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Seniors

Wide Bay

June, 2018

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In this edition

Cover Story ...............................................................Page 6 Wellbeing ......................................................... Pages 13-17 Money .................................................................Page 18-20 Travel.................................................................Pages 21-25 Puzzle .......................................................................Page 27

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 Manager Kristie Waite – 07 5430 8078 kristie.waite@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Brett Mauger – 07 3623 1657 brett.mauger@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Now online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Wide Bay Seniors Newspaper”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in south-east 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 endoresement by the owner/publisher.

Welcome

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Be loud and proud and claim your age

HELLO Friends, I am often asked how I select stories for publishing, how the everyday reader can submit their own story and how you can make a comment about a story or point of view published in Seniors News. Firstly, let me say, there are many worthy stories to be told and while online, there is unlimited space, print is limited by page numbers which means stories are limited. After that, factors to be taken into consideration include timeliness, trends, style, tone and substance of stories. That is, balancing the weight of stories from infotainment to entertainment articles including our well-being and travel sections and in this month’s issue, our special feature on retirement living options. Reporters and I regularly discuss and debate the pros and cons of articles. As a senior myself, I reflect upon my own interests and

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

concerns. In the wider world, I attend meetings, seminars and festivals on various relevant topics and at these venues I listen to a range of viewpoints from diverse groups of people. Then there is my family, all ready to share their point of view with me. When Seniors News reporter Tracey Johnstone brought me a profile on Sally Evans, her snappy label, Retirement Enthusiast, immediately gained my interest and on reading further, certain parts of her story definitely resonated with me. In particular, her urging of people to wear their age with pride. “When I hear others say they are not prepared to tell other people what their age is for fear of not

being given an opportunity or for those biases that seem to exist about people of particular ages; when I heard that, I made the decision that I was going to do the opposite. I was absolutely going to come out and talk about it. If we don’t talk about it, then we are just making the problem worse.” In the last few decades, because people have publicly named and claimed their own truth they have successfully challenged society’s ridiculous stereotypes that inspire gender and race prejudices and ruin the lives of harmless human beings. The same goes for age – while we all age differently, old age is not the same as it used to be, society demands different things from us and in return, we require different things from society. So, let’s start to get rid of ageism and claim our age without fear or favour. Of course, if there was anyone who successfully

fought against prejudice, it has to be Carlotta. She wasn’t the first person to undergo a sex change operation, but I’m sure she led the way in talking about her life’s journey. Our reporter Ann Rickard speaks with the 74-year-old and reveals how this vibrant woman still maintains a stage presence. Our well-being and living sections also share some great health focused information. I hope it’s practical and helpful, rather than faddish and temporary. The thing is, while it’s interesting and often inspiring to read about other people stories, it just mightn’t be us. In the end I think we just like to ‘keep the body and mind moving’. The best way to submit your story for publication is to email Gail.Forrer@ seniorsnewspaper.com.au The same applies if you would like to send me your comments on Seniors News articles. — Gail

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Government’s point of view

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

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Seniors 3

Would you think about a pre-retirement gap year? Tracey Johnstone speaks with the Federal Aged Care Minister THE 2018 Federal Budget highlights the government’s return to a focus on older Australian issues through funding programs to deal with employment, skills, health, finance and aged care. Nineteen of those initiatives fall under Minister Ken Wyatt’s responsibility. While talking with the minister in his Canberra office late last month about these initiatives, he offered his thoughts on future ageing issues. Future issues The minister identified the first two big future issue are Australia’s population continuing to have more people living into their elder years and the need to get these people to be re-enabled and abled to remain independent, and living well.

“I notice the number (of people) who psychologically reach this point is that they are old and they start to behave old,” Minister Wyatt said. “What governments need to do is to seriously think about is this whole notion of an active senior cohort in our population.” The government wants all older Australians is to think about their life in the context of finances, ageing, aged care and career planning. “My question to a lot of seniors is, what are you doing for the next 40 years? I want people to get their health check so that they can take the intervention needed to prolong their life, and quality of life, to think about their finances, and be well replaced to retire and look after themselves for the next 40 years with whatever Commonwealth

AGED CARE: Federal Minister for Aged Care, Ken Wyatt AM. PHOTO: COURIER MAIL

pensions exist.” Minister Wyatt also wants older Australians to consider keeping working, either in their existing industry or in a new one, such as aged care. “In aged care I need by 2050 another 940,000 people on top of my current 366,000,” he said. “I want people to turn their minds to other opportunities.” The 65-year-old is

planning for his future, even putting money aside for when he “needs to be in aged care”. “The government will provide some level of funding, but equally, having worked in this area, I am ensuring that I have sufficient funding for both myself and Anna for when we go into a retirement village or aged care facility together,” he said. But, not until his 90s. He intends staying active

in some form of work and in his community for quite a bit more time. As to what to do with our leisure time, the minister said we need to plan for our leisure time to help us avoid falling into depression. “This is why I have sought and gained the mental health funding,” he said. A gap year? He advocates a pre-retirement strategy of a planned ‘gap year’ from work of 12 months without pay. This he suggests could be a good way for seniors to ready themselves for the next life challenge. Changing attitudes Minister Wyatt uses the example of a sign he saw in an aged care facility, ‘don’t use Google, ask Nan’. The burgeoning population isn’t a burden he reiterated. “We have got to harness the energy there,” he said. Uncoupling the

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attitudes around ageing is a big challenge ahead. “This is important for all of us to talk about, not just government.” When challenged about the potential appointment of a Minister for Ageing, the minister posed the interesting question of whether such an appointment would perpetuate ageing. “Or, do you have every cabinet minister committed to encouraging people to think about longevity to 100 years?” he said. “Sometimes when you put a label on an area, that label stays. “In one sense I appreciate that maybe a minister for ageing may focus both the minds of Australians and the governments to build on what this government has commenced, and that is about recognising the inordinate levels of skills still in our seniors, the knowledge that still sits there.”

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4 Seniors Wide Bay

Feature story

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

‘Darling, a lot of people call me a pioneer’ Ann Rickard

SHE IS an Aussie living legend and at age 74, Carlotta exhibits no signs of toning down the feathers or taking off the bling.

Over a five-decade career that began in 1963 in Kings Cross as a female impersonator with the all-male Les Girls revue, Carlotta has gone on to become a cabaret performer, television celebrity, a much-loved Australian icon, and perhaps, most importantly to her,

a transgender advocate and political activist. “Darling, a lot of people call me a pioneer,” she said. “I don’t know about that, but it’s a shame the government doesn’t hand out awards for people like me. I want one of those medals. “No, I want two... for earrings.” What keeps Carlotta performing today after all those years is simple. She loves what she does. “I feel sorry for people who are in a job they don’t like,” she said. “I have always liked what I do.” It was Carlotta’s much-publicised sex change operation in the early ’70s that paved the way for others to follow and opened up discussion about the transgender community. She acknowledges

she could never have envisaged the change in attitudes today towards transgender people and same-sex marriage. “It’s good but as much as we have equality now with same-sex marriage, there is still that bit of prejudice,” she said. “The ‘yes’ vote was wonderful, but I wouldn’t want a husband now. I like (my own) money too much.” Living on the Gold Coast suits Carlotta at this stage of her life, but she never envisages retirement. She will perform Carlotta, Queen of the Cross, at the Noosa alive! festival. The show promises songs and stories from 50 years on and off the stage with pianist Michael Griffiths accompanying her as she sings classics by Berlin, Rogers and Hart, Sondheim and Peter Allen.

ENTERTAINMENT SUPERSTAR: Carlotta will be in Noosa in July to perform as part of the Noosa alive! festival.

Roger & Dawn, Carlyle Gardens residents

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Carlyle’s Community Garden Open Day! Carlyle Gardens Retirement Village at Bargara is holding a Community Garden Open Day on Friday 6th July, and you’re invited! Enjoy morning tea, peruse the stalls, and watch the action unfold as residents go head-to-head in a cook-off using produce from the village’s community garden, judged by Councillor Greg Barnes. All proceeds will go to Angels Community Group. You can also meet our friendly residents and staff, take a village tour, and view a fantastic range of available properties.

COMMUNITY GARDEN OPEN DAY Friday 6th July 10am-2pm See you there!

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Wide Bay

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

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Cover story

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Dismantling barriers in support of Seniors

Let’s face up to workplace issues and find solutions Tracey Johnstone

IN MANY ways, 60-year-old Sally Evans’ personal life reflects her public career goals. She is proud of her age, and proves it with the enthusiasm she expresses on gaining her Seniors Card. At this stage of her life she is thoughtfully examining her own future lifestyle and in doing so, is coming up with ideas that can benefit all seniors. In particular, this energetic businesswoman has focused her energy in the area of keeping seniors in the workplace and she is taking on

this huge issue in the same way she created her impressive resume. Across a 30 year career, Sally has worked in the private, government and social enterprise sectors. She has management experience in aged care,

health and investment management sectors, inclusive of holding executive positions with Opal Aged Care, BlueCross Aged Care, FTSE Compass Ground and AMP Capital. Sally’s work excellence has seen her awarded The Telstra Business Award divisional winner 2002 and gain inclusion in the Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence (2013 corporate division). Indeed, Sally is the type of person who sees a problem and finds a solution. In her encore career she has identified obstacles impeding the employment of seniors. Her goal now is to support the seismic shift of consciousness that is needed to terminate ageism and discrimination against the older employee. To end this ingrained prejudice, Sally has

RETIREMENT EXPERT: Sally Evans.

