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Your Award Winning Seniors' Newspaper – Written for Seniors by Seniors Vol 2. - Issue 1
February 2016
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Hone your happiness with the hum of a ukulele
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Wide Bay
Friendship, harmony through the ukulele
Run by Seniors for Seniors IN THIS ISSUE
Story from Page 1 picture: WE ARE an enthusiastic group of ukulele players who came together a little over two years ago in Hervey Bay. Our club numbers just over 100 members and being wise senior citizens, are aged in their 60s, 70s and 80s, with a sprinkling of some younger folk. Our aim is to promote friendship and harmony through music, and most importantly to bring some joy into the lives of the older members of our community, residing in retirement villages and nursing homes. You won’t find too much AC/DC or Sex Pistols in
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You won’t find too much AC/DC or Sex Pistols in our repertoire, but you will hear many old favourites like Moonlight Swim, For Me and My Girl, Goodnight Irene, Edelweiss... our repertoire, but you will hear many old favourites like Moonlight Swim, For Me and My Girl, Goodnight Irene, Music, Music, Music, Edelweiss, Daisy and many more wonderful tunes, which bring to life the happy memories of our appreciative audience. Recently our club performed at the Spruke Uku-
lele Festival in Brisbane run by “BUMS” – Brisbane Ukulele Musicians Society Inc. This wonderful event was run over two days of the October long weekend at the Southbank Tafe College. Ukulele clubs from many parts of Australia attended, showing off not only their skill with the
ukulele, but also with great arrangements and lovely harmonies. There were many tutorial workshops at the venue to improve your skills, and lots of ukuleles on sale. “HUMPS” – Hervey Bay Ukulele Music Pickers and Strummers Inc meets every Tuesday night at Hervey Bay Senior Citizens Hall, cnr Totness Stand Denman Camp Rd, Torquay, starts around 6pm and finishes at 9pm and includes supper. For more information contact President Mick Ward on 0427 504 820. The club has a facebook page HUMPS Hervey Bay Ukulele Music Pickers and Strummers Inc.
Out and about
Published monthly and distributed FREE across the Wide Bay. Also publishers of • Brisbane Seniors Newspaper • Gold Coast/Tweed Seniors Newspaper • Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper • Sunshine Coast Seniors Newspaper Published by ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd (ABN 73 064 061 794) Printed by APN Print, Yandina.
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BROOWEENA MUSEUM CELEBRATES: Supporters of the Brooweena Museum and Historical Village including Kingsley Cahill, Kev Rogers, Wayne Staib and Darryl Maules enjoyed a belated Christmas get together at the Commercial Hotel at Biggenden. Right: Aubrey and Pam Schmidt. Left: Brian Hughes with Kevin and Gloria Banting.
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Left: Pam Dombrow, Dale McClafferty and Roger Fallon.
Page 2 - Wide Bay Seniors - February 2016
CONTACTS: Journalist: Boni.Holmes@seniorsnewspaper.com.au
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community news
Colin Lloyd and Nev Whittaker love old engines. Photo: Alistair Brightman
Old machinery is their passion THEY come from all walks of life and create one-ofthe-kind machines but members of the Wide Bay Historic Machinery Club also share the love of bringing old technology back to life. Col Lloyd, a member since 2008 said the club originally started with just 13 members. “The club has been going since 2002 and now boasts 97 members who come from areas spanning Brisbane to Bundaberg,” he said. “We run very successful rallies with hundreds of motors, heavy machinery and vintage items, including the most successful and biggest – our Tinana Rally.” The Tinana Rally held annually in Maryborough is in its eighth year and draws members from all over Queensland. “The rally displays engines, restored and being restored, up to the 1960s when everything was turning over to electricity,” Col said. “Our members have a variety of trades and knowledge and help each other out. “That’s the idea of the rally, everybody helps. Somebody wants parts, we help the other blokes.” Col said he had been collecting antiques since he was about 15. “I have a water pitcher and wash basin bowl from the 1800s, antique irons and fire extinguishers, and a display of vintage badges www.seniorsnews.com.au
DETAILS
The Wide Bay Historic Machinery Club holds displays at events including the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, Burrum Coal Fest, Fraser Coast Show, Bauple Nut Bash, Queensland Heritage Rally in Ayr and Pomona’s King of the Mountain.
and patches,” he said. “I just like old things. I was brought up in a place called St Albans, New South Wales – we never had electricity when we were kids; there was just one of those old engines running a 32 volt generator. “I haven’t really kept up with modern technology, and started collecting engines when I lived in Sydney during the ‘70s and ’80s.” The avid collector said he has found engines in all sorts of places. “One engine I found in Tweed Heads at a potato farm. “It pumped water all its life and when electricity came, the owners put it over in a corner with about 10,000 potato bags on top of it. “I fully restore all my engines which can take time depending on what has to be done. I can spend an hour or two each day, keeping me busy. “I started off as a carpenter, then wanted to go to the outback and was working as a school bus driver. “During that time I tinkered away at the buses
when they needed fixing and finished up becoming a mechanic, which I’m not qualified but I kept 13 coaches on the road. “And then I went and bought my own truck and the rest is history. I did that for about 10 years “That’s the way I have got my knowledge – I can pull an engine to pieces, work out what’s wrong with them, I suppose you can say I’m a bush mechanic unlike my friend Neville who I consider a professional mechanic.” Neville Whittaker said they had members who had been in the navy all their life, butchers and glassworkers. “This is a hobby and can be an expensive one too,” Neville said. “It can cost anything up to $1000 to get a motor running – they are not much worth to buy and not worth much as scrap metal. “Most of the time you need to rebore them just because they have been either sitting around without a plug in, filled up with water, just been discarded – gone to the dump or recycled metal. “I have fully restored a half-size Buzacott from 1910-20.” Col also mentioned they were looking for members. “We are trying to entice young people into the club – we already have four young members,” he said. For more information phone club president Allan Ott on 0428 397 310. February 2016 - Wide Bay Seniors- Page 3
community news
Defibrillators a boost Fans push for site to honour for community groups Bundy singer
Members of the Howard Men’s Shed are presented with a defibrillator and first aid kit by Councillors Chris Loft, Rolf Light and James Hansen.
Burrum Community Centre and Toogoom Community Hall (Cr Rolf Light) and the Toogoom RSL (Cr Christ Loft). A First Responders First Aid Kit will also be placed in Aldershot Community Hall. “We are gauging support to
develop an app that pin points the nearest defibrillator to the user,” Community Resilience Portfolio Cr Light said. “In America people download the app on to their phone and in an emergency find out where the nearest unit is available,” he said.
“The first step is to find out where units are located across the Fraser Coast.” In order to bring it alltogether, organisers said it would be appreciated if groups and businesses with a defibrillator could contact Cr Light on 0448 038 891.
Commissioner appointed to handle aged care complaints AUSTRALIA’S Aged Care Complaints Commissioner Rae Lamb handles and investigates any complaint relating to a Commonwealth-subsidised residential or home-based aged care service. Minister for Aged Care, Sussan Ley, welcomed Ms Lamb’s appointment as an “independent” commissioner in January. “Older Australians have a right to receive quality services and be treated with respect, whether they are in an aged care facility or their
Commissioner Rae Lamb.
own home,” Ms Ley said. “This change will streng-
then the aged care complaints process, and is now completely separated from the regulation and funding of aged care.” Ms Lamb said the elderly and their families could have confidence any complaint about aged care services funded by the Australian Government would be treated fairly. “It is often best to raise a complaint directly with your service provider, as this can bring quick results. But if you don’t feel comfortable with that, or are
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unhappy with the result, call us on the Aged Care Complaints helpline on 1800 550 552.” Any person can make a complaint to the new commissioner, including care recipients, family members, friends, staff, volunteers or professionals. The 1800 550 552 helpline is staffed 9am to 5pm weekdays. Out-of-hours callers can leave a message, or contact the commissioner at any time at agedcarecom plaints.gov.au.
Page 4 - Wide Bay Seniors - February 2016
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We should be very proud of ‘Our Glad’ ... and be available to all those who seek again this wonder girl’s remarkable career. She did so much, and there is so much to showcase. It is a great opportunity and one which we, as a community, must make happen to preserve her work and her memory.” Ms Egan said Moncrieff enjoyed a level of financial success hitherto not seen in the Australian musical theatre world. “In the 1920s, Gladys had become the leading performer of the musical comedy stage and, at £150 a week, was one of the highest-paid performers in the history of Australian theatre,” she said. “We should be very proud of ‘Our Glad’.”
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history as there will be in Bundaberg, thanks to this project.” Ms Egan said the name of the association had been chosen because, in 1936, comedian Arthur Stigant had dubbed Moncrieff “Our Glad” – a term of endearment with which the Australian public identified her from then on. Ms Egan added: “The future will be exciting: putting together and collecting her costumes, music, portraits, scores, programs, CDs, LPs, anecdotes, broadcasts and press articles about her from 60 years in every capital city of Australia and New Zealand. Her overseas memorabilia will also be sought
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FOUR defibrillators have been bought by councillors to improve safety in the region. The units were bought from the councillors’ discretionary funds. They will be placed in the Burrum District Mens’ Shed (Cr James Hansen),
FORTY years ago Gladys Moncrieff, the most famous singing star of Australian theatre, died after a 60-year career. Now a dedicated team of volunteers is working hard to commemorate her talent for all time here in Bundaberg by creating a Gladys Moncrieff Centre in her memory. “The Our Glad Association Inc has been established, and registered in Bundaberg, with the aim of creating a centre to house Gladys Moncrieff memorabilia here in her home city,” Leonie Egan, president of the association said. “We have a strong local committee of music lovers who are driving this project. “On February 8, 2016, it will be 40 years since Gladys Moncrieff – the most famous singing star of Australian Theatre and one of the highest paid – passed away in 1976 on the Gold Coast. “Now is the time for Bundaberg to bring home ‘our Glad’ and commemorate her in a manner that befits the impact she has had, and continues to have, on Australia’s musical world.” Ms Egan said it was intended to set up a permanent centre in Bundaberg, which would include costumes, portraits, music, media articles and recordings and much more. “We will seek general membership of the association throughout Australia and New Zealand to create this important centre,” she said. “Nowhere in Australia will there be an opportunity for music lovers and interested fans to immediately access her amazing
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community news
Word of mouth works for Bay computer user group
Hervey Bay Mac Users Group’s Ken Hoyle with his students.
Macs open window to easier computer use THE “grey silver surfers” are back online for another year and are looking for volunteers to help those new to the digital world. Ken Hoyle of the Hervey Bay Mac Users Group said he started the group in 2008. “I started playing with computers around 1997 and only started getting serious when I retired early – I had a lot of time on my hands,” Ken said. “We bought our first computer in 1974 – it was a Commodore with the green type on the screen. “My wife, Doe and I moved to Hervey Bay in 2005 and my son suggested starting up this group – and I did – purely as an amateur user group. “With the assistance of website designer Ben May,
we started with a couple of people in my house. “Since then we have expanded to 28 members with word of mouth and the free papers and moved to the Hervey Bay RSL. “We are very proud of our website and have been told we are the best group in Australia.” Ken said the sale of Mac laptops was up 28 per cent. “It’s a growing market,” he said. “The Mac is very intuitive and simple – everybody needs a little help. “I self taught myself from books, magazines and have read a lot of websites. This group offers tips to help people become more efficient. “We have regular meets and have guest speakers including local IT specialists. “I have found our daytime meets are most popular and
Tuesdays are a great day for beginners. “With a lot of people buying the Macs instead of Windows, the Tuesday meet is very helpful. “We have put together a program with topics newcomers appreciate. “We usually start with some funny videos and then talk – I love those who ask questions.” Ken said the group received no local business support. “It’s hard to find volunteers – we rely on word of mouth,” he said. “As long as you are connected to the internet, I can help fix your computer. “We have members scattered from Melbourne, Hong Kong, Point Vernon, Toowoomba and Thailand.
