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Embracing ageing Volume 2, Issue 4
May 2016
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“You are lucky to grow old”
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This union has won the test of time
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Olde and new still in engineering
AT 74-years-old media legend Ita Buttrose is loud and clear on this point. "If you are lucky, you get to be old," she said. "My brother was dead at 62, he would have loved to get old.” Story page 4
10-12 Community notices
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Forget numbers, here’s real people
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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
EACH weekend, I read a variety of papers that fill me in with a list of statistics - it goes something like this: one in five will (suffer from this health problem), one in three (will divorce/separate), one in four (will not complete this education qualification), one in two ( does not do required weekly exercise) and on it goes - a vast list of numbers that at best elicits an involuntary sigh from me. (all numbers quoted are fictitious). You see, it’s the stories of real people rather than numbers that prompts me
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER editor@seniorsnewspapers.com.au
to think about things beyond myself. It’s the actions of real people that enables me to feel gratitude, to realise the definition of a role model, to understand the meaning of community spirit, that gives me answers to the questions of why we live where we live.
So in this edition, I’m happy to bring you the the story of that hardworking A-model Ford, Bessie, you never know who reads the paper, so former owner Reg Miles may well find out where Bessie now rests. (Page 3). The mention of two long term marriages - one for 60 years, Southside couple Sadie and Tom Brooks and 75 years for Fred and Joan Wright gives a wonderful face to happy couples in a way that statistics can never convey - congratulations. And as for new Australians, the story of
the Senior Asian Women’s Development program portrays a self-supporting network of friendshipthat is indicative of a country that can allow space for everyone to share and care. The date of the federal election has just been announced and we will be hearing from a lot of people who will never know us, who have to make decisions based on numbers. I’m so glad we can talk about real people. Trust you enjoy the read. Gail
Meet our ‘home schooled’ generation
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
National Aged Care Information 6285791aa
1800 200 422
www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE. “If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.” 2. My mother taught me RELIGION. “You better pray that will come out of the carpet.” 3. My mother taught me
about ENVY. “There are millions of less fortunate in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you.” 4. My father taught me LOGIC. “Because I said so, that’s why .” 5. My mother taught me
In this edition
75th anniversay.............................................page 5 Volunteer Kathryn Barry.................................page 7 Community notes..................................pages 10 -12 Columns..............................................pages 10 - 12 Entertainment.............................................page 22 Puzzles........................................................page 21
MORE LOGIC. “If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.” 6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT. “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case there’s a fire.” 7. My father taught me
IRONY. “Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about.” 8. My mother taught me about WEATHER. “This room of yours looks like a tornado hit it.” Younger ones would not believe we were told these “EXACT” words...
Bundy woman vanished from Brisbane train
Contact us Editor Gail Forrer gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Advertising Manager Belinda Bollen belinda.bollen@seniorsnewspaper.com.au
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MISSING WOMAN: Marjorie Norval went missing in 1938. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Published monthly and distributed FREE across the Wide Bay region. Also publishers of Gold Coast/Tweed Seniors Newspaper, Brisbane Seniors Newspaper, Toowoomba and Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper, Sunshine Coast Seniors Newspaper, and Northern Rivers Seniors Newspaper. Published by ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd (ABN 73 064 061 794). Printed by APN Print, Yandina. Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are no necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endoresement by the owner/publisher.
A 75-YEAR-OLD mystery involving a Bundaberg woman has never been solved. Marjorie Norval, 30 at the time she disappeared, was from a well-known Bundaberg family. Miss Norval was a public service typist who helped the wife of the then Queensland premier William Forgan-Smith with her social arrangements. In 1938 Miss Norval had applied for some leave from her job, and told workmates she was going back to Bundaberg for a visit. She also told friends
she was going to Bundaberg for three days but told others a different story, On November 11, 1938, she was last seen at Brisbane’s Central Station. An inquiry was held in 1943 into Miss Norval’s disappearance. At the end of it, magistrate Mr Leahy said he believed Miss Norval had undergone an operation from which she had not emerged alive; an operation which most people assumed to be an abortion.
Seniors 3
Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au
A WORKHORSE: Bessie with a full load.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Where are you Bessie? Boni Holmes
Boni.Holmes@frasercoastchronicle.com.au
THERE she stood, rusty and abandoned out in the scrub where she had broken down, an old model A Ford. No body or seats and what bits of panels there were covered in rust. Maryborough’s Reg Miles, formerly of Rubyvale in the Gemfields region remembers towing her back to a mine site in 1973, for her bits might be handy. A couple of hours work and Reg and his mates had her running.
“We had a box for a seat, and she was the best work horse we ever had,” Reg said. “She went over hills and through mud where
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for a set of sapphire scales to a chap who loved restoring old cars. “Wherever you are Bessie we still think of you.”
“ ...she was the best work horse we ever had.
modern cars got stuck, loaded up with logs for the winter fires she just kept on chugging until she got home. “Hope she ended up as some one’s pride and joy, because we swapped her
*The Ford Model A was produced on October 20, 1927. By 4 February, 1929, one million Model As had been sold, by July 14, two million. Production ended in March, 1932.
ANZAC Centenary fund for artistic expression WORLD- WIDE commemorations marking the centenary of the First World War started in 2014 and will continue until 2018. The ANZAC Centenary Advisory Board determined that the ANZAC Centenary should focus on the centenary of the First World War and a Century of Service. The ANZAC Centenary Arts and Culture Fund will provide $4 million over four years to support the development, production, presentation, exhibition or performance of arts and culture projects that interpret, explore and contribute to the ANZAC story and the ANZAC
legacy. Sir Jonathan Mills AO will provide creative leadership of the ANZAC Centenary Arts and Culture Fund, which will be delivered through two affiliated funding streams. Production and Commissioning Fund $2 million will support a range of projects with an emphasis on national and regional collaboration and reach through the Production and Commissioning Fund. Projects must be collaborative and have broad geographical reach to be considered. This means a project should be accessible across state borders, or at a minimum
in a number of locations in a single state or territory. If your project does not meet this criterion, you may like to consider applying for the Public Grants Program. Public Grants Program $2 million through an open public grants program will provide funding to individuals, organisations and groups for commemorative arts and culture projects that engage local communities, particularly in regional Australia. For more information contact the Ministry for the Arts by emailing anzac@arts.gov.au or phoning 02 6141 4994.
4 Seniors
seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016
Ita: Saying it how it is Better health and employment conditions for older age group Gail Forrer
ITA Buttrose feels privileged to have reached her current age. “If you are lucky, you get to be old,” the media doyenne said. “My brother was dead at 62, he would have loved to get old.” Ita, now 74, is widely acknowledged for her groundbreaking media career. The respected businesswoman has now turned her attentions to medical education and health care. In 1988, she received an Order of Australia for service in the health care areas, in particular HIV/AIDS education. In 2013 she was named Australian Senior of the Year for work in dementia. The award provided her a platform to talk about age discrimination. The national president of Alzheimer’s Australia, Ita said her ambition is to make the nation an Alzheimer friendly country and to bust ageing myths
and ensure that mature-aged people are treated fairly in the workplace. But she believes change must come from the top. “It’s all about leadership, we need enlightened leaders, management, trailblazers to show the way,” she said. “Look at Bob Hawke, John Howard, we need more people like them to speak up.” Ita said she sees examples of ageism every day and remembers clearly the first time she was exposed to it. “When I had ITA magazine we would talk to potential advertisers and say our magazine was geared to women over 40 and 50,” she said. “At the mention of that age, their eyes would glaze over. “It wasn’t until the babyboomers reached 50 that people realised this age group was fit, active and contributing.”
FORWARD THINKING: Australian media personality Ita Buttrose is determined to counter age discrimination and believes change must come from the top. PHOTO:CONTRIBUTED
Ita said age discrimination remains an issue in the workplace and advised employers to take off their blinkers. “In Sydney, I see signs asking for waiters,
baristas, people in the service industry,” she said. “If there’s a shortfall in the service industry, why not take on older people? “It’s myth that older
people take more sick leave or have less commitment or can’t adapt. Older people can learn and adapt as well as anyone.” Ita said she intends to
keep fighting for change and she invites you to join the battle. “Kick down that door,” she said. “And say that you demand respect, work and employment.”
Request for Wondai history knowledge lot of knowledge of what made the industry such a power is fading with it. “Any information at all concerning the various dairy farmers, and there were many of them, the cream runs, pick points and delivery times to the various butter factories at Murgon, Proston, Wondai and Kingaroy are pertinent as is any information regarding the small butter factory that existed at Stalworth for a short while.” Noel said there was already some information
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The object is to be able to prepare a historical paper on the subject before all is lost. regarding the industry in hand but there was a lot that’s missing. “The need is to get as much information as can be reasonably managed before the industry disappears completely,” he said. “The object is to be able to prepare a historical paper on the subject before all is lost. “Interestingly, the
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BEFORE all is lost, the Reserved Forces Day committee is asking for assistance to fill some of the gaps in the local history of Wondai Shire. Committee member Noel Selway said he would welcome any assistance with photos, anecdotes, and maps if possible from various periods of time to fill in some of the gaps. “As most people will know the vast dairy industry that once thrived in the shire has long since passed and as it continues to fade away a
Loc Locations: Beachmere, Bundamba, Deagon, Eagleby, Gympie, Harristown, Raceview & Toowoomba
Murgon Dairy Museum doesn’t have any useful narrative documentation on the subject readily to hand from what I understand.” In addition, information regarding the ways and workings of the Kingaroy Branch Line would be welcome. Information such as the types of trains operated, their frequency, when did
the change over from steam to diesel locomotion occur. There is already a relatively substantial body of information but anything relating to the various workings in the yard at both Wondai and Murgon and their butter factory sidings, no matter how small, all has some relevance. There is also an interest in the activity on the Proston and Windera Branch Lines as they both had a fairly substantial bearing on the dairy
industry. A further enquiry regards the commercial air services into and out of Wondai Airport both at its old site where the Wondai Industrial Area now is and its present site, as well as anything on the various Air Force movements into and out of the place. If you have any information you can contact Noel Selway at heather.selway@optusnet. com.au or 114 Baynes St, Wondai.
