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2 Seniors Wide Bay
Feature: Christine Danton ......................................Page 5 Grey Nomads feature...............................Pages 13-20 Travel................................................................Pages 21-24 Wellbeing .......................................................Pages 25-27 Puzzles.........................................................Page 31
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”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications. Published by News Corp Australia Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina. Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endoresement by the owner/publisher.
Disrupt the rules and do it your way Disruptors welcome! This month our theme focuses on “Age Disruptors” – people who have, in one way or another challenged traditional perceptions of ageing. I use the word “Disruptor” in the modern sense, as a noun with positive connotations. Wizard entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson loves nothing more than a “disruptor” that is, a person who (often) through inventive means, challenges conventions. Indeed his Virgin website virgin.com.au has a dedicated page to Virgin Disruptors and explains it as: “Virgin Disruptors – People Creating Change. Virgin is all about inspiration, innovation and creating tangible change across business and the world.” In this edition of Seniors, a Disruptor, is personified by our cover personality, Christine Danton. This 72-year-old is all about “disrupting”
longevity statistics. In a sense they, too are disruptors as they challenge the traditional idea that 50 year old is way past middle age. This Chair Rocks: A MANIFESTO AGAINST AGEISM by American author, Ashton Applewhite is another book that disputes conventional thinking. Applewhite writes: “The myth that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, plays out punishingly in many arenas. Beliefs that older workers are not worth training because they are slow learners and computer-illiterate are stubbornly persistent, despite high marks from employers on both performance and skills (p.67), “Abundant data show that older workers are dependable, punctual, committed to quality, exhibit good judgment, have low absenteeism and accident rates, and are the most engaged of
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER
Group editor Seniors Newspapers network
tbeliefs associated with ther older body. She presents onstage performances, when there are questions over any performance by a woman of a certain age, let alone one with body exposure. But there you go, and rather than keeping quiet about it, Christine has taken up motivational speaking to spread the word about what is and what isn’t inappropriate ageing. Last month, we featured the Eatons, a couple of academics in their 80s, who have written a book putting forth the idea of a new middle age. Seventy-five, they say is middle age and old age about 20/30 years on. They back up their premise, with plenty of
all workers when offered the chance to grow and advance on the job. Yet, because of ageism, employers constantly use age as a liability and set workers with decades of productive years ahead adrift.” (p.172). How our generation ages is very different to other generations, yet often we are stuck with the same beliefs, prejudices, stereotypes that result in ageism. An example of a brand new phenomenon is the “Grey Nomad” the retired generation who have departed from a quite life at home to seek out adventure, new knowledge and friendships on the road. The “Grey Nomad’ is all about a curious spirit and of course the know-how to stay on the road. I hope the profile, news and views in this edition, blow a fresh breath of air and disrupts the dust of ageism. — Cheers Gail
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In this edition
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
Wide Bay
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
WILLING TO WORK: STEPS Group managing director Carmel Crouch.
No fear rules job longevity
And don’t let stereotypes affect you Tracey Johnstone
WHEN Carmel Crouch retired at 55, she only retired from one job so that she could continue to use her skills and network in another job she could be passionate about. At 71 Ms Crouch is managing director of STEPS Group Australia, a national not-for-profit organisation providing education, employment solutions, social and community connections for disadvantaged people. Just after she sold her last business and then decided to retire, the previous STEPS managing director stepped down and the organisation, with which she has been associated for close to 30 years, needed a new person in the role. “I said yes to coming in for six months to fill the role,” Ms Crouch said. Five years later she is still there. Under her guidance and with her extensive commercial skills, Ms Crouch has led the STEPS team towards developing a “business with a mission rather than a community service organisation”. “The world of community organisations has changed and we have to be very business-like, we need to be sustainable, otherwise we won’t be here,” she said. “My experience in running medium to large
businesses is proving invaluable. “I am still having a great deal of fun.” The Australian Bureau of Statistics Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia, 2015 reports, “In the five years since June 2010, the number of people aged 65 years and over in Australia increased by 582,300 (19%) to reach 3.57 million people at June 2015. “This accounted for 15% of the total Australian population.” These numbers are expected to grow over the next decade and with it is expected to be an increase in the number of these people remaining in work, particularly baby boomers. University of the Sunshine Coast’s Dr Prue Millear recently said, “People can keep working; why do we have to stop?”. “You either need to work for yourself or work in a place that is not afraid of older people. “That can be hard as the stereotypes of age, old fogies and tech-obsessed young people, can get in the way.” Working through to her 70s and surrounded by a younger, enthusiastic staff, Ms Crouch hasn’t let stereotypes affect her work. She has embraced change, becoming part of the technological age with dinging electronic devices
providing background sounds to her everyday work life. “I am adaptable and I knew if I was going to continue working that I needed to stay current with what was going on in technology,” Ms Crouch said. “We just need not to be afraid of technology.” Ms Crouch admits she really is retired but the self-confessed workaholic works about 100 hours a week. “I’m not working probably any differently to what I have. “We were born in an era where work ethic was pretty much everything. “If I retired, I would stay on the board as that would give me a continuing interest.” Her STEPS job includes overseeing a 24-hour-a-day community organisation for highly disabled people and for which she is ultimately responsible in a crisis. This schedule leaves her little time to rest. The weekends are when she tries to take time out to rest and remember that at 71 she probably does need more rest time than when she was working hard in her younger years. “I say to my exec team and to my board, the minute you see I am no longer effective, if I don’t see it first, the deal is you tell me that’s the case,” Ms Crouch.
Seniors 3
4 Seniors Wide Bay
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
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Wide Bay
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 5
Bending through the glass ceiling of ageism Gail Forrer
CHRISTINE Danton is bending over backwards to convince us that ageing, just ain’t ageing – not the way it used to be anyway. At 72 years’ young, Christine’s voice and viewpoints are stable and convincing. She stands firm as she challenges traditional thinking, but she ‘bends it like Beckham’ when she shows us why we should believe her. Yet the truth is, when it comes to bending, Beckham wouldn’t come close to this amazing lady who has spent a lifetime performing as a contortionist and now into her seventh decade, has no intention of stopping. Right now, the native South Australian who lives on 90 acres, by a lake and entertains regularly in the ‘The Spud Shed Barn Theatre’ on her property, is in America following an invitation to appear on a major television station. The appearance is just one of the engagements
72-year-old stretches her spine to extend an extraordinary timeline
that have acknowledged Christine’s unique skills and in particular their longevity. Christine sees it as a chance to break the glass ceiling of ageist attitudes. Christine describes her amazing ability to fold into two, to master seemingly impossible physical positions as rather like doing yoga, a matter of training, and a refusal to stop doing what she loves. “The same as yoga,” she said. “You have to concentrate and focus on a pose.” It is obvious that mind control has its part to play, as it harmonises with this incredibly elastic body. A human body that can stretch, unlock, roll and unroll in half with grace and suppleness borders on the freaky.
But Christine is far from an outlandish circus act. She describes herself as an artist performing a skilled craft that requires enormous dedication and training. When Christine developed her techniques, there were no schools teaching circus skills and contortionists were rare. “I was the only one in Australia for many years,” she said. Without a mentor, she went onto develop her own original material. “I was driven to create,” she said. She believes her natural gift may have been inherited from her mother, who ensured her children never missed a circus, and particularly enjoyed the acrobatic and trapeze acts. When Christine was about 4 and her sister Jo 2, she recalls her mother taking them into the
What is a Contortionist? IF YOU’VE ever been to the circus, the performers you see who bend and stretch into the most incredible poses are contortionists. They almost look like acrobats, but their performance stays on the ground. Contortionists move their bodies and feet in ways that stun the common observer. Years of practise with stretching and training makes it possible for contortionists to twist their bodies in spectacular ways. Contortion vs. Yoga CONTORTION uses many of the same exercises found in yoga, dance, gymnastics and various circus performances. The biggest difference between contortion and exercises like yoga is that contortion is solely focused on flexibility. Yoga, dancing and gymnastics incorporate muscle strength. Contortion requires total control over your body, rather than brute strength. Yoga is also spiritual, while contortionism is mental. Though the fundamentals of contortion and yoga are different, the result is the same – art created by the human body.
Christine Danton showing her amazing flexibility.
HOW DOES SHE DO IT! Christine Danton doing the splits.
backyard and showing them how to back bend with their hands on the floor, behind them – like a bridge. “That was the moment, I understood that I knew that’s what I was going to do,” she said. “And I never wavered.” While there were no acrobatic lessons in the 1950s, there were dance classes and by 1956, at 13-years-old, her natural ability had gained her a two-year contract as a Channel 7 television dancer in the regular Tonight shows. After that, at 17-years-old she made her way to Sydney and launched herself at the circus. “It was a way to hone in and perfect the act,” she said. With this experience behind her, she went onto perform in cabaret shows
says she has adapted to her own body constraints with a training regime that includes three sessions a week, together with swimming. And that’s the key to her philosophy. “Don’t give up – adapt,” she recommends. “Things do start to deteriorate,” she admits. “Age can bring body issues and we need to adapt to new issues.” ❚ Besides her performances in the “The Christine Danton bending Spud Shed – Barn over backwards. Theatre,” Christine plays contract bridge and is a in Asia and Europe. keen photographer. She said she never She is also an expected to be performing in-demand motivational at this stage of her life, speaker and works under but in a way she had no the business name – choice. Bending the Rules. She said she went to Contact details: email: retire in her mid-50s, but cdanton@chariot.net.au felt like a blob, and went and facebook back to her training. www.facebook.com/ These days Christine christine.danton.35.
6 Seniors Wide Bay
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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
The big life of a woman with smile & compassion Tracey Johnstone
JOAN Benbow’s fine memory still holds a fabulous collection of stories from her past as a nun, nurse and teacher, living a life of faith, drama, disappointment and joy. Over the years Joan has recorded her life experiences, filling many exercise books. She is currently working on her fourth book, due for release later this year, which she said will provide a rich history of outback and native nursing case histories covering almost 62 years, starting from the early 1950s. “I had nothing in the 1950s, just a bottle of
Dettol and a bottle of cod liver oil. They were the only medicines I had,” Joan said. The 93-year-old crisply recounts one of the most dramatic stories within the long list. “The principal matron of Papua New Guinea asked me to come there to train nurses in public health and tropical medicine,” Joan said. “The administrator drank all night with the intention of killing me next morning. “He screamed and yelled at me as I walked towards the people’s market, where people were saying ‘let him touch her and we will kill him’.
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“As he was a breath away, I called out the name of God. “Two orderlies rushed out and grabbed his arms. “The administrator was a nice man and we kissed the next morning.” Later in her time in PNG, she was stalked by a local who left a love letter in her mailbox. “The cottage was on a lonely hill. We three staff members locked ourselves in by 4pm as then the rascals came with their bush knives, poking through the louvres. “At other times we received heavy breathing on the phone.” Joan’s extraordinary life journey started well before she was born. Her grandfather was one of Sydney’s first dentists and another relative, Dr Burchell, was an African explorer, while another was a famous opera singer. She grew up during The Depression and then joined Our Lady of the Sacred Heart convent in her early teens. Throughout her 25 years with the convent, Joan said she pushed herself and her superiors to achieve the best at every mission, but not always with good outcomes. She left after a tumultuous time in the 1970s, after overseeing the construction of a hospital in PNG which the church then deemed “too good for natives” and being attacked by a priest. “I was a good boxer; I learnt to box with my brothers, so I gave him a good box and told him to reform himself,” Joan said. Because she left the convent of her own accord, signing out of her vows, her actions were considered “disgraceful” and she was rejected by many of her family members. She had $600, no home, but she felt someone was looking over her. “At one stage I was homeless with no roof
CREATIVE AGEING: Writer, painter, pianist; the extraordinary 93-year-old Joan Benbow. PHOTOS: TRACEY JOHNSTONE
It's only recently Joan has stopped one of her passions, painting.
over my head and having to go begging around until I got work,” she said. Luckily, Professor Black from the University of Sydney offered her a nursing position near Sydney in a facility for Aboriginal health. From there, she returned to PNG as a matron and tutor. “I think God was looking after me,” Joan said. “I think they (the church) might have learnt a few lessons now. I think they have learnt that cruelty and punishment and penance is a bit old fashioned now. I did my share of it.” Her work with the Aboriginals on Bathurst Island and in the Northern Territory made up for so much of the sadness of her time with the convent. “I loved it. As I came to each mission I used to look at it and think of the potential; now what can I do here,” Joan said. “I went back to the mission I helped found, the Arltunga, for their 50th anniversary. “They found out I was still alive so they invited
Joan still plays the piano every day, finishing each day with John Denver's song, Perhaps Love.
me back. “They wept and cried because they didn’t think I was still alive. I did the rain dance for them; they had forgotten it. The sky was blue, but it rained.” Joan has to dash now, leaving her carefully nurtured jungle garden behind her. She’s already had a busy day, starting with her daily 6am swim in the retirement village pool. Then there is more writing to be done and an hour’s piano practice in the village hall. To finish the day, she has been called to the
bedside of an elderly member of Joan’s local parish, where Joan will continue to practise her life-long compassion for others in need. She’ll then stop to watch SBS because “they are all broad minded” . Finally, in the quiet hours of the evening, Joan said she will return to her piano to play her nightly lullaby to all her friends, present and past. Tomorrow, she will back to work on her nursing history, sharing more of her extraordinary life.
