VOLUNTEERING

Finding restful sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an iconic part of the Gold Coast with visitors flocking there every year to see the animals and enjoy the surrounds.

The park is run by the National Trust of Australia, Queensland and relies heavily on a volunteer work force to keep it going.

Sanctuary’s Park Volunteer Program manager Brooke Wood said they had a large band of volunteers helping out in all facets of the park.

“National Trust of Australia Queensland (NTAQ) Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has 500 wonderful Volunteers based at the Sanctuary, and an additional 150 volunteers included in our National Trust family spread over our 13 Heritage properties across QLD from Currumbin to Cooktown,” she said.

“That is a total of 650 Volunteers. “With NTAQ Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary being a not for profit organisation, the Sanctuary relies heavily on the assistance of many volunteers, and without the dedication and support of our volunteers, we could not do the important work that we do within heritage, conservation and environmental education.”

So how do you become a volunteer?

“Each Volunteer Program within the NTAQ Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is unique and has a very specific set of requirements,” Brooke explained. “The mandatory criteria to volunteer at NTAQ Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary across all of the programs are the following: · Volunteers must be a minimum of 18 years of age · Volunteers must be able to commit to one shift per week for a minimum period of 6 months · Volunteers must be computer literate, with an email, and be able to complete online components for training · Volunteers must meet the physical fitness requirements of each position · Volunteers must successfully complete trial shifts and on the job training · Volunteers must successfully complete three months’ probation”

On the job training is provided for all roles with in the park and thee criteria plus specialised requirements for each individual position can be found on their website.

“You can apply online through the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Website – www.currumbinsanctuary.com.au , the National Trust of Australia (Qld) Website - www.nationaltrustqld.com.au or Volunteering Gold Coast volunteeringgc. org.au,” she said. On site at the Sanctuary they currently offer four Volunteer Programs. Each Volunteer Program and position within the Sanctuary is unique and has individual requirements.

The four programs available include: Park Volunteers, Guest Relations - Providing information and support to Guests regarding shows, facilities, and animals;

Wildlife Volunteers - Assist Wildlife keepers with enclosure care tasks and feeding.

There are seven places to volunteer at the animal hospital - assist staff with Hospital Reception, Animal Rehabilitation, Wildlife Ward, Hospital Facilities, Animal Kitchen, Animal Ambulance and Wildlife Deck Liaison.

The Horticulture Volunteers include Assist Horticulture Department, with improving and planting the gardens throughout the Sanctuary.

“We have an incredible range of ages within the volunteer program, with our youngest volunteers being 18 years old through to 80 years old,” Brooke said. “Each position available at the Sanctuary is open to all ages 18+, but it is necessary to meet all the mandatory criteria and physical requirements of the role.”

Iconic Currumbin Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary.

Bronwyn relishes her Currumbin role

Journalist Tania Phillips asked volunteer Bronwyn Huitfeldt what it’s like to volunteer at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and what it all entails.

How long have you been volunteering?

I have been volunteering for over eight years having completed my training course to become a fully fledged Park Volunteer in March 2013.

How did you become involved?

I have always loved the Sanctuary having taken first my children, then my grandchildren to visit on numerous occasions. When I retired it was my first choice of volunteer opportunity.

How often do you go to the sanctuary? And what sort of commitment do you have to give?

Initially I was a Park Volunteer one afternoon a week. Later I had the opportunity to assist the Park and Wildlife and Horticulture Managers with a wide range of administrative duties so added another day to my volunteer commitment for several years. Currently I volunteer two shifts per week assisting the Volunteer managers with administration for one shift and assisting the Wildlife Hospital with a range of administrative tasks during the other shift.

What do you do at the sanctuary? Has that always been your role?

My administrative role with the Park and Wildlife and Horticulture Volunteer managers includes assisting with recruitment of new volunteers, maintaining databases and office tasks such as filing, photocopying, laminating etc. At the Wildlife Hospital I maintain databases and am currently involved in a project digitising records.

Do you enjoy it? Why?

I love the work I do knowing that I am assisting a wonderful group of people who are dedicated to the welfare and conservation of Australia’s unique wildlife and fauna. I am also able to not only keep up my existing skills but also learn new computer skills.

What is the best thing about being a volunteer at the sanctuary?

There is no one best thing. It is the people, the animals and the beautiful natural environment that all come together to make an amazing volunteer environment.

Gemlife fleet a good move

In an Australian-first travel initiative, leading over-50s resort developer GemLife will provide its residents with access to a purpose-built fleet of motorhomes to stoke their wanderlust and allow them to explore our spectacular backyard.

The Explore by GemLife initiative means residents can hit the open road regularly, without the costs associated with owning and storing their own caravan or motorhome, supporting the increasingly active lives of over-50s and their desire for travel.

GemLife is launching five luxury Jayco Conquest DX motorhomes across its south east Queensland and Victorian resorts, with plans to extend its fleet as new communities along the east coast reach completion over the next 24 months.

One motorhome will be based at each resort and is available exclusively for homeowners to hire at just $130-$150 per night, well below the typical market rate, which can be up to triple the cost, and conveniently located for pick-up and drop-off.

GemLife Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Puljich, said the one-ofa-kind initiative recognised the importance of travel for over-50s.

“Travel is a huge passion and big part of the lives of so many of our residents, which sparked the idea for the Australian-first Explore by GemLife initiative,” he said.

“A lot of residents own motorhomes or caravans but haven’t been on the road as much as they expected, while others like the idea of owning an RV but have hesitated because they’re unsure if they will use it enough to justify the cost and ongoing maintenance.

