the newsletter for rt health fund members
autumn 2008
the arts and hearts issue
be well. and take a look at how simple it can be to protect your heart. We also take an in-depth look at the arts, which are often overlooked as a component in health care and wellbeing. Art is increasingly being used as a therapeutic treatment option and I have personally seen the amazing results art therapy can have in my previous work with ill children and the elderly. We want to encourage everyone to make art a part of their health and wellbeing regime, and we’ll show you just how easy that can be.
affect rt. Add to all this, a new government, the impending retirement of the head of our regulating body, as well as a newly-appointed ombudsman, and the result is an atmosphere of great uncertainty for the entire industry. As the old adage goes, ‘May you live in interesting times’, and indeed we do.
On a much more positive note, we have made some fantastic improvements to the services we offer. Hospitals can now check members’ eligibility online, eliminating the need to wait for It’s hard to believe that we are already confirmation of your cover. We have so far into 2008! The New Year has On the business side of things, we are launched the first phase of our online brought with it some big changes, both facing some testing times. New legislation member services, giving you the ability to your health fund and to the industry – introduced in 2007 required all health to manage a range of transactions in this issue of be well we take a look at funds to go through a rigorous reyourself online, whenever it suits you. some of these changes and the impact registration process in order to continue And we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve they will have on rt. operating. Your team has worked tirelessly completed a review of all our dental This is our special ‘arts and hearts’ issue, for several months to jump through all benefits and increased the amount you’ll the hoops, and we are proud to say that and I am incredibly proud to launch our get back on dozens of dental services, during this time we’ve continued to remain ‘we love healthy hearts’ campaign. With as well as introducing new benefits for nine out of our top ten hospital claims last focused on the needs of our members. services that weren’t previously covered. year being for heart-related conditions, New legislation is not the only change On behalf of the staff, management and and with two out of three Australian we face – there is a potentially significant board of rt health fund I wish you the best families affected by heart disease, we change happening within the health of health. decided it was time to be a little more insurance industry with funds listing as proactive about encouraging healthy heart Take care and be well public companies, merging and looking habits. You’ll find some great information around for smaller funds to acquire. In this in this issue, but to get to the heart of the Glenn Campbell issue we consider the impact of these Chief Executive Officer matter, head to www.rthealthfund.com.au new developments and how they might
from the CEO
the newsletter for rt health fund members | autumn 2008
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Editor Simone Tregeagle
contents
Design Team Scope Design scopedesign.com.au The health information provided in Be Well is intended to be informative only and should be carefully evaluated for its source, accuracy, completeness and relevance for your purposes. It is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. You should always obtain appropriate professional advice relevant to your particular circumstances. railway + transport health fund ltd (abn 93 087 648 744) is a registered health benefits organisation.
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8 2 – membertalk Too busy to work out? Take a tip from some enterprising members on how to exercise anywhere. 4 – the changing face of health insurance in australia A closer look into how the health insurance industry is changing and what it means for your fund.
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6 – benefits and service to make you smile New dental benefits that will make you want to say ‘cheese’!
12 – sing your heart out If you love singing in the shower, you’re doing wonderful things for your health!
8 – we love healthy hearts Introducing our new campaign to help members take better care of their hearts.
14 – dance for fitness Ballet, clubbing, ballroom or even a conga line – it’s all good for you when it comes to dancing!
10 – art of wellbeing Find out how easy it is to make art a part of your life, every day.
16 – trevor and bertie competitions Grab some pencils and get to know our new mascots a little better.
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18 – flying arts You don’t have to live in a city to enjoy art thanks to flying arts. 20 – time to share the news with your mates Being a member of rt means great products, service and benefits, why not invite us over to tell your workmates about it? 22 – rt in the community Find out what we’ve been up to and how you can help our Families Foundation.
be well. 2
membertalk There’s one thing for sure about rt members, you’re a resourceful bunch! Last issue, we asked you to share some of your tips for fitting exercise into busy lives. Here are some of your suggestions and the winners of our rt radio pedometers to keep you grooving along!
