Wide Bay, December 2019 by seniors

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December, 2019

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FEATURE

GUIDE TO FESTIVALS ALL OVER AUSTRALIA FEATURE

ROB MUNDLE

CLIMATE CHANGE FROM A LONG PERSPECTIVE

- the voice of sailing

COMMUNITY

YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

JOURNO, AUTHOR AND YACHTSMAN SHARES A LIFE OF CHANCE AND ADVENTURE BELLA ITALIA

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11 - 18 JULY 2020 Want to enjoy the festive season twice this year? Spend a week on Norfolk Island with its stunning scenery, sandy beaches and jagged cliﬀs. There is so much to see and do - and all at your own pace. We’ve included some great accommodation options, a hire car so you can explore, some fabulous tours that you won’t want to miss, plus plenty more to do on the Island. Enjoy a festive delicious Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, fun trivia and Carols at Paradise Hotel & Resort. Chase away those winter blues and have some fun. Call us now to secure your accommodation.

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NEWS

DECEMBER, 2019//

INDEX 3 6 8 12 17 21 22 25

News- USC students help market Maryborough Cover story - Rob Mundle Community Notes Feature - Music festival Travel - Wanderlust Wellbeing Feature - Climate Change Money

17 Travel the world through our Wanderlust pages.

Fitness: 21

On board for summer Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor THINK Christmas, think Sydney to Hobart yacht race. It’s Boxing Day and you’re relaxing on the lounge, feeling slow from the heat and festivities. You turn on the tele and there it is: the reassuring vision of sailors and their great white racing yachts. The media commentators bring to life the personalities and the challenge, while the aerial photography just about puts us on board. Along with making new memories, we remember the great moments, like winning the America’s Cup, and the very bad moments when good men lost their lives at sea. So to put us in the mood of summer and all that goes with it,we give our front cover over to yachting personality Rob Mundle – and what a read. Tracey Johnstone (herself a lifelong yachtie) spoke with Rob and recorded his tales of exciting nautical

adventures. Back on land, music festivals have become a favourite on Aussie calendars and to assist your planning, we have put together a doublepage spread listing some of the most popular. Extremes of heat, fires, floods and drought have put climate change front of mind and reporter Alison Houston has spoken to Professor Roger Stone. If your keen eye has noticed something a little different about this publication and you are wondering exactly what it is, wonder no longer. Due to printing requirements our paper has undergone a small change (3cm) in size. Seniors News wishes our readers a safe and happy Christmas. Enjoy, Gail

SENIORS

CONTACT US General Manager Geoff Crockett – 07 5430 1006 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 07 5435 3203 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Mark Smith – 07 3623 1657 mark.smith@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Wide Bay Seniors Newspaper”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications. Published by News Corp Australia Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina. Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

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NEWS

USC students help market Maryborough

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Young minds bring new insights to mural trail USC Fraser Coast students will help promote one of Maryborough’s newest and most colourful tourism experiences locally and across the globe. The university is partnering with the creators of the Maryborough Mural Project to market a trail of eye-catching public artwork and installations on the city’s heritage buildings and streetscapes. Project co-founders Elizabeth Lowrie and Deborah Hannam said the students would help its volunteer committee develop innovative marketing solutions to promote the trail. “We are trying to build a sizeable tourism asset for the city of Maryborough,” Ms Lowrie said. “Currently we are working on our 37th mural, so we believe it is time to change the emphasis to publicising what we’ve created.’’ USC lecturer in tourism, leisure and event management Dr Shahab Pourfakhimi said the partnership offered students a valuable, practical learning opportunity to devise solutions to challenges V1 - SEWE01Z01MA

Brainstorming ideas to promote the Maryborough Mural Project both locally and globally. Picture: Contributed

facing regional tourism. Ms Hannam said she believed the partnership would be a winning combination. “We can provide the students with real industry experience, insights and feedback while they can bring young, tech-savvy minds and general expertise in tourism and marketing to the project,’’ she said. “Most of the volunteers who assist with the project are over the age of 50, so the students can provide new ideas on how best to market to a younger generation, as we realise

that the backpacker market is one that we lack.’’ Five USC Bachelor of Marketing (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management) students – Charlotte Russell, Katie Allan, Bethy Welsh, Olivia Hay and Louise Ould – have volunteered for the project. “It is exciting to have this opportunity to work together to implement what we are learning in our studies to help the community,” Bethy said. More information on the mural trail can be found at maryboroughmuralproject .org.

NEWS

DECEMBER, 2019//

SENIORS

Beware high cost of scams Alison Houston IT’S not just the financial loss, but the mental and physical spin-offs of being scammed that take their toll. Weeks after having more than $9500 illegally taken from her credit card, Toowoomba’s Gabrielle Saide said it had “really knocked me around”. She wants other seniors to know it is not just through incoming calls and emails that you can fall victim to scams, but also through fake phone numbers provided on the internet. Gabrielle had been looking for answers to a problem she was having

with her emails when she found what purported to be a Microsoft help desk phone number. Like many of us, she prefers talking to someone on the phone rather than chatting online. She rang the 1800 number, which was answered by an American, and was told that to go ahead with the service she needed to provide a small $1.30 fee, which would be refunded to her account. Having provided her details and her computer IP address, the service took remote access of her computer, just as a real IT help desk would do. She was told they would

SCAM SCAR: Toowoomba's Gabrielle Saide is urging other seniors to be wary of internet scams.

ring back soon when the problem was fixed. Instead, they accessed her account 14 times, tallying up $9549.90 in spending. Unable to access her online banking, she called the bank and discovered the list of suspicious online overseas transactions that

had been racked up. “It just goes to show you’ve always got to be one jump ahead, but as an older person particularly, you aren’t always,” she said. The bank has agreed to refund a percentage of the money fraudulently charged, but Gabrielle has to cover

more than $3000 because, as she understands it, she had provided some details to the scammers. “I’ve certainly learnt my lesson the hard way and I want to let other people know so they don’t make the same mistake.” Gabrielle has also notified

Picture: Contributed

ScamWatch and the ACCC, and plans to give details to the Australian Cyber Commission. If you are concerned about possible scams, want to learn how to protect yourself from scams or report one, go to www.scamwatch.gov.au.

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SENIORS

Rob riding wave with write stuff Tracey Johnstone THERE’S a nautical song playing in the background as author Rob Mundle (AM) talks about his latest book. The ocean-racing machine’s rigging is swaying above, while below the hive of activity on the Sydney waterfront edges towards its climax on Boxing Day. This is where Rob is most at home. He’s been the face of Australia’s blue-water sailing scene for close to 51 years. The 73-year-old has already recorded the maritime history of Australia’s big-ship adventures in Bligh: Master Mariner; Cook; Great South Land; Flinders; and The First Fleet. His latest book is a detailed account of the 75 years the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has run the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. It’s a Boxing Day tradition to be on the shores on Sydney Harbour or glued to the television to watch the live-action start of the iconic race. Multimillion-dollar yachts with professional crews line up against weekend warriors prepared to take the ultimate challenges of testing themselves and their yachts against nature and each other. Rob knows this Everest of blue-water sailing extremely well. He’s “gone south” three times and authored the international best-selling book Fatal Storm, which gave a deep insight into the devastating 1998 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, where six lives and five yachts were lost. Writing about Australia’s

maritime adventures has proven an appropriate fit for the former journalist. While researching Under Full Sail, Rob discovered his great-greatgrandfather, George Valentine Mundle, was the master of a clipper ship that brought cargo and migrants to Australia. As famous names and fabulous experiences roll off Rob’s tongue, a picture emerges of a writer who has been “kissed on the bum by a butterfly”. Rob left school with no idea what he wanted to do, but he did know he was good at writing his old school compositions and had an interest in world affairs. “I loved reading the newspaper every afternoon,” Rob said. “One day I was reading the Daily Mirror and I said to Mum, ‘I am going to ring them and see if they have any jobs’ without having any clue of what sort of job. I just loved the whole thought of a newspaper environment. A week later I was a copy boy.” One work day he was walking upstairs to the Sunday Mirror office when a blonde woman by the name of Blanche d’Alpuget stopped Rob and asked him whether he could fill in as the yachting writer while she went on holidays. “I just about kissed her on the spot,” Rob said. “It was one of those freakish things about everything unfolding in your favour.” So, the copy boy suddenly also became the Sunday edition sailing