“I love the challenge and this way it saves me a lot of petrol.” Anyone interested in joining the Hervey Bay Mac Users Group, volunteering or attending classes can phone Ken Hoyle on 4125 4716 or 0417 319 758. Hervey Bay Mac Users Group meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 1pm at 60 & Better, Dan Dinna House, 459 Boat Harbour Dr, Torquay. Evening meets were held on the first Thursday each month at 7pm in the Lakes Room at the Hervey Bay RSL, Pialba. You are welcome to bring your Mac, pen, paper and a flash drive for possible sharing of non-commercial free software. Visit hbmug.com for more information.
True blue local legend HUMBLED 100-year-old Alma Ing has received an Order of Australia Medal for her tireless work in the Bundaberg community. The great-grandmother may be one of the award’s oldest recipients but said she did not want a fuss made about it. Mrs Ing was born in Bundaberg and has spent much of her life volunteering. She was nominated for the award by Guy Day Lewis for her work with the Bundaberg Lions, Meals on Wheels, Australian Red Cross and Multiple Sclerosis Society. Last year Mrs Ing celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by loved ones, including second cousins Val Steemson and Joy Forman. “Alma has always been way ahead of her time,” Mrs Forman said. “She was a widow early in life, bringing up two boys on her own. “She travelled to the UK in the mid-60s alone, which back then was very unheard of.
“At 98 years old she had a knee replacement and is still quite sprightly. “She likes to keep herself busy and the church is a big part of her life.” Mrs Ing was one of the first female publicans in Bundaberg, operating the Young Australian Hotel with her husband before he died. She then went on to run the Melbourne Hotel between the 60s and 80s. Relatives said Mrs Ing was charitable and always willing to learn new things. “She has always been there for us,” grandson Randal Ing said. “She is a kind, loving and genuine person. “She is one of the most generous people and is always giving, so deserves this award.” With five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, Mrs Ing said family was what made her life interesting and whole. “My family and their offspring mean everything to me,” she said. “That is what life is all about.”
Call to capitalise on talent and knowledge of elderly NEWS that more Australians are turning 100 than ever before highlights the need to capitalise on the growing opportunities and talents of older people, National Seniors said. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recently released data showing the number of centenarians rose by 550 to 4440 over the year ending June 2015. It was also the fourth year of Baby Boomers reaching 65. “These are not just numbers of people celebrating ‘big’ birthdays,” National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill said. “This data is a wake-up call to use the wealth of knowledge and experience
older people have gained in their lifetimes, instead of shutting the door to them when it comes to their potential to continue to contribute, whether in employment or in other ways,” he said. O’Neill also said the growing numbers of over 65s – which according to the ABS, rose by 3.4 per cent in the year to June 2015 – also presented a huge opportunity for business. “We need to move from the doom and gloom discussion of an ageing population and celebrate people ageing in a more positive and healthy way and importantly the many opportunities it provides to the whole community.”
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Who do you call... Seniors Card 137 468 or 1800 175 500 (free call outside Brisbane) Centrelink: Retirement 132 300 Disability, Sickness & Carers 132 717 Employment Services 132 850 Seniors Enquiry Line 1300 135 500 Department of Veteran Affairs 133 254 or 1800 555 254 (Regional) National Information Centre on Retirement Investments (NICRI) 1800 020 110
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Bargara manager wins prestigious award THE community at Carlyle Gardens Retirement Village is bursting with excitement at the news that their village manager Mandy Julian has been named as National Manager of the Year by the Retirement Living Council at their annual summit. After securing the Queensland crown in October, Mandy had her sights firmly set on the national prize and says that she’s thrilled to have been selected. “I’m still on a high,” she said. “I feel so privileged to have such a vibrant village and such special residents.” The coveted award recognises outstanding village managers who “go above and beyond” for their village community and Mandy’s win comes as no surprise to those who have known her or worked with her. “We could not be more proud of Mandy winning the national award as a well-deserved recognition of her achievements and
Mandy Julian with Terri Hosking of Programmed Property Services. Photo Contributed
passion for residents,” RetireAustralia’s chief operating officer Matt Row said. “This accolade could not be possible without the outstanding staff and wonder-
ful residents of Carlyle Gardens. The Retirement Living Council’s executive director Mary Wood also offered her congratulations to Mandy and reinforced
the prestige of her achievement. “Mandy should be incredibly proud to be recognised as ‘the best of the best’ for 2015,” Ms Wood said.
Advice on Enduring Power of Attorney THE Seniors Legal and Support Service will conduct free public information seminars on Enduring Powers of Attorney in Hervey Bay and Maryborough. When to make an Enduring Power of Attorney, what to put in it, how it works and what an attorney can do are all questions the service deals with daily. An Enduring Power of Attorney is a document which
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gives someone the legal power to act on your behalf on personal, health and financial matters. It is a powerful document and if care is not taken in choosing an attorney and inserting appropriate limitations in the document, people can find themselves with no home and no money due to the actions of a loved one. Equally, it can be a very useful document to enable
someone to make decisions and instruct banks and health providers when an individual is not able to do so due to illness or incapacity. Often when someone’s health is failing one of the first things service providers will ask for is whether the person has an Enduring Power of Attorney. To help people understand why they might need an EPA and to explain its use
and operation, the service will conduct the free public information seminars from 10am to 11am on Monday, February 29, at the Hervey Bay Library and Wednesday, March 2, at Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre. Places are limited. Anyone interested in attending should telephone Diane on 4124 6863 or email admin.slass@bigpond.com to register.
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Also ask about Time for Grandparents, a program providing time out for eligible grandparents, activities for grandchildren, grandfamily camps and support with school camps.
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FACES that tell a story and make you smile when you look at them are Kevin Banting’s favourite. For the self taught wood carver, one of those people was Brooweena grazier Kevin Brown. He said wife Gloria took Mr Brown’s photo at the Brooweena Museum’s over-60s day back in 2005. “When I saw it and after I met him I knew he was perfect for a planned project,” he said. An important prerequisite for Mr Banting to carve anyone is that he must like and respect the person. It all started at the age of 50 when Mr Banting decided to create a carving of his own head. With no knowledge of the process, he worked out a stand would be needed to attach the wood, and a comfortable working height would be shoulder height. He welded up the stand, attached a section of white beech log from his father’s farm in northern New South Wales and set up a pair of mirrors to check his profile. A carpenter, bricklayer and builder, Mr Banting was familiar with measurements and good at depth and perspective. That first basic carving of his head won the novice championship at the Maryborough Show. People recognised the carving as being of him, which boosted his confidence. Over the next few years he bought proper carving chisels and started entering competitions. In 2002 he won the Dame
Mary Durack Outback Craft Award. In February 2005 Mr Banting received a call from Peter Olds of Olds Engineering in Maryborough. Mr Olds said he had a job which would be beyond the scope of his pattern maker – spokes for a royal coach. A week later and still in a state of disbelief, Mr Banting had a meeting at Olds with coach builder Jim Frecklington OAM, who had already built the Australian State Coach – the Bicentennial gift to the Queen in 1988. Mr Frecklington said wooden wheels were a problem with timber shrinkage and loosened joints and so it was Prince Philip’s idea to try aluminium wheels. Mr Banting went home with a copy of the design and instructions to carve one smaller spoke for the front and one longer back spoke. He thought his part in the prestigious project was over until a call from Mr Frecklington. He needed a carver to finish work on the undercarriage, frame and pole which goes between the horses. After finishing eight carved panels for beneath the C springs at home, he spent a further two weeks working on the coach in Sydney. The Diamond Jubilee State Coach was delivered to the Queen in early 2014 and has been used for the opening of parliament for the past two years. The Bantings will visit the Royal Mews in July to see the coach.
Social group turns 20 FINDING companionship and talking political issues has banded a group of dedicated women together for 20 years. Each fortnight the Older Women’s Network in Gympie meets to discuss issues from income security to housing and community care, while also encouraging life enrichment and mutual support. Network convener Lee Hodgson said they usually had a short meeting with a guest speaker. “The morning starts with a short meeting followed by morning tea and usually a guest speaker,” Lee said. “Last November Cindy Hartwig gave a talk on treating stings and snake bites and later the same month there was a demonstration of tai chi. “We have morning outings for indoor bowls, games mornings at Lake Alford, special morning teas and two bus trips a year.
“Many of the ladies also attend the craft group which meets on the alternate Friday.” Lee mentioned the club would be celebrating its 20th birthday this year. “International Women’s Day is acknowledged with a luncheon and on April 21 the ladies will celebrate the club’s 20th birthday with a party at the Gunabul Homestead Restaurant,” she said.
“We welcome all visitors to attend or join our meetings.” For more information phone Lee Hodgson on 5483 1415 or Helen Steele on 5483 5181. Older Women’s Network in Gympie meets once a fortnight at the Anglican Hall, Lady Mary Tce at 9.15am. The ages of the ladies range from 55 to 92 and the aims of the group are to:
Encourage life enrichment, mutual support, and companionship among older women; Enhance the positive image of older women; Promote healthy aging; and Lobby the government on issues affecting older women such as income security, work opportunities, housing and community care and transport in regional areas.
Maryborough Open House dates set for September THE date has been set for Maryborough Open House 2016. Now in its fifth year, the popular event will be held over the weekend of September 24-25. On the Saturday, Maryborough’s architectural gems will be on show and on the Sunday, the gardens will be open for locals and visitors to explore. Since its inception in 2012, the event has become the state’s premier heritage architecture event. Each year about 30 historic buildings are open to the public free of charge. Open House chairperson George Seymour said the event had grown and
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brought many visitors to the Heritage City. “Maryborough has a wealth of heritage-listed buildings. These buildings help to tell the history of the city in a very tangible way,” Mr Seymour said. “In the past four years the event has included many aspects including an archaeological excavation, restoration workshops and church-bell ringing classes,” he said. “In 2015 we added a second day, an Open Gardens day, which was extremely popular.” Building and garden owners who would like to take part in the event can call Mr Seymour on 0448 183 372.
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February 2016 - Wide Bay Seniors- Page 7
community news
New chapter in Relish food story LOCAL growers and businesses can showcase their goods with demonstrations and displays at the Relish Marketplace in Hervey Bay. Last month the marketplace opened to a number of Fraser Coast businesses, marking a new beginning for the Relish Food Story. On Wednesdays from 9am to 3pm over coming months, Fraser Coast Opportunities has teamed up with the Pialba Place Shopping Centre to deliver this new concept. The Relish Marketplace offers the public an opportunity to gain inspiration and learn about regional produce in a space designed for demonstrations, workshops, information sharing and also some market stalls. For the first marketplace local favourite Honor Tremain presented on Food as Medicine with information on how to use local, inexpensive ingredients to make recipes that trigger weight loss, slow aging and prevent disease. A champion for the Relish
Food Story, Ms Tremain said it was fantastic to see this new development for the region. “Food plays a big part in our health and when we are eating well we feel great, and can also support the local businesses which are owned by the friends and family we know so well,” Honor said. Pialba Place centre manager Sherrie Stone is excited to partner with Fraser Coast Opportunities and believes this exciting new initiative will empower the region to produce and operate a food hub of substance. “Focusing on sustainable, ethical food, and raising community awareness to share the stories of our local growers is something our centre feels passionate about,” Sherrie said. “We are proud to support this initiative, and ultimately believe its success will have far reaching benefits for the Fraser Coast.” The marketplace will offer a small number of Relish Food Story members the opportunity to sell their
Vince Chay (left), Cr Darren Everard, Andrew Dower and Barbara Francis outside Maryborough City Hall for the Relish Marketplace.
products each week. Bakehouse 13, Mary Macon, Somerfield’s Quality Meats & Café Creations al-
so provided demonstrations recently. For local growers and businesses interested in learn-
ing more and potentially being a part of the Relish Marketplace, phone the Fraser Coast Opportuni-
ties Enterprise team on 4191 2600, with further information also found on relishfrasercoast.com.au.
