approach to food, replacing additives and processed

Mr Tong feels the growing F&B hub in the city centre is both challenging and helpful to businesses. is both challenging and helpful to businesses.

“Definitely it helps in some respects in terms of people being attracted to the area,

sugars with whole foods.

A greater awareness of the link between food and health is a driving factor behind the café which

draws a wide clientele including the vegan and vegetarian crowd, business people, mums and bubs and those who like to dwell in the industrial-feel interior of the café.

Perhaps in a nod to the Melbourne coffee scene, Toowoomba is beginning to make use of previously neglected laneways and other “nooks and crannies” in the CBD. Nestled comfortably in nearby Searles Walk, replete with graffitied street art and recycled furnishings, is the Ground Up Espresso Bar. Patrons consume their dai-

Alex Chard in Bounce's 'hole-in-the-wall' Ruthven St branch.

ly drop in a dynamic and bustling setting, spilling out onto the laneway.

Somewhat smaller, but no less busy, is Bounce. Literally a hole in the wall in Ruthven Street, the micro

establishment does a steady business supplying coffee to passers-by and satisfying the coffee cravings of busy workers with their office delivery service.

A new library, smart coffee shops and building extensions signal a new era for the city THE winds of change are beginning to blow through Toowoomba.

A number of new projects and developments either reaching their completion or well underway have signalled a rebirth of business in various areas.

Coinciding with a potential host of new occupants in

the nearby Council Chambers, the Civic Precinct area surrounded by Herries, Victoria and Ruthven Sts is undergoing a similar transformation.

The opening of the new Toowoomba Regional Council library will offer patrons state-of-the-art facilities all conveniently lo-

cated within a single, rather impressive-looking structure.

With one of the highest per capita library patronage rates in Queensland, the new facility has been a long-anticipated resource for the city and her residents.

Meanwhile, a few short

steps away, a quiet “coffeeled transformation” is happening in Ruthven St and its side lanes with increasing numbers of boutique coffee specialists opening businesses.

Catering to a growing band of local coffee aficionados, the coffee shops and cafes are bringing a new sophisti-

cation to what was previously considered a “tired” section of the Toowoomba CBD. Adjacent to these developments and sign-posted by numerous cranes, is the rapidly emerging Grand Central extension.

The $300 million, QICowned project is set to dou-

ble the current size of Grand Central Shopping Centre to almost 90,000 square metres.

Brand-name fashion, specialist retailers and supermarket tenants are expected to occupy this new space when it opens in 2017, again injecting some new life to the area.

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Page 10 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - March 2016

www.seniorsnews.com.au

community news

From left to right: Gavin Rhodes, Peter Crooks (Ambulance Service) Mike Moffatt, Elizabeth Grace (committee secretary) and Rosemary Morley (new president of Toowoomba LAC).

HELLO readers. To enable us to respond to your request for publication of more Community Notices, we ask that you keep your notices short and to the point (100 word maximum). Club Notices deadline for the next issue is March 29. Enquiries to Robyn, Nicky or Chris via email communitynotes@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Jim’s Book Competition – Our lucky winners are: A. Martin, M. Kuhnemann, G. Ayre, J. Byrne and J. Cooper. Congratulations and enjoy. Look out for your copy in the post soon.

■ Gardens of Pittsworth is about to happen Former Governor-General, Dame Quentin Bryce will launch the celebrations which will go from Thursday, April 14 to Sunday, April 17. Local identity Penny McKinlay has invited numerous Pittsworth residents to open their gardens for viewing between 9am and 5pm on each of the four days. Two historic homes will also be open. All this for only $20 per person! For $15, non-gardeners can take a two-hour bus tour of the historic spots in

the surrounding district.

All tickets must be purchased at the Pittsworth Function Centre in Hume Street. Contact Belinda McKinlay gardensofthedowns@gmail.com or phone 0427 932 033. Our website http://www.gardensofthedowns.com/

half table. Sellers set up 810am Buyers 10am-1pm.

There will be a barbecue sausage sizzle, tea, coffee and cold drinks available.

Next buy and sell is on September 24. For information contact Mike on 4634 0462 or email infoddmrc@ddmrc.com.au

■ Darling Downs Model Railway Club Inc The Darling Downs Model Railway Club Inc invites you to come along and see operating model railway layouts in N and HO scales, see the new HO club layout under construction, constant screenings of train related subjects, archival items showing the past to the present of model railroading, railway artwork, a hands on “U” Drive HO scale layout for the children to operate, free magazines, pre-loved books and model trains for sale, entry is free, but we always appreciate a gold coin donation. Pick up the latest issue (31) of Model Railways in Australia absolutely free.

Model Railway Buy/Sell and Display will be held on March 19 at the Model Railway Museum and Display Building at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

Sellers $20 per table or $10

■ Toowoomba Ambulance Service LAC ( Local Ambulance Committee) members recently purchased the new $30,000 mannequin for the Toowoomba Ambulance Service. This model is stateof-the-art and can simulate any emergency situation for them to train on via a computer hook up. The committee decided to name him “Harry” because he has ginger hair. These funds are donated to the committee by the community and any amount over $2 is tax deductible. If anyone is interested in helping the Ambulance Service they can contact Rosemary Morley on 4635 4078.

■ Neils Parts Australia Country Music Rush ORGANIZED by Garden City Country Music Assn Inc (Toowoomba) and held on March 19 and 20 at the Oakey Cultural Centre.

Competitors from southeast Queensland will compete in nineteen different sections over the two days competition. Entries are now closed but it is hoped that the target of 200+ acts for the weekend will be reached. Commencing at 8.30am Saturday morning, Sunday 8.30am and will conclude with a performance by 2015 winner Amanda Faulkner, before the presentation to the winners for the weekend.

Adults $10 per day, chil-

dren (under 18) $4 per day, under-five free, pensioners $8 per day, weekend pass $45 (two adults and schoolage children) Canteen available both days. Entry forms or information call Dell 4635 6429 (a/h) or 0417 728 182 or by visiting www.gardencitycountrymusic.com ■ Garden City Country Music Association Inc. Garden City Country Music Association Inc staged a successful social on Sunday

February 14. Topping the afternoon off was the performance of their special guest artist, 2015 Garden City Country Music Rush winner, Amanda Faulkner, who showed why she was so successful in that event.

She had the crowd begging for more, giving one encore. April’s special guest artist will be Dalby’s master of the pedal steel guitar Jim Proebe. The management of Garden City would like to thank their many CONTINUED PAGE 12

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March 2016 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors- Page 11

community news Hernias surprisingly common in men

Ex-Chinchilla and district residents,Vena Parkinson, Bernice Bateman and Marg Gore.

FROM PAGE 11

supporters who braved the hot conditions to turn up on Sunday and assure them of another top class afternoon’s entertainment on Sunday April 10.

■ The ex-Chinchilla Reunion THE EX Chinchilla reunion will be held on Sunday, April 10 at 2pm in the Philharmonic Complex, 7 Matthews Street, Toowoomba. This is a day to come and meet friends you

have not seen for some time and allow you to catch up with all the news. Each year we have this meeting where about fifty ex-residents of Chinchilla and district take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a chat with people they have not seen in the past twelve busy months. Just bring $5 per person (to cover the rent of the room) and a plate of food to share. For further particulars contact Irene Bridgeman 4636 3316 or Judy Flett 4630 2310.

■ National Seniors Toowoomba National Seniors Toowoomba Branch normally meets for morning tea on the first Thursday of each month at Regents on the Lake, 87A Perth Street, commencing at 9.30am and costs $12. Outings are on the third Thursday of each month. Our next bus trip falls on St Patrick’s Day, March 17. Morning tea at Holland Wines, Crows CONTINUED PAGE 13

HERNIAS are surprisingly common in men, with around 27% of males developing a groin hernia at some time in their lives.

This compares with only 3% of women developing the same condition.

The two most common age groups that this condition occurs in are those aged less than one year and those who are greater than 50 years of age.

So what is a hernia?

A hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal wall have weakened, resulting in a bulge or tear in the groin or stomach.

The wall of the abdomen has natural areas of weakness and hernias can develop at these sites as a result of heavy strain on the abdominal wall, aging, injury, incision lines from previous surgery or weakness from birth.

The contents of the bulge can be fat or bowel tissue.

Groin hernias usually show up as a bulge in the groin which slowly enlarges over time.

In severe cases, bowel tissue can reach all the way to the scrotum.

