MAG - Seniors Today Sunshine Coast - 28th March 2022 by Star News Group

Wednesday, 23 March, 2022

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Season of bounty

New recipes to try

country k tchens recipes

Farmhouse Vegetable Lasagne

Serves: 4 Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 1 hr 30 minutes 3 serve per portion

Ingredients: • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1 brown onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 medium capsicum, diced • 2 sticks celery, diced • 2 medium carrots, diced

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Everyday Food

PAGES 18-19

Journey through time PAGES 34-35

Coolum Theatre Players current production of Calendar Girls will feature a fundraiser for Katie Rose Cottage Hospice. Shown are cast members, Andrew Moon, Liz Bear and Deb Ellison. SEE STORY PAGE 38

Learning to fly PAGE 8

Coast to feature A new Australian drama mystery series from Acorn TV, Darby and Joan, has recently wrapped filming on the Redlands Coast and other south-east Queensland locations. Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the series, produced by Australian production company CJZ, would showcase the rugged beauty and unique

grandeur of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) to millions of viewers via one of the world’s leading streaming services Acorn TV in 2022. “We were pleased to welcome 75 cast and crew members to Minjerribah for almost a week in September last year,” she said. “With Darby and Joan injecting an es-

timated $6.6 million into the economy and generating approximately 95 jobs for Queensland cast and crew, it’s great to see our local economy receiving a share of this through visitor nights and associated spending by the production.” Division Two Councillor Peter Mitchell said it was fantastic to see Redlands Coast and Minjerribah forging a repu-

tation as a location of choice for film production. “Minjerribah is known for its iconic scenery and Darby and Joan will feature several of our naturally wonderful locations including Amity Point, South Gorge, Cylinder Beach and Home Beach,” Cr Mitchell said. STORY PAGE 3

INSIDE

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IN PROFILE ..........................page 8 HISTORY ..................... pages 11-12 PROPERTY/FINANCE ..........page 13 GARDENING ......................page 14 RECIPES .................... pages 18-19 HEALTH ..................... pages 20-27 OUT & ABOUT ............ pages 28-35 ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT pages 36-38 ACTIVE OUTDOORS ............page 39

Kenilworth Library worth the drive.

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Libraries of the Coast - Kenilworth Sunshine Coast Council’s Kenilworth Library has joined the vibrant town mornings, opening between 9am and noon each week on Wednesday and

Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

EDITORIAL Tania Phillips Journalist E: tania.phillips@StarNewsGroup.com.au

ADVERTISING Phill Le Petit Advertising Manager E: phill.lepetit@StarNewsGroup.com.au M: 0439 377 525 Louisa Kneller Advertising Sales Executive E: louisa.kneller@StarNewsGroup.com.au M: 0413 380 545

Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit SeniorsToday.com.au/terms-and-conditions/ Wednesday, 22 March, 2022

SeniorsToday.com.au

Season of bounty

New recipes to try

PAGE 14

PAGES 18-19

country k tchens recipes Farmhouse Vegetable Lasagne Serves: 4 Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 1 hr 30 minutes 3 serve per portion

Ingredients: • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1 brown onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 medium capsicum, diced • 2 sticks celery, diced • 2 medium carrots, diced

Everyday Food

Journey through time PAGES 34-35

Coolum Theatre Players current production of Calendar Girls will feature a fundraiser for Katie Rose Cottage Hospice. Shown are cast members, Andrew Moon, Liz Bear and Deb Ellison. SEE STORY PAGE 38

Learning to fly PAGE 8

Welcome to our first issue for 2022 – it seems like years since the year turned doesn’t? All this rain and flooding has been tough on us all – we hope you are staying safe and dry. Autumn on the Sunshine Coast is a time to enjoy both the garden and cooking as the weather becomes mile enough to actually do both without melting. So we have a garden column from Kevin Redd concentrating on the joys of Autumn gardening as well as several different recipes. For the first time we are joined by the CWA who will provide a recipes each issue. As well as the CWA we have recipes and advice for those who have diagnosed or suspect they might have diabetes while there is also a story on a farming family and their new cook book. Erle Levey interviews ABC personality Lisa Millar and asks the 7.30 Report question and the travel section includes stories from Queensland as usual but also a story from Travelling Senorita blogger Kylie Mitchell Smith about Melbourne. On the entertainment front there’s interviews with Normie Rowe, Lee Kernaghan, Rhonda Burchmore and a piece on the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra’s birthday celebrations.

Tania Phillips Seniors Today Editorial Coordinator

Thursday, in addition to the regular hours. For those who haven’t visited Kenilworth for a while, why not make a day of it by taking the beautiful Mary Valley scenic drive, past the quaint town of Imbil. Alternatively, take a drive along the Blackall Range through Maleny, Montville and Mapleton and down the Obi Obi Road. Kenilworth Library in the centre of town - close to one very famous donut shop, the Kenilworth Bakery. Kenilworth Library opened in the old Westpac Bank building in the main street on 7 June, 1986 with a collection of 3000 books donated by Nambour Library. Within a month, library membership had grown to include half of the town’s population of approximately 400 people. A few years later a small council-owned cottage was moved from the Coast to Kenilworth and refurbished as a new home for the little library. Fast track to today and Kenilworth Library operates as a jewel in the Sunshine Coast Libraries network offering computers, Wi-Fi, and a team of welcoming staff.

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From books and magazines, to online resources such as ebooks, and movies or music to download, Kenilworth Library has something for everyone. Why not support this lovely little town and make sure you visit the Kenilworth Library. Kenilworth Library opening hours: Day Times Monday 2-5pm Tuesday 2-5pm Wednesday 9am – 12pm Thursday 9am – 12pm Friday 10am – 3pm Saturday 9am – 12pm Sunday Closed For more information on library services, visit library.sunshinecoast.qld. gov.au To stay up to date on library news, subscribe to the library eNewsletter and follow Sunshine Coast Libraries on Facebook. Following the Queensland Government Public Health Direction update, customers do not need to display proof of vaccination status to enter Sunshine Coast Libraries locations.

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Production has now finished on Darby and Joan.

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Filming on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).

Filming boost for the coast A new Australian drama mystery series from Acorn TV, Darby and Joan, has recently wrapped filming on the Redlands Coast and other south-east Queensland locations. Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the series, produced by Australian production company CJZ, would showcase the rugged beauty and unique grandeur of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) to millions of viewers via one of the world’s leading streaming services Acorn TV in 2022. “We were pleased to welcome 75 cast and crew members to Minjerribah for almost a week in September last year,” she said. “With Darby and Joan injecting an estimated $6.6 million into the economy and generating approximately 95 jobs for Queensland cast and crew, it’s great

to see our local economy receiving a share of this through visitor nights and associated spending by the production.” Division Two Councillor Peter Mitchell said it was fantastic to see Redlands Coast and Minjerribah forging a reputation as a location of choice for film production. “Minjerribah is known for its iconic scenery and Darby and Joan will feature several of our naturally wonderful locations including Amity Point, South Gorge, Cylinder Beach and Home Beach,” Cr Mitchell said. “This is the latest production to film on Minjerribah, with other productions including the blockbuster Aquaman; showing the island is attracting more than just tourists and surfers, it is becoming a location of choice for filmmakers.”

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) was a location loved by the series director and producers. CJZ Head of Drama Claire Tonkin said, “We’ve always talked about this series being a love letter to some of the most beautiful spots in Queensland and, when I first saw where we’d be filming, I literally gasped out loud at its beauty. “Shooting there was a wonderful experience for the whole cast and crew, and I can’t wait for the audience in the rest of Australia and around the world to see it onscreen.” Roger Paul, location manager for Darby and Joan, said: “I’ve spent years in Vancouver, Canada, which is renowned for being one of the biggest production hubs on the planet with excellent support infrastructure from the local municipalities, and I can say with

real confidence Redlands Coast is without a doubt on a par with them.” Billed as a rollicking road trip with a mystery twist, Darby and Joan stars Bryan Brown as a retired Australian police officer with a dog as his only companion, and Greta Scacchi as a widowed English nurse. The pair meet and embark on an epic odyssey in the outback of northern Australia. An Acorn Original production, Darby and Joan will have its world premiere exclusively on Acorn TV in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Latin America, Australia, Spain, and Portugal among others in 2022. The series is produced by CJZ with major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen Queensland.

Grants available for seniors celebrations, to connect Palaszczuk Government provided 114 grants for organisations to host 1300 events and activities for Queensland’s seniors. “Council on the Ageing Queensland (COTA Queensland) will continue to work closely with us to co-ordinate the month and the grants process. “I encourage organisations to apply for a grant as they start planning their 2022 Queensland Seniors Month events.” COTA Queensland Chief Executive Mark Tucker-Evans said even with the uncertainty of the Covid pandemic in 2021, Queensland seniors had shown the diverse ways they build and maintain social connections. “Whether it be attending a dance or cooking class, a morning tea or concert, sharing a meal, an experience, or having a chat with a neighbour over the fence, Queenslanders know we simply feel good when we connect,” he said. Mr Crawford said Seniors Month provided the opportunity for Queenslanders of all generations to connect and celebrate the contribution of seniors to the state. “We know that seniors are the backbone of our communities, especially with their contribution to volunteering.

As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic I look forward to seniors reconnecting and celebrating with their families, and friends,” Mr Crawford said. Applications for Queensland Seniors Months grants close on 30 April 2022. To find out more about Queensland

Seniors Month and to apply for a grant, visit qldseniorsmonth.org.au or phone COTA Queensland on 1300 738 348. To find out more about Queensland Government services and supports for seniors visit qld.gov.au/seniors or call the Seniors Enquiry Line on 1300 135 500.

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Queenslanders of all generations will join to celebrate with the state’s seniors through $100,000 of grants announced in mid-March. Seniors Minister Craig Crawford said the $100,000 will be provided by the Palaszczuk government to schools, community groups, non-government organisations and local councils to host events and activities during the second annual Queensland Seniors Month in October 2022. “This year, grants of up to $1000 are again available– continuing our theme of Social Connections,’’ Mr Crawford said. “We moved last year from a week of activities to a month-long celebration for seniors in October,’’ he said. “The diversity of events was incredible, like Lego Masters events, singing workshops, ballet classes, come and try sports days, concerts and multicultural feasts.” Celebrations will again start on the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (1 October) and include the celebration of National Grandparents Day on Sunday 30 October. Mr Crawford said in 2021 the

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Backing for Twinnies

Shayne Neumann, Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel with the late Brian Hall, who served on the Ipswich and West Moreton National Servicemen’s Association for more than a decade and was a passionate advocate for his fellow Nashos in Qld.

Nasho recognition Labor is calling on the Morrison-Joyce Government to formally recognise thousands of National Servicemen who fought in Vietnam with a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM), which was originally awarded by the former government of South Vietnam. The call came on National Servicemen’s Day on 14 February and ahead of Anzac Day. Some 3000 National Servicemen were not able to complete the qualifying period of 181 days that Australia requires for veterans to receive the RVCM, due solely to the conditions of their National Service. These veterans sincerely believe they fought just as gallantly in defence of Australia’s national interests and our ally, the Republic of Vietnam, as those who completed 181 days of service, and

deserve to be honoured in the same way. The proposal to extend the RVCM to these former ‘Nashos’ has strong bipartisan and community support, including among government MPs and Senators, veterans and ex-service organisations. Labor has asked the government to give these men the recognition they deserve and finally allow them to proudly wear the RVCM when they march alongside their mates on Anzac Day this year. National Servicemen’s Day is held to remember more than 290,000 men who served Australia through compulsory military service between 1951 and 1972. Australia’s National Servicemen, affectionately known as ‘Nashos’, played a unique and invaluable role in serving our country.

Each year, on the 14th of February, they are honoured on National Servicemen’s Day. Most Australian men who turned 20 years of age were required to register in the National Service scheme of 1964-72. Twice a year, some of these men were called to serve through a random selection system depending on their birth date, known as the ‘birthday ballot’. More than 804,000 men registered, with more than 63,000 called to serve. More than 15,000 of them served in the Vietnam War, where some 200 lost their lives and more than 1,200 were wounded. National Servicemen’s day is held to honour and thank all those National Servicemen who served and to especially remember those who lost their lives in conflict.

High expected cost of a hidden epidemic The cost of Alzheimer’s disease is expected to rise by more than 70 per cent to around $26.6 billion over the next 20 years according to a new report released earlier this month, The Economic and Societal Cost of Alzheimer’s Disease in Australia, 2021-2041, from the University of Canberra’s National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM). The report, commissioned by Biogen Australia and New Zealand, builds on NATSEM and Dementia Australia’s Economic Cost of Dementia in Australia 2016-2056 Report, released in 2017. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said with almost half a million Australians living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease the most common form, this report reinforces that dementia will have a staggering future economic cost without urgent action. 4 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

“Dementia is the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of death of women in Australia. It is the major chronic disease of this century,” Ms McCabe said. “We acknowledge the Australian Government’s significant 2021 five-year investment in dementia and aged care reforms and in order to reduce costs in the longer term, there needs to be a bi-partisan long-commitment to improved services, research and increasing our understanding about dementia risk reduction.” The report indicated costs could significantly be reduced if a disease modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s disease was to become available. The result would mean fewer people having moderate to severe symptoms which would in turn, over time, reduce the impact on the health, aged care

and disability systems. “The introduction of a disease modifying therapy has the potential to lower the economic impact but is only part of the solution. “The time for a holistic, sustained and coordinated approach is now,” Ms McCabe said. Dementia Australia was one of a number of stakeholders consulted by Biogen throughout the report’s development. Ms McCabe said Dementia Australia was the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. For more information contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

The Palaszczuk government is set to donate $10,000 to the Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue to assist them to continue their outstanding wildlife work. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said of the Sunshine Coast organisation deserved support for its great efforts in helping sick and injured pelicans and seabirds. “I was very impressed when I saw Bridgette and Paula Powers on Australian Story,” the Premier said. “Their dedication and passion as wildlife conservationists is truly admirable, and their track record of voluntary work over so many years deserves our backing.” For more than 20 years, Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue has been caring for birds that have been injured by propellers, caught in fishing lines, or injured or sick for other reasons. “The twins’ appearance on Australian Story served to shine a new light on their long-running work,” the Premier said. “Our $10,000 contribution will hopefully inspire others to also support them and their mum Helen to help meet their running costs.” Caloundra MP Jason Hunt said in every community, there are people who go the extra mile for those who need help. “For Helen and the Twinnies, it’s our beautiful coastal birdlife which benefits from their tireless work and gigantic hearts,” Mr Hunt said. “I’m genuinely delighted to be able to show our Premier the amazing work that they do on behalf of our wildlife. “And I’m even more pleased to be able to assist them in some way in their ceaseless efforts to nurse sick and injured birds back to health.” The Premier said not-for-profit wildlife rehabilitation groups and privately funded wildlife hospitals play a major role in the rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of protected animals every year. “My government is proudly committed to supporting this important work,” she said. “We’ve allocated another $6 million over four years to bolster the South East Queensland Wildlife Hospital Network. “The network includes the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital. “We have also taken strong action on plastic waste, and the harmful impact it has on our wildlife, including sea birds. “Since September, single-use plastic items have been banned in Queensland, with consideration now being given to expanding the ban. “That followed our ban of lightweight single-use plastic bags in July 2018, and the Container Refund Scheme which has seen nearly 3 billion containers returned for refunds since 2018.”

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Time to talk about future Growing sustainably and preserving the things that are loved by Sunshine Coast residents will take careful planning, which is why Council is preparing a new planning scheme to guide the way the region grows and develops. Residents can currently provide input into the scheme development process by providing feedback on proposed planning directions at both a regional and local level. A community reference group has been working with council from the outset of the project, providing valuable feedback about the best ways to engage with our community as part of the plan-making process. Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson encouraged residents to get involved and have their say on the proposed planning directions before March 31. “Through careful planning, and in partnership with our community, we can provide the foundations that support the opportunities for the future prosperity and liveability of our Sunshine Coast as Australia’s most sustainable region: healthy, smart, creative,” Mayor Jamieson said. “We want to hear from our diverse range of community voices and to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to be heard during this important preliminary engagement phase. “With that in mind, I’d like to thank the community reference group for their valuable input, which has helped

council plan for this preliminary engagement. The current planning scheme has been in place since 2014 and a lot has changed, but one thing that remains constant is the importance of maintaining our region’s identity, character and lifestyle. “The new planning scheme can ensure future growth and development aligns with the evolving views of the community, changes in technologies, updates to state, regional and local planning policies as well as the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Here on the Sunshine Coast, we’ve been experiencing growth for some decades now – it’s not something new. “We cannot escape the fact that people move to the Coast to enjoy our laidback lifestyle, community spirit and, of course, our spectacular beaches and hinterland. “We have seen our Sunshine Coast transform from a collection of small towns to a connected healthy, smart, creative region, all the while retaining our sense of a community of communities. “The diversity and uniqueness of our local communities is one of the reasons our region is so special, which is why council is seeking feedback on proposed region-wide planning directions as well as proposed planning directions specific to local areas. “Understanding what a local community considers to be their values and aspirations will ensure that the plan-

ning scheme is not one-size-fits-all and allows each of our diverse communities to thrive in their own way.” Service Excellence Portfolio Councillor Winston Johnston said with the help of our community, the feedback received on the proposed planning directions would be used to prepare a draft new planning scheme that would be subject to further community consultation. “The planning scheme is, and will continue to be, the key tool to assist council in responding to growth management challenges,” Cr Johnston said. “The outcomes of the preliminary consultation will be used to inform the preparation of a draft version of the new planning scheme, which will also welcome future community feedback.” The new planning scheme is intended to be in place by 2024. Visit council’s website for more information on the Community Reference Group, the process for preparing a new planning scheme or to receive project updates via the project e-newsletter. How you can have your say: View the proposed land use planning directions and provide your feedback by completing the online surveys at Sunshine Coast Council’s Have Your Say Page haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld. gov.au before Thursday, March 31. Online information sessions focusing on proposed local planning directions are being held during the consultation

period. Visit haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/newplanningscheme for details of online information sessions relevant to your local area. For more information about the New Planning Scheme project visit council’s website. What is a planning scheme? A planning scheme is a document that the community, businesses and governments all look to in order to understand the local government’s plan for managing growth and change, including the types of new development they can expect to see in a local area. A planning scheme sets out the vision for the local government area in a strategic plan or strategic framework. This is the ‘big picture’ part of a planning scheme that maps out the land use intentions for the area looking ahead in 20 to 30 years’ time. It contains a series of strategies to manage future growth and development to achieve the vision. To help achieve the vision and strategic framework, a planning scheme regulates: what development should occur where - by including each parcel of land in a zone how development should occur - by outlining the rules (codes) against which development is assessed what assessment process is required - by stating whether a development application is required, and if so, the process to be followed.

Wild about nature: Land for wildlife members honoured Twenty years ago, Joan and John Dillon moved to their property at Hunchy, and were faced with 4.4 hectares of degraded environment. Fast forward two decades, and their property is greatly improved and thriving thanks to their hard work and the advice and support from the Sunshine Coast Land for Wildlife program. Earlier this month the couple, along with 90 other Sunshine Coast Land for Wildlife members, were recognised for their long-term dedication to conserving and preserving the environment at a ceremony at Venue 114, Bokarina.

The members, who joined the program between 1998 and 2001, were given 20-year commemorative signs to hang with pride on their property. Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson expressed his gratitude to the property owners for their commitment to the environment. “Today, we recognised and thanked these Land for Wildlife members for their time, hard work and financial dedication to our region,” Mayor Jamieson said. “The improvements they have collectively made to their properties have

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been incredible – removing weeds, protecting waterways and restoring grazing land to native forests. “This important work benefits our whole region by extending our vital wildlife corridors and improving the Sunshine Coast’s biodiversity.” Cr Jamieson said about 9500 hectares of private land was currently managed for conservation in the Sunshine Coast Land for Wildlife program. “Back in 1998, the Sunshine Coast Land for Wildlife program started with just 62 properties,” Mayor Jamieson said.

