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2 Seniors Wide Bay

In this edition

Feature: Technology................................................Page 4 Online ......................................................................Pages 9 Travel ................................................................Pages 11-15 Wellbeing ................................................................Page 16 Live & Lets Save ....................................................Page 20 Puzzles ....................................................................Page 23

Contact us Editor Gail Forrer gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Manager Kristie Waite kristie.waite@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”.

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Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, March 20, 2017

Blast off into the joys of technology GREETINGS friends.

This month our national genius Dr Karl lights up our front page with an expression that shouts “Beam Me Up Scotty” and we have taken up the challenge by providing a practical, plentiful list of tech advice and science stories.

Scientific inventions are travelling at such a supersonic speed that I don’t think it’s too far-fetched to suggest that one day in the not too distant future, we could be flying not only to the moon, but taking trips throughout the galaxy.

Yet, despite the prevalence of modern technology the mention of robots, rockets, apps and Apple can sometimes provoke a nervous response something like: “Stop the world, I want to get off.” Nevertheless, a read of our interview with Dr Karl on page 4 including a factbox of

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

life-enhancing inventions may well prompt a change of attitude and a moment of gratitude.

Dr Karl reminds us that life before anaesthesia was very different (and very painful). Anaesthesia was first introduced to Australia in the late 1800s and was, by all accounts, particularly unpleasant in its early forms.

However over the next decades, anaesthesia techniques and technologies were refined, and by the 1970s it had advanced to the comfortable level we experience today.

Thank goodness for that.

Our local profile this

month, pastoral care manager at St Stephen’s and chaplain with BlueCare, Sandra Keay.

You can find out the reason she says she couldn’t be happier with her chosen path on page 3.

On our Talk n Thoughts (page 8) we continue our series on affordable housing and present an alternative view on the state of housing presented in a report by the United Nations representative on this topic.

The report proposes an option to current market-based thinking and whether you agree or not with the report, the idea certainly challenges current property market thinking.

On our Online page (page 9), you will also find a list of apps that could well reduce some daily pain or at least momentary anxiety.

For instance, once you have the Find My Car app, you can totally

forget the scary “my car has been stolen” moment and confidently locate its precise spot in the shopping centre car park, or how about the app that guides you to your the keys, you know the ones you just put down, but can’t quite remember where.

These wonderful applications are available on your mobile phone, and yes, there is an app to find your phone.

We also present an assorted range of finance, well-being, international and national travel stories and thanks to you dear readers, we present pages full of your community notes.

I trust you enjoy the read and check out the book giveaway on page 4.

Gail To enjoy more of our stories go to: seniors news.com.au. facebook.com.au /seniorsnews.com.au.

My life Change Shake it up When you feel there’s nothing you can do to change things, it’s time to think about attitude

TUNED UP FOR THE THIRD AGE PAUL McKEON HAVE more control over your life.

For most of us, life is full of challenges, victories and minor or major disasters.

Generally these events have a significant impact on whether we are happy or unhappy at any particular time.

Of course a really serious disaster can cause us major grief and have a long term impact on our state of mind.

It’s very easy to feel powerless as we are buffeted by the ups and downs of life.

Have you ever thought that life doesn’t have to be like this?

It’s true that we have little control over the external forces that impact on our lives in

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This idea is summed up in the quote, “If we can control our thoughts, we can control our lives”. either positive or negative ways.

However we are not nearly as powerless as you might think!

It’s not really the good or bad events that makes us happy or sad – it’s how we react to them.

This is an internal response to an external event and guess what – we can have a lot of control over what our internal response is.

It’s really important to appreciate this concept as that’s the first step to achieving a lot more control over your life.

If we become aware of how our mind is responding to an event

and what emotions are being created and we understand that we can have a reasonable degree of control over our mind, we can start to control our responses to various events.

This idea is summed up in the often used quote: “If we can control our thoughts, we can control our lives”.

If you can accept this idea and put it into practice, you will start to realise that you and not fate can have a far greater degree of control over how you run your life and when you decide to be either happy or unhappy If you think that this idea is worth considering, our book How to stay Healthy, Active and Sharp in Retirement can give you a lot more useful information and advice on how to better control your own mind.

It’s available on our web site at www.my lifechange.com.au.

and ship out

❝

INSPIRING AND RETIRING EVA BENNETT

Finally he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway.

It just wasn’t worth it, to retrieve the donkey.

I’D like to share a story from my files, that I have found helpful in troubling times.

One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well.

The animal cried piteously for hours, as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.

Finally he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway. It just wasn’t worth it, to retrieve the donkey.

The farmer invited all his neighbours to come over and help him.

They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well.

At first, the donkey realised what was happening and cried and cried.

Then to everyone’s

amazement, he quietened down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished by what he saw.

With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing!

He would shake the dirt off and take a step up.

As the farmer’s neighbours continued to shovel dirt into the well, on top of the donkey, he would shake it off and take another step up.

Pretty soon everyone was amazed, as the donkey stepped up over the ridge of the well and trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you at times.

The trick to getting out of the well, is to shake it

off and take a step up.

Each of our troubles is a stepping stone.

We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up!

(Author unknown) It’s all about perseverance.

Shake it off and take a step up…..one at a time.

Wide Bay

Monday, March 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

SHOWING CARE: St Stephens Hospital Pastoral Care Manager Pastor Sandra Keay.

Leading the way WALKING with people as they journey through life, offering friendship in times of joy and hope in times of sorrow, St Stephen’s Hospital’s Pastor Sandra Keay couldn’t be happier with her chosen path.

In the lead-up to Queensland Women’s Week (March 6-12), themed Be involved and lead the way, Sandra reflected on her roles as Pastoral Care Manager at St Stephen’s and Chaplain with BlueCare, both within UnitingCare Queensland.

“Just before my 18th birthday I went to New Zealand on a working holiday and tried all sorts of jobs including tea room lady, house maid, secretary and office manager,” the Adelaide-born Pastor said.

“While at Wellington I joined friends at a church event and listened to a preacher. It was like thunder bolt for me. I suddenly realised it didn’t matter what I’d done; it wasn’t going to make a scrap of difference to me in eternal life.

“That was a huge turning point for me, just knowing a real assurance,

a peace, a hope. Soon after that I met my future husband Roly, a Royal New Zealand Air Force supply officer. We married in Wellington, had two children and moved to the top of the South Island.”

Now living on the Fraser Coast, Sandra divides her work time between St Stephen’s and BlueCare bringing peace, joy and hope to people throughout her workplaces, Uniting Church and wider community.

“I make an effort to get to know as many staff as possible. We all have things going on in our lives outside of work.

“It’s not nosey-ness but a concern for other people who wouldn’t necessarily go to a church but who just need someone to walk beside them sometimes.

“A lot of things healthcare workers see are distressing. Some staff get really close to their patients – they become like family.

Sometimes staff members don’t want or need full counselling, they just need other ears to listen to them.”

“My typical days include

managing St Stephen’s volunteers, running chapel services, visiting aged care homes and building relationships with as many people as I can whether they’re interested in church or not.

“Likewise, I build relationships with families when their loved ones move into the palliative care stage.”

Sandra also visits respite centres, organises Bible study groups and special services for dementia patients and carers. She facilitates Coffee Lounge social meetings as well as bereavement, loss, dementia and brain disorder sessions as well as funerals.

St Stephen’s is a not-for-profit organisation owned by the Uniting Church and is a member of UnitingCare Health, which includes The Wesley Hospital and St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital in Brisbane and The Sunshine Coast Private Hospital in Buderim.

UCQ is committed to supporting all communities across the Fraser Coast and greater Wide Bay Burnett region.

Seniors 3

4 Seniors Wide Bay

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, March 20, 2017

Times, they are a changing Suni Golightly

TECHNOLOGY is ever-evolving, impacting on every aspect of our day-to-day lives.

A hundred years ago, the only screen the average Aussie was likely to see was at the local cinema. These days, many of us hold screens in our hands, with access to almost unlimited information and entertainment. Times sure are a changing. In the past century, technology has made huge advancements in every area; changing almost every aspect of the way we live.

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, science commentator, author and currently the Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at Sydney University, says advancements in technology have been extraordinary over the past 100 years.

“There are some innovations that have had huge implications such as clean drinking water, and medical innovations such as anaesthetics, antibiotics and vaccinations,” Dr Kruszelnicki says.

“These are things that can mean the difference between life and death.”

Many people in younger generations see vaccinations as commonplace, but community vaccination didn’t begin in Australia until 1932.

Life before anaesthesia was very different too (and very painful) for Australians. Introduced to Australia in the late 1800s, anaesthesia was particularly unpleasant in its early forms. However, over the following decades, anaesthesia techniques and technologies were refined, and by the 1960s and 70s it had advanced almost to

WHAT ARE WE DOING ONLINE? SENIORS AND TECHNOLOGY ■ Email is the most common online activity for older Australians, with 76% using email.

■ More than 50% of older internet users perform banking transactions online.

■ 43% of internet users aged 65 and over accessed the internet to engage with social media.

■ 23% of older Australians used communication apps such as Skype or Facebook Messenger to stay in touch with others online.

■ 15% accessed government services, and health and medical information online. the level of comfort we experience today.

“Glasses are another huge technological advancement – those bits of transparent rock that we wear are particularly important to people over 70,” Dr Kruszelnicki says.

“Hearing aids too have become vitally important.

“For many people, especially seniors, inventions such as glasses or hearing aids are not just important because of the physical implications.

“They also have huge social implications. A person who cannot see or hear very well – or at all – often loses their independence and becomes isolated.”

Transport too has advanced in leaps and bounds over the past century. Road transport has moved from the horse and buggy to revolutionary cars, motorbikes and rail travel. International travel too has progressed to the point that jumping on plane to some far off destination is now an everyday occurrence – not the months of travel faced by people 100 years ago.”

Perhaps the technological advancement that has had the biggest impact – certainly it has garnered the most attention – is the invention and advancement of the internet and communication technologies.

“The smartphone has had an enormous impact,” Dr Kruszelnicki says.

“Depending on how you use it, that little screen you hold in your hand or keep in your bag can be a notepad, a calendar, a diary, a dictionary… the list goes on. It can keep you in touch with family and friends around the world, and give you access to information such as news and weather.

“Those little devices have changed everything.”

However, smartphones and the associated technology isn’t always user friendly, particularly for seniors. In his blog “Does Google Hate Old People?”, People for Internet Responsibility co-founder, and internet and technology commentator Lauren Weinstein points out that factors such as font size, screen contrast and use of white space can make usage difficult for seniors (how many of us have become frustrated with those tiny words, or buttons the size of a pinhead?).

Australian seniors have embraced new technologies with gusto according to the report, Digital lives of older Australians, from the Australian Communications and Media Authority, almost 80% of Australians aged 65 and over are connected online.

WIN WIN WIN: We have five (5) copies of Dr Karl’s book, THE DOCTOR , to give away to readers in Queensland.