Seniors 5
Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au
Urraween’s Fred and Joan Wright enjoying a night out.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Learning is a pleasure when at your leisure ...
Happy 75th anniversary FRED and Joan Wright cannot remember when they first met and do not have any wedding photos to look back on. Sadly, their wedding pictures were stolen from them during their time in Kenya after the war. But time has flown for the Urraween couple since their marriage in the United Kingdom’s Isle of Wight, their childhood home, on April 26, 1941, Fred said. Now aged in their mid-90s, the couple celebrated 75 years together with lunch at the Hervey Bay Hotel on April 26. While it was a
milestone achievement, their friends and family had troubles finding a correctly labelled card at the newsagents to mark the diamond anniversary. But there could be greater strife in the years to come – greeting card company Hallmark only makes milestone anniversary cards up to 75 years. The duo’s wedding anniversary cake was given to them by Kawungan Bakery to celebrate. Owner Keven Cairns said it was the first request the bakery had received to whip up dessert for such a
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“remarkable” occasion. While Fred and Joan’s early days together were interrupted by the Second World War with Fred deployed to serve in the Middle East and India, they reunited afterwards to start a family of their own. “Everybody was getting into the army and I was away for about four to five years,” he said. Joan said the key to their marriage was keeping active. The celebrations continued the next day, April 27 with a lunch hosted by the pair at their home.
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Urraween’s Fred and Joan Wright celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary with a lunch surrounded by friends and family at the Hervey Bay Hotel. PHOTO: HANNAH BAKER
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seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016
A family of innovators Boni Holmes
Boni.Holmes@frasercoastchronicle.com.au
LEADERS in their field, the Olds family derive from the 1800s Cornishmen who were known to be great innovators. A family which has implemented a formidable reputation in Maryborough has helped all walks of people from the small-time renovator to the Pope and contributed to the Heritage City with the time canon and the historic Mary Ann steam engine which runs regularly in Queens Park. The first William Olds was born in Cornwall in 1850 and moved to Australia in 1868. The English immigrant worked as a winding engine driver and on his birth record it showed his father, Thomas Olds, before him had been an engine man and farmer. As an 18-year-old William came to Gympie because of the mining – he was very skilled and well advanced in machine technology. His son, aptly named William Olds, was born in 1890 in the bustling gold mining area in Gympie. Even born into a family
steeped in technology of the time, William Jnr talents were extraordinary. Through his father he absorbed an intimate understanding of steam power and in 1906 built a working model steam winding engine. It won a silver medal at the Gympie Show and also paved the way for the 16-year-old to be taken on as an apprentice electrical and mechanical engineer at the Gympie Scottish Gold Mining Company. He became a master of his trade, readily adapting to new technology but always harbouring a fascination and fondness for steam engines. After completing his apprenticeship he spent some time working as a mechanic for the railways in Maryborough where Ivy Bell caught his eye. He quit the railways after an accident and found work in Brisbane at Evers and would return to Tewantin on weekends to work with marine engines. William enlisted in the war in 1916 despite a pleading letter from the residents of Tewantin and Noosa saying he would be of greater assistance to
Linking seniors with community information across Queensland
LEADERS IN THE FIELD: The original Mary Ann steam locomotive which was replicated by the Olds Company in 2000. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED.
the Empire if he stayed. During his assignment he gleaned fresh knowledge and experience in the trade in which he had rapidly become a master. After the war he returned home, married his sweetheart Ivy, and set up a light engineering business and car agency in Gympie with his two brothers. In 1925 William, Ivy and their two daughters moved to a new house on the corner of Ferry and North Sts in Maryborough and opened an Essex and Hudson car agency in Bazaar St. William promoted the business by building an Essex miniature car for his son Billy who was born soon after moving to Maryborough. When the depression got tough they had to close up the business and William worked under his house. He found work to keep their family which expanded in 1930 with the birth of Peter. With time on his hands, William again made more model engines before he scaled down the QGR locomotive No. 830 and built Polly. Polly became a popular attraction at local shows from Maryborough to
Townsville, allowing the Olds family to travel and live throughout the toughest years of the depression. His model steam train locomotives helped keep the wolves from the door and were a wonderful attraction wherever they were seen and a great education for his two sons. Bill and Peter in later years were to follow in
developed a reputation for imaginative solutions to engineering problems and for having the patience and perseverance to see the job through. Olds Engineering continues to grow and has developed markets for their products and their technology both in Australia and overseas. One of the most unique and memorable moments Peter said was being
One of the first miniature steam engines built by Peter Olds. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED.
their father’s footsteps building working faithful models themselves. In their turn Bill and Peter left school and served apprenticeships at Walkers Ltd where their father insisted they would broaden their experience in the trade. The two sons eventually joined in partnership with their father who passed away in 1977. The company had
invited to meet with Pope John Paul II, now Saint John Paul II, after giving him an Oldsway bed. The bed is another innovative Olds design to assist with patient care, rehabilitation and mobilisation, with a hydraulic unit which tilts the bed into any position up to an upright position. Peter’s son Robert who served his apprenticeship with his father and Uncle
Bill now has a major role in guiding the destiny of the firm. Before he went to school he was a master at driving the model steam locos and his knowledge led him to teach courses in steam operation through TAFE. Robert has also been instrumental in demonstrating and commercialising the company’s revolutionary technology including the Olds Elevator – a static screw elevator for handling bulk products and materials. Recently Robert’s son William also joined the firm. Peter often repeats the fact that he believes some of the most important products of the company are the tradesmen they turn out. He said many young lads after completing their apprenticeships have gone on to very successful careers. Peter also added they were brought up to have pride in their work and never be afraid to put their name on their products. Olds brand can be found on a diverse range of items locally and overseas ranging from heritage seats to locomotive headlights and small marine engines.
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William Olds and his sons Peter (left) and Bill in 1962 with the Colchester lathe he bought in 1925, soon after moving to Maryborough. The well-designed machine, with many attachments mad to improve its versatility, is still in use today and made some of the smaller components for the new Mary Ann. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED.
The rear view in 1920 of William Olds' Gympie shop, which fronted Reef Street and extended through to Mary Street. The younger brother Clarrie Olds is at the left with John on the right. William is wearing a hat and waistcoat. A number of Olds engine components are in front as staff members hold tow crankshafts. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED.
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Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au
Always busy & content There has never been a job Kathryn Barry has rejected Boni Holmes
Boni.Holmes@frasercoastchronicle.com.au
MARYBOROUGH’S Kathryn Barry has never sat around too long and at 70 years of age doesn’t plan on slowing down. The workaholic has just finished an aged care course with Careers Australia. “I really never have been retired - I have always worked if I wasn’t getting paid work I’d just run around doing volunteer work,” she said. “I have done a lot of that since coming to Queensland.” Kathryn moved up to Hervey Bay in 2000, then came into Maryborough
and moved out to Oakhurst Gardens. Since starting work, Kathryn said she had a huge list of jobs she had worked. “I am a jack of all trades and master of none,” she said. “I have worked in abattoirs, done fruit picking, and I also was an operator in the power stations in Victoria. “I will turn my hand to anything, I just like to work – I was born to work and not sit at home.” Kathryn has four children, 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The great-grandmother
NEW SKILLS: Careers Australia Aged Care workplace trainer Joy Duke shows student Kathryn Barry some practical skills using equipment with patients at the conference centre at the Blue Shades Motel. PHOTO: BONI HOLMES
said people ask why she was still doing this at 70. “On top of being a community type person there will be changes in government where people won’t get pensions until they are over 70 so I may as well keep working,” Kathryn said. “I also do ballroom and new vogue dancing - I keep fit all the time.”
Kathryn said she had worked in aged care in Victoria where she was born and her daughter and granddaughter both work in the industry as well. “I have never come across a group like Careers Australia who train you so well,” she said. “I feel some people seem to give up after 45
and think there isn’t a job for them. “It’s never too late for a career change. “There are so many courses out there and Careers Australia has so many. “I dread the day I don’t work anymore.” “I’ll be doing voluntary work until they throw me in the box.”
Kathryn Barry. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Southside couple’s celebration of 60 good years SADIE and Tom Brooks have always enjoyed the simple life. The Southside husband, 86, and wife, 79, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 31. Mrs Brooks was just 10 years old when Mr Brooks’ family moved to her hometown of Closeburn, near Brisbane. She was friends with his sister, and they would see each other during house visits and at church. The small farming community offered little opportunity for
matchmaking. “Then they started up dancing lessons, because there was nothing to do,” Mrs Brooks said. “They said ‘take a partner’ and I turned around and he was right behind me. “That was it.” She was 16 at the time, and three years later, in 1956, they were married. They started planning their wedding before he even thought to propose to her. “It was just a foregone conclusion, that’s where
we were heading,” Mrs Brooks said. The couple have four children, 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, with another two little girls on the way. They moved to Southside three years ago to escape the bustle of Ferny Grove. “We were both brought up in the country, and loved it,” Mrs Brooks said. The pair have had their share of hardship. “A lot of things have happened over the years,
and we’ve supported each other through that,” Mrs Brooks said. “He’s had two major bypass operations over the years. I had bowel cancer.” Mr Brooks has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but the pair are still as close as ever. “We’ve always worked together,” Mrs Brooks said. “We get up in the morning, we make the bed together, we get breakfast.”
I DO: A copy of Sadie and Tom Brooks’ original wedding photo from 1956. PHOTO: RENEE ALBRECHT
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8 Seniors
seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016
talk ‘n’ thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions
Are car service schedules forgetting the casual driver? BURLEIGH Waters car owner Tom Rendall asks why seniors travelling short distances need six-monthly services on their vehicles. In his opinion, unnecessary servicing is a waste of materials such as oil, in addition to the $50 service charge a month that comes out of his pension. “In June 2015, my wife and I decided we could do without two cars, to cut
costs, so we traded them in on one new car,” Mr Rendall said in a letter. “After we had bought the car, we were told that servicing would be every six months, or 12,500km, whichever was sooner, at a fixed price of $300. “We told the dealer we wouldn’t be doing that mileage as we never have done. We were told it was a condition of the warranty. “The first service was in
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My wife and I decided we could do without two cars.”
