Seniors News Mid North Coast January-February 2020 by seniors

January-February, 2020

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Catch up with pop star Marty Rhone and his massive chart-topping country hits

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Sunrise Swimmers Cover Story Senior Australians of the Year NSW Senior Festival 2020 Travel: Wanderlust Wellbeing Diversity: Breaking down barriers Puzzles

7 Three wise women of the theatre.

Try something new Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor THIS year as we roll through the new year, it’s a pleasure to report on the enormous amount of activities being staged across the Central Coast for the NSW Seniors Festival. There’s so much going on, it really provides an opportunity to kick off the new year by trying something a little different. Check out the range of entertainment in our Seniors Festival feature. It has been an uneasy start to 2020 as people across the country have battled devastating fires and we honour those who have lost and suffered. For our part, we are open to suggestions to write travel stories to promote areas whose tourism industry has been affected. Please just email me, and I will follow up.

post-70-year-old women who are shaking up the concept of “invisible’’ older women and showing off their stage skills. On the waterfront, the Sunrise swimmers talk about what gets them out of bed and into the ocean very early, every morning - and for some, that means up to 40 years of morning swims. How’s that for consistency! Nationally we report on the inspirational Australian Seniors of the Year and their extraordinary community work. Additionally, you can read about the breaking down of social barriers in our nursing homes.

CONTACT US General Manager Geoff Crockett – 0413 988 333 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 1300 880 265 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Sue Germany – 0408 286 539 sue.germany@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Coffs Harbour and Clarence Seniors Newspaper”. The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland. The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications. Published by News Corp Australia. Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina. Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher. Responsibility for election material in this paper is taken by Gail Forrer, cnr Mayne Road & Campbell Street, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006.

This month in our local news, reporter Tania Phillips has spoken to three loud and proud

SENIORS

Fitness duo Kathryn Langford and Jenny Ryder.

Stellar line-up set to make Seniors Festival a hit STATE Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh is encouraging the region’s seniors to celebrate and join in local events at the 2020 NSW Seniors Festival from February 12-23. “The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Love to Celebrate’ and there are plenty of ways to have fun on the Coffs Coast, with a range of events to suit every interest,” Mr Singh said. “There are free creative, cultural, social and sports

events to thank older people for their contribution to our community and inspire them to get involved. “I also encourage our seniors to enjoy the stellar line-up of entertainment in Sydney, including the Premier’s Gala Concerts, the NSW Seniors Festival Expo and Comedy Show.” Australian music legend John Paul Young will be joined by an all-star cast of musical talent including Vanessa Amorosi and Paulini

at the free Premier’s Gala Concerts. The concerts will be held at the ICC Sydney on February 13 and 14. To be held next door to the Premier’s Gala Concerts, the NSW Seniors Festival Expo will feature a huge range of exhibitors showcasing everything from home improvements to healthier lifestyles and other interesting topics. Acting Minister for Seniors Geoff Lee said more

than 500,000 seniors were expected to take part in events unfolding across the state over the course of the festival. “The NSW Government is proud to provide such a fantastic range of activities and entertainment to celebrate our seniors,” Mr Lee said. “This year’s concert will truly be ‘Where the Action Is’, with the ultimate headline act John Paul Young singing Love is in the

Air on Valentine’s Day (February 14).” Free tickets to the Premier’s Gala Concerts are now available. To book tickets or for more information phone 1300 130 613 or go to ticketek.com.au/ seniorsfestival. LOVE IS IN THE AIR: Singer John Paul Young will be joined by an all-star cast at the Premier’s Gala Concerts. Picture: John Appleyard

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Lapping up 40 swell years TANIA PHILLIPS LIKE the icebergs off Antarctica and the penguins of Phillip Island, the Sunrise Swimmers of Port Macquarie town beach are pretty much a permanent fixture. Hitting the waters of the beautiful town beach each day from 6-6.30am, and a tourist attraction in their own right, the Sunrise Swimmers are a Port Macquarie institution. For 73-year-old Julie Constable, who helped name the informal group 40 years ago when they first started meeting to swim each day, there is no better way to welcome in a new day. “We go every morning seven days a week, 52 weeks a year,” she said, admitting that only rough seas stop them – definitely not rain, much to her four children’s surprise. “You’re going to get wet anyway,” she adds with a laugh. However, Julie does admit that there are days that you “freeze your ankles off”. The group began in the late 70s and included Julie along with Keith and Alan (AJ)

WAVE OF SUPPORT: Julie Constable with the Port Macquarie Sunrise Swimmers, a group she helped establish in the late ’70s.

Upton, Ned McInherney and Ted Adams. In those days Julie ran a screenprinting business and would go into work after her morning swim. “I am a marriage celebrant these days, but I used to own Constable Printing in those days and the screenprinting business is still called

Constable Printing 40 years later,” she said. The club has become an integral part of Port Macquarie society now and there are plaques in front of the kiosk commemorating some of the swimmers of bygone days. These days there are new young regulars who join in with the older stagers, coming

along to swim, have a coffee and then head into work. “It’s a good way to meet people (particularly if you are new to the area),” Julie said. And for Julie and the older swimmers it’s also a good way to catch up with friends and sustain friendships built up over years – to stave off the loneliness and isolation that

can occur as we age. It’s also a good way of making new friends of all ages, from those in their 20s and 30s right through to swimmers who have now moved into their 80s. “The younger ones that come along now lift our spirits,” Julie said. The daily swim is not really

Picture: Contributed

an organised event – “people just know when we go swimming”. And it’s not just locals who come along – numbers are often swelled by visitors who join in the half-hour swim and stay for the “coffee club” socialising afterwards. “Everyone is welcome,” Julie added.

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Mid ‘70s pop Marty Rhone finds it all a bit surreal Alison Houston

SHOWBIZ VETERAN: Marty Rhone had top-10 hits in 1975 and '77 with Denim and Lace and Mean Pair of Jeans. Picture: Contributed

IF YOU or your kids were growing up in the mid1970s, you will remember the name Marty Rhone. But no one, least of all Marty, could have foreseen you would be hearing so much about him in 2020. The voice of pop charttoppers Denim and Lace (1975) and Mean Pair of Jeans (1977) has just notched three No.1s on the Australian Country Music charts, released his first album in decades and is about to tour. His acting career, which in the ’70s included Number 96 and Class of ’75, has also taken off again. Since 2016 he has had a string of guest roles on popular Australian and American TV series, and has completed a number of short films that are making

their way onto prestigious festival line-ups. “It’s quite surreal, and in the case of the music, completely unexpected,” Marty said. Inspired by Jackie Weaver’s award-winning success in 2010’s Animal Kingdom, followed by Silver Linings Playbook, Marty had decided that it was now or never to get serious about his acting. “I was blown away by her performance,” he said of the actor, with whom he worked in an ensemble with John Waters and Rowena Wallace in his early 20s. “We are the same age and grew up together – as a matter of fact I had a crush on her as a teenager … so seeing Animal Kingdom was the real catalyst.” In early 2017, just as Marty was heading to the US to further his acting career, Johnny Young and John St

Peeters approached him with the song Graceland on the Line to mark the 40th anniversary of Elvis’s death. An Elvis fan since he was eight, Marty loved the song as soon as he heard it and, 40 years on from his last single, Marty Rhone had a new worldwide release. It hit No.1 on the world independent country music and Australian charts and caught the ear of renowned US producer David J Holman, who offered him a record deal with Cactus Studios. The only catch was he had to write or co-write some of the songs. “I hadn’t written in decades, let alone written a country song,” Marty said, so he called in more familiar names, Garth Porter (Sherbet) and country stars Rod McCormack and Gina Jeffreys. Together they created We

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star back in the spotlight ‘‘ Things go in circles and you just have to hope things keep turning

Had a Good Thing Going and Jealous of the Sky respectively, both of which topped the Australian Country Music Single Charts. The album Jealous of the Sky was released early last month. “Things go in circles in this industry, and you just have to hope things keep turning,” Marty said of his renewed success, although he admits it does get harder as you get older. “It’s very challenging for people in their ‘senior years’ to make yourself relevant to the world at large.

Marty Rhone as the prison priest in the Seth Rogen-produced TV series Preacher.

“There are so many instances of people wanting to write you off. “You are fighting a system that believes you have a useby date.” He believes everyone, regardless of age, should be defined by who they are,

their abilities and what they have achieved. “If you keep focusing on someone’s age, as we do in Australia, you are putting a time limit on them.” And while it is perhaps a little more physically challenging to keep up the

pace required, Marty said he had kept in good shape and never been afraid of hard work. “I wasn’t an overnight success,” he said of his seeming catapult to fame when Denim and Lace was released simultaneously,

Picture: Contributed

showing on Reg Grundy’s hit Class of ’75 and Molly Meldrum’s Countdown. “I had already been around quite a few years and released a number of songs that didn’t set the world on fire.” Marty supported the

Rolling Stones at 17. Also on his resume are appearances with John Denver, Christopher Cross and the Bee Gees, as well as four years on London’s West End stage with Yul Brynner in The King and I from 1979. But his first song on TV was Cliff Richard’s Bachelor Boy at just 13, and it is Sir Cliff and I, featuring a combination of his own and Cliff Richard’s best music, that Marty is touring Australian capitals with in May-July, including Sydney’s State Theatre on May 22 and Brisbane’s QPAC on May 28. It has been eight years since his last tour, and staged by the people behind the mega-production Elvis: King of the World, he said the coming one would be the most spectacular he had ever done. For more, go to martyrhonemusic.com and for a Countdown flashback, head to https://www.you tube.com/watch? v=BagIaF6HFeg.

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Legal eagle to nest at Coffs Mr Gulaptis said Judge Priestley’s sittings at Grafton would also ease case backlogs there, bringing more efficiency to District Court proceedings in the region. “Faster access to justice for victims and their families is a great win for our community,” Mr Gulaptis said. Judge Priestley was first admitted as a legal practitioner in the Northern Territory and practised as a solicitor in NSW and England before coming to the Bar in 1995. He was appointed a Senior Counsel in 2014, and his practice areas ranged from property litigation to family law. “Judge Priestley came to the bench with a reputation for hard work and in his first year has already proven to be a valuable asset to the District Court,” Mr Speakman said. Several other judges will begin sitting full time in

regional NSW in 2020, including Judge Graham Turnbull SC, presiding at Bathurst, Orange and Parkes; Judge Sean Grant at Albury and Griffith; Judge Nanette Williams at Dubbo; and Judge Jeffrey McLennan SC at Lismore. Judge Priestley is one of seven new judges appointed to the District Court under the NSW Government’s $148 million package, bringing the number of full-time District Court judges to a record high of 75 to help the state’s courts manage increasing demand.

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understanding, and support safer road use. Successful applicants will include: • $20,000: Older Australians Driver Safety Program (National Seniors Australia Ltd) – six driver safety workshops for older drivers, delivered in Northern

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A HIGHLY EXPERIENCED lawyer with a legal career spanning more than three decades has been named as the first District Court judge based at Coffs Harbour. Attorney-General Mark Speakman, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh and Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis welcomed the assignment of District Court judge Jonathon Priestley SC to the Coffs Harbour and Grafton circuit. Judge Priestley has been sitting in Sydney since he was sworn in on February 4 last year. He’ll begin his new position on Monday, February 10. Mr Singh said Judge Priestley’s appointment would mean an increase in sittings. “More District Court sittings in Coffs Harbour means faster finalisations for cases, reducing pressure on victims, witnesses and defendants,” Mr Singh said.

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Sister act is writing wrongs TANIA PHILLIPS THREE Nambucca Valley women are doing their best to change people’s perceptions as to what it means to be women in their 70s. The talented trio, Carrolline Rhodes, Helen Kirkpatrick and Anne Joyce, formed a theatre group last year bringing their wide range of talents, from

writing to performing together. Carrolline is an experienced writer, Anne a professional actor and director, and Helen an actor. “Hopefully we can overcome the stereotype for women over 70 of looking out for trip hazards and playing bingo,” Carrolline said. “I think we were able to put together something innovative and creative.”

Aptly named 3Wyz Wimmin, the theatre group ran seven highly successful nights at small venues across the region – selling out the final four. They’re back this year, planning not only another series of performances but also writing workshops – looking to uncover the region’s next playwrights. It’s all about giving back for

the three grand dames of local theatre. All have been “passionately involved in the theatre all our lives”, Carrolline said. “We have several things we wanted to do with the group. Firstly, we wanted to take theatre to the people.” To this end, the trio approached halls around the region, bringing their show to as many people as possible. The first three nights were

well patronised, but word of mouth ensured that the rest were sellouts. The second aim was to “give back”, with the local halls getting a share of the box office where applicable and local charities also benefiting. “We shared almost $3000 with our community,” Carolline said. But really, they shared more than that. The plays performed

weren’t set in London or even Sydney. These were local stories for local people and now the 3Wyz Wimmin are hoping to do that again. They are planning a second season later in the year but instead of just their own works, they are hoping to encourage more people to write and are looking to pass on the knowledge they have garnered over their lifetimes.

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REWRITING THE SCRIPT: The 3Wyz Wimmin, Carrolline Rhodes, Helen Kirkpatrick and Anne Joyce, are aiming to use theatre to change stereotypical perceptions about women in their 70s.

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Coramba hall ready to party TANIA PHILLIPS

IT’S NOT every day a bloke from the small town of Coramba get’s to introduce critically-acclaimed and internationally recognised musicians, but Jeff Otto is taking it all in his stride. “Comes with the job,” he chuckled. That job is chairman of

the Coramba Community Hall Management committee and also includes mowing the grass and a bit of whippersnipping on the side. The MC component has been added with Coramba again hosting Festival of Small Halls Summer Tour in the small hall on February 1. The Festival of Small Halls aims to take music out

to the beautiful old halls around the State – the heart of their local communities. That is certainly true of Coramba, which hosts yoga, drama and all sorts of other community events each week as well as two or three music/one man theatre shows like this. This year the event, put on in conjunction with the Coffs Shire Council, Jetty

Theatre and Coramba Hall committee, will feature two well-known folk and contemporary artists – iScotland’s Siobhan Miller and Belligen-based Australian singersongwriter Jack Carty (who has been releasing original music since 2010 and has five full-length studio albums to his name). Jeff admits he’s been

doing a bit of “googling and heading to youtube” in the lead-up to the February event but he’s looking forward to it. “It’s the third time we’ve had the festival of the small halls here and each time it’s a sell-out – we expect it to be sold out this time too.” Having a Bellingen boy on the bill won’t hurt either. “I’m sure there will be

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SMALL HALLS FEST: Jeff Otto prepares to MC the Coramba event in the Festival of Small Halls Summer Tour 2020.

Bellingen residents making the trip but most of the people that we have come to these events are from Coramba – a few come out from town,” Jeff said. The committee tries to organise at least three shows from outside the district each year. “Most of our audiences are over 50, the young ones tend to go to the hotel or into the nightclubs in Coffs,” Jeff said. These events become true community affairs, with local groups providing the bar and food facilities. This time around the Jetty Theatre will provide the bar with the local P&C providing the food. It’s a good chance to get together and enjoy the facilities of the hall which has been slowly restored over the past few years. It will be back in action on March 12 for a one-man show by Russell Cheek. For more about Small Halls Festival show, go to .jettytheatre.com/festivalof-small-halls-summertour-2020-corambacommunity-hall/.

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Community notes

Your local club news and views COFFS HARBOUR PROBUS CLUB The Probus Club movement (the social arm of Rotary) was established in the South Pacific region on November 5, 1974, in the Kapti coast of New Zealand and then in Hunters Hill, NSW, in 1976. To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Probus in the South Pacific, the Probus Club of Coffs City Inc and the Coffs Harbour Combined Probus Club Inc arranged a celebratory get-together on Wednesday, November 6. A coach was arranged for 48 members of both clubs who then travelled from Coffs Harbour to Yamba, where they boarded the ferry MV Mirigini service to Iluka for

lunch at the Iluka Bowls Club. The Probus motto is Friendship, Fellowship and Fun, which certainly abounded on this occasion. The event was so warmly received it was agreed that a joint venture would occur in 2020. Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 22, at the Cavanbah Centre, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour, at 9.45am for 10am. The guest speaker will be the Coffs Harbour Mayor, who will speak on the Coffs Harbour Australia Day Committee. Morning tea will follow the guest speaker. This club is a mixed-gender group, and visitors and new members are always

FASCINATING INSIGHT: Grafton Senior Citizens will see these WWI postcards when they visit the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum in late February. Picture: Contributed

welcome. For further information, phone Brian on (02) 5619 2484.

GRAFTON SENIOR CITIZENS After a successful annual Christmas luncheon and meeting in early December, Grafton Senior Citizens have been in recess. Most activities will resume this week, with the

first meeting for the new year being on February 11. Day bus trips to a Coorabell open garden and Ballina Maritime Museum on February 28, and to Glen Innes and Emmaville mine museum on March 27, will start the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trips and both have spare seats. An eight-day coach tour to St George, Charleville, Roma, Miles and

Toowoomba in August is virtually full, but reserves will be noted. An open day for the Senior Citizens Week Festival will be on Thursday, February 13, when prospective new members can visit and discuss with the committee what activities are available. Inquiries about activities, bus trips and membership

can be made with publicity officer Sandra on (02) 6642 7720. WE welcome the contribution of your community notes and pictures to Seniors News. Please send us details about your clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s news for publication to: Seniors.Editor@seniorsnews paper.com.au.

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Museum is full steam ahead TANIA PHILLIPS KEITH Jones can’t pinpoint when and where his love of trains started. Maybe it was as a kid listening to the Bendigo train thunder through his small town near Melbourne. No, he can’t pinpoint where it started but he knows where it has led! Keith, who is now living in Dorrigo, is the managing director of the Dorrigo Steam Railway and Museum Limited, a non-profit organisation aimed at preserving the railway history of New South Wales. The group had its beginnings back in the early ’70s thanks to Keith and a group of fellow railway enthusiasts who didn’t want to see the state’s heritage end up on the scrap heap. “It was 1974 and it started with wanting to save one steam locomotive from a slowly collecting the stock and putting it on the 52-acre site as well as restoring 25 kilometres of the Dorrigo branch line, the museum is not yet open to the public. Keith said all the work completed on the trains had been voluntary, with the money, coming out of members’ pockets, going exclusively into buying and restoring the trains. However, members want the facility to eventually be accessible to the general public both to enjoy static displays and experience the thrill of riding some of the old trains. Keith said feasibility studies showed they could end up employing more than 80 people but he said a large amount of money would be needed to put all the infrastructure in place and until now the group’s prime aim had been just to save the old engines. Until it becomes a public

museum, though, train enthusiasts can become a member of the museum for $50 and receive monthly newsletters. For further information go to dsrm.org.au.