For your chance to win, go online to www.seniorsnews.com.au/competitions and fill out the simple entry form. Entries close at 4pm on March 27. Full T & Cs available online.

TECH TIMELINE 1917 vs 2017 1917: Kitchen technologies were basic. Refrigeration for home use was still a way off; most homes had iceboxes. Washing was done by hand, toasters and kettles were non-existent, and stoves were fire fuelled.

2017: Almost every home in Australia has a fridge, a stove and oven that starts with the flick of a switch, and appliances such as kettles, toasters – even coffee machines – are commonplace.

1917: It took over three months to travel from London to Australia.

2017: You can fly from London to Australia in less than a day.

1917: Cars were only just gaining traction for the average Aussie (in particular the Ford T Model) taking over from the horse and buggy. In 1917, 15,000 automobiles were brought into Australia.

2017: The majority of Australians drive and own vehicles of some description.

More than one million new cars were sold in Australia last year.

1917: The major tech invention in 1917 was the toggle light switch.

2017: Dr Kruszelnicki says the cutting edge today is CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, which enables us to reprogram life as we know it (you’re all online, dear readers, so you can Google it).

Wide Bay

Monday, March 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

FOR a whole $1.50 you can get the support and inspiration from the Maryborough Shiralee Night Weight Club for a life change.

Formerly named the Maryborough Weight Watchers, the group started in 1969.

There were 30 people at the initial meet in 1969 and within 10 weeks the club’s minutes reported they had 141 members.

Life member June Wheeler remembers when there was a notice in the paper to start the weight watchers club.

“I drove up and down, up and down the street, will I or won’t I go in and then I saw some lady go in that I knew, so I thought

Take the load off and enjoy life I’ll go in,” June said.

“I was made treasurer that night which only lasted until the next meet, but I have been president twice including now.”

The club has about 40 to 60 members attend each week.

“It is a health factor, we are not on a diet, we all want to change to enjoy a long life,” club secretary Barbara Ryan said.

“Each week June organises a topic about our healthy eating program and inspirational and relevant information.

Carolyne Neilsen joined the club five years ago

and has stopped taking blood pressure medication which she took for over 20 years.

“At the time I was changing doctors and I told him I was going to Shiralee and was trying to lose weight.

“He asked me one day why I was taking the pills for blood pressure because the pressure was not indicating I needed the medication.

“So I weaned myself from them and haven’t taken them for two years.”

Carolyne was awarded princess at a Shiralee graduation.

Each year the club holds a ceremony to award those who have lost the most amount of weight within the club guidelines.

They have kings, queens, first and second prince or princesses for the top three weight loss members who receive a crown or tiara and flowers.

The club also offers incentive awards at the graduationn, weekly and monthly encouragement awards with prizes.

Life member Gay Buzza said no one is ridiculed or put in the corner.

“When you go ,you are

CHANGE: Maryborough Shiralee Night Weight Club members June Wheeler and Carolyne Neilsen.

PHOTO:BONI HOLMES

with like-minded people everybody there has a weight problem so no one

Seniors 5

will feel out of place,” Gay said.

June who was awarded queen status, said the club organised monthly guest speakers.

She said she has a pipeline to the dieticians and gained valuable information from the Wesley Hospital during her husband’s open-heart surgery.

“It is not a diet - it is a life change.”

■ MARYBOROUGH SHIRALEE NIGHT WEIGHT CLUB - Meets every Wednesday 6.30pm at the Baptist hall, 168 Fort St, Maryborough. Everyone welcome.

Phone Laurell 4123 1288 or Mary 4121 2330.

The Potters party time HANDS ON: Maitlia Potter Audrey Reece sculpts a swagman during a class at Bottlebrush Craft Centre in Maryborough.

held at Gatakers Artspace for the whole month of August,” Julie said.

“In 40 years our aims and objectives have changed a little bit and with that we thought we would have a mask exhibition.

“I think its going to be a

beauty. We will be holding workshops to create our exhibition masks.”

The original member said she had ideas for her mask.

“I am looking at recycled material someone was repairing the basin at Bottlebrush

The Preferred Lifestyle Choice for over 50’s

and walked out with some pipes - I said that could make a good mask - my brain just switched to recycle.

“We have restarted pottery classes for Maitlia and bring back the old potters.

“It’s not just wheel work

- there is hand sculpting too.”

Bottlebrush president Audrey Reece said the original group were students of Ted Meredith, and held their first meeting at his house in Neptune St. “They met weekly at members’ homes, transporting wheels and gear in the boot of cars,” she said.

“The same year the group took out a mortgage and bought the store on the corner of Albert and Fort Sts where Bottlebrush Crafts was established.

“When the mortgage was paid off, the whole building was opened to include retail and workshop areas the group widened to include other crafts.”

Audrey said the centre successfully functioned for many years.

“Fashions changed with the introduction of cheap

• Independent living • Rental units – 1 & 2 bedrooms • Pet friendly • On-site management • Meals (if required) • Great location – central Gympie • No asset or income testing • Affordable • Social activities

shops with cheap imported coffee mugs and the popularity of chunky crockery faded.

“Although Maitlia has kept a low profile in recent years, they have never lost enthusiasm, working away and providing exhibitions and displays as well as large and varied selection of gifts and craft wear,” she said.

Info: Julie Wight 4129 0154 or email jandjwight@skymesh.com .au.

■ The Bottlebrush Craft Centre, 30 Ferry St, Maryborough is open six days a week, from 9am to 2pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

There are a number of art and craft groups who meet at the centre regularly including China Painting; Social Art; Bobbin Lacemaking; Dolls with Attitude; Cardmaking; Clay Sculpting and Pottery; and Spinning, Weavingand Dyeing.

Centre info:call 4122 2533, Audrey on 0487 858 831 or bottlebrushcraft@ outlook. com.

PHONE LINDA 5481 1222 15 Ada Street, Gympie

6490828aa

FORTY years have passed since handmade chunky crockery and pottery dinner sets were fashionable.

In 1977 a group of like-minded folk got together to create exciting pottery and named themselves Maitlia Potters, Maitlia being Aboriginal meaning clay.

The members are still pottering around under the name of Bottlebrush Crafts. The incorporated group were looking for past members to celebrate 40 years since they formed.

Celebration organiser Julie Wight said events were being planned for August this year.

“We are hoping past members will join the current members in celebrating the milestone,” she said.

“Those who have responded said they were keen to have a reunion.”

The celebrations include an exhbition at Gatakers and an open day at Bottlebrush Craft Centre.

“The Changing Faces of Maitlia exhibition will be

6 Seniors Wide Bay

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, March 20, 2017

Maureen praises iPad Boni Holmes

boni.holmes@herald.com.au

“MY GREAT grandson, at five year old, could teach me more than I knew,” Maureen Maguire said of her technology knowledge.

The 82-year-old got her first computer as a gift from her son 12 years ago.

“I had been learning the computer, got myself up to scratch and everything was going marvellous,” Maureen said.

“Then all of a sudden they started updating the computers - updating Windows, updating something else and you had to learn it all over again.”

Maureen has kept up-to-date and today owns an iPad. “I used my iPad for everything from checking accounts to emails.

“I have had to ask my son-in-law to help with updates and show me things I couldn’t understand.

“I have since updated it ... again ... but now instead of actual words I am seeing symbols - like they don’t know how to

EASY WORK: No more carbon copies for Maureen Maguire now modern technology takes over.

HOTO: TANYA EASTERBY

spell any more, which I am finding difficult.

“I used to do Facebook but gave it away because it wasn’t interesting and had better things to do some people just put up some stupid stuff but I didn’t play that game.”

The great grandmother said the iPad was great for contacting family.

“I am seeing my family use it for everything from finding a phone number to a recipe - they even speak into their phones to find something - the world is a very different place.”

As a young employee, Maureen work in an office.

“Things have certainly changed since then,” she said.

“I used to have to write everything out repeatedly or make carbon copies photocopying is just lovely - I even have one at home.

“I have been a member of the Gympie Senior Citizens Centre for 25, 30 years and did the books for many years.

“The technology has certainly changed many things for groups like ours.

NEW TECH: Maureen Maguire and June O'Sullivan with the new photocopier.

PHOTO: RENEE PILCHER

“To me it seems to take longer putting details into the computer as what I would of done if I wrote the accounts out and posted them.

“I still don’t send money

over the net, I have heard too many stories of oldies who have lost their money, but I also like to see what I want to buy and do my banking personally.”

Although Maureen has

kept up with the technology times, she still likes to pick up her hard copy of the Seniors Wide Bay newspaper and gets the Gympie Times delivered.

Are you raising Grandchildren?

Do you need information?

Call us!

1300 135 500

PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT: Maryborough’s Elaine Harris, 82, has been knitting since she was seven years old.

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

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A nimble-fingered fundraiser

www.grandparentsqld.com.au

ELAINE Harris has been knitting since she was seven years old.

The great-grandmother said it was her grandfather who taught her. She said she wasn’t allowed to knit at home.

“I would go to my aunty’s on the holidays

and sit on the veranda with grandfather and two other cousins and he would teach us to knit.

“It was when the war was on and we used to knit squares and balaclavas and scarves.”

She continued to knit more when she started

having her own family.

These days the 82-year-old can knit with her eyes closed.

“I can sit and knit and watch everybody else,” Elaine said.

Her knitting now helps to raise funds to send Maryborough Futsal

player, Elley Haines, to play in Italy. Elley was one of two Queenslanders selected to play in Italy.

You can purchase the knitwear at the Pallas St Fruit Barn, corner of Pallas and Churchill Sts, Maryborough.

Wide Bay

Monday, March 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 7

Look after your assets Big decisions demand the use of professional services Tracey Johnstone

SELL up your house Mum so we can use the money to build a granny flat or we’ll buy a bigger house so all of us can live together and we will look after you for the rest of your life.

Has this been said to you and have you known how to respond?

It’s possible to this family arrangement works very well, but in some cases, it can go horribly wrong.

The problems arise when – ■ The situation doesn’t work between family members.

■ The older person’s name is not on the property title.

■ There is nothing in writing to prove the money was handed over, or the agreed conditions for the use of that money, such as, was it a gift, a loan, a return of funds if the situation doesn’t work.

Seniors Rights Victoria manager, Jenny Blakey, said some of the situations where this family arrangement hasn’t worked for the older family member are ■ The children become abusive and the person may find they are not welcome in the house and get pushed out.

■ They may be expected to become the resident baby-sitter while the parents work and they don’t really have a life of their own.

■ The family may

divorce and the assets split up, and the money disappears.

■ Their health care needs may get greater and they don’t have money to pay for the quality care.

■ The money was used in a business that then goes bankrupt.

■ Family social problems drain the money away until it disappears.

It can be incredibly difficult to raise concerns about what is proposed with family members even when the family are on good terms.

But, if nothing is said, then potentially family relationships and the older person’s future well-being will be at risk.