December 2015 – mileage 7611. This included a return trip to Melbourne of 4200km, leaving 3400km normal running in six months. “Since December until the present time (March 2016), we have only done
1600km in three months. “Is there anything that can be done to stop this dictatorial attitude of how we can use our cars?” Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ) general manager Kellie
Dewar says dealers are not to blame for setting service stipulations. “The manufacturer sets the service schedule for cars they manufacture – new car dealers do not set the service schedule,” she said. “The service schedule is linked to requirements for manufacturer’s warranty. “Vehicle owners should check their service schedule requirements in
the service handbooks that are provided with the purchase of new vehicles and kept as a service record. “Service intervals are time and kilometre-specific.” What do you think? Should car manufacturers consider drivers who travel short distances when setting their service schedules?
A mother’s love and her son’s betrayal By Sincerely Suzanne
I have a little story, and, sadly it is true. My flesh and blood betrayed me, I don't know what to do. He'd ring me with a drama, it would rock me to the core. Then a week would pass me by, and he would ring once more. He borrowed from my Pension, and our Term Account. Promising he'd pay us back, the full, and fair, amount. I was a fool to trust him, but a mother's love is strong. Through your eyes your precious child would never treat you wrong. Our savings have diminished, we are in a private hell We've been cheated out of money, and, I've lost a son as well.
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ELLIOTT HEADS
Seniors 9
Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au
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I’m a very first class sort of person SNAPSHOTS OF LIFE ANN RICKARD ann.rickard@apn.com.au
Judy Larsen from the Red Divas.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED:
President Shelley Jones, Legatee Michael McDonald and his wife Kirsti Lee. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED :
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 May 30, 2016. Enquires to Robyn, Nicky or Chris via email communitynotes@ seniorsnewspaper. com.au * Please note the Seniors Newspaper now comes out on the second Monday of the month
RED DIVAS, RED HATTERS GROUP
The Red Divas celebrated their birthday at the Tin Can Bay Yacht Club, where they had begun four years earlier. The theme was St Patrick’s Day, so the ladies dressed
appropriately in green and decorated their corner of the club appropriately. Although a day late, as Red Hatters, the ladies changed the rules because they can. A tasty roast buffet was complemented by a delicious birthday cake made by Lady Good Time aka Helen Kent. An impromptu river dance to Irish music by Judy Jamieson aka Maiden of Pleasure and Helen were part of the entertainment. There were Irish jokes galore and the red hatters with their usual flair talked up a storm. Other dinner guests noted the lively ladies as mad hatters with a grin and a nod. Our motto is live, love and laugh, and much was done on the night. The Queen Akasi aka Judy Larsen said her group of 30 women has remained
popular due to the positive attitude of the group, dressing up and treating their sisters well. No wonder it is so popular over the world. There is a Gatsby weekend in Caloundra run by the Red n' Purple Ragers in July. Five hundred women shall be attending, including six red Divas. Sounds like life and red hatting is fun!
VIEW CLUBS ■ GYMPIE
We meet on the third Friday of each month at the RSL Club, Orchid Room, Mary Street, Gympie, for lunch, meeting and a speaker. Next meeting is on Friday, May 21, commencing at 10.30am. May is a busy day for mothers with various morning teas being held to celebrate Mother’s Day, so come
Judy Jamieson from the Red Divas.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED:
Helen Kent from the Red Divas.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
and join us. Social functions are held throughout the month. New members always welcome. Info Elsie Matthews 5482 2955 or email rodtm@bigpond.com
■ HERVEY BAY
Our meetings and luncheon are always the second Monday of each month at the Club House, Tooth Street, Pialba from 10.30am and usually incorporate a guest speaker. Monthly socials are on the forth Monday at various venues from 9.30am. Because of Anzac Day, our guest speaker at our April meeting was Legatee Michael McDonald, who informed us of the good work Legacy does in the community and a big thank you to his patient wife Kirsti Lee, who was
humorously targeted by Michael. Contact details Barbara Campbell, phone 4128 9110 or email herveybay.viewclub95@ gmail.com
FRASER COAST CHORUS
Rehearses Monday evenings 6.30 to 9pm at the Senior Citizens Centre, corner Denman Camp Rd and Totness St, Torquay (Hervey Bay). We sing SSA & SSAA accompanied and unaccompanied and perform at community events and retirement villages. The chorus is always seeking new members, so if you are interested in finding out more please join us any Monday evening. Chorus information is available at CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
I WAS lamenting to a mate recently about flying Economy when I travel. We were having a lively chat about our travel dreams, as you do when you reach a certain age, have finished raising a family and are more free to travel. “I love to get away a couple of times a year,” I said to my mate. “I always travel Economy, keeps costs down.” “Ah, yes,” said the mate, but if you travel Economy, your kids certainly won’t. They’ll be in Business Class... spending the inheritance you left them because you sat down the back of the plane.” That got me riled. I’d never thought of it that way. Like most seniors, I want to leave my offspring a decent amount when I go, but hey, yes, why should they get the benefits of my hard work and travel Business Class on their inheritance while I spent my twilight years squashed down the back with ageing knees and rising temper. So, it’s up the front for me from now on. Sorry, kids, your inheritance just took a dip. There is something indecently smug about clutching a Business Class boarding pass as you sweep to the front of the queue and board before everyone else, before the crush, before the masses come on board to bash you around the shoulders with their heavy hand luggage and rattle about in overhead lockers and squeeze noisily into the small seat next to you. But you must cast guilt aside and take your place at your large.. oh, so large... Business Class seat with its space and calm and privacy and big television screen and ottoman and little cubby holes for bottled water and head set, and... what’s this? ... a shoe locker. Yes, a shoe locker. Oh, the glam of it. More information on Cathay Pacific, www.cathaypacific.com.au
Seniors 11
Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au
Shape up and ship into a healthy life
FROM PAGE 10
www.frasercoastchorus. org.au For further details contact Jill on 0423 314 018 or email jillrylatt@gmail.com
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP
The Hervey Bay and Maryborough Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets on the first Friday of each 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 also know that they are not alone. Karen Quaile (MS Qld Director of Services) was our guest speaker at our April meeting and spoke and advised us on the introduction of the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) in July 2018. Contact Bev on 4128 2692 or email bev_cornwell@hot mail.com
GYMPIE NATIONAL SENIORS
Recently, 50 members came together to learn about the RACQ Care Flight Helicopter Service from guest speaker Michael Menzies and to
GOOD MEDICINE Dr MICHAEL GILLMAN
SHOW TIME: Bundaberg Show 2011, a preview of what’s in store for residents on May 25,26 and 27 at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct, Childers Road. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
enjoy a social occasion. There are six volunteers at the Hangar at Maroochydore Airport. They have their own pilots, doctors and air crew, and there is 24/7 staff at the hanger so that emergencies can be in the air very quickly. The service is funded 65% by the government, and RACQ and AGL are the two main sponsors. The rest of the costs are made up of donations. It costs $600 for fuel alone to fly from Maroochydore to Bundaberg. After Michael spoke, he was presented
with $500 cheque for the service and members could also donate. Birthdays and wedding anniversaries in April were given good wishes and the general meeting was held. Michael thanked everyone on behalf of the Service. Raffles were drawn with Dawn Treeby and Margaret Prangnell being the lucky winners. John Heath and Pam Eves won the lucky door scratchies. The morning finished with a delicious dinner served by the Gympie RSL.
Peace of mind at a great price
BUNDY NASHOS
We are having a bus trip to Gladstone for a Harbour Cruise on Tuesday May 24 for $40, which includes morning tea. This is a very popular outing so book early (usual fare $79) Depart at 7am Bundy coach Tours Office Verdant Siding Rd. Usual entertainment, prizes and raffles. After the cruise, late lunch at the Yaralla Sports Club. Possible stop at Turkey Beach if time permits. Arrive home CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
HEART disease is far too common in Queensland. We all know of or have heard about someone dying from a heart attack and sometimes we wonder how this could have happened: “He or she seemed so fit and well and it seemed to come out of the blue.” So what can we do to try to prevent early onset of heart and blood vessel damage? Unfortunately you usually do not know that you have risk factors for heart disease because often there are no symptoms to warn you. So here is my checklist for reducing the risk: If you smoke, then quit. There are now numerous programs available through your local GP and pharmacy and with newer medications which can help in the quitting process, the excuses for continuing to smoke are very few. Get your blood pressure
checked. High blood pressure does not usually cause symptoms and so the only way to know if yours is elevated is to get it measured. Get your blood sugar level tested. Impaired glucose tolerance is a precursor for diabetes and again does not have any obvious symptoms. Get your blood lipid or fat levels tested and make sure you know what your “good” and “bad” cholesterol levels are. Be physically active and maintain a healthy diet. Cut down on refined carbohydrates (sugars), saturated fats, salt and alcohol. Aim to do three to five hours of moderateintensity physical activity or 1.5-2.5 hours of vigorous-intensity physical activity each week and aim to do some musclestrengthening activities on at least two days each week. It is recommended to have these health checks from the age of 45 or from the age of 35 if you are from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background. www.drmichael gillman.com
Our travel insurance covers a range of pre-existing medical conditions Our travel insurance has been specially designed for the over 50s and provides peace of mind and affordable protection for you and your holiday. Cover for a range of pre-existing medical conditions with phone and online medical assessment# No age limit on acceptance Unlimited cover for overseas medical expenses New for old replacement cover for luggage and personal effects* Cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits National Seniors members save an additional 10%^. As a service of National Seniors Australia, the largest, independent not-forprofit membership organisation for the over 50s, you can rest assured that the returns generated from every insurance policy sold are reinvested to help us fight for a fair go for Australians aged over 50.
Call us or visit our website for a competitive quote today.
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National Seniors Australia Ltd ABN 89 050 523 003 AR 282736, is an authorised representative of Cerberus Special Risks Pty Limited ABN 81 115 932 173, AFS License No. 308461. This is general advice and you should consider if this product suits your needs. Before you buy, please read the Product Disclosure Statement available from us before deciding to purchase this product. This insurance is underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyd’s. *Available on International Premium and Frequent Traveller policies. #Subject to application and approval. Additional premium may be payable. ^10% discount applies to the base premium only and is not available in conjunction with any other offer.