Rob Mundle and crew on the English yacht Firebrand at the Southern Ocean Racing Conference in Miami in 1971. They raced to Nassau and then when cruising back to Bermuda 'got hammered in the Bermuda Triangle'. Picture:

column writer. When Rupert Murdoch started The Australian in 1964, he moved a group of copy boys and journalists to Canberra to help put the new publication out. “I went down as a copy boy,” Rob said. “It was very exciting standing in the print room next to Rupert when the first edition of The Australian came off the presses. It was an adrenaline pump for everyone.” While journalist Anna Torv, who later became Rupert’s second wife, was keen for Rob to stay in Canberra, the lure of better sailing options in Sydney drew him back to the big smoke. Soon after his arrival in Sydney, Rob was offered The Australian’s first Sydney bureau journalist cadetship. He also got to keep his Daily Mirror sailing column. In 1971, the chance to travel to America to see the big-boat competition and write about it was supported

BLUEWATER VOICE: Author Rob Mundle.

by his editor, Neal Travis, who offered Rob a retainer to keep filing stories while abroad. “Suddenly, I had kicked another goal,” Rob said. He finally returned to Australia and got caught up

Picture: Contributed

in trying to make money out of selling little Laser dinghies, which became an Olympic Games class. Round about then, Rob and an American friend, Lisa Halaby, who was in Australia training as an architect, were

towing Rob’s yacht Waikikamukau back from a regatta in Queensland. When Rob drove the trailer under a low bridge it became stuck, much to the angst of the drivers behind. Lisa quickly leapt onto the truck bonnet and leant on the mast, so Rob could fit the load under the bridge. “People were cheering and car horns blowing; people had never seen anything like it,” Rob said. “That girl dangling from the end of the mast, that absolutely delightful lady, went on to become the Queen of Jordan.” But, “once journalism is in your blood, it’s there forever”, Rob remembers. He was drawn back in by Kay Cottee’s husband, Peter Sutton, who was working on the Channel 10 Sports Week with host Ray Warren, as a sailing reporter. “I (also) got to be weatherman on prime-time news,” Rob said. The news editor then decided to send Rob to Newport, Rhode Island, to cover the 1983 America’s Cup. “My world and the whole world of sailing changed when Australia won the Cup,” Rob said. “I was on air that day, live and worldwide, for eight hours and 10 minutes. Apparently, that still stands as a record for live television.” Rob has now written 17 books, including Sir James Hardy’s and Alan Bond’s authorised biographies. His 18th book, The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, is for sailors and non-sailors. Available in bookshops from this month, the book is full of sailing history and entertaining anecdotes.

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NEWS

DECEMBER, 2019//

SENIORS

Community notes

MUCH TO CELEBRATE: Hervey Bay VIEW Club committee members (from left) Lyn Smith, Mary Pape, Celie Peach, Heather Ramm, Glenda Mittelheuser, Glenda Reinke and Bev Cornwell (front) reflect on another successful year. Picture: Contributed

Lesley Wilson and Maree Alder from Gympie Probus Club make friends with the Bee Gees at Redcliffe. Picture: Contributed

Community group guide TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short (100-word maximum). If you would like to submit a photo, ensure it is at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces. Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au

FRASER COAST CHORUS WE ARE a ladies’ group that sings beautifully harmonised music in a wide range of genres. We love the joy that music brings to all sectors of the community. For those who enjoy singing and are looking for friendship and fun, we welcome new members. We practise every Monday in Tavistock Street, Torquay, Hervey Bay, between 6pm and 8.30pm. For details phone Angie Lewis on 0467 963 778 or go to frasercoastchorus.org.au for information about the chorus. Christmas is on its way and we are looking forward to entertaining residents and staff at Torbay Aged Care, Ozcare, Urangan Community Centre, Masters Lodge and The Waterford in Hervey Bay.

GYMPIE LIBRARY OPENS MAKERSPACE THE new facility ensures that residents throughout the region have access to virtual-reality hardware and software, 3D printers, stateof-the-art sewing machines and other technological developments that will drive future employment and enhance our leisure time. The Makerspace was built in the area formerly occupied by the Young Adult collection, which has been integrated into the space between the current small meeting room and the local

history room. in the best place on earth, It will serve as a larger, after all. more comfortable area for When we left the city, we craft groups, coding and called at Redcliffe and had a robotics classes, writers’ look around and lunch. It groups, book clubs and tech- was a stellar day weathersavvy seniors’ classes when wise, and the sparkling sea it is not being used for with gentle breezes made technology-based the visit a most pleasant applications. time. As the custom within Minister for Local the club dictates, an iceGovernment Stirling cream stop at the Ginger Hinchliffe congratulated the Factory at Yandina council on delivering the completed the day. project for the community and said that when the two VIEW CLUBS tiers of government (VOICE, INTERESTS partnered on projects such AND EDUCATION OF as this, terrific things WOMEN) happened. Hervey Bay The $60,000 OUR VIEW club meetings Makerspace is a joint and luncheon are always the initiative of Gympie Regional second Monday of each Council and the Queensland month at the clubhouse, Government’s $600 million Tooth Street, Pialba, from Works 4 Qld program. 10.30am and usually includes a guest speaker. PROBUS CLUBS Monthly socials are on the Gympie fourth Monday at various WE TRAVELLED by coach venues from 9.30am. to Brisbane Parliament Our November social was House recently. We were a lovely luncheon at the Bay met by friendly and helpful Central Tavern and we staff and generally made to welcomed new members feel welcome. Our tour who joined us as our club included a visit to the continues to grow. chamber where affairs of the We had our last state are debated. It is committee meeting for the always good to see this year and we congratulated process in action from time ourselves on a very to time, as it reinforces the successful 2019, both within fact that we, as citizens, the club and support of The through our local members, Smith Family. can have our point of view at Taking on a fourth least considered. We are all Learning for Life student aware that the system is not was a big step forward and perfect, but at least the very rewarding for all the premise is sound. We do live dedicated work the club and

Gympie Probus Club members on the stairs of Parliament House.

Picture: Contributed

Hervey Bay VIEW Club members (from left) Margaret Finch, Grace Griffiths, Gwen Wisvey and Patsy Moore embrace the festive spirit. Picture: Contributed

members put in and strived for all year. Friendships formed through VIEW clubs are very rewarding from sometimes a lonely, mundane lifestyle to forming strong bonds with other like-minded ladies. New or interested ladies are always welcome to join our very friendly club. For more information, phone Bev on (07) 4128 2692.

RSPCA HOME ALONE SERVICE REMINDER Every year hundreds of animals are reported as being abandoned during school holidays. While some of them had been abandoned, others actually had someone assigned to care for them. “The problem is that the animals’ owners often neglect to notify neighbours and these neighbours report

the matter to us,’’ said RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty. “I would urge anyone who leaves their pets in the care of family or friends to register with our Home Alone service.” The Home Alone service was set up to alleviate the burden on already overworked RSPCA CONTINUED P10 SEWE01Z01MA - V1

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NEWS

DECEMBER, 2019//

BAYSIDE PITSTOP: Gympie Probus Club members enjoy lunch at Redcliffe during their trip to Parliament House in Brisbane. Picture: Contributed

FROM P8

inspectors who were continually being called to investigate possible cases of neglect and cruelty during holiday periods. “Many people leave pets at home and rely on the goodwill of neighbours and friends to keep them fed, watered and exercised,” Mr

Beatty said. “The problem is that often these friends forget or the animal escapes and we have no one to contact in case of emergencies. “With Home Alone, people can register their pet on our website and leave the name and contact details of the people taking care of the animal. That way we know

whom to contact in case of emergencies.” RSPCA Queensland investigates more than 19,000 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect annually, and reports of abandoned animals make up a large number of these complaints. During holiday seasons these types of calls escalate with families leaving pets

SENIORS

The Fraser Coast Chorus group will be joyously celebrating Christmas with organisations across the coast. Picture: Contributed

behind in the care of friends and neighbours. “The good intentions of neighbours looking out for the welfare of your pet can often lead to unneeded investigation,” Mr Beatty said. “Simply by completing your details on Home Alone when your family is going on holidays you can be

reassured that RSPCA inspectors will contact you or your animals’ nominated caregiver if a complaint is lodged or the animal ends up at an RSPCA shelter.” However, the sad fact remained that some animals had been abandoned, Mr Beatty said. “Your pet is your responsibility. A pet is for

life, not just your convenience. “Animal abandonment is an offence.” You can register your details by either contacting the call centre on 3426 9999 or following the link http://www.rspcaqld.org .au/what-we-do/care-foranimals/home-aloneservice.