Ms Blakely recommends that anyone thinking of entering a shared-home environment with family members should consider the following – ■ Get independent legal and accountancy advice.

Don’t use your child’s lawyer and accountant, and try to avoid having your child at the meetings to avoid conflict of interest issues.

■ Talk to the family about the arrangement; living location and standard, bills, food, cooking, cleaning, friends visiting, child-minding, property title if applicable and health care over a period of time.

■ Write it all down and get the family members to sign this agreement.

SENIORS ABUSE: Care for your assets.

■ Keep a written record of all financial and legal arrangements between you and your family, and store those records in a secure location.

The same type of considerations need to be put in place if you are planning on loaning

Some definitions of elder abuse ELDER Abuse, in its simplest description, is any act that causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust.

It’s a widespread problem within the Australian community, repeatedly hidden behind the front door of an older person’s home as the perpetrator is often a family member or friend.

PHYSICAL THIS is inflicting injury or pain either by direct contact or by threatening actions. It can involve pushing, slapping, using restraints, locking someone in a location they can’t get out of, as well as violence. It can also involve neglecting or refusing to provide appropriate nutrition, medical care and suitable living arrangements.

The signs of this abuse can include loss of weight, a person wearing the wrong or dirty clothing, fear, unexplained injuries and sores including bite marks, cuts, bruises and burns.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL DEMEANING language which includes threats, humiliation, name-calling and harassment which causes a feeling of shame or being put down all the time, are all part of this form of abuse.

“People may put up with it because they really want to keep the relationship going and they are concerned about the loss of the relationship with whoever it is they are getting this experience from,” Ms Blakey said.

Signs of this type of abuse may be depression, confusion, feeling helpless and fear.

FINANCIAL THIS is where money is taken, maybe from a purse or from a bank account, or it may be as serious as all of a person’s money be taken over or taken away.

“We’ve had instances where suddenly someone doesn’t have their home as they have signed over their house to someone they trusted, frequently a family member.

“Then they find they don’t have a home any more and are facing homelessness.”

MORE INFORMATION Seniors’ rights and elder abuse, call Lifeline on 13 11 44 or 1800 RESPECT.

money to a family member or using your home to help a family member secure a loan.

“It’s getting something that reflects what the older person has contributed so they don’t lose it,” Ms Blakey said.

Other protections that

PHOTO: POOKPIIK

can be put in place for later in life are giving someone you fully trust your power of attorney and making or updating a will.

For more details on caring for your assets: Go to https://seniorsright s.org.au

For professional advice, it is recommended contacting a community centre, Elder Abuse support service.

Oor a lawyer and accountant who is independent of the family members.

8 Seniors Wide Bay

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, March 20, 2017

Talk ‘n’ thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

The future of home

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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Only once housing is understood as a human right and reflected as such in both policy and law will we make real and significant change,” she said.

FOR decades the story of soaring house prices and negative gearing has been a regular part of the Australian social landscape.

It continues to be a hot topic, but in the last couple of years another type of housing story, the polar opposite to the investment narrative, has entered the conversation, it’s called affordable housing.

As Australian public housing lists soar and the homeless take the spotlight with a virtual camp city set up at Flinders St train station, Melbourne, the issue of affordable housing has fast gained a number one position on the government agenda. This month Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison announced the government’s proposal for a new model of affordable housing finance, a finance scheme aimed to make money more freely available for developers of affordable housing. The financial recommendation came

from the 2016 federal Affordable Housing Working group.

At the same time of Treasurer Morrison’s announcement, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Housing Leilani Farha presented her report: The Financialisation of Housing. The report reveals that Australia’s housing issues is not unique, instead it matches a global trend that has transformed housing from a social habitat to a monetary investment.

Farha argued that housing should be viewed in terms of human dignity and security, as a lived experience, as a human right.”

“Only once housing is understood as a human right and reflected as such in both policy and law will we make real and significant change,” she said. said Farha said the transformation had its roots in the GFC, a time when housing changed

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

DISCUSSION POINT: The other side to a hot property.

from a place to build a home to a financial commodity – “a vehicle for wealth and investment rather than a home.”

She illustrated the claim with evidence of the rising phenomena of empty houses, houses that have no social values and are simply left to rise in price.

She terms it, “dehumanised housing”.

Farha quotes a report that claims there are 82,000 or (or one fifth) of investor owned units in Melbourne are unoccupied.

But it’s not just Melbourne, worldwide scenarios include the London boroughs of Chelsea and Kensington, where the number of vacant units increased by 40% between 2013- 14).

Ultimately, she reports that the vast amounts of wealth made from housing has left governments accountable to investors rather than their obligation of human rights and she is calling for Government to make housing and people first, rather than

investment markets.

■ National Shelter (Australia) partnered with CHOICE and the National Association of Tenants’ Organisations tocallfor governments to prioritise rental security and quality issues, alongside housing affordability, as a national study reveals widespread fear and discrimination faced by thousands of Australians.

The report was released in February 2017 and lmillions of people engaged with the story via Twitter, newsites, and broadcast media stories.

The hashtag #RentInOz trended on Twitter. With one third of Australain households renting, rental \affordability, accessibility and quality are growing concerns.

■ National Shelter is a non-government peak organisation that aims to improve housing access, affordability, appropriateness, safety and security for people on low incomes.

Since 1976, National Shelter has worked towards this goal by influencing government policy and action, and by raising public awareness about housing issues.

National Shelter’s aim is to work towards every Australian having access to housing.

PHOTO: JULIANNAFUNK

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

Qld working towards a community that is called age-friendly MINISTER’S MESSAGE CORALEE O’ROURKE ONE OF the best things about my job is getting the chance to meet lots of seniors from all walks of life.

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of meeting Marjorie Fleming – Townsville’s skydiving Nana.

To celebrate her 90th birthday, Marj decided to jump from a plane to raise money for the Townsville Hospital Foundation, where she has volunteered for the last 15 years.

I can only imagine how many lives she has changed for the better through her volunteering – to have the tenacity to make that jump only leaves me in further awe of her.

I met another group of inspirational seniors during a recent trip to Rockhampton.

After spending only ten minutes with the Rockhampton 60 and Better group, I felt embraced by this warm group and buoyed by their incredible life stories, achievements and connections with the community.

Each week they gather for a cuppa, a chat and a very competitive game of cards.

The wisdom of those who have lived longer than us is invaluable to any community.

For this reason our Government has made a strong commitment to ensuring older Queenslanders are able to lead healthy and productive lives – whether in work, volunteering or in retirement – with access to a choice of lifestyle and appropriate support.

We want to create

❝

To celebrate her 90th birthday, Marj decided to jump from a plane to raise money for the Townsville Hospital Foundation, where she has volunteered for the last 15 years age-friendly communities that allow people, regardless of their age, to stay active and connected – just like Marj and the Rockhampton 60 and Better group.

To achieve this, we are implementing a new seniors strategy – Queensland: an age-friendly community.

This whole of government strategy looks at liveability through an older person’s lens – from public transport, housing and opportunities for work and education to civil participation, engagement and access to services and public spaces.

While we have started this journey, towards a more age-friendly community, we know there is much more that can be done.

We need to change the perspectives on ageing and challenge stereotypes to ensure everyone has the opportunity to be involved.

So, be noisy in any way you can – that includes writing or ringing my office.

I’m keen to hear your ideas and insights about your experience as a senior.

To get in contact, phone 07 3719 7170 or email: disabilityand seniors@ministerial.qld .gov.au.

Wide Bay

Monday, March 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Online

Seniors 9

www.seniorsnews.com.au

Yes, there’s an app for that

EASY DOES IT: Apps for everything you need, all at your wi-fi-connected fingertips.

PHOTO: MERZNATALIA

phone.

If you own an iPhone the easiest way to find where you have left it is to set up your phone for this service. Go to the home screen. Select Settings and then iCloud. Scroll to the bottom and tap Find My iPhone. Slide to turn

asked. Search for a person’s name or email address in your contacts or enter their phone number. Chose to connect with the selected person by video or voice. Press the red button to connect.

The video option can be activated when already on a call.

■ Skype Skype can be used on computers, iPhones and most android phones, Kindle, iPads and some android tablets, on Apple and android watches, and even on your TV. It’s a free video and call service for Skype registered users.

Registering is simple, you just need to select a user name that is unique.

While Skype to Skype is free, sending SMS texts or making calls to mobiles or landlines needs a credit

■ Where am I? You need to meet a friend at a restaurant or building; you have the street name and number, but still can’t work out how to get there.

Whip out the phone and click on the WhereIs app.

Hey, presto! You now have the tool to get you from A to B with little to no stress.

Enter the address you need and then follow the bouncing blue button on the screen.

■ Facetime Facetime is a free Apple video and call app that is available on an iPhone, iPad and iPod. The app only works between these products.

To use the service, you need to – Select the Facetime app on your device.

Enter your Apple ID if

on Find My iPhone and do the same for Send Last Location. You may need to sign in using your Apple ID. Once you log into iCloud or the Find My iPhone app on another device, it will track and show on a map the location of your iPhone.

or subscription with Skype.

For more information on Skye, go to www.skype.com /en.

MUSIC You can give up buying CDs and get connected on these free music apps which works on phones, tablets and desktops.

Pandora and Spotify are just two of the options available.

Once the app is downloaded you can search for music release by song, album, artist, label, genre, mood, activity, or friend.

Then, you can play whatever you like wherever you are at whatever time suits you To avoid the advertisements that are played regularly, you can subscribe to an upgraded service for a cost.

I want

retire on my terms I just need to be part of a community Retire in peace at Anglicare Southern Queensland’s Meilene Retirement Community and enjoy the best years of your life just a short drive from Bargara Beach where you can enjoy sunset strolls along the boardwalk.

You’ve worked hard all your life and this is the time to make the most of your freedom, meet new friends, discover new interests and enjoy your surroundings.

Meilene Court offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy your existing social lifestyle without a large home and garden to maintain. Experience open-plan living in a safe and secure environment with access to Anglicare’s Help at Home services close at hand.

Let us support you to live your life your way. Call us on 1300 610 610 or visit anglicaresq.org.au/retirement.

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Hairdresser

Retirement Communities 1300 610 610 anglicaresq.org.au

Meilene

CSC5366/A

HERE are just a few helpful apps that you can download for free or at a cost; just remember you need, most of the time, to be wifi connected to use them.

■ Find my car You can cease the pain of trying to find your lost car in the carpark with this app. (Alternatively, it may be helpful to take an iPhone photo of where you have parked which shows the floor number and colour, and the parking space number).

You need an active internet connection to access the data and the Location Services option in settings. The App uses GPS location services.

■ Find my mobile phone Mislaid your mobile phone again? There are apps and phone settings to help you find your

10 Seniors Wide Bay

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, March 20, 2017

Reviews The darker side of life revealed

Vote that changed everything

FEARLESS : Bestselling writer Robert Wainwright discovers an extraordinary woman.