12 Seniors
Yoga frees up the body
TARAJI JOURNEY THERESE AHERN IT’S no secret that yoga can aid mental well-being. It is believed that through practising all of the eight limbs of yoga, as described by the ancient sage Patanjali, it is possible to create new neurological pathways. Can this be true? On a physical level, yoga and freedom are simpler to explain. The great Yin Yoga pioneer, Paul Grilley said all humans follow the same trajectory of aging, but, some faster than other. Hence the only way to die young is to slow the aging process down. In the words of Ashley Montagu: “The idea is to die young as late as possible.” Babies are all mobility and flexibility and need to gain stability or strength. The first stages of aging are about gaining strength, not flexibility. At some point, perhaps in our 20’s or 30’s, we reach that mid-point. We have the flexibility and the stability. As we age, we become stiffer. We can be strong well into our declining years, but the real health issues develop out of stagnation. As we age, we need to combat the growing rigidity. Most of the seniors that practise yoga are wanting to regain mobility, especially in their joints, or to rekindle the flow of energy through their bodies. For more info go to:www.taraji.com. au/yoga.
seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016 FROM PAGE 11
4.30-5pm. For bookings call Secretary Brian on 4151 3485.
MARYBOROUGH CHORAL SOCIETY
On Sunday June 19, Maryborough Choral Society is holding a Pleasant Sunday Afternoon in the Federation Room of the Brolga Theatre. Songs from the choir and musical items from guest artists is sure to make this another pleasant concert. All welcome.
BUNDY SHOW
Fresh creamy waffles! Holler if you want em! Yes it is nearly show time again! The Bundaberg Show will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, May 25-26-27 at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct, Childers Road. To celebrate 25 years of decimal currency, the Royal Australian Mint will have a display at the show in the pavilion. This year, the Society is hosting the Queensland Country State Championship for Show Jumping. Entrants will come from all over the country to compete on a course built by international course designer, John Vallance. On Wednesday, all judging will be complete by 9am and the pavilion will be open for viewing. Wednesday and Thursday evening will see fireworks. Woodchop will have its own arena near the food court on Thursday. This year will see a Young Farmers’ Challenge on Thursday evening prior to the fireworks. Teams of four will compete in events featuring farming activities from quad bikes to shifting sheep. Friday will continue as the traditional country day, finishing with Team Penning through the day and a rodeo in the arena at night.
Hervey Bay MS Group, from left, Hazel Morrow, Elfriede Roehm, Val Scott, Karen Qualie (MS Qld) and Dianne Lindsey. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Dick Parker and President Col Wessling presenting Michael Menzies a cheque for $500 from Gympie National Seniors. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
The Society acknowledges Seniors by allowing anyone over 75 entry to the show free of charge. There is a free shuttle bus from town for the three days. More info 4155 0802. www.bundabergshow. com.au
CAPTAIN COOK 1770 FESTIVAL
A re-enactment of the landing of Lieut. James Cook and his crew aboard the HMS Endeavour at Bustard Bay on May 24, 1770 is held. A special re-enactment, complete with crew in costume, is now held on Friday in the late afternoon light, at the stunning Foreshore in the Town of 1770. This is a free event for
the public and maintains the re-enactment as a focal point of the festival. It’s a spectacular local performance, with Cook and his crew arriving as the sun set over the bay, followed by fire-twirling, drumming and more local entertainment. Spectacular! This re-enactment is repeated the next day at the main stage at the SES
Grounds at the festival with enthusiasm from the players making this a popular part of the Saturday event line-up. Saturday always starts with a colourful and enthusiastic street parade with the community coming out to greet all the festival visitors. The Gooreng Gooreng people are the traditional owners of the land on the Discovery Coast. Following the parade, the dancers welcome visitors to the main stage, explaining their dreamtime stories and performing traditional dances to the sound of didgeridoos. Lots of interesting and artistic market stalls offer a great range of treasures for visitors to buy with many local artisans displaying their works. And, of course, there’s a delicious selection of international foods available for you to enjoy! Lots of other live entertainment keeps the crowds jumping throughout the Festival. Each year visiting headline acts are backed up by local talented musicians, school choirs, and the fun of the local AWSUM Ukulele Club. A great selection of amusement rides also bring a smile to many a face, young and old alike. Each year held at 7pm on Saturday night, the sky bursts overhead with amazing fireworks, sponsored by Ergon Energy, stunning the audience as they burst spectacularly in a display to rival any seen at other events. As the fireworks die away, the main stage becomes the focus with a great line-up of entertainment to get everyone dancing. Sunday at the festival is family day with lots of activities and fun for the kids to enjoy and more great entertainment on the main stage. More info phone 07 4974 7570 or go to http://www.1770 festival.com.au
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Oncology service
Seniors 13
Making your Will: things to Improved treatments with a big expansion know EVERYDAY MATTERS CAROLYN DEVRIES CEO of New Way Lawyers
CONTINUING on with our series on things you should know about Wills. Many people think that they do not need to make a Will if they don’t own any property or don’t have much money. However, Queensland law requires that all deceased estates must be properly administered, no matter how large or small the estate. Common items that people do not realise form part of their estate include: ■ Sentimental possessions such as jewellery, artwork and photos; and ■ Unpaid wages and leave entitlements. In addition to setting out who receives your assets your Will can also: ■ Designate guardians to take care of any of your children who are under the age of 18; ■ Detail arrangements for family pets; ■ Set out arrangements for what you would like to happen with social network profiles such as Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn and Twitter; ■ Provide details of wishes for your funeral or cremation; and ■ Confirm your wishes regarding organ donation. This information is intended as general legal information only for people living in Queensland and is not a substitute for individual legal advice. www.newwaylawyers. com.au
A $700,000 expansion at the Friendly Society Private Hospital will ensure that more Bundaberg region residents with a cancer diagnosis will have quality treatment available to them, without the need to travel to Brisbane. The Friendly Society Private Hospital has recently started the renovation of doctors’ rooms to a purpose-built, state-of-the-art day oncology unit that will more than double in size from current services. Friendly Society Private Hospital CEO Alan Cooper said the oncology expansion had been a high priority since the space became available in February. “We have moved quickly to start work on the oncology expansion, as the service we currently have has outgrown its space much quicker than we could have imagined,” Mr Cooper said. “Cancer diagnosis and treatment is one of the most difficult situations
our patients have to face and we are committed to ensuring the space where they receive their treatment is as comfortable as it can be and that we do everything we can to provide them the best quality treatment and services possible.” The Friendlies opened the current day oncology unit in 2011, after a growing need for a dedicated oncology treatment space. The hospital then welcomed its current permanent oncologist Dr Vikram Jain in April 2012. Since July 2015, The Friendlies day oncology unit has done 3112 patient treatments, or an average of 15 patient treatments per day, five days a week. The current unit has six oncology treatment chairs. The expansion will see the chair numbers increased by more than 100% to 14 chairs, making the new unit the largest private day oncology unit between the Sunshine
RENOVATION: Builder Jeff Lennox and Friendly Society Private Hospital CEO Alan Cooper look over the plans for the Day Oncology Expansion project. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Coast and Townsville. “The expanded oncology unit will not only be more comfortable for patients, but also for their visitors and loved ones as well,” Mr Cooper said. Mr Cooper said The Friendlies continued to be focused on providing excellent care.
“Patients at The Friendlies have no out-of-pocket expenses for chemotherapy and related drugs ,” he said. “They also have access to our allied health team of physiotherapists,, as well as seven-day access to our dedicated oncologist Dr Jain.
“We also have a total care approach to our patients, with a multi-disciplinary team of surgeons, general physician, radiation oncologist, radiographer, urologist, gynaecologist, cardiologist and nurse manager who meet and review all cases weekly.”
Increased health care in Hervey Bay UP TO 750 cancer patients will be treated every year at the new $17 million Hervey Bay Cancer Care Centre. The facility created 30 jobs, including four clinical oncologists, who will provide chemotherapy and radiation cancer treatment for hundreds of people on the Fraser Coast The centre in Medical Pl in Urraween has been treating patients for the past nine months, but is now operating at full capacity after its official opening. It has been in
planning for seven years. Federal member for Hinkler Keith Pitt was part of the plaque unveiling at the opening, as the Federal Government provided $9.3 million towards the cancer centre. “I spoke to a number of patients about how important it was for them to not only receive quality care, but to be able to receive it in their own community,” Mr Pitt said. Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service clinical director of cancer care services Ray Johnson said
NEW FACILITY: Ray Johnson (operations director), Keith Pitt and former cancer patient Sally Mackay. PHOTO: ALISTAIR BRIGHTMAN
the new facility meant hundreds of people who could stay in the community for treatment. Former patient Sally
Mackay received treatment for breast cancer in Brisbane, the old cancer centre in Hervey Bay Hospital and
in the new stand-alone centre. He said there was a stigma around getting treatment in Hervey Bay when she was first diagnosed more than a year ago. “Everyone; patients, nurses, said ‘go to Brisbane if you want good treatment’,” Mrs Mackay said. “But it makes such a difference to be close to your family; I would just text my husband when I was done and he would pick me up in 10 minutes.”
