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8 FIVE GENERATIONS: Maureen Jones (formerly from Maryborough), birthday girl Dorothy Schmidt, Donna Freyling (Kingaroy), baby Jayne Flynn and Kristen Flynn (Chinchilla).

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Five generations Boni Holmes

SURROUNDED by five generations of family and friends on her 90th birthday, Dorothy Schmidt (nee Early) was in her element.

“Just love your kids,”

she said.

Dorothy grew up in Wynnum, Brisbane and was the third youngest of 13 siblings.

“I started working on a station with my mother at 13-and-a-half – it was hard but our employers were

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wonderful – they even wanted to adopt me,” she said.

“Mum and I did everything together.”

The great great grandmother said she had seen a lot of changes.

“Brisbane has changed

so much – I wouldn’t like to live there now – it wouldn’t be the same,” Dorothy said.

“I came to Maryborough after marrying my husband, Herb, in Wondai – my mother’s home town.

“I met Herb in Wynnum

great gift ideas for mum

Fanfare

Linate

5

4

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

20

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Cafe owner Gail Sauer is still cookin’

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– we worked at the same place – I was helping the cook and he was the milkman.”

Dorothy said Maryborough had also changed and she never

Age friendly communities explained

9 Barolin st, Bundaberg | ph 4154 0540 19-23 Bingera st, Bundaberg | ph 4331 1699 thefriendlies.org.au | like us on facebook

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We all have history

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What a pleasure to feature the wonderful story of family, longevity and lots of love on our front page.

And it is these sorts of

stories in our niche newspaper that go against the all too common phrase, “It’s always bad news in the media”.

Since the Seniors inception we have featured stories recording the history of early townsfolk and it certainly distinguishes the uniqueness of this area.

My own history on the maternal side includes a

great grandfather who is said to have struck gold at Mt Morgan, and resettled in Ipswich where he bought one of the first lounge suites in town.

Well, anyway that’s the story!

No doubt, many of you have interesting family anecdotes and we would love you to share them with us.

However, without today’s efforts there’s no

history for tomorrow.

So we look forward to receiving your community notes and photos and encourage you to send in and share with our readers.

You can check us out on www.seniorsnews.com.au Or we would love you to love us at: www.facebook.com/ seniorsnews Cheers, Gail

Who do you call...

Seniors Card 137 468 or 1800 175 500 (free call outside Brisbane) Centrelink: Retirement 132 300 Disability, Sickness & Carers 132 717 Employment Services 132 850 Seniors Enquiry Line 1300 135 500 Department of Veteran Affairs 133 254 or 1800 555 254 (Regional) National Information Centre on Retirement Investments (NICRI) 1800 020 110

1800 200 422

www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

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National Aged Care Information

FULL HOUSE: At Gympie Widegee Probus Club were Dell Kross, Pam Carlson, Jan Maudsley, Maureen Rush, Henry Kross, Daphine Haediher, Dot Simon, Betty Sin, Peter Dautel, Norm Breen, Ray Hardiker, Jim Eason and Merv Fraser. PHOTO: DAVID CROSSLEY

Enjoying fun, friendship and fellowship

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

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GYMPIE Widgee Probus Club held its changeover luncheon at Gunnabul Homestead recently, joined by several members from Gympie Probus Club.

Special guests at the luncheon meeting were Probus regional liaison officer Pam Carlson and Rotary District Probus chairman Robin Bechley.

All Probus clubs are formed by Rotary, to accommodate active retirees, and The Gympie Widgee Probus Club was formed 26 years ago.

The latest management committee is third-term president Henry Kross, secretary Norm Breen, treasurer Maureen Rush, guest speaker coordinator Peter Dautel, bulletin director Jan Maudsley, membership Dorothy Simon, fellowship Betty Sinn, providores Ray and Daphne Hardiker, hostess Dell Kross, publicity Norm Breen and entertainment Jim Eason.

Probus’s motto is Fun, Friendship and Fellowship.

It meets every month and enjoys another get-together every two weeks.

Henry Kross, Pam Carlson and Robin Bechley.

Lyn and Keith Bunkum.

John and Roslyn Stark.

There is always an interesting guest speaker to entertain and inform members.

The club holds and attends many worthwhile events throughout the year.

The club has 46

members and always welcomes new members.

For further info about the club or about becoming a member please contact president Henry Kross on 5486 7242.

Graeme Jensen entertains the crowd.

Robin Bechly Kross.

and

Henry

Seniors 3

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

GRAND PLANS: Barry Murnane (facility manager) and Melinda Andersen (clinical nurse manager) from Yaralla Place Residential Aged Care Facility are excited about the planned new facility.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Facilities for aged to grow Boni Holmes

A MULTI-MILLION dollar aged-care boom is expected to hit the Fraser Coast in the next two years, with two new facilities to be built in Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

One of the two projects will include a $20 million extension of Yaralla Pl in Maryborough, run by PresCare, across the road from their current facility.

The facility will employ 110 more staff and includes 100 new beds, five of which will be dedicated to housing the homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless.

In Hervey Bay, Regis Aged Care has been given more than $5.5 million in federal funding to build a new 90-bed facility.

The Federal Government also committed almost $2.5 million towards the Yaralla Pl expansion, as part of the latest round of aged-care approvals.

The two projects, which will be worth more than $28 million in total, are desperately needed. As of June last year, the Wide Bay had a shortfall of 2843 aged-care beds.

Wide Bay MP Warren Truss said the Yaralla Pl development was an “important addition” to Maryborough.

“It’s great to have it happen,” Mr Truss said.

“That’s 100 more beds so people can stay and get care here, and more than 100 new jobs. We certainly do have waiting lists on the Fraser Coast.”

Providing elderly people

❝

As of June last year, the Wide Bay had a shortfall of 2843 aged care beds

with the care they need is not cheap; according to the Federal Government it costs $60,100 on average to care for each resident on the Fraser Coast, and even more for those with higher needs.

Both agencies have just two years to build the new facilities.

Hinkler MP Keith Pitt said the projects would give elderly people the quality of care they deserved, as well as providing a cash injection into the economy.

“These additional places are essential in ensuring our elderly receive the quality care they deserve,” Mr Pitt said.

“Apart from the obvious benefits for our ageing residents and their families, this funding presents enormous opportunity for the local community more broadly as the baby boomer generation ages and demand for quality aged care and retirement villages continues to grow.”

The announcement of the two new buildings comes after a $30 million Premier Health Care facility was announced in February, to be built in Urraween’s Medical Pl, offering 145 new beds.

PresCare CEO Greg Skelton said he was keen

to expand its services through the Fraser Coast.

To tackle the issue of isolation, PresCare CEO Greg Skelton said PresCare had a mission to reduce the impacts of social isolation amongst the elderly.

“Social isolation is experienced by one-in-five Australians and can lead to depression and early death in our ageing population, according to researchers at the University of Adelaide,” Mr Skelton said.

Queensland Aged and Disability Advocacy (QADA) CEO Geoff Rowe said the beds would be welcomed.

“We’re seeing more and more older people, practically in rural and regional Queensland, where they have to find places where aged-care facilities are available away from their community,” Mr Rowe said.

“It’s a high level of stress for an older person to have to move.”

He said having more aged care facilities on the Fraser Coast would cut down on waiting times for available beds.

Regis Aged Care declined to comment on the Hervey Bay announcement, as the land acquisition process is confidential.

Other new facilities: OzCare is building a $40 million aged care home at Kawungan.

Premier Health Care is spending $30 million on a new facility in Urraween.

4 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

In all of its glory

Hospital sets up charity

Revamp for City Hall Clock Boni Holmes

MARYBOROUGH’S City Hall clock will be restored over the coming months.

From April 11, the historic clock will not operate for up to three months during the restoration.

The work will involve dismantling, cleaning and servicing parts and replacing bearings, motors and chains.

This will be the first major restoration of the 81-year old clock, which was manufactured in 1935 by John Taylor & Co, Loughborough,

❝

This will be the first major restoration of the 81-year-old clock, which was manufactured in Scotland in 1935.

Scotland.

The repairs will ensure the clock retains its historical integrity.

WORK DUE: Maryborough's City Hall clock.

PHOTO:

A time to celebrate all the great times FROM PAGE 1

remembered it being so hot.

She worked in Granville as a bread slicer and with her husband raised four boys and four girls.

“Raising children kept me young and healthy and very busy,” she said.

“Herb cut cane and worked cooking bricks in the brickyard.

“We just had to keep going – Herb was a hard worker.

“And you have got to give to your kids – they come first. If everybody did that it would be a happier place.

“I can remember one of my twins –she’d say ‘Mum, do you want all that you are eating’ and I would always give it to her – it’s probably how I stayed so skinny.

“It was much different to raising kids back then – some just don’t show respect. Your parents are there for you, so you can show some respect.”

Dorothy said she lived with one of her youngest sisters.

“I still live in the same house as what we moved into when we first moved to Maryborough – although the address has

❝

Herb was in the navy and I was really happy when he came home and the war was over we danced in the street.

I also remember we travelled Australia twice with my niece Barbara and her husband Timmy changed,” she said.

Dorothy said there were a few highlights in her life which stand out.

“Herb was in the navy and I was really happy when he came home and the war was over – we danced in the street,” she said.

“I also remember we travelled Australia twice with my niece Barbara and her husband Timmy – we got on so well – we still get on.”

Family and friends gathered at the Maryborough RSL for Dorothy’s 90th birthday

celebrations.

“I got a shock to how many people turned up to my party,” she said.

“It was lovely seeing family and friends I haven’t seen for four or five years – it was such a surprise.”

Dorothy was born on March 26, 1926 and has eight children, 15 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren.

“Herb and I had a big family and we were happy together – that’s the main thing – he looked after me and I looked after him.”

A CHARITY has been launched to ensure the future of vital health care services in the Bundaberg Region.

The Friendlies Foundation is the charitable fundraising arm of The Friendly Society Private Hospital.