Muriel Matters MISS Muriel Matters is a captivating new biography of the Australian actress who became one of London’s most famous suffragists.

In 1909 a young Australian actress made headlines around the world when she took to the sky over the British Houses of Parliament in an airship emblazoned with the slogan Votes for Women.

When prevailing winds forced her to sail around London instead, she dropped leaflets all over the city.

The American media declared it to be the world’s first aerial protest.

A year earlier, Muriel Matters, who became known as “that daring Australian girl”, became

the first woman to make a speech in Parliament after chaining herself to a brass grille to protest against women being segregated in the Parliament.

She was sent to Holloway Prison for her crime, and on her release added prison reform to her list of campaigns.

Muriel Matters went on to become one of the most famous suffragists of her day, touring England in a horse-drawn caravan to promote her cause.

Her skill as an orator drew crowds in their thousands.

So why has Muriel Matters remained a relative unknown in both Britain and her home country?

In Miss Muriel Matters,

best-selling writer Robert Wainwright discovers an extraordinary woman full of intelligence, passion and bravery who fought for women’s rights in a world far from equal.

About the author Robert Wainwright is a well-known journalist and the author of several topical books.

He has written books about Rose Porteous, Caroline Byrne, Martin Bryant, George Ingle Finch and Ian Thorpe.

The author of the best-selling Sheila: the Australian beauty who bewitched British society, he lives in London with his wife Paola Totaro and their family. ❚ Available: ABC Books from March 27, 2017.

RRP is $32.99.

UNPRECEDENTED is written by Thomas Lake and edited by Jodi Enda.

Featuring a foreword from CNN’s Jake Tapper and an introduction by historian Douglas Brinkley, Unprecedented is the story of Trump’s extraordinary journey and triumph, in the first-ever book from CNN Politics.

In a non-traditional, at times outlandish campaign, Donald Trump broke all the rules.

But he tapped into a longing among Americans for a leader who would eschew political correctness and fight for them on immigration, guns and jobs.

Trump took on long-held political traditions, insulting more than a few groups – and even his party’s leaders – along the way.

But none of it mattered to voters who demanded change and admired Trump’s willingness to do things his way, critics be damned.

The book is published

by Melcher Media and available in hardback for $A59.99.

ISABELLE Rossiter has run away again. When Aidan Waits, a troubled junior detective, is summoned to her father’s penthouse home, he finds a manipulative man, with powerful friends.

But retracing Isabelle’s steps through a dark, nocturnal world, Waits finds something else: an intelligent 17-year-old girl who’s scared to death of something.

As he investigates her story, and the unsolved disappearance of a young woman just like her, he realises Isabelle was right to run away.

Soon Waits is cut loose by his superiors, stalked by an unseen killer and dangerously attracted to the wrong woman.

He’s out of his depth and out of time.

How can he save the girl, when he can’t even save himself?

Sirens is available from Doubleday. The RRP is $32.99.

Conscious eating for the planet

A NEW guide to a popular plant-based diet helps us eat kindly, tread lightly and live well. Forget paleo, gluten-free or the 5-2 diet.

Because, according to Google Trends, when it comes to diet-related searches, Australians are most interested in plant-based diets.

Already, in fact, one in four Australians is either “meat- free” or consciously reducing their consumption of animal products.

And why not?

Not only is a plant-based diet an ethical and eco-friendly choice, it’s also a healthy choice.

Which is why Animals Australia, the nation’s leading animal protection organisation, has produced a complete guide to plant-based cuisine.

A Taste for Life by Animals Australia is available from ABC Books The RRP is $39.99.

BOOK REVIEW: Two Days Gone RANDALL Silvis’ Two Days Gone is a literary page-turner about a beloved college professor accused of murdering his entire family, and one small-town cop’s dangerous search for answers.

Thomas Huston, long-time professor and best-selling author, is something of a local hero in the small Pennsylvania college town where he lives and teaches.

So when Huston’s wife and children are found brutally murdered in their home, the community reacts with shock and anger.

Huston has also mysteriously disappeared, and suddenly, the town celebrity is suspect number one.

The book is published by Landmark and the paperback RRP is $22.99.

Wide Bay

Monday, March 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 11

Travel

10 Ann Rickard

ADELAIDE has shrugged off its “second cousin” mantle and put on its party hat – and autumn is the perfect time to see it at play.

■ FESTIVALS Locals call it Mad March due to the exceptional number of events throughout the month. Just as Adelaide has said goodbye to the Australian Women’s Open Golf, it says hello to WOMAD, Adelaide Fringe, Clipsal 500 (street circuit car race), the Adelaide Cup, Adelaide Festival of Arts, Adelaide Writer’s Week ■ FOOD Never has a city so fervently embraced food culture over the past few years. Every international cuisine flourishes: in

reasons to go to Adelaide in autumn

gastro pubs, cafes, high-end restaurants and on the streets. The coffee scene is vibrant…and eat streets are claiming their place in every suburb.

■ GOLF Adelaide has some of the world’s most prestigious golf clubs. The Big Daddy of them all, The Royal Adelaide Golf Club, played host to the world’s top female golfers in February at the Australian Women’s Open, all players enthusiastic about the quality of the course.

■ FUN Let us never again refer to refer to Adelaide as the City of Churches. Sure, churches make their graceful presence known, but Adelaide is more about fun these days…just ask any one of the thousands people who crammed into the

Adelaide Oval to watch Guns & Roses perform in February, and then ask some of the thousands of others who went out into the streets to enjoy the Fringe Festival Parade.

■ CONVENIENCE Locals call Adelaide the 20 Minute City. Just that short time takes you to the beach or the hills and all the good times they offer. The free City Connector bus will take you on an inner-city loop and an extended loop around trendy North Adelaide giving you a link to all the popular attractions. That’s a lot to love about a bus.

■ WINE Grant Burge, Peter Lehmann, Penfolds, Jacobs Creek, Seppelts, St. Hallett, Yalumba…all our best-known wine names live in South

Australia…plus dozens more we haven’t heard of.

More than 200 cellar doors are on the city’s doorstep which earns Adelaide’s wine area the title of Great Wine Capital of the World, alongside Bordeaux and Napa Valley.

It doesn’t get any more recognised than that.

■ HAHNDORF Hahndorf is home to the oldest surviving German settlement built by a group of Prussian settlers in 1839 and in this leafy town you’ll eat sublime German smallgoods, beautiful breads and sumptuous cakes and then with satisfied stomach, browse galleries, boutiques and jewellery shops. In the autumn Hahndorf is a blaze of rusty colours.

■ BAROSSA VALLEY Neat vineyards roll over

the landscape and connect graceful hills, all interspersed with charming villages and appealing hamlets.

Cycling and walking trails offer gentle exercise after you’ve visited cellar doors (with around 750 winegrowing families in the Barossa you’ll find a cellar door in every nook).

You could be in Tuscany but Barossa is better.

■ MAGGIE BEER’S FARM SHOP A stop at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop gives you a literal taste of all the Barossa. Every one of her many products (apart from ice creams) is generously offered to taste. From her famous pates through to her relishes, jams, pastes and then to her daughter Sasika’s products (beetroot jam…mmmm), you’re invited to try them

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 2 Night Wollongong & Canberra  Hawkesbury River Cruise  Kangaroo Valley & Fitzroy Falls  Berry Treat Factory & Berry Tea Shop  Macenmist Black Truffles & Truffle Dogs

all. If you can walk out without buying something – salted brandy caramel in our case – then your willpower is commendable.

■ CLIMATE Yes, Adelaide can experience extreme heat, but we are going into autumn and it’s time to enjoy crisp mornings and rug-up evenings. Once autumn has gone it is all about gathering around fires in pubs, clubs, B&Bs and in winery restaurants.

Sipping some of the Barossa’s big reds in front of a fire will make you forget the horrible humidity of a Queensland summer.

The writer was a guest of South Australia Tourism. For more information on Adelaide, go to www.southaustralia.com.

 4 Nights Riverwood Downs Mountain Resort  Hillview Herb Farm & Barrington NP  Camelot Llama & Lavender Farm  Tocal Homestead Tour  Tropical Fruit World

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12 Seniors Wide Bay

travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, March 20, 2017

A cruise fit for a Queen Ann takes an extravagant trip of a lifetime aboard the QM2 Ann Rickard

SHE caused quite the stir when she sailed into Sydney Harbour a decade ago, almost bringing the city to a standstill as is only fitting for royalty.

Her visit last month was a more low-key affair as Queen Mary 2 sailed into the beautiful harbour in the dawn light, gliding past her sister Queen Elizabeth anchored near Taronga Zoo. Cunard’s two most famous liners spent a day and evening in Sydney creating an historic event, with QM2 looking more splendid than ever after a $160 million remastering.

We were on board QM2 to experience her expensive new look, along with about 2000 others, and no-one was holding back in their enthusiasm for the magnificent ship with its under-stated British elegance. The Englishness was most evident at afternoon tea where a harpist played as hundreds of pinkie fingers were raised over china

cups, and white-gloved waiters proffered silver trays of cucumber sandwiches and scones with jam and cream.

While the ship is most definitely the Queen, food and wine are king on board. The Verandah Grill – a new speciality restaurant harking back to the refined atmosphere of Cunard’s original Verandah Grills reserved for First Class passengers – is now available to all passengers (for extra cost). Contemporary French cuisine (slipper lobster, magret duck, prune and Armagnac tart, in our case) is served in grand tradition by discreet waiters who, after multi-courses, will wheel trolleys of dainty petit fours and dazzling liqueurs to your table.

In the Carinthia Lounge, a place of relaxed glamour with curved lounges and dining chairs and tables, we took morning coffee although light breakfast and lunch dishes were served. It is here you must ponder the

QUEEN MARY 2: Leaving a regal wake as she slips across the oceans.

collection of 46 different vintage ports dating back to 1840.

The Queens and Princess Grills, both with a la carte offerings and sophisticated service, work well, but the buffet in the Kings Court must be the most popular for breakfast and lunch and while it is, yes, a buffet, it didn’t seem as frantic as others we’ve experienced.

The English influence of patient queueing perhaps? You’ll feel regal yourself as you enter the grand lobby, and definitely when you make a grand

entrance down the steps of the curved staircase in the two-tiered Britannia Restaurant with its coloured-glass ceiling.

We particularly loved the Smokehouse restaurant (cost involved) with its classic American dishes – best ribs and blackened salmon we’ve had. QM2 can boast (if she was so inclined, she isn’t) to have a number of ‘world firsts’ at sea. The library certainly qualifies with 8000 books. The wine cellar has the world’s biggest-at-sea collection with 450 fine wines

including a $4500 bottle of California Screaming Eagle, which you can have by the glass thanks to a new Coravin wine pouring system, which uses a fine needle to extract from a bottle without unsealing the cork. After food comes pleasure – and it is plentiful at the Canyon Ranch spa on two fragrant levels, the biggest and most luxe we’ve seen at sea (that’s our boast) with a range of treatments fit for royalty (you).

