Wide Bay, September 2018 by seniors

September, 2018

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TRAVEL TO WORLD’S GREATEST GARDENS PAGE 19 THINGS....

BIG THINGS GROW

FROM LITTLE

South Australian Governor Hieu Van Le and his wife Lan tell their Australian story

SPRING MAKE YOUR PLANTS AND POTS FLOURISH PAGE 30

HISTORY AND HERITAGE TOURS 2019 Cathedrals and Abbeys Tour of England September 2019

Maps of Medieval England pinpointing the sites of historical monasteries and convents, either surviving or now long lost, are often the cause of wonder. Built on many of those sites are Cathedrals and Abbeys. Join us as we visit many of those sites as part of the Cathedrals and Abbeys Tour of England, prepared by History and Heritage Tours. Your host will take you to visit some of the most beautiful buildings in England and hear experienced guides share their love of and interest in various Cathedrals or Abbeys.

BOMBER COMMAND The RAAF in the UK 1939-45 July 2019 During the Second World War, the RAF established and operated Bomber Command. Over the past seven years, Col. Graham Fleeton has led tours to the UK, visiting airfields where the Australian’s flew from during the war and paying their respects to their sacrifices. The tour includes visits to many air museums plus unforgettable days at the Duxford and Yeolvilton airshows.

THE FOUNDATION OF WESTERN CIVILISATION

Tour to Greece and Crete, April 8-28 2019 A tour through Greece and Crete, experiencing it’s rich history, ancient culture and it’s welcoming people. From sites straight out of the history books such as Delphi, Olympia and Knossos to places of more recent historical signiﬁcance where the ANZACS fought in 1941. Including a Dawn Service in Athens on ANZAC Day.

For more information or to register please call 1300 450 436 or visit www.battleﬁeldhistorytours.com.au

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WELCOME

SEPTEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Spring into September Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor

28 Money matters

Top gardening tips INDEX 3 Annual Quota Bookfest 4 Cover Story: Hieu Van Le AC 8 Profile: Prostate cancer survivors 10 What’s on 12 Talk ‘n’ Thoughts 14 Living 18 Wellbeing 19 Wanderlust 27 Community Group Guide 28 Money 30 Spring gardening tips 31 Puzzles

HELLO readers, welcome to this month’s spring edition. Spring is traditionally a time of renewal and I believe our cover story truly highlights this theme. In many ways the extraordinary life of South Australian Governor Hieu Van Le runs like a movie – but this is no fantasy, it is real life and I think its authenticity gives us all hope for a better future and even renewal, no matter our age or circumstances. I hope you enjoy Tracey Johnstone’s story as much as I did. In celebration of spring, we speak to local gardeners who share their tips for a flourishing and fertile garden and, let’s face it, there is nothing like first-hand advice from people who love their gardens. Speaking of blooming gardens, in terms of travel we take a look at some of the best gardens in the world, featuring vast fields of buds, blooms and breathtaking colours. The bucket list of great world destinations continues, with another list of magnificent places on Earth to explore. But to participate in

gardening and travel we need to enjoy good health and, as always, our Wellbeing section shares an array of tips and hints to keep us good stead. Our Living section also endeavours to reveal fresh ideas to enhance our lifestyles. But here at Seniors News, we recognise the many aspects of life and this month in our Talk ‘n’ Thoughts section we highlight the HILDA report, a survey that has been tracking particular families since 2001, in order to gather social and economic data that may ultimately influence key government decision-makers. It’s not all good news and we stand with National Seniors and The Benevolent Society campaign to improve the pension. I trust you will enjoy our range of stories. Gail

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 Brett Mauger – 07 5435 3203 brett.mauger@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 “Brisbane 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.

Good news from NBN for seniors with unmonitored medical alarms

My Health Record

USERS of eligible unmonitored medical alarms that are landline based may be able to upgrade to a new mobile-based, unmonitored medical alarm device thanks to rebates released this week by NBN. A new device purchased through a participating supplier, currently CareAlert and the INS Group, will be available at a discounted price of up

An online summary of your key health information

to 80 per cent off the regular price, up to a maximum of $300 off. The benefits of using an upgraded medical alarm: ■ Uses the mobile network – devices connected to the NBN network will not work during a power outage. Your new alarm will utilise a mobile network instead of a landline ■ In-built battery backup – your new alarm will have a rechargeable battery,

which, when new, can last up to 40 hours in a power outage ■ Works like your current alarm – phones family, friends, neighbours or 000 when you press the emergency button for help ■ Optional monitoring – if you need it at any time you can switch to a monitoring service, at an additional charge. For more information, go to www.nbnco.com.au.

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SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2018

NEWS

Feast for book lovers ATTENTION all book lovers, Maryborough’s longest running second hand book sale will be held at the Maryborough City Hall from Thursday, September 27 to Saturday, September 29. This will be the 15th Annual Quota Bookfest organised by Quota International of Maryborough. Quota commenced the Bookfest in 2003, with a small pile of books in an empty shop in the Maryborough CBD. This Bookfest is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet. Maryborough Quotarians have been busy over the past three months,

dusting, sorting and pricing the many thousands of books kindly donated by the regions readers. Publicity Officer Lyn Nielsen said prices will start as low as 50 cents. “As usual some valuable buried treasure and good old fashioned books will be snapped up by the thousands of eager bookworms attending the event. “This year we will have for sale some old car and truck manuals, which will be of

special interest to anyone doing up old vehicles.” There will also be an assortment of jig-saw puzzles for sale. With the ban on plastic bags, don’t forget to bring your own bags, and be early for the best selection, as certain books are snapped up as soon as the doors are opened. Quota has decided to donate

part of the proceeds from the event to Ovarian Cancer Research and the remainder to disadvantaged women and children in our local community. A raffle will be conducted for the duration of the Bookfest, in the foyer of the City Hall. The prize, a large basket of food items. Proceeds to Lifeflight Helicopter Rescue Service. The 15th Annual Quota Bookfest will be held in the Maryborough City Hall, Kent Street, Maryborough on September 27 (7.30am-5pm), September 28 (8.30am-5pm) and September 29 (8.30am-3pm). Inquiries with Lyn Nielsen, phone 0408 841 248.

READ IT: The 15th Annual Quota Bookfest is on from September 27-29 at the Maryborough City Hall. Photo:

Ljupco

Alert for tech-savvy seniors

SCAMWATCH has warned tech savvy seniors about scammers impersonating well-known companies such as Telstra, NBN or Microsoft, or even the police, in a bid to convince their victims that their computers have been hacked, and that they need help to fix the issue. Scammers will claim they are tracking other “scammers” or “hackers” and tell their victims their computer has been compromised and is being used to send scam messages. They then ask their victim to help and suggest they can log on remotely and use the victim’s computer and online banking to trap the (fake) scammer they’re tracking. Scamwatch said in some cases money was deposited in to victims accounts at the start of the con, to be used to try and catch the imaginary scammer. However, once the real scammer had access, money moved to their accounts. The best advice – if you think it’s a scam, just hang up.

Solar Government Rebates deliver savings THE Australian Government are still providing generous solar rebates that could potentially save you thousands of dollars off your purchase price. If you’ve been tossing up whether solar is the right choice for you, then here are a few key reasons why you should make the switch and start saving before the solar subsidies are dropped for good. The solar subsidy – for how long? The scheme delivers upfront savings on the cost of your solar system, meaning you’re not out of pocket, nor do you have to worry about dealing with claim processes post installation. The current small-scale technology certificate (STC) calculation will decrease on December 31st this year and continue to do so each year until it is phased out in 2030. Right now, the STC calculation on a 6.6 kW system delivers an upfront saving just shy of $4,000.00. Fast forward to January 1, and this will have decreased to around $3,600.00. that’s a saving of $400 back in your pocket if you act now. How much is your electricity bill right now? Avoid another substantial bill and combat the rising cost of electricity by switching to renewable energy. The sooner you make the switch to solar, the sooner you will start to reap the benefits of using clean, reliable energy to offset the cost of your electricity bill. The recent advances in solar technology and efficiencies means you can now not only offset your day time usage, the addition of a solar battery stores the excess power you’re generating through the day to power you home throughout the night. SAE Group offers further savings A compelling offer from SAE Group has seen a price crash on one of their most popular, high quality Seraphim and Fronius solar packages, so you can secure a quality solar system NOW and beat the price rise. The system comprised of a 5kW Fronius inverter and 20 x 275watt Seraphim panels is designed to withstand the harshest Australian conditions. The European designed Fronius inverter is regarded as one of the best on the market and is backed by a 5-year product warranty and delivers exceptional monitoring capabilities should you choose to add this to your system. Complementing the Fronius inverter with Seraphim 275-watt panels, rounds out a high-quality, reliable system. Seraphim panels also come with a 10-year product warranty and 25-year performance warranty, one of the strongest panel warranties on the market at this price point. The team at SAE Group are Master Electricians first and foremost, so you can also rest easy knowing you’re dealing with highly experienced, qualified staff. From consultation, to quality installation, and after sales service, they are with you the whole way, and offer a 12-year workmanship warranty with every installation. If you’re interested in securing your energy future, or looking for a solution that will protect you from crippling electricity prices, call SAE Group 1300 18 20 50 or jump on their website www.saegroup.com.au to take advantage of this offer before it runs out.

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COVER STORY

SEPTEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Governor continues the

From a tiny boat to the top job Tracey Johnstone

“G’DAY mate! Welcome to Australia.” The shouted greeting wasn’t anything like what Hieu Van Le AC and his wife Lan expected to hear when they fearfully arrived in Australia. They arrived in 1977 as part of the early wave of Vietnamese refugees, huddled in a 15m wooden fishing boat with 40 other people. The trip was “horrendous”. After weeks at sea and violent rejection by coast guards along the way, the refugees arrived in the pitch dark at Melville Island. In heavy dawn fog of the following day and with grave doubts as to how Australian officialdom would receive them, their tattered boat chugged clumsily into Darwin Harbour, exhausted by the long journey. “All of a sudden,

MUCH APPRECIATED: South Australian Governor, His Excellency Hieu Van Le AC and Mrs Van Le in the grounds of Government House. Photo: AAP / Dean Martin coming towards us was the sound of an outboard motor,” Mr Le said. In the distance was a fast approaching tinnie

with two blokes resplendent in singlets and shorts, hats, white zinc noses, beer cans in hand and fishing rods

perched on the stern. “As they got close to our hull one of them raised his stubbie up, as if proposing a toast, and

shouted out,‘g’day mate! Welcome to Australia’.” Every day for the last 41 years, the 64-year-old reminds himself of that

greeting. “It was the first experience I had with Australian people and it made a deep impression.” he said. “I knew instantly we had arrived in a welcoming country, one where a laconic, easy-going attitude was the promise of a ‘fair go’. “Back then the arrival of boat people like us was considered a significant event.” Mr Le landed in Australia at age 23, armed only with a bright mind and a firm belief in making the best of what was in front of him. His journey has been one of persistence and resilience. His life, both then and now, has had many facets. After escaping the ravages of the Vietnam War, he completed two Adelaide University degrees before working as a senior corporate regulator. Prior to becoming South Australia’s Governor, Mr Le also served for several years as member of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Commission (SAMEAC).