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TRAIN LOVE: Some people play with model trains but the men and women of the Dorrigo Steam Railway and Museum Limited prefer the real thing. Picture: Contributed

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colliery in Newcastle that was going to scrap,” he said. “It wasn’t for a museum – I thought I’d just put it in the backyard and build a shed around it.” However, when he rang up to inquire about that first train, he was told about other rolling stock that was about to be scrapped too. “One became three overnight,” he laughed. Contacting other train enthusiasts, he realised there were a lot of people out there concerned with trying to save the trains that represented the

includes 79 locomotives, 280 passenger carriages and freight wagons, 19 rail motors/ trailers, a Silver City Comet set, seven breakdown cranes, Sydney suburban and interurban electric trains, plus thousands of smaller items,” Keith said. “As a true museum, we continually add significant items to the collection. “All exhibits are standard gauge (4’8½ or 1435mm) and operated on private or government railways within NSW. “The 45 steam locomotives range from a four-wheel saddle tank, weighing 27 tons, to the 260-ton, 32-wheel Beyer Garratt type (the largest locomotives in the southern hemisphere., The steam locomotives date from 1877 to 1956. Thirty diesel and four electric locomotives are also preserved, dating from 1952 to 1986.” While the group has been

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IT WAS 1974 AND IT STARTED WITH WANTING TO SAVE ONE STEAM LOCOMOTIVE FROM A COLLIERY IN NEWCASTLE THAT WAS GOING TO SCRAP.

heritage and history of the state. “Back in 74-75, the NSW government were scrapping two steam engines a week. We put together a group and ended up buying nine engines in one day,” Keith said. The group now has 420 members from around Australia. Although as the collection is mainly centred on NSW most members come from Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane, with a keen group of 15-20 locals who can often be found working on the trains. The museum is now home to the largest collection of preserved railway vehicles and memorabilia from the various government and private railways of NSW. It is one of the most comprehensive railway collections in the world, with exhibits ranging from 1855 to the present day. “The collection in the museum’s care currently

PHONE 02 6653 1577 EMAIL: info@sawtellrsl.com.au ADDRESS: 38-40 First Avenue Sawtell

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Award shines spotlight on inspirational eight Disability advocate fights inequality Climate issues close to artist’s heart SUE Salthouse, ACT, 70 DISABILITIES advocate Sue Salthouse found herself in a wheelchair after a horseriding accident at age 45. She experienced first-hand the systemic inequality facing people with disabilities. Sue began advocating for disabled people’s rights to accessible housing, economic security and the chance to contribute to society. She now runs a consultancy company specialising in disability rights advocacy and works in the disability sector. “As a 70-year-old paraplegic woman, my award highlights a need for awareness about disability and ageing,’’ she said. “There are now nearly two million Australians over the age of

RIGHTING WRONGS: Sue Salthouse

65 who have significant disabilities. “Those of us who have had our disabilities in younger years will be joined by our friends who acquire disabilities as the years pass. “With an ageing

Picture: Contributed

demographic, our numbers will grow. In 2020 as a finalist for Senior Australian of the Year I will be urging governments to take a closer look at understanding the intersection of disability and ageing.”

BANDUK Marika (AO), NT, 65 ARTIST, cultural activist and environmental adviser, Marika is known for her exquisite prints of ancestral creation stories on lino, her original medium of choice. Banduk and her sisters are among the first Yolngu women whose male relatives have encouraged them to paint ancestral creation stories. Marika is also a cultural activist and environmental adviser and has appeared as a speaker at national and international conferences. “There are so many issues in communities, including climate change, which is changing the face of the environment. You can see it happening in front of you. I would love to have a round table with people who are

GREEN THEME: Artist Banduk Marika.

caring enough to talk about what possibilities we have and what measures we have that will delay the environmental changes. “What about having an emu parade around your community, picking up

Picture: Contributed

rubbish, cleaning up your creeks and digging up debris – volunteers working together. I am also working on a healing centre here; working on natural healing without going to doctors for hard drugs.”

Digging in for land-care awareness

Champion of protecting our planet

DR Graeme Stevenson, TAS, 74 A LANDCARE activist and longstanding volunteer for Landcare Tasmania, Graeme has been promoting healthy soils in Tasmania for more than 30 years. He has initiated and managed projects along the coastline, including willow removal, riverside fencing and managing soil slippage. Graeme works with farmers as a soil assessor and agronomy consultant and has written a number of books showcasing his expertise. He also presents his soil knowledge to schoolchildren as an alter ego, known as Dr Spluttergrunt.

SUE Lennox, NSW, 67 Sue is an environmental educator and social enterprise founder. As a teacher, she was concerned about young people’s anxiety and despair about the future of the planet. She co-founded the award-winning social enterprise OzGREEN (Global Rivers Environmental Education Network Australia Inc), which teaches young people how to take positive environmental action through education, participatory leadership and community development. OzGREEN has developed sustainability programs in 1600 locations across

“My wish is to promote land care to both regional and urban Australia,” Graeme said. “Either join an existing group, form a group

of your own or, if you live in a city, adopt a group. I am a Dr Who fan and consider land care is like the Tardis – bigger on the inside!”

Totall Country

ACTION CALL: Sue Lennox

Australia, India, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Pakistan. “The threat of global sustainability challenges like climate change call on us to redesign our society in a

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DOWN TO EARTH: Dr Graeme Stevenson is a strong supporter of the importance of looking after the land. Picture: Contributed

short time. If everyone lived like we do, we would need five planets. At a global scale we are living at 1.7 planets beyond the carrying capacity of our Earth. “We all have a role in creating a world where we are living in harmony with each other and the Earth. We need to change our way of living, switch to renewables and reduce our carbon footprint. “We need to be prepared for the increasingly severe impacts of climate change, as witnessed with the massive fires near my home on the NSW north coast. “We need to equip our youth with skills to innovate new ways of living.’’

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motivated by selfless service to communities Tackling men’s unhealthy mindset PETER Dornan (AM), QLD, 76 Following a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, and after experiencing depression, incontinence and other side effects, sports medicine physiotherapist Peter Dornan (AM) put an ad in a newspaper, inviting fellow patients to meet. Since then, he has supported men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Peter’s commitment to helping men share experiences and seek support has helped create a culture change in the treatment management for men with the disease. Receiving a grant to research incontinence – a common consequence in men after prostate cancer treatment – he designed a

CULTURAL CRUSADE: Men’s health activist Peter Dornan. Picture: Contributed

successful program to treat the condition and published a book used by Australian prostate cancer support

groups. “My central quest is to change male culture in relation to their health’” he said. “I want to remove their mantle of machoism. Part of the answer can be found by realising, historically, going back 200,000 years to the hunter-gathers, the first homosapiens, society needs have dictated men fulfil three main roles: the three Ps – that is, provider, protector and procreator. “We delegated our women to look after our health. So, are men held captive by their manhood, isolated from emotion, vulnerability and their greater humanity? In reality, these emotions have become unnaturally suppressed. We have to change now – to cut through the nonsense.’’

Making inroads in curbing fatalities for drivers

SAFETY: Raymond Shuey.

inspiration for others. “The consequences of road trauma on the community, nationally and personally, are horrendous. “My work, life experience and knowledge identify road

trauma as predictable and preventable. “Since nomination, I have assisted Rotary to develop learner-driver symposia to reduce P-plate trauma and have been co-opted to road safety advisory and editorial boards. My 2020 award provides an authoritative voice, making a significant difference in saving lives. “My contributions include keynote presentations, research, peer reviews and donation services motivating others in a paradigm change towards driver attitudes and behaviours, to achieve a ‘culture’ of safety and respect on our roads.”

SYLVIA McMillan, SA, 90 Sylvia McMillan has dedicated her life to being of service to her community. The 90-year-old has been a force of good to everyone around her and shows no signs of stopping. She is still the chairwoman for her local branch of Legacy, the organisation that provides services to families of deceased defence force members. In between her volunteer activities, she regularly attends the gym and does water aerobics with a group at the local Parks Community Centre. “I want people to get involved, to share the enjoyment of doing things for other people, to help other people,” Sylvia said. “I plan to keep doing what

DYNAMO: Sylvia McMillan has dedicated many years to her community, including her local Legacy branch. Picture: Contributed

I am doing now and keeping happy, going to the gym and

keeping involved with my clubs.”

Obstetrics work a world benchmark PROFESSOR John Newnham (AM), WA, 67 A professor of obstetrics, John has been instrumental in making Western Australia an international hotspot for research and clinical excellence in pregnancy and life before birth. He founded and led the pioneering Raine Study, the world’s first and most enduring pregnancy-focused lifetime cohort project. John has been described by the world’s leading scientific journal as an intellectual leader of modern obstetrics who has changed the practice of medicine and the lives of women and infants.

EMINENT: Professor John Newnham (AM).

“I will use (this award) to my very best,’’ John said. “This program requires the education of our everchanging pregnant population and their

Picture: Contributed

families, and our everchanging workforce. “We have much work left to do, but this award will be wonderful in helping us to achieve our goal.”

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DR Raymond Shuey (APM), vic, 74. A former police officer and assistant commissioner for traffic and operations, Ray’s signature achievement during his career was Project Beacon, which trains police in operational safety when responding to mental health and critical incidents. With road safety partners, Ray developed initiatives to increase enforcement and education programs, resulting in a massive reduction in the Victorian road toll. He contributed to WHO good-practice literature and has authored many road safety publications, providing knowledge and

Sylvia always willing to answer call

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Generations connected Students, seniors click thanks to digital literacy trial success Tracey Johnstone THE Office of eSafety is reaching out to high school students to assist in increasing digital literacy for older Australians and building intergenerational relationships. The Be Connected Young Mentors Program has just finished being trialled across Australia. The official launch of the free program is set for late March. For eSafety project manager Jill McNaught, being connected doesn’t just mean helping seniors to go online and do it safely. It is also about benefiting student skills in leadership and community connection, and “breaking down the stereotypes on both sides of the generational gap”. The Young Mentors program is based on research that indicated seniors want one-on-one

support with learning based on what the seniors identify they want to learn rather than what is prescribed through a structured learning process. “The young mentors meet the seniors where they are at in their learning journey and work from there,” Ms McNaught said. The student mentors are given three hours of training, which covers mentoring skills, how to mentor an older person, the barriers that may need to be overcome, the safety and boundaries of the relationship, the benefits of mentoring for both cohorts and learning about the Be Connected learning resources. Most of the pilot groups ran four to six weeks of mentoring sessions. Pilot project member Manly (NSW) Computer Pals chose to partner with 20

NET PROFITS: Manly (NSW) Computer Pals members with northern beaches students who took part in the Be Connected trial program helping older Australians to improve their digital literacy. Picture: Contributed

Year 9 students from several northern beaches schools that were involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. “For the Bronze Award they need to complete 13 weeks of community service,” Ms McNaught said. The students received three

hours of training and then did 10 weeks of mentoring. President Judy Elias said the club ran its pilot in its clubroom. The students were then paired by Manly Computer Pals with 20 seniors who brought in their own android or Apple devices and met the

mentors for one-hour sessions to address their individual needs. “Their questions were whatever they had difficulty with on their own devices,” Ms Elias said. “The Year 9 students tried very hard to answer those questions.

“If they couldn’t answer them, the students would do some research and answer the questions the following week. “The seniors benefited because they learnt on the job from kids that use their devices all the time, so they felt as though they were in today’s world.” Ms Elias said both the seniors and the students enjoyed working on the project. “The kids were enthralled with talking to the seniors about life skills generally, not just digital skills,” she said. “Socially, it was amazing.’’ She also noticed new connections being made between the participating seniors. As a result of the success of the pilot project, the club plans to offer the course for more seniors in April. For more information or to register an organisation’s interest in participating, go to esafety.gov.au/seniors/ be-connected-youngmentors.

Marian Grove

Hello from Sawtell Catholic Care

LIFESTYLE

AY DISPL W NO UNIT N OPE

Dear Friends, The beginning of a new year is inevitably something to note. The beginning of a new decade, even more so! We begin this year and decade with fresh promise, and fresh hope. At Sawtell Catholic Care, this month we celebrate the opening of the display apartment in our “New Release”, which means that it won’t be too much longer until the whole complex is completed. As part of our long term vision and mission to continue to offer high quality living options and care to the retiree and senior members of our community, it’s rewarding to see the project reach this stage and to be able to share it with you. If you are interested, you can book through our reception to take a tour of the display apartment with Michelle.

When she can’t be there, we can help.

Looking ahead, our “Link Project” is due to commence by May 2020, offering a variety of community engagement opportunities and lifestyle extension for our residents, and social support programs for people living at home on care packages, allowing them to continue to engage purposefully within the community.

We have been helping families, like yours, since 1992.

We also have planning underway for a very special new aged care facility which will include dementia specific memory support and a number of palliative care suites, so the decade is off to a positive start!

If the daily tasks are getting harder to manage, and if you need a helping hand - call Subee Newlake. We are an approved Home Care Package service provider and we can help you continue living at home and staying independent.

We wish everyone a healthy and prosperous year ahead. Michael Darragh CEO, Sawtell Catholic Care

L C A T H OLI

(02) 6653 1241 mgreception@scca.net.au

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT mariangrovelifestyle.com.au

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FOR DISPLAY UNIT BOOKINGS SAW

Michael Darragh CEO Sawtell Catholic Care

Email subee@subeenewlake.com.au or call 6651 3153 about receiving our help in your home, so you can stay at home longer. SEFE01Z01MA - V1

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Life through a lens gives Annette buzz TANIA PHILLIPS ANNETTE Brauer is a science and maths teacher by day but in her own time she has found a way to exercise her more artistic side as a member of the C.ex Coffs Harbour Camera Club. Deciding to go along to a meeting “many years ago” with a good friend, both have since found themselves holding many roles within the club over the years. Annette is the current vicepresident, secretary and program director and passionate about photography and the club. “It’s a hobby that is really not that expensive once you have your camera,” she said. “It makes you see things in a different light.” She is clearly hooked these

days and has just returned from a trip along the Silk Road, where she took a great deal of photos of the famous area connecting East Asia and Southeast Asia with South Asia, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and Southern Europe. However, for Annette and the other members of the Camera Club, it is as much about new friends, new experiences and new challenges as it is about taking pictures. The club, which is proudly heading towards its 30th anniversary, meets on the second Monday of the month from 7pm at the C.ex Club, its major sponsor. It currently has 42 members, ranging in age from their 30s through to 80s, though they are always looking for more.

IT’S NOT THAT EXPENSIVE ONCE YOU HAVE YOUR CAMERA. YOU SEE THINGS IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT. ANNETTE BRAUER

“Just come along to a meeting – it’s $20 for the year,” Annette said. “It is just a matter of coming along and joining in. We hold competitions every month – sometimes judged internally and sometimes with an outside judge.” The group also holds workshops and trips and takes the Santa photos at the C.ex Club every year. However, although club members have “a lot of

different things happening”, it’s their nature competition that has really put the group on the map. “We have been holding it for 15 years and it’s open to everyone on the Coffs Coast,” she said. Entries in the Marnie Yeates Nature Photography Competition are framed by the staff at the Bunker Gallery in Coffs, where the entries are displayed from October 31 through to November 22. The competition attracts well over 100 entries each year. Shots can be taken anywhere in the world and it doesn’t matter if it is an older shot. To learn more about the C.ex Camera Club’s membership and activities, go to cexcoffscameraclub .weebly .com.

KEEN EYE: Photography buff Annette Brauer at a graffiti shoot.

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Enjoying a camera club shoot near Grafton, taking pictures of old bridges and farmhouses, are members Barry, Annette, Margherita and Sharron. Picture: Contributed

A camera club workshop at Bunker Gallery.

The Marnie Yeates images being judged.

You’ll feel right at home

Catholic Care of the Aged provides a lifestyle you want and care when you need it, all within a supportive community.

CCA villages are centrally located in Port Macquarie oﬀering modern 1.5, 2 and 3 bedroom private ground ﬂoor villas in spacious surroundings.

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Seniors have 2020 vision INCREASED medical rebates, an independent tribunal to set the age pension, an end to the waiting list for home care packages and bringing politicians’ super in line with the rest of the community top the list for what National Seniors Australia wants in the new year. The country’s peak membership organisation for older Australians has given its wish list to the government via its submission for next year’s Federal Budget. Among the other items listed in the submission are: - Increased rental assistance for pensioners - Lower deeming and taper rates on the Age Pension - An adult dental benefit scheme - A scheme for older Australians to invest in green energy infrastructure. National Seniors Australia chief advocate Ian Henschke

said the rising cost of health care, especially the cost of seeing a specialist, was the primary concern among members. “On average a patient will be $84 out of pocket when they see a specialist, compared to around $38 for a visit to the GP,” Mr Henschke said. “Older Australians by far spend the largest proportion of household income on medical expenses.” Despite the announcement last week for extra aged care funding, National Seniors continues to call for an end to the home care package waiting list, a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Mr Henschke said the $496 million announced last week for extra home care packages was barely a fifth of the $2.5 billion identified in the Royal Commission to fix the problem.

“Last year 16,000 people died waiting for a home care package and more than 13,000 were placed into an aged care facility when they wanted to remain in their homes,” he said. “We know what the figure is to fix it and yet the government is still well short of the mark.” Mr Henschke also said it was time the government took the politics out of the pension with an independent tribunal setting the Age Pension. “Successive governments on both sides have been balancing the budget on the backs of pensioners,” he said. “The deeming and taper rates are too high while savings returns for pensioner are too low. “Governments use the deeming and taper rates to get their hands in pensioners’ pockets and a pension rate set independently would put an

‘‘

Older Australians by far spend the largest proportion of household income on medical expenses. end to the politics of the pension.” National Seniors also believes the politicians’ superannuation guarantee (SG) rate should be brought into line with that of ordinary workers in the interest of fairness. MPs and Senators receive a SG rate of 15.4 per cent, while ordinary workers

receive a SG rate of 9.5 per cent. National Seniors Australia said in its submission: “At a time when politicians are calling for spending restraint and for further delays in increasing the SG to 12 per cent, it would be symbolic if politicians moved to align their own entitlements with the current SG.”

Finally, National Seniors is proposing an innovative scheme providing returns for older Australians while at the same time funding green energy infrastructure. The Snowy Hydro Green Bonds Scheme would give older Australians the opportunity to invest safely in Snowy Hydro 2.0, contributing to future energy security and lower energy prices. “It’s win-win for investors, the government and the environment,” Mr Henschke said. The 15-page document has been handed to the government in time for consideration ahead of next May’s budget.

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NEW PATHS: National Seniors is proposing an innovative scheme which would deliver returns for older Australians while at the same time funding green energy infrastructure. Picture: Contributed

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12-23 FEBRUARY 2020 Visit seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au to find an event near you or contact your local council

Discover AFFORDABLE Seniors Living overlooking the Macleay DISCOVER YOUR

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2020 NSW SENIORS FESTIVAL

Enviable lifestyle put in reach LIVE well at Macleay Village in a picture-perfect location with resort-style features and a quality home that is so affordable. The region’s newest seniors’ independent living village is open and welcoming residents. It has proudly welcomed its first residents into its brand new villas at Macleay Valley Village, in riverside Frederickton. The affordable entry price of $395,000 gives you the opportunity to live in the region’s most spectacular village. Living at Macleay represents a smart financial decision: no stamp duty, no council rates or water levies and the benefit of keeping 100 per cent of the capital gain if you sell. The village has been purposely designed for active seniors who wish to live independently in their own home and pursue a healthy lifestyle. The villas have been constructed alongside one of Australia’s premier aged care facilities, Macleay Valley

RESORT-STYLE LIVING: Macleay Village manager Emma (left) with the first two residents, Judy (centre) and Norma.

House, and share the panoramic views of the Macleay Valley from a magnificent elevated site in the quaint village of Frederickton. It’s only 45 minutes north of Port Macquarie and 25 minutes from South West Rocks on the picturesque Mid North Coast.

Country yet coastal, tranquil yet convenient. The outstanding quality for which Thompson Health Care is renowned is mirrored in each single-level, spacious villa with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and double garages. The beautifully finished

villas have Miele appliances as standard throughout, including a bonus washer, dryer and fridge/freezer. A solar hot-water system, fully ducted airconditioning, outdoor entertaining, loungedining area and flexi room complete the perfect picture, ensuring you will always live

Picture: Contributed

well. Located in the heart of the community, the stunning Country Club is designed to nurture your good health, wellbeing and social connections. Residents can use the club as an extension of their own home to entertain family and friends.

You will feel like you are living in a resort every day. Amenities include a gym, outdoor pool, residents’ bar, cafe and lounge, games room, wellness centre and library. Residents’ needs will be attended to by an expert team. Enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle where staff take care of external villa maintenance and communal amenities. For peace of mind, each villa is connected to a 24-hour emergency call system and a helping hand is not far away. The fully landscaped and maintained grounds are set on more than 10 hectares with river and valley views, bounded by Christmas Creek, where residents can go fishing, paddle a kayak or simply enjoy a walk in the great outdoors and wide-open spaces. If you are ready for a new stylish villa and an environment where you live well at every stage, then visit the display centre, choose a villa and make your perfect move in 2020. To book your tour, contact village manager Emma on (02) 6561 0999.