New carpet laid during the remastering – six football pitches of it – adds to the elegance, and hectares of teak decks around the ship are home to rows of timber deck chairs lined like military soldiers and facing the sea. Terribly British.

If you can get past the wickedly seductive Godiva shop with its sinful chocolates, you’ll make it into some of the world’s big brand-name outlets including Michael Kors, luxury bags, shoes, accessories. Fifty new staterooms have been added, with the new Britannia Club Balcony staterooms paying tribute to the original QM iconic

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A number of new single staterooms have been included to meet the increasing demands of lone travellers. There are quirks on board too: kennels for four-legged guests.

QM2 is the only cruise liner in the world to offer dedicated kennels, and the pampered pooches even have a lamp post and a fire hydrant to enhance their walking experience on reserved decks during transatlantic cruises. Everything you expect from a cruise liner is available, but without the brash or the obvious: a casino, swimming pools, card, bingo and trivia games, dance classes, deck games, fitness classes, afternoon melodies.

And a bonus for the single ladies – nine professional dance partners who will lead you around the ballroom while an orchestra plays.

Could it be any more British? Details on Queen Mary 2’s 2018 Australian itinerary, to www.cunard.com.

The writer was a guest on board Queen Mary 2.

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Monday, March 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

travel

Wide Bay

ISLAND LIFE: The resort is set up like a Fijian village.

Seniors 13

PHOTOS: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR

Time for fabulous fun in Fiji Shirley Sinclair

SO YOU want a holiday somewhere special but you don’t want to be on the go once you get there.

And you don’t want to have to be anywhere at a particular time. You just want to go with the flow at your pace for once.

Fiji’s first 5-star resort may be just what you’re looking for.

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort on the Coral Coast combines traditional hospitality with the modern facilities and conveniences of a world-class resort.

Everything is at your fingertips and staff are at your beck and call – even your own private butler who will unpack for you.

You can live a little without having to dress up and put on airs and graces …and everyone is smiling.

Paradise found is a three-hour plane flight from Brisbane and a hassle-free transfer to the Coral Coast.

Here’s 10 ways to slow down and relax at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort: 1. Indulge in a spa treatment at the multi award-winning Bebe Spa Sanctuary. The sanctuary lies next to the wedding chapel high above the resort on the ridge known as Heavenly Hill.

If you need to take away the tension, re-energise tired muscles and revitalise the skin, perhaps the Cabe massage will do the trick (meaning “to ascend”, Cabe sees the skin

prepared with a sugar scrub before the body is soothed with mandarin oil, applied using ancient South Pacific techniques).

2. Dinner at Fiji’s leading restaurant, Ivi, sees modern Fijian cuisine meet food theatre.

For entrée, try Fijian Ika Kokoda – the nation’s beloved national dish uniting lime juice marinated island fish with coconut cream and a hint of chilli, created by your host beside the table, or mangrove crab wonton bisque slow-baked in a freshly cracked coconut bilo.

For dinner, you can’t go past Fiji’s deep sea snapper and shelled mud crabs (fish wrapped and poached in a banana leaf with ginger and coriander, plus crab meat braised in coconut “miti”’ sauce with caramelised onions and kumala) or slow roasted, five-spice duck breast (vichy carrots, brie and duck spring roll with orange sauce).

Dessert calls for the Ivi tasting platter.

3. Talai Butler is a five-star butler service with a Fijian twist that operates from 7am–11pm for guests in Deluxe Ocean View rooms, suites and bures. Not only do they deliver champagne or your drink of choice and canapés about 5pm to your room daily, they also are available to unpack and iron your clothing, recommend tours and activities, and make restaurant reservations.

4. Meimei Nanny Service gives parents and grandparents peace of

mind while their children, aged six months to 12 years, are entertained with a host of fun and educational indoor and outdoor activities under the smiling eyes of their Fijian nannies.

They learn more about the Fijian culture and hospitality through games, arts and crafts, and simple language lessons. The children can also meet new friends through the Kids’ Club and teens’ programs.

5. Stroll more than 16ha of grounds and meandering paths past tranquil water courses and thatched-roof bures as well as traditionally decorated, plush hotel complex to the blissful lagoon area that is ideal for snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming and lying under beach umbrellas.

6. Take time out at Vahavu (meaning “to relax”) adults-only area.

As well as a 20m lap pool, 35m lagoon pool and comfortable lounge and dining area with sundeck, the complex features a swim-up bar for refreshing cocktails on shaded seats out of the tropical midday sun.

7. If you like to use exercise to unwind, the resort has a golf driving range and training facility, huge family lagoon pool, 24-hour fitness centre and fully-lit tennis courts.

8. Try a char-grilled steak or wood-fired pizza after watching the sunset on the flaming torch-lit deck of beachfront Sundowners Bar and Grill.

9. Reclaim your 20-something zing with

dancing to the resident band and perhaps a “Russell” cocktail (named after the resort manager Russell Blaik) into the wee hours at the resort’s Vakavanua bar and

nightclub. 10. Stare out through panorama windows over the sprawling grounds of the resort to the turquoise waters of the lagoon, without a care in the

world, as you sip sunset drinks at the Kalokalo Bar above Bebe Spa Sanctuary. *The writer was a guest of Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.

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14 Seniors Wide Bay

travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, March 20, 2017

Come aboard for fashion fun LUXURY cruise brand Cunard has announced fashion royalty Iris Apfel will join its line-up of fashion icons set to sail onboard Queen Mary 2 for the cruise line’s second annual Transatlantic Fashion Week from August 31 to September 7.

At 95, Iris is a jet-setting celebrity known for her individual style and joyful flair. Featured in cutting-edge style campaigns for Macy’s, MAC, Kate Spade,

Swarovski and other big-name brands, Iris has become renowned for her signature look of bold round glasses, oversized bangles and necklaces, and rich, flamboyant, colourful garments.

Over the course of Transatlantic Fashion Week, Iris will be presenting a Q&A session and will introduce a showing of ‘Iris’, a documentary featuring fashion, creativity and her soaring free spirit.

“I’ve lived quite a life of fashion and can’t wait to experience style at sea,” Ms Apfel said.

“I look forward to being inspired by the elegance and glamour of the occasion and life onboard, especially the formal nights on my voyage across the Atlantic.”

Transatlantic Fashion Week 2017 will also

feature designer Julien Macdonald OBE, fashion historian Colin McDowell MBE and consultant to the international fashion industry Gail Sackloff OBE as well as top models from Storm Model

Management. The unique fashion voyage invites guests to enjoy the glamour of Queen Mary 2, while being treated to seven days of runway shows, dinners and exclusive unveilings before sailing into New York for Fashion Week.

Fares on

Queen Mary 2’s Transatlantic Fashion Week voyage departing Southampton on August 31 start from $1949* per person twin share.

For more details visit www.cunard.com phone 132 441 or see a travel agent.

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grey nomads

Monday, March 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Wide Bay

Seniors 15

Take the road less travelled Erle levey

Rock outcrops near Lancefield, Vic.

THE LONG PADDOCK: The Drover and Horse sculpture by Corey Thomas at Mathoura on the Cobb Hwy, NSW. PHOTOS: ERLE LEVEY

constant source of interest.

Lancefield, was first settled by European squatters in 1837 but in recent years, many wineries have been established. The town has a connection to the Kelly Gang; for it was here that Constable Fitzpatrick, the instigator of the Kelly Outbreak in 1878 was finally found out by the Victorian police.

At Toobarac I joined the Northern Hwy and headed to Heathcote that, like

Bendigo, is undergoing a renaissance after its gold mining beginning. Today it’s wine and tourism. A crafty little town too. Neat as a pin and RV friendly.

There's caravan parks,motels and BnBs in town or on farms. The football and cricket oval is right in the heart of the main street, near the information centre.

That's where I meet with Bob, one of the centre’s volunteers, and talk about RV camping.

He grabs a street map

and his wife grabs a hi-lite pen.

“Which way are you parked,’’ he asks.

“Well you go back to here,’’ he points on the map. “Chauncey St. And go out here.’’

That's when his wife draws in a different turn-off.

You cross over McIvor Creek, past the showgrounds and about 5km you turn to the left into Plantation Rd. It's a sandy, well dusty, not really gravel road from

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when you enter the Heathcote Graytown National Park. About another 3km then turn left into Plantation Track and after another 2km you come across the Dargile picnic area. It a very pretty place among the trees and has tables and seats, walking tracks and a long-drop toilet – you need to take your own water.

Joining the Midland Highway at Elmore, there are plenty of picnic areas beside the Campaspie River.

Just north of Rochester, with its giant Devondale dairy processing plant there is beautiful pull-over point but no facilities.

By late afternoon I am in the old river port town of Echuca.

Once you cross the Murray into New South Wales the roads get straighter and the countryside flatter.

This too, is grazing and grain country, the start of the Long Paddock tourist route.

The Cobb Hwy is a celebration of the drovers that brought stock down from Outback Australia.

It crosses five rivers – the Darling, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee, Edward and Murray.

This is a land of beautiful sunrises and sunsets and surprises.

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Read past editions and more Seniors News on our website – embracing ageing.

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I STARTED off in Queensland and ended up at Deniliquin in the Riverina region of New South Wales. What began as a drive down roads from my past turned into a journey into the future.

Instead of taking the Calder Hwy from Melbourne Airport, I headed towards Sunbury on a road less travelled, along the C325 to places such as Clarkefield, Lancefield and on to Heathcote.

A little research on Deniliquin revealed there was a lot of grain and grazing and a certain liking for setting world records. Not only does the town host the biggest ute muster it has seen the most blue singlets being worn in the same place at the same time.

Heading north, I followed the signpost to Clarkefield.

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16 Seniors Wide Bay

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, March 20, 2017

Wellbeing

Making the most of home care reforms

STAYING SAFE: Home care packages to help with keeping those in need in the home safely.

For most people, living saFely and independently at home For as long as possible is what they want.

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However, this might only be possible through additional help and support with daily tasks, that are no longer safe or easy to perform on your own.

KinCare is Australia's leading provider of in-home health and well-being services to older people and people with a disability.

below are some of the in-home services that we offer; Housekeeping | Personal Care Nursing | Allied Health Home Garden Maintenance Meal Preparation | Transport

For further information on how we can assist you visit http://www.kincare.com.au/ phone: 1300 733 510 Email: mail@kincare.com.au

Last month the federal Minister for Aged Care, Ken Wyatt, launched the Federal Government’s Increasing Choice in Home Care reforms.

Older Australians will now have more choice about which services they use to help them with their daily living needs at home.

Speaking from her office in Bulcock St, Caloundra (Qld), Kendall Morton, director of Home Care Assistance Sunshine Coast, was thrilled about the changes.

“This is terrific news for aged care. From now on, clients and their families get to make the important decisions about their care. They can move their funding to other agencies if they are dissatisfied.