“ Walk up the escalator at the shops instead of just getting a ride.”
“ I’m a mother with four young children so I’m kept very busy every day ... as a result, the time I enjoy exercising has diminished significantly. But as with all aspects of life with kids, I’ve found ways to fit it into my day ... one excellent discovery for me was VERTICAL PUSH UPS. I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so while I’m there waiting for the microwave to ding or the jug to boil, I stand back from the bench, legs apart, palms on the edge of the bench and do a few vertical push ups ... by the end of the day I can fit in quite a few sets. I think it’s fantastic!” JODIE DOBINSON, RUSE, NSW
“ As a busy working wife and mum, I try to fit exercise into everything I do: • park as far away from the shops as possible • do weight repetitions as I unload the groceries • do laps of the netball court while waiting for my daughter’s netball training to finish • walk to the local shop to get the newspaper • play with the dog • use the stairs at work instead of the lift • walk up the escalator at the shops instead of just getting a ride • chase my husband around the bedroom!” MEREDITH CROSS, MENANGLE, NSW
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“ I have a tip for fitting in exercise that works quite well and it is called the ‘Springing Toenail Cutting Exercise’. It is performed by springing the upper part of the body up and down in an effort to cut my toenails with a pair of scissors. Following a kidney operation, I had difficulty bending down to cut my toenails. So I figured out a way by sitting on a chair and springing my upper body up and down until I reached my toes. It took me ten body springs to cut each of my big toenails, and another five to cut the smaller ones. At first I did a little at a time and it took me five days to cut all of my toenails. I received tremendous benefit from the exercises and I now do the mock cutting each day.” RON RENNIE, BALLINA, NSW
Rebecca Wade from Glendale, NSW has sent us in a late cold and flu tip, and since the cold weather is coming around yet again, we wanted to share it with you. Rebecca suggests hopping into a very hot bath for half an hour, drinking a strong peppermint tea (two teabags) with two sugars, and going straight to bed. “Bet ya feel so good the next morning,” says Rebecca. We bet you’re right! Sounds great.
We’d love to hear from you! In this issue we’re talking all about arts and health, and the link between participating in arts and our wellbeing. Write to tell us what your artistic pursuits and hobbies are, or about arts that have helped you in your recovery from illness or injury. We’d love to share your stories, pictures and even your artworks. Email us at help@rthealthfund.com.au or write to us at po box 1100, burwood north, NSW, 2134. (Please note: rt health fund retains the right to publish any letters or emails received. Unless expressly requested within your letter or email, your name, suburb and state will also be published.)
rt news. 4
the changing face of health insurance in Australia The health insurance industry rarely stands still, but the past 12 months have seen some significant changes that have the ability to substantially alter the way health insurance is delivered in Australia. And it’s not necessarily all good news.
“ …a well-run mutual company should be able to provide you with a better value health insurance product…”
The listing of NIB on the Australian Stock Exchange, the recently announced merger between MBF and British-owned BUPA (which operates Mutual Community and HBA health funds in Australia) and the probability of more large-scale mergers, acquisitions and floats has the industry and health fund members alike watching carefully to see what impact the need to drive profits for shareholders has on the delivery of service, benefit payments and pricing.
listed health fund the focus must be on delivering shareholder benefits if it is to survive and thrive.