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STARTING on Saturday, August 13, Seniors Week 2016 will run to Sunday, August 21 – nine days of celebrations. Last year 737 events were held from the Northern Peninsula Region to Mount Isa, and Cairns to the Granite Belt. Seniors Week allows Queenslanders to unite to celebrate the valuable contributions seniors make in their communities. Whether as volunteers or in the workforce, seniors utilise their experience and knowledge as community
leaders, carers, grandparents and advocates. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of many groups and countless volunteers across the state, Seniors Week is now a major event each year. For some living in rural and remote areas, Seniors Week is the one time of year they get to catch up with friends. For others Seniors Week is a way to help combat social isolation through programs and activities, creating new friendships and remaining active in society.
COTA Queensland coordinates Seniors Week and receives Queensland Government funding to plan and subsidise Seniors Week events and activities. It has $100,000 for Seniors Week 2016. Applications are open for community organisations and local councils to apply for up to $1000. Applications close March 31. For more information about Seniors Week call COTA Queensland on 07 3316 2999, email seniors week@cotaqld.org.au or visit www.cotaqld.org.au
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Opinion YOUR SAY There is risk attached to every driver
SOME people have adopted the position that our roads will be safer without senior drivers. They appear to have arbitrarily selected a terminal age to our driving that rejects the existing considerations of health and ability. If you remove any group from the road, whom you consider to be a greater than average risk, say people under 25 years or perhaps the unemployed, you will no doubt include in the selected group, drivers who present a greater than average risk. Apart from this, the reduction in road users will certainly improve road safety. No matter what our age or ability, anyone taking a vehicle to the road presents some level of risk. Ideologues focus and pursue a perceived “good”, in a way that ignores lateral contraconsiderations. For them, this perceived “good” justifies the means, and in their narrow focus, they can be fatuously convinced and quite cruel. The idea that we are a threat, and therefore a burden on the roads, may at some stage trigger the notion, in the not distant future, that as unproductive retirees, pensioners are a burden in general. It would not be too far from there, to the invention of a “happy valley” pill, as a “final solution”, and entice unwanted and depressed aged people, to unburden society, with it. J.K.Creevey
❝
They appear to have arbitrarily selected a terminal age to our driving ...
OUR SAY
Ill-health, not age, is barrier to driving, says researcher A QUEENSLAND aging expert has come out in support of older drivers and their safety record on the road. Queensland Brain Institute researcher Dr Jaqueline Liddle has pointed out that driving performance is more related to health rather than age, so there can be safe drivers at any age. Age is not a good indicator of skill, she adds. Dr Liddle’s comments follow a call from NSW Police head of traffic John Hartley for drivers over the age of 70 to “reconsider” their driving ability. Assistant Commissioner Hartley said drivers of this age were twoand-a-half times more likely than younger drivers to die in a roadside accident in NSW. He added that senior citizens often found it difficult to stay centred in their lane, stop in time for red lights and reverse safely without running into objects. “It is these issues that put older drivers, their passengers, and other road users at great risk,” Asst Commissioner Hartley said. “Personal responsibility is the key to keeping us all safe on NSW roads. Don’t wait until you’re involved in a near-miss, or a crash, to reconsider your driving ability.” The latest figures put out by the NSW Centre for Road Safety reveal that the number of fatalities on the road for senior citizens has spiked by 20% in the last year alone. Drivers over the age of 70 represented nearly 22% of the total fatalities in 2015, while the age bracket makes up just 11% of the population. In Queensland, a Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokesperson said older drivers were not “over-represented” in road crash statistics. Seniors aged 75 years or older, as
drivers or riders, made up 12% of road crash deaths – the same as other age groups, apart from those aged 16 to 24 years with 24% of fatalities. “Age is not a barrier to driving and many older people are perfectly capable of driving safely. However, physical and mental changes that often come with aging can affect how older people drive,” the TMR spokesperson said. “In recognition of this, since 1996 Queensland licence-holders aged 75 or older have been required to carry and drive in accordance with a current medical certificate. This requirement remains current.” Following a review of older driver safety undertaken by the TMR and the Older Driver Safety Advisory Committee, changes were introduced on January 1, 2014, to limit the term of an older driver’s medical certificate to one year. “This requirement to have an annual medical check-up ensures any problems are detected early and managed sooner.” UQ Aging Mind Initiative co-director and clinical neuropsychologist Dr Nancy Pachana, who specialises in elder driving safety, said decades of driving research had found that older drivers were just as safe as younger adults on the roads. “It’s ageist to state a person cannot drive just because of their age,” Dr Pachana said. “The NSW police are confusing the greater vulnerability to injury with driving skills. “Older people have increasingly frail bones and are more susceptible to motor vehicle injuries, not just as drivers, but also as passengers and pedestrians.” Seniors can use a self-assessment questionnaire on the RACQ’s website to check their current driving capability.
What are the reasons to give up a drivers licence?
WEIGH IT UP
The UQDrive program endorses the following tips from retired drivers, for older people considering their driving future: ■ Start to think about your options early – while you are still driving ■ Try out different transport options including public transport, transport services and lifts from family and friends. ■ Have a long-term plan for your transport needs. ■ Weigh it up – take the time to think through all the factors involved in driving, and retiring from driving. ■ Look into your priorities and values, and put plans into place. ■ Think about the positives and negatives of retiring from driving. ■ Talk to key people – talking to family, friends and health professionals might help you to consider all of your options.
OTHER WAYS
■ It is important to stay involved in the community. This can be done by using different transport options, and taking up new roles and activities. ■ Stay involved and active – staying active after giving up driving is important. You should keep doing the things that are important to you. ■ To keep up an active lifestyle, some people find they need to change their routines, and others move to areas with better transport
Dr Liddle said most older people voluntarily stopped driving, often at some cost to their independence. “There are also costs and risks for
older people not driving, including increased risks of depression, isolation and poorer health outcomes,” she said.
SHARING YOUR NEWS & VIEWS CONTACTS: Journalist: Boni.Holmes@ seniorsnewspaper.com.au WEBSITE: www.seniorsnews.com.au
FACEBOOK:www.facebook.com/seniorsnews COMMUNITY NOTES: communitynotes@seniorsnewspaper.com.au
1800 363 811
www.seniorsnews.com.au
February 2016 - Wide Bay Seniors- Page 9
community news HELLO readers, to enable us to respond to your request for publication of more Community Notices, we ask that you keep your notices short and to the point (100-word maximum). Club Notices deadline for the next issue is February 29. Enquires to Robyn, Nicky or Chris via email communitynotes@ seniorsnewspaper.com.au VIEW Clubs ■ Gympie VIEW Club Gympie meets on the third Friday of each month at the RSL Club, Orchid Room, Mary St, Gympie for lunch, meeting and speaker. Next meeting is on Friday, February 19. Social functions are also held during each month. Outings to The Blue and White Teapot Cafe in Amamoor and a Girls Sleep Party at Tin Can Bay in February. New members always welcome. Enquiries Wendy 0488 031 551 or w.jakeman@bigpond.com ■ Hervey Bay VIEW Club meetings always on the second Monday of each month at the clubhouse, at 10.30am, and usually have a guest speaker. Monthly socials are on the fourth Monday at various venues from 9.30am. AGM is always the first meeting
New Gympie VIEW Committee L-R: Judy Fischle, Lorraine Wilson, Esme Patterson, Elsie Matthews (president), Yo Lickerman, Glynis Vallmuur, Michele Schmitt, Wendy Jakeman and Lee Hodgson
of the year. We thank the Village Connection Choir for entertaining us at our Christmas luncheon. Contact Barbara Campbell on 4128 9110. Email herveybay.view– club@gmail.com ■ Older Women’s Network The network in Gympie meets once a fortnight at the Anglican Hall, Lady Mary Tce at 9.15am. A short meeting then morn-
ing tea and usually a guest speaker. The next meeting is on the February 28 and visitors are welcome. We also have some outings for bus trips, morning teas and fun mornings. On April 21 we will celebrate our 20th birthday with a party at the Gunabul Restaurant and all past members are invited. Cost is $27.50. Tickets from Apron kitchenware shop in Mary St, Gympie.
Contact the convenor Lee on 5483 1415 or secretary Helen on 5483 5181. ■ U3A Hervey Bay U3A aims to provide programs of learning for mature people under a broad philosophy of lifelong learning. Courses are many and varied, a full list is available on the U3A Hervey Bay website, www.u3aherveybay.org. Classes are usually about two hours and the emphasis is on friendly, fun learning. Phone 4194 2547 or email HerveyBayU3A@yahoo. com.au ■ Maryborough Family Heritage Maryborough Family Heritage Institute Inc specialises in research into immigration to Queensland and family history. On Saturday, May 28, we will celebrate 150 years since the arrival in Maryborough of Immigrant Ships the Golden South and Sultana, and 140 years since the arrival of City of Agra and Indus. Also added to the celebration will be the Polmaise which arrived in 1872. Descendants can contact heritage research@bigpond.com or phone (07) 4123 1620 or find us on Facebook. Volunteers always welcomed.
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Page 10 - Wide Bay Seniors - February 2016
month on the Deck at the Hervey Bay RSL at 10am for morning tea or coffee. We welcome newly diagnosed people to sit in on our meetings and learn about MS and what services are available and to know that they are not alone. As well as dealing with serious issues our meetings are also fun with lots of laughter and story swapping, no topics are off the agenda. Contact Bev on 4128 2692. Email bev_cornwell@hotmail. com ■ Hervey Bay Quilters meet every Thursday between 9am and 3pm at John Paul Catholic Hall, Hillyard St, Pialba. Activities include: in-house workshops, qualified tutor workshops, charity days, seniors expo, cancer morning tea, and visits to other quilting groups’ show and tell days. Morning tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Annual fee $30, daily fee $5. Further infoph 0401 831 309.
■ Gympie National Seniors Nearly 50 National Seniors enjoyed a great Australia Day gathering. It was a wonderful day of friendship and relaxation seeing many different parts of our local, wonderful country. Members are looking forward to their first meeting of the year on February 11.
■ Sandy Straits Sizzlers A big thankyou to the people of Hervey Bay for their support in raising $55,000 over the past five years, all of which has gone to local charities. The money has supported Hervey Bay & Maryborough Riding for Disabled, M.O.W, Wide Bay Gymnasts, Special Schools (Hervey Bay & Maryborough), Cerebral Palsy and a Light Writer Talking Machine to Hervey Bay Hospital to help people suffering strokes and motor neuron disease. Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year at BCF or Harvey Norman.