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Across from the Water's Edge A Caring Over 50's Community Close to Shops, Doctors & Services Contact Today! Call Neil 0411 441 706 Website: www.cooloolawaters.com.au Address: 34 Toolara Rd, Tin Can Bay, 4580
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seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016
A mature voice for change forms political party Advertorial
MATURE-AGE Australians (from 18 to the 80s +) now have a new champion in their corner for the coming Federal election on Saturday, July 2. The Mature Australia Party, registered recently by the Australian Electoral Commission, has its sights firmly set on Senate and House of Representatives seats in at least five of the six Australian states. National President Terry Snell (Queensland) said
the party was processing endorsement applications from 15 prospective candidates, and expected more to join the bid in coming days and weeks. “We have definite starters in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland – and we’re confident of securing spots in each State. “For the first time, maturees will have their own voice in this election campaign, and the Parliament, to ensure that
they’re given the recognition and support they deserve. “They won’t be ignored any more; we’ll make sure of that.” Queensland Senate candidate Jim Savage (who lives on the Sunshine Coast) said the party’s approach of basing its policies on the input, views, and concerns presented by “the people” themselves – not vested interests and powerbrokers, like other parties – had raised tremendous interest
Australia-wide. “The people are making their views clear, in no uncertain terms, and these are the policies and issues we’ll be taking to the people, at the election,” Mr Savage said. “Mature-age people with a range of major concerns, including pensioners, self-funded retirees, people in small businesses, hard-pressed young and middle-age family groups, the elderly, the disadvantaged, and the disabled... they’ve all been discriminated
against, ignored, or taken for granted by governments for far too long. “These are the specific interest groups in our communities that the Mature Australia Party will be giving a voice to. “The centrepiece of our election policy portfolio will be a ground-breaking taxation reform package which will take the heat off ALL taxpayer groups in Australia ... except those now evading tax, legally, on a massive scale. “They’ll have nowhere
to hide, or to not pay tax on their gains from massive turnover and profits on their Australian business enterprises; they will have no option but to pay their fair share of tax like everyone else. “The reforms we propose will see most other forms of tax eliminated, and a larger income pool to progressively re-balance the Budget and provide funds for vital infrastructure... neither of which are being achieved now,” Mr Savage said.
A place to call home Ladies create a welcoming network for friendly support Boni Holmes
Boni.Holmes@frasercoastchronicle.com.au
MOVING to a foreign country can be daunting but the ladies of the SAWDP say they have found long-time friends and will be long-time supporters. The Seniors Asian Women’s Development Program members found socialising and workshops made the transition into Australia so easy. The seniors AWDP was organised a couple of years ago for older members to enjoy social activities including morning tea, multicultural cooking and dancing; helping with organising programs and fundraisers, and doing workshops and courses. Secretary of the management committee of the MNC Julie Leck said she was asked to volunteer a half day each week. “It didn’t take very long and I was down there every day,” Julie said. “I then got a job in
council and after retiring came back to volunteer here. “It’s a place I find I still can be useful and at the same time I am accepted as I am. “They make me feel important all the time.” The SAWDP offer different programs including sewing, computing and dancing for fitness. Volunteer Rory Proctor moved from Darwin and enrolled in a literacy program at the centre to “keep busy”. “The literacy program is always offered to people from other countries just to get acquainted with the accent and language,” she said. “I was asked to become a member and also worked in reception – just a few hours a few times a week. “I was here when the new building in Ellena St was opened in 2006. “I keep coming back because it’s nice to meet different people and
HELP WITH MOVE: Seniors Asian Women’s Development Program members (from left) Fe Linortner, Julie Leck, Ramona Zanger and Rory Proctor at Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre. PHOTO: BONI HOLMES
helping people find their way in a new community.” Argentinean Ramona Zanger said she came to Maryborough in 2005. “I volunteer at both Maryborough and Hervey
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Bay centres,” Ramona said. “I help with a lot of multicultural activities. “I really enjoy it and so does my husband.” Fe Linortner said she
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has made many life-long friends and is kept really busy with all the socials. “The camaraderie and atmosphere makes you feel comfortable – it’s like a big home.”
For more information visit the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre, 25 Ellena St, phone 4121 2141 or email awdp@mary boroughnc.org.
Council offers email options for notices FRASER Coast Regional Council is always looking for ways to deliver services more efficiently and effectively to its residents/ratepayers. As part of this ongoing commitment Council have implemented a service that will allow you to receive your notices (i.e water, rates and animal) electronically via email. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Council Customer Service team on 1300 79 49 29
or visit the Council’s website www.frasercoast .qld.gov.au/e-notices for more information. Alternatively, you can visit any of the following administration centres: Hervey Bay – 77 Tavistock St, Torquay, from 8.15am-4.45pm. Maryborough – 431-433 Kent St, from 8.15am-4.45pm. Tiaro – Forgan Terrace, from 8.30am-4.30pm (closed from 1pm-1.30pm).
Seniors 15
Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au
travel
Travelling overseas, local or interstate? You will find all the information you need in Seniors’ colourful travel pages.
River cruising luxury
Wall-to-wall comfort as a kaleidoscope of Europe’s charms glides past your panoramic window Ann Rickard
IF EVER there was a holiday designed specifically for us mature folks, it would have to be river cruising. There are many reasons for this, more about them in a minute, but the top one would surely be: no children on board. We love children, most of us seniors are doting grandparents, but we don’t love the little tykes when they are running amok around the decks and lounges on a ship. River cruising is not designed for children, there are no facilities for them, they’d be bored. River cruising suits those of us who enjoy
the ease of being moved smoothly from one place to another, those who love to unpack just the once, who adore being pampered and wined and dined to the brim. Those who love a no-bingo-orextravagant-theatre policy, those who are more the gather-around-the-piano type. Avalon Waterways’ newest river ship, Imagery II, has just been launched on the Rhine, formally christened by “godmother”, New Zealand personality, Judy Bailey. It now awaits your pleasure. You are going to love this spanking new ship with its Suite Ship policy: two entire decks of roomy suites with marble
bathrooms complete with L’Occitane products, and more space than any other ships cruising Europe’s great rivers. What you are going to love beyond all the many loveable details on board Imagery II, is the wall-to-wall windows in your suite, a whole wall that slides back to transform your suite into one large alfresco balcony and – this is luxury without measure – the bed faces the window. Think about that. You wake up each morning in a comfortable wide bed beneath a floaty white doona to lazily watch a kaleidoscope of Europe’s charms glide past your panoramic window.
If you (or better still, your mate) has padded quietly to the elegant lounge at the aft of the ship, where a gleaming coffee machine will dispense any coffee style of your choice, and he brings it back along with a big home-baked cookie to enjoy in bed, well, you are going to be in holiday heaven aren’t you? And your exciting day hasn’t even started yet. The unprecedented growth in river cruising has astonished everyone in the travel industry, even Avalon Waterways’ management who are frantically building more ships to keep up with demand. Avalon Waterways does not let its ships age.
When they are only just past juvenile stage, they are sold or sent off to ship graveyard. Hence, all Avalon’s long sleek river ships are modern and fresh. None more so than Imagery II. The decor is contemporary and restful with tasteful and luxurious object d’art and contemporary art works at every turn. The lounges and dining room are fitted with up-to-the-minute furniture with exquisite fabrics. On the expansive top open-air deck, the sun lounges beckon, and a small spa sits beside a giant deck chess set. The chef even grows his own herbs in pots up on the deck.
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Adults: $5256pp Pensioner: $5230pp Past Passenger: $5217pp Single Supp: $828pp
Adults: $3689pp Pensioner: $3665pp Past Passenger: $3653pp Single Supp: $821pp
2 Night Stay Tibooburra, Innamincka, Marree & Longreach Birdsville, Strzelecki & Oodnadatta Tracks Depot Glen, Milparinka & Cameron Corner Trilby & Reola Stations & Lake Eyre Sightseeing
You will never be short of something exciting to do on Imagery II as her itinerary stops at some of Europe’s most beautiful cities, towns and villages. And the ship docks right in the heart of things. You have only to walk off to have Avalon’s private buses with local guides waiting a few steps away to whisk you into the heart of Europe’s excitement, history and culture. Comfort is what most of us prioritise for our travels as we age. Followed by ease of getting from A to B. Imagery II provides the lot. The writer was a guest on board Imagery II.
3 Night Stay Cooma 2 Night Stay Batemans Bay High Country Sightseeing Perisher Valley Resort & Blue Cow Eden, Kangaroo Valley & Batemans Bay Sightseeing
18 DAY QLD OUTBACK, LAWN HILL, THE GULF & WHITSUNDAYS
27 DAY CANBERRA FLORIADE & TASSIE COMBO
Departing Friday, 15th July 2016 Adults: $6230 pp Pensioner: $6194pp Past Passenger: $6176pp Single Supp: $1441pp
Departing Friday, 23rd September 2016 Adults: $8949pp Pensioner: $8895pp Past Passenger: $8868pp Single Supp: $2561pp
2 Night Stay Longreach, Adels Grove, Normanton & Airlie Beach Gulflander Train Ride & Karumba Eco Cruise Lawn Hill Gorge Whitsunday Twin Island Cruise
2 Night Stay Canberra, Launceston & Strahan 3 Night Stay Melbourne & Hobart Canberra Floriade & Tesselaar Tulip Festival Phillip Island Sightseeing & Melbourne Free Day Tasmania’s Top Destinations
Door to Door Service on tours of 6 days and over (Conditions Apply) Complimentary Luggage Service www.downundercoachtours.com.au
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
16 Seniors
seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016
Connect to country Barcaldine’s rich history is brought to life at night Erle Levey
THERE is one thing Outback Queensland offers apart from its well-known bush hospitality, the country air and big skies of a night … its history. Barcaldine Shire mayor Rob Chandler sums it up well when he says: “We are Australia’s history .. Australia grew from inside out when it opened up the outback.” There are few better places to understand a chapter in Australia’s history than at the Tree of Knowledge in this town that was built on sheep. And there is no better way to fit into the laid-back way of life than pronouncing the name of the town correctly ... Bar-call-dun. In 1891 the ghost gum directly in front of the railway station witnessed a divisive confrontation that threatened to plunge the nation into civil war as striking shearers stopped non-union labourers
arriving by train to fill their jobs. The strike was a bitter campaign fuelled by lowering of shearers’ conditions by sheep station owners. Now, 125 years later, a dramatic reconstruction of the seven-metre high tree stands outside the station where visitors are welcomed, with tourism being an integral part of the Barcaldine Shire’s economy. Celebrations for the anniversary will be highlighted by a town party and street parade on May 1 this year. Yet in 1891 the wool industry was the unrivalled economic pillar of the colony of Queensland. The 200-year-old ghost gum saw protesting sheep shearers mark the foundation of the Australian Labor Party. Striking shearers marched under the Eureka flag to put forward their protests against poor working conditions and
HISTORIC SITE: The Tree of Knowledge, Barcaldine.