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\\DECEMBER, 2019

Ex-MP Di goes on

long stroll ABSOLUTION of your sins is one outcome of completing the arduous Camino de Santiago trail, which probably is a bit of a motivator for older walkers, says former MP Di McCauley. The 73-year-old has just completed more than 200km of the ancient Catholic pilgrimage route from San Sebastian to the St James Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, in north-west Spain. The legend is that the bones of the apostle St James were brought by boat from Jerusalem to northern Spain and buried under the cathedral site. For more than 1000 years this trail has been used by Christians. It is considered by them as one of the three pilgrimage routes on which all sins could be forgiven. “I had a friend who had done it and I read a bit about it,” Di said. “I also mentioned it to my husband. Ian said, ‘Don’t be ridiculous. You can’t possibly do that’. “He may have said it deliberately knowing that if he laid the challenge out for me, I would take it up. I was hoping he would join me, but his health wasn’t up to it.” She said Ian was

impressed by how she applied herself to the task of getting ready. As a fairly non-active person, Di spent 12 months on the road, accompanied by her small dog, starting every day at the unfamiliar hour of 4am. At first it was 1km each day, but by the end of the training period Di was up to 10km a day. “I noticed an improvement in my fitness level so quickly once I started walking,” she said. By the end of the Camino walk, Di was walking up to 25km a day. “It nearly killed me,” she said. “There were a lot more hills than I thought, but I was determined. “You really do it in a spirit of introspection and reflection, and just simply enjoying. “Although, there was one day when I was climbing this hill and it never seemed to end. I swore madly and yelled, ‘When is this effing hill going to stop’. Our guide, who was a very funny fellow, would every morning sidle up to me and say, ‘More f****** hills today, Di’, which was hilarious. “On the last day I just cried all the way. I was crying because I just knew I was going to do it. It did mean a lot to me.”

RELIEF: Di McCauley celebrates making to the end of the arduous Camino de Santiago Trail walk.

The Camino trail walk had been on Di’s bucket list for some time but until this year she had been distracted by her many non-travel activities. For 20 years from 1987, Di was in the thick of the Queensland Parliament as the National Party member for Callide. She held various positions, including National Party spokesperson on health from 1990-92, spokesperson for women’s affairs from 1991-92 and minister for local government and planning from 1996-98. On happily retiring from politics, in 2004 she wrote the book Diving Off The Ironing Board - “I had a few things to get off my chest” and has since thrown herself into quilting, embroidery, her award-winning garden and her family. Di and her husband

Picture: Supplied

moved 10 years ago from their cattle property to 200 hectares (500 acres) outside Mt Kilcoy so they could look after their elderly mothers, who were in their 90s. Both have since died. “We did enjoy the last years with them,” Di said. “I did learn a lot about ageing,” she added with a chuckle. Since returning from the Camino journey, Di admits she hasn’t done a lot of walking, but now that there is a walking trip on the rail trail through the Brisbane Valley and another at Easter to Croagh Patrick in Ireland on the radar, she’s determined not to let her fitness decline too far again. Di McCauley celebrates making to the end of the Camino de Santiago Trail with her walking companion, daughter Suzy Baines. Picture: Supplied

Seniors’ peak group outlines 2020 vision for a better deal from Canberra INCREASED medical rebates, an independent tribunal to set the age pension and an end to the waiting list for home care top the list of what National Seniors Australia wants in the new year of 2020. The country’s peak group for older Australians has given its wish list to the Government via its submission for next year’s Federal Budget. The submission recommends: l Increased rental assistance for pensioners. l Lower deeming and taper rates on the age pension. l An adult dental benefit scheme. l A scheme for older V1 - SEWE01Z01MA

Australians to invest in green energy infrastructure. National Seniors Australia chief advocate Ian Henschke said the rising cost of health, especially specialist visits, was members’ top concern. “On average a patient will be $84 out of pocket when they see a specialist, compared with around $38 for a visit to the GP,” Mr Henschke said. “Older Australians spend the largest proportion of household income on medical expenses.” Despite this month’s announcement for extra aged care funding, National Seniors continues to call for an end to

the home care package waiting list, a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Mr Henschke said the $496 million announced for extra home care packages was barely a fifth of the $2.5 billion identified in the royal commission to fix the problem. He also says it’s time the Government took politics out of the pension with an independent tribunal setting the age pension. “The deeming and taper rates are too high, while savings returns for pensioners are too low,’’ he said. National Seniors also

believes the politicians’ superannuation guarantee rate should be brought in line with that of ordinary workers in the interest of fairness. MPs and senators receive an SG rate of 15.4 per cent, while ordinary workers receive 9.5 per cent. Finally, National Seniors is proposing an innovative way to give safe returns for older Australians while funding green energy infrastructure. The Snowy Hydro Green Bonds Scheme would give older Australians the opportunity to invest safely in Snowy Hydro 2.0, contributing to future energy security and lower energy prices.

VIEWS AIRED: Seniors need more federal help.

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Sound ideas Whether it’s close to your home or at an idyllic

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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? 6904985an

There's a smorgasbord of music festival choices on the high seas.

IN ANY month in Australia there is a selection of festivals in obvious and less than obvious locations. They are being held in your own backyard or somewhere along the grey nomad road. Music along with local produce, craft, culture, dancing, poetry and workshops often make up these events. And there are the old friendships to be rekindled and new friends to be made as seniors enjoy all that these festivals have to offer. Here are just some to tantalise you: Woodford Folk Festival (QLD) HELD in Woodford, just north of Brisbane, the 34th festival will be six days and six nights of fun with more than 2000 local, national and international artists, musicians and presenters. It begins each year with the iconic opening ceremony and closes with a spectacular fire event on New Year’s Day. It’s Australia’s largest gathering of artists and musicians. The festival experience is deep, rich and colourful. December 27-January 1. Info: woodfordfolkfestival.com. Port Fairy Folk Festival (VIC) THE four-day event has music, theatre, visual arts, spoken word, interactive workshops and street theatre. The historic coastal town attracts more than

100 acts from across the globe. March 6-9. Info: portfairyfolkfestival.com. National Folk Festival (ACT) IT’S Australia’s longestrunning major folk festival, with 180 acts over five days. The best and brightest in folk from around the globe converge on Canberra, with world-class performers hand-picked from 14 countries including Japan, Portugal and Italy, and a strong local component. April 9-13. Info: folkfestival.org.au. Fleurieu Folk Festival (SA) FLEURIEU presents a variety of folk music, dance, spoken word, culture and workshops. The music genres included are folk (folk/rock, folk roots, acoustic folk, indie/folk, folk/pop, alt/folk and contemporary/folk), country and bluegrass, singer/songwriters, world music, jazz (gypsy jazz) and blues. October 23-25. Info: fleurieufolkfestival.oztix.co m.au. Gympie Muster (QLD) HELD in the Amamoor Creek State Forest, what was once a community fundraiser has grown to a four-day camping and country music festival attracting Australian and overseas musicians. Along with taking in the music, visitors can enjoy dancing classes, music workshops, a chilled Sunday session, bush poetry and more. August 27-30. Info: muster.com.au. White Cliffs Music

Festival (NSW) HEAD 95km north of Wilcannia or 200km east of Broken Hill to the festival site. Its annual country music weekend festival is relaxed and welcoming. The 2020 performers will include Adam Harvey, Andy Toombs and The French Family. May 15-17. Info: whitecliffsmusicfestival.co m.au. Fairbridge Festival (WA) IT’S an annual three-day family-friendly celebration of folk, roots, blues, acoustic, Celtic, a cappella and world music in a trafficfree, self-contained, bushland, heritage-listed village. About 100 acts perform at this magical escape within just an hour’s drive of Perth. April 17-19. Info: fairbridgefestival.com.au. Groundwater Country Music Festival (QLD) GOLD Coast streets, parks, bars and restaurants come alive as 12 stages host more than 110 live performances. The annual Queensland Tourism award-winning event is on July 24-26. Info: groundwatercmf.com. Tamworth Country Music Festival (NSW) TAMWORTH has it all when it comes to country music. Over 10 days, 700 performers will play across 120 venues. Hundreds of buskers provide a wide range of entertainment each day. The pinnacle event is the Country Music Awards, when the who’s

• 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.