Drop into the Festival GAIL FORRER - EDITOR COME ON friends, it’s time to start planning for the NSW Seniors festival. To get the best out of the enormous range of activities, entertainment and celebrations especially planned for you and your friends, look through this festival feature and start marking off the dates. Among the many things this festival offers, is the great opportunity to experience something different or perhaps meet up with a new social group. Have you ever tried tie-dying, tai chi or perhaps you have thought about

attending a free Tech Savvy Seniors class at the library – but not quite made it there. The Seniors Festival really does give you a chance to start the year with a fresh direction. I’m sure you will be impressed with the practical aspect of many of the sessions. For instance, are you thinking about improving your diet (and who isn’t) you may enjoy the Cooking for Positive Ageing classes and then there’s the Healthy Ageing Talk from health professional which also takes in a mental health perspective. The community has worked hard to have something for everyone – so don’t miss out.

BE THERE: Time to prepare for February Festival celebrations.

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2020 NSW SENIORS FESTIVAL LOVE to celebrate? Then you’re in luck, because there will be lots to celebrate at the 2020 NSW Seniors Festival. The theme for the 2020 festival is Love to Celebrate. During the festival there are hundreds of free and discounted events and activities for seniors across NSW. The festival will run from February 12-23; see our calendar of events listing below for details.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Texttiled Collaborative Exhibition Venue: Grafton Library foyer, 126-144 Pound St, Grafton, 10am-5.30pm. Cost: Free. Contact: Phone (02) 6641 0100 or email graftonlib@ crl.nsw.gov.au. Morning Tea Deal Seniors Week morning tea offer runs until Sunday, February 23. Receive a scone for just 20c until 11.30am daily when purchasing a coffee. Venue: Grafton District Services Club.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Texttiled Collaborative Exhibition Venue: Grafton Library, foyer, 126-144 Pound St, Grafton, 10am-5.30pm. Cost: Free. Contact: Phone (02) 6641 0100 or email graftonlib@ crl.nsw.gov.au. NSW Seniors Festival Expo This annual, free and fun event features more than 60 exhibitors, live stage entertainment and plenty of games, giveaways and workshops. The expo has all the latest information on travel, lifestyle, health, services and more. Key highlights planned for the 2020 expo include: a toe-tapping performance from Australia’s longest-

serving Beatles cover band; a talk and book signing with author, scriptwriter and Home and Away star Judy Nunn; free barista coffee when you visit the Challenger stand; dance lessons from Brent Street Dance School; Holiday giveaways, competitions and prizes. Also, you’ll want to be wearing your blue suede shoes when an Elvis impersonator visits. Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Bring your own drink bottle and fill up at one of the expo water stations supplied by Sydney Water. Venue: Hall 4, Exhibition Centre, ICC, Sydney, 9am6pm. Cost: Free. Contact: Register online at eventbrite.com.au. Craft Morning Grafton Senior Citizens Inc. will hold a craft morning tea and trading table. Venue: Kensei Lounge, Grafton Racecourse, Powell St, Grafton, 9-11.30am. Fitness Classes Mature and Motivated Beginners’ Anytime Fitness is on February 13 and 20. Caters for all levels of fitness, strength and mobility. Venue: Anytime Fitness, 2/5 Iolanthe Street, South Grafton, 9.30-10.30am.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Texttiled Collaborative Exhibition Venue: Grafton Library, foyer, 126-144 Pound St, Grafton, 10am -5.30pm. Cost: Free. Contact: Phone (02) 6641 0100 or email graftonlib@ crl.nsw.gov.au. Library Lovers’ Day The Love of Adventure at Grafton Library. It’s Library Lovers’ Day so come and join Clive Cussler Award winner, local author Jacob Avila, for a special morning tea and talk. Venue: Grafton Library,

10.30-11.30am. Cost: Free. Ladies, Give Golf a Go Ever wanted to give golf a go? Now’s your chance, with SWR Golf Club, which kicks off during the 2020 Macleay Seniors Festival. Dates for this initial course are: February 14, 21 and 28 and March 6. Venue: South West Rocks Golf Course Meet at the golf pro shop near SWR Country Club. When: Friday, February 14 from 9-10am. Cost: $60 for a six-week program. Contact: Annette Lambert 0407 739 051 or Glenis Stokes 0427 055 759. Parking is available. Booking is essential. Groups are limited to 10 ladies. A second group may run if there is enough interest. Health Talk Michael Fowler, acting director of nursing at Kempsey Hospital, is coming to the library to answer all your questions about our local medical services. He will discuss such topics as the services provided by Kempsey and Port Macquarie hospitals, public and private hospitals and how their services differ, and the roles played by different health organisations such as the Local Area Health Service. Venue: Kempsey Shire Library, cnr Elbow and Tozer Streets, West Kempsey, 10.30am-noon. Cost: Free (morning tea provided). Accessibility: wheelchair accessible and parking available. Contact: Bookings preferred (for catering purposes). Phone or email Kempsey Library on 6566 3210 or kempsey.library@ kempsey.nsw.gov.au. Indoor Bowls With SWR Senior Citizens New members and guests are always welcome to come along and learn how to play

IMMERSIVE APPROACH: Aqua aerobics and other fitness classes are on offer for seniors keen to start the year on a healthy note. Picture: Contributed

bowls with SWR Senior Citizens. No equipment or experience is needed, just turn up. The bowling is set up in the auditorium. Venue: SWR Country Club Auditorium, 2 Sportmans Way, South West Rocks, 9.30-11am. Cost: $2 to play. Tech-Savy Seniors Learn to use your email and Facebook to share your videos, photos and other files with friends and family. Bring your own device (laptop, iPad, tablet or smartphone), fully charged and ready to use. Venue: Kempsey Shire Library, cnr Elbow and Tozer streets, West Kempsey, 10am-noon. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, with parking. Contact: Register on 6566 3210 or email kempsey.library@kempsey. nsw.gov.au. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited. Accessibility: wheelchair accessible. Transport: A free Cavanagh bus service is running from Kempsey to Stuarts Point. Contact Mary Williams on 6566 3210, or email

mary.williams@kempsey .nsw.gov.au. Intergenerational Tour Coffs Regional Gallery will present an intergenerational tour for Seniors Week, hosted by gallery curator Cecile Knight. This art tour takes place during the first exhibition of the gallery’s 2020 program: An Artist’s Garden. Participants young and old will be able to question and respond to each other and the works, as well as participate in art activities run by exhibiting artist Terri Butterworth. This event will be both playful and informative. Venue: Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, 1011.30am. Faces Places French Film Screenings This film by D. Agnes Varda runs for 89 minutes, is rated G and is n French with English subtitles. It will be shown on February 14 and 19. Varda, the grande dame of the French New Wave, revives the spirit of The Gleaners and I with this picaresque romp through rural France, and is joined in her image. But whereas the

ruminative, masterly Varda has spent more than half a century making fiction and documentary films, her hip young companion, JR, specialises in crafting largescale photographic portraits. Together, they drive through remote parts of the French countryside, touring farms and villages in a specially equipped van-cumphotography lab. Taking photos of the people they meet, in all their humility and grandeur, and plastering the huge blackand-white printouts in prominent local spots, the duo trace out an expansive sketch of the nation as a whole, in a documentary that teems with warmth, compassion and humanity. Venue: Woolgoolga Community Hall, February 14, 3pm afternoon tea with | 4pm film start. Also at: Cavanbah Centre Hall, Wednesday, February 19, at 2pm with afternoon tea before a 3pm film start. Cost: Free. NSW Seniors Festival Expo This annual, free and fun CONTINUED PAGE22

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2020 NSW SENIORS FESTIVAL event features more than 60 exhibitors, live stage entertainment and plenty of games, giveaways and workshops. The expo has all the latest information on travel, lifestyle, health, services and more. Key highlights planned for the 2020 expo include: a toe-tapping performance from Australia’s longestserving Beatles cover band; a talk and book signing with author, scriptwriter and Home and Away star Judy Nunn; free barista coffee available when you visit the Challenger stand; dance lessons from Brent Street Dance School; holiday giveaways, competitions and prizes. And you’ll want to be wearing your blue suede hoes when an Elvis impersonator is visiting. Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Bring your own drink bottle and fill up at one of the water stations, supplied by Sydney Water. Venue: Hall 4, Exhibition Centre, ICC, Sydney, 9am3pm. Cost: Free. Contact: Register onlineeventbrite.com.au.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Texttiled Collaborative Exhibition Venue: Grafton Library foyer, 126-144 Pound St, Grafton, 9.30am-noon. Contact: Phone (02) 6641 0100 or email graftonlib@ crl.nsw.gov.au. Exhibition Tour and Morning Tea The tour and morning tea will be with gallery director Niomi Sands at 11am. You can also find out about Friends of Grafton Gallery. Venue: Grafton Regional Gallery, 11am.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Me and My Shadow Concert by Tim Maddren Tim will salute the great saloon singers, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and Bobby Darin. Venue: Saraton Theatre, 2pm. Cost: Tickets $30 a person, available from the theatre. Contact: Saraton website. Tommy Memphis Join us in celebrating Seniors Week 2020 with a two-course lunch while being entertained by Tommy Memphis. Tommy sings a lot of rock ’n’ roll and country music in his mammoth sets but also throws in other genres. He has a genuine warmth that only comes from doing something he loves. If you attend one of his shows, you will be all the better for it. You walk away feeling good about yourself – something that is his trademark. Floor plan and tickets are available from reception. Venue: Grafton District Services Club, 11.30am3pm.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Texttiled Collaborative Exhibition Grafton Library foyer, 126-144 Pound St, Grafton, 10am-5.30pm. Cost: Free. Contact: Phone (02) 6641 0100 or email graftonlib@ crl.nsw.gov.au. Free Theatre Tours at the Laycock Celebrate the 2020 NSW Seniors Festival this February with a sneak peek Behind the Curtains tour. We’re thrilled to pull back the stage curtains and give you a free “behind-thescenes’’ glimpse of our theatre with exclusive access to the main stage, backstage, dressing rooms and bio box. Tours are at 10am, 11am and 12pm and run for about 45 minutes each. Groups are

GOOD SPORTS: Fitness centres and many other groups are hosting seniors’ classes.

limited to 20 people a time. Venue: 5 Laycock St, Gosford. Cost: Free. Contact: An RSVP is essential. Phone the Laycock Street Theatre box office on (02) 4323 3233 to register your interest. Collage Workshop Look, touch, talk and make at a collage workshop with Grafton Regional Gallery. The workshop is for residents and families at Grafton Aged Care Home. Venue: Grafton Aged Care Home, 12 Bent St, South Grafton, at 9:30am. Contact: Grafton Aged Care Home. Health Assessment A health assessment and free exercise classes are at Jetts Fitness from February 17-21. Venue: Shoppingworld Grafton. Contact: Assessment and classes are by appointment – phone 6697 5662 for days and times. Chair Yoga Yoga offers increased flexibility and strength and is

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Picture: Contributed

lots of fun for everyone. Chair yoga is offered by Di Luxton on February 17 at these times: from 1.30-2pm at Yamba Library; from 33.30pm at Iluka Library; from 10.30-11am at Maclean Library. Tech-Savvy Seniors Join a Tech Savvy Seniors with Telstra workshop. There will be three sessions on different topics. Venue: Grafton Shoppingworld workshop hub. Contact: Book through the Telstra store. The sessions are: 10am: Technology. 12pm: Navigating apps. 2pm: All Things Google.

a singalong and a morning tea with local seniors’ singing group the Forget Me Nots. Venue: Grafton Library, 10am-12pm. Tech-Savvy Seniors Join a Tech Savvy Seniors with Telstra workshop. There will be three sessions on different topics. The sessions are: 10am: The Little Black Book of Scams Part 1. 12pm: The Little Black Book of Scams Part 2. 2pm: Passwords. Venue: Grafton Shoppingworld workshop hub. Contact: Book through the Telstra store.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Texttiled Collaborative Exhibition Venue: Grafton Library foyer, 126-144 Pound St, Grafton, 10am-5.30pm. Cost: Free. Contact: Phone (02) 6641 0100 or email graftonlib@ crl.nsw.gov.au. Singalong Your library invites you to

Hall Come along for an actionpacked day of fun at Stuarts Point to celebrate our seniors. Join our seniors and children from Stuarts Point Public School as they participate in Uncle Col Hardy’s Animals of the Dreaming Zoomobile show, then listen to the school band perform while enjoying morning tea. Try your hand at cake decorating, lure making, or pedalling your way to making a smoothie on the blender bike. During lunch, listen to special guest speakers from Mid North Coast Local Health District. Get involved in Stuarts Point story time, have fun with the afternoon singalong and more. Venue: Stuarts Point Community Hall, 2A Ocean Avenue, Stuarts Point, 9.30am-4pm. Cost: $5. Tech-Savvy Seniors Sharing Photos Online Learn to use your email and Facebook to share your CONTINUED PAGE 23

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2020 NSW SENIORS FESTIVAL FROM PAGE 22

videos, photos and other files with friends and family. Bring your own device (laptop, iPad, tablet or smartphone), fully charged and ready to use. Venue: Kempsey Shire Library, cnr Elbow and Tozer Streets, West Kempsey, 10am-12pm. Contact: Bookings are essential as spaces are limited. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, parking. Contact: Register with Kempsey Library on 6566 3210 or email kempsey .library@kempsey.nsw.gov. au. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Transport: A free Cavanagh bus service is running from Kempsey to Stuarts Point. Contact Mary Williams on 6566 3210, or email her at mary.williams@ kempsey.nsw.gov.au. Intergenerational Tour Coffs Regional Gallery presents an intergenerational tour for Seniors Week hosted by gallery curator Cecile Knight. This art tour takes place during the first exhibition of the gallery’s 2020 program: An Artist’s Garden. Participants young and old will be able to question and respond to each other and the works, as well as participate in art activities run by exhibiting artist Terri Butterworth. This event will be both playful and informative. Please join us for this special tour. Venue: Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, 1011.30am. Tech-Savvy Seniors Tech Savvy Seniors with Telstra will hold workshops at Grafton Shoppingworld. Sessions are: 10am: Apple camera. 12pm: Samsung camera. 2pm: Master photo class. Venue: Workshop hub. Contact: Book through

NEW CLASSES : Turn into a tech whiz and join some smart device sessions.

the Telstra store. Afternoon Tea A Seniors Afternoon Tea will be held from 1:30pm at Maclean Bowling Club. Highlights will include lucky door prizes, raffles, tombolas and live entertainment. Venue: Maclean Bowling Club. Cost: $5.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Faces Places Film Screenings This film by D. Agnes Varda runs for 89 minutes, is rated G and is in French with English subtitles. Varda, the grande dame of the French New Wave, revives the spirit of The Gleaners and I with this picaresque romp through rural France, and is joined in her image. But whereas the ruminative, masterly Varda has spent more than half a century making fiction and documentary films, her hip young companion, JR, specialises in crafting largescale photographic portraits. Together, they drive through remote parts of the French countryside, touring farms and villages in a specially equipped van-cum-

photography lab. Taking photos of the people they meet, in all their humility and grandeur, and plastering the huge blackand-white printouts in prominent local spots, the duo trace out an expansive sketch of the nation as a whole, in a documentary that teems with warmth, compassion and humanity. Venue: Cavanbah Centre Hall at 2pm with afternoon tea before a 3pm film start. Cost: Free.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Texttiled Collaborative Exhibition Venue: Grafton Library foyer, 126-144 Pound St, Grafton, 10am-5.30pm. Cost: Free. Contact: Phone (02) 6641 0100 or email graftonlib@ crl.nsw.gov.au. Bookbinding workshop A bookbinding workshop with Monique Buchbach will be held at Grafton Library from 10am-12.30pm. Bookings are essential. Arts in mind Arts in Mind is a group for people living with dementia, and their carers. Includes morning tea and a talk about

Come & choose your villa & make your move in 2020!

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art. The group meets monthly. Venue: Grafton Regional Gallery, 10am. Tech-Savvy Seniors Tech Savvy Seniors with Telstra will hold three workshop sessions at Grafton Shoppingworld. The sessions are: 10am: Apple iPhone. 12pm: Apple iPad. 2pm: Apple Tips and Tricks. Venue: Workshop hub, Grafton Shoppingworld. Contact: Book through the Telstra store at Grafton Shoppingworld. Race-Day Special Free entry, coffee and a cookie is on offer on Race Day for Seniors at Grafton Racecourse, Powell Street. U3A Card-Making Demonstration Looking for a new hobby and have an interest in card marking? Come along to the library to watch members of the card-making group demonstrating different techniques with cards. If you like what you see, you can join the U3A and make it part of your weekly diary. Annual membership of the U3A is just $35, plus a small term fee for your chosen

activities. Venue: Kempsey Library, cnr Elbow and Tozer Streets, West Kempsey, 10.30am – 12pm. Cost: Free. Contact: Bookings are preferred (for catering purposes). Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and onsite parking available. Contact: Kempsey Library on 6566 3210 or email kempsey.library@kempsey. nsw.gov.au. Tie-Dying Classes at Community Gateway Expand your creativity with this free tie-dying workshop at Community Gateway. No experience is necessary, but please make sure you wear clothes that can get messy. Bring along something white that you would like to tie dye. Venue: Community Gateway, cnr Forth and Yaelwood Streets, Kempsey, 10am – 1pm. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and onsite parking available. Contact: Amanda Davis on 6524 5005 or email amanda.davis@community gateway.net.au. SWR Seniors Citizens Social Barbecue Every third Wednesday of the month, join the SWR Senior Citizens club for activities day. This month they’re having a social BBQ, and new members and guests are welcome. Please note: If driving, park your car on Gregory Street and please contact Dot Ware if you’d like to come. Venue: Conference Centre Japara – South West Rocks Nursing Home, 110 Gregory St, South West Rocks, from 10am. Cost: $8 a person. Contact: Bookings are essential (for catering purposes). Accessibility: Wheelchair

accessible and nearby street parking available. Contact Dot Ware on 6566 5433 or at pdware10@bigpond.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 CWA Devonshire tea and Take-Home Craft Workshop The Country Women’s Association is the largest women’s organisation in Australia. Its aims are to improve conditions for country women and children and to try to make life better for women and their families. Come along and meet your local Kempsey CWA branch at this craft workshop. Venue: Kempsey CWA, cnr Verge and John streets, Kempsey, 9-11.30am. Cost: Free. Contact: Bookings preferred (for catering purposes). Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, parking available. For information and bookings contact Nancy Fuller on 0429 668 039. Fun drawing class: South Kempsey “Can’t draw a straight line” is one comment we often hear, but if you want to learn how to draw in a pleasant, stress-free and fun environment, come along and Shirley Thring will share some tricks of the trade. Shirley’s class will offer learning, laughter and some skills to help you sketch or draw anything. Venue: Slim Dusty Centre, 490 Macleay Valley Way, South Kempsey, 10am12pm. Cost: $10 a person (includes morning tea). Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and parking. Contact: Bookings preferred, through Vicki Williams on 6562 6533 or at vicki@slimdustycentre.com. au. Roxy Boogie with the Wednesday Morning CONTINUED PAGE 24

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Group Get ready for a fun show by the renowned Wednesday Morning Group. Consisting mostly of spritely seniors, the Wednesdays will delight young and old with their quirky takes on all-time favourite tunes and their ever-popular and hilarious Fractured Fairy Tales. Venue: South West Roxy Cinema, 1 Gregory St, South West Rocks, from 6-8pm. Cost: $5. Bookings: Essential. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and parking available. Contact: Ian Yates on 0403 074 525. Online booking will be available, or buy tickets in person at the cinema. Texttiled Collaborative Exhibition Venue: Grafton Library foyer, 126-144 Pound St, Grafton, 10am-5.30pm. Cost: Free. Contact: Phone (02) 6641 0100 or email graftonlib@

crl.nsw.gov.au. Tech-Savvy Seniors with Telstra Tech-Savvy Seniors will hold three sessions at Grafton Shoppingworld. The sessions are: 10am: passwords. 12pm: The Little Black Book of Scams Part 1. 2pm: The Little Black Book of Scams Part 2. Venue: Shoppingworld workshop hub. Contact: Book through the Telstra store in the shopping centre. Home Care Information Market A home care information market will be held from 10am-noon at Grafton District Services Club. Meet you local home care providers from the Clarence Valley.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Texttiled Collaborative Exhibition Venue: Grafton Library foyer, 126-144 Pound St, Grafton, 9.30am-noon. Contact: Phone (02) 6641

BE CREATIVE: South Kempsey’s Slim Dusty Centre can help you tap into your artistic side. Picture: Contributed

0100 or email graftonlib@ crl.nsw.gov.au. TV Variety Show Robertson Brothers – a 1960s TV Variety Show – is at 8pm until late at Yamba Bowling Club. Take a trip down memory lane with this amazing interactive live TV variety

show featuring hits from The Seekers, the Bee Gees, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Neil Sedaka and The Everly Brothers. Tickets are $51.50 and can be bought at reception. Creative Writing Class with Shirley Thring If you can write a

shopping list or leave a note for friends or family, then you can write. It is easy to learn, fun and rewarding and we look forward to sharing a few hints and helpful tricks to ease the way. Come along to the Slim Dusty Centre and join Shirley Thring in learning the

creative side of writing. Venue: Slim Dusty Centre, 490 Macleay Valley Way, South Kempsey, 10am12pm. Cost: $10 a person (includes morning tea). Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and parking. CONTINUED PAGE 25

Embrace the Internet! It’s time to jump on the social media bandwagon! Let Seniors ease you into the exciting world of online. Get every news story - big or small, the latest exclusive offers, plus a whole heap more when you connect with Seniors on social media.