Good medicine with Dr Michael Gillman

During human male development in the uterus, the testicle is formed up near the kidney and travels down to the scrotum bringing with it a blood supply comprising an artery and a vein, as well as the vas deferens which carries the sperm back up to the prostate region.

The track that is created by the testicle coming down into the scrotum is not completely closed off and this leaves the area of potential weakness.

There are a number of potential triggers for a hernia to develop.

Chronic coughing or anything that causes increased pressure inside

the abdomen, weakening of the tissues from obesity or medications such as cortisone type drugs, can all precipitate a hernia.

The main concern with a hernia is strangulation, where the blood supply to part of the bowel is blocked.

Hernias are usually treated with keyhole surgery although for very large hernias, traditional open surgery may be required.

There is usually some pain for around seven days after surgery.

There can be further discomfort for another week, but most office workers are back at work after two weeks.

So if you notice a lump, get it checked by your local doctor.

Remember that if you do have a hernia and it becomes painful and tender, it is considered to be a medical emergency .

You need to get yourself straight to a hospital emergency centre.

Dr Michael Gillman www.DrMichaelGillman.com info@DrMichaelGillman.com

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Page 12 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - March 2016

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Activities include board games, card games, bingo, musical activities, gentle exercise, indoor bowls, craft, picnics, outings, information mornings and many more.

Transport, including wheel chair friendly is available to guests living within the Toowoomba City region. Referrals may be made through health professionals, Carers, relatives, friends and other service providers.

Self-referrals are encouraged. Personal care and mobility assistance are available for those who need it.

The Centre operates Monday to Friday Flexible hours can be arranged for Guests and Carers. The cost for CHSP/HACC eligible people is $16 per day, all inclusive.

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community news

NSA Garden City Toowoomba Branch members Neville and Noreen Fry (seated) and Dawn Wagland at the 25th birthday party.

Send your used postage stamps to HOPE.

FROM PAGE 12

Nest and lunch at the Hotel Radnor in Blackbutt. Bus leaves at 7.30am from Peters Coaches depot with pickups at Clifford Gardens and The Range.

Cost is $55 including morning tea and lunch. Our normal meeting day falls on Toowoomba show day holiday, so the next morning tea will be on Wednesday, April 6.

Special guest Kym Flehr, president of the 11th Light Horse, Darling Downs Troop, will tell us some-

thing of the history of the troop and its present day activities.

For enquiries phone June on 4635 9796 or Yvonne on 4638 5252.

■ Garden City-Toowoomba Garden City-Toowoomba Branch celebrated their 25th anniversary on February 8 at Drayton Bowls Club.

Ninety-two members and friends including representatives from Toowoomba, Dalby and Lockyer branches joined together in

a happy mood to celebrate and enjoy the day. There was singing by Brendon Walmsley, much discussion over the delicious lunch served by the Bowls Club volunteers and an informative talk by guest speaker Vera Somerwil from the Queensland Policy Advisory group of NSA. A brief history of the branch was presented by the president and the secretary, a slide-show rolled giving glimpses of people and activities from the past 25 years and the birthday

Peace of mind at a great price

cake was cut by two foundation members, Elina Mikkonen and Norma Halter.

Next meeting of our branch will be held on Monday, March 21 when we will celebrate St Patrick’s Day (albeit a few days late), a fun day with some Irish jokes, entertainment by SherAnn and a competition for the best dressed in green.

On Wednesday, March 30 we will visit historic Victoria Barracks in Brisbane.

For further information concerning Garden City

National Seniors, phone Hazel on 4635 4519.

■ Wanted: Used Postage Stamps Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) invites residents and businesses to collect stamps from their incoming mail for reuse by local community groups.

Community groups take these stamps and re-sell them to raise funds for local and overseas missions work.

Mr Frank Ondrus, presi-

dent of HOPE said:“we also welcome unwanted stamp album collections.”

You can post a pack of used stamps to the HOPE (Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment) office, PO Box 6118, Clifford Gardens, Toowoomba, QLD 4350.

Or drop them off at 22 Vacy Street, Toowoomba.

For more information, contact: Frank Ondrus, President, HOPE Inc on 4639 2135 or email office@hopeaustralia.org.au

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March 2016 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors- Page 13

community news

Weetwood Handicap is part of Queensland’s Winter Racing Carnival.

Enjoy delicious delights at an Abbey of the Roses High Tea in Warwick.

WHAT’S ON ■Weetwood Race Day The Weetwood Handicap is synonymous with Toowoomba. For more than 100 years this race has attracted fans to Clifford Park to celebrate Toowoomba’s greatest race day.

In 2016 the Toowoomba Turf Club will celebrate the 126th running of the Weetwood Handicap on Saturday April 16.

The Weetwood will continue to be a stand-alone metropolitan Saturday race meeting status as part of the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival.

Over $650,000 in prize money, four black-type races and the

stars of the Queensland racing industry will deliver the largest race meeting on record.

An expected 5000 spectators from Toowoomba, south-east Queensland and interstate will line the straight to participate in the race day.

In 2016 the Weetwood race day will experience a revolution, a transformation to one of the region’s premier events. Phone 07 4634 6066.

Email: reception@cliffordpark.com.au.

■Abbey of the Roses Make some memories with family or friends at an Abbey Country

Lunch High Tea. Partake in a high tea lunch at this Country Manor House on the Southern Downs. Includes a welcome glass of sparkling, mini savoury and desserts for lunch with pots of black tea, bagged herbal tea.

View antiques for sale whilst on a history tour of the downstairs.

No bring your own, but other beverages can be purchased.

Wander the gardens before or after the High Tea. Doors open at 12.30pm, if you arrive early feel free to wander the gardens.

Bookings are essential so please don’t just turn up as they only cater for those who have prepaid.

• •

•

Accommodation is available at the Abbey for an extra treat. Limited dates for group High Teas.

Private High Teas can also be arranged. Phone: 4661 9777 Email: office@abbeyoftheroses.com Website: www.abbeyoftheroses.com.

■Easter Vintage Festival THREE-day Easter Vintage Festival - Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday, March 26, 27 and 28. The theme of the festival is Romancing the Swag. Come and experience rural life in the Australian Pioneer days! Milk a cow, learn how to crack a whip or be a

blacksmith.

Enjoy billy tea and damper made on authentic camp ovens.

Don’t miss the spectacular grand parade and all the baby animals in the nursery.

There will be live music and great food.

You might even encounter the infamous bush ranger Ned Kelly!

Whether you love history, you’re a vintage machinery buff or you are just looking for great entertainment you will have a wonderful time at the Easter Vintage Festival.

CONTINUED PAGE 15

• • • • • •

Page 14 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - March 2016

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community news

Join Us

Online Read past editions and more Seniors News on our website – embracing ageing.

Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au

Visit “Australia’s best handmade market” The Handmade Expo and Vintage Market in Toowoomba.

FROM PAGE 14

It is an affordable, entertaining weekend for all ages. Past visitors have come for a day and returned for all three! At Highfields Pioneer Village, 73 Wirraglen Road, Toowoomba.

■Guided Night Tour at the Royal Bull’s Head Inn This event is part of the 2016 Heritage Festival, on Friday April 22 at 7-8pm.

This is an opportunity to tour the Inn by torchlight and hear some of the ghost stories associated with the Inn. Bookings are essential.

Email: toowoombabranch @nationaltrustqld.org or phone 4637 2278 and leave a message.

Cost is $12 for adults and $8 for child/concession; $30 for a family. Royal Bull’s Head Inn, 59 Brisbane Street Drayton, near Toowoomba.

■The Handmade Expo and Vintage Market Toowoomba Award winning Sunday Shopping at its best! With over 130 gorgeous local and visiting stall holder’s right in the heart of the University precinct. 9am-2pm

Saturday May 29.

The Handmade Expo has just been voted as Australia’s best Handmade Market with Australian Markets and Fairs Magazine.

We are exclusively handmade/baked/grown with a few quality supplies for you to enjoy your own “handmade experience”.

For our Toowoomba market we have introduced a vintage component also, with vintage shops and vintage traders joining us. At Clive Berghofer Centre, Baker Street, Toowoomba.

More information can be found on our website www.thehandmadeexpo.com.au ■Toowoomba Water Bird Habitat Nestled into suburban Toowoomba at Rangeville, the habitat covers 7.6 hectares (19 acres), which is quite a small area to establish as a diverse wetland.

Environmental diversity is essential if the habitat is to attract a variety of waterbirds. There are deep and shallow lakes, areas of reeds, mud-banks, islands and grassy areas to provide feeding, roosting and nest-

ing conditions required by different birds.