Foundation PR spokeswoman Fiona Macaulay said: “Our region has a higher proportion of the older demographic and they have higher healthcare needs.

“The Wide Bay and Burnett is also growing in population so we need to expand hospital services,” Mrs Macaulay said.

The foundation aims to raise funds for expansion, large capital items, research and education.

“The Friendlies Foundation’s first projects will focus on oncology and raising funds for a second cath lab, which diagnoses and treats heart problems and conditions,” Mrs Macaulay said.

“Last year 1000 patients were able to have treatment here in Bundaberg that would otherwise have had to travel to Brisbane. This year we expect to increase patients through the cardiac cath lab by 30%,” she said.

The foundation will hold events throughout the year and foundation staff will be available to speak to community groups, organisations and businesses.

The first event will be a Mother’s Day High Tea at Rowers On The River on Saturday, May 7.

For tickets to the high tea, to book a community talk or to find out more about the foundation, contact Mrs Macaulay on 4331 1024.

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Seniors 5

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Gail is still in the building

SEMI-RETIRED: Gail Sauer’s Bakery Cafe owner Gail Sauer.

WELL known for reinventing her grandparents’ popular pie business, Gail Sauer wants to quash rumours.

The owner of Gail Sauer Bakery Cafe said customers were making all sorts of statements.

“Customers are coming in saying that I had sold the business and I was no longer the owner,” she said.

“Another was we had completely shut down.

“I would just like to let everyone know that we are definitely not sold and we are very much still open for business.”

Ms Sauer has semi-retired.

“I have retired to Maaroom – doing a bit of fishing and crabbing,” she said.

“I still come down to the

❝

... we are definitely not sold and we are very much still open for business

— Gail Sauer

DETAILS Gail Sauer’s Bakery Cafe, 72 Lennox St, Maryborough.

Open Monday to Thursday from 7.30am to 4.30pm and Friday from 7.30am to 3.30pm.

Ph: 4123 4727. bakery and do prep work.

“When the boys need a break, I come up to help.

A range of prescription reductions MILLIONS of prescriptions for common medicines, treating everything from cholesterol to high blood pressure, have dropped in price for consumers by as much as $20 – or 60 per cent – many for the first time.

In an Australian first, the price of a large proportion of expensive combination medicines and patent-protected drugs listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme have dropped, in addition to the annual April changes.

This will see the total number of medicines taking a price reduction skyrocket to over 400, more than quadruple the usual number at this time of year.

With one-in-five Australians now living everyday with multiple chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, eye disease and depression, this could save patients as much as $500 per year.

There will be further price reductions of as much as 50 per cent or

more coming for consumers in October 2016.

Consumers will see a direct reduction in the cost of over 60 common medicines priced below the general $38.80 co-payment as part of the April round of price disclosure.

This includes a number of more expensive combination medicines dropping by as much as $20 below the patient co-payment for the first time.

PHOTO: BONI HOLMES

“But getting out of bed at 2am is hard.”

The 61-year-old said she still worked hard but her body was slowing down.

“I started at the Park St shop at 16,” she said.

“I have known half the community for 41 years, selling pies.

“Gail’s has been open for nine-and-a-half years and time has just flown.”

Ms Sauer said she appreciated the community support.

“We could never have survived without this community – their support is wonderful,” she said.

“And we have been going strong ever since.

“We have changed with the times – adding a dine-in, air-conditioned area with wheelchair access just after Christmas.”

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seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

Tool to improve lives Thanks to North Lions Club Boni Holmes

IT’S a little weird placing your fingers on a fake arm and feeling a pulse – but staff at Bundaberg Hospital are very excited about this lifelike new addition to their toolbox.

The new Smash patient training arm has been donated by North Bundaberg Lions Club and will mean students and nursing staff helping dialysis patients can perfect the art of inserting a needle into a fistula.

“A fistula, in a nutshell, is where we take an artery and a vein and join them together,” the hospital’s renal access co-ordinator Darrall Harvey said.

The fistula is created surgically in the patient’s forearm.

“We do that so we can get at your blood at a decent rate,” Mr Harvey said.

When we put little needles in to the small veins in your arms it only allows us to get a small

amount – but we need large volumes, around 250-300ml a minute to do a good dialysis.”

The training arm has soft rubber “flesh” and tubes can be fed through

❝

It’s a lot easier sticking a needle into a piece of rubber ...

RENAL UNIT: Bundaberg North Lions Club members Norma Buchanan and Ann Duffy feel the pulse of the new training arm for cannulation procedures.

PHOTO: MIKE KNOTT

it, simulating the arteries and veins, different types of fistulas and other exercises.

Mr Harvey said it was a vast improvement on the hospital’s previous training arm and by improving staff skills, it would reduce the risk of damaging fistulas which can take days to create.

“Students and nursing staff can practice getting the needle in – you can feel the change in resistance, and once you’ve got it in, you can see the blood moving

through the tube. It’s a lot easier sticking a needle into a piece of rubber for the first time than a living, breathing person,” Mr Harvey said.

“The North Lions’ donation will allow us to simulate pulse and blood flow as realistically as possible, and save damage to fistulas we’ve spent a long time developing.”

Former dialysis patient Gary Spann – who has since had a successful kidney transplant – said the tool would improve life

for patients on dialysis, an uncomfortable process at the best of times.

“I was on dialysis for 13 months and I experienced what you’ve just seen on that arm – and believe you and me, 13 years ago it was trial and error,” he said.

“The nurses were very, very good, but nobody’s perfect.

“Something like that arm just gives them practice without subjecting you to the pain and bruising – if you miss the vein, you get bruising.”

The Lions donation drive was led by Norma Buchanan, who, like Mr Spann, is a member of the Bundaberg Renal Support Group.

NEW RSL VEHICLE EX-SERVICE and service personnel in Bundaberg will benefit from a $44,090 Veteran and Community Grant which has purchased a 12-seater bus.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated the Bundaberg RSL application.

“Reducing social

isolation is an important part of the work the Bundaberg RSL Sub-Branch’s welfare officers carry out, and this bus will make it easier,” Mr Pitt said.

The 12-seater Toyota Hiace bus will transport RSL members to morning teas, lunches and other group events.

Sub-Branch secretary Rudy Valzan said it was identified during the organisation’s strategic planning sessions that a bus would be a valuable resource.

Hospital museum welcomes new volunteers the history outlined for people to see.”

Mrs Jensen said the museum volunteers were always looking for volunteers, information and equipment.

“During Anzac Day last year we paid tribute to those who were part of the Maryborough Hospital

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“Maryborough Hospital, like many other public hospitals of the day, had their china printed with an identifying crest,” Mrs Jensen said.

“The museum has only four pieces of this printed china which is on display.

“If you have any information on pieces or

volunteering phone Marilyn Jensen 0416 213 479.

The Wide Bay Hospitals Museum opens every Thursday from 9am-noon, cnr Yaralla and Walker Sts, Maryborough.

Phone Dell York 4128 3991, or 4122 4332.

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who left to serve their country,” she said.

“It was nice to have something for our records to pay homage to those who served.”

The museum committee were on the lookout for any 1920s Maryborough Hospital crockery.

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THERE is a long history of hospital care in the region and a lot of it can be seen at the Wide Bay Hospitals Museum.

History buff and former Maryborough nurse Marilyn Jensen said it was 130 years since the laying

of the first foundation stone of the Maryborough Base Hospital.

“This museum is set up to display old instruments and equipment, display documentation and offer research,” Mrs Jensen said.

“There is a whole story in every display room with

6102730aa

Boni Holmes

Seniors 7

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Love and smiles defeated disasters

is proud to present...

Join us at our annual Cancer Council fundraiser.

There will be displays, morning tea and lucky door prizes!

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Bring along a fold-up chair

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Orchid House on: 4125 9870

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Bruce Saunders MP Putting the Maryborough Electorate 1st

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RON and Nora Fluerty have weathered many storms during their 60 years of marriage and are going to keep on enjoying it.

Nora remembers having to be dragged to the Byrnestown Church by a big truck on April 2, 1956.

“Because of the two floods – one in the Mary in ‘55 and the big one in Burnett in ‘56,” Ron said.

“I parked my car out near the railway station in Maryborough under one of the trees and me and the bridesmaid went up on a Friday evening on the rail motor that ran from Maryborough to Monto three times a week.

“The following morning unbeknown to me, my mother and father came up on a goods train and that’s all I had of family at the wedding – no one could get there due to the flood.

“Nora got snug in a bog in their car – so it was a very small wedding.”

Ron and Nora met 18-months prior to their marriage while playing tennis at Benyenda.

“I met Nora out on a tennis court at Benyenda

‘Botanics in the Garden’

CONGRATULATIONS: Ron and Nora Fluerty celebrated their 60th diamond wedding anniversary on April 2.

PHOTO: BONI HOLMES

– which was a citrus orchard I was working there for about 12 months,” Ron said.

“I went down that way to look after my sister – her husband worked at Benyenda – she was very sick at the time and couldn’t do anything, so I

was down there for about six weeks looking after her, helping with the kids,” Nora said.

“We were just rouse-abouts them days, we went wherever we had to go.

“I also played tennis and cricket in those days.”

The Maryborough couple celebrated their diamond anniversary on April 2 at the Maryborough RSL with family and friends.

They have five children, 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Maryborough: 1/133 Comet Place Lennox Street Howard: 73b William Street (Wednesdays) Ph: 4114 1100 E: maryborough@parliament.qld.gov.au brucesaundersMP Authorised by Bruce Saunders 1/133 Comet Place Lennox St Maryborough 4650

Broadband coming to Wide Bay NBN’S fixed wireless broadband technology is creating opportunities for more than 9200 homes and businesses in Wide Bay, with the technology helping to put regional and rural Australians on an equal footing with their city counterparts.

The fixed wireless technology is designed to provide access to whole-

sale speeds of up to 25-50 download and up to 5-20 upload.