■ Hervey Bay Multiple Sclerosis The Hervey Bay and Maryborough Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets on the first Friday of each
■ Australian Hearing Free 10-minute Pensioner/Dept of Veteran Affairs hearing check. Bookings phone 4120 8300, Shop 2, Comet Place, Lennox St, Mary-
borough. ■ Brooweena Museum And Historical Village 50kms west of Maryborough on Biggenden Rd. A pleasant stroll through the past. Open 10am-3pm on the 2nd and 4th Sunday each month, visitors and tours welcome at other times by appointment. Adults $5, children free. Phone Gail 4129 9262 or email Jill at jill.harvey@walshpark. com.au. ■ Burrum Heads Markets is held on second Saturday of month, 7am-11am at Burrum Heads Community Hall, corner Burrum Heads Rd and Howard St. Art, crafts, fruit and veg, bric-a-brac, antiques, plants, books and breakfast at the SES stall. ■ Chelsea Hostel/ Nursing Home needs volunteers to help with activities. Phone 4121 9400 or visit 110 Tooley St. Full training given. ■ Computer Lessons for beginners, Fridays at Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre, 25 Ellena St. Phone 4121 2141 to register and for details. ■ Fraser Coast Bicycle Users Group meet for Heritage City rides every Sunday at the Queens Park band rotunda at 7am. The group caters for all recreational and cafe cyclists. Phone Craig Thompson 4124 7118. ■ Friday Night Barefoot Bowls at Doonvilla Bowls Club, Lennox St. Start 6pm, $7 per head, finger food, bowls supplied, club coach available for new bowlers. Phone 4121 3097. ■ Hearing Loss Management Sessions at Better Hearing Australia, a nonprofit, self-help volunteer group, every Tuesday in school term, 9am-11.30am at 26 Wilson St. Phone 4121 5222. ■ Maaroom Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 9am in Maaroom Community Hall, Granville Rd, Maaroom. Come along for craft, friendship and support. Everyone welcome. Phone Sue 4129 8538. ■ Maryborough Animal Refuge desperately needs reliable volunteer cleaners for the cat and dog kennels every day of the week (including public holidays). Work is 7am to 10am. Approved for NewStart and other Centrelink programs. Contact the refuge on 4123 1712 or Natalie on 0400 725 299. ■ Maryborough Caledonian Pipe Band needs experienced pipers and drummer and anyone interested in learning bagpipes and drums. Tuition is free. Practice is every Tuesday night at Maryborough Scottish Community Hall at the airport. Phone Mick Aiton 0401 489 618. CONTINUED PAGE 11 www.seniorsnews.com.au
community news
The Best Quality Assisted Living in the Wide Bay Y A T S L A I R T E FRE
Gympie National Seniors Jan Davies, Beryl Polkinghorne and Marion Manthey on their recent Australia Day trip, pictured with the Teddington Weir in the background.
FROM PAGE 10
■ Maryborough Carers Support Group meets the second Monday each month except December and January, at Community Health, Neptune St, Maryborough, 10am to noon, morning tea provided. Phone 4124 0922. ■ Maryborough Freemasonry 538 Kent St: one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organisations for men. Phone 4121 7334 or visit maryborough freemasons.com. ■ Maryborough Gem And Mineral Club meet each Tuesday at 9am and Wednesday at 7pm. Learn the fascinating art of gem cutting, stone polishing and silverwork. Phone 0487 296 055. All welcome. ■ Maryborough Horse Drawn Vehicle Club meets first Sunday each month at 9.30am at Maryborough Park. Phone Kathy Hodges 4122 3613. ■ Maryborough Pensioners: Market Tombola every Sunday at 1.30pm; cards on Mondays at 9am; free concert first Wednesday every month. All welcome. For information and transport phone 4121 4388 or visit 84 Adelaide St. ■ Maryborough City Progress Association: A solution-focussed, positive forum to create fun and family events to help highlight Maryborough. Looking for input and members, $5 membership. All meetings held at 6pm, City Hall, Kent St, Maryborough www.seniorsnews.com.au
every third Tuesday. Refreshments provided. ■ Proud Marys meet the second Wednesday of the month at 2pm upstairs in the Maryborough Library, Bazaar St. Money raised goes to the annual Literary Competition and the Poppins Festival. Phone Barb 4129 7240. You don’t have to be a Mary to join. ■ RAAF Fraser Coast branch is open to all serving and ex-RAAF, WAAAF, WRAAF, RAAFNS, members of Her Majesty’s Air Forces and those with an interest in aviation. The branch meets at the Hervey Bay RSL at 10.30hrs on second Wednesday of each month. New members and visitors welcome. Phone Rosslyn Richards 4128 7685. ■ Sugar Shack Crafters meet at the Cane Growers Hall, Bazaar St, Maryborough on the first, third and fifth Saturdays each month from 9am to 4pm. Phone Fionie 4128 0660. ■ Taylor Street Community Legal Service provides free non-discriminatory legal advice to socio-economically disadvantaged people in the Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, North Burnett and Gympie local government areas. Maximum of 15 minutes for each consult. All sessions are by appointment only. Phone Maryborough 4121 2141, Tiaro 4129 2453, Childers 4130 4690, Burrum Heads 4194 2663, Hervey Bay 4194 2663.
■ Volunteers Wanted: Want something rewarding, try Riding at Disabled Association. Training Tuesday mornings from 9am at 79 Bidwill Rd, Granville. Phone Bruce 4121 4347, Noel 4121 3880. ■ Yoga Classes. Day and evening classes for beginners and ongoing students. Suncorp Metway Building, Adelaide St. Phone 4121 3656. ■ 1770 Art Show LCSP THE show will run the Large Canvas School Project (LCSP) for 2016, with the theme The Reef. The 1770 Art Show thanks Lady E’s Quilts and Crafts, Josef Konrad, and ArtPlus Bundaberg for sponsoring. Visit www.1770artshow. com.au ■ HUMPS Ukulele Club Hervey Bay Ukulele Music Pickers and Strummers Inc. meets every Tuesday night at Hervey Bay Senior Citizens Hall, cnr Totness St and Denman Camp Rd, Torquay from 6pm to 9pm, supper included. Our aim is to promote friendship and harmony through the playing of music, playing at nursing homes and retirement villages. We’re aged mainly in our 60s, 70s and 80s. Contact president Mick Ward on 0427 504 820. or see HUMPS Hervey Bay Ukulele Music Pickers and Strummers Inc on Facebook.
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meet the candidates ADVERTORIAL
ADVERTORIAL
The Fraser Coast is special and deserves a council that recognises this
David Lewis
WE HAVE chosen to live on the Fraser Coast because of its beauty, its lifestyle, its facilities and its community. Because it is what other places aren’t, and because it isn’t what other places are. Councils need to do the basics like roads and infrastructure etc, and do them well and cost effectively. That is important, but it is the bread and butter stuff which even a mediocre council should be able to do. A great community
needs this, but deserves more than this. The challenge for a council is to manage and enhance the present, and to plan for the future, while preserving all of those things which attracted us to live here. Our challenge is to choose a council capable of doing this role in a manner which will unite us and not divide us, which will value the contributions of all of us, which will listen to both the concerns and the wisdom of the whole community.
I believe that I have the necessary skills and experience, the depth of community involvement over nearly 40 years, and a sensible, collaborative and consultative approach. I offer independence, innovative thinking and an openness to the best of ideas from the whole community; and valuable skills like analysis, critical thinking and negotiation gained over years working as a local lawyer. I have a well-developed
capacity for sifting sense from nonsense, and getting to the heart of things. I am prepared to go beyond the platitudes and motherhood statements and share my ideas and issues. Read more at www.davidlewis .com.au Let’s work together towards a better council. David Lewis Candidate Division 6 (Point Vernon, Pialba and Eli Waters).
Mark Williams
ADVERTORIAL
Continuing footpath improvements on Taylor’s agenda during next term FOOTPATH improvements is a key goal for Cr Stuart Taylor in the next term of the Fraser Coast Regional Council. As the representative for Division 9, Cr Taylor said more residents had raised this issue than any other issue over the last term. “Residents rely on footpath connectivity in order to stay mobile and active for longer. This then results in better social and health outcomes,” Cr Taylor said.
Division 3 candidate already achieving results
Over the past four years there has been a significant investment into the construction and repair of the footpath network in Scarness, Torquay and Kawungan. “We have worked to identify the gaps in our footpath network and will continue to invest into this vital infrastructure,” Cr Taylor said. An example of how council has recently addressed one of those gaps is the con-
struction of a footpath on Denman Camp and Torquay Rd outside the Hervey Bay Senior Citizens Club. “Many members of Hervey Bay Senior Citizens attend the club by walking or on mobility scooters. For years they had been asking for this footpath to be constructed to ensure they could access their club safely. This footpath has now been constructed and there are a number of surround-
ing footpaths that have been scheduled for construction” said Cr Taylor. Cr Taylor is eager to see this work continue and has committed progressing footpath construction into the next term if re-elected. “Residents of Kawungan, Torquay and Scarness are fortunate to be in close proximity to shops, parks, gardens, beaches and community services. I am eager to ensure they have pedestrian access these services.”
VOTE 1 Mark
Cr Stuart Taylor
Advertisement
WILLIAMS DIVISION 3
Maryborough is a great town, let’s make it the destination it deserves Written & Authorised by Mark Thomas Williams, 360 Lennox Street, Maryborough Q 4650
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Representing Maryborough with integrity and respect. I listen to the community and will champion that voice on council. I will ensure we spend within our means, and support sensible local development, invest in local business, community aged care & lifestyle options, including transport & footpath infrastructure. Most importantly I will listen.
WHILE door knocking in Division 3, a road safety issue was brought to the attention of council candidate Mark Williams by local resident George Mullan. Mr Mullans raised his concerns about the roadside opposite his driveway near the intersection of Saltwater and Gladys Sts. Mr Mullans said: “Our driveway is between the intersection and the 100kmh zone and most vehicles begin to accelerate once past the intersection; when we are turning into our driveway, they are using the shoulder of the road to go around us and it is becoming increasingly unsafe for cars when they drop off into that section of road with the loose gravel and it is only a matter of time before an accident happens” Mr Williams said: “After my discussion with George, I immediately approached the state member for Maryborough to have the matter addressed, as it is a State Government road and due to the large volume of traffic going to and from the Bay each day I insisted that it be given urgent attention. “I am happy to say that the work has now been completed, and I would like to acknowledge my local member, Bruce Saunders, and the Roadtek crew for getting the job done in such a timely manner.We all appreciate it when someone listens to you; this is an example of what I will deliver when elected as your councillor for Division 3, Maryborough and the Fraser Coast,” Mr Williams said.
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DAVIDLEWIS - Sensible - Balanced - Independent
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THE 1 FOR DIVISION 6
Sharing his ideas on www.davidlewis.com.au
Authorised by David Lewis 54 Lyons Street, Point Vernon for David Lewis (Candidate)
Page 12 - Wide Bay Seniors - February 2016
www.seniorsnews.com.au
By ANN RICKARD
ON BOARD Nieuw Amsterdam, many passengers press the elevator button, watch the doors open, peer in, nod appreciatively and then move away. It’s not that they don’t enjoy using the ship’s elevators to speed them from deck to deck, it’s just that they like to know what day it is. You see, the square mats in the floor of Nieuw Amsterdam’s elevators have the day of the week imprinted on them, changing daily of course, and it is perhaps the only way most passengers are going to keep abreast of things...and not just us seniors either. There is so much to do on board, the days pass in a flash of activity, pleasure and fun, and well...you do tend to forget what day it is. Cruising is big time. And getting bigger. By the minute. Almost daily we hear of another bigger, better, more wondrously equipped
A fabulous European cruise - see it all without the stress.
Float your boat cruisers Leave stress at home, unpack once then sit back and enjoy the view
ship setting off to alluring destinations, beckoning us to step on board and sail into the sunset.
For seniors such as you and me, it is probably the perfect holiday - and for many reasons.