To complete this habitat, over 2000 shrubs and trees were planted to attract native birds. All of the plants are Australian species appropriate to the locality.

The plantings on the perimeter help screen the habitat from the surrounding roads and houses, creating a peaceful atmosphere within. Waterbird habitats are characteristically places of light and open spaces, so large areas of grassland have been retained. You can see birds such as maned duck and straw-necked ibis which feed mainly on these grasslands.

Disabled Access: Ample unmarked parking space is provided along Mackenzie and Alderley Streets. Disabled access available to toilets in the park.

Phone: 07 4639 3797 or toll free: 1800 331 155. Website: www.tr.qld.gov.au ■Tosari Galleries Tosari Galleries is the first venue of its kind in the Darling Downs region. Now discerning art lovers and visitors can enjoy and purchase original artworks

and limited edition prints, along with a range of unusual and beautiful Australian designed and made glass, ceramics, timber souvenirs and gifts.

Tosari Galleries is an elegant oasis offering a dynamic and unique experience, a visual feast for the soul. Enjoy five gallery rooms each with changing exhibitions and a fabulous gallery gift shop.

Tosari Galleries supports local and emerging artists along with internationally renowned and established artists. Tosari Galleries also exhibits authentic and ethically sourced paintings by indigenous artists from Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Free gift wrapping. Delivery of artworks and gifts can be arranged to anywhere in Australia. Online shopping available, lay-by and gift certificates.

Disabled parking, toilets and an entry ramp is available. Free entry and disable access. Phone: 07 4638 4455. Fax: 07 4613 0036.

Email: info@tosarigalleries.com.au Website: www.tosarigalleries.com.au

We’ve Gone Social!

Join the conversation on Facebook.

Visit www.facebook.com/seniorsnews

Linking seniors with community information across Queensland 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Toowoomba Water Bird Habitat is open to visitors.

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Come and enjoy three days at the Easter Vintage Festival.

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March 2016 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors- Page 15

community news ADVERTORIAL

Ignoring your prostate, what it might cost

ONE in three men over 50 have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) commonly known as an Enlarged Prostate; this number rises to nearly 80% of men when they reach 70 years. While BPH is not fatal like prostate cancer, it can cause a lot of pain and inconveniences. Common symptoms are frequent and painful urination, and for some cases sexual performance is affected. It is no wonder that we have reached epidemic proportions, yet so few men talk openly about it.

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It’s normal for men to feel uncomfortable talking about their prostate be tight-lipped about their current condition.

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The key to this problem, he believes is to slowly encour-

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The Facts Hair loss affects both men and women with the majority of Australians suffering from the condition in their lifetime.

As we age we experience changing hormone levels and our body becomes less efficient at repairing itself.

The growth phase of our hair cycle gets shorter and the resting phase gets longer, a bit like having an afternoon nap on the couch.

The speed at which hair grows slows down, so when hair is re-growing at a slower rate than it is falling out you end up with less hair.

It is normal to shed between 50 and 150 hairs each day. The number of hairs lost may fluctuate seasonally If you consistently notice more than the above numbers in your hairbrush, the shower, on your clothes or pillow over time, you may be experiencing progressive hair loss. In men the clincher is a receding hair line around the temples and visible scalp around the crown

of the head. For women the tell-tale sign is a wider gap at the parting of the hair.

Hair loss is a complex issue that can result from one or more factors including age, genetics, diet, stress, medication, hormone imbalance or an underlying medical condition A visit to the doctor can rule out medical causes such as vitamin deficiency, thyroid dysfunction or address any underlying issues If the cause is not due to an underlying medical condition, starting a hair health routine can help.

With hair thinning, the hair follicles may still function, but they produce increasingly weaker “vellus” hair.

At that stage topical products may be helpful in restoring the ability to produce stronger hair Top tips for maintaining a healthy head of hair ■ Eat a well-balanced diet.

Severe crash dieting can take away the necessary building blocks for healthy hair and can cause most of the hair in the growth phase

Get online to find your news, your way.

Department of Veteran Affairs 133 254 or 1800 555 254 (Regional) National Information Centre on Retirement Investments (NICRI) 1800 020 110

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National Aged Care Information www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

Some hair loss facts for both men and women

Join Us Online

Seniors Card 137 468 or 1800 175 500 (free call outside Brisbane)

1800 200 422

age a culture where men should not feel ashamed to talk about their medical condition, especially if it concerns their “personal equipment”.

The good news is that all this is starting to change, especially with the internet which allows men to search for prostate health information. Still it cannot make up for face-to-face interaction, hence Graminex Australia, which introduced Magnus Shield, a new over-the-counter prostate supplement, has been working together with nonprofit prostate support groups to help bring awareness to men.

For enquiries visit www.magnusprime.com or call 1300 760 627.

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to suddenly shift to the resting phase and this can lead to hair loss.

■ Thinning hair is often fragile and more loosely attached to the scalp. So when it comes to styling, gentle is best.

■ Avoid tight hairstyles such as ponytails and buns and heat styling routines using straighteners. If you need to blow dry your hair, use a cooler setting.

■ Stay clear of hair extensions that are heavy and may pull, damage or break your hair. A regular, short trim can get rid of split ends that can keep breaking your hair.

■ Make sure your brush doesn’t scratch or scrape the scalp or pull hair excessively. Brush gently so if you come across knots, you don’t pull your hair out.

For more information visit www.evolisproducts.com.au.

You can also join the conversation via Facebook @evolisproducts, Twitter @evolis_products, and Instagram @evolishair

What’s

Going On? Are there exciting things happening in your local senior community? Share your story online. Look for the ‘share your event or story’ box on our home page.

Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au

seniorsnews.com.au

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The Cash Shop 51 Russell Street Ph. 4632 1074 Page 16 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - March 2016

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health ADVERTORIAL

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Do your legs protect your heart? No...

NO. Not just by walking.

Whilst walking is great for a healthy heart, there is another way to exercise which anyone can do, sitting comfortably in front of TV. You can boost circulation and get blood back to your heart – without strenuous exercise. Your legs can help pump the blood. They are sometimes referred to as “your other heart”.

Working the calf muscles with a “treadle” action, just like the old sewing machines, is the key. The Aircycle “treadle” exercise assists the calf pump mechanism.

“Anyone on diuretics with the problem of fluid retention and anyone sitting with legs down for any length of time may be helped by using this exerciser.” (Dr Matthew Parsons.)

Several times a day, for even two or three minutes, while on the phone or having coffee, will quickly improve your circulation.

“My swollen ankles have reduced and I can sleep without pain” wrote Alex Simmonds. “And my night cramps have gone!”

“Since using the Aircycle, my diabetic ulcer has healed and all the pain gone. My toes have stopped tingling and getting sore and are back to a healthy pink colour,” emailed Richard Leighton.

Aircycle exercises also strengthen leg muscles to help support joints and re-

Are you at risk of melanoma?

The team consisting of Dr Craig Russell, Dr Yvette Wylde and Dr Ian Thompson.

THE sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death. It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor about your level of risk and for advice on early detection.

It’s important to get to know your skin and what is normal for you, so that you notice any changes. Skin cancers rarely hurt and are much more frequently seen than felt. Develop a regular habit of checking your skin for new spots and changes to existing freckles or moles. You should check your own skin 1-2 times a

Chat away on the phone while using the Aircycle.

My swollen ankles have reduced and I can sleep without pain. And my night cramps have gone! lieve arthritic pain. Keeping your legs moving is not just good for your heart. It will help you remain mobile and independent.

Aircycle information and

orders: www.aircycle.co.nz, post $39.90 to Aircycle, PO Box 148 Wynnum, 4178Qld Brisbane, or call 0412 329 450

year. Your partner may help by checking your back or any areas you cannot examine yourself. It is very important to let your doctor know of your concern if you notice a spot which is: new, altered, or looks different to anything around it.

Are you at risk of melanoma? Anyone can get melanoma but these factors increase your risk: ■ Fair skin. Your skin freckles or sunburns easily, you have blonde or red hair and/or light-coloured eyes.

■ Mole count. You have a lot of moles (more than 200 in total or more than 10 on your arms).

■ Previous melanoma.

You have had melanoma or another type of skin can-

cer in the past.

■ Sunburn. You have a history of sunburn and blistering, especially in childhood and adolescence.

■ UV exposure. You work outdoors, use sunbeds or are actively seek a tan.

■ Family history. A close relative (mother, father, sibling or child) has been diagnosed with melanoma.

■ Age/gender. You are male and over the age of 55.

The average age to be diagnosed with melanoma is 33.

Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of melanoma in the world.

Visit: http://melanoma.canceraustralia.gov. au/. Contact the Darling Downs Skin Cancer Clinic team on 4638 9299.

Darling Downs Skin Cancer Clinic – come & see us today!

◗ New appointments welcome - no referral needed minimal waiting time

◗ Offering affordable skin cancer checks and a range of treatment options ◗ We offer pensioner concessions, friendly staff and good value at moderate prices ◗ Surgical & non-surgical treatments performed at the clinic including full skin checks.

ARTHRITIS DIABETES Boost circulation & gently exercise

◗ Our team of Dr Craig Russell, Dr Yvette Wylde and Dr Ian Thompson are all General Practitioners specially trained in skin cancer treatment.

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Balance, Mobility, Travel and more!

March 2016 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors- Page 17

By GREG OSBORN

TO CRUISE, or not to cruise?

That was the question my wife and I faced when trying to decide what to do over the holidays.

We’ve both done a fair bit of exploring, but never on the high seas, and tales of norovirus and sea sickness meant we had given it a wide berth. But as more and more of our family and friends returned from their own voyages with happy tales, we decided to take the plunge.

We decided to push the boat out on a 12-day cruise around New Zealand.

We chose the Kiwi route because we wanted something close and familiar and it offered lots of stops along the way, including the Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Wellington, Akaroa, Dunedin, Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds, Hobart and Sydney.

We flew in to Auckland three days before setting sail. This gave us a chance to explore the capital, which we thoroughly enjoyed, especially the impressive redevelopment around the docks.

Bay of Islands: As this was our first port of call we chose to go with the travel agent’s tip and booked one of the pre-advertised excursions. Our day out included a visit to the kauri tree forest and scrambling through the nooks and crannies of a glow worm cave.

Tauranga: Here we elected to do one of the ship’s specialty excursions. You’ll only hear about these once you’re onboard. It included the chance to explore Rotorua’s active volcanic craters, bubbling mud pools,

Cruising the Kiwi route From specialty tours to lounging on the deck as the sights go by

The beauty of Hobart from the water.

spouting geysers and the people who choose to live, work and play among it all.

One of the highlights of the trip.

Wellington: Here you can walk off the ship and be in the city centre in half an hour. We chose to do our own thing. We made our way to the closest information centre and in a short time were on our way to Zealandia, a protected natural area in the city where the area’s original fauna and flora is being restored.

We returned to the city via Wellington’s cable car and spent a few hours exploring the city’s restaurants and shops.

Akaroa: This is a small, picturesque French village nestled in an extinct volca-

Page 18 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - March 2016

Milford Sound, world famous for its natural beauty.

no and here we also chose to follow our noses.

Dunedin: A short bus trip from the docks and you are in the centre of Dunedin.

Again we chose to do our own thing and in this instance we had to retrace the steps of long-dead relatives. That done, we returned to the city to catch a

short steam train ride along the coast. The return leg goes right past the harbour and we hopped off, stopped in a few of the village’s knick-knack shops before returning to the ship.

When cruising Milford Sound find a comfortable spot on the deck and enjoy the vistas.

Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds: There’s not the option to get off the ship here. But there’s no need to. You find a comfortable spot on the open deck and take in the vistas as the ship noses its way through New Zealand’s spectacular world heritage site.

Hobart: Hobart was the one destination that lived up to its reputation. It was raining. But we didn’t mind this as we’d had spectacular weather on the rest of our trip. This wasn’t our first visit to the Tasmanian capital so it was an easy choice to do our own thing. Breakfast came first. No shortage of great eating spots here.

Then a visit to Salamanca markets before going to the always brilliant Museum of

Old and New Art. Sydney: The highlight of the Sydney leg came before we’d even arrived in port.

The Sydney to Hobart journey meant a day at sea and we chose to tour the inside of the ship. This included the bridge, the engine and anchor room, the staff quarters and the kitchen.

Food, glorious food Cruises are notorious for the amount of food available. Buffet, restaurants and cafes. We tried out all options. From the buffet to the posh French number with a $50 cover charge for just walking through the door. The food was great, plenty of variety in formal or non-formal settings.

You won’t go hungry.

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Pedal Away on a grand cycle tour

❝

Trip around continent turns into a business AUSTRALIA seemed a long way away for English bricklayer Karl Andreis and he never dreamed he would eventually ride around the vast continent on a bicycle.

But the idea became more than a dream 26 years after he immigrated to Queensland in 1983 with his wife Sharon and two children it became a 14,000 km solo adventure through coastal and outback regions in five states.

Today, Karl, 64, says he never regretted the decision to ride off into the sunset in 2009, although he nearly called it off when he reached Winton, 1150 km from his Slacks Creek home in Brisbane.

“I sat around a campfire and thought of Sharon and feeling a little guilty I took a bus back home,” Karl said.

“My wife asked why I had returned. She said if I didn’t

go through with it I’d regret it for the rest of my life. She was right. I took the bus back to Winton with a better attitude, knowing it would be a great adventure.”

Sharon, who also likes bike riding, did think about joining her husband on the adventure but baulked at the idea of spending long days in the heat of the Outback.

Now Karl wants to share his dream with other likeminded adventurers who want to escape the stresses of life “and enjoy free time under the stars”.

“Seeing parts of Australia on a bicycle is one of the most rewarding travel experiences you’ll ever have,” said Karl who has set up Pedal Away Cycle Tours which offers cyclists from all walks of life trips from two days to three months.

All the tours include a sup-

It’s not the distance of the tours, it’s more the time spent on the saddle...

Karl Andreis taking a break - somewhere along the Nullarbor.

port vehicle (driven by Karl), all meals and accommodation, staying in camps or hotels.

“Imagine cycling the Aus-

tralian Outback then ending the day around an open camp fire gazing up at the Milky Way or staying at a country pub,” Karl said.

The tours are kept at a “personal size” - a minimum of 10 cyclists and a maximum of 20.

“It’s not the distance of the

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tours, it’s more the time spent on the saddle, usually about two to three hours, then a tea break and rest,” says Karl. “Then it’s on again for another couple of hours and another refreshment break.”

He said when he rode around Australia it took all day to ride 100-120 km with frequent stops just to enjoy the moment.

“This way I didn’t have the feeling of exhaustion at the end of the day.”

Karl can be contacted at Pedal Away Cycle Tours on (07) 3808 3258 or email karlbikeoz@gmail.com Karl Andreis’s Amazing ride Around Australia www.pedalaway.com.au/ amazing_ride.html

7 nights departing 21 September 2016

• 4 night stay in Perth including ADD R ETUR N FLIGH breakfast.

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Terms & Conditions: Valid for new bookings only. All from prices are based on Gold Service, per person twin share or Platinum Service, per person twin share, where noted. Flights are costed using lead in economy fares based on fares at the time of packaging. Package prices are correct as on 19.02.16. Prices exclude insurance, visas and charges collected by a third party. Group travel is subject to minimum numbers to ensure departures. For full terms & conditions contact Holidays of Australia. E&OE HA6169

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March 2016 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors- Page 19

Solo Connections in South Africa

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A three-night stay within Kruger National Parks Private Reserves will see you on Safari in search of the famous Big Five!

you on Safari in search of the famous Big Five! Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos are all located in this. Cameras at the ready are a must!

The final night will be spent in one of Africa’s biggest

and most vibrant cities, Johannesburg. The city is a multi-cultural mixture of tradition and ultra-modern.

Fully escorted from Brisbane, including return economy class flights, all meals

and all sightseeing, this tour is priced from $9538* per person. Limited places so don’t miss out!

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• Unique mountain village of Kuranda • Undara Lava Tubes • “Gulflander” rail journey • Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) Oasis • Mataranka Hot Springs • Adels Grove • Wangi Falls

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Page 20 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - March 2016

• Perth • Fremantle • Margaret River • Esperance •Nullarbor crossing • Ceduna • Streaky Bay • Port Lincoln • Port Augusta • Adelaide •Ngilgi Jewels • Kalgoorlie

8 - 25 September 2016 4x4 Coach Tour Like us on Facebook ‘Stonestreets Travel Club’

Fast travel The Bernina Express is a four-hour train journey between Chur in Switzerland’s east and Tirano in the country’s south, on the Italian border.

One of the highest railways across the Alps, the Bernina Express operates on the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway. The journey passes through 55 tunnels and across 196 bridges. Visit myswizerland.com/rail for more.

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SWISS Train travel has just reached another benchmark with the announcement that passengers on the Swiss Travel system will be given free beer.