Research by Ovum showed this is more than 30% faster than our next best fixed wireless global peer in Ireland.

Areas in the region to benefit from the fixed wireless broadband technology include parts of Apple Tree Creek,

Biggenden, Childers, Dundowran, Meadowvale, Tinana and Welcome Creek.

“By the time we complete the rollout of the NBN network in 2020, this world-leading broadband service will provide more than half a million homes and businesses living in regional and rural Australia with access to

fast internet speeds that many of their city cousins have available today,” state corporate affairs (Qld) manager Kylie Lindsay said.

“Access to this service will also help drive the new ‘e-change’ movement projected to result in moves to country and coastal towns,” Ms Lindsay said.

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

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seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

An age friendly society

Expert points to the ways GLOBAL Ageing expert and co-president of the International Longevity Centre Global Alliance and former director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) global program on ageing Dr Alexandre Kalance has travelled the world speaking about Age-Friendly Cities.

His focus is on encouraging seniors to have a voice. He said this age-group should have a voice that will challenge, speak up and shape social policies.

And he advises policymakers to: “listen to the people, they will tell you, don’t make assumptions.”

He lists the big issues as health care, life-long learning, income, social participation and security of food and shelter.

“But this is not about ageing, it’s about longevity,” he said.

The Brazilian born Professor called Australia

a land of migrants and asked for the recognition of the uniqueness of problems associated with ageing in a foreign land.

“In older age you can start longing for what you left behind,” he said He recommended government policies for migrants who have also left a legacy and made contributions.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Dr Kalache references his own country to define the demands of longevity.

“Do you remember the song The Girl from Ipanema,” he asked. “Well that girl today is 76 and she is looking after her mother with Alzheimer’s.”

Now, he is said he was speaking on behalf of “All the girls from Ipanema.”

He asked this generation not be selfish, but to be inclusive and imaginative. He emphasised the importance of intergenerational activities

GlOBAL AGEING EXPERT: Dr Alexandre Kalache advises on Age-Friendly Cities.

and gender balance.

In terms of care giving, he said: “If a society is to be sustainable, we cannot just rely on women. We must bring men into these roles.”

Audience member Emeritus Professor, Colleen Cartwright of Southern Cross University reached out with another imaginative step.

“Instead of just childcare in the workplace,” she said.

“Let’s have care for young and old.”

DETAILS The WHO Age-friendly Cities Framework The WHO (World Health Organisation) Age-friendly Cities framework developed in the Global Age-friendly Cities Guide proposes eight interconnected domains that can help to identify and address barriers to the well-being and participation of older people.

These domains overlap and interact with each other. For example, respect is reflected in the accessibility of public buildings and spaces and in the range of opportunities that the city offers to older people for social participation, entertainment, volunteering or employment.

The lack of affordable public transport for example isolates older people who no longer drive in their homes and make participation in community life difficult, increasing the risk of isolation and loneliness. When transport is available and adapted to the needs of seniors, both in terms of scheduling and destinations, it enhances mobility and facilitates social participation and a sense of belonging in one’s community.

Minister talks about age-friendly city survey MINISTER’S MESSAGE CORALEE O’ROURKE THE Palaszczuk Government is one step closer to making Queensland a more age-friendly community,

after receiving more than 9000 responses to a public survey, which asked Queenslanders to suggest ways to welcome and support seniors in the community.

The survey highlighted many key issues, such as access to transport, employment and information technology, to help inform the new

seniors strategy – “Queensland: an age-friendly community”.

An age-friendly community encourages people of all ages to take part in community activities. It is a place where people are treated with respect, regardless of their age or ability; where they can stay in touch with the people they

care about and can find appropriate support services that meet their needs. Most importantly, age-friendly communities are highly beneficial for older people who are at risk of social isolation. In March, I had the privilege of meeting world leading authority on ageing Professor Alexandre Kalache to discuss the

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survey results and the new strategy. Professor Kalache pioneered the concept of “active ageing’ and developed the Global Movement on Age Friendly Cities while he was the head of the World Health Organisation’s Ageing and Life Course Program.Now the Director of the International Centre for Policies on Ageing in

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Seniors 9

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

thoughts

Share your thoughts

Express your views with a letter to the editor. Send to editor@seniors newspaper.com.au

Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

Push for career planning to avoid being unemployed UNTIL they start planning for encore careers, mature-age Australians will continue to experience high long-term unemployment rates, a new report has found.

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

The findings show more than half those working

❝

Planning allows people to better respond to work environment changes... had never done career planning.

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

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

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

“It also allows people to better respond to the work environment’s rapid

changes, including technology, globalisation and economic restructuring,” he said.

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

“Australians are increasingly expected to work past Age Pension age,” he said.

“Yet, older people are still facing the barriers they did 10 years ago.

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

Govt initiatives for mature-aged workers If you are unemployed and looking for work, you may be able to receive help from jobactive to find and keep a job. jobactive provides you with access to tailored help from a jobactive provider, based on your assessed needs.

You may also be able to get help to become a self-employed business owner through the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS).

Anyone looking for work can use Job Search to look for and apply for jobs, keep track of job searches, create a personal profile and get job alerts. You can also use the Job Seeker JobSearch App, available for download from iTunes or Google Play.

There are programs and incentives that encourage employers to take on mature-age people.

The Restart wage subsidy provides up to $10,000 (GST inclusive) in financial assistance to employers who provide jobs to a mature age job seeker (50 years or older).

You can find more information here.

The Corporate Champions program also helps large employers to attract and retain mature-age workers. The program supports

employers who commit to moving towards best practice in the recruitment and retention of mature-age staff aged 45 years and over.

Eligible employers can receive tailored support and assistance from an industry expert valued at up to $20,000. https:// www.employment.gov.au/ job-seekers-0#im-a-mature -age-person

HAVE YOUR SAY: Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or go online to www.seniorsnews.com.au.

Struggle for seniors looking for jobs IS THERE prejudice against older people applying for jobs?

That is the most common question at my seminars on how to get a job or start a business. The answer is simple: "Absolutely!

So what are you going to do about it?"

The choice is stark: keep trying for jobs but meanwhile buy or start up a business.

The alternative is an unemployment benefit, but even that is hard to retain as the government (rightly, in my view) demands you hunt for any job, no matter your prior experience.

Business brokers and business-for-sale advertisements can be found online or in local newspapers.

But be warned.

Sunshine Coast senior accountant, Val Smart, tells of many retirees seeking advice on purchasing a shopfront in a glamorous area: Val does the sums: "You could be making a couple of bucks an hour," he forecast.

With no regard for those numbers, the purchase is made, and back many crawl, superannuation gone, this time to listen to his advice.

Alternatively, you can set up a business.

Again arrogance can get in the way. Take cleaning as an

Anna Day, a former business journalist, runs courses on how to get a job or start a business.

She is the author of 1000 Business Ideas to Start with Next to Nothing.

Contact Anna by email at anndaysnews @gmail.com. example. Is it beneath you?

If you clean a property so it is spotless, your reputation will spread.

Cleaning jobs will pour in through word of mouth. You then hire cleaners, promote the business, and with persistence, could become like a Compass or Sodexo, both major cleaning companies worth millions.

Or do people’s books. Many tradies just like to do the trade and leave the books to someone else.

Do a short course, sign up for a free online accounting program, promote your service to every tradie you see and you can reward me with a meal in Noosa’s Bistro C Restaurant to celebrate.

I know of at least a thousand such business ideas. It can be easy and hard, but being "hard" is just a thought. Simply jump the next hurdle.

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10 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

Military trail’s Stage 2

TWO men now at the helm of the Maryborough RSL sub-branch are enthusiastic about the potential of the second stage of the Duncan Chapman memorial and the Fraser Coast military trail.

Jason Scanes, the CEO appointed last month by the sub-branch, said specific projects like the military trail would pass on the proud history of the Anzacs and Australia’s military heritage.

“The impact on the region will be fantastic in preserving that heritage and providing a boost for our economy.”

Both men, who are part of the RSL sub-committee driving the project, have army backgrounds.

Jason had 19 years in the army, including multiple deployments to the Middle East, including

Shuttle offers lift to Dawn Service

Afghanistan, and moved to Maryborough a year ago with his wife and young family.

Mr Manttari spent six years with 1 Commando Regiment based in Sydney. He moved to Maryborough in 1993.

Money for the statue of Duncan Chapman, the first Anzac to step ashore at Gallipoli, was raised in a community campaign in 2014.

It was unveiled during the 100th commemoration of the Gallipoli landing with plans in hand for a second stage that will include a representation of the cliffs of Gallipoli and a trench walk commemorating the Anzac battles on the Western Front.

The story of the WW1 Anzacs will be woven through the memorial, which will lead to a

PROUD HISTORY: Jason Scanes (left) and Jukka Manttari look at sketch plans for the second stage of the Duncan Chapman memorial that will form the first step of the Fraser Coast military trail.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

military trail throughout the Fraser Coast.

The story of the Palestine campaign will be told around the Hervey Bay RSL’s Light Horse statue at Freedom Park in Pialba, completing the

Great War record.

Mr Scanes said the Stage 2 committee was working on final designs that would ensure the memorial enhanced Queens Park in Maryborough and fitted

with objectives laid down when the park was heritage listed.

The project has attracted $2 million in Federal Government and Fraser Coast Regional Council funding.

A SHUTTLE service which has rocketed into a popular door-to-door passenger transportation will give back to the community this Anzac Day. Steve from Atkinson’s Specialist Shuttles said he is offering a volunteer transport collection service for the Anzac Day ceremonies in Hervey Bay. “I made the proposal to the Hervey Bay RSL to offer my services to pick up members to take to the dawn service and parade,” he said.

The service normally runs three times a day shuttling people to medical specialists, cruise ship and airport transfers, or fly-in, fly-out workers for people on the Fraser Coast.

Since its inception in February 2014, customer responses have been phenomenal.

“We have grown into a three-vehicle fleet, four staff and three services a day.”