low wages. In a 7.30 Report broadcast on ABC TV in 2009 historian Peter Forrest acknowledged the Tree of Knowledge was important, and Barcaldine
1300 551 997 www.goseetouring.com
FULLY INCLUSIVE & ESCORTED GROUP TOURS
INCLUDES: Airfares, Taxes, Accommodation, Touring, Meals, Visas & Gratuities Please call us for full itinerary details
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$2,820
5 Nights Accom, Guide throughout, Singapore Garden Festival, Garden’s By The Bay, Singapore Sightseeing Tour, Singapore Botanic Gardens, National Orchid Garden, Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari Tour
$2,560
6 Nights Accommodation, Cooked Breakfast Daily, 6 Dinners, 3 Lunches, National Rose Garden, Brickenden Estate, Launceston Flower Show, Oatlands, Inverawe Native Gardens, Avi Flora Crawleigh Wood Garden
per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single supplement $620
22 - 27 July 2016
Blooming Tasmania SPRING GARDEN COACH TOUR
per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single supplement $540
22 - 28 Sept 2016
Norfolk Island Pacific Triples Bowls Competition HOSTED BY IAN SCHUBACK
27 Sept - 424th Oct 2016 15th Nov 2015
Mountains & Melodies South Island NZ HOSTED BY RODNEY VINCENT
31st2016 Oct 2015 1824th - 30 -Oct
Kiwi Croquet Capers ESCORTED TOUR
29 Oct - 9 Nov 2016
Norfolk Island Jazzes it up HOSTED BY THE WIZARD
3 - 10 Dec 2016
Prefer to travel independently? Call us for a quote
From
$1,695
per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single supplement $370
From
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per person Twin Share ex BNE, SYD, MEL, Single supplement $1,275
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per person Twin Share ex BNE, SYD, MEL, Single supplement $1,150
From
$2,600
per person Twin Share ex MEL, SYD, BNE Single supplement $450
7 Nights Accom & Car Hire, Orientation Tour, Norfolk Island Pacific Triples & Welcome Function, Dinner & Master Coaching Class with Ian Schuback & Cameron Curtis, Pacific Triples Presentation Function
itself was tremendously important to the history of Australia. In 1991, the tree was found to be suffering from dieback but it in an act of vandalism it was poisoned with glyphosate in 2006. Two years later the tree was successfully cloned by workers at the former Queensland Department of Primary Industries. Several cuttings propagated from the tree before its death are now growing in Barcaldine, as well as Brisbane and at the National Arboretum Canberra. A new memorial on the site of the remains of the original tree won The Lachlan Macquarie Award for Heritage Architecture and a National Commendation for Public Architecture at the 2010 National Architecture Awards. To stand beneath the timber construction above
PHOTO: ERLE LEVEY
the trunk and exposed roots brings an awareness of the struggle of those early workers and settlers. Chandler, who was born into a sheep and cattle grazing family, sees tourism as the saviour of western Queensland.
❝
The Tree of Knowledge is one of the things people have to do.” After leaving school he went shearing then ran the family station until extreme drought and a collapse in wool prices forced a change. He started a timber-cutting business then hospitality, first with a farmstay then a motel in town. As well as mayor he has
been a long-time board member of the Outback Tourism Association, a prime motivator behind charity organisation Angel Flight and its annual Outback Trailblazer event. “Tourism,’’ Chandler says, “is the future. “The drought is hurting everyone. Making visitors welcome is what it’s about. We have to make them feel they are part of the survival of the bush, which they are. “Every quarter to half mile the country changes. “You could spend every day in the bush. “The Tree of Knowledge is one of the things people have to do.” More information: www.treeofknowledge. com.au * The writer was a guest of Queensland Rail Travel and Outback Queensland Tourism.
12 Nights Accom, Cooked Breakfast Daily, Marlborough Wine Region, Abel Tasman National Park, Franz Josef Glacier, Skyline Gondola Queenstown, Cruise on Milford Sound, Mt Cook, Rodney Vincent Concert 11 Nights, Breakfast Daily, Auckland Sightseeing, Coromandel, Mt Maunganui, Rotorua,Tamaki Maori Village & Hangi, Lake Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Napier, Cape Kidnappers, Social Croquet 7 Nights Accom, Car Hire & Breakfasts, Breakfast Bush Walk, Welcome Dinner, Pizza Night, Jazz Concert Dinners & Lunch, Orientation Tour, Gift Bag - Souvenir Programme, Polo Shirt, Gold Class Seating at all Concerts
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 12 April 2016. Go SeeTouring Pty Ltd T/A Go See Touring Member of Helloworld QLD Lic No: 3198772 ABN: 72 122 522 276
BARCALDINE: Tourism is an integral part of the shire’s economy.
PHOTO: ERLE LEVEY
Seniors 17
Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au
Enjoy your holiday knowing you have an expert with you every step of the way.
INCLUDES ALL RETURN AIRFARES PLUS DOOR TO DOOR BRISBANE AIRPORT TRANSFERS*
INDIAN EXPERIENCE
NIAGARA TO NEW YORK 25 DAYS
22 DAYS
Departs Brisbane: 23 September 2016
Departs Brisbane: 23 October 2016
Highlights Deluxe coach tour to the historic cities of eastern Canada,
Highlights Private small group tour visiting New and Old Delhi,
including Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottowa, Montreal and Quebec City. 10-night cruise on the Caribbean Princess速 from Quebec to New York, 3 nights in New York with hop-on hop-off sightseeing passes and a farewell group dinner in New York. Plus breakfast daily, 12 lunches and 15 dinners.
from
$9495* solo traveller from $12,799*
the Ganges River, Agra and the Taj Mahal. Visit Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Udaipur and Kochi. Enjoy a Kerala village homestay and Vypin Island plus welcome and farewell group dinners. Plus breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 4 dinners.
from
$6495* solo traveller from $7725*
CAMBODIA & VIETNAM 18 DAYS
JAPAN CHERRY BLOSSOM 23 DAYS
Departs Brisbane: 10 February 2017
Departs Brisbane: 8 April 2017
Highlights Small group private tour to the temples of Angkor and Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Visit Saigon, the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels in the South, Hoi An and Hue in Central Vietnam and finish with Hanoi and an overnight cruise on Halong Bay in the north. Plus breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 4 dinners.
Highlights See Japan in full colour as the Cherry Blossoms bloom in Spring. We visit gardens, castles and shrines from Tokyo to Takayama and Kanazawa to Kyoto. Experience the bullet trains and see Mt Fuji on our private small group tour followed by a relaxing 9-night cruise around Japan on the Diamond Princess速. Plus breakfast daily, 10 lunches and 14 dinners.
from
$6645*
from
$12,795*
1300 732 697 escortedescapes.com.au
12 Months Interest Free: Terms and conditions apply. 12 months interest free provided by applying for the Lombard 55 Visa Card and is only available to approved applicants, it is subject to further terms and conditions contained in the Lombard Visa Card Account Conditions of Use and Lombard Visa Card Product Schedule. An application fee $60, monthly account fees $2.90 and other fees and charges are payable. The Lombard Visa Card is a credit facility provided by Lombard Finance Pty Limited (ABN 31 099 651 877) (Australian Credit License Number 247 415). Offer ends 30 Jun 16. *Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Please ask us for further details. Prices are correct as at 15 Mar 16 & are subject to change. Quoted prices are on sale until 8 weeks prior to each departure date or until sold out prior. Prices are per person twin share, are subject to availability, are fully inclusive of taxes, levies, government charges and other applicable fees and are for payments made by cash in store. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Included transfers for Sunshine Coast addresses only. Participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age. All cruises are based on lead-in inside cabin twin share. Please see in store for more details. FROM BRISBANE. Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Escape Travel. Accreditation No. A10412. ETCAL70268 ^
18 Seniors
seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016
Beware of dinosaurs
Fossils breathe new life into Outback Queensland Phil Hawkes
DINOSAURS have been around in Queensland for a long time. Of course I speak of fossils, not real life (unless speaking of some of my contemporaries) and the area around Winton has become quite famous, worldwide, for its splendid Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History. Now there’s a new kid on the block in the form of Cooper, identified as a Titanosaur discovered in 2004 on a property near Eromanga further south. This is the largest dinosaur fossil find so far in Australia, with a humerus 1.5 metres in length and weighing over 100kg, a new species in the world. Since then, George, Zac and Sid have joined Eromanga’s growing dino family. Other large creatures have also been found near Eulo and identified as Megasaurs. Understandably, palaeontologists are very excited by these new discoveries and the Outback Gondwana Foundation together with the Queensland Museum has just opened a brand new Natural History Museum in Eromanga (ENHM) to display these amazing fossils and run educational programs for tourists, school groups and scientists. It’s a well-curated exhibition managed by Robyn Mackenzie, owner of the property where Cooper was found by her 14-year-old son, Sandy. He thought it looked “different” to the usual cattle bones and from there the story led to the Queensland Museum experts, culminating in
over 80 digs and the new Eromanga facility. Robyn herself has become quite an expert and a devotee of palaeontology. Eromanga is a very small town more known for its extensive opal mining and more lately, oil drilling producing around 1.5 million barrels a year. But the fossil finds, and the older Living History Museum with its superb memorabilia have put the town firmly on the tourism map. A visit to Eromanga would not be complete without lunch or dinner at the Royal Hotel where you’re likely to meet such characters as Giggles, an opal miner for many years and a teller of tall tales. You may even persuade him to take you out to his tenement to do a bit of fossicking. A good base for a visit to Eromanga is Quilpie, just 108 km down the sealed road, where you’ll find one of those country towns with all the services you’ll need, including a helpful Visitor Information Centre and Gallery… and a couple of really good coffee shops. GETTING THERE Brisbane to Quilpie 954km by road, or by Rex Airlines via Wellcamp and Charleville twice weekly. The flight continues on to Windorah and Birdsville, then Bedourie, Boulia and Mt Isa. www.rex.com.au. STAYING The Heritage Hotel, Quilpie www.quilpie hotelmotel.com INFORMATION www.outback queensland.com.au www.quilpie.qld.gov.au www.enhm.com.au
HANDS ON: Robyn Mackenzie explains the dinosaur and megafauna bones and cleaning process to the children at the TQ film shoot at the Eromanga Natural History Museum field station on June 28, 2013. PHOTO: ROBYN MACKENZIE
Group travel has its advantages for many ageing adventurers Advertorial
YOU will see more, do more and learn more when you travel on an escorted small group tour. “Senior travellers should enjoy being seniors, relax and not let a holiday become hard work,” says Ken Osetroff, director of Toursgallery. Why go through the agony of staying in your own badly-chosen hotels, missing the train, getting lost and not knowing where to go? On an escorted tour your tour manager is with you every day to help overcome the worry and frustration of travelling in a foreign country.
