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Welcome
In this edition
Feature: Coffin Club.................................................Page 7 Cover Story: Senior Australian of the Year .....Pages 8-9 Travel ...............................................................Pages 13-16 Wellbeing .........................................................Pages 17-19 Living ...............................................................Pages 23-25 Puzzles.....................................................................Page 31
Contact us Editor Gail Forrer gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Consultant Brett Mauger brett.mauger@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Now online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Toowoomba Seniors Newspaper”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications. Published by News Corp Australia Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina. Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
Smiling is infectious HAPPY New Year! Whether cynical, hopeful or otherwise, we are at the opportune time of the year to make some resolutions that will better our lives and those around us. To that end, I am sure you will find inspiration from our cover story which honours the people nominated in each state and territory for The Senior Australian of the Year award (Pages 8 & 9). Their stories profile the far-reaching effects of their work and passion to improve other people’s lives. In South Australia, nominee Barbara Sprigg was prompted to expose poor treatment suffered by her husband in an Aged Care facility. At a time of personal grieving, she bravely confronted the system, paving the way for
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER
Group editor Seniors Newspapers network
respectful and proper care for patients. I was so impressed with her New Year sentiments, I have shared them with you, she wrote: “As we begin 2018, let’s embrace our lives as seniors. Be proud of our achievements, take care of our bodies and minds; things I always work towards. Walk and talk often with a friend. Say or do something nice for someone each day. Be prepared to speak out, it could lead to better things for others. Don’t underestimate the power and ability you
Hospice thanks you ON BEHALF of the management committee, staff and volunteers at the Toowoomba Hospice we would sincerely like to thank the community groups, schools, clubs, individuals and
businesses of Toowoomba and surrounding districts for choosing the hospice as one of their preferred charities during 2017. This year we celebrated 14 years of providing
have. Help make 2018 count. Together we can achieve great things.” (Story page 8). Indeed, don’t underestimate the power of a smile. Last September we published a simple poem about smiles, by Spike Milligan, on our Facebook site (www.facebook.com/ seniorsnews). To date,it has achieved far-reaching effects; online views of the poem have added up to about six million and is still increasing. But the world is a big place and for those who missed the poem, I think our first print edition in 2018 is an apt place to share: Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu, When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too. I passed around the
corner and someone saw my grin. When he smiled I realised I'd passed it on to him. I thought about that smile, then I realised its worth. A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth. So, if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it undetected. Let's start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected! As Seniors Newspaper Editor my resolution is to keep up the stories, profiles and professional advice that entertains, informs and engages you (and, of course makes you smile).
professional palliative care for clients and at the same time provided support to their families and friends. We would not have been able to do this without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers. We must also acknowledge the continued support of your
newspaper as well as all other media outlets and we look forward this ongoing support in 2018. Kindest regards, Graham Barron OAM Chairman & Mark Munro Administration & Fundraising Manager, Toowoomba Hospice Assocation Inc.
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Local News
Australia Day is for everyone JOURNALIST ALISON HOUSTON FORGET the politics, Australia Day in Toowoomba is all about fun and celebrating every member of the community. It’s the perfect excuse for a barbecue, lamingtons, billy tea and damper and a chance to bring out your loudest board shorts, according to Toowoomba mayor Paul Antonio. “We should revel in the freedoms we enjoy that others only dream about,” he said. “So, as a community we should celebrate how lucky we are.” And he reckons there’s no better way to do that than at one of the region’s community-run Australia Day events on Friday, January 26. It’s a chance to “celebrate our diverse society, reflect on our achievements and re-commit to making
CELEBRATE: Toowoomba celebrates Australia Day.
Australia an even better place for everyone”. “How fortunate are we to live in Australia, and particularly the Toowoomba region – the greatest part of greatest nation in the world?” Cr Antonio enthused. Of course it’s also the day to recognise residents who have made a special contribution to the area with an Australia Day award. Award categories include: Citizen of the Year (over 26), Citizen of the Year – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander,
Young Citizen of the Year (under 26), Cultural award, Sports award (senior and junior), and Community Group/Event of the Year. Free community events will be held in every corner of the region, including Toowoomba, Highfields and Pittsworth Pioneer Villages, Millmerran, Goombungee (including free pool party), Crows Nest, Clifton, Cambooya and Oakey. For a full schedule of regional events, phone 131 872 or visit www.trc. qld.gov.au/events.
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Check out U3A Crows Nest open day U3A Crows Nest is throwing open its doors to welcome new and returning members on Wednesday, January 24. The branch, which only formed in March last year under the umbrella of U3A Toowoomba, has had an exciting start to life, according to branch co-ordinator Penny Protheroe, with a number of last year’s courses so popular they will return along with new ones in 2018. “All the tutors will be there on January 24 to chat to, find out more about them and their courses, and you can sign up there, or have a think which one or ones you want to do most,” Penny said. All the tutors are passionate about their subjects, with 11 choices in Term 1, including three new offerings. Australian History in Action is run by the “very animated” Graham Blackman, who promises to cover “unique events in history” from the 1600s forward, which have led us to be who we are. Medieval Women Mystics is being introduced by Julie Nairn, who also teaches Celtic Spirituality, which proved
JOLLY WELL DONE: Marita and David Rayner were proud of how far their Crows Nest ukulele class had come at their end-of-year concert, with many barely having known what a ukulele was when they began in March.
popular last year. Her new class explores life in the Middle Ages, attitudes to women, women in medieval art and the lives of women like Joan of Arc and Catherine of Sienna. Finally, Symphonic Sounds, run by Ken and Sally Johnson, is “designed to be undesigned” and run at the pace of participants keen to listen to the music, appreciate and discuss it. And when it comes to discussion, the Discussion/Debating Group is back after what Penny describes as “some really deep discussions” among the mostly male group last year (a nice way of saying a lot of people had a lot to say!).
At Picnic Point, 8am-1pm. ❚ 8am – Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony ❚ 8.30am – flag raising ceremony and national anthem, billy tea, damper and lamington’s, children’s rides and face-painting ❚ 8.35am – Toowoomba Municipal Band ❚ 8.48am – Australia Day Prayer, Mayoral welcome and flag presentation ❚ 9am – Toowoomba Municipal Band ❚ 9.35am – Awards ceremony ❚ 10am – Entertainment through to noon and meet characters from the past ❚ 11am – Sausage sizzle and watermelons ❚ Noon – Headline act, Irish group, Around the Corner
Holiday Car Parking
Toowoomba City Library offers fee Tech Savvy Seniors training sessions to teach older people how to use technologies and help with navigating the digital world. Seniors can participate in 19 different training modules covering a range of topics including intro to the internet and email, online shopping, banking, cyber safety and social media. For more info, call 4688 6670 or visit www.tr.qld. gov.au/library
Summer Storm Season
Celebrate all things Aussie across the region this Australia Day 26 January. Join us to recognise those who make an incredible contribution to our community and stay on for free family fun, entertainment and Aussie food. See you there! For full details of events in your area visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/events
Events Register
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Looking for something to do or planning an event? Check out the events register to see what’s on in the region and advertise your event for free! Go to www.tr.qld.gov.au/events
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It’s going to be a long hot summer and your garden is going to feel it! All of our waste facilities in the Toowoomba Region have free mulch available for collection. Adding mulch not only reduces moisture loss but adds nutrients to the soil. For a list of waste facilities where you can get your free mulch, call 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au 6167787ac
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Holiday time is busy for shoppers so we’ve been trialling 1 hour free centre parking on Margaret Street between Ruthven Street and Neil Street since 4 December 2017. This helps to turn over the parking spaces quicker and leave room for shoppers. Need more time? Not a problem, we have longer term and off street parking available. Visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/carparking for more info or to view maps. Prepare your home for the storm season by clearing gutters, trimming low-lying branches and securing items outside. Be prepared before a storm strikes. Visit www.getready.qld.gov.au to find out more.
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And whether you’ve never switched on a computer or are looking for something a bit more advanced on the computer front, you have a choice of Introduction to Information Technology or Internet Cloud and Social Media. Mosaics, mahjong and ukulele classes (beginner and intermediate) complete the list. Annual membership of U3A is $50, runs January to December, and is open to anyone aged over 50. Classes vary from free to a minimal weekly cost and run in eight-week terms. Phone Penny on 4698 2021, the Toowoomba office on 4687 7659 or google ‘Crows Nest U3A’.