❝

I was absolutely going to come out and talk about it. If we don’t talk about it, then we are just making the problem worse.

identified issues that must change including decoupling the perceived link between seniority and pay, losing intergenerational stereotypes and seniors being willing to accept diversity in high performing teams. Sally also wants people to wear their age with pride. “When I hear others say they are not prepared to tell other people their age for fear of not being given an opportunity or for those biases that seem to exist about people of particular ages; when I heard that, I made the decision that I was going to do the opposite,” Sally said. “I was absolutely going to come out and talk about it. If we don’t talk about it, then we are just making the problem worse.” She said opening up these barriers will help older Australians to continue to be “economic participants” well past their 60s and even their 70s. “I want more people to be really proactive in talking about the benefits of what they bring,” Sally said. Sally also encourages employers to get on board with the opportunities these workers present, in various sectors including human resource management and her particular passion, aged care. “Employers are missing two really important

points,” Sally said of the broader workplace issues. “If they don’t proactively address this age diversity in the workplace they are going to have enormous workforce constraints in the future which is in their interests to solve, because if we don’t collectively and individually improve older workforce participation, our overall labour participation rates will fall and that will put pressure on wages and inflation.” She was cautious about last month’s Federal Budget announcements around aged care initiatives. “We need to increase the workforce and retain people in that workplace,” she said. “But, because it can be a physically demanding role there is an expectation that at a certain age a worker will no longer be able to do a job. “I am particularly interested in how we deal with those physical and mental health issues associated with the job, so we can have really healthy workplaces and older people working in those places. “If we are really good at doing that for our employees, there’s a chance we might be really good at doing that for our residents.” Sally’s ‘new retirement’ is a combination of work, well-being and relationships; about making choices. Her

retirement choice is working, but in a different way while using her skills and knowledge from her former full-time working life. She is currently a member of three boards associated with retirement, ageing and dying – a non-executive member of Gateway Lifestyle and Oceania Healthcare, and chair of the social enterprise group LifeCircle. Sally is also a member of the advisory group for the Benevolent Society’s EveryAGE Counts project which is working with partners and supporters to research the attitudes and beliefs that drive ageism in Australia. Her new work life is giving her the time to focus on what we need to do today to get a better future. “I am really interested in digital technology and what it is being used for, particularly in healthcare and finance so most weeks I will go to one or two sessions, random things, around digital technology disruption, AI, anything. “What I love is this random absorption of knowledge that I have the flexibility and time to immerse myself in.” Surrounded by a diverse groups of friends and with her health a key factor in ageing well, Sally remains committed to the road ahead and to discovering new opportunities in the ever-changing workplace and in retirement thinking. Definition of new retirement: A combination of work, well-being and relationships; about making choices.

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REGISTER OF ENDURING POWERS OF ATTORNEY THE Federal Government will fund from its 2018 budget the development of a nationally consistent legal framework and establishment of a national register for

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A PRACTICAL and free guide for partners and family on who you need to notify and the legal processes to follow after the death of a partner or loved one is available online. The free guide on how to close a person’s life is published by Council on

the Ageing Victoria. While the guide has been developed for Victorian families, its tips can be applied to any other Australian state. COTA chief executive Ronda Held said some people found death and all the legal requirements around it an extremely emotional experience. “Not just because they have lost a loved one but they may have never had to contact service providers such as the bank, their private health

insurer, Medicare, the car registration office or utilities providers,” she said. “Suddenly everything is changed and they are left with that responsibility and no guide as to what to do and when – until now.” The booklet covers key issues including the timeline of things to do after the death of a partner, what to do immediately and in the first few days after the death, funeral, burial or

cremation choices, settling your partner’s estate, finances after the death of a partner, providing notification of a death and getting help, accessing and closing online accounts, looking after yourself after a death and provides a sample letter for notification of death. To access the Death of a Partner: A Guide for Families booklet, visit: www.cotavic.org.au/wpcontent/uploads/2018/ 05/Death-of-a-Partner.

Wide Bay

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 7

Make EveryAGE count Let’s start the conversation about living our best life Tracey Johnstone

THE EveryAGE Counts project is on track to drive a conversation across the generations about changing the norms and ultimately the community attitudes around ageing. The Benevolent Society team behind the project are determined to take on Australia’s ageism attitudes in all sectors. They want to move the current conversation away from a focus on aged care and the pension, and the burden of the cost of care. Instead EveryAGE Counts will tackle inclusiveness, participation, equity and a whole range of other issues that they expect will have a positive impact on Australia’s older people now and on those that will become part of the older community into the future. Last year’s research project, which was the first activity of EveryAGE

TIME TO CHANGE: EveryAGE Counts is determined to take on ageism attitudes in all sectors and generations, changing them to the positive. PHOTO: ALEXD75

Counts, delved into ageism and ageist stereotypes in Australia. The outcomes are helping to drive the next stage of the campaign which will be launched in October. Turning around the community’s perception of ageing and the value of ageing Australians across all sectors are the big goals for the campaign. That’s going to take changes in many ways, across the generations and within the older Australian community who generally don’t look positively on ageing.

The society’s Older Australians campaign director Marlene Krasovitsky said seniors tend to couple ageing with decline and death. “It tends not to be a time of life we look forward to,” she said. If seniors can uncouple that attitude, younger generations can be encouraged to also uncouple their attitudes. “We need to do something to change,” Ms Krasovitsky added. “There are a lot of older people who are living happy, fulfilled lives and I think we change the

narrative around getting older and start to present the reality rather than the stereotypes to people.” The key issues the campaign will take on were highlighted by the researchers who found ageism comes in different forms. “There are certainly discriminatory practices towards older people. Recruitment and work came up most often,” Ms Krasovitsky said. “There are also institutional practices and policies that have an impact on older people. “For instance, if you

take the obvious example of the age pension which is predicated on the assumption that most older people own their own home. In fact, that is not the case. “We know that ageism has negative impacts. “It can be devastating for an individual to feel they are no longer valued, no longer competitive in the labour market or if they feel marginalised. “We also know it has negative impacts at a broader societal level where people are isolated, marginalised, not benefitting from the inter-generational. “But also from the economic level, we are locking older workers out of the workforce and this can have devastating impacts given we are an ageing demographic.” A group of key decision-makers has now been corralled to work on the national campaign. With the understanding that shifting attitudes across generations may take 10 or more years, Ms Krasovitsky expects it will run for an extended period. The group has started

to develop a grassroots movement to get behind the campaign. “We want to build our voice and start to make our asks of government, of our local MPs, of our local communities, to start thinking and behaving differently around older people,” Ms Krasovitsky said. The EveryAGE Counts project team will be pushing the Federal Government for a minister for older Australians and a national agenda. They will also focus on workforce participation and on the way in which the media represent older Australians. “We want to see something other than the very frail, elderly woman pushing her Zimmer frame at a nursing home versus the exceptional 95-yearold grandmother who is jumping out of aeroplanes,” Ms Krasovitsky said. “Both of those are important images, but we want to see the range of images between those two extremes, and represent the reality and diversity of older people’s lives.”

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AN OUTSTANDING MOTHER: Doria Ragland.

There are big changes ahead

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

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HOW are you feeling at your age? Older? wiser? Hopefully. Bolder? Depends. More mellow? Likely. Are you at an age where you can say with ease ‘I am what I am and I’m OK about that’? Certainly, Doria Ragland, the mother of Meghan Markle (no need to say anymore), proved the point with the grace and confidence she exuded as she took her place at her daughter’s wedding. Fronting up to the likes of the English royal family without losing her nose stud, dreadies or poise proved this middle-class 61-year-old AfricanAmerican woman was made of sturdy stuff. Could she have done that at age 20, 30, 40 or 50? Perhaps not. It

seemed to me that she drew her strength and style from the well of lifetime experiences. Could she have felt that way 50, 40, 30 or even 20 years ago? I doubt it. The world hadn’t gone through or settled with the changes delivered from the fights against a host of discriminatory behaviour – most of all those of race and gender. We are the first older generation to reap the benefit of these disruptions In many ways, Doria Ragland represents a cross section of mature-aged people. She has married, divorced, brought up a child, educated herself, worked and cared for extended family. It takes a lifetime to rack up these accomplishments and they should be respected and appreciated, not only in family life, but also in the public sphere and the workplace. But, sadly in many cases, there is still a lingering discrimination

that forbids an honest recognition of the innate value of these qualities. It is called ageism. Ageism means that you can be smart, healthy, happy and reliable and endowed with positive skills that came from a lifetime of experience, but in certain situations, usually employment, if you own up to a certain number, then you’re out of the race. If anything, the royal wedding presented a world healed from much of the pain caused from past prejudices. It showed how increased longevity has led to four generations of a living family, it showed how there are old people and older people. And in this new era, it also showed that it’s time to disassociate all the prejudices we link with a person’s age and instead see the reality of who they really are. The same as any discrimination, ageism is hurtful and unhealthy and the world is better without it.

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

Wide Bay

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 9

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Community THE deadline for our July issue is July 4. Email your community notes to editor@seniors newspaper.com. MARYBOROUGH QUOTA CLUB FOUR Quota members were presented with their 30 year attendance pin at the annual changeover and induction of officers of Quota International of Maryborough, held recently. They are Gladys Jackson, Pam Casey, Chris Smith and Dell Cripps. Gladys remembers that six new members joined that night 30 years ago, and four are still members of the club. Over those 30 years these women have worked tirelessly for the community, to raise funds for the deaf and hearing impaired, disadvantaged women and children, and many other worthy causes which Quota has supported. Their fundraising events ranged from in the early days, used clothing sales and Bride of the Year Quest, and more recently the Pre-Easter Tombola and the Annual Quota Bookfest. All four agreed that belonging to Quota has contributed to their personal growth, the making of lifelong friendships, not just within the club, but friends made by attending Quota Conferences and Conventions both in Australia and worldwide. All had an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction from donating their time and talents to help those less fortunate than themselves.

BUNDABERG PCYC MARKET

FOR a relaxing morning out, pop along to the PCYC Market in the new complex. The next market will be held on Sunday, July 15. The market runs from 8am with the canteen open from 7.30am and there is a sausage sizzle operating. Bacon and egg rolls, toasties, coffee and cake and much more is on offer at the canteen. ● For more or to book a site phone Sherrie on 4154 2813 or email: sherrie.russell@pcyc .org.au.

PROBUS CLUBS

MARYBOROUGH WOODTURNERS AND WOODCRAFTSMEN GUILD

COMMUNITY GIVING: Marilyn Peatey, Wayne Peatey Group Leader Baddow Scouts and Val Harvey 2017-2018 Quota Maryborough President. PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

QUOTA CLUB OF MARYBOROUGH

●MIXED HERVEY BAY CITY INC.

WE WILL meet on Thursday, June 28 at 9.15am for a 9.30am start at the new venue – 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. The venue is superb, the view unsurpassed and the company is all you could wish for. A representative from Richers Transport Pty Ltd will be the speaker. 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. You will also hear about the Funfest that Mixed Probus are hosting in August here in Hervey Bay. ● Inquiries with Judith 0458 008 087.

●BARGARA AND DISTRICT MIXED

OUR annual Friendship Day was held at Baldwin Wetlands early in May. We were blessed with a beautiful autumn day and several lawn games were in progress from 9.30am. After a break for morning tea. We tried our hand at tai chi for beginners. This was very popular and our instructor from the Australian Academy of Tai Chi, Bundaberg, made it all seem so easy. A quiz to test out world wide knowledge and walks thorough the grounds took

WE ARE holding our Open Day at the Fraser Coast Show Grounds, in the Club Workshops on July 14 from 9am to 3pm. On display will be woodturning, scroll saw work, musical instruments, wood carving, pyrography, timber slabbing with bandsaw mill. On sale will be timber slabs, turning blanks, thin timbers, special pieces, mango, silky oak, camphor laurel, bunya pine, jacaranda, woodworking equipment craft supplies and locally made items. Refreshments available. Entry is free. ●For more details phone Ashley Taylor on 4122 1651 or email askatay@bigpond.com.