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SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2018

COVER STORY

fight for a fair go ‘‘ His personal, long-term, mission through these roles has been to promote Australia’s cultural diversity and harmony. Prior to 1977 Australia was populated largely by people of Anglo-Celtic and European backgrounds. Then in the ’70s came the large waves of immigrants from South East Asia. These immigrants are now ageing into their senior years. In his previous roles with SAMEAC, Mr Le noticed some important challenges ahead for ageing immigrants, particularly where English is not their first language. “Over the years, migrants have come to our shores from all corners of the world,” he said. “Each of these may have its own cultural beliefs, traditions, practices, traditional medicines and circumstances that need to be taken into account in our aged care and health system. “Some people may revert to a place of comfort, returning to their mother tongue or

I knew instantly we had arrived in a welcoming country. — Hieu Van Le AC

preferring their traditional food and customs. “For many cultures, the concept of nursing homes or intensive care, which is given to elders in our society, are quite different experiences to those found in their native countries. “In many cultures, older people stay in their home, in the extended family until they pass away, surrounded by the children, grandchildren and even their great-grandchildren. “The warmth of being surrounded by family members and the ambience of the bustle of daily activities plays an important part in their later lives.” Mr Le points to the busy lifestyles that people lead

today, leaving many time-poor due to pressures of work, or running a business, raising a young family, and the demands of constant and instant news and communications. “People may, in some circumstance, have very little time for themselves let alone for their family and elderly parents,” he said. “This demand on their time, and many other pressures, means that trying to find a way to make it easier for everybody is to place a loved one’s care into someone else’s hands. “The challenge is that their parents and grandparents may in some circumstances feel they are a visitor rather than an integral part of the family at the very time they should be enjoying the fruits of their working life and the happiness that brings.” Mr Le and his wife have two adult sons of whom they are very proud. Having cared for his own mother who lived until her 90s, Mr Le is well aware of the demands that brings both

emotionally and physically in wanting to provide the best support for them. “Having experienced that, as parents we don’t want to impose a burden on our sons,” he said. “We fully understand the pressures they would be under.” He smiles and chuckles when he adds “Lan and I would, of course, one day, love to have some grandchildren; no pressure”. Mr Le has enjoyed every phase of his life and appreciated the many experiences they have brought, even when confronted with adversity. “I believe there is a strength and resilience deep in everybody. It comes to the fore when challenges provide an opportunity for it to shine through,” Mr Le said. He still has a journey ahead in which he hopes to “continue to do the best I can and enjoy a fulfilling life, at every stage of the journey”. And he will follow his passion of helping to make Australia’s egalitarian society even better, fairer and more compassionate.

A FAIR GO FOR ALL: SA Governor Hieu Van Le AC with Tina Wang, Rui Love, Alice Li, Tian Love, Payel Rahman and Kylie Oyama. Photos: Calum Robertson

Mr Le at Proclamation Day in Glenelg North, South Australia.

Queen Elizabeth II receives Mr Le and his wife at Buckingham Palace in 2016. Photo: WPA Pool

NEWS

SEPTEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

The Best Quality Assisted Living in the Wide Bay

NEVER FORGET: Gympie Regional Council's Red for Remembrance 1918-2018 (We Will Not Forget) event is an opportunity to do our bit as a region in remembering the sacrifices of current and past servicemen and women.

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COUNCIL is calling for community members, local choirs and singers, schools, businesses and aged care facilities to get involved in Red for Remembrance 1918-2018 activities across the region. On November 10, Gympie Regional Council will host a major commemorative event honouring the end of WWI in Gympie’s Memorial Park, funded by the Queensland Government’s Queensland Anzac Centenary grants program. Council will be hosting a range of community initiatives in the coming months in preparation for the event; including the creation of a regional choir (which will perform on the evening of the 10th), a large-scale poppy

Register today at u .a m o .c s la il v s n o iz r o newh gation no cost or obli at ys da 14 to up r fo ay St ts and discover an Meet the friendly residen urself. independent lifestyle for yo

art installation project and a ‘paint the town red’ project where shopfronts and businesses will be encouraged to participate. The first community choir session will be held from 1pm on Saturday, September 22 at the Gympie Senior Citizens Hall, Mellor Street Gympie. The session is free to attend and open to all ages and singing abilities. Registration is not required. Mayor Mick Curran said he hopes the community will play their part in commemorating the ANZACs. “If you or someone you know is part of a choir or loves to sing, this is a wonderful opportunity to come together with your community and be part of a historic event,” he said. “Council’s Red for

Remembrance 1918-2018 (We Will Not Forget) event is our opportunity to do our bit as a region in remembering the sacrifices of current and past servicemen and women”. The Red for Remembrance event will include night time light installations on Gympie’s iconic historic buildings, a film screening of an Australian ANZAC film, and a series of short film documentaries showcasing the contribution of the Gympie Region in the war effort. This project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government. To find out more, phone Council on 1300 307 800 or go to gympie.qld.gov.au.

New refund scheme for containers

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QUEENSLANDERS are starting to get ready to embrace Containers for Change, with the Queensland Container Refund Scheme set to come into effect in less than three months. Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said the scheme, due to start on November 1, would allow Queenslanders to get a 10-cent refund when they recycle drink containers. “The new brand of Containers for Change, reflects not only the 10 cents people will receive when they return an eligible container, but also the benefits the scheme will deliver for Queensland’s environment, communities and charities,” Ms Enoch said. Containers for Change is administered by

Container Exchange (CoEx), the not-for-profit company appointed by the Queensland Government to manage the scheme. Container Exchange acting chairman Alby Taylor said said the company had continued to receive great business interest in operating more than 230 refund points across the state. Queenslanders can choose to donate containers at designated donation points, or donate their 10-cent refund when they return their own containers to a container refund point anywhere in the state. Containers for Change makes it easy for any charity, community organisation or school to register with the scheme and receive a unique identification number that

ensures they will receive the 10-cent refund directly into their accounts. Forums for community groups, schools, sporting groups and community members are being held across Queensland to provide information about how they can reap the financial benefits of the scheme to support the work they do in the community. The forums, which are being run by CoEx and Boomerang Alliance have already attracted more than 1400 registrations in various locations across Queensland. Roadshow dates and locations are available on the Container Exchange website. Go to www.containersforchange.com.au.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2018

NEWS

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NEWS

Major federal changes ahead BREAKING NEWS WAITING to 70 to retire is “gone” Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced. He "no longer" believes it’s a good idea to lift the pension, retirement age Mr Morrison told the Nine Network last Wednesday morning . The decision is due to be ratified with cabinet this week. The policy of lifting the retirement age from 67 to 70 was first adopted under the Abbott government. There is also now a Federal Minister for Senior Australians with MP Ken Wyatt (pictured) appointed to represent and champion seniors’ interests at the highest political level. Mr Wyatt will retain his other portfolios of aged care and indigenous health, senior Australians. The Minister’s focus will be “on taking a broader, whole-of-government approach to advancing the interests of senior Australians”. Seniors News is seeking from Mr Wyatt details of his new portfolio responsibilities and its relationship to senior minister portfolios that impact on seniors.

SEPTEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Blokes go head-on Survivors urge others to get their prostate checked now

Tracey Johnstone THEY’RE everyday blokes with a confronting story to tell. Chris Warnes and Jon Sayer have survived prostate cancer and they want other men to hear their message – get checked now. The two sailors have been friends for many years since they moved from New Zealand to set up their new lives in Queensland. Life has been about hard work and downtime on the ocean for these blokes. Chris has his own earthmoving business while Jon designs and builds offshore racing yachts and sleek powerboats. What neither gave the slightest thought to was that they could end up a statistic – one in five men are diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 85. But, for Chris and Jon, other than being over 50, there was no other risk factors for them – no family history of the disease, no high fat and low vegetables diet, no high testosterone levels, no obesity. So why them? Chris, now 72, was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 62. “It was the funny thing with me,” Chris said. “I had absolutely no symptoms whatsoever, nothing. It was just because I got checked every six months that they picked it up through blood checks.” Those checks were being done because of his

SURVIVORS: Prostate cancer survivors Chris Warnes and Jon Sayer. age. “Because I was aware of it, I kept doing it.” Jon, 62, was diagnosed “one year, four months, seven days, three hours and two minutes ago”. “I was the same as Chris,” Jon added. He was aware that he was at the age where prostate cancer could be an issue for him. “I even changed to a lady doctor as I thought, no way did I want a man playing with his fingers anywhere around my bottom because I thought that was the only way you could find out.” The GP organised a full blood test. The result apparently showed some elevation of his PSA, but as nothing was said to him he assumed his health was still OK. It was only when three years later he went to another doctor for a check-up that the past blood test, plus the new

one, both showed an elevated PSA. Chris choose a full prostatectomy. “I didn’t even consider radiation,” he said. “At my age, it was the safest and I believe the best thing. I was very lucky as all my cancers were on the outside of my prostate. One had left my prostate and was heading towards my spine. “I would be dead by now had I not been checked regularly.” Jon made the same choice. “A few things I have since learnt that I wish I had been warned about earlier because I went through a fitness regime and certain diets, foods and alkalines to take the sugars and acids out of my diet, and maybe I could have attempted to fight it a different way for a while before I had the full procedure because it is a very slow growing cancer,

nine times out of 10,” Jon said. Jon is calling for more groups where men can openly discuss what they are going through. When he first found out about his diagnosis he turned to Chris and another friend, David Adams, because he knew they had experienced the prostate cancer journey and could him understand about what, when and how it was all going to be dealt with. “I just feel it’s a bit of under the table, taboo subject with men,” Jon said. He then headed to Facebook and revealed his story. “It’s a bit of a male stigma thing attached to it and lot of people don’t talk about it,” Jon said. “I was surprised the number of my friends who had been through it and I didn’t know until I opened up about it. They

Photo: Tracey Johnstone

congratulated me and gave me words of wisdom. “You need to talk about it more and go and get checked. Particularly, ask about family history of it and if that is the case you have got to start doing it at 40, not 60. “The strange thing it wasn’t in any of my relatives and my dad was one of 11 boys, and none had it. I have warned by son already.” Chris is keeping to a healthy eating regime, he keeps up his six-monthly checks and slowed down, a bit, on the beer consumption. “The strongest message I can say to anyone is don’t be frightened to go to your doctor and get your blood tests. And, if there is any doubt, get a digital check. It’s better than dying.” Talk to your GP and go to ausprostatecancer. com.au or prostate.org. au.

If you are over 50, get yourself checked now ALL men over 50 – or over 40 if they have a family history – should talk now with their GP about prostate health. It’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with 20,000 diagnosed and tragically 3500 lost to the cancer every year. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia encourages all men to get better informed about prostate cancer. MYTH 1: If I talk to my GP about my prostate health, it will lead to a

finger exam. BUSTED: You can keep your trousers on. A digital rectal examination (DRE) is no longer the recommended first line test for prostate cancer. Your GP will discuss whether testing is the right course of action for you. If you decide to get tested, then it is likely to be a PSA test. This is a simple blood test. MYTH 2: Prostate cancer isn’t a big deal – no need to bother my GP. BUSTED: Around one in

seven Australian men will get prostate cancer so monitoring your prostate health is essential. Once you are over 50 (or over 40 if you have a family history) you need to talk with your GP about your prostate health. Men often resist going to the doctor, but in this case, having the conversation really could save your life. Your GP is a professional and has heard it all before, there is no need to feel awkward about it.