Free books too.

This adds to the growing list of offers on Swiss Rail including free access to more than 490 museums across the country, 50% discount off most mountain railways and free travel for children under the age of 16.

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JOIN Solo Connections when we depart Brisbane June 19, 2016 and travel to South Africa taking in the wonders of Cape Town, Franschhoek, Kruger National Park and Johannesburg.

Spend an unforgettable 10 nights in five-star deluxe hotels in your own private room with all your meals included, at both your hotels and specialty restaurants.

You will arrive into and stay in Cape Town for four nights, whilst taking in all that this beautiful city has to offer.

Visiting Cape Point, Table Mountain, South Africa’s own 12 Apostles, and a dinner at Gold Restaurant are just some of the highlights.

Moving onto Franschoek, you will spend two nights in the wine farming town and enjoy a unique experience on the Wine Tram.

A three-night stay within Kruger National Parks Private Reserves will see

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Hosted Rail, Coach, Air & Cruise Tours AUSTRALIAN FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED ON THE GOLD COAST 11 Days $2,190*

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*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare.

Single supp $490

• Staying Townsville, Charters Towers, Undara & Cairns • Meals • Charters Towers, Miners Cottage, Ghosts of Gold Tour • Undara Lava Tubes guided tour then a bush breakfast in the Ringers Camp • Savannahlander tour from Mt Surprise – Cairns • Cairns City Sights & Skyrail experience • Daintree River Cruise, Mossman Gorge and Port Douglas Tour • Paronella Park – Castle in the Wilderness • Cassowary Coast • Gorgeous Green Island with glass bottom boat & coral and reef tour Tour dates: 31st May, 6th September 2016 • Friendly & helpful tour host

Drovers & Stargazers Tour date: 12th July

11 Days $2,290*

*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare. Single supp $650

• Includes return flights from Brisbane

8 Days $2,690* *Per person twin share.

Single supp $480

HURRY

Last spots,

• Accommodation & meals Book now • Interesting day tours to Hobart, Richmond, Port Arthur, Queenstown, Gordon River Cruise, Sarah Island, Strahan, Cradle Mountain, Stanley, Pearn’s Steamworld, North West Coast, Launceston,Tamar Valley and River Cruise, Wall in the Wilderness and more • Friendly Tour Host experienced Coach Captain

The Indian Pacific 8 Days Indian Pacific Gold & WA Wild Flowers Gold Service

14 Days $5490*

From $3,949*

Tour Dates 2016: Rail Tour 722 *(Senior CALL Pension / 1300 CSHC fare, twin661 share) SydneyEscorted to Perth *PP, Twin Share, Single $1000 25th August Single supplement: $560

Days 5

• Sydney Tower including delicious buffet • Includes Return Flights from Brisbane, 4 Days luncheon in revolving restaurant with Gold Class on The Indian Pacific • Gold Class Premium Service on the Indian Pacific stunning views ••2Airfares nights Sydney & 2 nights Perth ex Brisbane inc all Transfers and Experienced Coach Captain ••Delicious (&atBeverages traveling on • Swan River Cruise,Tram Tour of Fremantle 4 Nights meals in Perth The Perthwhile Ambassador • Perth Mint TourWineries, Casino, •The Extensive Tours of Perth inc. Swan River, Fremantle, Swan Valley Indian Pacific) Kings and Mint • Helpful, fun tour host will travel with group • Off trainPark tours included • 7 Night Southern Wild Flower Tour, Margaret River, Albany, Denmark, Esperance, Hyden, • City Sights Tours in both Sydney & Perth Valley of the Giants Tour dates: 30th May ••Sydney HarbourDinners luncheon Cruise All Breakfasts, and most Lunches • Fully Hosted by our Friendly Staff

7 Days $1089*

*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare.

Single supp $320

• Qantas Museum & Tour of 747 • Winton, Waltzing Matilda, Age of Dinosaurs • Strathmore Station • Harry Redford Tent Show • Helpful fun Tour Host

Tour dates 7th, 14th May, 11th June, 30th July, 10th, 17th, 24th Sept, 8th, 15th, 22nd Oct

Cairns, Daintree & 8 Days $1048* twin share plus applicable Cassowary Coast *Per person rail fare. Single supp $290 • Meals on tour • Gorgeous Green Island • Paronella Park, Innisfail, Scenic Cassowary Coast

• 15 days of Top Class Travel

• Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree River Cruise

• All flights included BNE to SYD - Perth to BNE

• Skyrail, Kuranda, Mareeba to Jaques Coffee Plantation

• Premium Gold Service for 4 days on the iconic Indian Pacific

• Helpful fun tour host

Cairns & Townsville 8 Days $1,089* *Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare.

Discovery Single supp $290

Both couples & singles welcome!

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Tour dates: 3rdOct Oct 2016 Tour dates: 3rd Oct, 10th & 24th Oct 2016

Filling Fast Book Now !!!!

• 8 nights Luxury Cruise on the P&O Pacific Eden Perth to Broome Return

Tour dates: 18th April, 13th, 20th June, 25th July, 15th Aug, 31st Oct

Tour dates: 23rd May, 29th Aug, 17th Oct

• Includes Return Flights from Brisbane, 3 Days Gold Service on The Ghan, • 2 nights Darwin & 2 nights Adelaide • Delicious meals (& Beverages while traveling on The Ghan) • Stay in Darwin with City Sights Darwin Tour • 3 Days on the Ghan with all off train tours, meals & beverages included in Gold Service • Tour Adelaide, visit Handorf & Barossa Valley • As with all our tours a helpful fun tour host will travel with group

15 Days $4,990* 2 Pacific Queens *Per person twin share Gold Class Rail & Cruise Single supp $1000

• Accommodation at 4 star Cairns Queenslander

• Accommodation at Cairns & Townsville • All meals • Skyrail, Kuranda Village & Jaques Coffee Plantation • Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge & Daintree River Cruise • Innisfail, Paronella Park & Cassowary Coast • Magnetic Island Day Tour • Castle Hill,The Strand & Museum of Tropical North Qld • Helpful fun tour host

7 Days Grand Adventure From $3,920* Gold Service *(Senior Pension /CSHC fare, twin share)

• 1 night Fremantle & 2 nights Perth for site seeing with day tours included

7 Days Grand Adventure From $3,920* • Swan River & Swan Valley Gold Service *(Senior Pension /CSHC fare, twin share) • Perth Mint - Kings Park &

•Casino Includes Return Flights from Brisbane, 3 Days Gold Departure date: 6th July Precinct Service on The Ghan, • •Fully Hosted.

2 nights Darwin & 2 nights Adelaide • Delicious meals (& Beverages while traveling on The Ghan) • Stay in Darwin with City Sights Darwin Tour • 3 Days on the Ghan with all off train tours, meals & beverages included in Gold Service • Tour Adelaide, visit Handorf & Barossa Valley • As with all our tours a helpful fun tour host will Tour dates: 3rd Oct, 10th Oct & 24th Oct 2016 travel with group

Call 1300 722 661

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Longreach & Winton

* All tours subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances.

Includes travel time.

Tour TourDates: Date: 7thOct March 2016 10th and 31st Oct

Best of Southern WA inc Perth, Margaret River, Albany, Esperance

• Accommodation in Longreach, Blackall & Charleville LAST SEATS AVAILABLE • Meals • Sunset Cruise on the Thomson River, Dinner & waterhole camp dinner with “Smithy’s Outback Spectacular” • Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Stockie’s Show Qantas Museum & Tour of 747 • Winton, Waltzing Matilda, Age of Dinosaurs • Strathmore Station

• Accommodation in Longreach • Meals • Sunset Cruise on Thomson River with dinner at the “waterhole” & Larrikin & Legends Show.

• Stockman’s Hall of Fame

Tasmania The Great Escape

March 2016 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors- Page 21

ADVERTORIAL

Triple train travel extravaganza THREE states, three trains and a territory – a new opportunity to experience some of the world’s great rail journeys also offers a great way to see iconic sights from the reef and rainforest to the Top End and Opera House.

A 17-night trip departing Adelaide on May 10 is a seamless way to experience the diversity of Australia from the ageless Red Centre to the glamour of Sydney Harbour.

Starting with a night on the Indian Pacific travelling from Adelaide to Sydney and a stop at Broken Hill as you watch from the comfort of a cabin which converts to a sleeper. Two nights in Sydney with a half-day Sydney and Opera House tour included.

Then join a coach trip staying overnight in Coffs Harbour before heading on the Brisbane. Get to know the vibrant Queensland capital with a three-night stay including breakfast plus a city tour and cruise.