SERVICE AWARDS: Quota members Gladys Jackson, Pam Casey, Chris Smith and Dell Cripps were each awarded with 30 years service to the Maryborough community.

us to lunch which was catered by Meals on Wheels providing an excellent variety of hot finger food. Our motto of Fun and Friendship was certainly in evidence as we enjoyed each other’s company for the day. Our club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at Bargara Golf Club and visitors welcome. ●Phone Patti on 4154 7668, for further information about our wide variety of monthly activities and club meeting times.

FREE SUPPORT SERVICE FOR SENIORS

THE Seniors Legal and Support Service is a

community service providing free legal advice and support for seniors 60 years and over, who are experiencing or at risk of elder abuse, mistreatment or financial exploitation. The service can provide information, advice and support including. Short term counselling / advocacy: ●Information on your legal rights ●Advice on Enduring Power of Attorney documents ●Referrals to other support, legal and consumer services ●Community education ●For further information telephone the service on 4124 6863 or call into their office situated at

Shop 6, 16 Torquay Road, Hervey Bay (opp RSL) – Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

VIEW CLUBS FRASER COAST

THE July club meeting will be on Thursday, July 5 starting at 11.30am, at the Clubhouse, corner Tooth St and Old Maryborough Rd. Come prepared to have some fun. The theme is All Things Roman. If you want, you can dress up, Roman style – maybe a toga? Visitors are welcome. ●To attend as a guest, phone Dianne on 0409 270 712 before Monday July 2.

AT our recent changeover dinner, the club presented a cheque for $2000 to the Baddow Scout Group leader Wayne Peatey, to assist the group with travel costs to attend the National Jamboree in Adelaide in January 2019. Incoming president Robyn Kemp said the Scouts had provided an enthusiastic band of workers to help with Quota’s Annual Bookfest last year and Easter tombola and the donation recognised their efforts and would in turn help the small Scout Group achieve their aims. Jamborees were a wonderful experience for cubs and scouts, building their confidence and life skills. Quota is preparing for Bookfest 2018 with donations of books already coming in. All books have to be cleaned, categorised and priced in readiness for the September Bookfest which runs from September 19 to 21, at Maryborough Town Hall. Bookfest is Quota’s major fundraiser for the year and all profits are donated back to the community. Books can be left at Maryborough Undercar in Richmond Street, Maryborough, or in Hervey Bay at 175 Cypress Street, Urangan. ●For more details phone Robyn Kemp on 4123 2112.

Wide Bay

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 11

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12 Seniors Wide Bay

Local story

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Call to uncover the history of The Friendlies BUNDABERG 1919. Only a couple of years a city, a settlement of about 9000 people, and its medical facilities stretched by the needs of men returning from the Great War with both physical and psychological injuries. That was the context for the creation of one of Bundaberg’s health icons, the Friendly Society Private Hospital and Friendly Society Pharmacy. In October 1919, a group of like-minded men, mostly representing the then flourishing lodges, met to make muchneeded improvements to the city’s health facilities. Their idea was to pool the resources available to the lodges to create new facilities, and the Bundaberg Friendly Society Medical Institute was born. It began with the princely sum of 10 pounds and 10 shillings plus an annual levy of two

shillings and sixpence a member. And it began to make improvements straight away – by the following year the first Friendly Society Pharmacy was established in Bourbong St, which is still flourishing today. In 1946 the Institute purchased St Vincent’s Hospital in Crofton St, which has grown into the still-expanding Friendly Society Private Hospital we know today. But if you stand in the right place in Crofton St and know what to look for, you can still see the roof line of the old Queenslander that housed St Vincent’s. The history of the Friendlies lives on. To mark the centenary of the pharmacy in 2020, and the 75th anniversary of the hospital in 2021, The Friendlies have embarked on a project to

research, locate and display its history as a vital part of the Bundaberg community. There are hundreds of people in Bundaberg and surrounding communities who have memories of the Friendlies and stories to tell, and we’re on a quest to find them and record them for posterity. The history discovered will be displayed within the hospital and some of the best stories will be used online. Resources will be shared with the Bundaberg Regional Library and the Bundaberg Historical Society. Oral historian Ross Peddlesden is looking for everyone with a Friendlies story to tell, or perhaps old photographs to share, to begin to flesh out and bring alive the story of this vibrant Bundaberg not-for-profit organisation. If you have a story to tell or any information to

GROUP EFFORT: The Original Friendly hospital, Bundaberg.

share, contact the hospital on 4331 1036 or Ross on 0417 603110 or email ross@fieldofdreams media.com. ■ HISTORY What does the Friendly Society Private hospital stand for? Before modern insurance and the welfare state, friendly societies provided social services to individuals who bound themselves to help each other, present and future, to shield each other from misfortune, and to support each other in their day of need. The Friendly Society Private hospital is a not-for-profit organisation, created under these same principles. It is run for the

betterment of the community and all profits are re-injected into the operations of the hospital and not distributed to any third party. So how did it all begin? In 1897… The Friendly Societies’ Lodges of the Bundaberg district formed an association to deliver upon Friendly Society principles. In 1919… From humble beginnings financed through a 10 pounds and 10 shillings loan and a two shillings and six pence levy per member, the Bundaberg Associated Friendly Societies’ Medical Institute was first registered. (Later known as the Friendly Society Medical Institute.)

In 1920–1921… The Friendly Society Pharmacy was opened in 1920 from leased premises in Bourbong St. The following year the Institute acquired land opposite the Post Office where a dispensary/pharmacy and lodge rooms were erected and opened in 1921. In 1924… Miss Agnes Novakoski transformed a Crofton St home into the Private General Nursing St Vincent’s Hospital to meet the growing community need for hospital services. In the 1930s… Following the depression years it was identified that there was a need for the Institute to operate a hospital for its members.

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Tapping in to Huawei’s superior digital technology capabilities, the inverter’s Smart Management system is incredibly simple to use, allowing users to increase their solar self-consumption by up to 80%. Best of all its backed by a 5-year full replacement warranty and further five-year parts warranty, one of the strongest warranties in the market. Complementing the Huawei inverter unit with Luxen 275-watt panels, rounds out a high-quality system that is designed to withstand the harshest of Australian climates. 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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Wide Bay

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 13

Wellbeing

Future care in hospitals Tech-savvy seniors will gain the benefits of e-Health hospitals Tracey Johnstone

HOSPITAL care is already changing in many ways as technology and consumer demand drives the way in which medicine is delivered in Australia. Overseas there are already virtual hospitals such as America’s John Hopkins Hospital control centre where staff are equipped with real-time and predictive information that help them to co-ordinate services and reduce risk. Australia doesn’t have this type of centre yet, but it’s not impossible that we could see it sooner rather than later. Associate Professor Ian Scott, director of Internal Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital, provides a fascinating insight to the changes we are encountering now and the ones we should expect soon as we move towards delivery models based around prevention, prediction, personalised medicine and participatory health. Participation in our health Prof Scott said we all have a duty to take an active interest in our health and the care we are receiving; to understand the rationale for the treatments and the prescribed drugs, the possible side-effects,

what needs to be monitored, and become more confident in self-managing. “With digital guidance and the other resources, we can put in place, we can help people to become a bit more confident and competent in managing their own treatment,” he said. Avoid hospital The future is home care and outreach services which will allow people to stay at home with care provided by other health teams. “Even through nursing homes, we try not to transfer patients to hospitals if we can avoid it, allowing them to stay in the nursing home and receive care there,” Prof Scott said. “We have a very successful program here at PA where we provide outreach to nursing homes provided by our emergency staff and paramedics.” They have been able to avoid noticeable numbers of hospitalisations of those patients who needed “relatively simple therapy” and would have previously been treated in a hospital. “I think it’s a theme that many hospitals are progressing, providing outreach services and trying to get community services to be a bit more proactive, and trying also to get general

practitioners to be more proactive by identifying a person who may be heading towards a problem, getting in and being aggressive to prevent them from getting so sick they need to go to hospital,” he adds. He also expects there to be a shift to more ambulatory, home-based and digitally mediated care so that patients come to hospital only when really need to. Changing scope of practice Highly specialised roles are unlikely to change, but Prof Scott thinks other specialists will need to blur the boundaries of their role outside of their expert area so that they can understand the impact of what they do has on other organ systems. “In other words, they don’t just look at one organ system, they should be aware of what the whole patient is like in terms of other disease conditions because that is the demographic we are increasingly dealing with,” he said. “We are trying to get away from this process where older folk have to see four or five specialists for each of their organ systems and no one is co-ordinating the show and we are not aware of what is happening with interactions of one drug or another drug that someone else is maybe prescribing. “We have problems with older people being on

THE FOUR P’S: The future is delivery models based around Prevention, Prediction, Personalised medicine and Participatory health. PHOTO: EVA KATALIN KONDOROS

multiple drugs because they are seeing multiple specialists who really don’t understand the full picture. “There needs to be more generalist training. People will be able to practice in other areas. “They may not be fully qualified specialists in that area, but at least they have enough knowledge to handle a lot of problems in older patients to the point where we can avoid sending them to multiple different clinics.” Prof Scott also extends this comment to GPS and allied health professionals, where he sees them already developing specialised interests which they can then treat their patients within their practices. e-Health interventions There is more focus on

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digital monitoring through tele-medicine and remote sensor techniques which may help to slow down the flow of patients into hospitals. Patients will remain at home where they are monitored for various health issues and the collected data is fed back to a hospital. “Doctors can make changes to therapy if they think a patient is stepping outside desired parameters and they need to intervene otherwise the patient is going to deteriorate and land in hospital,” Prof Scott said. As seniors become more tech-savvy, the value and understanding of e-Health will allow them to participate a great deal more in their health management. “We are tailoring our

care to your individual parameters.” e-Consultations He sees tests being done externally and patients receiving an e-message from the doctor advising the test outcomes and what actions the patient needs to take. Smaller hospitals “I don’t think we can no longer afford these great behemoths; building brand new hospitals of hundreds and hundreds of beds occupying entire city blocks,” Prof Scott said. “I think those hospitals are no longer viable. I think they are going to become somewhat of a dinosaur since a lot of the space and a lot of activity goes on in those hospitals can be shifted into an outpatient or home-based setting.”

14 Seniors Wide Bay

Industry Insights

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

New TV listening device beats world’s best hearing aids hands down “If you have any level of hearing loss, and are having difficulty hearing the TV audio, then this is the product for you. The headset is completely wireless, you can listen at the volume you prefer without affecting others in the room, and most importantly you can expect to hear the television dialogue with excellent clarity.” Hearing specialist Don Hudson says trouble hearing the television is one of the strongest complaints by those with hearing loss. “Even those with the very best hearing aids often complain that television dialogue is unclear, and their family complains if the TV volume is turned up.”