We unpack just once. We are taken to destinations we would otherwise visit only if we were prepared
for long drives, exhausting flights and stressful airports. The one price feeds, accom-
modates and entertains us. We are pampered by a CONTINUED PAGE 14
Eating options becoming more ambitious
River cruising increasing in popularity
EATING is mandatory on a cruise, and the choices become more ambitious by the month. Many ships are replacing the traditional buffet with more genteel presentations such as The Market, The Larder, The Lido, where the food is just as plentiful but you are served by crew at various stations such as a carvery, salad bar, deli...that sort of thing. It’s so much
WHO could have known river cruising would grow so rapidly? Once you have sailed serenely down some of Europe’s great rivers, you’ll understand the stupendous increase in popularity with companies such as APT, Scenic, Avalon, Evergreen and Viking offering myriad cruises along stunning rivers and gorgeous waterways. The beauty of river cruising – apart from spacious
www.seniorsnews.com.au
Curtis Stone is with Princess Cruises.
more refined than elbowing your way to the front of the buffet. Then there are the celebrity chefs lining up to partner with cruise lines. Curtis Stone has given his name to Princess Cruises
on several of its fleet including Golden Princess, presenting gourmet salads, handmade pastas, premium quality meat, and seafood fresh off the grill, and an array of decadent desserts. Launched in 2001, Golden Princess underwent a major refurbishment two years ago. She now features Sabatini’s and Crown Grill restaurants. Visit: princesscruises.com
See scenery from Europe’s greatest rivers.
staterooms with verandas, and all-inclusive food and wine, – is the leisurely pace to glide by some of Europe’s best scenery. From fairy-tale castles to lush vineyards to Hansel and Gretel towns, a river
cruise takes you into the heart of Europe. Imagine sailing right into Budapest? Or Prague? Or Paris? Travel fantasies don’t come any richer. See your local travel agent.
February 2016 - Wide Bay Seniors- Page 13
Endless list of on-board activities FROM PAGE 13
squad of trained crew who appear to love us very much. We meet new mates. We learn things too. And there is always a massage and mojito a moment away. Nieuw Amsterdam is just one mid-sized ship in the Holland American line. Apart from all the activities on board, there are workshops galore to keep us up
to speed with technology, to help us take better photos, learn more about Skype and Instagram make videos...oh, the list the endless. It’s not just tech stuff you learn on board either How to make a Mowtown Margarita is just as important to many (me). For others it’s learning a new card game, or discovering some unknown trivia, making pasta primavera,
or how to match wines, dance the tango, conquer towel art, even how to sing that bit better at the piano bar. As for the all-important eating part of a cruise...well, the specialty restaurants on board most ships now lead us into temptation never experienced before on the high seas. Visit: hollandamerica.com
Online check-in and excursion bookings
Trained crewmembers are at your beck and call.
P&O names celebrities as ‘godmothers’ THE celebrities putting their names to ships are not just chefs. P&O Cruises has named Jessica Mauboy and Kate Ritchie as godmothers for its latest ships, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.
The social media launch will also see the naming posted simultaneously on the godmothers’ Facebook and Instagram accounts and shared by P&O Cruises across its platforms. Visit: pocruises.com.au
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MOST cruise lines are senior-friendly, with on-line check enabled a week before your cruise meaning no long queues at shipping terminals. You can also book shore excursions online before you board – no need to wait at the front desk any more. Assistance (wheel chairs) is available at check-in to glide you through the terminal and onto the ship with the minimum of fuss. With such large sized ships, elevators are a must (although taking the stairs helps
the inevitable weight gain) and their efficiency and ease is appreciated by seniors. My experience shows it is better to stick to the ship’s shore excursions rather than explore on your own. You are taken smoothly from ship to coach, given guides and information, guaranteed not to get lost, and...this is the important one...if you are late, the ship will wait. Not so if you venture forth on your own. See your local travel agent.
Take a gentle cruise down Europe’s rivers
WANT an even slower pace along the river? Barge cruising in Europe is tailored-made for seniors. Who could forget Rick Stein gliding down the Canal du Midi cooking and eating his way through France? And who didn’t yearn to be with him? European Waterways offers luxury hotel barging in France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg. With 17 hotel barges, a gentle river cruise takes you through some of Europe’s finest scenery, fascinating history and local culture – from the picturesque vineyards of Burgundy to the spectacular Scottish Highlands; from the sun-drenched waterways of the South of France to the storybook Alsace region. Visit: gobarging.com
Slow your travel pace.
TERMS & CONDITIONS *Price is per person Twin Share fully inclusive. Single Supplement applies. Credit card surcharges apply. Deposit of AUD$500-$800 per person is required to secure tour. Tour requires a minimum number of passengers to depart. Prices may fluctuate if surcharges, fee, taxes or currency change. Prices current as at 18 January 2016. Go SeeTouring Pty Ltd T/A Go See Touring Member of Helloworld QLD Lic No: 3198772 ABN: 72 122 522 276
Page 14 - Wide Bay Seniors - February 2016
www.seniorsnews.com.au
Hosted Rail, Coach, Air & Cruise Tours AUSTRALIAN FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED ON THE GOLD COAST 11 Days $2,190*
Cowboys, Caves & Castles
*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare. Single supp $490
• Staying Townsville, Charters Towers, Undara & Cairns • Meals • Charters Towers, Miners Cottage, Ghosts of Gold Tour • Undara Lava Tubes guided tour then a bush breakfast in the Ringers Camp • Savannahlander tour from Mt Surprise – Cairns • Cairns City Sights & Skyrail experience • Daintree River Cruise, Mossman Gorge and Port Douglas Tour • Paronella Park – Castle in the Wilderness • Cassowary Coast • Gorgeous Green Island with glass bottom boat & coral and reef tour Tour dates: 31st May, 6th September 2016 • Friendly & helpful tour host
Drovers & Stargazers Tour date: 12th July
Tour Date:
7th March 2016
• Includes return flights from Brisbane
The Indian Pacific 8 Days Gold Service From $3,949* Sydney to Perth *(Senior Pension / CSHC fare, twin share)
*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare. Single supp $320
Cairns, Daintree & 8 Days $1048* twin share plus applicable Cassowary Coast *Per person rail fare. Single supp $290
Tour dates: 30th May
• Includes Return Flights from Brisbane, 3 Days Gold Service on The Ghan, • 2 nights Darwin & 2 nights Adelaide • Delicious meals (& Beverages while traveling on The Ghan) • Stay in Darwin with City Sights Darwin Tour • 3 Days on the Ghan with all off train tours, meals & beverages included in Gold Service • Tour Adelaide, visit Handorf & Barossa Valley • As with all our tours a helpful fun tour host will travel with group
Tour dates: 3rd Oct, 10th Oct & 24th Oct 2016
15 Days $4,990* 2 Pacific Queens *Per person twin share Gold Class Rail & Cruise Single supp $1000
• Accommodation at 4 star Cairns Queenslander • Meals on tour • Gorgeous Green Island • Paronella Park, Innisfail, Scenic Cassowary Coast
• 15 days of Top Class Travel
• Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree River Cruise
• All flights included BNE to SYD - Perth to BNE
• Skyrail, Kuranda, Mareeba to Jaques Coffee Plantation
• Premium Gold Service for 4 days on the iconic Indian Pacific
• Helpful fun tour host
• 8 nights Luxury Cruise on the P&O Pacific Eden Perth to Broome Return
Tour dates: 18th April, 13th, 20th June, 25th July, 15th Aug, 31st Oct
Cairns & Townsville 8 Days $1,089* *Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare. Discovery Single supp $290 • Accommodation at Cairns & Townsville • All meals • Skyrail, Kuranda Village & Jaques Coffee Plantation • Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge & Daintree River Cruise • Innisfail, Paronella Park & Cassowary Coast • Magnetic Island Day Tour • Castle Hill,The Strand & Museum of Tropical North Qld • Helpful fun tour host
• Sydney Tower including delicious buffet luncheon in revolving restaurant with stunning views • Swan River Cruise,Tram Tour of Fremantle • Perth Mint Tour • Helpful, fun tour host will travel with group
7 Days Grand Adventure From $3,920* Gold Service *(Senior Pension /CSHC fare, twin share)
7 Days $1089*
Tour dates 30th April, 7th, 14th, 28th May, 11th June, 30th July, 10th, 17th, 24th Sept, 8th, 15th, 22nd Oct
HURRY
• Friendly Tour Host experienced Coach Captain
• Includes Return Flights from Brisbane, 4 Days Gold Class on The Indian Pacific • 2 nights Sydney & 2 nights Perth • Delicious meals (& Beverages while traveling on The Indian Pacific) • Off train tours included • City Sights Tours in both Sydney & Perth • Sydney Harbour luncheon Cruise
• Qantas Museum & Tour of 747 • Winton, Waltzing Matilda, Age of Dinosaurs • Strathmore Station • Harry Redford Tent Show • Helpful fun Tour Host
*Per person twin share. Single supp $480
• Accommodation & meals • Interesting day tours to Hobart, Richmond, Port Arthur, Queenstown, Gordon River Cruise, Sarah Island, Strahan, Cradle Mountain, Stanley, Pearn’s Steamworld, North West Coast, Launceston,Tamar Valley and River Cruise, Wall in the Wilderness and more
*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare. Single supp $650
Longreach & Winton
8 Days $2,690*
Last spots, Book now
11 Days $2,290*
• Accommodation in Longreach, Blackall & Charleville LAST SEATS AVAILABLE • Meals • Sunset Cruise on the Thomson River, Dinner & waterhole camp dinner with “Smithy’s Outback Spectacular” • Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Stockie’s Show Qantas Museum & Tour of 747 • Winton, Waltzing Matilda, Age of Dinosaurs • Strathmore Station
• Accommodation in Longreach • Meals • Sunset Cruise on Thomson River with dinner at the “waterhole” & Larrikin & Legends Show. • Stockman’s Hall of Fame
Tasmania The Great Escape
• 1 night Fremantle & 2 nights Perth for site seeing with day tours included • Swan River & Swan Valley • Perth Mint - Kings Park & Casino Precinct
Departure date: 6th July
• Fully Hosted.
Both couples & singles welcome! * All tours subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances. Includes travel time.
Tour Operator Accreditation No.: 900464760
Call 1300 722 661
www.greatvalueholidays.com.au E: info@greatvalueholidays.com.au
MORE GREAT TOURS AND DESTINATIONS CALL FOR BROCHURE
www.seniorsnews.com.au
1740639
Tour dates: 23rd May, 29th Aug, 17th Oct
February 2016 - Wide Bay Seniors- Page 15
DREAMING OF THE AMERICAS FREE FILM NIGHT!