Wide Bay
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 7
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8 Seniors Wide Bay
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
Community HOW TO SUBMIT NOTICES
BARGARA OVER 50’S CLUB
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 June issue is June 7. Email Nicky or Chris at communitynotes@ seniorsnewspaper.com.au
ON SATURDAY, June 10, we will be holding a Hoy & Cent Sale. Doors open 12.30pm, for a 1.30pm start. All welcome, great prizes. Bargara Cultural Centre. cnr Hughes and Watson Rds. For more information, phone Sandy on 0414 397 267 or Thelma on 0403 639 733.
MARYBOROUGH FAMILY HERITAGE INSTITUTE
■ HERVEY BAY
THERE will be a reunion celebration of the descendants of Immigrants who arrived in Maryborough 140 years ago on the ships City of Agra, Lammershagen and the Saraca. If you have ancestors who arrived on any of these vessels we would welcome hearing from you. The passenger lists can be found on our website, www.treeroots. com.au or you can contact us at heritageresearch@ bigpond.com if you would like to find out how your ancestors arrived here. We are always looking to welcome volunteers to help with research into Immigration and family history.
VIEW CLUBS
Voice, Interest, Education of Woman
TIME TO CELEBRATE: Hervey Bay VIEW Club members cut their 22nd birthday cake after receiving their badges for years with VIEW (from left) Jacky Hens (10), Nina Wilson (20) and Barbara Roberts (10).
CENT SALE
COME along on Saturday, May 27 for a Cent sale. It will be held at East Sports Club, 21 Eastgate St, Bundaberg in support for the Avondale Tigers Rugby League Club. Admission is $3 per person. Afternoon tea, whip arounds, raffles and loads of lovely prizes. Enquiries and bookings phone 4151 3133.
CLUB ANNIVERSARY: Cutting the 10th birthday cake is Hervey Bay VIEW Club founder and first Club president Judy Berry, with current president Bonnie Fox.
own situation and ask questions. Phone Bev on 4128 2692 or email: bev_cornwell@hotmail. com.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP
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. World MS Day is May 31 and the theme is Life with MS. Life with MS can be difficult – each day can bring new challenges which we all personally deal with in our individual daily routine. Family support, compassionate medical advice and a positive attitude will
BUNDABERG PCYC
THANK YOU: Guest speaker Andrew Ellis, from Hervey Bay Tourist Centre, receiving his certificate from Hervey Bay VIEW Club president Shelley Jones.
determine how you manage your MS. We really appreciate that MS Queensland will be conducting a Neuro wellbeing workshop here in Hervey Bay on May 31
at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, 22 Charles St, Pialba from 10am–1pm. Presenters will be our regional services co-ordinator, a physiotherapist, an
occupational therapist and a MS nurse/educator. We are always welcoming of anyone with MS and newly diagnosed are most welcome to sit in on a meeting to discuss their
THE Bundaberg PCYC will be holding a market on Sunday, June 11 in the new PCYC at the Multiplex Centre. The market will run from 8am with the canteen open from 7.30am for refreshments and there will also be a sausage sizzle operating. There will be stalls specialising in woodwork, crafts, plants, jewellery, food and much more. To book a site or for more info phone Irene on 0437 645 941 or email: irene.petretic@pcyc.org. au.
THE Hervey Bay VIEW Club meetings and luncheon are always the second Monday of each month at the Club House, Tooth St, Pialba from 10.30am and usually includes a guest speaker. Monthly socials are on the forth Monday at various venues from 9.30am. Our committee is coming together after the loss of several of our position holders through passing, age and health but dedicated members have pulled together to face and embrace the year ahead. In May we celebrated our 22nd birthday since its inception in 1995 with a cake and a party theme of colour. Contact: Kerry on 0409 479 152 or email herveybay.viewclub95@ gmail.com.
■ FRASER COAST
WE RECENTLY celebrated our 10th birthday and reflected on the initial beginnings of the club. Our inaugural meeting was at the Hervey Bay RSL Club in April 2007 with Judy Berry as club president. During the next few years, meetings were at the Toogoom Community Hall then the Craignish Golf and Country Club. We have continued to grow over the years with more than 70 members, of which, 11 are inaugural. Thanks to a very enthusiastic committee, our meetings are fun and informative and many firm friendships have been formed amongst members. New members and visitors are always welcome. Meetings are on the first Thursday each month. Contact: Heather on 0438 784 729 or email frasercoastviewclub@ hotmail.com.
Wide Bay
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
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10 Seniors Wide Bay
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
What’s on
person from 11.30am to 3pm at Kandanga Hall, Main Street, Kandanga. Bookings: Online at www.eventbrite.com.au/ 5-chef-long-table-lunch. Ticket includes drink on arrival, five course meal and entertainment. Licensed event Information: 1300 307 800 or email economicdevelopment@ gympie.qld.gov.au
Complied by Christine Perkin
■ THE HAND MADE EXPO AND VINTAGE MARKET
EXCELLENCE in baking, making and growing. Located at the Hervey Bay PCYC, O'Rourke Street, Pialba. Free entry Last Sunday of the month on a quarterly basis. Next market 28 May from 9am to 1pm. Details go to Website www.thehandmadeexpo. com.au
■ ART GROUP AT TORBANLEA
A GROUP of Enthusiastic Arts get together to share knowledge, try new things and socialise The 3rd Wednesday and 4th Saturday of each month10am to 2pm each month. Next group meeting June 21 from 10am to 2pm. Details call Pamela Evans on 4129 0707 or email CreativeArtsGroup@ outlook. com. Cost is $2 for members and $5 for non- members.
■ POINTS OF REFLECTION EXHIBITION
CULTURE: Vivaldi Mozart Paganini will perform at St Johns Anglican Church Torquay in June.at Gympie and Hervey Bay.
■ VIVALDI MOZART PAGANINI
DON'T miss this rare opportunity to experience one of Germany's finest Ensembles Chamber Philharmonia Cologne *Germany performing classics from Germany. We are very happy to propose you a diverse program ranging from Antonio Vivaldi and his tremendously famous "Four Seasons" to W.A. Mozart, Peter Tchaikovsky and Niccolo Paganini. Cost Adults $35, Senior, Pensioner: $30, Student, Child $25. Hervey Bay: Concert held on June 25 from 2pm to 4pm at St Johns Anglican Church Corner Gilston and Dooloong Roads, Torquay, Hervey Bay. Bookings at Mary Ryans Hervey Bay, Books, Music and Coffee, Shop 1, 414B Esplanade, Torquay. For details call 4194 2111. Gympie: Concert held Friday 23 June from 7pm to 9pm at St. Patricks Church, 14 Church Street, Gympie. For bookings call 5402 3325 or book at Gympie Box Office Gympie Civic Centre or book online www.gympieboxoffice. com.au.
■ ANNUAL ART FESTIVAL EXHIBITION -
See the biggest pumpkin at the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival it is a great day out for all ages.
MARYBOROUGH ART SOCIETY
CELEBRATING 70 years, the Maryborough Art Society continues to provide opportunities for locals to enjoy the arts. Featuring an abundance of the diverse works from current society members. Exhibition Monday, 29 May to Sunday, 2 July entry is Free. Venue Gatakers Artspace, 311 Kent Street, Maryborough. Contact by email gatakersartspace@fraser coast.qld.gov.au or call 4190 5723 for details.
■ LEE KERNAGHAN PERFORMS
LEE Kernaghan is one of the undisputable all-time greats of Australian country. 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the launch of Lees amazing career and the release of his first chart-busting hit, Boys From The Bush. The iconic song was the first of many number one singles from the classic album The Outback Club, which went on to achieve
double platinum certification, win a swag of awards and redefine contemporary Australian country music along the way. Lee will perform on Friday 2 June from 8pm at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, 177 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg. General Admission cost $70. Details call 4130 4100.
pumpkin hurtling down Policeman's Hill to see how far it can go. Wander the streets and look at the many street stalls at your leisure, sit down in the local cafes and hotel and enjoy a meal or relax in the park with your family and friends to enjoy a picnic style lunch. A great variety of foods is available. See you there!
food matching sessions held in the cellars of the heritage listed Bond Store, amongst the old rum barrels that date back to the 1860s. Located at Portside Heritage Precinct, Wharf Street, Maryborough. Saturday, 3 June from 10am until 5pm. Entry $10 for more information go to www.relishfrasercoast. com.au.
■ THE GOOMERI PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
■ RELISH FRASER COAST
■ 5 CHEFS LONG TABLE LUNCH
THIS is a great fun-filled family day out. Head out to Goomeri on May 28 at to Goomeri Town and join in the fun. The festival xcommences at 6am and entry to the festival is free! Join the thousands of people who come along to enjoy the entertainment, on the main-stage or roving in the streets. Win yourself great prizes by entering into the many pumpkin competitions on the day. Become a pumpkin roller and have a go at the Great Australian Pumpkin Roll. Send your
This is a gourmet experience showcasing regional wines and fine local produce. Maryborough's heritage streetscapes and stunning riverside parks serve as the distinct backdrop for this celebration of local delicacies including mouth-watering Hervey Bay scallops and Fraser Island prawns. Other highlights include: live cooking demonstrations; a 'sweet' ride on a historic steam engine filled with treats and quirky beers; and
ACCLAIMED chef and Gympie region Food and Food Tourism Ambassador Matt Golinski will lead a team of renowned local and Sunshine Coast chefs to present a five course degustation experience featuring the best of delicious Gympie region produce. Book your ticket to savour the culinary delights of the region with friends, meet the producers, hear from chef Matt Golinski and celebrate in GourMAY style! Saturday 27 May the cost is $100 per
THIS exhibition of artist books from Griffith Centre for Creative Arts Research exemplifies the diversity of creative output produced by staff and post graduate students at the Queensland College of Art. Highlighted in the exhibition is the significant historical relationship between the printed mark and the book, as evidenced by the number of printmakers that make books. The exhibition will encourage you to be fully immersed with the book teasing out their hidden secrets. Exhibition open until 17 June 2017 open hours 9am to 4pm at the Gympie Regional Gallery, 39 Nash Street, Gympie. For more details call Gympie Regional Gallery on 5481 0733 or email gallery@gympie.qld.gov.au
■ MOVE IT EXPO 2017 - HEALTH, FITNESS & WELLBEING
IF YOU would you like to improve your health, fitness and wellbeing, the Move It expo is a must! The Move It Expo brings together a showcase of the region's fitness trainers, health experts, local sporting clubs and loads of great information for your better health and wellbeing. Join us on Saturday, 3rd June from 10am to 2pm for the fifth annual Move It Expo. Located at St Lukes Anglican School, 4 Mezger Street, Kalkie, Bundaberg. A Move It Expo Program will be shared to Councils website prior to the event and you can stay up to date with Move It Expo information at Move It Bundaberg on Facebook. The Move It Expo is coordinated on the Ring Road Run weekend and makes an excellent pre-event to the Ring Road Run on Sunday,, June 4.
Wide Bay
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
CHELSEA
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Seniors 11
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*Advertised home and price details are correct at the time of publishing though subject to availability, eligibility criteria and are subject to change without notice ^Receive a $3000 direct debit card when you settle by 30 September, 2017
Call Sally Zentveld on 1300 858 243 or visit rslcare.com.au ABN 49 052 188 717
12 Seniors Wide Bay
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
Finance Myths are simple and all too easy to believe EVERYDAY MATTERS CAROLYN DEVRIES CEO of New Way Lawyers
ANOTHER myth that we often hear when we first meet with a client is that each person should be placed in the same financial position at the end of the relationship as they were at the start, and should therefore take out the same assets and liabilities that they brought into the relationship. This myth is attractive because of its simplicity, however, separation, divorce and property settlement is rarely this simple. Over the course of a relationship, particularly long relationships, the initial assets that were brought into the relationship may be sold for a profit or loss, with the sale proceeds applied to purchase new assets. Additionally, original debts and loans may have been paid out or paid down or alternatively increased and new debts and loans may have been incurred. In fact, there are many things that can occur during a relationship that may result in a change in the make-up of the original assets and liabilities. While there is no rule that each person takes out the same assets and liabilities as
they brought into the relationship, there is a recognised legal principle that considers the contributions that each party has made to the assets and liabilities and the relationship generally. These contributions include initial contributions, contributions during the relationship and contributions following separation. The contributions may take the form of financial contributions but they can also take the form of non-financial contributions which include contributions in the role of homemaker and parent. ■ Practical pointer: In the event of separation, it is useful to have evidence of any contributions that you have made to the assets and liabilities of the relationship and the relationship generally. The evidence required will depend on the type of contribution. For example, in a situation where an individual has received an inheritance from a family member and used this inheritance to pay down the mortgage over the family home the evidence to support this contribution would be a copy of the will showing details of the inheritance and a copy of the bank statement showing the deposit of the funds from the inheritance into the mortgage account.