Updates from the Toowoomba Region
TOOWOOMBA CELEBRATES
OPEN SATURDAYS
Seniors 3
For bookings for all events call 131 872 or visit www.tr.qld.gov.au
Australia Day
Waste Infrastructure Plan
We’re tackling the ‘War on Waste’ head on. Our Waste Infrastructure Plan has now been adopted and over the coming years we’ll be performing a range of upgrades to waste facilities across the region. We want to decrease the amount of waste that we send to landfill and we’ll need your help. To find out more about the plan, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/wip
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The My Community Directory lists organisations that provide services that are free or subsidised to the public in thousands of location across Australia. Check it out at www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au TRC_0118_SN
Monday, January 15, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
4 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Local Story
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
Big-hearted & thirsty Quinalow Alison Houston
GREG and Cheryl Daley are calling last drinks at the Quinalow Hotel... again. But this time Greg reckons it’s for good, despite the life-long friends they’ve made. “We’ve just run out of puff,” the 62-year-old said. “We want a break from the long hours.” Greg and Cheryl used to own the pub back in the ’90s, before they decided to “take on the world”. It took about 20 years, running a couple of pubs, a restaurant, and living on a boat in Manly, but eventually they bought the pub back from a mate and knocked it into shape again, including installing a beer garden, entertainment area and a new kitchen, and painting it. And now, five years on, with all the work done, they’re selling up the pub and adjoining house again and moving... at least to the other side of the bar. They’re staying on in Quinalow at the caravan park across the road, which they also own. “Every 20 years I go to Quinalow to paint the
pub,” Greg joked. “But I’ve finished that now. I’ll leave it for someone else.” So what brought the pair back to the little town at the foot of the Bunya Mountains? “There’s only about 70 people in Quinalow itself, but they’re thirsty,” Greg joked. In fact, he reckons there’s a catchment of about 1000 people in a 15-20km radius, as well
❝
It was a bit like putting on an old slipper being back. It’s the easiest pub we’ve ever run. as bikers and other passers-by, but what the area misses in size, he reckons it makes up for in heart. “It’s a really nice little
spot,” Greg said. “The people are really good-hearted and really support everyone. “It was a bit like putting on an old slipper being back. “It’s the easiest pub we’ve ever run.” So while the work hours are long – they open every day at least 10am until 8pm, later Thursday to Saturday. They offer lunch and dinner seven days a week, have rooms from $50 and have only taken a day off every ftew months – Greg said “it’s been a ton of fun”. “They’ve been really good to us here.” So, if you’ve ever dreamed of running your own pub, this could be your chance, with an asking price of $670,000 for both the pub and house, and you’re still just 50km from Toowoomba or 46km from Dalby. For more information about the pub phone Greg or Cheryl on 4692 1167 or, if you’re interested in purchasing, phone Wayne Haase of McPhie and Co on 0498 098 426.
CHEERS: Greg and Cheryl Daley reckon the Quinalow Hotel is something special. So special, they bought it twice.
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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
Monday, January 15, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Feature Story
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Seniors 7
Destigmatising death Tracey Johnstone
DIG below the surface of the quirky Coffin Club name and what you will find is a group of north island New Zealanders who are de-stigmatising death. The clubs are staffed by seniors who build coffins which can then be personalised with anything you like – TARDIS, go-kart, chooks, Elvis tribute and more. “People who want to, can personalise their own going away by ordering a coffin and having it made to their specifications, and then decorating it in a way that it depicts really what their life has been around or about,” Katie said. That’s the simple explanation of what they are about. But, club founder Katie Williams said the clubs also promote a lot more – laughter and love, creativity, socialisation personal and family connections, and usefulness. Katie, 78, came up with the idea about seven years ago. She was
attending a U3A meeting. “In one of the meetings they were saying they wanted a bit more diversity within the groups, and did anyone have a good idea,” Katie said. “Why, oh why I stood up and said I wanted to make my own coffin, I will never know. “Dead silence followed until after the meeting when there was a queue of people to see me. “They liked the idea of being in control of their own departure; doing something that meant it was them rather than just a mahogany box.” She had no idea where to start. “But then I had to put my money where my mouth was and gather little old men who could do the carpentry bits and little old ladies like myself who could decorate and run it. We started off in my carport and very soon it grew like topsy,” Katie said. Each club’s voluntary members gather together about once a week to use their skills and creativity “in a positive way”.
“We have lots of ‘darling’ men who are ex-carpenters, joiners, builders, cabinetmakers,” Katie said. “They make the coffins. Until recently we had the opportunity of having all our people being able to help make the coffins, but we’ve had new safety legislation. “When we look back it was a bit hazardous having gentle, sometimes disabled, fragile little ‘flowers’ tripping among the wires and saws. They have been banned, but they can watch their coffin being made, from a distance. All their participation now in the coffin making is the decoration.” Apart from the coffin building, a very important part of the group coming together is the social experience for many of them who live by themselves. They greet each other with recognition and the welcome personal touch of a hug. “We care about each other,” Katie said. “It’s also an opportunity for them to talk to their
QUIRKY COFFINS: Coffin Club Rotorua member Dave, with one of his “masterpieces”. PHOTO: KATIE WILLIAMS / COFFIN CLUBS
family about this. In many families, the younger ones don’t talk about it. As far as they are concerned, nothing is ever going to happen to their mum or dad, or grandma or grandpa. And, that’s not right. It’s not correct and it can never be correct. So, we have had quite a lot of family involvement. “For example, we had quite a tragic death in Rotorua. We had a coffin that was ready to decorate and 20 of the family members came in and we just left them to it. We
supplied anything they wanted. They painted, they lined, they cried and laughed.” A basic coffin with six handles and lined with legally required plastic, costs NZ$300. “We use rubbish wood or MDF which is compressed sawdust so that we aren’t chopping down trees to do it,” Katie said. “It burns readily and is very suitable for burial as well. “We are trying to do the right thing, although it’s not quite eco-friendly. It’s
cheap and cheerful.” There is little money made by the not-for-profit clubs, but what is left over, a portion is donated to the local hospice, and some is used for the gifts of John Doe coffins and beautifully decorated baby coffins for premature babies. The local funeral service operators have come to terms with the competition. It wasn’t easy to start, but Katie said they now come to her, from time to time, to buy a coffin.
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8 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Cover Story: Senior Australian of the year
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
Who will take out Senior of
Tracey Johnstone
AN OUTSTANDING group of eight senior Australians have been nominated from each state and territory for the 2018 Senior Australian of the Year award. We meet each of them here and find out what they want to see change in 2018. Once you have heard from each of the nominees, you can go online to Seniors News to vote for who you think should win this year’s award.
VIC – PROF PAUL ZIMMET AO
Dr Paul Zimmet.
THE scientist and diabetes specialist has been an international leader in his field for 40 years. Paul’s work has had a profound impact on Australians with diabetes. His research studies in the 1980s predicted the current global epidemic of Type 2 diabetes, and he was instrumental in
convincing governments and health organisations of the disease’s social and economic impact. “I will maintain my strong advocacy for increased action for prevention and early diabetes diagnosis for Australians of all ages and backgrounds. Why diabetes? Because it is one of the greatest health threats facing Australia, affecting nearly 4.5 million – about two million with diabetes and 2.5 million with pre-diabetes. I hope by example (as a cyclist and jogger) to use my age promoting healthy lifestyle messages encouraging people to live well in their older years. It will ensure Australians are well equipped, both physically and mentally, to enjoy their later decades.”
QLD – DR DIMITY DORNAN AO
Dr Diminity Dornan.
A SPEECH pathologist for more than five decades,
Dimity has changed the lives of thousands of children and young adults, through Hear and Say, which she founded 25 years ago. She has devoted her career to helping deaf children to listen and speak by training their brains to use implantable bionic technologies, like the cochlear implant. “I live and work in a world where science, technology and the internet are colliding for the betterment of mankind. In 2018, I will continue to advocate for the support of Hearing across the Lifespan and also for Bionics (medical devices where medicine and engineering meet) because it affects all Australians at some time in their lives. Hearing loss is an invisible problem that can affect not only listening and speaking, but also reading, education, making friends, mental health, career and economic potential. I will address this by advocating for the national campaign ‘Break the Sound Barrier’ to make hearing research, healthcare and well-being the 10th national health priority.”
SA – BARBARA SPRIGGS
out, it could lead to better things for others. Don’t underestimate the power and ability you have. Help make 2018 count. Together we can achieve great things.”
Barbara Spriggs.
WHEN Barbara suspected her husband Bob was being mistreated in a government-run mental health facility, she pushed for answers. After suspecting her husband was being physically and chemically restrained, Barb lifted the lid on a story of systematic aged care abuse and neglect. Barb’s persistence at a time of great personal grief honours her beloved husband with a legacy of better care and respect for older people in aged-care facilities around Australia. “As we begin 2018, let’s embrace our lives as seniors. Be proud of our achievements, take care of our bodies and minds; things I always work towards. Walk and talk often with a friend. Say or do something nice for someone each day. Be prepared to speak
ACT – DR GRAHAM FARQUHAR AO
Dr Graham Farquhar.
THE biophysicist is one of Australia’s most eminent scientists. He has helped reshape our understanding of photosynthesis, the very basis of life on Earth. In 2017, Graham became the first Australian to win a Kyoto Prize – the most prestigious international award for fields not traditionally honoured with a Nobel Prize. From his long-term base at the Australian National University, Graham is tackling some of the most profound challenges facing humanity and the environment. This year he promised: “I am going to
become fit, cook well, re-start modern dance, write up all overdue scientific papers, spend more time with family, learn plant taxonomy, get rid of the weeds, and watch pigs flying from dawn to dusk. But, I am committed as part of the Kyoto Prize to lecturing in San Diego and Oxford, and voluntarily within Australia, emphasising to young people the importance of creativity, of struggling for honesty, and of accepting that there will be failures along the way in any career. I will make some inroads into the pig-flying stretch goals, and accept some failures.”
NT – KATHY GUTHADJAKA
Kathy Guthadjaka.
KATHY is an East Arnhem Land educator, pioneering academic and senior elder from Gäwa in north-east Arnhem Land. She is
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Monday, January 15, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Cover Story: Senior Australian of the year
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
the Year title in 2018? passionate about preserving traditional knowledge and sharing this with the greater global community. “The first step in reaching my goals in the coming year is to qualify for surgery, (and for my people, there are many barriers) get listed, and find a kidney donor who matches me. Next is to receive the new kidney, finish with dialysis and return home to my grandchildren, my extended family and to Gawa homeland on Elcho Island. “I will then be able to take part more fully in the life of my communities both at Gawa and with the women in Galiwin’ku. I will continue to work with the Northern Institute at CDU and will start again fresh working with Gawa Christian School to consolidate two-way learning and all the methods we have successfully trialled into lesson development technique that will remain to benefit generations to come. It may eventually benefit the broader Australian teaching community by showing how valuing students and their families can open
receptivity for better learning outcomes.”
NSW – DR CATHERINE HAMLIN AC
Dr Catherine Hamlin.