Mutuals exist to benefit their members not to maximise profits. As described on the very informative site, www.mutualbenefits.com.au, this gives mutual organisations significant advantages, including having lower costs than proprietary companies because they do not have to invest the money required to go through the process of listing (and remaining listed), or pay dividends, or have to produce constantly increasing profits to satisfy rt was created in 1889 as a not-for-profit mutual market analysts and keep the share prices up. In organisation, and today continues to exist solely other words, a well-run mutual company should for the purpose of providing service and benefits be able to provide you with a better value health to members – giving it a very different focus to that insurance product, with higher benefits and lower of an organisation accountable to shareholders. As was perfectly stated in an article on demutulisation costs than a well-run shareholder-owned company. in the UK Financial Times, ‘There is a difference For an example of what the possible outcome between a business run for the benefit of of the privatisation of health funds might be, we policyholders and a business run for the benefit of need only look to some of the radical changes to shareholders. You put a different person first’. In our mutuals in the general insurance industry in the past case, our members come first, but in the case of a decade. That industry has seen the privatisation of
the newsletter for rt health fund members | autumn 2008
5 government insurers (like the GIO of NSW), and the demutualisation of the largest and most successful general insurer in NSW (NRMA) and Australia’s largest and most successful insurer (AMP). The effect of these changes has been profound. The Melbourne Age described the demutualisation of AMP as the ‘legal looting of 150 years of patient wealth accumulation’. The damage caused to the industry by this change in structure has been worsened by the weak market performance of some of the major insurers involved. A particular issue for the health insurance industry is the question of the Federal Government’s Rebate on Private Health Insurance, often referred to as the ‘30% rebate’. We have to wonder whether the government will continue to be inclined to subsidise the cost of health cover when the benefit ends up largely in shareholders’ pockets. Some argue that there is a need for health funds to operate as ‘for profit’ entities in order to foster competition and for the funds to consolidate for efficiency. The reality is that the alliances we have with other similar-sized funds means we already achieve the efficiencies of larger organisations. And given the fact that all health insurers compete on a very level playing field due to the heavy regulation
of health insurance in this country, greater size only adds greater bureaucracy and cost to the equation, without bringing significantly better efficiencies. It has often been said that people don’t know what they’ve got until it’s gone. In an industry such as health insurance it is certainly worth considering whether it’s more important that your fund’s focus is on members or the profit margin. If we can learn anything from the spectacular downfall of many general insurers, a focus on profits and shareholder interests rarely benefits members. Why are we talking about this now? The changes in the industry mean that some of the larger funds, and those listing on the stock exchange, will start looking for suitable smaller funds to acquire. This will mean that you as a member may be faced with the decision of whether to sell your fund or reject any such offers. We want you to understand some of the issues involved and be aware of the motivations of the larger funds in case rt does become a target of this type of offer. If it does, you can be assured that the management and board will keep you well informed of all the facts, but we thought it timely to begin thinking and talking about what the future might hold.
rt news. 6
benefits and service to make you smile new dental benefits From 1 April many members will notice a little more back in their pockets when they go to the dentist. A comprehensive review of all dental benefits has seen a raft of improvements made to dozens of dental items – some with increases of more than 300 per cent! And there are new benefits now available on items that previously were not covered. The list of dental items is long and quite complex, so the easiest thing to do is to find out the item numbers of the treatments you’ll be having and give us a call to find out how much you’ll get back.
Here’s just a small sample of some of our dental benefit increases: Item number
314 322 323 445 543 583
description
was
new benefit from 1 April
Sectional removal of a tooth Surgical removal of a tooth or tooth fragment not requiring removal of bone or tooth division Surgical removal of a tooth or tooth fragment requiring removal of bone Exploration and/or negotiation of a calcified canal – per canal, per visit Metallic restoration – three services indirect Veneer
$30 $55
$75 $80
$80
$90
$22
$40
$90 $200
$200 $300
Thinking of suspending your membership when you go overseas? One of the handy things about your rt health cover is that you can put it on hold while you are out of the country. We’re not permitted to pay benefits for services provided or products purchased overseas, so why keep paying for your cover while you’re away? There are some terms and conditions, and if you’ve suspended your cover before you might find they are a little different to last time. If you’re planning a trip, please give us a call to find out how suspension works – and remember, you need to complete a suspension form at least two weeks before you leave the country. Forms are available on our website, www.rthealthfund.com.au, or ask us to email or post one to you, 1300 886 123 or help@rthealthfund.com.au.
the newsletter for rt health fund members | autumn 2008
7 New online member service centre launched We’re thrilled to announce the launch of phase one of our online member service centre. The new centre makes it possible for you to manage a range of transactions yourself and gives you instant access to information. Of course, if you prefer to pop into a branch or give us a call, we’d still love to hear from you. This is all about making sure our members have a range of choices, so that you can take care of your health cover however suits you best. The services currently available online enable you to: • view the details of your cover • change your address and contact details • change your banking details • download forms • search for practitioners that are registered with rt or that have contract agreements with rt, including hospitals, doctors participating in access gap, practitioners using HICAPS and other ancillary healthcare practitioners.