Risk and returns AS INVESTORS, we all want to earn high returns. However, big gains go hand in hand with increased risk – something that’s especially important for the thousands of Australians who hold their retirement savings in a self-managed super fund (SMSF). A recent report by AMP Capital found SMSF trustees expect their super to earn an average return of 10.9% this year. Yet only one in five SMSFs have made changes to their portfolio to achieve this result. In fact, 55% of SMSFs have switched to lower risk investments out of concerns about market volatility. With these findings in mind, it’s worth looking at the two main types of investments to see how returns are impacted by risk. Income assets, also known as conservative
THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE investments, include cash-based investments like term deposits, which provide income on a regular basis. The drawback is that the return on cash is typically low because there’s less risk of losing your money. Right now for example, you’d be lucky to earn 3% on a term deposit. That’s not to say income assets aren’t worth having. What you need to consider is how much of your money you should invest in low risk/low return investments. Growth assets on the other hand, include property, shares, both international and Australian, and units in a managed fund that
invests in these assets. The appeal of growth investments is that they offer ongoing income in the form of rent, dividends and distributions (in the case of managed funds) but they also offer capital growth plus some tax breaks. As a guide to potential returns, Australian shares have delivered gains of 17.24% over the past 12 months – far eclipsing cash investments. The downside to growth investments is increased risk. Capital gains are by no means guaranteed and while there will be periods when markets skyrocket there will also be times when markets dip. It’s very rewarding to see the value of your growth assets climb. But you need to be able to withstand a fall in the value of your investment, which is far from fun and can be extremely stressful, especially when
it comes to retirement savings. The appropriate mix of conservative and growth assets will vary from person to person. However, for SMSFs, especially those in the accumulation stage, having a high concentration of low-risk assets could see you struggle to reach your retirement goals. The key is to find the blend of risk and return that you’re comfortable with. Diversifying across a number of different asset classes is also important as it helps to protect your portfolio against strong swings in any one investment market class. 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.
Government has listened to retirees for the 2017 Federal Budget THE INTENSE lobbying by the Association of Independent Retirees has forced the government to partly redress the unfair changes to the asset test for age pension eligibility in the last Federal Budget and with that the loss of the Pensioner Concession Card. The best part of the 2017–18 Budget for retirees is the re-introduction of the Pensioner Concession Card for those who lost it with the reduction in eligibility from January 1, 2017. For example, a married couple with assets above the asset
threshold of about $820,000 and similar loss for singles and those renting. These people will also be entitled once again to the various State and Territory concessions, such as rates, if the states/territories agree. They will also retain the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and thus the Energy Supplement. The Federal Government Hearing Aid entitlement will also be returned. These provisions also applies to Veteran’s entitlements. A further budget measure provides the
ability for those over 65 to put up to $300,000 from the sale of their house when downsizing to a smaller house into superannuation as a non-concessional contribution. However, the $1.6m rule will still apply and if the new asset total is over that amount, 15% tax will apply to the surplus in line with the July 1, 2017 commencement for superannuation balances generally. This measure would be enhanced by the states/territories abolishing Stamp Duty for those transactions to encourage retiree house
downsizing. Retirees will continue to be able to use negative gearing as the Government believes this assists the supply of rental housing. Other improvements in the health area of interest to retirees are, the inclusion of Entresto, a drug for chronic heart failure on the Pharmaceutical Benefits List, and thus dramatically reduce the annual cost to the 60,000 sufferers. There will be a doubling of the number of prostate cancer nurses to that recently announced. The
emphasis on home care for the aged continues with a significant projected increase in budgetary support in the Home Support Programme. However, despite of persistent lobbying by the association, the government has not returned the indexation rebate for Private Health Insurance to the actual annual increase in health costs. This means that the gap between the CPI allowed increase is several percentage points below the actual increase in health costs. This makes private health
insurance less and less affordable for retirees, which is actually the opposite of what should be happening. The government has missed an opportunity to redress this private health insurance failure as the budget improves some of the Medicare payment issues impacting doctors. The government has ignored the other priority to modify the aged-based minimum compulsory drawdown rate for retirement income stream pensions. For more, call our Noosa Branch on 0466 449 946.
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
advertising feature
Wide Bay
Seniors 13
14 Seniors Wide Bay
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
GREY NOMADS
Be curious and explore life far off the well-beaten path Hello travellers, This year’s edition of our dedicated Grey Nomads feature is jam-packed full of colourful stories that will surely inspire you to veer off the beaten path to a special camping site, travel solo or get up close and personal in Australia’s wildlife parks. A huge factor in a successful trip is precise planning and preparation. As the old saying goes: "Foretold forewarned " and this certainly applies to caravanning. Caravan towing
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER
Group editor Seniors Newspapers network
courses rate just as highly as ensuring your home security and packing sufficient camping materials. For instance, RV parking can be a nightmare, and towing requires plenty of skills. If you are not sure, or are feeling a little daunted, it’s a good idea to learn the tricks of the trade before
starting the trip. There are a number of driving school lessons available including RACQ’s popular Caravan and Trailer Towing Workshop, which will equip you with the knowledge and skills to safely tow a caravan, horse float, goods trailer or whatever other type of recreational trailer you plan on towing. In this edition, we talk about reverse parking and the best way to achieve a painless and perfect park. I trust you enjoy the read and perhaps try a night out with the big animals! Happy trails to you, Gail
10 best things to take on the road Christine Perkin
■ 1. CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE 9
ke a COOL OFF: Ta refreshing dip.
Must-have Camps Australia Manual is probably the most useful item you will buy for your trip, which includes maps for all over Australia and it is always safe to have hard copies of maps just in case
BE AMAZED VISIT THE CHARLEVILLE COSMOS CENTRE & OBSERVATORY WHERE THE STARS SHINE
Astronomy by day Meteorites displays
you can’t get a signal for your phone or GPS. You can use the map as a way of mapping your trip as well so you know where you have been and where you want to go. A GPS is also a necessity to help get where you want to go. Go www.campsaustraliawide.com for details.
■ 2. JOURNAL
Writing where you have been and what you did is a great way to keep track of your trip. When you move to a different location you don’t always remember where and what you have experienced. Great way to reminisce down the track with your journal.
■ 3. CAMERA
If you have a phone with good quality pics or a camera for the higher resolution pics, either is a must.
■ 4. MULTI-FUNCTION CHARGERS
■ 6. WASHING BUCKET
You can buy a cheap white bucket with a lid make sure the lid is tight and fill halfway with water a bit of washing powder and fill with clothes so they can move around and when you are on the road let the motion of the road do the work for you. When you stop, drain and rinse and dry as per normal. Clothes horse is a handy clothes line.
■ 7. BBQ
Either a wood or gas lidded BBQ can be very handy to cook a roast, veggies etc., outside the van/RV.
■ 8. BIKE
Bikes are a great way to see small towns and take a bike tour. If you are in a RV you can be limited to travel once you set up your camp and you need something down the shops that are a few kms away hop on a bike and do a bit of exercise at the same time. Saves having to pack up.
■ 9. SATELLITE TV SYSTEM
Let’s face it, you need a charger for everything these days, from your phone to laptop to tablet and kindle to list a few. If you have a multi-charging station you can charge multiple items at once and not have to run around trying to find the right charger. Save space and time.
For the TV watcher, the Satellite TV is a fantastic addition to your trip. You can watch good quality tele out in the middle of nowhere. Sat Plus call 07 5443 5517 or 07 5443 5513 or email info@satplus.com.au
■ 5. FIRST AID KIT
■ 10. SPARE SET OF KEYS
Vital to have one of these as you can’t always be in the right place at the right time. If you wear hearing aids, it’s good idea to take a little emergency kit with extra batteries and tubes and don’t forget your drying kit.
Very important to have spare keys. If you lose them out in the middle of nowhere you would be in big trouble. Not always easy to get replacement, and when you do, you will probably have to wait for the keys to arrive, which can be costly.
SSun viewing i i bby dday
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
07 4654 7771 enquiries@cosmoscentre.com 1 Milky Way, Charleville, Qld 4470 www.cosmoscentre.com
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Wide Bay
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 15
GREY NOMADS
Follow the spa trail
and relax
LUXURIATE your way across Australia as you enjoy relaxing, recuperating or repairing your tired body in mineral and artesian baths. Spa Trekking is the latest travel fad that really should have taken off a long time ago. Imagine arriving into town, loaded down with travel aches and pains, and being able to slide into a natural experience that will probably have you purring with relief by the end of a session. Whether it’s the soothing minerals or the outback surrounds that draws people in, hot springs and mineral baths seem to be the ultimate source of relaxation. Geothermal and natural mineral waters are believed to have effective physical and mental benefits. They are used in many locations around the world for therapeutic reasons as users enjoy the natural healing process of soaking in a pure experience which contains various concentrations of minerals. Visiting these spas is becoming a popular tourist activity for people wanting authentic health and lifestyle experiences based around geothermal and natural mineral water resources and which may include such services as saunas, mud baths, hydrotherapy and massage.
Armed with Steve Lambert’s Great Thermal Way, grey nomads can spend their travel time moving from one spa to another; such as – ■ Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs in Tasmania, ■ Francois Peron National Park Homestead near Monkey Mia, West Australia, and ■ El Questro in Kununurra in the heart of the Kimberleys, ■ Innot Hot Springs in Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands, ■ Peninsular Hot Springs on Mornington Peninsular in Victoria, ■ NSW’s Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, Hot Springs Pools & Units, and Gwydir Carapark Motel & Thermal Pools, ■ North of Moree at Boomi’s Co-Op Hot Artesian Spa Pool & Caravan Park, ■ Lightning Ridge’s Bore Baths in western NSW. “There are 50 currently identified hot springs, bore baths and natural springs in Australia,” Mr Lambert writes. “They are detailed in this revised new edition which also includes updated and new material. “This includes information pertaining to the early pioneers and the drilling methods they used to tap this great resource.” Mr Lambert’s book is available online through www.greatthermalway.com.
Lightning Ridge Artesian Bore Baths
Do as little or as much as you like Take the time to RELAX, RE-ENERGISE and RECUPERATE OPEN 7 DAYS
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Monday to Friday 6am to 8pm Saturday & Sunday 7am to 7pm
Travel the Great Artesian Drive to discover seven distinctive and unique artesian spa facilities in the North West of NSW. www.greatartesiandrive.com.au
Feeling weary from your Travels, or just looking for a place to relax? The benefits of soaking in mineral rich artesian water should sooth and revitalise you straight away 'It’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced!
For your enjoyment • Mineral rich naturally heated Artesian Pools • Artesian Soak & Sauna Retreat • Private Artesian Baths • Massage & Facials
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“Great treat after a day of driving.”
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A trip to the Ridge would not be complete without a visit to the free Artesian Bore Baths. At the end of a hard day fossicking and exploring allow the water to soothe your aches while you gaze at the starry night sky.
16 Seniors Wide Bay
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
GREY NOMADS Tracey Johnstone
HEADING out on the Australian road as a single woman, towing a caravan for the first time and with a heavy heart after the recent death of her husband, Betty Quinn has proven she has the drive to continue living a full life. She travelled 19,756km around Australia in convoy with three couples, with an average age of about 70, taking just under five months to discover that outback Australia is “simply gorgeous”. “Why would you want to go anywhere else when you have Australia,” Betty said. During June to October they travelled from the Sunshine Coast across western Queensland and into Northern Territory, along the West Australian coast and then across South Australia, into Victoria before heading back up the East Coast to Queensland. She fell in love with West Australia’s coastline and Broome in particular, the Bungle Bungles, and her must-see recommendation of Katherine Gorge. Fiercely independent, 68-year-old Betty took to the challenge of the road trip with great delight and a little bit of cheek. “They generally put me in the middle of the pack; they didn’t trust me at the end in case I picked up a stray along the way,” Betty said with a smile. “I did get to lead a few times, once when we went into the Northern Territory.” The whole idea of the trip happened almost by accident. Her brother Randall was chatting about how he, his wife, and two other couples were planning another caravanning trip around Australia. “I just said, ‘can I come’ and he said if I bought myself a caravan and a decent car to pull it, I could come along,” Betty said. Being determined and self-sufficient character, Betty didn’t delay in putting a plan into action. She found the car first, choosing a second-hand diesel, automatic 4WD Hyundai ix35. Then it was time for finding a 14-foot, pop-top caravan with single beds, which is what her brother recommended. “I was researching on Gumtree for a while, but then one of the guys travelling with us saw a caravan on the side of the road down near his place,” Betty said. “Next morning my brother, sister-in-law, daughter and I jumped in the car and went to check it out. “I made an offer on the spot.” Preparing for the big journey involved doing several short trips away in the company of her brother, and then with her daughter Stacey. She didn’t take any driving lessons, preferring to learn along the way, except for reversing. “One of the guys would park it for me. “But for hooking up and unhooking, putting the annex out and putting it away, I did that by myself.”
A single girl’s tale of outback adventure
heavily on the app Wiki Camps to find free camp sites which Betty said she would recommend to anyone doing a caravanning trip. The trip proved a happy experience and an Enjoying the magnific affordable ent view over Lake Arg yle, near Kununurra, West one. She Australia. spent about PHOTO: BETTY QUINN $45,000 on the car and caravan, and a s at e of the working vehicle then another Betty Quinn beside on Australia. $2500 for the mine in Dampier, West PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED diesel. With free camping at Adjusting to living in a confined space faithful friend, Amber, which meant that several places she saved a lot so her was relatively easy for Betty as she had when it came time to visiting national accommodation and food costs came spent the previous eight years living on a parks, she would leave her poodle with down to under $8000. power boat with her husband. one of the couples who would visit the Back home, Betty has her caravan “One thing about living on the boat park on another day. safely parked in a free caravan parking and living in a caravan, you know when “That was the only drawback from area within her retirement village while you use something, you put it away; you travelling with a pet,” she said. she plans her next adventure. can’t leave stuff lying around,” she said. While her brother and his friends “I would love to do the trip again, but At her side throughout the trip was her planned the trip, on the road they relied take a shorter time,” Betty said.