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“Now, 20 years later, the program continues to grow, with 1242 properties participating. “In fact, in the last year, 101 new members joined the program. “About a third of those new members purchased a property that was previously part of the Land for Wildlife program and decided to continue the previous owners’ work”. More information on Land for Wildlife is available at sunshinecoast.qld. gov.au/Environment/Get-Involvedin-Conservation/Land-for-Wildlife

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Mozzies thrive in the wet There is a new Sunshine Coast dance the mozzie dance with residents across the coast slapping themselves as the little biters attack. Recent rainfall, combined with warmer temperatures and increased humidity, have provided the perfect mosquito breeding conditions. Sunshine Coast Council Environment Portfolio Councillor Peter Cox said while council managed mosquitoes through an extensive surveillance and treatment program across the region, residents could play a vital role in reducing mosquito numbers by minimising breeding areas around their homes. “There are a range of measures residents can take to minimise their exposure to mosquitoes such as tipping out containers or pot plant bases, and regularly cleaning roof gutters when it’s safe to do so,” Cr Cox said. “Changing water in pet bowls and bird baths will also help and ensure your rainwater tank is fitted with mosquito proof screens. “Council regularly monitors mosquito-prone areas and works closely with Queensland Health to monitor mosquito populations across the region.” Council’s mosquito management program includes regular surveillance and larval treatments of mosquito-

Tips to protect from mosquitoes Use a recommended personal mosquito repellent. Always read the label and follow safety directions Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Light colours are best Limit time outside at dusk and dawn Remove water sources around the house. Tip out containers, pot plants or items holding water. Small amounts of water can breed large numbers of mosquitoes! Spray screens with residual products. Always read the label and follow safety directions Increase light and air movement around dark and damp areas Outdoor areas around your house can be treated with products containing a residual insecticide for control over longer periods Change water in pet bowls and bird baths frequently. Clean your roof gutters on a regular basis Ensure your rainwater tank is fitted with mosquito proof screens Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated Keep any ornamental ponds and fountains stocked with fish See a vet for advice on suitable preventative treatments / repellents if your pets are affected.

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Mosquito monitoring field assessments. prone areas through ground and aerial applications. The Maroochy River catchment has been found to be breeding salt marsh

mosquitoes and was treated via helicopter recently (March 4, 2022). Visit council’s website for more information.

Library hours extended for stacks of good reading Residents now have even more time to access their local library with Sunshine Coast Council extending weekday opening hours from Monday 14 March. Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said council knows how much residents love visiting the library and making use of this great resource. “Our libraries have adapted to the changing times over the last two years and, despite restricted hours and lockdowns due to Covid-19, our Sunshine Coast Libraries have still seen more than 1.5 million visitors through their doors and more than 36,000 people join the library service during that time,” Cr Law said.

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“Extending the library opening hours will help us remain responsive to the community’s needs as Covid-19 restrictions are eased and people again fall in love with their local library. “We have taken an individual approach to the opening hours at each library. Some are staying open 30 minutes later, others are opening 30 minutes earlier and a number are staying open until 6pm one or two nights a week. “Council is committed to ensuring our libraries continue to provide services that are interesting, relevant and that strengthen our community’s resilience. “The amended weekday opening hours will maximise community ac-

cess and usage and draw people back to our library spaces. “If you’re not already a member, I encourage you to sign up for a free membership and enjoy all the wonderful services our libraries provide.” New weekday opening hours from 14 March: Branch Monday to Friday Beerwah 9am - 5.30pm Caloundra 8.30am - 5pm (open until 6pm on Tuesday and Thursday) Coolum 9am - 5.30pm (open until 6pm on Tuesday) Kawana 9am - 5.30pm Kenilworth 2-5pm Monday and Tuesday, 9am-12pm Wednesday and Thursday, 10am-3pm Friday

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· Maleny 8.30am – 5pm · Maroochydore 9am - to 5.30pm (open until 6pm on Tuesday and Thursday) Nambour 9am - to 5.30pm (open until 6pm on Tuesday and Thursday) Saturday opening hours remain the same: Beerwah, Caloundra, and Coolum 9am-3pm; Kawana and Nambour 9am-1pm; and Maleny and Kenilworth 9am to midday. To view all the new opening hours, visit the library website library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au To stay up-to-date on library news, subscribe to the library eNewsletter and follow Sunshine Coast Libraries on Facebook

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Yandina cuts the waste

An artists impression of the new park.

Life on the open roads

practices into everyday living. “Our community is at the forefront of making local and sustainable decisions which help minimise our environment footprint and reduce our impacts on the region and our planet,” Cr Law said. “I admire the dedicated team and volunteers at Yandina Community Gardens for their forward-looking approach and community-minded attitude to find new and improved ways of doing things.” The Food Waste Loop project collects up to 70 buckets of food waste from nine Yandina businesses each week. The waste is separated into buckets and processed through a hot aerobic compost system, fed to their commercial worm farm, or fed to their chickens. To date, the project has diverted more than 24 tonnes of food waste from landfill by creating a sustainable compost resource that can be used for soil regeneration. So far, the program has prevented 45,600kg of CO2e emissions from being released into the atmosphere. Yandina Community Gardens project officer Emily Boyd said there was massive potential for community gardens to play a pivotal role in our collective response to climate change. “The Food Waste Loop model is an innovative and creative way to address the problem of food waste and its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions,” Ms Boyd said. “It allows participating businesses to realise how much waste they are producing and enables them to take ownership of diverting it from landfill.

New park hoped to be ready for winter. “Coolum is a quintessential Sunshine Coast patrolled surf beach and like all of council’s holiday parks at Dicky Beach, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Cotton Tree and Mudjimba, is on prime beach frontage. “The park is on four hectares and is one of the region’s most popular camping and caravan destinations which is why council continues to invest in our facilities to ensure they remain contemporary and attractive for all our valued guests.” Coolum Beach Holiday Park Manager Nicole Filippini said the new upgrade would be well received. “Campers have been looking forward to the upgrade for a long time and are very excited to see what the new build will look like,” Mrs Filippini said. “Constant park improvements always add to a positive experience for the guests. “As a result of the pandemic, the industry has grown in the last two years and the popularity of caravanning and camping around Australia is massive. “We are looking forward to having the building complete for all our winter guests to enjoy.

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Campers and grey nomads are in for a treat and can prepare to experience the luxury of home comforts at Sunshine Coast Council’s Coolum Beach Holiday Park. The beachside getaway is set to offer a sustainable and accessible coastalstyle amenities block thanks to a $1.6 million investment. Sunshine Coast Council Division Nine councillor Maria Suarez said the project was planned to be completed just in time for the winter school holidays. “This premium coastal holiday park now offers campers a home-awayfrom-home with all the modern conveniences,” Cr Suarez said. “Demolition works started on the old building in late January, with the new building set to include amenities and showers for all campers, including those living with a disability, plus outdoor showers for those coming straight from the beach to the campsite and a laundry space to wash and dry. “As Australia’s most sustainable region it was imperative the building was equipped with solar power generation, battery storage and rainwater harvesting for use in flushing toilets. “The north facing roof is ideally positioned to maximise the capture of solar energy. “The materials, fittings and fixtures have been selected to withstand the coastal environment, achieve longevity and reduce maintenance costs. “This upgrade will meet the demand for the ever-growing number of guests discovering this popular beachside getaway. “Coolum is one of two councilowned, dog-friendly family holiday parks on the Sunshine Coast – the other at Mudjimba which will also be undergoing a very similar amenities upgrade later this year.

Sunshine Coast Council representatives joined Yandina Community Garden volunteers to officially launch stage two of a Food Waste Loop program recently. Led by the dedicated team and volunteers at Yandina Community Gardens, the Food Waste Loop program turns waste from nine Yandina businesses into a compost product. Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the project explored the role community gardens could play in a circular economy, providing benefits for the Sunshine Coast and Queensland. “By stimulating community awareness about the importance of their choices, we can reduce waste, increase efficiencies and create exceptional products, to create a more sustainable and resilient region,” Mayor Jamieson said. “Through our Banksia award-winning Environment and Liveability Strategy council aims to embed sustainable living practices in our community, and increase understanding and adoption of those practices by 2041. “The team at Yandina Community Gardens is a great example of this approach in action. “I have every confidence in Yandina Community Gardens and their leadership in this space and their ability to grow the knowledge and understanding of other Sunshine Coast community groups.” Division 10 Councillor David Law said the Food Waste Loop project was a great example of council funding supporting the community to embed innovative sustainability

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Overcoming her greatest fear has taken ABC-TV’s Lisa Millar around the world. And she owes so much to her country upbringing, as ERLE LEVEY discovers.

Facing fear: Learning to fly We’ve all got them. Some of them are shared. Fears. ABC News Breakfast co-host Lisa Millar’s had a fear of flying. It goes to show you never know what life will deliver. Lisa grew up in Kilkivan and while she hoped for a career in journalism, she never imagined her dream job would come true - let alone that she’d soar to such heights. Travelling the world for Foreign Correspondent, Lisa became the ABC’s bureau chief in London and Washington DC, as well as working in New York. Starting her career at The Gympie Times in 1988, she has worked in print, TV and radio, winning a Walkley Award for investigative reporting in 2005. Yet it was a fear of flying that threatened to hold her back. Having grown up with aeroplanes as the way to get around, it was a nervewracking flight in North Queensland that shattered her confidence. That flight, and the way in which she has overcome that fear, is the basis of her first book, the acclaimed Daring to Fly. It also brings to light the enjoyment of her career and the thankfulness of a country upbringing. Lisa is among the strong line-up of speakers at Words Out West, the Western Downs readers’ and writers’ festival in Dalby on 4-5 March. In her book she outlines her fears, and her journey towards overcoming them. It was in 1993 while working as the ABC’s North Queensland reporter, and the six-seater chartered plane was caught in a heavy storm. “While rain was lashing my window, there was a sudden loss of power and the motor on the left spluttered and died. The drop in altitude hit my gut so fast my brain couldn’t understand what was happening. “The engine on the right revved like mad trying to keep us airborne. “We made it safely to the ground but I was shaken by the experience. “After that, fear began stalking me. It was in the shadows initially, but it slowly became a constant, aggressive presence.’’ The turning point in Lisa’s career was doing a fear of flying course. “That’s the moment when my world opened up. “If I had not had that level of fear it just stops you from doing anything. I thought my world would shut down. “However, this cannot control our lives. “Instead, it was the start of a whole new chapter. “Once you recover from a fear you are so empowered, it feels like you can do anything. “I’ve gone on to complete an Olympic distance triathlon,’’ she laughs. Fear of anything can bring people down. It is capable of bringing us to our knees or, in the very least, preventing us from moving forward. 8 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

Country Australia is so important to me, I would hate to lose the grounding it gave me. I’m so privileged. It’s a matter of wanting to give back to the kinds of people who nurtured me.’’

ABC presenter Lisa Millar. 270012 Lisa’s sense of fear was bringing her undone... taking away her opportunity to embark on the career that would set her life on track. She overcame it which changed her path through life. In moments of defying her greatest fear and embarking on something as giving as writing a book, it has helped Lisa to concentrate on the benefit for others. “It has led to a life far beyond what I could have imagined. “I remember when Jason Donovan sat on the couch in the News Breakfast studio for an interview, I caught my 16-year-old self wondering if this would happen to me. “I have found myself standing outside Windsor Castle when Harry and Meghan got married - I was inside the walls but outside the castle. “I have been fortunate to see some of the most incredible moments in history.’’ The role as co-host with Michael Rowland on News Breakfast was not one she applied for. “It sought me out, and I’m working with people I have the highest regard for. “There are moments I allow myself to have a giggle on the inside. It’s illegal, the amount of enjoyment it can bring.’’ Now based in Melbourne for her work, Lisa tells me the book came about because of being in a new city, and it being in complete Covid lockdown. “The publishers had requested previously that I write a book. “This time round I thought I would give it a try. “I’m so glad I did. It filled in so much background on the ABC, what goes on behind the scenes. “I just had to get over this fear of flying. That was an incredible experience

Daring To Fly by Lisa Millar. 270012 in itself. It shows just how powerful the mind is. It gave me a greater understanding of the job. “I talk about the possible trauma one can face, yet I have had a life full of joy.’’ The response to Lisa’s book, Daring To Fly, has been brilliant. “I’m so thrilled. I wondered who would care about my life. “I wanted to share that joy of my childhood in a country town in Australia. “Even when I had finished the manuscript, I was not convinced we should go ahead. “That’s when the publishers told me: ‘Leave that with us’. “It’s been a great response, especially in this environment. “What struck me was the wide range of people who have read the book and connected in some way - some with country, some with the fear of flying, others with the trauma of covering some of the worst stories in the world. “Then there are others who love the behind-the-scenes look at jetting around the world. “I held three passports at one stage. “I will never watch Foreign Correspondent again without remembering the grounding it gave me, it was 12 years overseas but they were like dog years. You did everything, anywhere, any time.’’ Encouragement for her book came from 7.30 host Leigh Sales, who often remarked that Lisa’s childhood growing up in country Queensland would make for good material. It also came from a podcast that Mia Freedman did with author Sally Hepworth. “Sally said she would get out of bed and write a few hundred words before

she even had a cup of coffee or tea. “Then, if you wrote nothing more for the rest of the day, you’d at least have those few hundred.’’ That brings us to Muster Dogs, the beautiful four-part ABC-TV series that follows five kelpie puppies, from the same litter, on their journey to become muster dogs. Lisa narrates the series in which the pups are sent to five graziers around Australia who each try to get them up to speed in just 12 months. “What an amazing show, but I can claim no credit for that,’’ she confides. “It was such a labour of love by a small team. I came in at the end and did the narration. “I’m so glad they gave me that privilege... the joy it has brought people. “Every morning people send in pictures of their dogs watching Muster Dogs on their screens. “That is the warm hug we all need right now. “It’s been such a tough couple of years. “This allows people to breathe, to relax into something - something not difficult to absorb. “It just gave comfort.’’ Lisa went to school in Kilkivan, then moved to the “big smoke’’ of Gympie to finish her primary years. “I was terrified,” she recalls. “The funny thing is Gympie keeps popping up in so many stories. “Even here on News Breakfast. The team think I plant the stories in the news list.’’ Lisa Millar’s story demonstrates that we are all stronger and more resilient than we give ourselves credit for. It’s just a matter of allowing ourselves the opportunity to fly.

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Bitesized palate pleasers Calling all foodies and culinary experts! From July 29 to August 7, Sunshine Coast restaurants, farms, tourism and event operators will throw open their doors as part of The Curated Plate culinary festival, and offer the best of the Sunshine Coast’s local food and beverage experiences across a 10-day period. Following the event’s cancellation in 2020 and 2021 due to the impacts of the pandemic, Sunshine Coast Council’s Economic Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said council would deliver The Curated (side) Plate – a 2022 Bite-Sized Serving, setting out to support and promote the region’s local food and agribusiness, hospitality, tourism and event industries. “It’s The Curated Plate – but not quite as we knew it before,” Cr O’Pray said. “In a post-pandemic environment, the event aims to ‘build from the ground up’ via a local industry-driven program, featuring the Sunshine Coast’s vast array of producers, restaurants and cafes, tourism and event experiences, and farm-gate activities. Businesses participate for free and re-

Feijoa Fiesta. tain all of the derived income. “We all know how important it is to support local businesses and producers on the Sunshine Coast and this event is a fantastic way to showcase the incredible food, lifestyle and experiences our region has to offer.” Expression of Interest registrations

are now open until April 26, with businesses invited to put forward creative local food and beverage offerings which highlight the region’s talent and natural assets. A designated local program co-ordinator has been engaged to liaise directly with participating businesses over the coming months, including offering information sessions on the coast and in the hinterland. Fellow Economic Portfolio Councillor Terry Landsberg said council’s investment in the event promoted the Sunshine Coast as a food tourism destination, by attracting locals and visitors to enjoy superb local produce and ‘winter sun’ activities among our stunning hinterland and coastal settings. “We’re looking forward to seeing an incredible program brimming with unique culinary experiences from across the region,” Cr Landsberg said. “There really will be something for all – locations, activities, menus and price points to suit everyone, and many hidden gems to surprise visitors and locals.”

Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) CEO Emma Greenhatch said The Curated (side) Plate was a fantastic council initiative which FAN were proud to support. “It provides our Sunshine Coast members and the local business community the opportunity to collaborate and show locals and visitors everything we have to offer,” Ms Greenhatch said. “The event is designed to give all local businesses and producers a chance to shine, and create further opportunities during The Curated Plate and all year round.” The Curated Plate made its debut in 2019, showcasing local produce as curated by international, national and local chefs to foodie audiences from the coast to the hinterland. The event drew participation from businesses and producers across all areas of the Sunshine Coast local government area. Visit thecuratedplate.com.au to subscribe for event updates, and for more information on local business involvement.

Massive investment needed: Road to recovery after floods Work is underway to significantly improve flood resilience, safety and capacity of the Sunshine Coast’s road network through the $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program. Ten three-lane bridges are being built at five creek crossings between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Steve Irwin Way to withstand a onein-100-year flood event. This includes the area where significant flooding led to the Bruce Highway being cut in late February. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program is the largest road infrastructure plan for Queensland. “We’re working to make highway closures through this section far less common,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “The new southbound bridges and approaches currently under construction at King Johns and Lagoon

creeks will be at least 2.4 metres higher than the current low-lying ones. “The existing northbound bridges over King Johns and Lagoon creeks, already higher than the southbound bridges, will be replaced with new bridges sitting 1.3 metres higher. “These are being built as part of the $662.5 million Bruce Highway Caboolture – Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way upgrade, which is funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis, and expected to be completed by late 2023.” Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said crews were assessing construction sites affected by floodwater and resuming work. “The Bruce Highway is an important part of the national road network and putting an end to delays will be welcome news for the 115,000 drivers who travel these sections each day,” Mr Bailey said.

“I appreciate the patience of locals and industry as we worked to reopen the road, and for the ongoing efforts of crews on the ground who are continuing to clean-up and repair our roads. “Ongoing flood repairs will also be scheduled on the Bruce Highway, and a number of roads on the statecontrolled road network in the coming months, to permanently repair any damage and ensure these areas are more flood resilient than before. “We know the road to recovery is going to be a long one but we’re working together to progress these vital upgrades to give motorists and our freight industry more certainty in the future.” Federal Longman MP Terry Young said the works complemented other projects underway along the Bruce Highway. “The Australian Government is investing over $10 billion in a safer, smoother and more reliable Bruce Highway,” Mr Young said.

“We’re also delivering $130.6 million to the $163.3 million Deception Bay Road interchange project, which is under construction. “This upgrade includes two new bridges over the Bruce Highway and removal of the existing bridge, plus crucial upgrades to two intersections and drainage improvements at the interchange. “The Australian Government is committed to investing in and delivering the infrastructure projects that matter to Queenslanders and local businesses.” Bancroft MP Chris Whiting welcomed the upgrades on behalf of locals. “Many of our locals travel up and down the Bruce Highway every day for work,” Mr Whiting said. For current information on road works and conditions across the state, visit qldtraffic.gov.au, call 13 19 40 or download the QLDTraffic app.