Another new service recently launched enables hospitals to confirm the details of your hospital cover online. This excellent facility means that there are no delays while the hospital waits for us to check the details of your cover – and that means no delays and no surprises for you. If you know you have a hospital stay coming up, please make sure your contribution payments are up to date so that the automated system recognises that you are entitled to cover. In the near future, we’ll be launching a range of additional services, which will give you the ability to: • check your available claims limits • look up your claims history • look at any correspondence we’ve sent you • download your tax statements. To make use of the online service centre just visit www.rthealthfund.com.au to register. We’ll email you with your username and temporary password to access the system – and you’re in business. Simple as that.
Know someone interested in joining rt? Now they can find out how much our covers cost online with our new quote calculator, and download an application form straight away.
rt news. 8
we love healthy hearts In 2006/07, nine out of our top ten claims were for heart-related issues. One of the saddest parts of this statistic is that for many people, heart disease can either be prevented or managed through some very simple lifestyle choices. Our ‘we love healthy hearts’ campaign is all about raising awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of heart disease, and helping you to make heart healthy lifestyle choices.
“ In Australia, two out of every three families are affected by heart disease.”
‘Heart disease’ is a blanket term that covers any condition that prevents the heart from behaving normally. It can refer to coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, heart attack and even angina. And although genetics certainly play a role in determining your chances of developing heart disease, there are many more causes that are lifestyle related and completely preventable. To kick off our ‘we love healthy hearts’ campaign we’ve launched some handy fact sheets on our website, packed with information about heart disease, healthy lifestyle choices, heart disease in women and the link between depression and heart disease. Visit us at www.rthealthfund.com. au and stay tuned for more news about how we’re helping our members love their hearts a little more.
Your heart is an amazing piece of equipment, isn’t it time you got to know it a little better? For starters, did you know… • B y the time you reach the age of 70 your heart will have beat around two-and-a-half billion times (based on the average of 70 beats per minute)! • Your heart will pump 400 million litres of blood around your body during your lifetime. • The heart is the first organ to start functioning after conception. • When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop – including your heartbeat. • Your heart is actually located in the centre of your chest, but tips to the left, which is why you feel it beat more there. • Your left lung is smaller than your right to make room in your chest for your heart. • Your aorta has about the same diameter as a garden hose.
the newsletter for rt health fund members | autumn 2008
9 National Heart Week, 4-10 May 2008 In Australia, two out of every three families are affected by heart disease. National Heart Week is about raising awareness and taking measures to prevent your family from being impacted by this silent killer. This year, the National Heart Week focus is on active kids. With so many parents and carers working ever-increasing hours just to make ends meet, many kids aren’t being active enough after school and on weekends. And with 40 per cent of Australian children under the age of 15 showing early signs of heart disease, it’s obvious that we need to change their lifestyles in order to change their lives. There have been lots of great government initiatives in schools in recent years, including healthy canteens and active after school sports programs, and these need to be supported at home as well. Even when time is short, there are opportunities to be active with your kids – even walking to a local park for a dinner picnic and kicking a ball with the kids can make a huge difference to everyone’s health and wellbeing. For loads of ideas on how to be a more active family, check out the National Heart Foundation website, www.heartfoundation.org.au/heartweek.
feel well. 10
the art of wellbeing We often talk about health and wellbeing as the same thing – actually, they are more like two sides of the same coin. Wellbeing is less tangible than health, and often far more difficult to keep balanced; it is an internal feeling of things being ‘right’, and it isn’t necessarily ‘fixed’ by the same measures we take to manage our health. This issue of be well is all about taking a look at some of the more creative ways we can improve our wellbeing.
“ The beauty of art is that it has an impact on us physically as well as mentally and emotionally.”