Now here’s a little caravanning secret worth sharing WIKICAMPS is a camping and caravanning companion you don’t leave home without, even if you are only planning on a weekend away. It’s a free app for smart phones, tablets or Windows computers. The app information states it has the largest and most up-to-date database of camp grounds, caravan
parks, backpacker hostels, day use area, points of interest, information centres, public dump points and more. The database is kept up-to-date by users so you can contribute to its knowledge as you travel the length and breadth of Australia. It also works offline which is great if you are somewhere that doesn’t have
a wi-fi signal. To start using the app, download its content to your device before you go away so you have it with you right from the start of your happy travels. To find the app, go to www.wikicamps.com.au.
Wide Bay
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 17
GREY NOMADS
10 best camp spots in Australia Compiled by Christine Perkin
HERE are a few of my picks of great stays around Australia.
BAY OF FIRES TASMANIA
BAY of Fires is one of the most beautiful low-cost camping spots locations in Tasmania. Tasmanians have flocked to the Bay of Fires over Christmas, Easter, long weekends and on school holidays to soak up the beauty of the area, including the white sand and azure sea. St Helens is only a short drive away, where you can buy food, petrol and showers at council-operated facilities. Please remember that dogs are not allowed in national parks and most reserves. Details go to www.parks.tas.gov.au
MYRTLE PARK TARGA – TASMANIA
A VERY pretty camping area that is set alongside the St Patricks River, which boasts to have trout and platypus. They offer unpowered sites and good amenities, and the area is suitable for large caravans, motorhomes and big rigs. Located in the small town of Targa, halfway between Launceston and Scottsdale on the Tasman Hwy (A3). Bookings are recommended for those wanting to reserve a site with a fireplace. Free hot showers, free electric barbecue. Phone: 03 6399 3368. Cost from $10 per person per night. Located at 38250 Tasman Hwy, Targa TAS 7259.
WANGI FALLS CAMPGROUND – LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK-NORTHERN TERRITORY
NOT a free camp but very cheap fees. Wangi Falls Campground is one of six campgrounds located within the Litchfield National Park. Non-powered caravan camping sites are only available at Wangi Falls. 4WD camping areas (dry season only) are at Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek), Surprise Creek Falls and downstream from Florence Falls. Walk-in camping sites are available along Walker Creek (dry season only). Camping fee per night: Adults: $6.60. Bookings are essential. Generators are not permitted in Litchfield National Park. Swim only where recommended, observe warning signs. Pets are not permitted. Check access by calling 08 8976 0282 and go to www.nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves for details.
DALY WATERS PUB – NORTHERN TERRITORY
THIS is a must-stop Outback Pub. A lot of fun in the middle of nowhere. The beef ‘n’ barra barbie every night between April and October is to die for. It is so popular that you need to book. Free entertainment nightly. Accommodation available. Powered camping sites with prices starting from $16 per person per night. Located Stuart St, Daly Waters,
Northern Territory. If you are travelling south from Darwin approximately 600kms. Turn right off the Stuart Highway 3kms to the pub. Travelling north from Alice Springs approximately 900kms. Turn left off the Stuart Highway. Phone: 08 8975 9927, email dalywaterspub@bigpond.com or go to www.dalywaterspub.com
BITTER SPRINGS ELSEY NATIONAL PARK – NORTHERN TERRITORY
THE beauty of these springs will surprise you. Discovered by surveyors for the overland telegraph line in the latter part of the 19th Century, the Bitter Springs are located two kilometres from Mataranka in the Katherine region. Set amongst palms and tropical woodlands in the Elsey National Park, these spring-fed thermal pools are an ideal place to relax and unwind. Non-powered campsites are available at Jalmurark Campground. Phone: 08 8975 4560. There are also privately run campgrounds near the park. Located Martin Road, Mataranka.
BERRY SHOWGROUND CAMPSITE BERRY – NSW
BERRY is lucky to have one of the best showgrounds in New South Wales. With its superb well-maintained lawns, shady areas and many historic buildings on site, it is a fantastic place for alia. Broome, Western Austr tent, trailer or caravan SCENIC: Roebuck Bay, camping. Pet friendly. The railway station is immediately behind the Showground so you can catch the train Heritage Fraser Island. The Pacific Ocean up to Sydney for the day. is on the eastern side and the Great Located at 35 Alexandra Street, Berry Sandy Strait is on the western side. NSW 2535 Phone 0427 605 200. Inskip Point Camping Ground is a nature-based recreational area. INSKIP POINT CAMPING All Inskip Point Camping Grounds GROUND – RAINBOW BEACH SE require valid camping permits. You can QUEENSLAND obtain these permits by: booking Online ENJOY the beauty of Inskip Point www.nprsr.qld.gov.au or by calling Camping Ground which is located 13 74 68 or by booking in person at opposite the southern tip of World number of locations in Rainbow Beach.
ROEBUCK BAY BROOME – WESTERN AUSTRALIA
ROEBUCK Bay Caravan Park enjoys an idyllic location with uninterrupted views over Roebuck Bay. Roebuck Bay Caravan Park is not what you would call a low-cost park with fees for a small powered site starting around $36, but it is the most popular park in Broome and is located right on Town Beach, Roebuck Bay. Broome is Western Australia’s secret getaway – right on the Indian Ocean’s doorstep and the gateway to Australia’s last frontier of pristine wilderness – the Kimberley. Contact details 08 9192 1366.
PALM COVE HOLIDAY PARK – NORTH QUEENSLAND
ONLY metres from the beach in a beautiful location with state-of-the-art facilities to make your stay all the more enjoyable. Pet friendly. Reasonably priced at $29 without power a night with specials available. Located at 149 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove QLD. For details contact 07 4055 3824 or email info@palmcovehp.com.au.
GENOA CAMPGROUND – VICTORIA
Genoa Rest Area is located at the bank of Genoa River with site suitable to caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs. The area is large and grassy with accessible amenities and has lots of large trees for shade. Genoa River is 14km West of the Victoria/NSW border on the Princes highway. The Genoa Campground is located on the old Princes Highway (4 Park Road) just North of the Genoa River bridge. There is no charge for the use of this facility, however, donations are requested to upkeep the area.
THE PUB WITH NO Did you know the “Cosmopolitan” Hotel, Which locals refused to pass Is now a noted landmark, For every creed and class For the pub one day ran out of beer, A bloke wrote of it’s fate another bloke made it a song, Its known world wide now mate.
BEER * Under new management
* Wide range of tap beer and craft beer
* Great food with generous portions
* Pizzas available at any time of the day (great for campers with a late arrival, you can always grab something to eat) * Great collection of Slim Dusty & Gordon Parsons memorabilia * Campsite just across the road with a BBQ, amenities, and access to our gas heated showers * Our accommodation consists of 9 rooms and can sleep 33 people. Standard rooms as well as bunk rooms starting from $25/night * Popular spot for camping groups and motorbike groups. * Great local trails for bike riders and horse riders 6584868aa
www.pubwithnobeer.com
4 Taylors Arm Rd, Taylors Arm NSW 2447 (02) 6564 2100 • info@pubwithnobeer.com
18 Seniors Wide Bay
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
GREY NOMADS
‘Bucket list’ glamping destinations not to be missed Highlights: The deluxe teepee have a timber and canvas construction, built within the natural bushland without major clearings, giving a privacy and a close connection with the peaceful surroundings. Teepees include a sofa bed, towels, bedding, wood fired heater, balcony and outdoor furniture, shared shower and outdoor two person bath. This Tasmanian glamping experience combines comfort and nature at a low price. Cost: From $100 per night or less for long stay. www.huonbushretreats.com
Compiled by Nicky Norman
Rare bush camp site locations BUSH Heritage Australia has opened a range of protected reserves that are perfect to experience nature in its purest form. Here are some locations: NEW SOUTH WALES ★Naree Station – guided tour, September 8–10. Must be booked in advance. Spend a long weekend travelling through Naree’s 14,400ha patchwork of woodlands, grasslands and ephemeral wetlands Two nights, Base camp with day tours. Vehicles: AWD/4WD. Cost: $220/adult. QUEENSLAND ★Carnarvon Station Reserve – camping (May–September). The reserve features rugged sandstone hills, narrow valley floors and high escarpments. It’s located about 900km west of Brisbane. TASMANIA ★Liffey Valley Reserves – day trip (self guided). The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage wilderness 130ha reserves is a wonderful area to walk in. VICTORIA ★JC Griffin Nature Reserve – uided visits, September 16 or October 15. Some of the trees in this reserve are thought to be more than 300 years old. It’s a haven for bushland birds, reptiles and mammals Booking/more info: Contact Bush Heritage’s Katrina Blake on (03) 8610 9124.
ROOM WITH A VIEW: Ro
NIGHTFALL WILDERNESS CAMP, QLD
Where: 45 minutes from the Gold Coast, beside the crystal-clear tumbling headwaters of Christmas Creek and Queensland’s ancient Lamington National Park rainforests. Highlights: Redefining luxury through architect-inspired, hand-built, permanent safari tents, sumptuous fire-cooked cuisine, secluded wilderness, rotating in-tent fireplace, vintage baths, rain-head showers and more. Only three guests tents ensure privacy and delicately positioned to minimise impact on the camp's sensitive Australian wilderness surrounds. Cost: Tents from $445. www.nightfall.com.au
LONGITUDE 131°, NT
Where: Overlooking Uluru (Ayers Rock) is located in the Red Centre of Australia. Highlights: Luxurious air-conditioned tents welcome private views of Uluru – Australia’s best-known natural icon – and comprise of king or twin beds, lounge, spacious bathroom and balcony with daybed and fireplace. Other features include complimentary in-suite bar, music system, wireless internet, climate control, premium amenities, bathrobes, safe, telephone and twice daily housekeeping. Cost: Luxury tent from $1350 per person per night inclusive (min. two night stay). www.longitude131.com.au
Seniors News
ar and Snore, Sydney.
Where: Taronga Zoo, Mosman, Sydney. Highlights: Taronga Zoo Sydney’s ultimate sleepover experience. Enjoy refreshments and nibbles at the zoo's harbourside campsite, followed by an opportunity to get up close with some of the zoo’s friendliest creatures with a 1.5 hour night safari. Camp in safari style tents in the heart of Taronga Zoo and wake up to spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, with a continental breakfast in the morning. Cost: Roar and Snore accommodation is from $300 per person per night. www.taronga.org.au
Where: Wilpena Pound Resort, Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park, 429km north of Adelaide. Highlights: Fifteen luxury safari tents. Two-person Ikara safari tents are suitable for singles or couples wanting a luxury “glamping” getaway. Each tent has a modern ensuite bathroom, a luxe king-size bed, reverse cycle air-conditioning and its own private deck and fire pit. The two family safari tents sleep up to four people and have all the luxuries of the couples’ tents with an annex added for the extra people. Costs: Tents from $320 a night, including breakfast. www.ikarasafaricamp.com.au
PEBBLE POINT, VIC
KARIJINI ECO RETREAT, WA
Where: Three kilometres from the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road, about 2.5 hours from Melbourne. Highlights: An exclusive bush retreat nestled behind the cliff tops and rock formations of the world famous Twelve Apostles. Six spacious luxury tents with luxurious king-size beds with a natural latex mattress and all your linen and towels supplied and spacious ensuite bathrooms. Also a shared BBQ, tea and coffee facilities, camp kitchen with fridge and offering a range of recreational opportunities and natural experiences. Cost: From $145 per night. www.pebblepoint.com.au
HUON BUSH RETREAT, TAS
Where: Ranelagh, Huon Valley. About 50 minutes south of Hobart.
Where: Karijini National Park, in the nature-based destination of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Highlights: Stay in one of the eco tents for a comfortable and natural glamping experience within the national park. These tents are semi-permanent structures that incorporate ecologically sustainable principles and can easily be erected and dismantled in remote areas with little impact to the natural environment using recycled materials wherever possible. Each tent has its own private ensuite bathroom, front and rear deck, spacious stylish interiors, king-size bed or two single beds, and quality bedding and linen. Cost: From $315 including breakfast. www.karijiniecoretreat.com.au
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IKARA SAFARI CAMP, SA
ROAR AND SNORE, NSW
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Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay, New South Wales.
LOVE nature but also love a few creature comforts?... then glamour camping, or “glamping” as it is better known, might be perfect for you. It allows you to commune with nature in the comfort of a luxurious tent and experience Australia’s nature in glorious, eco-friendly style. You get the simplicity of the great outdoors combined with the opulence of fresh linen, private bathrooms, spa treatments and gourmet meals prepared for you. Here are some of the top glamping locations throughout the country.