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Visit facebook.com/seniorsnews or seniorsnews.com.au

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Contact: Bookings preferred, through Vicki Williams on 6562 6533 or at vicki@slimdustycentre .com.au.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Roxy Cinema: Super Special $5 Screening Love going to the cinema but can’t always afford the spare pocket money? The South West Roxy Cinema is giving you the chance to attend its 11am screening today for just $5 a person (on presentation of a valid Seniors Card). For more details, check out www.swroxycinema .com.au. Venue: South West Roxy Cinema, 1 Gregory St, South West Rocks, 11am. Cost: $5 on presentation of Seniors Card. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and parking available. Contact: Ian Yates on 0403 074 525. Online booking will be available, or

buy at the cinema. Premier’s Gala Concerts A convoy of retirement village buses will be heading to Sydney to celebrate the 2020 NSW Seniors Festival. The star-studded Premier’s Gala Concerts are a major highlight and are free to all seniors. The concerts will be held on Thursday, February 13, and Friday, February 14, at First State Super Theatre, ICC Sydney, in Darling Harbour. Four concerts will be held across two days, at 11.15am and 2.45pm each day. Performers will include: John Paul Young John Paul was one of the most popular Australian artists of the 1970s. John Paul regularly lit up the stage on Countdown, Australia’s most popular music show, as both a guest and performer. His easygoing, boyish personality made him a favourite with fans. His music was part of the soundtrack for the

SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE: Morning teas bringing people together, often while they are being entertained, are set to feature at many venues during the special celebrations for seniors. Picture: Contributed

Countdown generation, with major hits such as The Love Game, I Hate the Music, I Wanna Do It With You, Standing in the Rain and of course his No. 1 song, Love Is in the Air. John Paul has cemented

his place in music history with more than four million record sales, and his induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2009. Vanessa Amorosi Vanessa is one of Australia’s most loved artists

of the 21st century. Her songwriting chops and dynamic vocal range have seen her sell more than two million records worldwide. Vanessa has released four acclaimed albums and received 16 ARIA and APRA

nominations. She stopped the world in its tracks with Absolutely Everybody at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and released such era-defining CONTINUED PAGE 26

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singles as Shine, Have a Look, Mr Mysterious and This Is Who I Am. Vanessa was back in the limelight in 2019 with her new album Back to Love, which saw her return to pop music. Paulini Paulini has been heralded as one of the finest vocalists and performers to come out of Australia. The Fijian-born songstress rose to fame through television screens on the very first season of Australian Idol. Paulini rose to prominence on the top of the Australian ARIA charts in 2004 with her debut platinum album One Determined Heart. She is still one of only 10 Australian female solo artists to have a No. 1 album debut on the Australian ARIA charts. Paulini played the lead role as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard Musical in 2017. This was closely followed by

roles in the Saturday Night Fever Musical and 50th Anniversary of Hair the Musical. Most recently, Paulini was revealed as “The Spider’’ on the first season of The Masked Singer Australia. Alfie Arcuri Distinctively emotive, soul-inspired pop singer/ songwriter Alfie Arcuri hit the mainstream after being crowned the winner of The Voice in 2016. Since winning the show, Alfie has headlined some of the biggest national television events, including State of Origin, Channel 9’s Carols by Candlelight and most recently, SBS’s Eurovision – Australia Decides. His first single, If They Only Knew, released in July 2017, has already in excess of 3.5 million streams across all platforms, while his second self-penned track, Love is Love, headlined as the anthem of the marriage equality campaign in 2017. Check with your local bus

PARTY ON: Gala concerts in Sydney will be a Seniors Week highlight.

companies and retirement villages to see whether they are attending the gala concerts. Or book your ticket on

NSW Trainlink and head for Central Station and Darling Harbour. Lorenzo Rositano Lorenzo is a powerful and

Picture: Contributed

passionate opera singer. An operatic tenor, Lorenzo’s repertoire ranges from popular musical theatre songs to operatic

arias and traditional Neapolitan classics. Lorenzo is known for his work in the internationally renowned group The Australian Tenors. He also appears regularly on Australian television and performed in the 2018 Australia Day Concert, live from the Sydney Opera House. Tickets are available via Ticketek until booked out. Tickets can be booked online at ticketek.com.au/ seniorsfestival or by phone at 1300 130 613. If booking by phone, please be patient and expect lengthy delays. Seniors are welcome to ask friends or family to book their tickets on their behalf. There is a maximum of four tickets a person, per concert. A last-minute release of tickets will take place in late January 2020. Disclaimer: Dates and times are printed as submitted to us. No responsibility is taken for accuracy of this information.

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FILM SCREENING COFFS Harbour City Council presents free screenings of French film Faces Places to celebrate Seniors Week 2020, at Cavanbah Centre Hall and Woolgoolga Community Hall. Faces Places is a picturesque romp through rural France with the late grand dame of the French New Wave, Agnes Varda. Varda’s contributions in the world of art and cinema have been well celebrated and documented for decades – at the tender age of 90 Varda became the oldest filmmaker to be nominated for an Academy Award. Here she teams up with her hip companion, photographer J.R., as they embark on a tour of remote parts of the French countryside, touring farms and villages in a specially equipped van-cumphotography lab. A screening is at Woolgoolga Community Hall, 8 Boundary St, Woolgoolga, on Friday, February 14, at 3pm with afternoon tea and a 4pm film start; and at Cavanbah Centre Hall, 191 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour, on Wednesday, February 19, at 2pm for afternoon tea and 3pm film start.

COFFS BY NATURE FOREST BATHING Head to the Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens for its Coffs By Nature program. On January 24 it will run forest bathing from 9am. In this session explore the ancient art of forest bathing, known as Shinrin-yoku in Japan and tig allais by the Irish Celts. Studies have demonstrated that the practice has a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilising and improving mood and cognition. Breathe out, the bush breathes in. As the bush breathes out, people breathe in. Humans are tied to the breathing cycle of all green plants. A highly skilled mindfulness practitioner, Lisa, the guide, will share some practices to take home and make forest bathing part of a weekly routine. All ages welcome. Book tickets through: https://www.event brite.com.au/e/coffs-bynature-forest-bathingtickets-.

ARTIST TALK: JEREMY SHEEHAN TRANSMIGRATION Hear local artist Jeremy V1 - SEFE01Z01MA

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\\JANUARY, 2020 Sheehan talk about how these extraordinary bird sculptures returned home from a long and incredible journey.Transmigration consists of 22 bird sculptures, each with its own story, made from a skeleton of collected ocean plastic overlaid with materials that slowly break down. These sculptures were sent to individual islands in the Pacific where artists and communities made similar birds that were sent back to Australia. This event follows on from Coffs by Nature The Language of Song, which begins at 9am at Saltwater Creek Park and ends at the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery. The talk will be held at the gallery on January 25 from 11-11.45am.

What’s on

FESTIVAL OF SMALL HALLS - CORAMBA This brings the best folk and contemporary acoustic artists to tiny halls in the spirit of hospitality and great fun on February 1 at Coramba Community Hall from 6.30-9.30pm. Features Siobhan Miller, one of Scotland’s foremost singers, and Bellingen-bornand-bred star Jack Carty. Enjoy a beautiful night of original music and a chance to catch up with families and friends. This is an all-ages event and all welcome.

DAMIEN LEITH SINGS ROY THIS year (2020) marks the golden anniversary of legendary Roy Orbison and Joe Melson’s classic hit Only the Lonely and to celebrate, Damien Leith will perform a strictly limited run of dates of his stage show Roy – A Tribute to Roy Orbison with Strings. Includes a show at Coffs Harbour Jetty Theatre on February 8 from 7.30pm.

ACCESSIBLE ART AT THE GLASSHOUSE Accessible Art Tours at the Glasshouse provide a welcoming, relaxed environment, helping enhancing connection to the exhibitions on display while encouraging self-expression. This relaxed tour will provide an opportunity for participants to share their opinions and experiences. The tour is replacing Art and Alzheimer’s and is now available to all patrons with accessibility needs. It is held on the last Friday of the month and patrons may reserve places in advance but payment and final numbers are required the

FRENCH FLAVOUR: Faces Places will screen free at the Cavanbah Centre Hall and Woolgoolga Community Hall as part of Seniors Week 2020 thanks to the Coffs Council. Picture: Contributed

Monday before the booked tour. Please note – minimum booking of five attendees. Maximum of 10 attendees l per tour. Next tour is Friday, January 31, from 9.45am. Phone (02) 6581 8888, info@glasshouse.org.au or go to glasshouse.org.au/ Whats-On/Accessible-ArtTours-2020.

RED-HOT SUMMER TOUR This hugely popular music festival is returning to Port for another year, with Hunters and Collectors headlining, supported by James Reyne and The Living End, along with The Angels, Baby Animals, Killing Heidi and Boom Crash Opera. On the green at waterside Westport Park, the event will be held on Saturday, February 1, from noon to 10pm. Contact: mail.bookings@ ticketmaster.com.au or go to redhotsummertour.com.au/. Disabled access available; contact operator for details.

GRAPE STOMPING Join in the fun of the Annual Grape Stomping Championships and live music in the Vineyards. It’s held on the second Sunday of February each year. Teams of two jump in wooden barrels to see how much juice they can stomp out of 10 kilograms of grapes in 60 seconds. The fun doesn’t stop there: get lost

in the biggest hedge maze in the southern hemisphere. So, bring along picnic rugs and umbrellas, pick a spot

on the lush rolling lawns and settle in for a great day. From Sunday, February 9, at Bago Maze and Winery,

Milligans Road, Wauchope. Phone (02) 6585 7099, email info@bago.com.au or go to bago.com.au.

Shuttle Transfers to the Sensational Seniors Expo Port Panthers, Port Macquarie 09:00 to 14:00 Monday 17th February 2020 Last year over 1,400 seniors visited the 85+ stalls receiving information and give-aways from government, industry services, travel, recreation and volunteer groups. Don’t miss out on the 2020 Sensational Seniors Expo…. All aboard the Port Bus Shuttle, departing from most Villages

$15.00 p/p Return Register your interest now, a schedule will be put together in the New Year when we will begin taking bookings. All bookings will need to be pre-paid. Phone Trish on 0425 247 747 Email tours@portbus.com.au 7113803aa

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Little things add up in retirement. Are you conﬁdent you can pay for them?

We understand you’ve got a lot of living to do in retirement. Little things like grabbing a coffee, going to the movies and meals out with friends can all add to your monthly living costs. Using part of your super or savings, add a Challenger lifetime annuity to your retirement income and you’ll enjoy guaranteed income for life, no matter how long you live. It complements your other income sources, like your super and the Age Pension. So like thousands of other retirees, you too can look forward with confidence. To find out more, go to challenger.com.au/seniorsnews or speak to your financial adviser. Challenger Life Company Limited ABN 44 072 486 938, AFSL 234670 (Challenger), the issuer of Challenger Guaranteed Annuity (Liquid Lifetime). This information has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, each person should, before acting on any such information, consider its appropriateness, having regard to their objectives, financial situation and needs. Each person should obtain and consider the Challenger Guaranteed Annuity (Liquid Lifetime) Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making a decision about whether to acquire or continue to hold the annuity. A copy of the PDS can be obtained from your financial adviser, our Investor Services team on 13 35 66, or at www.challenger.com.au. All references to guaranteed payments refer to the payments Challenger promises to pay under the relevant policy documents. Neither the Challenger group of companies nor any company within the Challenger group guarantees the performance of Challenger’s obligations or assumes any obligations in respect of products issued, or guarantees given, by Challenger. 40452/0120

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2020 NSW SENIORS FESTIVAL BRAND INSIGHTS WILLAID Healthcare Solutions has been servicing the Coffs coast for over 24 years. Willaid delivers innovative solutions, tailored to suit people’s needs for independent living, comfort and mobility. Willaid regularly assists customers on Home Care packages and work closely with many of the providers in the region. Love to celebrate? In line with the theme of this year’s festival, Willaid is offering a reason to celebrate! Willaid invites you to visit the new showroom this Senior’s Festival and to celebrate this special event in our region, bring in this advertisement to receive a 5 per cent discount on new equipment*. The new, conveniently located showroom along the highway is just a block from the hospital and is able to boast an improved and impressive product range; the friendly team are ready to help. Here are three helpful tips from the team at Willaid to keep you independent, active and comfortable in your own home:

Start simple: Sometimes it’s the simplest smallequipment solutions that can make a big difference and make everyday living easier. Willaid has a huge range of daily living aids available in store. Try the One Touch jar and bottle opener, Uccello tipper kettle or other specialty kitchen utensils, for example. These items also make great gifts for a loved one. Maintain mobility: Stay active and maintain your mobility and function with Willaid Healthcare Solutions’ scooters and walking aids. The innovative range of motorised or manual mobility aids will help keep you active and independent all year round. Create comfort and control safety: In store you will find customisable home furniture solutions for your comfort and safety. Willaid welcomes you to trial its showroom equipment anytime, or call to book in for a free consultation at home or on site. New this season are the unique and modern Alivio four-function recliner chairs with recline and footrests, chairlift and independently adjustable head and lumbar support – only available at Willaid.

CONVENIENT BASE: The friendly, knowledgeable Willaid team has a new showroom.

The modern Alivio-style electric bed range is a brilliant mix of style, custom comfort and modern design. Finding solutions to individual needs is Willaid’s specialty so be sure to

check out what’s on offer. Willaid Healthcare Solutions’ new showroom is at Shop 2/9 North Boambee Road, Coffs Harbour. For more information

Picture: Contributed

phone 6651 7900, email sales@willaid.com.au, go to www.willaid.com.au or stay informed about the latest news from the company on Facebook. Trading hours are:

Monday to Friday, 8.30am4.30pm. *The discount applies to showroom sales of equipment only, between February 12 and 29, 2020.

AGED CARE PACKAGES ACCEPTED

Innovative healthcare solutions, tailored to suit your needs.

SALES

HIRE

REPAIR & SERVICE

A larger range of products now on display. Our passionate team are ready to help you.

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(02) 6651 7900

Comfort

Independence

2/9 North Boambee Road, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450

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Linked is driven to help out BRAND INSIGHTS ARE you aged 65 or over? You may be eligible for subsidised transport services. If you are 65 or over (or 50 or over and identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person) and require some support to continue to live independently, you are likely to be entitled to the subsidised transport services provided by Linked Community Services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). The CHSP funds a wide range of organisations, such as Linked Community Services, to

deliver aged care services that focus on helping older people live as independently and safely as possible. If you generally manage to live independently but need some help getting out of the house to appointments and activities, or have had a setback and require short-term support, Linked Community Services can help you get to where you need to go. If you are eligible, you have the ability to choose your service provider. All you need to do is tell your Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessor through My Aged Care that Linked Community

ROAD TO SUCCESS: Linked Community Services is a popular, long-established transport provider. Picture: Contributed

Services is your chosen provider. Why choose Linked Community Services as your transport provider? For more than 30 years,

Linked Community Services has been the quality transport provider within the Port Macquarie and Port Stephens regions, providing 60,000plus trips a year.

We are a trusted and reliable local organisation that can link you to the community via our services to enhance your independence and safety. We can transport you to

your medical or personal appointments (such as. doctors, physiotherapy, hairdresser, etc.), weekly shopping, social activities and more. Booking our transport is as simple as calling one of our friendly staff, who will ensure your driver will be there when you need us. We pride ourselves on offering more than door-todoor services, meaning our drivers are always more than happy to help you in and out of the vehicle, walk you to your door and even help bring in your shopping bags. This is an ideal time to take advantage of our services, as we have launched a convenient special offer. For a limited period, we are providing free additional stops within 10km of the original booked destination. For example, if you book a trip to visit your doctor and after your appointment need to go to the pharmacy, we will drive you for no extra cost within 10km. Contact us on (02) 6583 8644 or go to linked.org.au . Even if you aren’t eligible under CHSP, we have a wide range of other transport options.

AGED CARE

At Community Care Options we specialise in community care. We provide professional, tailored, well planned and personalised supports and services to people of all ages and abilities. We provide supports in your home and your community.

Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Home Care Packages (HCP) – CDC Transitional Aged Care

DISABILITY An NDIS registered provider for: Service Delivery Support Coordination Plan Management

ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS

• Compacks - supporting you safely home from hospital • We offer a full range of affordable in home services to all people

Community Care Options is a local not-for-proﬁt provider and has served our community for over 25 years. Our Head Ofﬁce is located right here on the Mid North Coast.

Community Care Options - YOUR CHOICE

P: 6650 2000

admin@cco.net.au

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OUR SERVICES - CAN’T BE BEATEN ON QUALITY OR COST

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It’s easy, just get on the bus BRAND INSIGHTS

LET us take the hassle out of getting you to the Sensational Seniors Expo at Port Panthers. Port Bus Charters, Tours & Rentals is owned and run by the local McGrady family. On Monday, February 17, the friendly, reliable and experienced staff are providing Port Macquarie seniors with a $15 return bus service to the biggest seniors expo on the Mid North Coast, The Sensational Seniors Expo at Port Panthers. The buses will be picking up from villages, resorts and caravan parks to deliver you safely to the expo, where you will discover the largest collection of seniors’ services and information under the one roof. There will be more than 90 healthy, wealthy, wise and travel stalls to visit. Entry into the expo is free and a round trip on the bus will cost you $15.

THE BUSES WILL BE PICKING UP FROM VILLAGES, RESORTS AND CARAVAN PARKS TO DELIVER YOU SAFELY TO THE EXPO. Port Bus also has some seats available for the Elton John concert in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday, February 26. (Note: February 25 show has a waiting list.) Seniors are also invited to jump on board to attend Missy Higgins in concert. This is a two-day journey (one night) from February 28 to March 1. Don’t miss your chance to see Missy Higgins and special guest William Crighton live at the Sydney Coliseum Theatre 2020 in what is to be an unforgettable performance. For an entire calendar of 2020 trips and shows, call us on 0425 247 747 or visit our website: portbus.com.au.