FOR more than 50 years, obstetrician Catherine Hamlin, now 93, has devoted herself to giving women in Africa a second chance at life. She and her late husband Dr Reginald Hamlin founded a network of six hospitals and a midwifery college in Ethiopia. The hospitals provide free fistula repair surgery to poor women suffering from horrendous and preventable childbirth injuries. “The story of the fistula patients is a story that every Australian should hear. Childbirth should be a joyful occasion. But to these women it’s a nightmare. I want all Australians to know that they have the capacity to make a difference.
“Small acts of kindness really do add up to big things. I have put myself in the public eye simply because I had to tell the story of the fistula patients. To be a voice for them. I will continue to do this.”
TAS – TONY SCHERER
Tony Scherer.
THE Coal Valley organic farmer is a pioneer of the organic farming movement. He has promoted sustainable farming methods for more than 50 years. Tony demonstrated that organic viticulture was possible and profitable, with the winery’s pinot noir winning multiple awards. He has helped to build Tasmania’s reputation as a world leader in this wine style, creating jobs and supporting a new industry. “If I can accomplish anything it would be to get more people to eat food
that is ready-to-eat, not shipped. For our organisation Sprout, it is to train as many farmers as we can to grow local produce and market it in their local area so that people can get fresh food,” he said. “I will also continue my presidency of the NGO, Sprout, which provides scholarships to current or future farmers. “We conduct training in soil and plant health, extending growing seasons, marketing, financing, and pest and disease control.”
WA – KATHLEEN MAZZELLA OAM
Kathleen Mazzella.
FACING a radical gynaecological cancer diagnosis at 39, women’s health champion Kathleen was convinced she was alone. Determined to connect and empower other women, and to reduce the stigma and squeamishness around
women’s health, Kath established the Perth-based Gynaecological Awareness Information Network. “My desire is to reach as many people from as possible, aged 14-100, with the message of gynaecological and related sexual, mental health awareness. “Why? Because women suffer in silence, families feel the ripple effects of the suffering and as a community, we are
Seniors 9
capable of doing more. “We are capable of starting conversations that break down the barriers, of being more supportive when we recognise someone has a challenge. “I plan to continue with my International Gynaecological Awareness Day and Undies for Better Understanding campaign and importantly, to mobilise the community to do their part. too.
Giving a lifetime of love and experience SINCE its inception in 1960, the Australian of the Year Award has provided a forum for the recognition of outstanding achievement. The award offers an insight into Australian identity, reflects how the nation is evolving, the role of sport in Australian culture, the impact of multiculturalism, and the special status of
Australia’s indigenous people. It has also provoked spirited debate about the fields of endeavour that are most worthy of public recognition. In this way, the awards have advanced a national conversation – they have encouraged citizens to consider, who are the ‘Australians who make us proud’.
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10 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
Monday, January 15, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Entertainment & Neighbourhood News
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Seniors 11
What’s on Toowoomba’s parks sing in Summer Alison Houston
IT’S easy for locals to take for granted the parks and gardens that make the rest of Australia swoon. So throughout January and February, Toowoomba Regional Council’s free Summer Tunes gives residents (and tourists) an extra reason to get out and enjoy their parklands every Sunday. “Summer Tunes are as much a part of summer as cicadas, sizzling barbecues, backyard cricket and the whirr of lawn mowers,” TRC Tourism and Events portfolio leader Cr Geoff McDonald said. Weekly performances are at four of Toowoomba’s premier parks Picnic Point bandstand, Laurel Bank Park shade area, Newtown Park State Rose Garden and near the Margaret Street play area in Queens Park. Over 64,000 seedlings across 25 species have been planted in Queens
and Laurel Bank Parks for summer, from petunias and marigolds through to sunflowers and alyssums. “Regional audiences in Oakey, Crows Nest, Millmerran, Pittsworth, and Goombungee plus, for the first time, Cambooya, will be treated to musical afternoons starting from the end of January,” Cr McDonald said. He encouraged everyone to plan at least one morning or afternoon out with their kids or grandkids, or to pack a picnic basket and roll out a picnic blanket with friends and listen to the range of talented local performers covering a variety of genres from jazz to swing, brass bands to strings, country to rock ‘n’ roll, and blues to the sounds of the ’60s to the ’80s. Each area has a theme, with Queens Park’s morning session (10am-noon) appropriately titled Children’s Capers. Afternoon sessions (12-3pm) at the other
parks are titled The Big Bands at Picnic Point, Picnic Pleasures at Laurel Bank Park and Music Around the Roses, with a distinctly folk, country and bush influence, at Newton Park. View the full program at www.tr.qld.gov.au/ summertunes.
THE REGIONAL SUMMER TUNES PROGRAM DETAILS
■ OAKEY: January 29, Arthur Shooter Park, Killin Time, 10am -1pm. ■ CROWS NEST: February 4, Centenary Park, Slow Train Coming, 10am - 1pm. ■ MILLMERRAN: February 11, Anzac Park, Tux, 10am -1.30pm. ■ PITTSWORTH: February 18, Pittsworth Pioneer Village and Museum, Undercover, 4 - 6pm. ■ GOOMBUNGEE: February 25, Mocatta St near war memorial, Black Velvet Quartet, 12 - 3pm. ■ CAMBOOYA: February 25, Cambooya Recreation Grounds, Top Gear, 36pm.
Local Community notices TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (100 word maximum). If you would like to submit a photo please ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces, in a nice bright setting. The deadline for the February issue is January 31. Email Nicky or Chris: communitynotes@seniors newspaper.com.au.
social group meeting in where our seniors can have a fun social time and help their peers and teach our younger generation any knowledge they have have has been a wonderful community asset. Ladies can bring in their own project or they can complete one of ours free of charge. Located at 32 Wilsonton Shopping Centre, 407 Bridge Street, Toowoomba. Details call Kay on 4613 9842.
WILSONTON -TOOWOOMBA FABRICS
NATIONAL SENIORS AUSTRALIA
ARE offering free senior sewing and knitting group in store Friday and Saturday mornings on the 19, 20 and 26 of January 2018. We appreciate the wealth of knowledge our seniors have and have found in the past having a
THE Garden city Toowoomba branch meet on the third Monday of the month at Drayton Bowls Club, cnr Ball and Gipps Street. Morning tea is served at 9.30am. Cost is $7 and visitors are welcome. The first meeting for
2018 is on January 15. There will be a guest speaker, raffles and a bring and buy stall. Bus trips will commence in February.
CHIP
VERY soon the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) will be offered in Toowoomba. This course can help improve blood pressure, reduce risk of stroke, help in managing and reversing the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, lower cholesterol, reduce weight and lessen depression. A free information session is on Sunday February 4 at 6.30 pm at the Abundant Living Centre, 669 Greenwattle St. Toowoomba. For further information and to book your place at this information session, phone Pat Quinn on 0422 462 678 or email toowoombachip@gmail. com.
2018 Subscription series on sale now Patrick Pickett has put together a season of musical gems both old and new for you in 2018 to purchase your 2018 Season package phone QPAC -136 246 or request a brochure from Queensland Pops Orchestra 3278 1913
Join the Friends of the Pops for the best seats in the house at the best prices at qldpops.com DANCING DAYS: Summer Tunes at Picnic Point has in the past had the energetic on their feet, while others relax in the shade and just enjoy the music.
Australia Day Celebrations Friday, January 26th, 2018 Highfields Pioneer Village
A great Family Fun Day! Gold Coin Donation per person
• Milking the cow at 9.30am • Beekeeping • Sheep Shearing • Blacksmithing • Draught Horse • Country Music • Australia Day Award – Presentation at 2pm • Aboriginal Art display • Southern Cross Museum
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73 Wirraglen Rd, Highfields QLD 4352 Open 10am-4pm Daily www.highfieldspioneervillage.com.au
4696 6309
12 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
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Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Monday, January 15, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 13
Travel
Top 10 rooftop bars SNAPSHOTS OF LIFE ANN RICKARD ann.rickard@apn.com.au
ANN Rickard has taken an elevator to many a rooftop bar around the world. She gives us 10 of her favourite sky-high places to slowly sip a martini and take in the views. These are just her 10 picks, she encourages you to discover your own. PRAGUE CONTAINED and intimate, the rooftop bar at the Hotel U Prince in Prague’s Old Town overlooks the historic square and surrounding handsome buildings. Early summer evenings up on the roof of this celebrated and quirky hotel, armed with an aperitif, make a good start for a big night
out in Prague. SHANGHAI WITH a view of Shanghai’s futuristic sky-line, Sir Elly’s Terrace Bar at the Peninsula Hotel is a pinch-me-am-Ireally-here? bar. With its slick timber and orange/red furnishing and the signature champagne cocktails, it’s the epitome of casual sophistication... even a glass of water hits new levels when you overlook Shanghai’s glittering night sky-line. SINGAPORE TOO many choose from in this sophisticated city and the Marina Bay Sands has two sky bars that will have you dizzy even before you’ve taken a sip of anything. However, Lantern at The Fullerton Bay Hotel is still a favourite with locals. A Passion Sling cocktail and a basket of truffle fries go down well. The night views of dazzling Marina Bay
Sands calls for a selfie, and there is always the sassy bed-style seating just right for seniors. BRISBANE THE Soleil Pool Bar at Rydges Hotel at Southbank might not qualify as one of the highest rooftop bars in the world …okay, we admit it’s balcony bar...but with its night-time, glowing poolside ambience, it’s a perfect end-of-day pitstop after exploring the city. Take your mates and share cocktails by the jug, soak up the alcohol with a plate of charcuterie. BANGKOK WHAT can we say? This SkyBar on top of the Lebua State Tower is the Mother of all the rooftop bars in the world (our opinion, you may disagree) and certainly one of the highest. Suspended on a precipice over the humming city, a circular bar propels out
into the sky and is luminated at night to change colour from fluorescent pink to lime green. Dizzying enough, before you even look down on the city 820 feet below. There’s an inspired cocktail list for all tastes but you should try a Hangovertini, created when the cast of Hangover 2 was filming at Lebua State Tower. HANOI THIS one is so new we haven’t had a chance to try it yet, but it’s on our list. The Twilight Sky bar on the roof of the newly opened La Siesta Central Hotel in Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter has a 270 degree outlook over the city, and unobstructed views of Hoan Kiem Lake. We are promised handcrafted signature cocktails and fine wines while mellow DJ beats bring their own laid-back vibe to the whole
package. LUCERNE EVERYWHERE in Switzerland is a view but from the 360 Roof Top Bar in Lucerne you are high above the rooftops with panoramic vistas and the whole of Lucerne at your whim. With mountains galore all over this small and spectacular country, a city rooftop bar makes for a lively change. KUALA LUMPUR TALK about on top of the world. SkyBar on level 33 of the Trader’s Hotel in this bustling city makes you feel you’ve arrived. The cosy cabana booths and long blue pool are one thing, but it is the views of the Petronas Twin Towers that steal the show way up there. MELBOURNE OKAY, we concede it might not be one of the highest or most trendy rooftop bars, and it doesn’t even have a bar or
barman, but the garden space on top of the Fraser Place Hotel in the city gives wide views of Melbourne’s skyline, and here’s the really good bit, guests can take their own tipple up there. Sit among planter boxes of mint and basil and sip a glass of your bubbles and watch Melbourne’s evening slowly close over the city. HONG KONG FELIX Bar, on top of the Peninsular hotel, is known by every Hong Kong local whether or not they have been there. Designed by Philippe Starck, it is small and crowded and has spectacular views through floor-to-ceiling windows of the Victoria Harbour skyline. But it is the men’s room that causes all the talk. Behind the urinals, is a sheet of glass through which you look down on Victoria Harbour as you pee. Lucky fellas…we’ll say no more.