Wide Bay
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 19
GREY NOMADS
Get animal WOW factor into your next holiday
Tracey Johnstone
WHEN you head out to have fun on the road, have you ever thought about pitching your tent close to where you can drop in on some of Australia’s fantastic animal encounter parks? Right around Australia there are some amazing animals to meet in venues that are well-known and others that are luckily still not on the main tourism radar. So, let’s pack the tent, the caravan or camper home and get discovering just a few of the many animal encounters on offer. Sleep with a lion tonight in Canberra ■ Jamala Wildlife Lodge is on Lady Denman Drive in Canberra. ■ Park your caravan outside and indulge yourselves for just one night, at least. ■ The park boasts the most dangerous and endangered wildlife and aquarium experiences. ■ There is a choice of three accommodation venues, with the cost including exclusive park tours, all food and night-time drinks. ■ The rooms are quite snazzy with each featuring African themes and many have wildlife sleeping with you, albeit on the
other side of some safety glass. ■ Get in early to enjoy amazing encounters with red pandas, white lions, owls, sharks, tigers, otters, giraffe, tree kangaroos, meerkats, sunbears and cheetahs. Roar ‘n Snore in Melbourne ■ Melbourne Zoo is located in the heart of Melbourne. ■ It offers guests, between September and May, the chance to stay overnight within its grounds with camping equipment provided; you just need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow. ■ Dinner is in the historic Elephant Exhibit. ■ Once dinner is done, guests get to wander around the zoo, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the nocturnal creatures before bedding down for the night. ■ In the morning, the local residents will wake you for breakfast and a full day of amazing up-close animal encounters. ■ The cost includes camping equipment, meals and Zoo day ticket. Have a wild night out in Sydney ■ Walkabout Wildlife Park is located just north of Sydney on Darkinjung Road at Calga. ■ There are various accommodation
choices on site; bush survival with no creature comforts and lots of bush survival skills to be learnt, evening and morning ranger-led animal encounters and eco-cabin luxury so you can wake up with the animals, a ranger-led tour with comfortable camping, including just a few luxuries, or chose grown-up cottage accommodation with comforts and bush outlook. ■ The park has many different types of animals in its bushland setting: koalas, dingoes, Tasmanian devil, python, emus, wallaroos, skinks, turtles and many more. Mingle with the Meerkats in South Australia ■ Monarto Zoo is located on the Old Princes Highway in Monarto. ■ The park is over 1000 hectares zoological park and natural wilderness sanctuary. ■ It also has a centre for conservation and enjoyment of wildlife and nature. ■ The park boasts 500 animals and 50 species of exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles and plays a major role nationally and internationally in rare breeding and endangered species programs. ■ Visitors can book in to sleep under
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the stars in your tent, caravan or sleeping bag on special dates during the year. Volunteer in Northern Territory ■ Nina’s Ark Wildlife Sanctuary is an outback wildlife sanctuary located near Litchfield National Park. ■ Access to the private park and veterinary clinic is limited to April through December. ■ Tours, which are not self-drive, are available once booked. ■ It’s a refuge for orphaned or injured native animals. ■ The volunteers come from all over the globe to work with orphaned and injured wildlife. ■ The park is host to many animal species, including brush tailed possum, wallaby, wallaroo, black footed tree rat, bandicoot, northern quoll, partridge pigeon, brumbies, cockatoos, curlew and black-necked stork. ■ Basic, clean accommodation for a maximum of two nights is available on site with the $150 per night fee, including pick up from the entrance, three meals both days and torch. ■ At night guests join in a BBQ by the camp fire and feed some of the animals.
20 Seniors Wide Bay
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
GREY NOMADS
CARAVANNING: Master the art of reverse parking before you head off on holiday.
Reverse parking your van REVERSE parking your caravan for the first time, particularly when one or more people are watching, has to be one of the most stressful experiences in your life. Luckily RACQ has the following top tips to help you look like a professional, once you have mastered these tips. ■ Spend time getting familiar with the basics of reversing a caravan before you set out on a trip. ■ Get yourself a person to help guide you into the parking area. ■ Find a large space, such as an empty car park, and try reversing the caravan into one of the spaces. This will help you to get a handle on which direction to turn the steering wheel. ■ Remember – when reversing a caravan is that to move right you need to turn the steering wheel to the left and vice versa. ■ Before reversing into a site, take a moment to look around the area for low branches or other debris that could get in the way. ■ One of the easiest ways to swing the caravan into a site is to ensure that the site is on the right-hand side of the car. ■ If you are not feeling confident and don’t have a fellow traveller to give you directions, you could try asking another caravanner for assistance. ■ Reversing cameras are a great help when reversing; we use them every day in cars so why not with your caravan? Avoid using them for all your decisions as some cameras may not pick up objects at ground-level or overhead. Don’t forget to get plenty of practise reverse parking before you head off on your exciting adventure.
10 things to know
before setting off in your RV
Compiled by Nicky Norman
What is an RV? RV STANDS for Recreational Vehicle and is basically a home on wheels. They can also be referred to as motorhomes or camper vans. The main features on-board are a kitchen, a bathroom, beds and TV, some even have a washing machine. An RV is different from a caravan because it is a self-driving vehicle and has an engine, steering wheel and a driver’s seat, whereas a caravan is towed behind another vehicle.
1. RV OR A CARAVAN
BUYING an RV can be an excellent investment and a great way to have the flexibility to travel without depending on hotel reservations and airports. You can cook for yourself, keep all your clothes hanging in a closet rather than in a suitcase, and generally make yourself at home. In some cases, people live in their motorhome, meaning no mortgage or rent to pay. For the most part though, RVs are used as vacation homes rather than as the main accommodation.
2. SIZE AND TYPE
THERE are a wide range of RV’s available to buy or rent, so it is important that you have some idea of your needs. Keep in mind your required levels of comfort, privacy, security, where you want to travel and what is within your budget.
3. KNOW THE FEATURES
WHEN you have your RV, be sure to pay particular attention to all the features. Ensure that everything is in a proper working order and good condition if not new and that all the safety features are present within the vehicle.
4. INSURANCE OPTIONS
INSURANCE coverage is always a good idea because you never know when you may need it. Just like your car or home, it’s important to have the peace of mind.
5. DRIVING YOUR RV
BEFORE you head out on the open road, get to know your vehicle by practising a few manoeuvres around the car park.
First-timers often struggle with reversing and parking and it will also take some time to get used to driving the vehicle itself. Giving it a test drive will also allow you to test out the features and ensure that you are a confident driver.
cupboards, to prevent them flying around while you are driving. Ensuring the weight of your load is distributed evenly, will also aid with wind resistance and make your journey a smoother one.
6. PACKING YOUR RV
WITH over 66,000 members, Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australa is the largest RV Club in the southern hemisphere. As a CMCA member, not only will you have access to numerous benefits but including tailored RV insurance, a monthly magazine, social events through 100 local chapters across Australia, a Solos’ Network for members travelling alone and a National and Anniversary Rally each year, but you will also experience camaraderie, community support, positive experiences and the security of travelling Australia, knowing you are never alone. www.cmca.net.au/.
YOU can pack light and leave the extra space for items on the go or be fully prepared with everything planned out to the last detail and stocked up ready for long distances.
7. BOOK CAMPING GROUNDS IN ADVANCE
PLAN ahead and get to know the best camp grounds in the areas you are wishing to stay. By booking in advance you will be guaranteed a place to stay for the night and you will get the pick of RV sites. When you leave the camp site, make sure you have your aerial down, hatch closed and windows up.
8. ENSURE THE SECURITY OF YOUR LOAD
BEFORE you head off, make sure everything is put away in cabinets and
9. REGISTER WITH CMCA
10. THINGS YOU CAN DO
YOU will have a lot of free time, so make sure you keep busy with crosswords, playing cards, board games, reading, music and creative activities like painting, knitting and sewing.
Wide Bay
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 21
Travel Atlantis experiences that enthral visitorsai in Dub
1. THE LOBBY
TALK about a grand entrance. The lobby is the first glimpse of this Atlantean-themed destination, with eight imposing columns giving the impression of fish scales. Then there is the 60m wall of windows with an infinity view over blue waters of The Palm. In the centre a 9.75-metre high blown-glass sculpture surrounded by a reflection pool brings the essence of the ocean to life.
2. UNDERWATER SUITES
FLOOR-to-ceiling views from the master bedroom into an aquarium create an illusion of being beneath the sea. Sleep with the sea creatures swimming all around you.
3. THE ROYAL POOL
IT PROVIDES the best view towards the cityscape of Dubai as well as first class view of The Palm. Refreshments are available all day around the pool and at The Edge and The Shore food outlets.
4. SHUIQI SPA & FITNESS
ENTER the expansive spa
and be greeted by a water wall, then be guided along a streaming water pathway to one of 27 treatment rooms. The treatment menu is as extensive as it is exciting, with offerings ranging from spa journeys to body therapies, as well as full salon services for his and hers beautifying sessions.
5. AQUAVENTURE WATERPARK
YOUR inner child will thank you for taking him to these 42 acres of joyful water experiences. Get on the river ride action with its cascades, tidal waves and rapids, then dare to take to the Tower of Poseidon reaching 40m into the sky.
(Heart-stopping, be warned.)
6. THE LOST CHAMBERS AQUARIUM
DISCOVER the mazes of underground tunnels and passageways of The Lost Chambers, bringing them into close contact with the myth and the advanced inventions of the ancient Atlanteans.
7. ULTIMATE SNORKEL IN THE AMBASSADOR LAGOON
SWIM with 65,000 marine animals, including sharks, fish and many species of rays, in this underwater exhibit. This habitat focuses on
marine life found in the local waters of the Arabian Gulf. Watch the sea life and learn about fish species and ocean preservation.
8. DINING AT GORDON RAMSAY’S BREAD STREET KITCHEN & BAR
AN OUTPOST of his London establishment with a British European menu. An eclectic environment from day through night, the bar at Bread Street Kitchen with its imaginative mixologists is an integral part of the space.
9. KALEIDOSCOPE, THE ULTIMATE
DOWN UNDER COACH TOURS
7 DAY BARRINGTON TOPS CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Departing Saturday, 22nd April 2017 Adults: $4585 pp Pensioner: $4557 pp Past Passenger: $4543 pp Single Supp: $1090 pp
Departing Tuesday, 11th July 2017 Adults: $2298 pp Pensioner: $2284 pp Past Passenger: $2277 pp Single Supp: $544 pp 4 Nights Riverwood Downs Mountain Resort Hillview Herb Farm & Barrington NP Camelot Llama & Lavender Farm Tocal Homestead Tour Tropical Fruit World
7 DAY MOREE PLAINS & LIGHTNING RIDGE
7 DAY NSW CENTRAL COAST & HUNTER VALLEY ESCAPE
Departing Monday, 15th May 2017 Adults: $2249 pp Pensioner: $2235 pp Past Passenger: $2228 pp Single Supp: $364 pp
Departing Monday, 7th August 2017 Adults: $2396 pp Pensioner: $2382 pp Past Passenger: $2375 pp Single Supp: $538 pp
2 Nights Lightning Ridge Goondiwindi Cotton Farm Tour ‘Trawalla’ Pecan Nut Farm Tour Macenmist Black Truffles & Truffle Dogs Lawdogs Australia Demonstration
INTERNATIONAL at its best. European Mediterranean cuisine are complemented by cuisines of Northern Africa, India and the Levant region. Whether to have breakfast, lunch or dinner will be the only problem.
10. SHOPPING THE AVENUES
A Luxuriously colourful marketplace. Browse some of the world’s most sought-after brands in high-end boutiques from Rodeo Drive to Tiffany & Co, and Porsche Design. What are you waiting for? Get there. Visit: www.atlantisthepalm.com.
1800 072 535
14 DAY ALPINE AUTUMN EXTRAVAGANZA
2 Night Wollongong & Canberra Hawkesbury River Cruise ED Falls PLE&TFitzroy COMValley TOURKangaroo Berry Treat Factory & Berry Tea Shop Macenmist Black Truffles & Truffle Dogs
BUFFET EXPERIENCE
4 Nights Gosford MV Lady Kendall II Buffet Cruise Australian Reptile Park Hunter Valley Sightseeing Historic Morpeth & Fort Scratchley
Door to Door Service on tours of 6 days and over (Conditions Apply) Complimentary Luggage Service www.downundercoachtours.com.au
I am interested in receiving your 2017 Coach Touring Brochure. Please add me to your mailing list:
6481230ah
ANN RICKARD checked into the sprawling high-tech hotel, Atlantis the Palm in Dubai, and found everything from fun to fine dining, to shopping, culture, exploration, even education.
Name: ______________________ Address: _____________________ ___________________________ Postcode: ______Ph: ___________ Email: ______________________ ___________________________ Mail to: Down Under Coach Tours, PO Box 149, Maryborough Q 4650 or Email details to: info@downundercoachtours.com.au
22 Seniors Wide Bay
travel
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
The luxury of slow train Ann Rickard
TRAVELLING to the US in the future? You might be put off by their domestic flight system and in light of the recent United Airlines kerfuffle, Rail Plus has reinforced the benefits of rail travel in the US.