What’s more any unspent funds go with them to the new service.”

However, she said there was no obligation for anyone to change service providers.

“It’s just important to know that the option is there now and into the future.”

To qualify for a home care package, an individual still requires an assessment with ACAT, the aged care assessment team in their local area.

“Once that is done, individuals are assigned a home care package based on their level of need.

At this point they can choose which care provider they want coming into their home to support them with personal care, cooking and cleaning or other services or equipment that relates to their care needs.

In order to make an informed choice, Ms Morton suggested that older Australians shop around and ask these key questions.

■ WHAT ARE THE MANAGEMENT FEES?

Administration and case management fees can

vary between providers, as well as the hourly rate for certain services.

“Make sure you are comfortable with the level of support you are receiving for your fees,” Ms Morton said.

“If you are charged a 40% management fee, how much is this cutting into the supports you require?”

Although consumers now have the choice to change services at any time, Ms Morton said many agencies had exit fees.

These are not meant to be a discouragement to moving your package.

More information is available on the My Aged Care website.

■ HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU?

Poor phone support is a major concern for many Australians already on home care packages. In fact, the aged care website reports that after management fees, communication is the top issue that consumers are dissatisfied with.

Some providers have a local 24-hour phone service, where you speak to someone you know who can solve your problem or answer your question.

■ HOW MANY STAFF WILL COME INTO MY HOME EACH WEEK?

Having a few people who know you and your routines is important.

Check whether each provider will limit the staff to two or three or have a number of workers rotating through your home.

Also, you should know which staff to expect each day.

■ WHEN CAN I GET HELP AND WHAT TYPE OF HELP CAN I GET?

Some care providers cannot give you a set time

when someone will come into your place to shower you or provide other care.

Instead they give you a time band, for instance, somewhere between 7am and 10am.

Other providers will give you a set time, say 8am and stick to it. You have less waiting around time this way and can get on with your day.

According to Ms Morton, clients should be able to have support in the evenings and on the weekends as well as during the week – if that is what their care needs require.

It’s important for providers to sit down with you and find out what help you need to live your life as independently as possible and stay connected to your community.

Ms Morton said: “Everyone is different.

Home care providers need to be flexible and plan their service around the client and not the other way around.”

■ DO YOU POST OUT A MONTHLY STATEMENT?

Your monthly statement will show you how your package is being spent, what fees are added in and what the remaining balance is. This will give you more control in planning your own care.

Ms Morton said that in the past, some older people have not realised home care funding is actually taxpayers’ money coming back to them as a service. Instead, they thought their home care was an act of goodwill from the agency.

With the new reforms, it’s now clearer that home care packages are part of our country’s aged care provisions and are paid for by tax dollars.

For further information about your home care, or a free home care package audit, you can call Kendall Morton on 0499 022 567 /5491 6888. Advertorial

Wide Bay

Monday, March 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Living Pets and Ageing: New pet service helping keep them at home

TUCKED away quietly in a suburb in Geelong, Victoria, is a unique community-centred charity providing support for companion pets of vulnerable elderly people.

The social benefit charity, Cherished Pets Foundation, was started by veterinarian Dr Alicia Kennedy and is run out of her Cherished Pets Community Care.

“Our (practice) services have been designed and developed around elderly people and people with disabilities who are still living independently in our local community,” Dr Kennedy said.

“The charity provides a portal for eligible people who require extra support to care for their pets and aren’t in a position to fund it.”

The veterinary business provides the on-going support for the health and well-being of pets while the charity provides support through volunteers under-pinned by the veterinary practice, a discretionary vet fee support and respite care of pets during times of crisis.

“So, if the owner goes into hospital, we have a plan in place for who’s going to look after the pets which provides enormous peace of mind.”

Dr Kennedy said she recognised early in her practice years how important the attachment is between an ageing person and their pet, but also how difficult it can become for the person to care for the pet.

Seniors 17

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HELPING OUT: Practice client, Mr Walters with his dog Tessie and Cherished Pets Foundation's Dr Alicia Kennedy.

Cherished Pets Foundation's Dr Alicia Kennedy with Gracie.

“In severe cases the welfare of the pet can be comprised. It’s not through a lack of love, but rather through their lack of capacity,” Dr Kennedy said.

The CPF charity was launched in April 2015 and ran a pilot project for 10 clients, funded by the community.

In 2016, with the support of a state grant, CPF were able to expand their re-homing and respite care services.

“Every pet that comes

Cherished Pets Foundation's Dr Alicia Kennedy with Emmy Lou and client, Peter.

PHOTO: EMMA CATHERINE MALONE

into our program has a high chance of needing respite care or re-homing at some point in time,” Dr Kennedy said.

“During our pilot we recognised that many of these sole companion pets have behaviour and training challenges that could impact their ‘re-homability’ including not being used to being around people.

“So we were able to progress our service through this grant to ensure that the behaviour and training needs of pets in our community project are supported, as is the re-homing and respite care process.”

Her passion and generosity is exceptional, and so is her determination to make the program sustainable.

Each client’s program is tailored to the needs of the pet and their owner and takes into account what funding is available to support the program.

The funding come from home-care packages, direct payment by private clients, the foundation, Dr Kennedy’s pro-bono and low-bono social mission allowance, or the practice’s 20% pensioner discount.

“We are making extraordinary progress to keep pets healthy so that their owners are happy and can enjoy the benefits,” Dr Kennedy said.

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18 Seniors Wide Bay

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, March 20, 2017

Community HOW TO SUBMIT NOTICES

Magic Merv on May 20 with 7pm start. Entry $10 Admission there will be a Bar and supper available.

Lucky Door and Raffle Family Pass Maryborough Show. There will also be camping available. Come along and meet up with neighbours. You don’t need to dance, just tap your feet and clap your hands. Details call 0409 611 404.

TO ALLOW for readers’ requests for the publication of more neighbourhood news, please keep notices short and to the point (100 word maximum).

If you would like to submit a photo please ensure it is at least 180dpi with faces in a nice and bright setting.

The deadline for the March issue is April 3.

Email Nicky or Chris at communitynotes @seniorsnewspaper. com.au

TIARO COUNTRY DOG SHOW

HERVEY BAY BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

HOME ASSIST SECURE HERVEY BAY

PROVIDES safety-related information and referrals to home-owners and tenants over the age of 60, or home-owners and tenants of any age with a disability. Subsidised assistance is available to eligible clients to assist with critical small maintenance issues that

GIVING THANKS: Hervey Bay VIEW Club’s members attend the Thanksgiving service at the Hervey Bay Museum Historical Church.

will allow them to remain safely and securely in their own home. Details call 4197 4722 or visit the Home Assist Secure office at 30 Halcro Street, Pialba (behind the Community Centre).

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

THE HERVEY Bay and Maryborough Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meet on the first Friday of each month on the Deck at the Hervey Bay RSL at 10am for a coffee and a chat. Attendances at our monthly meetings have been really good and we have welcomed several new members. Alison from Orthopaedic Appliances addressed our

March meeting and demonstrated many helpful aids for people with disabilities and was very well received and sampled by many.

Approximately 30,000 Australians have or are affected by MS which attacks the central nervous system mainly a person’s sensory, motor and cognitive functions and varies greatly from person to person. Our group is always welcoming of anyone with MS and newly diagnosed are most welcome to sit in on a meeting to discuss their own situation and ask questions. Contact Bev on 4128 2692 or email bev_cornwell@hotmail. com

Seniors News

PEACE CAKE CHARITY BALL

WE INVITE you to the Re-creation of the 1919 Victory Ball at 7pm on Saturday April 29 at the Maryborough RSL. Tickets $100 or $950 for a table of 10 - No Free List.

Tickets available from the Maryborough RSL. Featuring: The Band of the 1st Regiment Royal Australian Artillery. Meal includes Hors d’oeuvres, two courses and there will be a Charity Auction.

Details email themaryboroughmural project@gmail.com

BUNDABERG PCYC

MARKET is relocating to the new PCYC in the Multiplex Building in 1

Civic Avenue. The markets will now be held on the second Sunday of each month. Great bargains are available from stalls selling plants, woodwork, clothes, jewellery, cakes, jams preserves, handmade gift cards and much, much more. A Market will be held on Sunday April 9, from 8am to 12pm. The canteen is open from 7.30am and there is a sausage sizzle operating. Come browse the stalls then enjoy a snack. Details call Irene on 0437 645 941 or email irene.petretic@pcyc.org. au

BAUPLE BAND HALL

COME Along to the Old Time Country Hall with Rock N Roll music by

THE SENIORS Legal and Support Service will be presenting a free public information seminar on Enduring Powers of Attorney. Information on when to make an EPA, what to put in it and how it works will be covered in a one-hour session commencing 10am. The seminar in Maryborough will be held on Monday March 27 at the Maryborough Library.

Places are limited. Please phone Diane on 4124 6863 or email admin.slass@bigpond. com to register.

If you like what you’re reading, why not advertise here?

We’d love to share your stories and promote your business to readers just like you. This is the perfect opportunity to share what your business has to offer to those who are most interested. Don’t miss your chance to reach our readers!

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FREE PUBLIC INFORMATION SEMINAR ON EPAS

To find out more about advertising in Wide Bay Seniors and online, call your local seniors team member, Rachel Loy on 1300 880 265 or get in touch at rachel.loy@seniorsnewspaper.com.au

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WE MEET on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 2pm. We meet monthly alternating between Hervey Bay Bowls Club located at Denmans Camp Road Scarness and social venues for afternoon tea. When we meet at the bowls club we try to have a guest speaker who talk about a variety of topics. We don’t just sit around talking health issues all the time.

So come along and we can help each other. Call Ellen Duncan on 4125 2086.

COME Along to the Tiaro Country Dog Show at the Tiaro Recreation Grounds, Inman Street, Tiaro. 1st and 2nd Place for all Categories including Best Behaved Dog, Best Dressed Dog, Biggest Dog and Smallest Dog. Events include Fashion Show, Race, Bending Race and High Jump. Food and drink available. Details call 0409 611 404 or 4129 2227.

Monday, March 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

neighbourhood news

Wide Bay

QUOTA INTERNATIONAL OF MARYBOROUGH

members and makes us all aware of the fragility of life. At our first committee meeting for the year we floated some new ideas to improve our monthly meetings and socials and with depleted numbers within our committee we are allocating tasks for the many volunteers who have put their hands up to help. Many hands make light work as the saying goes. Details call Kerry 0409 479 152 or email herveybay.viewclub95@ gmail.com

A MONSTER Pre-Easter Tombola hosted by Quota International of Maryborough, will be held Saturday April 8, in the Maryborough Pensioner’s Hall, Adelaide Street, Maryborough. Doors will open at 12 noon for a 1pm start. Entry is FREE and there will be a FREE afternoon tea. Drinks, chips and sandwiches will be available to purchase.

There will be many quality prizes to be won, many with an Easter theme.