14 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Travel
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
A Singapore food fling A journey through flowers, foliage and food Vanessa Horstman
SINGAPORE is often the logical stopover on a long journey. But the tiny island country is worth more than a few hours in the airport. It is a nation that strives to live up to its potential. It doesn’t do anything by halves – not even the weather. It’s either hot or really hot, never cold. The people are polite and helpful. The streets are clean, and besides getting a whiff of the pungent durian fruit, there are no smells redolent of sewage and raw food spoiling from being out in the sun too long that is a familiar sensation when travelling in Asian countries. But the two things, closest to my heart, and that Singapore excels in are food and flowers.
FOOD
ACROSS the island there are 38 Michelin-starred restaurants – 30 with a one-star rating, seven that feature two stars, and one three-star establishment. It is also the first Southeast Asian country, and the fourth in wider Asia, to be rated by the Michelin Guide. Talking to a couple of Singaporeans at breakfast, they confided that locals will hunt out good food, and often drive to Changi airport, not to farewell or welcome people, but for a meal. The airport, they said, has lots of good places to eat. I couldn’t tell you. By the time I got to the airport, less than 50 hours after arriving, I’m sure I had consumed roughly about the same number of courses.
Food is a very big deal in Singapore, and a delectable drawcard for tourists. ■ LAU PA SAT TUCKED in the heart of the financial district, Lau Pa Sat is an unassuming heritage-listed building. In a sea of skyscrapers and unusual architecture, Lau Pa Sat is a colonial gem – fretted metal work, columns and soaring arches – but inside the labyrinthine octagonal building is a hawker centre, offering cheap and cheerful cuisine. When the businessmen have packed up their briefcases and headed home for the night, the street comes alive. The road blocks come out, along with hundreds of folding tables and plastic chairs, and vendors claiming their satay is the best in town. Flames dance feet-high in the night while smell of flame-cooked meat hang in the air, and the burble of voices bring the street to life. With a plate full of meat on a stick and coolish Tiger beer, and 20 gyozas for the bargain price of $10, we feasted. ■ ACCORHOTELS SINGAPORE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL THIS was the reason I was in Singapore. Hotel chain AccorHotels looked at its collection of 40 restaurants and bars across the island and devised a plan to showcase the gastronomy and talent of its 100-plus chefs. A nine-day food festival was born, offering “culinary creations, masterclasses and delicious drinks”, as AccorHotels Asia Pacific chief operating officer Michael Issenberg said.
FOOD THEATRICS: Hen’s egg meal at JAAN, Singapore.
The culmination of the festival was the Super Sunday Brunch on Sentosa Island – a manmade luxury playground where Singaporeans go to relax. Billed as the “most extravagant spread that you will ever experience”, the brunch lived up to its hype. I’ve yet to meet a cheese or charcuterie board I didn’t like, and this one put all others to shame. The variety of cheeses for sharp and firm to pungent and veined to practically liquid form was impressive, as was the selection of cured meat. There was an endless supply of salmon, smoked tuna, prawns, crabs and lobsters, drawing the eye with a collection of orange and red hues that would rival a Dulux paint chart. Out on the patio there was a barbecue cooking up whole suckling pigs
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and what looked like the entire hindquarters of a side of wagyu beef. Curries and the iconic chilli crab and seafood spaghetti laksa dishes were on offer, as were Peking duck pancakes. But the real show-stopper was dessert. It was not just a table laden with sugary and chocolatey confections, but an ENTIRE ROOM. I was like Augustus Gloop in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. With a chocolatier on staff, the after-dinner creations were a work of art and it seemed sacrilegious to cut into some of the immaculately presented cakes. The Super Sunday Brunch will put you back $230 for the non-alcoholic option and about $268-288 with champagne. ■ RACINES ON THE fifth floor of the Sofitel Singapore City Centre, the restaurant and hotel only opened in the first week of October. Meaning “roots” in French, Racines showcases its French and Chinese culinary roots – but don’t mistake it for a fusion restaurant. There are distinct Chinese and French dishes on the menu. At the helm is French-born executive chef Jean-Charles Dubois, and the first dish off the pass is one close to his heart. The rich lobster bisque with ravioli so tiny they are barely the size of a fingernail is a treasured family restaurant, handed down from his chef grandfather to his father, who is also a chef, and now
PHOTO: NICHOLAS EE
to Jean-Charles. ■ JAAN SIMPLE yet complex – that’s the tagline of this Michelin-star restaurant. JAAN is a study in theatre. The hen’s egg with caviar, mushrooms and cheese-crusted brioche comes as a closed earthenware egg, which is opened in front of you with a waft of smokiness. It’s the runny eggs and toast soldiers of childhood taken to a new level of elegance. The king crab dish is unveiled to reveal a stunning garden of micro flowers and vegetables, while fresh lemon is zested over the Amalfi lemon dessert with the fresh citrus aroma heightening the zing in the dish. The set six-course lunch at JAAN costs $158, more if you go for the wine pairing option.
GARDENS
WITHIN the heart of Singapore is a sprawling oasis of greenery. Gardens by the Bay is three distinct garden districts that combine to make a stunning tribute to horticulture. The Supertree Grove and OCBC Skyway are visible on the skyline, strikingly lit up at night time for a light and sound show. The vertical gardens are more than just visual wonders – 11 of the 18 Supertrees are embedded with green technologies like photocoltaic cells to harvest solar energy. A short stroll from the Supertrees are two
massive glass domes, home to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome is the largest greenhouse in the world according to the 2015 Guinness World Records (it’s as big as 75 Olympic-sized swimming pools), and has a vast number of flower displays from the Mediterranean and semi-arid regions. Inside the dome it’s a comfortable 23-25 degrees, with humidity of between 60-80%, making it almost a cool respite from the Singaporean heat. Next door is the Cloud Forest. A mountain of greenery ensconced in swirling mists, the showpiece being a 35 metre indoor waterfall (again the world’s tallest). Walkways wind around the mountain, with the tourists walking along the paths like ants on an anthill. There’s an elevator to the top and near-flat paths and escalators for the journey down, making it easy to traverse for all abilities. And the flowers are stunning. As someone who struggles to keep a balcony and herb garden alive, I was awestruck by the abilities of the horticulturalists to not only keep this microcosm alive but thriving. The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are open 9am-9pm daily, and entry is $28. The writer was a guest of AccorHotels and Brisbane Airport Corporation.