Info: 0455 304 979 or visit atkinsonshuttles.com.au/

maryborough rsl anzac day servıces monday 25th aprıl 2016 DAWN SERVICE 4.30am - Ex Servicemen & Women, and current Service Personnel (ADF) assemble at the Maryborough RSL Club for Tea & Coffee 5.15am - Assembly for Dawn Parade (Adelaide Street) 5.30am - Dawn Parade marches off 5.45am - Dawn Service at the Cenotaph, Queens Park, Maryborough 6.30am - Parade returns to the Maryborough RSL Club

MAIN COMMEMORATION SERVICE 8.30am - Assembly for Main Parade (Adelaide Street) 9.00am - Main Parade marches off 9.30am - Anzac Day Commemoration Service at the Cenotaph, Queens Park, Maryborough 10.45am - Parade returns to the Maryborough RSL Club 1.00pm - RSL Club opens to the general public for normal trading. www.maryboroughrsl.com.au

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Seniors 11

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

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 4, 2016.

Enquiries to Robyn, Nicky or Chris via email communitynotes@ seniorsnewspaper.com.au ■ Fraser Coast Bromeliad Society The next meeting for the Fraser Coast Bromeliad Society will be held on Saturday, April 23 at 170 Burrum River Road, Torbanlea (near Bambooland), in case you get lost the phone number is 4129 0122. The members are always happy to share their knowledge and experience of bromeliads.

Plant of the Month: Aechmea Spike.

Plant sales start at 1pm followed by the general meeting at 1.30pm. Bring along any plant that you may need identified.

Members are reminded to bring their own chairs, coffee mugs, raffle donations, sale plants and any plants members need help with. Phone Debbie on 4128 6026 for more information.

■ Maryborough Family Heritage Institute May 27, 28 and 30, the

70th birthday to remember SNAPSHOTS OF LIFE ANN RICKARD ann.rickard@apn.com.au

SPECIAL AWARD: Fred Hussey-Smith being honoured by club members with the presentation of his 100 Year Medallion by Club president, Peter Ey. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Maryborough Family Heritage Institute Inc will be celebrating 150 years since the arrival into Maryborough of the Immigrant Ships the Golden South and Sultana and 140 years since the arrival of City of Agra and Indus. Also added to the celebration will be the Polmaise which arrived in 1872. Descendants are invited to contact us if they are interested in attending any of our functions, at heritageresearch@ bigpond.com or phone 4123 1620 or find us on facebook. Volunteers are always welcomed to help with research at Heritage Institute Inc.

■ Hervey Bay VIEW Club 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. This year the March Social was a first for the club with interested members attending a movie and enjoying My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. Our April Social will be a visit to Arkarra Tea Gardens for lunch on April 26. Contact details Barbara Campbell on 4128 9110.

Peace of mind at a great price

■ Fred Hussey-Smith celebrates 100th birthday A huge day was enjoyed at East Bundaberg Bowls Club last Sunday celebrating the 100th birthday of Fred Hussey-Smith who turned 100 on March 19. He has been a keen bowler for 45 years and played until the age of 99. Always a keen bowler he played rugby league, rugby union, hockey, cycling and running. Fred was born in Hemmant, Brisbane, Qld. One of six children, he has lived in Bundaberg for 62 years. His working life was spent as a baker, but his talent as a drummer saw CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

IF I READ another popular author writing a memoir (or essay or column or even just a paragraph in a newsletter) about the angst of turning 50, I’ll go bonkers.

I wrote about that subject 20 years ago. You could say I led the way.

Not that I’ve minded reading about some of my favourite authors turning 50, I’ve actually loved it.

I can’t quite remember what I wrote about turning 50 myself those two decades ago, but I do remember putting little bullet points in a column about all the fun stuff that was waiting for me over the hillock of 50.

Anyway, enough of that.

Turning 70. A couple of months ago. Very Big Deal.

There is something about the number 7 coming before a big 0 that made me nervous for the

entire year I was 69.

Like you, I was sick of reading about 60 being the new 40, and 50 being the new 21...all that rubbish.

I wanted to read about 70 being the new 30 which would have had my stamp of approval – but hadn’t come across anything.

Most writers, advisors, authors, influencers seem to give up writing about anyone over 70.

The 70 year old is downgraded to the unpalatable words “70 and beyond”.

The “...and beyond” bit I find quite offensive.

The only thing upsetting about turning 70 for me was the complete and utter lack of recognition, let alone celebration.

In a perverse way the complete lack of celebration has turned out to be a good thing.

My 70th birthday just slipped right under the radar.

Until now.

Now I have announced it proudly to you. Keep it to yourself. ann.rickard@ apn.com.au

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12 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

SPECIAL GETTOGETHER: Members from Hervey Bay Sclerosis Support Group: sitting - Hazel Morrow, Elfriede Roehm, standing - Val Scott, Karen Qualie (MS Qld), Dianne Lindsey.

FROM PAGE 11

him playing in several brass bands as well as his own band Tempo for 53 years. He joined Tantitha Bowling Club in 1970 where he was president of the Ex-Servicemen Bowlers for two years.

When that club closed down in 2013 he became a member of the East Bundaberg Bowls Club.

■ NSA Bundaberg The Bundaberg Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association (Qld) Inc, meet every second Saturday of the month in the board room of the Bundaberg RSL Club, Quay Street, Bundaberg. Meetings commence 1pm for 1.30pm. The Bundaberg Branch was formed more than 20 years ago.

Although there is a large membership, a dedicated group of 20-25 members meet for monthly meetings. The social secretary organises bus trips and the next trip is to Gladstone for a cruise around the harbour to be held in May. For further info contact Brian Trost on 4151 3485.

■ NSA Gympie Nineteen members assembled at the Museum Duck Ponds for a fun games morning recently. Everyone brought something to share for morning tea which was enjoyed before the games started. In teams of four the members had fun

playing many and varied games. Even though they were just by luck some skill was needed in golf putting, quoits and hockey. After playing two rounds the scores were added up to find the winning team. The winning team was presented with a bag of fruit provided by secretary, Shirley Lund, Kath Batt provided two raffles for the morning.

After completing the games there was enough food to enjoy lunch together before going home. It was a fun morning enjoyed by all.

■ Hervey Bay Quilters Hervey Bay Quilters meet every Thursday between 9am-3pm at John Paul Catholic Hall, Hillyard Street, Pialba. Activities include: In-house workshops, qualified tutor workshops, charity days, Seniors’ Expo, Cancer morning tea, visits to other quilting groups, show and tell days and so much more. Morning tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Come and pay us a visit and see if you would like to become a member of this vibrant and talented community craft group. Annual fee is $30 and daily fee is $5.

For further information, phone 0401 831 309.

■ Botanics in the Garden fundraiser Fraser Coast residents are invited to head down to the Hervey Bay Orchid House on Thursday, April

28 to join in their annual Cancer Council fundraiser.

Kicking off at 10am, there will be displays from local horticultural groups, morning tea and lucky door prizes. The Botanic Gardens team will also be on hand to showcase plants and their use in everyday life. Entry to the event is $5 per person which includes access to the Orchid House. All proceeds will be donated to the Cancer Council Queensland.

The Orchid House is located at the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens on Elizabeth Street, Urangan.

For more information, phone 4125 9870.

■ Tin Can Bay Craft Club April is shaping up to be another busy month for the Craft ladies. Louise Hanks is preparing cross stitch kits for a beginners class of cross stitch. The cost of the kits is $2 which is very reasonable.

Pat Smith will take a group to learn the art of hardhanger. This craft has been around for hundreds of years and it is craft people such as Pat who keep this needle work alive.

Michelle Parker is continuing the crazy patches on the last Thursday of each month.

The Club welcomes visitors and as winter is coming on we will see more ladies from down south coming in as their

menfolk go fishing or playing golf. Contact President Penny Melton on 5486 2512.

We meet at the Cooloola Coast Community Complex, Cnr Bayside Rd and Tin Can Bay Rd, Thursday mornings 9am to noon.

■ Halcro Street workshop On Saturday May 7, from 10am-noon, Brian Taylor will present a Knot Tying Workshop for those interested in expanding their knowledge beyond the simple granny knot.

The cost is $4 for the session with rope included. Numbers are limited so bookings are essential. Phone 4194 2441.

■ RSL Women’s Auxiliary Auxiliary meets at the RSL Club Hervey Bay at 10.30am on the 2nd Tuesday each month and new members are always very welcome. To commemorate our service veterans, for ANZAC Day this year we have 25cm white crosses which our members will place in a designated, clearly visible area in Freedom Park Hervey Bay prior to the Dawn Service. Attached to each cross will be a red poppy and a small card for the veteran’s name. The crosses will be available in the foyer of the RSL Club from April 21-23 for $2 each. We will remove the crosses after the second ANZAC Day service and they will be stored to be used again next year. They will always remain the property of the Auxiliary.

The funds raised will be used to assist local community organisations.

Auxiliary contacts: Barbara Campbell 4128 9110 and Joan Hawkes 4125 4049.

■ 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

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Help for those grumpy old men GOOD MEDICINE Dr MICHAEL GILLMAN

MAYBE IT’S MALE MENOPAUSE

AS MEN become older, we are often accused of going through a male menopause. Some of us become tired, irritable, lacking in motivation and have declining sex drives.

This is where the term “grumpy old men” comes from.

So do males go through menopause like our female counterparts do and should all grumpy old men be taking testosterone replacement therapy?

Testosterone is produced predominantly in the testes. It is released into the body and is regulated by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. If the levels are low, the hypothalamus sends a signal to the pituitary gland which in turn sends a signal to the testosterone-producing cells of the testes that

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 for more information. Phone 4128 2692 or email bev_cornwell @hotmail.com

more testosterone is needed. If there is too much testosterone, then no signal is sent to the testes and the cells stop producing the hormone.