❝

The third great train journey then commences with a transfer to the famous The Ghan travelling to Adelaide.

Join The Ghan and travel to Adelaide from Darwin.

Board the new Spirit of Queensland train for the 1681km overnight trip to Cairns, enjoying a RailBed seat that staff convert to a comfy flat bed at night with linen and pillows. All main meals are served directly to your seat and there is a li-

censed club car. A threenight stay in Cairns with breakfast at the Double Tree by Hilton and visit both reef and rainforest and an indigenous cultural evening experience at Port Douglas.

A full-day Green Island

tour with lunch gives the opportunity to snorkel over the Great Barrier Reef or marvel at the coral and marine life from a glass bottom boat or semi submersible.

Fly to Darwin for four nights at the Double Tree

by Hilton with breakfast and enjoy a sunset dinner cruise. Trip includes a memorable day trip to Litchfield National Park to marvel over waterfalls and more.

The third great train journey then commences with a

transfer to the famous The Ghan travelling to Adelaide. Enjoy views from a cabin which converts to a sleeper. The two-night trip with meals, drinks and offtrain experiences in Katherine and Alice Springs plus an Outback bonfire at Manguri showcases the heart of the continent as the train heads south from the Top End. This package is priced from $6449 per person twin share or from $7479 for solo travellers. Phone Holidays of Australia on 1300 854897 or see www.holidaysofaustralia.com.au

There’s another simpler side to the jostle of Hong Kong I SUSPECT most of us have a specific image of Hong Kong as a tourist destination.

Good for shopping, eating and taking the Peak Tram up to the lookout over the harbour.

And maybe a foray into the stalls at the Stanley Markets or the lanes in Central.

These are accurate images, but not the whole story, by any means.

On a recent trip we were simply amazed at the “other side” of Hong Kong unknown to the majority of visitors to Asia’s World City.

For a start, there are hundreds of kms of walking tracks around the hills of Hong Kong Island and the New Territories places far from the madding crowd where you can feel peace and solitude.

There are short walks, for example around the Peak or across the Dragon’s Back; or longer trails such as the MacLehose, over 100kms of punishing terrain advisable for only the fit and well equipped.

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Gemfields Tour

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www.getawaytours.com.au Page 22 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - March 2016

Dadaism and early 20th century art.

It also houses a very cool restaurant called FINDS using the initial letter of each Scandinavian country, the signature dish is a delicious collage called Salmon Six Ways.

It’s very hard to find affordable luxury like this in Hong Kong, dominated as it is by large business-type properties.

Adding it all up, maybe it’s time for a re-think of Hong Kong’s real attractions away from the jostle and bustle.

The perfect town and country combination.

And on the way home, the absolute pleasure of Cathay Pacific Business Class, top of its class.

For further information on places mentioned in this story, please visit: www.discoverhongkong.com www.taioheritagehotel.com www.theluxemanor.com

- Phil Hawkes

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4 Day Tour $1245 pp ts Departing May 17th

It’s an epic endurance test which takes a minimum of eight hours, or split over days into manageable sections for us more mature walkers.

But it’s the islands of Hong Kong that captured our attention not only for healthy walking but exploring quaint fishing villages such as Tai O at the extremity of Lantau Island about as far as you can go from Central Hong Kong.

The excursion takes about 90 minutes each way by ferry and bus, and gives an insight into local customs.

This includes the practice of drying fish and other sea creatures to make potent, aromatic fish sauces and pastes. Definitely an acquired taste.

We found ourselves back in Kowloon for some final retail therapy around the Tsim Sha Tsui area, where we discovered one of Hong Kong’s accommodation treasures - The Luxe Manor.

This is an eclectic small hotel with design nods to

www.seniorsnews.com.au

ADVERTORIAL

Redlands program set to surprise and delight

ADVERTORIAL

Best of British – Qld Pops orchestra concert series

Redlands Performing Arts Centre has a great line-up for 2016.

REDLAND Performing Arts Centre is proud to launch their 2016 performance season, which offers excellence and diversity in all styles of performance with over 30 performances already on sale.

If you are looking for drama, there is the much-loved classic Educating Rita and the epic new work of historical fiction, Motherland.

Shakespeare fans can also look forward to Bell Shakespeare’s stunning production of Othello and Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble’s comedic production of Twelfth Night.

If you prefer your drama mixed with music then Don Juan is a feast of virtuosic music and adventure performed by Karin Schaupp and Tama Matheson. Also, Patsy Cline, the heartfelt story of the music legend and her friendship with a fan that features her iconic music. Then The Divine Miss Bette, where Catherine Alcorn is bawdy, brash and just as fabulous as the original.

Comedy fans will be excited to see the return of the

hilarious Ladies Night and two fabulous new comedycabarets, the crazy Babushka: Doll and the double entendre filled Warmwaters.

If dance is more your passion, don’t miss Asanti Dance Theatre’s stunning afro-contemporary dance work Sankofa and Flamenco Fire’s fiery flamenco masterpiece Viva Sevilla – The Golden Age of Flamenco!

Families with young children will love the charming Lily Can’t Sleep and the classic tale about one of the largest and most famous imaginary friends ever when it is brought to life on stage in Hippo! A Big New Musical Adventure.

Whether you are young or old you will be mesmerised

by CIRCA’s Carnival of the Animals.

Tickets for all shows in the RPAC 2016 performance season are now on sale.

For a free season brochure, phone RPAC on 3829 8131, visit the Box Office (2-16 Middle Street, Cleveland) during opening hours or visit www.rpac.com.au

Don’t miss it - Best of British Queensland Pops Orchestra concert series.

THE Queensland Pops Orchestra prides itself on its versatility and never more so than in the highly anticipated Best of British concerts, which have been entertaining Brisbane audiences ever since the 1980s.

The music of the British Isles is ever-powerful, evermoving, and ever entertaining and be assured that the feast prepared for 2016 is all that and much more!

This concert series is a favourite of not only the orchestra, but also of our many “Friends” and

supporters. Lining up for this one will be a spectacular cast of singers, musicians and dancers to thrill and delight in the Pops’ inimitable, magnanimous way. There’ll be sing-alongs and tributes to some of Britain’s best-loved composers.

Headlining Best of British will be Elizabeth Lewis and Jason Barry-Smith, who return to strut their stuff with a glittering selection of Best of British favourites. Be treated to the soaring purity of Elizabeth’s soprano and Jason’s expansive bari-

tone – their combined experience and on-stage rapport will ensure a regular supply of “wow” moments, culminating in a finale which will have you dancing in the aisles ... and waving flags!

Adding spectacle and vocal magic will be Queensland Festival Chorus and Toowoomba Contemporary Chorale. A beautiful performance of The Lord is My Shepherd from the ABC’s Vicar of Dibley by the Children from the Cathedral Chapel Choir is guaranteed to send a shiver up your spine.

Also adding to the experience is the expertise and mesmerising precision of the Watkins Academy of Irish Dance a proud Queensland Pops Orchestra tradition.

So grab a flag, warm up your vocal cords and join with us to celebrate the best of all things British on Saturday, May 7, 2.30pm and 7.30pm at the Concert Hall QPAC www.qpac.com.au and Sunday, May 15 at 2.30pm at the Empire Theatre Toowoomba http://www.empiretheatre. com.au

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March 2016 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors- Page 23

puzzles 1

2

3

4

5

6

ACROSS 5 Which character in Oliver! sings “As Long As He Needs Me”? (5) 8 What small web-footed reptile can be found in aquariums? (8) 9 In former times, who was made to wear a coneshaped hat? (5) 10 What is the capital of United Arab Emirates? (3,5) 11 Which US president followed Washington? (5) 14 In gym parlance, what are the abdominal muscles? (3) 16 Which university official is in charge of financial affairs? (6) 17/18 What expression, derived from a Hindu dietary prohibition, applies to anything so revered it is beyond public criticism? (5,3) 20 In golf, an albatross is how many under par? (5) 24 What 19th-century four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage had a collapsible hood over the rear half?

(8) 25 Which lake in Ghana is one of the largest artificially created lakes in the world? (5) 26 At almost 5,000 years, which language has a longer recorded history than any other? (8) 27 What gather in a gaggle? (5)

7

8 9 10 11 12

13

14

15

16

17 18

19

20

21

22

23

24 25 26 27

SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 9

10

DOWN 1 What fragrant oil is extracted from rose petals? (5) 2 Who is considered the founder of psychoanalysis?

