23 JULY 2020

16 ESCAPE Warming to hip Hobart’s culture club

THERE’S more to Tasmania than apples, wine and seafood. The island state to the south of the Australian mainland is full of cultural surprises, whether it be art, music or architecture.

And as well as the worldfamous Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race, there is another link to an even greater journey … a link to man’s landing on the moon.

It’s something I quickly discovered after an earlymorning mystery flight from Brisbane in late November. Just pack a jumper, walking shoes and an iPhone, I was told. No need for a passport. That narrowed the destination down to Victoria, South Australia or Tasmania. Arriving at Gate 38, departures were either Melbourne or Hobart. Hobart it was.

In a little more than two hours we were off the east coast of this southernmost part of Australia and starting the approach to Hobart International Airport.

Even though it’s virtually the start of summer there is a chill in the air on leaving the terminal. And I’m glad there is a woollen beanie to pull on. After all, next landfall is Antarctica.

Everything feels fresh. Friendly. After the novel greeting of life-size replicas of the native wildlife at the luggage collection area in the airport terminal, the drive into Hobart is mostly through bushland or rolling farming country.

The approach to the Derwent River Bridge opens up the beautiful view of the city on both sides of the glacial-formed river and deep harbour. The backdrop is the majestic Mount Wellington, known as kunanyi by the first people, the Muwinina. Hobart is easy Art, music add to southern belle’s core appeal Erle Levey to love. And to get around in. It’s such a walkable city for the most part.

You only need a car for day trips to such locations as the wineries of the Coal Valley, historic Port Arthur Convict Settlement, the wooden boats centre in the Huon Valley or to the summit of Mount Wellington.

There is the magnificent Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) to explore, the coastline of Bruny Island and so many walks.

You don’t expect it to snow on the first night in summer. You don’t expect to stumble upon an art exhibition opening on your way to dinner.

You don’t expect to experience the strings section of a symphony orchestra playing to a packed house at a brewery. There’s a lot to Hobart you don’t expect … and that’s part of its charm.

Hobart is easy to love … even when the weather turns cold and grey.

To see the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra at Hobart Brewing’s Red Shed at Mac Point was something to warm the soul. It was simply an 800m walk from the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, near Victoria Dock. Despite the soft rain and chill wind the atmosphere was warm at the brewery. Flannelette shirts and Blundstone boots were the order of the night as the sold-out crowd readily warmed to the unusual blending of an exceptional orchestra in such an industrial setting.

Pot-belly stoves inside, open fires in the courtyard and the talk from the bar area added to the sense of occasion.

The TSO is based right in the heart of Hobart. It is widely travelled throughout Australia and the most played on ABC Classic FM. Tonight the strings section will be playing everything from Elgar to Lady Gaga.

On Saturday night is another sold-out event with the orchestra’s brass section performing at St David’s Anglican Cathedral, about another 800m up the hill in Murray Street.

The TSO reaches a broad cross-section of listeners with free outdoor concerts in Hobart and Launceston, and performs in regional Tasmania, schools and community centres as well as these events that started three years ago to reach out to new audiences.

As marketing director Sam Cairnduff says, they are looking at different ways to take music out there.

“We are going through our most successful period in 71 years. While subscriptions around the country are challenging, ours are going up year on year. “We are pretty much getting right around the state, and around Australia. “A specialty is Australian composers. We have recorded more than any other orchestra.

“We have championed a lot of composers. Our ECLECTIC MIX: The panoramic view of thriving Hobart from Mount Nelson. Pictures: Erle Levey

The Cascades Female Factory, a former Australian workhouse for female convicts.

Tasmania Symphony Orchestra Strings at the Red Shed, Hobart Brewing Company.

Australian conductors’ workshop is a pipeline for aspiring conductors to build skills.’’

Tasmania’s food and wine are celebrated for their quality, especially its seafood. And there are so many good places to eat in the city.

Walking back from the brewery, we stop at the Drunken Admiral, right on Victoria Dock.

I had wondered about it, being in such a convenient position. Would it be a tourist place? Friends had all talked about it, including those who had lived in Hobart. Yet fears of it being impersonal were quickly dismissed as soon as we walked through the door.

It was a step back in time … to the inside of an old sailing ship with bowsprits, figureheads, heavy timber tables, all sorts of nautical bits and pieces such as shackles, ropes and chains, old sails, and gimballed navigation lights. Everywhere you looked was like being in an antiques shop.

It was busy … and despite it being a cold night the welcoming was warm. We were happy to sit up at the bar and grab a drink while ordering.

The rum barrel behind the bar reminded you of what it must have been like in the time of sail.

Bruny Island oysters are arguably the best you will taste, then there’s the scallops, the seafood chowder, crusty bread … and a Tasmanian red. To finish we walked around the waterfront to the floating Van Diemens Land Creamery.

The city fronts the River Derwent, so it has not just a nautical past but it is still part of its seafaring culture. Constitution Dock, famous for the finish of the SydneyHobart Yacht Race, is also home to sailing ships from Tasmania’s past.

The sailing vessel May Queen, Australia’s oldest sail trading vessel, is one of only a handful of wooden vessels of her era still afloat in the world.

Westward is a fishing vessel that was converted to a racing yacht and claimed handicap victories in the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Races of both 1947 and 1948. Recently, the SydneyHobart pioneer Mistral II has joined the fleet, in preparation for a major restoration to take several years.

Being able to virtually walk everywhere in Hobart adds to the intimacy of the city. Such as enjoying the Salamanca Markets of a Saturday morning, on the western side of the

‘‘ There’s a lot to Hobart you don’t expect … and that’s part of its charm.

waterfront. And then to walk up to Battery Point and places such as Jackman and McRoss Bakery, or on to the Shipwright’s Arms Hotel for a counter meal, particularly of a Thursday for the jazz night.

Shippies, as it is known, was established in 1846 and remains a traditional oldschool pub complete with nautical mementos and pictures to celebrate its history. Yet Hobart also has a host of interesting places within easy reach, whether it be by car, tour or ferry. Mt Wellington, the dramatic backdrop to the city, is 1270 metres high, and climbed in 1798 by surgeon and explorer George Bass.

You can drive up, walk up or take a bike tour. Yet the weather can change quickly … from sunshine to cloud and scotch mist in minutes. But the view is enormous. Stop at the convict

women’s factory in South Hobart to get a glimpse of the harsh conditions the prisoners found themselves in during the 1800s.

Catch the ferry out to MONA, a remarkable art gallery cut into the sandstone cliffs and privately funded by Tasmanian David Walsh. Allow time to discover what’s there as there is a remarkable backstory about how it came about.

Although it is not publicly funded it has earned such a name that virtually everyone who goes to Hobart probably experiences it … 400,000 visitors a year. Set in the grounds of Moorilla Winery, the oldest in Tasmania, and on the banks of the Derwent, MONA has made a giant difference to the Tasmanian economy. Art and wine … both need even temperatures and controlled It’s well worth the walk up to Battery Point for the stunning surrounds and gorgeous views.

The Jackman and McRoss Bakery is a Battery Point highlight – one of the rewards for visiting the area.

light to preserve them at their best. MONA was built in 2011 with the philosophy that arts and culture should always be accessible. A bit further out is Richmond in the Coal Valley, the perfect place to wander through the wineries, try the food and sketch the secondmost photographed bridge in Australia.

Standing among the rows of grapevines at Frogmore Creek Winery, the shape of the Mount Pleasant radio telescope provides a juxtaposition. Something from the future in such an old landscape.

Now run by the University of Tasmania, it had been part of the deep-space research program of the 1960s.

It had been the Orroral Valley radio telescope to the south of Canberra and was the first deep-space tracking station. That was before nearby Honeysuckle Creek and then Parkes, in the central west of New South Wales, became forever etched in history as the sites to relay the first televised pictures of the moon landing … the “one step for man, one giant step for mankind’’.

Between mountain and sea, Australia’s southernmost state capital is wrapped up in history, culture, adventure and the natural environment. Hobart is timeless. Such clean air, good food and interesting landscapes.

Even the story of Tasmania is somewhat of an adventure. The first reported sighting of Tasmania by a European was on November 24, 1642, by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who named the island Anthoonij van Diemenslandt, later shortened to Van Diemen’s Land. The square-rigged sailing ship Yukon at Franklin in the Huon Valley.

18 MARCH, 2020// SENIORS ESCAPE Perth’s worth easy to savour

ENJOY all-inclusive Perth touring at its best, featuring the Margaret River, Pinnacles Desert, Swan River lunch cruise, Fremantle, special lunches, a magnificent cruise and more. The Discover Australia tour spans six days in Perth, with flights, Western Australia luxury touring, the cruise, accommodation, breakfast daily, other meals and personalised transfers included.

Admire the remarkable moonscape of the Pinnacles Desert, the world-famous Margaret River region, the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere, Busselton jetty and the bohemian port town of Fremantle and enjoy a special lunch cruise down the iconic Swan River. Discover Australia’s packages are wonderful for senior and solo travellers and those with some mobility limitations.

The package costs $1532 per person, twin share. Info: www.discover australia.com.au or phone 1800 519 678. MEXICAN FEAST HAS SCENIC ‘SIDE DISHES’ EXPERIENCE Mexico’s distinctive cuisine while travelling through Oaxaca, Puebla, Huatulco and Mexico City.

Meander through Oaxaca’s aromatic markets, take to the streets of Puebla to sample the city’s local specialties, indulge in fresh seafood on the beach and take to the streets of Mexico City on a taco crawl to experience a culinary heritage that goes back thousands of years.

If you’re after cultural richness, authentic experiences and flavoursome food that’s tinged with fiesta, this Real Food Adventure is for you. In Oaxaca you’ll enter the heart of pre-Hispanic cuisine – taste chillies, chocolate, mezcal and the surprisingly delicious chapulines (grasshoppers).

Take a guided “taco crawl’’ through Mexico City’s bustling markets.

A Pacific Ocean boating expedition followed by a CAPITAL IDEA: Perth is the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding region.

coastal cuisine master class on one of Mexico’s stunning beaches is the perfect way to wrap up your culinary adventure.

While Intrepid Travel tries to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. If you have dietary requirements, contact your agent at the time of booking for information on how this may impact on your ability to take part in included activities and meals.

You will be covering a fair amount of ground on this trip, so be prepared for some driving. Mexico is a big country, however there’s only one very long bus trip (about nine hours) from Oaxaca to Huatulco.

The price for the nine-day trip is $2230 per adult, twin share.

Info: www.intrepidtravel. com.au or phone 1300 574 321. US ROAD TRIP: SEE BEST OF THE WEST SKYSCRAPERS, sequoias and impossibly big skies await you in the US West.

This 15-day tour through the urban and natural wonders of California, Arizona and Nevada is perfect for travellers who want to inject a little downtown energy into their out-of-town escapes. In the cities, you’ll traverse the concrete jungle by day with an expert CEO (chief experience officer)

Up-market shopping on Rodeo Drive is an LA highlight.

and overnight in hotels and hostels. You’ll marvel at the Grand Canyon and the giant sequoias of Yosemite before diving into a barbecue dinner and camping. Highlights are stargazing in Los Angeles, marvelling at a Grand Canyon sunset, opting to spend a night in dramatic Monument Valley, taking a chance in Las Vegas, camping under the stars and hiking in Yosemite. Included are accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Info: www.statravel.com. au/tours-on-sale.htm or phone 1300 735 277. SPECTACULAR WALK IN WALES AWAITS THE Exploring Wales on Foot tour is a small-group walking tour designed for mature travellers.

On this 11-night tour, travel by coach across the length of Wales with the chance to walk up to 15km a day. The paths selected will take you through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

The tour takes you from Betwys-y-Coed in the north

Pictures: Contributed

Revel in the fresh Welsh air on a picturesque walking track.

Picture: Contributed

to St Davids in the south. Travel through rolling hills, rocky mountain passes and along the magical coastline. The tour, rated moderate to challenging, encompasses a range of natural and cultural wonders. Throughout the experience you will be listening to stories of local

The beautiful Margaret River area has so much to offer, with local wine a favourite.

history and culture from local guides, with the chance to explore some of the hidden gems of Wales.

You will walk to see the limestone and dolomite cliffs at Great Orme’s Head and visit the walled town of Conwy (where you can see “the Smallest House in Great Britain”). Along the way, you’ll see castles, including Castell Dolbadarn and Castell Coch. There is also the chance to enter Carreg Cennen castle, perched on a limestone outcrop.

The departure point is in Manchester and from there you travel to the small town of Penrhyn Bay on the northern coast of Wales.

Towards the end of the trip there is the opportunity to explore Cardiff with a guided day tour before finishing in London.

The price is from $US5310 ($8116) twin share and the tour runs from August 8–20. This trip is paired with Odyssey’s Walking Tour of Ireland and the Lake District, offered to the active mature walker. The number of participants in this tour will be 12 or fewer, with the addition of an Odyssey program leader.

Info: www.odyssey traveller.com/tours/walkingwales or phone 1300 888 225.

Look health in the eye

Dementia and drinking link is targeted blindness in Australia. It typically affects central vision. There are two types of age-related macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration typically progresses very slowly and does not often result in legal blindness. Unfortunately, there are currently no treatments for this condition.

• Diabetic retinal disease: There has been a dramatic increase in type 2 diabetes among the ageing population of the world, leading to a radical increase in diabetic retinopathy. The risk of developing these retinal complications greatly increase with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes or poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. LONG-TERM vision disorders affected 93 per cent of people aged 55 and older in 2017-18, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Eye Health Web Report. Of course, there are many eye conditions that affect people at various stages of life and these often depend on genetic, congenital and lifestyle factors.

According to Daniel Cornelius from Clearly.com.au, the most common to impact ageing Australians are:

• Presbyopia, or “the ageing eye’’, the effects of which we will all experience from the age of about 40 as a normal part of growing older. This condition affects the ability of the eye to change focus from far to near. The onset may vary slightly depending on the lifestyle and environment where people grow up and spend most of their time before the age of 40. • Cataracts: Just like presbyopia, developing cataracts is a normal part of ageing and is not always classified as an eye disease. Cataracts occur when the crystalline lens of the eye starts to lose its transparency.This condition is dealt with by extraction of the opacified crystalline lens of the eye and replacing it with a clear artificial lens.

• Glaucoma – a condition whereby the optic nerve of the eye progressively becomes damaged. This is often associated with high pressure in the eye. The loss of vision typically occurs in the peripheral sight and often goes undetected. In most cases, this condition can be treated successfully. Unfortunately, glaucoma remains one of the major causes of blindness in the world. This is because the condition has no or very few symptoms in the initial stages and it is probably the most under-diagnosed of serious eye diseases.

• Age-related macular degeneration: This is among the major causes of BE WATCHFUL: Glaucoma is a silent disease that develops slowly, experts say.

CLARIFYING the relationship between alcohol use and dementia is just one of 19 new projects that will share in $1.5 million in grants to conduct groundbreaking dementia research.

Dr Louise Mewton from UNSW Sydney’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) was awarded a $75,000 Dementia Australia Research Foundation Pilot Grant, sponsored by the Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, and will use the funding to clarify the relationship between low to moderate alcohol use and the risk of dementia. “This world-first study combines innovative, stateof the-art research methods to address two of the largest contributors to the global disease burden: dementia and alcohol use,” she said. “To date, the relationships between these two key causes of death and disability have been underresearched and overlooked. It is critical that we have a better understanding of how alcohol use is related to agerelated diseases such as dementia.

“This research will uncover innovative avenues for dementia prevention through the development of age-appropriate, evidencebased recommendations on the number of standard drinks per week associated with minimal dementia risk.” The chair of the Dementia Australia Research Foundation, Professor Graeme Samuel (AC), said the grants provided support to early and mid-career researchers who wanted to make a difference in the field of dementia.

“This next generation of talented researchers will be among those tackling some of the biggest challenges in this field. These grants provide vital insights into reducing dementia risk, improving accurate and timely diagnoses and establishing treatment and care options for people who live with dementia,” he said. “With the number of people living with dementia expected to increase to almost 1.1 million by 2058, research into dementia is now more urgent than ever. “Further, the broad range of projects supported, including nanotechnology, hip-fracture prevention, enhancing cognition with exercise and personalising care through music, reflect

EYE-CARE TIPS • Visit your optometrist at least yearly. • Consult your optometrist as soon as you notice a difference in your vision. • Have the right ‘tool’ for the task. In today’s visually demanding world, it makes sense to optimise your vision for specific tasks. • Consider contact lenses as an alternative to wearing your prescription glasses. • Maintain A healthy weight: exercise and diet help prevent diabetes and high blood pressure.

Managing the risk for related eye disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, with regular screening for retinal disease recommended.

CRUCIAL LINK: New research is looking into how alcohol use relates to dementia. Picture: Contributed

the increased diversity and quality of research in the dementia space across Australia.’’

Eye Care with Care Dr Isabel McLean M.B.B.S. (Melb), F.R.A.N.Z.C.O Ophthalmologist (Eye Surgeon) (07) 4153 4490 302 Bourbong Street ~ Bundaberg

Bowls-mad pair on a roll 20 MARCH, 2020// SENIORS WELLBEING

Deep and everlasting love keeps John and Val together for 65 years

A DANCE brought them together, bowls drew them to Hervey Bay, and a deep and abiding love has kept them together for 65 years. John and Val (Valma) D’Arcy grew up in Melbourne, where they first met at a local dance. But it was three years before the couple went on their first date, and another three until they were married in St Monica’s Church, Footscray, on March 5, 1955.

Twelve months after they put a deposit on a small home in Sunshine, Victoria, Marita, the first of their four children, was born. Over the next eight years their family grew to include twins Robyn and Garry, followed by son David.

John, 90, and Val, 86, are avid bowlers, and Val has enjoyed a successful career in the game, with countless titles to her name, including being crowned Victorian champion. In 1987, while on

The D'Arcys mark their milestone at New Horizons.

PERFECT MATCH: Bowls identities John and Val D'Arcy have celebrated 65 years of marriage.

a caravanning holiday in Queensland, it was a fortuitous bowls game, The Ten Thousand Tournament at the Sunshine Coast, that introduced them to Hervey Bay.

“Little did we know what a turning point in our lives that would be,” John said. It was a winning decision for the D’Arcys in more ways than one. During their stay, a business opportunity presented itself through the tournament’s sponsor, Urimbirra Village.

Val recalls there was an animal sanctuary attached to Urimbirra and an adjoining piece of land was available. “It was ideal for a plant nursery and we decided to put down roots in Hervey Bay and start our own business (Possum Paradise),” she said.

A decade later they sold the Boundary Road business and relished the freedom to play their beloved bowls. The couple have been active members of Hervey Bay Bowls Club for more than 30 years, during which John was president for two years and Val notched up six A-grade singles titles. Val continues to play.

Since making New Horizons Villas their home last April they’ve declared it their best move ever. The D’Arcys are now proud “grandies’’, with five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

They are still devoted to each other and if you ask them the secret to a long and happy marriage, the first word that comes to their lips is “respect”.

It only takes one look to see that the girl who bowled over John D’Arcy at that dance cares for him as tenderly now as she did 65 years ago, and in turn he credits her with the success of their rich and fulfilling life together.

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SENIORS \\MARCH, 2020 STAY SAFE AT HOME 50 years’ service to seniors

PROUD MILESTONE: Celebrating Suncare Community Services’ 50 years of operation are Suncare members Mario Pennisi, Russell Mason, Lyndon Davis and Sara Walker.

GEOFF CROCKETT

STAFF, customers, volunteers and local dignitaries turned out in force to mark the beginning of celebrations as Suncare Community Services celebrates its 50th year.

CEO Russell Mason told a crowd of about 150 people the event was a chance to say thank you to those who had worked hard to build the service from its beginnings as Meals on Wheels Maroochydore in 1970 to today’s organisation with more than 350 employees and 3000 customers.

Mr Mason paid tribute to the founders of the organisation and the dedicated staff who delivered every day on the vision of “making people’s lives better”.

He also launched a commemorative book that honours the 50-year history of the organisation by sharing stories of customers

A crowd of about 150 turned out to help Suncare launch its 50th anniversary celebrations at Maroochydore.

who have been involved in the journey.

Mr Mason said Suncare would continue to grow in 2020 and look for innovative ways to provide the best service possible to its customers, making the most of digital innovation along the way.

State Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson officially launched the celebrations, praising those present for taking the lofty aspiration of looking after people in the community and actually caring enough to find ways to make it happen every day. Suncare Community Services has grown from its Maroochydore beginnings to now offer a wide range of personal in-home services along with community centre-based activities for seniors at the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and North Lakes.

For more information about the commemorative book or Suncare, visit suncare.org.au.

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22 LIVING WHEN author Jacqueline Henry first told a friend she had an idea to write a book about grief, she was met with a little scepticism. “She said, ‘Oh, that sounds a bit dark’– which is why you shouldn’t tell people your ideas!’,” Ms Henry said.

“But it’s not. For me it’s about accepting grief, and grief is the price of love.’’

The Whole Heart tells the endearing tale of a little girl who has lost her grandfather, and seeks help from a man at a repair shop to “fix’’ her heart.

That moment of bravery Author tackles grief with all her heart Melissa Seiler unfolds into a journey exploring the very nature of the human heart, and its different meanings to people riding the rollercoaster of emotions that are grief and heartbreak – and the wish to feel “whole’’ again.

Queenslander Ms Henry had spent the best part of 25 years working to realise her long-held dream of being an author.

After originally completing a degree in sociology, she started writing articles and stories in the 1980s, turning her attention to children’s picture books and junior school readers when she had her three sons in the 1990s. “I got rejection letter after rejection letter, and that’s when I thought, I’m taking myself back to uni,” she said. A postgraduate Diploma in Journalism led to a job writing for a community newspaper – where her determination grew stronger.

“Everyone I met was doing something amazing … they were artists, or releasing their first book or album, or they were 80 and running for the environment,” Ms Henry said.

“I thought, well what am I doing? So I started writing.” The light-bulb moment for The Whole Heart came on a seemingly ordinary journey four years ago.

“My son and I play this game ‘what trade is that truck?’,” Ms Henry recalled. “I was driving along and I was behind this truck. It was old and it had the extension cords, a generator and power tools, things dangling off it … and I was thinking, I bet this is an old guy, I bet he could fix anything except a broken heart.

“By the time I’d reached my destination, I had the whole concept in my head.” As for the very personal subject of grief, Ms Henry said it was something she by no means claimed to be an expert on.

“When you tell people you’re writing a book about grief, they tell you their story. My observation is, everybody experiences it so differently.

“I know people say they’re afraid of making others cry – but I don’t think you can. If you bring up someone they’ve lost and then they cry, it’s because they’re remembering them. It’s a complicated thing.

“You can lose someone in different ways – they could FAMILY AFFAIR: Author Jacqueline Henry with her mother, Agnes Hough, at the launch of Ms Henry's book, The Whole Heart. • Being told that you can’t make any decisions for yourself because you have had a diagnosis of dementia. • Being pressured into entering a nursing home when you’re not ready. • Being frightened to voice your needs/concerns. • Carers or family members borrowing money and not paying you back. • Adult children moving in with you and refusing to pay rent. Do you feel your rights are being respected? Are your family members supportive, or do they create stress in your life? Are any of the following scenarios happening to you? 699881 2am

move away, they could leave you, they could die, they could get dementia. As someone said to me the other day, they could be there, but they’re not the person you’ve spent your whole life with.”

Launching the book recently, surrounded by family and friends, Ms Henry thanked her now grown-up sons Tom, Will and Harry Husson, and her mother, Agnes Hough, 85, for their “love and light” during the long journey to publication. But perhaps the biggest fan of her book is her threeyear-old granddaughter.

“Over Christmas, I read it

The Whole Heart, the debut work by Jacqueline Henry, explores the different ways in which people are affected by grief.

to her every day, and she loves it. She points to the new heart and says, ‘That’s my heart, Ma, I love that heart’.

“When I wrote the book, my dream for it was that someone might hold it against their heart and it might give them a little bit of comfort, thinking ‘Yes, I would rather remember’.” The book is available for purchase at thewholeheart .com.au.