AVALON RIVER CRUISE / 23 FEB 16, 5.45PM / RSVP 1300 732 697
MEXICO IN DEPTH 15 DAYS
A TOUCH OF CUBA 8 DAYS
AMAZON AND INCA 14 DAYS
Highlights Mexico City; Teotihuacan - Puebla; Oaxaca; Monte Alban - Oaxaca; Tehuantepec; San Cristobal de Las Casas; Palenque; Campeche; Merida; Chichen Itza - Playa del Carmen Plus 14 breakfasts
Highlights Havana; Soroa; Trinidad; Cienfuegos; Havana Plus 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Highlights Amazon Jungle; Cuzco; Machu Picchu; Lima; Ollantaytambo; Aguas Calientes; Cuzco; Puno; La Paz Plus 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Various departure dates from 21 May to 24 Dec 16
from
Various departure dates from 18 May to 31 Dec 16
$4465*
from
Various departure dates from 22 May to 25 Dec 2016
$2315*
from
$4695*
Various departure dates from 27 May to 25 Nov 16
Various departure dates from 18 June to 17 Dec 16
ARGENTINA AND BRAZIL 7 DAYS
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 10 DAYS
Highlights Lima; Paracas; Nazca; Arequipa; Colca Canyon; Puno; Lake Titicaca; Puno; Cuzco; Sacred Valley; Aguas Calientes; Machu Picchu/Cuzco; Lima Plus 16 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Highlights Buenos Aires; Iguazu Falls; Rio de Janeiro Plus 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Highlights Quito; Isla San Cristobal; Isla Bartolome; Isla Santiago; Isla Santa Cruz; Isla Mosquera; Toruga Nergra & Cerro Dragon; Isla Rabida; Isla Santa Cruz; Plus 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
PERU EXPLORER 17 DAYS
from
- This trip also runs in reverse
$5595*
ALL PEREGRINE SMALL GROUP TOURS INCLUDE • The services of Peregrine’s expert Englishspeaking local naturalist • Arrival transfer • Gratuities included for the essential services only that you will receive as part of your tour package
from
$3350*
Various departure dates from 4 June to 31 Dec 16
- Other itineraries available from
$7334*
REST EASY WITH A FREE NIGHT’S ACCOMMODATION Simply book by 29 Feb on a departure prior to 31Oct 16 to claim your extra night’s stay.~
1300 732 697
escapetravel.com.au/HerveyBay
*Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Please ask us for further details. Prices are correct as at 20 Jan 16 & are subject to change. Prices are per person twin share and are subject to availability. Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies, government charges and other applicable fees. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store. ~Excludes Polar, Independent Journeys, Independent Experiences & Private Groups. Offer is subject to availability. Other terms and conditions apply, see www.peregrineadventures.com for full details. ^12 Months Interest free: Approved applicants only on a Lombard 180 Visa card. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply including a $99 Annual Fee charged on the account open date and annually on the anniversary of the account open date. Minimum finance amount applies and is valid on holidays over $999. Interest, currently 22.99% p.a., is payable on any balance outstanding after the 12 month Interest Free period. Ask in store for details. Offer ends 30 June 2016. Credit provided by Lombard Finance Pty Limited ABN 31 099 651 877, Australian Credit Licence number 247415. Lombard® is brought to you by FlexiGroup ®. Playford Travel Pty Ltd t/as Escape Travel Caloundra License number 3145713 (ABN 52 332 431 024). ETCAL68515
Page 16 - Wide Bay Seniors - February 2016
www.seniorsnews.com.au
Yoga retreat the perfect getaway Find out how your retreat can be a rewarding holiday By GAIL FORRER
“MY mother is the only person I know who has to come down from handstand, when I ask her to go shopping with me.” Therese Ahern, 63-yearold mother of three and grandmother of five and half (there’s one on the way) and tour leader, laughs as she repeats the words of her daughter. Laugh or not – it’s true. Therese, a passionate lover of life began her headstands and spiritual practice after leaving a successful and multi-coloured career path some 12 years ago. Now she wants to share all she has learned so others can enjoy similar benefits. She said her yoga makes her feel like a child again and certainly her vigour, humour and natural vivaciousness contain an age-
less quality. Besides giving lessons, she conducts retreat/holidays to various places on the planet. The retreats have a yoga foundation, but with a host of qualified teachers they also offer guidance in health, lifestyle, and holistic well-being. “And there are very gentle yoga classes for beginners,” Therese said. The master meditator and travel leader said the tour encompassed her idea of a combined retreat/holiday. “Sometimes going on holiday doesn’t leave us really refreshed. Perhaps we have too much “fun” or we have to prioritise somebody else’s needs or because we haven’t found a way to effectively unwind.” She said even with the best of intentions we can be waylaid. “We have all heard of
Therese Ahern of Taraji journeys.
work/life balance, we make goals and plans but somehow we may feel as though we are drowning under the weight of incessant stresses. We even sense an erosion of our self-esteem due to self promises again not fulfilled.” So how can we make the most of our time out? The former businesswoman (who also knows about tarot cards and numerology)
said the yoga holiday/retreat is the antidote. “An effective yoga holiday/ retreat will help you re-access your truly wonderful powerful self. The ancient yogis knew how to fold time and space and miraculously this is possible for even modern day practitioners. Many of us have experienced major breakthroughs and greater peacefulness from exercise,
movement, yoga class, relaxation and meditation however we struggle with achieving lasting benefits and beneficial habits.” Therese has a life story that would resonate with many of this generation. She has successfully played the role of spouse, mother, masters student, business entrepreneur. Therese was living a big life; it was joyful, rewarding
and satisfying, but extremely stressful. She describes her desire to step away from this life as an inevitable start to her journey of self-discovery. To restore her health she began to attend Buddhist retreats. “And for the last five years, I have gone on yoga holidays,” she said. Her combined experience has led her to start Taraji Journeys. “Journeys to give you the opportunity to truly connect with other like-minded people and make friendships for life.” The Yoga holidays + retreats also provide you with a safe option to travel solo. “You will find if you arrive alone you will definitely not leave alone unless that is your choice,” she said. Therese is leading a trip to Rishikesh, in Northern India in March this year. The trip encompasses the sum of her experience, knowledge and goodwill. To find out more go to: http://taraji.com.au/.
D D
&
ream estinations riving iscoveries
unique & inspiring coach & rail holidays Australia’s Tropical Top End 2 Train Traveller 9 nights departing 6 July 2016
• 1 night aboard the Spirit of Queensland travelling from Brisbane to Cairns in a RailBed seat including main meals. • 3 night stay in Cairns including breakfast. • Full day Kuranda Rainforestation tour including BBQ buffet lunch. • Half day Green Island tour. • One way flight from Cairns to Darwin. • 3 night stay in Darwin including breakfast. • Full day Litchfield National Park tour. • 2 nights on The Ghan travelling to Adelaide in Gold or Platinum Service including all meals, drinks and Off Train Experiences. pensioner/senior adult platinum
twin $4,199 $4,279 $6,059
ADD ON A FLIGHT FR $189pp
single $4,689 $4,759 $9,839
The Ghan, Top End & Broome Discovery
Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, The Alpine Route and Sydney
14 nights departing 3 July 2016
• 2 nights on The Ghan travelling to Darwin in Gold or Platinum Service including all meals, drinks and Off Train Experiences. • 4 night stay in Darwin including breakfast. • City Explorer Hop-on Hop-off 48 hour ticket. • Spirit of Darwin Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise. • 5 night Kimberley Outback Adventure includes meals, touring and accommodation. • 3 night stay in Broome including breakfast. • Half day Broome Town tour with Cable Beach Sunset.
pensioner/senior adult platinum
twin $6,359 $6,459 $8,169
single $7,009 $7,119 $12,139
ADD RETURN FLIGHTS + PRE NIGHT STAY FR $849pp
1300 854 897
or contact your Local Licensed Travel Agent
9 nights departing 2 May 2016
• Premium coach travel from Adelaide with overnight stays in: o Lorne o Melbourne (3 nights) o Lakes Entrance o Sydney (2 nights) o Wodonga o Warrnambool • Experienced driver and commentary. • Ensuite accommodation. • Meals, sightseeing and activities as per the itinerary. twin
single
pensioner/senior
$2,359
$3,249
adult
$2,399
$3,299
ADD RETURN FLIGHTS + PRE & POST NIGHT STAY FR $584pp
www.holidaysofaustralia.com.au holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
Terms & Conditions: Valid for new bookings only. All from prices are based on Gold Service, per person twin share or Platinum Service, per person twin share, where noted. Flights are costed using lead in economy fares based on fares at the time of packaging. Package prices are correct as on 22.01.16. Prices exclude insurance, visas and charges collected by a third party. Group travel is subject to minimum numbers to ensure departures. For full terms & conditions contact Holidays of Australia. E&OE HA5919
www.seniorsnews.com.au
February 2016 - Wide Bay Seniors- Page 17
So much to see in Broken Hill Fascinating look at the past
By ERLE LEVEY
BROKEN Hill. “Why would you want to go there?” a mate had asked. “There’s nothing to see.” Exactly. That’s why I am
driving along a straight road into the morning sunshine, the salt flats and patchy grasses. Broken Hill had always held intrigue but somehow was always that little bit
Pensioners/Senior Citizens
visit grafton in northern nsw Enjoy a grEat holiday packagE
HILLDROP
MOTOR INN
GRAFTON $529pp
Twin Share single supplement
Includes:
5 x nights accom 5 x hot b/fasts & 5 x hot dinners 3 x morning teas 2 x afternoon teas PLUS 4x fabulous scenic bus tours
$100 Phone now for free brochure 1800 622 355
6062595AA
Email: info@hilldrop.com.au Website: www.hilldrop.com.au or write to: Hilldrop Motor Inn PO Box 126, Sth Grafton 2460
“Grafton is easily reached via car on the Pacific Highway or, if you travel via coach/rail we provide courtesy transfers”
6247312aa
out of reach. Isolated yet at the heart of much of Australia’s social and economic development. It is on the way from Brisbane to Adelaide, which is more than 500km to the south-west. Yet going from Sydney, just over 1000km away to the east, you are more likely to go through Balranald and Mildura. Melbourne is 725km to the south. A sense of mystery surrounds the place, having been featured in a swag of movies, from the confronting 1971 drama Wake In Fright to the 1994 hit Priscilla Queen of the Desert, from the series of Mad Max movies to the recent Last Cab To Darwin with Michael Caton. Actor Chips Rafferty was born there. He starred in such films as Rats of Tobruk and in what was to be his last film, Wake In Fright. Then again, the Brushmen of the Bush rose to fame with the art work while based at Broken Hill, so it must have something going for it. The Indian Pacific stops there on its journey across Australia. And there is all that mining. Broken Hill is the “BH” in one of the world’s largest mining companies, BHP Billiton, which started in the city. Driving through the shimmering heat, the road sign indicates to watch for kangaroos for the next 150km. The thing about having “nothing to see” is that there is so much to see. Rock formations, red soil, the way the sunlight catches in the grasses, the different shades of green in the gum trees. You think of stopping to
The Trades Hall, Broken Hill, western NSW. Photos: Erle Levey
Broken Hill, western NSW.
Approaching Broken Hill.
capture the moment on camera but then say to
yourself, “Oh, I will do it down the road a bit.”
DOWN UNDER COACH TOURS
1800 072 535
5 DAY LIG LIGHTNING RIDGE EASTER TRIPLE TREAT
14 DAY CORNER COUNTRY, LAKE EYRE & BIRDSVILLE
Departing Thursday, 24 March 2016 Adults: $1654 pp Pensioner: $1644pp Past Passenger: $1639pp Single Supp: $225pp
Adults: $5256pp Pensioner: $5230pp Past Passenger: $5217pp Single Supp: $828pp
Lightning Ridge Easter Festival Easter in the Vines Festival, St George Easter Vintage Festival, Toowoomba 2 Night Stay Lightning Ridggee Lightning Ridge Sightseeing
Departing Wednesday, 1st June 2016 2 Night Stay Tibooburra, Innamincka, Marree & Longreach Birdsville, Strzelecki & Oodnadatta Tracks Depot Glen, Milparinka & Cameron Corner Trilby & Reola Stations & Lake Eyre Sightseeing
at Aussie Outback! Experience the Gre 14 DAY MELBOURNE, GREAT OCEAN RD & GRAMPIANS 18 DAY QLD OUTBACK OUTBACK, LAWN L HILL, THE GULF & WHITSUNDAYS Departing Wednesday, 13th April 2016 Adults: $4596pp Pensioner: $4568pp Past Passenger: $4554pp Single Supp: $1097pp
2 Nights Bright, Melbourne & Warrnambool Beechworth Historic Precinct Puffing Billy Train & Fort Queenscliff Twelve Apostles & Great Ocean Rd Sightseeing Meet the Mareema Dogs, Flagstaff Hill Museum
Departing Friday, 15th July 2016 Adults: $6230 pp Pensioner: $6194pp Past Passenger: $6176pp Single Supp: $1441pp
2 Night Stay Longreach, Adels Grove, Normanton & Airlie Beach Gulflander Train Ride & Karumba Eco Cruise Lawn Hill Gorge Whitsunday Twin Island Cruise
Door to Door Service on tours of 6 days and over (Conditions Apply) Complimentary Luggage Service www.downundercoachtours.com.au Page 18 - Wide Bay Seniors - February 2016
That’s just it. The moment has passed. The country changes. You become so aware of the slightest variations and realise how important it can be to life out here. Way off to the north-west, you notice some ranges ... long, low, blue. Is that it? Is that why it’s called Broken Hill? Two mountain ranges broken in the middle? Watching Last Cab To Darwin, you cannot help but become fascinated by the houses of Broken Hill many of stone but also with corrugated iron walls. Driving into the city is just like the movie. The houses are reminders of the hard lives of the miners and the harsh environment. So prosperous was Broken Hill in its heyday that architecture was centre stage. Major public and bank buildings are classic brick and stone. Nothing to see in Broken Hill? Eyes wide open and take a look ... a week in this place is barely long enough. http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/unravelling-the-mystery
I am interested in receiving your 2016 Coach Touring Brochure. Please add me to your mailing list: Name: ______________________ Address: _____________________ ___________________________ Postcode: ______Ph: ___________ Email: ______________________ ___________________________ Mail to: Down Under Coach Tours, PO Box 149, Maryborough Q 4650 or Email details to: info@downundercoachtours.com.au
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A safer home
AS WE get older, getting around the home can become more of a challenge. Make sure you stay safe and comfortable at your place in the years ahead with these handy tips! n All clear. Take a few minutes to think about areas of your home that can be difficult to navigate. Remove any annoying clutter, ditch slippery rugs and have a tradesperson lower any raised areas of flooring. n Avoid emergencies.