We’ve Gone

Social!

“We have worked for two years to optimise the speech circuitry to work for the three most common configurations of hearing loss. Other headsets focus on stereo sound effects and quality bass, but those features are generally not beneficial to those with hearing loss. My patients main concern is to hear the TV dialogue, and the ‘TV Voice Pro’ system uses circuitry that is customised to work for hearing loss and optimise speech clarity for television listening. That’s what makes it so effective.” The “TV Voice Pro’ headset is completely wireless, has up to 120 dB of volume, weighs just 70 grams and is a fraction

LEND AN EAR: A TV listening device has been designed to deliver clear audio for those with hearing loss.

of the cost of purchasing a hearing aid. The device is rechargeable and guaranteed to connect to any television. The purchase price is $349.00 and comes with a standard 30 day money

back guarantee. Simply call 1300 300 446 to place your order with the customer service team. You can also visit www.TvVoicePro.com.au for further information or to purchase online.

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The TV Voice Pro is completely wireless. You can listen at the volume you prefer without affecting others.

DIFFICULTY Hearing the TV Clearly is Now a Thing of the Past, Thanks to a Brand New TV Listening Device. A new TV Listening Device has been released that is specifically designed to deliver clear TV audio for those with any level of hearing loss. The product was developed by two hearing specialists from Australia who have engineered the sound to not only work for all degrees of hearing loss, but also to focus on speech frequencies for television listening. Hearing specialist Don Hudson says he worked with another hearing specialist and audio engineers to create the product for those with hearing loss.

Wellbeing

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Wide Bay

Seniors 15

SPOTLIGHT ON THE SENSES: DEMENTIA

Honestly and openly talking about dementia Breaking down the stigma around cognitive decline Tracey Johnstone

DEMENTIA has been a tough conversation subject in the past, but through Dementia Australia and with the help of added government funding, more people are talking more openly about it. This is a vital step in the battle to combat dementia, according to DA chief medical advisor, Associate Professor Michael Woodward AM. These conversations are opening up the broader community’s knowledge of dementia – its prevention, management and even possible cures. Stigma around dementia It’s one of the issues around dementia that needs combating. Prof Woodward recommends dementia patients can contribute to a positive change in attitude. “We need people with Alzheimer’s to say ‘I have Alzheimer’s like a half a million other Australians and probably in the next few decades. It’s a bugger of a disease. I don’t want it, but don’t treat me any differently. There is still plenty of me left. I haven’t become a crazy person to be shunned just because I am becoming more forgetful’. We need to get Alzheimer’s out of the closet,” Prof Woodward added. Prevention

In the absence of a cure, being proactive in following good prevention strategies is the next best thing. “There have been population level intervention studies that we show we can almost certainly reduce the number of people with decline in their cognition and reduce the number of people with dementia,” Prof Woodward said. “The strategies that seem to work are improving physical and mental activities, reducing our dietary indiscretions and keeping our weight under control, and eating a more Mediterranean, better-balance and not too fast-food type diet.” Keep using your brain He supports dementia patients being encouraged to use their brain and memory, which may slow down the onset of the condition. “We can teach people with dementia to use their brain and to learn new material, and certain memories are not much affected by dementia,” Prof Woodward said. “We don’t give up on the brain once we become forgetful.” Experimental treatments There are a number of treatments being used, such as trans-cranial magnetic stimulation and ultrasound. “They are all in the early stages of research,” Prof Woodward said.

DEMENTIA NEWS: One expert believes we need to learn more and talk more about dementia.

“We need brand new approaches, but we need to do them in a methodical and scientific way. “I don’t want to see what happened with cancer 40 years ago where everybody went off to a Pacific island and got some expensive new therapy that just didn’t work.” Early stages of Alzheimer’s Prof Woodward recommends that anyone with the likelihood of the early stages of Alzheimer’s speak to their

App helps with dementia living A RECENTLY launched app called Dementia-Friendly Home uses interactive 3D game technology to provide carers with ideas to make a home more accessible for people living with dementia. By making a home more dementia-friendly, a person can stay in their own home, enjoy their regular lifestyle activities and remain engaged with their community for longer.

The DementiaFriendly Home app recommends practical changes that prompt a carer to think about how the home can be changed in a way that may assist the person living with dementia. Many of the app suggestions are small, inexpensive ideas, such as placing labels with pictures on cupboard doors. More significant changes include installing motion

sensors that turn lights on and off when people walk through the house and changing busily patterned wall or floor coverings. ■ The Dementia-Friendly Home app is available for iPad from the App Store and for Android tablets from the Google Play store for $2.99. For more information, go to www.fight dementia.org.au/ vic.

GP about taking Souvenaid, a nutritional supplement. Other management strategies he recommends are: ■ Keep your brain active ■ Get involved in groups and society, creating social interactions ■ Keep physically active ■ Eat a good diet “If you are doing those things, you are doing the best that you can at the time,” Prof Woodward said. Is there a cure? There is no cure found for dementia as yet.

A lot of money has been spent on working out how to reduce the toxic protein amyloid which researchers believe causes dementia. “We can remove amyloid,” Prof Woodward said. There is a Roche product called Gantenerumab which has been used in high doses in two studies which has been shown to actually remove so much of the amyloid from the brain that people who were previously positive for amyloid have become negative for it.” He points out however

PHOTO: FRED FROESE

there is more research to be done before the solutions to the symptoms can be addressed. In the meantime, researchers are also studying the other toxic protein tau, looking for more answers. “There are a number of possible explanations for why tens of billions of dollars hasn’t produced a cure,” Prof Woodward said. I certainly haven’t given up yet and neither have many of my co-researchers around Australia.”

16 Seniors Wide Bay

Wellbeing

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Dentures and implants: what’s the best choice? Prevention is the best medicine

AIMING to keep your own teeth for life is the best outcome for everyone, but if we are unlucky, neglectful or a smoker, and some teeth are lost, there are options for their replacement.

EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

BEST CHOICE: Learn more about better dental health, and about implants and dentures.

have now doubled the number of acid attacks and that can put you at higher risk of decay especially if you already have a dry mouth because you are taking a few medications.” There are two common options for teeth replacement – implants and dentures. Dr Alldritt said most dentists will consider all these options for every missing tooth.

IMPLANTS

Implants are increasing in popularity as they are the closest device which

looks, feels and acts like your own teeth. Their technology is getting better all the time, but the price hasn’t. “They are still the most expensive treatment option,” Dr Alldritt said. They are screwed in permanently to the jaw bone. And, as long as nothing goes wrong with the fusion to the bone, they may last a lifetime. It also takes some time to get the desired result as there are a number of steps to be completed in the process of having them settle into your jaw

bone. When you have replaced your teeth due to gum disease, for example, that disease could return around the implants so optimal oral hygiene is important as well as 6-12 visits to the dentist for a complete clean.

DENTURES

This removable prosthesis is much cheaper than implants. It can be made and placed within about a month. When there is no longer teeth and as we age, the jaw bone shrinks so the

PHOTO: SAM EDWARDS

denture gets looser and looser which makes it harder for a “successful” set to be made. “We find a lot of people up relying on denture adhesive,” Dr Alldritt said. Another reason for their decline is the increase in people deciding that wearing dentures – the loose, gum irritating, eating and smiling inhibitor – is just all too much to put up with anymore. They do often rub and cause sore spots, and that trauma can be a pre-disposition to oral

cancer. “It affects more than a 1000 people a year in Australia and it is often diagnosed quite late in its disease progression and therefore the progress is very poor,” Dr Alldritt said. His strong advice is that people with dentures should visit their dentist once a year. Dr Alldritt said there is little that can be one to improve the design of dentures. What can help is retaining as much bone as possible to help hold the denture in place.

Discover a New Destination Every Month Look out for Wanderlust in the next issue of Seniors

6729615et

Australian Dental Association Oral Health Committee consultant Dr Peter Alldritt noted, “most medications have a side-effect in the mouth, called xerostomia, which means dry mouth. “You then have less saliva flow which means you start losing suction for your dentures which rely on saliva”. “If you have your own teeth, without adequate saliva your risk of tooth decay goes up because in the saliva there is a lot of proteins, calcium, phosphates, iron and enzymes which neutralises the acidity in your mouth and help to protect your teeth against decay.” Seniors should also be aware that after stopping work, they often experience a decline in their dental health as their eating habits change. “When you retire you may have some morning tea with a biscuit, or a bit of afternoon with a slice of cake,” Dr Alldritt said. “Every time you eat, you get an acid attack on your teeth. “Now you are eating five times a day instead of three times a day, you

Wellbeing

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Wide Bay

We’re all ‘feline fine’

The purr of a cat can give you great comfort and relaxation By Alison Houston

IF YOU’RE an animal-lover, it doesn’t matter how old you are, or even if you have dementia, you never forget that love and the joy it brings. Mellie Hudson, lifestyle co-ordinator at Deloraine Aged Care in Greensborough, Melbourne, has firm proof of that statement, having just introduced cat visits at the home in addition to dogs as pet therapy. “We knew pet therapy brings residents out of their shell because we’ve been having visits from dogs for about 10 years,” Mellie said. “But there’s nothing we know of in Australia where it’s been done with cats.” The cats, from the Cat Protection Society of Victoria, were the suggestion of a family member of one of the residents, who had brought the new cat she had adopted in to show off. According to Brisbane’s

Mater Hospital, research shows that people with pets live longer, with pets having a “profound” effect on both physical and emotional health. Improvements can include a reduction in the fight or flight response, and therefore stress, and increased serotonin, which helps regulate mood, appetite and digestion, sleep and memory, as well as improvements in blood pressure and decreased pain and anxiety. And, of course, animals are non-judgmental, just happy to give you their company. “We thought it would work, but it’s been more successful than we ever thought – it’s been really positive,” Mellie said. So positive, in fact, that the visits now occur every four to six weeks, with about 15 residents taking part in each session, during which the visiting cat either sits on their lap or, for those who are too frail, the cat is held for

❝

She said the cats reacted differently to different residents, instinctively snuggling up with those who were perhaps not well... them to stroke. “It brings back those feelings and memories; it calms them, and the cats seem to have a sense that they are doing something special too,” Mellie said. She said the cats reacted differently to different residents, instinctively snuggling up with those who were perhaps not well, or frail, and being more playful with others. And as an added bonus, because the cats are each looking for a permanent home, photos of them with the residents are posted on the Cat Protection Society Facebook page, leading to

adoptions, so the residents know they are helping the community. “We’re really proud of what we’re doing, and so are the Cat Protection Society,” Mellie said. Jacqui Foley, a Cat Protection Society of Victoria team leader, chooses the cats for the program which she heads and which has grown in a very short period to cover three nursing homes. “It’s really beautiful to see the way people’s faces light up – it gives them an interest in their day,” she said. “They talk about their own cats that they’ve had in the past and about their lives, and I talk about mine and it’s already become like a friendship.” The program has a special place in Jacqui’s heart, with her father having recently passed away in a nursing home. “Going into a home can be very confronting – you don’t have the same lifestyle or community that you used to have,” she said. “Animals relax you and calm you when you’re stressed or unhappy.