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Monday, January 15, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 15
, 21st October 2018
Top End, Kakadu & Ghan Extended Expedition $5490 P/P-TS*
Single Supp + $420 *Seniors Group Discount Rail Rate *22nd April, 22nd July, 2nd Sep
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Coral Sea P&O Cruising & Cairns Rail & Sail, 14 Days, Dep: 24 July Hosted 7 Night Coral Sea Cruise P&O Pacific Eden, Trobriand Islands Kitava, Kiriwina & Conflict Islands Cairns Touring, Kuranda Scenic & Skyrail Railways, Paronella Park 4* Accom, Spirit of QLD Train Add Rail at Discount Rates TBA*
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16 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Travel
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
GREAT COMBINATION: The Smits family are providing not just dining but a farm experience as well. PHOTO: ERLE LEVEY
Off the beaten track The Long Table Cafe’s lunch is as close as it gets from farm to food Erle Levey
TRAVELLING down Australia’s country roads, you are never quite sure what you will find. Yet that’s the joy of it. And here, somewhere between Sydney and Melbourne, is just one of those surprises. The Long Table Cafe is off the
beaten track in many ways. Situated 22km east of Deniliquin, which in itself is between Echuca and Jerilderie in the Riverina of New South Wales. This is in itself the home of some landmark sheep and cattle properties. Yet here, the Smits
family have created a wonderful on-farm dining experience that highlights the paddock-to-plate culture. Laurie and Kathy Smits, together with their children Lauren and Daniel, have set up a family owned and operated establishment using only the freshest
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local and home-grown produce. To get there, turn off the Riverina Highway at Deniliquin and head towards Blighty. Turn into Mokanjer Road, then McLaurins Lane that takes you to their Joy Pine farm. The 12ha property was part of Barratta, a sheep station that in turn was part of the FS Falkiner and Son holding. Now owned by the Bell Group, Barratta was one of the five iconic FS Falkiner properties that included Boonoke, Peppinella, Wanganella and Zara – perhaps the most valuable merino breeding ground in the world. Originally from South Gippsland, in the Victoria’s southeast, the Smits family are providing not just dining but a farm experience. And while the Long Table Cafe is off the beaten track, it is certainly proving to be on the gastronomic trail. “It’s as close as we can get from the farm to the table,” Laurie tells me while out feeding the pigs, sheep and goats on the property. “We want people to enjoy a pure paddock-to-plate
❝
It’s as close as we can get from the farm to the table,” Laurie tells me while out feeding the pigs, sheep and goats on the property. experience.” That includes a walk through the orchard, herb garden and vegie patch. Joy Pine is a boer goat stud but they also run horses, pigs, sheep and turkeys. “The Riverina is famous for our lamb, rice and beef,” Laurie said. “The area is full of world-class exports that we love to serve right from our place and neighbouring farms. “We are growing all of our produce organically – free of chemicals and hormones. “The pork is smoke-house roasted and we make our own salami. We sell some of our goats in Echuca, that go to Melbourne, and others in Moree that go to Sydney. “We want to set up a
dairy... milk the goats and get into soft cheese.” The Long Table provides morning teas and lunches, as well as catering for events and large dinner parties. The choice of set-lunch menus includes courses being interchangeable, with personalised menus available for groups. While Laurie is at home in the outdoors, Kathy is in charge of the kitchen. “Success has been word of mouth,” she said. Fruit from the orchard is preserved using the Fowler Vacola method. The roasted vegies that are served include sweet potato freshly picked from the garden, while the home-made focaccia uses home-grown herbs and garlic. Bookings are essential. There is a set menu which is co-ordinated at time of booking and for a three-course meal the price is set at $55 per person. Tea, coffee and cold drinks available at bar but it is BYO alcohol only. The restaurant seats up to 50 guests and a bus service is available for parties with 20 or more people. Go to thelongpaddock. com.au/business/longtable-cafe.
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Monday, January 15, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 17
Wellbeing
St John Community Transport comes to town Alison Houston
IF YOU have difficulty getting around, a new service in Toowoomba is reporting overwhelming interest. St John Ambulance Community Transport began operating in early December, having been established in Brisbane and the Wide Bay for 15 years. “We have had lots of interest from people that have seen our vehicle in Toowoomba,” Community and Volunteer Services general manager Julie Norquay said. “We have also had some excited St John (Qld) clients that have recently moved to Toowoomba, delighted that they will still be able to use our service.” At the moment there is just one vehicle in Toowoomba, a 10-seater, fully-accessible air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter Van, with a wheelchair hoist at the rear. It will cover Toowoomba and surrounding areas within a 50km radius. Julie said the primary usage in other areas had been for medical appointments, visiting friends and family, events or functions, family gatherings and for shopping. “So far, in our short
time in Toowoomba, the feedback has been very encouraging, with many saying that it is long overdue,” she said. “For many people in our community, transport can be a significant challenge.” She said what made the St John service different from others was that all drivers had very specific skill sets and were experienced drivers with backgrounds in the aged and disability industries, so people knew their transport was safe and reliable. “They also have a minimum First Aid Certificate, many with additional clinical or health care qualifications,” she said. Carers, companions or family members travel free of charge (maximum three people per vehicle unless a group price is arranged). The service will currently run from 7.30am until 3.30pm Monday to Friday. For more information about community transport phone 1300 785 646 and select option 4 or go to transportbookings@ stjohnqld.com.au before noon on the day before travel. Cost starts at $15 one way 1-10km, 11-20km $20 etc.
SPECIALLY TRAINED: St John Ambulance Community Transport has just started in Toowoomba, with drivers having specific backgrounds in the aged and disability industries.
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18 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN TREATMENT – FAQS pressure has been used to assist the healing of wounds for more than four decades. It enhances the body’s natural healing process by allowing the patient to breathe in 100% oxygen in a specially designed chamber, at a therapeutic pressure greater than 2ata.
One innovative treatment making a very real impact is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy “HBOT” which is giving real hope and improved quality of life to millions of diabetes and cancer suffers in Australia and around the world. The top-class multi-place chamber at the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine is much in demand. So much so in fact that Australia’s largest, private and fully comprehensive hyperbaric facility performs more than 4500 treatments in each year for patients all over Queensland and Northern NSW.
Generally, oxygen is transported around the body only by your red blood cells but HBOT allows the oxygen to be dissolved into the plasma, central nervous system fluids, the lymph glands, even the bone, and can therefore be carried to areas where circulation has been reduced so oxygen can reach the damaged tissues and support and enhance the body’s healing process. The increased oxygen also improves the ability of the white blood cells to fight bacteria, reduces swelling and allows new blood vessels to grow more rapidly in the infected area.
How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy work? The therapeutic use of oxygen under
Where is the most impressive work done? Most of the scientific studies surrounding the advantages of Hyperbaric Oxygen
Therapy look at the benefits to diabetes sufferers who battle with wound healing and cancer survivors who are experiencing the chronic effects of radiation treatment. And for good reason as these are the cases that present most often in practice. Each year more than 4400 diabetics in this country have a limb amputated but HBOT can help treat wounds that refuse to heal by ensuring oxygen, blood and nutrition can access the site that needs it. During radiation, many of the smallest of blood vessels may be damaged or destroyed, which then limits the access of ingredients necessary for healing such as oxygen, antibiotics, nutrition, vitamins and growth factors. HBOT can help supply more oxygen to damaged tissue, reducing scarring and increasing stem cell activity.
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We are fortunate to live in a time where the wonders of modern medicine are too tangible to ignore. Not a day goes by without an important discovery made, a life-saving procedure performed or vital medications produced as we constantly strive to live longer, disease-free lives.
Wellbeing
Monday, January 15, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Seniors 19
YOGA FOR MEN: Greg Cawley (left) leads a class that he said is ideal for over-40s men, allowing them to “exercise in a controlled way without thrashing your body”. PHOTO: CHRISTINA STUBBS
Breaking down the barriers to male yoga ❝ THE only stretching a lot of men do is for a beer. Greg Cawley should know because, despite playing a lot of senior footy in his day, he was just such a guy. Now, at 57, he’s teaching yoga to male-only classes twice a week in Toowoomba, and looking to expand. “There are a lot of barriers to a guy walking into a yoga class,” Greg explained, including being literally the odd man out in a class full of females who are far more fashionably dressed and flexible than they are. Hence the company’s light-hearted name BrikMan Yoga – a play on the ‘hot yoga’ style Bikram – and so-called because Greg jokes he’s built like a brick and, like most guys, bricks can’t bend. It also explains their motto “No sheilas, no lycra, just blokes”. Guys of all ages are encouraged to go along in shirts, shorts and bare feet and try yoga in what Greg describes as “a safe place”. “For me it’s a mental quiet time as much as physical,” Greg said. “It’s like a moving meditation.”
He said while really getting the hang of it “creeps up on you”, most participants told him that after even the first session they slept well and woke feeling energised. Greg regularly gets classes of eight to 15 people and says he’s got a “pretty good strike rate – once they start coming, they keep coming”. Participants are generally 40-70 years old, which Greg said made yoga ideal, because you could “exercise in a controlled way without thrashing your body”. Accountancy trained and now manager of
Toowoomba Central Discount Drug Store, Greg said he became interested in yoga while on a personal development course in Nepal eight years ago, in the midst of the business headaches of the Global Financial Crisis. “I found doing yoga, it was a place I could go to for an hour and get away from everything,” he said. His partner Michelle Harbrow, a massage and Bowen therapist, whom he moved to Toowoomba to be with a couple of years ago, encouraged him to train to teach yoga... and the rest is history.
Are you interested in
DOWNSIZING - or - Retirement Living
It gets your blood moving, opens up the energy in your body, helps you sleep better and de-stress.
His present classes incorporate Vinyasa (flow
and movement), traditional Hatha and Yin (which is slower, deeper stretches which quiet the mind and relax). The physical benefits, he said, were many. “It gets your blood moving, opens up the energy in your body, helps you sleep better and de-stress.” Classes are from 6pm Tuesdays at All Saints
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Church hall and Thursdays at St Luke’s hall, are $10 and Greg supplies mats for those who just want to give it a go. He plans to start a Yin-only class on Sundays and is considering a class to cater for the specific needs of over-70s if there is sufficient interest. Details and to book phone Greg on 0435 755 033.
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20 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Advertising Feature
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
STAY AT HOME
Support and care services for aged care myagedcare.com.au Australian Government
ELIGIBILITY
You may be eligible for aged care services if you are an older person and you: ■ Need assistance to complete everyday tasks ■ Are a person with special needs ■ Have an illness or dementia ■ Need short-term assistance to help restore your health Eligibility for help at home services is determined though an aged care assessment. To find out if you need an assessment and if you are eligible for these help at home services, phone My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
ASSESSMENT FOR ENTRY LEVEL HOME SUPPORT To find out if you need an
assessment and if you are eligible for help at home services, you should phone My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. The My Aged Care staff will ask you questions about your current needs and circumstances so they can refer you to appropriate aged care services. You will need to have a Regional Assessment Service assessment before you can be approved for care. Find out more about a RAS assessment.
SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE
The aim of the CHSP is to help older people live as independently as possible – with a focus on working with you, rather than doing for you. It is about building on your strengths, capacity and goals to help you remain living
independently and safely at home. If you have been injured or hospitalised you may be eligible for additional services through the program for a short period of time to help you get back on your feet after you return home. Speak to your service providers in the first instance.
SERVICES
Depending on your needs, support services that you may be eligible for include: ■ Community and home support ■ Domestic assistance – household jobs like cleaning, laundry ■ Personal care – help with bathing, showering or getting dressed ■ Home maintenance – minor general repairs and care of your house or garden, for example, changing light bulbs or replacing tap washers
■ Home modification – minor installation of safety aids such as alarms, ramps and support rails in your home ■ Nursing care – a qualified nurse to dress a wound or provide continence advice in your home ■ Social support – social activities in a community-based group setting ■ Transport – help getting people out and about for shopping or appointments
FOOD SERVICES
■ Providing meals at a community centre ■ Helping with shopping for food ■ Help with making meals and storing food in your home ■ Assistance with learning to cook ■ Delivering meals to your home ■ Allied health support services ■ Physiotherapy
MYAGED CARE: Carer support is available.
(exercises, mobility, strength and balance) ■ Podiatry (foot care) ■ Speech pathology ■ Occupational therapy (help to recover or maintain your physical ability) ■ Advice from a dietician (healthy eating)
■ Other allied health and therapy services ■ Respite care, care for you while your carer takes a break If your carer is in need of additional support, please phone the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
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Monday, January 15, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Advertising Feature
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Seniors 21
STAYING AT HOME
Stay independent with Blue Care Blue Care aspires to help people stay in their own homes as long as it is possible FOR 75-year-old Gordon, loss of independence is a great concern – something that came to light after a recent fall. "It was late at night so I didn’t want to call out," he said. "Well, after an hour and a half of trying to get myself up, I lay down on the floor and waited until somebody got up and came and found me." As a result, he is starting to investigate options for the future. "I’ve learnt now you’ve got to ask for help if you need it." It can be difficult to reach out for help – to overcome a feeling of embarrassment that once familiar tasks are becoming harder – but with the right support, life can become so much easier. And asking for help does not mean losing your independence. In fact, such organisations as Blue Care, one of Queensland’s leading aged care providers, can provide home care services to help you maintain your
independence in the comfort of your own home. Heather Pedley, metro south service delivery manager for Blue Care, says it is important for people to feel they can remain independent. Blue Care ensures it works with customers: "to deliver the service they would like to have in their home," she says. "Our team want to help people achieve their goals." It may be as simple as help with cleaning and washing, showering and dressing; or more complex assistance, such as hospital follow-up care, wound maintenance, regular nursing or chronic disease management. Other assistance might include physiotherapy, podiatry, or logistical services such as advice on walking frames, bathroom handrails or ramps. Ms Pedley believes Blue Care’s strong and proud record of assisting the community, as well as a customer-focused approach, based on
COMFORT: Blue Care can help you stay in your own home longer.
building relationships, means it is best placed to provide the right care. And with Blue Care’s help, your other relationships don’t have to change – an idea that appeals to Gordon for the future. "Let people stay in their own homes for as long as possible – it’s better for the mind, it’s better for me, and better for my wife, for that matter."
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If you’re ready to take the next step, contact Blue Care’s dedicated Customer Service team, who can share the expert advice you need to continue to live life your way in the comfort of your own home. For more information call 1300 258 322.
22 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Advertising Feature
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
TRI SERIES HEARING
What’s new in hearing? SENIOR audiologist at the University of Melbourne Audiology Clinic, Dominic Power, spoke to Seniors News about the latest hearing surgery and aid equipment developments.
HEARING AIDS
CONNECTIVITY AND CONVENIENCE Most manufacturers have a hearing aid that can interface with Bluetooth enabled mobile phones so that you can stream calls through
your phone directly to the aid. BATTERIES Within the last 12 months the technology in the batteries has made them more effective, safer and reliable. “Using lithium ion batteries in some aids or silver zinc battery in others has improved the reliability and convenience of rechargeable hearing aids,” Mr Power said. “This means they are always ready to go and will give you a full day’s use without any problems at all, where in the past you would have been lucky to get seven or eight hours of continuous use from the batteries. NOISE REDUCTION This is still on the manufacturer’s agenda along with how the aids perform in high noise situations. “The aids are getting better at identifying speech in amongst noise and in enhancing speech and reducing the noise,” Mr Power said. SIZE There is now a hearing aid that can stay in an ear canal continuously for up to two to three months. It doesn’t require battery changes or adjustments. “It just sits in there,” Mr Power said. To find out more about the latest in hearing aids,
Mr Power recommends seniors should talk to their local accredited audiologist.
SURGERY
The latest in surgical options is the use of a cochlear implant for single-sided deafness. If someone has normal or near-normal hearing in one ear, but the other ear is completely gone, Mr Power said a cochlear implant is being put in the poorer ear to improve the balance of sound and sound awareness. Mr Power said there have been mixed outcomes with this approach. “The brain does take a fair bit of time to adjust to the very different electronic input the cochlear implant provides,” he said.
WHAT IS IN THE FUTURE?
The manufacturers continue to try and improve how their aids extract speech from noise. In the USA, testing is being conducted with neural signals from equipment that is placed on a person’s head which feeds back to hearing aids to inform the aid which of the 15 speakers, for example, being heard, which of them is of the most interest to the listener. It may be another 5–10 years before this project is completed. “If they can get it to work, it will be enormous,” Mr Power said.
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Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Monday, January 15, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
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• All townhouses have a high standard of finish including outdoor patios which are built under the main roof, stone kitchen benchtops, ceiling fans in all bedrooms, ensuites and TV points in all main bedrooms.
Seniors 23
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24 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
Living
Sandwich generation SNAPSHOTS OF LIFE ANN RICKARD ann.rickard@apn.com.au
WHETHER you are familiar with the expression ‘sandwich generation’ or not, you could well be part of it. The sandwich generation is made up of people, usually in their 30s or 40s who are caring for their parents as well as their own children. In the case of seniors, it is people in their 60s and 70s caring for elderly parents while juggling the needs of their adult children and trying to help out as much as they can with their grandchildren. TRADESMAN who knock on your door offering to do maintenance work often turn out to be dodgy ‘travelling con men’. COTA Victoria shares with Seniors News some great tips for what to look out for. Be suspicious of people who ■ Knock on your door unexpectedly, offering to paint the house, work on your garden or cut trees, resurface driveways, fix
“I am one of those families very typical of the sandwich generation,” author Glenna Thomson said. “I am 62, my mother has moved into aged care, my father has passed away, I have step-children, children and grandchildren. “To look after them all at the same time seems to be the work (in families) done mostly by the daughters.” Glenna has written a novel, Stella and Margie, about a sandwich generation family, and although it is fiction, it is drawn from her own experience. “It’s a new phenomenon,” she said. “People are living longer. “They take their tablets,
and medical intervention keeps people alive longer. “It’s a fact of life. “I am 62 and a physically active and fit woman. “In previous days I would have been considered an old lady. “Now I have grandchildren and a career and I am dealing with a parent still alive.” Glenna is experiencing what countless other Baby Boomers are going through: visiting her elderly mother in an aged-care facility as well as taking her on outings, in between running her own busy life and forging a career, often trying to balance concern and care for her mother with the needs of a two-year-old toddler grandson at the same time.
“Having your (elderly) mother and your grandson with you at the same time is like having two toddlers,” she said. “I have to get my mother’s walker into the boot and then you can’t fit anything else in, and then get her in to the car and at the same time buckle in the grandson. “It’s complicated.” In Australia, about one in 10 elderly parents live with their adult children, becoming reliant on the very people they once cared for. This shift in relationship from carer to dependent can be a difficult one to navigate and Glenna has portrayed it in her book
Stella and Margie, showing all the trials and difficulties of managing multiple needs while trying to keep herself mentally and physically well. She has written in an honest manner about the expectations put on a woman in today’s modern world, being caught between the demands of parents and children and grandchildren. “In the book I have an 80-year-old woman, Margie and then Stella who is 40,” Glenna said. “They are mother and daughter-in-law living in a big old run-down cattle property in country Victoria.
Don’t get conned by the person at the door your roof. ■ Offer cheap deals using words like ‘for today only’. ■ Ask for cash up front. ■ Offer to drive you to the bank to get money to pay for the job. ■ Pressure you to accept their offer. ■ Say they can do the job now as another nearby has just cancelled.
Particularly after disasters, be wary of anyone offering you a ‘today only’ deal to carry out repairs for cash. Tips to protect yourself ■ If you suspect a travelling con man is knocking, do not answer. ■ If you do speak to them, ask them to leave. If they refuse, they are breaking the law.
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“I have old Margie just having surgery and needing to be looked after, and the daughter-in-law who despises her. “They have to learn about each other’s lives and soften towards each other. “It is honest but not sentimental, touching on subjects of old age, loneliness, issues between parents and their adult children, real life issues. “What transpires is not depressing, it is uplifting and a poignant reminder of women’s friendship.” Stella and Margie, by Glenna Thomson, Bantam Australia. $32.99. Report travelling con men in your area ■ Record as much information as you can, such as their name and vehicle registration ■ Report them to the national travelling con men hotline on 1300 133 408 during office hours. ■ Report them to your local police.
FER0563a 12/17
Live Independently With:
If you want work done on your house ■ Shop around for the quote that is right for you. ■ Use established tradespeople who provide written quotes. ■ Ask for contact details of previous clients, so you can check references. ■ Don’t sign any agreement until you are
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BOOKS: Stella and Margie author Glenna Thomson.