HAPPY GROUP: Sumo Stadiuma, Destination Management.
Forget about trying to find hotels, where and when to catch the bus, or trying to work out where the best shops can be found.
Pensioners/Senior Citizens
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visit grafton in northern nsw Enjoy a grEat holiday packagE
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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”
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Your tour manager can take you to special places known only to the locals, craft artisan’s supply shops, neighbourhood flea markets and rural villages. Group tours gained a bad reputation years ago when mass production travel companies crammed 55 people into a 55-seat bus. Today, Toursgallery guarantees that every person on their coach tours can have two seats, by limiting each group to between 10 and 15 guests. You are no longer just a number in a crowd, when your Toursgallery tour manager and local guides are able to provide you with personal attention. “We often add more visits than what is written in our brochure.” said Osetroff. “When possible, we do like to give our
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
guests more than what they have paid for.” Most of Toursgallery’s guests are over 50 years of age, but younger people who appreciate the benefits of escorted small group travel often join these tours. For over 30 years Toursgallery has been creating and operating 15 exclusive journeys every year to Japan, Greece, USA, Iceland, UK and Costa Rica. These tours are designed for the discerning traveller who likes quality accommodation, meals and all entry fees included. Toursgallery’s Brisbane office is also a fully licensed travel agency, where guests can speak directly with the people who design each tour. Phone 1300 307 317 if you would like to talk about your travel plans.
Seniors 19
Thursday, May 12, 2016 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 • Friendly & helpful tour host
Per person twin share Single supp $340
Tour dates: 6th September 2016
• Bowral Tulip Feasterville • Bradman Museum • 3 Nights Canberra Floriade • Parliament House & War Memorial • Captain Thunderbolts Grave • Armidale & Tenterfield • Fully Hosted Tour date: 17th Sep
8 Days $1048*
*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare. Single supp $290
Drovers & Stargazers Tour date: 12th July
• 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
Grand Adventure Gold Service
11 Days $2,290*
*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare. Single supp $650
7 Days From $3,920*
*(Senior Pension /CSHC fare, twin share)
• 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 • As with all our tours a helpful Tour date: 3rd Oct 2016 fun tour host will travel with group
• Accommodation at 4 star Cairns Queenslander • Meals on tour • Gorgeous Green Island • Paronella Park, Innisfail, Scenic Cassowary Coast • Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree River Cruise • Skyrail, Kuranda, Mareeba to Jaques Coffee Plantation • Helpful fun tour host Tour dates: 13th, 20th June, 25th July, 31st Oct
10 Days $3499*
Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide
Staying on Daydream Island & Airlie Beach
• Bowen, Coffee Plantation • Daydream Island with Full Hot and Cold Buffet Breakfast • Daydream Island, Port of Airlie and wander through the New Marine precinct • Markets & Airlie / Shute Harbour Tour with Lunch at the Whitsunday sailing club Departure date: 2nd September • Crocodile Safari &
Bowral Tulips, Canberra Floriade Escorted Coach Tour 8 Days $2,299* *p/p t/share & Spring in the Highlands
Cairns, Daintree & Cassowary Coast
7 Days $1,029*
Whitsunday Daydreaming
*per person Twin Share ($590.00 single supplement) *Includes return airfares from Brisbane
8 Days From $2,795*
Norfolk Island Show day
*(twin share, Single sup $450)
• Return Airfares • Melbourne through to Adelaide • Geelong, Apollo Bay • 12 Apostils, Warrnambool • Mt Gambier, Victor Harbour • Kangaroo Island & Seal Bay
Selling Fast book your spot Now !!!
• Orientation Tour • Mutiny on the Bounty • Night as a Convict • Breakfast Walk, Wonderland by Night
• Hahndorf, Adelaide Tours • Helpful Host
Best of Coastal Queensland
Tour date: 7th Oct
10 Days $1,599* *Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare. Single supp $320
• Cairns, Skyrail, Kuranda, Port Douglas • Mossman Gorge & Daintree River Cruise
*Plus applicable rail fare Single supp $490
• Convict Settlement Tour • Show Day !!!!!! • Friendly local Host • Unique Show day tour
Indian Pacific Gold & WA Wild Flowers
Tour date: 4th Oct
14 Days $5,490*
*Per person twin share. Single supp $1000
Departure dates: 16th July, 1st Oct.
• Green Island day tour • Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour • 3 Island Tour, Daydream, Hamilton and the Iconic Whitehaven Beach • Rail content can be booked with discounts applied. • Helpful Host
We book and apply your pension card discounted rates for rail content of the tour. * All tours subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances. Includes travel time.
Tour date: 25th Aug • Gold Class Premium Service on the Indian Pacific for 3 nights with all meals and beverages and many Off Train excursions included • 4 Nights in Perth • Swan River Cruise
Call 07 5529 9322
• 7 Nights Southern Western Australia Wild Flower Tour • Margaret River and Wineries • All Breakfasts, Dinners and most Lunches, Fully Hosted • Experienced Coach Captain
www.greatvalueholidays.com.au E: info@greatvalueholidays.com.au 6298937ab
MORE GREAT TOURS AND DESTINATIONS CALL FOR BROCHURE
20 Seniors
seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016
Try Kyäni triangle of health
Lifelong care for baby boomers “important”
Advertorial
ACTIVE LIVING: IRT Woodlands in Kawana Forest at Meridan Plains. ADVERTORIAL
QUEENSLAND’S Baby Boomers want more than just a roof over their head as they age... You want to be supported to live an active independent life for as long as possible. You also want high quality homes for affordable prices in great locations. Yes your expectations are high, but why shouldn’t they be? You’ve worked hard, probably raised a family, and now you want to enjoy life. Setting yourself up for a comfortable retirement is important, but so is planning for when you’re a little less independent. IRT Group operates two Lifestyle Communities on the Sunshine Coast and has just opened a third,
IRT Woodlands in Kawana Forest at Meridan Plains. According to IRT, Sunshine Coast seniors generally wait until their late 60s or early 70s to move into a lifestyle community, meaning you may need support sooner that you think. “In deciding whether lifestyle community living is right for you, you need to consider how that community can support you as your care needs change,” said IRT’s Queensland General Manager, Lance Taylor. “At IRT Woodlands, residents will be able to arrange for home care services to their villa, but they also have the choice of an on-site 60-suite care centre if they develop high care needs.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
“This means they won’t have to leave their IRT Woodlands family.” Mr Taylor says this gives people peace of mind. “People choose to live in communities like IRT Woodlands for the lifestyle,” he said. “We offer affordable, high-quality living in a scenic coastal setting with top notch facilities like a community centre, pool, BBQ area, theatre room and gym. “It really is like being on holiday all year round, but knowing you have a home for life is also important, and IRT Woodland’s on-site care centre means we can provide that,” Mr Taylor said. For more information on IRT Woodlands, go to www.irtwoodlands.org.au
A GREAT SENIOR’S SPECIAL
Holiday in the Hinterland at Clouds of Montville Monday to Thursday
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 also available beginning Sundays.
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
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THE Kyäni Triangle of Health features three very distinct products. They are all food and plant-based to help create more energy, more nutrition and to create an environment where our bodies can heal themselves. It doesn’t matter whether you’re two years old or ninety-two years old. Each product works systematically to provide optimal wellness with one easy-to-use system. 1. Encourages normal immune system function. 2. Assists in maintaining normal cardiac function. 3. Maintains normal skin and mucous membranes. 4. Protects the body’s cells from oxidative damage. 5. Enhances normal function of the nervous system – relieving stress. 6. Maintains normal fat
HEALTH TRIO: All products are food and plant-based. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
metabolism and energy production. 7. Promotes normal neurological function. 8. Assists in normal blood formation and cell division. 9. Contributes to macronutrient metabolism. The Kyäni Triangle of Health was created using the cutting-edge science to help you and your family Experience More! Most people feel a significant improvement in
how they feel in as little as two to four weeks and as such, Kyäni now offer a trial period for 30 days with a money back guarantee. Contact us today to learn how you can Experience More with Kyäni. Phone Barry on 0477 279105 or Christine on 0409 644852 from NEWSTART to Wellness. Email: barry@newstart2 wellness.com.au
Choose superfoods to supercharge health
SUPERFOODS, by definition, are nutrient-rich foods considered to be especially beneficial for your health and well-being. Here are my top five tips: 1. Quinoa: This protein-rich grain contains all the essential amino acids that your body needs to repair itself. It is easy to cook, tasty and adaptable. Add half a cup into your favourite salad, stir through a breakfast smoothie or a bowl of oats, or include in protein balls. 2. Broccoli: This leafy vegetable is a perfect staple to add to your diet. Green vegetables such as broccoli contain a range of phytochemicals to help benefit the immune system and reduce inflammation. Steam your broccoli lightly for a healthy addition to any meal or add raw florets to salads.
EAT UP: Superfoods are packed with nutrients for optimal well-being. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTE
3. Blueberries: A nutritional powerhouse whether eaten fresh or frozen. Blueberries are very low in kilojoules, but high in all the right nutrients and antioxidants. Just a handful of these delicious berries will leave your body feeling energised. 4. Chickpeas: As part of the legume family, chickpeas are widely
used in culinary dishes around the globe. Chickpeas are an excellent source of vitamin B6, folate, fibre, protein, thiamine and potassium. 5. Spinach: Long established as a highly nutritional food, spinach and silverbeet are particularly high in fibre, iron, folate and magnesium.