MYTH 3: If I get a prostate cancer diagnosis, it automatically means I’ll need surgery. BUSTED: Surgery is only one of the treatment options available for localised prostate cancer. Your specialist will talk with you about your treatment options. And remember, the more informed you are the better – it’s always OK to get a second opinion. For more prostate cancer information, go to pcfa.org.au/getchecked.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2018

NEWS

SEPTEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Gardeners share pots of passion

What's on

Don’t miss the Toowoomba Exhibition Gardens

‘‘

Alison Houston

COTTAGE COLOUR: Anne O’Brien in her lovely cottage-style garden in Harlaxton, one of four involved in this year’s Toowoomba Exhibition Gardens. Photo: Contributed

ART EXHIBITION – ‘LOOKING INTO THE BLUE’

THE exhibition, Looking into the Blue is a continuation of artworks of the varied landscapes of the Fraser Coast, Fraser Island and surrounding areas. A mosaic of wet and dry heathland sand swamps, open eucalypt forest and pockets of subtropical rainforest. Our world heritage-listed Fraser Island, offers true diversity of stunning white beaches, coloured sands and diverse vegetation. Rainbow beaches, Bargara, 1770 and our

own Hervey Bay beaches, harbour, pier and surrounding islands also offer inspiration for painting. Sharing these artworks enables people to see themselves in my paintings, reflecting their own stories and memories. People’s lives are essentially very similar, they move forward making different tracks but our feelings and emotions can be the same. Landscape artist, James Hall hopes to inspire others and to reflect on their own memories and take the time to appreciate the surrounds that we all

SHARING the joy of their gardens and helping the community are the twin goals of participants in the Toowoomba Exhibition Gardens. And they’ve done that in spades (no pun intended), raising $645,000 for charity since the program began back in 1973 as part of the Carnival of Flowers, at the behest of then 10 time garden competition winner Ces Swenson. Committee president of some 35 years, Michael Frainey was just a teen, visiting Toowoomba from “up north”, when he drove down for that first exhibition. Little did he know that he and his parents would move to the area the following year and he would soon exhibit his own garden, never mind joining and then leading the exhibition gardens committee. “I’m a plant-aholic,” Michael admitted with a laugh. “But there are worse things you could be!” Each year, four to six gardens are exhibited, and gate takings collected during the event are are shared among specific charities whose volunteers are on hand to sell and collect tickets. This year’s gardens include old favourites as well as the exhibition’s first totally native garden,

I’m a plant-aholic. But there are worse things you could be!

— Michael Frainey

but Michael said even those who have shown previously incorporate something new each year. ■ Adrian and Gail Wockner – 5 Horizon Court, Highfields – are opening their large native garden for the first time, with funds going to LifeFlight. ■ Phillip and Marjorie Martin – 17 Dallang Road, Middle Ridge – have been exhibiting their beautiful, sprawling garden of over .4ha (1 acre) for 23 years, with donations to Anglicare. ■ Val Peachey – 5 Fern Drive, Kearneys Spring – is always adding to her beautiful cottage garden, started with her late husband Ron, with donations going to Life Education. ■ Anne and Mark O’Brien – 79 North Street, Harlaxton – are donating funds from entry to their cottage garden to AEIOU (for children with autism). Michael said while the gardens definitely had the “wow factor”, unlike the competition gardens, exhibitors didn’t have to please judges or anyone but themselves. They are “year-round

gardens”, meaning visitors can see what they can achieve in their own backyards, and chat to the gardeners themselves. Also a weekly volunteer at the Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre, Michael said the regret he heard most was guests had not allowed enough time to see everything the area had to offer – a pretty good complaint. He said the exhibition gardens were a wonderful part of the Carnival of Flowers experience, which continued to progress, adding “the parks have improved 100-fold over the past 20 years or so”. All four exhibition gardens are open 9am-5pm from September 21-30. Entry is $5 to any individual garden, $10 for any three gardens or all four for $12. Morning tea is available at both the Martin and Wockner gardens.

share. The exhibition is on show now until October 29 at the Fraser Coast Regional Gallery, 166 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay. Phone 1300 794 929 for more information.

Arguably the highlight of the carnival is the Grand Central Floral Parade with the awe-inspiring floats and displays. But the carnival also includes an awesome program of family-friendly entertainment with everything from amazing parades to kids’ rides, live entertainment, kids’ activities, celebrity chef dinners and much more held in multiple sites in Toowoomba. On from September 21–30. To find out more about the 2018 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, including the full program of events, go to www.tcof.com.au.

TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS

BLUE MYSTIQUE:- Lake McKenzie Fraser Island, by landscape artist James Hall, is just one of the many paintings exhibiting at the Fraser Coast Regional Gallery until October 29.

AMONG a host of organised events, you can choose to indulge in local organic food and wine, experience local culture with live music, tour the exhibiting gardens or appreciating classic cars. Each activity is set to enliven the event and add enjoyment for visitors time in the “Garden City”.

For more details go to toowoombaexhibition gardens.com or for more on this year’s Carnival of Flowers – featuring flowers, food and wine, music, art and more go to tcof.com.au.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2018

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SEPTEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Pension poverty is in the spotlight

Talk 'n' thoughts

Gail Forrer Group Editor

HARDSHIP: National Seniors and The Benevolent Society are calling on all Australians to support the Fix Pension Poverty campaign. Photo: Thinkstock

‘‘

The average time a 60 to 64-year-old spends on Newstart is 187 weeks.

NATIONAL Seniors Association together with The Benevolent Society are conducting a joint Fix Pension Poverty campaign. Last month, the importance of their campaign was further highlighted with the release of the 2018 HILDA Report. Started in 2001, the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey is a household-based panel study that collects valuable information about economic and personal well-being, labour market dynamics and family life. The study surveys the same households and individuals each year. This way it can show how

the lives of a cross-section of Australians are changing over time. The survey, a record of how we live, shows researchers many things: for example, how economics affects our lives or how choices made in the past lead to particular life outcomes. The content provides policy-makers with unique insights about Australia, enabling them to make informed decisions across a range of policy areas, including health, education and social services. It is published by the Melbourne Institute and funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Social Services.

NATIONAL Seniors chief advocate Ian Henschke said the recently released HILDA report highlighted inequality and poverty among older Australians. Mr Henschke said the report reflected some key

concerns voiced in last year’s National Seniors Advocacy Survey, including the rising cost of energy and housing stress as growing concerns. The 2018 HILDA Report also highlighted the growing issue of inequality among older Australians. It seems among seniors the gap between the “have a lot” and the “haven’t got much” is growing. The over-65s age group is the only one where inequality has increased significantly over the past 15 years Older single women, older single men and older couples are the three family types most likely to be experiencing income poverty in Australia. Older women have experienced the steepest increase in income poverty since 2015. The latest Department of Social Services data reveals that more people aged 55-64 are on

Newstart than those aged 25-34 and they are on the payment for much longer. They are also spending their retirement savings before they retire because they can’t live on Newstart without experiencing financial hardship. The average time a 60 to 64-year-old spends on Newtstart is 187 weeks (3.6 years). Conversely, the average time a 25 to 29-year-old spends on Newstart is 104 weeks (two years). The number of people aged 55-64 on Newstart is 174,532, compared to 156,664 aged 25-34. According to the OECD, 26 per cent of older Australians are experiencing poverty, compared to the OECD average of 13 per cent. In the run-up to the federal election and beyond, National Seniors and The Benevolent Society are calling on all Australians to support the Fix Pension Poverty campaign.

Parliamentary review into aged care sector

Queensland filmmakers create age-friendly films

THE QUEENSLAND Government has announced it will launch a parliamentary review into “an issue that has been avoided too long” – aged care. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queenslanders had long cried out for clarity on the “cost and complexity” of the industry in the Sunshine State. And she promised those demands had been heard and would be met by her government. “Care for our ageing residents is of major concern and it’s an issue that touches every single Queenslander,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “Whether it’s our parents, our grandparents, elderly friends or other aging people in our community, the care of our older Queenslanders must be a priority. “Labor governments reform and that, by its very nature, means that we lead. “And it’s now time to show courage and leadership to confront an issue that has been

EIGHT Queensland filmmakers will be given the chance to turn their bold ideas into age-friendly films thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s B.OLD short film competition. Minister for Seniors Coralee O’Rourke announced the B.OLD short film competition winners at Parliament House and praised the ideas they put forward. “This inaugural competition has been an overwhelming success so far, with an outstanding 40 entries received from filmmakers across Queensland,” Mrs O’Rourke said. “It’s particularly fitting for us to be making this announcement during Queensland Seniors Week. “These eight winning short film ideas truly embody the aim of this competition, which is to show that older Queenslanders are capable of much more than society sometimes gives them credit for and celebrate their achievements and contributions to our communities.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has pledged to launch a review into the aged care sector.

Photo: Hendrick Simoes

avoided for too long. “Too many families are troubled by its cost and complexity of aged care in Queensland. “We know it’s not good enough and that it must be fixed and this parliamentary first is the first truly significant step in that process.” Ms Palaszczuk also pledged the review would only be the first step in the process, highlighting her victories to bring domestic violence and cyber bulling to the national consciousness. “Therefore I will have it

added to COAG, but it can’t end there,” she said. “Following the vote on termination of pregnancy, my Healthcare Committee will begin examining all issues to do with what’s known as end-of-life care. “That not only includes aged care, but palliative care and dying with dignity. “I have watched carefully and closely as other jurisdictions have faced this issue. “I have listened to those who have watched their loved ones suffer.”

ACTION: Queensland filmmakers will turn their B.OLD ideas into age-friendly films. Photo: Acitore The winning films to be developed as part of the B.OLD short film competition include En Pointe – a film about a 72-year-old ballet dancer sharing her life journey and love of dance. There is also The Mantra of Wise John – a film about 90-year-old John Rigby, who took up natural bodybuilding at age 85. The winning B.OLD short film competition entries will debut at a

premiere event in November, before being screened at film festivals across Queensland in late 2018 and 2019. Mrs O’Rourke said the B.OLD short film competition was another example of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to the Queensland: An Age-Friendly Community strategy. For more information about the competition, visit communities.qld. gov.au/BOLD2018.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2018

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SEPTEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Living

Looking for a Home Care Package Provider? BRAND INSIGHTS QUEENSLAND provider Ozcare is one of several organisations that offer home care services to those approved for home care packages. With so many home care providers, and many more looking to enter the market, it can be difficult to distinguish between them all. Ozcare’s Chief Operating Officer, Damian Foley, recommends looking into the range of services that can be offered by the provider, and what administration costs will be. “Our point of difference is our care team – each one of our clients has access to a team of nurses, carers, allied health professionals and dementia specialists who

work together to look at all aspects of the client’s care. “We also make sure our clients have consistent carers because we know this is really important to them. It’s critical that they’re comfortable with the person that might be helping them with quite personal activities like taking a shower.” Ozcare has proudly served the Wide Bay community for the past 22 years. They provide expert nursing and disability services, a diverse range of home care services, specialist dementia advice and support and flexible respite care. Ozcare is committed to the region, recently expanding their footprint with a new, state-of-the-art aged care facility in Hervey Bay. The award-winning facility, has

HELPING HAND: Ozcare’s point of difference is its care team. been designed around a feel of a vibrant village hub – featuring a coffee shop, hairdresser and activities room – at the heart of the facility. “This is a state-of-the art facility, but more importantly, it is a place that residents can call home, and that makes us

very proud,” Mr Foley said. “It has been built for privacy and to create a homely environment for residents. The most popular area is the atrium where there is a whale fountain. Our residents have described it as a village square, because it really is a busy little hub.

“You can’t see any rooms which means it is a place where residents can gather and get away. “They can have a coffee while children play in the playground.” Ozcare is about to embark on one of the most significant shifts in the more than 20-year

history of the leading not-for-profit organisation. Building is set to start on its first retirement village to be located alongside the new aged care facility in Hervey Bay. Phone 1800 Ozcare (1800 692 273) or go to ozcare.org.au.