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Book and an honour roll The Buderim War Memorial Community Association (BWMCA) have released a book commemorating the history of the Association, its affiliates and the Buderim area, as well as unveil an Honour Roll recognising BWMCA Honorary Life Members and past Presidents. BWMCA President Errol Richardson said while 75th anniversary celebrations had initially been planned for 2020, they have had to be postponed twice due to Covid-19 and would now be celebrated this year. However despite the rearranging the Association was keen to acknowledge the milestone by the unveiling of the Honour Board and release of the book “Celebrating the Buderim War Memorial Community Association 75th Anniversary. Mr Richardson said the book has been edited by BWMCA member Lee Rasmussen. Lee is also the daughter of Graeme Ensoll, a stalwart of the BWMCA, Honorary Life Member, and Graeme was also jointly responsible for the restoration of the Old Post Office in 1999. “We were very lucky that Lee took on the rather onerous task of updating the history of the BWMCA and bringing it all together in this new book,” Mr Richardson said. “We are also grateful to Push Productions, who then completed the graphic design and managed the printing.” Mrs Rasmussen said the book included information about the BWMCA, which was formed in 1945 to create a living memorial to the wartime sacrifice of the service men and women of the two World Wars, to embrace the freedoms for which men and women

BWMCA life-member Simon Whittle and editor Lee Rassmussen launch the 75th Anniversary History book. Picture: REFLECTED IMAGE PR in the armed services have fought and died to defend on our behalf. “The Book includes information about the Association today as well as its history and its heritage properties - the Old Post Office, Pioneer Cottage and the Buderim War Memorial Hall,” Mrs Rasmussen said. It also includes information about some of the more than 70 community groups affiliated with the BWMCA. “The process of collecting information from long serving BWMCA members, the Affiliate organisations and the Buderim Historical Society was a very interesting experience, particularly as I have lived in Buderim for such a short time,” Mrs Rasmussen said. The Book was officially launched by BWMCA Honorary Life Member Simon Whittle, who has served a total of 10

years as President and made an exceptional contribution. “Simon is a bit of a legend in BWMCA circles and was instrumental in the establishing the Buderim Foundation. His enthusiasm and affinity for the Association has never wavered,” Mr Richardson said. Mr Richardson said the new Roll was in recognition of those who had provided long service through the Association to the community, which has grown significantly from the approximate 600 residents in 1945. “During my short time as President, I have been somewhat overwhelmed by the strong, continuing support, the upholding of the ideal of “service to commemorate sacrifice” and love of the BWMCA by those in the community who are past committee members, office bearers and presidents of the BWMCA. “The desire to do good things for the community and to serve their community that drove them in the years past, is still there, which is reflected in the significant goodwill held by the community for the Association and the high regard and respect given to the Association and Presidents present or past. “To be a part of this living memorial during its 76-year history is very humbling to experience.” The Roll recognises those members who have actively served for the general good of the Association for at least 10 years, or those who have made an exceptional contribution to the Association. The Honour Roll also recognises those who have served as Association President. Mr Richardson said it was

great to have Honorary Life Member and Hall manager for 46 years, John McMahon to unveil the Board. Those acknowledged include: Presidents:฀•฀W฀C฀Chadwick฀1945-1948฀ •฀H฀O฀Foot฀1948-1950฀•฀W฀G฀Taylor฀19501952฀•฀M฀J฀Mcluskie฀1952฀•฀E฀Stollznow฀ 1953-1956฀ •฀ T฀W฀ M฀Woolley฀ 1956฀ •฀ J฀ T฀ Bowman฀ 1957-1959฀ •฀T฀ J฀ Simper฀ 19591969฀•฀M฀J฀Mcluskie฀1969-1972฀•฀E฀Nettelton฀ 1972฀ •฀ J฀ A฀ Madsen฀ 1973-1977฀ •฀ WW฀Wearne฀1977-1981฀•฀W฀J฀Seacombe฀ 1981-1991฀ •฀ S฀ K฀Whittle฀ 1991-1999฀ •฀ K฀ Chadwick฀ 2000-2002฀ •฀ R฀ Armstrong฀ 2002-2004฀ •฀ S฀ K฀Whittle฀ 2005-2006฀ •฀ K฀ O’Flaherty฀ 2007฀ •฀ J฀ McMahon฀ 20072008฀•฀L฀Moss฀2009-2010฀•฀M฀Scott฀20112012฀ •฀ J฀ McMahon฀ 2013฀ •฀ S฀ K฀ Whittle฀ 2014-2015฀ •฀ D฀ Edwards฀ 2016฀ •฀ N฀ Eiby฀ 2017฀–฀2018฀•฀C฀Marks฀2018฀•฀P฀Eiby฀2019฀ •฀K฀O’Flaherty฀2019฀–฀2021฀•฀E฀Richardson 2021 Honourary Life Members:฀฀•฀Liz฀Abel฀•฀ Jennifer฀Cant฀•฀Fred฀Ecuyer฀•฀David฀Edwards฀•฀Robyn฀Edwards฀•฀Graeme฀Ensoll฀ •฀Frank฀Fielding฀•฀Hubert฀Foote฀•฀Coral฀ Goodsir฀ •฀ Betty฀ Goss฀ •฀ Henry฀ Iscak฀ •฀ David฀ Madden฀ •฀ Jack฀ Madsen฀ •฀ Grace฀ McLuskie-Higgs฀ •฀ Mervyn฀ McLuskie฀ •฀ John฀ McMahon฀ •฀ Anne฀ Morehouse฀ •฀ Ann฀ Morris฀ •฀ Lynn฀ Moss฀ •฀ Dianne฀ Priestly฀ •฀ Jim฀ Seacomb฀ •฀Tim฀ Simper฀ •฀ Fay฀Stapleton฀•฀Sybil฀Vise฀•฀Sandra฀Whittle฀•฀Simon฀Whittle.฀ The Roll is also on display at the Buderim War Memorial Hall and copies of the 75th Anniversary Book are available while stocks last from the Old Post Office. To stay up to date with all BWMCA activities follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/buderimwarmemorialcommunityassociation.

Eumundi facelift faces the music

Artist illustration of the northern end of Memorial Drive looking south, showing some of the ideas proposed as part of the streetscape improvements.

Home to artisan treasures, rich heritage, creative arts and markets, Eumundi’s village feel has been enhanced in a new streetscape design for Memorial Drive. Since November 2020, Sunshine Coast Council has been carefully listening to, and speaking with, Eumundi locals, businesses and community groups to find out their vision and val-

ues for the future of their main street. Sunshine Coast Council Division 10 Councillor David Law said the valuable feedback had been collated to develop the draft streetscape design which was now ready for further feedback. “We want to continue to preserve and celebrate the heritage, character and community vision for the much-

loved Memorial Drive well into the future,” Cr Law said. “From March 15 to Monday 11 April, we are asking the community, ‘Have we got it right?’ in translating your values and vision into the draft streetscape design.” For details visit the Have Your Say website: haveyoursay.sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au/eumundi-placemaking 12537501-CG13-22

Explore like never before! Discover the Sunshine Coast’s incredible cultural heritage. Collect your Museum VIP card and receive 10% discount at participating Sunshine Coast museums.

Discovery Guide available at museums, libraries, council offices and visitor information centres.

heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au 07 5420 8600

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For maps, information and more see the new Discovery Guide or download council’s app.

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HISTORY

An open door on history There will be a chance to feed curiosity and celebrate the Australian Heritage Festival at Sunshine Coast’s Heritage Symposium in May. Renowned heritage professionals will share insights into some of South East Queensland’s distinguished heritage homes and museums. Attendees will hear stories from behind the door - of hidden collections and generational links that have unearthed fascinating and often private connections. Keynote speakers include curators, historians and heritage specialists. Regional insights will also be revealed. Free event - enjoy complimentary morning tea and light lunch. Bookings required. To book a seat on the free coach departing from Eumundi and Yandina, contact 5420 8600 or email culturalheritage@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au Highlights Hear stories of state heritage-listed Newstead House, Brisbane’s oldest surviving residence. The late Victorian style house was originally built in 1846 as a small cottage in the style of Colonial-Georgian. The house has an intriguing history of owners and leases from its original Scottish settler owner, Patrick Leslie, to Member of the Queensland Legislative Council, George Harris. What lies behind the door at

Queensland Museum. The hidden curiosities from the collection and the behind the scenes processes as well as how curators identify objects from the extensive collection for loan to schools and community museums. USC historian, Dr Amy Clarke will share some intriguing and entertaining stories she has uncovered throughout history. Insights from the region will be shared, including the story behind Landsborough Museum and recent changes. The museum is possibly the only one of a few museums that is housed in an original shire building. The historic 1924 Landsborough Shire Council Chambers is a state heritagelisted building. The Historians in Residence will share how through community involvement they uncovered curious stories that added to their research. The historians will present their full research findings at public talks on May 20 and May 26. More available on the website. Public Talks - Both historians will speak on the outcomes of the residency. Friday 20 May, 9.30am – 11.30pm at Bankfoot House Heritgage Precinct with morning tea served. Thursday 26 May at Nambour Heritage Library 9.30am – 11.30am

· ·

Opening the door to the past.

Get ready to

Your new Garden Organics bin arrives soon. We’re expanding our three-bin waste collection system. For residents who don’t already have a garden organics bin, your new service starts July 2022. Our aim is to send no waste to landfill by 2041 by reducing, reusing and recycling. Our research shows 55 per cent of material in general waste bins is organic material that could be repurposed. Mulching garden waste for reuse, instead of dumping it, reduces landfill and greenhouse gases – helping to create a cleaner, greener, and sustainable Sunshine Coast. Find out more

easy and convenient good for the environment low cost fortnightly service

sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/gardenbin 07 5475 7272

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Find out more: sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/gardenbin

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The 1925 Traveston Creek rail disaster was the worst rail tragedy Queenslanders had seen.

Workers repair the track. The derailed train can be seen in the background. One of the carriages has fallen off the bridge and is lying upside down. Wreckage is spread across the ground. A crowd of people can be seen in the distance.

State’s worst rail disaster By Gympie Family History Society Talked about for many years after it occurred, the Traveston Creek Rail Disaster of 9 June 1925 had a profound effect on the citizens of Gympie. The following information is taken from newspaper reports of the tragic accident just after it occurred. RAILWAY DISASTER MAIL TRAIN DERAILED. Carriage Into Creek. NINE KILLED; 40 INJURED. The mail train which left Brisbane last night for Rockhampton met with disaster at 2 o’clock Tuesday morning, when the engine left the rails while negotiating the bridge over Traveston Creek. It was followed by several carriages. One carriage toppled over and fell into the creek below. Nine passengers were killed and between 30 and 40 injured. A relief train with a doctor and ambulances has been rushed to the scene. So far, the particulars are meagre. The list of injured is: — KILLED. Raphael Rosier, believed to reside in Adelaide; Philip Reid, electrical worker, of Sydney; Mr. Rout, of Rockhampton; Mrs Mellhamizzer, travelling to Bundaberg; Jack Gardiner, identified by mother, who is injured in hospital. INJURED. Miss Ethel Page, Fred Glover; Miss Mary Williams (of Sydney) Douglas Bloomfield; Everard Prizeman, Mrs Bert Coombs (of Port Kembla, N.S.W.) Frank Poster (of Sydney), Gertrude Foster (of Sydney), Fred Kedron (of Sydney), Joseph Tawrell (of Sydney), Jack Dear, (of Boggabri), Walter Powell, Robert Edwards (of Camperdown, N.S.W.), Tom Dempsey, J. Davy; C. E. Baxter, Mrs. McLean, Mrs. Tom Moor, Mavis Gold, George Artlett, Miss Ivy Gardiner, Mrs. Kathleen Ryding, Hughie Graham, Mr. Maxwell, Mrs. Mills and infant (of Balmain, Sydney), Mr. and Mrs. Barry, (of Darlinghurst. Sydney), Fred Zommerle , A. Conrad (of Sydney), Jack Stephens (of Waverley, Sydney), William De Wheeldon, of Webb, G, Smith, H Worthington. A late message says that included

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in the killed is Mrs. Dear, of Boggabri, N.S.W. *Later corrected to Mrs Dean. Probably the fact that the train was drawn by two engines, which did not leave the rails, saved the other carriages from diving over the bridge. A second-class carriage was badly smashed in the creek, and pieces of wood, steel and glass pierced the bodies of many passengers. It was pitch dark at the time, which made the task of rescue very difficult. The accident is the worst in the history of the Queensland railways. The train which met with the disaster consisted of two engines, three first class sleepers, one second-class sleeper, two first class carriages, two second class carriages, a composite carriage, a goods wagon, a brake van, and a travelling post-office. There were no casualties among first-class passengers, the portion of the train wrecked consisting of secondclass carriages. Particulars of the accident, received from Gympie, indicate that three second-class carriages were derailed. It is thought that one of them, became derailed just before reaching the bridge, and that after tearing over the sleepers it struck a post, with the result that the couplings of the third carriage from the guard’s van broke. Another coupling, that on the last of the three carriages which connected with the guard’s van, also broke, and the result was that three carriages toppled over, one falling on to level ground, and the other two over the bridge, about 30ft (9m), into the riverbed. Mrs. Jackson, sister of Mr. Hugh Keys, of Bundaberg, who was also a passenger by the train, described one very pathetic incident. She said it was very sad to see a little girl left alone, with her father killed and her mother injured. The child was taken charge of at the railway refreshment rooms, Gympie. SCENES OF SUFFERING In one case a lady passenger, was killed in a lavatory, and rescue workers, had to cut a passage to remove the body. This was in an overturned coach on the embankment.

The chief injury and loss of life occurred in the composite coach, which was pulled from the bridge by the luggage van. Both coach and van were smashed practically to matchwood, and the scene in the darkness must have been terrible. Much damage was done to the bridge transoms and sleepers; but the break gang worked vigorously and had the line clear by the afternoon. The disaster was rendered the more terrible by the scenes of suffering that were witnessed in the fitful light of lamps. The permanent way showed clear signs of the tram’s erratic career. For one and half miles along the route the sleepers were cut and splintered, and it is wonderful that a disaster did not happen sooner. At the ninety-six miles bridge, however, the journey came to an end. The luggage wagon at last plunged from the bridge to the ground 30 feet below, dragging with it the preceding composite coach consisting of first and second-class compartments. The guard had a wonderful escape. The coupling between the luggage van and his van breaking, the guard’s van remained on the bridge. The coupling between the composite coach; and the one immediately ahead held fast and this coach was dragged off the rails and flung on the side of the embankment. One lady passenger was, brought out from a carriage with a baby still clasped in her arms. Both were dead. It was a difficult task to shift the wreckage to release these two; for heavy beams had to be removed. It was remarkable that anyone in the car which was nearest the luggage van, escaped. Pieces of the carriage were lying about in all directions. Another dreadful sight was a mother holding her dead child in her arms, with her head badly bleeding. DEBRIS CHOPPED AWAY Those who answered the first cries of

the injured came upon an appalling sight. Carriages were on their heads, with the wheels in the air, and to rescue the injured beneath the debris, lifting jacks had to be used. All the time the rescuers feared that the wreckage would catch fire, but this was averted. On arrival of the Gympie breakdown train at the scene of the accident, the ambulance men had to chop the injured out of the debris. This continued until all were liberated, and the front part of the wrecked train was sent back to Gympie with the injured and other passengers. Medical men who rushed to the scene of the disaster with breakdown trains performed splendid service in alleviating sufferers, particularly those suffering from minor injuries. TRAGIC END TO HONEYMOON Mrs. Sarah Dean (nee Druce), who was killed in the railway accident, was a resident of Boggabri (NSW) up to six months ago. She was married in Brisbane on Monday and her husband was badly injured. Those who died on the 9th June 1925: 1. Mr Philip Richard Reid —buried Gympie 2. Mrs Sarah Dean {nee Druce} - buried Gympie 3. Mr Benjamin William Hill—buried Gympie 4. Mr Raphael Rosier—buried Gympie 5. Mr Victor Herbert Shadwell—buried Boonah 6. Jack Wilson Gardener—buried Warwick 7. Mr James Edward Lumley Rout -buried Rockhampton 8. Mrs McDhagger -- buried Bundaberg 9. Joan Edith Robertson -- buried Winton Mr. Davidson visited the whole of the patients in the hospital at Gympie. The exact casualties he said, were nine killed (seven adults and two children) and 26 injured. These 26 were all now in hospital, others who were less seriously hurt were able to proceed on their way.

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PROPERTY AND FINANCE

Limits to super payouts By Peter Townsend Principal Townsends Business and Corporate Lawyers Clients regularly ask whether when they die, they can give their superannuation to their grandchildren. The short answer is “no”. Superannuation death benefits can only be paid directly from your fund to your estate, your spouse, your children, people with whom you are in an interdependent relationship, or your financial dependents. Some clients choose to pay their superannuation into their estate, at which point their Will instructs their executor to distribute money to the grandchildren. But when the money moves into the estate, it becomes vulnerable to the deceased’s creditors, including the ATO. This is not, therefore, a solution that will necessarily suit those with existing debt or tax obligations. Sometimes, however, it is possible for

a client to leave their superannuation to their grandchildren if the grandchild is a financial dependant. Strictly speaking, the fact that the beneficiary is the grandchild of the client is irrelevant; it is their status as financial dependant that allows the super death benefit to be distributed to them. The ATO has issued a number or private binding rulings (PBRs) that shed some light on how they test whether an individual is ‘wholly or substantially maintained financially by another person’. In short, the ATO asks: if the financial support received by a person were withdrawn, would the person be able to survive on a day-to-day basis? If the financial support merely supplements the person’s income and represents “quality of life” payments, then it is not considered ‘substantial’ support. The ATO has made it clear that the only relevant expenditures are those that

go towards the necessities of life (PBR 40376). These do not include expenses that maintain ‘a reasonable standard of living’ (PBR 18688). Nor do they include expenses that pay for social outings, medication, pocket money, chocolate, entertainment or hobbies (PBR 64085). Some schooling costs have been held as relevant expenditures when considering financial dependence. Public school fees are relevant (PBR 52530), though it is uncertain whether private school fees enjoy the same status – probably not. For some reason, however, schoolbooks, lunches and uniforms do not matter (PBR 64085 again). Moreover, the ATO has held that the financial support must make up a ‘substantial’ proportion of the total support for the child. There are examples where financial dependence was not made out because the bulk of the household income came from welfare benefits for

parents. Additionally, contributions that are made towards the grandchild’s household (for example utilities) will be pro-rated by taking into account the other people living in the home (PBR 57857). The ATO also requires the payments to have been made regularly and continuously in order for them to be considered maintenance. This is not always easy to document given that grandparents rarely invoice their grandchildren. Cash transfers into a bank account in the grandchild’s name do not generally specify what the money is for and thus do not, without more, demonstrate reliance. Given the strict criteria outlined above, grandchildren are usually financially dependent upon their grandparents when they live with, and are raised by, the grandparents. Many people simply do not keep those kinds of records.

Tips to help reduce capital gains tax By Andrew Zbik Senior Financial Planner Creation Wealth If you have sold an investment property, shares or other investment asset in the last financial year, you may be liable to pay capital gains tax (CGT). Let’s understand how capital gains tax is calculated. In my experience, many people find this more complex than what is really is. How to understand your capital gains tax liability First, you need to calculate what is your capital gain. This is the sale price less your purchase price and any capitalised expenses. For example, when calculating your capital gain on an investment property, your purchase price can then have a number of expenses added to calculate what is called your ‘cost base’. This includes expenses such as stamp duty, legal fees and purchase costs when the property was first bought. Secondly, do you qualify for the capital gains tax 50 per cent discount? If you have held the asset for more than 12 months, you will be able to choose one of two methods to determine how much capital gains tax is payable. In

this case, 50% of the assessable capital gain will be included in your taxable income. The second method is called the indexation method. The indexation method is slightly more complex and you should seek tax advice if this method is to be considered. Thirdly, what will your marginal tax rate be? Many people are mistaken in thinking there is a separate tax rate for capital gains tax compared to personal income tax. This is not the case. With an assessable capital gain, it is simply added to your other personal income from wages and other sources. For example, if you earn $80,000 per annum from wages and $5,000 from dividends, your normal assessable income is $85,000. If this financial year you sold an investment property for $700,000 that has a cost base of $400,000, the $300,000 gain qualifies for the 50 per cent discount, therefore the $150,000 taxable gain is then added to your ordinary income. Thus, $85,000 plus $150,000 equates to a taxable income of $235,000. You now have the honour of jumping from the 32.5% marginal tax rate threshold to the 45% marginal tax rate threshold plus the two per cent Medicare Levy.