Seniors 17

PURR-FECT: The smile tells the story of success for a new program using cats as therapy, which the Cat Protection Society of Victoria has developed with Deloraine Aged Care. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

“Just patting them and feeling their fur lets you take a step outside of

what’s going on in your life; they’re good for the soul.”

Carp diem: learn to live alone, but not be lonely Tracey Johnstone

JANE Mathews gives us an entertaining guide to learning to live alone, successfully, while not feeling alone. Inspirational quotes, simple checklists, solid words of wisdom from experience and practical ‘take away’ tips, all laid out cleanly and clearly in her recently published book, The Art of Living Alone and Loving It. “During the course of researching the book I spoke to a lot of older people and I think it would resonate,” Jane said. “The point is to be proactive. Happiness is in your own hands and a lot of it comes down to doing things; not talking about it, not worrying about, but getting out there and doing something.” And, that is what Jane, 57, has done. She has taken on the issues of mental well-being, relationships, health, finances, your home, your social life and even your cooking for one – broken them down and built them back into positives for singletons. “I didn’t expect to be alone and I thought it would be lot easier than it was,” Jane said.

NEW BOOK: Author Jane Mathews.

“That’s why I wrote the book as I wanted to find a book that would help me navigate its more treacherous shallows, but I couldn’t find one. It’s certainly not a book about loneliness.

“It’s a book about how to make the most of it and be positive about it.” The book works for women and for men. “There is a lot that is applicable to both like cooking for one and how

to make your home your own, and how to organise your finances,” Jane said. One for the men – Jane notes “most people lie about what they eat alone”. Does that sound familiar? I also thought

her women’s observation of “tops with buttons up the back are Satan’s triumph” is on the mark. In Chapter 10 Jane brings it all together with a list of recommendations for taking action to enjoy

and thrive living alone. ■ Published by Murdoch Books, Jane Mathews’ The Art of Living Alone and Loving It is available in bookshops, online and in audio now. RRP $29.99.

18 Seniors Wide Bay

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Understanding the nuances of bequests Tips to think about when go about planning gifts in Will

JOURNALIST TRACEY JOHNSTONE WHEN preparing your will, it’s a good time to consider bequests to charities that are close to your heart, ones that you have supported in the past and want to support one last time. A gift of this nature, known as a bequest, is easily included in a will and can be made to any number of people and charities – it’s your decision. Individuals ■ You are free to give the contents of your estate, under your will, to whoever you wish. ■ The ‘natural person’ must be alive at the time of your death. ■ They must be recognised as a ‘natural person’ under law, not an organisation. ■ If you give a bequest to someone who has died

before your estate is settled, the bequest will fail. Charities You need to ensure: ■ The charity is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. The charity must have a charitable purpose. ■ That your will accurately describes the charity – its full name, registered address, even it’s ABN – so that you leave no doubt as to who the intended recipient is. If you make a bequest to a charity which you don’t fully describe in your will, that bequest can go to places that you didn’t intend or it may fail due to the lack of clarity. To search for a charity’s Australian registration details, go to www.acnc.gov.au. Why leave a bequest? When planning a bequest you may consider

the following: ■ If I could change things for the better in my community, what would they be? ■ What causes do I care the most about and want to support? ■ Do research, public education, sport, self-help, community groups, international aid or advocacy appeal to me? How are gifts made? Generally, the bequest from an estate has to be written into a will or a valid codicil. There can be exceptions where a court can recognise a testamentary document which reflects the deceased’s true testamentary intentions and which can be admitted to probate. Most solicitors can advise you or talk to an estate planning specialist for complex matters. To find them, phone your state Law Society office.

GOOD TURN: A bequest is easily included in a will and can be made to any number of people and charities. PHOTO: LIDERINA

Sharegift is an another way to get rid of small parcel, low-value shares Andrew Heaven, WealthPartners

SHAREGIFT Australia (SA) is a not-for-profit organisation that provides shareholders with an easy and tax-deductible way to sell and donate small parcels of shares. There is no cost for the service – 100 per cent of the market value of the shares is donated to the charity you nominate

provided the charity has Deductible Gift Recipient status. Donations of $2 or more are tax- deductible to the shareholder. To qualify for this service, the shares must be for an ASX listed company, not be owned by a self-managed super fund and the value of each shareholding being transferred must be greater than $2. To be donated, eligible

shares will need to be either issuer sponsored or sponsored by a SA supporting broker. For further information, phone 1300 731 632 or go to sharegiftaustralia. org.au. If you are unsure of the status of the organisation, go to the Australian Charities and Non-For-Profits Commission at acnc.gov. au to search their register.

Leave the legacy of a cancer-free future for children Consider leaving a gift in your will to The Kids’ Cancer Project, a charity dedicated to funding childhood cancer research. Visit thekidscancerproject.org.au/giftinwill to learn more or phone Veena Singh in conﬁdence on 02 8394 7715. Complete the form to learn how your will can help the littlest cancer patients. Post to (no stamp required): The Kids’ Cancer Project REPLY PAID 6400 ALEXANDRIA NSW 2015

Title:

Name:

Address: State:

Send me more information

Telephone:

Request a call from Veena

Email:

thekidscancerproject.org.au/giftinwill

Postcode:

A donation of shares is still treated as a disposal and may be subject to capital gains tax. In the event of a capital gain, CGT may be payable independent to any tax deduction received for the value of the shares on transfer. In your situation, if the market value of the shares is lower than the purchase cost of the shares, the difference will be treated as a

capital loss and may be used to offset capital gains on other shares sold in your portfolio or can be carried forward as a capital loss. Presuming you nominate an eligible charity, you will receive a tax deduction for the donation of the value of the shares and you can use the tax losses to offset your capital gains. The deemed disposal

date of the shares will be the date the shares are transferred from your ownership to SA. To qualify to claim a tax deduction for the 2018 financial year, share donations need to be submitted to Sharegift by 5pm on June 26, 2018. Notwithstanding the tax benefits associated with this service, your donation will help the work of your chosen charity.

Wide Bay

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 19

Money

Estate administration Answers that help you with your loved one’s will

EVERYDAY MATTERS CAROLYN DEVRIES CEO of New Way Lawyers

Administering a loved one’s estate: Answers to ten common questions IN SOME circumstances, when a loved one passes away, it may be necessary to obtain a grant of representation to administer the estate. A family member or friend who has been left with the task of administering the estate may have heard of a ‘grant of representation’ before, but they usually don’t know that there are

different types of grants and the particular circumstances when the different types of grants are needed. In this column we provide some answers to common questions about grants of representation. Common question three: What is a grant of representation and when is it necessary? A grant of representation is a document issued by the Court that provides a person with the legal authority and right to administer the estate of the deceased. There are three types of grants of representation: (1) a grant of Probate; (2) a grant of Letters of Administration (with the

will); and (3) a grant of Letters of Administration (without the will). A grant of Probate may be required when the deceased has made a will. The grant of Probate proves the validity of the will of the deceased and vests authority in the Executor named in the will to administer the estate. A grant of Letters of Administration (with the will) may be required when the deceased has made a will but the executor named in the will cannot or will not apply for a grant. The main beneficiary under the will generally has the entitlement to apply for a grant of Letters of Administration.

A person who is issued with this type of grant is referred to as an Administrator. A grant of Letters of Administration (without the will) may be required when the deceased has passed away without making a will. The next of kin or the individual with the greatest interest in the estate pursuant to intestacy generally has the right to apply for this type of grant. A person who is issued with this type of grant is also called an Administrator. A grant of representation is generally required when the assets of the estate consist of real property, aside from real property held as joint tenants, and where there are

significant monies in financial institutions. It is important to be aware, however, that each financial institution has its own policy as to what amount they will release to an estate without requiring a grant of representation. A grant of representation may also be advisable outside of these situations as it confers a certain level of protection on an executor or administrator acting under it (particularly in the event a later will is subsequently discovered). Practical pointer: Dealing with Financial Institutions Where the cash held by a deceased in a financial institution is less than the amount requiring a grant of representation, a

financial institution will generally accept the presentation of the deceased’s will, the death certificate and evidence of the executor’s identity named in the will in order to deal with the funds. Disclaimer: This information is intended as general legal information only for people living in Queensland and is not a substitute for individual legal advice. Carolyn Devries CEO at New Way Lawyers New Way Lawyers Corinda office: (07) 3278 3992. New Way Lawyers Capalaba office: (07) 3245 5033. New Way Lawyers Gold Coast office: (07) 5568 0669. Go to newwaylawyers.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.

• • • • • • • •

Aged Care Wealth Accumulation Retirement Planning Investing in the Share Market SMSFs & Superannuation Lifetime Income Streams Estate Planning Life, Trauma & Income Protection Insurance

*Kathy Paget CFP®, DipFP

*Genevieve de Szoeke Adv DipFS (FP)

*Nathan Green DipFS (FP)

*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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Phone: 1800 634 378 | Email: info@riwidebay.com.au | Website: www.riwidebay.com.au | Facebook: RetireInvest Wide Bay

20 Seniors Wide Bay

Money

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Federal Budget choices are designed to please

Most of them won’t kick in until until July next year

FINANCE TONY KAYE AFTER introducing tougher financial measures for seniors in 2017, the latest Federal Budget was ostensibly designed to please. It didn’t contain any nasty surprises for seniors, as such, but rather a series of measures focused on giving retirees a financial boost. Yet, all of the changes announced are not due to come into effect for another year. They include an expansion of the Pension Work Bonus (PWB) and the Pension Loans Scheme (PLS), allowing pensioners to earn more from paid work, and helping older workers to re-enter the workforce.

PENSION WORK BONUS

From July 1, 2019, the PWB will increase to $300 per fortnight, up from $250 per fortnight. This means that the first $300 of income from work each fortnight will not count towards the pension income test. This is in addition to the income-free area, which is currently $168 a fortnight for a single pensioner and $300 a fortnight (combined) for a pensioner couple. So, a single person with no other income will be able to earn up to $468 a fortnight from work and get the maximum rate of Age Pension. Pensioners will also continue to accrue unused amounts of the fortnightly PWB, which can exempt future earnings from the pension income test. The maximum accrual amount will increase to $7800 per year. The government is also extending eligibility for the PWB to earnings from self-employment. That means a pensioner can earn $7800 per year through self-employment

MONEY ADVICE: No nasty surprises in this budget.

without impacting their pension. To ensure the PWB only applies to actual engagement in work, there will be a ‘personal exertion’ test. It is not intended that the PWB would apply to income associated with returns on financial or real estate investments.