(5) 3 Royal Cork __ Club in Ireland, the oldest of its type in the world (5) 4 In TV’s The Waltons, what nickname had James Robert Walton? (3-3) 6 What impressive Roman construction can be seen at Nîmes in France? (8) 7 What vegetable is found in the Greek dish tzatziki? (8) 12 Which mountain in South Dakota is carved with the busts of four US presidents? (8) 13 Three-quarters of the world’s what is mined in Quebec? (8) 14 Luminous discharge between two electrodes (3) 15 Women’s clothing size (1,1,1) 19 At a wedding, what blossom traditionally indicates the hope of fruitfulness? (6) 21 What flower is associated with Flanders? (5) 22 What strong, coarse fabric is used for lining or upholstery? (5) 23 The world’s longest cable-stayed bridge when it opened in 1995 crossed which river? (5)

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.

M R

12 13 16

17

18

19

22

R

S

NAKED CANDLE THERMOS PIMENTOS POOR RATES

SUDOKU

5x5 S A N D S

Down 1. Crimes (8) 2. Underneath (5) 4. Enemy (3) 5. Relating to (12) 6. Throw aside (7) 7. Requirement (4) 8. Cheerful and carefree (5-2-5) 12. Public square (5) 13. Unabridged (8) 15. Consecrates (7) 19. Keepsake (5) 20. Ski tow (1-3) 22. Regret (3)

K N E E D

Across: 1. Orbs, 3. Off and on, 9. Foliage, 10. Paste, 11. Newspaperman, 14. Ebb, 16. Ghana, 17. Don, 18. Well-mannered, 21. Basic, 22. Ringlet, 23. Restyled, 24. Iced.

Down: 1. Offences, 2. Below, 4. Foe, 5. Appertaining, 6. Discard, 7. Need, 8. Happy-go-lucky, 12. Plaza, 13. Unedited, 15. Blesses, 19. Relic, 20.

T-bar, 22. Rue.

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 25 Very Good 35 Excellent 42

ALPHAGRAMS: KNEAD, LANCED, MOTHERS, NEPOTISM, OPERATORS. QUICK CROSSWORD

E T

H

N E V E R

315

E

I R A T E

L

24

WORD GO ROUND

N Y

T

N

GK CROSSWORD

L A

G E

V

SOLUTIONS

23

Across 1. Spherical shapes (4) 3. Intermittent (3,3,2) 9. Leaves (7) 10. Glue (5) 11. Journalist (12) 14. Recede (3) 16. African country (5) 17. Put on (3) 18. Polite (4-8) 21. Simple (5) 22. Curl (7) 23. Given a new look (8) 24. Frozen (4)

R

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

20 21

N

ACROSS: 5 Nancy, 8 Terrapin, 9 Dunce, 10 Abu Dhabi, 11 Adams, 14 Abs, 16 Bursar, 17/18 Sacred cow, 20 Three, 24 Barouche, 25 Volta, 26 Egyptian, 27 Geese.

DOWN: 1 Attar, 2 Freud, 3 Yacht, 4 Jim-Bob, 6 Aqueduct, 7 Cucumber, 12 Rushmore, 13 Asbestos, 14 Arc, 15 SSW, 19 Orange, 21 Poppy, 22 Scrim, 23 Seine.

15

S

WORD GO ROUND

14

N

aglet agley alee allege alley ally anele angel angle eagle eaglet elan elate elegant ELEGANTLY elegy gale gall galley gelt gentle gently glean glee glen lane late lateen lately leal lean leant legal legate lent neatly tael tale tall tally tangle tangly teal tell telly yell

11

5/3

M A R S H

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

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www.seniorsnews.com.au

community news

Self-help gems on ageing Self-confessed badly behaved senior, Ann Rickard looks at the lighter side of ageing.

Snapshots of life with Ann Rickard

I’VE never been a fan of self-help books. You? Don’t answer. You either love these books for the boost of motivation they give you, or you scoff at them as a bit mumbo jumbo.

Or maybe you swing from one way to another. Whatever works for you.

There are a zillion self-help books for the ageing person, myriad pages of information to make us seniors feel good about ageing, endless advice to keep us active/involved/relevant/ happy.

I’m dipping in and out of a book called Ageing Disgracefully – it’s an old book I found in our garage covered in dust, obviously ready to be put out in a garage sale that never happened.

I resurrected it, dusted it off and it’s good again.

Written very tongue-in-

cheek, it’s full of wry and pithy little snippets.

It cheers me up every time I open it.

Let me quote you a few of the gems in the hope it will cheer you too.

“Don’t lie about your age.

Be proud that you’ve made it this far without losing your sanity or a major organ.”

I have never felt inclined to lie about my age – until three weeks ago, when I celebrated a birthday with a whopping big O on the end of it.

Now I have declared myself 49, staying that way forever.

Let’s dip again into the little book: “Get on a motorbike and take off down the coast.”

Nup, not doing that one.

Ever.

Another gem: “Candlelight – use it everywhere. Carry a lit candle in front of you to restaurants if you can manage it.”

This one I like very much.

Candlelight is the mature person’s best friend. It softens wrinkles, lifts jowls, removes furrows between the brows.

Try getting all that from Botox.

Let’s dip again. “Have a

garage sale. Over several decades, it’s amazing what useless crap you acquire that other people will pay good money for.”

How true, how much crap is in your garage/cupboards/wardrobe? Sell it.

(Or resurrect it like I did with the little book.)

This one I like very much.

“Don’t murder your husband/wife. You’re the first person they’ll suspect.”

A good one to remember when the spouse gets so under your skin you want to hit him/her over the head with the croc pot.

Here’s another. “Every once in a while give in to the urge to be appalling and tasteless.”

Eh? But then. “Only twice a day.”

This next one is my favourite: “Drink champagne.”

It needs no further comment from me.

And finally this one: “Always remember what Oscar Wilde said: ‘Youth is wasted on the young.’ ” So you see, some self-help books do make you feel better.

Now go and clear out your garage. ann.rickard@scnews. com.au

Young at Heart film festival reveals 2016 program

AUSTRALIA’S only film festival programmed for film lovers aged 60 and up, Young at Heart, has revealed a stellar program that will roll out in April to Palace Cinemas across Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and for the first time in 2016, Brisbane.

For its 11th incarnation, the Young at Heart program will include ten new feature films, a selection of new Australian short films starring seniors, special events, filmmaker Q&As, a digital print of the 1951 classic A Streetcar Named Desire and the Foxtel Movies Audience Award where filmgoers vote for Best Film.

Festival director Mathieu Ravier says, “This year’s program takes a particular look at the modern family, celebrating the unconventional, complex and everchanging relationships that bind us together.”

Exploring shifting family dynamics are the dramas Louder Than Bombs starring Isabelle Huppert, Jesse Eisenberg and Gabriel Byrne; Fathers and Daughters with Russell www.seniorsnews.com.au

Crowe, Amanda Seyfried and Jane Fonda; and Mia Madre, from Italian master Nanni Moretti and starring Margherita Buy and John Turturro.

Relationships are also the subject of Grandma, a sharply observed comedy starring the inimitable Lilly Tomlin as a strong-willed lesbian poet; and the bittersweet Australian comedy,

❝

tion of family and community.

Celebrating the contribution of senior Australians to film culture will be the Relay Service Short Film Awards, a showcase of the best new Australian short films featuring seniors in lead roles, that will tour to over 80 regional towns from April 1 to 17.

The Best Senior Actor

This year’s program takes a particular look at the modern family, celebrating the unconventional, complex and ever-changing relationships that bind us together.

A Month Of SunDays starring Anthony LaPaglia, Justine Clarke, Julia Blake and John Clarke.

The program also includes the Irish film Dare To Be Wild, about a landscape gardener’s dream to take on the establishment at the Chelsea Flower Show; and the Japanese film, Our Little Sister, which charts the relationship between four sisters in a joyful celebra-

award will be determined by ajury of industry professionals including Warren Kermond and Vola Vandere.

April 11-17: Palace Centro – 39 James St, Fortitude Valley - (07) 3852 4488 Tickets: From $6. Via www.palacecinemas.com. au or each venue’s Box Office Program: Available from www.youngatheart.net.au.

Salt and pepper calamari with garlic aioli

Home cooking with Christine Perkins

THIS is one of my all-time favourites, very quick and easy to cook and tastes great.