EXPERT CARE FOR YOUR SKIN CONCERNS

Once you know your capital gains tax liability, these three quick strategies may help to reduce your capital gains tax bill. Make some additional concessional contributions to super You can opt to make a personal deductible superannuation contribution to your superannuation fund. These are only taxed at 15% (or 30% if your taxable income is over $250,000). It is important to keep in mind that you cannot exceed the concessional contributions cap of $27,500 for the 2021/2022 financial year. Your concessional contributions cap also includes any contributions made by your employer or a salary sacrifice arrangement. Although this is a great strategy, one needs to weigh up that any contributions cannot be used for personal purposes until you have retired. Prepay interest expenses for next year If you have any expenses that you can pre-pay, this will help to offset the capital gains tax liability in the year the liability has been incurred. For example, if you have some capi-

tal gains resulting from the sale of shares, and you own an investment property, pre-paying next year’s interest on your loan before 30 June means you can offset the capital gain in this financial year. The downside of this strategy is that you will not be able to claim the expense in the next financial year as you cannot claim it twice. This strategy may be appropriate if the sale of an asset with a large capital gain in the current financial year has pushed you into a higher marginal tax rate bracket. Prepay your advice expenses Another idea is to speak with your accountant or financial adviser and ask if you can prepay their fees in a year that you need to offset a capital gains tax liability. I have offered this to a few clients with a 10% discount. Several more complex strategies may be available to some people based on their personal circumstances. It is always wise to seek advice from your financial adviser or accountant early to have enough time to prepare and implement any strategies before 30 June.

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AUTUMN: MARCH 2022 SENIORS TODAY 13

GARDENING

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Mmmm warm pasta with home made pesto, gorgeous basil last longer in Autumn without bolting to seed.

Sunflower season.

A good time for both edible plants and beautiful ornamentals.

The season of bounty By Kevin Redd Hello gardeners- we find ourselves on the verge of what is often the best season of all for our warm climate gardens! This time of year we can pretty much grow anything and set ourselves up for a wonderfully productive time of year and beyond- as the hottest time of the summer is passing and we enter the autumn. So what should we be doing in the garden now? First and foremost if you want to have a bountiful edible harvest through the autumn and winter, we still have warm soil and, after the excellent rains, most locations have perfectly moist soil conditions for planting new things and germinating seeds for the next ‘crops’ of edibles and annuals. What should we be planting now? This is a great question and it depends upon what you like to have you your ‘patch’. For everyone north of Coffs Harbour, this is a brilliant time to put in things like tomatoes, basil, corn, beans, capsicums and those sorts of things. More adventurous kitchen gardeners should try the ‘Asian’ greens like Bok Choi and Tatsoi which germinate quickly from seed or grow fast from seedlings at this time of year. The warm soil and sunshine will also kick start things like cucumbers, zucchini and pumpkins if you have space

Chillies. for these sprawling plants. You might even want to add some fruit trees to your collection and this is a perfect time to put them in to the warm and moist soil at your place! If you are more of an ‘ornamental’ gardener, there is a huge range of love-

ly plants that can go in now- and what a perfect time to check out your local nursery- their stock will be looking lush from the warm summer conditions and you can get inspiration from the staff and ideas for looking around at their plant displays. It is still possible to plant

bigger tropical ornamentals like Heliconias and ornamental gingers which should be looking amazing at your local nursery. So make the most of the perfect days at this time of year and get out into the garden!

So much more: Coastal garden expo is all go at Wondai Garden lovers looking go a bit of a trip west can check out the Wondai Autumn Garden Expo from April 16-17. After recording the second best-ever attendance at the 2021 Spring Expo, the Committee feels justified in proceeding with its regular events in the face of trying and disappointing times as event after event was postponed or cancelled because of the restrictions due to the Covid virus, retiring president Helen Young said. “Yes, we know it is a famously convenient and trusted venue for the sale of plants and other exciting items but the team at Wondai Garden Expo believe it is much more than that,” Helen said. “The curtailment of community events has a negative financial effect on commercial ventures especially those involved with tourism, but of real concern is the depressing effect 14 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

Weekend in the south? Wondai Autumn garden festival is back. on the mental health and wellbeing to many people, necessary as the rules may be. “The team at Wondai Garden Expo believes that our events have an increasingly important role to play in helping to ease a lot of this distress.

“Working in the soil among plants is proven to be one of the great healers we can utilise in our lives, and yes, you should talk to your plants – they are always glad to see you, will keep secrets, and never answer back! “Garden Expo is perfectly situated to help people indulge in many as-

pects of this pastime. Whether you are meeting with friends, having a family day out or just enjoying some wellearned solitude, time spent at the Expo may be just the ticket to feeling much happier about the world in general. “Because we operate in a controlled outdoor venue with our Covid Safe precautions in place we are able to offer a safe place for you to spend a few enjoyable hours. “If you want to become more personally involved, we invite you to bring some entries in to the Hanging Basket Competition, the Horticultural Show or the Photography section.” Flyers and entry forms are available at many local outlets or they can be downloaded from the Garden Expo web site wondaigardenexpo.com. Or phone secretary Jodi on 0413 115 495

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NEWS

Brenda has plenty of pluck At the height of the pandemic Queensland Symphony Orchestra popped up on youtube performing Crazy Frog. It was a bright moment in a dark time and was the brain child of the orchestra’s first violin Brenda Sullivan and a reaction to the things her grown-up youngest son was facing as a paramedic in the UK. It was also another highlight in the career and life of Brenda who is celebrating her 40th year with the orchestra which itself is turning 75 this year. It’s a big number but for Brenda, music isn’t what she does it’s who she is, part of a wide interesting life of raising kids, mentoring, teaching and enjoying all the music and experiences that being a professional musician. And it’s not bad for a girl from country Queensland who took up the violin almost by accident. “I lived in a small country town, I lived in Atherton, I was brought up in Cairns and moved to Atherton on the tablelands,” she said. “It was a little country town and I was one of four girls. Around the corner from our house was the town hall and in there was a piano teacher down one end of the hall and a violin teacher up the other end. “My older sister was learning the piano. I think it was somewhere that mum and dad could send the kids to be oc-

Brenda Sullivan. cupied and I used to go and sit on my sister’s lap while she was having a piano lesson. She got so annoyed with me doing that – she said mum you can’t let her do that all the time – she’s wrecking my lesson. “So, mum said to me look go up the other end of the hall and just learn the violin. “So, it kind of started just from that when I was five. I guess I liked it. I don’t remember liking it or not liking it I just did it. And then it becomes your crutch through life because then when ever

you have to do talks at school or anything like that you’d go ooh I know what I can do. “It was a bit of a novelty for everyone else – I brought my violin and I’d play it. Then you’d get kudos from that which would make your esteem go up and then it would make you want to do it more – it’s a spiral up affect I suppose.” Eventually the girls were sent to boarding school in Brisbane and Brenda continued to study the violin learning from Elizabeth Morgan, Brenda spent years travelling with the Queensland Youth Orchestra, Australian Youth Orchestra and International Festival Youth Orchestras until enrolling at the Conservatorium of Music to complete a in Bachelor of Music. There, she studied with Dr. Anthony Doheny and was fortunate enough to win a scholarship to the San Francisco Conservatory where she studied with Prof. Isadore Tinkleman. “The end of schooling I remember my teacher saying what are you going to do next year and I remember thinking – what do you mean, I’m going to just keep playing the violin,” she said. “It was never a question of doing anything else.” She met her husband at the conservatorium and said she just loved the combination of playing her violin, making music that is something for the deepest self, but also being able to com-

bine that with the social side of music. She said a job came up with the orchestra in her final year at the conservatorium “I thought I’d go for it and I was lucky enough to get it,” Brenda said. “So I joined the QSO 40 years ago in December – I know crazy, crazy, crazy – who would have known that I’d still be there at this time. “But you know it’s not the only thing you do in life – for me I guess it’s the trunk of my tree and it was my solid grounding. But there were lots of things I did along the way and life serves you different things. But it’s something I still enjoy to this day - getting up and thinking I’ve rehearsal today woo-hoo I love it. Life just sort of happens.” She said it was so wonderful in the orchestra because it was such a positive environment of so many different ages. “Kids just coming out of the Con now and graduating – playing right next to them and you know they say – how long have you been in the orchestra,” she laughed. “And sometimes I think should I lie or should I just be honest and I say well nearly 40 years now and they say gosh I won’t be doing that. And I think its your choice you can do what ever you want to but it’s just in my blood and when I sit there and play I do so much head work. It’s this music, it’s in my blood why wouldn’t I want to do that I can express so many things through that.”

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We believe that everyone deserves to live the happiest We understand that the decision to join our We believe that everyone deserves to live the happiest We understand that the decision to join our life they can. So by providing the right care, the very life professionals, they can. So beautiful by providing the right care, the very you see for yourself the level of care and compassion best surroundings and caring you see foryou’ll yourself level of carehome. and compassion best professionals, beautiful surroundings and caring our residents enjoy, wantthe to call McKenzie

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AUTUMN: MARCH 2022 SENIORS TODAY 15

NEWS

SENIORSTODAY.COM.AU

President Karen Zeier, left, and new member Marjorie Barrett.

Ready for more QuoCKa Club are, from left: Dianne Bennett, Vera Green and Jenny Thompson.

Quota Club of Caloundra Quota Club Caloundra welcomed new member, Marjorie Barrett. Quota is an inclusive friendly club which provides social interaction with Community fund raising activities such as BBQ’s, Cocktail evenings, morning teas. Motivating speakers attend our meetings to generate interest in our community. Quota Caloundra has a facilitate

arm:- QuoCKa:- Quotarian’s, Cops and Kids all reading together. Quota, police and volunteers read with children of Year Two throughout the year. The reading program is run each week at three schools within the Caloundra area. 2021, QuoCKa reached a milestone and celebrated a 10-year anniversary. At the beginning of the new school

year in 2022, the children received their own book to keep with additional books donated to the school library. The children’s enthusiasm was present with the presentation of colorful, magnificent and heartfelt Thank-you cards and letters of achievement from the year two children. We welcome friends or new members to come along, our social coffee

mornings, held on the first Friday of every month at 10.15am and Business meetings held the second Thursday at 7pm at the Caloundra Power Boat Club. Quota Club Caloundra, operates in accordance with the Covid-19 practices. To become a new member, volunteer or sponsor, or for further information on Quota or QuoCKa please contact Karen: 0451 075 677 or Dianne: 0407 229 879

Buderim Men’s Shed becomes a Santa’s workshop The Christmas spirit was alive and well at the Buderim Men’s Shed, where members spent hundreds of hours handcrafting toys that were donated to families in need in the lead-up to Christmas 2021. Ninderry MP Dan Purdie thanked the generosity of the members who had spent months meticulously crafting the toys. The Buderim Men’s Shed has a proud tradition of supporting the local community, and this Christmas gesture was a wonderful display of their charity and valuable contribution Mr Purdie explained. Buderim Men’s Shed President Barry Cheales said around 50 hand-made wooden toys were donated to local youth support organisation YouTurn, who then distributed the toys to struggling families, making their Christmas a little brighter. “At the Buderim Men’s Shed, we welcome members from all walks of life, and we’re lucky to have some very skilled craftsmen who’ve thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their talents,” Mr Cheales said. “These are quality handmade toys that deserve a good home, and on behalf of the Buderim Men’s Shed, I am pleased we can donate them to a very worthy local group that will ensure that happens.” Youturn Youth Support CEO, Dr Tanya Bell said on the back of Covid-19, and with the region in the grips of a housing crisis, many locals were 16 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

struggling to put food on the table, let alone buy their kids a gift at Christmas. “The reality is that parents who are doing it tough, buying presents to put under the Christmas tree is just an unaffordable luxury,” Dr Bell said. “To help lighten and brighten their Christmas this year, these wooden toys will be a lovely reminder to our young people and families that someone cares, and that they are worthy of a beautifully handmade gift. We know that these gifts will mean the world to many of the children in our programs and we so appreciate this generous gesture by the Buderim Men’s Shed.” Youturn Youth Support is a not-forprofit charity based at Tewantin that was started more than 30 years ago to help address youth homelessness in the Noosa region. Since then, the organisation has grown substantially working with young people and those that support them, expanding their focus to include Child Safety, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and of course Homelessness. Their humble beginnings started as a Youth Homelessness grass roots project in 1989 with the Noosa Accommodation Project (NAP) which was officially launched by five volunteers supporting six young people. They have grown significantly since then to work at 14 locations across South East Queensland with a staff base of 160 employees and last year helped over 9600 people.

Dan Purdie, Barry Cheales and Dr Tanya Bell.

Santa’s elves - Buderim division.

Come and experience the Sunshine Coast’s best backyard Join us in celebrating the opening of Stockland Halcyon Nirimba’s new $6 million clubhouse. There will be food, fun and plenty of us eager to show you what it’s really like behind the gates at our communities.

Saturday 9th April From 2pm – 5pm Banya Avenue, Nirimba

Registration is essential Scan the QR code or visit: lifebeginsathalcyon.com.au/event/nirimba-open-day to let us know if you can make it.

What’s on offer...

Pizza made in our onsite pizza oven along with a gourmet BBQ, barista coffee and other delicious treats.

Mocktails and live music by our heated outdoor swimming pool.

Explore our indoor cinema, wellness centre, spa, fully equipped gym and more.

Try your hand at bowls and pickleball with our experienced community players.

Walk through our 8 stunning display homes and chat with our friendly sales team.

Mingle with homeowners and buyers to experience community living, fun and friendship.

All details, including images and statements are based on the intention of, and information available to, Stockland Halcyon as at the date of this publication (March 2022) and may change due to future circumstances. Images are artist’s impressions and are subject to change.

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AUTUMN: MARCH 2022 SENIORS TODAY 17

country k tchens recipes Farmhouse Vegetable Lasagne Serves: 4 Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 1 hr 30 minutes 3 serve per portion

Ingredients: • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1 brown onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 medium capsicum, diced • 2 sticks celery, diced • 2 medium carrots, diced • 1 small eggplant, diced • 1 medium zucchini, grated • 1 cup mushrooms, diced • 3 tablespoons tomato paste • 400g can tomatoes, reduced salt • 1 cup vegetable stock, reduced salt • 1/3 cup red wine (optional) • ½ bunch rosemary • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley • 2 tablespoons dried thyme • 1 tablespoon dried oregano • 1 tablespoon dried sage • Pepper, to taste White sauce: • 1 litre milk, reduced fat • Pinch nutmeg • 4 tablespoons cornflour

Method: • PREHEAT oven to 160°C. • HEAT oil in a large saucepan and cook onion until softened, about 5 minutes, then add garlic and all other vegetables. Cook for a few minutes stirring constantly. • ADD tomato paste, canned tomatoes, vegetable stock, wine and herbs. • BRING to the boil and simmer for about 30 minutes. Do not reduce the sauce too much as any excess will be absorbed in the pasta/lasagne sheets. • HEAT milk and nutmeg in saucepan, add cornflour and stir until it thickens. • LAYER the tomato sauce, a lasagne sheet and white sauce in the baking dish. Repeat with two more layer. • SPRINKLE with cheese and bake for approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Everyday Food

*Recipe courtesy of Anne Fomiatti, Texas Branch

Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry Everyday Food

Serves: 4 Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes 1 ½ serve per portion Ingredients: • 400g rice noodles • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 400g chicken breast, skinless and cut into strips • 1 onion, finely sliced • 1 carrot, sliced diagonally • 2 celery sticks, sliced diagonally • ½ red capsicum, thinly sliced • 1 bunch bok choy, roughly chopped Sauce: • 2 tablespoons reduced-salt soy sauce • 2 teaspoons cornflour • ½ cup vegetable stock • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Method: • PLACE noodles in large bowl, cover with boiling water for 1 minute, drain then refresh in cold water and set aside. • HEAT oil in a wok (or large pan), add chicken and cook for 5-10 minutes. Set aside. • COOK onion, carrot, celery, and capsicum for 2 minutes. • RETURN chicken to the pan, add bok choy, and cook for 2 minutes. • MIX cornflour and soy sauce to make a paste, then add the vegetable stock (hot), honey and sesame seeds and pour over the chicken and vegetables. • COOK for a further 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens. • COMBINE the chicken and vegetables with noodles and serve. *Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens team

Empowering women through education and health is a priority for the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA). The QCWA Country Kitchens program, funded by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, supports Queenslanders to adopt healthier lifestyles. To find out more about the program visit https://qcwacountrykitchens.com.au/. 18 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

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RECIPES

Five generations in making After the enduring heartbreak of the worst drought in Australian history, relief was on it’s way in the form of rain, but the storm turned to hail destroying four million avocados along with hopes and dreams. When things seemed that they could not get any worse, bushfires struck and the real fight to save their farm in Northern NSW began - it’s a story repeated across Australia - a story that has seen farmers diversify to survive and led her to write a cookbook filled with recipes and the stories of five generations of a farming family. Julia Foyster grew up in Germany. Twelve years ago she decided to backpack through Australia with a friend. She joined ‘Willing Workers on Organic Farms’ and worked and lived with farming families in exchange for board and accommodation. She harvested coffee beans, picked, packed and sliced mangoes, worked

on a horse riding farm, and eventually ended up on her now husband’s farm picking and packing avocados, mangoes and limes. A decade later they are married with two kids. In the first few years, Julia drove tractors, helped run the packing facility, helped to establish new orchards and investigated new crops to grow. “It wasn’t until my first of many floods that I realised the severe emotional toll on my new family,” she said. “Witnessing the destruction of our watermelon crop revealed what it truly meant to be married to an Australian farmer. “No one really talked about the financial loss or the emotional strain. Everyone just threw themselves into working even harder to make up for the loss. We replaced our watermelon crop hoping that we would still be able to grow another but just before we could harvest, another flood hit.I realised it

wasn’t enough for me to stand by and watch things unfold. I had to do my part to help my family financially and the idea for Tweed Real Food was born.” Julia started Tweed Real Food, taking her connection between the land, who we are and what we eat into her passion for real food and created all natural flavours for Australians. “My vision was to contribute to the joy families experience when sharing healthy, home-cooked meals around their dinner table. While creating an additional income stream to subsidise the ongoing losses.” Julia experimented with flavours for seasonings and balsamic vinegars, inspired by the fresh produce the family grows on their farm. Throughout the first year of Tweed Real Food being in business, the farms suffered their biggest disasters yet, well into the drought a severe hailstorm struck, followed by devastating bushfires.

SMASHED AVO TOAST · 100g crumbly feta cheese · 2 tbsp Avo Smash Dukkah · 2 handfuls of fresh greens of your choice

Serves: 2 Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 2 minutes Ingredients 4 slices of sourdough bread 2 ripe avocados, stone removed, sliced diagonally 1 tbsp soft butter

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Instructions 1. Lightly toast sourdough slices and spread with butter. 2. Top with avocado slices and crumbled feta. 3. Sprinkle Avo Smash Dukkah and garnish with favourite fresh greens.