PENSION LOANS SCHEME

From July 1, 2019, the government will expand eligibility of the PLS to all Australians of Age Pension age, including maximum rate age pensioners, and increase the maximum allowable combined Age Pension and PLS income stream to 150 per cent of the Age Pension rate. Full rate pensioners will be able to increase their income by up to $11,799 (singles) or $17,787 (couples) per year by unlocking the equity in

their home. PLS participants have the flexibility to start or stop receiving PLS payments as their personal circumstances change, and generally repay the loan once their home is sold. Existing age-based loan to value ratio limits will continue to apply. This means that PLS holders will not be able to owe the government more than what their home is worth. The current PLS interest rate of 5.25 per cent per annum will apply to existing and new loans. The measure will give older Australians more choice to draw on the equity in their homes to support their standard of living in retirement.

RE-ENTERING THE WORKFORCE

The government announced it will provide incentives to businesses to hire workers aged over

PHOTO: PEOPLEIMAGES

50, encompassing wage subsidies for employers worth up to $10,000. A Skills and Training Incentive also will provide up to $2000 for workers aged 45-70 at risk of being made redundant through technological or economic change to undertake reskilling or upskilling.

WORK TEST EXEMPTION

From July 1, 2019, Australians aged 65 to 74 with a total superannuation balance below $300,000 will be able to make voluntary contributions for 12 months from the end of the financial year in which they last met the work test. The work test exemption will give older Australians additional flexibility to contribute more into superannuation as they move into retirement.

Total superannuation balances will be assessed for eligibility at the beginning of the financial year following the year that they last met the work test. Existing annual concessional and non-concessional caps ($25,000 and $100,000 respectively) will continue to apply to contributions made under the work test exemption. Individuals will also be able to access unused concessional cap space to contribute more than $25,000 under existing concessional cap carry forward rules during the 12 months. As bring forward arrangements for non-concessional contributions are not available to those 65 and over, individuals will not be able to access bring forward non-concessional contributions under the work test exemption.

THINGS TO DO BEFORE JUNE 30

■ Make sure you make your minimum pension payment before June 30. ■ If you don’t meet the minimum pension payment, the Tax Office deems your super fund to have not been in pension for the whole financial year, meaning you’ll pay tax on income and gains for that period. ■ If you had more than $1.6 million in pension or transition-to-retirement pension on June 30, 2017, you were able to then potentially take advantage of the Capital Gains Tax relief provisions that were outlined to soften the blow of the new Transfer Balance Cap of $1.6 million. These decisions need to be made soon, if they have not been made yet. Tony Kaye is the editor of listed financial services company InvestSMART. www.investsmart.com.au

Wide Bay

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 21

T ravel

ways to make the most of a flight

Travel author ANN RICKARD has done more than her share of long-haul flying, and like everyone else, she hates it. But she’s learnt a few tricks along the way to make things less stressful. Here are her top 10 tips...

THERE is a saying, ‘if you don’t fly Business Class, your kids will’. In other words, leaving a hefty inheritance for your offspring will allow them up the front of the plane. As a senior you’ve earned that privilege. So fly BUSINESS CLASS if you can. Best you get up there before your offspring do. OK, we agree it is not always possible to fly Business Class, but next best is PREMIUM ECONOMY. Not all airlines offer it, and those that do don’t all give you a welcome glass of bubbles before take-off, and yes, the food is not all that much better than in Economy, but oh, the lovely extra space, and the limited number of seats in the cabin. Worth every cent. And you have priority check-in. Lovely. If you are down the

2018 TOURS 33 DAY GREAT NORTH WESTERN ADVENTURE

Departs: 19/07/18

• Kuranda Train & Skyrail • Undara Lava Tubes • Lawn Hill Gorge & Karumba • Mataranka Thermal Pools • Kakadu NP • Geikie Gorge • Tunnel Ck & Windjana Gorge • Willie Pearl Farm • Mimbi Cave Indigenous Tour • Wolfe Ck Crater & Red Centre Adult: $13997 Single Supplement: $4067

back in ECONOMY on a long-haul flight, keep in mind the amount of money you’ve saved and will have to spend at your destination. Makes it less hurtful. There are several ways to make Economy more comfortable, but planning is key. Here’s what we do. REQUEST AN EXIT ROW WHEN YOU BOOK. Some airlines charge for these rows and it’s up to you to see if you think it’s worth it. However, many passengers don’t like an extra payment so there is a good chance exit rows will still be available at check-in. If you ask nicely, smile politely, you have a good chance of succeeding in snapping an exit seat... all that extra leg room, no one in front of you reclining their seat. But be warned... most exit seats in the middle rows of the plane are taken by people with babies.

We all know what that means. REQUEST AISLE SEATS, ALWAYS. Getting out of your seat every hour is recommended to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis. Unfortunately, window seaters will have to climb over you. But if you are in the middle row of the plane in an aisle seat with just two seats next to you, chances are they will be occupied by a couple who will climb over each other to get out the other side... leaving you in peace. As a couple, we request an aisle seat each, middle row, one behind the other. We might not be sitting together but we both have easy access to get up and out. TAKE YOUR OWN

SNACKS. Nobody enjoys airline food... well, we’ve never met a person who does. Having healthy snacks such as dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars (a chocolate bar for indulgence) will make you feel more in charge of your own nutrition and feel less unkindly towards airline food. Drink lots of water and little alcohol, we all know that now. INVEST IN GOOD QUALITY, SOUND BLOCKING HEADPHONES. Being able to block out everyone around you is a blessing without price. Same goes for a good

eye-mask, gentle on the eyes and with good black out qualities. MAKE YOUR OWN COMFORT PACK. Buy small travel size moisturiser, mouthwash, toothbrush/paste and socks, pop them in a small travel toilet bag and you have all the comforts of those who have paid three or four times more than you up in Business Class. We call them ‘nerd cushions’ those unattractive NECK CUSHIONS you see people walking around airports with. They are daggy, but

DOWN UNDER COACH TOURS 17 DAY CAIRNS, KARUMBA , LAWN HILL & KAKADU Coach/Fly

Departs: 19/07/18

• Kuranda Train & Skyrail • Lake Barrine Cruise • Undara Lava Tubes • Cobbold Gorge • Gulflander Train • Lawn Hill Gorge & Karumba • Mataranka Thermal Pools • Kakadu NP • Cape Adieu Sunset Dinner Cruise • Territory Wildlife Park Adult: $6730 Single Supplement: $1812

17 DAY KIMBERLEY, TANAMI TRACK & RED CENTRE Fly/Coach Departs: 04/08/18

• Lake Argyle & Ord River • Tunnel Ck & Windjana Gorge • Willie Pearl Farm & Pearl Lugger Tour • Matzo’s Brewery, Broome • Giekie Gorge Cruise • Mimbi Cave Indigenous Tour • Tanami Track & Wolfe Ck Crater • Uluru & Kata Tjuta NP • Sunset at Uluru • Spirit of the Outback Dinner & Show Adult: $7498 Single Supplement: $2256

15 DAY OPALS, SILVER CITY & PROUD MARY Departs: 07/09/18

• Lightning Ridge • Trilby Station & White Cliffs • Back O’Bourke Exhibition Cnt • Silverton & Broken Hill • Two Nights Proud Mary Adult: $5398 Single Supplement: $1417

9 DAY FABULOUS FORSTER & MANNING VALLEY

Departs: 10/11/18

they save your neck and head from lolling when you sleep and sleep you must in economy. Or you can always take your own pillow, bulky, but comfortable. USE THE PAY-AS-YOU-GO AIRPORT LOUNGES. They make a stop-over comfortable and have you refreshed for the next step. The price is worth it for the complimentary drinks, snacks, magazines. But more importantly... the tranquillity away from the masses. A bit of peace and quiet makes all the difference.

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11 DAY FLORIADE & BEAUTIFUL BATEMANS BAY

Departs: 01/10/18

• 3 Nights Canberra • Canberra Sightseeing • Braidwood Guided Tour • Mogo Zoo • Batemans Bay Cruise Adult: $3798 Single Supplement: $965

I am interested in receiving your 2018 Coach Touring Brochure. Please add me to your mailing list:

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• 4 Nights Mudgee • Bunna Bunoo Olive Grove • Poppa’s Fudge & Jam Factory • Whale Watching Cruise • Bluestill Distillery • Great Lakes Scenic Tour • Mudgee Winery Tour • National Motorcycle Museum • Mudgee Yabbi Farm Tour • Lorne Valley Macadamia Farm Adult: $3197 Single Supplement: $661 Adult: $3698 Single Supplement: $642

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Send to: Down Under Coach Tours, PO Box 149, Maryborough Q 4650

SPECIALISING IN SENIOR’S TRAVEL  COMPLIMENTARY DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE (Area Conditions Apply)  FULLY ACCOMMODATED TOURS Down Under Coach Tours, PO Box 149, Maryborough Q 4650  info@downundercoachtours.com.au  www.downundercoachtours.com.au  www.facebook.com/downundercoachtours

22 Seniors Wide Bay

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

The world’s Top 10 WELCOME to the most definitive list of beaches ever assembled a diverse collection of off-the-beaten-path slices of paradise from every hidden corner of our planet. To create The World’s 50 Best Beaches, FlightNetwork has consulted 600+ of world’s best travel journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies to gain insight from their opinions and expertise. By asking the top travel professionals, Flight Network has created the most trustworthy and accurate list out there to inspire travellers and help choose their upcoming winter holiday destinations. Here are the top 10: 1. GRACE BAY Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10 Remoteness 8/10 Sand and Water Quality 10/10 Annual Days of Sunshine 319, Average Annual Temp. 29°C Grace Bay Beach, in Turks and Caicos is the most iconic and awe-inspiring stretch of sand in the world, and you’ll know you’ve set foot on one of the most spectacular beaches the moment you arrive. The protective and remarkably colourful barrier reef, which sits 1.6km off the shore, keeps the ocean swells at bay, making Grace Bay one of the most ideal places to soak in warm Atlantic waters. Swimmers enjoy consistent plush sands without the annoyance of

Navagio Beach.