Studies around the world have shown a link between art and culture, and our levels of wellbeing. The most obvious link is between participating in performance arts, such as singing and dancing, and positive feelings of wellbeing. But less widely recognised is the impact that art and culture in our surroundings can have on our health – basically, how simply being surrounded by art and culture will make us feel. Art is widely used to reach people who are otherwise unreachable through illness or disability, such as coma patients and children living with autism, and provides endless comfort for the elderly and socially isolated. It not only allows us the opportunity to enjoy and release emotions, it also brings groups of people together, creating a sense of community and encouraging people to interact with each other. Artistic and cultural pursuits are wonderfully diverse, offering something for everyone to enjoy either individually or with friends,
and often both at the same time – you can be in a room full of people sharing an artistic experience and yet also have a uniquely individual response to a piece of art or music. In order to appreciate the full impact that art can have on your wellbeing, you need to take the time to enjoy it. Visiting an art gallery or museum, or attending a concert, opera or ballet is not something you can do half-heartedly – truly appreciating what the art means to you is about being very ‘present’ with it. Take the time to let music wash over you, watch every detail of a dance, stare at a painting or photograph until your eyes almost glaze over and allow yourself to feel the emotions they inspire within you. Listen to Ave Maria with no other thoughts in your mind and see how long it takes for the hairs on your arms to stand on end! The beauty of art is that it has an impact on us physically as well as mentally and emotionally.
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With today’s technology, art and culture are easier to access than ever. There are countless ‘gallery’ websites showcasing the work of both well-known and aspiring artists from all over the world. You can download music and even keep an eye on what’s happening in the world of opera and ballet. If you’re looking for artistic experiences to enjoy in person, websites such as Collections Australia Network (www.collectionsaustralia.net) and Art Search (www.art-search.com.au) have extensive databases of art galleries, exhibitions and museums Australiawide, just click to find out what’s on near you.
It’s not all about galleries, opera and ballet though, there are far more ways to enjoy and participate in the ‘arts’ than you might have imagined, and many won’t cost you a cent or require you to leave home. Visit our website for 50 wonderful ways you can incorporate art into your everyday life, no matter how old you are, what your state of health is, where you live or what your budget is. Visit us at www.rthealthfund.com.au and enjoy all the different ways you can make art a part of your regular health and wellbeing routine. If you’re not connected to the internet, or if it’s just easier for you, give us a call on 1300 886 123 and we’ll post a handy fact sheet to you instead.
feel well. 12
sing your heart out Most people love belting out a tune in the shower or car – and for most of us, our enthusiasm far outstrips our talent! Don’t let that hold you back though, apart from being great fun, there are plenty of fantastic things that singing out loud can do for you.
“ It makes you breathe deeper and hold breaths for longer, strengthening your lungs…”
While warbling in the shower has its benefits, actually joining a singing group or having vocal training can have a range of positive, and unexpected, impacts on your health. Exercise out loud Singing is energetic, especially when you’ve learnt to do it properly. It makes you breathe deeper and hold breaths for longer, strengthening your lungs and increasing their capacity, which increases blood flow around your body and brain. This greatly affects your concentration levels and neurological responses, so it actually could be helpful to sing before doing something you need to be ‘on the ball’ for (remember that when you’re about to step into
your next big meeting!). These different breathing techniques also improve your back and abdominal strength as you use muscles you may not have used in a while. People who suffer from asthma, snoring or panic attacks benefit too, as the techniques used in vocal training help to regulate and retrain your breathing patterns. Get your system going Endorphins are the body’s ‘feel good’ hormones – they make you feel ‘on a high’ when exercising. Singing releases endorphins and, according to a study by the University of Frankfurt in Germany, may improve your immunity too. Researchers tested singers in a city choir before and after rehearsing Mozart’s Requiem. Their levels of immunoglobulin-A (proteins that function as antibodies) and hydrocortisone (a stress relieving hormone) increased dramatically after the rehearsal. But when they tested the same people the following week
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before and after listening to the Requiem their levels did not change. This suggests that just listening to music isn’t enough – you need to join in. It’s good for your brain, too Did you know that singing is also great for improving learning? If kids are learning a song off a printed sheet it’s a fantastic way to increase sight vocabulary (the words they recognise by sight, rather than having to sound out), and many other learning concepts can be put into song to help memory and retention – kids will often learn through song without realising that they are being taught. There’s really nothing about singing that isn’t great for you, so keep belting out those favourite tunes, and if you are interested in joining a singing group, visit www.art-search.com.au and click on the ‘choir’ link under the ‘arts and entertainment’ section.