Monday, January 15, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Seniors 25
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26 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
Money
Get off to a healthy financial start in 2018 Take the time, check your finances
FINANCE TONY KAYE AS WITH any new year, there are never any certainties about what lies ahead, especially when it comes to investment markets. We can expect more financial volatility heading into 2018, especially as markets react to geopolitical events and economic moves, such as rising interest rates in the US and Europe, which could spur more increases here in Australia. In reality, all of these things are out of our control. But there are many things you can do personally to get off to a healthy financial start, right from the get-go of 2018. They are easy things to do, and they could make a huge difference to your life.
KNOW THE RULES
A really important step for seniors is to understand what your financial
entitlements and obligations actually are. For example, if you are fully retired, are you fully aware of the rules around how much extra income you can earn before any Age Pension you receive is affected? Do you know how much you can have in assets outside of your family home before your pension is reduced? And, do you know what your required age-based pension drawdown rate is for this financial year? Also, are you up to speed with the new home downsizing measures taking effect from July 1? It’s really worth spending some time familiarising yourself with all the rules, and you can readily do this online through resources such as the Federal Government’s moneysmart or Department of Human Resources websites.
REVIEW YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS
This, of course, can be done at any time, and should be done regularly. But the new year is definitely a logical time to
review and reassess your short, medium and long-term financial goals. What are your plans, and what do you need to do to achieve them? If you don’t do this already, start recording your income and expenses so you can keep close track of your outgoings and, potentially, identify areas where you can save money each month. This may involve cutting back on spending in certain areas, or looking around for better deals, for example, by changing energy, insurance or telecommunications providers. Knowing what you can do over the short term will feed into your medium and longer-term financial goals, and put you on the right path towards achieving them.
TUNE UP YOUR INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
Whether you’re still working or fully retired, the key to a good financial future is keeping your investment portfolio in good shape.
MONEY: There are many things you can do personally to get off to a healthy financial start. PHOTO: LJUPCO
What does that mean? Put simply, you want to make your money last as long as possible. That means ensuring that you don’t have all your financial eggs in one basket, so you can benefit from both growth and income opportunities. A lot comes down to your investment time horizon and risk profile. Many seniors err on the side of caution, avoiding putting their funds into the share market, for example, to reduce potential risk. Yet, there are many
lower-risk areas of the market that generate good returns. Indeed, more seniors are using low-cost listed exchange-traded fund products to generate both growth and income. But before leaping into any investments, do your research and seek professional financial advice if needed.
BE REALISTIC AT ALL TIMES Mainly thanks to advances in medicine, many Australians are living to ripe old ages.
That’s fantastic, but it also presents all of us with financial challenges. Making our money last longer is paramount, and so is having a good standard of living in retirement. It’s definitely a juggling act, and the key is to be realistic about what you can actually achieve financially. Start 2018 by managing your own financial expectations. Tony Kaye is the Editor of Eureka Report, which is owed by listed financial services company InvestSMART. www.invest smart.com.au
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516 RUTHVEN STREET, TOOWOOMBA 4639 4488 0402 807 230
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Monday, January 15, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Talk’n’thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER
Group editor Seniors Newspapers network
SENIORS’ Newspaper seeks to reflect ageing in our modern world through stories that inform, entertain and engage us in the conversations that matter to us. Our regular TalknThoughts section provides an area to publish topical viewpoints and speak out on the issues that affect older adults. There’s no doubt that our generation is in the process of experiencing radical changes in areas such as health, longevity, communications and education. Our aim is talk about these changes, what they mean for us and how they can provide purpose rather than confusion at our stage of life. It’s just a slogan, but I tend to agree with the saying "60 is the new 50" it generally depicts a more accurate version of our enhanced proclivity to live a longer, active and creative life. It’s a great trajectory, however, on the flip side, living longer, brings in a whole new set challenges, including housing, finances and extended working lives. Last year, Seniors newspaper spoke with our Age Discrimination Minister Dr Kay Patterson AO, she outlined a clear set of goals to achieve during her term of office. The goals included addressing the problems of Elder Abuse (in
response to a report by the Law Reform Commission of Australia), Homelessness and Older Women and Willingness to Work together with age discrimination in the workplace. Throughout 2016 and 2017, to extend awareness about older women and homelessness, Seniors Newspapers published numerous articles detailing the situations and some practical solutions that are either on the way, or under discussion. On this subject, Dr Patterson told Seniors Newspapers: "I think you need a range of solutions because someone at 55 will have very different needs of someone who is 65. I would like to form a
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What do you fear about aging, what do you celebrate about aging. What are the directions you would like governments to move towards. council of women who see this as a major issue and could invest into a property fund so that a person who has a bit of super can buy some equity so her rent is doable on the pension then years down the track. Women who have been working have all sorts of resources; they have networks, and when the time comes they may be able to use them." For others who don't have networks and
resources, she says it will put downward pressure on social housing. "Can we use their capacity to work or their super, using different solutions for the different women within that group to give them some housing? In 2018, we intend to keep our focus on this issue. We have also spoken with the experts in creative ageing, healthy ageing and profiled their initiatives. Women such as Dr Maggie Haertsch and Margret Meagher have initiated research and programs employing the arts to enhance older lives. Late last year we published a story on the report from the Benevolent Society, The Drivers of Ageism. The research aims to drive a positive change in economic, social, health and civic participation outcomes through a national long-term advocacy campaign (EveryAGE counts) tackling ageism and its impact, overall it sought to reveal the things we fear from ageing and older people. We at Seniors Newspaper support The Benevolent Society call for "a radically different conversation about ageing." What do you fear about ageing, what do you celebrate about ageing. What are the directions you would like to governments move towards. We look forward to hearing from you. Please email me: Gail.Forrer@ seniorsnewspaper.com.au
Seniors 27
Reviews
BOOK: A must read for 2018, SARAH Vaughan’s Anatomy of a Scandal. PHOTO: SIMON & SCHUSTER
Scandal and suspense
SARAH Vaughan’s new book, Anatomy of a Scandal is a disarming, provocative psychological drama which explores the extent to which our demons still haunt us. There’s a high-profile marriage thrust into the spotlight. A wife, determined to keep her family safe, must face a prosecutor who believes justice has been a long time coming. A scandal that will
rock Westminster. And the women caught at the heart of it. It’s an astonishingly incisive and suspenseful novel that will get readers talking. Vaughan read English at Oxford and went on to become a journalist. She spent eleven years at the Guardian as a news reporter, health correspondent, and political correspondent, then left to freelance and began writing
fiction. Her debut novel, The Art of Baking Blind, published by Hodder & Stoughton, St. Martin’s Press, and in seven other languages, was the result. The Farm at the Edge of the World was published in June 2016 and will be published in Germany and France. Published by Simon & Schuster, Anatomy of a Scandal is available in hardback and ebook. RRP $29.99.
The Chalk Man THRILLERS as good as The Chalk Man come along once every few years. Prepare for the next global crime thriller sensation. Looking back, it all started on the day of the fair and the terrible accident. When twelve-year-old Eddie first met the Chalk Man. It was the Chalk Man who gave Eddie the idea for the
drawings: a way to leave secret messages between his group of friends. And it was fun, to start with, until the figures led them to the body of a young girl. That was 30 years ago and Ed thought the past was behind him. Then he receives a letter containing just two
things: a piece of chalk, and a drawing of a stick figure. Published by Penguin, C.J. RRP starts at $32.99.
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HAVE YOUR SAY: Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au
28 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
Let’s save Fresh summer cooking TASTY: Vietnamese chicken and noodle salad is healthy, fresh and very easy to make.
Good food safety tips Tracey Johnstone
WHILE you are devising your New Year’s Resolutions, add to the list changing your habits in the kitchen to help avoid getting ill from cross contamination between fresh and raw foods. CSIRO senior food microbiologist Cathy Moir points out that her advice for changing kitchen habits applies to every senior, including men over 70 who are known to have a slightly higher incidence of food-borne disease. Cathy has some great tips for improving food handling habits and for what foods to be wary of as we get older.
CLEAN
■ Clean the area before preparing food. ■ Wash your hands before starting. Try washing your hands with soapy water.
CHILL
■ Make sure any food that should be chilled, is chilled. ■ Don’t leave the milk and cheese out on the bench. ■ If you have prepared a ham and cheese
sandwich, put the leftovers back in the fridge before you sit down and eat. ■ Any perishable food that has been out of the fridge for two hours can generally be put back in the fridge or eaten. But if it’s been left out for more than four hours, throw it out.
COOK
■ Mince, hamburger meat, sausages and similar need to be cooked right through. ■ Steak can be cooked and eaten rare. ■ Use a meat thermometer to check your cooked meat. Aim for 75 degrees for cooked and for reheated leftovers. To test chicken, put the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat.
SEPARATE
■ Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods. ■ Defrost frozen meat in the fridge, and in a container or on a plate so the meat juices can be captured. ■ Use different coloured cutting boards for different foods. For more go to www.foodsafety.asn.au.
HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN SUMMER is when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Making salads with beautiful fresh ingredients can be healthy for you as well as minimising your time in the kitchen. If you have space available on your window sill to grow herbs, you can freshen up your food very simply and be cost effective at the same time. Mint and coriander can be used in many salads and in rice paper rolls of course which are easy to make and can be a filling, healthy meal.
One of the easiest dishes you can make is Vietnamese noodle salad with lots of herbs and good quality protein with an abundance of green. You can use shredded chicken, mince or fresh prawns – it’s up to you. You can whip up a chicken and noodle salad in less than 10 minutes or a refreshing Asian-style soup or a coleslaw to go with barbecued skewers or steak. Pan-fried salmon with smashed potatoes with a rocket salad is also an easy fresh healthy meal. Experiment and try different flavours. You might be surprised at how wonderful a fresh salad can be. For more recipes, go to www.seniorsnews. com.au.