Seniors 21
Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au
JIGGERED
9/5
The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square fits in with that letter and write in the letters. You can also shade the black squares if you find it helpful. After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.
C A L A A T H I
Y A N U R E N
T E
X O W B
A L
P I P E A
N E Y S A
N E E R D G
K T S L A
R E A E N C L A
A O R N Y E S
I
F
T U T S R H U
C O N R T Y
K B O E U
R C D O S U R
E K R I S E N
X E T S I
R N E C E T
D A B U V I C
C O O U S S
R E E M A D I
L E V L E
R N E E E A
I E T
T R E N D R
I
I
A T I
QUICK CRoSSwoRD Across 1. Wipe out (10) 7. Prank or silly act (5) 8. Sold by ticket (7) 10. Prompt (8) 11. Solid (4) 13. A country’s people (6) 15. Penitentiary (6) 17. Common sense (4) 18. Illnesses (8) 21. Globes (7) 22. Church payment (5) 23. Relating to the body’s structure (10)
Down 1. Frequently (5) 2. Position (8) 3. Scottish cloth (6) 4. Split (4) 5. Adds up (7) 6. Events (10) 9. Lessened (10) 12. Sudden and spectacular (8) 14. Harden (7) 16. Slim and supple (6) 19. Relating to birth (5) 20. Worry (4)
1
2
3
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5
6 7
8
9
10
11 12
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15 16
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TRIO
Can you complete these four words, using the same three-letter sequence in each?
SUDOKU
23
Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
D E O D E R
Good 30 Very Good 40 Excellent 50+
F N E O E T L E D
T O T A L
S H R U B
T R O B E R I V E D I G A M I M T U T R I S E B O O E D O U N D X T E M I R E O N E M A N S E I R K E D T E S T S
QUIZ
L A T E R A L C H O R A L E S T I T C H
E R V A E N D A T O P O O A I M L L S W T I T A R I M E P E R
7 lEttERS BEMUSED CHORALE CLAIMED LATERAL ORIGAMI OVATION TARTARE THRIVED
1. In which country is the home port of the old fisherman Santiago, the hero of Ernest Hemingway’s novel The Old Man and the Sea? 2. Formerly Idlewild, what title does New York’s airport now have? 3. Who did Sherlock Holmes describe as “the Napoleon of crime”? 4. What are Doric, Ionic and Corinthian all types of? 5. On what road did Nellie the Elephant meet the head of the herd? 6. Which river is the longest – Amazon, Mississippi or Nile? 7. Which song by Ben E King topped the charts in 1987, nearly 26 years after he recorded it? 8. What is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ favourite food?
T R E E D
6 lEttERS EDITED HELPER STITCH STROBE
QUIZ
F A R C E
5 lEttERS AFTER ALTAR BOOED CLAIM DATUM FARCE FOUND INSET IRKED LARVA MANSE MONKS NOTED OPALS REEDS ROUTE SHALL SHRUB TESTS TITLE TOTAL
TREED TREEN WIRER
A L T A R
4 lEttERS ATOM EMIR EMIT FEEL NEXT POOL RAND REDO RISE TAME
TOTS TRIM
WORDFIT
Solution opposite
3 lEttERS ACE ARE BOX EVE IRE OIL ONE RIG TAB TIP TUT WOE
1 Cuba, 2 JFK airport, 3 Moriarty, 4 Architectural columns, 5 The road to Mandalay, 6 Nile, 7 “Stand By Me”, 8 Pizza.
Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword
ALPHAGRAMS
woRDFIt
WORD GO ROUND: censor clone cloned clones cone coned cons consul corn
OCEAN, PURIST, QUIETER, RATIONAL, SATANISTS.
C E
TRIO: vOL
334
D L
I C O N R T Y X O W B I D E O D E R I A E T T I A O R N Y E S
TODAY
N
CANOE STIR UP REQUITE NO LARIAT ASSISTANT
L E C A L V I A A T H I L E N E T R Y S E N D A R R C Y A N D O U S U R R E N K X T S E T S L A I C O R N E O C U S S E T
U O
R S
How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb, e.g. he burns with anger.
SUDOKU
JIGGERED
R E A D A B N U E C L A V I C E K R M B O E A D I E U T A R N E E E F L E A T U T P S R I H U P E A K N E E E I R R G S E N D
woRD Go RoUND
QUICK CROSSWORD
Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential. For example, if the five-letter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.
Across: 1. Obliterate 7. Antic 8. Raffled 10. Punctual 11. Firm 13. Nation 15. Prison 17. Nous 18. Ailments 21. Spheres 22. Tithe 23. Anatomical. Down: 1. Often 2. Location 3. Tartan 4. Rift 5. Tallies 6. Happenings 9. Diminished 12. Dramatic 14. Toughen 16. Lissom 19. Natal 20. Fret.
alpHaGRaMS
corned cornel counsel crone dens done dons drone drones dunce dune duns ends enrol enrols lend lends lens loden lone loner lorn louden lune nerd node nods nodule nose nosed nous nude nurse nursed olden once onus ounce rend rends resound rondel round roundel rounds rune runs scone scorn scorned SCOUNDREL second send snore snored sonde sound sounder sunder uncle unco under undo undoes unsold
C
22 Seniors
seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016
Tackle NZ mountain Gympie couple takes on mountain track for Alzheimer’s CHALLENGES are nothing new to Gympie couple Andy and Karen McSweeney, however their recent Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld) fundraising adventure across New Zealand’s Routeburn Track is one which typifies a growing resilience. The couple got in early, clocking up the kilometres in the lead-up to this Sunday’s Brisbane Memory Walk/Jog fundraiser to be held at UQ St Lucia. Almost a year and a half ago, at just 51, Andy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Despite an obvious memory decline, he and wife of 30 years, Karen, refused to simply become a statistic among a continually growing Australian population living with younger onset dementia. The couple successfully sought an early diagnosis through their Sunshine Coast specialist which has since allowed them to prioritise their time to
family, fun and adventure. Described as an epic 32km alpine walk of a lifetime, the three-day Routeburn trek through the South Island of New Zealand provided one of the most memorable experiences for the duo, who in the process raised more than $300 for a charity now very close to their hearts. “Of course life has really changed for us in the past couple of years, with lots of tears and frustrations as we are all unable to stop Andy’s Alzheimer’s from progressing,” Karen said. “At times we feel positive and hope for the best, but of course we know there is no cure for Alzheimer’s and so plan for the worst. This includes doing things that we enjoy, so fitting in as much time to travel, sooner rather than later. “Routeburn was something we had always planned to do after also completing a memorable elephant trek through
Keep your life in check with bowel cancer scan AUSTRALIANS participating in Rotary’s lifesaving bowel cancer awareness initiative will benefit from the inclusion of faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) in all Rotary-branded bowel screening kits this year. The tests are available in participating Australian pharmacies or on line at bowelscanqueensland. org.au from May 1. The program will see more than 120,000 FITs used as part of the Rotary
Bowelscan programs this year across Australia. The FIT is one of the most effective and easiest ways to reduce the risk of bowel cancer. Gastroenterologist, Dr Howard Hope, said the national inclusion of the faecal immunochemical tests was an important next step for the already successful program. “Bowel cancer is the second most common newly diagnosed cancer in Australia,” Dr Hope said.
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ALZHEIMER’S TREK: Gympie’s Karen and Andy McSweeney at the start of the Routeburn Track in New Zealand. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Thailand in 2012. “We do like a good hike and have walked quite a few 20km day walks in Australia and in the UK, but Routeburn was our
first three-day hike. It was quite tough in places, very steep and rocky and carrying a pack certainly slowed us down, but the views and scenery were
incredible and we feel very lucky to have done it. “The timing was also right to use this adventure as an opportunity to fundraise and grow
awareness for Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld) in the direct lead up to Brisbane’s Memory Walk/Jog on Sunday, April 17.”
Long service awards presented NINE Wide Bay-based mediators received long service awards at a special ceremony in Hervey Bay. On April 26 mediators Geoff Godfrey, Georgina Rickard and Christine Mills were presented with their 15-19 year service awards while Catrina Gibson, Colleen Campbell, Carol Pavey, Bev Carruthers-Turner, James McCrea and Jayde Redgen were given 10-14 year service awards. Executive manager of the Dispute Resolution Branch, Lindsay Smith, said the mediators had been helping people resolve conflicts ranging from neighbourhood disputes to court-ordered matters as well as workplace, family and parenting issues since the Wide Bay office first opened 19 years ago. “The Wide Bay Dispute Resolution Centre opened in 1997 in an office at the back of the Hervey Bay Court House with one member of staff, Ashley Eastall,” Ms Smith said. “Nineteen years later, it is now located in the Brendan Hansen Building in Pialba with two staff and a panel of nationally accredited mediators covering Gympie,
RECOGNITION: Nine Wide Bay based mediators received long service awards at a special ceremony in Hervey Bay. Photo Contributed PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Maryborough, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg regions. “It has also become the busiest regional office across Queensland.” Award recipient and co-ordinator of the Wide Bay Dispute Resolution Centre, Catrina Gibson, said it was very rewarding to have both her own and colleagues’ mediation skills and commitment recognised at last night’s ceremony. “Our mediators experience genuine satisfaction in helping community members, such as neighbours in dispute with each other, resolve their
misunderstandings and move forward with a more peaceful life,” Ms Gibson said. “Some of the disputes which have been resolved by the Centre have been ongoing for many years, have become deeply entrenched and have caused those involved considerable stress and anguish. “To see the change in people’s attitude towards each other through mediation is certainly gratifying.” The Dispute Resolution Branch has provided free and confidential mediation services
through its six Dispute Resolution Centres across Queensland for the last 25 years. Mediation allows people the opportunity to resolve their disputes in a safe environment with mediators using processes that help people in conflict to reach their own resolutions. More information on mediation and the services of the Wide Bay Dispute Resolution Centre can be accessed at justice.qld.gov.au/ mediation or by contacting the Centre on 4125 9225.
Seniors 23
Thursday, May 12, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au
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24 Seniors
seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, May 12, 2016