rocks, seaweed or pollution. Those looking for a truly unforgettable underwater adventure can take the short boat ride to the barrier reef just minutes away. With sunny skies roughly 319 days a year, this island opens its welcoming arms to visitors year round with delicious sands that wrap you in luxury and clearest waters that beckon you to dive in. Travellers can fly directly into Turks and Caicos via Providenciales International Airport, the closest airport to Grace Bay, for around an incredible $300. To get to Grace Bay, visitors can rent a car, hop onto public transport, or grab a taxi. Your tropical beach getaway is right at the edge of your fingertips. 2. WHITEHAVEN BEACH Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10, Remoteness 10/10, Sand and Water Quality 10/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 292, Average Annual Temp. 27°C

Whitehaven Beach will make you believe in love at first sight. Composed of 98 per cent silica, the sand here is some of the whitest on Earth. But the baby-powder-like sand isn’t all that makes every visit to this piece of paradise one to remember. Visitors can only access this 7km of coastline along the warm, clear waters of the Coral Sea by helicopter or seaplane to experience this spectacular island. Seeing all of that untouched natural beauty from above will make you believe in a tropical utopia with glowing sands and crystalline beaches. Situated on Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands with an always comforting 27°C temperature, this stretch of sand backed by tree-covered mountains is a heaven on earth which one must see to believe. Venturing into this beautiful beach is easy when flying directly into major airports in Australia . You have quite a few

options once you have landed to get to Whitehaven Beach, including boat, helicopter or sea-plane. 3. ANSE LAZIO Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10, Remoteness 7/10, Sand and Water Quality 9/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 226, Average Annual Temp. 29°C Anse Lazio in Seychelles places each visitor into their own tropical paradise with soft, golden sand and sunlit atmosphere. Crystal clear water and lush coconut palms backed by granite boulders create a setting that feels more like a dream than real life. Anse Lazio is recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, known for its picturesque views and vivid colours. The saturated waters wrap each swimmer in a teal dream while the dark green palms frame the golden sunset. The magnificent stretch of

Pink Sand Beach.

coastline offers a tropical oasis for every traveller whether they prefer vigorous activities or serene environments. Waters at an average 27°C draw visitors in for days spent snorkelling and swimming while the warm 28°C weather presents the perfect opportunity for exploration, activities, or a rest on pillow-like sands with a mimosa in hand. Anse Lazio is located on the northwest coast of Praslin Island, east of Zanzibar and northeast of Madagascar. The beach may feel likes its quite removed from the world but is actually easily accessible. You can obtain cheap flights to Africa and then fly to Seychelles or to Madagascar. Visitors can catch the speed ferry for an adventurous trip or take a short 15-minute flight from Mahe to Praslin. 4. PINK SANDS, BAHAMAS Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 8/10,

Remoteness 8/10, Sand and Water Quality 10/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 223, Average Annual Temp. 28°C Pink Sands Beach has a fairytale-like name, and you’ll understand why when you set foot on the beautifully coloured sands. The nearly 5km of stunning coastline, saturated in golden sun and pink plush ground, will plant itself in your memory forever. Harbour Island in the Bahamas is home to inviting stretches of coastline and mellow waters protected by an offshore coral reef. This portion of the island is an especially dreamy part, known for its pale pink sand made from the bright red and pink shells of the microscopic Foraminifera insects. The colour contrasts and meshes with the turquoise waterline, creating sunrise and sunset colours that are unlike anything else you’ll see in your lifetime. You can find flights to the Caribbean from all major countries in the

Wide Bay

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 23

Anze-Lazio Beach.

Best Beaches Grace Bay.

world. The closest airport to Harbour Island is North Eleuthera (ELH) airport. 5. NAVAGIO BEACH, GREECE Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10, Remoteness 8/10 , Sand and Water Quality 8/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 275, Average Annual Temp. 19°C Navagio Beach in Greece will dazzle your tropical dreams into reality as blue and white beauty combine to create a shipwrecked oasis. In fact, you will not be able to get the clear, crystal blue waters and fine gravel sand off your mind for decades to come. The remoteness of the island only adds to the spectacular and unique atmosphere of Navagio on Zakynthos Island. The baby blue waters and towering golden cliffs absolutely enchant travellers with its exotic features and atmosphere. The shipwrecked Freightliner MV Panagiotis, washed on the

gravel beach, only adds to the uniqueness of the paradise. The crisp 19°C weather and 20°C water welcome visitors into a new kind of tropical island meant to be experienced through vivid sights and slow strolls. Navagio Beach location is most easily and quickly accessible by first flying into the Zakynthos International Airport in Greece. 6. BAIA DOS PORCOS, BRAZIL Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10, Remoteness 10/10, Sand and Water Quality 9/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 258, Average Annual Temp. 27°C Tucked away in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago is Baia Dos Porcos, also known as the Bay of Pigs, one of the most awe-inspiring beaches to experience. The myriad blues meddle in perfect harmony on the still water filled with rock

formations, including the iconic Dois Irmaos rocks which means the two brothers. Even better the beach is likely to be all yours, as it requires a trek to get to, and you have to pay per day to stay on the island, limiting the number of daily visitors. Water sports are forbidden which means its all serenity, all the time. Instead, search for the turtles and wildlife that inhabit the area and find yourself in preserved and natural beauty. The best time to fly to Brazil is between December and March, during the Brazilian summertime. The closest state to Fernando de Noronha is Recife. 7. PLAYA PARAISO Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 9/10, Remoteness 8/10, Sand and Water Quality 10/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 290, Average Annual Temp. 20°C Playa Paraiso in the Riviera Maya is a quintessential beach

destination for travellers on the hunt for perfection. Stunning white sands and bright teal waters combine to create a beach unlike others in Mexico. The thousands of annual tourists will agree that Paraiso’s waters are always welcoming and calm while a bounteous coral reef rests just offshore for an adventurous snorkelling or scuba diving session. For those who want a tranquil getaway, Paraiso is their paradise with soft sands just waiting to be relaxed on while the 290 annual days of sun offer a sun-kissed glow. With an average temperature of 20°C and water at 21°C, visitors are always able to find themselves comfortable and serene in their tropical paradise. Known as Paradise Beach for a reason, Playa Paraiso is easily accessible with numerous direct flights to Cancun International Airport. 8. HYAMS BEACH, NSW

Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10, Remoteness 8/10, Sand and Water Quality 9/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 251, Average Annual Temp. 17°C No place on earth invites you to relax and unwind quite like the luxuriously soft white sands of Hyams Beach. Located on the South Coast of New South Wales , this postcard-worthy stretch of sand along the Jervis Bay invites visitors to enjoy underwater adventures in crystal waters or sink their toes into the whitest sands in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. For the more athletically inclined, hike in the Jervis Bay National Park located among the beach beauties. Dotted with rugged rock formations and bright green foliage, you may have to pinch yourself to make sure you are not dreaming when you set foot on the luxurious sands of Hyams Beach. The closest international airport is located in Sydney. 9. HIDDEN BEACH, MEXICO Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10, Remoteness 10/10, Sand and Water Quality 8/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 299, Average Annual Temp. 25°C Imagine a beach completely tucked away inside a cave with a cavernous opening in the

roof to let the perfect amount of sunlight enter. That is Mexico’s Hidden Beach, and it’s undeniably one of the most interesting beaches in the world. Located just a one hour boat ride from Puerto Vallarta on the Islas Marietas, the only way to reach the golden sand at Hidden Beach is to jump off a boat and swim or kayak through a tunnel to shore. It is said that the hole in the roof of the cave, creating an ideal sunbathing area, was made when Mexican forces were engaging in bombing practice during World War I. Fly from major airports across various countries into Cancun or Cozumel. 10. TRUNK BAY, US VIRGIN ISLANDS Scoring: Sheer Untouched Beauty 10/10, Remoteness 7/10, Sand and Water Quality 10/10, Annual Days of Sunshine 140, Average Annual Temp. 27°C It remains one of the best-preserved beaches in the world. Venture to Trunk Bay Beach in the US Virgin Islands, where you will find a 205 metre underwater snorkelling trail, roughly half a mile of silky sands. Any major airports will offer flights directly into the US Virgin Islands. Find more information at flightnetwork.com/ blog/worlds50-best-beaches.

24 Seniors Wide Bay

Travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

Off-Roading 101 guide Jase Andrews is back in action for his All 4 Adventure show

THERE’S nothing better than exploring the outdoors and venturing off the beaten track, but I know from first hand experience that an off-road adventure doesn’t come without its risks. That’s why it’s important to be knowledgeable and prepared for all of the potential bumps mother nature may throw your way. Prep for emergencies When embarking on your 4WD adventure, don’t forget to pack the necessities so that you are prepared for anything unexpected that comes your way, in particular: a shovel, air compressor and Maxtrax. While not many would think to keep a shovel in the boot, when you’re off-roading, there’s nothing better to keep on hand. Be sure to invest in a good quality shovel with a sturdy handle that won’t break when you need it the most, and the one from Rhino-Rack is great! Installing a winch and

having Maxtrax as part of your kit is a great investment – they’re exactly what you’ll need in a tricky situation. But you haven’t already invested in a winch, using Maxtrax with sand or leaves work well to create traction where there is none, giving your tyres something to grip on to. Low pressures for increased grip To prevent the need to put that shovel to work or whipping out the bog boards, an air compressor will allow you to adjust your tyre pressure to the terrain you’ll be conquering. Very low pressures of 20psi and under will provide more contact with the ground for increased grip and lessens the risk of punctures when driving over rocky surfaces. On sand, a lower tyre pressure allows you to remain on top of the sand instead of sinking into it. Know your gears Knowing your driving gears and their different uses is important when

BE PREPARED: Your 101 guide to 4WD off-roading.

off-roading. 4H which is high-range, is suitable for the easier unsealed tracks, however once you reach more difficult terrains and steep inclines, you’ll want to use 4L which is the low-range 4WD. Hands on the wheel How you hold your

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steering wheel makes all the difference to protect your hands and ensure you have control over your vehicle. Because your wheels will find gaps in the rocky terrain, your steering column is likely to be wrenched away from you without warning – so if your grasp is too tight, you could seriously injure yourself. With a loose grip on the steering wheel, your wheels will be able to find the ruts and gaps in the road. And when bogged, your steering wheel could turn suddenly, so making sure your thumb is always on top will avoid a trip to the emergency room!

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

Test the waters before entering When you’re approaching unfamiliar terrain, especially rivers or creeks, check the depth on foot or using a stick to ensure you aren’t in for any surprises. Check the current and make sure the water is moving at a safe speed. Try to avoid driving in bodies of water that are higher than half the height of your wheels to prevent your engine from flooding. If your tyres get caught, don’t panic and continue to drive slowly so that your vehicle can get a better grip of the surface. Always remember to remain calm if things don’t go as planned. If you stall, try to rock the car forward on its own

gear in order to get out of the water. This is where that trusty winch and mate can come in handy! Be tame in your off-roading endeavours, don’t try to plough through the road or show off by driving faster than the conditions allow. There’s no sense in being over-confident, things can go wrong very quickly, so be sure to remain calm and drive with caution. All 4 Adventure Winter Encore To see Jase Andrews in action, All 4 Adventure will be back for an encore this winter! Tune in to One every Saturday at 6pm to see Jase Andrews tackle the Territory in his latest season.