“For two months we lived in a constant state of fear. Fire changed direction away from one farm only to move towards another,” she said. “When the fires reached the farm, the bushfire app suddenly updated, showing the fires had ripped not only through our orchard but the entire area. I was sure at the time that my family hadn’t survived.” Tweed Real Food has received over 3000 5 star reviews from a very loyal customer base. The recipe book ‘There is a story behind every meal’ featuring 65 delicious recipes, intertwined with untold farm stories and beautiful imagery, encapsulates the journey of overcoming hardship, providing heart-wrenching insight to the reality of farming in Australia. tweedrealfood.com/products/thereis-a-story-behind-every-meal-1

LYCHEE DUCK CURRY Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Ingredients

· 2 tbsp coconut oil · 4 duck breasts · 1 cup of lychees, fresh with seeds removed or tinned · 1 cup of pineapple cubes, fresh or tinned · ½ punnet of cherry tomatoes, rinsed and halved · 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen · 2 handfuls of fresh green beans, rinsed with ends removed · 1 cup fresh rinsed basil · 2 tbsp Durban Earth Curry Rub · 1 x 400ml tin of coconut cream · Juice of one lime · 1 cup jasmine rice INSTRUCTIONS 1. Cook jasmine rice according to instructions on packet, whilst the rice is cooking make the curry. 2. In a frypan over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp coconut oil and cook duck breast skin side down for 3 minutes on each side. Set aside and cover to rest.

Lychee Duck Curry. 3. In a saucepan or cast-iron pot, heat remaining tbsp of coconut oil add Durban Earth Curry Rub, cooking until fragrant, approx. 60 seconds. Add coconut cream and bring to a simmer, stirring to combine the curry rub. 4. Add tomatoes, peas, beans and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, scraping the bottom of the pan. Add the lychees and pineapple, simmer for a further 3 minutes and squeeze in lime juice. 5. Meanwhile, thinly slice the duck breasts. 6. Serve rice into each bowl, ladle the vegetable curry on top, place the sliced duck breast portion into each bowl and pour a little juice on top. Garnish generously with basil.

Smashed Avo Toast

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Paul helps keep memories World-renowned Australian lyric tenor and West End superstar, Paul Tabone has signed on as an ambassador of the groundbreaking not-for-profit nostalgic broadcasting service, Silver Memories. Aptly dubbed “Australia’s own Bocel-

li”, Mr Tabone, 33, has returned to Australia after four years and 1800 shows performing in the Andrew Lloyd Webber production of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ in London’s West End, and has been confirmed to reprise his role for the Opera Australia’s new production

for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. From his humble beginnings as a descendent of Italian immigrants growing up on the sugarcane fields of Far North Queensland, Mr Tabone was invited by Signora Nicoletta Mantovani (wife of

Luciano Pavarotti) to perform in front of a sold-out crowd of 20,000 at the world-renowned Verona Arena in Italy, alongside operatic icons, Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Ambrogio Maestri.

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Mr Tabone was also invited to perform by the Pavarotti Foundation, in a tribute concert for the late Luciano Pavarotti at the New York City Centre on Broadway. He has performed internationally in both opera and musical theatre, in roles including Duca Di Mantova in Verdi’s Rigoletto at the Opera Na?ional? Bucure?ti (Romania), Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly for the Teatro Del Giglio (Lucca, Italy), and has performed Tony in West Side Story at the Teatro Carlo Felice in Genova, Italy. Mr Tabone’s album debut came in 2021 in the form of classical-crossover album ‘This Is Me’, which features his own take on an eclectic mix of songs featured in popular musical and cinematic soundtracks, which is now topping

the Classical Music Charts in Australia, United Kingdom and the United States. Award-winning broadcasting service, Silver Memories is a specialised 24/7 nostalgic music service providing reminiscence music therapy for older Australians helping to combat the severe loneliness experienced by older Australians, something sorely needed with the everchanging conditions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “The service is designed to help residents spark conversations, feel re-connected, reminisce and recall memories, and improve quality of life,” said Silver Memories General Manager, Gary Thorpe OAM. “Silver Memories is 100 per cent backed by research and clinical studies,

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

proving the service is highly-beneficial to older Australians, carers and aged care staff alike. “Research shows that around one in four Australian seniors are affected by social isolation, and our service is proven to show a significant improvement in quality of life and depression for residents at aged care facilities after listening to Silver Memories for 12 months as part of their regular activities.” Not just a one-dimensional service, Silver Memories is committed to expanding its range of services by offering roadshows, resources, a revolutionary app and live shows to Australia’s elderly community – and also intends to engage further ambassadors in the future. The live “roadshows” complement

the unique Silver Memories 24/7 nostalgic music broadcasting service by taking the announcers and team out of the studio, and directly to the people. “It’s such a treat to see the joy in the faces of the aged care residents, smiling, laughing, clapping, waving, dancing, tapping their feet and reminiscing that is exactly what the Silver Memories service is all about,” said Mr Thorpe. Silver Memories has been supported by the Australian Medical Association (QLD) and Alzheimer’s Australia (QLD) who use the unique service as part of their Dementia Behaviour Management Service (DBMAS). For more information about Silver Memories, please visit: silvermemories. com.au

Corporate sponsors give older people the gift of music The Rotary Club of Brisbane MidCity has donated 10 iPad tablets, each loaded with a 12-month subscriptions to the Silver Memories app. These iPads cost approximately $600-$700 per item and Silver Memories has supplied the cases, screen protectors, HDMI cable, lightning cable adaptor, set-up, configuration, packaging, and postage at a cost of approximately $300 - 400 per item, with the total gift package valued at $1,000 per iPad. Silver Memories has chosen to donate the iPads to aged care facilities that are regional and small, and do not have the funds to pay for Silver Memories, but are desperately needing

something like Silver Memories in their facilities and miss out on any funding. “The criteria was that they had to be a community-run not-for-profit aged care facility with less than 30 beds throughout Queensland, as Silver Memories only have 10 iPads to gift, we had to restrict the initiative to Queensland at present,” said Silver Memories General Manager, Gary Thorpe OAM. “There are 23 sites in Queensland alone that sit under this criteria and they have managed to get 7 iPads allocated so far. “There are another 47 facilities that are not-for-profit community-based

still out there that have under 40 beds so Silver Memories need so many more iPads to accommodate them all. If we were to cover these criteria on a national basis, which would be amazing, then we are looking at 400 sites across Australia. “As Silver Memories is also a notfor-profit., the ideal situation would be for a large organisation such as Harvey Norman, Amazon, Telstra or Apple etc to cover the total cost for the whole thing ie. “Adopt or sponsor a small regional aged care facility”. “This would be for the small independent aged care facilities that have little to no funding but do a fantastic

job with our elderly.” The six small aged care facilities that Silver Memories has chosen are: St Vincent’s Care Services Boondall Clifton Community Health Services Southern Cross Care Taroom Southern Cross Care Chinchilla Churches Of Christ Gin Gin Carinity Mount Morgan Corporate sponsors are being encouraged to reach out to Silver Memories if they wish to support this most worthwhile initiative: silvermemories. com.au and Facebook: facebook.com/ SilverMemoriesAU

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Running for best of causes The cool calm of a May morning in Brisbane’s City Botancial Gardens will be disrupted on Mothers Day but it’s all in a very good cause. Now in it’s 25th year the Mother’s Day Classic is held at various locations around the country raising money for game-changing breast cancer research. The classic which attracts people of all ages to come to the event village in the Botanic Gardens to enjoy entertainment, food stalls and the run (or walk) has seen almost $40 million donated to research over the years from events all around Australia including previous Sunshine Coast runs/walks. With around 55 people diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each day the stroll or run along a 4.5km or 8km course from the Gardens along the Brisbane River (with the 8km course crossing the iconic Story Bridge and the 4km course crossing the Victoria Bridge) is a major fund raiser. As well raising money the event raises awareness with those touched by breast cancer joining the “the Survivor Wave” or joining in with others at the front of their chosen walk, where everyone will take a moment to reflect on the strength of the MDC community. For Nicole Statham one of the ambassadors of the event it has special significance. She won’t be on the ground in Brisbane but will be taking part in her own home town of Myles in country Qld.

A colourful, important and fun way to spend mother’s day. “A friend of mine – Toni Brown – has been organising it in our small town for a number of years,” she said. “I don’t’ live in the town, I live out of it so I’ve never actually been to the event and then in 2020 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. So last year Toni asked if I could become an ambassador for our town and I went sure. “There’s a population 2000 but we hold a mother’s day classic there. So last year I became and ambassador and did radio interviews in Brisbane

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and stuff like that.” Nicole believes that this is an important event for communities of all sizes. “I think you don’t know something until you are actually touched by it,” she explained. “My grand mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was two – forty-six years prior to me and she died for it,” she said. “Now it’s not a death sentence. The mother’s day classic raises so much

money, it helps with research and it’s changing the lives of women who get diagnosed because it doesn’t necessarily mean a death sentence any more. I think research is so important and any money we can raise and raise awareness is critical. “Me personally I’m doing superwell now but a friend of mine who was diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn’t have a mastectomy or chemo I just had a lumpectomy and radiation. Her and I went through radiation together, she’s nine years older that me and she’s up it Townsville. When we were going through radiation we were talking to each other – that the end of 2020. Last week she was told she had less than six months to live. Hers has come back and is in her spine and liver for me that’s a little – oh my goodness. Is that going to be me?” Tens of thousands of people will unite on May 8 for the Mother’s Day Classic to celebrate and honour those affected by breast cancer and raise vital funds for research. There will be up to 70 event locations nationwide where supporters can walk, run or jog for the cause on Mother’s Day. Proceeds go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for breast cancer research to improve outcomes for those affected by breast cancer. The Mother’s Day Classic Foundation supports the NBCF’s goal of zero deaths from breast cancer by 2030.

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Mobility project to connect A revolutionary pilot project focused on inclusivity and mobility will change the way the community travels across some popular areas of the Sunshine Coast. Using modern mapping-technology, wheelchairs have been turned into mapping tools with specially trained local “pilots” and GPS devices installed to track routes from Maroochydore to Mooloolaba. Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said he was pleased council partnered with Briometrix and Spinal Life Australia to undertake the project – both leading providers of technology solutions for people with disabilities. “This pilot program combines the lived experience of Bevan Kearsley, Dane Cross, Lachy Chapman and Kay MacLean with Briometrix’s innovative technology which collects information about our footpath conditions, access to public transport and parking, amenities, boardwalks, beach accesses and more.” This innovative pilot project moves away from dated paper-based accessibility maps and when live on council’s website will provide instant, interactive, sustainable and high-tech navigational maps for everyone in our community. Mobility chief pilot Bevan Kearsley said since 2019 Briometrix has been using wheelchair pilots because it’s the most sensitive mode of transport when it comes to navigating footpaths and al-

Bevan Kearsley, Kay MacLean, Mayor Mark Jamieson, Dane Cross, and Cr David Law. lows us to measure the easier routes to take. “For the course of this program, GPS tracking devices are installed on our wheelchairs. Kay is using an electric wheelchair measuring the efforts of the streets like the inclines and slopes. “Dane and I are using the iPads and video cameras to map and mark the structures, curb ramps, crossings and trip hazards.” Briometrix CEO Natalie Verdon said the data provides insights that are not otherwise visible to council’s planning professionals.

“More importantly, our online maps ensure that no matter what age, ability or mobility, everyone has the opportunity to enjoy all that the beautiful Sunshine Coast has to offer.” Sunshine Coast Council will join other local governments and transport authorities across Australia including Brisbane, Townsville, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Wollongong, Sydney, Melbourne and Public Transport Victoria in deploying Briometrix Mobility Maps. The data is anticipated to go live on Council’s website late-April.

Briometrix’s innovative mapping technology which collects information about our footpath conditions, access to public transport and parking, amenities, boardwalks, beach accesses and more.

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Assessing diabetes risks member who had it, inactivity or living in a larger body and ethnicity also play a part. “Often diabetes and prediabetes comes with the package of high blood pressure and high cholesterol,” she said. “To that end you’re looking at healthy eating and regular exercise. But you need to be aware of how to manage your condition – which means having a health care team – it doesn’t mean going on crash diets because that’s a way to become malnourished and unwell and also when you lose weight really rapidly you lose both fat and muscle tissue. Muscle is the powerhouse of our bodies we want to maintain as much muscle as we can, especially with very older people we want them to keep muscle, so they don’t have falls. “So, we want to do slow weight reduction or just healthy eating and regular exercise to build muscle and over time with these new habits without even focusing on the scale they might even lose weight. “That’s what we call the health at every size approach. Exercising every day and making sure your building muscular as well as cardio and a healthy diet, less fat more muscle. “A lot of people will say to me I don’t like vegetables, I don’t like exercising but there are so many vegetables out there. “There has to be something out there that they like they just haven’t found it yet so keep trying.” “So, when you look at exercise it’s the same thing, you mightn’t like the exercise at there in the past but there must be something out there that you can do, and anything is better than nothing. “The only way you will keep doing it is if you enjoy it, so it needs to be something that you really enjoy doing or is fun to do with your friends.” She said when someone is diagnosed with diabetes, they can get a care plan from the doctor, and it means that Medicare will subsidize a set number of appointments with allied health professionals every calendar year including a exercise physiologist and dietician.

By Tania Phillips There are 1.43 million people in Australia living with diabetes it’s a scary statistic particularly since many may not even notice that they are developing it. By the far the highest number of those living with diabetes have Type Two - 1.24 million to be exact which is about 86 pe r cent of people diagnosed with diabetes. And the majority of those people are more than 60-years- old. They are scary facts, sobering even but how can we tell if we are at risk and what can we do about it? Diabetes Qld dietitian Dale Cooke said many of the early symptoms of diabetes can often be brushed off as old age, but it is worth having blood tests and asking questions about the results. Dale is also an exponent of being ‘healthy at every size’, though she said there were currently trials in the UK that are seeing people who lose weight when they are in pre-diabetes range, going into remission. “The symptoms of diabetes, if they haven’t got it but its developing, can start very slowly and fairly insidiously,” Dale explained. “Because we’re older we start to see things like feeling just a bit more tired, going to the toilet a lot more to wee, when really it’s the start of insulin resistance. That’s where the body isn’t allowing the insulin that the body is naturally producing to work properly so the body is ramping up insulin production. But to get rid of the excess glucose in the bloodstream the body puts it into the urine. “So then there’s a lot more urine passing through, so someone gets thirsty. They are dehydrated so they might have a headache. Their eyeballs - because there is excess glucose in the fluid in the eyeball it might swell to try and dilute it. So, you think, my vision is going, I need to go the optometrist. “There is a cascade of symptoms that they have but because they’re older they attribute it all to getting older.” She said doctors will often say “your glucose is fine, or your bloods are fine”,

Dietitian Dale Cooke. where they’re really, they’re starting to creep up into the pre-diabetes range. “Some doctors will flag that with someone but won’t say this is the time you need to do something to prevent Type Two diabetes from occurring,” she said. “They just wait for the inevitable diagnosis of – oh you’ve got diabetes. “A lot of people tell us that the doctor never mentioned diabetes, or it’s been mentioned but the doctor never prompted them to take action.” She said before you are diagnosed is when you can prevent it from occurring. “Once you are newly diagnosed you can work really hard for example there is a bit of research in the UK which they are replicating in Australia just to see if it comes up with the same results,” Dale explained. “The research says that if you lose about 15 kilos in the first six or so years of diagnosis you might be able to go into remission. “There is no formal definition of remission but it’s basically saying you can manage the diabetes

without medication so it’s not progressing at a very fast rate. “So, any of these strange symptoms, it might be going to the toilet to wee a lot more, often getting up at night – these are things that typically happen as we get older too. Feeling tired, getting tingling or numbness in the feet or hands and be wondering what it’s from and that’s the start of the long term affects of diabetes. A lot of gentlemen will start to have problems with impotence and wonder is it just because I’m getting old, it actually can be related to diabetes. She said having a regular check up with the GP and then actually asking what does this blood test mean? Is there anything out of the normal range and what does it mean, is really quite helpful. “They need to be aware of what their blood test result means, not just accept that it’s all fine.” She said age is one of the biggest factors of type two – bodies just wear out as they get older – though other risk factors including having a parent or family

Friendly recipes Smoked salmon and chicken salad platter This is so easy to put together on the day! It’s fresh and light and full of zing. If you aren’t keen on smoked salmon you could use all chicken or replace with a baked salmon fillet, cooled and cut up – Dale Cooke.

Nutrition per serve

· Energy 1087kJ · Protein 19.8g · Total fat 11.8g · -Saturated fat 2.8g · Carbohydrate15.1g · Fibre 5.6g · Sodium 423.3mg Ingredients: 125g smoked salmon, cut or torn into pieces 200g cooked chicken breast, no skin, cut or torn into pieces 300g baked and cooked orange sweet potato, cut into 2cm cubes

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24 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

· 1 medium endive (witlof) or 100g baby spin-

ach, washed and drained 60g rocket, washed and drained 60g sourdough bread 2 tablespoon extra light spreadable cream cheese 1 large avocado, cut into cubes or slices ½ small red (Spanish) onion, sliced 3 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar 1 ½ tablespoon reduced fat plain Greek style yoghurt 3 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon baby capers 1 lemon, cut into wedges Method: 1. Arrange endive or spinach and rocket on a platter. 2. Top with avocado and orange sweet potato cubes, then slices of red onion. 3. Toast the sourdough and allow to cool. Spread with the extra light spreadable cream cheese. Cut into 2cm squares and

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sprinkle over the salad. 4. Arrange the smoked salmon and chicken on top. 5. Whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, reduced fat plain Greek style yoghurt and lemon juice in a small bowl. Drizzle over the salad. 6. Sprinkle the capers over the salad. 7. Serve with the lemon wedges

Fancy fig, mozzarella and ham entre This recipe is similar to one you see in fancy magazines and restaurants, just a bit healthier. It’s dead easy to make, arrange everything on the plates so they look pretty, for example curl the long cucumber slices around the wedge of cheese. – Dale Cooke

Nutrition per serve

· Energy 422.5kJ · Protein 5.8g · Total fat 5g · -Saturated fat 3g

· Carbohydrate 6.9g · Fibre 2.2g · Sodium 203.1mg Ingredients: 100g buffalo mozzarella (that’s the big round mozzarella you’ll see in the cheese section of the supermarket), cut into wedges, one for each plate 6 slices of shaved fresh leg ham 6 ripe figs, washed and dried, cut in half lengthwise 2 teaspoons of honey (optional) A few basil leaves, as many as you fancy, washed and shaken dry 1 medium Lebanese cucumber, washed and sliced lengthwise with a potato peeler Method: 1. Arrange the mozzarella wedge, shaved ham, fig halves and cucumber on each entree (small sized) plate. 2. Sprinkle with basil leaves and drizzle with a little honey (optional).

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

The rhythm of the road Former electrical engineer Greg Packer got the shock of his life when he was diagnosed with diabetes at just 54. While he had cholesterol problems more than a decade earlier, he didn’t expect his diagnosis. But straight away he decided he wasn’t going to just sit and let his health deteriorate, already a keen cyclist, he threw himself into his riding. Two decades later he still rides his bike every day and at almost 75 he is enjoying good health and fitness and his blood glucose levels are in a healthy range. “I didn’t realise at the time there was a family history, the doctor asked me did I have any and I said no,” he said. However he went home and made a few phone calls only to discover he wasn’t the first member of his family to be diagnosed. “I was never really been told it was type two – the doctor kind of said it was a little of both – type one and a half,” he laughed. “I haven’t got it from being overweight or anything like that. “It was a bit of a shock I was only 5354 at the time,” he said. As well as checking in with family he looked for any information he could find on it. “I had a good read about it – they give you the diabetes book and so I had a big read,” Greg said.