“We devised Explore by GemLife to solve that issue, giving residents the option to sell their existing motorhome if they wish, knowing they’ll be able to hit the road when they want and continue to enjoy the lifestyle they desire.”

GemLife Pacific Paradise residents Desley and Keith Smith were the first to use one of the motorhomes, spending a week travelling from their home on the Sunshine Coast to Woodgate and Bargara, just north of Bundaberg, in midSeptember.

Ms Smith said the couple, who had owned three caravans and travelled around Australia extensively, signed up for the initiative as soon as they heard about it and shortly after moving into GemLife Pacific Paradise three months ago.

“My husband was like a boy in a toy shop looking at all the ins and outs of the motorhome and we immediately jumped in and said we’d hire it,” she said.

“We will certainly use it again. Having had caravans before, we found it so easy to drive and park and it would be wonderful for long haul trips, where the distance between towns is too far to complete in a day and you need to park for the night at a roadside stop.

“Our next trip would be further afield for a longer time, to either central New South Wales and northern Victoria, where we haven’t travelled a lot, or to north and west Queensland.

“The motorhome is very comfortable and such a big asset for residents. If we had a motorhome or caravan now, I’m positive we would sell it. Being able to use this once or twice a year is all the caravanning we need and I know a lot of others would feel the same.”

Each of the motorhomes features a commissioned illustration by in-demand international artist Owen Gatley promoting an iconic Australian destination, including the Great Ocean Road, Daintree Rainforest, Glass House Mountains and Nitmiluk National Park.

Inside, the Jayco Conquest DX motorhomes offer a spacious living layout with an electric slide-out for extra room, a double bed, full ensuite bathroom with separate shower, a functional kitchen with gas cooktop, grill, oven and microwave and a washing machine.

Mr Puljich said, for additional comfort and luxury, GemLife also included a suite of upgrades such as premium leather seats, water filter, barbeque and solar panels.

“We want to make the experience as enjoyable as possible for our residents, with an electric awning for alfresco dining and entertaining, retractable picnic bench and premium entertainment system with outdoor speakers to listen to music,” he said.

“We know over-50s are healthier and more active than ever and this initiative is just another way to add to the fantastic lifestyle on offer in our resorts, including facilities such as country clubs, summer houses and off-leash dog parks.”

GemLife has two resorts on the Sunshine Coast – Maroochy Quays and Pacific Paradise – along with a resort at Bribie Island, Highfields near Toowoomba and Woodend in Victoria. A further five resorts are currently being developed, with more in the pipeline, across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

Keith and Desley Smith and one of the new vehicles.

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Quite a milestone

The Maroochy RSL family — including more than 40 World War II veterans — paused on Remembrance Day at the Cotton Tree cenotaph to acknowledge those who have bravely served for our country.

Maroochy RSL President and veteran himself, Michael Liddelow said as the 2020 Remembrance Day events were limited to invite-only due to the pandemic, this year’s events had been particularly special giving the community a chance to come together and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “We don’t underestimate how important Remembrance Day is for our veterans — irrespective of their age, where they served or how long ago they returned home,” Mr Liddelow said.

“Services such as this along with the other support provided by Maroochy RSL, ensure our veterans feel appreciated for the sacrifices they made and for many, form an important part of a lifelong connection to the RSL.”

This is certainly the case for Australia’s longest serving RSL member and Buderim local, Jack Alsbury, a World War II veteran who is set to celebrate his 100th birthday in January.

“In 1944 I was nominated to be a member of the RSL by my father who was already a member after having served in the First World War — so this year I have been a member for 77 years,” Mr Alsbury said.

Mr Alsbury served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) from 1942, as a Leading Aircraftsman, in the New Guinea theatre of war.

He said while there are many things from the war he would like to forget, he will always remember proposing to his late wife, Dorothy, who also served in the RAAF, via a letter he wrote while in battle.

Mr Liddelow said the Maroochy RSL team was well aware of the important role they play in the lives of veterans such as Mr Alsbury and the many others that call the Sunshine Coast home.

“The Sunshine Coast is currently sixth on the list in Queensland as Local Government Areas (LGA) with the most veterans and the fourth highest in regards to the number of war widows,” Mr Liddelow said[1].

“Remembrance Day was an opportunity for veterans who have served over a number of conflicts to congregate with the friends and families who have supported them on their journey and to reflect. It provides a unique opportunity to stop, to remember and to say thank you.

“Due to Covid-19 restrictions last year we had to live stream the service, however this year we’re looked forward to welcoming everyone to the Cotton Tree Cenotaph to pay their respects and commemorate this national day of remembrance.

“On 11 November, 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of warfare, bringing an end to the First World War and seeing this day come to represent all those who have served before and since.” Jack Alsbury.

Kicking up their heels: Seniors shows a big success

The Mayor’s Seniors Concert was held at the Home of the Arts (HOTA) on Tuesday 19 October.

Approximately 1200 people attended the free concerts across three sessions, which were all booked out within a week.

This year’s annual Mayor’s Seniors Month Concerts awoke the senses and touched the soul in a stunning tribute to Broadway musicals from Les Miserables to The Phantom of the Opera.

The show took guests on an hourlong journey of hits from Broadway musicals performed by a stellar cast of renowned singers, instrumentalists and dancers – culminating in a moving homage to the late great Luciano Pavarotti.

It attracted positive feedback for the audience, with many writing to thank Mayor Tom Tate and the City of Gold Coast for hosting the event.

For more information about activities and events for seniors on the Gold Coast visit goldcoast.qld.gov.au/seniors

Did you know?

The population aged 45 and over account for 72% of Australia’s wealth.

Now is the time to engage with a demographic your products or service appeal to.