feel well. 14
dance for fitness Dancing is a fantastic way to have fun with friends and family, and get a great workout at the same time. With hundreds of different dance styles, including chair dancing for people who have physical limitations, there’s sure to be a style that suits you.
“ Even if you don’t want to get your dancing shoes on in public, you can still enjoy a spin around your lounge room…”
Kick up your heels Dance can be a low-to-moderate impact, weightbearing activity that does wonders for your health and fitness, including: • strengthening muscles and bones • improving posture and balance, lowering the risk of falls • increasing cardiovascular fitness • improving flexibility and stamina • boosting confidence and coordination • providing social interaction, decreasing the risk of depression and social isolation • lowering the risks of diabetes, heart disease, depression, osteoporosis and high blood pressure. Dancing is a wonderful alternative for people who don’t like traditional exercise. An ‘average’ adult can burn up around 300 calories an hour enjoying moderate dancing (that’s more than a standard size Snicker’s bar!) and because it’s fun, you’ll keep at it longer.
Get a groove on Not sure what type of dancing you prefer? You could revisit your childhood with ballet, jazz or tap, try your hand at something more exotic with Latin, give in to the grace of traditional ballroom, or take a walk on the wild side with belly dancing. To find out what’s on offer near you, take a look at www.dancenetwork.com.au and see what takes your fancy. Most of the time you don’t even need a partner, so don’t let being solo stop you. Even if you don’t want to get your dancing shoes on in public, you can still enjoy a spin around your lounge room – put on your favourite music, start moving and keep going as long as you can. You’ll boost your workout even more by singing along too! Put your mind to it Research cited in the New England Journal of Medicine (2003) found that dancing is also great for your mind. It showed that ballroom dancing twice a week decreased the likelihood of developing dementia, and that the memories of people with
the newsletter for rt health fund members | autumn 2008
15 Alzheimer’s improved after dancing to songs they used to know. Remembering dances with complex step patterns also helps improve your memory. Exercising your brain on a daily basis (by doing anything new or different that makes you think) can help protect it from becoming unfit. Most non disease-related memory or motor skill losses that are attributed to age are actually avoidable and caused by lack of use – it’s the old adage ‘use it or lose it’. Mental stimulation and physical exercise combined through dance are a great combination for a fit, youthful brain. May I have this dance, please? Dance also provides us with the opportunity to enjoy close human contact, conversation, creativity and entertainment – all of which are vital in preventing social isolation and depression, two key risk factors for heart disease. Dance is a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Of course, if you haven’t exercised for a while you should see your doctor before starting any exercise regime – and that includes dancing. Seek advice about what level of intensity you should start with based on your state of health and fitness, and get help immediately if you begin to feel unwell while exercising.
rt news. 16
have you met Trevor and Bertie? If you’ve been to an rt sponsored event recently and you have children, chances are they came home with temporary tattoos of our two new mascots, Trevor the train and Bertie the bus. To help get into the spirit of our art issue, we’re holding two art competitions for all of our members, young and old. These are not just for the kids, so parents and grandparents, you’ll need to pull rank and pinch the kids’ pencils to get to work on your own masterpieces! Competition One Trevor and Bertie are a mischievous pair and we’re looking for tales of their adventures! To enter, write a story about Trevor and Bertie – simple! Entries can be any length, must be your own original work, and sent to us by email or post. We’ll need to receive them by 30 June 2008. The winning stories will be featured on our website and prizes will be awarded for the best story in each age category: under 5 years (as dictated to Mum or Dad), 6 to 10 years, 11 to 15 years, 15 to 20 years, 20 to 65 years, and 65+. Make sure that you include your name, age, rt membership number and contact telephone number with your story – and remember to keep a copy as we won’t be able to return it to you.