Commercial director Ingrid Kocijan says it is well-known that train travel is much less stressful than air travel, with bonus factors including the luxury of space, comfortable seats with legroom and no set baggage limits adding to the stress-free
experience. “Apart from not having to endure long queues or waiting time at check-in and baggage claim, and being able to go from city centre to city centre without additional transportation costs and journey time, travellers can also take comfort in knowing that there is absolutely no chance of seat overbooking on trains,” Kocijan said. “Peak travel times would usually see an increase in capacity via additional carriages on selected trains; otherwise passengers would be informed straight away of seat availability and alternatives when making their seat reservations. “Also, the level of care and customer service provided on board the trains, at the service counter or on the phone is of a high standard.” While best suited to travellers with the luxury of time, train travel is also an undeniably great way for visitors to see the vast
ON TRACK: Consider taking the train when travelling in the USA.
and varied landscape of the USA during a relaxed journey, something that more Australian and New Zealand travellers are appreciating. The most popular point-to-point destinations and journeys being booked include: ■ New York City – Washington DC – 3 hours. ■ New York City – Boston – 4 hours and 30 minutes. ■ Seattle – Vancouver – 4
hours. ■ Los Angeles – Grand Canyon – 12 hours. ■ Universal Studios: Miami – Orlando, 7 hours and 18 minutes. ■ Disneyland: Los Angeles to Anaheim – 39 minutes. “While point-to-point tickets have proven more popular among travellers who prefer to spend more time in fewer destinations during their short visits
PHOTO: AMTRAK
averaging two weeks, Amtrak passes remain popular among travellers planning to hop around the country on longer visits of up to 45 days.” Travellers deciding to see the USA by train can equip themselves with some useful tips and considerations suggested by the experts at Rail Plus to help with their itineraries and bookings.
®
Enjoy your holiday knowing you have an expert with you every step of the way.
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Highlights Enjoy a small group private tour to this ancient magical land. Explore temples and pagodas in Yangon and Bagan and enjoy the unspoilt scenery of this wonderful country. Relax on a 2 night upstream cruise on the Irrawaddy River from Bagan to Mandalay and explore the tranquil Inle Lake region. Plus breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 5 dinners.
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Departs Brisbane: 1 Sep 2017
Departs Brisbane: 28 Sep 2017
Highlights From stunning Cape Town, we head north to Fish River Canyon and the amazing sand dunes of Sossusvlei in Namibia. Enjoy game viewing in Etosha and Chobe National Parks and explore the Okavango Delta in traditional mokoro. Finish in Victoria Falls with the ‘Flight of the Angels’ helicopter ride. Plus breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 18 dinners.
Highlights Visit the Maasai Mara, cruise the calm waters of Lake Naivasha, view the spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro, spend a day on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, explore the historic Stone Town and spice plantations of Zanzibar and relax on the beaches of Zanzibar’s south coast. Plus breakfast daily, 12 lunches and 14 dinners.
$12,450* * solo traveller from $14,050
$13,295* * solo traveller from $15,375
from
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EXCLUSIVE TO ESCAPE TRAVEL
1300 722 079
escortedescapes.com.au *Travel restrictions & conditions apply. For further details refer to escortedescapes.com.au. Prices are correct as at 1 Jan 17 & are subject to change. Quoted prices on sale until 8 weeks prior to each departure date or until sold out prior. Prices are per person, twin share and subject to availability. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store and are fully inclusive of taxes, levies, government charges and other applicable fees. Payments made by credit card incur a surcharge. All cruises are based on lead-in inside cabin twin share. ^Interest Free: Approved applicants only on a Lombard 180 Visa card. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply including a $99 Annual Fee charged on the account open date and annually on the anniversary of the account open date. Minimum finance amount applies and is valid on holidays over $999. Interest, currently 22.99% p.a., is payable on any balance outstanding after the 12 month Interest Free period. Ask in store for details. Offer ends 31 Dec 17. Credit provided by Lombard Finance Pty Limited ABN 31 099 651 877, Australian Credit Licence number 247415. Lombard® is brought to you by FlexiGroup®. ~60+ DISCOUNT: Offer valid until 31 Dec 17. New bookings only, limited to one $100 discount per senior. Minimum booking value of $2500 per person consisting of air and land/cruise arrangements, or a land/cruise only booking over the value of $2500 per person. Valid State/ Territory accredited seniors card must be presented to consultant at time of quotation. Please ask us for further details or visit our website at http://www.escapetravel.com.au/terms-conditions. FROM BRISBANE. Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Escape Travel. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412. ETEEM76716
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
How to make a dream holiday a super reality Cruise Traveller
CLOSE your eyes and imagine slipping gently along, skippering your own boat on the Canal du Midi in southern France, exploring the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pause along the way to taste the local food, savour the wines, visit medieval villages and take in the glorious scenery. Now open eyes and start to plan, making your dream holiday a reality. Australian company Cruise Traveller is offering the answer for a perfect boating holiday. “Locaboat is suitable for all adult ages, and the leisurely pace of the whole product makes it a very relaxing experience,” managing director Craig Bowen said. “If you have even basic boating experience it will be easy, however even as a first-timer the operational side of the vessel is extremely simple. “The instructions made available by the departure base are excellent, and the written information provided is comprehensive. “I’m in my late 50s and I found the experience not only straight-forward, but one of the most enjoyable, relaxed and great value holiday experiences I have had.” Locaboat is a long-established French company that owns a fleet of 380 top-quality Penichettes and canal boats. It offers 200 different cruises to enjoy in 24 regions across Europe. You don’t need a licence to steer these fully equipped and certified craft around and through canals and waterways. All equipment, crockery, cutlery, bed-linen and
towels are supplied, along with gas bottle and a captain’s handbook. “You’ll receive boat handling instructions and orientation on the departure day to make sure you understand essential cruising rules, which are pretty simple,” Mr Bowen said. In case you are concerned, technical assistance is available every day. You can hire a Locaboat from 642 Euro per person twin share for seven days. That price is based on a Penichette P935W in France, ideal for a couple. Larger Penichettes are available for bigger groups with a P1107W from only 243 Euro per person for seven days, based on six people. There are multiple departure dates and bases to choose from. “The itinerary is up to you. You’re the skipper,” Mr Bowen said. “The Canal du Midi is a prime prospect; it’s near the heart of the Camargue, an amazing region on France’s Mediterranean coast, famous for its wildlife, white horses, black bulls and pink flamingos. “The Canal du Midi is also close to the Etang de Thau and its fantastic oyster beds.” Every part of the journey is exceptional such as the area around Carcassonne with its towers and battlements complete with fortified towns of white stone and historic villages like Trèbes and Puicheric. Medieval villages, Roman churches, abbeys and isolated monasteries; all of them can be visited from the self-drive canal boat. Across France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland your self-drive boating
travel
Wide Bay
Seniors 23
QUIET BEAUTY: Gliding by the Penichette ruins in Ireland.
Canal du Midi, 11, Aude, in France.
holiday will be punctuated by beautiful landscapes and charming towns, castles, wine cellars and historical sights. In France, options include Midi and Camargue, the Southwest, the Lot Valley, Brittany, the Ardennes and Alsace-Lorraine, Burgundy and Saône, the Loire and Nivernais. In Germany, Müritz and Mecklenburg beckon, or Brandenburg and Berlin. Another choice is the Netherlands where you can cruise either north or south Holland. Cruise Italy’s Venetian Lagoon where the great renaissance maritime city of Venice crowns this enclosed bay of the Adriatic Sea in northern Italy. Poland’s Masurian Lakes offers countless lakes dot verdant, undulating landscapes, embellished by villages, tracts of forest and thriving farms. Green Ireland’s Shannon-Erne Waterway with its 16 automatic locks, provides a delightful latticework of rivers, canals, lakes, islands and villages where visitors should pause for at least one pint of Guinness. For information on all the self-drive boating holidays, go to cruisetraveller.com.au or call 1800 507 777.
PHOTO: PALOMBA ROBERT
Floating along in Port de Plaisance. PHOTO: ERICH SPIEGELHALTER
1300 551 997 www.goseetouring.com
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2 - 9 Dec 2017
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$2,560
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$2,995
7NightsAccommodation,Cooked BreakfastDaily,7Dinners+3 Lunches,NationalRoseGarden, BrickendenEstate,Launceston FlowerShow,Oatlands,Inverawe NativeGardens,AviFlora CrawleighWoodGarden
per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single supplement $925
per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single supplement from $400
per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single supplement from $485
9 Days of wildlife game drives in exclusive 4x4 vehicles through out Masai Mara, Amboseli & Serengeti National per person Twin Share Parks, 12 nights of luxury ex BNE or SYD, Single Sopa Lodge, Opportunity to supplement $980 visit Masai Mara villages, Boat ride on Lake Naivasha.
$9,450
14 Nights Accom, Breakfast, Some Dinner & Lunchesm, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta, Long Tan/Nui Dat, Cooking per person Twin Share Class, Imperial Citadel, Khai ex MEL, Single Dinh Royal Tomb, Ho Chi supplement from $1,600 Min Mausoleum, Cyclo Tour, Traditional Sailing Junk.
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TERMS & CONDITIONS *Price is per person Twin Share fully inclusive. Single Supplement applies. Credit card surcharges apply. Deposit of AUD$500-$800 per person is required to secure tour. Tour requires a minimum number of passengers to depart. Prices may fluctuate if surcharges, fee, taxes or currency change. Prices current as at 19 April 2017. Go SeeTouring Pty Ltd T/A Go See Touring Member of Helloworld QLD ATAS Accreditation A11320 ABN: 72 122 522 276
24 Seniors Wide Bay
travel
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
The islands of Tahiti celebrate 50 years of over-water luxury TAHITI Tourisme is celebrating 50 years of over-water bungalows, the striking over-the-water accommodation that helped put the Islands of Tahiti on the map. In 1967, Tahiti became the first destination in the world to take accommodation into uncharted waters, building suites over its islands’ beautiful blue lagoons in a move that cemented the Society Islands as one of the world’s most sought-after holiday destinations. The first humble over-water bungalows were built in Raiatea and Moorea by the “Bali Hai Boys” – Americans Don “Muk” McCullum, Jay Carlisle and the late Hugh Kelley – who travelled to the region after being swept away by James Michener’s South Pacific. Fifty years on, there are now nearly 900 over-water bungalows spread across eight of Tahiti’s 118 islands, with the picturesque accommodation becoming as famous as the
NATURAL LUXURY: Tahiti Mountain view from resort.
destination’s dazzling lagoons. Originally built as traditional stilted coral homes, over the past five decades the Islands of Tahiti’s over-water bungalows have evolved into palatial suites boasting private terraces, infinity pools, hammocks, spa baths and in-room glass floors – fondly referred to as Tahiti TV. The iconic Hotel Bora Bora, the first hotel built on Bora Bora, which is set
to reopen as an Aman Resort in the coming years, added over-water suites in 1970 and now 11 Bora Bora resorts from the St Regis to the Four Seasons and the Sofitel, all offer the picturesque style of accommodation which has helped to make the island a popular playground for honeymooners and celebrities alike. The first two-storey villas were introduced by the Hilton Bora Bora (now
the Conrad) in 2009 and made famous by the Kardashians in 2011, with the Intercontinental Bora Bora Thalasso currently constructing its own split-level suites which are set to open later this year. Tahiti Tourisme director Australia New Zealand Robert Thompson said Tahiti’s popularity as a high-end destination could be traced back to the introduction of over-water villas half a century ago. “Nothing compliments
Tahiti’s striking natural beauty more than her over-water bungalows. This luxurious style of accommodation blends seamlessly with the islands’ crystal-clear lagoons, laid-back culture and French sophistication. Over-water villas are a huge part of what makes Tahiti so remarkable and why it has been the world’s pre-eminent island destination for five decades,” Mr Thompson said. For more info: follow Tahiti Tourisem on Indulge in the ultimate overwater experience with a 12-night package offering a stay in overwater bungalows
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*Travel restrictions and conditions apply. Prices and taxes are correct as at 10 Mar 17 and are subject to change without notice. Prices are per person and are subject to availability. Accommodation is based on twin share. Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies, government charges and other applicable fees. Airfares are not included. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store. $2500 airfare credit: Promotion exclusive to Escape Travel Caloundra, Hervey Bay and Noosa and Playford Travel Personal Travel Consultants. Competition closes 5pm, 30 Jun 17. Prize will be drawn at 3pm on 3 Jul 17 at Escape Travel Caloundra, 46 Bulcock Street Caloundra. Winner will be notified by mail. Prize consists of one $2500 airfare credit to be used in conjunction with any Peregrine, Gecko’s or Intrepid 7 day minimum tour booked and deposited between 1 Apr and 30 Jun 17. Entries are available to new customers only. Prize is non-transferable, non-refundable, cannot be sold or exchanged for cash and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. The competition is a game of chance and a customer’s name will be drawn at random. ^INTEREST FREE: Approved applicants only on a Lombard 180 Visa card. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply including a $99 Annual Fee charged on the account open date and annually on the anniversary of the account open date. Minimum finance amount applies and is valid on holidays over $999. Interest, currently 22.99% p.a., is payable on any balance outstanding after the 12 month Interest Free period. Ask in store for details. Offer ends 31 Dec 17. Credit provided by Lombard Finance Pty Limited ABN 31 099 651 877, Australian Credit Licence number 247415. Lombard® is brought to you by FlexiGroup®.~60+ DISCOUNT: Offer valid until 31 Dec 17. New bookings only, limited to one $100 discount per senior. Minimum booking value of $2500 per person consisting of air and land/cruise arrangements, or a land/cruise only booking over the value of $2500 per person. Valid State/Territory accredited seniors card must be presented to consultant at time of quotation. Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Escape Travel. ATAS Accreditation No. A1041 ETCAL76732
Wide Bay
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Seniors 25
Wellbeing
Top beauty tips for the mature woman Ann Rickard
LISTENING to an interview on Radio National with Fran Kelly and a Dr Greg Goodman – dermatologist, Associate Professor, Monash University and chief of surgery, Skin and Cancer Foundation – would have made many an Aussie woman perk up and listen closely. According to Dr Goodman, a team of international scientists has found that Australian women’s faces are ageing faster than those of women in the UK, the US and Canada. The study of more than 4000 women from around the world found moderate to severe signs of ageing 20 years earlier in Australian women compared to women in other countries. This is not good news even though Australian women have long been aware of the sun’s damage to the skin. Dr Goodman stressed that skin care and skin protection from a very young age is one way to help prevent this premature ageing. One of Australia’s most respected beauty columnists, Stephanie Darling, is also one of the country’s loudest advocates when it comes
BEAUTY SECRETS: Australian women’s faces are ageing faster than those of women in the UK, the US and Canada. PHOTO: WAVEBREAKMEDIA LTD
to anti-ageing and agrees wholeheartedly that the consistent use of sunscreen is essential for everyone, no matter the age. Stephanie has spent her entire career chasing beauty in her work at some of the world’s biggest and most luxurious magazines and interviewed countless celebrities.