HISTORIC MOMENT: Elton John will thrill Mid North Coast audiences by delivering the first music performance ever to be staged at Coffs Harbour's C.ex Coffs International Stadium on Wednesday, February 26. Picture: Contributed

Your rights. Your voice. Seniors Rights Service provides free, confidential advocacy, advice, education and legal services in New South Wales. Free and confidential Legal | Aged Care Advocacy | Education

1800 424 079 www.seniors rights service.org.au

Seniors Rights Service Limited | ABN 98 052 960 862 | ACN 626 676 533 V1 - SEFE01Z01MA

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Exercise proves key to enjoying later years THE NSW Seniors Expo is making it easy for you to access classes and get into top shape for 2020, or for others it could be just a case of keeping up the good work. According to Fitness Australia, commissioned research has revealed Baby Boomers are doing far more physical activity over a year than any of the younger generations. Fitness Australia spokeswoman Chantal Brodrick said at the top of the activity list were walking and gardening. “From the research, we are also seeing they are doing group fitness classes and strength training,” Ms Brodrick said. “We know that strength training can really improve and help osteoporosis; it helps strengthen our bones.” Ms Brodrick said Baby Boomers had come to understand the importance of moving more often to help prevent chronic health conditions and alleviate existing health issues. “As soon as you start being active, you feel better for doing it,“ she said. Jo Hill, 73, and her husband Philip, 70, wanted to stay fit as they aged. Jo has been active all her life, particularly as she managed the physical requirements of her severely disabled son. “I am exercising three times a week,” Jo said. V1 - SEFE01Z01MA

WE HAVE COMPARED OURSELVES TO FRIENDS OF THE SAME AGE THAT WALK FAR TOO SLOW FOR US. IT’S A MINDSET AS YOU GET OLDER, THAT PEOPLE THINK OLDER. WE TRY NOT TO DO THAT JO HILL

She does the cycle class, walking, rowing and free weights. Since Phil retired five years ago, he has joined Jo in the gym, but he does the exercises that suit him. “We will keep doing this as long as we can,” Jo added. “We won’t stop until we have to; it’s just part of our life. “We feel so much better. “We have compared ourselves to friends of the same age that walk far too slow for us. It’s a mindset as you get older, that people think older. We try not to do that.” Before you start a fitness activity or introduce strength training to your activities, Ms Brodrick said it was vital to get guidance from a qualified trainer. The best place to find a registered trainer who is working near you and has qualified to work with “older adults” is to go to Find Personal Trainer on fitnessaustralia.com.au. “This is important because you need to know you are in safe hands,” Ms Brodrick said. “You need to know that

if you are starting an exercise routine, that you are working with someone who understands your body and goals, and why it is that you want to become more active.” For those Baby Boomers who haven’t got moving yet, Ms Brodrick has some motivational tips. • If you plan your activity with friends, you are less likely to give it up and maybe they won’t either since both of you will be relying on each other for motivation and company. • It will much more fun if you do an activity you really enjoy. It’s likely to feel less like a chore. • Find a trainer so both of you can work on a program and towards your goals. • If you are worried about the cost of trainer, look for ones that offer small group training or gym classes. • Know why you want and need to get moving. Is it health, maintaining independence, to meet new people, try something new, or a mix of all of the above? • Check with your GP on what activities you are capable of doing safely. • It’s important to start at a manageable level and gradually build up. • Doing activities that require you to move in all directions, such as yoga, dance, tai chi and even simple at-home moves like single-leg balancing, help hone your balance, in turn reducing the risk of falls and fractures.

FIT FOR LIFE: Exercise physiologist Chantal Brodrick with senior client Jo Hill.

Picture: Contributed

Rock N Roll Weekend

Feb 14-16 Come and dance the weekend away

Show N Shine Classic Car Show In the RSL car Park Saturday Feb 15, 10 am-2pm

Nelson Street, Nambucca Heads • Phone 6568 6288 info@nambuccarsl.com.au nambuccarsl.com.au We practice the responsible service of alcohol. Think! About your choices, call Gambling Help 1800 858 858.

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Aussies face smoke related health fears AS SMOKE haze continues to blanket parts of the country, the Heart Foundation is urging Australians with conditions such as heart failure, and those aged 65 years and over, to be aware of the risks to their health and the need to protect themselves. Heart Foundation Chief Medical Adviser, cardiologist Professor Garry Jennings, said bushfire smoke contained harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, and very small particles that could an penetrate deep into the lungs. Professor Jennings said if smoke particles cross from the lungs into the bloodstream, it can contribute to inflammation and narrowing of blood vessels, as well as increasing the chance of blood clots, in vulnerable people. This can worsen pre-existing conditions like heart failure and high blood pressure and can trigger events such as heart attacks. “Australians at a higher risk should stay indoors where possible and safe, and close their windows and doors to minimise smoke in the home. If you have air-conditioning, switch it to recycle or

recirculate to help filter particles from indoor air, and avoid being outdoors while smoke is in the area. “In line with health department advice, we recommend that our Heart Foundation Walking Groups cancel any planned outdoor walks if they are in smoke or fire-affected areas, especially if the air quality is very poor.” Professor Jennings said: “Bushfire smoke may cause or aggravate symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. It’s important to stay inside where possible, keep your medicines close at hand, and follow the advice of your doctor. “Friends, relatives and carers should be extra watchful and check in regularly. If you are worried about your symptoms, see your doctor or call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222. “Most importantly, If you are having trouble breathing, or experience chest pain or tightness, you should seek immediate medical help by calling Triple Zero (000),” he said.

A treat for all your senses

G 10 OPE ARD .00 N W EN a Fr m ed CAF ee - 2 - S É Wi .00 un Fi pm

North Coast Regional Botanic Garden Coffs Harbour Celebrate 2020 Seniors Festival with Coffs Harbour City Orchestra Sunday Feb 23 at 10am Hardacre St, Coffs Harbour

(off Harbour Dr behind TAFE College)

6648 4188

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FREE ENTRY

www.ncrbg.com.au coffsbotanicgarden

FOCUS ON FITNESS: Anytime Fitness Grafton proprietors Kathryn Langford and Jenny Ryder.

Fitness support available for Grafton seniors ANYTIME Fitness Grafton offers two specifically designed programs for Clarence Valley Seniors. Proprietors Kathryn

Langford and Jenny Ryder are passionate about helping local Seniors to maintain healthy fitness levels. It’s about that famous old saying “use it or lose it”. A lot of seniors seem to choose to stop being active as they age, when it is actually important that they keep moving. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of motivation. And support. The Gym Fundamentals program caters for such people who have limited gym experience. This instructor-led program will run twice weekly for six weeks and is the perfect introduction to gym life. Gym Fundamentals will provide intensive

Now offering programs and classes for the MATURE and MOTIVATED

Shop 2, 5 Iolanthe St, South Grafton 02 6642 3055

support and introduce seniors to gym equipment and etiquette. Upon conclusion of the introductory program, gym members will then graduate to the Mature and Motivated program, which offers three instructor-led classes per week. There are two types of classes offered in the program; an instructor-led written program using the gym equipment designed to teach and build confidence in the gym environment, and a fitness class designed to improve aerobic fitness and strength. Fitness Grafton has a program to cater for any level of ability, fitness and at any age.

The programs have been created to address the challenges associated with ageing such as functional abilities, falls prevention, bone density and overall strength and mobility. All classes and programs are delivered in a state of the art, air-conditioned gym and delivered by highly trained, mature personal trainers. Kathryn and Jenny will be available over the 2020 Seniors Festival to give you a no obligation guided tour of the gym and the services available. Choose Seniors Week to change your lifestyle. You are not alone and you are worth it. Phone 02 6642 3055 to make an appointment.

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Anytime Fitness is the place where everyone State belongs of the art equipment

Anytime Fitness Grafton

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Village set to mark milestone BRAND INSIGHTS

LIFE begins at 50 is a sentiment that resonates with a lot of older people, but it takes on new significance when it’s an organisation that’s about to notch up half a century of operation. In 2020, Grafton’s Clarence Village will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its creation by formally opening its new aged care rooms at Dougherty Villa’s Waratah Wing. From humble beginnings in the late 1960s, Clarence Village has gone from strength to strength and is now capable of caring for more than 200 seniors across its facilities. With such a proud milestone on the calendar for this year, Clarence Village chief executive officer Duncan McKimm says the time is right to continue the investment in its assets and capabilities. “With the completion of our new Waratah Wing at

Dougherty Villa we’ve added to our dementia care capacity, but with the demand we’re expecting in the coming years we’re also busily refurbishing our existing stock so we’re ready to assist people when they need it,” he said. “Dougherty Villa has been operating at capacity for so long we haven’t had an opportunity to perform major upgrades in common areas, so we’re taking our chance at the moment to give our building a bit of TLC.” Aside from the lack of vacancy making works difficult, Clarence Village also has an eye on putting its best foot forward as it moves into an anniversary year. “Not many organisations get to celebrate 50 years of operation, let alone community-owned organisations,’’ Mr McKimm said. “We’re certainly going to be celebrating that achievement this year and want to do it in

EVOLUTION: The impressive Dougherty Villa extension coincides with Clarence Village’s 50th anniversary.

style. “We’re hoping to not only officially open our Waratah Wing in the first quarter of this year, but also host an open day for the community to show them what’s been achieved

through five decades of community collaboration.” With the Waratah Wing now open, the time is right to inquire about securing a place in Dougherty Villa for yourself or your loved one.

In recent times, vacant rooms have been a rare commodity at the facility, which has been operating at capacity for the past 10 years. It’s a chance to become a part of one of the aged care

Picture: Contributed

industry’s good-news stories by becoming a part of Dougherty Villa. For more information, or to arrange a tour of the facility, contact the staff at Dougherty Villa on (02) 6643 2377.

Information about what’s on can be found at: Clarence Valley Libraries, Clarence Valley Council, Treelands Drive Community Centre, Yamba. Grafton Regional Gallery or online at www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/seniorsfestival 7118069aa

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Relax, listen to beautiful music Event in surrounds of Coffs Botanic Gardens BRAND INSIGHTS COFFS Harbour City Orchestra is celebrating the 2020 Seniors Festival by performing on Sunday, February 23 with one of their popular “Music in the Gardens” events at Coffs Botanic Gardens from 10am sharp. If you haven’t been to one of these family-friendly music events, then grab a friend and the grandchildren, invite the whole family or just come along yourself and enjoy a variety of live music while relaxing on the lawns in the fresh air. You can check out the fabulous gardens – a great educational outing for all ages, and the Gardens Cafe will be open to purchase snacks or a cuppa. The varied tunes will offer something for everyone to

THE AREA IS FLAT SO IDEAL FOR WHEELCHAIRS AND WALKERS AND WE RECOMMEND HATS AND SUNSCREEN ON THE DAY. enjoy and a great Sunday morning’s entertainment for the whole family. Some seating is provided or bring your own folding chair or picnic blanket. The area is flat so ideal for wheelchairs and walkers and we recommend hats and sunscreen on the day. Thanks to the sponsorship support of the BCU and a grant from Coffs Harbour City Council, this is a free community event and there is no entry charge at the Gardens. If you enjoy the music, donations are most welcome toward the upkeep of our wonderful botanic gardens.

ORCHESTRAL MAGIC: Coffs Harbour City Orchestra.

Dougherty Villa The best just got better

Live your best life at Dougherty Villa - 21 new rooms open now Dougherty Villa's brand new Waratah Wing now open. Don’t miss this once in a generation chance to secure a space.

www.clarencevillage.com.au

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GO VITA TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 10:00AM - 1:00PM 1.30PM – 3.00PM Go Vita’s naturopath Sharon will be providing Iridology in store Tuesday 18th February offering two sessions on the day, Iridology is the study of the eye to examine the current state of health of an individual. Cost is $5 which will be donated to the Nymboida local bushfire relief fund, bookings are essential on 6642 6443.

L A V I FEST

TELSTRA TECH SAVVY WORKSHOPS

MON 17 – FRI 21 FEBRUARY 10:00AM | 12:00PM | 2:00PM Join Telstra for their FREE Tech Savvy Workshops daily this Seniors Festival! Introducing new sessions which include Little black book of scams, master photo class, passwords, navigating apps and much more… Join in, while you enjoy a FREE coffee from one of Grafton Shoppingworld’s many cafes! Bookings are essential on 6642 8488.

EX XERCISE CLA ASS + HEALTH ASSES SSMENTS!

TUES 18TH H | THURS 20TH FEBRUARY 1:00PM - 4:00PM Join Jo Optim Op um Allied Health and Jetts Fitness for their FREE Exercise Classes + Health Assessment Sessions!

Book in for one of these sessions to be held at Jetts Fitness where you will be reviewed by Exercise Physiologists. With small group sessions, bookings are essential, please call Optimum Allied Health on (02) 6697 5662.

FOR MORE DETAILS GO TO WWW.GRAFTONSHOPPINGWORLD.COM.AU

SENIORS WEEK SPECIALS! THE DENTISTS OF GRAFTON

BLOOMS THE CHEMIST

LOWES

50% off full or partial dentures acrylic or chrome

15% off full price purchases + free cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose testing

10% off full price items

*Offer valid during Seniors week only for new patients. Please note that an Exam, X-ray’s and clean may be required prior to dentures.

*Excludes prescription and sale items.

THE COFFEE CLUB

QFF ESPRESSO

Buy one get one free meal deal

Devonshire Tea Seniors offer $7.00, includes one small hot drink + a scone jam & cream

*Terms and conditions apply, see in store for details.

*Offer excludes schoolwear, gift cards and packages. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Only available at Lowes Grafton.

JOHN WILLIAMS OPTOMETRIST 10% off all full priced items *Excludes package deals.

*Terms and conditions apply.

See individual stores for full terms and conditions. Offers valid from Monday 17th – Friday 21st February 2020, upon presentation of Seniors card. Offers subject to availability, only while stocks last and not valid with any other offer or discount. Conditions subject to change.

FIND US ON

FACEBOOK

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FREE WI-FI

SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT

FOOD | FASHION | HOME | SERVICES

OPEN 7 DAYS

www.graftonshoppingworld.com.au

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Family ties give Bennetts freedom to meet needs Funeral business prides itself on caring, personalised service BRAND INSIGHTS IN THE book Saint Francis, author Nikos Kazantzakis says: “Time is round, and it rolls quickly.’’ How true! At the invitation of the Grafton people, we opened the doors of our Grafton office in January 2019 looking forward to caring for the needs of local families at their time of loss.

WE HAVE BEEN MOVED BY THE KINDNESS EXTENDED TO RIVERVIEW FUNERALS BY SO MANY PEOPLE. BENNETT FAMILY

While we have not been surprised by the wonderful warm welcome we have received, we have been moved by the kindness extended to Riverview Funerals by so many people. Our Grafton office is the original heritage Pullen Seed and Produce Store, which we have lovingly and beautifully restored offering families large, airconditioned arrangement rooms, two

chapels and a function room for families to bring their guests for after-service receptions. This provides families with the best venue and services available in the Clarence Valley with modern audio-visual equipment, expertly trained staff, and the valley’s own crematorium. Riverview Funerals is a family-run business that understands the importance of treating people like family. Most funeral homes in Australia today are owned by global companies, and at Riverview Funerals we are proud to be the only familyowned and operated funeral home in Grafton, allowing our family the freedom to care for yours, unrestricted by corporate guidelines. Please drop in to our office at 3-7 Prince Street and meet manager Lincoln Bennett, who will welcome you and will be only too happy to show you through our facility. Thank you for the kindness extended to our family over the year and we look forward to building many more friendships with the people of Grafton.

COMMUNITY TRUST: Riverview Funerals’ Hope and Alan Bennett.

Sigourney Bennett is a proud member of the respected family business.

Picture: Contributed

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Go Greek at a sunkissed isle where the senses can feast PAGES 18-19

Spread the Word With Seniors Think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got news and information that needs to be shared? Whether an upcoming community event, heart-warming tale or an update on anything local - we want to tell your story!

Head online to seniorsnews.com.au today!

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IN BRIEF NEWCOMER CHARTING COURSE FOR KEY REGIONS

Peninsula (South Australia) more accessible and more affordable. In the ship’s 2020-21 season, CMV will make compelling domestic destinations even more accessible to Australians, visiting ports of call that are new to the cruise line, such as Darwin, Geelong and Port Arthur. Info: cmvaustralia.com.

villages of Gasadalur, Vestmanna, Kirkjubour and Gjogv. This allows you to explore all corners of this beautiful collection of islands, taking in the epic coastline, magnificent sea cliffs and colourful scenery. Info: https://www.odyssey traveller.com/tours/faroeislands-tour/.

SEAL OF APPROVAL AMID ICELANDIC WILDERNESS

HUE BEAUTY! CATCH JAPAN’S COLOURFUL SHOW In 2020 a new cruise tour will enable more Australians to immerse themselves in the rich traditions, colourful customs and inspiring icons that make Japan one of the world’s most vibrant and captivating destinations. Hosted by Cruise Express, the 19-night Autumn Colours of Japan itinerary in November 2020 will enable guests to join tea ceremonies, learn to make sushi, watch sumo wrestling, meet authentic geishas, ride bullet trains, view iconic Mt Fuji and visit lavish palaces – all backdropped by the colourful hues of autumn. Departing Australia on November 2, 2020, the escorted tour begins with an eight-night land itinerary

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NEW ADDITION: Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Vasco da Gama.

starting in Tokyo. Back in Tokyo, guests board Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess for a nine-night, round-trip cruise to five Japanese ports. Including return flights from Australia, the Autumn Colours of Japan cruise tour is available from $9790 a person, twinshare – a saving of $200 a person if booked by January 14. Info: www.cruiseexpress.com.au.

FAROE ISLANDS SURPRISE Explore the Faroe Islands on Odyssey Traveller’s fully escorted, small-group tour designed for mature travellers. The tour gives you the chance to visit some of the islands’ most stunning sights and to explore the capital, Torshavn, while discovering the interesting history of the Faroes and the unique culture. Only a short

Picture: Contributed

flight from Scotland, the Faroes are off most standard travellers’ radars. Yet, for the tourists who do find their way there, the Faroe Islands offer breathtaking natural landscapes, rugged terrain, verdant green pastures and jaw-dropping cliffs and waterfalls to explore. During the four-day tour, guests will be based in Torshavn and travel to parts of the archipelago including the

Odyssey Traveller’s Iceland cultural and wilderness small-group tour is a 16-day circumnavigation of the fascinating island and is designed for mature-age or senior travellers. During the tour, experience Iceland’s spectacular landscapes filled with glaciers, geysers and waterfalls, as you cruise among arctic icebergs. at great destinations such as Vatnajokull National Park, At Illugastadir, spot seals from the coast. The escorted guided tours offer fresh insights into the history of Iceland. Odyssey’s adventure tours to Iceland are suitable for most fitness levels. Info: https://www .odysseytraveller.com/ tours/faroe-islands-tour/. 7118155aa

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has welcomed Vasco da Gama into Sydney as she began her first Australasian season. The ship’s inaugural season coincides with CMV’s 10th anniversary this year and marks the cruise line’s largest Australasian deployment yet. Vasco da Gama has a 1220-guest capacity and will home port in Adelaide and Fremantle, also cruising from London (Tilbury), Auckland and Singapore in addition to Sydney. The ship offers two pools, the well-equipped Jade Wellness Centre and Spa, a two-tiered theatre, and five inviting bars and lounges. Six dining venues feature cuisine from around the world, and the Chef’s Table provides a degustation menu plus an insight into the workings of the galley. During Vasco da Gama’s first Australasian season, the cruise line will champion domestic tourism by making key regions such as Tasmania, the northwest of Australia and the Yorke

JANUARY, 2020//

LONDON & PARIS AT LEISURE $3,995 2 Week Tour Dep. Mar 11 Flying Singapore Airlines into London and out of Paris, 6 nights in London with city tour & 6 nights in Paris with city tour, Eurostar train ride between London & Paris, transfers and mainly 4 star accommodation.

VIETNAM DISCOVERY $3,960 3 Week Tour Dep. April 1

Flying Singapore Airlines into Saigon & out of Hanoi, plus 2 flights within Vietnam, 20 day coach & air tour of Vietnam including Halong Bay and Sapa. Small group tour.