“One of the things they suggest is exercising. I was already riding about a hundred kilometres every week – mainly on the weekend with my friends. “So what I decided to do was double that and start riding a lot more during the week.” Living in a Western Brisbane suburb with nice quiet roads, he started getting up early – leaving home at 5.30am and going for long rides – coming back after 7am to get ready for work. “I started doing that every day – I decided to do 200 a week and I’ve been doing that now for 21 years,” Greg explained. “After I got my diagnosis, the specialists said to me in about two years you’ll be on tablets and on insulin in about eight,” Greg said. “That really made me double-down

and say well that’s not going to be me – I didn’t say that to him only to myself. And now after 21 years I’m not on insulin. I am on tablets that help your body use its own insulin, make insulin.” Greg said he had changed his eating about 15 years before that after test revealed high cholesterol. “I changed my eating habits then,” he said. “I cut down on cholesterol and then when I was diagnosed with diabetes low glycemic foods were coming out. Twenty-one years ago there was quite a bit being written about it so a friend of mine gave me a book on it. Then I went low glycemic. When you change your eating habits you soon get very use to it. After changing bread I thought – how can I ever eat white bread again, but they have sourdough now,” he laughed

adding it was his experience that when you change your eating habits and you are strong about it then it becomes very easy to keep doing it. So what’s his advice to someone who has just been diagnosed? “I think the key thing I say to people – it’s a shock to everyone when they are diagnosed – but do a bit of reading on it, there are diabetic books out there,” he explained. “There is quite a bit of stuff out there, if you read between the lines I believe, you should be eating low glycemic food and you should be doing a bit of exercise. “What I’m positive about is that you’ve got to get your body into a rhythm of exercising every day at the same time. “What happens when you don’t do it, you feel really bad. Like today I went for a ride but I didn’t get out until about 9 am because it had been raining a little bit earlier. But I don’t use that as an excuse not to ride – I look at the radar and wait for a period when I can get out and not get wet. I’m lucky now I live up on the Sunshine Coast and all the roads have cycle areas – there’s also a bike path all the way down the coast. But I like riding on the road, its got edges all the way and you can ride form Noosa to Caloundra. I don’t go far but I’m out every day doing 30 to 40 kilometres. You’ve got to get your body into a rhythm.”

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Support and respite care Noosa Community Support provides a range of ageing specific services as well as community-based services for senior residents that reside in the Noosa Shire, who are aged over 65 years (50 years and over Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people). There are a number of services they offer, all designed to give their clients that little bit of extra help to live safely and happily in their home for longer including: Social Support Group to help the client to participate in community life and feel socially included through companionship and activities in the local community. Wellness and Reablement programs to help regain and maintain independence and autonomy, for as long as possible. Social Support Individual provided by staff. This is a one-on-one service to support with shopping assistance, visiting, social. Respite services in the clients home or at the organisation’s centre, they recognise the vital role Carers play in supporting frail older people to remain living at home and in the community. They aim to provide care and assistance in the home and community to loved ones, so Carers can take a break. Personal Care which includes support with daily self-care tasks to help

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to overall health. Their professional podiatrist will work with the client to ensure optimal foot and lower limb health. Carer Support assisting carers who require support and respite. They have a strong community link, with Carer Gateway – Wellways, offering counselling, support with connecting Carers with other Carers for knowledge and experience sharing, emotional support and mentoring. Home Modifications is a service which provides changes to the home to increase or maintain functional independence, so that the client can continue to live and move safely about the house. Minor Home Maintenance is a service focusing on repairs and maintenance of the home to improve safety, accessibility, and independence within the home. NCS staff can assist with home safety checks, home security assessments, home maintenance and assistance when needing to employ tradespeople. They can also help the person navigate the My Aged Care system and also My Gov with ease, simply phone Noosa Community Support on (07) 5329 6175 to make an appointment or via their website noosacommunitysupport.com. au. They are located at 11 Wallace Drive Noosaville (near Noosaville Library).

Noosa Council staff at the back of the Home Assist van.

maintain hygiene and grooming. Transport delivered by their volunteer drivers for medical appointments and to access the community. Clients can enjoy the security that they will be collected from their home, assisted to appointments, and

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safely returned home again. Domestic Assistance with general house cleaning and laundry services to provide a helping hand when it is needed the most. Allied Health – Podiatry; they understand how important foot health is

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Suite 110/90 Goodchap Street, Noosaville Maroochydore | Noosa | Gympie Ph: (07) 5348 9460 www.justskin.com.au *Medicare rebates and DVA Gold Cards accepted 26 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

Phone: 5450 0151 Email: admin@blibliclinic.com.au Website: www.betterfamilyhealth.com.au 12523355-DL50-21

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Skin Checks Medical Cannabis Weight loss clinic Cardiology Telehealth Consultations Bli Bli Clinic Mooloolaba Family Clinic Kuluin Clinic

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Check up on hearing loss Hearing difficulties in later life can seem inevitable, 65 per cent of people aged over 65 experience hearing loss and the percentage increases with age. Sunshine Coast Audiology are often asked “is my hearing normal for my age?” A hearing loss is hearing loss, no matter what the person’s age! There is no requirement to put up with hearing and communication difficulties just because someone has reached a certain age. At Sunshine Coast Audiology they assure clients of a comprehensive assessment of their hearing, and ear health, to ensure any treatable ear conditions are resolved. Potential consequences of untreated hearing loss can include increased mental load and listening effort, and difficulties following conversations. This can lead to fatigue, avoidance of social gatherings and feelings of depression and loneliness. Untreated hearing loss can also affect balance, increase the risk of falling, as well as increasing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Hearing loss doesn’t have to be disabling for the patient or their loved ones. The sooner help is sought for hearing difficulties, the easier and more

Sunshine Coast Audiologists. successful the interventions can be. Sunshine Coast Audiology is owned and operated by experienced audiologists who pride themselves in having their clients’ best interests at heart. They can advise on hearing and communication difficulties, tinnitus, hearing protection and also recommend, fit and adjust any hearing devices as necessary. As an accredited provider, eligible pensioners and veterans also have access to the Government’s Hearing Services Program, including annual hearing tests and free or subsidised hearing aids (if required). Phone: 07 5378 2229

Welcome to

Sunshine Coast Audiology We are a new independent audiology clinic located at Sippy Downs, providing personalised hearing care to the community. We are able to recommend, fit and adjust hearing devices from all leading brands and will do what is right for you.

Our services include: • Hearing tests for schoolaged children and adults • Hearing aid fitting, repairs and adjustment from all major brands for adults • Free hearing tests and free or subsidised hearing aids through the Hearing Services Program for eligible pensioners and veterans • Tinnitus management

Emryn Maclachlan

Anita Burgess

07 5378 2226

Call or email info@sunshinecoastaudiology.com.au

• Supply and fitting of ear plugs for swimming, noise and music

Shop 10, 1 Scholars Drive, Sippy Downs

www.sunshinecoastaudiology.com.au 12539661-SG13-22

Fast track your rehabilitation journey at Eden Private Hospital Eden Private Hospital is part of Aurora Healthcare; one of Australia’s largest private rehabilitation providers. We are a 48 bed private medical, rehabilitation and mental health facility located in Cooroy that provide specialised treatment for older patients in need of hospital admission, as well as day programs to support recovery. Our hospital has introduced robotic-assisted therapy into traditional rehabilitation programs, helping patients reach their rehabilitation goals faster. Specialised rehabilitation services include: • Oncology • • Pain Management • • Robotic-assisted therapy • • Orthopaedics • • Neurological

Falls and Balance Trauma Cardiac & Pulmonary Reconditioning

For more information about Eden Private Hospital, please contact our Admissions and Assessment team on 1800 333 674. Alternately, talk to your GP about a referral.

12539487-JW13-22

50 Maple Street,Cooroy QLD 4563 T: 07 5474 6472 / edenprivate.com.au

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OUT AND ABOUT

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New app showcases south A new tourism app with artificial intelligence technology unveiled by Southern Downs Regional Council this month aims to share the “good country life and encourage food and wine lovers to explore their stunning landscapes, wineries, attractions” according to Mayor Vic Pennisi. Mayor Pennisi said the free digitally interactive travel guide is an exciting tool and resource to support the region’s tourism industry and enhance the visitor experience. “Located just 90 minutes from Brisbane, we’ve seen a real upswing in fellow Aussies exploring our region,” he said. “The new Southern Downs and Granite Belt tourism app provides an interactive platform for visitors to immerse themselves in the tourist experience and features an exciting artificial intelligence element, the new Dunny Dash Art Trail. “Following on from the success of silo art trails across regional Australia, we thought we’d try something different and transform our public toilet blocks with painted murals by local artists and create the Dunny Dash Art Trail. “Using the app, you just need to hold your smart phone up to one of the 12 art murals dotted across the Southern Downs and unique information on the artwork and the artist will be at your fingertips.

New app helps promote tourism on the Southern Downs. “We welcome nearly a million visitors annually, which generates $177.4 million for our regional economy and we see the app as an integral way to enhance the visitor experience both before and during a trip to the Southern Downs with interactive maps, selfguided walking tours, events calendars and of course the unique Dunny Dash Art Trail.

“By building on visitor engagement, we want travellers to experience everything the Southern Downs has to offer and increase the average length-of-stay for the region. “The app supports our tourism industry, improves the region’s visibility to visitors and grows Council’s existing destination marketing channels.”

The app can be used 100% offline and features up-to-date information on attractions, accommodation, events, restaurants, wineries, travel tips and more. The Southern Downs and Granite Belt visitor app is proudly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Sunshine Coast Heart Specialists is now

Heart HQ, Sunshine Coast’s specialist cardiology practice, has opened a Heart Murmur Clinic. This innovative service is headed by our new Nurse Practitioner Silvia Gres and helps to identify valvular heart disease as quickly as possible. Through the clinic, and supported by an integrated team of heart experts, patients can also access timely treatment and follow-up.

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World-class cardiac care on the Sunshine Coast.

07 5414 1100 admin@hearthq.com.au www.hearthq.com.au

Sippy Downs

Buderim

28 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

Birtinya

Tewantin

Gympie

Caboolture

Nambour

hearthq.com.au

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The Wolfe Brothers.

Low and Slow from the Shank Brothers.

OUT AND ABOUT

Poddy calf rider Byron Kirk, eight, and his sister Willow, six, from Mt Isa.

Rodeo action hits the road Building on the dual legends of rodeo and Outback Queensland, the Longreach Showgrounds and Rodeo Arena will host Road to Rodeo on Saturday April 30 and Sunday May 1. Road to Rodeo – An Isa Rodeo Experience brings a taste of the legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo experience to Longreach, featuring the signature ingredients of this iconic event including thrilling rodeo action and live Rodeo Rock. The series aims to create four new annual rodeo events across Queensland by 2024, representing a long-term economic injection to the state of over $4 million. The rodeo schedule includes the Bull Ride (Open, Over 40s, 2nd & Junior Division), Saddle Bronc (Open &

2nd Division), Bareback (Open & 2nd Division), Rope & Tie (Open), Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Ladies Barrel Race, Ladies Breakaway Roping and Mini Bull Rides. The full line-up of rodeo competitors will be announced in mid-March. In addition to the Rodeo Rock concert on Saturday evening, there’s, food and wine, low ‘n’ slow BBQ by famed pitmasters The Shank Brothers, wine tastings at Brown Brother’s Proseccos Paddock, markets and sideshow alley, competitor meet and greet sessions, cooking demonstrations, bush poetry by Scotty the Barefoot Poet and sheepdog demonstrations. This outback festival is perfectly at home in Longreach, home to stockmen, shearers, sunsets and big blue skies.

Organisers see Longreach, in the heart of Outback Queensland, as the perfect location for the first Road to Rodeo. It is a proud rodeo-loving region, is home to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame and has a long rodeo and camp drafting history. The Wolfe Brothers will lead the lineup for the Rodeo Rock Concert on Saturday 30 April. Joining them is up and coming country star and winner of the 2020 People’s Choice winner in the Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival Bella Mackenzie from Mackay, along with fellow North Queenslander Luke Geiger and Bareback, a finalist in Rise-Up at this year’s Winton’s Way Out West Festival, and from Wingham on the midnorth coast of NSW, young country

superstar James Johnston. Two local Longreach music-makers will star on stage with the national names – young, rising talent Corinne Ballard and local legend, singer-songwriter John Hawkes who comes with his bullock named Ollie! The full program can be seen at isarodeo.com.au/road-to-rodeo-longreach/ Road to Rodeo LONGREACH: An Isa Rodeo Event Experience Saturday 30 April and Sunday 1 May, 2022 Longreach Showgrounds and Rodeo Arena Website: Isarodeo.com.au Tickets, accommodation packages and travel itineraries: all at isarodeo.com. au

· ·

National Advance Care Planning Week 21–27 March 2022 You can learn more about advance care planning and how it can empower you to make your future health care wishes known.

What do you do now? Discuss your wishes, values, beliefs and health care preferences with your family, friends and health care providers. Make choices about your future health care and quality-of-life. Download advance care planning documents from mycaremychoices.com.au and document your choices or order a free information pack from the Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning (ACP). Your GP or family/friends can assist you. Send copies of your completed documents to the Statewide Office of ACP: • Email: acp@health.qld.gov.au • Fax: 1300 008 227 • Post: PO Box 2274, Runcorn Qld 4113 Contact the Statewide Office of ACP for more information or support on 1300 007 227 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm.) * You can also upload your ACP documents to your My Health Record.

The Statewide Office of ACP – Queensland Health, provides a free and confidential service to all Queenslanders. • The Office receives and reviews completed ACP documents from all care environments in Queensland. • Effective documents are uploaded to the Queensland Health electronic medical record and accessed by doctors when needed.

Empower yourself to plan for your future health care.

mycaremychoices.com.au 12534547-NG10-22

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OUT AND ABOUT

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New era blooms at festival There is a blooming new festival at Kalbar in the Scenic Rim just west of Brisbane. The beautiful Kalbar Sunflower Festival is an event born out of necessity and drought with farmers Russell and Jenny Jenner pivoting their small farm from lucerne to sunflowers due to a lack of water. Out of the adversity of the past few years came 200,000 glorious sunflowers in bloom and idea to share them with others. This is the second year of the festival launched at the tail end of the drought and with a covid still prevalent around the world. “We were struggling because of the drought and we couldn’t grow our normal crops, we didn’t have any water left, we were looking to do something to diversify and we came across sunflowers as an idea,” she said. “They are quite a drought tolerant plant and chatted to our seed reps and got all the information on them. We knew people liked going out to visit them and we’re only an hour out from Brisbane so we thought why don’t we do it here? Kalbar is getting quite the reputation in the scenic destination. We are in the top Eight in the world for Lonely Planet. Every one wants to come to the Scenic Rim and we thought that would give our little town and added boost because we were all running out of water and things were looking a bit grim for farmers around that time. “So that’s how the event was born last year and we made it a really nice big community event and got all the schools, the Lions, The SES and everybody involved. It was great we sold out really quickly but as it was our first time we weren’t sure how many people we could cater for so it was a big learning curve and then we did another smaller event. We grew 12 acres the first time and in October/November we grew six acres and said lets just open up and do farm visits. We were inundated with people – they’re still coming. I don’t think people realise that they only flower about two weeks when they are at their peak and then they go to seed. So its not something you can have pretty much all year round unless that is just what you’re doing.” The Jenners are planning more changes to their farm over the next few years looking to create paddocks of meadow flowers where people can come and do “Pick your” own flowers, stay for a little visit and for a little while. The couple have been farming in the area since 2006 – around 16 years. Both growing up on farms before taking on other jobs, running their own business. “Then my husband said – oh let’s buy a farmer and so we did that in 20062007,” she said. “Now we’re just evolving that into sunflowers and tourism. “The original step back into farming was scary but we’ve lived in this farming community all our lives so it wasn’t too bad and we like to take on a challenge- a new business. It was our second business and we’ve done really well with it.” Jenny said as they have got older they have looked to evolve and do things that 30 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

A bird’s eye view of the first festival.

People from all over South East Queensland flocked to Kalbar to enjoy the Sunflower festival in 2021. suits them and their lifestyle – though it’s not easy. “Farming you’re at the mercy of mother nature, we’ve had droughts we’ve had lots of floods, we’ve had hail, lots of storms we’ve had it all in the past 15 years it’s not for the faint hearted put it that way,” she said. “The worst of it has been in the past for years – 2018 we had big hail storms come through and we lost a lot of the crops so did all the farmers. We do live in a beautiful place and with all farming you just have to pick yourself up and say ok, we still own the land. We can

plow it all in and start again.” For Jenny and Russell it has been all about resilience and thinking outside the square. Moving from the lucerne to sunflowers and tourism. At the moment the duo are gearing up for their second festival. “It’s getting closer now – we’re just about to plant – actually we were supposed to plant all the sunflowers today but we had a lot of rain a couple of days so its set it back by a couple of days – we hope to plant by Tuesday next week,” Jenny said when we first spoke back in January.

“It’s a bit tricky getting the sunflowers to come out. Last year when we first had the festival, they came out two weeks earlier than we anticipated and then in October/November when we had smaller patch and were just doing farm visits, because they were planted in winter they came out a little bit later. We were trying to hedge our bets so we would get them flowering because there’s a lot riding on a festival day you’ve got lots of things booked. I’ll have a few sleepless nights between now and the end of March making sure they are growing properly. But Hubbies got some extra fertilizer and extra things in place to give them a bit of a push along. So hopefully we’ll have blooms in time. “We are at the mercy of mother nature and last time we had an open farm, on weekend had rain on the Friday, it was really really hot on the Saturday and then it was really windy on the Sunday and cools it was a bit like Melbourne so we are hoping for a lovely fine 28 degree day would be perfect each day of the festival.” The Jenners have proved you are never too old to pivot and change direction. The annual Sunflower Festival in Kalbar features sunrise yoga in the sunflowers, wanders through the sunflower fields, children’s sunflower art classes, sunflower cooking classes and in the evening, a spectacular Sunset Dinner in the sunflowers. For more information head to kalbarsunflowers.com.au

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OUT AND ABOUT

Touring way down south By Kylie Mitchell-Smith Melbourne has endured the longest consecutive lockdown across the globe, with a total of 52 weeks its basically lost a whole year of life. We venture south to welcome back and show our support to the city renowned for culture, this time we explore a new gentrified end of town. Spencer St adjacent to one of the city’s major train stations, has reinvented itself as a destination and with new hotel and restaurants opening it’s quickly becoming the place to stay, play and eat. Ideally located next to the Docklands precinct, Marvel Stadium and Southbank, Spencer Street is the perfect place to base yourself for a weekend of wandering the hidden bars and laneways of Melbourne. Classic hotels such as The Savoy have adorned this end of town for some time, but with contemporary new kids on the block like the W Hotel, Ink Hotel and the recently opened Movenpick (chocolate) Hotel the region is a hive of activity. We choose to stay at the Movenpick Hotel opposite Spencer Street Station, the mere mention of a chocolate happy hour and we’re hooked. The hotel is tastefully decorated with soft mint hues, symmetrical black and white walls, parquetry floors, high ceilings and decadent furnishings. There’s an inside, outside pool that draws inspiration from the laneway buildings and trams below that scoot past dinging their iconic bells. The rooms are bright and spacious with impeccable touches throughout. An affordable option, Movenpick suits the whole family and with a complimentary chocolate hour daily, we find it hard to leave the lobby bar. Alas Melbourne is all about exploring the plethora of shops, bars, and restaurants. A short stroll across the bridge to Southbank we dine at the world renowned Nobu Japanese eatery, located riverside in the Crown Casino complex. Captivated by dishes like Black Cod Miso and Lobster Tempura with Tamari

Honey, the menu is threaded with fresh, regional flavours. We wander back across the river on the recently opened pedestrian bridge that connects South Bank to the CBD, complete with festoon lighting and illuminated sculptures- city life is back. We catch Patricia Piccinini’s exhibition that has tastefully popped up in the stunning disused ballroom located above Flinders Street station. In typical Melbourne style the derelict building compliments the ethereal, life size artworks that Melbourne based Piccinini is revered for. Time for a nightcap, the balmy summer weather leads us down Hosier Lane, widely known as Graffiti Lane, where we spot a Banksy along the way. The Spanish Tapas bar Movida and

Movida Next Door are hidden amongst the graffiti, step inside and there’s a hive of activity that goes well into the night. The colourful venues offer an array of authentic tapas to complement the extensive European wine list. Waking up at Movenpick to an Asian inspired breakfast by Borneo Chef Esca Khoo, we devour our fresh nasi goreng and take a tram to Richmond to scour the array of factory outlets the suburb is known for. A visit to Melbourne town is not complete without a mid-morning espresso and pastry at the iconic Pelligrinis Espresso Bar. There has always been a European flavour to this city, inspired by the early Italian migration, from fashion designers to shoe shiners to pasta makers.