She has even compared cosmetic surgery with Jane Fonda and discussed pelvic floor exercises with Dame Edna. In her book, Secrets of a Beauty Queen, Stephanie shares some of the tips she has learnt trialling every new product that hits the market. ★“I am a big believer in sunscreen,” she said. “We look 10 years older than
our European sisters, living in this crazy climate. “Whether we are talking about a toddler or a 100-year-old, sunscreen is a must. “It should be used on the face, neck, décolletage and back of hands. “I know people say ‘not that message again’ but it is the one beauty tip that will help everyone appear
younger. That, and a smile. That sounds corny but it is not. ★“The greatest beauty accessory is a simple smile and it lifts your mood.” While good regimented skin care is an essential beauty tool, Stephanie says it is not necessary to spend a fortune on a jar of moisturiser just because it looks beautiful or bears
a big brand name. “Find a counter person (in the department store) who you can trust, who is good,” she said. “Companies come out with amazing moisturisers and some of these products work but others don’t. ★“Some women find Sorbolene amazing or Neutrogena excellent, which are brands available in supermarkets. As long as it has SPF 50 plus in it, that is the key.” Stephanie admits that most beauty advice is aimed at women 50 and younger and many advisors seem to forget that women are still interested in beauty and glamour in their 60s and 70s, and going into their 80s and even 90s. “There is that awful thing of invisibility (for older women) that a lot of people don’t address,” she said. “Look at Jane Fonda at 74, an amazing actor and celebrity and very beautiful. I think women get more beautiful as they age and become more powerful, wiser. I try and address my beauty column to include every age.” Secrets of a Beauty Queen by Stephanie Darling is published by Penguin. It’s RRP is $34.95.
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26 Seniors Wide Bay
wellbeing
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
New hospital tool to help avoid surgery bill HELP is at hand with navigating Australia’s complex hospital system through HCF’s newly launched online tool, Preparing for Hospital. PFH has been developed based on its member hospital experiences. Health care research
reports that 41% of hospitalisations are for people over 65. Hospital and recovery from major surgery can be a costly and stressful experience. Many people don’t enter the hospitalisation process with enough information about their
MEDICAL HELP: Prepare for your next hospital visit using this helpful online tool.
surgery, recovery and how much they might pay. What is PFH? PFH is an online bank of easy-to-use resources to help people better understand some of the most common hospital procedures; from details of the procedure through to your potential out-of-pocket costs. How can PFH help you? PFH includes: ■ A range of the most common procedures including hip replacement, colonoscopy, cataract removal and skin tumour removal. ■ Detailed information on how procedures work, how to prepare, what to expect during admission, and what after-care is needed. ■ A cost indicator guide including a breakdown of key costs for a procedure in a private hospital, including the surgeon, pathology, anaesthetist.
cover, and how much is covered by Medicare. It also provides a more detailed cost breakdown by surgeon, anaesthetist, other clinicians, specialist consultations and assistant surgeon. For example, a knee
can when they need to go to hospital,” chief benefits officer Cindy Shay said. “Knowledge is a powerful tool and we want to ensure people have a more complete picture of the costs associated with their medical and surgical
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Many people don’t enter the hospitalisation process with enough information about their surgery, recovery and how much they might pay.
before opting for surgery. ■ The results vs risk of surgery. Questions to ask the surgeon and anaesthetist and other specialists. ■ 3D animations and videos explaining procedures. What does this mean for your next surgery? PFH breaks down the costs to show how much a person will pay, how much their health fund will
replacement has an average total service cost of $28,615 with 88% paid by HCF and 9% paid by Medicare. Therefore, people can expect to pay 15%, or $800 in out of pocket expenses, depending on the gap selection chosen. Why did HCF create PFH? “It’s our responsibility as a health fund to ensure we are supporting Australians as best we
procedures well before they go into hospital. “Going into hospital for surgery can be a particularly vulnerable time for people – we hope to empower Australians to make informed decisions about their health even during such times.” For more information, visit the website: hcf.com.au/ preparing-for-hospital.
Screener urges other women to get checked
You matter. Your care matters. tters Palliative care can make a difference.
National Palliative Care Week 21–28 May 2017 Talk to those close to you about end of life and what matters to you – understand palliative care and the choices you have.
Find out more by visiting palliativecare.org.au
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AN INITIATIVE OF
Palliative Care Australia is funded by the Australian Government
■ Patient experience videos detailing their experiences. Other information a person can expect to find using the PFH tool includes: ■ Choosing the surgeon. ■ Treatment to consider
JULIE McGregor is one of the lucky ones: she’s never had breast cancer nor have any of the women in her immediate family. But she knows there’s always a chance her luck could change, which is why her two-yearly date with the BreastScreen Queensland service is one she never misses. “Just like everyone else, I have seen and read articles that suggest mammograms aren’t that effective,” she said. “But I have experience with friends where certain issues have been found from their breast screen, so I know that it does work and it does find things which can be really important for early detection.” Like many women her age Julie is busy. The 68-year-old mother of three and grandmother of two might be retired but her days are full; catching up with family and friends, playing the piano and helping out at the University of Technology. But she knows getting a breast screen isn’t just important for her but also her family. “I encourage women to
ENJOYING LIFE: Julie McGregor is a 68-year-old mother of three and grandmother of two .ment. PHOTO: STATE OF QUEENSLAND
definitely make the time. It’s not an arduous process, it’s really very efficient with only a few seconds of discomfort and then it’s over,” she said. “Having a conversation about breast screening with family and friends can really help with raising concerns and can encourage others to get regular checks. “I was telling my daughter I had booked a breast screen and she
immediately said ‘I think it’s time for me to start breast screening regularly as well’. “It really pleased me that my breast screening has led to my daughter to recognising the importance of regular mammograms as part of her health routine.” A new online booking system is making it even easier for Queensland women to make an appointment. “I actually tried to book by phone initially but it was a bit busy so I went online and got straight through to make a booking so that was good.” “My advice to women is to just do it – avoiding mammograms is not helping your life in any way and the positive of early detection really outweighs the negative of being too late. “It’s just another step that we’re able to take, as women, towards staying healthy.” Women aged 50 to 74 years can book a free breast screen today by visiting www.breastscreen .qld.gov.au or they can call 13 20 50. ADVERTORIAL
wellbeing
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Wide Bay
Seniors 27
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MEN’S HEALTH: Valuable health tips for men who are in their 50s and want to live a happier and healthier life. PHOTO: AJR_IMAGES
masculinity. Set yourself a target of meeting with your GP at least once a year; maybe use your birthday as the date you make your annual appointment. Next up is using the following 50s health check when meeting with your GP: ■ Weight and waist measurement. ■ Blood pressure. ■ Cholesterol and glucose levels. ■ Eye checks. ■ Bowel cancer screening. ■ Tetanus booster every 10 years. ■ Blood test for kidney and liver function. ■ Mental health – talk about any issues or concerns with your GP or a counsellor.
■ Hearing check. ■ Sexually transmitted diseases. There is the ongoing Foundation 49 DIY Tips for over 50 and over – ■ Keep fit by exercising at least three times each week for 30 minutes – try a brisk walk or try cycling. ■ Time Out – enjoy your friends and family. ■ Drink moderately; are you having at least three-alcohol free days each week? ■ Laugh lots and loud. ■ Talk about any problems or concerns you may have with your friends or family or talk to a GP or counsellor. In our next edition, we will take a look at: Your 60s.
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LIFE at 50 is probably still in full speed ahead, but that’s no reason for any man to ignore the state of his health. In fact, it’s a very good time to take stock and review where he is at and what he needs to do to ensure the ageing path is smooth, happy and healthy. The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute men’s health group Foundation 49 has put together a to do list of health checks for men who are into their 50th year. First up is, if you don’t have a GP, find one that you feel comfortable with discussing openly your health issues. Those issues may be physical strength, energy, sex drive and sense of
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28 Seniors Wide Bay
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
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Living How to prepare your own retirement plan A SUCCESSFUL retirement is about more than just organising your money. If you don’t manage the lifestyle challenges that retirement brings, you might be financially secure, but you may not be having much fun. The secret to a happy and satisfying retirement is to appreciate that you’re not retiring from work – you’re retiring to the next stage of your life. This next stage of your life is a blank page and you have dozens of opportunities that could fill this space. Now is the time when you can do some or all of the things you wanted to do, but had to postpone due to work or family commitments. Just relaxing and doing very little is fine for the first few months after leaving work. You probably need time to recharge the batteries. However if doing very little and just “going with the flow” becomes the norm, you’re heading towards boredom, ill
TUNED UP FOR THE THIRD AGE PAUL McKEON health and unhappiness. If you want to have a happy and successful full or part time retirement, you need to be active and fully involved with life. This rarely happens just by magic. Like most things worth having, you have to work at it. If you don’t plan for your future happiness and wellbeing, no one else will do it for you. ★What do you want to do with the next 20 years? ★Where do you want to travel? ★Will you be healthy enough to enjoy these freedom years? ★How will you and your partner handle being together 24/7? ★Where are you going to live? ★Will you have enough
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Like most things worth having, you have to work at it. money to be financially secure? ★Do you plan to do some volunteering? These are just a few of the questions that most retired people have to manage. Ignoring them won’t make the major challenges and opportunities go away. Because so many people have told me that it’s hard to prepare a retirement plan, I decided to use my own experience to make the whole process a lot easier. The result is a retirement planning work book that guides you through the major issues that most people need to consider as they approach the next stage of their life. For details on ‘Your Retirement Lifestyle Plan’ visit: mylifechange.com.au
Volunteers are the stars across the Fraser Coast
Contact us today on 1800 465 500 *Terms and Conditions Apply. Limited to 3 applicants at one time.
IN CELEBRATION of Volunteers Week, Fraser Coast Tourism and Events is recognising how important volunteers are to the events and tourism industries across the region. The group has more than 100 dedicated volunteers that assist with the organisation and running of events and the daily operation of visitor information centres. Senior event co-ordinator Andrew Dower said volunteers were a vital part of each event. “Our volunteers have really diverse rolls across our events. They do anything from setting up marquees and chairs to setting tables and serving food. It’s a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and give something back to the community. This year, we
Event volunteers are always needed.
have allocated key volunteers to co-ordinating complete aspects of some events. “We wouldn’t be able to deliver our events if it wasn’t for our tribe of dedicated volunteers. Thank you to everyone who donates their time to deliver our community wonderful events throughout the year.” Scott Robinson has been volunteering at
Fraser Coast events since the 2011 Mary Poppins Festival. “We as volunteers always get shown a lot of appreciation from the community for what we do in helping stage these events. Working with an awesome group of people is the highlight,” Mr Robinson said. Visitor information centre co-ordinator Andrew Ellis said volunteers in the centres were an important part of the daily operation of the business. “Our volunteers in the visitor information centres greet guests to the region, give them information on the area, products and services that are available. We have volunteers who have donated their time for over 10 years.”