TRANS AMERICAN ADVENTURE $7,795 29 Day Tour Dep. May 5 Flying Qantas into New York and out of Los Angeles, 25 day coach tour right across the USA from east to west, 2 day stopover in Anaheim near Disneyland.

WESTERN CANADA & CANADIAN ROCKIES WITH ALASKAN CRUISE $6,725 22 Day Tour Dep. May 11 Flying Air Canada return to Vancouver, 13 days touring Western Canada & the Rockies, 8 day Alaska cruise including the Inside Passage. The prices listed mainly include return air fares from Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane, airport taxes & fuel levies, tipping, good twin share accom., many meals, all transfers, Australian tour leader & local tour guides.

CHINA WITH SPECTACULAR YANGTZE CRUISE $3,695 15 Day Tour Dep. May 12

Flying China Eastern Airlines into Shanghai & out of Beijing, plus 3 flights within China. Includes Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors and 4 night American Victoria cruise on the Yangtze River, nearly all meals.

EUROPEAN WATERWAYS AMSTERDAM TO BERLIN $6,375 16 Day Tour Dep. Aug 2

Flying emirates into Amsterdam & out of Prague, 11 night river cruise from Amsterdam to Berlin aboard the MS Victor Hugo, 2 night post cruise stopover in Prague, Czech Republic.

BALTICS, RUSSIA & SCANDINAVIA MAGNIFICENT CITIES OF $6,975 3 Week Tour Dep. May 27 EASTERN EUROPE Flying Singapore Airlines into Copenhagen & out of Stockholm, 17 days touring northern Europe, 2 day Singapore stopover.

SINGAPORE GARDEN FESTIVAL $3,085 8 Day Tour Dep. July 21

Flying Singapore Airlines return to Singapore, including Singapore City Tour, Gardens by the Bay, Botanic Gardens, Singapore Zoo, Sentosa Island and admission to the Singapore Garden Festival, held once every two years.

ALPINE ADVENTURE $5,995 17 Day Tour Dep. July 25

Flying Singapore Airlines into Munich and out of Zurich, 13 days touring the European alpine countries of Switzerland, Germany, Austria & Italy, including the Swiss Alps, Lake Como & the legendary Matterhorn. 2 day Singapore stopover.

$6,795 18 Day Tour Dep. Aug 14

Flying Qantas & Finnair into Berlin and out of Warsaw, overland tour with 2 night stays in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow & Warsaw, quality accommodation.

SINGAPORE TO PENANG WITH THE CAMERON HIGHLANDS $2,995 10 Day Tour Dep. Oct 13

Flying Singapore Airlines, overland tour from Singapore to Penang, Malaysia. Small group tour.

JAPAN AUTUMN LEAVES $6,975 13 Day Tour Dep. Nov 11

Flying Qantas into Tokyo & out of Osaka, overland tour of Japan by coach and bullet train, including nearly all meals, quality accommodation, Maiko dance performance and Sushi making class. Australian Federation of Travel Agents Travel Accreditation Number: A1038 SEFE01Z01MA - V1

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Camping was never so good THE wow factor hits the moment we hear that familiar unzipping sound, then peel back the wide cream flaps and step inside. This is certainly not the camping I know. This is luxe glamping. We have arrived at The Hideaway Cabarita Beach. Our Plush Deluxe room (it could never be classified as a “tent”) is more like a bohemian boudoir. And there’s more space than most hotel rooms we’ve stayed in. A quick glance reveals a king-size bed, bamboo/ rattan/cane styling in occasional furniture pieces and a huge funky circular floor rug. We try to take it all in: the comfy pillows, designer cushions, lounge, director’s chairs with casual table, lamps on bedside tables, mini-fridge with glass bottle of water, and towel rack with fluffy towels. Outside on the grassy front lawn is a rustic scene we’ve already earmarked for sunset drinks: two squatter chairs beside a sturdy beach umbrella and “stump” table. We found everything laid out before us on a guided tour of the pet-free and smoke-free resort. There’s not even a set of keys to lose: just walk away (an on-site manager keeps an eye on things during the day and a security guard patrols the resort at night for your peace of mind). And if you’re staying longer than three nights, the room will be serviced every fourth day. New owners Cath and Adam Smith, born-and-bred Tweed region locals, wanted to create something special they could be proud of that was in keeping with the

casual beachside lifestyle and draw people from all over Australia – if not the world – for a no-fuss, restful holiday or mini-break. The Hideaway Cabarita Beach idea is all about helping guests relax, recharge and rejuvenate. It’s small-scale: capped by the owners at 23 rooms, catering for a maximum of 58 guests on the 4000sq m (one-acre) site. The rooms come in three sizes: the 6m Plush Deluxe includes a king-size bed; the 6m Bigger/Family Suites have a queen-size bed and a single bed either side; and the 5m Classic has a queensize bed (the mattresses are made by the company that produces the much-lauded Koala beds – firm but oh-so comfortable, and quality linen is supplied). They offer everything to love about camping (fresh air, sounds of nature, open spaces, night skies, relaxed living and the novelty of sleeping under canvas) but minimise everything to hate about camping (too uncomfortable, too noisy, too many people, no privacy, too far away from the action, too dirty, too much equipment to pack and lug in then repack and take home). In fact, The Hideaway is more like a hotel in the great outdoors than an old-style campground, in an idyllic beachside community. There’s plenty of living space within and surrounding the bell structures, which are akin to traditional Himalayan and Mongolian homes and feel like you’re sleeping under a circus Big Top. The waterproof cotton canvas is highly soundproof. Repurposed shipping containers have created a reception area, wellmaintained toilets and toilet/

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Guests relax, recharge and rejuvenate.

SPOIL YOURSELF: The Plush Deluxe room at The Hideaway Cabarita Beach is more like a bohemian boudoir. Pictures: Shirley Sinclair

showers and laundry, as well as a barbecue/bar area and a kitchen/dining/chill-out zone with children’s play area. The communal areas – especially the long dining tables, lounge, barbecue, fire pit and picnic tables – as well as twinkling lights overhead all add to the fun holiday atmosphere. The owners encourage guests to “enjoy Cabarita” and all the restaurants, cafes and businesses providing meals, snacks, drinks, takeaways and supplies. What else could you want for a hassle-free break in your own little sanctuary, but still with the joys only camping can offer? — The writer was a guest of The Hideaway Cabarita Beach.

Call our friendly, experienced team to book your next cruise or touring holiday or to join one of Go See Touring’s special group departures. 1300 551 997 | (07) 5513 1086 E: info@goseetouring.com www.goseetouring.com

NORFOLK ISLAND CROQUET From

$2,325*

20 - 27 JUNE 2020

per person Twin Share Ex BNE Single supplement From $570

CHRISTMAS IN JULY NORFOLK ISLAND From

$2,095*

11 - 18 JULY 2020

Want to enjoy the festive season twice this year? Spend a week on Norfolk Island with its stunning scenery, sandy beaches and jagged cliffs. There is so much to see and do – and all at your own pace. We’ve included some great accommodation options, a hire car so you can explore, some fabulous tours that you won’t want to miss, plus plenty more to do on the Island. Enjoy a festive delicious Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, fun trivia and Carols at Paradise Hotel & Resort. Chase away those winter blues and have some fun. Call us now to secure your accommodation.

per person Twin Share Ex BNE Single supplement From $495

NORFOLK ISLAND A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY ESCORTED EX BRISBANE From

per person Twin Share Ex BNE

$2,995* Single supplement $340

$4,745*

per person Twin Share Ex BNE Single supplement $1,380

During the tour you’ll also visit the Botanic Gardens, National Orchid Gardens, have breakfast at the zoo, high tea at the iconic Rafﬂes Hotel, visit the National Museum plus experience the exciting sights and sounds of Sentosa Island. Leisure time to explore further aﬁeld, shop ‘til you drop or lay by the pool. We’d love to have you with us when we travel to this beautiful multicultural city and its fabulous gardens. Space is limited.

BELLA ITALIA HOSTED BY FORTUNATO ISGRO From

Per person Twin Share

BNE, Single $995 $10,950* exsupplement

MAGICAL COOK ISLANDS HOSTED BY LYNNE & GRAEME HUGO

From

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Norries Headland captures stunning 360-degree views.

18 - 25 JULY 2020

Join Fortunato Isgro or Lindsay (Waddo) Waddington for a fantastic week on Norfolk Island of Songs and laughter! A Little Bit Country on Norfolk Island 2020 sees a great line-up of performers taking to the stage. Graeme Hugo, Fortunato Isgro, Wayne Horsburgh and Lindsay (Waddo) Waddington will all perform at 3 big shows during the week. Plus plenty of time for you to enjoy beautiful Norfolk Island with its colourful history, lush greenery, stunning scenery and friendly locals. Enjoy delicious cuisine, tours, time to shop and explore and plenty of laughs along the way. Call us for more information!

20 - 27 JULY 2020 SENSATIONAL SINGAPORE Join us when we visit the bi-annual world premier tropical garden WITH SINGAPORE GARDEN FESTIVAL and ﬂower show - the 2020 Singapore Garden Festival. The festival showcases colourful and exciting garden designs with exquisite ﬂoral displays from over 50 designers and 19 countries. ESCORTED EX BRISBANE From

The view from Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s veranda.

Go See Touring invites players & spectators to join us on Norfolk Island in June 2020 for the 6th Convict’s Cup Social Croquet event. This is a social golf croquet doubles event and it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an expert - it’s all about having fun. You’ll play on the oldest sporting pitch in the Southern hemisphere that is still in use. With stunning Norfolk Island as the backdrop to this week of friendly competition, there will be sightseeing, lots of fun and laughter! We hope you can join us!

$3,995*

Per person Twin Share ex BNE, Single Supplement $980

15 SEPTEMBER - 06 OCTOBER 2020

You are invited to join entertainer Fortunato on his much-anticipated ‘Bella Italia’ tour, where you will experience 22 days of incredible history, culture, food and scenic landscapes within central and southern Italy all whilst enjoying wonderful entertainment from your renowned host. Fortunato is particularly excited to also take you to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands where his family originates, to bring you an authentic experience that you will never forget. You don’t want to miss out on this stress-free holiday with Fortunato and his family. Contact us for more fabulous details.

30 OCTOBER - 07 NOVEMBER 2020

You are invited to join entertainer Graeme Hugo & Lynne for a trip of a lifetime to the beautiful Cook Islands. Experience the authentic colourful local culture, swim in crystal clear tropical waters, enjoy delicious local cuisine, informative and scenic tours. Located just 6 hours from Australia, we hope you can join us on this trip to paradise. Please call us to secure your place or for more details.

TERMS & CONDITIONS *Price is per person Twin Share. Single Supplement applies. Credit card surcharges apply. Deposit of AUD $500-$800 per person is required to secure tour. Tour requires a minimum number of passengers to depart. Prices may ﬂuctuate if surcharges, fee, taxes or currency change. Prices current as at 31st October 2019. Go See Touring in conjunction with Norfolk Select Marketing ABN: 93 367 366 822 ATAS Accreditation A10619

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Shirley Sinclair

FEATURE

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Add magical Mykonos to bucket list Make 2020 the year to enjoy everything on offer FROM its whitewashed buildings, cobbled streets, world-famous sunsets, delicious seafood and lively local tavernas, not to mention luxurious boutique accommodation, glamorous beach clubs and genuine Greek hospitality – there’s a raft of reasons to tick Mykonos – and the Myconian Collection – off your travel bucket list in 2020. Here are 10 reasons why you should treat yourself to a taste of Mykonos: 1. Getting there is easy Thanks to new direct flights from Sydney to Mykonos (via Doha) with Qatar Airways, Australian travellers can now start their Greek getaway in record time. Trade the Australian winter for a gorgeous Greek summer between June and August; or visit during May or September to “live like a local” and avoid the crowds. 2. Food, glorious (Greek) food Food is a serious business at the Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts. Blending the skills of internationally trained executive chefs with fresh ingredients sourced exclusively for the hotels

through time-honoured ties with farmers and fishermen nurtured by the hotel group’s founding family, the Daktylides. The farm-to-table philosophy is alive and well in Mykonos. The Myconian Collection chefs are committed to encouraging guests to experience authentic Mykonos through its cuisine, including lamb and pork hand-reared on Daktylides family land, locally-grown herbs and vegetables, and the island’s best octopus, caught just for the Myconian Collection by one of the island’s most iconic fisherman. There are more than a dozen distinctive restaurants across the Myconian Collection portfolio of boutique hotels, many boasting spectacular ocean views. Must-visit restaurants for your 2020 bucket list include: Cabbanes at the Myconian Villa Collection; Panorama at Myconian Avaton; and Pavilion - Relais & Chateaux at the Myconian Utopia. 3. Explore ancient history Offering a fascinating contrast to Mykonos’s

Lap up the luxury in the stylish accommodation.

cosmopolitan vibe, the nearby island of Delos – feted as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis – was once at the heart of ancient Greek life as a hub for religious pilgrims, trade and multiculturalism. These days, Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to intriguing ruins that are a must-see when staying on Mykonos. Myconian Collection guests can join a day trip to Delos aboard a private yacht to explore the island’s statues, preserved houses and temples – all with the expert insights of an experienced tour guide. 4. Experience laidback luxury Mykonos has become a magnet for cosmopolitan travellers who flock to enjoy the island’s unique brand of laidback luxury. Having evolved from its “partyisland” past, today Mykonos attracts couples, families and groups of friends lured by the island’s blissful beaches, crystal-clear waters, stunning sunsets, unique Greek hospitality, delectable dining and new breed of boutique hotel accommodation – such as

Picture: Contributed

BETTER BY DESIGN: Boutique hotels for those who like to be closer to the action include Myconian Kyma, a member of Design Hotels. Picture: Contributed

the gorgeous guest-house style villas at the Myconian Villa Collection. 5. Hit the beach From a privileged position above Elia Beach on the southern coastline of worldfamous Mykonos reside five Myconian Collection properties: Myconian Utopia Resort Relais & Châteaux; Myconian Avaton Resort a member of Design Hotels; Myconian Villa Collection, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Legend Collection; Myconian Imperial Resort and Royal Myconian Resort, both eminent members of the Leading Hotels of the World. Guests can enjoy access to a pristine, private stretch of beach complete with bar service for snacks and creative cocktails – all served to your sunbed. 6. Join the jet-set South of Elia Beach live like the rich and famous on Mykonos’s stunning south coast, home to a chic, cosmopolitan crowd, luxury yachts galore, fabulous fivestar dining and perfect people-watching on the famous beaches of Psarou and Scorpios. Stay at the Myconian Ambassador Relais & Châteaux for panoramic views and easy access to the best-known beaches.

Myconian Kyma offers picture-postcard views of the alluring crystal-clear water. Picture: Contributed

7. Get lost in the laneways of Mykonos Town The labyrinth-like cobbled streets of Mykonos Town are made for getting lost. Designed to be chaotic in order to confuse pillaging pirates, it’s easy to lose a day or two meandering through boutiques, discovering tiny churches, lingering at local cafes, dining at traditional tavernas, exploring Little Venice, and watching the fishing boats come and go at Alefkandra harbour. Boutique hotels for those who like to be closer to the action include: Myconian Kyma, a member of Design Hotels; Myconian Naia Luxury Suites, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, LXV Collection and the Myconian Korali Relais & Châteaux.

8. Genuine Greek hospitality Authentic Greek hospitality is at the heart of the Myconian Collection, where guests are often personally welcomed by members of the founding Daktylides family in a tradition which began with the family’s first hotel back in 1979. Staff at the Myconian Collection’s nine boutique properties provide warm, discreet, attentive service and take the time to discover your preferences and personal experiences. 9. Sensational sunsets It’s little wonder guests flock to the water’s edge to experience the stunning sunsets, and the Myconian Avaton enjoys a prime SEFE01Z01MA - V1

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Having evolved from its “party-island” past, today Mykonos attracts couples, families and groups of friends looking for the holiday of a lifetime . Picture: Contributed

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The labyrinth-like cobbled streets of Mykonos Town are made for getting lost.

position. The hotel’s two-tier infinity pool lights up when the sun goes down, creating

an alluring ambience for sharing post-sunset cocktails and canapes in serious style.

10. Serious specials – save now on 2020 stays Book your Mykonos getaway to stay between May and October 2020 to enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast, one complimentary Thalassotherapy spa treatment per person per stay, complimentary shared transfers and free wi-fi. Source: myconiancollection.com

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You’ll never go hungry with the wide variety of quality food available in the boutique hotels throughout Mykonos. Picture: Contributed

Mykonos has become a magnet for cosmopolitan travellers who flock to enjoy the island’s unique brand of laidback luxury.hotels. Picture: Contributed

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This is like the seaside you used to know before coastal developments meant high-rises BEACHFRONT BLISS: The oversized Yeppoon Lagoon is loved by locals and visitors.

Pictures: Contributed

Keppel’s an island paradise Wind down in low-key style Kerry Heaney IT LOOKS like a swim-up infinity pool at a luxury resort, but there’s no entry fee and everyone is welcome to swim, barbecue or relax under the tropical foliage. On the beachfront in the foreshore precinct, the oversized Yeppoon Lagoon is loved by locals and has visitors sideswiped by its style. I’ll take a lounger overlooking the Keppel Islands here any day. Battered by Cyclone Marcia in 2015 and bushfires in 2018, Yeppoon has bounced back, capitalising on the area’s natural beauty. There’s gourmet dining, a range of water-view accommodation and play parks that invite family picnics followed by beach cricket. This is like the seaside you used to know before coastal centres meant high-rise developments that block the sun on the sand, and more time in traffic jams than surfing. It is the sort of place where relaxation comes with a proper intake of a sea breeze. I took a 30-minute drive from Rockhampton City to

Yeppoon,stopping at Emu Park to see the awardwinning Centenary of Anzac Memorial Walk. It tells moving stories about Gallipoli, the Anzac legend, the Somme and other extraordinary war campaigns, highlighted by silhouettes of soldiers and horses overlooking the shoreline. Public art is a constant throughout Emu Park and Yeppoon, so look out for street art in carparks, laneways, surf lifesaving clubs and roadside walls. Wreck Point Lookout is another scenic stop, providing 380-degree views of Keppel Bay and the Capricorn Coast and a walking trail down to the rocky point. There are more headland views at Rosslyn Bay Resort, which overlooks Kemp Beach. Surrounded by harbour, hinterland and headland, the resort is also home to Beaches Restaurant, which serves owner Ross O’Reilly’s locally grown organic produce from the High Valley Dawn permaculture farm. Before you jump on the ferry to Great Keppel Island at Keppel Bay Marina, enjoy

a meal at award-winning restaurant The Waterline. The beef here comes from the owner’s central Queensland cattle properties. For breakfast try the Cowboys Benedict with Banana Station rib fillet, smoked belly bacon and a poached egg with blackbean tomato salsa. Now that will set you up for the day! If you are wearing shoes, you are definitely overdressed at Great Keppel Island Hideaway. Even thongs are optional at this low-key island paradise. It doesn’t have and doesn’t need a pool or spa because you’ll be spending your time on the beach or in the water. Instead, I hitched a boat ride to an isolated beach on a tropical island. Floating in the crystalclear water watching the clouds float by, it is easy to imagine life as Robinson Crusoe on Great Keppel Island. A joy flight with Rockhampton Helicopters will show you the island, and the coastline has many more beautiful spots to explore. Find out more from capricornholidays.com.au. – The writer visited as a guest of Capricorn Enterprise.

A delicious picnic treat from Great Keppel Island Hideaway.

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Guide will give you tips before you take off EXPERIENCE the beauty and freedom of our great landscape – for young and old alike. Whether you are staying in a caravan, motorhome, camper van, camper trailer, fifth-wheeler or a tent, this book covers it all. Be it part-time, full-time or periodic, becoming a nomad will allow you to, hopefully, experience one of the greatest new adventures of your life. The Grey Nomad’s

HIT THE ROAD: The Grey Nomad's Ultimate Guide to Australia covers a great deal of ground in terms of making the most of your adventure. Picture: Contributed

IT WAS WRITTEN FOR NOMADS BUT HAS LOTS OF INFORMATION FOR CAMPERS OF ALL AGES.