A weekender well spent in Melbourne and it’s time to head to the airport, but there’s one more stop on our 48-hour itinerary and its conveniently located adjacent to the airport. Urban Surf has taken up residency at Tullamarine and is one of Australia’s first human made wave parks. We watch endless waves and impressive barrels from the finest seat in the house, Three Blue Ducks (hailing from Bronte and Byron Bay.) The Ducks have popped up beachside with their signature regional flavours, craft beers and natural wines. Melbourne, the city where sport and art go seamlessly together, has a lot to offer from new precincts popping up to old favourites opening back up. AUTUMN: MARCH 2022 SENIORS TODAY 31

OUT AND ABOUT

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AIRPORT & CRUISE

TRANSFERS 10% DISCOUNT* ON DOOR TO DOOR SUNSHINE COAST TRANSFERS BY QUOTING CODE:

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Head to the outback Outback Queensland has experienced a bumper tourism year in 2021 and 2022 is shaping up to be the same. And why not? Outback Queensland is packed full of authentic experiences and incredibly diverse landscapes. Longreach-based Outback Aussie Tours are specialists in guided tours of Outback Queensland. Owners, Alan (Smithy) and Sue Smith, love the Outback and share a passion for its strong sense of community and freedom. For more than three decades, this passion has translated to some truly memorable touring adventures for their guests. Outback Aussie Tours are a proud Eco Certified Nature Tourism Opera-

5 DAYS – LONGREACH OUTBACK GETAWAY Discover the heartland of Outback Queensland on this easy-paced short break package

Tour Highlights: Camden Park Station Lunch Tour; Qantas Founders Museum Entry & Airpark Tour; Drover’s Sunset Cruise including Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show; Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame; Luminescent Longreach Light & Sound Show; Australian Age of Dinosaurs Tour; Waltzing Matilda Centre; Ilfracombe & historic Wellshot Hotel; Rosebank Station Tour Winton

LONGREACH

Camden Park Station

Includes: Return economy airfare between Brisbane & Longreach; 4 nights accommodation; All meals, touring & entries Price From 3029*pp

Departs 12 & 19 Jun; 03, 17 & 31 Jul; 14 Aug; 18 Sep; 02 & 16 Oct 2022

SMALL GROUP TOUR

LONGREACH

(MAX 18 GUESTS)

Twin Share

Isisford

QUEENSLAND

Welford NP

NEW SOUTH W

Yaraka Quilpie

Eromanga

Mitchell

Charleville

Roma

7 DAYS – CHANNEL COUNTRY DISCOVERY Explore the wide open spaces of the South West and Channel Country backroads

Includes: Economy airfare Brisbane to Roma and Longreach to Brisbane; 6 nights accommodation; All meals, touring & entries

Departs 02 Aug; 04 Oct 2022 Price From 4299*pp

Twin Share

Call 07 4658 3000 or visit outbackaussietours.com.au *Prices quoted are per person twin share and include return economy flights from Brisbane as specified to connect with tour. Included flights are with an airline of Outback Aussie Tours’ choosing, and are subject to the airlines booking and carriage conditions. Refer to outbackaussietours.com.au for full terms & conditions. 32 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

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Tour Highlights: Roma Saleyards; Mitchell Great Artesian Spa; Westlander Rail Journey; Cosmos Centre; Meet the Bilby Experience; Quilpie touring; Eromanga Natural History Museum, Yaraka Pub & Mt Slowcombe; Isisford; Barcoo Way touring; Longreach attractions

tor committed to best practice environmental sustainability and supporting their local outback communities. In depth interpretation of the natural and cultural stories is guaranteed when touring with this Savannah Guide Operator. Comfort and safety are assured aboard their fleet of custom-built vehicles, designed for outback conditions. Touring experiences are carefully selected for their authenticity and local flavour. Guests benefit from their close working relationship with outback communities, station owners, accommodation providers and local tour operators. As ‘Smithy’ likes to say, ‘Our guests leave as true friends of the outback.’

Guided Tours range from four - 14 days to destinations including Longreach and Winton, Birdsville, Corner Country, Gulf Savannah, Cape York and Torres Strait. All tours can be packaged with flight or rail connections for a seamless travel experience – just speak to their enthusiastic reservation team. They also operate a selection of day tours and cruises in Longreach including the award-winning Drover’s Sunset Cruise with Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show. With Outback Queensland touring in high demand, they are about to open sales for their 2023 program. If Outback Queensland is on your bucket list, you’re encouraged to book in early!

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OUT AND ABOUT

Looping through the west ALL aboard for a luxury adventure tour through Channel Country and the heart of Western Queensland. It’s an epic Outback journey covering close to 4000km, but with a flight to Longreach time on the road will be reserved for seeing the magnificent Outback, dinosaur country, and the mighty river systems that gave the Channel Country its name. Follow the footsteps of the explorers to remote towns with familiar names and gain a whole new view. Visitors can join their coach or taxi for the transfer to Brisbane Airport where the adventure begins with a flight (Qantas of course) of just over two hours covering the 1200km to Longreach. Arrive mid-afternoon to settle in at the Albert Park Motor Inn, where they will stay for the next two nights. This afternoon they meet Outback Dan and the Walker family (who hosted the Queen and Prince Phillip at their property Camden Park), and will experience a working sheep and cattle station. Walk through the historical Homestead Gardens, Shearing Shed and Cattle Yards then tour the farm and enjoy nibbles and drinks on sunset before enjoying a scrumptious BBQ, dinner A highlight of the trip is viewing the colours of the outback, especially at sunset. A trip down the Thomson River aboard the Longreach Explorer offers

Birdsville Hotel.

Enjoying travelling out west.

Enjoying the atmosphere. the opportunity to sit the top deck and take the 360-degree river and floodplain views, while capturing the magnificent colours of the setting sun. On this tour guest will experience the freedom of the vast open plains and coolabah lined creeks on the road to Winton. The scenery is dramatic and ever-changing. The “jump up”, a rugged mesa plateau formation, towers above the

surrounding plains. This is the land that was home to the dinosaurs. A visit to the Lark Quarry Conservation Park where there’s an animated recreation of the only dinosaur stampede on the planet is part of the itinerary. The 12 day July, Western Queensland loop tour is arranged to ensure it includes the best of iconic outback features.

This includes visits to Boulia (MinMin light country) Bedourie, Birdsville (staying at the Birdsville Pub), a flight to Innamincka for lunch, Eromanga, Quilpie, Charleville and Roma. Travelling in an air conditioned, spacious and luxurious coach offers a super comfortable way to enjoy your trip and experience the magic in our own backyard. See the full itinerary at cttravel.com.au

Call for more info

April / May 2022 OB NSW - The Darling River Run to Broken Hill (15 Days) Fraser Coast - Lady Musgrave Island (4 days) May / June 2022 Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days) O’Reillys -Winter Escape (4 Days)

Senior Coach Tours including:  5 Star Coach Travel  All Accommodation  Tours and Entry Fees  All Dinners & Breakfasts  Most Lunches  Home Pickup & Return

From Brisbane to Birdsville, Karumba to Hobart, there is so much waiting to be experienced along the highways and byways of this vast land. See for yourself the rich and unique landscapes of these regions and learn some of the most interesting history our country has to offer.

July 2022 O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days) Western Qld Loop inc Birdsville (12 Days)

August 2022 Lightning Ridge (7 Days) September 2022 Fraser Island Whale Watch (4 Days) Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4 Days) Nth Qld Savanah Way (12 Days) October 2022 Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days) South Australia - Flinders Rangers (10 Days)

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November 2022

(07) 5391 1648 M 0409 278 971 E tours@cttravel.com.au For more detailed itinerary information on any of these tours, please give us a call or visit our website:

Tasmania (14 Days) Hunter Valley Christmas Lights (6 Days)

Ask to join our travel club for up to date listings of our tours. For more detailed itinerary information on any of these tours, please visit our website: www.cttravel.com.au AUTUMN: MARCH 2022 SENIORS TODAY 33

OUT AND ABOUT

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Roger Pilling from Runcorn: A two-hour drive and then breakfast to catch the train. 259914

Dr Daz: Daryl Dodt at the old Gympie Railway Station. 259914

The Mary Valley Rattler prior to departure from the old Gympie Railway Station. 259914

Gympie’s rich railway history a valuable asset for today, as well as into the future, as ERLE LEVEY discovered.

A journey through time By Erle Levey I didn’t expect it to be such an interesting journey. History is a matter of taking lessons from the past, telling them today, for the benefit of the future. Gympie’s railway history is a valuable asset for today and the journey ahead. It leads you through the rich history of the area, puts it into a modern context and gives clues to the shape of things to come. That is why I was in the car park of the old Gympie Railway Station in Tozer St early last Saturday. The Mary Valley Rattler is back on track ... and we had a ticket booked to experience again the charm of steam travel. As the carriages are shunted into place at the platform the sense of excitement and expectation builds. It took me back to train journeys of my childhood. To holidays with uncles and aunties at their farms. To take the train into the city to see the Christmas lights and the department store windows - to hand your letter to Santa Claus. Snapping back to the present, it’s important to remember that on an adventure such as this you don’t want to be rushing. Instead, relax, take it easy, step back in time. Once on the platform of the historic railway station there’s time to talk to some of the Valley Rattler crew, also to enjoy breakfast or a tea, a coffee. The Rattler is a not-for-profit organisation ensuring the public has access to a historic rail experience. It operates with assistance from a large group of volunteers and is administered by a voluntary board. Just recently the group was awarded gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group. Officer in charge of the train on the day Tanis Fulcher’s involvement with the Rattler started a couple of years ago but he has “trained’’ since he was about four or five years old. “It’s a great place to volunteer,’’ he said. “You make a lot of good friends. “I enjoy this chance of playing trains. 34 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

Links with the past. 259914

Engine driver Darrell McCulloch at Gympie. 259914

The river played an important part in the transportation of the timber down the river to where it could be used or exported. The river, today, reflects the land use changes that have occurred in its catchment." “My grandfather was in the Royal Australian Air Force and came through here by train in the Second World War. “Then in 1997 he took me on my first steam train trip. That was from Brisbane to Toowoomba. “From then on I was hooked. “This is good work and what you get out of it is just that sense of fulfilment.’’ Emma Allen, who was to be in charge of our carriage for the day, found it hard to contain her excitement about her role - providing information about the journey and ensuring the safety and welfare of those on board. “I like trains,’’ she said. “Trains and history. “I think it’s a great social space and you get to meet a lot of great people.’’ Emma’s brother George started off with the Rattler right at the beginning. “When I got home and got to hear more about what he did, it really piqued my interest. “My whole family have loved to train.

“When George was on the train my family used to go chase the train from Gympie to the other stations. “I just wanted to be a part of that and ended up becoming involved on Halloween.’’ And, yes, Emma agrees, it helps having been a huge Harry Potter fan and the way trains are involved in the book series. Indeed, there is a sense of magic as the 80-tonne steam engine moves into place at the head of the train. A living creature breathing fire and smoke as it prepares to pull the 290-tonne train through the Mary Valley, out to Amamoor and back. The trees at the station are dropping their blossoms onto empty goods carriages - like a fall of golden snow. I speak with another passenger for the day, Roger Pilling from the Brisbane suburb of Runcorn. He had made the two-hours drive to have breakfast and catch the train. For him, train travel means freedom.

Stephen and Janene Latcham of Hervey Bay with Charlie. 259914 “The freedom to go where you want to. “You can go on a walk around on the train. Not just sit in one spot. “You get to see the countryside at a sedate pace.’’ That reminded me of a journey I once took on the Ghan - the old Ghan that ran from Pt Augusta to Alice Springs on a narrow gauge railway line. Then there was the rock and roll of the train as it heads from Emerald to Longreach. “I’ve just come back from Longreach,’’ Roger said. “And from Cairns. Just think, 24 hours on the train with that experience.’’ Gympie is regarded as the largest timber railway building in Queensland and one of the most stylish and elaborate. Plans for the Maryborough to Gympie railway line started in the late 1860’s, after the discovery of gold. Maryborough was the nearest port and there was no railway connection between Brisbane and Gympie until 1891. History is right there in front of you.

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Heading out: The Spirit of the Mary Valley on the journey from Gympie to Amamoor. 259914 Not only that, the Railway Hotel is opposite and I remember stories of the way the hotel staff used to drop food parcels from the footbridge into the open carriages below for the troops heading north in World War II. As the train eases out of the station you are reminded of the smell of the smoke and soot from the engine. Then there is the meeting of time as the historic steam train passes the contemporary street art and graffiti on buildings and goods carriages. You are also surprised at the lovely relaxed feel as the carriages glide through the old gold mining suburbs of Red Hill and Monkland. Historic photos of the railway line being built adorn the walls of the carriages, as well as copies of old newspaper clippings detailing the growth of the region - right from the time it was known as Nashville in honour of the founder of gold, James Nash. Our carriage was built in 1910 and served on the Kuranda line, north of Cairns, for some time. “No way!’’ a colleague exclaims. “I’ve probably been in it. “I have been on that Kuranda train several times - as a child when I lived in Cairns and later as an adult.’’ We pass over Deep Creek, the bridge is 33m above the water where fossicking for gold is still carried out. Then we are running near the main North Coast line from Brisbane to Cairns. This stretch carries Australia’s fastest train, which travels at more than 200kmh, and here we are travelling at a very sedate pace. There’s a carriage called Elvis ... because of the way it rocks and rolls. I suppose there could be another one ... Rattle and Hum, after the U2 album title. Once out in the country you realise how much fresh air there is from the open windows. You get the smoke and some specs of soot … but it’s the fresh air that gets you. That and the beautiful timber work inside the carriages. At Lagoon Pocket siding there is a staff change - not of the train staff but the one handed from one train to the station master to show the line is clear ahead. It is then handed back to the next train going up the line. It’s a far cry from the electronic track and train management of today. You cannot help but be taken by the exceptionally good scenery through Kybong, Lagoon Pocket, Dagun and

Emma Allen, Declan Goggan and officer in charge for the day Tanis Fulcher. 259914

The Mary Valley Rattler prior to departure from the old Gympie Railway Station. 259914

Gilldora, which was known as Haystack Flats in the early days due to the amount of farming carried out there. The Mary River stretches from the Bellthorpe-Maleny region in the south and flows north entering the Great Sandy Strait at River Heads, north-east of Maryborough. Before Europeans ventured into the region a very large population of Aborigines occupied the area. In May 1842, Andrew Petrie and a small crew sailed for three days up the Moonoboola, as it was then known, as far as Tiaro. Petrie named the stream the Wide Bay River and it was known by this name until 1847 when it was named the Mary after the wife of Governor Fitzroy. By the late 1840’s both the upper and the lower Mary were under pastoral occupation. The Mary Valley Catchment Committee describes the condition of the river at the time. “The vegetation that covered the Mary River catchment before European settlement ranged from dense rainforest in the upper reaches to open eucalypt forest in the lower valley and to the north. “The tall rainforest cover of Maleny and the surrounding region grew many large trees including beech, maple, black bean, silky oak, both white and red cedar, and many other valuable timbers. “Timber was a major industry in the region with mills being set up from the upper reaches of the Mary to the lower. “The river played an important part in the transportation of the timber down the river to where it could be used or exported. The river, today, reflects the land use changes that have occurred in its catchment. “In the words of historian Stan Tutt,

‘Trees went, sand came’. “This statement simplifies, yet, to many, sums up the changes that have occurred in the river system.’’ The discovery of gold in 1867 had an enormous impact on the Mary Valley as well as Queensland. It brought excitement, adventure and many settlers to the clear creeks and lonely bush of Gympie and the surrounding country-side. The valley landscape and vegetation have changed through the years. Towns have grown, connected by roads and railways. According to the Mary Valley Catchment Committee, about 75,000 people now live in the 9595 square-kilometre area. Many of those outside the catchment also rely on it for agricultural products, water supply and building materials timber, sand and gravel - and for recreational opportunities. And farming has changed once again, away from the larger holdings of dairying to more sustainable methods for growing of exotic fruits and vegetables as well as the more common varieties. Cattle and horse studs are flourishing among the fertile hills and valleys. The river is home to the Mary River Cod, one of Australia’s most endangered fish. The Australian lungfish is native only to the Mary and Burnett River systems in south-eastern Queensland, but has been successfully distributed to other, more southerly rivers. At Brayer Park siding we are reminded of the importance of the dairying industry in the area. The milk train would stop at all the cream boxes along the line, taking the cream and milk to the Wide Bay Cooperative Dairy Company which was lo-

OUT AND ABOUT

Andy Moran with the drinks cart on board the Valley Rattler. 259914 cated on Tozer Street. In 1925 the co-op built one of Australia’s largest butter factories, a reflection of the region’s prominence in dairying. The Mary Valley railway served the valley well through the years but in 1993 it was announced the Gympie Station would no longer function in that capacity. A new railway line was built to bypass Gympie in 1989 and the last train arrived from the valley in mid 1995. As the line itself was not closed it allowed an organisation known as the Mary Valley Heritage Railway to operate as a tourist steam train service. Forming in 1996, the organisation became custodians of the line and on May 23, 1998, the Mary Valley again welcomed the Rattler which carried upwards of 33,000 guests annually. At that time it ran to Kandanga and Imbil yet a restructuring has seen it cut back to Amamoor due to the condition of the line and the financial costs of maintaining it. Amamoor is bordered by Amamoor State Forest which is home to more than 120 species of birds and also the annual Gympie Music Muster. Here, the train engine is driven onto the restored turntable for the return journey to Gympie. The town takes on a market atmosphere with musicians, a cafe and stalls. Then it is time for the run back home. “The day was so much better than expected. Absorbing “I feel the track itself contributed to the intrigue ... the clickety-clack instead of the grinding of steel against steel on the main line. We cannot lose this train again. It is a benefit to the whole region, not just as a tourist train but a reminder of what we have here in the way of horticulture and agriculture. The lifestyle and what we need to celebrate. A friend writes: “The day we went on the Rattler it was the most magical spring day. “Fresh crispness to the air and blue skies. “We took some snacks and when the train got to the end of the line we all sat on a rug and had a magical little picnic. “The train ride was like something out of one of the kids’ books. “Thomas the Tank engine was big in our house. “I still have so many train sets in the cupboards waiting for the grandkids one day. “So when we got to go on a real train, it was very, very cool and special.’’ AUTUMN: MARCH 2022 SENIORS TODAY 35

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Thirty years in the ute By Tania Phillips Lee Kernaghan may be in his late 50s now but he is still a “Boy From the Bush” and still one of Australia’s best-known country music stars. Still it’s kind of hard to believe that it’s thirty years since he released his debut album Outback Club, an album that went on to become a classic. An album recorded, after he learned his trade in the pubs and the clubs along the Murrumbidgee and Murray Rivers. To mark the occasion Queenslandbased Kernaghan has released a milestone album, “The Very Best of Lee Kernaghan – Three Decades of Hits”. Curated by Lee himself, it marks the 30th anniversary of his 1992 classic debut album, “Outback Club”. “There’s been quite a bit of water under the bridge, so to speak, since I stepped into the studio as a 27-yearold kid from Albury, from the Riverina and made that first album The Outback Club,” he said when we sat down for a phone chat. It was strange experience

Lee Kernaghan - still a boy from the bush. for both of us – two Riverina kids who both moved north in our teens and first spoke more than 30 years ago. “I don’t think I really ever stopped and smelt the roses all the way along and there were sometimes when I probably should have. But looking back it’s been a heck of a ride – three decades of touring and making records. I feel so grateful to everybody who helped make that possible. I’m talking about songwriters, musicians, record producers and record companies and that type of thing but ultimately it’s the people who came out to the shows and supported me from the early days all the way

through to the Back Road Nations Tour, I owe a huge debt of gratitude.” Packed full of hits, fan favourites and some special treats, this 3-CD, 62 song set documents three decades of dedication to his craft - a decade per CD - a journey which has ensured Lee remains one of the biggest names in Australian country music. But through all that Lee hasn’t lost sight of his country roots, of playing early gigs out west and driving in his ute. “My inspiration for songs definitely comes from the people that I meet, often randomly and usually out West – there’s some incredible characters and it’s that odd turn of phrase – like “what do you do for a living – oh I milk cows”. When those words are spoken to you, you just know it’s gotta be a song,” he laughed. “So lots of inspiration from the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met. “There’s been many circumnavigations of Australia and criss-crossing my way through a lot of it as well. I’ve got a ’79 series Landcruiser ute which is my pride and joy. I love it. I just give

it’s head and let it take me and you just never know where the next song is coming from.” Though he doesn’t do circle work down the back paddock any more does he? “No,” he laughed. “But if there’s a saltpan and a rush of blood, the burnouts and circle work – I’m a little more conservative than I used to be but once you put a Landcruiser up on two wheels, you learn restraint.” With 14 studio albums under his belt, Kernaghan has sold over two million albums in Australia and had 40 number one hits on the Australian Country Charts. He has won 37 Golden Guitar Awards, four ARIA Awards and was a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement ARIA Award in 2015. In 2004 Lee received the Order of Australia Medal and in 2008 he was named Australian of the Year. Kernaghan has been nominated for Best Vocal Collaboration at the 2022 Toyota 50th Golden Guitar Awards, taking place in Tamworth on Wednesday, 20 April.