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Travel

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

Wide Bay

Seniors 25

Open-aired theatre is the Hollywood of the Outback Winton to host iconic film festival THE iconic outback Australian town of Winton is set to welcome many visitors from outside Outback Queensland, as it hosts the world’s largest film festival dedicated to Australian film, The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival (VSOFF) from June 29-July 7. Fittingly known as ‘Hollywood in the Outback’, Winton has inspired numerous cinematic masterpieces including Nick Cave’s The Proposition and Ivan Sen’s Mystery Road and Goldstone, all of which were filmed in the area. Now in its fifth year the nine-day festival, themed ‘Wide Open Roads’, is setting up to be its best yet. Festival passes have just been released for audiences to experience the best in Australian film and outback culture. Festival goers will have access to a range of quality Australian films

including the award winning Sweet Country, Breath and Strange Colours, and a sneak peek at a brand-new Queensland film. The emblematic venue of the Festival is Winton’s The Royal Open-Aired Theatre which celebrates its 100th birthday as part of this year’s festival. This is a birthday party not to be missed. Imagine celebrating the 100th birthday with dinner and the best film from 1918, The Sentimental Bloke, accompanied by newly composed live musicians providing the soundtrack to the film. The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival Director Mark Melrose said the seminal event provides Australians with a platform to not only celebrate local film, but Australia itself. “There is nowhere in Australia where you can witness so many Australian films in such an

OUTBACK CULTURE: Relax in a deckchair at the Royal Open-Aired Theatre, Winton.

iconic location such as Winton, the home of Waltzing Matilda, the birthplace of Qantas and the dinosaur,” Mr Melrose said. “The festival is truly unique as it provides visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s film royalty with highlights over the years being Roy

Billing, Aaron Pederson and Gyton Grantley along with industry experts, like Ivan Sen and Margaret Pomeranz.” The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival curator and creative director Greg Dolgopolov said the short film competition enables the festival to promote accessible screen culture through Australian

cinema. The program not only showcases the best in Australian film, but also offers film masterclasses, movie screenings and an opportunity for budding independent filmmakers the chance to showcase their talent in the Qantas Short Film Competition. “Following the sold out Short Film screening in 2017, this year we have

expanded our short film program throughout the 2018 festival,” Dr Dolgopolov said. “The VSOFF has become a key exhibitor for Australian films and without the Festival, many of these cinematic masterpieces would not have a place to be screened.” The festival is a family-friendly event attracting film lovers and budding film stars from all over Australia to one of Australia’s most remarkable locations. The VSOFF is a not-for-profit community organisation of local Winton residents and industry professionals who have a love of Australian film, Queensland’s outback and sharing, creating and inspiring a culture for the Australian film industry. To purchase tickets or to find out more information, visit vision splendidfilmfest.com.

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26 Seniors Wide Bay

Feature story

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

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POSITIVE AGEING: The former president of the Queensland Court of Appeals, Margaret McMurdo AC, remains active in all aspects of her life.

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Judging by her activities McMurdo isn’t really retired

STEPPING out of her judicial robes has freed Margaret McMurdo AC to apply her substantial persuasive skills to several leadership roles. It has also given her the opportunity to spread her creative wings, developing previously hidden passions into enjoyable outcomes. Mrs McMurdo’s four children wondered if she would cope with moving from a high-profile and extremely busy life, to retirement. She has proven she can, and can do it successfully. “I am using the skills of my prior life in the things I am now doing in the private sector,” Mrs McMurdo said. The former president of the Queensland Court of Appeal, Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland, judge of the Children’s Court of Queensland, judge of the District Court of Queensland among many other leading legal roles, theoretically retired from active work 12 months ago. But, at 63, Mrs McMurdo is just as busy and engaged in community work now as she was during her time on the bench. Currently under her guidance is the $88 million Queensland Community Foundation charitable trust which

gives out millions of dollars each year. The low-profile charity, estanlished in 1987, raises funds for community projects. Mrs McMurdo also holds several other volunteer roles, including working with the Australia Institute on promoting a national integrity commission. “In essence, (it’s) a federal ICAC to look at integrity and stop corruption at federal level,” she said. “I could never have done that when I was a judge because it is entering into the semi-political sphere and crossing the boundary from the judicial arm of government into the executive.” She also chairs Queensland’s Legal Aid Commission. “It’s a very important organisation, an essential element of the justice system in Queensland,” she said. “They do an amazing job on limited funds.” With the formality of court and being in the public eye behind her, Mrs McMurdo is finally enjoying lots of “nice things” while spending time with her grown-up family and friends is at the top of her retirement list. “I do French every Friday morning at Alliance Francaise in Brisbane,”

she said. “I have done a creative writing course and I am hoping to do a bit more creative writing, but I am finding it very hard to be disciplined to fit it in. Her children’s retirement present of oil painting lessons has turned into a keen interest. Learning the guitar is on her to-do list, as well as quilting. “I have all these projects which I put aside for when I had more time in my life which I am still trying to find,” she said. Participating in community activities and spending time with like-minded people is an important part of Mrs McMurdo’s retirement plan. She now has time, after 35 years of membership, to be active in Brisbane’s Zonta Club. Mrs McMurdo still sticks to a regular fitness routine. “Health is everything when you are ageing,” she said. “I think you age much more positively if you are fit and well.” She recognises that the cycle of life may be what forces her to move away from the organisations that she is currently committed to, but in the meantime the elegant, highly intelligent and talented Mrs McMurdo is giving them the best of her community-minded skills and energy.

Puzzle

Monday, June 18, 2018 seniorsnews.com.au

JIGGERED

4/6

The challenge is to rearrange a crossword which has been broken into 25 sections. One letter has been given to get you started. Work out which 3x3 square fits in with that letter and write in the letters. You can also shade the black squares if you find it helpful. After completing the first 3x3 area, work out which square joins on to it, and continue until you have made a complete crossword.

B U S E R A C

D U O B S E

T H E M R

I F N G

Y E E

N A C A R E

E E D R E R A

R O A P E M B

T T R S H

E F C R E T

G V E R E

S T E A R G

B L S E T H

S O I P E U

C U R A O

U R E E E M

T L E I F L E

U N A M B U

S E S S J A

C K S A A T I C

S C A R B A K

L P A W L X O

L A K W B E A

T Y

D T E A O T

M A S

K S C

S L O

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across 1. Reunited (10) 7. Long-limbed (5) 8. Folds (7) 10. Alters (8) 11. Boast (4) 13. Speaker (6) 15. Mollycoddle (6) 17. Move slowly and cautiously (4) 18. Counselling (8) 21. Horses (colloq) (3-4) 22. Bury (5) 23. In particular (10)

Seniors 27

Wide Bay

Down 1. Stiﬀ (5) 2. Happy shout (3,2,3) 3. Arrested (colloq) (6) 4. Frozen (4) 5. Makes certain (7) 6. Perplexing (10) 9. Tourists (10) 12. Benevolence (8) 14. Bowmen (7) 16. Breakfast food (6) 19. Mad (colloq) (5) 20. Deal out (4)

6 7

11 12

15 16

20 21

TRIO

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.

REFER, SEARCh, TRAIPSE, UNSORTED, VEGETABLE.

ALPHAGRAMS L E E R H E R

SUDOKU

K S A I C K S C U E E M P W L O F Y E E

JIGGERED

TRIO: hOR

Across: 1. Reconciled 7. Leggy 8. Creases 10. Modiﬁes 11. Brag 13. Orator 15. Cosset 17. Inch 18. Guidance 21. Gee-gees 22. Inter 23. Especially. Down: 1. Rigid 2. Cry of joy 3. Nicked 4. Iced 5. Ensures 6. Flummoxing 9. Sightseers 12. Goodwill 14. Archers 16. Muesli 19. Nutty 20. Mete.

QUICK CROSSWORD

1. What year were the Australian 1 and 2 cent coins discontinued? 2. Worldwide, which is the most common blood group? 3. Confessions of a Hooker: My Lifelong Love Affair with Golf is an autobiographical book by which comedian, who died in 2003 aged 100? 4. Which song from a stage musical has the words “The truth is I never left you”? 5. What is the French “la Manche” known as in English? 6. What were the ﬁnal four words in many days of Samuel Pepys’ diary? 7. Who is the sun god in Egyptian mythology? 8. What does the Latin expression “compus mentis” mean?

F A I R

A R M E D

T I P T O P

A M S L E T E M A OM I S T I N E L A A L U D E N A R D D G E O O R

D R A E N L K I T I I N S E T R T I A

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

QUIZ

H A N G E R

7 LETTERS ELATION ELITIST INERTIA INHERIT MARTINI STAMINA

QUIZ

V I O L A

5 LETTERS ARMED CANER DODGE DRANK ENTRY FATAL IDOLS IRONS OMENS RACES SANER SNIDE STEAD UNDER VALET VIOLA

6 LETTERS ATTEND CINEMA DEEPEN HANGER REIGNS RETARD TANGLE TIPTOP

C L A M

4 LETTERS ADDS ALES ARID CEDE CLAM DEAD DEER EATS ERGO FAIR

HAMS MEMO POOR REDO TONE YARD

WORDFIT

V A L E T

3 LETTERS ACT ADO ALE ILK ILL IMP ION LOG NOD PIE SOH USE

1.1991, 2. Group O, 3. Bob Hope, 4. “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina”, 5. The English Channel, 6. And so to bed, 7. Ra, 8. Of sound mind.

Solution opposite

O C A U T T R Y E E F R E L R A X N I N U G

WORDFIT Fit the words into the grid to create a ﬁnished crossword

D S I A P E M G A V E S S T L I L E T T S H U A M B

Good 25 Very Good 34 Excellent 43+

A C S S S A F R E

S G O B R E O R A R E J K E C A T

550

A E

D B A S E T T A S T E B A R U S C U A A N C A K E L A W B E

TODAY

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D L

M R

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.

T E O R O P E M D O B E S C R B A T H E R

WORD GO ROUND

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

alameda alar alarm alarmed alder area areal armada armed dale dame dare deal dear derma dermal dram drama dream earl lade lama lame lamed lamer lammed lard lead lemma madam made male mama marae mare marl marled MARMALADE mead meal medal medlar rale rammed read real realm ream

ALPHAGRAMS

28 Seniors Wide Bay

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, June 18, 2018

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