Safety should be paramount in every home! Make sure your smoke alarms are in good nick, and don’t forget to check the batteries. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and always have an evacuation plan in case of fire or severe weather. n Splish splash. Lots of slips and falls happen in the bathroom. Consider having handles and rails installed, and make sure you use bath or shower
mats with plenty of grip in wet areas. Shower chairs and bath benches can make bathing a lot easier.
12 questions to ask your handyman
hIRIng a handyman can be a great way to get things done around the house.
To get the best service, we recommend asking them these questions before they get started. 1. how is your quote calculated? 2. Do you require an advance deposit? 3. how many times have you done this particular task? 4. What guarantees can you provide? 5. have any complaints been filed against you? 6. how will you
communicate with me before, during and after the job? 7. Will you fix any problems that emerge after you leave at no charge? 8. how long are your warranties valid? 9. When will the work take place, and who will do it? 10. how long will the work take? 11. Will you be working on any other jobs at the same time? 12. Can I get that in writing?
The next level
Not too big, not Get upstairs with ease too small FInD stairs difficult? help is at hand! Consider one of these options to get you moving. n Try a cane. A cane designed for use on stairs can provide a great deal of assistance. With a huge range available, they’re a cost-effective way to improve your mobility. Choose a cane that bends at an angle to give you extra support, or try a version with a half-step built in to the base to cut the height of your stairs in half! n Beyond the banister. Consider having a tradesperson install an additional stair rail, as most traditional staircases only have one. With support on each side, getting up and down will be easier, and a rail that extends past the staircase helps you step on and off the stairs smoothly. Look into accessories designed to attach to the rail to help you hold steady – there are plenty of clever ergonomic devices out there. n Get a lift. If heading upstairs has become a real challenge, a seated stair lift could be the answer. These can take you up and down
with ease, and many models can even handle corners! While a stair lift is definitely an investment, you may be pleasantly surprised at how affordable they can be. you’ll need to select a model that’s appropriate for your staircase and consider any structural restrictions. n Personal elevators. Installing an elevator is a big step – but if you’ve got the space and the budget, it could help you stay comfortably in your two-level home for a lot longer. Personal elevators are particularly good for wheelchair users, and plenty of options are available. Choose a simple open platform, or even a luxury wood-panelled unit. Talk about moving up in the world!
What to do before you call a handyman done. Walk through your home with a critical eye and carefully assess any repairs that need to be made. It can help to ask a friend to point out anything you may have missed. After all, when you’re in the same space every day, you’re bound to have a few blind spots. Write down a complete list (don’t just tell yourself you’ll remember it!) of the tasks that you want completed.
Then, divide these tasks into separate lists. For example, you might group all window repair work together. once you’ve worked this out, you’ll be set to get all your tasks done in the same visit. Most tradies will charge a call out fee for the first hour and then charge a lower hourly rate, so it makes a lot of sense to get all the work done in one go! you’ll save money in
the easy way
www.servicecentral.com.au or call 1300 557 917 www.seniorsnews.com.au
done. It’ll also allow the handyman to organise their time more effectively, which will end up saving you money. your handyman will appreciate that you’ve taken the time to specify exactly what’s required. They’ll be able to perform their tasks more easily and efficiently, and you’ll find the whole process much easier. Everybody wins!
ee e Fr us to
Find Handymen
the long run, as you’ll only have to pay one call out fee – plus your jobs will be finished more quickly. When the handyman arrives, give them your list. When you’ve got a written list, you’ll both be on the same page about exactly which jobs are required. It’ll save you time as you won’t need to follow your handyman around explaining what you’d like
You can spend hours calling around trying to find trades and services, or find them the Service Central way. Service Central finds all types of services, plus we check they’re qualified, insured and trustworthy. Then independent businesses call you back – easy!
6196588aa
WhEn you contract out work around the house, you want it to go as smoothly as possible. It’s also great to be able to save a few dollars here and there. If you get organised before your handyman arrives, you’ll be able to minimise costs, streamline any tasks you need done and stay stress-free! Firstly, it’s vital to know exactly what you want
WhEn hIRIng a handyman, you might be concerned whether you’ve booked them for a job that’s a waste of their time – or beyond their capabilities. how do you tell if a job is too big, too small or just right? n Job too big? handymen are great generalists with the knowledge and experience to help out with plenty of tasks around the house. however, you should consider whether the job you need done requires specific trade skills. If so, consider hiring a tradie instead. They’ll have the know-how to do the best possible job. n Job too small? There’s no such thing as a job that’s too small! The thing to remember is that your handyman will usually charge by the hour. If you’ve only got one job for your handyman to do, the minimum charge could mean that this isn’t cost effective. Take a few moments to put together a list of jobs that can be taken care of while the handyman is there. Whether it’s taking out the rubbish, changing a washer or replacing old smoke detector batteries, you’ll get a lot ticked off your to-do list – and get your money’s worth!
February 2016 - Wide Bay Seniors- Page 19
ADVERTORIAL
New Halcyon club house opening soon
The Halcyon leisure centre will open soon.
EXCITEMENT is mounting for the home owners at Halcyon Glades as construction nears completion on the multi-million-dollar Recreation Club and surrounding resort style facilities. Designed by award-winning architect firm DC8 Studio, the Recreation Club has been nicknamed the “Long House”, referring to a traditional multiuse building designed to foster a sense of community. Project director Marie Cone said Halcyon Glades’ impressive five-star offering was proving popular with over-50s looking to downsize and upgrade their lifestyle. “Our home owners love that they now have more freedom,” Ms Cone said.
“One day they could be meeting up with friends for a game of tennis and the next, taking their caravan out to embark on another adventure,” she said. The Long House will be the biggest recreation club delivered at a Halcyon community to date, and features an indoor gym, library, cinema, massage room, craft room, fireplace, dance-floor, kitchen with bar, function space and additional outdoor area. Within the Lifestyle and Recreational Precinct, home owners can use the 25-metre heated swimming pool, championship-sized bowling green, communal garden, floodlit tennis court with pavilion and Pickle Ball court, a small court combination of ten-
nis, badminton and table tennis! Priced from $365,000 $520,000, homes in the first release of Stage Two, The Kingfisher Release, are selling quickly This latest release showcases a range of Halcyon’s favourite designs and introduces the Verandah Series of homes, which feature dual front and rear outdoor living areas on larger sites for those who want more space. With something to suit every taste, all homes in The Kingfisher Release include a choice of designer colour schemes, eight-star energyefficient performance and high-quality fixtures. Visit the Sales Centre just off Ardrossan Rd, Caboolture North, or phone 1800 814 567.
A GREAT SENIOR’S SPECIAL
Holiday in the Hinterland at Clouds of Montville
Available Sunday to Thursday this February 3 nights accommodation for 2 in a self-contained, ground floor studio apartment including fabulous cooked breakfasts served to you each morning...
TOTAL PRICE $355 per couple or
Upgrade to a 1st floor 1 bedroom apartment for an additional $20 per night. King bed, balcony and our iconic views to the coast.
TOTAL PRICE $415 per couple
5 night packages are also available!
FABULOUS BONUS
Morning or Afternoon Tea at the beautiful Secrets By The Lake overlooking Baroon Pocket Dam. So bring your Bowls, bring your Golf Clubs, there’s lots of fun to be had at Clouds. A big fabulous cooked breakfast will set you up for a big day, every day!
Call us Now
07 5442 9174
166 Balmoral Road, Montville 4560 www.cloudsofmontville.com.au Not available with any other offer Subject to normal availability
Page 20 - Wide Bay Seniors - February 2016
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ARE YOU looking for affordable independent retirement living on the coast? Then look no further than Cooloola Waters Retirement Resort in Tin Can Bay, near the foreshore with sea views. Discover a unique lifestyle of independent living with a choice of leasehold or freehold, one, two or threebedroom, brick and tiled villas, each with their own garage. For peace of mind and security, residents are protected by a statutory government charge over the village via the Retirement Villages Act. The resort is celebrating 25 years since its establishment in 1990 with the design and development of six units in stage one. Through the years a further 38 units have been built including two clusters of eight units in stage two which is freehold. Currently, the third stage is
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tyard and garage. The front of each home has a garden that the occupier may tend to if they wish or have it maintained by the resident gardener. There are landscaped green areas, which are maintained throughout the individual clusters, creating a peaceful paradise. This design also provides a sense of privacy but at the same time offers security if needed, with neighbours close by if help is required. The resort provides shared facilities with a central location of a Club House which includes auditorium, commercial kitchen, computer room with internet, lounge area with library, and billiard table. There is a choice of a heated pool with exercise bars or an outdoor pool and spa. The entertainment area has a barbecue and workshop for the handyperson. For more info phone 5486 4752.
COTA welcomes Queensland government $18million funding to tackle social isolation SOCIAL isolation and elder abuse are causing more and more senior citizens to become part of a growing ‘hidden’ community. “We’re tackling this head on,” says Mark TuckerEvans, CEO of Queensland’s Council of the Ageing, who has welcomed the state government’s $18 million commitment to help prevent the problem. “The money allocated by the state will help ensure those socially isolated will be supported by non-government organisations,” Mr Tucker-Evans said. “COTA, as the peak organisation for seniors, will work with other organisations to identify problems among the aged in their respective catchment areas.” Speaking with Seniors Newspaper, Mr TuckerEvans said COTA would engage volunteer seniors – ambassadors – to identify and connect with people
who were becoming socially isolated. Such volunteers would also be reducing their own isolation. According to Professor Andrew Beer, who headed a study by the Australian Research Council, social isolation and elder abuse have become more harmful than not exercising and twice as harmful as obesity“Social isolation is equivalent to the health effects of smoking 15 cigarettes a day or consuming more than six alcoholic drinks daily," Professor Beer says. COTA Queensland has been a strong age-friendly advocate since the World Heritage Organisation (WHO) launched its agefriendly cities and communities initiative in 2007. WHO is co-sponsoring the 13th global conference on ageing, which will be hosted by COTA Queensland at the Brisbane Convention
and Exhibition Centre from June 21 to 23. “Age-friendly communities are inclusive and accessible environments for all ages,” Mr Tucker-Evans said. “This initiative recognises that the world’s population is ageing and that governments and communities need to work together to ensure that society supports communities for all ages.” Mr Tucker-Evans brought a wealth of community support knowledge to Queensland when he joined COTA in 2001. He moved to Queensland in the mid-1980s to manage Queensland Regional Dailies News Service before taking a position as principal project officer with the offices of Premier and Cabinet and State Development. He was previously with Hunter Valley Research. www.seniorsnews.com.au
entertainment G E N E R A L K N O W L E D G E
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QUICK CROSSWORD
Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
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DOWN 1 Billed as “The Last of the Red Hot Mamas”, who was one of the US’s most popular singers and comedians of the first third of the 20th century? (6,6) 2 Australian Mary Donaldson became Crown Princess of where in May 2004? (7) 3 Which Egyptian god is typically represented as a falcon-headed man? (5) 4 In the Bible, what was the eighth plague of Egypt? (7) 5 Which controls on an organ allow sets of pipes to sound? (5) 8 Which Austrian was Secretary-General of the United Nations, then later president of Austria? (4,8) 9 Which American poet said “A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of.”? (5,4) 14 Who (Samuel __) wrote the play Waiting for Godot? (7) 15 Which animal is born with horns already formed? (7) 18 What does Disney’s Scrooge McDuck wear on his feet? (5) 19 Naphthalene in stored clothes repels what? (5)
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Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down.
Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential. For example, if the fiveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.
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CAFES AGREES THRONES TRIANGLE FIT JURIES
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alcohol ALCOHOLIC calico call cholla ciao coach coal coca cocoa cola hail hall hallo halloo halo laic lilac loach local
WORD GO ROUND
LIFE
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www.seniorsnews.com.au
ALPHAGRAMS: FACES, GREASE, HORNETS, INTEGRAL, JUSTIFIER.
D N INSPIRE ❖ LIVE A
QUICK CROSSWORD
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Across: 7. Recalcitrance, 8. Verbatim, 9. Fame, 10. Punter, 12. In-laws, 14. Ion, 15. Asking, 17. Glared, 19. Gulf, 21. Discover, 23. Indoctrinated. Down: 1. Revenues, 2. Gambit, 3. Scot, 4. Stemming, 5. Lawful, 6. Scam, 11. Rigidity, 13. Whenever, 16. Inflow, 18. Amoral, 20. Ulna, 22. Skid.
How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb. TODAY: Good 13 Very Good 15 Excellent 17
ate: 27 11 20 ct: TRU PubD 16:41 Produ
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ACROSS: 6 Ocelot, 7 Vostok, 10 Homburg, 11 Upper, 12 Earl, 13 Hertz, 16 Ferns, 17 Will, 20 Kapok, 21 Stomach, 22 Ratite, 23 Shufti. DOWN: 1 Sophie Tucker, 2 Denmark, 3 Horus, 4 Locusts, 5 Stops, 8 Kurt Waldheim, 9 Ogden Nash, 14 Beckett, 15 Giraffe. 18 Spats, 19 Moths.
Across 7. Stubborn resistance (13) 8. Word for word (L) (8) 9. Renown (4) 10. Gambler (6) 12. Relatives (2-4) 14. Particle (3) 15. Inquiring (6) 17. Glowered (6) 19. Chasm (4) 21. Find (8) 23. Brainwashed (13)
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community news Hardly plain Jane TO DESCRIBE global identity Jane Fonda as an actress, author and activist is to tell only a fraction of the story. Her story is an everchanging one. Now in her 70s, Jane is talking about age and longevity. As always, her message is loud, clear and full of meaning. Here is a transcript from her TED talk and a review of a book I have recently read. – Gail Forrer
EXTRACT OF JANE FONDA’S TED TALK THERE have been many revolutions over the last century, but perhaps none as significant as the longevity revolution. We are living on average today 34 years longer than our great-grandparents did. Think about that. That’s an entire second adult lifetime that’s been added to our lifespan. And yet, for the most part, our culture has not come to terms with what this means. We’re still living with the old paradigm of age as an arch. That’s the metaphor, the old metaphor. You’re born, you peak at midlife and decline into decrepitude. Age as pathology.
But many people today – philosophers, artists, doctors, scientists – are taking a new look at what I call the third act, the last three decades of life. They realise this is actually a developmental stage of life with its own significance – as different from midlife as adolescence is from childhood. And they are asking – we should all be asking – how do we use this time? How do we live it successfully? What is the appropriate new metaphor for aging? I’ve spent the last year researching and writing about this subject. And I have come to find that a more appropriate meta-
phor for aging is a staircase – the upward ascension of the human spirit, bringing us into wisdom, wholeness and authenticity. Age not at all as pathology; age as potential. And guess what? This potential is not for the lucky few. It turns out, most people over 50 feel better, are less stressed, are less hostile, less anxious. We tend to see commonalities more than differences. Some of the studies even say we’re happier. I don’t want to romanticise aging. Obviously, there’s no guarantee that it can be a time of fruition and growth. Some of it is a matter of luck. Some of it, ob-
viously, is genetic. One third of it, in fact, is genetic. And there isn’t much we can do about that. But that means that two-thirds of how well we do in the third act, we can do something about. We’re all born with spirit, all of us, but sometimes it gets tamped down beneath the challenges of life, violence, abuse, neglect. Perhaps our parents suffered from depression. Perhaps they weren’t able to love us beyond how we performed in the world. Perhaps we still suffer from a psychic pain, a wound. Perhaps we feel that many of our relationships have not had closure. And so we can feel un-
finished. Perhaps the task of the third act is to finish up the task of finishing ourselves. Perhaps the central purpose of the third act is to go back and to try, if appropriate, to change our relationship to the past. If we can go back and alter our relationship, re-vision our relationship to past people and events, neural pathways can change. If we can go back and redefine ourselves and become whole, this will create a cultural shift in the world, and it will give an example to younger generations so that they can reconceive their own lifespan. Full talk at www.ted.com
Third act in an incredible life full of loss and tough lessons My Life So Far By Jane Fonda Random House, New York, 2005 MY LIFE SO FAR by Jane Fonda.
Election Content Responsibility for election material in this newspaper is undertaken by Gail Forrer, Editor, Seniors Newspaper, PO Box 56, Maroochydore.
On December 21, 1996, actress Jane Fonda celebrated her 59th birthday and decided that her first two acts were over and now she was onto the third and she was ready to write about it. Jane Fonda’s biography depicts a person aware of her surroundings, overly aware of her shortfalls, under aware of her success and totally daunted by it all. She was born with every chance and no chance. Her mother committed suicide before she was a teenager and her family didn’t reveal the circumstances of her mother’s death. Her father, although adept at playing sensitive roles, was unable to communicate with his children. Childhood trauma cannot go untreated and Jane suf-
fered three decades of untreated bulimia nervosa. She details her marriages, not just the surface issues, but also her underlying motivations. In the same vein, she takes us back in time to her movies and in doing that she visits the social standards, the trends of the time. Her journey from the pretty prom girl, to the blue jeaned anti-Vietnam demonstrator is both privileged and raw. Her determination to understand the meaning of the war, led her to working with the enlisted men, thus another label emerged: “GI Jane.” From the servicemen she gained these lessons: “I learned that although we may enter the heart of darkness. If we are brave enough to face, then speak our truth, we can change and be set free.” Her high profile, gave her a
Jane Fonda explores and explains her life in three parts.
special position and she used it to educate and inform the American public
about a war she believed, they should no be in. It is a harrowing story of polluted
politics, unethical world shattering decisions resulting in cruel and unmitigated carnage. She details specific conversations recorded from stars of the times – President Richard Nixon, Henry Kissinger and others. She travels to Vietnam. The CIA follows her. The war ends, she is vindicated, but she has found her soul in understanding and supporting human beings from all walks of life. Importantly that also includes herself. She explores and explains her life in three parts and she names them, in order: Gathering, Seeking and Beginning. Ultimately, she quotes the words of the Sufi poet Rumi: “The alchemy of a changing life is the only truth.” Certainly, she says: “My own life is proof that flux is often creative, enlivening”.
A gripping read through the hoods of Naples YES, I am in the gritty 1950’s Italian neighbourhood, the poverty is palpable, raw anger slices like a knife through the coarse, unspoken, but clearly defined roles of men, women, mother, father and children. This is the complicated world of the poor and the soon to be rich, the uneducated and soon to be educated, subservient women sounding out new dominate voices.
Page 22 - Wide Bay Seniors - February 2016
A disparate world of people on a bumpy, brutal ride, test driving a myriad of political vehicles as they seek to find comfort and meaning in a modern world. But, at least one tradition remains in this revolution – negotiation through brutality. The most brutal in families, in business, in friendships, in love, makes the cutting edge. Beyond these surfaces, the feminist story of role and
identity is explored, enacted and theorised into a riveting philosophy. In a powerful language, Italian author Elena Ferranti records history and households through the fiery friendship of two women. Her honesty is as sharp as the neighbourhood fights and fascist beatings. She witnesses the cycles of life – birth, love, death and places them within swirling minutia of a human
thought and action that is forever hurtling out of time and space. In the four books, the protagonist’s cycle through dramatic character developments, their lives and those of surrounding society, they veer onto military, industrial and academic pathways, but the contours of their original shape remain defining criteria in their choices. A New York Times book review, called Ferranti
Book: A set of four books: My Brilliant career, The story of a new name, Those who left and those who stayed; The story of the lost child Author: Elena Ferrante Publisher: Text Publishing Company: 2015 (First published in Italian in 2014)
“One of the great novelists of our time.” - Gail Forrer www.seniorsnews.com.au
community news
Make-up artist reveals inner beauty By GAIL FORRER
MAKE-UP TIPS
“In fact everyone is beautiful – very beautiful – and at any age. You simply need to learn how to style your hair, apply make-up correctly for your face and skin type, and most important of all, to learn how to move with the make-up times,” Celebrity make-up artist Vivienne Somers. VIVIENNE Somers, 52, describes her job as bringing the inside out through a “transformative” experience. “It has the capacity to reveal your innermost beauty,” she said. Vivienne’s ideas of beauty and the mature face dip into the new age/anti-aging/ embracing aging debate. “There’s been an amazing paradigm shift. The belief system that you gave up ideas of beauty at a certain age have all but gone.
Celebrity make-up artist Vivienne Somers.
“Take away all the judgements,” she declared. Vivienne recalled, for example, an old adage that bright red lipstick was not an option for a “good” girl. “Now all that’s changed and replaced with a bunch of options.” For 25 years, Vivienne Somers has worked with celebrities from all over the globe, including networks
Channel 7, Channel 9, Channel 10, Fox Sports, NBC Universal, fashion shows and commercials for major car, fashion, furniture, travel and food brands. She has also worked with people who have overcome extraordinary challenges and achieved meaningful goals, yet a fresh makeover made them feel like a diffe-
1. Often we cut our hair into a shorter style as we get older thinking it will soften the features of our face. Shorter hair doesn’t always make for a younger look, and in fact it can often make us look older. 2. Drop the brown and berry lipstick shades as we age. Replace them with softer shades of pinks and tangerines. 3. Drop the heavy eyeliner. Black eyeliners will highlight fine lines around our rent person. And that surprised her. “Inevitably, after their make-up was done, they would always comment how it made them feel so much better.” For a number of years, she was on hand to sweep the
eyes by smudging into them. Black eyeliner also exaggerates any yellow or red in the whites of our eyes. 4. Well-defined brows are vital for a mature face to frame and give definition to the eyes and facial features. Use a home dye purchased from a chemist for brows twice monthly, or learn to pencil in natural looking brows with an even arch. 5. Less face powder! make-up brush across former Prime Minister John Howard’s visage. Her make-up artistry is also supplemented by her training in astrology and alternative health study of Reiki. You will find more Vi-
Powder settles in fine lines and exaggerates them as well as giving us a more pasty appearance. Replace with light textured liquid foundations with illuminators. A great youthful foundation is called Face and Body by MAC makeup. Add a small pea size amount of “Strobe Cream” also by MAC, to the Face and Body foundation, and apply with fingers massaging into the skin. vieene Sommer and her make-up tips and philosophy at: You Tube channel: Vivienne Somers, In The Makeup Chair https:// www.youtube.com/channel/ And website: http:// www.viviennesomers.com/
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