The medical term for low testosterone is hypogonadism and it is present in about five in 100 men. To make a diagnosis of male hypogonadism we need all three of the following criteria. Firstly, there must be an unequivocally low level of testosterone in two early morning blood tests. There must be signs of low testosterone such as lack of facial and body hair, loss of muscle mass, weak bones such as osteoporosis, amongst other signs. Finally, there must be symptoms such as tiredness, lethargy, low sex drive and difficulty concentrating. There are many other causes of this group of symptoms such as sleep apnoea, early depression, anaemia and other hormone disorders.

So if you or a loved one is a “grumpy old man”, go and see your local doctor and arrange for some testing.

For more information see www.DrMichael Gillman.com ■ Safe Scootering A Scooter Education Session will be held on Wednesday, April 27 from 10am at the Memorial Hall in Pialba.

The free information session aims to provide information about the rules, regulations and responsibilities of owning a motorised mobility scooter. Participants are welcome to bring along their own scooter to try out the interactive obstacle course.

Morning tea is provided so bookings are essential.

Phone 4194 2441.

.

01

Seniors 13

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

travel

Whether you want to explore overseas, local or interstate you will find the information you need in Seniors’ colourful travel pages.

Secret Mykonos taverna Treat yourself to a Greek dining experience that will rival all others

Ann Rickard

WHAT are the chances?

You discover a tiny taverna on a Greek Island, so hidden it is invisible.

It has no telephone, no electricity, no signage, a no reservations policy.

You have to know someone who knows someone who knows someone else and is willing to tell you all about it.

It is in a remote section of Mykonos, on a desolate hill amid a brown denuded landscape, blocked from sight beneath the bushy umbrella branches of a large tree.

Three of us were determined to experience it after learning of its rustic charm in hushed whispers on a busy beach on the island.

“It’s very small. It opens only for lunch.

They cook enormous pork chops and delicious sword fish and giant baked potatoes on an open fire and the views over the sea are

wonderful but you might have to wait to get in, and if the food runs out, that’s it, they close.”

Such pressure.

But we were unwavering. We found it.

A queue had formed outside. Opening time was 1pm and not a second before.

When the clock struck one, the owner, a large handsome man looked over the top of a wall at the long line of desperate hopefuls outside, pointed at those he deemed first in line and said: “You, you, you and you.”

We were in. And smug.

The small bare tables, the inspiring simplicity of the mouth-watering food, the smell of the open grill fire, the glittering sea views, the haughty discern of the owner, and the strict policy that the baked potato came only with the pork, never with the swordfish, all made for such a vivid experience, I returned to Australia and wrote about it.

I referred cheekily to the wonderful owner as The Potato Nazi. He had

WORTH FINDING: Tables are small and bare and the food mouth-watering.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

refused to give our friend with the swordfish a potato despite our pleading and offers of extra payment.

“No potato with the fish,” he said firmly and there was no question of negotiation.

We had loved it very much and despite the tongue-in-cheek reference to The Potato Nazi, I wrote fondly of it.

In my wildest dreams I could not have imagined someone from regional

Queensland would cut out the article, take it all the way to the remote

part of Mykonos, find the hidden taverna and brandish my story in front of The Potato Nazi.

Really? What were the chances?

He was not pleased when we returned the following year for another magical experience.

With a livid face, he pointed at me. “You,” he thundered, “I don’t let you in.”

Fortunately, after my pleas that the story really had been flattering in its mischief, he conceded and let us in where he produced my small story from a scrapbook and reluctantly said his wife thought I had described him perfectly.

We have returned to the taverna every year

for a decade now on an annual pilgrimage because it is, quite simply, the most glorious Greek Island food experience.

Other writers before and after me have written about this marvellous place - there was even a story in the New York Times, much to our owner’s feigned horror.

The Potato Nazi has a soft heart. His taverna is small and despite the fish/potato policy, he loves to please everyone. and is uncomfortable about the queues.

He even passes free wine in small pink aluminium containers over the wall to the people waiting outside.

I’m not going to tell you the name of the taverna in case you print this out and take it to him.

I really like my annual pilgrimage.

14 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Take in diverse sights of NT and Hong Kong TAKE IN VIEWS BY RAIL AND SAIL

PLENTY TO SEE: In Franschhoek you will enjoy a unique experience on the Wine Tram.

Africa a world full of wonder JOIN Solo Connections when it departs Brisbane June 19 and travel to South Africa taking in the wonders of Cape Town, Franschhoek, Kruger National Park and Johannesburg.

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

You will arrive into and stay in Cape Town for four nights, while taking in all that this beautiful city has to offer. Visiting Cape Point, Table Mountain, South Africa’s own 12 Apostles, and a dinner at Gold Restaurant are just

❝

The final night will be spent in one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities, Johannesburg. some of the highlights.

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

A three-night stay within Kruger National Parks Private Reserves will see you on safari in search of the famous Big 5 – lions, leopards, elephants,

Norfolk Island Show day

buffalo and rhinos are all located in this. Cameras at the ready are a must.

The final night will be spent in one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities, Johannesburg. The city is a multi-cultural mixture of tradition and ultra-modern.

Fully escorted from Brisbane, including return economy class flights, all meals and all sightseeing, this tour is priced from $9538* per person.

Limited places so don’t miss out.

To enquire or make a booking call 1300 044 444 or email info@soloconnections. com.au or contact your local travel agent.

RAIL, sail and fly on a fascinating holiday taking in sights as diverse as Katherine Gorge and Hong Kong’s bustling city centre.

On arrival in Hong Kong, a transfer is provided to the Mira Hotel Hong Kong for a three-night stay including breakfast.

The package includes a half-day Hong Kong city tour and a Harbour Lights and Seafood Dinner Cruise. When it comes to what Hong Kong is most famous for, often its magnificent harbour and mouth-watering food jockey for position. Sail through the central and eastern parts of the harbour to the Lei Yue Mun fishing village, an off-the-beaten-track paradise for seafood lovers. A visit to this seafood bazaar is an experience your taste buds won’t forget in a hurry.

A transfer to the Hong Kong Cruise Terminal paves the way for new adventures with a 12-night

FULLY INCLUSIVE & ESCORTED GROUP TOURS

INCLUDES: Airfares, Taxes, Accommodation, Touring, Meals, Visas & Gratuities Please call us for full itinerary details

Blooming Tasmania SPRING GARDEN COACH TOUR

Norfolk Island Pacific Triples Bowls Competition HOSTED BY IAN SCHUBACK

Norfolk Island Jazzes it up HOSTED BY THE WIZARD

Tour date: 4th Oct

Chiang Mai Flower Festival

MORE GREAT TOURS AND DESTINATIONS CALL FOR BROCHURE

6301884aa

* All tours subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances. Includes travel time.

ESCORTED TOUR

2724th Jan -- 831st FebOct 20172015

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

$1,695

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

$4,995

3 Nights each in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Macau, Some meals inc. China Entry Visa, Train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, Turbojet Sea Express ferry from Macau to Hong Kong

$4,440

11 Nights, Breakfast Daily, Auckland Sightseeing, Coromandel, Mt Maunganui, Rotorua,Tamaki Maori Village & Hangi, Lake Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Napier, Cape Kidnappers, Social Croquet

per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single supplement $370

per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single supplement $1,200

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

3 - 10 Dec 2016

Call 07 5529 9322 www.greatvalueholidays.com.au E: info@greatvalueholidays.com.au

From

3 - 13 Oct 2016

29 Oct - 9 Nov 2016

• Convict Settlement Tour • Show Day !!!!!!

• Friendly local Host • Unique Show day tour

per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single supplement $540

27 Sept - 424th Oct 2016 15th Nov 2015

ESCORTED TOUR

Prefer to travel independently? Call us for a quote

$2,560

22 - 28 Sept 2016

ESCORTED TOUR

*(twin share, Single sup $450)

Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) and Benoa (Bali, Indonesia).

The Doubletree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin is home for the next two nights including breakfast.

There’s a half-day Darwin city sights tour. Then embark on an unforgettable journey from the Top End through the Red Centre to South Australia on an epic journey on The Ghan.

The 19-night package is priced from $5599 per person twin share (pensioner/senior rate) and leaves October 16.

Phone 1300 854 897 or visit www.holidaysof australia.com.au

www.goseetouring.com

Kiwi Croquet Capers

• Orientation Tour • Mutiny on the Bounty • Night as a Convict • Breakfast Walk, Wonderland by Night

cruise to Darwin on Royal Caribbean International’s Legend of the Seas.

The cruise includes all on board meals and entertainment as well as prepaid taxes and gratuities.

A truly immersive cruise adventure lets you find your Zen with one of dozens of treatments at the VitalitySM Spa, or retreat to the glasscanopied Solarium adults-only pool.

This is a ship built for adventure, too, with rock climbing, the Casino Royale, and entertainment. The cruise includes port calls in Puerto Princesa (Philippines),

1300 551 997

China’s Pearl River Delta

8 Days From $2,795*

ENJOY: An unforgettable journey from the Top End through the Red Centre to South Australia on an epic journey on The Ghan.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

From

$4,350

per person Twin Share ex BNE, SYD, MEL, Single supplement $650

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 2NightsBangkok,City&Temples Tour, 2NightsRiverKwai,Hellfire Pass,2NightsChiangRai,White Temple,5NightsChiangMai, MaesaElephantCamp,Seating at the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, Cooked Breakfast, Dinner Nightly staff member

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 14 March 2016. Go SeeTouring Pty Ltd T/A Go See Touring Member of Helloworld QLD Lic No: 3198772 ABN: 72 122 522 276

16 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

The mysteries of Laos Land Of A Million Elephants deserves all of its accolades Melissa Findley

THE Mekong River flows through Laos, a South-East Asian country known for its mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe communities and Buddhist monasteries.

The easygoing, waterside capital of Vientiane is the site of That Luang, a shrine allegedly containing the Buddha’s breastbone, the morning market of Talat Sao, and the Patuxai war memorial, a massive monument meaning Victory Gate.

Laos deserves all the accolades it receives.