Ultimate Guide to Australia was written specifically with the grey nomad in mind. However, it has lots of useful information for campers of all ages. Carefully researched and written in a down-to-earth manner, the book is billed as a great asset in preparation for what you are about to embark on, whether it’s your first trip or your 100th. The idea is to assist in saving you considerable

time, money and effort both in the pre-planning and while on the road. The book also has helpful advice on: saving money and financial tips for the thrifty; industry super funds and self-managed super funds (SMSFs); redesigning your life; health and exercise; eating and cooking while on the road; meeting new friends; grey nomadding and Centrelink; insurance; and dealing with all the issues and obstacles you might face along the way. The Grey Nomad’s Ultimate Guide To Australia, by Xavier Waterkeyn (New Holland Publishers, RRP $32.99), is available from all good bookshops or go to newhollandpublishers.com.

A Mornington vacation doesn’t cost a fortune YOU don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to enjoy a day out in one of Victoria’s most beautiful coastal regions. Enjoy an abundance of easily accessible and affordable activities on the Mornington Peninsula this summer. Here’s a selection of experiences around the Mornington Peninsula for seniors to uncover for under $100. 9am – Start the day at The Briars Park. The Briars Park is rich in history and natural beauty with a wildlife sanctuary, heritage homestead, nursery and Eco-Living Display Centre, as well as walking trails, eateries and interesting artefacts to discover. The Briars Visitor Centre is a great place to start for a comprehensive overview of the best spots to take in. Easily accessible walking trails include the Wetland Walk (300m) and the Balcombe Creek Walkway (800m), which feature comfortable boardwalks and

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a number of “bird hides’’ for spotting wildlife along the way. Price: Free. Open Daily. Located: Nepean Highway, Mt. Martha. Contact: mornpen .vic.gov.au. 10am – Next stop, Arthurs Seat Eagle. Soar from the Dromana base station to the summit and take in the best views of the Mornington Peninsula region and across Port Phillip Bay to the city skyline. On board the Eagle’s aerial gondolas, some of the best photo opportunities can be found in brilliant shades of blue with the backdrop of native bushland. Open seven days a week, Arthurs Seat Eagle is a little over one hour’s drive from Melbourne. Everyone has a space at the Eagle: the entire site is wheelchair friendly with accessible gondolas and car parking. At the base, awardwinning restrooms cater for visitors with disabilities and mobility limitations (named

SIGHTS TO BEHOLD: Arthurs Seat Eagle surveying the Mornington Peninsula coastline from the sky.

Best Accessible Toilet in 2017 by MyTravelResearch.com, which runs the inaugural International Toilet Tourism Awards). The area surrounding The Eagle offers beautiful nature walks in state parkland, with gentle slopes and spectacular

lookouts. Grab some scones and tea at The Eagle Cafe, open daily from 10am, and enjoy the most stunning views of the bay. Keep an eye on the website for seniors’ events such as Devonshire tea

specials running at different times of the year. Seniors Card price: Return ticket $21 a person. Scones and tea: $10 a person. Open: Daily. Located: 795 Arthurs Seat Rd, Arthurs Seat.

Contact: aseagle.com.au. Midday – Explore Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery. This is one of Australia’s leading regional art galleries, embracing traditional and contemporary art with yearround exhibitions.

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10 reasons to love Lake Macquarie HOME to the largest coastal saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere and with more than 30 kilometres of pristine coastline, Lake Macquarie is one of the east coast’s hidden treasures. Just 90 minutes north of Sydney, it offers something for everyone, whether you’re an outdoorsy type, history buff or simply seeking relaxation. And with the new year here, what better reason to get out and explore? Twenty reasons to put Lake Macquarie at the top of your 2020 holiday list are:

1. LAKE MACQUARIE SAND ISLANDS

Lake Macquarie’s sand islands are a firm favourite with the locals and it’s easy to see why. With pristine white sand and turquoise water, you can explore by boat or choose to swim.

2. CAVES BEACH

Iconic Caves Beach, with its extensive network of sea caves and rock pools, is ideal for low-tide exploration. Crawl through tight holes, hang out in shady caves or sun yourself on the beach’s sandy shores.

3. SPEERS POINT PARK The kids won’t want to leave award-winning Speers Point Park, often referred to as Australia’s best play space because of its fantastic flying fox, water-play zones, bike paths and climbing frames.

4. MAC

Museum of Art and Culture (MAC) is home to an impressive collection of travelling and permanent exhibitions. After undergoing a $2.3 million transformation this year, MAC is a cultural hotspot.

5. GAP CREEK FALLS, WATAGAN MOUNTAINS

The Watagan Mountains are well known, but many visitors are unaware of the stunning Gap Creek Falls hidden in the rainforest. These striking falls are accessible for keen hikers via the spectacular Gap Creek Falls Trail.

6. BELMONT BATHS

Belmont Baths is the perfect spot for lazy laps or a swim during a sunny weekend. The baths boast a new jetty, a netted swimming area, a

new amenities block and change rooms.

7. CREATIVE LAKE

Creative LAKE sculpture trail contains several unique artworks including a bronze sky pig, a young monk, a dinghy and a granite hibiscus. Each of the artworks can be discovered in popular foreshores.

8. REDHEAD BEACH

Redhead Beach is renowned for its red, rocky headland, iconic shark tower and timber boardwalk. This pretty beach features Cargo Espresso Bar.

9. FLOAT YOUR BOAT Every June, dozens of boats light up the night skies and calm waters of Lake Macquarie during Float Your Boat – an event where boat owners are encouraged to decorate their vessels in lights and take part in a parade around the lake.

10. WARNERS BAY

Walk or cycle the 9km Warner’s Bay foreshore shared pathway, or take it easy and roll up for a lazy lunch at one of The Esplanade’s many cafes. For more details see visitlakemac.com.au.

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PERFECT PLAYGROUND: Lake Macquarie's sand islands are a firm favourite with the locals and it's easy to see why. Picture: Contributed

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23 DAY ESCORTED SMALL GROUP TOUR

This amazing escorted tour takes you through the most unforgettable places of South America. Be captivated by the ancient Inca civilization, the picturesque Sacred Valley, the memorable ruins of Machu Picchu and the beautiful Lake Titicaca.

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Central Coast & Riverboat Postman

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8-24 Feb 2020

Tasmania

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4-5 March

War Horse Sydney Lyric theatre

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Melbourne Tour featuring Melbourne Flower Show-7 days $1915.00

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Man from Snowy River Bush Festival Corryong Australia

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22-31May 2020

“Spirit of the Outback” – Brisbane to Longreach by train

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Feel the rhythm of the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, discover the magnificent Iguazu Falls and enjoy the elegant cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires.

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Sydney Vivid Lights & 9-5 The Musical

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deParTure daTe: sundaY 4th oCToBer 2020 from Port macquarie PriCe: $12,900 per person (Twin share)

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Turning 70 inspires an uplifting insight AS THEY turned 70, Jane Giddan and Ellen Cole, the authors of 70Candles! Women Thriving in Their 8th Decade, set out to investigate how women their age and older were living their lives. They sought role models for themselves and messages for the droves of baby boomers on their heels. They were curious about the challenges and joys of their peers, their work and retirement status, living arrangements, family and social connections, and more. These septuagenarians knew they were not like their own grandmothers, who sat in rocking chairs knitting. But what is the new normal? This book, informative and inspirational, describes what they found in their reading, their ongoing 70Candles.com blog, and 70Candles! conversation groups held in various parts of the US. Although they have taken somewhat different paths, the authors agree that turning 70 and entering their eighth decade has, indeed, been a momentous development. “Welcome to old age”. They and their peers have found this new era exciting, sometimes scary, but full of opportunity. As developmental psychologists speak of life’s stages and phases and rites of passage, the purpose of this book is the recognition that 70 is something important, part of an intriguing new stage of life, not just a birthday like any other. In a wider sense, 70Candles! is aimed at all women approaching 70 and in their 70s and those interested in this journey – whether that be men,

‘Smarter’ exercise plan for mature types just what the doc ordered YOUR body is getting older, those stairs are looking steeper, and your bones are cracking louder. Like it or not, it’s an unavoidable fact – your body is ageing. But that doesn’t have to impact on your fitness level. If you exercise smarter, you can remain youthful, energetic and strong. So says academic orthopedic surgeon and internationally recognised authority on active ageing and mobility, Dr Vonda Wright. She has created a unique medical program designed to target the fitness and performance needs of mature athletes. In Fitness After 40, Dr Wright reveals how anyone can use flexibility, aerobic exercise and strength

training to maximise the benefits of their fitness regimen. Learn how to: • Understand your body, and exercise in a new way. • Maximise your fitness while minimising injury. • Gain flexibility. • Improve balance. — Published by AMACOM, RRP $29.50

Keep plants undead GARDENING For The Zombie Apocalypse is an irreverent, straightforward and useful book that shows even complete beginners how to grow enough of their own food to survive when Armageddon arrives and imports collapse. Or even if they don’t. A grow-your-own guide for the generation who’d rather eat compost than watch Gardeners’ World, it tells you how to sow and grow 20 key crops, whether you have NEW CHAPTER OF LIFE: Aiming to inspire and inform, 70Candles! canvasses the lifestyles of septuagenarian women in various parts of the US. Picture: Contributed

women, family and friends alike. As a bonus, book group discussion questions are now included in the printed book as

well as in the Kindle and Nook versions. Members of the public can find the book, produced by

Taos Institute Publishers, at: http://www.taosinstitute.net/70candles, RRP $18.99.

Making sense of care factors WEAVING together reallife stories with the essential information needed to make the best care decisions, The Eldercare Consultant sets out to help you: • Spot warning signs of physical and mental decline. • Recognise when a loved one needs assistance. • Determine the level of care needed. • Evaluate the options – V2 - SEFE01Z01MA

family caregiver, home health care, palliative care, senior housing – and select the right one. • Discuss the issue with your loved one. Author and aged care expert Becky Feola knows first-hand that caring for someone who is no longer in complete control is hard. — Published by HarperCollins, RRP $34.99

two pots, a patio or a whole backyard. It takes you through what seeds, tools and other kit you’ll need, teaches you how to plan and plant for maximum nutrition, and suggests gardening projects to get under way while civilisation still stands, from growing dinner in a dustbin to a juice bar on a balcony. And that’s all while sticking a garden fork in the eye of the undead. — HarperCollins, RRP $33.25.

WELLBEING

JANUARY, 2020//

SENIORS

Wellbeing

GIVING IT A GO: Indoor triathlon participants Kathryn Williamson and Ugo Crupi go through their paces.

Picture: Contributed

Tri something new for fitness Tracey Johnstone IF YOU thought doing a triathlon was completely outside your skills and fitness level, then think again as indoor triathlon takes off in Australia. It’s an initiative of Triathlon Australia, which wants people to find their 30 minutes, or more, of exercise by participating in innovative all-generations activity that is actually a lot of fun and very social. You get to swim, cycle and walk or run at your own pace. Simple! It’s not a race. Rather, it’s a participation event that is

held at venues that have both a pool and an appropriately equipped gym, says Triathlon Australia ‘s communications and project manager Lisa Pringle. “It’s aimed at people who haven’t done a triathlon before, and limiting the barriers that we know deter people from triathlons, such as openwater swimming and riding on roads,” Ms Pringle said. The only equipment required is your swimmers, goggles and gym clothes and shoes. You do need a buddy to help you keep track of the

GIVING IT A TRY: Indoor Triathlon participants Kathryn Williamson and Ugo Crupi. Picture: Contributed

time and a record of what you achieve in each discipline and then tally up your achievements. There are three levels to choose from and each

includes three disciplines. Tri20 involves a threeminute swim, 10 minutes on a stationary bike and seven minutes on a treadmill. The next level is Tri40,

which involves swimming for six, cycling for 20 and treadmill for 14 minutes. The keen participants can go for Tri60, which has swimming for 10, cycling for 30 and the treadmill for 20 minutes. Whichever level you choose, all the disciplines are done at your pace. “On the treadmill you can walk or run,” Ms Pringle said. “With the swimming, you can do any stroke; you can dog paddle, you can walk it, if you like. “It’s not about being proficient as a swimmer, it’s just about completing three disciplines, back to back, to complete a triathlon.”

Entry to an event costs $35, which includes a certificate of participation, T-shirt and swim cap. It might be because of the variety of activities or it might be your need to constantly improve your fitness by trying harder each time to head out the door. Either way, indoor triathlon is about participation, Ms Pringle says. The program is being run as a pilot for a few months as new event venues are identified and brought online across Australia and in New Zealand. For details, visit trix3.com.au.

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Planning is best medicine How to avoid coming up short while you’re away EVERYONE expects to enjoy their holidays during the festive season, but sometimes expectations don’t go according to plan, especially when daily medication routines are interrupted. That’s why it’s important to plan and take steps to ensure that medication problems don’t get in the way of enjoying this important time of the year. According to medication management expert Gerard Stevens (AM), there are a few simple steps that people can take to plan for a great holiday without the distress of medication problems. “Safe medications make safe holidays,” Mr Stevens said. He is also a leading pharmacist and founder of Australia’s world-leading medication systems company Webstercare. “Summer is here and a lot of us travel to see relatives for Christmas and the new year,’’ he said. “But what happens if you run out of your medications or lose them? “If you’re on medications, especially life-saving ones – as many of us are – it can be a hassle and worry, especially if you are a long

RESEARCH CRACKS HIGHER FRACTURE RISK IN WOMEN A NOVEL way of analysing scans from bone-density machines has revealed that more than half of older women have advanced blood vessel disease, putting them at an increased risk of suffering a bone fracture. Bone-density scans are already widely used to identify people with osteoporosis (low bone mineral density), which can lead to fractures. Now researchers at Perth’s Edith Cowan University (ECU) have found that while about one in 10 of the women in the study had osteoporosis, more than half of them also had a build-up of calcium in the aorta, increasing their risk of V1 - SEFE01Z01MA

TAKE STOCK: It’s easy to ensure that medication problems don’t get in the way of enjoying your travels. Picture: Elise Amendola

way from home. “It can be critical that you don’t miss a dose. “Being able to explain exactly what you take and what dose can be an issue. “Who remembers all this information?” To help minimise the chance of medication misadventure while away from home and give peace of mind to the whole family, Mr Stevens offered the following tips: 1. Get a pack made up with medications for the

duration of your trip. It is a good idea to get a medication pack made up by your local pharmacist. This will ensure you have enough medication for the duration of the trip and remind you to take your recommended doses. The most widely used pack in Australia is the Webster-pak, which was invented by Mr Stevens more than 35 years ago. It sets out all the tablets and capsules that need to be taken at each particular time

of the day, for each day of the week. This makes it easy to manage medication. The pharmacist takes the doctor’s prescriptions and dispenses the medication into a blister pack. It is also possible to use a smaller version, called the Webster-pak Interim, which is a disposable medication pack that can accommodate drugs for four days – very handy for short trips! 2. Carry a medication profile with you.

fracture regardless of bone mineral density. It’s estimated about 1.2 million Australians have osteoporosis, with women being at greater risk than men. Fractures in the elderly cost Australia more than $3 billion each year. ECU researchers examined the scans of more than 1000 older Australian women. The scans were taken in the late 1990s, collected during bone-density testing by UWA/ECU adjunct Professor Richard Prince. They found these scans also reveal the presence of calcium in the abdominal aorta, the major artery between the heart and the abdomen, which is associated with an increased bone fracture risk. The work builds on

previous research that found that aortic calcification is associated with an increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Lead researcher, Associate Professor Josh Lewis from ECU’s School of Medical and Health Sciences, said his team had found advanced calcification in the aortas of just over half of the women’s scans. “These women had a 40 per cent greater risk of suffering any fracture in the next 10 years following their scan, independent of their bone mineral density,” Prof Lewis said. “If we can give people early warning that they are at an increased risk of falls and fracture, we can help them to make diet and other lifestyle changes that can

lower their future risk of a range of chronic age-related diseases.’’

SCREENING ADVANCES EARLY PARKINSON’S DETECTION SCREENING technology to catch Parkinson’s disease in its earliest stages could be available within three years, following an agreement between RMIT University and start-up company Jesse Medical. The pioneering technology analyses the results of specialised drawing and writing tasks to differentiate between people with and without the condition. The test involves the completion of seven dexterity tasks on a drawing

Many of us are on lifesaving medications, so running short a long way from home can be a great concern. It may even be critical that you don’t miss a dose. Being able to remember and explain exactly what you take and what dose can be difficult, especially when you take multiple medications. “Around one in five people aged 70 or older is on four or more medications, which they truly need. It can be difficult to remember all of the names and correct dosages,” Mr Stevens said. “So taking a list with you can be very useful.” One solution is Webstercare’s PocketProfile Card. It contains a person’s entire medication profile, including images of medications, and folds down to the size of a credit card, so it’s easy to keep in your purse or wallet. “In an age where things are increasingly digital, users of the PocketProfile don’t need the latest gadgets, apps and electronic devices – it won’t run out of charge and it won’t shut down,” Mr Stevens said. The PocketProfile also contains the person’s home pharmacy name and phone number, enabling a pharmacist at a holiday destination to simply ring the home pharmacy to confirm the medications that were prescribed before issuing emergency

replacements to last the remainder of the trip. “It is particularly helpful in emergency situations,’’ Mr Stevens said. “Medical staff can immediately see a patient’s medications and any other medical concerns, including ‘in case of emergency’ contact details.” 3. If going overseas, check your medication is legal. Some medications that are legal in Australia may be prohibited overseas. Check with the Australian embassies in the countries you intend visiting. Make sure you take enough regular medication with you to last the entire trip as some drugs may not be available overseas. “If you are travelling with prescribed medicine, specialised medication packs like Webster-paks help provide assurance that they are yours and have been legally prescribed,’’ Mr Stevens said. “Otherwise, make sure they stay in the box with your name and pharmacy sticker on it to prove they are yours. “If you take a large amount of medication with you, it’s wise to get a letter from your doctor stating why this is necessary.” 4. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist. “Your local pharmacist is a wealth of knowledge and information,’’ Mr Stevens said.

tablet, including simple writing, writing with memory load and drawing a spiral by joining dots. The data is transmitted over the cloud, and customised software records the results of the tasks and analyses them in real time. The software is readily compatible with existing technologies, so the only equipment needed to run the screening test is a pen, paper and drawing tablet. The new tool can spot the disease when there are no obvious symptoms.

care would help hold the aged care sector to account, the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) says. The Alliance raised the issue at an Aged Care Royal Commission public consultation forum in Newcastle in late November this year. “The current system places undue focus on internal complaint mechanisms,” said ALA spokeswoman Catherine Henry, a Newcastle lawyer. The ALA recommends that the tribunal’s function should include: the hearing of complaints with powers to issue fines; the power to cancel accreditation; the ability to publicly reprimand providers; and the power to order monetary compensation.

LAWYERS CALL FOR TRIBUNAL ON AGED CARE COMPLAINTS THE introduction of an independent tribunal to hear complaints of substandard

FEATURE

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Aged care’s challenge to

CELEBRATING LOVE: Edie Mayhew and Anne Tudor celebrate 33 years together with family and friends in a recommitment ceremony in September 2017, before marrying at their first chance when it became legal in January 2018. Picture: Courtesy of Anne Tudor

Women share their search for right home

Alison Houston DO PEOPLE who identify as LGBTIQ* need or want their own distinct aged care? It seemed a reasonable question when the press release arrived late last year announcing Arcare had opened Queensland’s first aged care home for LGBTIQ clients at Parkwood on the Gold Coast. But research and talking to people affected makes the answer clear – they deserve that choice. The first clue should have been that the press release hailed the opening as occurring less than 30 years after Queensland decriminalised homosexuality. Because how does someone who has spent the greater part of their life being vilified, forced to hide part of who they are, facing possible jail or electric shock “cure/conversion

treatments” for their sexuality, find a community they trust in which to grow old? How can they be themselves without fear, form friendships and have confidence that they or their loved one are receiving quality health care as they age? The Federal Government has recognised in its LGBTIQ Inclusion and Awareness in Aged Care report that to understand people’s current experiences, including reticence to disclose sexuality or to enter aged care, and higher levels of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation, we have to understand their past.