Serves 4 4 Calamari hoods cleaned and cut into rings about 1cm wide 1 cup rice flour or corn flour 1 ½ teaspoons of salt 1 ½ teaspoons of pepper 1 cup good quality mayonnaise – (Kewpie Brand Soy Mayonnaise is the best for this recipe- you can find it

in your Asian section of the supermarket) 1 ½ - 2 tablespoons of finely chopped garlic (I use minced garlic from the jar it’s easier) Oil for frying – bran oil is good for this recipe Step 1: Cut calamari into 1 cm rings or strips if you prefer, just make sure not too thick. Combine flour and salt and pepper in a bowl. Add calamari. Toss to coat. Shake off excess.

Step 2: Heat oil in a large,

deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Flash fry, in small batches, for 1 to 2 minutes or until light golden.

Drain on paper towel.

Serve with garlic Aioli (Mix mayo and garlic together) as an entrée for a main serve with a salad of rocket and shaved parmesan cheese and with drizzle of balsamic glaze.

This recipe is gluten free if you use GF flour (rice flour or corn flour) and GF mayonaise.

A GREAT SENIOR’S SPECIAL

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5 night packages also available beginning Sundays.

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Morning or Afternoon Tea at the beautiful Secrets By The Lake overlooking Baroon Pocket Dam. So bring your Bowls, bring your Golf Clubs, there’s lots of fun to be had at Clouds.

A big fabulous cooked breakfast will set you up for a big day, every day!

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March 2016 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors- Page 25

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Festive food swaps to help you keep the kilos at bay this Easter

Try these tasty low-carb options

FOR many Easter often means too many eggs, hot cross buns and family feasts – which we unfortunately pay the price for well beyond the long weekend.

However, Easter is actually the ideal time to swap carb laden dishes for tasty lowcarb meals.

“Contrary to popular believe, Easter is an ideal time for low-carb eating, particularly with plenty of sumptuous seafood on top of the menu.

“With a little pre-planning and some savvy switchouts the whole family will love, you can finish the holiday without feeling heavy,” said Colette Heimowitz, vice-president of Nutrition and Education at Atkins Nutritionals.

Follow these simple swaps to get set for a scrumptious Easter which won’t wreak havoc on your waistline.

These easy low-carb Easter recipes might soon become family favourites: Atkins Easter Buns Makes 8 buns, 5.7g of carbs per bun Ingredients: ¾ cup (72 grams) almond flour ¼ cup (57 grams) coconut flour 3 eggs ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 1/3 cup almond milk ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon mixed spice 2 teaspoons grated orange peel 1 Atkins Endulge Milk Chocolate bar Method: Pre-heat oven to 175°C and line a flat baking tray with grease proof paper. Sieve the almond flour

Hot cross buns.

and coconut flour into a mixing bowl. Add the baking soda, salt, spices and grated orange peel, and half the Atkins chocolate bar chopped into small pieces and combine. Add the eggs and almond milk and mix well. Divide the mixture into 8 even parts.

Using your hands, roll the mixture into balls. Place

the balls of mixture onto the lined baking tray and squash down gently to flatten the base of each ball.

Using a knife, carve a cross (about ½ centimetre deep) in the top of each bun.

Create slivers from the remainder of the Atkins bar, and place these into the carved lines to create chocolate crosses. Bake in oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of a bun comes out clean. Enjoy fresh out of the oven. Or, if the buns have cooled, cut in half and lightly toast on a sandwich press to warm. Store in an air-tight container in a cool place.

Atkins low-carb chocolate Mousse Serves 4, 3.5g of carbs per serve Ingredients: 120ml double cream 1 tsp stevia (or your choice

An extraordinary woman’s life At the Drop of a Veil/ Marianne Alireza IN THE 1940s a pretty, young, Californian university student fell in love and married a fellow student.

Nothing unusual here, except the fellow student was from a Saudi Arabian royal family and her marriage made her the first western woman to marry into a high-ranking Saudi Arabian family.

Ali Alireza was majoring in business and the young woman was studying romance languages when they met in a paleontology class at the University of California at Berkeley.

They married in 1943, the year Marianne Alireza graduated.

Alireza says she had no illusions of what it would be like to wear a veil and a long gown constantly.

“Ali was very honest about what my life would be like. On my engagement night he went all over it again and made sure I knew.”

In 1945 the couple moved back to Saudi Arabia and suddenly Marianne found herself veiled and cloaked, living in another culture and listening to a foreign language.

“There were no roads, no hotels, no stores, no elecwww.seniorsnews.com.au

tricity. We didn’t go out, and we didn’t do things.

We lived together,” she said, referring in particular to the women of the family.

For twelve years Marianne Alireza lived within a female group composed of her mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and various children and servants.

During that time she experienced a range of emotions as she struggled within primitive housing conditions, tasting new food, adjusting to a desert environment and in particular the strict rules for female behaviour.

Love can lead you through unexplored territory and in this case Marianne Alireza’s personal commitment to her marriage gave her courage and strength to overcome the obstacles of life in a foreign civilisation A reading of this book in 2016, not only exemplifies the contrasts and similarities of different worlds, it takes into account the fluid role of women, social

changes in the last 50 years, and the effects of oil wealth on Saudi Arabia.

Marianne chronicles her early perceptions, her choking anger at female confinement, living conditions and her diplomat husband’s long work-enforced separations.

Equally, she describes her wonderful experiences as she and her family travel abroad on the Queen Mary and spend time in posh hotels in London and apartments in Paris.

All the time, her love grows as she gives birth to her five children and develops a firm, lasting and respectful friendship with her mother and sister-in-laws.

Her privileged position allows her to attend Europe’s great gatherings of royal weddings and funerals.

After 12 years of marriage, a friend’s phone call to her while she is staying in New York advises that her husband has taken a second wife. At this point

her life takes another unexpected turn as she successfully fights to stay with her children.

Today Marianne lives in the United States, she is the matriarch of five children, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She calls her children global citizens, who move easily between the two worlds and she promotes international cultural understanding.

While she acknowledges the limitations on Saudi Arabian women.

She has said: “Women there have rights - of course they do.

They also have great power and they exercise it behind the scenes, many running the administration of very large families.”

In 1990 in a newspaper interview she added: “While many Western women look on the veiled Muslim women with pity.

“If you want the truth, Saudi women feel sorry for Western women.

They see beauty contests and girlie magazines in the West, and they say, ‘Women in your world are sex objects.’

To them it’s abhorrent.”

Review by Gail Forrer

blend until light and fluffy.

Spoon mixture evenly into four glasses or ramekins, and top with your choice of berries – just be sure to add them to the carb count!

Serve and enjoy.

Low-carb chocolate moose.

of sweetener) ½ tsp vanilla essence 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder Method: Place double cream in a blender, followed by stevia, vanilla essence and cocoa powder,

ABOUT ATKINS: the original low-carb eating approach, the Atkins program has been scientifically reformulated as the Atkins Nutritional Approach – an easy to follow, flexible four-phased program that helps followers build a diet around whole foods rich in vitamins and ‘good carbohydrates’ including low sugar fruits, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, dairy, good fats and protein (fish, poultry, red meat and tofu) – while at the same time eliminating highly processed carbs such as white flour (white bread, white pasta) and sugar.

Love affair with food shines through recipes Autumn Harvest – recipes by Maggie Beer Lantern, an imprint of Penguin Books MAGGIE Beer’s love of food is infectious. The passionate foodie first shared her joy in 2007 with the original Maggie’s Harvest edition.

It has since evolved into four seasonal paperbacks – Harvest Winter, Spring, Summer and now this edition Autumn.

In her signature detailed and descriptive style, you will find a collection of more than 90 of Maggie’s autumn recipes.

She writes evocatively of some her favourite ingredients including crabapples, guinea fowls, quinces, walnuts and partridge.

This goes beyond a retail outlet and often traces sources back to the farm, the growing, harvesting and finally the making of a beautiful recipe and the dinner party where it was enjoyed.

Former Coast restaurateur Christine Perkin followed the Fig and Walnut Tart recipe and delivered a memorable dessert.

Maggie said it is one her most requested desserts – “which is almost embar-

rassingly simple.”

Christine agreed it was a pleasantly easy creation.

“Firstly, I cooked small tarts which came out crispy and then I made the larger one which was beautifully moist.

“I thought it would be much sweeter, but it came out quite lovely with an unusual texture.”

The book takes you back to the roots of food. It is a simple, yet complex work from a committed lover of food.

Her own words best purvey the tantalising zeal that runs throughout the book: “My passion for food has given me so much in life – a sense of purpose, a delicious anticipation of each new day and gifts of much deeper kind than financial,” she said.

Review by Gail Forrer

March 2016 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors- Page 27

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