Proceeds from the day will be donated to Act for Kids, Maryborough, and other local charities. So make up a party of your relatives or friends and have a fun afternoon.

G DAY TOASTMASTERS CLUB MARYBOROUGH

PRESIDENT Joy wishes to advise that the recent competitions for delivering Speeches and Interpretative Reading were a great success, with the participants outstanding, showing all the attributes that they had been mentored in, by the more experienced Toastmasters, and all to be congratulated for a job well done. The winners going on to represent the Club at future contests later in the year. If you wish to assist, or even learn to present a speech, or take on some of the leadership roles you will be most welcome. For the uninitiated, Toastmasters offer the cheapest and best self-development course available, and has assisted millions of people worldwide.

Currently delivered in over 150 counties, with over 350,000 current members. By obtaining better communication skills, your chances at succeeding at the interviews for a job are greatly enhanced, as well

Seniors 19

PROBUS ■ MIXED HERVEY BAY

LEARN ING TOGETER: Hervey Bay and Maryborough MS Group L to R. Alison Schenk from ’OAPL’ with members Angelika and Alison at March meeting.

as your overall social skills. We are also open to accepting retirees who want to keep mentally alert, and are fed up with watching TV. Transport we can help. Details call Marjory on 0428 889 499.

LEND A HELPING HAND

COUNCIL is inviting stallholders to showcase their organisations at the Every Hand Helps Volunteers Expo in May. The Expo is a fantastic opportunity for groups to speak to potential volunteers about how they can become involved and give back to the community. Last year more than 50 organisations and groups attended the Expo including SES, Red Cross, Surf Live Safing Club, Volunteer Marine Rescue and Council’s Community Environment Program. The Expo will be held at Maryborough City Hall on Saturday, May 6 from 10am to 2pm.

Registration forms are available online at www.frasercoast.qld.gov. au/every-hand-helpsvolunteer-expo. The Expo is a Council initiative which is held during National Volunteers Week.

FRASER COAST JOBS AND CAREERS EXPO

IT IS the largest event for local job-seekers and this year’s Fraser Coast Jobs and Careers Expo is shaping up to be the biggest one yet! More than 3,500 people are expected to descend on the Brolga Theatre in May to consider a range of employment and career opportunities. Council is inviting businesses, agencies, and training and education institutions to register for a site on the day to showcase their organisation. The Expo will be held on Wednesday, May 24 at the Brolga Theatre, Maryborough.

Stallholder registration forms are available on www.investfrasercoast.

com Registrations close on Friday, April 28. Details call Adam Hughes, Investment Attraction Officer on 1300 794 929.

THE KENILWORTH FOOD FEST

SHOWCASES produce and producers from the Mary Valley and District with an eclectic mix of fine food stalls. Featuring gourmet cooking demonstrations and all day cheese and wine tastings. Enjoy the Cheese Rolling Competition, Cheester Egg Hunt for little kids and entertainment for the whole family. Rediscover the simple pleasure of a day in the country.

Celebrate Easter Saturday in Kenilworth, Heart of the Mary Valley.

VIEW ■ FRASER COAST

IT’S A PARTY! We are celebrating our 10th birthday on Thursday, April 6 at the Clubhouse, Tooth Street, Pialba. We invite you all to join us on this

special occasion, enjoy the friendship and the entertainment for the day.

We extend a special invitation to the past members of the Bundaberg VIEW Club. The cost is $20, which includes lunch, lucky door & raffle prizes. Details and catering purposes, please RSVP to Bonnie on 0409 042 199 or Heather on 0438 784 729 by Friday March 31.

■ HERVEY BAY

THE HERVEY Bay View Club (Voice, Interest, Education of Woman) meetings and luncheon are always the second Monday of each month at the Club House, Tooth Street, Pialba from 10.30am and usually includes a Guest Speaker.

Monthly socials are on the forth Monday at various venues from 9.30am. Our annual Thanksgiving service to commence our View year was well attended and a peaceful start to the year for our club. We recognised the passing of two of our dear

THE CLUB Tries Out Another Restaurant. A group of keen diners have a monthly dinner date at one of the local restaurants. They have formed a mini club called Zoolanders and have sampled many of our wonderful restaurants.

New members are welcome to join in the fun.

Our usual meetings are held at the Masonic Hall in Watson Street at 9am on the 4th Thursday of each month from April until November this year.

Details call 4125 1671.

MARYBOROUGH CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB

ONCE more a new year is seeing the club offer lessons to those out there who’d like to take up a new interest and who love playing cards. 2016 was busy year with eight new players attending lessons and most moving on to become part of the club.

So why not think about getting the little grey cells busy and come along for lessons to see if bridge is your thing. Our social activities include Australia Day celebrations, a whole swag of decade birthdays with cake and drinks, Melbourne Cup parties and a Christmas event.

Maryborough Contract

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

Win a Copy of Dr Karl’s book Dr Karl explains science as you have never heard it before and Seniors News is giving you the chance to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!

To be in the running, simply visit https://www.seniorsnews.com.au/competitions/ and fill in your Name, Address, Phone Number and Seniors Newspaper Region.

Good luck!

Visit seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558. Promotional period 06/03/17 – 27/03/17. Competition drawn 27/03/17 at 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore Qld 4558. Winners announced in Seniors Newspapers, Seniors Brisbane 03/04/2017, Seniors Sunshine Coast 03/04/2017, Seniors Gold Coast 10/04/2017 and Seniors Toowoomba 10/04/2017, Seniors Wide Bay 18/04/2017 and online 27/03/17. Total prize value $174.95 (including GST).

Living + Money + WeLLbeing + HeaLtH

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Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au for more information.

20 Seniors Wide Bay

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, March 20, 2017

Live and let’s save

ern Play & t s e W t a e Gr al toUr stay MUsIC mber 2017. pte 17th-27th Se

Help reduce e-waste

Come join us on this great western play & stay music tour with 12 country singers.

We take the music to the west on this tour.

$2200 pp

G&D ROSS Bus Charters

Phone 4129 7132 | Mobile 0427 297 132 www.ganddrossbuscharters.com

6518122ab

including, bus, accommodation, breakfast, evening meal and entertainment. 10 different tour locations.

AUSTRALIAN’S are amongst the highest users of new technology in the world.

We can all help to address the e-waste (electronic waste) epidemic by recycling our used mobile phones, accessories, batteries and even computers.

COMPUTERS

6518341ac

Great range of mens & ladies wear plus mens work clothes.

Australian’s purchase more than two million computers every year.

This makes e-waste, including computers and accessories, a growing problem.

Monitors contain lead and computers also contain other hazardous materials that need to be disposed of responsibly.

Computers and accessories that are in working order can often be refurbished with new software and some replacement parts.

These repackaged computers are generally

BATTERIES

BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN made available to low-income communities, individuals and community organisations.

The individual materials such as printed circuit boards, cabling, glass and plastics are recovered and then processed so that they can be used as raw materials to produce new products.

MOBILE PHONES

It is estimated more than 31 million mobile phones are in use in Australia.

Millions of old and unused mobile phones are stashed away in cupboards and drawers at home and work.

We are all possibly guilty of this.

REDUCE: Reuse and recycle.

If your mobile is still working and you would like it to be reused, you could have it repaired, pass it on to family or friends, donate it to a charity or sell it to a company that offers cash.

Throwing old mobiles into landfill can potentially be dangerous.

Heavy metals in the batteries could penetrate into the environment.

Simply drop them off at a recycling collection point as mobile phones and mobile batteries cannot be recycled in your council recycling bin.

There are a wide range of battery types, many of which contain toxic metals, mercury and lead. Others contain valuable materials like magnesium and zinc.

Buying rechargeable batteries is an important way to reduce battery waste. Each battery can be recharged up to 1000 times, saving you money and reducing pollution.

Used rechargeable batteries are a hazardous waste and should not be placed in the garbage bin. This includes batteries in laptops, mobile phones, power tools and cameras. Aldi supermarkets offer a free battery recycling service at their stores. Find a commercial battery recycling service for your workplace or business via BusinessRecycling. com.au or for more on recycling, visit www. planetark.org.

The future for you in the kitchen Who do you call...

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

1800 200 422

www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

6285791aa

National Aged Care Information

SAVING time, making life easier and making time in the kitchen fun is what these amazing new appliances are doing for us.

■ Light wave oven This appliance is like a cross between a microwave, grill and oven that does not take up much space. It cooks food four times faster than a regular oven and you don’t need to preheat it. Still a bit pricey but be patient the prices will go down eventually.

■ Thermomix ® This will help you to save time and cook delicious meals.

Preparation time is cut

HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN with chopping ingredients in seconds then cooks and stirs your food for you. Very pricey at more than $2000 but it replaces the functions of 12 appliances in one unit.

■ Steam-assist ovens Steam is used in the cooking process to produce better tasting food and faster cook times. Using steam to cook, usually with

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convection heating, keeps food moist. These ovens are computerised, and monitor the amount of steam used based on the dish type you enter in on the keypad and practically cook dinner for you!

■ Induction cook-tops You can boil a pot of water on a burner and then set your hand on it moments later without experiencing any heat.

Add to that, induction cooking is up to twice as efficient as natural gas or electric elements, so it’s easy to see why this cooking method is catching on fast.

■ Microwave drawers Under bench

microwaves that slide out like a drawer. The benefits of these units include saving space, blending your microwave seamlessly into your kitchen and easier access.

■ Dishwasher drawers Operate on the same principle as microwave drawers. You can install dishwasher drawers fitted with your own cupboards.

The drawers look like any other drawer in your kitchen.

■ Computerised refrigerators With a computer and screen built into the main door, access the internet while you make dinner!

Monday, March 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Bridge Club offer 10 weeks of lessons for $30 with each learner having to buy a book for $20.

This book mirrors the lessons so if there’s some confusion the content of each lesson can be revised at leisure.

Lessons will be from 2pm to 4pm on Thursdays starting March 16.

Why not come along and see how our 100-year-old Olive Williams still tops the scores regularly?

There’s no doubt being a bridge player can enhance your life by offering mental stimulation and social contact. Details call Ann Morris on 0412 490 131 or 4123 4485 to have a chat about joining.

Wide Bay

Seniors 21

Are you struggling to afford food?

Ladies in pink raise awareness

Why not try our Extra Choices Low Cost Food Support Centre

Open to all Concession & Seniors card holders, self-funded retirees & anyone in need - become a member for $5 a year

Open Monday-Friday 9am-2pm

We Care 2 also provides Emergency Relief (free food), Counselling and free breakfasts for homeless You can find WE CARE 2 at

Ph: 4124 0913

6313403ab

FROM PAGE 19

general news

225 Main Street Urraween Email: office@wc2.org.au

Nearest bus stops : Kawungan Shops, Main Street & Tafe Campus, Urraween Rd

CARING AND SHARING: Breast Cancer Support members helping each other.

Are you drowning in debt?

FEW things are harder than admitting you’re struggling with debt, but help is at hand.