LOVE, LIFE AND DEMENTIA: A PERSONAL ACCOUNT It can be as simple, Anne Tudor explained, as feeling comfortable to hug, kiss or hold hands with a loved one – things heterosexual

couples take for granted. It doesn’t seem much to ask, especially given the heartbreaking position in which Anne has found herself and partner Edie Mayhew. The couple have traced Edie’s dementia journey in film, and have followed her into residential care showing the pain of separation in the recently released film Mr Velvet Ears. The title is a reference to Edie’s much-loved care dog, through whose eyes the transition is depicted. “I miss her brain, her mind, her conversation; I miss her strength,” Anne said of Edie, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2010 at age 59. She describes the film as “very raw and honest”, filmed on the day of the move, the day before and again three months after Edie went into residential care. “We have always been

motivated to educate people around dementia, and to encourage people to open their hearts and not be frightened of it, although it is a terrible disease,” Anne said. “The person you love is still there, but in a changed way. “We had eight years living together after Edie’s diagnosis, and our lives haven’t finished yet, so it’s about presenting a positive message because there aren’t enough of those out there.” She hopes the film opens discussions about aspects of dementia care for the LGBTIQ community and the community in general. “Ours is a beautiful story and we are really lucky to have had such a wonderful relationship,” Anne said. This is the couple’s fourth film, with Anne and Edie previously celebrating their 33rd anniversary, including their recommitment

ceremony on September 2017, in a film called The Circle of Love for the Victorian Seniors Festival. “When we got together 33 years ago we kept it pretty quiet,” Anne said of the ceremony. “It was a very different world back then – you didn’t tell people you were lesbian. “We were in love – but we’ve never formally celebrated our love with family and friends because we didn’t feel it was OK to do so. “Now that time is running out for us we want to celebrate with the people we love.” When two months later Australia voted yes to marriage equality, the pair decided to marry on the first day possible – January 9, 2018. “It was the last piece in the fabric of our life – getting married was something we had talked about for years and it was acceptance of a SEFE01Z01MA - V1

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break diversity barriers ‘‘

We felt totally embraced and accepted for who we are.

changed reality and a moment in history,” Anne said. “And to me it was a statement – it didn’t legitimise our relationship, we didn’t need that, but it gives us a legal status so I can’t be overlooked in Edie’s care. “Those that have had access to marriage for ever don’t appreciate its meaning for people who have had a lifetime together and shared their love but not been able to declare it publicly or have the legal rights associated with it.”

THE SEARCH FOR INCLUSIVE CARE Things have changed a lot for Anne and Edie since then, and in September 2018 Anne said it became clear she couldn’t cope alone with Edie’s care anymore. She had a lot of questions in her search to find the best residential care, including LGBTIQ training for staff. Ultimately they decided on Mercy Place, where the CEO told Anne at the inspection: “I’d like you to treat this as your home too.’’ “We felt totally embraced and accepted for who we are,” Anne said, despite the home not being specifically for LGBTIQ residents. Aged care and nursing home staff everywhere should now all have LGBTIQ training, and can work towards achieving a Silver Rainbow tick. But Anne said more education and attitudinal change was needed to ensure that workers, from the CEO to the nursing, kitchen, garden, cleaning and admin staff, put into practice those policies of acceptance. Ensuring those attitudes are also passed on to other residents is another matter, with a government report finding LGBTIQ residents V1 - SEFE01Z01MA

The crowd ready for the film to begin, with a shot of Mr Velvet Ears himself, Melvin, with Edie and Anne.

Picture: Contributed

have been bullied and physically abused by fellow residents.

CHANGING ATTITUDES Dr Catherine Barrett, who has worked on the films with Anne and Edie, was a finalist for the 2018 Human Rights Medal for her work advocating for older Australians, including the LGBTIQ community and people with dementia. She said while ultimately we need all services to be LGBTIQ-friendly, it will take a lot to overcome old fears and cultural stereotypes, or partial acceptance that “it’s OK to be gay, but not that gay”. For that reason, she said, having the option of a specific LGBTIQ service such as that at Parkwood, as well as inclusivity and acceptance within mainstream aged care, were both equally important. The Mr Velvet Ears trailer, full film and resources, and the couple’s other films, are available at www.museumoflove

Edie at her best to enjoy the world premiere of Mr Velvet Ears in Ballarat with Anne.

.com.au/pulse.html. For other LGBTIQ Seniors films go to https:// alicesgarage.net. Find more on LGBTIQ health at https:// lgbtihealth.org.au/, on dementia at www.dementia.org.au, on Arcare Parkwood at https://

arcare.com.au/parkwood/ or, if this has raised issues for you, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.

HELP AT HAND As part of the implementation of the LGBTI Strategy, the Federal Government, in partnership

with various LGBTI advocacy and support agencies, has compiled a collection of LGBTI-specific ageing and aged care resources for the LGBTI community, their loved ones, carers and aged care service providers. For helpful tips about looking for aged care that

Picture: Contributed

caters to the LGBTIQ community, go to https:// agedcare.health .gov.au/ support-services/my-agedcare/lgbti-ageing-and-agedcare-resources. * LGBTIQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer or Questioning.

Your kids never stop being Your kids

To those who do not recognise any of these scenarios in their own family, I say please appreciate your good fortune; but don’t stop reading. As parents we do not stop loving our children because of their failings, faults or shortcomings. We want to give them the tools they need to ensure their every success in life. And when we are not there anymore, we want to pass on to them what we can to assist, without the fear that it will be lost – gambled, drunk or frittered away; lost to creditors or the former spouse. When undertaking your estate planning it’s important to know that there are mechanisms in place to help achieve your objectives.

SENIORS

Make choices that reflect personal principles Dianne Chapman

Lawyer

Hadyn Oriti These structures can be established under your Will to help protect assets from loss or claims by others and used to beneﬁt your loved ones. They can also be a tax effective way to hold assets and distribute income.This can be especially important when the children have done well for themselves ﬁnancially and might appreciate the option of holding assets in such a structure. The team at Donovan Oates Hannaford have decades of experience in preparing Wills. We offer superior, professional advice that is easily understood and is provided in a timely manner. Should you require any further information about structuring your Will, please contact Hadyn Oriti on (02) 6583 0449.

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The good news is that we can help protect the assets you worked hard to accumulate with a number of mechanisms including testamentary discretionary trusts or special disability trusts.

JANUARY, 2020//

Invest responsibly

It is an unfortunate fact that among those who we call our family, there may be illnesses and behaviours present that can cause alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling, excessive spending and greediness. Some family members may be schemers and manipulators. Others may be bankrupt or on the verge of insolvency. There are also family members that may be unable to look after themselves, whether they suffer a disability of the body or mind. Alternatively a family member may be in a relationship with a person that ﬁts one the descriptions above or perhaps you hold grave fears for the longevity of their relationships.

MONEY

LEGAL + CONVEYANCING

CLIMATE change is a hot topic and many Australians are now considering what they can do to help the environment. Every little bit counts and for those wanting to take action on the environment, money is a powerful language that can be a force for good. For some people, making changes to their finances to be in line with their environmental values is a great step to take. Whether it’s through superannuation, investment or savings, more and more people are reviewing their financial arrangements to ensure their funds are put to work in a way that does no harm and, ideally, leaves the world in a better place. Responsible investment is a process that takes into account environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into the investment process of research, analysis, selection and monitoring of investments. It has become a major part of the investment landscape across Australia as attitudes change. Many people want to ensure they are not contributing to anything that damages the planet. More than half of all investments in Australia are now being made responsibly and ethically according to the responsible investment association of Australasia. So if you’re wondering how you can make your finances sustainable, here are some of my most important tips: 1. Understand what matters to you. Everyone’s values are different so you need to first work out what’s most important to you. Do you feel strongly about not investing in fossil fuels? Are you interested in discovering cutting-edge solutions for climate change or is improving energy efficiency a greater priority for you? How will these preferences impact on your investment performance? From here you can identify the areas where you don’t want to invest or, conversely, where you’d

rather put your money to make a positive impact. 2. Do your research and get to know the ESG principles. While the E in ESG may be your No. 1 concern, you may want to take into account a broader set of criteria when making decisions about your money and get to know what the S and the G stand for. Each investment manager has its own investment policy when it comes to ESG investing. For instance, some may apply a “negative screening” or “exclusion” policy, meaning that they steer clear of certain sectors (e.g. fossil fuels). Be mindful of exclusion policies as they may lead to increased volatility in your portfolio. A chat with an adviser on the implications of this approach is recommended. Climate-change investing tends to be a form of positive screening. In other words, actively choosing to invest in companies that are making a difference (e.g. renewable energy). RIAA is a good resource to use when you’re starting on this journey as it details the investment strategies of ethical and sustainable funds. Many super funds or investment managers also now have information about sustainability and ESG on their websites. Look to see whether they have signed the United Nations-backed Principles of Responsible Investing and whether they have published their scorecard. 3. Start with super. Do you know where your super is invested? Does it offer a Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) option? Make sure you read all the information provided by your super fund about the particular sectors,

businesses and/or investment activities that are considered for investment. It’s worthwhile knowing that some people believe many SRI options don’t go far enough. Again, it pays to know what matters most to you and then you can find an option that aligns with your values. 4. Don’t forget the eggs rule. One of the key principles of good investing is diversification – not putting all your eggs in one basket. Diversification is key to any investment strategy. It spreads risks and ensures you are not exposed to any single investment or asset class. So consider the risks of crafting a portfolio that’s too narrow and concentrated. Climate-themed funds also haven’t been around for a long time, with many having only launched several years ago. This makes their performance hard to assess. 5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Being a more responsible investor involves a lot of research, and working out exactly how far you want your investment decisions to reflect your sustainable and ethical concerns can be a minefield (pun intended). For example, you might not want to invest in coal companies, metallurgical coalminers and mining companies, but what about transport companies that freight coal, coal seam gas, oil and conventional gas, electricity generators, or diversified energy generators that may have large investments in renewables as well as coal? – Dianne Chapman, of Jade Financial Group, is an authorised representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd, ABN 89 051 208 327, AFS Licence No. 232706. Any advice given is general only and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, before acting on any advice, you should consult a financial planner to consider how appropriate the advice is to your objectives, financial situation and needs. SEFE01Z01MA - V1

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MONEY

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SENIORS

Don’t bank on cuts THE Reserve Bank of Australia cut Australia’s cash rate in October 2019 to a historic low of 0.75 per cent, with many pundits predicting further interest rate cuts to come. Interest rates in other parts of the world, such as European nations and Japan, have been at ultralow levels for many years and have not helped these economies with their growth. Raising and lowering interest rates – the price of money – is popularly believed to stimulate or slow an economy and, in the short term, this is almost certainly true. In the longer term, however, a continual bias toward stimulating the economy in this manner often has produced the reverse effect in that imbalances and bubbles are eventually fostered and the economic growth temporarily created proves

unsustainable. Lower interest rates clearly reduce mortgage repayments and, if consumers spend these interest savings, it will give the economy a short-term boost. The more important aspect of lowering interest rates is to greatly encourage the corporate sector to borrow more with the aim of expanding their enterprises by building new productive facilities – like new mines or factories – as this results in more jobs and sustained wealth creation in the longer term. However, extremely low interest rates can actually act counter to the intentions of what many central banks – including the RBA – hope to achieve. There are many unintended consequences of lower interest rates, which we have seen play out in Europe and Japan and are now seeing in Australia:

1. Consumers who are borrowing are rewarded, while long-term savers are penalised. By lowering interest rates, the RBA is making it cheaper for consumers to borrow and encouraging them to spend. Meanwhile, the same low rates are effectively penalising those who have saved all their lives in the hope of living in retirement off the interest earned from their savings. Savers have been driven to look beyond the safe options of bank accounts and term deposits, which are offering very low returns. As of October 2019, oneyear term deposit rates were at 1.6 per cent. 2. Lower interest rates do not appear to be leading many companies to expand their productive capacity, but are instead boosting asset prices. Companies may borrow more because the cost of

borrowing is lower, but instead of investing in new assets such as factories and innovation – which will spur long-term economic growth because of the extra jobs created – many are using these borrowed funds to buy back existing assets, which only creates a debt for later. 3. Extremely low interest rates do not necessarily lead to higher inflation or a healthier state of affairs in the corporate sector. By artificially controlling the price of money or the interest rate, funding is not necessarily scarce and companies or entrepreneurs can set up in competition with well-funded companies without having a sensible or economic business model. While innovative competition deserves success, businesses that cannot make money and pay interest and repay debt can sustain themselves when they would often naturally

fail. It is usual that when money growth exceeds output growth then there will be inflation. This has been true but, importantly, the inflation has been concentrated in asset prices and not in goods and services prices that are measured by the consumer price index (CPI). Interest rate cuts have increased money and credit but nearly all of the inflation we have seen has been asset-price inflation while economic growth continues to trend down. So the investor and retiree is left to manage income and portfolio growth within this global monetary policy trend of downward interest rates. The best strategy is to consult your financial adviser to invest wisely during these challenging times. * For more information

contact Mark Digby at Maher Digby Securities Pty Ltd – Financial Advisers – AFSL No. 230559 (see advertisement on Page 3). Phone 07 5441 1266 or visit maherdigby.com.au. This document was prepared without taking into account any person’s particular objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not guaranteed as accurate or complete and should not be relied upon as such. Maher Digby Securities does not accept any responsibility for the opinions, comments, forward-looking statements and analysis contained in this document, all of which are intended to be of a general nature. Investors should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to their personal objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend consulting a financial adviser.

New laws aim to pave way for owners to be reunited with cash THE Federal Government will reunite Australians with their lost and forgotten super by introducing legislation to facilitate the exit of eligible rollover funds (ERFs) from the industry by June 30, 2021. In addition, the Morrison Government will allow the Australian Taxation Office to reunite amounts it receives from ERFs with their rightful owners sooner. These changes are another step forward in addressing the issue of unnecessary duplicate accounts in the superannuation system, lowering fees and charges, and are consistent with the Productivity Commission’s recommendation, in its report Superannuation: Assessing Efficiency and Competitiveness, that ERFs be wound up within three years. While ERFs are subject to the Government’s Protecting Your Super reforms, which require them to transfer inactive lowbalance accounts to the tax office, they are unable to voluntarily transfer other amounts to the ATO, which restricts their ability to exit the market.

Legislation will therefore be introduced into Parliament early next year to permit ERF trustees to voluntarily transfer any amount to the tax office. The legislation will also require them to transfer all accounts below $6000 by June 30 this year and to transfer any remaining accounts still residing in an ERF to the ATO by the same date next year. This measure will build upon the success of the Government’s Protecting Your Super reforms, which have resulted in the ATO proactively reuniting more than 2.13 million accounts, worth about $2.79 billion, with their rightful owners, around a month after their introduction. This includes about 1.54 million accounts, worth more than $2.40 billion, that have been transferred into individuals’ active super accounts and just over 595,000 accounts, worth $303 million, paid into individuals’ bank accounts – a power that only the tax office has. The tax office’s datamatching program has generated results far exceeding those previously

MONEY TRAIL: it will soon be easier to track down lost and forgotten super funds.

achieved by ERFs, which house millions of inactive and forgotten

superannuation accounts. By reuniting these longlost accounts with their

rightful owners, members will be able to enjoy higher account balances and will no

Picture: Contributed

longer be paying multiple sets of fees that erode their benefits. SEFE01Z01MA - V1

SENIORS

G E N E R A L K N O W L E D G E

PUZZLES

\\JANUARY, 2020

Across 1 What is the longest common English word starting and ending with W? (11) 8 Which poet, considered Russia’s greatest, was killed in a duel at age 37? (7) 9 Which river is Europe’s longest? (5) 10 What is the monetary unit of Samoa? (4) 11 Seeing Russians smoking cigarettes caused a surge in their popularity in Britain after which war? (7) 12 Which extinct bird was larger than its close relative the ostrich? (3) 13 Inti was the sun god of which South American empire? (4) 15 What is an American slang word for a habitual heavy drinker? (4) 17 What is a female sheep? (3) 19 What hooked staff is carried by a bishop? (7) 20 What name is given to a cluster of bananas? (4) 23 The scented-flowered shrub Syringa vulgaris is better known as what? (5) 24 What country consists chiefly of the north Sahara Desert? (7) 25 Which European country has four official languages? (11)

11 12 13

15 17

18 20

22 23

SUDOKU

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

18/1

DOUBLECROSS

8 9

Down 1 What North American deer is now often regarded as a larger race of the red deer? (6) 2 What standing frame supports an artist’s work? (5) 3 What is a large area of water surrounded by land? (4) 4 What medicine for bruises is prepared from a daisy-like plant? (6) 5 A military wake-up signal (8) 6 Who (Julie ____) played Mrs Overall in the TV spoof soap Acorn Antiques? (7) 7 What do Australians call their monitor lizard? (6) 12 What traditional type of band plays in Mexican streets? (8) 14 What are ribbon-like strips of pasta in soup? (7) 16 In radio’s Goon Show, who was Bluebottle’s goofy playmate? (6) 17 What adopted German word means substitute or replacement? (6) 18 Which prince was born in England in 1964? (6) 21 Which blood vessel is the body’s largest? (5) 22 What gelatinous substance is used as a culture medium for bacteria? (4)

Find a ﬁnished crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.

11 12 13

15 16

19 20

Down 1. Embarrassed (8) 2. Astound (5) 4. Stunk (6) 5. Instinctive behaviour (6,6) 6. Supervise (7) 7. Drunkards (4) 8. Bad-tempered, unpleasant (12) 12. Inborn (8) 14. Lie under oath (7) 16. Orbit (6) 18. Alcohol (5) 19. Worry about something (colloq) (4)

Across 1. Smack (4) 3. Wall paintings (8) 9. Look at in detail (7) 10. Swindler (5) 11. State of readiness (12) 13. Excellent (6) 15. Out of sight (6) 17. Overwhelmingly tempting (12) 20. Pollex (5) 21. Rust (7) 22. Any time (8) 23. Ding (4)

SOLUTIONS

5x5 E A R L S

ALPHAGRAMS: ATTIC, BABIES, CAPSULE, DESIGNER, EAVESDROP. GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Wheelbarrow, 8 Pushkin, 9 Volga, 10 Tala, 11 Crimean, 12 Moa, 13 Inca, 15 Lush, 17 Ewe, 19 Crosier, 20 Hand, 23 Lilac, 24 Algeria, 25 Switzerland. Down: 1 Wapiti, 2 Easel, 3 Lake, 4 Arnica, 5 Reveille, 6 Walters, 7 Goanna, 12 Mariachi, 14 Noodles, 16 Eccles, 17 Ersatz, 18 Edward, 21 Aorta, 22 Agar. QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Slap 3. Frescoes 9. Examine 10. Cheat 11. Preparedness 13. Superb 15. Unseen 17. Irresistible 20. Thumb 21. Corrode 22. Whenever 23. Dent. Down: 1. Sheepish 2. Amaze 4. Reeked 5. Second nature 6. Oversee 7. Sots 8. Disagreeable 12. Inherent 14. Perjure 16. Circle 18. Booze 19. Stew.

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the ﬁve solutions are sequential. For example, if the ﬁve-letter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

TACIT BIB SEA LACES UP RESIGNED DOPES RAVE

5x5 M

N L

H V

N S

Insert the missing letters to make ten words — ﬁve reading across the grid and ﬁve reading down.

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

R L

TODAY: Good 14 Very Good 17 Excellent 20

turned udder under

S H E L L

E D

N O V E L

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre

A L O N E

WORD GO ROUND

V1 - SEFE01Z01MA

M A R K S

DOUBLECROSS

SUDOKU

ALPHAGRAMS

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