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for revellers interstate spot, year-round festive fun awaits the world. May 14-17. Info: bluesonbroadbeach.com. Lord Howe Island Rock Fest (NSW) THE backdrop is stunning and the music for all ages. This annual festival of free concerts and entertainment is the perfect reason to head to Lord Howe to explore the island during the day and party away the nights. It starts on Saturday at 5pm with dancing in the streets. Sunday is a day to chill and explore. Monday features a music trivia night. Tuesday is 1960s and ’70s music. Wednesday afternoon it’s music at Ned’s Beach, where the whole community joins in. Thursday is open mic, with guests supporting the locals as they perform before the visiting musos finish the night. Friday is the closing night with a fireworks show. The music starts with the local schoolchildren and then gets louder and livelier as the night progresses. Be warned - the island accommodation is limited so book in early. March 2128. Info: lordhoweisland.info. Blues and Berries (NSW) COFFS Harbour is the place to be in November. The festival showcases the region’s amazing growers, fantastic produce and a lineup of great musical talent. It’s a jam-packed program. November. Info: bluesandberries.com.au. Byron Bay Bluesfest (NSW) AT ITS permanent home

at the spectacular 120hectare Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, just 11km north of Byron Bay, the Bluesfest in 2020 will have 200 performances across multiple stages over five 12hour days, with up to 6000 visitors expected. There are five licensed bars, more than 100 food and market stalls and plenty of entertainment for all ages. In 2020, the performers list is impressive with Crowded House, George Benson, John Butler and Dave Matthews Band among the outstanding acts. April 9-13. Info: bluesfest.com.au. Bellingen Fine Music Festival (NSW) CLASSICAL, contemporary jazz and world music are now on the program at Bellingen. There are concerts, busking, workshops and superb food and wine. The venue is about 30 minutes’ drive from Coffs Harbour. Last year’s performers included David Helfgott, Joseph Tawadros (with James Tawadros) and Ensemble Q. September. Info: bellingen musicfestival .com.au. Festival of Voices (TAS) CHORAL singers from all over the world gather in Hobart to perform, teach, learn, listen and connect. Audiences are encouraged to take part and find their voices. The free Big Sing Bonfire event in Salamanca attracts up to 5000 people. In between the choral events are performances by

ISLAND VIBE: The Lord Howe Island Rock Fest provides a picturesque chillout with a Wednesday afternoon concert at Ned's Beach. Photo: Contributed

cabaret artists, actors, and jazz and contemporary singers from Australia and overseas. July 1-16. Info: festivalofvoices.com. National Multicultural Festival (ACT) THE weekend festival of culture and music includes a parade that has everything from beautiful exotic costumed dancers and marching cultural bands to magnificent floats. People flock to the Canberra streets to what is a sea of vibrant colour and sound as 2000 performers from the local community and international groups dance. February 21-23. Info: multiculturalfestival .com.au.

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Blue-Water Festivals JOIN Royal Caribbean Cruises for its on-water festivals. There is Cruisin’ Country (Sydney, October 5) with Lee Kernaghan and 50 other artists, Bravo Cruise of the Performing Arts with Anthony Warlow and Ruthie Henshall (Sydney, October 13), and Rock the Boat with Suzi Quatro and Jon Stevens (Brisbane, November 24). Info: royalcaribbean.com/ aus/en?country=AUS. Other festival ideas: Parkes Elvis Festival (NSW). January 8-12. Info: parkeselvisfestival.com.au. Agnes Blue, Roots and Rock Festival (Agnes Water, QLD). February 21-

23. Info: agnesbluesand roots.com.au. Top Half Folk Festival (Alice Springs, NT). June. Info: alicespringsfolkclub.com. Ballina Country Music Fest (NSW). November. Info: ballinacountry music.com. By The Banks IndieFolk Festival (Albury, NSW). November. Info: bythebanks.com.au. Wirrina Bluegrass Festival (South Australia). November. Info: wirrinabluegrass.com. Australian Festival of Chamber Music (Townsville, QLD). July 31August 9. Info: afcm.com.au.

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who of Australian country music gathers with fans to see who wins the famous Golden Guitars. January 1726. Info: www.tcmf.com.au. Big Red Bash (QLD) WITH the 2020 event already sold out, it’s probably a good time to go online to secure your tickets for 2021. Held 35km from the Outback town of Birdsville, it’s the most remote rock music festival in the world. The festival is held on the striking red sands of the Simpson Desert in front of Big Red, a 40mhigh sand dune that provides a spectacular natural amphitheatre setting found nowhere else in the world. July 2020. Info: bigredbash.com.au/ bigredbash. Stone The Crows Festival (NSW) HELD at the Australian Clay Target Association grounds in Wagga Wagga, it’s the ultimate over-50s and grey nomads festival of music and fun. There’s a talent quest, workshops, bush poetry, markets, seminars, crafts and the Australian Disc Bowls Championship. In 2020, Normie Rowe and Belinda Marks head up the stellar list of performers. April 10-16. Info: www.stonethecrows .com.au. Blues on Broadbeach (QLD) FOR four days each year, one of Australia’s largest free music festivals features more than 70 top blues, folk, soul and rock artists from Australia and around

NEWS

DECEMBER, 2019//

SENIORS

Soldier finally identified MORE than 100 years after his death, a previously unidentified soldier from World War I will have a headstone bearing his name and service details provided at his final resting place in the Australian Imperial Force Burial Ground in Flers, France. Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said Private Charles Gage, a member of the 56th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, had been identified thanks to researchers from Fallen Diggers Incorporated, the Australian Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties team and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. “Private Gage hailed from Eugowra in New South Wales and was of Aboriginal descent through his mother, Mary,’’ Mr Chester said. “After enlisting in February 1916, Private Gage joined the 56th Battalion in France on 2 December, 1916, but tragically the next day he was killed by shellfire as he travelled to join his unit on the front line. “Private Gage was one of the first Aboriginal Australians to die on the Western Front, and at the time, his brother, who was serving in the 54th Battalion, erected an unnamed grave marker indicating that Private Gage was a soldier of the 56th Battalion.

HONOURING FALLEN: Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrives at the Arlington Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington DC, in the US, in September. Picture: AAP/Mick Tsikas

“Researchers have determined that the only soldier in the 56th Battalion to die on 3 December, 1916, and who had a brother in the 54th Battalion, was Private Gage.” Private Gage’s brother, Lance Corporal Christopher Gage, was killed during the Battle of Polygon Wood in September 1917 and is buried at the New Irish Farm Cemetery, Ypres. “Indigenous Australians have served our nation in

wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations since the Boer War in South Africa from 1899–1902,’’ Mr Chester said. “It’s estimated that at least 1000 indigenous Australians served in the First World War, despite regulations that discouraged their enlistment. “The deaths of the Gage brothers are symbolic of the tremendous service Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women

have made in defence of our country for more than a century.” Mr Chester thanked the researchers from Fallen Diggers Incorporated, the Unrecovered War Casualties team and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission on the identification of Private Gage. “In particular, I’d like to acknowledge the work of Fallen Diggers Incorporated. Private Gage is the 27th

previously unknown Australian First World War soldier the group has helped identify, bringing closure to the families of our fallen and allowing us all to know the name and history of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. In consultation with Private Gage’s descendants, the Australian Army, Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Office of Australian War Graves will make arrangements to

replace the previously unmarked headstone with one bearing his name and service details. Private Gage’s service records are available at: https://recordsearch.naa .gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/ Interface/ViewImage.aspx? B=4036372. Further information on Unrecovered War Casualties is available on the army’s website: www.army.gov.au/ our-work/unrecovered-warcasualties/.

Eureka! Stories from the goldfields come back to life 165 years on GAIL FORRER

A NEW book of “ripping yarns” from the Australian goldfields of the mid-1800s has put the tumultuous times and tales surrounding the Eureka Stockade rebellion back into the popular imagination. The book has been curated by academics at The Australian National University and draws on thousands of fictional stories published in newspapers at the time. The Eureka Stockade uprising of miners and prospectors against government forces at Ballarat in Victoria culminated on December 3, 1854. During this time newspapers, then the only

form of mass communication, carried serialised fiction with a rich seam of tales from the diggings. They included repeated lucky gold strikes, adventure and misadventure, romance on the goldfields and the interaction of colonial white Australians, indigenous Australians and Chinese and other migrants drawn by gold’s lure. ANU Associate Professor Katherine Bode and bibliographer Carol Hetherington used new digital computational methods to search the National Library of Australia’s Trove database to uncover the tales. They found more than 21,000 fictional stories published in Australian newspapers between 1828

and 1914. These are all made available for anyone to explore and read online, in To be continued: The Australian Newspaper Fiction Database. Eight of those stories have been chosen for the new book, Tom Morison’s Golden Christmas and Other Lost Australian Goldmining Stories, the third in the To Be Continued series. “There are literally hundreds of forgotten Australian mining stories in the database, so it was very difficult to choose just eight to publish,” Associate Professor Bode said. “What’s fascinating is the stories are richly peppered with characters like Chinese and other migrants, women and indigenous Australians – often as stereotypes but nonetheless showing their

definite presence on the goldfields. “We rarely see these people in modern retellings of goldfield folklore and stories of the Eureka Stockade are focused on the men; the diggers were the heroes.” Dr Karen Downing, cocurator of the book, said themes from the Eureka rebellion of 165 years ago were still relevant today. “The Eureka Stockade and the goldmining era are central to stories of workers’ rights and unionism in Australia,” she said. Dr Downing highlighted The Widow Blane: A Tale of the Times, by N Walter Swan, as a compelling love story between a middleaged woman and man, where hero and villain meet

UNIVERSAL STORIES: Dr Karen Downing of ANU.

at the Eureka rebellion. “The plot has Mrs Blane widowed after her husband went to the diggings but was led to drink, and then

Picture: Gail Forrer

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Luxuriate in calming climes IN BRIEF Let there be Lights THE world’s greatest light show, the aurora borealis, is taking centre stage in Canada as the winter months provide a perfect dark-sky canvas for its spellbinding display. Check out five ways to weave aurora viewing, best done between October and March, into an incredible winter wonderland experience. Pedal through snow and ice on bikes designed for the conditions. Visitors to Yukon Territory can view the lights from 11,000m in the air, taking off from Whitehorse with Aurora 360 from January 23-27. Immerse yourself in indigenous culture as you witness the rippling, whirling spectacle at the Aurora Village in the Northwest Territories. Get off the grid in one of Yukon’s remote wilderness lodges, where you can combine crystalclear aurora viewing with a spot of ice-fishing or snowmobiling. View the phenomenon at Churchill’s 360-degree glass aurora dome, directly under the aurora oval in Canada’s central province of Manitoba. Info: keepexploring.com.au. Slow travel tailored to explore hidden corners UK-based Inn Travel helps you find a holiday based on no one’s timetable but your own, helping you to recharge, re-energise and feel refreshed. They call them Slow Holidays. Walk, ski, cycle, or take an inspiring journey by train, boat or car – each experience is a carefully crafted holiday

more. It’s on from April 2-7, 2020. Info: kingislandlongtable.com.

BOTANICAL BEAUTY: Travel in comfort and with other seniors on soft adventure tours in gentle Japan.

built around you and your wishes or those of your group of friends, for a truly individual experience. Info: inntravel.co.uk. Sydney art in frame PLAN your art trip to Sydney in 2020. The Art Gallery of NSW has many great exhibitions coming up next year, including Quilty, on now until February 2; the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes from May 9 to September 6; Streeton from September 26 through to February 2021, Matisse alive from October 20 to March 2021; and Matisse: life & spirit, masterpieces from the Centre Pompidou, Paris from November through to March 2021. Info: artgallery.nsw.gov.au.

Discovery Cruise and Colonial Fiji Discovery Cruise – on board small ship MV Reef Endeavour. The 4 Cultures Discovery Cruise is the first Fiji cruise to circumnavigate Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-largest island, and visits four distinctive Fijian cultures: Ellice Islanders (Polynesians), Banabans (Micronesia), Fijian and Indians. Departure dates are January 7, May 23, July 25 and November 21, plus January 23, 2021. The seven-night Colonial Fiji Discovery Cruise visits the world heritage-listed Levuka on the island of Ovalau. Departure dates are February 4, April 25, June 20, August 22 and December 19. Info: captaincookcruisesfiji.com.

Fiji cruise a first CAPTAIN Cook Cruises Fiji has two 2020 Northern Fiji seven-night Discovery cruises – The 4 Cultures

High country charms AMBLE along the culinary road taking in the dining and wines of Beechworth and Rutherglen. Choose the type

of walk that best suits your pace and fitness. There is plenty of history to take in along with local produce fine dining, estate wines, relaxed pubs with their live music and delightful places to lay your head at night. The area is about three hours’ drive from Melbourne or about 40 minutes from Albury Airport. Info: walkhighcountry.com.au. Canary Islands walk THE Canary Islands are the perfect year-round destination for walkers, especially those looking for an active escape in the sunshine in the winter months. Besides the balmy temperatures, there are many reasons to put your walking shoes on and hit the trails that crisscross the “fortunate’’ islands: the dramatic scenery sculpted by centuries of volcanic activity, the history of the islands’ colonial towns and

Picture: Contributed

cities and, of course, the gastronomy. The best walk for beginners is the sevennight Landscapes of Tenerife, which takes in pine-forested hills and semivolcanic landscapes. The Hidden gem of the Canary Islands, La Gomera, is a hiker’s dream. Only 50 minutes by boat from Tenerife, it is a laid-back little volcanic island with unique landscapes. Info: canariaways.com. Feast fit for a king The Long Table Festival spans five days and provides unique King Island experiences encompassing art, local life and stunning produce. The island is anchored in the middle of the Bass Strait, between Victoria and Tasmania’s north-west coast. On the menu are Art Meets Beef, Diver’s Masterclass & Feast, Orchard to Platter Trail, Edibles to Art, Let’s Eat and

Japan for seniors TOURSGALLERY is continually creating exclusive escorted Japan tours designed especially for people seeking a comfortable Japanese experience. It only accepts 10 to 15 guests a tour, but still provides a private luxury coach for touring. Itineraries are relaxing, with accommodation for two or three nights in spa resorts. Visits to national parks and gardens, pottery kilns, craft and art museums, rural villages and even a private audience with a monk are all part of the soft adventure program. The Snow Monkeys and Winter Festivals Tour starts on February 1 and is priced at $9988 a person, twin-share, from Tokyo. Single travellers can share with another solo guest and avoid paying the single supplement. Info: phone 1800 800 956 or email mayumi@toursgallery.com. Bike Blue Mountains BEING on a bike in the Blue Mountains is as close to heaven as many want to be. There is an abundance of safe off-road trails that allow you to be in nature while enjoying beautiful scenery. If you are tempted to enjoy nature on two wheels, you might consider Hanging Rock Trail in Blackheath; Narrow Neck Trail in Katoomba; The Oaks Trail in Glenbrook; and the Faulconbridge Trail. Select trails that cater to your ability level. Info: ebikerdiary.com.

How does your child’s school compare? An exclusive education series every parent must read. Every school’s income and funding, teacher-student ratios and NAPLAN results revealed.

Visit education.news.com.au to read more

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For locals and visitors alike, a South Bank weekend is definitely refreshing.

HEART OF THE ACTION: The Emporium Hotel at South Bank is the perfect location at which to base yourself as you explore the many delights of the precinct, which offers myriad cultural and dining options. Pictures: Kerry Heaney

Enjoy a South Bank getaway Kerry Heaney

A cool drink in the bar will have you in holiday mode.

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BRISBANE’S South Bank is a top tourist destination for good reason, with so much to enjoy in a wellplanned precinct. Whether you’re visiting for a week or just a long weekend, you’ll find plenty to see and do as you take in the Sunshine State capital’s attraction-packed hub. Start by booking a hotel that makes you feel welcome the moment you walk through the door, then book a show and plan a dinner somewhere special. One step inside the glamorous Emporium Hotel on Grey St and you are transported into another world. If you wish that American television series Sex and the City never ended, this is your spiritual home. It’s full of glitzy red glamour and sexy animal prints, and that’s before you even step away from reception. The ground-floor piano bar is oh so cool and moody, just perfect for a late-night drink, but only after you have watched the sunset from The Terrace rooftop bar. It’s a delicious slice of Brisbane you haven’t seen before. Don’t forget to look

down on the kingdom of South Bank because that’s your playground for the next two days. Start your day with breakfast at The Terrace and relax in the sunshine under the retractable roof. Your breakfast alternative is the delectable French-inspired Belle Epoch patisserie on the ground floor. When you’ve had your fill, head out to explore South Bank. Food lovers might catch the free CityHopper ferry to Sydney Street in New Farm to visit Jan Powers Farmers Market held on Saturdays in the grounds of Brisbane Powerhouse. For a leisurely morning stroll, you can’t go past the boardwalk, which extends right along the bank of the Brisbane River to Kangaroo Point. If a quick coffee is top of mind, cross the river on the Goodwill Bridge and stop at Brendan’s Cafe coffee cart in the middle. This is near the Maritime Museum if you like to look at old boats. Walk through South Bank’s Epicurious garden and perhaps take home some of the free produce. It’s available from 7am from Tuesday to Thursday but be quick, otherwise you will leave empty-handed.

South Bank is filled with a wide selection of cafes and restaurants, but there’s also music on offer and it’s free. On Friday evenings the sounds at Green Jam on Melbourne Street Green will soothe your soul, while Sunday Social on the Green at River Quay Green offers stunning river views with cool vibes. There is no music, but at night Flowstate’s continually changing colours are just as entertaining. Other night-time options at South Bank include a show, concert or play at the Queensland Performing Art Complex. South Bank has a smorgasbord of dining options along the length of Grey and Melbourne Sts. If you feel like taking it easy but still enjoying excellent food, head to Signature in Emporium Hotel. For an art fix outside the collections on show at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, take a stroll down Fish Lane. Here the building walls are the gallery filled with street art. For locals and visitors alike, a South Bank weekend is definitely refreshing. * The writer stayed as a guest of Emporium Hotel.

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Castell de Montjuic provides sweeping views of the city.