Well built: How to please a cinema-loving woman By Tania Phillips It is not entirely unheard off to see women over 40-50 starring in and headlining a movie – though it’s still not so common that it isn’t a thrill (as a woman of a certain age) to see it actually happen. How To Please A Woman is one of those movies and the bonus is, its Australian and isn’t really focused on growing old or dementia, but pretty much on what women really want – or director Renee Webster’s take on it

- which is apparently watching a wellbuilt man do the housework (I’m in). Brit Sally Phillips (Bridget Jones, Taskmaster) leads an all star cast including Caroline Braazier, Tasma Walton, Roz Hammond, Myles Pollard, Cameron Daddo and mister everywhere Erik Thomson. Gina (Phillips) is not feeling fabulous. She has lost her job and feels stuck and frustrated in a passionless marriage. She has always lived life on the sidelines – that is, until she is met with the groundbreaking business op-

portunity of converting a team of wellbuilt moving guys into well-built house cleaners. Initially the response from her ocean-swimming community is immediate, and her all-male cleaning staff an instant hit. Finally, she is the boss she has always wanted to be. But, as her business booms, her clientele demands something more – sex, or better yet, pleasure. Faced with something far more than she imagined, Gina and her team, including her foodie manager Steve, launch an enterprise that is all about getting in-

timacy right between people. For the first time, the women experience desire on their own terms. As Gina faces the highs and lows, the joys and struggles of maintaining such a unique business, she learns to stand up for herself, to look out for her own happiness and pleasure, and to take control of her life. How To Please a Woman is a precarious, often hilarious and revealing journey into the vulnerable world of what women really want and how hard it can be to get it right. Out May 19.

Epic undertaking: Celebrations 75 years in the making Epic symphonies from the classical canon, world premieres by Australian composers, and concerts that joyously celebrate modern music-makers headline Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s 2022 Season. This is a season that is set to shine the spotlight on its own with spine-tingling solos, and promises special moments for music lovers of all ages, across all of Queensland as the Orchestra celebrates 75 music-filled years. The 2022 Season stars 10 Maestro concerts, five Morning Masterworks, five Music on Sunday concerts, six Studio Sessions, six Special Events and a full regional touring program and education series; a joyous, celebratory, breathtaking and awe-inspiring program; one that is also poignantly reflective of the challenges of the past 18 months. This year is also the Orchestra’s 75th anniversary and this milestone will be marked with QSO’s refreshingly real Queensland music-making, and more concerts than ever before, from intimate chamber performances to iconic classics in the Concert Hall. This important occasion with allow the organisation to celebrate with a series of events throughout the year. Principal Conductor and Artistic Ad36 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

viser Johannes Fritzsch, who worked collaboratively with QSO’s Concertmasters Warwick Adeney and Natsuko Yoshimoto, Director - Artistic Planning Timothy Matthies and the Artistic team, and the Artistic Committee on curating Season 2022, said the program traverses a diverse musical landscape, and was created to take audiences on a breathtaking journey powered by music. “Along this musical journey our audiences will meet soloists and conductors who will serve as tour guides, pointing out musical sights and sounds. We believe in the power of live performance to create beautiful, life-affirming experiences and in 2022, we invite you to take your seat and experience the magic for yourself.” There’s music from the great classical composers from Brahms and Beethoven, Mozart to Strauss (both Richard and Johann Jr!), Shostakovich, Schubert, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, and 20 works from Australian composers, half of whom are Queensland born, raised or resident. Works by established composers, including Cathy Milliken, Brett Dean and Nigel Westlake, sit alongside works by the next generation including Melody Eotvos, Lachlan Skipworth, Harry

Sdraulig and Andrew Howes. And the Orchestra honours the role of two pioneering 20th century artists, Miriam Hyde and Margaret Sutherland. Two new works by Nicole Murphy and Joe Twist for the QSO Connect 13-piece ensemble will also premiere across the state next year. In 2022, Principal Conductor Johannes Fritzsch leads the Orchestra in seven concerts. Sharing the baton across the year are Umberto Clerici who wowed audiences with QSO earlier this year, as well as talented American conductor Jonathan Stockhammer; Music Director of the Auckland Philharmonia Giordano Bellincampi; Israeli conductor, pianist and Principal Conductor of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra Asher Fisch; Swiss-Australian conductor Elena Schwarz; composer, conductor, and arranger Nicholas Buc; Australian-Chinese conductor Dane Lam; and Benjamin Northey, Limelight Magazine’s 2018 Australian Artist of the Year. Opening the season is the second annual QSO Favourites event, which will feature a brand new work from composer Craig Allister Young to celebrate the Orchestra’s 75th birthday. In November, a very exciting concert will see the world premiere of a concerto for double bass and orchestra written

especially for QSO’s dynamic Section Principal Double Bass, Phoebe Russell by Queensland composer Paul Dean. A standout special event in April will celebrate the 90th birthday of the master of movie music: John Williams. The concert will feature the epic fanfares of Star Wars, the swirling magic of Harry Potter, the adventure of Indiana Jones, the poignancy of Schindler’s List and more conducted by Nicholas Buc. Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Health and Wellbeing Program is also set to shine in 2022 as an innovative program that will connect with all Queenslanders, harnessing the power of music to bring about hope, health and happiness, involving a wide range of community groups, corporate and university partners. The Orchestra will continue to connect with First Nation communities to create collaborative music that champions, educates and inspires. In 2022 First Nations and QSO musicians will perform side by side in Cairns, Gladstone, Charleville and South-East Queensland. Tickets: Packages available via Queensland Symphony Orchestra Website: qso.com.au Phone: 07 3833 5044

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Legend Normie and friends By Tania Phillps The J is set to host three Australian music legends, Normie Rowe, Dinah Lee and Jade Hurley. The trio are bringing back the energy and excitement from the Wonder Years of the Sixties guaranteeing, according to one of the stars Normie Rowe, a night of great music and wonderful memories. Normie, a heart throb of the ’60s and a star of the stage and screen in the ’80s, ’90s and beyond, is an entertainer for the generations. Living on the Gold Coast-Tweed now, he is still entertaining and loving what he does at the age of 75. This show, despite being disrupted by Covid lockdowns on occasion, lets him go back to the beginning a bit, working with other stars of the ’60s. “I got a call from Jade Hurley a few years ago saying why don’t we do some shows together,” he said. “I was really not interested in just go-

Normie Rowe, Dinah Lee and Jade Hurley still rocking in their 70s and 80s. ing to do shows in clubs and things like that, because I don’t think you get the support out of the club system that we

use to have in the entertainment industry. “We’d started working theatres all around Australia and I said as long as we’ve got a show big enough to do theatres and he said – oh theatres, ok. “We asked Dinah Lee if she would be involved in it straight away because she’s sort of been lamenting. She lost her partner not all that long ago I guess she’d been sitting around and looking for something to do. With club land being so decimated as its been over the past 12-15 years, the places to work have dropped away. Working in theatres has become a really good way of getting out there if, indeed you can put a bum in a theatre. “So, we started putting it together, we started to get some traction with theatres saying yeah we could do this show. We did the first run in South East Queensland, we did one show in Newcastle, that was a sell-out at the civic and we went oh gee, maybe we have something really good here.

“A lot of the shows we’ve been doing in the afternoon. We know our demographic is post war baby boomers and so consequently we gear it for them – not suggesting for one moment that it wouldn’t work for anybody else, a lot of people are bringing their kids, their grand kids and their great grand kids even. I got an email the other day – bloke is going to come to one of the concerts and he said I’m going to bring four generations. “I had a comment from a young bloke at the end of one of the shows because we all have a meet and greet at the end of the show – sign autographs, have photos and have a chat to people, if they are interested to have a talk to us after it. “This kid, 16-17, he came up to us afterwards and said oh man I have no idea who you guys are but you’re awesome.” See Normie, Jade and Dinah, Tuesday 5 April - The J Theatre, Noosa 2pm - Bookings: (07) 5329 6560

A survivor: Rhonda’s show business career has legs By Tania Phillips For forty-years Rhonda Burchmore has been entertaining audiences around the country and around the world. So with a career of that length and that varied - from I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here to London’s West End (and everywhere in between) she’s collected some amazing stories and sung some amazing songs. And all that has been in inspiration for her latest show – Glamazonia where Rhonda – takes centre stage to share songs, stories and secrets about surviving four decades in one of the world’s most formidable industries. “This show well last year – I mean gosh lets pretend the last two years didn’t happen – but last year I was celebrating 40 years which is a bit a of a major milestone in the entertainment industry from when I did my very,

very, very first show back with John Waters and Jackie Weaver in 1981 to now,” she said. “So this show is loosely biographic, with all those shows, television, recording and stories that I’ve done over the years I kind of top and tail the show. There is a flow with the songs. So we revisit everything from my first performance on the Don Lane Show, The Bert Newton Show, Hey, Hey It’s Saturday – all of that through to London’s West End through to even my time in the Jungle. I think I was in the last lot that went to South Africa and was the last woman standing there – I was very very proud of that achievement. “In the show, it’s a story of survival of the business, the ups and downs of it. There’s a lot of laughs, a lot of high octane song and dance numbers and there’s also a very personal side too

when I talk about the loss of my sister. There’s something for everyone, I think its very engaging – not just doing, songs for the sake of doing my favourite songs, they’re all linked with dialogue and the message at the end is survival. “In these hideous times that we’ve all been through I think the message is even stronger, getting through this and still going out with a smile on your face.” Featuring icons of pop music, Rhonda will interpret hits including Katy’s Perry Roar, Helen Reddy’s I Am Woman, Cher’s If I Could Turn Back Time and Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive for a musical extravaganza unlike any other. Rhonda’s humour and spirit shines through as she recounts hilarious anecdotes and belts out show stopping renditions.

To delight audiences, Rhonda will be backed by a sizzling hot band plus tantalising toy boys to help her burn up the dance floor. There will be no shortage of glamour, with glittering ensembles and gowns galore, giving audiences everything they’ve come to love and expect from Ms B. Throughout her career Rhonda has made a distinctive impression on audiences with her dazzling dance steps, superb comic timing, effervescent personality and impressive voice; all of which will come to fruition in this latest show. In Glamazonia, the beloved star of stage and screen sings and dances her way through tales of her illustrious career; proving why she is one of the fiercest survivors of the Australian entertainment industry. See Rhonda at Events Centre, Caloundra - April 2, The J Noosa, April 9.

Seen afresh: New discoveries under a Venice Moon There is life and love and adventure after retirement as Perth writer Margaret Cameron discovered. An ardent traveller Margaret fell in love twice, first with Venice and then with a Venetian called Rossano. But in the process of journeying to discover the quirky stories and the real Venice off the tourist track, she made a lot of self discovery – which led to her first book Under A Venice Moon due out through Hachette this month. Like many Australians, travel headed Margaret’s post retirement agenda, but what she never imagined was that one particular holiday would prompt a reassessment of life’s pathway. Under A Venice Moon is the story of one woman’s journey to step outside her comfort zone to discover a new life in an old country but also to rediscover that her old life and her home country

was something special too. It’s a story that showcases Margaret’s post retirement travel adventures which led to her next adventure of writing her first book. In good health and now in her 70s, chatting with Margaret leaves you wondering just what is next on her horizon. “I’ve been to Venice several times, the time when the book is based I was 66-years old from memory – it’s a few years in the past and I’m now 73,” she said. “I was well into retirement when I went to Venice. I went for a friend for a months holiday around Italy, we went to Venice and like so many people before me I fell under it’s spell and decided I would like to go back – I wanted to know more about the city. I was fascinated by it’s history. It just struck me as unique, I guess. That from marshy swamplands that were desolated, uninhabited, this mighty city developed,

which at one stage in the early middle ages, the most prosperous, affluent and powerful city state in the world. And it started from nothing. “And now when you go down the grand canal and you look at the palazzi and so forth it just blew me away. I came home determined to go back and determined also to find out more about Venice and the quirky stories that are more likely to appear in the footnotes of references rather than the main text. “I always had the feeling that I wanted to go back and explore behind the tourist façade. I wanted to see how real Venetians lived their lives, what there lives were like, their living circumstances – if at all possible to get to know some of them. I decided the best way to do that was to go back for a months holiday by myself. I always knew I would be going by myself – and rent an apartment away

from the main tourist mecca.” Stepping out from her comfort zone, Margaret found that friendships - unexpected and spontaneous - blossom within palazzi walls and she made a discovery: life can lead you along rewarding paths, if you let it. As each day passes, Margaret said her time in Venice became more than just an interlude; soon, the city begins to feel like home and Margret she considered the prospect leaving Perth and starting anew in Venice. While you have to read the book to find out what happens – Margaret’s book proves that life doesn’t end when you retire for some it is just the beginning and being in your late 60s doesn’t mean you can’t have adventure, love and lovers in your life. Under a Venice Moon is released by Hachette this month. AUTUMN: MARCH 2022 SENIORS TODAY 37

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Time for a show with heart “The last phase is the most glorious”. A line from Calendar Girls by Tim Firth. This play was written 20 odd years ago as a result of a group of women who attended the local Women’s Institute in the dales of northern England. These brave women starred in and produced an ‘alternative’ calendar to raise funds to buy a settee for a local hospital. It was at this hospital where one of the women’s husbands had passed away as a result of Leukemia. This wonderful story was made into

both a motion picture, a stage play and now a musical. Coolum Theatre Players will present the stage play in March and April this year which will be directed by Barbara Ryan, a relatively newcomer to the Sunshine Coast. Barbara relocated to Mt Coolum in 2019 from northern Victoria where she directed and acted for many years in local community and pro-am productions. Previously she performed with several theatrical companies in Coffs Harbour and was a founding

member of Seacreast Productions. She directed her first show Deckchairs, for Coolum Theatre Players in April 2021. “This play is a particular favourite of mine and is the second time I’ve been given the opportunity to direct it. Whilst it may be known for its ‘nude’ scene, the story is so much more. “It’s a beautiful story of a group of women who are there for each other through life’s ups and downs, through the fun times and through the dark

8. In what TV series did Hot Lips Houlihan appear? 9. What nationality was the winner of the 2021 US Masters golf? 10. Still life, landscape and portrait are all types of what? 11. What two colours feature on the national flag of Sweden? 12. What branch of Australia’s armed forces celebrated its centenary in March 2021? 13. What is Elle Macpherson’s real first name? 14. Which member of the Royal Family attended Timbertop campus in 1966? 15. What headwear is traditionally

worn by university graduates? 16. What chemical is absorbed by a hygroscopic substance? 17. What company, founded by Cecil Rhodes in 1888, is a major diamond miner? 18. What common tool can be needlenosed? 19. What is the correct spelling: vaccinne, vaccine, vacine? 20. In the nursery rhyme, Hickory Dickory Dock, what time did the mouse run down? Answers: 1. Bolero (by Ravel) 2. Alaska 3. 19th Century

days of deep loss.It’s both very funny and poignant at the same time. This is a story of a group of women who want to make a difference to other people’s lives who may be suffering and who are brave enough to ‘take their clothes off’ to do so.” Tickets for this not to be missed show were available through North Shore Realty in Coolum from early February. Performance dates are Friday 25, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 March and Friday 1, Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 April.

Trivia Time By Allan Blackburn 1. What music did Torvill and Dean use for their gold-medal performance at the 1984 Olympics? 2. What state of the USA has the lowest average temperatures? 3. In what Century did explorers Burke and Wills attempt to cross Australia? 4. What is Saudi Arabia’s most valuable export? 5. In a rowing eight, who sets the pace? 6. In which Australian state or territory is Nudey Beach? 7. What punctuation mark is a dot over a comma?

4. Oil 5. The stroke 6. Queensland (Fitzroy Island) 7. Semicolon 8. M*A*S*H 9. Japanese 10. Paintings 11. Blue and yellow 12. RAAF 13. Eleanor 14. Prince Charles 15. Mortar board 16. Water 17. De Beers 18. Pliers 19. Vaccine 20. One o’clock

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ACTIVE OUTDOORS

Aussie Rules Masters Master’s AFL has a long history in Brisbane beginning back in the early 80s when several retired first grade players were looking for something after their careers and tapped into Superules which had been formed in Victoria. AFL Masters Qld president Steve Burchill said the first meeting in QLD was held in 1983 at Morningside AFC, where it was decided that players 35 years and over would meet every second Sunday to train and play amongst themselves at various grounds including Morningside, Windsor Zillmere, Mayne and Coorparoo . He said after growing interest and participation, the first formal QLD Superules Executive Committee along with four geographical teams, North, South, East and West was formed with games played every second Sunday. “Both games were always played at the same ground, and a BBQ, beer and raffle always followed,” he said. “Hence our motto of ‘Footy for Fun’. In 1987 North Coast joined and in 1991 the Gold Coast became the sixth team. Because of their passion and love of footy, AFL Masters QLD is where it is today, with more than 1500 players and 25 Clubs currently throughout Queensland alone. The majority of Clubs are in the South East Corner and regional Clubs are in Townsville, Cairns, Charters Towers and the Whitsundays.

The Queensland Masters representative team. “Our Competition runs from March to September with typically 12 rounds played fortnightly,” Steve said. “Age divisions are Over 35 , Over 45 and Over 53. Once the domestic season has concluded, a National Masters Carnival is held at a venue around Australia which is contested at State and Territory level. Last year was Perth and the 2022 Carnival is to be hosted in Adelaide. “Our rules are basically the same as the AFL , with emphasis placed on player safety, protection of the player with

the ball and fun and fitness.” He said Mental Health was an issue especially with the Pandemic. “We have found that Masters has provided a safe haven and a social outlet for those who have been isolated,” Steve explained. “Community sport has not been impacted to the extent the general public has been. With the current explosion of Women’s AFL, we are looking at establishing

a Women’s Masters Competition. Interest is high and we hope to build on the success of our Women’s Masters team at the National Carnivals. “We encourage anybody to come down and play and due to the large numbers of Junior Boys and Girls now playing AFL, a lot of new members are the fathers of these young kids.” He said all of the Clubs and contacts couold be found on the website, AFLMASTERSQLD .COM.AU.

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AUTUMN: MARCH 2022 SENIORS TODAY 39

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40 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022