Wide Bay
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
Time to ‘ban the bag’ AUSTRALIAN’S use around six billion plastic bags per year, 3.3 billion of which are supermarket plastic bags. Managing director of Clean Up Australia, Terrie-Ann Johnson said 80 million plastic bags end up in Australia’s litter stream. “Think about the poor animal in the marine environment that chokes or starves because it’s got a gutful of non-nutritious material, it’s a horrible, horrible death” she said. The biggest problem with plastic bags is that they do not readily break down in the environment, with estimates for the time it takes them to decompose ranging from 20 to 1000 years. Currently, ACT, NT, Tasmania and SA have bans in place and Queensland will join them
BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN from July 2018. NSW, Victoria and WA are currently not committed to the ban. Single-use plastic bags have been used in Australia for 40 years, so it’s time to ban the bag or in the meantime, use an alternative. ■ What can we do: ★Try and take the plastic bags or paper bags you have, back to the supermarket to reuse. ★Not all your fruit and vegetables need a plastic bag, they can go straight into the trolley. ★Some retailers save cardboard boxes, so use these to pack your
BAN THE BAG: Plastic bags can cause considerable harm, blocking drains and suffocating wildlife, who mistake the bag for food.
groceries. ★Some major supermarkets have calico or “green” bags available for sale at a very small price. These bags can be kept in the car and used every time you shop. ★Bio-degradable bags. These bags are usually
made from plastic and break down into small pieces. Those small pieces become microplastics. The best alternative is bags made with oxo-biodegradable plastic. Using plastic shopping bags to line our garbage bins means that they still end up into landfill. ■ What do we use: ★Newspaper: Most bins are tall and cube shape, so a newspaper can easily be folded, origami style, into the bin to line the bottom and the sides. ★Nothing: the only things that should be going into your bins is waste that cannot be recycled, composted, or reused somewhere else. These methods may not suit everyone but so long as you can reduce the use, you are helping our environment.
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Live and let’s save
Seniors 29
Top tips for an efficient kitchen Linking seniors with community information across Queensland
CHEAP EATS, NO TRUFFLES CHRISTINE PERKINS
www.seniorsenquiryline.com.au
TIME TO WARM UP: Enjoy a curry laksa, full of flavour.
in your cupboard is a great way to save money. We tend to forget and go and buy the same items then get home and find there are already three bags of carrots. When that happens, you
can always make carrot soup. Seriously, if you have a list of what’s in your cupboard and pantry you will be less likely to double up. Think before you shop and be creative.
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store like mixed herbs, thyme, sage, rosemary, dried chilli, cumin, ground coriander seed or curry powder you can enhance the flavour of a basic meal and make it special with little effort. Don’t forget to taste and season. It’s good to look in the cupboard and get ideas from what you already have instead of buying more ingredients. Writing a list of what is
9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
SAVINGS - SPENDINGS PLANNING This June, Seniors Newspaper, updates, enlightens and inspires your money senses. You will find tips on how to save in the home, on holiday, entertainment and health. We also feature practical information on the big changes to Aged Care packages and Superannuation. Be prepared to pull on your purse strings and climb up the money ladder as you read our informative June edition.
Pick up your free copy of the June edition at your local stockist or read online at seniorsnews.com.au
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AUTUMN is well and truly here so we start thinking of warm, comfort foods. Soup comes to mind as well as casseroles. One-pot meals save a great deal of time and effort. Don’t forget the slow cooker as it is always a great way to cook and save time, just put it on and forget. Be creative – add and remove ingredients if they are not to your liking. If you like mushrooms and don’t like eggplant swap them as both are high in moisture – the recipe should stay the same. Herbs and spices are a great way to jazz up a one-pot meal. If you have a few in
30 Seniors Wide Bay
explore
seniorsnews.com.au Monday, May 22, 2017
Finding life in the bush Tracey Johnstone
RETIREES Len and Valerie Warren are using their skills and passion to preserve Australia’s landscape for future generations. They are just two of an enthusiastic army of volunteers who each year travel to remote Australian bushland settings to work on preserving Australia’s landscape and wildlife for the national not-for-profit organisation Bush Heritage. Its volunteers work on protecting Australia’s natural environment through its 37 reserves and partnerships which are located across Australia taking in six million hectares. “For us, they are reserving and preserving the landscape,” Len said. “They select properties that have conservation significance and properties that have degraded, and over the years we have seen these properties improve and return, and some of the animals start to return. “For us it’s a direct way of doing something about the environment and about climate change,” he
added. Perth-based Len, a former CSIRO scientist and Valerie, previously a teacher, are both 72. “We lost our son Roy 20 years ago,” Valerie said. “Len’s brother Noel wrote and said he had made a donation to Bush Heritage in memory of Roy. “We said, ‘what’s Bush Heritage’, and he sent us a newsletter. “We thought it looked good, so we started donating. “We then got invited to a donor’s weekend at the Charles Darwin Reserve. “The managers were looking for volunteers, so we signed up.” The previous regular bush campers eagerly started at Charles Darwin Reserve, which is located about 355km north-east of Perth, doing odd jobs. “I remember helping to pour the concrete foundations for the new generator at the reserve and doing some painting,” Len said. “We’ve done quite a bit of weeding at its annual weeding bee,” Valerie said. “When you are with a group of 10 or 12 people
and you are all close together, even though you are weeding, you talk and so on, and it’s not as bad as it sounds,” Len added. “We meet new people all the time even though there is a hard core,” he added. It’s only in the last three years that they have also volunteered at the Eurardy Reserve which is located 145km north of Geraldton and where they have been doing sand pad monitoring. “On a trip to the east coast, we managed to coincide it with volunteering at two other properties in South Australia; at Bon Bon Station and Boolcoomatta.” It’s being out in the bush, learning new things and being useful that keeps the Warrens engaged with their Bush Heritage volunteering jobs. Len has also joined with the Bush Heritage ecologists in their survey work. “I am involved in a field where I have skills, but no experience and I have met all sorts of new people,” he said. So, while Len and
GREEN VOLUNTEERS: Bush Heritage volunteers Len and Valerie Warren on Eurardy Reserve in Western Australia. PHOTO: BEN PARKHURST
Valerie may have retired professionally, they are happily keeping both intellectually and physically active through their volunteering. They encourage anyone thinking of volunteering to talk to the Bush Heritage
volunteer coordinator. Before volunteering, Len and Valerie advise – ■ You need to love the bush. ■ Some of the properties are quite remote and the conditions are basic.
■ Knowing how to read a map helps greatly in finding the location of remote reserves. ■ A good GPS is valuable. ■ You need to be totally self-contained with your own food.
Pencil this point
into your travel Australia diary There’s love, sweat and courage in this food Emma Edwards, Endeavour Foundation
ALREADY a must-see on the Queensland tourist trail, Endeavour Foundation’s Kingaroy Kitchen is adding another exciting ingredient, thanks to the launch of its café. The popular social enterprise provides employment and training opportunities for 29 people with a disability in the South Burnett region. Working in teams to bake and cook, package and despatch, supported employees are empowered to take ownership of their roles and develop skills at their own pace and to match their own interests. Now the tightly-knit team is unveiling its latest venture, and looking forward to showing off a host of new skills. “Our new café will not
only help us to ensure that Kingaroy Kitchen remains viable, but will also allow the team to keep learning and growing,” manager Paul Lowe said. “The team will be learning new recipes, taking on more responsibility and increasing their confidence as they interact with the general public. “Of course our success will rely not only on having great food and top notch service, but on visitors to the area and locals alike coming out and supporting us. “Given that inclusion is a real challenge for many people with a disability, this is also a great platform for the team to debunk myths and challenge perceptions. “I can’t wait for them to show customers how
capable they are, and how much they have to offer the community.” Highlighting the importance of the business to everyone involved, Paul said that supported employment is much more than having somewhere to go for eight hours a day. “This is a commercial kitchen with stringent standards and a business outlook like any other, but our core purpose is to provide employment that enriches people’s lives,” Paul said. “That’s what keeps us working and keeps us innovating – Kingaroy Kitchen is more than just a job.” Drop in to the café at 17 Kingaroy St, Kingaroy, open 7.30am-3pm, Monday to Friday, or order some of their signature jams, chutneys and biscuits: kingaroykitchen.com.au.
LEARNING AND GROWING THROUGH COOKING: Andy Simmons and Beth Fulton in Endeavour Foundation’s famous Kingaroy Kitchen.
puzzles
Monday, May 22, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au
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Across 7 Who played the drums on the Beatles’ 1968 recording of “Back in the USSR”? (4,9) 8 Referring to a payment, what phrase from Latin means “for a moral, not legal reason”? (2,6) 9 What (__ lily) is another name for the calla lily? (4) 10 In Harry Dacre’s 1892 song “Daisy Bell”, what mode of transport is suggested for the wedding? (6) 12 An aircraft’s “black box” is usually what colour? (6) 14 Where in England was Ricky Gervais’s TV hit The Office set? (6) 16 Which American short-story writer honed his skills while serving a prison sentence from 1898? (1,5) 18 In a children’s rhyme, who came tumbling after Jack? (4) 20 Which tropical plant with large, velvety, bellshaped flowers is related to the African violet? (8) 22 Which British novelist and feminist essayist was a central figure of the Bloomsbury Group? (8,5)
6
7
8
9
10
11
14
18
15
19
12
16
20
Wide Bay
13
17
21
Down 1 Which British car maker was acquired by General Motors in 1925? (8) 2 Which king of Wessex is credited with the foundation of the English navy? (6) 3 What is improvised jazz singing, using the voice in imitation of an instrument? (4) 4 Which Japanese admiral planned the attack on Pearl Harbour? (8) 5 What is the capital of Canada? (6) 6 Where was the potato first cultivated, about 4,500 years ago? (4) 11 The importation of what wood in the 1720s led to a revival of carving on English furniture? (8) 13 Which fat ginger comic strip cat made his debut in 1978? (8) 15 What describes the volume by which a liquid container falls short of being full? (6) 17 Which great American inventor (Thomas __) did not learn to talk until he was almost four? (6) 19 In Egyptian mythology, who is the goddess of fertility and motherhood? (4) 21 Which colourful gemstone is mined in Australia? (4)
22
SUDOKU
Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
QUICK CROSSWORD 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
13
ALPHAGRAMS
Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down.
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 fiveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.
C
11
14
15
16
18
19
A V
R
17
E D
N
K L
TACIT MAD BEE UPSCALE ICED CLAY NEAR LIGHT
D D
Note: more than one solution may be possible.
20
6/5
5x5
M 12
Seniors 31
SOLUTIONS 21
anew await aware interwar newt RAINWATER rainwear tawa tawnier tinware twin twine twiner wain wait waiter wane want wanter ware warier warn warner warrant warren wart water wean wear weir went weta wine winter wire wirer wren wrier writ write writer
22
N E E D S
Across: 1. Warp 8. Appraising 9. Flatters 10. Cage 12. Deputy 14. Shiver 15. Fasted 17. Assume 18. Dear 19. Lacerate 21. Throughout 22. Awry. Down: 2. Adulterate 3. Pant 4. Speedy 5. Pauses 6. Psychics 7. Ogle 11. Grey matter 13. Ulterior 16. Deluge 17. Anchor 18. Data 20. Rota.
ALPHAGRAMS: ATTIC, BEAMED, CAPSULE, DELICACY, EARTHLING.
BLACKOUT
QUICK CROSSWORD
Solution opposite
A I D E D
Find a finished crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.
E V O K E
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. TODAY: Good 20 Very Good 27 Excellent 35
DOUBLE CROSS
C O R A L
A N
WORD GO ROUND
R E
SUDOKU
5x5
O M E N S
437
GK CROSSWORD
W
Down 2. Dilute (10) 3. Gasp (4) 4. Quick (6) 5. Hesitates (6) 6. Mediums (8) 7. Look lecherously (4) 11. Brain power (colloq) (4,6) 13. Hidden, not apparent (8) 16. Downpour (6) 17. Hold in place (6) 18. Information (4) 20. Duty list (4)
Across: 7 Paul McCartney, 8 Ex gratia, 9 Arum, 10 Tandem, 12 Orange, 14 Slough, 16 O Henry, 18 Jill, 20 Gloxinia, 22 Virginia Woolf. Down: 1 Vauxhall, 2 Alfred, 3 Scat, 4 Yamamoto, 5 Ottawa, 6 Peru, 11 Mahogany, 13 Garfield, 15 Ullage, 17 Edison, 19 Isis, 21 Opal.
A T
I R
WORD GO ROUND
Across 1. Bend (4) 8. Valuing (10) 9. Praises insincerely (8) 10. Confine (4) 12. Assistant (6) 14. Tremble (6) 15. Went without food (6) 17. Suppose (6) 18. Costly (4) 19. Cut deeply (8) 21. From start to finish (10) 22. Amiss (4)
A S G P X L H H K S V S P C H
L E G A L I S E G Y E L L O W
C R X L H B E S P L C A J L R
E M B O D Y P S O L I T U D E
H O O M G A N I G A K E T N W
I N S I G N I A L B U R N E D
K D J N A X Q N N L W Z M S P
R E C O R D S H B E D P O S T
U M A J K E Q G T T F R C B Y
A B L O O M P U P R O O T E D
F R R D B U Z M S E D F Q L Q
F A V O U R E D Q F L O O D S
B C X U Q R F R Y U W U G E U
D E G R E E K O R G A N I S T
S D C S O D E P Z E H D Q T F
BLACKOUT
Work out which squares need to be deleted to reveal a completed crossword. Solution opposite
DOUBLE CROSS
L E I S E R M O N G B S P A L O M I N L D G L I B Y A N S I H E S S I A N O S Y L L A B L E I U S L A T E R L U N C O L D N E S W E D
R A E M B R C L O O D R O D E M U S G U M B P E R E D O P R O F O T S E L T D
F D A C E D V G O U R S U E R R E D E D R O P R F U G E L A O U N D O I D E S T S T
B AYC R E S T H E R V E Y B AY
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