It’s party time in Barcelona! Graeme Wilson IT’S not every day that you get to fly into Barcelona to celebrate your 60th birthday … in fact, you only get one shot at it. So as the plane touched down at El Prat airport I was determined to grab my bag and hit the ground running. My big day had started somewhat disastrously in Paris where a combination of city-wide transport strike and highly flawed decisionmaking on my part resulted in a $200 Uber airport fare. So for this day to be memorable for the right reasons, the pressure was on

Barcelona to turn on the charm. The result was never in doubt. Fast forward several hours to a spectacular rooftop bar and as I took in the glorious sunset-drenched views, the French faux pas was long forgotten. During my first day on Spanish soil, a casual wander along the famous Las Ramblas mall and on to Passeig de Gracia had already offered an introduction to the artistic brilliance of Antoni Gaudi. The multi-coloured Casa Batllo was originally designed as home for a wealthy aristocrat, but these days attracts millions of

visitors as a museum. Gaudi’s special touch is evident everywhere you roam throughout Barcelona and among other highlights of my three-night stay were tours of the iconic La Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic temple started in 1882 and finally due for completion in 2026, and the Gaudi House Museum. Throw in a relaxing day on the beach at Platja de la Barceloneta, a romantic evening dinner overlooking the marina, expansive views from the hilltop Castell de Montjuic…and a tasty paella or three…and Barcelona ticked all the boxes. The La Boqueria markets are full of colourful fare.

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Gaudi’s special touch is evident everywhere you roam throughout Barcelona STUNNING: When you’re looking to celebrate in style, it’s pretty hard to beat sunset drinks in the somewhat exclusive rooftop bar at Barcelona’s Majestic Hotel. Pictures: Graeme Wilson

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Home in on quartet of cool cardio ideas ARE you not keen to do exercises outside in the summer? That’s okay because with these great indoor exercise tips from Queensland Health you won’t need to leave the house. Without lacing up the running shoes, there are four exercises, all aimed at beginners, which can be done in the privacy, and shady comfort, of your home. Try to work through these four exercises in sequence, taking a short break between each set, and build up to the recommended number of repetitions over time. You can find more advanced no-running cardio options to build into your routine at healthier.qld .gov.au/fitness/workouts/ no-running-cardio. l Advanced jumping jacks: Aim for: 20-30 a set. Stand with feet together, knees slightly bent, and arms at your sides. Jump while raising your arms and separating your legs to the sides and on your forefoot with legs apart and arms overhead. l Lateral hops Aim for: 20-30 repetitions. Lateral hops look simple - they are, after all, just jumping from side to side. But if you do them right, you’re working a bunch of big muscles in your legs, your butt and your torso

AT HOME: Think of the possibility of indoor exercise

that add up to some simple and effective cardio. Keep your legs together, bound from side to side, jumping over an imaginary obstacle. Land with soft knees. Try to remain on the balls of your feet. l Superman Aim for: 10-15 repetitions per set. The superman stretch

will contribute to your cardio, but it has the added benefit of improving your overall strength and increasing muscle definition. Start on your hands and knees, with back straight and core muscles tight. Keep hips low, simultaneously raise your right arm and left leg, straightening at your elbow and knee. Pause, then lower to the

starting position before alternating sides. l Squat reach and jump Aim for: 10-15 a set If you think you’re noticing a theme here, you’re not wrong. Jumping is great cardio activity, which is why there is so much skipping in the training montages of 80s sports films. The squat reach and jump sets aside the skip-

ping rope and focuses on the core of the activity, adding in the squat. Keep your feet shoulderwidth apart, then perform a squat by bending at the knees to lower yourself . Make sure your knees don’t pass over your toes. From the squat position, straighten and jump up, reaching both arms overhead.

Wellbeing

Sun myths debunked WHETHER you’re at the beach, by the pool or simply on a walk around the block, you can burn in as little as 10-15 minutes here in Queensland when the ultraviolet (UV) level is at its peak. That’s why it’s vitally important for people to know exactly how to protect themselves and reduce their risk of skin cancer. But with myriad myths circulating, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Cancer Council Queensland is encouraging people to brush up on their “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide’’ knowledge before heading outdoors. The council has busted five sun safety myths to help you stay sun safe. Myth one: Sun damage is not possible on windy, cloudy or cool days. False: Sun damage is caused by UV radiation, not temperature. Visit sunsmart.com.au/tools/ interactive-tools/freesunsmart-app. Myth two: People with olive skin or who tan easily can’t get skin cancer False: People with olive or very dark skin can still develop skin cancer. Myth three: You need lots of sun exposure to avoid vitamin D deficiency. False: Queenslanders typically receive enough sun exposure while completing everyday tasks. Myth four: Putting sunscreen on once is enough. False: All sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours.

Research’s deeper insights reveal keys to anxiety-easing sleep EXPERIENCING anxiety because you have missed out on a good night’s rest isn’t anything new, but researchers can now explain how it can be reduced. The new study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, looked at what phase of a person’s sleep pattern can help reduce anxiety. It established a casual neural link between sleep and anxiety. Scientists from UC Berkeley identified the importance of the sleep phase NREM, or non-rapid eye movement, and its ability to ease an V2 - SEWE01Z01MA

overactive brain. It’s the deepest stage of a person’s sleep and it restores the brain’s prefrontal mechanism, which regulates our emotions. “Of societal relevance, we establish that even modest night-to-night reductions in sleep across the population predict consequential dayto-day increases in anxiety,” the study reported. “These findings help contribute to an emerging framework explaining the intimate link between sleep and anxiety and further

highlight the prospect of non-rapid eye movement sleep as a therapeutic target for meaningfully reducing anxiety.” Sleep has two main phases: rapid eye movement (REM) and NREM. When you are in REM sleep, your eyes move rapidly, your blood pressure and heart rate go up, and your brain becomes highly active. REM sleep is when most dreaming happens. It’s thought to be important for learning and creating new memories.

When you are in NREM sleep, you go through four stages. In stage one you are in transition between being awake and asleep, and you wake easily. In stages two, three and four your eye movements stop, your body temperature falls, and you are deeply asleep. Adults usually spend about one-fifth of the night in REM sleep and the remainder in NREM sleep. It appears the non-medicated remedy to reducing anxiety is getting a better quality of sleep every night.

REST ASSURED: Research is pinpointing how getting more deep sleep can boost our mental health. Photo: File

FEATURE

DECEMBER, 2019//

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We can weather change Expert urges nations to dig in for long haul as climate takes high toll By Alison Houston

LIQUID ASSET: How we can better capture, store and deliver water is one of the big questions facing us.

Firefighters rescue a koala during the recent spate of devastating blazes.

Photo: Contributed

IT’S without question the hottest topic of the moment – climate change. But with 50 years of experience in meteorology and climate science, University of Southern Queensland’s Professor Roger Stone says we are looking at the problem the wrong way. To begin with, he says, we can dispose of arguments as to whether current high temperatures and drought conditions here and in other areas of the southern hemisphere are the result of predicted weather patterns or climate change – it’s both. The same unusually warm sea temperatures in the Central Pacific and cool temperatures in the Indian Ocean, giving us the El Nino effect, cause the reverse weather patterns in Europe and the Americas, resulting in record lows and flooding there. “The world is usually out of balance with rainfall – when we’re having droughts in Australia, they are often having floods in the northern hemisphere and vice versa,” Professor Stone said. El Nino is part of a predictable periodic weather pattern occasionally resulting in prolonged events such as that experienced in Australia between 1991 and 1995, so people who say they have seen it all before are correct … to an extent.

THE CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECT The difference, Prof Stone says, is that climate change is making the impact of these seasonal climate patterns far more severe, protracted and more common. Because Australia has the most variable rainfall of any nation in the world – with variability increasing, especially in northern Queensland – we are very much affected by climate change. Prof Stone said the United Nations Commission for Agricultural Meteorology, of which he is president, brought together the work of climate science teams – including climate prediction models associated with agriculture and drought – from countries around the world. This provides a global picture of weather and seasonal climate events, how these affect countries, and how we can learn from each other. The key, he said, was “to have greater preparedness for when these events – drought, severe storms and flooding – occur”. That means getting governments to think long term about climate and its effect on our lives. THE POLITICS The climate problems we are experiencing globally due to greenhouse gas pollution in the atmosphere, Prof Stone said, would take at least

Extremes becoming new norm in world where increasing THE effects of climate change are already far-reaching, emerging in many crucial aspects of life As Labor health spokesman Simon Bowen recently highlighted at Sydney University: “Changing climate zones, desertification, ocean acidification, ecosystem collapse: these impacts threaten our food supply, our economy, our security and, of course, our health”. HEALTH: The Australian Medical

Association (AMA) in August declared climate change a health emergency, following similar statements by its counterparts in Britain and the US. AMA president Dr Tony Bartone pointed to higher mortality and morbidity from heat stress – a major issue for the elderly – injury and mortality from increasingly severe weather events, food and water insecurity, and a higher incidence of mental health problems.

TOURISM: Australia’s Climate Council says Australia’s top-five natural tourist attractions (beaches, wildlife, the Great Barrier Reef, wilderness and national parks) are all at risk due to rising temperatures and seas, and increased fire danger associated with climate change. FIRE: Just last month, a state of emergency was declared in a number of states affected by “unprecedented” fires.

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Australia’s Climate Council says Australia’s top-five natural tourist sites are all at risk as temperatures rise The Climate Council says “the nature of bushfires in Australia has changed” – with increasing risk to people and property. Its key findings included that

bushfire risk had been exacerbated by record-breaking drought, very dry fuels and soils, and recordbreaking heat. It also found the fire season had “lengthened so SEWE01Z01MA - V2

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– but joint plan is crucial ‘‘

TIME FOR UNITY: United Nations Commission for Agricultural Meteorology president and USQ Centre for Applied Climate Sciences director Professor Roger Stone says we need to be less parochial and look globally in addressing climate change and its effects.

The greenhouse gas emissions are almost entirely due to the northern

hemisphere 20 years to improve as a result of changes in our behaviour. Having worked in government before becoming USQ Centre for Applied Climate Sciences director, he said some governments and politicians on both sides of the political divide were more willing to listen to environmental and climate concerns than others. Part of the difficulty was that with each change of government and change in bureaucratic department heads, policy attitudes shifted, knowledge was lost and so little ongoing progress was ever achieved. “The minute it starts raining, drought is taken off the agenda and becomes something for another day, so the next time it happens we are caught without answers again,” Prof Stone said. However, with the country now clearly looking “so bad”, with “massive rainfall deficits” and unprecedented fires, he believes alarm bells are ringing that this is a climate crisis and we cannot afford to defer making long-term decisions. But degenerating into political name calling, finger pointing and protesting for

plant-breeding programs such as stay-green wheat and sorghum that had also been developed.

more to be done about greenhouse gases within Australia, he said, achieved nothing. It was akin to burning the village witch in the Middle Ages, believing they had caused hailstorms. “We are being too parochial in the way we think about climate change,” Prof Stone said. “This is a global climate system we are working with and the greenhouse gas emissions are almost entirely due to the northern hemisphere – they are responsible for 95 per cent. “What we do in Australia has little effect (1 per cent of global emissions).”

That meant, he said, that while we needed to continue to do the right thing environmentally within Australia, we also needed to stop blaming ourselves and instead “ask our friends, particularly in the US, China and the European Union, to change what they are doing and set clear targets (to reduce greenhouse gas emissions)”. “That’s where the real action has to be, and that’s the tougher question – how we, as a tiny nation, are going to influence the global picture, because we are very much on the receiving end of this. “We need to have a bigger

voice on the global stage.” TOLL ON THE LAND Those arguably hardest hit by the effects of climate change, including drought, associated fire, storm and flooding, are of course our farmers. “The first thing we know is that farmers only make a good profit three years out of 10,” Prof Stone said. On average, they will have three really bad years and four average. He said that contrast in results would increase, and while good seasons would return, farmers needed to be more attuned and responsive to weather and

climate conditions than ever. Many farmers, he said, watched very closely in autumn when, for instance, El Nino patterns generally end, before making decisions on whether to destock or increase stock and what to plant. “In the future they are going to have to be very responsive and opportunistic to capture the good years when they are there,” Prof Stone said. Some, he said, for example had swapped from wheat crops to chickpeas, which were more drought resistant (where markets allowed), and to innovative

THE FUTURE Events such as the devastating fires in New South Wales and Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria, Prof Stone said, had already overtaken debate. The question is where will it end, and how can we improve our future outlook? Prof Stone said extremist views polarising the community could do only more damage. We need to work together to take a stand to influence those responsible for large-scale global emissions. He said long-term planning and policy were the answer, both to find power alternatives and to cope with existing climate-related threats. As individuals, that meant contacting and lobbying our politicians – including state and federal local members, agriculture and environment ministers and shadow ministers and party leaders – to talk with their international equivalents and reinforce the need for greater responsibility and prompt long-term policy action against large-scale emissions.

environmental volatility poses threat to health, livelihoods substantially that it has already reduced opportunities for fuelreduction burning”, making it harder to prepare for worsening conditions and for states to share resources, as the number of threats mounted. WILDLIFE: The recent fires have left Australia’s koala population in crisis, with the Australian Koala Foundation suggesting they are “functionally extinct”, with more than 1000 koalas killed and 80 per V3 - SEWE01Z01MA

cent of their habitat destroyed. WATER: According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Australia’s total rainfall during the 2018-19 financial year was 351.4mm, 24 per cent below average – the driest financial year since 1969-70. Australia also experienced its second-warmest financial year on record with mean daily maximum temperature 1.7C higher than average – the highest on record. The hot, dry conditions affected

water resources in all states, resulting in reduced water in the soil (just 8.5 per cent), in storages, rivers, and groundwater, continuing years of drought for desperate farmers in many areas and necessitating increasingly tight water restrictions. TRAUMA: Maddie the koala required intensive care after falling victim to a bushfire. Photo: Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation/Facebook

REAL ESTATE

Wellbeing FOUR widowers – Mark Bethwaite (AM), Tony King, Dr Frank Cheok (OAM) and Daniel Goulburn (OAM) – all lost their wives to pancreatic cancer. The men, who were friends before their cancer journey, forged a deep bond under the most dire of circumstances and feature in a moving video, eager to share their stories and assist in raising awareness about an innovative trial. Their individual and collective stories are indicative of all pancreatic cancer journeys, which are shrouded in confusion and lack of awareness. And with very little time from diagnosis to death, families and loved ones are left traumatised. Pancreatic cancer remains difficult to detect and has one of the lowest survival rates. The poor prognosis has remained almost unchanged for more than 30 years, with a current fiveyear survival rate of 9.8 per cent. That is, only one in 10 diagnosed will survive the disease. Medical predictions are that by 2030, pancreatic cancer will be the secondhighest cause of cancer mortality. Mr Goulburn said November was dedicated to bringing pancreatic cancer into focus through awareness and keeping hope alive for those living with or touched by the disease. “The pancreatic cancer community needs to shout from the rooftops to make sure people know that in fact it is a cancer that is deadly, a cancer that needs more research, it’s a cancer that needs more clinical trials and with research we would get a significant increase in survival rates,” he said.

DECEMBER, 2019//

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Bound by loss to cancer

BOND: Daniel Goulburn (OAM), Dr Frank Cheok (OAM), Tony King and Mark Bethwaite (AM) all lost their wives to pancreatic cancer.

To find out more or to make a donation, visit ImpactPancreaticCancer. com.au.

TRIAL PROMISING FRESH HOPE

The GI Cancer institute is preparing to introduce two innovative clinical trials, offering hope for improved survival outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients, and is calling for urgent funding of $600,000 to get the new Neo-IMPACT trial for 20 patients off the ground. Neo-IMPACT, scheduled for 2020, will for the first time trial immunotherapy before surgery in the early stages of the disease. Recent results were published showing that aggressive chemotherapy with three drugs (Folfirinox) prevents pancreatic cancer coming

back after surgery. In this trial, researchers will apply this chemotherapy regimen to people with early-stage pancreatic cancer, as well as two doses of immunotherapy before surgery. Researchers at the GI Cancer Institute want to try what has been shown to be effective with lung cancer: giving immunotherapy before surgery in the early stages of the disease. Spearheading the trial is Dr Lorraine Chantrill, director of the GI Cancer Institute and head of oncology at Wollongong Hospital, who is passionate about increasing awareness, survival rates and improving outcomes for people with pancreatic cancer. “This new trial provides hope – so desperately

sought after by the patients I treat and their families,” Dr Chantrill said. “I have promised my patients and people like Mark, Tony, Danny and Frank, who have all experienced the impact of this deadly and aggressive disease, that we will never give up until we find a better way to treat pancreatic cancer. “Their story is indicative of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in that lives are so often cut short quickly. “Even more traumatic is that three of the women taken by this disease were close friends – a situation compounding their tragic loss.” Recognising the need for research into new and improved treatment options, the GI Cancer Institute not only plans to

launch Neo-IMPACT in 2020, it has also begun recruiting patients in recent weeks for a new Masterplan pancreatic cancer trial and is looking to initiate an additional pancreatic cancer sub-study, Randoms, in 2020. The Masterplan trial, funded by the Medical Research Future Fund, aims to find out whether chemotherapy, combined with focused high-dose radiotherapy before surgery, will increase the likelihood of shrinking the tumour by killing the pancreatic cancer. This type of (stereotactic) radiotherapy is not the standard treatment for pancreatic cancer in Australia; however, it is commonly used in other parts of the world. Focused, high-dose radiotherapy is being used in this trial

Picture: Contributed

because it directs a higher dose of radiation to the tumour and less radiation to the normal tissue around the cancerous cells. This trial will treat people who need to shrink their tumour before potential surgery and those who have tumours that are too big to be removed – which accounts for around one third of all pancreatic cancer patients. Widower Tony King said: “We need to know more about pancreatic cancer. Funding of research is absolutely essential. To get the sort of funding required, you need greater awareness.” You can be a part of this extraordinary research effort to change the outcomes for those with pancreatic cancer.