Radio for all languages

SPEAK My Language is a new radio broadcast program aimed at informing seniors from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) and their carers about aged care issues. The program will use 80 ethnic community radio stations NSW, Queensland, Victoria, the ACT and Tasmania. It will be available in Chinese, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Macedonian, Serbian, Turkish, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Vietnamese, Khmer, Tagalog, Arabic, Polish, Samoan, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Bengali, Portuguese, Dari, Nepalese, Tongan and Thai. Through Speak My Language, CALD seniors will be able to tell and listen to stories in their own language. It is expected these in-language conversations will help CALD seniors to connect with members of

their community, share strategies to overcome ageing barriers including isolation and difficulties to access the assistance they need, and come to understand better Australia’s aged care system and services. Some of the topics to be discussed on air will be ageing well in Australia, My Aged Care, the Commonwealth Home Support Program, understanding assessments, carers, complains, dementia, elder abuse and future planning. Speak My Language has been developed by the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW and funded by the Federal Government. “By harnessing the power of ethnic radio, Speak My Language can beam live on air to reach thousands of isolated seniors and families who have yet to be reached or assisted with the aged care service system,”

IN-LANGUAGE SUPPORT: The Senior Iraqi Group from Fairfield in NSW with Senior Australians Minister, Ken Wyatt at the launch of Speak My Language. chair of the council Marta Terracciano said. Research done by the council in 2016 and 2017 found that a high percentage of CALD seniors hadn’t heard

about My Aged Care. Over 73 per cent of them said they weren’t confident in using the phone to seek age care support due to language and cultural barriers. It

was also reported that, even though over 70 per cent were aware of translation services, less than 27 per cent were accessing them. To find out about the

podcasts, seniors should ask their local ethnic radio station if it is participating or go to, speakmylanguage radio.com and search by language and state.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2018

NEWS

Cash boost to tackle abuse

THE fight against elder abuse has been given a major boost with the Federal Government announcing a $2 million package for the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN). Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt said the funding would be a key weapon in the face of growing concern that elder abuse is becoming rife throughout the community. “Preventing elder abuse is everybody’s business because all older Australians have a fundamental right to expect safe, dignified treatment,” Mr Wyatt said. “Estimates of elder abuse range from 2 to 12 per cent. Whether concerns are raised by older individuals, family members, aged care residents, staff, community visitors or government officials, they must be heard and they must be acted on. “It’s important that we shine a light on any physical, emotional or financial abuse of our elders.” And the Minister said OPAN – which was established last year to deliver key services throughout the country – was already becoming a powerful ally for victims of elder abuse. “New figures show that OPAN had a combined

‘‘

Preventing elder abuse is everybody’s business because all older Australians have a fundamental right to expect safe, dignified treatment.

1330 information contacts and cases of people at risk of or experiencing elder abuse in its first year of operation and conducted 285 sessions to educate older Australians and service providers on elder abuse protection,” Mr Wyatt said. “The OPAN services report that the more they make their services known, the more people contact them, who often feel they have nowhere to turn to for help. “This new funding builds on the $1 million provided to OPAN to help combat elder abuse over the past year. “OPAN is using the

AGAINST ABUSE: The Federal Government has boosted the fight against elder abuse after announcing a $2 million package for the Older Persons Advocacy Network. Photo: chameleonseye funding to trial a national elder abuse advocacy and prevention model of information, advocacy and education services, based on successful West Australian and South Australian elder abuse prevention programs.”

Key projects include: ■ Developing national elder abuse advocacy response protocols ■ Creating a national decision making system to support older people, especially those living with dementia ■ Implementing a

national elder abuse minimum dataset ■ Mapping elder abuse referral and support pathways in each state and territory ■ Researching special needs of rural and remote populations Mr Wyatt said it was

imperative any victims or people looking for information sought help as quickly as possible. ■ To find out more about the services on offer go to the OPAN website or phone 1800 700 600.

Michelle Bridges’ seniors program

REACH OUT: Maureen Partridge - Exercise for Seniors.

HELPING older Australians to move, mobilise and maintain fitness is at the heart of a new program developed by celebrity personal trainer Michelle Bridges and the Home Instead Senior Care group which specialises in the provision of in-home care for older Australians. Exercise for Seniors: A guide to help seniors move, mobilise and maintain fitness was created as a response to research revealing 44.7 per cent of adults aged 65 years and over are not sufficiently active. It’s no secret that regular exercise is essential for maintaining mobility, bone density, muscle mass and balance, but it also offers many more health benefits including lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and high blood pressure, management of chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, higher levels of functional health and well-being and

improved cognitive function. The Exercise for Seniors guide provides seniors with straightforward exercises that mirror their everyday actions and can be completed in just five minutes. The top four are revealed below. ■ Sit to stand “Repetition of this basic movement is great for your whole body strength as it uses your legs and core and is beneficial for your heart and lungs. Start by sitting in the chair feet flat on the floor, looking straight ahead. Push down through your feet, squeeze your bottom and stand up.” ■ Push-ups against wall “Adjusting this popular exercise by doing it on the wall makes upper body strength training achievable for older people and also helps keep the range of movement through fingers too. Stand facing a wall, and put your hands on the wall about shoulder width

apart and elbows just below shoulder height. Bend your elbows and lower your chest towards the wall, then push through your hands, squeeze with your chest and return to your start position.” ■ Single leg balance “Balance deteriorates as we age, so practising this exercise helps guard against common balance issues such as falling. Holding the chair or using the wall, put your weight on your outside leg and lift your inside leg so you are just on its tippy toes. Look straight ahead, press into your outside foot and squeeze your bottom as you do this. Count to three, then put your foot down flat, turn around to do the same thing on the other side.” ■ Side steps with arms reaching overhead “This powerhouse movement targets strength, mobility, balance and co-ordination. Make sure you have enough clear space to take three

spaces side to side. Step out to the side as you raise your arms into the air over your head then step your feet together as you bring your arms back down. Take two more steps like this, then step back three steps so you are back at your starting position.” “As we age, it becomes all too easy to let our exercise go,” Michelle said. “We lose the physical prowess we had when we were younger so it becomes more challenging to move the way we used to – so many people end up moving less and less. I am excited to collaborate with Home Instead Senior Care and the five minute exercise routine we’ve developed can help you maintain your mobility, bone density, muscle mass and balance.” Go to, homeinstead.com. au/resources/exercise forseniors.

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Wellbeing

My Health Record: mobile medical diary

ESSENTIAL: F itness exper t Bill Hardy believes My Health Record is the way of the future. Photo: Kevin Farmer

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BRAND INSIGHTS IF YOU had to describe Bill Hardy’s passions, they would be fitness, health and travel. After completing a Diploma of Fitness five years ago, the 70-year-old Queenslander now runs over 50s fitness classes. “I have always been interested in health, which is why I started training mature aged men and women in strength and conditioning. It’s so important that as people get older, they keep active and look after their health.” Bill’s passion for health extends to My Health Record, where he is one of six million Australians who keep a summary of their important health information securely online. “I think My Health Record is a great step forward in healthcare,” he said. “I’m going to India on my next holiday so I will need cholera, diphtheria and typhoid injections. “This information will go on My Health Record, so I know when my immunisations are due again as they can be very hard to remember.” Bill is also having ongoing checks after he was diagnosed for prostate cancer.

‘‘

It’s so important that as people get older, they keep active and look after their health. “I know I can go to a doctor or hospital at any time, located anywhere, and they will know my health problems and what medications I am taking,” he said. “This makes the whole process much easier and is particularly beneficial when you are travelling. I can even view My Health Record when I am overseas.” Some key things to remember about My Health Record: ■ Your important healthcare information is available in one place and accessible by your doctors, specialists or hospitals. ■ When moving interstate or travelling, your information can be viewed securely online. ■ In emergency situations, treating doctors can view

information such as current medications and Advance Care Plans to provide appropriate treatment quickly. ■ You don’t need to remember the dates of tests, medicine names or dosages. ■ Because healthcare providers have better access to clinical information, they have a more detailed picture to make decisions, diagnose and provide treatment. ■ You can control what information goes into your My Health Record and restrict who is allowed to access it. ■ For those that require assistance accessing your My Health Record, you can nominate someone to act on your behalf or ask healthcare providers involved in your care to add information to your record. ■ My Health Record has multi-layered security processes and strong safeguards in place to protect your information. By the end of 2018, a My Health Record will be created for every Australian, unless they choose not to have one. If you don’t want a My Health Record, you can opt out by November 15. For more information go to myhealthrecord.gov.au or phone 1800 723 471.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2018

Secret places of extraordinary beauty INSIDE

The Forum For Your Two Cents Join our exclusive online community, where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find other seniors ready to socialise and share. Seniors online - connecting you to an exciting retirement.

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SEPTEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

10 reasons to add Provence to your hit list Ann Rickard LIKE Italy’s Tuscany region, Provence in the South of France has that evocative sound to it. Stony villages, fields of vines, delicious food, copious wine and a feeling of joie-de-vivre in the air. It’s one of those destinations every traveller dreams about. Ann Rickard gives you 10 reasons why you should go as soon as possible. 1. Weather. With more than 300 days of sunshine every year, Provence is France’s sunshine capital. The summer months of June, July and August give you guaranteed sunshine. 2. Hilltop towns. Menerbes and Bonnieux became famous when Peter Mayle wrote so charmingly about them in A Year in Provence.

While they are delightful with their stone houses and narrow lanes, there are no museums or galleries and only a sprinkling of cafes. Like most hilltop towns, they are fun to explore and admire but don’t expect to find a lot to do. 3. Les Baux de Provence. In the Alpilles, this village provides plenty of interest. It is a living museum, crowned by castle ruins dating back to the 10th century. Walk over the ruins, climb crumbling towers, go down to the dungeons, be awed by the reproductions of giant medieval weapons, then wander the maze of lanes in the village with their small shops and cafes, and stop in a leafy square for lunch. 4. Avignon. For 70 years during the 14th century, this town was the hub of the Roman Catholic world

when the popes moved there from Rome and built the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). The walled old town bustles with more shops and cafes than you could get to. Take a ride on the Petit Train, which rumbles through the town while a commentary gives you all you need to know about Avignon’s rich history. 5. I’isle sur la Sorgue. The name means “Island on the Sorgue River” and it looks so, with canals and water everywhere. Its imposing moss-covered water wheels have been toiling since the 1200s when they were used to grind flour. It is now famous for its antique and brocante stores. Best to visit on a Sunday – market day – when the town erupts with a festive atmosphere as hundreds of stalls sell everything from French linen to giant wheels of

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cheese. 6. Markets. Every village, town and city puts on markets, where lanes, squares and streets become clogged with stalls and people. Even if you don’t buy a thing (you will), just wandering among the crowds with the sights and sounds of food and laughter gives a true sense of Provence. The markets are also a social occasion, to meet friends for coffee or wine, but be warned, in the bigger towns the crowds are so dense it is shoulder-to-shoulder and many locals love to take their dogs, adding to the general crush. 7. Food. Fresh fruit and vegetables, olive oil, garlic, quality meat and sublime seafood, Provence is known all over the world for its superior cuisine. In summer, cherry, peach and apricot orchards burst with fruit so sweet you will find it hard to believe. Traditional dishes include daube (beef stew) and ratatouille (we know that one). Look for the giant slabs of nougat at the markets and don’t go past the rich tapenades, probably made that morning. Green and black olive tapenade are traditional but try the anchovy tapenade for a bang-in-the-mouth hit. 8. Pont du Gard. This mighty aqueduct built by the Romans 2000 years

Canals in L’isle sur la Sorgue. ago to transport water from the town of Uzes to Nimes is reason alone to visit Provence. One of France’s most popular attractions, the aqueduct crosses the Gardon River. One look and your jaw drops. Best way to see it is to kayak from the nearby town of Collias, picnic on the banks with views to the awesome structure, then kayak under it. Better still, float on your back beneath it. 9. Plane trees, poppies, lavender, sunflowers. Nothing says France more than the rows of plane trees flanking the roads. They create an avenue of leafy shade in summer and make your heart sing. In April and May wild red poppies spring from the ground everywhere and then come August the sunflowers tilt their yellow heads to the sun to create fields of blazing yellow to the horizon. Lavender begins to bloom in June and by July there are mauve carpets

stretching all over the region. But no matter what month you visit Provence, the smell of lavender is in the air, with shops, boutiques and markets selling lavender products, from essential oils to little lavender bags to soaps and sprays. 10. Carriers de Lumieres. Below the village of Les Baux is perhaps the most stunning yet low-profile highlight of the region. In a vast, disused bauxite quarry, unique visual shows are projected on to the immense walls to the accompaniment of stirring music. It is usually the works of the world’s most famous artists on display – Van Gogh, Cezanne, Da Vinci in the past, this year it is Picasso. The 45-minute show is continuous, so any time you arrive is a good time. It is a spectacular experience that stays with you long after your visit.

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9 FEB - 2 MAR 2019 19 Nights accom m, daily breakfast, t, 4 lunches & 12 dinners, man ny amazing textile le outlets, Delhi National Craftss Museum, Jaipu ur Ci City, Palace Textile Museum, Taj Mahal, Rajasth han Heritage Palace Hotel stayy, Cru uise on famous Lake Pichola, Ahmed dabad Calico Museum.

SUPERIOR CUISINE: Enjoy cheese, seafood and meat at the markets in Provence.

per person Twin Share ex BNE, MEL & SYD, Single supplement $1,050

6 - 13 APRIL 2019

6 Nights Copthorne Hotel & Reso ort, 1 Nigh ght Milford Mariner Cruise, Some mealls incl cl: Buffet Dinner at the Skyline Restaurant, Bots tsswana Butchery. Visit: Gibbston Valley Wine nery, Glenorchy, Wanaka, Milford Sound Overnigh ght Cruise on board Milford Mariner, Fiordla land National Park, Te Anau, Homer Tunnel, Eglin inton Valley and much.

TERMS & CONDITIONS *Price is per person Twin Share fully in nclusive. Single Supplement applies. Credit card sur urcharges apply. Deposit of AUD$500-$800 per person is required to secure tour. Tour requires a minimum number n of passengers to depart. Prices may fl fluctuate if surcharges, fee, taxes or currency change. Prices current as at 27 August 2018. Go SeeTouring Pty Ltd T/A Go See Touring Member of Helloworld ABN: 72 2 122 522 276 ATAS Accreditation A11320

Lavender everywhere in Provence.

Castle ruins of Le Baux de Provence.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2018

Glorious garden tours Grand tours across Europe for those with green fingers THE ultimate green thumb’s overseas holiday would have to be travelling by ship, train and coach through European countries visiting iconic and private gardens, and famous garden shows. The grandest tour has to be APT’s Botanica World Discoveries, Grand European. The 43-day tour takes in eight countries. Departing on April 25, 2019, the tour starts in Amsterdam in time to see the glorious spring bulbs. You then sail the Rhine and Moselle rivers to Basel and onto Zurich accompanied by the London Festival Opera. From Zurich you fly to Budapest where the group boards the luxurious Danube Express train over the European Alps viewing Alpine wildflowers before arriving into Venice. Then travel from Venice to Bordeaux visiting iconic gardens and picturesque landscapes on a leisurely tour where you can enjoy unique art inclusions and watercolour tuition from our art guide. Finally, enjoy a relaxing eight day river cruise through Bordeaux visiting gardens, chateaux, art and vineyards of the region. The tour includes free business class fares with Lufthansa, with some conditions applying, if booked before October 15, 2018. The price is $42,990 per person for twin share and $55,990 for solo travellers. Other Botanica 2019 gardening tours are: ❚ Hampton Court Flower Show and Gardens of Sussex Tour, UK – this show is set on the grounds of Hampton Court Palace and is held

during the summer months. Visit this show on the eight day tour which departs on June 17. Tour price is from $5995 per person, twin share. ❚ BBC Gardeners World Live, Birmingham, UK – it’s the ‘garden party of the year’. See British and world leading gardens and garden designers. Visit this show on Botanica’s 12-day Historic Houses and Gardens of the United Kingdom Tour which departs on June 15. Tour price is $8995 per person, twin share. ❚ Dublin in Bloom Festival, Dublin, Ireland – showcasing the best of Ireland’s gardens plants, design, construction, horticulture and gardening as a hobby. You can combine a visit to this event with Chelsea Flower Show. Visit this show on Botanica’s 10-day tour which departs on May 21. Tour price is from $9995 per person, twin share. ❚ Chaumont Garden Festival, Loire Valley, France – set in magnificent castle grounds, see superb displays created by teams of artists, landscape architects and designers. Visit this show on Botanica’s 13-day Loire Valley, Dordogne and Bordeaux Chateaux gardens tour which departs on May 25. Tour price is from $13,995 per person, twin share. ❚ Bohinj Wildflower Festival, Bohinj, Croatia – travel into the hills of Slovenia to see the majestic wildflowers of the region at the Bohinj Wildflower Festival.

BOTANICA BEAUTY: Keukenhof Garden, Amsterdam.

Libourne River and bridge.

Marqueyssac Garden, France.

Dublin Flower Show.

Keukenhof Garden and Lake, Amsterdam.

Chelsea Flower Show.

Visit this show on Botanica’s 14-day Spring Wildflowers of the Italian Lakes, Slovenia and Croatian Islands Cruise which departs May 25. Tour price is from $11,995 per person, twin share. ❚ Art & Gardens in France – hosted by Brian Healey, you will travel from

where you will be accompanied by Brian and visit special art inclusions, including a tour of the famous Beaux Arts Gallery in Bordeaux, a visit to Le-Temple-sur-Lot garden where Monet painted his Les Nymphaea’s series, enjoy lectures aboard as well as opportunities for

Cannes to Bordeaux where you can participate in art classes along the way. All materials will be provided as well as tuition from Brian which is suitable for beginners and experienced water colour artists. Continue onto the Bordeaux river cruise

painting and tuition. The 14-day tour departs on May 24. Tour price is from $13,595 per person, twin share, and $16,995 for solo travellers. For more information, go to botanica.travel, phone 1300 305 202 or talk to your local travel agent.

AIRPORT & CRUISE

TRANSFERS

10% DISCOUNT * 10

ON HERVEY BAY DOOR TO DOOR/TRANSIT TRANSFERS BY QUOTING

“SENIORSHB”

*Also available for Maryborough, Tiaro and Gympie transit stops

Book Online

Phone

www.cxn.com.au

1300 266 946

*Conditions apply, see website for details. Not valid with any other offer.

SEPTEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

‘‘

Your journey spans eight regions ranging from lush forests to craggy deserts.

A MOUNTAIN HIGH: Make hiking the Kilimanjaro in Tanzania one of the holidays on your to do list, and be in awe of nature’s beauty.

Photo: SVaP

Hike your way through Some places can only be dreams while others can become a real experience with the help of these super destination tips.

THIS month we profile destinations and experiences 45 to 41 as we count down the 2018 list of the World’s Best Journeys which we hope will inspire you to live life to the full. The top 50 bucket list has been selected by Flight Network and over 500 top travel journalists, agencies, bloggers and editors. Tighten the seat belt and let’s get you moving by putting some spring back into your forward travel plans.

HIKE THE KILIMANJARO, TANZANIA

THE seven-day Machame route up majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa at 20,000 feet, begins at the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, where you’ll walk through rainforest up a winding trail. The rainforest eventually dissolves into a small valley where you traverse a rocky ridge before reaching the Shira Plateau, a land of deep

valleys and weather worn lava flows. Pass the Lava Tower, nicknamed “Shark’s Tooth” because of its angular shape, before resting at Barranco Camp. Your next stop to help acclimatise is at Karanga Camp. Continue on to Barafu Camp where you’ll prepare your mind, body and soul for the Kilimanjaro summit, which commences between midnight and 2am. This epic trek will take you between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, before you take a rest at Stella Point and get rewarded by a magnificent sunrise. After reaching the highest point at Uhuru Peak, you descend to Mweka Hut and finish the following day in Moshi. Getting there: the trip begins and ends at the Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania which serves Arusha and Moshi. As you must be part of a guided tour for this adventure, your tour company will help advice you about travel arrangements from the airport.

HIKE THE JORDAN TRAIL, JORDAN

GAIN an education in Jordanian terrain, archaeology and religious relevance by embarking on this 650km hike that takes about 40 days. Your journey spans eight regions, ranging from lush forests to craggy deserts. Lace up your hiking shoes in Umm Qais then head south toward your final destination of Aqaba. Along the way you’ll encounter 52 villages allowing you to peel back the layers of this culture by tasting local cuisine, interacting with villagers and even spending the night in homestays. Highlights of the trail include jagged cliffs overlooking the Jordan Rift Valley, the rose-red city of Petra, and the towering sandstone mountains of Wadi Rum. Be sure to pack your bathing suit as you’ll be passing the Red Sea, whose crystal clear waters take on an orange-red hue when seasonal algae blooms. This warm sea is home to the world’s fastest fish,

the solitary sailfish, and has a thriving biodiversity, thanks in large part to its coral reef ecosystem. Significant historical sites, such as the ruins of the ancient church of Mar Elias and the Islamic castle of Ajloun will also be encountered on the route. Getting there: You will to fly into Jodan’s main airport, Queen Alia International Airport. From that airport a taxi is the most direct mode of transport to Umm Qais, which is about 2.5 hours away. The trailhead is located at the basalt ruins of the Decapolis of Um Qais. Be sure to plan your hike ahead of time, or hire one of the many local guide companies who can help you make the most of this trail, or check out the volunteer run Jordan Trail Association which offers an annual through-hike.

HIKE THE FRANCIGENA WAY, EUROPE SPANNING centuries of history and endless kilometres of

mountainscapes, the Francigena Way hike covers over 2000km from Canterbury to Rome and takes anywhere from 100-200 days, depending on how quickly you travel. This pilgrimage will carry you through England, France, Switzerland and Italy, with famous stop points such as Dover Castle, Notre Dame, Piazza del Campo Siena and Cathedral of Saints Peter and Francis. You journey through soft grass, stone stairways carved into mountain sides and thriving vineyards interspersed with time in grand cities such as Reims (France), Lausanne (Switzerland) and Rome (Italy). You can pause at any time to savour a special village or flower-covered field. At the end you can celebrate completing this hike-of-a-lifetime by tossing a coin into Rome’s Trevi Fountain and enjoying a Pizza Bianca from one of the city’s many bakeries. Getting there: You need to get to Canterbury by bus or train once arriving

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2018

Hike the Jordan Trail, Jordan and experience bedouin camels as they rest near the treasury Al Khazneh carved into the rock at Petra, Jordan.

Photo: DeSid

The Ancient Franceta Gate in the medieval town of Sutri.

Photo: davidf

Photo: Crisfotolux

Bushwalk in the spectacular Australian Blue Mountains.

this healthy bucket list in London. The Francigena Way starts beside the south porch of Canterbury Cathedral, at the kilometre zero stone. From the Cathedral, turn left onto Burgate and walk along Church Street and Longport, beside St Augustine’s Abbey. After passing North Holmes Road and St Martin’s Church, turn right onto Pilgrim’s Way and begin to follow the signs for the North Downs Way. Now, keep putting one foot in front of the other, allowing a trusty guidebook to support you the rest of the way.

BUSHWALK THE BLUE MOUNTAINS, AUSTRALIA A CAPTIVATING 3861 square miles of towering eucalyptus trees, sandstone cliffs and native bushland are waiting to be explored. Because of its intricate beauty, the best way to journey through this land is on foot. The seven day hike starts in Mount Victoria where you can spend the day in a historical pub or an art gallery.

Relax on board the Shinkansen Bullet Train, Japan. A few highlights of the trek include the secret grotto and rhododendron gardens at Mount Piddington, the cascading Bridal Veil Falls and Pulpit Rock lookout at Popes Glen, and the curious rock formation of Ruined Castle in the Jamison Valley. Aboriginal legend is mixed into your trip when you lay eyes on Three Sisters, a massive trilogy of rocky peaks that are said to have been three

sisters that were turned to stone. To reach the Three Sisters you’ll need to ascend Giant Stairway. Once your well-worked legs have descended the stairs you get to spend the night in the quaint village of Leura. Your last walk in the Blue Mountains will be National Pass walk, which leads into a mystical rainforest gorge. Getting there: The closest major airport to

Photo: blanscape

Mount Victoria is Sydney. From there you can reach Mount Victoria by taking a 2.5 hour train ride from Sydney’s Central Station, or rent a car and follow the M4 highway.

RELAX ON BOARD THE SHINKANSEN BULLET TRAIN, JAPAN

Reaching a maximum speed of 320km/h, the lightning-fast Shinkansen Bullet Train offers travelers a ride of a

lifetime. With the ability to tilt on turns, the needle-nosed Shinkansen is a thrilling way to travel. Known for its aerodynamic design and sleek rails providing ultra-smooth rides, the bullet train’s innovative, wing-shaped form helps to reduce wind resistance at high speeds. Boarding the train in Tokyo, after exploring everything from the modern glittering skyscrapers to its historic

temples, adventurers can take the Shinkansen to the popular city of Kyoto for a picturesque journey along towering mountains and flower-drenched valleys. Departing from the train, visitors can explore Kyoto’s timeless, island culture and a region draped in Japanese tradition. Peruse Kyoto’s Buddhist temples, imperial palaces and Shinto shrines before hopping on the Shinkansen and rambling on to your next destination. Getting there: With countless airlines serving Asia it’s easy to get to Tokyo. Once at Narita Airport the most cost effective way to get the city, which is 66km away, is to go by limousine bus which departs four times an hour and the fastest way is by boarding the Narita Express. Make your way to the Shinkansen by taking the Keikyu Rail Line to Shinagawa when you’re ready for your trip on the Bullet Train.

SEPTEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Floriade adopts pop theme RETRO inspired flowerbeds will part of the annual colourful spring Floriade festival to be held in Canberra from September 15 to October 14. Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson will star alongside the likes of Grug and Where’s Wally, the Rubik’s Cube and even Ken Done, as visitors go on a trip down memory lane through the pop culture. Floriade each year focuses on exciting, diverse and innovative programs. This year will be no different with a line-up that is nothing short of blooming wonderful. Visitors will be treated to an exciting array of flowerbeds showcasing some of the 20th Century’s most iconic figures in music, film, literature and social media. Food, glorious food to tantalise the tastebuds with produce from Canberra and the surrounding region will have visitors coming back for more than one visit. During school holidays, there will be lots of

SPRING TRAVEL: Canberra’s Floriade will burst to life this month. activities for the grandkids. Imagine enjoying your visit on a Sunday afternoon, picnicking at Jazz in the Park with special guests including the uber-talented Emma Pask.

For the aspiring or avid green thumbs there are many workshops at The Greenhouse interactive venue. The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. NightFest, Floriade’s ticketed after-dark

experience, returns for five nights from September 26 until September 30. Commonwealth Park will come to life after dark with illuminated flowerbeds, a line-up of local and drink food stalls,

Photo: Floriade Australia

nightly entertainment and dazzling lighting installations making NightFest an absolute must in 2018. On the Wednesday night, Stage 88 transforms into an open-air cinema, while

Thursday and Friday nights see musicians hit the stage as the music flows through the flowerbeds including Caiti Baker, Bowie Unzipped featuring Jeff Duff and Kate Miller-Heidke. Saturday night will be time to don the dance shoes for Party NightFest. The park switches to party mode with Cell Block 69. Finishing off this weekend will be a night of laughs as MA15+ Comedy NightFest returns with Arj Barker, Akmal Saleh, The Stevenson Experience, Chris Ryan and Matt Okine. Floriade wraps up on October 14 with Dogs’ Day Out, featuring a superhero dress up pop culture theme. All pups, big and small, are invited to soak up the sunshine and explore Floriade with special pup-friendly activities and entertainment throughout the day. Dress up with your best friend to go in the draw to win the Best Dressed Award. For more, go to floriadeaustralia.com.

Discover a hidden gem on the Sunshine Coast Geoff Crockett WHEN it comes to choosing a great place to stay in Australia that’s by the beach, close to a regional airport, and offers great access to all the comforts of home and more, Alexandra Headlands on the Sunshine Coast is well worth a look. Just south of the growing Sunshine Coast CBD at Maroochydore, Alexandra Headlands is home to a great surf club with ocean views and an amazing stretch of uninterrupted sand that lets you hit the beach and walk for miles. Ideally located for families of all shapes and sizes looking to enjoy the mix of sand, surf, shopping and dining along the coastal strip the area has a wide range of accommodation options including Oaks Seaforth Resort which has a tropical holiday feel all year around. As a father, with two primary school children under the age of 10, the resort ticked the boxes on the entertainment front and is now on the list as a potential Christmas holiday venue, where in

COAST GETAWAY: Oaks Seaforth Alexandra Headlands. our family it’s not unusual for grandparents, aunts and uncles to all converge from around the country at one resort for a couple of weeks during the holiday season. While it’s fair to say that in early August the lagoon pools were a little chilly for my 6 and 10-year-old girls, they still tried them out and posed underneath the waterfall before heading across to the heated lap pool and

bath-like spa for a good few hours of fun. Give it a month and we’d never get them out of there. And the pool came after a few hours at the beach making sandcastles, collecting shells and enjoying the 24 degree day that is winter on the Sunshine Coast. The Oaks Seaforth Resort grounds offer plenty of break outs and barbecue areas which

Photo: Contributed

would be great for a longer stay – not to mention a well-appointed gym and easy access to a wide variety of restaurants, a pub, and a convenience store on the same block. Inside there’s plenty to like about the selfcontained apartments. We stayed in two bedroom apartment, with ocean views, and one of the first things that jumped out was the

generosity of the spaces on offer. The two bathrooms are giant, with a spa being a welcome added bonus in the ensuite. The kitchen was well appointed and the storage space available in the walk-in robe and wardrobes made it easy to imagine moving in for a few weeks, unpacking the bags and being able to treat the space like home – without tripping over the

suitcases. The Oaks Seaforth Resort offers a total of 87 apartments across one, two and three bedroom apartment configurations. There’s free parking underneath the building, air-conditioning in all rooms and it’s just 7km to Sunshine Coast Airport. For a beachside holiday, it offers the best of both worlds. Relaxation and access to all the mod cons if needed. Leave the car at home and walk across the road and you’re on the sand. If it’s raining the movies and shopping at Sunshine Coast Plaza are only 3km away – not to mentioned the trendy dining options on Ocean Street, Maroochydore. Noosa’s a 35 minute drive to the north, and Australia Zoo, made famous by Steve Irwin, is even closer than that to the west. Oaks operates 48 hotels across Australia and its handy website at www.oakshotels.com has pages full of deals every day. Phone 13 62 57 for more information. The writer spent a night as a guest of Oaks Seaforth.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2018

Isle of Pines: A beautiful gem in New Caledonia Quinn Jones THE guide pointed away down the half-dry river. He would go no further. He said something that was lost in translation and, with final finger-thrust to the far end of the river, turned his back and abandoned us to our fate. The group shared nervous glances. The river was bubbling at low tide, but its wide body only seemed to end at a bank of wild, thick brush: where was the path? Somebody took the first step and waded into the knee-high deep water, the rocks smooth and slippery under foot. But there, on the other side, an opening had been crudely hewn into the tree line! And then we walked. The path twisted, turned and seemed endless. Trees invaded the way and low branches snagged the unwary. The heat of the day seemed to stifle and stick. Someone asked – not for the first time – if we were going the wrong way. But something was happening. The river, always on our right, was becoming more swollen with each step, the muddy water now a clear and intoxicating blue. And then around one final bend, the brush let loose its stranglehold and a white, sandy beach opened before us, leading to a natural pool, pristine and deep as it is beautiful. Welcome to just one of the natural wonders of the Isle of Pines (Ile des Pins) in New Caledonia. The island sits just off the coast of New Caledonia’s capital of

AMAZING: The Isle of Pines is the natural, beautiful gem in the crown of New Caledonia. Noumea and is mainly reached by an easy 20-minute flight or a twice-weekly ferry. The flight is stunning – flying low over small islands dotted across the reef before a large, green jewel, surrounded by a hypnotic swale of blues, emerges on the horizon: Isle of Pines. The island’s name is as obvious as the forest of tall pine trees that greet you at the airport. The rest of the island is left for you to discover. There are three main resorts on the island while a host of camping grounds offer the budget traveller a more affordable stay. My partner and I settled on the Oure Tera Beach Resort. The resort’s spacious

Sacred Rock is the centrepiece of Kunamera Bay.

and relaxing bungalows have a beachfront view of one of the island’s most picturesque spots: Kunamera Bay. The bay’s inviting waters are ringed by white sand and two coral reefs (a snorkeler’s heaven) but the centre piece is Sacred Rock – a craggy monolith that rises from the ocean bed to soar above the waves. Imagine reclining on your day-bed, drink in hand, the ocean breeze drifting through the palms and that view dominating the landscape? But we’ve only started to scratch the surface. Travelling around the island is easy enough – though you may have to switch to the slowed-down pace of local life – with

drivers, rental cars, scooters and even bicycles at hand to get you around. But this is the islands and why take to the road when you can hit the water? Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards swirl around the bays while local tours can blast you out to the reefs and some of the most stunning quays – think sand so white you can hardly glance at it against the brightness of the cloudless sky. But for a truly unforgettable journey, jump aboard a traditional outrigger and sail the waters like the local Melanesian Kanaks from the village of Vao and across Upi Bay.

Photos: Jami Elliot

Step back on land and the natural pool and lake-like Oro Bay are near at hand. The natural pool is a lagoon at the head of a river shielded from the ocean by a rock wall. A small reef has formed in the clear, deep waters, and every day, hundreds of tourists make the pilgrimage to spend the day baking in the sun or pulling on their goggles and slipping into the lagoon. A short walk away is Oro Bay – the placid waters flanked by tall islands with even taller pines. Away to the right is the endless white tips of the crashing reef, but in the bay, water beads and shimmers like an inland lake.

And don’t visitors to Le Meridien Ile des Pines – the island’s most boutique resort – take advantage with stand-up paddle boards, kayaking and sailing dotting the calm waters. A breeze springs off the coast and travels inland, hits Pic Nga and travels across the backs of climbers as they work their way up the island’s highest point. But this is no Mount Everest! At an elevation of just 262 metres, the peak is triumphed daily by even the most modest of mountaineers. Back at the resort and the ‘dinner bell’ is about to sound. Steaming fresh fish, beef that falls off the fork, or perhaps a pastry is more your thing? We are in French territory, aftrer all. It may not be Michelin-star cuisine, but the island’s restaurants won’t leave your stomach rumbling for long. However, it will leave your wallet as bare as a bone! That’s the one gripe about this paradise – and New Caledonia as a holiday destination. The cost. Everything – the meals, the tours, the drinks – have been jacked up three-times the price we are used to in Australia. It’s not a major problem if you’re prepared (be prepared!) but it’s certainly a shock to the system if you’re expecting a bargain or two. Luckily, sitting on a beach, the palms singing in the breeze and the waves calmly crashing at your feet, while your worries and cares sink with the setting sun cost nothing at all. The author paid for the entire trip to New Caledonia.

The Oro Bay natural pool attracts hundreds of visitors every day.

SEPTEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Blossom into Japan spring

BLOSSOMING ADVENTURE: Experiencing a sea of trees showing off bright pink flowers is well worth adding to the list. Photo: Contributed

NOWHERE on the planet do the modern and the ancient co-exist more harmoniously than in Japan. Kimono-clad ladies chatter on futuristic phones while blurring by on the fastest trains in the world; thousandyear-old Zen temples are dwarfed by seas of skyscrapers; and neon signs are reflected in flooded rice paddies. This fascinating country provides a sensory cultural overload, delivered in the most gracious and polite manner. The arrival of cherry blossoms, locally known as Sakura, are an important part of

Japanese culture. Symbolising new beginnings and hope, their fleeting beauty is also a key characteristic representing human life, transience and nobleness. Adding to their magic and mystique, the Sakura are usually only in full bloom for a short time in spring. According to text from the 8th century, the tradition of Hanami, or flower viewing parties, have been held since at least the 3rd century, and is still an event of important cultural significance for Japanese people today. It is common to see people having picnics

NATURAL ART: Visit the stunning Gardens by the Bay in Singapore on your next trip.

Photo: Tilt Pte Ltd

Let’s spring into a flowerful adventure A FLOWER Dome, Supertrees, Dragonfly Lake and Cloud Forests. No, it’s not the set of Ridley Scott’s next film, but rather Singapore’s freshly minted Gardens by the Bay. Spanning 101 hectares, the gardens are a showcase for horticultural artistry. Living plants aside, all 700,000 of them, the waterfront park features man-made trees

stretching 50m into the sky with steel trunks and illuminated wire rods for branches providing nightly sound and light shows with plenty of drama. Today, Singapore is widely acclaimed as a global capital for culinary innovation, encompassing not only local street food and fine dining, but also new and innovative dining concepts at all price

ranges. From savoury carrot cake to Hainan chicken rice and knock-your-socks- off curries, Singapore’s hawker centres are cheap, cheerful and unforgettable. A melting pot of ethnic diversity, the many centres – Maxwell Road, Newton and Lau Pa Sat are reliably good – are always buzzing with locals swarming around

stalls selling steaming bowls of noodles and ocean-fresh seafood. Fans chug overhead, plastic plates clatter, Tiger beer bottles clink and fizz – now that’s fine dining. For retail therapy, the GSS, Great Singapore Sale, happens yearly between June and August and offers plenty of shopping opportunities. One of the newest kids on the shopping block is

under the cherry blossom trees during the day or admiring the blossoms by lantern light at night, which is a magical sight. If Japan is on your bucket list, spring is a great time of year to visit. HANDY HINT: Next year Go See Touring will host an 11-day escorted tour to Japan for the Cherry Blossoms, departing Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne March 31, 2019. The tour price is $7650 per person share twin, including return airfares. For full tour details, go to goseetouring.com or contact one of their friendly staff on info@ goseetouring.com or phone 1300 551 997.

ION Orchard, about 400 retail outlets sprawling over numerous levels and underground passages. Go See Touring has two very special escorted tours to Singapore in 2019. Join Australian musicians Rodney Vincent, Graeme Hugo and Fortunato Isgro on an eight day Singapore Showcase Tour departing March 2, 2019. This tour features two

fabulous concerts by these entertainers. Price $3999 per person share twin (Ex Bne, Syd, Mel). For food lovers the eight day Singapore Food Festival Tour (departing Bne, Syd, Mel) on July 21, 2019 is sure impress. For a full itinerary, go to goseetouring.com or contact one of the friendly staff via email info@ goseetouring.com or phone 1300 551 997.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2018

Community group guide

Community notes

TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (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, in a nice bright setting. Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au.

PROBUS CLUBS

Mixed Hervey Bay WE WILL meet on Thursday, September 27, at 9.15am for a 9.30am start, upstairs at the Boat Club. There is a lift for those who prefer and friendly greeters to make you feel welcome. Come along and meet new friends and enjoy the view of our beautiful marina. Guest speaker Chris Adams will speak about “grave tales” of the Bruce Highway. You may like to join us for lunch after the meeting so be sure to put your name on the list at the desk in the front. Inquiries to Judith on 0458 008 087.

TYPE 2 DIABETES WORKSHOP

THE Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service will provide a free workshop for people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. Information provided covers type 2 diabetes self-management practice, healthy eating and healthy lifestyle behaviours. The workshop will be held on Thursday, November 22, from 9am–1pm at the Gympie Community Health Centre, Alfred St. To be eligible to attend you must be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. Carers and/or family members are welcome to attend. Bookings are essential. Phone Central Intake on (07) 5479 9670. For further information, email SC-T2D-Education @health.gov.qld.au.

VIEW CLUBS

Fraser Coast OUR theme for the October lunch meeting is Casual and Comfy. The guest speaker is from the Wide Bay Women's Health Service in Truro St. This is a proactive organisation dedicated to the health of women and will the speaker will talk about their services, be it educational, or about health or wellness. Lunch follows. The VIEW meeting starts at 11.30am on Thursday, October 4, at the Clubhouse, cnr Tooth St and Old Maryborough Rd. We welcome visitors. If you want to come along or for more information, phone Dianne by Tuesday, October 2, on 0409 270 712.

Our social for October is lunch at Salt restaurant at noon on Friday, October 19. Visitors are welcome. Phone Josephine for bookings or for more information on 0417 616 928. Hervey Bay OUR meetings and lunch are always the second Monday of each month at the clubhouse, Tooth St, Pialba, from 10.30am and usually include a guest speaker. Monthly socials are on the forth Monday at various venues from 9.30am. Guest speakers for August were from the Fraser Coast 4WD Club who participated with other clubs to clean six tonnes of rubbish, mostly plastic, from the beaches of Fraser Island. During August the members of three VIEW clubs, Gympie, Fraser Coast and Hervey Bay met for a coffee and chat when the Gympie girls visited Hervey Bay for Whale Watching and shopping. New or interested ladies are always welcome to join our fun and friendly club. Phone Mary for more information on (07) 4128 3908.

BARGAIN BUYING: Ladies from Fraser Coast VIEW club had a busy morning at the John Paul Centre recently with lots of buying and selling. The church ladies added to the morning with a delicious morning tea.

Guest speakers Mark and Karlie Holloway, from the Fraser Coast 4WD Club, were presented with a certificate from Hervey Bay VIEW club member Robin Scott.

Members from three VIEW clubs attended the August gathering (from left) Glenys Vallmuur (Gympie), Jean Jennings (Fraser Coast), Gillian Ryan (Fraser Coast), Jan Reedman (Gympie) and Cecilla Peach (Hervey Bay).

TOPOLOGY'S QUEENSLAND AT HOME TOUR

QUEENSLAND at Home – A time capsule of vintage film (from the 1930s and 1940s) from the State Library of Queensland, accompanied by an original score performed live by Topology. Packing an illustrious 20 years as one of Queensland’s finest arts organisations, ARIA-nominated Topology has become a staple sound of its hometown in Brisbane. In its most recent endeavours Topology has teamed up with the Queensland State Library to create Queensland at Home a time capsule of vintage film accompanied by a live original score performed by the band to paint an evocative portrait of life in Queensland dating back to the early 20th Century. On Wednesday, October 17, at the Gympie Civic Centre from 10am. Tickets available at QTIX go to, qtix.com.au or phone 136 246. Topology would like to invite you to help preserve Queensland’s history and be a part of Queensland at Home – in a call-out for

MS MEETING: (Back, from left) Lt Adele Williams, Shirley Shorten, Barbara Royle with Bev Cornwell (front) at the Maryborough Ladies’ Salvation Army Home League. vintage home movies and photographs from the local residents of regional Queensland. If you have a piece of history to add to the time capsule of Queensland at Home, email christa@topology music.com.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

THE Hervey Bay and Maryborough Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets on the first Friday of each month on the deck at the Hervey Bay RSL at 10am for a coffee

and chat. Our monthly meetings continue to be well attended and at the August meeting Bev was asked to speak at the Maryborough ladies’ Salvation Army Home League on her journey

with MS, having experienced the effects of MS for 40 years. We always welcome anyone with MS to join our meetings. Phone Bev on (07) 4128 2692 or email bev_cornwell @hotmail.com.

SEPTEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Money

Tony Kaye MOVING from employment into retirement is one of the most stressful financial stages in life, but it may be surprising to learn that the older we get the more we tend to save. That’s one of the findings from actuarial services provider Milliman in a new report, which suggests that retirees’ age is just as strong an indicator of behaviour as income levels. It casts doubt on common benchmarks, such as using a percentage of one’s final salary as a retirement savings target, which makes little allowance for lifestyle changes. Of course, some of us will spend more in retirement and others less. Some will run out of superannuation money

The more we age, the more we save

and need to rely on the Age Pension. Yet, the Milliman Retirement Expectations and Spending Profiles (ESP) report shows that the median retired couple’s expenditure falls by more than one-third (36.7 per cent) as they move from early retirement (age 65-69) and into older age (85 years and beyond). Interestingly, this new analysis includes the latest census income data and shows that poor, middle-income and high-income retirees all show similar declines in expenditure throughout retirement. The research tracks personal income (using census data) against expenditure (using the Milliman Retirement ESP) for low-income retirees (annual income below $33,800). While expenditure briefly peaks above

income just before retirement in their early 60s, it quickly tapers off into older age. These low-income earners actually earn their highest lifetime incomes through retirement, earning more as they age. This is largely due to the support of the government Age Pension. Middle-income retirees (annual income between $33,800 and $91,000) also show similar declining expenditure (although their expenditure never exceeds income). Their peak spending – as a proportion of their income – is reached in their late 60s. At this point, average incomes are sitting at around $54,000, and spending is at a little over $30,000. Similarly, high-income earners (annual income above $91,000) are also saving money into

retirement. Their spending drops from a peak figure of around $80,000 a year at about age 50, to around $65,000 in the late 60s, to around $38,000 once they hit age 85. The Milliman research shows that while wealthier retirees spend more in absolute terms, all three groups are saving money in retirement to greater and lesser degrees. The Milliman Retirement ESP provides the most accurate possible picture of retiree behaviour by tracking changes in the real-world expenditure of more than 300,000 older Australians. It shows that the average proportion of income spent on housing, food, energy, leisure, goods and services, travel and insurance either declines slightly, or remains the same,

regardless of income levels, through retirement. Only expenditure on healthcare increases. Travel is the biggest loser as we age and lose mobility, falling from about eight per cent of spending to below four per cent. Yet, while overall spending declines, there are still significant variations between the lowest and highest earners in terms of how money is spent. There are also important expenditure trends under way, with home ownership levels declining in Sydney and Melbourne while energy prices are escalating quickly. Milliman consultant Jeff Gebler said although energy represents a small proportion of overall household expenditure, the amount spent is significantly correlated to

income levels: higher income households have more expensive (and energy-consuming) lifestyles. Energy expenditure increases until about age 65 and then stabilises before rising from age 80 (this may be because elderly Australians spend more time at home and want to feel more comfortable rather than moving into aged care accommodation). All this data is interesting, but it has some practical implications as well. For one thing, superannuation funds and other financial product groups should be using it to design products to better meet the long-term income needs of retirees. Tony Kaye is the Editor of Eureka Report, which is owned by InvestSMART. www.investsmart.com.au.