Competition Two This one is all about making Trevor and Bertie as beautiful as you can! You can use any medium you like – pencils, paints, felt pens, collage, watercolours, crayons, anything at all. Just remove or copy the following page and get colouring! Entries must be your own original work, and sent to us by email or post. We’ll need to receive them by 30 June 2008. The winning artworks will be featured on our website and prizes will be awarded for the best creation in each age category: under 5 years, 6 to 10 years, 11 to 15 years, 15 to 20 years, 20 to 65 years, and 65+. And there will be a special prize for the oldest artist to send us an entry.
Send your entries to simonet@rthealthfund.com.au or ‘trevor and bertie competition’, po box 1100, burwood north nsw 2134.
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tear out or photocopy to colour-in
feel well. 18
Flying Arts There are probably only a few places in Australia more remote than the outback of Queensland – and it’s probably the last place you’d expect to find one of Australia’s artistic and cultural icons. In 1971, pilot and artist Mervyn Moriarty looked at the Royal Flying Doctor Service and decided it needed a cultural counterpart. The creation of visual arts is a vital part of Australian culture and has the capacity to greatly enhance people’s quality of life. Flying Arts was founded on the principle that access to participation in the arts should not be a privilege of living in a major city. Flying Arts provides workshops and exhibition opportunities to remote and regional Queenslanders as far north as Weipa, as far west as Boulia and all throughout central, coastal and southern Queensland. It gives people the chance to work with tutors from around Australia and overseas, in a choice of more than 90 different two-day workshops covering many different forms of visual
For more information, visit www.flyingarts.org.au
arts, including papier-mâché for kids, jewellery making, ceramics, painting, drawing, film and photography, and in a new initiative for 2008, acting and playwriting workshops conducted in conjunction with the Queensland Theatre Company. Flying Arts also runs residential workshops and touring exhibitions each year, exposing regional communities to artworks they may otherwise not have access to. The vision of one man and the commitment of many dedicated people over the past 37 years have made an enormous difference to the lives of people in regional and rural Queensland, and it’s something they plan to continue well into the future, with the possibility of expanding into other areas.
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“ Flying Arts was founded on the principle that access to participation in the arts should not be a privilege of living in a major city.�
rt news. 20 “ Our customer feedback surveys tell us that our members are very happy with what we’re doing.”
isn’t it time you shared the good news with your mates? In the last 12 months we’ve experienced unprecedented levels of growth. And in addition to our new-look brand, new operating systems and the introduction of our new HICAPS cards, we now have more hospital contracts in place than either MBF or Medibank Private (PHIO State of the Health Funds Report, 2007), which means more options for our members right around the country. Not only that, but an independent actuarial report recently stated that rt’s Private Hospital Cover pays the best benefits of any health fund in Australia; and there aren’t too many extras covers that are better than ours.
Our customer feedback surveys tell us that our members are very happy with what we’re doing. But even with a member satisfaction rate that most companies would think is as good as it can get at 97%, we like to think there’s still a little room to improve. While we’ve grown to match, and even better, the products and services offered by the big funds, our focus will always remain on transport and electricity industry people. And with health cover this good on offer, isn’t it time you told your mates about it?
If you’d like one of our relationship managers to meet with your organisation or your work colleagues to talk about the benefits of being covered by your own industry health fund, we’d love to hear from you.
the newsletter for rt health fund members | autumn 2008
21 Call Angela, Karen or Rebecca on
1300 886 123
to arrange a meeting.
rt in the community. 22
rt in the community “ …by the end of the month they had raised $470 for men’s health and were sporting glorious moustaches.”