Adrenaline seekers can lose themselves in underground river caves or whitewater rapids.

Wildlife enthusiasts can trek through pristine forests, still home to rare creatures, and foodies can experiment with the abundance of flavours that is Lao cuisine.

How lucky was I to visit The Land of a Million

Elephants, where I fell head over heels in love with this country. I went to check out elephant conservation and to discover Laos.

Waking up at sunrise, I walk along the upper Mekong, quietly roaming the streets, observing the glowing temples.

The locals are up, going about their daily routine as I saunter to Wat Sisaket, the oldest original temple (built in 1818), and the only one to survive the Thai invasion of 1828. Across the street I get to explore the Haw Pha Kaew temple.

Then I discover the golden-spired stupa, Pha That Luang, the most important national monument in Laos and symbolic of both the monarchy and Buddhism.

Something I find heart-wrenching, but also very moving, is spending time in the COPE Centre, which provides prosthetic limbs for victims of mine explosions and brings attention to the tragic

ADVENTURE: Life on the Mekong River.

after-effects of the Indochina wars.

Less than an hour’s flight to the former royal capital, Luang Prabang, I get closer to celebrating the 20th anniversary of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status and the arrival of the Elephant Caravan. As soon as I

PHOTO: GEOFF POTTER

arrive, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace, and I allow for a few days to explore the historic architecture, the Buddhist temples and to watch the sunrise procession of 200 Buddhist monks.

The water lures you in when you see the beauty

of the waterfalls near Luang Prabang.

A two-hour cruise along The Mekong on board a slow boat brings us to the mysterious Cave of a Thousand Buddhas at Pak Ou. Here, in a tradition that has lasted centuries, local people add annually to a

repository of Buddha statues.

On my visit to Laos, I take the chance to participate in the Elephant Caravan, whose mission is to stave off the extinction of this majestic species in the small, landlocked country.

ten CRUISE & RAIL HOLIDAYS BOOK & SAVE $

300 PER PERSON

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19 nights departing 16 October 2016

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ASIAN ADVENTURE

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ETUR N FLIGH TS $

880

• 3 night stay in Hong Kong including breakfast.

FR PER P • Half day Hong Kong City tour.

ERSO N • Harbour Lights and Seafood Dinner Cruise.

• 12 nights aboard Legend of the Seas cruising from Hong Kong to Darwin with port calls in Manila (Philippines), Puerto Princesa (Philippines), Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) and Benoa (Bali, Indonesia).

• Half day Darwin City Sights tour.

• 2 night stay in Darwin including breakfast.

• 2 nights aboard The Ghan travelling from Darwin to Adelaide in all inclusive Gold or Platinum Service. pensioner/ senior $5,599 $5,929 $6,629

#9~THE GHAN & PACIFIC EDEN

adult

platinum

$5,699 $6,029 $6,739

$6,859 $7,169 $7,869

17 nights departing 24 August 2016

#10~CELEBRITY SOLSTICE

780

• 3 night stay in Singapore including breakfast.

FR PER P • Singapore City tour.

ERSO N • Morning at the Zoo with Breakfast.

• 10 nights aboard Pacific Eden cruising from Singapore to Darwin with port calls in Benoa (Indonesia), Ujung Pandang (Indonesia), Komodo Island (Indonesia) and Dili (East Timor).

• Half day Darwin City Sights tour.

• 1 night stay in Darwin including breakfast.

• 3 nights aboard The Ghan travelling from Darwin to Adelaide on the Expedition Journey in all inclusive Gold or Platinum Service.

interior oceanview balcony

pensioner/ senior $5,099 $5,299 $5,879

1300 854 897

or contact your Local Licensed Travel Agent

OUTBACK & ORIENT

ADD R

ETUR N FLIGH TS $

adult

platinum

$5,199 $5,399 $5,979

$7,309 $7,509 $8,069

14 nights departing 11 October 2016

ADD R

ETUR N FLIGH TS $

654

• 5 night stay in Darwin including breakfast.

FR PER P • City Explorer Hop-on Hop-off 48 hour ticket.

ERSO N • Crocosaurus Cove “Breakfast with the Crocs”.

• Full day Kakadu National Park tour.

• Spirit of Darwin Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise.

• 6 nights aboard Celebrity Solstice cruising from Darwin to Singapore with a port call in Benoa (Bali, Indonesia).

• 3 night stay in Singapore including breakfast.

• Singapore City tour.

• Morning at the Zoo with Breakfast.

interior oceanview balcony

pensioner/ senior $2,769 $2,929 $3,029

adult

$2,819 $2,979 $3,089

www.holidaysofaustralia.com.au holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au

Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person twin share, in AUD, using economy class flights based on the best available price at the time of packaging. Using lead in category inclusive of taxes and charges. Discounts have been applied to advertised prices. Valid for new bookings only until 31.05.16. Prices correct as on 24.03.16. Subject to availability at all times. Conditions apply. Airfares, hotels and transfers are additional, unless otherwise stated. For full T&C’s contact Holidays of Australia. E&OE - HA6313

Seniors 17

Thursday, April 14, 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 Tour dates: 31st May, 6th September 2016 • Friendly & helpful tour host

Bowral Tulips, Canberra Floriade Escorted Coach Tour 8 Days $2,299* *p/p t/share & Spring in the Highlands

• Kimberly to Broome Adventure • South Africa Safari • Singapore, Darwin Cruise • Historical Trails of OZ • Terrific Thailand Call or email now to register your interest for these tours and a 2017 Brochure Grand Adventure Gold Service

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 Tour date: 3rd Oct 2016 • 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 fun tour host will travel with group

• 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*

Cairns, Daintree & Cassowary Coast

*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare. Single supp $290

• 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

8 Days From $2,795*

Norfolk Island Show day

*(twin share, Single sup $450)

• Orientation Tour • Mutiny on the Bounty • Night as a Convict • Breakfast Walk, Wonderland by Night

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

10 Days $3499*

Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide

New Tours for 2017 !!!!!!

*per person Twin Share ($590.00 single supplement) *Includes return airfares from Brisbane

Indian Pacific Gold & WA Wild Flowers

• Convict Settlement Tour • Show Day !!!!!!

• Friendly local Host • Unique Show day tour

Tour date: 4th Oct

14 Days $5,490*

*Per person twin share. Single supp $1000

• 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 !!!

• 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

Departure dates: 16th July, 1st Oct.

*Plus applicable rail fare Single supp $490

• 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 • 7 Nights Southern Western Australia Wild Flower Tour • Margaret River and Wineries • All Breakfasts, Dinners and most Lunches, Fully Hosted • Experienced Coach Captain

• 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

* All tours subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances.

Includes travel time.

Call 07 5529 9322

www.greatvalueholidays.com.au E: info@greatvalueholidays.com.au

MORE GREAT TOURS AND DESTINATIONS CALL FOR BROCHURE

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We book and apply your pension card discounted rates for rail content of the tour.

Tour date: 25th Aug

18 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

Two islands of Thailand

Koh Samui’s twin sister island Koh Phangan is spectacular IT SEEMS everybody’s heard of Koh Samui. It’s a well-known tourist magnet in the Gulf of Thailand, right?

An island with great beaches, food, markets, hotels and resorts? Yes, that’s all true.

But there’s a twin sister island not far from Samui.

Too far to swim, unless you’re an experienced channel swimmer, but just a short ferry ride away. It’s called Koh Phangan (pronounced Ko Par Narn).

And it’s spectacular.

I discovered Phangan about 30 years ago. There was little development then. Backpacker lodges all around the island, some on quite remote beaches, reachable only by longtail boat. Not too accessible in a medical emergency. But it’s funny how, despite this lack of access, the entire world made the annual pilgrimage to the Full Moon Festival on one tiny corner of the island. Do I

remember that event? Not very well.

Phangan has changed.

No longer the exclusive haunt of backpackers, its natural attractions (which are considerable) are now enhanced by a huge range of activities and the full spectrum of accommodation choices right up to five-star level.

We now find ourselves at the stunning Santhiya Resort, a 30-minute ride from the ferry port on the other side of the island, but well worth the bumps.

Here, the general manager is on hand with musicians and staff to welcome guests – a sign of the personal service the hotel is famous for.

Perhaps the most defining feature of Santhiya is the extraordinary attention to detail in the villas as well as the public areas. The owners have their own wood carving and furniture factory, evident in small decorative touches such as individual lampshades, screens and even

IDEAL: A peaceful view from Bo Phut Resort and Spa.

doorknobs.

The outdoor shower and bath in most villas is fun to use in this tropical climate. The resort is particularly conscious of environmental sustainability, and includes extensive use of recycled timber (although one guest complained that a wooden railway sleeper was “too old”)! Other practices include the use

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

of herbal products, minimum use of plastic, and segmented waste disposal.

Santhiya has two dining areas: the main Chantara restaurant with quality Thai and international cuisine; and By the Sea at beach and main pool level, with a bar and more informal menu. This resort makes a trip to Koh Phangan worthwhile.

Back in Koh Samui for a few days, we’ve arrived at sister property Bo Phut Resort. Another member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it’s located on Bo Phut Beach just a short walk from the popular Night Market. If there’s one thing you should experience in Samui apart from all the outdoor sports activities and shopping, this is it.

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A great chance to see the outback like you’ve never seen it before. country music by 12 artists.

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11 days leaving13th september 2016 Fax: 4129 7133 Email: rossbuscharters@bigpond.com

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”

DOWN UNDER COACH TOURS

14 DAY CORNER COR COUNTRY, LAKE EYRE & BIRDSVILLE

1800 072 535

12 DAY SNOWY MOUNTAINS WINTER WONDERLAND

Departing Wednesday, 1st June 2016

Departing Friday, 19th August 2016

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

5 x nights accom 5 x hot b/fasts & 5 x hot dinners 3 x morning teas 2 x afternoon teas PLUS 4x fabulous scenic bus tours

Phone now for free brochure 1800 622 355

bus, bed, breakfast, night Meals & nightly entertainment.

1197 Bidwill Road, MARYBOROUGH

Includes:

Twin Share

$2,060 per person includes

Mobile: 0427 297 132

Bo Phut Resort itself is a haven of tranquillity away from the noisier parts of Samui. Its Thai-style bungalows are beautifully equipped with the most comfortable beds, inside and outside sitting areas and modern bathrooms. It’s so quiet here that we’re able to get plenty of rest before the long flight home via Kuala Lumpur.

6247290ac

Phil Hawkes

 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

Seniors 19

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Reunion finds voice Former Ten Tenors singers join to create sounds as Tenori IT’S not every day you get the chance to see three former members of The Ten Tenors on stage.

Three-piece ensemble Tenori features the talents of David Kidd, Craig Atkinson and Andrew Pryor who toured internationally together as members of The Ten Tenors.

“Andrew, Craig and I met at the Queensland Conservatorium just over 20 years ago,” said Kidd.

“It’s wonderful sharing the stage with gents I’ve known and worked with for two decades,” he said.

After some time apart working with Opera Australia, Opera Queensland and many of the country’s finest orchestras, the three former tenors reunited to form Tenori.

Tenori will bring its sense of fun and sophistication to your favourite classics at the Logan Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, April 19.

❝

It’s wonderful sharing the stage with gents I’ve known and worked with for two decades

— David Kidd

“Queensland is the first place we toured with The Ten Tenors,” Kidd said.

“It means the world to us, so we’re calling it our World Tour of Queensland,” he said.

“We’re travelling all the way from Cairns to just down the road. Andrew lives about 10 minutes from the Logan Entertainment Centre.”

With a combined 60 years international experience in the industry, Tenori knows how to put on a dynamic, uplifting and hugely entertaining show. From the soaring heights of Puccini to the glitz and swagger of Elvis or Buble, they do it all and

HIGH NOTE: Tenori is performing as part of Merry Melodies, hosted by Logan Entertainment Centre.

leave you wanting more.

Tenori is performing as part of Merry Melodies, a monthly series of

musical performances hosted by the Logan Entertainment Centre.

You can buy tickets for

Tenori or find out about other Merry Melodies shows online at www.loganentertainment

What’s on in Wide Bay region ■ Grigoryan Brothers at Gatakers AUSTRALIA’S most respected guitar duo the Grigoryan Brothers are bringing their talents to Gatakers Artspace.

Known for their classic guitar style, Slava and Leonard will perform tracks from their latest album This Time as well as a selection of works from their previous releases. Since their first acclaimed Australian tour in 2002, the Brothers have toured extensively overseas including Europe, the US, Britain,

RESPECTED GUITAR DUO: Grigoryan Brothers are bringing their talents to Gatakers Artspace in May. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Asia, South Africa and the Middle East. The special performance will begin at 4pm on Sunday, May 22.

Tickets are $35 and are available from the Brolga Theatre on 4122 6060 or

Gatakers Artspace on 4190 5723.

■ Young at Heart Short Film Festival CALLING all seniors who say “age is just a number” – the extremely

popular Young at Heart Short Film Festival is coming to Hervey Bay. On Tuesday, April 19 from 10am, the Hervey Bay RSL Club is screening an hour-long program of the best new Australian short films. Tickets are $4 which includes the captioned screening and morning tea. Audiences will also have the opportunity to vote for the National Relay Service Audience Award for Best Short Film. For more information or to book, phone Julie de Waard on 4194 2441.

Get online to find your news, your way.

The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift forr e. the inspiring woman in your life The gift of a 1 or 2 year subscription means the inspirational woman in your life won’t miss the treasures within Ruth h’s quarterly issues, and it will be posted direct to her PO Box or letterbox, before it’s even available at a newsagency. e Ruth is a beautiful quarterly magazine... designed to inspire and support women. It is produced for the QCWA. All profits from the sales of the magazine go towards the many vital and practical community projects the QCWA supports. Please enjoy!

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centre.com.au or from the LEC Box Office on 07 3412 5626 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am-4.30pm).

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PHOTO:

20 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

More than 35% of those over 65 will fall each year

THAT’S more than 1,000,000 people, 3000 a day.

According to government figures, one in three over-65s will fall each year in Australia, resulting in more than 1,500,000 hospital days spent on fall related injuries.

More than 70% of these falls happen in or around the home, nearly 20% result in head injury and 30% to hip or leg fractures.

Of all the available information there is no clear indication on how long people remain “undiscovered” following a fall.

Emergency Medical Services specialises in fall detection systems and monitoring with safeTwear, the world’s smallest-smartest fall pendant.

Weighing only 34g and about the size of a

matchbox, this remarkable technology not only detects a fall, it connects directly to a 24-hour monitoring centre with two-way voice communication.

Whether you are at home, in the garden, out for a walk or at the shops, if you slip, trip, fall or just push the panic button, you are connected directly with a monitoring specialist, talking with you directly through the pendant.

Help is quickly on the way, and the built-in GPS gives your exact location.

In the event you are rendered unconscious, we have your full medical history on file to share with responders and ensure you get the correct help in the quickest possible time.

The technology is so smart yet so simple to operate.

Each unit is programmed to suit the customer’s needs.

All you need to know is push the button in the case that you need medical help, or if you fall the system will automatically detect this and help will be on the way.

No more bulky base stations, or limited voice distances, and no connection to phone lines is needed.

With safeTcare 24/7 professional monitoring, rest assured help will be with you immediately, for absolute peace of mind for both you and your family.

To get started with safeTwear, live life, love independence, and stay at home and out of care, call us today to see if you qualify for our limited time, free system offer.

Call 1300 78 44 38.

Two recipes from Maureen’s meal plan for healthy bones Salmon dish:

Salmon: 2 x 150g salmon fillets, pin boned, skin on; 1 ⁄4 teaspoon salt; olive oil spray.

Salsa verde: 1⁄2 cup firmly packed parsley leaves; 1⁄4 cup firmly packed tarragon leaves; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 1 tbs drained capers; 2 tsps Dijon-style mustard; 1 1⁄2 tbs extra virgin olive oil; ground black pepper.

Creamy mash: 2 medium potatoes (450g), peeled and cubed; 1⁄4 cup Pauls PhysiCAL low fat milk, warmed; 2 tsps light margarine.

METHOD 1. Make salsa verde.

Place parsley and tarragon in a small food processor and process until finely chopped.

Add all remaining salsa verde ingredients and process until well combined. Set aside.

2. Make creamy mash.

Place potatoes in a saucepan and cover with cold water.

Bring to the boil and cook for 20 minutes or until soft. Drain well.

Place back in saucepan and mash well. Add milk and margarine and beat with a wooden spoon until creamy.

3. Cook salmon. Pat salmon dry with kitchen paper, then rub skin with salt.

Spray a large non-stick frying pan with olive oil spray. Place over a high heat until hot.

Place salmon fillets in pan, skin side down and cook for three minutes.

Turn and reduce heat to medium. Cook for a further two minutes for medium.

4. Serve.

Corn fritters:

Fritters: 3⁄4 cup drained canned chickpeas; 1 zucchini, grated; 1⁄2 cup drained canned corn kernels; 1⁄2 cup packed coriander leaves, finely chopped, extra, to serve; 2 green onions, sliced;

1 clove garlic, crushed; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1⁄3 cup, plus 1 tbs low fat milk; 1 egg; 3⁄4 cup self-raising flour; 1⁄4 tsp salt; olive oil spray; light sour cream, to serve.

Salsa: 1 tomato, diced; 1 avocado, diced; 1⁄4 small red onion, diced; 1 small red chilli, seeded, and finely chopped; 2 tsp lime juice.

METHOD 1. Prepare salsa: Mix salsa and set aside.

2. Prepare fritters: Place chickpeas in food processor and process until finely chopped. Place in medium bowl. Add zucchini, corn, coriander, green onions, garlic and cumin. Stir. Whisk milk and egg in separate bowl; add to chickpea mixture and stir. Stir in sifted flour and salt.

3. Cook: Place non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Using 1⁄3 cup mixture per fritter, cook four fritters for three minutes each side, until golden.

❝

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BONE STRENGTH: Maureen Partridge has revamped her diet since being diagnosed with osteoporosis in her early 60s.

Like daughter, like her mother KEEPING up with a daughter like personal trainer and TV personality Michelle Bridges would indeed require a certain level of fitness.

But Maureen Partridge – who gives herself the age of “very, very late 60s” – is doing just that with her own-brand anti-aging diet.

It’s a change from how she was eating in her “early 60s” when a diagnosis of early osteoporosis prompted a diet rethink.

“So many people think they’re getting enough calcium, but I’ve recently discovered that the average intake of calcium in women is 25–40% lower than recommended,” she said.

Following in her

daughter’s very active footsteps, Maureen goes to the gym a few times per week to pump iron, do a circuit and some aerobics.

On Saturday nights, she lives it up with new vogue dancing.

She says that exercise classes, besides keeping a check on her weight, also provide company.

“It all helps me keep up with my daughter and new grandchild,” she said.

Care for your bones: Maureen’s meal plan includes hearty yet healthy home-cooked recipes that incorporate Pauls PhysiCAL milk for added calcium.

Maureen’s favourites include home-baked fresh raspberry custard served with sliced nectarines, a

longstanding Bridges family favourite, and zucchini, corn and chickpea fritters with fresh salsa.

Pauls PhysiCAL contains 40% more calcium than regular milk, plus added vitamin D to aid calcium absorption. In fact, just two glasses provides 100% of the recommended daily calcium intake.

Facts: In a bid to help Australians boost their calcium levels, Pauls has partnered with health and fitness enthusiast Maureen Partridge to develop a Bone Health Boosting Meal and Exercise Plan featuring Pauls PhysiCAL Milk. Visit: www.pauls.com.au.