Take advantage of the new downsizer super boost from 1 July 2018

Boosting your super just got a lot easier. From 1 July 2018, if you sell your home you may be able to contribute up to $300,000 to your super, tax-free and with no work test. And that goes for your partner too. Together, you can contribute up to $600,000. If you are: • Aged 65 or over • And have owned your principal home for 10 years or more and thinking of selling and downsizing This provision can only be taken advantage of once, with several other criteria that you and your home must meet. Call us today on 1800 634 378 to book an appointment to see if you are eligible and let us help you take advantage of the new downsizer superannuation contributions provision.

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*Authorised Representative of RI Advice Group Pty Ltd ABN 23 001 774 125, AFSL 238429 This information, including taxation, does not consider your personal circumstances and is general advice only. You should not act on any recommendation without considering your personal circumstances and objectives. RI Advice Group recommends you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.

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SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2018

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NEWS

SEPTEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

Super spring tips from our local gardeners

Thanks to our passionate local gardeners, this month we share just a few of their top spring planting tips... GWEN BARNES, 66, TWEED HEADS

SPRINGTIME for roses means feeding, says Gwen. She recommends before you start that you remove all the mulch you put on in winter to protect the plants. Gwen says if you leave it on they could end up with root rot or with little nasties crawling around that you don’t want. Then create air flow around the base of the plants. If you find your roses

have developed scale, spray them with eco oil. This is the time when roses are on their way to fabulous blooming and need lots of nutritional

GRAHAM RUSHTON, 75, BUNDABERG

IT’S time to compost to boost the efficiency of the garden, before starting your spring planting. Graham’s compost has leaves from trees in his garden, dead headed flowers and any other plants around the garden that need to be recycled. To make it Graham uses his lawnmower. He

spreads everything out on a small patch of grass and then uses the lawnmower to cut it up to make the compost. Because he has chickens he also adds

KAY NESBITT, 71, GOLD COAST

KAY’S succulents are her passion. They are easy to grow, fairly hardy and produce glorious colours. At the start of spring, the first job for her is trim the plants. She then has a very close look at all her plants, moving those that will benefit more from the summer sun and moving others than can sit happily in the shadier areas.

Some of her plants will be moved into a new pot and given a boost with a half succulent and half potting mix refresher, or

PAT ROSER, 87, COFFS HARBOUR

IT’S time to prepare the ground for spring annuals – primulas, marigolds and pansies, Pat says. She digs quickly over the soil, digging in the mulch that has been sitting there during winter. Then Pat gets the fertiliser ready for when she starts planting. Pat will pop in the fertiliser and the garden

compost she has been making before putting in the plants.

things to get them on their way. A good general all-purpose feed will keep them happy. Gwen says give them some Epsom Salts and a little bone meal mixed up in about a quarter of a cup. Doing this may well boost them. Gwen encourages seniors to enjoy the spring and look forward to awesome blooms. Her’s will be on display at the Annual Flower & Garden Show on September 29. some of the soil from their yard. Graham also adds good quality potting mix and Rooster Booster. He spreads this over the vegetable garden and around the flowers. If you live in an apartment, he suggests you hand cut your dead headed flowers, add potting mix and very little Rooster Booster as it is quite strong – maybe 10-12 pellets. she uses that mix to top up her pots and garden plants. Kay will cut a few pieces off some of her succulents, wash off the soil and put them in a vase that is about half full of water, where they can sit inside her house as a beautiful display for several months. In later months, she will replant those cuttings in her garden. She also swaps cuttings with like-minded friends. Once that is done, Pat will put on a layer of lucerne just to protect the plants. For the fertiliser Pat uses dynamic lifter, but during summer she uses Osmocote granules or Seasol. Living in a retirement village, her gardens are on display for the residents and they have open days and a Coffs Harbour gardening competition.

ROBERT JANETZKI, 72, TOOWOOMBA

JUST in time for the Toowoomba Garden Festival which runs from September 21-30, Robert recommends for bromeliad enthusiasts the following spring tips. Start with removing all dead leaves, particularly from the vase as the debris can rot the plant if it’s not flushed out. Next is to fertilise with

a slow release product with no copper in it, an organic fertiliser or a seaweed like Seasol or Organic Extra.

CHRIS O’DEMPSEY, 73, SUNSHINE COAST

WHILE Chris’ various orchid plants will flower at most times of the year, spring is when they are at their most magnificent. To prepare them for his annual open garden and to keep them in good health for the hot months ahead, Chris is busy nurturing his prized plants. He targets the warmer part of the day to spray the all each plant with a

mild fertiliser diluted into about two or more litres water. It is made up of 15ml of

JEAN TYLER, 77, CENTRAL COAST

JEAN says it’s time for her gloriously colourful selection of pansies, violas and impatients, with winter greens among them, in the hanging and ground-level pots, to be refreshed. She firstly removes the plants as they end their winter blooming. Then Jean takes out about a quarter of the soil and puts it in the

garden, replacing it with fresh potting mix and everlasting fertiliser. Once planted up, she waters the pots with Seasol. Jean is planting

BERENICE CORVI, 86, BRISBANE

EVEN after 54 years of sharing her gardening skills to her fellow Mitchelton and Districts Garden Club members, Berenice still looks for something special for each month’s meeting. Berenice plans for spring to have ready some bulbous flowers. She starts with testing the soil to ensure the acid in the garden reads no less than 6.5, and then she uses her old lawn

composted clippings to mulch around the plants to protect against evaporation. Her trick to help fast track the growth of her spring seedlings is to hold them in a little hole and then water them in with

A good check for disease such as scale or mealybug is worthwhile doing. The pups, or new growth, can then be removed from the mother. But, before they are planted in pots or in the garden, Robert recommends letting them sit somewhere dry for 24 hours to help avoid disease or rot getting into the root of the pup. Carbaryl, a teaspoon of trace element, four or five teaspoons of orchid bloom booster and orchid fertiliser, when then needs stirring. On Australia’s east coast, Chris said the easiest orchid to start growing in spring, indoor or outdoor, are the soft cane dendrobiums which have a beautiful perfume, and in protected areas of the garden, the phalaenopsis which can flower for up to three months. snapdragon and marigold seeds which she has stored during the winter in an envelope and kept in a kitchen draw, plus geranium cuttings, verbena and petunia plants. Jean tries to use small plants so she can get lots of them in a pot, leaving room to add in each pot a few summer edibles plants such as frilly lettuce and Chinese greens. Seasol. Berenice’s other clever spring tip is to put a clay pot on top of each planting and spread mulch around the pot’s edge. They are left like that for a few days. Then for about five days she takes the pots off each morning, so the plants get some sun, before replacing them at night. Finally, if the sun is very strong, Berenice places garden cuttings around the edge of each planting to create some shade.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2018

PUZZLES

JIGGERED

10/9

The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which s uare ts in with that letter and write in the letters. ou can also shade the black s uares i you nd it hel ul. ter co leting the rst area work out which s uare oins on to it and continue until you have ade a co lete crossword.

O L O A U N D

R G E I X N T

T T H A N

R U E E S

R E E H A Y R

A R E T E I L

N A S G H C A

G U E N R E D

A B S

R K N E A

A X I R B C I E

D T G E E R

P E A N C A V

R V I E M U R

M O N E H

L E R O A C G

S U X E A

T Y L

A P D E R

A A T E L N

A I C D D

C O U

I G N A L R

N P T E E I

E L O

S T

T D N T S P

QUICK CROSSWORD Across 7. A country’s people (6) 8. Silenced (6) 10. Wild (7) 11. Throw out (5) 12. Bring in money (4) 13. Boasts (5) 17. Unpleasant (5) 18. Costly (4) 22. Cheeky (5) 23. Former (7) 24. Adrift (6) 25. Hat (6)

Down 1. Makes certain (7) 2. Standing height (7) 3. Punctuation mark (5) 4. Make an attempt (4,1,2) 5. Concur (5) 6. Redacts (5) 9. Worship (9) 14. Looked after someone else’s child (7) 15. Degenerate (7) 16. Inhumane treatment (7) 19. Habitual (5) 20. Religious song (5) 21. Underneath (5)

TRIO

8 9

13 14 17

Can you complete these four words, using the same three-letter sequence in each?

SUDOKU

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

Across: 7. Nation 8. Gagged 10. Untamed 11. Eject 12. Earn 13. Brags 17. Nasty 18. Dear 22. Sassy 23. Onetime 24. Aﬂoat 25. Bonnet. Down: 1. Ensures 2. Stature 3. Comma 4. Have a go 5. Agree 6. Edits 9. Adoration 14. Babysat 15. Deviant 16. Cruelty 19. Usual 20. Psalm 21. Below.

QUICK CROSSWORD

QUIZ 1. When was GST (goods and services tax) introduced in Australia? 2. From what language does the word “ketchup” come: German, Hindi or Chinese? 3. Titania, Oberon, Miranda, Umbria and Ariel are all moons of which planet? 4. Who country music star, who died in 2017, played rhythm guitar on Frank Sinatra’s classic “Strangers in The Night”? 5. Which elephants have bigger ears, indian or African? 6. What was Gene Roddenberry’s most famous creation? 7. What was the nationality of Henri Dunant, founder of the Red Cross? 8. Which Latin word, meaning “so” or “thus” is used in brackets after a printed word or passage to indicate that it exactly reproduces the original?

M I D G E

O D O U R S

R E G I M E

N S O U P R D O S C K S O K E L I T O N S L T U T A R I N E E K S I C E C A P D E V I L S R O T A

WORDFIT

R E B R A E G N E R W A A P L I D S

E B I D D I T O R A N A N A M L A G B I T E F A C E D A L T E R Y D E E D P G A Y E S I R E WO O N S S U N S

QUIZ

1. July 1, 2000, 2. Chinese, 3. Uranus, 4. Glen Campbell, 5. African, 6. Star Trek, 7. Swiss, 8. Sic.

6 LETTERS BANANA DESIRE DEVILS DONATE EDITOR ERMINE GUITAR

7 LETTERS LITERAL RENEWAL

JIGGERED

4 LETTERS ALAS BITE DEED DINS DYES EDAM IDES PEWS ROTA SUDS

5 LETTERS BALED FACED LURES MIDGE MORON RAGED REBAG REBID SCRAM SEEKS SOLOS TULIP

ICECAP ITALIC ODOURS OVERDO POCKET RAPIDS RECOUP REGIME REGION SPOKEN SWOONS WATERY YEARNS

TRIO: RiA

Solution opposite

SUNS TANK

SUDOKU

Fit the words into the grid to create a nished crossword

3 LETTERS BIN DOG FAT GAY KEG KIN LAG LAP NOR SOU TIC TIE

ALPHAGRAMS

WORDFIT

SCRUB, TAGGED, UGLiEST, VOLATiLE, WHiSTLiNG.

Good 14 Very Good 17 Excellent 21+

G E X T U E N E D A T E N E R A G R E

S O

I L

578

S U R X E I A N O L O G A U N D R T D A N T L R U L E E O S C S P A T A B S E

TODAY

M O

CURBS GADGET USE GILT A LIVE LOT SLIGHT WIN

D I G R E E N H A R A L R Y A M O N I C E D D H T A X I T H R B A N C I E H R T Y K N S T L E A A D T P G E D E R E R

K O

T C

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb, e.g. he burns with anger.

P E N A C A V E C O I L O U P N T E E I N A S H G C A V R E I M U R

WORD GO ROUND

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

cork corks corm crook crooks moor moors mort motor motors rock rocks rook rooks room rooms roost root rots sort STOCKROOM stork storm torc torso

ALPHAGRAMS

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SEPTEMBER, 2018// SENIORS

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