VIETNAMESE CHICKEN AND NOODLE SALAD
A salad that has it all. It’s sweet, sour, salty, fresh, fragrant and best of all easy. Enjoy! INGREDIENTS 1/3 cup lime juice 2 tbls fish sauce 1 tbls caster sugar 1 long red chilli, finely chopped 200g rice stick noodles 1 tbls vegetable oil 2 spring onions, finely sliced 3 garlic cloves, crushed 400g chicken mince 100g mushrooms 1/2 small iceberg lettuce, coarsely shredded 2 carrots, finely grated 1 small cucumber cut into small batons 1 cup fresh mint leaves 1 1/2 cups bean sprouts, 2 tablespoons chopped
roasted peanuts METHOD Combine juice, fish sauce, sugar and chilli in a jug. Stir until sugar dissolves. Cook noodles following packet directions. Cool under cold running water. Drain. Heat oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat. Stir-fry chicken mince, onion, garlic and mushrooms for 3-4 minutes or until cooked. Meanwhile, divide noodles, salad, carrots, mint and sprouts into four bowls. Top with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with peanuts. Drizzle over dressing. You can also replace chicken and mushroom mixture with fresh prawns or shredded chicken which is even easier to prepare.
Be an enviro conscious shopper BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN IF YOU are becoming more environmentally aware by taking your own reusable bags to buy your groceries, then well done! Plastic bags take years to decompose and are an enormous harm to our environment. There are so many stores that give you the option to support a charity for a small donation and take a calico or jute bag instead.
Supermarkets also sell the reusable bags. Anything we can do now to make the switch from plastic, is a step forward to care for our planet in the future. If you’re like me, you just have to remember to take the bags in with you before you get to the checkout! Like anything new, it takes a little bit of getting used to but before long, we will wonder why it took so long to get with the program and say no to plastic. There are a variety of options in many colours and sizes to choose from. ★Waterproof and reusable
magazine: The Perfect Christmas Gift for the inspiring women in your life. The gift of a 1 or 2 year subscription means the inspirational women in your life won’t miss the treasures within Ruth’s quarterly issues, and it will be posted direct to their PO Box or letterbox, before it’s even available at a newsagency.
All new subscribers receive a pack of Tuckeroo roasted and ground wattle seeds along with a recipe for beautiful wattle seed shortbread*.
1 year subscription 4 issues value $27.80 2 year subscription 8 issues value $55.60 Available in Newsagents all over QLD, NSW, ACT. media.com.au Enquiries: call 07 4690 9310 or ruth.subscribe@newsregionalm
BAN THE PLASTIC: Find a eco-friendly alternative for your shopping needs, like a jeep, cart or a reusable bag.
eco-friendly bags to carry. ★Foldable shopping cart trolley bags custom-made to fit across the supermarket trolley. ★Custom shopping bags with wheels that you can pull along. ★Reusable good quality
foldable shopping tote. ★Polyester trolley bag. ★Foldable waterproof cold goods storage bags. ★Jute hessian bag. ★Shopping trolley jeep. ★Two-tier wire basket to fit in a cart. Happy Shopping
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
Monday, January 15, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 29
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48 Brisbane Street, Drayton OPENING HOURS P: 4614 0377 F: 4614 0367 Monday-Friday: 8am-7pm E: drayton@terrywhitechemmart.com.au Saturday: 8am-5pm Sunday: 9am-5pm
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Judith McGrath-Colquhoun Owner and Director
Our range includes Surveillance equipment, Communications, Tools, electronic gifts & Gadgets, Solar Regulators, Inverters, NBN/SLA/ AGM Batteries, TV Antennas & cabling, Turntables, PA equipment.
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Conveyancing: • Residential • Rural • Off the Plan • Retirement Village Property Matters: • Leasing • Commercial & Business Contracts • Mortgages & Guarantees
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Professional Services
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Professional Services
30 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
Trades & Services Home Maintenance Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations
Complete the Lifestyle You Deserve
With a nickname of “Hairy” Contact Jeff Hannaford who is a community minded Chartered Accountant and doubles as a Trouble Shooter.
QBCC 069087 | Established 1975 PHONE US FOR A FREE QUOTE
No Call Out Charge...!
Ph Greg 0414 681 278 Only work valued at $3,300 or less
u TAPS u TOILETS u FILTERS u BURST PIPES u u GUTTER REPAIRS u HOTWATER SYSTEMS u u BLOCKED DRAINS u TANK CONNECTIONS u
SENIORS DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
Ph: 0439 774 081
Internet Services
COMPUTER ISSUES?
Caravan Repairs
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All Services
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Please ask for available pensioner discounts when you call
Pick Up Remove & Deliver Furniture Items
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We can provide all your powe power and electrical requirements either commercial or domestic. Overhead & Underground Power ‘From the Pole to the Power Point’
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• Situated in the quaint country town of Cambooya, 10 minutes from Toowoomba on the Warwick Road. • Experience the authentic 1900’s old world atmosphere • Lunch and dinner 7 days • The ultimate dining experience, delicious gourmet menu • Seriously good coffee, daily meal specials, take away meals & pizzas • Comfortable quality country style accommodation
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Mention this ad to receive a special offer.
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The experts in Solar
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Garden Services
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Clearing Out Collectables?
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• French Pastries baked daily • Plenty of room for walkers etc.
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Specialising in Service, Maintenance
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Suppliers of: • All rural needs • Pet Food • Stock feed • Hay and Chaff • Seed, chemical and fertilizer
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For a free insight into what changes you could make to your Business or life phone Jeff on 0429 894 937 or Millmerran 4695 1477 Inglewood 4652 1106 or Texas 4653 1155
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What can Jeff and his staff solve?? Anything!!
Jeff Hannaford is a Community Chartered Accountant and Trouble Shooter who has been in business since 1978 when he opened up his first office in Inglewood. His business has now grown with another 2 offices in Texas and Millmerran. Jeff supports the AOOB Organisation because they are involved in charity and charity begins at home.
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Ever met a Chartered Accountant with a sense of humour?
Plumbing Services
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Accountants / Bookkeeping / Tax
Visit www.finda.com.au
Puzzles
Monday, January 15, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au
JIGGERED
15/1
The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square fits in with that letter and write in the letters. You can also shade the black squares if you find it helpful. After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.
E C H U B E L
R O S E N I R
D
G E
M E
B L U E
I B U M N
H I N E D E W
P I O C T S
A S T D H A T E
G L S E T A
V E L W V E S
D S H A T I
U R C S E P H
R M A P X
E S H V A N
S T E H B O S
A A N E T R
C H O K E M R
N C A K I
G A V E I N
O G L O O L
O P A N A I
C O H T I G
I D E N A G L
U A O M N U
I I M E N T
A
Toowoomba & Darling Downs
QUICK CROSSWORD
Across 6. Unadulterated (6) 7. Rubbish heap (6) 10. Theft (7) 11. Advice (5) 12. Suspended (4) 13. False (5) 16. Any two-legged creature (5) 17. Stylish (4) 20. Death notices (abbr) (5) 21. Competitor (7) 22. Wages (6) 23. Do without (6)
Down 1. Be in charge (4,3,5) 2. Trials, tests (3,4) 3. Beginning (5) 4. Nauseous (7) 5. Skilled (5) 8. Announcement (12) 9. Something surprising or revealing (3,6) 14. Crevice (7) 15. Devalue (7) 18. Undulating (5) 19. Wooden seat (5)
1
2
3
4
6
5
7
8
9 10
11
12
13 14
15
16
17
18
19
20
TRIO
Seniors 31
21
22
23
Can you complete these four words, using the same three-letter sequence in each?
SUDOKU
Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
A V E W N V E
MELON, NAMELY, OrIENtS, PLAStErS, QUALIFIEr.
ALPHAGRAMS
Look for the ‘share your event or story’ box on our home page.
seniorsnews.com.au
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A
Share your story online.
WORD GO ROUND
R
S T H T E M E A I M E T H K E R D E A L
Are there exciting things happening in your local senior community?
O A D G A G K E I N D I N C L O M L I N A G
Going On?
L C H S T I O N N C A I C H I E E W D B U E G S E T
What’s
P H A N E R G O O
Good 17 Very Good 24 Excellent 29+
P N A U U S N E I T A T H O L L L
WA
D G A V E I I S E S H R V A A N I B M E P O C S S E C U B E
510
N E
P
TODAY
G
LEMON LAYMEN STONIER STAPLERS IRAQI FUEL
SUDOKU
JIGGERED S H T R O E N I U O M U S T H B O R M A X
E T
S N
How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb, e.g. he burns with anger.
TRIO: trE
WORD GO ROUND
QUICK CROSSWORD
Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential. For example, if the five-letter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.
Across: 6. Arrant 7. Midden 10. Larceny 11. Input 12. Hung 13. Bogus 16. Biped 17. Chic 20. Obits 21. Entrant 22. Salary 23. Forego. Down: 1. Call the shots 2. Dry runs 3. Onset 4. Bilious 5. Adept 8. Notification 9. Eye opener 14. Fissure 15. Cheapen 18. Hilly 19. Stool.
ALPHAGRAMS
agent ages angst gannet gate gean gene genet gent gets gnat gnaw gnawn gnaws nags negate negates NEWSAGENT sage sang sewage snag stag stage swag swage tags tang tangs twang twangs wage wages wags
K
32 Seniors Toowoomba & Darling Downs
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, January 15, 2018
Free-standing Homes
PRICED FROM
$350,000 you deserve at a price you can afford
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Pets welcome Gated community Convenient location Award-winning homes Premier resort facilities No entry fees, no stamp duty No deferred management fees
Living Gems communities provide an affordable over 50s resort lifestyle in some of the best locations in South East Queensland.
500 South Street, Glenvale Call 1800 785 594 | www.livinggems.com.au