rt Mo-Bros Four of our senior staff threw away their razors to take part in ‘Movember’ last November – a campaign to raise much-needed awareness about male health issues. Glenn Campbell, Tony Delahaye, Matthew Moore and Dwight Wood were cleanshaven when they registered as ‘Mo-Bros’, but by the end of the month they had raised $470 for men’s health and were sporting glorious moustaches. Well done fellas, a fantastic effort for a great cause! 75th anniversary of Sydney buses Last December, Sydney’s Luna Park came alive with celebrations for the 75th anniversary of Sydney Buses. It was a couple of blokes from the tramways – which went on to become buses – who were instrumental in starting rt health fund way back in 1889, so we were there to help celebrate our friend’s birthday. It was a sensational day with something for the whole family, from rides and face-painting to a wonderful display of historical Sydney buses. Free rides on the old double-deckers brought back memories for many and delighted the kids.
left: rt’s Angela Vlangos, with face-painter Margaret and two happy customers.
the newsletter for rt health fund members | autumn 2008
23 Christmas picnics galore! rt takes every opportunity to support our colleagues in the industry and Luna Park was just the start of a busy season. Next we were off to the RailCorp picnic for salaried officers on 7 December, the STA apprentice open day BBQ at Petersham Training College on 8 December, and the RailCorp Northern Area District Christmas picnic on 10 December. Pictured are Samantha, Michelle and Karen from the rt team.
International women’s day Friday 7 March 2008 was International Women’s Day (IWD) and we were involved with three QR events across Queensland to celebrate. Our theme for the day was ‘Live Well’ – encouraging women to take a moment to acknowledge the unique contribution they make to the people in their lives, and how they can honour those who rely on them by looking after themselves and living well.
It was very exciting to be part of an event that celebrates women in such a male-dominated industry as transport. And it got us thinking about all the amazing women in the transport industry – whether they are out there driving buses and trains, working as mechanics, living in remote and regional areas or racing up the corporate ladder. We’d love to share some of those stories. Whether it’s about you, someone you know or work with, or someone who paved the way for the women that have followed, we’d love to hear about amazing women in transport. Send your stories to simonet@rthealthfund.com.au or post to ‘amazing women in transport’, po box 1100 burwood north nsw 2134.
rt in the community. 24
RT FAMILIES FOUNDATION
supporting our communities
rt families foundation We were honoured to make a donation recently to a family needing help with school fees and supplies for their children. Sadly, the children’s mother was diagnosed with cancer and their father gave up his job to care for the family. We hope that our $500 donation was a helping hand at this very difficult time. Our first Queensland fundraiser Families Foundation supporters enjoyed a fantastic ‘BrisVegas’ afternoon last November, raising funds for the Foundation. There were plenty of prizes to be won and the ladies enjoyed free Napoleon Perdis makeovers from makeup artist Giulia Ponticello. Two major raffles were also drawn: congratulations to Anthony Bunney and Mrs M Gascoigne who were the winners of the major prizes – an autographed XXXX Bulls cricket bat and a QRI one-week holiday accommodation voucher. above: rt ceo Glenn Campbell with Natalie Jones, being presented with their auction purchase by Bianca Delahaye.
the newsletter for rt health fund members | autumn 2008
25 The rt Transport Cup Our annual golf day, the rt Transport Cup, was held in Queensland over the Australia Day long weekend. Teams enjoyed a glorious day as they played at Windaroo Lakes Golf Club. The competition was tight, with all teams putting in great performances as they helped us raise money for the Foundation. Our congratulations to the winners, the Pinseekers – Stephen Murphy, Mick Reid, Tony Hunter and Nev Armstrong.
Entertainment books The 2008/09 Entertainment Book is now available! This is your chance to take advantage of some fabulous discounts and offers while helping raise funds for the Families Foundation. For $60 you’ll receive around $15,000 in value – with $12 from each book sold going to the Families Foundation! Books are available for different areas of Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane and South East Queensland, and the Gold Coast.
Teams wanting to register for the 2009 rt Transport Cup, to be held Sunday 25 January at Victoria Park Golf Club in Herston, Brisbane, should contact Rebecca Delahaye on 0414 732 910.
To purchase your copy, call: Sydney Angela Vlangos on 0424 163 348 Newcastle Karen Kelly on 0420 941 683 Queensland Rebecca Delahaye on 0414 732 910
Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it. Danny Kaye