Key facts and figures about a disease taking a bigger annual toll PANCREATIC cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia, after lung, prostate, breast and colorectal cancers. It is predicted to be one of the leading causes of cancerrelated deaths by 2030. • It is estimated in 2019 that 3051 Australians will die as a result of this disease.

• In 2019, it is estimated that pancreatic cancer will remain as the 11th most commonly diagnosed cancer. • Pancreatic cancer accounts for 2.5 per cent of all new cancer diagnoses in Australia. • In 2019, it is estimated that the risk of an individual being diagnosed with pan-

creatic cancer by their 85th birthday will be one in 62. • Currently the five-year survival rate is only 9.8 per cent – i.e. only one in 10 people diagnosed will survive beyond five years. • Since the mid-’80s, survival rates have increased from 5 per cent – but the breakthroughs needed are yet to be realised.

• When identified early, surgery is sometimes possible. However, due to the hidden location of the pancreas and how the cancer develops, in most cases symptoms are not obvious until the cancer has spread beyond the pancreas. • For most people diagnosed, life expectancy is six to 12 months, although often

it is only a few months.

THE PANCREAS The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and next to the small intestine. The pancreas does two main things. It releases powerful digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid the digestion of food. It also releases the hormones insu-

lin and glucagon into the bloodstream – necessary to regulate blood sugar levels. When the body does not produce insulin, blood sugar levels (blood glucose) can become dangerously high, which in turn affects the function of key organs such as the heart and kidneys among other important bodily functions. SEWE01Z01MA - V1

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How to find your missing money Money

What to do if you could be a lost shareholder Dianne Charman AMP ACCORDING to the Australian Shareholders Association there is currently more than $1.1 billion of unclaimed money lying dormant in Australia. A lot of this money comes in the form of lost shares. When it comes to small investors, it’s very common for shareholders to lose touch with the companies they invest in – more than 150,000 small investors have forgotten about $451 million worth of shares. They are otherwise known as “lost shareholders”. Lost shareholders are people who own shares but the company has exhausted all means to contact them or pay their dividends. In many cases, investors – most of whom are likely to now be retirees – provided the company with a postal address, bank account or email address that is no longer valid. Sometimes a company loses track of shareholders when they divorce or move house and don’t update their contact details with it. Also, physical addresses have changed over the years. For example, some

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D INS P IR E

work of the Quee

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There are 352 lost Johns, 322 lost Peters and 100 lost shareholders called Margaret. roadside mailboxes in rural areas are no longer valid postal addresses. Some people have forgotten they own shares. AMP, which has the thirdlargest shareholder base in Australia, recently launched a campaign to find 43,000 “lost” shareholders and connect them with their holdings and $13 million worth of unclaimed dividends. The average lost AMP shareholder is a 63-year-old man. There are 352 lost Johns, 322 lost Peters and 100 lost shareholders called Margaret. Thirty-seven thousand lost shareholders are Australian while 4600 are New Zealanders. Most either live – or have lived – in New South Wales (12,000), Victoria (10,000) and Queensland (6700). AMP has launched a

website – findmyampshares. com.au – that allows people to use their date of birth to see if they, a family member or client (in the case of financial advisers, solicitors and tax agents) own a stake in AMP. The website also helps people to then claim their shares and any dividends they’re owed. AMP is not the only company looking for lost shareholders. Telstra (1.3 million shareholders), followed by CBA (830,000), have the first and secondlargest shareholder bases in Australia.

LOCATING LOST SHAREHOLDINGS

If you think you may have forgotten shares with another company, these guidelines from the Australian Shareholder Association may help: • Contact the relevant company. • Contact the responsible state government department as the unclaimed money may be either registered with that department or, depending on the time that has lapsed, held by the department. It’s important that if you discover you have lost shares, make sure you contact the company’s share registry and provide your new details.

MONEY MISSION: AMP has launched a campaign to find 43,000 lost shareholders and reconnect them with their holdings and $13 million in unclaimed dividends. Picture: FILE

It’s also worth trying to search for lost shareholdings through the Australian Government website moneysmart.gov.au. The ASIC website contains details of how to claim your money. The unclaimed money form will step you through all the information you need to provide to ASIC. The

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

PUZZLES

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8 9 10 11 12

17 18

24 25 26 27

SUDOKU

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

Across 5 Which conservative sect settled in Pennsylvania in the early 1700s? (5) 8 What small animal is an Erinaceus europaeus? (8) 9 What is the nickname for the gold statuette given as an Academy award? (5) 10 Which German composer ended a performing career in 1832 when he broke a finger? (8) 11 If you are posting a letter in England in 1860, the pillar box is probably what colour? (5) 14 What form of Buddhism emphasises the value of meditation? (3) 16 What hooded cloak was once worn by soldiers? (6) 17 How many sides has a hendecagon? (6) 18 What insecticide was once widely used to combat malaria? (1,1,1) 20 Which Russian nuclear submarine foundered in 2000 with the loss of 118 crew? (5) 24 Which US nuclear submarine foundered in 1963 with the loss of 129 crew? (5) 25 What is a group of sheaves of grain stood on end in a field? (5) 26 In which 1959 film did Hayley Mills make her film debut? (5,3) 27 Nairobi is the capital of which country? (5)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

30/11 Down 1 What word can be preceded by sea and tea? (5) 2 Which state produces a quarter of the US’s potatoes? (5) 3 What are microbes commonly called? (5) 4/6 In 1983, which Dad’s Army actor said in his selfcomposed obituary in the Times that he had conked out? (4,2,8) 7 Death Valley is below it; Lake Tahoe is above it. What? (3,5) 12 What is a long, narrow French loaf called? (8) 13 Which 1995 film was the first fully computer-generated feature film? (3,5) 14 Americans call it “zee”. What do we call it? (3) 15 What divides a tennis court? (3) 19 Which flower was named in honour of Swedish botanist Anders Dahl? (6) 21 What is the top or bottom supporting post of a stairrail? (5) 22 Which English locksmith (Jeremiah ____) patented a “pick-proof” lock in 1818? (5) 23 What were formerly called roentgen rays? (1-4)

DOUBLECROSS 5

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

14 15

Down 1. Wary (8) 2. Hold to be true (6) 3. Dreadful (4) 4. Cheaply (colloq) (3,1,4) 5. Turn aside (6) 6. Pealed (4) 11. Painfully thin (8) 13. Pass (8) 16. Prohibited (6) 18. Shun (6) 20. Afresh (4) 22. Simple (4)

Across 7. Excessively pious (13) 8. And so on (2,6) 9. Nervous (4) 10. Young men (6) 12. Choice (6) 14. Family (3) 15. Operational (6) 17. Proﬁted (6) 19. Chess piece (4) 21. Time without end (8) 23. Industrial action (7,6)

SOLUTIONS

5x5 O R D E R

A C U T E

T H E S E

ALPHAGRAMS: DEFER, ELVERS, FLIRTED, GREMLINS, HEADLAMPS. GK CROSSWORD Across: 5 Amish, 8 Hedgehog, 9 Oscar, 10 Schumann, 11 Green, 14 Zen, 16 Capote, 17 Eleven, 18 DDT, 20 Kursk, 24 Thresher, 25 Stook, 26 Tiger Bay, 27 Kenya. Down: 1 Chest, 2 Idaho, 3 Germs, 4/6 John Le Mesurier, 7 Sea level, 12 Baguette, 13 Toy Story, 14 Zed, 15 Net, 19 Dahlia, 21 Newel, 22 Chubb, 23 X-rays. QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 7. Sanctimonious 8. Et cetera 9. Edgy 10. Youths 12. Option 14. Kin 15. Usable 17. Gained 19. Pawn 21. Eternity 23. General strike. Down: 1. Cautious 2. Accept 3. Dire 4. For a song 5. Divert 6. Rung 11. Skeletal 13. Overtake 16. Banned 18. Ignore 20. Anew 22. Easy.

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the ﬁve solutions are sequential. For example, if the ﬁve-letter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

FREED REVELS TRIFLED MINGLERS LAMPSHADE

5x5 S

O O

C D

I S

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

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

E T

TODAY: Good 18 Very Good 27

niggle null riel rile rill rule ruling ugli uglier

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only

E G

T O N I C

WORD GO ROUND

V1 - SEWE01Z01MA

S T U D S

DOUBLECROSS

SUDOKU

ALPHAGRAMS

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