Seniors 21

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Down 1 What comment did Emperor Joseph II reputedly make on Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro when it premiered in Vienna? (3,4,5) 2 What brownish-yellow gemstone is sometimes called false topaz? (7) 3 The DNA molecule is in the form of a double what? (5) 4 What brand of Wills cigarettes was named after an item of nautical equipment? (7) 5 On early Disney playing cards, which character was on the joker? (5) 8 The world’s first what, outside the Houses of Parliament in London, exploded in 1869 injuring a bobby beneath? (7,5) 9 What Latin expression is literally “the position being reversed”? (4,5) 14 What word on music indicates a brisk lively playing manner? (7) 15 After oxygen, which is the second most common element on Earth? (7) 18 Which British soldier and administrator established British supremacy in India? (5) 19 Which country’s flag has a red disc on white background? (5)

Across 6 Hippocrates, the father of medicine, suggested the juice of what as a cure for insanity? (6) 7 What is an Indian elephant driver? (6) 10 The Italian liquor maker __ and Rossi, gave their name to which cocktail? (7) 11 What is the capital of Bulgaria? (5) 12 Reversing any two-digit number and subtracting the smaller number from the larger always gives a number divisible by what? (4) 13 Which US state has more species of bats than any other state? (5) 16 A snail can do what for up to three years? (5) 17 Galvanised iron is coated with what metal? (4) 20 What is the little squiggle above letters in Spanish and Portuguese words? (5) 21 A zebra is a punda milia in which African language? (7) 22 Which river is Britain’s longest? (6) 23 What waterproof rubber overshoe is worn to protect a shoe? (6)

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SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

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8 9

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5x5

ALPHAGRAMS

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

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential.

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

G L

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Note: more than one solution may be possible.

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Down 1. Derision (8) 2. Giver (5) 4. Possess (3) 5. Instinctive behaviour (6,6) 6. Plain and functional (7) 7. Allocated job (4) 8. Notwithstanding (12) 12. Undecorated (5) 13. Halted (8) 15. Delighted (7) 19. All square (5) 20. Old (4) 22. Also (3)

WORD GO ROUND

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word.

No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb.

TODAY: Good 26 Very Good 35 Excellent 44

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

Solution opposite

BLACKOUT

ALPHAGRAMS: BOSOM, CORONA, DENTIST, EMPHASIS, FACELIFTS.

DOUBLE CROSS

QUICK CROSSWORD

T R

SUDOKU

5x5

Across: 1. Rude 3. Constant 9. Dungeon 10. Casts 11. Corresponded 14. Lag 16. Train 17. Err 18. Here and there 21. Gaffe 22. Torment 23.

Delusion 24. Used.

Down: 1. Ridicule 2. Donor 4. Own 5. Second nature 6. Austere 7. Task 8. Nevertheless 12. Plain 13. Arrested 15. Gleeful 19. Evens 20. Aged 22.

Too.

H L

SOLUTIONS

L E A S E

327

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GK CROSSWORD

H

E

ACROSS: 6 Olives, 7 Mahout, 10 Martini, 11 Sofia, 12 Nine, 13 Texas, 16 Sleep, 17 Zinc, 20 Tilde, 21 Swahili, 22 Severn, 23 Galosh.

DOWN: 1 “Too many notes”, 2 Citrine, 3 Helix, 4 Capstan, 5 Goofy, 8 Traffic light, 9 Vice versa, 14 Allegro, 15 Silicon, 18 Clive, 19 Japan.

S D

A

WORD GO ROUND

Across 1. Impolite (4) 3. Unchanging (8) 9. Prison cell (7) 10. Throws (5) 11. Exchanged letters (12) 14. Delay (3) 16. Locomotive (5) 17. Be mistaken (3) 18. In various places (4,3,5) 21. Social blunder (5) 22. Agony (7) 23. Misconception (8) 24. Employed (4)

BOOMS RACOON STINTED MISSHAPE FACT FILES

dhole doeth dosh doth ethos held helot herd herds hero hers hoed hoer hoes hold holder holds hole holed holes holster holt horde horse horsed horst hose hosed hoser host hosted hostel hotel hots other shed shod shoe shoed shore shored short shorted shot shred sloth thole those thresh THRESHOLD throe throes tosh

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G E A R S

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

C H I C S R Q W I N E C A S K

N O J L E E C H O O Q Y Y O A

Y O G I G P G I N T E N T L Y

S R K M A U J P K E I I O I X

M A N A C L E S L D E C A D E

H Y J T C S W A T J C A A I A

M Z Y E T I W W I L D L I F E

Y U U B C V N W A O Y N K Y M

I N S O L E N T B A U N T X C

E B V R Z T A Y L T S E K T D

P I T I E D Q R E H E A R S E

W A J G Q I S A V S X R I E B

A S S A S S I N L O T E A T S

R E F M A C F N U M B S M S W

A D V I S O R Y L E R T H E Y

BLACKOUT

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

Solution opposite

DOUBLE CROSS

W I N E C A S K R C H I C

Y O O G L I E E P C H I N O T E Y N T O L Y

M R A Y U N Y M A T E C T U L S I V E P S A W I E D L O E D I C A L A I I D I F Y E E

I P N B I A S T O R I G L E D I E N T Y R A E A T H S U E N E A R T R T S E E

A A S E D S V A M I S S S C O I R N N Y U O M E B E S T A H T S E S Y

22 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Seniors 23

Thursday, April 14, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Maria, still glamorous Ann Rickard talks to one of her favourite role models, a sassy woman who is ageing far better than a bottle of rare wine.

Rice flakes, power naps, false eyelashes, sorbolene moisturiser.

What could this mixed bunch possibly have in common?

They are all included in Maria Venuti’s daily routine and they keep her fired with energy and looking show-biz glamorous even though she has just passed her 75th birthday.

“Just write 75 once, darling,” Maria said during our fun interview. “No need to mention it again after that.”

So we won’t.

But sensible eating, lots of power naps, big fake eyelashes and the twice-daily slathering of moisturiser on face and décolletage keep Maria Venuti ready for the spotlight at any time of the day.

“Darling, I can’t go past a beauty shop, especially when they have a 50 per cent off sale,” she laughed. “I’ve just bought five more sets of eyelashes, lots of turquoise and gold eye shadow and more lipsticks.”

In an entertainment career that has spanned 58 jam-packed years and seen Maria perform on stage both nationally and internationally, as well as star in a number of movies, she still has what it takes to steal the limelight.

The Sicilian born beauty with the bountiful cleavage made her first singing performance at age 17, four years after she found the joy of make-up, false eyelashes

and big hair. She has never stopped performing or wearing make-up since.

Maria not only whips her audiences up to good times with enduring cabaret songs belted out in her unique sexy style, she makes them laugh and feel marvellous.

“People are always coming up to me and thanking me for making them smile,” she said. “I love that. I get great adrenaline out of seeing people happy and smiling and saying ‘she’s just a bit crazy’. I like to create happiness.”

That she does, never caring if it involves making fun of herself.

At a performance in Noosa in a marquee on top of a hill, she arrived wearing flat shoes instead of her signature heels so she could carefully contemplate the rocky terrain leading to the marquee.

As she stumbled over rocks towards the marquee she looked up to find her entire audience in the open-sided marquee watching her.

“Daaaaaarling, I had to go into the marquee and change into my heels in front of everyone,” she said. “But it made everyone laugh and I loved that.”

Becoming braver and less self-conscious is a benefit of ageing Maria now enjoys and wishes the same for all other seniors.

“You tend not to worry about how you look from a certain angle or if you bum looks big,” she said. “You think ‘I am what I am’ and

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STAR STILL SHINES: The one and only Maria Venuti.

❝

“Darling, I can’t go past a beauty shop, especially when they have a 50 per cent off sale.” that is how I feel now. I think everyone should look hard in the mirror and find their own uniqueness and build on that.

Everyone has something special.”

Never holding back when it comes to over-the-top outfits, always those that show off her trade-mark generous bosom, has endeared Maria to thousands of people over the years.

“I am lucky in that I have that olive oil Sicilian skin so my décolletage hasn’t wrinkled yet,” she laughed. “I moisturise it twice a day. I do alternate between using expensive products and $6 stuff from the supermarket.

“I always wear low-cut

necklines. If I wear anything too high I feel claustrophobic. I have to let my girls out. It’s like taking a deep breath. It elevates me.”

Sequins, feathers and way too much bling are as essential to Maria as oxygen.

“I will wear black sequin pants and a sequin top out to lunch and diamante earrings in the day time,” she said. “I like to keep it interesting, flamboyant but not garish...although I don’t mind a bit of garish.”

With non-stop invitations to perform, speak, consult or endorse, Maria never stops working. “I go hell for leather but I realise now I should take a step

PHOTO: DANIEL LINNET

back, slow down...but just a little bit. My secret to keeping going is to take a little nap whenever I can wherever I am.”

Maria is fortunate in that she can nod off for a few minutes in the back of a taxi which enables her to go from a celebrity breakfast on to a charity lunch and then a gala dinner in one hit.

But she says for those who can’t just pop off to sleep for a few minutes, closing the eyes and thinking of something calm and peaceful is almost as good.

“Think of waves coming into the beach or something beautiful like that for a few minutes and it will re-energise you,” she said.

Maria needs every ounce of her impressive energy to keep up with her work load and the many charities she supports,

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including the Jeanne Little Alzheimer’s Fund, to support her close friend and role model, Jeanne Little, another zany lady now lost to the darkness of dementia.

“Jeanne and I are great friends,” Maria said. “We used to sing and perform together. I visit her often.”

Maria’s list of celerity friendsis as big as her hair and she maintains contact with all of them.

To celebrate her special birthday recently her daughter Bianca organised a celebrity birthday attended by some of the country’s biggest A-listers.

As for retirement?

It’s a dirty word to Maria. “I will never retire,” she said. “There is a line in the song The Party’s Over. It goes...‘take off your make-up, the party’s over, it’s all over my friend.’

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24 Seniors

seniorsnews.com.au Thursday, April 14, 2016

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