I recently attended the launch of the National Debt Helpline, a service funded by federal and state governments, which has the potential to turn around the fortunes of Australians weighed down by runaway debt.

We are collectively carrying more debt than ever before – at a time when wages growth is the slowest in decades.

It’s not a great combination. On top of this, interest rates are at historic lows but it’s unlikely they’ll stay that way forever.

If rates start to climb, it’s a fair bet a growing number of households will feel the financial pinch.

To be fair, our home loans represent a significant chunk of

are using debit cards a lot more these days, the purchases made on credit cards tend to be big ticket items.

The average credit card purchase is $120 compared to just $50 for

SUPPORT: Help is available if your are struggling with debt.

The type of debt that tends to land people in financial hot water is ‘have it now’ debt.

I’m talking about credit cards, store debt and pay day loans that let us buy more stuff we often don’t need, and which certainly doesn’t rise in value.

Australians owe a total of $35 billion on their credit cards. And while we

debit card buys.

So, it only takes a handful of big purchases to rack up a four-figure card balance.

Now, you could say that compared to the balance of our home loans, the average card debt of $3,100 isn’t worth worrying about.

The trouble is, surprisingly few people

have just one credit card.

It turns out close to one in five cardholders have three or more cards.

That could mean facing a debt of $10,000 or more at interest of around 18% (by the way, the highest card rate on the market is a whopping 24.5%).

Looked at in this light it’s easy to see how disastrous this sort of debt can be.

If you feel debt is getting the better of you, it’s worth giving the National Debt Hotline a call on 1800 007 007.

This a free service, you won’t be sold additional loans as a way of paying off your current debts, or be steered towards complex debt arrangements that can seriously tarnish your credit record.

Admitting you’re sinking in debt is never easy but it’s better to take positive action today than allow it to overwhelm you.

Linking seniors with community information across Queensland 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday www.seniorsenquiryline.com.au

Paul Clitheroe is a founding director of financial planning firm ipac, Chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

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THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE

household debt. If you can manage your loan repayments, this type of debt is not a problem as a well-located home will rise in value over time, and at some stage you’ll own the place debt-free.

Welcome Senior Students Life’s lessons In our April edition we invite your to join us on our quest for life-long learning.

The acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences is unlimited and we will be presenting a broad range of flexible, diverse, formal and informal learning opportunities.

From personal development to special skills, it’s all about harnessing our creative potential.

Pick up your free copy of the April edition at your local stockist or read online at seniorsnews.com.au News + LifestyLe + HeaLtH + traveL + fiNaNce + eNtertaiNmeNt

6513898ac

Step up, step in and join us in this mind-altering edition. J

22 Seniors Wide Bay

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, March 20, 2017

SMART MONEY: ATMs are being slowly replaced by customers drawing cash down from cash-rich supermarkets.

Counting the change Tracey Johnstone

AS TECHNOLOGY forces changes in the way Australians bank, senior-age customers are proving successful adaptors to the evolving structures and banking processes.

The Australian Banker’s Association reports the biggest change in the uptake of smart banking channels is by over 65 year olds.

BRANCHES

BANK branch face-to-face customer

interaction hasn’t died, but it certainly has changed dramatically in recent years.

Over the last 10 years branch numbers have remained steady at 5500, but “the type of branch is changing”, the association’s executive director for retail policy Diane Tate said.

“We are seeing much more use of technology in branches.”

Kiosks that are technology-enabled, with computers and smart ATMs and staff to help customers complete their

transactions are starting to pop up.

“Branches are increasingly being equipped with a mix of self-service options for simple transactions to make sure customers can conduct their banking as fast and easy as possible, and tailored support from staff for more complex questions,” Ms Tate said.

“Making sure banks are accessible, friendly and available is something the industry is clearly making efforts to do,” Ms Tate added.

Staying safe online by following some simple steps THE Australian Banker’s Association recommends the following simple steps to staying safe online when doing your banking.

SEVEN SAFETY TIPS ■ Learn how to operate your device and protect it with anti-virus software.

■ Ensure your computer has installed the latest version of its virus protection software.

■ Always click out from the banking app or logout of the banking website

when you have finished, then close the browser.

■ Use a trusted app or type in the URL of the required website; don’t use a link from an email.

■ Protect your password and personal information at all times; never provide personal details, including customer ID or password, in response to an email. A bank will never ask you for your password.

■ Talk to the bank about

their tools to inform you of transactions on your account, such as alerts when account activity occurs.

■ Be aware of your rights and responsibilities under the ePayments Code which all banks are a party to.

For banking protection: www.betterbanking.net. au.

SIMPLE: steps to stay safe when you bank online.

PHOTO: ANDREYPOPOV

This however doesn’t mean the opening hours will change as each state has its own laws regarding opening hours.

And with further banking channels opening up, it’s unlikely that there will be any significant changes to branch hours.

Supermarkets are cash rich which is why they don’t have to charge for customers taking cash out at the till.

“This is a smart way to avoid paying ATM fees.

CASH SHOPPING

THE association reports at least 70% of banking transactions are now completed online, but mostly through smartphones with the biggest uptake in over 65 year olds.

IN the last five years the association has seen a significant shift in the way in which ATMs are used.

Instead, debit cards are more and more the cash choice and contact-less cards.

ONLINE

LEARNING

MORE seniors are taking advantage of the free courses available for learning how to use a computer or tablet, and how to do online banking through websites and phone apps.

The bank websites are providing online a range of learning tools as well as information available at libraries.

For more information on banking legislation and changes to the banking system, visit: betterbanking.net.au.

puzzles

Monday, March 20, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

JIGGERED

20/3

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.

E K R E S C

O A T R A D C

A G E O A S A T

E N S A S E T

D S E N H

E L Y I P R

K G E D N M

N E E L E Y E S

K C I E T

C A H G O G R

W B E U R E A

A C E R T E

A C L H E

A D V R P A N

B M A T N

I A T E N U

I

G S T

I N T A E C O R

E V E N G

S C E H

E B G L A O R

A N T T E L

D G E S E S S

M A N

V E U R A

I

R I S

Wide Bay

QUICK CRoSSwoRD

Across 1. Very busy (6) 5. Danger (6) 9. Against (6) 10. Scientist (colloq) (6) 11. Signal (4) 12. Overcame (8) 14. Signal fire (6) 16. Firmly fixed (6) 19. Preliminary test (5,3) 21. Links (4) 22. Tossed (6) 23. Exempt (6) 24. Stop (6) 25. Wager (6)

Down 2. Causing strong feelings (7) 3. Colossal (7) 4. Collier (4,5) 6. Terminate (5) 7. Initially (2,5) 8. Stripped (7) 13. Contracting (9) 14. Mishandled (7) 15. Creatures (7) 17. Most favourable (7) 18. Unending (7) 20. Ogles (5)

1

2

3

4

9

6

7

8

10

11

14

5

Seniors 23

12

15

13

16

19

17

20

18

21

22

23

24

25

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.

ALPHAGRAMS

S L E W

T O M E

E M B O L D E N

T A P E

S C O L H A A R A T V E R E D I C O S L S MO O T A G D E A S H E T E L E A S D R E

B Y E

QUIZ

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

N I N E I R K S

8 lEttERS APOPLEXY CHARISMA EMBOLDEN INACTIVE NOSTRILS ONESIDED SABOTAGE SEPARATE

1. Where did Australia send peace-keeping troops in 1999 and 2006?

2. Which sci-fi TV series starring Joanna Lumley and David McCallum ran from 1979 to 1982?

3. In which city is Bizet’s Carmen set?

4. Which chess piece makes L-shaped moves?

5. What was founded as Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino in Italy in 1899?

6. Robert Redford and Paul Newman played 1920s conmen in which film?

7. In the stories by JRR Tolkien, what relation is Bilbo to Frodo Baggins?

8. In which US state are the Everglades?

A G A R

6 lEttERS LASHES MANIAC STRICT TESTED

QUIZ

R O O T

5 lEttERS AMIGO

AVIAN EDICT SEPIA SLAVE SLIMS

G Y M S

4 lEttERS AGAR AURA BIAS CLOG CUTS DREW EASE EDAM ELSE EVER

GAVE GRAM GYMS HEAR IRKS KNOB LAME MOAN NINE NITS NODE OMEN ORAL OSLO REDO ROOT SLEW SODA TAPE TELL TOME YOGA

WORDFIT

3 lEttERS BYE COB EVE FOX FRY HAY IRE MOM NOR OAT OFF RIP

1 East Timor, 2 Sapphire and Steel, 3 Seville, 4 Knight, 5 Fiat, 6 The Sting, 7 Cousin, 8 Florida.

Solution opposite

WORD GO ROUND

SAUCE, THEORY, UNDERGO, VALUABLE, WORSENING.

Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword

T

Good 17 Very Good 23 Excellent 28+

woRDFIt

T

CAUSE HER TOY ONE DRUG BLUE LAVA NOW REIGNS

A G R E E S

W B E U R E A K G E D N M D G E S E S S E V E N G A C E R

S Y

A T E

424

T B

SUDOKU

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

TODAY

O

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

K O

R O

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.

TRIO: CRO

woRD Go RoUND

QUICK CROSSWORD

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.

Across: 1. Hectic 5. Hazard 9. Contra 10. Boffin 11. Sign 12.

Mastered 14. Beacon 16. Rooted 19. Trial run 21. Ties 22.

Heaved 23. Immune 24. Desist 25. Gamble.

Down: 2. Emotive 3. Titanic 4. Coal miner 6. Abort 7. At first 8.

Denuded 13. Shrinking 14. Botched 15. Animals 17. Optimum 18. Eternal 20. Leers.

alpHaGRaMS

book books boor boos boost boot boots booty bort bosky brook brooks koro koto robot robs rook rooks roost root rooty rosy rots sook soot sooty sorb sort stook stork story STORYBOOK took torso tyro

H

24 Seniors Wide Bay

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, March 20, 2017

Providing choice, advice and expert care.

GYMPIE

RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY

Previously Lister House, Gympie Residential Care has been serving the local community since 1927. Now part of Japara Healthcare, we offer affordable and accessible care, with fl exible plans and tailored care options. The facility has brilliant sweeping views over the Mary Valley, large social areas and a vibrant lifestyle program.

With single and companion rooms, 24 hour Registered Nursing and comprehensive allied health services, care underscores everything that we do.

Limited places now available Book your private tour today – call 5482 2634.

30 Barter Street, Gympie acsagroup.com.au

Providing choice, advice and expert care.

Surrounded by beautiful trees and lush gardens, with a swimming pool residents can use to cool down, Noosa Residential Care is a peaceful oasis. With a physiotherapy and exercise activity hub, our facility offers tailored care and a range of lifestyle choices for your loved one.

With 24 hour registered nurses on site and affordable packages, care underscores everything that we do.

Limited places now available Book your private tour today – call 5447 1840.

119 Moorindil Street, Tewantin acsagroup.com.au

NOOSA

RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY