Coffs & Clarence, November-December 2016

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Inside

GOLDEN MILES

Your bucket list of top Aussie road trips and adventures \ PAGES 15-38

Ley of the land

"Travel all over the countryside, ask the Leylands, ask the Leylands ...ask the Leyland brothers!"

LONG before grey nomads, there were a couple of ‘young nomads’ known as Mal and Mike Leyland.

Between 1976 and 1984, Mal was one half of the team that introduced

outback Australia to television audiences. Their quirky, gutsy approach fascinated Australia. Read about Mal’s history and latest explorations on page 3.

Susan Duncan

Lively views on ageing! \ PAGE 4

Upcoming p g events CINEMA

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CINEMA

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Miles Ahead Don Cheadle’s new Miles Davis biopic comes to JMT.

National Theatre Live: WarHorse A screening of the live stage show direct from London.

Orara High School presents…

Gunganbu An original production with music, dance, and projection.

Screenwave International Film Festival 2017 Discover the changing face of world cinema.

Christmas Gift Certificates Give your loved ones a cultural experience this Christmas!

Show: Thu 1 Dec

Show: Wed 7 Dec

Show: Fri 16 - Sat 17 Dec

Tickets & Program: swiff.com.au

Available from the Box Office

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2 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

In this edition

Conversation with author Susan Duncan .............page 4 Live and Let’s Save .........................................pages 8 & 9 Golden Miles lift-out .....................................pages 15–38 Travel ..............................................................pages 43–46 Book Reviews.........................................................page 49

Contact us Editor: Gail Forrer gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Consultant: Sue Dee sue.dee@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Phone: 6650 2925 or 0428 330 057 Now online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Location: 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore 4558 Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $36.30 for one year (11 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Coffs and Clarence Seniors Newspaper”.

The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and south-east 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 ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd (ABN 73 064 061 794). Printed by APN Print, 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.

Frank and earnest talk about ageing

WELCOME to November’s edition.

This month we are all about travelling. I haven’t been on the road – yet.

I say yet, because after interviewing Mal Leyland and (with our Seniors team) compiling the Golden Miles Touring Guide.

I have an image of myself relaxing in a comfortable canvas chair around the campfire, with the gentle sounds of wildlife as backdrop to the chatter of my new and like-minded friends.

But to get to that point, I realise comprehensive preparation is essential and I believe our Touring Guide will be of great organisational assistance.

Entertainment planning is also very important and the lift out contains a big list of events over an enormous area.

This month we also let you know about our grey nomad bloggers (Page 14), who are giving us accounts of their adventures on the road.

This blog is seriously

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

filled with fun, things to do and ideas to think about.

Former The Australian Women’s Weekly and New Idea editor and author Susan Duncan is another person exploring a different part of the world.

The same as many of us, Susan Duncan’s life has had outstanding moments of both joy and tragedy.

In a revealing interview, this talented woman talks about ageing – the pros and the cons – and I found myself reflecting upon her insights, experience and comparing them to my own.

I find that in reading someone else’s story, I often come in contact with elements that allow me to make sense of my own experience.

❝

In a revealing interview, this talented woman (author Susan Duncan) talks about ageing – the pros and the cons – and I found myself reflecting upon her insights and comparing them to my own.

Perhaps, that old saying “a problem shared is a problem halved” is what happens.

Better health, longevity and enormous social disruptions have contributed to the great changes taking place in ageing.

Sometimes it feels wonderful and marvellous to know that we have the advantage of ongoing medical advancement and ever-increasing technological support.

You can find old friends and keep in touch with extended family, you can easily take part in an online learning course, or use some of the medical apps available.

But other times, the

world feels a tad too fast for everyday life.

These are the days you think it would be nice to talk to real people instead of machines.

I heard that some groups are being encouraged to order groceries online, if you’re in a hurry that’s fine, but for someone else it’s a missed social opportunity and too many missed social opportunities mean social isolation.

I guess that’s why a long, slow road trip and a read of our Seniors Newspaper provides a great opportunity to find out about the world in a very traditional manner.

Enjoy!

Gail.

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WINNERS: Members of the Coffs Harbour Aboriginal Land Council accept their award.

Grace Roberts Awards COFFS Harbour Local Aboriginal Land Council and Coffs Harbour local Michelle Sinclair were the winners of this year’s Grace Roberts Awards.

Grace Roberts was a local Aboriginal woman who history records as being a positive role model for her people, and a person of great substance.

She had a positive and lasting impact on Coffs Harbour’s local community and is recognised for her leadership and guidance.

From her

determination and by example, she improved the quality of life for Aboriginal people in our city.

The city council and the Yandaarra Aboriginal Consultative Committee launched the Grace Roberts Community Development Awards in 1999, to acknowledge individuals who, like Grace Roberts, have made a significant contribution to enhancing the quality of life of Aboriginal people in the Coffs Harbour area.

Coffs Harbour Local

Aboriginal Land Council won organisation of the year for its bush regeneration and native tree nursery programs, which employ eight local Aboriginal trainees all undertaking TAFE certificates in horticulture, conservation and land management.

The community worker of the year award went to Michelle Sinclair for her efforts and achievement in Aboriginal aged care support over the past nine years, as well as her significant voluntary work in the community.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 3

Young nomad turns grey Find out where Mal Leyland is exploring these days Gail Forrer

LONG before grey nomads, there were a couple of “young nomads” known as Mal and Mike Leyland.

Last month, Mal turned 72. Sadly, Mike passed away in 2009 at 68.

These two young men brought together cutting edge film techniques and a quirky, gutsy, adventurous spirit that saw them turn into Australia’s best known outback tourism guides.

It seems they were born for the television era and the success of their show Ask The Leyland Brothers, a series of outback adventures, proved that Australia was ready for them.

Once a week, between 1967 and 1984, 2.5 million viewers at its peak, watched the program that started with the ditty: “Travel all over the countryside … ask the Leylands, ask the Leylands... ask the Leyland brothers!”

The tune imprinted itself into the psyches of a pre-4WD, mass communication generation and 40 and more years after its creation, Mal still travels the countryside and has never graduated to anything more luxurious than his very comfortable caravan.

“Luxury accommodation – that would be like putting me into a nicely appointed padded cell,” the Aussie adventurer laughs.

However, in typically diplomatic style, he adds: “But it’s not bad to see

DOCUMENTARIES ❚ 1963 Down the Darling A trip from Mungindi, Queensland, to Mildura, Victoria, following the 2300-kilometre course of the Darling River, part of Australia's longest river system, in a small aluminium boat. An accompanying book was titled Great Ugly River was published by Lansdowne Press in 1965. ❚ 1966 Wheels Across a Wilderness Driving two Land Rovers from Steep Point, Western Australia, across the centre of the continent to Cape Byron, New South Wales. The trip was also published as a book, Where Dead Men Lie. ❚ 1969 Open Boat to Adventure A six-month journey from Darwin to Sydney in an 18-foot open boat, following the coast around Arnhem Land and Cape York. The book was titled Untamed Coast. ❚ 1972 The Wet documents a journey to what is now called Kakadu National Park via Darwin. There were no sealed roads to the north-west part of the Northern Territory at the time. It also provides footage of Darwin. how the other half lives.”

Compared to the five-metre aluminium dinghy the brothers used to navigate the length of the Darling River, and the vehicles used to make the first automobile crossing of the Simpson Desert, the caravan is indeed luxury. Their Simpson

Desert trip was 18 months in the planning and took five months to complete.

“There were no satellite cell phones then and because of the isolation we travelled in tandem,” Mal said.

These days Mal travels with his wife of 47 years Laraine, and as much as

OUTBACK PIONEERS: Mal and Laraine Leyland hit the road in their camper van.

possible, with his daughter’s family, including the three grandchildren.

He said that similar to many teenagers, his 14-year-old grandson was prone to playing with tech gadgets in the tent rather than rollicking in the outdoors.

“So I urged him into coming for a walk with me,” he said.

“We went down to a waterfall, and I told him to look into a dark space in the waterhole.”

For a while, the dark space did not alter.

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Then a school of fish dispersed and their miraculous appearance spiked the teenager’s imagination.

In some ways, it was the Leyland brothers’ recognition and sharing of similar special moments, that allowed city dwellers to enter the Australian bush from the comfort of their lounge rooms.

These days, Mal and Laraine live in the Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland town, Maleny.

He still loves camping and reckons there’s so

much he still wants to explore.

Last year, Mal wrote a memoir and shared his adventures and groundbreaking documentary making.

If you take to the road, keep your eye out for Mal; he marvels at the modern camping facilities, the dirt tracks that are now civilised lengths of tar and the communication that keeps you connected.

But mainly, he’s still happy lying under the stars.

Check out Mal’s book review on page 49.

4 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

Susan Duncan pulls no punches on ageing Ann Rickard

SUSAN Duncan’s much-anticipated third book in her memoir series hit the bookshops at the beginning of October to much acclaim. The House on the Hill follows Salvation Creek and The House at Salvation Creek and is not only a lyrically written narrative of her time building a dream sustainable house on a hilltop-slice of paradise in the mid-north coast of NSW, but is a blisteringly honest story of her life: the bad, the good, the very worst of times.

Throughout the 357 pages of The House on the Hill is the underlying story of Susan’s contentious relationship with her mother, now 95, as well as her frustration at the maddening business of aging.

“I think everyone is in denial about ageing,” Susan, 65, said. “Denial is useless… all that about the 60 being the new 40…useless. Medical advances have made a huge difference but your body goes along at its own pace no matter what you do. You have to accept each new stage, work out how it works for you.”

Creaking knee joints and fading stamina are just two bothersome issues Susan discusses in her book, but she doesn’t steer clear of the mostly-taboo subject of sex and the older person, and refers to the ‘apothecary of unguents’ required to boost a diminishing libido.

“I had no idea what to expect (about ageing),” she said. “No-one tells the truth. My mother lies

about the capabilities of what she can do. It is time we said aging is part of the process and if you get to do it you are lucky.

There is no shame about it. Be honest about it. By talking about it, I was hoping it would make women feel safer.”

But The House on the Hill is so much more than confronting old age or dealing with a difficult relationship between mother and daughter.

It is a glorious celebration of the Australian bush, the rugged country and all its charms and foibles, the determination to build a contemporary yet fully sustainable house on a beautiful piece of hilly countryside in the Manning Valley near Wingham in the mid-north coast in NSW, a second home/farm to enjoy with her much-loved husband Bob. Susan met Bob at Pittwater when she escaped Sydney and her high-powered career as editor of two of Australia’s most prestigious magazines (The Australian Women’s Weekly and New Idea.) After the death of her husband and brother within three days of each other, followed by a cancer scare, a mastectomy and devastating chemo, Susan found peace and Bob at Pittwater.

“I didn’t think it (new love at age over 50) would ever happen to me,” she said. “You don’t see it coming. I think what holds you back is fear. The fear of undressing in front of somebody or the fear of making the wrong choice.

I was so lucky with Bob.” Their developing love

and marriage is detailed in Susan’s previous memoirs, Salvation Creek and The House at Salvation Creek and now The House on the Hill continues the story of their enduring love.

Susan gives evocative details of the period during the building: how they came to discover the beauty of the Manning Valley, then living first in a tent on their 90 hectares, fighting freezing winter temperatures and icy-cold feet at night on a camp stretcher, cooking on a fire in a drum, dealing with aching knees each time she bent to use her camp loo, and most of all, dealing with the omnipotent feelings of self-doubt.

Susan and Bob made regular trips back to their home at Pittwater during the building project to reconnect with their life there and to take Susan’s

LIFE CHANGES: Susan with some of her new friends on the farm property, and (above left) enjoying a reflective moment.

mother out to her favourite picnic or restaurants lunches.

But on each return to the Manning Valley they found the countryside more seductive, the lifestyle more rewarding and more suitable for their age and life-stage.

“It crept up on us, this beautiful place,” Susan, who grew up in the country, said.

Enveloped in the natural countryside does not mean discomfort or sacrifice now that the gleaming architectdesigned eco house (named Benbulla) is completed.

Susan and Bob now spend their time between Pittwater and their new home on the farm. “We will move my mother to a high-care nursing home in

(nearby) Taree. Now, instead of Pittwater and my mother, it is Benbulla and my mother.”

Susan said she first wrote House on the Hill to follow the journey of buying the land and then building the house, but when she read the first draft she found it was too sanitised.

“It was about building a sustainable house, simple and straightforward,” she said. “I read through the first draft and felt I was in denial, it was too Pollyanna, not the way real life is, not honest. I felt I was being a coward about facing a lot of things. I felt I was being drawn towards facing a lot of things.”

That ‘facing a lot of things’ meant Susan finally confronted her mother about a terrible secret she had kept for more than 50 years. It also meant revealing raw and painful truths about

her mother’s vanity, her massive ego and self-absorption, and the conflict it has caused Susan throughout her life.

“I asked my mother’s permission to write (about her),” Susan said. “I started this book three years ago and told her there would be a lot of black stuff coming up.

She gave me permission, but then she took it away. I was six months into the project and thought if I don’t have her permission, I can’t write it. Then she gave back the permission so I pulled it (the manuscript) out and began writing again. Then she took it away again.

Then gave it back once more. ‘This is her power,’ Bob told me. When she had given me permission yet again I never mentioned the book to her again. I feel as though I haven’t betrayed anything.”

A word from Andrew Heathcock B.Pharm (Hons)

CHC Pharmacy is about service and making sure each person speaks to a pharmacist every time they are in. I love having that contact with our customers and making sure they get exactly what they need each time they visit us.

A lot of seniors suffer silently if they don’t understand their medicines or if there is a problem such as difficulty swallowing a tablet. There is almost always an alternative and that’s where pharmacists can be at their most helpful by simplifying medication regimes or finding alternatives to problem drugs. The most important thing for seniors is not to be afraid to call and ask! We pharmacists are here to help in whatever way we can.

Our most popular service is our webster packing service. This allows customers to have one convenient medication pack which they can have delivered to their home for free or they can pick up at their convenience in-store. Many customers find having to manage multiple boxes of medications that all run out at different times stressful and confusing. Medication packing at the pharmacy solves all of that.

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Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 5

6 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

At 55 Annie starts her book career Belinda Scott

WRITER Annie Seaton finds inspiration everywhere she looks.

The former Dorrigo High School principal, academic researcher and Nambucca Heads resident has found an absorbing third-age career as a novelist since she retired six years ago and in the process has invented a new genre, ‘eco-adventure romance’ or ‘activism romance’.

Her new book, Daintree, hits bookshop shelves on November 29.

After a lifetime interest in fiction, Annie began writing seriously at the age of 55 and took just six weeks to land her first contract with an American publisher.

Always a driven professional, she is now

the author of 26 titles, including e-books and self-published books, in categories from steam punk to historical romance and admits she still struggles with work-life balance.

The Nambucca Valley was the backdrop for Holiday Affair, the 2012 novel with an American publisher which propelled her to the front line of the romance genre.

Her first printed book was Kakadu Sunset, published last year by Pan Macmillan.

Her new novel, Daintree, has been described as crisp, tense and fast-moving and its author has been credited as “raising the bar for rural fiction”.

Annie said it was a unique thrill to see her work on book shelves

alongside novels by authors she admired.

She is currently racing to finish the third book in the trilogy featuring the Porter sisters, this time set in the east Kimberley.

The series deals not just with family and relationships, but with topics like political corruption, mining, wildlife smuggling, environmental challenges and medical issues.

Each year since her retirement, Annie and her husband Ian, who is still teaching, spend months exploring Australia and what they have found has been much more than scenery; it has raised a range of issues about the future of many parts of Australia.

Their trusty canvas-topped camper trailer has just been

Writer Annie Seaton on the rocks near her home at Nambucca Heads. INSET: Annie’s new novel Daintree.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

replaced by a comfortable caravan.

“We’ve gone to the dark side,” Annie said.

While it is these travels that give the author the locations and themes for her books, she says her characters are not drawn from life but spring from her fertile imagination.

She even enjoys endowing faces in checkout queues with imaginary backgrounds and histories and taking them on literary adventures.

While exploring and writing might be fun, she says marketing and digital media are essential tools for success in today’s marketplace.

Her years of experience as the technical consultant for 50 schools on the North Coast has proved an excellent background for the two to three hours daily she spends working on promotion and social media.

Ian was born and raised in the Nambucca Valley, the couple moved to Nambucca Heads in 1989 and their children and grandchildren have now moved back to the town.

Her writing name, Seaton (sea town) is taken from her home.

Meet the author Annie will talk about her book, Daintree, at Coffs Harbour’s Harry Bailey

Memorial Library, on November 30 – 5.30pm for a 6pm start.

On December 3 she will be signing books at Coffs Harbour’s Book Warehouse – 11am-2pm.

Writing Journeys will be Annie’s topic at Nambucca Library in Ridge St, Nambucca Heads, on December 1 from 10.30am.

Researching Books in the Aussie Outback will be the title of her talk at Grafton Public Library in Pound St – 12.30-1.30pm on December 8.

On December 10, she will be signing books at Port Macquarie’s Book Face, Port Central – 11am-2pm.

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Covering C i the region

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DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR Frozen bulk orders also now available

There is a great variety of choice. Meals can be delivered daily, weekly or ring for an order if you are not feeling well.

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Wanderlust keeps couple on the road

Seniors 7

Belinda Scott

ON TOUR: Peter and Pam Fraser with their trusty motor home, a converted Coaster bus.

Pam caught the travel bug on earlier trips to England, Europe and New Zealand and now entices Peter away from his garden on a regular basis.

In fact, both have recently been re-elected to the local executive of a national recreational vehicle organisation.

This group organises small-scale weekend trips around the North Coast every month as well as longer itineraries.

“I love to travel in a group for that security. It’s fantastic for singles,” Pam said.

“We’ve travelled around Australia and if anything happens to any of us, the others will wait.”

Connected by their trusty CB radios, they have tackled Cameron

Corner, the Birdsville Track, Strzelecki Track and other far flung routes without disaster.

They had one experience where a brand new motor home driven by a member of their group failed to start in a remote national park.

The fine print in his warranty said it did not apply in remote areas and he had to return it to the showroom for a fix.

Other members of the travelling group managed to diagnose and resolve the problem, which turned out to be a computer malfunction.

Peter has also been impressed by the capabilities of the National Roads and Motoring Organisation (NRMA) whose patrol man

cheerfully turned up within 30 minutes of his call out to Mataranka after a battery failure, which turned out to be simply a disconnected lead, rather than the mechanic’s initial diagnosis of “the guts have dropped out of the bottom of your second battery”.

RVs have a reputation for being expensive and the couple do meet $400,000 RVs on the road, but Peter and Pam bought and rigged their motor home for $20,000.

After they found the bus at Barcaldine and drove it home, Peter did the fit-out himself, using a lot of recycled materials.

“We’re daggy campers,” Peter said.

They acquired the bus when their first vehicle

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had become “the crampervan, rather than a campervan”.

“As you get older, you like a bit of comfort,” Peter said.

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We have experienced much change as a result of sector reforms. We have maintained our focus on high quality service delivery to our clients and other stakeholders. CCO won a number of awards in 2015/16 that recognised our outstanding efforts in business, ethical practice, leadership, innovation and community capacity building.

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COFFS Harbour couple Peter and Pam Fraser take their home with them when they travel.

Their trusty campervan and more recently their motor home have taken them to all the states of Australia (including Tasmania), and even to offshore destinations like Kangaroo Island.

That vehicle has now clocked up nearly half a million kilometres.

What makes a retired couple leave the comfort of their home and leafy garden and join the flock of grey nomads seeking out the red dirt of the outback, the winding bush tracks, gravel roads and small towns?

Pam says it is simply curiosity about this vast and varied country – and the people they meet.

“There’s so much we don’t know – we’ve only scratched the surface,” Pam said.

“We don’t like highways and caravan parks, we like the bush and this is the best way to see Australia.

“It’s unique,” said certified accountant Peter, who retired many years ago from his full-time job with the NSW Forestry Commission.

He recalls sights like thousands of corellas taking off over the Burke and Wills dig tree and billy goats racing at Lightning Ridge.

“It broadens your mind and stretches your horizons.”

They also like to support smaller rural communities by camping there; buying food and petrol and meeting friendly locals.

8 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

Live and

Go solar in the great outdoors BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN

SIMPLE SCONES: Easy to make and taste great.

You only need three ingredients

LEMONADE SCONES

Moist and fluffy scones, made with only 3 ingredients.

Serve warm with Jam and Cream Serves: Makes 10 Ingredients ■ 3 cups self-raising flour ■ 1 cup thickened cream (not whipped) ■ 1 cup cold lemonade To serve ■ Whipped cream ■ Jam Method Preheat oven to 200C Combine the flour, cream and lemonade in a bowl and mix until just combined. Do not over mix. The dough should be soft and fairly sticky.

Turn out onto a

floured surface, and gently pat down to 2.5cm/1.2" thickness.

Use a 6cm/2.5" round cutter to cut scones. Flour the cutter in between so the dough doesn't stick Optional - brush the tops lightly with milk.

This makes the tops nice and golden, and helps smooth the top too.

Place on a lined or greased tray, slightly touching each and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden on top.

Place on rack to cool.

Place tea towel over them to stop the tops from getting crusty.

Serve with jam and whipped cream or butter!

These freeze well, for up to 3 months.

DO YOU enjoy the freedom of camping, but lament the noise of a generator intruding on your peace and quiet.

The solution is here with clean and silent solar power. This power provides comfort to your camping experience while being kind to the environment. The local fauna and your camping neighbours will be grateful for it too. You can easily make a camping solar energy system yourself or take advantage of portable solar panel products on the market, specifically targeted towards camping applications.

Advantages of solar power include: ■ Practically free source of power after initial start-up costs.

■ Renewable and clean energy source for maximum energy return.

■ Increasing efficiency of solar modules increases solar capacity of systems, which equates to more power for longer periods of time.

Daily solar input is recorded in peak sun hours, an industry concept similar to measuring daily rainfall. A peak sun hour is a solar irradiation of 1000 watts/sqm over one hour.

The solar equivalent of a rain gauge can be

visualised as a standard sized light. When full, that represents 1 PSH. The bucket may fill six or seven times daily during summer but only once or so daily in winter.

Solar power chargers are available for many devices we use every day including mobile phones, iPads, digital cameras, laptop and notebooks.

Other solar panel products consist of flexible solar panels,

CLEAN CAMP: Energy comes free from the sun.

lighting kits, battery chargers, folding solar panels, roll-able solar panels, backpacks and bags, showers, speakers and water pumps.

An economical portable solar power rig can be set up using standard solar panels.

The average set-up can power a laptop for 12 hours, run lighting and power some small appliances.

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Save time and HERE’S a few time-saving, meal ideas to suit your relaxed camping lifestyle.

Happy hour provisions are a must, you will find most camp grounds and caravan parks have happy hour and it is a great way to meet new friends.

Besides socialising, happy hour includes sharing food and drink.

Always have nibbles on hand. Nuts, corn chips and corn relish and salsa (no need to keep cool).

Pre planning your menu means you have more time to do what you are meant to do - relax Organisation -

CHEAP EATS, NO TRUFFLES CHRISTINE PERKINS Sort into tubs if space available.

Zip lock bags are a necessity in any camp kit.

Just make sure they are good quality bags especially if storing liquids.

You can make up pancake mix, damper mix, store portions of cereals and BBQ meat. Good way

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

let’s save

Seniors 9

Campers can enjoy the perks of membership

PEOPLE, PLACES & PERKS EMILY BLACK

money camping

to store leftover chips etc.

Great for freezing soup portions before you leave which you can use to keep your esky colder. The uses are endless.

Only take the cooking utensils you actually need to prepare your meals.

Collapsible kitchen containers are great as well for salad bowls and cereals Dehydrated food just needs boiling water to be added to make a meal.

Prepare Cook a meal before you leave home and no it’s not cheating it’s practical!

Have potato salad and coleslaw ready to go.

Wash ng your veggies and salad before you go saves on water usage at your campsite.

Coffee, sugar, vegemite or jam portions are a great way to save space.

Less mess and less spoilage.

UHT products Ultra-high temperature processing (UHT), ultra-heat treatment, or ultra-pasteurization sterilizes food by heating it above 135 °C .

You can obtain UHT milk, cream or custard in this range and it will save you running out of fresh milk and an extra trip to the store.

AUSTRALIA is an oyster of budget conscious travel options for avid camping enthusiasts and grey nomads.

Big 4 Holiday Parks have big membership perks, including discounts of up to $40 each stay at their holiday parks and a range of events and retail, with more than 1000 businesses a part of this initiative.

Perks include travel and transport discounts, from 10% off Apollo Motorhomes, through to spa, beauty and wellbeing discounts. Members earn credits for rewards and can ultimately upgrade to Gold Member status.

Camping supply stores, like BCF (Boating, Camping, Fishing) offer membership rewards programs, including Club BCF. Hop online at bcf.com.au/Member/ Register to join. You’ll need an email address, password and to provide your full name, phone number, street address, date of birth and your preferred store.

You can choose to provide the site with some of your interests (that consist of boating, camping and fishing) and opt to receive email marketing highlighting exclusive club specials, event invitations and advance catalogue

notifications.

They’ll send a confirmation to your email, just follow the link and then you can log in and subscribe to product special notifications, order online, create wish lists. Alternatively, you can visit your local store and become a member there.

When shopping in store, make sure you swipe your card to go in the draw to win $70,000, with individual stores giving away a $50 voucher each month.

TASTY TREATS: The joys of the great outdoors.

Easy cooking by the cozy campfire DAMPER

RUFF ROAD: Camps Australia Wide has the low-down on pet-friendly travel.

Camps Australia Wide is great for those who prefer a book, instead of the web. The latest guide is due out in March next year, and is available for pre-purchase at campsaustraliawide.com and a variety of retail outlets including RACQ and BCF. Touted as one of the most comprehensive guides to free, low cost and unique camping, the new guide lists 3300 pet friendly sites. Highlighting facilities with toilets, mobile coverage, site access and more.

■ 6 cups plain flour ■ 1 tablespoon baking powder ■ 2 cups milk, warmed ■ Pinch of salt Method Combine flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt. Gradually add milk, stirring until you have a soft dough.

Place the camp oven over hot coals and heat until hot. Carefully place dough in oven, cover with a lid, surround with hot coals and bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through. Times may vary according to intensity of fire so keep an eye on your damper.

Serve with butter

BANANAS ON FOIL

■ Ripe bananas ■ 2 marshmallows per banana ■ Milk choc 3 squares per banana ■ Aluminium foil ■ Baking paper Method Take a piece of Aluminium foil top with smaller square of baking paper. Slice bananas in half-length ways. Top with marshmallows and chocolate then wrap tightly to seal. Place in BBQ or open fire for a few minutes to melt chocolate then remove from heat.

Let cool add cream or ice-cream if available enjoy.

$

35

from

p/wk

$

30

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10 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

Talk ‘n’ thoughts Groups aim to ‘fix’ homelessness Governments and foundations keen to help those in need LAST month, I wrote about the conditions contributing to the rising number of homeless older women.

One lady replied with a sentence that echoed the sentiments of many.

“Thanks,” she said, “for writing about the elephant in the room.”

The statistics include a working life punctuated with periods of unpaid family caring, limited education, limited financial literacy, divorce and a late start in superannuation.

Basically, you could say, being born in one era and brought up with a corresponding set of life skills that proved inadequate in the face of radical social changes that blew into the post 55-year-old’s life and, finally, knocked the house down.

But where to from here?

How can affordable housing be made possible?

Australia’s history of social housing began with the Commonwealth establishing a Housing Commission in 1943, recommending a national target of 80,000 publicly built dwellings a year.

Back then, social

TINY HOMES FOUNDATION TINY Homes Foundation has started Australia’s first tiny house project for homeless women, men, youth and the elderly. The pilot project, next to Gosford Hospital on the NSW Central Coast, will consist of four tiny homes, a common lounge, a common laundry/workshop and community vegetable gardens. The homes are in the process of being built by a partnership between TAFE Outreach, Clayton Utz lawyers, NBRS Architecture, Chase Burke and Harvey Surveyors, town planners Wilson Planning, social housing providers Pacific Link and employment and training service The Skills Generator.

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

housing was thought of as an affordable option.

Today public housing is more than often stigmatised with a perception of low status living environments.

So what are we, the Australian community, and our governing bodies doing about the “elephant in the room”?

In Australia, subsidised housing broadly sits under three categories: social, community and affordable housing.

Social housing is run by government; community housing is run through partnerships between government and private enterprise.

Affordable housing is that which reduces or eliminates housing stress for low income and disadvantaged people in order to assist them with meeting other essential basic needs on a sustainable basis.

This may come through

GROWING CONCERN: State and federal governments are working together to address homelessness but more needs to be done.

a combination of government, private sector, institutional investors and non-profit organisations.

To tackle the problem of unaffordable housing, federal and state

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dedicated to providing socially, environmentally and economically sustainable affordable housing solutions and support for people experiencing homelessness.

The pilot program will serve as a prototype for a new and innovative way to address Australia’s growing affordable housing crisis though the development of Tiny Home villages in partnership with state and local government. ❚ National Rental Affordability Scheme: NRAS aims to reduce rental costs for low- to medium-income households and increase the number of more affordable rental houses. ❚ NSW Federation of Housing Associations: Its mission is to support the development of a not-for-profit rental housing sector that

EXISTING HOUSING MODELS 6333754ab

Unit 12, Lot 5, Druitt Court, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Phone: 6651 2143 / Fax: 6652 9430 Email: admin@coffshomemods.com.au www.coffshomemods.com.au www.facebook.com.au/coffshomemods

governments have set up various working groups and asked for submissions. In the community, alternative housing models have emerged and there are various ideas coming out of public discussions.

Below is an abbreviated outline of the present state of Australian housing: ❚ Existing initiatives: This year the Federal Government created the Affordable Housing Working Group: Issue Paper and asked for submissions by March 11.

The working group focused on improving the supply of affordable housing through the introduction of innovative, transformative and implementable financing models. ❚ Tiny Homes Foundation: The foundation is a not-for-profit organisation

compares to any around the world, and makes a difference to the lives of lower income and disadvantaged households across the state.

IDEAS MOOTED TO INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING 1. Secure leasing: The government offers landlords an incentive, such as a tax break, to offer capped rent increases over a guaranteed period.

2. Build more public housing: Private sector to fund a significant increase in housing that would allow for a wider criteria for tenant eligibility, thus losing the stigma of lower status housing and returning to original mainstream affordable housing option.

3. Home sharing: Sydney’s Parramatta Council has asked the community for feedback on this concept.

4. Path to ownership model: The Christian Super fund recommends a path to ownership model that would see the occupier build up equity in the property over a 10-year period by sharing in the capital gain of the property with the government. This would allow the occupier to comfortably afford a mortgage after this time and buy the property.

(Source: investment magazine.com.au.)

NAHC – National Affordable Housing Consortium: Their mission is to facilitate affordable housing outcomes, achieving a balance in commercial, social and environmental outcomes, and act as a catalyst for housing innovation and integrated communities. NAHC has delivered 3325 new NRAS (National Rental Affordability Scheme) homes. (Source: NAHC 2014/15 report.)

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 11

What’s in the bucket counts

DANNY Wilton explains what keeps him in dairy farming is his jersey cows.

“I enjoy breeding the cattle,” he said.

He wants cows that will show their quality “in the bucket” and in the returns from milk processor Norco, as opposed to the show ring.

The 78-year-old farmer is the last man continuing to milk dairy cows in Upper Orara, where a nearby road is called Dairyville because of the 30 dairies which once fronted the road.

One by one these and other Upper Orara dairies have all closed, most turning to raising beef cattle, some to hay, poultry, blueberries, garlic or horses, flowers or small crops, while others have been subdivided into rural residential blocks.

New residents cause new problems.

Discarded plastic and twine, wire and rope, even car parts, have all been found to have caused the death of cows by causing blockages and piercing vital organs, while spray drift, uncontrolled dogs and speeding cars have resulted in illness and injuries to dairy cows and

the loss of a top cattle dog.

“If I lose a cow unexpectedly I cut the cow open, because I like to know what killed them,” Danny said.

“Cows like to chew on something and they will chew on a chunk of baler twine or rope – I found about 15 feet of rope with a part like a clutch from a motorbike stuck in the belly of one cow.

“Another one, a piece of wire, had pierced her heart.”

Azona Dairy and Jersey Stud continues to fly the flag for dairying, but Danny wonders how much longer they can continue.

Neither Danny nor his wife Jean, 74, is in perfect health, but Danny said with younger help he would keep going as long as he could.

In spite of the unrelenting 24/7 routine of dairying, he said he couldn’t imagine doing anything else and he still raised all his own calves on surplus milk.

“I've always liked to grow quality feed and I hate wasting anything,” Danny said.

Between them, Jean and Danny represent 150

WAITING GAME: Jean Wilton inspects cows due to calve shortly.

years of farming and dairying history and experience, both having been involved in milking cows from their cradles.

Danny’s 1950s milking machine is now in a rural museum.

The Azona stud dynasties began 50 years ago with a heifer calf from a 21-year-old cow they bought from Dorrigo’s Arthur Burley in 1966.

Since then they have bred more than 2200 registered jerseys, so finding new names could sometimes be a problem.

The couple divides the farm work; Jean does all the paperwork, including

PHOTO: BELINDA SCOTT

Danny Wilton with a mob of baby calves he is raising.

herd recording and production measurements and is an expert cattle nurse and midwife, while Danny does the farming.

Looking around Azona, with its lush emerald

paddocks dotted with sleek golden animals, its stainless steel milk vats overflowing with the rich milk from up to 160 cows and mobs of frisky calves looking like animated

Jersey caramels, it is easy to see why Danny loves the farming life.

But he said subdivision of land, beginning in the 1970s, had doomed the future of dairying in the area.

“To stay in dairying you need more cows and to have more cows you need more land that is too expensive to buy,” he said.

To date, he has managed to extend the home farm with leased land, but recent sales have seen the end of several of his leases and he is now anxious about finding more land close by, after being forced to take young cattle as far as Grafton for grass.

The couple are proud of their bloodlines, keeping detailed records of breeding and production.

They sell culled animals directly to the meat works, not wanting buyers to acquire unsatisfactory stock through the sale yards.

Jean said they had learned the hard way that cattle which displayed prize-winning conformation at shows did not always perform “in the bucket”.

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12 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

Ingenious creations

WHEN John Brumby was named as Mid North Coast Volunteer of the Year and Senior Volunteer of the Year for 2016, it was recognition for almost 11 years of work in finding practical solutions to highly individual problems.

John is the co-ordinator of the Mid North chapter of TAD Disability Services, based in Port Macquarie.

TAD (Technical Aid for the Disabled) brings together volunteers with design and technical skills to solve problems and create aids for people with disabilities.

He said that while much of their work involved modifying fairly standard pieces of equipment, like steps and rails to suit individual clients and premises, some of the problems they had faced had been real head-scratchers.

A grandmother who had lost an arm wanted a device which would allow

her to buckle her two-yearold grandson into his car seat harness so she could take him to the park.

This job normally requires two hands.

John and his TAD group found a way of supporting the shoulder strap so she could buckle the lap belt to it, opening up a whole new area of activities for the pair.

A man with birth defects which left him with only one functional limb – his right arm – wanted to improve his independence and return to using prosthetic legs, as he had done as a child. But he could not reach to put on the soft stump liners which protect the surface of the natural limb from the harder artificial one and must be fitted snugly.

There was absolutely nothing on the market to do the job, but John’s TAD team invented a simple device which made use of the expanding base of a

cake tin and the tall fingers out of a sail batten with long prongs.

The device cost less than $30 to make and worked perfectly.

“It was great moment of jubilation at the physio department,” John said.

His current concern is the lack of new members coming into the local group.

“There seem to be a lot of competing interests and some people are downsizing and don’t have workshops any more.”

TAD also conducts Freedom Wheels bike clinics, which allow children with disabilities to ride a bike by modifying the machines.

The next Mid North Coast Freedom Wheels bike clinic is on February 21, at St Thomas Anglican Church, Port Macquarie.

Info: TAD Disability Services on 1300 663 243.

RESOURCEFUL: John Brumby at work crafting a special soft tray for a boy to use while travelling in his wheelchair in a taxi.

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Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 13

14 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

Online

www.seniorsnews.com.au

Come explore with us Retiree travellers blog about their driving tour of a lifetime IN A first for Seniors Newspaper, we have recently run a series of blog articles from two retiree travellers who are on the trip of a lifetime.

Rob and Janine Caldwell, from the Sunshine Coast, made their way up the east coast of Australia with their caravan in tow, as part of a six-week driving tour from the Sunshine Coast down to South Australia and back.

Rob and Janine, 61 and 56 respectively, made the journey along with three other couples in their own caravans (two from the Sunshine Coast and one from Sydney) and their two dogs, who went along for the ride.

Highlights of their trip

were tasting sessions in many of Australia’s top wine regions, including stops in the Barossa, Coonawarra, McLaren Vale and the Hunter Valley, which was the last on the list for this trip.

As Rob humorously wrote: “We can feel comfortable that we have provided financial support to the Australian wine industry and to Australia Post, so it’s time to give the credit card a breather.”

One tip the Caldwells have offered is to use the Wikicamps app (available on iOS, Android and Windows) to identify places to stay. They have been using the app and have found it largely successful, with only a

few locations turning out to be a disappointment.

Wikicamps is a database of campgrounds, caravan parks, day use areas, points of interest, information centres and public dump points that is kept up to date by users.

It works off-line, so you don’t need phone signal or a WiFi connection.

You can read about Rob and Janine’s travels on our website – www.seniors news.com.au – or see their full blog at www.onceuponaroad. wordpress.com.

TRAVEL APPS

■ Fuel Map Australia: A crowd-sourced database of petrol stations and fuel prices from all across Australia, with details kept

up-to-date by users.

■ Dishpointer: Invaluable for those hooked on TV or phone reception. Easily identify the direction you need to point your antenna to get reception from satellites overhead.

■ Caravan Leveler: Nifty Android app that takes your caravan’s dimensions into account and tells you how many centimetres each wheel needs to rise by to ensure your home away from home is level.

■ CaravAndroid: Notebook and filing system in one, this Android app is a checklist for everything you need to remember for your trip but also stores all of your caravan insurance policy details and contact telephone numbers.

ON THE ROAD: Rob and Janine Caldwell are blogging about their driving tour of the east coast of Australia.

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Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Golden

Seniors 15

Miles

BUCKET LIST: adventures for the road

Pre-trip checklist Page 17

40+ things to do Pages 18-37

THE 2016 SENIORS SUMMER TOURING GUIDE: FROM SYDNEY TO 1770

16 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

Welcome to your golden years

In partnership with

Welcome to the wide open road Rockhampton Gladstone FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

1770

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

YOU have seen the vision and you can’t wait to explore, rest, socialise and be dazzled by our amazing country. It’s easy to visualise; you’re behind the wheel with the sat nav flashing and your “grey nomad” badge pinned to your shirt.

You’re breathing in an air of anticipation and you have a new currency to trade, the dollars and cents of freedom.

Whether you are an excited first timer or a quietly confident regular nomad, our country is so wide, our transport diverse and our various needs so unique, one thing is for certain, there is always something new to discover.

Australia is the sixth largest country on the planet. At 7,692,024sq km, it accounts for 5% of the world's land area of 149,450,000sq km, and although it is the smallest continental land mass, it is the world's largest island.

Australia is a country and continent surrounded by the Indian and Pacific oceans. Its major cities – Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide – are coastal. Its capital, Canberra, is inland. The country is known for its Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, a vast interior desert wilderness called the Outback, and unique animal species like kangaroos and duck-billed platypuses and we have filled the country with about 24 million people.

Australia is a land of extremes with temperatures ranging from highs of 40°C in the central desert regions to below freezing in the higher regions of the country’s south-east. From its northern most point on Cape York to the southern tip of Tasmania, Australia experiences almost every climatic condition encountered elsewhere in the world, along with some that are unique.

In 2016, this great land is dotted with camp sites, van parks and amenities that contribute another level of comfort to your journey. In this one handy edition, we will share these points with you and wish you all the best on your marvellous journey.

Gail Forrer Group Editor Seniors Newspaper Network Qld, NSW

Sunshine Coast Brisbane Gold Coast

Toowoomba

Byron Bay Port Macquarie Newcastle

Central Coast

Sydney

Contents

Here’s your touring checklist ....................................................................................Page 17 Sydney to Port Macquarie ................................................................................Pages 18–20 Port Macquarie to Yamba.................................................................................Pages 21–22 Yamba to Tweed Heads....................................................................................Pages 24–25 Tweed Heads to Brisbane ................................................................................Pages 26–27 Brisbane to Noosa............................................................................................Pages 29–30

Th

Reef. e Great Barrier

Noosa to 1770 ..................................................................................................Pages 31–34 1770 to Toowoomba.........................................................................................Pages 35–36 Toowoomba to Sydney ..............................................................................................Page 37

Touring the co

untryside.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Welcome to your golden years

Seniors 17

In partnership with

Road trip prep: Your pre-trip checklist AS we head towards the busy summer travel season, here are some tips to ensure you are prepared for your next adventure.

Schedule a check-up: ■ Perform basic maintenance on your vehicle such as checking wipers and fluid levels.

■ Schedule necessary services such as oil changes or tune ups.

■ If towing, pay attention to the cooling system, as towing increases the amount of heat generated by the engine and transmission. Check with your vehicle’s dealer to see if you need an auxiliary transmission oil cooler.

■ If you are heading to warmer regions, consider window tinting and check the air-conditioning has been serviced and is working properly.

■ Have your mechanic inspect your car’s brake pads.

■ Check your battery to make sure it is strong and has clean terminals – a little baking soda and water will do the job.

■ Inspect your tyres for any tears or bulges in the side wall and they should have a good amount of tread. Make sure the tyre pressures are set to the figures printed on the driver’s door placard, or what’s listed in the manual.

■ Check your vehicle’s load capacity.

On most new cars, it is printed on the driver’s door placard. This load rating includes all the passengers and luggage.

Be aware fuel economy is reduced with extra weight.

For your motorhome: ■ Towing gear – each vehicle is different, so be aware of weight distributing hitches when towing medium to large caravans. When in any doubt, check with a specialist towing company. Your own checking should include such things as the ball load and the total weight of the caravan.

A visit to a weighbridge is the most reliable way of getting accurate weights of what you are carrying on the caravan or trailer tyres and on the tow-ball.

Insider’s guide Practical tips and hints

Gail Forrer

GET ready, get set.

But before you point your vehicle in the direction of your road odyssey, stop.

There is more to this journey than mail redirection, turning the electricity off and having the car serviced (although they are all important).

An expanded holiday timeline requires expanded preparation. Here’s a few tips from our in-house vintage “grey nomad” Chris Perkin.

After a 12-month stint around Australia, Chris talks about the important things to know.

USEFUL TIPS: ■ Free camping grounds: You can’t pre-book, so the best idea is to get in early. Aim to be where you want to be by 3pm.

■ Paid camping grounds: Wise to pre-book, especially in peak seasons.

■ Toilets: If possible take your own, be it a toilet tent, chemical toilet, etc.

There are grey waste points where sewage can be dumped in most towns – check it out before you go.

■ Showers: Solar showers are cheap and work well. You can also check with some yacht clubs and service stations that may offer cheap showers (just wear your thongs).

■ Washing: Put your washing in a bucket with a lid. Put in some washing powder and cold water and place on the back seat floor, then drive away. You will

Get in early for a great camping spot.

find the driving motion is enough to shake the dirt out of your clothes.

■ Satellite TV system: Check out getting a 12-volt television and run freeto-air channels from all over Australia.

■ Solar panels: Great to charge your phones and other tech gadgets.

TECHNOLOGY: Become tech-savvy: Have the right computer and the right computer know-how and management of your banking, phone calls, travel journals and photograph storage will be easy and organised.

Your one-stop shop for computer know-how is often your local library. This is due to an initiative that has seen Telstra, state governments and your local library team up to provide free classes.

MONEY: The big three costs are: Petrol, food, accommodation. The cost of the big three will vary depending on the area and time of your trip. A savvy move

includes a contingency fund – this trip is an adventure, so anything could happen.

HEALTH: The big one: First aid kit. Ensure your first aid kit is properly stocked, locked and located in a dry, accessible location.

You can purchase complete first aid kits from pharmacies or St John’s Ambulance. It’s a smart move to do a first aid course, alternatively read a first aid book.

■ Hint: Include insect repellent, sunblock, painkillers. Check that your medications are up-to-date. Need to take health records, check www.ehealth.gov.au.

INSURANCE: A high quality insurance policy will make sure you are not financially crippled in case of accident, theft, storm damage or sudden illness. Caravan and campervan coverage for the over 55s is available through specialist insurance companies like Apia.

GREY NOMAD WEBSITES: ■ www.thegreynomads.com.au ■ www.noboundaries.com.au GREY NOMAD BOOKS: ■ Grey Nomad’s Guidebook, ABC Shop.

■ Green Nomads, Across Australia’s Wild Heritage, by Bob Brown.

■ Sing-Along Book for Grey Nomads,

by Aro Dee. ■ The Grey Nomads: Two Lives; Eight Months; A Thousand Experiences, by John A. Richardson.

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• Tranz Coastal Train, Interisland Ferry, Northern Explorer Train, Cultural experiences and Waitomo Caves plus more • Quality accommodation including Chateau Tongariro and Lakeside rooms in Rotorua • The best of both North and South Islands • Fully Escorted Tour • Smaller groups - no more than 30 people • Includes return flight from Brisbane to New Zealand 17 days AUD $6,695.00 per person Twin Share

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11 days AUD $3995.00 per person Twin Share

18 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

Golden

Miles

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

An inspiring port of call

Sydney to Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie Newcastle

Central Coast

Sydney

The Sydney Harbour Bridge.

■ Norah Head Lighthouse UNCOVERING the nautical history of the NSW’s last manned lighthouse while admiring the tower top ocean views. Bush Road, Norah Head.

■ Australian Reptile Park LOCATED at Somersby, it is about 50 kilometres North of Sydney and is just off the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway. The park is home to a variety of reptiles, including snakes, lizards and crocodiles, as well as other Australian animals, such as koalas, kangaroos, cassowaries and Tasmanian devils. reptilepark.com.au ■ Pelican Feeding, The Entrance WATCHING the natural comical frenzy of the daily pelican feeding at The Entrance. Daily at 3.30pm. Memorial Park, The Entrance.

■ Little Creek Cheese Factory SCOFFING a cheese platter on the banks of the river hoping to catch a glimpse of a platypus. Wyong.

■ Newcastle Art Gallery WHETHER you are a first-time visitor to the Gallery or a regular patron, you will find many nearby attractions to make a full day of your visit. Discover an abundance of unique shops and cafes along nearby Darby Street, enjoy a stroll or a picnic in beautiful Civic Park, or discover Newcastle's other cultural venues. 1 Laman St, Newcastle. artgallery@ncc.nsw.gov.au

Road trip

Sydney to Port Macquarie

Errol Smith

THE delights of Sydney are many and varied but a guided walk to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an absolute must.

Once the adrenalin settles, take in the stunning vista of the world’s most beautiful harbour and all she has to offer.

Back at ground level, head across to the Sydney Opera House and unwind with a coffee at one of the many forecourt cafes before embarking on a guided tour; you won’t be disappointed.

Sydney central is the starting point for an eye-popping, five-hour journey to the more relaxed haven of Port Macquarie.

In Sydney itself there is so much to do and admire; from the incredible beaches that dot the eastern foreshore to the Australian museum and library in the heart of the city to Flemington Markets and Olympic Stadium at Homebush in the west, the home of the 2000 Sydney Olympics and now the biggest entertainment precinct in the country.

From Homebush, it’s a short hop to the M1 and onto the sunny Central Coast, a journey of about 90 minutes.

Seniors News

First stop the iconic Australian Reptile Park at Somersby, where you can spend an entire day wandering among the friendly animals on grassed lawns and viewing Tasmanian Tigers, crocodile feeding and snake and spider milking.

From there, take the old Pacific Highway into Gosford and follow the signs to beautiful Terrigal with its beachside cafes and quaint shops, and don’t forget to walk to the top of the ‘skillion’ to view the surrounds.

It’s then only a 20-minute drive to The Entrance, which has recently undergone a multi-million-dollar revitalisation spend.

Make sure you are there at 3pm when hundreds of pelicans fly in for their daily feed of fish from the local fish and chip shop.

The feeding started 20 years ago when the leftovers were thrown to the pelicans. On days they had none, the pelicans would wander across the road to find out why.

Hop back onto the M1 by following the signs and continue north to Newcastle.

First stop the new look Honeysuckle Wharf development, which stretches endlessly along what was once part of

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the Newcastle Steelworks complex.

Have a coffee, lunch or dinner and take in the beauty of this incredible seaport where huge tankers still make their way into the harbour to load up with coal for far-flung places.

Another must see is nearby Fort Scratchly, a former military fort that was used to defend Newcastle from Japanese submarines in 1942 and which is now a maritime museum.

Also well worth a visit is Newcastle Art Gallery in Laman Street with more than 3000 works of Australian art on display.

North of Newcastle the coastline is classic beach holiday territory so don’t be afraid to get off the Pacific Highway and take the short drives into places like Hawks Nest, Seal Rocks, Forster (where Myall Lakes meets the sea), Laurieton and Lake Cathie before arriving in wondrous Port Macquarie itself with its beaches, shopping malls and entertainment precincts.

Other must-sees’ ` along this part of the journey are Timbertown Pioneer Village at Wauchope, any one of a number of lighthouses, especially those at Myall Lakes, and Crowdy Head near Taree.

To find out more about advertising in Senio ors Northern NNSW, and Seniors s Coffs and Clarence call me edia sales consultant Sue Dee on 1300 0 880 265 or get in touch at sue.dee e@seniorsnewspaper.com.au

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Things to do

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Miles

An inspiring port ofThings call to do from Sydney to Port Macquarie

NOVEMBER 27

Events

Central Coast Half Marathon and 10km fun run FAST, Flat and Scenic Course. Starts under The Entrance Bridge at The Entrance and proceeds along The Entrance Road north before linking up with the cycleway and continuing along the path for 5km for Fun Runners and 10.5km for Half Marathon runners. The course returns back along same route to finish at the Memorial Park, The Entrance. Memorial Park, The Entrance. centralcoasthalfmarathon.com

organised by the Point Cafe and admission is free with food and drink being available for purchase. Bring your own rug, or hire one at the door. Umbrellas, high lawn chairs and outside food or drink are not permitted.

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere of live music, craft beers and plenty of delicious food. Edogawa Commemorative Garden. Phone 0427 056 213.

DECEMBER 17

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 18

Firefly Magic 4 NESTLED in the heart of the Central Coast, just 1 hours drive from Sydney and 30 minutes to Newcastle.

Firefly Magic is a unique festival at the beautiful Australian Rainforest Sanctuary, locally known as the Forest of Tranquility in Ourimbah. The “Fireflies” come out at Dusk and like humidity. However displays vary nightly, so it is suggested the evening be deemed an opportunity for a twilight stroll and chill out under the stars for dinner or an evening picnic. 390 Ourimbah Creek Road, Ourimbah. Phone 4362 1855.

DECEMBER 1 - 4

Motorworld Sydney A DYNAMIC, interactive automotive festival, a great day out for the family and motoring enthusiast alike. A highlight is the Mega Test Fest offering potential buyers the opportunity to test drive their hero car on track, road or off-road circuits to compare brands and models, or experience them through a series of live demonstrations. Quality educational and entertainment programs with live action, exciting competitions and fun activities for the kids, make this a special event for the whole family. Sydney Motorsport Park, 50 Peter Brock Drive, Eastern Creek, Eastern Creek, Sydney. sydneymotorsportpark.com.au

DECEMBER 2

Live from 5 street food A FREE community event, fortnightly on a Friday night from 5pm-8pm. Come down to Live From 5 and choose from some great international street food vendors, grab a boutique wine or local beer and chill out to the relaxed sounds of Joe Coffee. Bring your work colleagues, family and friends, and get the weekend off to a great start. Kibble Park, Gosford. Phone 4322 7726.

DECEMBER 4

Wollombi Sculpture in the Vineyards AN ANNUAL arts and cultural festival held throughout the boutique vineyards and historic village of the Wollombi Valley. This free public exhibition features large scale and site-specific works, transforming the four participating vineyards into a series of spectacular

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l Walk, looking Newcastle Memoria ter suburbs.

Merewether and the ou

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temporary sculpture parks. A celebration of art, food and wine, this month long event includes guided sculpture, wine and local Aboriginal history tours, as well as tailored educational tours and workshops for all. www.sculptureinthevineyards.com.au

DECEMBER 4

The Christmas Fair THE Central Coast’s favourite Christmas event returns to the beautiful waterside tranquil location of Mount Penang Gardens. You can enjoy the Coast’s largest free outdoor Christmas shopping experience on the water in a relaxing environment with plenty of free parking. Now in its ninth year, the event features over 1560 hand-picked, high-quality local arts and crafts stalls, international food zones and fresh seasonal produce areas, puddings, and delicious cakes. Santa will be there too and you can take photos with him on the water. Corner Central Coast Highway and The Avenue Mount Penang Gardens, Kariong. Phone 0416 923 655.

DECEMBER 11

Carols on the Green ON from 5.30pm-7pm. Bring your blanket for an evening of Christmas Carols, Face painting, Santa Photos and Holiday Cheer. Followed by Christmas ham Raffles at 7.30pm. Dunban Road, Woy Woy. visitcentralcoast.com.au

DECEMBER 15 - MARCH 19

Garden Summer Sounds AN evening of summer sounds on the third Sunday of every month between 4pm - 7pm. This event is

Woolworths Carols in the Domain THIS is Australia’s largest free Christmas concert. It will be the 34th year of this iconic Christmas celebration and we are looking forward to yet another star studded event. This year’s concert theme ‘Christmas Traditions’ promises to deliver yet another star studded line up of performances, along with the Christmas cheer that Australian families have come to know and love, while reflecting on all of the sacred traditions we share with our family and friends. The Domain Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. carolsinthedomain.com

DECEMBER 17

Christmas Party Picnic Race Day GATES Open 12pm, First Race 1pm,Last Race 5pm.

The Entertainment Grounds offers first class sporting and function facilities and is centrally located at West Gosford. With unsurpassed views and excellent facilities The Entertainment Grounds is undoubtedly one of the finest, most exclusive function venues available on the Central Coast. A different way to enjoy pre-Christmas celebrations with live action racing. The Entertainment Grounds, 4 Racecourse Road, West Gosford. theentertainmentgrounds.com.au

DECEMBER 24

Carols by Candlelight THE place for families to come together and celebrate Christmas Eve. Celebrate Christmas Eve with the family and loved ones on the foreshore at The Entrance for a traditional ‘Carols by Candlelight’ evening. The evening provides a relaxing and free night of carols, children shows, amusement rides, market stalls, Santa and to add to the Christmas spirit a spectacular fireworks courtesy of Star 104.5 display is at 9pm. This is a great way to spend Christmas Eve with your family and friends. Memorial Park, The Entrance. theentrance.org.au/whats-on/events/17-carols

DECEMBER 31

New Years Eve WELCOME in the New Year or celebrate the end of the year with your friends and family at The Entrance family orientated New Year’s Eve event. Entertainment starts CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Take a creative photo featuring a fun sticker from Palm Lake Resort for your chance to win!

Find your sticker in the Spring 2016 Palm Lakes Magazine (free to registered Palm Lakes

Collect Your Sticker

Resort customers), collect one from any Palm Lake Resort reception counter or email

Step 2

Take Your Picture

It’s time to get creative. Snap a photo featuring your sticker. As long as you include the sticker, the photo can be of anything you like! Check out the entries so far at http://www.seniorsnews.com.au/feature/palm-lake-resort/

Step 3

Submit Your Entry

Be in the running by visiting www.seniorsnews.com.au, entering your details and uploading your photo. Make sure your entry is in by 5.00pm on Friday, November 25 2016!

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communitynotes@seniorsnewspaper.com.au and ask us to send you one.

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V Visit www.seniorrsnews.com.au/competitionterms p for full competition p terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM S Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore QLD 4558. Promotional period 15.08.16 – 2 25.11.16. Competition drawn 28.11.16 at 30406/9 Lawson St, Southport QLD 4215. Winners announced in S Seniors Newspapers: Brisbane and Sunshine Coast 05.12.16, Gold Coast and Toowoomba 12.12.16, Wide Bay a and Northern NSW 19.12.16, Central Coast and Coffs & Clarence 19.12.16 and online at www.seniorsnews. c com.au 30.11.16. Total prize value $70,397 inc GST. Open only to residents of QLD, VIC and NSW.

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

Things to do from Sydney to Port MacquarieWelcome to your golden years

In partnership with

FROM PAGE 19

at 4.30pm on the Sails Stage and kicks off in Memorial Park at 6pm finishing the program with a fantastic fireworks display over The Entrance Channel at 9pm.

Memorial Park, The Entrance. theentrance.org.au

JANUARY 8 - 14

Apia International Sydney THE Apia International Sydney is a lead up tournament to the Australian Open and is one of the oldest tennis events in the world! In 2000, the tournament moved to its fourth home, the state-of-the-art Sydney Olympic Park Tennis centre where it is played to this day. Apia International Sydney is all about the tennis, with rising stars, established veterans and the world’s top ranked players all hitting Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre with the aim of lifting the trophy at the end of the week and entertaining the fans while they’re at it. Tennis Centre Sydney Olympic Park. apiainternational.com.au

JANUARY 11 -15

Parkes Elvis Festival THE event is held on the second week in January, coinciding with Elvis Presley’s birthday. Each year the program extends and now there are approximately 120 individual events over the five days. The program includes the headline Feature Concerts Series, the Elvis Gospel Service, the Northparkes Mines Street Parade, nonstop free entertainment in Cooke Park, the popular Renewal of Vows, the Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner, Poets’ Breakfast, busking, dancing, cake decorating and much more! Parkes is located 365 kilometres west of Sydney. parkeselvisfestival.com.au

JANUARY 14

Tastefest on the Manning THERE will be Farmers Markets from 9am, and TasteFest from 10am through to 8pm in Queen Elizabeth Park in the central business district of Taree.

The walk-in entrance is at the bottom of Manning Street, next to the Exchange Hotel. TasteFest will showcase the best the Manning Valley and surrounds has to offer and will include craft beer, food, wine, entertainment and music, as well as activities on the river. TasteFest on the Manning is conducted by Taree Lions club as a charity that benefits the community and celebrates life in the Manning Valley. They look forward in having you join in the fun, fine food and festive spirit. tastefest.com.au

FEBRUARY 4 - 5

NSW Masters Darts Tournament THE NSW Masters Darts Tournament will be hosted

by Ettalong Bowling Club. Play begins at 9am daily.

Spectators welcome. Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club, 103 Springwood Street, Umina Beach. Phone 4341 0087.

FEBRUARY 17 - 19

Deniliquin Fishing Classic

PHOTO: DESTINATION NSW

CATCH OF THE DAY: Deniliquin Fishing Classic.

In 2017 the Deniliquin RSL XXXX Fishing Classic will celebrate it 20th year. This will by far be the best year yet. 2017 will see the return of the Kayak Section which crowned the Champion Angler for 2016, hauling in a whopping 99cm Murray Cod. Also returning for the second year will be our tagged cod. With the prize money jackpotting to $10,000. Like every year we will have some amazing prizes up for grabs, plenty of kids activities, food and drinks. denifishingclassic.com.au

FEBRUARY 25 - 26

Sydney Harbour Challenge outrigger canoe racing STARTED by Pacifica Canoe Club, currently the largest 6 person Canoe race in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney Harbour Challenge presented by Hawaiian Airlines is very excited to announce its 4th year. Growing on last years huge success the event is extending to a 2 day program which will see competitors from around the globe compete in a series of races around the stunning Sydney Harbour. The Esplanade, Manly. www.sydneyharbourchallenge.sydney

MARCH 3 - 12

Seniors Week NSW EMPOWERING older people in NSW to stay connected and contribute to their communities and to live active and healthy lives with improved physical and mental wellbeing. The weeks’ events bring together local

community organisations to produce multicultural, intergenerational or lifestyle events for seniors in their community and encourages opportunities for seniors to continue to learn. The 2017 NSW Seniors Festival theme will focus on ‘Inclusive Communities.’ www.nswseniorsweek.com.au

MARCH 4

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras TODAY Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of Australia’s most famous and well-loved events, bringing thousands of visitors to Sydney to join in the celebrations.Visit: www.mardigras.org.au

MARCH 25

The Kindness Festival THE event will run from 10am-7pm and aims to be environmentally friendly and sustainable. Promoting a greener lifestyle and educating the community on ways to heal mother Earth.

The Kindness Festival is ultimately a food festival, the first of its kind on the Central Coast. A completely plant based event promoting the delicious and indulgent food that comes with the the vegan lifestyle.

This event will have live music, delicious street food, a great range of quality stalls.

Great local art and talented craftsmanship. Kibble Park, Gosford. www.uminabeachmarkets.com/the-kindness-festival

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

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An inspiring port of call

Port Macquarie to Yamba

Byron Bay Port Macquarie AUSSIE ICON: Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana is still a traffic stopper.

PHOTO: TREVOR VEALE

Things to do ■ Woolgoolga Art Gallery WOOLGOOLGA Art Gallery is a community-based gallery run by volunteers. There are regular exhibitions, classes and workshops in a variety of arts and crafts. All exhibition items are for sale.

■ Slim Dusty Centre SLIM was the first Australian to have an international record hit, and the first singer in the world to have his voice beamed to earth from space. The Slim Dusty Museum is a major tourism drawcard, making this facility a mustsee on the national and international visitors scene. Kempsey.

■ Cascade mountain bike trail ENJOY a scenic cycling route through the rainforest on Cascade mountain bike trail, only an hours' drive from Coffs Harbour and spot lyrebirds, reptiles and other wildlife along the way.

■ Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries JUST 10 minutes north of Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast. Call in and experience the pleasure of picking your own plump, luscious strawberries. Farm Gate Sales – 7am-5pm. Big Red Cafe – 9am-3pm. www.ricardoes.com ■ Coffs Harbour City Gallery THE gallery has a highly flexible exhibiting space of 200 square metres and presents a diverse program of historical and contemporary exhibitions designed for the enjoyment and education of the community of Coffs Harbour.

Ne

tle

Road trip

Port Macquarie to Yamba

Belinda Scott

DRIVING from Port Macquarie to Yamba, travellers pass through a region which is rich in wildlife and natural attractions as well as Aboriginal and European history.

It is also a noted food bowl, producing everything from fish and oysters to nuts, fruit, sugar cane and coffee.

This 296.4 km trip can be completed in less than four hours, travelling for much of the way on some of the newest and fastest stretches of the Pacific Highway, but why would you want to hurry?

Stroll the elevated boardwalk through the rainforest at Port Macquarie’s Sea Acres Nature Reserve, ride a camel along the beach, browse the boutiques at Port Macquarie Central; check out the shows at The Glasshouse and enjoy a cruise on the Hastings River.

As you head north you can pick your own strawberries at Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries or take a side trip to local wineries or the Billabong Wildlife Park.

Kempsey’s Slim Dusty Centre and the Pub with No Beer at Taylor Arm celebrate the life and times of famous country musicians.

Forest Sky Pier, Sealy Lookout, Coffs Harbour and (right) interesting work at the Grafton Art Gallery.

Travel 24km north east of Kempsey to visit historic Smoky Cape Lighthouse or the heritage-listed ruins of Trial Bay Gaol and its museum.

Coffs Harbour is known for its Big Banana Fun Park, with its water park, ice skating rink, candy kitchen – and chocolate-coated bananas.

Coffs Jetty Foreshores is a great seaside picnic area with bike paths, walking tracks, playgrounds, fishing boats, cafes, a marina and the Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-op.

Muttonbird Island, the state’s largest nesting colony for the birds, is connected to the breakwater.

Nearby is Dolphin Marine Magic, the state’s only dolphinarium, which has daily shows featuring dolphins and seals.

Further north, the lovely city of Grafton is on the banks of the mighty Clarence, the largest river on the coast of NSW. Grafton is famous for its spectacular Jacaranda Festival, held each year in late spring – October 29-November 6 this year – but is worth visiting all year round for its art gallery, museum, parks and historic buildings.

Canefields line the highway as you travel north to the Scottish-flavoured river town of Maclean, where the power poles wear painted tartan kilts and Maclean Lookout offers panoramic views of the Lower River valley.

At the mouth of the Clarence is the notable fishing and beach town of Yamba, cherished for its village atmosphere, relaxed ambience, swimming spots and walking tracks.

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22 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

An inspiring port ofThings call to do from Port Macquarie to Yamba

Events NOVEMBER 26 - 27

The movie will begin once the sun has set. Coffs Harbour Showground. www.newcastlepermanent.com.au

The Nambucca River Festival MACKSVILLE’S River Street will be transformed into an entertainment precinct centred on the innovative River Stage where you can watch high-energy water activities and enjoy the great on-stage entertainment available, all tightly scheduled into one continuous show and viewed from the same vantage point. All this close to stalls where you can taste the best of locally produced food and wines. New this year is the addition of a band on the River Stage following the fireworks where you can dance the night away with a musical street party. www.nambuccariverfestival.com.au

MARCH 3 - 4

bcu Coffs Tri THE Coffs Harbour event will also be the NSW State Championship Race to determine the best triathletes in NSW. The inclusion of short-distance events for novices and children means the event promises to be fun for everyone, regardless of age or fitness. All proceeds will go to local children’s charities. www.villagesports.com.au

NOVEMBER 26 - 27

Dorrigo Agricutural Show THE Dorrigo and Guy Fawkes Agricultural Association Incorporated (the Dorrigo Show Society) is a member based, not-for-profit organisation.

The society holds and promotes an agricultural show each year to serve as its primary medium to achieve its mission. The primary focus of the agricultural show is to serve as a showcase for the talents of the residents, local organisations and particularly the youth of the community. 1 Rosewood St, Dorrigo. destinationdorrigo.com

DECEMBER 17

Christmas Carols Urunga STARTING at 5pm and going until 9.30pm, the Carols Urunga evening will be one of song and joy.

Entertainment, food, fireworks and lots of fun for all.

There will be a variety of wonderful foodies with a barbecue and sausage sizzle plus a variety of food and drink stalls. The arrival of Santa always brings much excitement. Bring a chair or rug to sit on. Morgo Street Reserve, 15 Morgo St, Urunga.www.urunga.com.au

DECEMBER 27 - JANUARY 28

Screenwave International Film Festival THE best in world cinema, art house and independent films, Coffs Coast local content, genre flicks, and Australian film titles across Coffs Harbour’s Jetty Memorial Hall and Bellingen’s Memorial Hall.

With more than 38 film sessions, two free outdoor cinema events, four Australian feature film directors flying into the region from around the country, filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, free special presentation screenings and much more. www.swiff.com.au

DECEMBER 29 - 31

Lost Paradise Festival ANNUAL New Year’s Boutique camping music festival featuring art, music, yoga, food, all lovingly wrapped in community.

Lost Paradise was born out of a life-long dream to

MARCH 3 - 12

rth, will find it in Tamwo GOLDEN GUITAR: You ntry music.

Australia’s home of cou

bring together kindred spirits for a good old fashioned party among nature. 69 Glenworth Valley Cooks Rd, Glenworth Valley. www.lostparadise.com.au

JANUARY 19- 20

Tamworth Country Music Festival ENTERTAINMENT at the Tamworth Country Music Festival is on throughout the region across many venues – there are some 2800-plus events staged in 120 venues and more than 800 artists performing during the festival.

Each venue listed organises its own entertainment and schedules artists. Over the 10 days of the Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth has a Festival Express bus service in operation to help festival fans get around the country music capital. www.tamworthcountrymusic.com.au

FEBRUARY 4

Cinema Under the Stars THE free event kicks off at 5.30pm with a fantastic line-up of family friendly entertainment and activities before the blockbuster movie Zootopia screens at sundown.

Seniors Week NSW EMPOWERING older people in NSW to stay connected and contribute to their communities and to live active and healthy lives with improved physical and mental wellbeing.

The week’s events bring together local community organisations to produce multicultural, intergenerational or lifestyle events for seniors in their community and encourage opportunities for seniors to continue to learn.

The 2017 NSW Seniors Festival theme will focus on Inclusive Communities. www.nswseniorsweek.com.au

MARCH 4 - 5

Girrakool Blues Festival & BBQ IT’S happening on the Central Coast with 20 bands, one funny-man, two stages, overnight camping, family friendly Texan slow-cooked barbecue, specialty stalls and Aboriginal cultural activities in the beautiful Mt Penang Gardens.

Girrakool Blues Festival and Barbecue is named after the nearby waterfalls and quite fittingly is Aboriginal for “place of still water”, ie Muddy Waters.

The festival will feature a wonderful weekend of quality, international, national and local blues and roots acts, within the beautiful surrounds of Mt Penang Garden Parklands. in a family friendly, relaxed atmosphere. www.girrakoolblues.com.au

APRIL 2

The Beachside Radiology Coffs Ocean Swims A FUN charity fundraising event offering participants a choice of distances catering for both the novice and the more competitive with a 600-metre swim around the jetty, 2000-metre swim across the harbour and fun races for children, all held inside the beautiful, protected harbour.

2017 marks the 20th annual Coffs Ocean Swim.

Coffs Harbour. www.villagesports.com.au

ginger meggs: CELEBRATING 95 YEAR EARS An amazing exhibition of memorabilia and ca artoons spanning 95 years, from Australia’s favouririte ginger-haired larrikin! 2 DEC TO 29 JAN N

Open 7 days 10am--4pm* John Champion Way (off City Hill Drive at racecourse roundabout) Coffs Harbou ur P: 02 6651 7343 W: bunkercartoongallery.com.au E: info@bunkercartoongallery.com.au * CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 23

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Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

The award-winning Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout is an unmissable stop in your coastal travels. This amazing structure out over the forest canopy and offers views from mountains to the sea. Enjoy a picnic under shady trees or take in the comforts of the sheltered picnic area. Walking tracks such as the Rainforest Loop Track at The Gap provide an authentic and beautiful North Coast forest experience.

Korora Lookout is a special place. Developed in collaboration with Gumbaynggirr Elders, the walking track to Korora Lookout tells the story of Gumgali the black goanna, who burrowed through the escarpment to emerge in the sea. A series of sculptures and mural art guides visitors to the lookout where the story of Gumgali is shared in Gumbaynggirr language at the sound bar. At the lookout, a viewing deck showcases panoramic views north over the coastline while tree-shaded seating offers peace and tranquillity.

24 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

An inspiring port of call

Gold Coast

Yamba to Tweed Heads

Byron Bay Ballina’s Big Prawn.

Things to do ■ The Big Prawn BUILT in 1989, the Big Prawn started off tail-less and sat upon the West Ballina transit centre. Visitors could go into a viewing deck within the prawn’s head and look out through its bulging eyes.

It’s since undergone a makeover and moved to a new location outside the Bunnings Warehouse on River Street.

■ New Italy THE New Italy Museum is dedicated to the original families who settled here from 1882. The Italian Pavilion showcases the broader history of Italian migration to Australia and the Northern Rivers region. Stroll the grounds to see the Monument to the Pioneers, Antonionia’s Well, sculptures and the Park of Peace. 8275 Pacific Highway, Woodburn.

■ Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens A SHORT scenic journey into Byron Bay’s hinterland lies a faraway magical place. Walk among gods through the famous Buddha Walk and breathe in the stunning gardens and rainforest.

Only 20 minutes from Byron Bay. www.crystalcastle.com.au ■ Nimbin Artists Gallery A VIBRANT and unique community nestled in scenic north-east New South Wales. The gallery exhibits a huge range of works from more than 100 artists living in and around Nimbin. www.nimbinartistsgallery.org ■ Cape Byron Lighthouse SITTING on Australia’s most easterly point, Cape Byron Lighthouse is a shining light over Byron Bay. Take a guided tour, find out about shipwrecks and enjoy spectacular views.

9.30am-4.30pm daily (closed Christmas Day).

Port Macquarie Road trip

Yamba to Tweed Heads

Jan Richards

YOU could do the drive from Yamba to Tweed Heads, only 176kms, in just over two hours, or you could take your time and make your way off the M1 to explore places like The Big Prawn, or the Little Italy museum.

Let’s start at Yamba. Grab a coffee, or an ice-cream and take in its village charm, then venture to the beach for a swim, a surf, or a spot of fishing. On the Clarence River, the waterways are part of the area’s natural beauty, so head out on a kayak or boat and explore. Like your history? Retrace the steps of Mathew Flinders as you explore the historical highlights.

Half an hour north drop into New Italy for some more history at its museum dedicated to the original families who settled there from 1882.

In only 20 minutes you’ll be back on the coastline at Evans Head, where you can roll out your towel and relax on the beach or swim in its protected waters.

Or head straight to Ballina, a bustling holiday town and the home of the iconic Big Prawn. There are also kilometres of bike paths so you can explore the Richmond River and coastline.

For bushwalkers, the national parks of

Relax and drop a line by the Tweed River, and (right) deep sea and river fishing expeditions from Yamba.

PHOTOS: DESTINATION NSW

Broadwater and Bundjalung are a great way to experience the flora, fauna and birdlife.

Lennox Head is a vibrant seaside village with a famous right-hand point break. This might be your chance to see some great surfing action, or to get out there amongst it if you’re good enough.

Rediscover your inner hippie just half an hour up the road at Byron Bay. Check out the national park with its famous Cape Byron Lighthouse, at Australia’s most easterly point. There are walks through the national park, or you can drive and park close to the lighthouse.

Shop until you drop in town, or take your pick from dozens of funky places to eat. Or pick up a takeaway and sit on the beachfront and watch the passing

parade.

If you have time, stop at Kingscliff, another seaside delight, before you reach Tweed Heads on the far north coast of NSW. This is a great place to explore the region from, and has not only beaches and the sparkling Tweed River, there’s also the World Heritage Listed rainforest – take a river cruise and feed birds of prey.

Don’t be in a hurry, most towns are only 20-30 minutes apart, and they all have so much to offer.

As do inviting hinterland towns like Mullumbimby, at the foot of the striking Mount Chincogan where you can taste fresh local produce at the colourful farmers market and Murwillumbah with its Tweed River Gallery.

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An inspiring port ofThings call to do from Yamba to Tweed Heads

Events NOVEMBER 29

MARCH

Windara Carols by Fireworks - Casino WHAT a wonderful way to start the festive season.

Join Windara Communities as they herald the festivities at Casino’s Queen Elizabeth Park, not by carols, but by fireworks.

There will be a bouncy castle, food stalls, a bar and even a visit by Santa Claus. The night will help raise funds for Windara Communities, supporting the employment of disabled people in the Casino district. www.richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au

Rappville Cup, Casino DRESS up in your best and enter the Fashions in the Field competition to be in the chance to win from a pool of prizes at the Rappville Cup Day at the Casino Racecourse. The meeting of eight races will be complemented by full TAB facilities on course, plus a host of bar and food outlets. www.casinoracingclub.com.au

MARCH 3 - 12

DECEMBER 1

Richmond Valley Christmas Street Party THE Christmas Tree Lightup and Street Party is back and bigger than ever.

Walker St comes alive with a host of exciting Christmas fun for the whole family. There will be amusement rides, Christmas carols, face painting, Santa, Christmas tree, food, fun and much, much more. www.richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au

DECEMBER 26

Ballina Boxing Day Races IT’S that time of year again. Yes the Ballina Boxing Day Races are happening at the Ballina Jockey Club so frock up and get ready for a fun filled day in the sun.

This is an exciting event to be a part of so don’t miss out. Racecourse Rd, Ballina Jockey Club, Ballina. www.ballinajockeyclub.com.au

DECEMBER 27 - JANUARY 6

Ballina Bowls Summerland Series SUMMERLAND Series is a prestigious bowls series attracting players from interstate, New Zealand and other countries.

There will be approximately 300 bowlers who participate in the event, as well as spectators in excess of 300. The Pairs tournament will run over three days, with three days break and then the Singles tournament runs a further four days.

Finals are held the day after the Singles tournament.

68 Cherry St, Ballina Bowling and Recreation Club. www.cherrystreet.com.au

JANUARY 1

Yamba Twilight Street Markets THE Yamba Twilight Street Markets is an annual market event held on New Year’s Day, with the main street of Yamba closed for the community event. There will be lots of stalls featuring jewellery, clothing, arts and craft, fresh produce and gourmet foods, among many, many others. The markets are organised by the Rotary Club of Yamba. Yamba St, Yamba. Phone: 0422 055 355.

Australian Longboard

.

Surfing Open, Kingscliff

JANUARY 2

Yamba Ocean Swim A TRADITIONAL Christmas holidays swim on the NSW North Coast, timed to attract the hordes of holidaymakers who flock to the region between Christmas and New Year. Yamba is a stunning place.

This swim offers a beautiful location with terrific beaches. Excellent way to get oneself feeling good again after Christmas indulgences. Marine Pde, Yamba. www.oceanswims.com

JANUARY 7 - 8

Seniors Week NSW EMPOWERING older people in NSW to stay connected and contribute to their communities and to live active and healthy lives with improved physical and mental wellbeing. The week’s events bring together local community organisations to produce multicultural, intergenerational or lifestyle events for seniors in their community and encourages opportunities for seniors to continue to learn. The theme will focus on Inclusive Communities. www.nswseniorsweek.com.au

MARCH 16 - 19

Australian Longboard Surfing open, Kingscliff A THREE day celebration of the surfing lifestyle which attracts the current crop of professional longboard surfing superstars. Together they rub shoulders with other competitive surfers both professional, amateur and their families. The Australian Longboard Surfing Open attracts those that identify with a sport powered by nature, its clean green ocean waves and its lifestyle image of art, music, cars, movies, bikini parades and market stalls. www.australianlongboardopen.com

The Great Eastern Flyin, Evans Head A UNIQUE Australian aviation event. Pilots, their families and friends, fly In from all over Australia to enjoy a great summer holiday with a difference.

Locals young and old come to marvel at the latest in aircraft, air displays and have the ride of their lives.

A community event for all aviators and the general public, with plenty of opportunities to view aircraft and talk to pilots. www.greateasternflyin.com

MARCH

Big River Brew Festival, Yamba THE annual quest to find the best home brewers in the Clarence Valley culminates in the Big River Brewfest Home Brew Competition.

The team of judges has the unenviable task of deciding which backyard brewer will take out the prize.

The competition is open to all home-brewers (over 18 years of age, of course). www.bigriverbrewfest.me

Smooth sailing on the

Visit

CURRUMBIN Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has many new attractions for families to share long lasting memories. Take your family to Gold Coast's number one wildlife attraction and receive great senior discounts on day and annual entry passes. Kids under four are free.

Visit CurrumbinSanctuary.com.au

Tweed River.

26 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

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An inspiring port of call

Miles

Brisbane Gold Coast

Mt Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.

Things to do ■ Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast WATCH the sun rise over the rolling hills of the majestic Gold Coast Hinterland, enjoy sweeping views of Tamborine Mountain and Lamington National Park. Stroll the gardens or wander the Vineyard and enjoy a visit and free wine tasting at the Canungra Valley Vineyard Cellar Door. www.hotair.com.au ■ Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves COME underground on a journey through the spectacular man-made caves. Exploring this stunning cave, you will be guided through the magical ‘glow-worm cave’, filled with thousands of glowing glow-worms. The experience is one you have to see to believe. North Tamborine. glowwormcavetamborine mountain.com.au ■ Pacific Fair Shopping Centre CENTRALLY located in the heart of the Gold Coast in Broadbeach. Pacific Fair is world-class indoor/outdoor leisure and entertainment precinct with more than 400 specialty stores framed by tropical landscapes and gently-flowing water. pacificfair.com.au ■ Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary VOTED one of the Gold Coast’s most popular tourist destinations. It was built in 1947 onwards and was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2009.

The sanctuary is world-renowned for its feeding of huge flocks of free-flying wild rainbow lorikeets, which come to the sanctuary to feast off the special mixture which the lorikeets eat.

Currumbin. cws.org.au ■ Jupiters Gold Coast A PREMIER entertainment destination, combining the luxury and sophistication of a world-class hotel with the excitement of award-winning restaurants, bars, spectacular stage shows and concerts, plus the non-stop action of a 24-hour casino. Jupiters has been part of the Gold Coast community for 30 years. Broadbeach. jupitersgoldcoast.com.au

Tweed Heads to Brisbane

Byron Bay Port Macquarie

Road trip

Tweed Heads to Brisbane

Alison Houston

THE quickest route from Tweed Heads to Brisbane is to blast up the M1, covering as little as 103kms – but where’s the fun in that?

And be warned, don’t leave the Tweed for the M1 between about 7am and 8.30am, or after 5pm, or you will find yourself stuck in commuter hell, adding vast quantities of time to your trip.

So instead, let’s go exploring. First stop is watching the surfers (and dolphins and whales) from Point Danger lookout, right on the NSW/Queensland border. On a good day you can see from Byron Bay to Surfers Paradise. Named

by Captain James Cook in 1770, you will find the Captain Cook Memorial, moulded from cast iron jettisoned from the Endeavour, the lighthouse and Marine Rescue, and the Centaur Remembrance Walk. Honouring the Australian hospital ship, sunk by a Japanese submarine in 1943, it is dedicated to those lost at sea.

From here, drive down the hill to Rainbow Bay for a dip in the protected waters and perhaps breakfast or lunch at one of the many cafes in bustling Coolangatta, or at the surf lifesaving

Visit the Currumbin Bird Sanctuary and the beautiful beaches.

clubs with their breathtaking ocean views.

Ten minutes up the Gold Coast Highway is Currumbin. Stop at the famous wildlife sanctuary or enjoy the view from Elephant Rock. Currumbin Creek, which leads into the ocean, is a great spot for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. For the surfing enthusiast, Surf World Gold Coast’s museum traces the sport, boards and associated photography, music and posters from the early 1930s to today.

Continue to Broadbeach and stop in

at the famous Jupiter’s Casino before finding your way onto the M1 or continue further on the Gold Coast Highway to the tourist mecca of Surfers Paradise and on to the pretty Southport Broadwater and the Spit. Perhaps even stop off at Sea World and check out the traditional dolphin show and the polar bears.

If you prefer the mountains to the sea, take a detour via the natural beauty of Springbrook, out to Canungra on the Beaudesert Rd and back through Mount Tamborine onto the freeway again.

Take a bushwalk at Springbrook National Park and see the impressive Natural Bridge rock formation, waterfalls, rare plants and birdlife. Take a picnic or go on to taste wines and have lunch at Canungra. Mount Tamborine’s Gallery Walk is full of unique treasures from jewellery to art, clothing to antiques and mouthwatering treats from specialty chocolate to wine and cheese.

It will be hard to leave this for all that Brisbane offers, including the latest theatre at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, a CityCat ride on the river, climbing the Story Bridge, and visiting Brisbane Powerhouse, the Gallery of Modern Art and the culinary delights and markets of Southbank.

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An inspiring port ofThings call to do from Tweed Heads to Brisbane

NOVEMBER 5 - 13

Events

Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games 2016 is the year to Play it, Live it, Love it. 13,000 participants from each state and territory of Australia, as well as visitors from more than 20 overseas countries, will take part in 44 sports during 10 days of competition. Participants compete in their age group with no qualifying standards or times to enter. The only criteria for entry is a minimum age for each sport, which for the majority is 30. The games will celebrate masters sport with both fierce and friendly competition including a jam-packed entertainment program. Some of Australia’s biggest artists have graced the Games Village stage over the years including Ian Moss, 1927 and Daryl Braithwaite. www.mastersgames .com.au

JANUARY 26

Australia Day Celebrations THURSDAY, 4pm-8pm. Join in as the Gold Coast comes out to celebrate Australia’s birthday with the only fireworks display in the city. This year the event moves to Broadwater Parklands as the Cultural Precinct takes shape, so head down to the Broadwater in the cool of the afternoon. Bring your appetite and indulge in the huge food truck feast or grab a snag from the barbecue.

There’ll be Aussie sporting activities for the kids and some sweet tunes from local artists along the pier. The highlight of this celebration of our great nation will be a massive fireworks display not to be missed. Bring your picnic rug, get a great spot on the lawn to watch this feast for the eyes. The Great Lawn, Broadwater Parklands, Southport. Phone 5581 5286.

DECEMBER 1 - 4

DECEMBER 10

Broadbeach Christmas Carols ON Saturday from 3pm, enjoy an afternoon jam-packed with kids’ activities and incredible entertainment filled with Christmas spirit and joy. The Carols begin from 6pm with an amazing line-up of performers to celebrate Christmas under the stars in a free evening. Kurrawa Park, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach. www.broadbeachgc.com

DECEMBER 26

Boxing Day races GATES will open at 10am Monday, with the first race starting soon after. This is a free racing event so it is certainly an affordable day out for the whole family.

Make sure you dress to impress as a day at the races is nothing if not also a fashion event. Food and drink can be bought inside the venue and the on-site bars will close about one hour after the last race. Gold Coast Turf Club Racecourse Dr, Bundall. www.gctc.com.au

JANUARY 5 - 8

Rotary Antiques Fair WHILE exploring the many stalls and exhibitions, you will also get an opportunity to buy some of the most exquisite antiques. The Antiques Fair is one of the best places for those who love to collect precious and unique antiques. Browse through the elegant glass items, porcelain cookware, fine china and beautiful

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Going On? Are there exciting things happening in your local senior community? Share your story online. Look for the ‘share your event or story’ box on our home page.

Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au

FEBRUARY

River nery along the Brisbane Discover stunning sce aboard a CityCat.

silver jewellery. Other items available include fine linens, antique clocks, medals, furniture and coins. The money collected by the event goes towards raising funds for local charities. Held on Thursday 5th from 5pm-9pm, Friday 6th from 10am-6pm, Saturday 7th from 10am-6pm, Sunday 8th from 10am-3pm. Jupiter’s Casino, Pavillion Rooms, Broadbeach. Phone: 0411 649 242.

JANUARY 14

Jeep Magic Millions Race Day ON Saturday, this annual event is the jewel in the crown of the Gold Coast. The love of horses, the beach, the sun and the surf is what brings people from all over the globe to the one destination, Australia’s beautiful Gold Coast. Racecourse Rd, Bundall. www.magicmillions.com.au

JANUARY 20 -22

Gold Coast Food & Wine Expo THE Food & Wine Expo is back on the Gold Coast for the ninth year running. Enjoy free tastings and samples from more than 100 gourmet exhibitors inside the show. Businesses in all areas of food, wines, homewares and Kitchenware come together to show you the latest products and give you ideas to try at home. Friday 20th from 11am-8pm, Saturday 21st from 10am-6pm and Sunday 22nd from 10am-5pm. Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach. www.foodandwineexpo.com.au

RACV Ladies Masters EVERY year, a number of international and national visitors come to the Gold Coast to watch this popular professional golf championship. The RACV ladies masters has become key for women’s golf in Queensland and Australia, with new and aspiring players joining every year, making the Australian Ladies Masters one of the largest sporting events for all golf enthusiasts. The RACV Ladies Masters is also co-sanctioned by Australian Ladies Professional Golf and the Ladies European Tour. RACV Royal Pines Resort Benowa. Phone: (08) 8373 2021.

FEBRUARY 19

Gold Coast MS Swimathon ON SUNDAY, The Sports Super Centre at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast will again host the first MS Swimathon event of the year to raise vital funds to help people living with multiple sclerosis. It doesn’t matter if you can do 100 fast laps or doggy paddle one, everyone can join in, have fun and support people with MS – an incurable disease which affects a person’s central nervous system. Designed as a relay event, teams must have one swimmer in the water at all times throughout the entire 12-hour event period. Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre. www.msswimathon.com.au

MARCH

Quiksilver & Roxy Pro THE first event on the men’s and women’s pro surfing calendar, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast is a rare chance to catch the stars of world surfing pulling some aerial magic and riding deep in the famed Snapper Rocks barrels. The wide sands and great weather also ensure this is one of the most spectator friendly surfing competitions in Australia. www.quiksilver.com.au/progoldcoast

ALL ABOARD FOR A RELAXING JOURNEY

Saturday 3rd December SANTA EXPRESS Steam train Roma Street to Shorncliffe Return Bring the Children along to see SANTA

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Australian PGA Golf A 72 Hole Stroke Play Event welcoming the world’s best Professional golfers to the Gold Coast. The Defending Champion is Nathan Holman. Hours of Play: Approximately 6am to 7pm on Thursday and Friday.

Approximately 6.30am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

RACV Royal Pines Resort, Ross Street, Benowa. www.championship.pga .org.au and www.racv.com.au/ royalpines

Wed 28th Dec to Sun 1st Jan 2017 NSW WANDERER Coach tour from Roma Street exploring railways, some closed lines & visiting country pubs along the way. Some meals included.

Accommodation at motels.

“Book early as seats are limited”

SUNSHINE EXPRESS RAIL TOURS G. P.O. BOX 682, BRISBANE, 4001

Phone 3252 1759 Fax 3252 1767

Australian Railway Historical Society Queensland Division ABN 74 009 767 579 | www.arhs-qld.org.au

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Halcyon Greens

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An inspiring port of call

Brisbane to Noosa

Sunshine Coast Brisbane Gold Coast

Golden Beach at Caloundra.

Things to do

Road trip

Brisbane to Noosa

Ann Rickard

YOU can drive from Brisbane to Noosa along the Bruce Hwy in an hour and a half.

But why rush? Make a day of it, take it nice and slow and enjoy the pretty towns and interesting highlights on the way.

First stop, Redcliffe, close to Brisbane’s north and just a 10-minute detour off the Bruce Hwy. This quiet seaside town is the place where the Bee Gees grew up. Stop for morning coffee at one of the small cafes overlooking the sea and you’ll feel the slow pace of Redcliffe envelop you.

Back to the highway and a pleasant 40 minutes takes you to Australia Zoo. You could spend the entire day here, but an hour or so wandering the grounds will give you a good idea of why the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin was so loved all over the world.

On to Caloundra, off the Bruce Hwy or along Nicklin Way, where the beautiful sandy beaches beckon.

Stretch the legs along Caloundra’s many tracks or boardwalks or check out the glam resorts, browse the gift shops, perhaps have another coffee but save yourself for lunch at Mooloolaba not far up the road.

Mooloolaba is one of the Coast’s most sought-after holiday destinations with its beach-front strip of stylish resorts, high-end restaurants and buzzing cafes overlooking the beach.

P

Cycle to Southbank along the Brisbane River, and (right) Australia Zoo is a must see on the Sunshine Coast.

The ever-popular Mooloolaba Surf Club boasts multi-million-dollar views, a pleasant place for a thirst-quenching light beer before heading along Parkyn Pde to the legendary Fish on Parkyn for a bucket of the famous Mooloolaba prawns.

Save a half hour for a wander around the Wharf Mooloolaba with its colourful marina and shops. It is also home to Underwater World.

Take the coastal road from Mooloolaba through Alexandra Headland enjoying the view to Old Woman Island as you slowly meander your way to Coolum.

Entry to Coolum always gives the heart a small skip. The stunning view of the surf beach, the rocky outcrops and Norfolk pines all make you feel good to be alive. Perhaps stop at Coolum for an ice-cream or gelato – there are no end of outlets.

From Coolum it’s a quick hop to Peregian where visitors are always

surprised by the number of fashionable boutiques and restaurants fringing a charming village square, and where the sound of crashing surf beyond makes you know you are at one of the Sunshine Coast’s favourite spots.

Then it is further along the winding David Low Way with the breathtaking beach scenes combined with the green bushland of Noosa National Park.

You could be lucky and spot a whale or a pod of dolphins, which are very common.

Continue along David Low Way through Marcus Beach and Castaways Beach following the coastal road and you’ll eventually come to Sunrise Beach and then Sunshine Beach, where yet more of the glorious coastline gleams.

Then you arrive in Noosa Junction, gateway to all of Noosa’s charms, in time for an evening aperitif and to contemplate dinner in one of dozens of world-class restaurants.

Not a bad day of motoring.

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■ Story Bridge Adventure Climb CLIMBING Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge is an adventure like no other.

Standing on top of the bridge above the glistening landscape is a very special moment to experience on the Brisbane River at Kangaroo Point. www.sbac.net.au ■ CityCat and ferry services BRISBANE City Council operates a fleet of 21 CityCats and nine monohull ferries (including CityHoppers) along a network of 25 terminals. CityCats operate seven days a week with regular services every 15 minutes for most of the day and express routes and more frequent services during peak times.

TransLink website translink.com.au.

■ The Wheel of Brisbane RECOGNISED as one of the most exciting additions to the Brisbane city skyline is the Wheel of Brisbane. You will be inspired by the breathtaking views across the iconic Brisbane River. www.thewheelofbrisbane.com.au.

■ Bee Gees walkway IN the late 1950s, three young brothers living on the Redcliffe Peninsula gathered around a microphone and for the first time performed using a name now famous around the globe. The Moreton Bay Region is home to Bee Gees Way, a walkway that honours the world-famous pop group. Located off Redcliffe Pde, Bee Gees Way is a multi-media celebration of the Gibb brothers’ phenomenal career and their links to Redcliffe.

■ Australia Zoo LOCATED an hour north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo has a team of passionate conservationists working around-the-clock to deliver an animal experience like no other. Steve and Terri Irwin’s vision has always been to make Australia Zoo the biggest and best wildlife conservation facility in the world, and there is no other zoo like Australia Zoo at Beerwah. www.australiazoo.com.au.

To Bruce Hwy

Sunshine Motorway from Mooloolaba

Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club

Big T-Boats Pelican O-Boats

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Sofitel Noosa Heads

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

An inspiring port ofThings call to do from Brisbane to Noosa

Events JANUARY 1 - 8

NOVEMBER 11 - 13

Brisbane International Tennis BOOKINGS can be made at Ticketek agencies across Australia and New Zealand. Ticket holders can travel free to and from the Brisbane International with TransLink on Queensland Rail train and Brisbane Transport bus services. Event tickets purchased at the Queensland Tennis Centre box office at the venue, on the day of the event, are only valid for free post-event travel. Held at the Queensland Tennis Centre. www.brisbaneinternational.com.au

Supanova Pop Culture Expo SUPANOVA, Australia’s very own Comic-Con, returns to Brisbane on November 11-13. Come and celebrate the worlds of film and television, fantasy, comic books, sci-fi, anime, cartoons, books, gaming, toys and collectables. Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre www.supanova.com.au

NOVEMBER 11 - 13

Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinemas BRINGING music by dusk and movies by night to Brisbane’s iconic Rainforest Green at South Bank.

General Admission $18. General Concession $10. Star Lounge $40. Rainforest Green, South Bank. www.visitbrisbane.com.au

FEBRUARY 26

Way, mory lane on Bee Gees Take a walk down me from rs the Bro b Gib ous dedicated to the fam Redcliffe.

DECEMBER 2

Brisbane Twilight Market KING George Square, 4pm- 9pm.Take your time to browse through the stalls of more than 80 local artisans, all specializing in quality, handmade and locally produced products. Enjoy the soothing sounds of Queensland’s premier jazz bands and enjoy a bite to eat at the on-site cafe’s as the cities lights twinkle before you. www.brisstyle.com.au

DECEMBER 10

much-loved free family event. Join some of Australia’s most renowned singers and entertainers including musical theatre icons Rhonda Burchmore, Luke Kennedy and Naomi Price. Riverstage, Brisbane. www.visitbrisbane.com.au

DECEMBER 15 - 19

Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols IT'S time to ring in some Christmas joy with the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols from 5pm-9.15pm. This is a

Commonwealth Bank Test Match THERE are few events on the Australian sporting calendar that evoke as much passion as Test cricket, and this year's Brisbane Commonwealth Bank Test will go down in history as Brisbane's first day-night Test. Be there to be a part of history as Australia meets Pakistan in the first Commonwealth Bank Test match.

Get to the Gabba easily, with free public transport available to and from the match. www.cricket.com.au

We’ve Gone Social!

Logan Car Show 10th Anniversary IT’S ON between 9am-2pm. The date is set again for another huge Logan Car Show for 2017. This is the 10th anniversary so it’s set to be bigger and better than ever before. With rides, entertainment, bands, trade stands, exhibitors, food, drinks plus of course, cars, bikes and utes. Great raffles, rides, food galore and much more.

Logan Entertainment Centre. Phone 3442 1700.

MARCH 24 - 26

CMC Rocks CELEBRATING 10 years of the world’s biggest country superstars. Global superstars Dixie Chicks will return to Australia for the first time in over 10 years to headline CMC Rocks QLD’s 10th Anniversary. Many more artists performing over the three days. Don’t miss a Rockin’ thing. Willowbank, Ipswich. www.cmcrocks.com

DECEMBER 27 - JANUARY 1

Woodford Folk Festival THE Woodford Folk Festival is an iconic major event on the Australian cultural calendar. Held at the beautiful site Woodfordia each year, the festival features over 2500 artists and presenters in music, dance, circus, poetry, talks, street theatre, indigenous arts, visual arts, children's and spectacle theatre across 25 stages.

Held at the beautiful 500 acre property of Woodfordia, it is just over one hour north of Brisbane Airport. Primarily known as a camping festival, the event offers an exciting experience for day visitors and is a pleasant drive or train/bus connection from Brisbane. www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

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Plenty of water sports on the beautiful Sunsh ine Coast.

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An inspiring port of call

Miles

Noosa to 1770

1770 Fly away to beautiful Rainbow Beach.

Things to do ■ Montville Art Gallery EXHIBITIONS of paintings and sculpture by established and emerging Australian artists, many of whom live and work in South East Queensland.

Each month a different artist is featured as ‘Artist of the Month’ ensuring there is always something new to see and enjoy at the Montville Art Gallery. Gallery manager is Lisa Powell.

Montville. montvilleartgallery.com.au ■ Queensland Air Museum THE Queensland Air Museum has a fascinating collection of aviation history to explore. Well worth a visit when you're next in Caloundra.Their Vision is 'Preserving Australia's Aviation Heritage'. Caloundra Aerodrome, Caloundra. qam.com.au ■ Kenilworth Country Foods LOCATED in the in the Hinterland town of Kenilworth, 60kms west of Noosa. Established in 1950 as one of the many rural cheese factories owned by the Kraft Corporation. An award winning gourmet range of Cheddar Cheeses, Honey Yoghurts and Natural Yoghurts are all Kenilworth originals. kenilworthcountryfoods.com.au ■ Turtle nesting and hatching FROM November – March each year on the north Queensland coast, one of nature’s most wonderful events occurs when sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs and then leave their hatchling to emerge a couple of months later. The Mon Repos rookery near Bundaberg is one of the most accessible in Australia to witness this unique occasion. Phone 4159 1652.

■ Bundaberg Rum Distillery HOME to Australia’s now world famous rum. The moment you set foot inside you’re in for an immersive experience like no other. To be a part of the excitement, book one of the unique tours (or all of them). You’re in for an unforgettable day. Bundaberg. bundabergrum.com.au

Sunshine Coast

omba

Brisbane Coast RoadGold trip

Noosa to 1770

Jim Fagan

THERE are two ways to drive from the Sunshine Coast to the Town of 1770.

With Maroochydore as your starting point, the first is to drive 406km up the Bruce Highway. If you stop for a coffee, it will take you more than five hours.

The other is to follow in the wake of Captain James Cook’s ship, HMB Endeavour, view some of the landmarks he named in his voyage up the East Coast in 1770 and explore the holiday towns that have grown around them.

Rainbow Beach, famed for its spectacular multi-coloured sands, is two hours and 155km north. A short walk from there is Double Island Point, a magnet for marine life and perfect for scuba diving. It is really a headland which Captain Cook named but wrongly identified as “two islands.”

And don’t overlook the stunning views from the Carlo Sand Blow – a unique sand mass covering 15 hectares and reputed to be named after one of the Endeavour deck crew.

Rainbow Beach is a departure point for Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Lots of tours to choose from or you can do your own camping and swimming thing. Indian Head – a rocky outcrop named when Cook

LOOK FOR THE CRUISE SIGN

Stunning Sunshine Coast Hinterland, and (right) explore Fraser Island via 4WD.

observed a “number of the natives were assembled there” – is located on the east coast of the island and the views are a photographer’s dream.

Back on the mainland, the bayside town of Tin Can Bay with its boating and fishing pleasures is only 25 minutes from Rainbow Beach. Take time to feed the wild Humpback dolphins before driving along Cooloola Road to Maryborough less than an hour away.

Maryborough is worth a visit, if only for its preserved colonial streets, museums and art galleries.

About 45 minutes’ drive north is another take-off point for Fraser Island – Hervey Bay, named by Cook after Augustus Hervey, 3rd Earl of Bristol.

It is world famous for whale watching.

Humpback whales migrate from Antarctica and use it as a “summer” resort from July to November.

Turn off the highway at Childers and it’s 38 km to the small hamlet of Woodgate Beach and its seemingly endless sands and well-appointed caravan park then on to Bundaberg, a short 64km drive way. The rum distillery offers museum tours and tastings and the Botanic Gardens is home to the Bert Hinckler Hall of Aviation, the famous solo, long-distance pilot.

Agnes Water and the Town of 1770, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, are 90 minutes from Bundaberg.

Originally known as Round Hill, the name was changed in 1970 to commemorate the Bicentennial of Cook’s visit.

If you’re feeling venturesome, the best way to see the sights is by hiring a 1770 Scooteroo motorcycle!

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

An inspiring port ofThings call to do from Noosa to 1770

Events WHAT’S ON

www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

NOVEMBER 12 AND 13

DECEMBER 31

Caloundra Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair SATURDAY 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-3pm at 5 North St, Caloundra. Eftpos facilities are available, plenty of free parking too. Free event. Phone: 0409 948 604. Fair Convenor, Joan: fair@caloundraartsandcrafts.org.au or visit the website: www.caloundraartsandcrafts.org.au

Mooloolaba New Year's Eve celebration THE Sunshine Coast is the place to be with a feast of entertainment to suit all ages and tastes including: live music on the main stage energetic DJ sets on the beach stage carnival rides and buskers roving and street entertainment temporary tattoos children's face painting and activities two spectacular fireworks displays at 8.30pm and midnight. This event is a safe, secure, fully fenced, alcohol and glass free zone. Pet owners in the area should ensure pets are safe and secure.

NOVEMBER 12 AND 13

Conscious Life Festival IT’S ON 9.30pm-5pm each day. The Conscious Life Festival is fast becoming one of south-east Queensland’s most comprehensive health and wellbeing events. This two day event will see more than 130 exhibitors join together to promote all areas of conscious living in a safe, supportive and uplifting environment. Lake Kawana Community Centre, 114 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina. www.consciouslifefestival.com.au

NOVEMBER 12 -22

The Making of Midnight Oil THE nationally acclaimed exhibition: The Making of Midnight Oil celebrating the power and the passion of one of the world’s most inspirational rock bands, Midnight Oil. Developed by Manly Art Gallery and Museum’s Ross Heathcote in collaboration with Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst and with exhibition design by Wendy Osmond, The Making of Midnight Oil examines the band’s impact on social and cultural history across a 40 year period. Noosa Regional Gallery, Tewantin. www.mysunshinecoast.com.au

NOVEMBER 15

Steve Irwin Day CRIKEY! The countdown has begun for Steve Irwin Day on Tuesday, November 15 – an international and annual event to celebrate the extraordinary life of the one and only Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. The day will represent the many things Steve was passionate about: family, wildlife conservation and fun. Steve Irwin Day is also a day where people around the world join together to raise money for Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors to help continue Steve's conservation work and the preservation of wildlife and wild places. There will be stacks of fun activities on Steve Irwin Day, all focused on celebrating and remembering the life of Steve Irwin.

1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah. Phone: 5436 2000. www.australiazoo.com.au

DECEMBER 3

Christmas in Cooroy THE main Christmas in Cooroy events start on Saturday at 4pm with sack races, free rides and

a's tival is one of Australi The Woodford Folk Fes . nts eve e iconic cultural and uniqu

amusements. The celebrations kick off with the carols and the lighting of the Christmas Tree, outside Cooroy RSL from 6.30pm. The always eagerly anticipated and hotly contested Santa Race starts at 4.30pm with over 100 Santas dashing up Maple St to win a share of over $2000 in prize money. The Street Parade starts at 5pm and the theme is The Movies. Apex Park, opposite the library, Cooroy. www.christmasincooroy.com.au

DECEMBER 9

Nambour Community Carols ON Friday from 5pm. Come and enjoy a wonderful Christmas celebration with live entertainment, fireworks and fun. Bring a rug, a chair and your best singing voice. There will be food stalls, fireworks, local performances, free rides and a Christmas concert starting at 6.30 pm. Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour. www.facebook.com/nambourcommunitycarols

JANUARY 20-22

Ginger Flower and Food Festival THE Ginger Factory’s iconic Ginger Flower and Food Festival is back for its 21st year and promises to delight the senses with three spectacular days of food, flowers and entertainment for all. From Friday, January 20 to Sunday, January 22, the park will burst alive with colour, showcasing the largest and most exquisite range of ornamental gingers and heliconias that thrive in our sub-tropical climate. 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina. Just off the Bruce Hwy, Exit 215. www.gingerfactory.com.au

JANUARY 27- FEBRUARY 2

Chinese New Year Celebrations CHINESE New Year marks the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar. Many Chinese Australian families spend Chinese New Year by gathering together for a festive meal.

It is usually a busy time filled with festive programs

DECEMBER 27 - JANUARY 1

Woodford Folk Festival THE Woodford Folk Festival is an iconic major event on the Australian cultural calendar. Held at the beautiful 500 acre property of Woodfordia, it is just over one hour north of Brisbane Airport. The festival features over 2500 artists and presenters in music, dance, circus, poetry, talks, street theatre, indigenous arts, visual arts, children's and spectacle theatre across 25 stages. A family-friendly event, Woodfordia has offerings that suit all audiences of ages and interests.

Primarily known as a camping festival, the event offers an exciting experience for day visitors and is a pleasant drive or train/bus connection from Brisbane. 87 Woodrow Road, Woodford.

You can celebrate New Year by the water at a cho ice of glorious locations.

Experience the ..... LARC!

* LARC! to Bustard Head Lightstation for Qld’s only guided tour inside an operating lighthouse tower

* Explore the Town of 1770 & Eurimbula National Park, spotting wildlife & migratory seabirds * Tour & accommodation packages available

07 4974 9422

1770larctours.com.au

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Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Things to do from Noosa to 1770Welcome to your golden years

Seniors 33

In partnership with

Noosa Main Beach is host to the Noosa Fes tival of Surfing in 2017.

across different communities in Australia. Chinese New Year is not a nationwide public holiday in Australia.

However, some Chinese businesses may be closed on the day or amend their business hours to take part in the Chinese New Year festivities.

The animal sign for 2017 is the rooster.

Noosa Festival of Surfing THE Noosa Festival of Surfing will return in 2017, March 4-11, with the generous support of Laguna Real Estate as named partner.

Organisers are expecting more entries than ever before. 2016’s 25th anniversary welcomed unprecedented numbers of competitors, with over 800 entries from more than 20 countries and regions across the 23 age and open divisions. noosafestivalofsurfing.com

MARKETS

Eumundi Markets SATURDAYS, 7am-2pm and Wednesdays 8am-1.30pm. Eumundi Markets is open rain, hail or shine every Wednesday and Saturday. Australia's premier artisan market. Visit the Original Eumundi Markets if you’re looking for something different, something handmade, something special.

You’ll find amazing food, original artworks, sculptures, furniture, handmade toys, homewares and skincare, as well as cutting edge fashion and jewellery by local designers, all guided by our ethos of “we make it, bake it, grow it, sew it”. www.eumundimarkets.com.au Noosa Farmers Market EVERY Sunday between 7am-12pm. There are many different types of stalls at the markets from fresh organic produce, freshly squeezed lime drinks, sumptuous marinades and sauces, beautiful and aromatic skin care products, nuts and seeds, olives and tasty tapenades, herbs and just caught seafood, freshly baked bread and creamy cheeses amongst a

Amazing Day Tours DEPARTING FROM BUNDABERG PORT MARINA

find fresh produce, unique items and local Explore the numerous artisan markets and farmers markets to entertainment.

variety of exotic and yummy foods to try and great coffee to sip as you wander round.

The Noosa Australian Football Club on Weyba Road, Noosaville. www.noosafarmersmarket.com.au The Maleny Market EVERY Sunday from 8am-2pm. The Market is undercover so is open rain, hail or shine. Stalls includes: Fresh organic produce, an organic Fair Trade Cafe', locally produced arts and crafts, antiques and collectables, books, jewellery, candles, soap, jams and pickles, hot food, massage and lots more.

RSL Hall Bunya Street, Maleny (opposite the Maleny Hotel). The market is undercover so is open rain, hail or shine. www.malenymarkets.weebly.com The Caloundra Street Fair EVERY Sunday 8am-1pm. Owned and operated by the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. The Street Fair showcases up to 200 stallholders each week that are hand selected, ensuring a wide variety of products, health and well-being services plus lots of fresh food options, and street food.

It also features a range of local performers every week ranging from well-known established performers to emerging artists across a range of music genres, performance and street theatre. Bulcock St, Caloundra. www.caloundrastreetfair.com.au

Big Pineapple Markets EVERY Saturday from 6.30am-1pm. In addition to the weekly Farmers Markets we cordially invite you to visit our indoor markets and browse through our many stalls, enjoy a Pineapple Parfait and relax listening to some live music.

Our picturesque venue would love to welcome you to the Saturday’s family entertainment and have a day filled with shopping, entertainment and live music – don't miss it. Closed December 26 and January 2. www.bigpineapple.com.au Noosa Marina Sunday Markets EVERY Sunday 8am-2pm. After your leisurely Sunday breakfast or before a long Sunday lunch at Noosa Marina, take a stroll through our Sunday markets.

Take your time strolling around the many market stalls, where a variety of locally made craft items can be found along with the freshest of local produce.

The atmosphere is alive with music and entertainment from local and interstate musicians. 2 Parkyn Court, Tewantin. www.noosamarina.com.au Gympie Town Centre Growers Market THE third Wednesday of every month sees the Smithfield St precinct of the Gympie Town Centre filled with local growers and producers selling their harvest CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Explore the Southern Great Barrier Reef in style with Lady Musgrave Experience!

Enjoy a scenic and comfortable transfer from Bundaberg Port Marina to Lady Musgrave Island aboard the luxury high speed catamaran, ‘Main Event’. Experience snorkelling, scuba diving, whale watching (seasonal) plus a gourmet morning tea and delicious fresh local buffet lunch.

Find out more today!

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

Things to do from Noosa to 1770Welcome to your golden years

Make the trek to Hells

In partnership with

Gates, Noosa National Park.

FROM PAGE 33

direct to the public. Freshly picked fruit and vegetables, seafood, smallgoods, preserves, sweet treats and much more are on display for you to taste, experience, create and enjoy. The Southside of Smithfield St will be closed from 6am-2pm. Trading starts from 7.30am-1.30pm. Smithfield St, Gympie.

Boreen Point BOREEN Point is a relaxed village on the shores of lovely Lake Cootharaba. The largest lake of the Noosa River system, Cootharaba is the gateway to the upper Noosa River, the Noosa Everglades and the Great Sandy National Park. The village is about 20 kilometres by sealed road from Tewantin.

A haven for sailing and boating enthusiasts, Boreen Point has holiday cottages, a general store, caravan parks and boat hire facilities.

Boreen Point is the home of a sailing club, which stages major sailing and sailboarding events.

Noosa National Park NOOSA National Park, a chunk of coastline jutting into the ocean, is understandably one of Australia's most visited parks. Explore the picturesque Noosa Headland along a selection of five tracks, ranging from one kilometre to eight kilometres and catering to all fitness levels.

Walk past rocky shorelines and spiky pandanus, through woodlands and rainforests with piccabeen palms, to wide beaches or lofty lookouts, including koalas and rare glossy black-cockatoos. Noosa Heads.

Kondalilla National Park A REFUGE for many species of native animals and plants, Kondalilla National Park is a popular place for birdwatchers and nature photographers as well as bushwalkers. With a magnificent waterfall, rock pools and freshwater creeks – is it any wonder the park gets its name from an Aboriginal word meaning “rushing waters”.

Take a tour through the World famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery.

There is a wonderful day-use area which is ideal for picnics and can be reached on an easy 1.7 kilometre circuit track. For more of a challenge, take on the 4.6 kilometre Kondalilla Falls circuit or a section of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. four kilometres north of Montville.

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve THE enchanting Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is located a few minutes from Maleny. The Reserve features remnants of the ancient forests that once covered the Blackall Range and is a living natural museum of diverse plant and animal life.

For a gold coin donation you can stroll the boardwalk and bush track through the sub-tropical rainforest be delighted with the tranquillity and beauty of this special place. This 55 hectare rainforest overlooks the Glasshouse Mountains and is home to the mountain crayfish, great barred frog, marbled frogmouth and the red-necked pademelon. 41 Mountain View Road, Maleny.

Conondale National Park CONONDALE National Park forms the heart of an extensive area of unspoilt mountain scenery in the Conondale Range.

With magnificent forests, deep gorges and spectacular views, this park and the adjacent State forest offer scenic drives, picnic areas and a choice of four grassy camp sites near rainforests and mountain streams.

GOLDEN ORANGE HOTEL-MOTEL, GAYNDAH

Walks range from a short stroll beside crystal clear streams, to challenging hikes. Birdwatchers will enjoy Little Yabba Creek, while mountain bike and horse riders can explore the park and forest along vehicle tracks. Booloumba Falls, Conondale.

Glass House Mountains National Park THE Glass House Mountains were named by Captain Cook as he mapped the Queensland coast in 1770.

The “Glass Houses” are distinctive volcanic plugs that rise abruptly from the surrounding countryside.

These 20 million year-old monoliths are part of the Aboriginal “songlines”, navigational landmarks once used by Aborigines to find their way and are a prominent feature of local Aboriginal legend.

Let the awe-inspiring landscape wash over you as you take a leisurely drive through the Glass House Mountains National Park, stopping at picturesque lookouts along the way. Glasshouse Mountains.

Mapleton Falls National Park MAPLETON Falls National Park marks the point just west of Mapleton where Pencil Creek cascades 120 metres over an escarpment.

This small, day-use-only park shelters many bird species, including the peregrine falcon, eastern whipbird and wompoo fruit-dove.

The panoramic view takes in the waterfall, rainforest valley and Obi Obi Valley, Mapleton.

WHAT’S ON AT THE GOLDEN ORANGE DECEMBER 25 Christmas Lunch Buffet

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New Year’s Eve Fireworks

APRIL 29, 2017

“Races on the River” under our marquee Come dressed in your Races best Live music all afternoon/evening 3-5 MALTBY PLACE, GAYNDAH Phone: (07) 4161 1107 Email: goldenor@bigpond.net.au Like Us On Facebook www.goldenorange.com.au

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Trevor Dodds ~ The Wandering Lost Aussie Pride PLUS the ever-popular Maltby Place Pig Races throughout afternoon

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SCENIC SPOTS

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Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Golden

Miles

Seniors 35

An inspiring port of call

1770 to Toowoomba

1770 Sunshine Coast

The tropical delights of North Queensland.

Things to do ■ Agnes Water AGNES Water is a tourist town located in Central Queensland, Australia within the local government area of Gladstone Region and is the closest access point to the southern Great Barrier Reef. It is a neighbouring town of the Town of 1770 and located 70 kilometres north of Bundaberg and 60 kilometres off the Bruce Highway.

■ The Peanut Van THE Home Of Australia’s Best and Freshest Peanuts Since 1969.The Peanut Van is strongly committed to tourism and pioneered tourist information services for visitors, long before anyone else even thought of it.

Kingaroy and Childers Peanut Vans are open 8.30am-5pm every day. peanutvan.com.au ■ Hill of Promise Estate Winery THE winery is right on the highway and is an easy place to stop for a drink and to pick up some souvenirs from a trip to Childers. It’s a small boutique operation run by a local couple. They used to grow their own grapes on the land but now they just focus on production. The wine-tasting they offer on site also includes information about what foods go best with each variety. www.mangohillcottages.com ■ Snakes Downunder Reptile Park & Zoo SET just off the Bruce Highway, south of Childers and displaying over 45 species and sub-species of Australian reptiles, amphibians, marsupials, koalas, a fantastic snake house, a walk though vivarium housing dragons and frogs and a kangaroo reserve where the animals can be hand fed. snakesdownunder.com ■ Lady Elliot Island LOCATED just off the tip of Fraser Island and is a 40 minute scenic flight from Hervey Bay. Lady Elliot Island first appeared above sea level as a coral rubble sea spit 3500 years ago. visitfrasercoast.com

ROAM

WHERE YOU WANT TO!

Toowoomba

Brisbane Gold Coast Byron Bay

Road trip

1770 to Toowoomba

Boni Holmes

THERE is no doubt that a road trip is rapidly becoming one of the most popular ways for people to spend their holiday time.

One of the best ways to see this country of ours is to start off at a seaside destination and make your way to country destination. In this way you can sample of some of the best Queensland has to offer.

Our trip started in the simply pristine area of Agnes Water and the Township of 1770, 70km north of Bundaberg in Queensland, and would finish in Toowoomba on the Darling Downs.

The town of Agnes Water takes its name from pastoral holding first leased

by Daniel Clowes in 1883, which he named after the coastal schooner Agnes, which was lost at sea in the area.

The Town of 1770 is also the stepping off point for reef cruises and fishing charters to the outer Great Barrier Reef.

Day tours and wilderness camping transfers operate to nearby Lady Musgrave and Middle Islands.

Agnes Water is Queensland’s northern-most surf beach and is last in a line of beautiful unspoilt beaches that sweep up the coast from Bundaberg.

Agnes Water and its sister township of 1770 offer a range of activities and holiday ideas – from relaxing at the

beach, four-wheel driving through rugged coastal national parks, beach and deep sea fishing – to enjoying a soft adventure tour aboard an amphibious vessel.

If you are in the area in mid-May you can witness the re-enactment of the landing of Lieutenant James Cook when he made the first landfall by a European on what was to become the Discovery Coast and the birthplace of Queensland.

Leaving Agnes Water, head south to the bustling city of Bundaberg – home of the famous Bundy Rum distillery and the birth place of Bert Hinkler.

No visit to Bundaberg would be complete without visiting the distillery – appropriately named the Barrel – and a visit to the world class botanical gardens that incorporate the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, which is dedicated to his solo long-distance flights from England to Australia.

Leaving Bundaberg we headed to Childers, a quintessential county town located 40 minutes west of Bundaberg.

The township is set on a ridge overlooking fields of rich volcanic soil.

Childers is renowned for its heritage character and is classified a national Trust town.

The historic colonial buildings of the main street (Bruce Hwy) are set among large, shady leopard trees.

From Childers take the road to Biggenden which winds through scenic

countryside and if you have time a side tour to Paradise Dam is well worth the effort.

As you approach Biggenden you will see the awe inspiring view of Mt Walsh, a craggy, rocky mountain that watches over the township.

Then it’s time to head to Ban Ban Springs through the lovely village of Coalstoun Lakes, then to Murgon and on through Wondai to Kingaroy, the home of the famous Kingaroy peanut factory and The Peanut Van. The trip from Kingaroy to Toowoomba will take you through the township of Nanango, with its chainsaw sculptures and a vast array of murals which tell the history of what is believed to be the oldest township in Queensland.

Leaving Nanango we headed to Yarraman on the Daguilar Hwy and then turned right into what is the beginning of the New England Hwy which, if followed for its full length, would take you to Tamworth in NSW and beyond.

More scenic driving will take you through Cooyar, a small village nestled in the foothills of the Cooyar Range and on to Crows Nest and finally our destination, Toowoomba.

The total trip is about 514 kilometres and could be done in one day but it would be far better to plan at least two days for your trip so you can stop along the way and see what the region has to offer.

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

An inspiring port ofThings call to do from 1770 to Toowoomba

Events SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

will take place at 2 pm and a Toowoomba Regional Councillor will present the Australia Day Awards to recipients from Highfields. After the official ceremony, Toowoomba Regional Council will sponsor free Billy tea and damper for everyone in attendance. Highfields Pioneer Village, 73 Wirraglen Rd, Highfields Kleinton. www.highfieldspioneervillage.com.au

Mary River Festival IT’S on 12 noon-7:30pm. Bringing the Mary River communities together to celebrate the wealth and abundance that the river brings to our region through drama, music, art, fun, education, environmental discussions and displays. Kandanga Recreation Grounds (behind the Kandanga Hall).

JANUARY 27- FEBRUARY 2

NOVEMBER 26

Seed to Feed ON Saturday, 9am-12noon. Come along to a half-day workshop by local horticulturalist Brian Sams to learn how to grow your own fruit and vegetables in backyard gardens, patches and pots. Workshops are aimed at beginners wishing to learn how to start growing their own backyard fruit and vegetables. Workshops are designed for adults, however participants 12 years and over are welcome to join in. Participants must wear enclosed shoes. Goombungee Hall , King Street, Goombungee.

Pageant of Lights IT’S on from 6pm-9pm. Discover the region's Christmas spirit by taking part in Bundaberg Regional Council's annual Pageant of Lights. There are opportunities for you to enter the parade, run a stall or just to sit back and enjoy the entertainment. Successful parade participants could go home richer, stallholders go home smiling and we can guarantee all go home happy, having been part of Pageant of Lights. Bourbong St, Bundaberg Central. bundabergregionevents .com.au

DECEMBER 9

58th Annual Bundaberg RSL Carols by Candlelight IT’S on Friday 5.30pm-9.15pm. The community event of the year is the 58th Annual Carols by Candlelight.

Bundaberg Recreational Precinct (opposite the airport), Bundaberg. Free admission. bundycarols.com.au

DECEMBER 2 - 11

Bush Christmas Exhibiton IT’S on 9am-6pm daily. Over 100 of Queensland’s very best regional artists and hand crafters will showcase their talents at this year’s Bush Christmas Exhibition in Toowoomba. Touted as a unique shopping event like no other, the event is celebrating its 20th year and continues to grow in popularity due it its emphasis on handmade, quality crafted pieces.

Gourmet hampers will also be available for purchase in the lead up to the event and can be shipped Australia wide or collected at the exhibition. Masonic Centre, 58 Neil St, Toowoomba. www.bushchristmas.com

FEBRUARY 25

DECEMBER 17

2016 Carols by Candlelight Bargara ON Saturday 6.30pm-8.30pm. Held just a week before Christmas, Carols by Candlelight Bargara has become an increasingly popular event. It is a vibrant and inspirational outdoors event, designed for the whole family. Hosted by Coral Coast Christian Church, this delightful evening includes live entertainment, interactive community singing, a re-enactment of the nativity scene, camel rides, donkey rides, food and drink stalls, free jumping castle, lollies and face painting for the children and candles and glow in the dark products are for sale. You are encouraged to bring your jacket and a picnic blanket when you come on down to this wonderful night of celebration, a night where an awesome atmosphere is always guaranteed.

Bargara. www.coralcoastchurch.org

68th Annual Cooyar Show THE show is proudly presented by Cooyar Agricultural Society Inc. Cooyar is a small town located approximately 90kms north of Toowoomba. A close-knit community of approx 280, Cooyar residents regularly hold community based events. The annual show, campdraft and show ball are popular with locals and visitors alike. The suspension bridge is a real talking point. It was rebuilt in 1988 after a devastating flood swept away the previous bridge, a local hall, three houses and several cars. www.cooyarshow.com.au

JANUARY 26

Celebrate Australia Day at Highfields THE program at Highfields kicks off at 9.30 am with the Milking of the Cow. Then blacksmithing, tinsmithing, and silversmithing, a working draught horse, sheep shearing and spinning and knitting throughout the day. The Village View Gallery will feature exhibition of Indigenous paintings. There will also be a sausage sizzle at lunch time. You're invited to join in the fun and enter the damper making competition at 12 noon with judging at 1.30 pm. Why not learn how to crack a whip at 1pm with Herb Sternberg or bring the whole family and compete against mum and dad in the family games; throw a gumboot, toss a sheaf, race in the egg and spoon, three legged race or the sack race at 10.40am and 1.25pm. The Australia Day Flag-Raising

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Explore the outer Great Barrier Reef and all of its wonder, departing from 1770.

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2017 EVENT CALENDAR Nanango country markets - First Saturday of each month Nanango Annual Campdraft - 11th to 12th February Heritage Nanango Country Muster - 7th to 10th September Nanango waterhole rocks, rock n roll weekend - 19th to 22nd October

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DECEMBER 1

t off r Reptile Park & Zoo, jus Visit Snakes Downunde . ers ild th of Ch the Bruce Highway, sou

Chinese New Year Celebrations CHINESE New Year marks the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar. Many Chinese Australian families spend Chinese New Year by gathering together for a festive meal. It is usually a busy time filled with festive programs across different communities in Australia. Chinese New Year is not a nationwide public holiday in Australia. However, some Chinese businesses may be closed on the day or amend their business hours to take part in the Chinese New Year festivities. The animal sign for 2017 is the rooster.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Golden

Miles

Seniors 37

An inspiring port of call

Brisbane Gold Coast

Toowoomba

Toowoomba to Sydney

Byron Bay Visit some glorious winery regions.

Port Macquarie

Things to do ■ Stanthorpe Cheese THE Granite Belt’s original farmhouse cheese makers. Artisan cheeses are made from a single herd of pure bred Jersey cows from one farm. This makes the cheeses totally unique and seasonally different and interesting.

Come up to Queensland’s highest and coldest dairy farm cheese shop and taste the difference in a true farmhouse cheese. www.stanthorpecheese.com.au ■ Cobb and Co Museum PART of the Queensland Museum and home to the National Carriage Collection, the Cobb &Co Museum has on display original Cobb & Co coaches, including vehicles from the horse-drawn era. Also, there are a range of workshops on offer including blacksmithing, silversmithing, leadlighting and leather work.

Toowoomba. www.cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au ■ Granite Belt Brewery THIS Brewery uses nothing but the freshest ingredients to create dynamic beers. Some are traditional styles and some are blends of styles all designed to be distinct in flavour balance, drinkability and freshness, using traditional malt grain, hops and yeast.

Stanthorpe. www.granitebeltbrewery.com.au ■ Tenterfield Saddler THE Saddlery draws fans of Peter Allen who want to see the home of the famous Tenterfield Saddler. Even if you are not a fan, the Saddlery is still certainly worth a visit. Tenterfield. www.tenterfieldtourism.com.au ■ Country Music Hall of Fame THE ACMF is a totally volunteer run, not for profit organisation, with the charter to collect, protect, preserve and promote the history and heritage of Australasian Country Music. At 561 Peel St, Tamworth. www.countrymusichalloffame.com.au

Newcastle

Central Coast

Sydney

Road trip

Toowoomba to Sydney

Alison Houston

AN 899KM marathon from Toowoomba to Sydney turns into a treasure trove of discoveries, conveniently sprinkled every 45-50 minutes, if you have the time to explore.

First stop, just off the New England Highway, is historic Allora, known as "the best little town on the Downs", and most famous as the childhood home of P.L Travers, who wrote Mary Poppins.

You’re halfway to Warwick, sitting on the banks of the Condamine River, and home to some of the state’s finest original sandstone buildings, the World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park, not to mention October’s Rose and Rodeo Festival.

Stanthorpe is recognised today for its fruit-growing, micro breweries and wineries, including unique alternative fruit wines, but south-west of town you can also explore the rugged ridges and gorges of Sundown National Park.

Next stop, Tenterfield, made famous by the 1970s Peter Allen song

Tenterfield Saddler, a tribute to his grandfather. The saddlery is still there.

Bald Rock National Park boasts a variety of picturesque walks of all lengths, and beautiful lookouts and waterfalls. The stuff of poetry, Banjo Patterson proposed to his sweetheart Alice Walker here at Boonoo Boonoo Falls lookout.

Glen Innes, an hour away in the New England high country, is a bustling town and a great rest stop. Visit the Standing Stones, echoing those found in the ancient Celtic world and a unique national monument to Australia’s Celtic pioneers.

This is the start of New England’s famous granite boulder country, including the university town of Armidale with its historic architecture and parks.

Once the home of bushrangers like Captain Thunderbolt, this area now boasts World Heritage national parks and attracts bushwalkers, canyoners, mountain bikers, birdwatchers and trout fishers.

A quick detour off the highway brings you to Australia’s country musical

capital, Tamworth. Take a photo in front of the Big Golden Guitar, visit the Gallery of Stars Wax Museum and check out the wall of signed guitars from world-renowned performers including Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and John Williamson, not to mention the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame.

Heading south, you enter the Hunter region, famous as wine country, with dozens of unique towns, including Scone, the second biggest horse-breeding town in the world.

Newcastle, with its unique blend of seaside appeal, galleries and history, is just off the highway. Or head straight on to Gosford and Central Coast playgrounds like Terrigal and Avoca. For the car enthusiast, Gosford’s new Classic Car Museum is the largest automotive museum in the Southern Hemisphere.

But Sydney is calling. Head for the iconic Opera House for wine and seafood at the oyster bar on the boardwalk as the sun sets over the Harbour Bridge. What a ride it has been!

Put your estate in safe hands For over a century, Dean Kath Kohler Solicitors have served locals across the Darling Downs. More than that – this team has extensive experience with every aspect of succession law, so you can rest easy knowing that your affairs will be well looked after.

• Estate planning and administration • Drafting wills • Enduring powers of attorney • Advance health directives 119 Herries St Toowoomba Ph: 07 4698 9600 www.dkklaw.com.au 6439567aa

38 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

WIN A $69,990* CARAVAN Celebrate the modern-day retirement lifestyle. Palm Lake Resort has just released a set of fun stickers perfect for the back of your car, caravan or RV (or just about anywhere!) and to celebrate Seniors Newspapers is giving away a Majestic Caravans ‘Garoova’ valued at $69,990* inc GST. For your chance to win, simply take a creative and fun photo that features an official Palm Lake Resort sticker in it, log on to www.seniorsnews.com.au to fill in an entry form and submit your photo entry.

Stickers are available with your Palm Lake Resort ‘Spring 2016’ magazine, for collection at any of the Palm Lake Resort sales offices, will be available in selected Seniors Newspapers during the month of September 2016 or can be posted to you by emailing communitynotes@seniorsnewspaper.com.au before 18.11.16.

The competition closes 25.11.16, will be drawn on 28.11.16 and a winner will be announced on 30.11.16.

Keep your eye on the Palm Lake Resort Facebook page during the competition period for some of the latest entries. Good luck!

Visit www.seniorsnews.com.au/competitionterms for full competition terms and conditions. Promoter is ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd of 2 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore QLD 4558. Promotional period 15.08.16 – 25.11.16.

Competition drawn 28.11.16 at 30406/9 Lawson St, Southport QLD 4215. Winners announced in Seniors Newspapers: Brisbane and Sunshine Coast 05.12.16, Gold Coast and Toowoomba 12.12.16, Wide Bay and Northern NSW 19.12.16, Central Coast and Coffs & Clarence 19.12.16 and online at www.seniorsnews.com.au 30.11.16. Total prize value $70,397 inc GST. Open only to residents of QLD, VIC and NSW.

neighbourhood news

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Community HOW TO SUBMIT NOTICES

HELLO readers, would you like to promote your club or group and let your community know what’s going on with your members for free?

You can also submit a photo but please ensure the quality is at least 180dpi and of people’s faces and nice and bright.

Club Notices deadline for the next issue is December 15.

Send your notices and enquiries to Nicky or Chris via email communitynotes @seniorsnewspaper. com.au.

We look forward to hearing from you. Nicky and Chris.

GRAFTON PROBUS CLUB INC

THE Grafton Probus Club held their last meeting for the year on Thursday, November 17, with 34 members present.

We are organising a mystery bus tour for 2017.

All enjoyed our meal at

TITLE WORK: Looking Up/Looking Down. Geoff Woodward’s one-man exhibition at Woolgoolga Art Gallery.

Grafton TAFE, to help celebrate the Melbourne Cup. Our Christmas luncheon will be at the Lawrence Pub on Thursday, December 8.

During Trevor Baker’s five-minute talk, we learnt a bit of history about Southgate where he grew up as a boy.

Our entertaining guest speaker for November was local bush poet Bill Kearns.

New members are welcome to join us at our

first meeting for 2017 at the South Grafton Returned Services Club on Thursday, February 16.

Phone 6642 5160 for more information.

WOOLGOOLGA ART GALLERY

WOOLGOOLGA Art Group, a community-based volunteer organisation, has a vacancy on its committee for the secretary’s position.

You could be a part of a dynamic committee in a

wonderful creative environment.

Duties would involve recording meeting minutes, keeping records and attending to correspondence, full training provided if needed.

Salary: nil; job satisfaction: high.

Call into the Woolgoolga Art Gallery, 73 Turon Parade, Woolgoolga.

Phone 6654 1054 and ask for Terry Baker (WAG president).

UP AND DOWN WITH GEOFF

LOOKING Up/Looking Down is the title work from Geoff Woodward’s one-man exhibition at Woolgoolga Art Gallery, on show until December 2.

The exhibition includes 27 paintings and 20 ceramics by the talented Northern Beaches resident, now a full-time artist.

Geoff Woodward is enjoying the luxury of full-time arts practice after

37 years of teaching art at secondary schools in NSW, including 25 years at Coffs Harbour High School.

His work, which has been described as realistic with a twist toward surrealism, is distinctively Australian in both colour and subject matter.

This exhibition includes his portrait of Don Chipp, which was entered in the Archibald Prize in 1978 and Coffs Coast Hinterland, which was hung in the Sydney Opera House in 2004 as part of the Country Energy exhibition.

The Woolgoolga Art Gallery in Turon Parade opens daily.

BONNYWOOD RISING

HEAD to Bonalbo on December 10, for a quirky free event at the town’s memorial hall.

Bonnywood Rising imagines the cinematic history of the Bonalbo and District Memorial Hall, weaving a yarn that places

Seniors 39

the hall at the centre of the largest Australian regional film corporation you’ve never heard of.

It is being produced by Southern Cross University’s Associate Professor and award-winning media artist Dr Grayson Cooke, assisted by staff and students from SCU and Bonalbo resident, artist and first assistant director Marion Conrow.

Also featuring live narration by Ewingar resident Alan Highfield, music by post-rock band Amphibian, and starring the unknown celebrities of the Bonalbo community, the night will bring all of the glamour of old Hollywood back to the Bonalbo and District Memorial Hall.

Doors open 7pm with canapes and a cash bar, and the show begins at 8pm.

The show is part of If These Halls Could Talk, a region-wide season of arts CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

Traditional whole turkeys, fresh ducks, seasoned BBQ chickens, turkey breast fillets (boned and rolled) in five delicious flavours plus all their everyday favourites including stirfrys, kievs, and schnitzels.

Place your orders now by calling Nathan and the team on 6653 3600.

Two Sushi Hand Rolls and a Bottle of Water for $8.50 T&Cs: Valid at Toormina Gardens

The Christmas spread isn’t complete without Toormina Butchery’s locally produced ham and any leftovers will be perfect for Boxing Day lunch! Your BBQs will also shine with the choicest cuts and tastiest sausages.

Place your orders now by calling Scott and the team on 6653 2444.

4 pack of Christmas Muffins filled with Dried Fruits and Spices for $10.

T&Cs: Valid 1st-31st Dec 2016 at Toormina Gardens

Purchase a Six Inch Sub or Footlong Sub & any drink to receive a FREE Six Inch Sub or FREE Footlong Sub. T&Cs: Surrender voucher to redeem. Free subs to be of equal or lesser value. Valid at Toormina Gardens until 18th Dec 2016.

Our bakeries have the most delicious mince pies but offer so much more.

Order a custom celebration cake from Bushman’s Bakery or delight your guests with Christmas cakes from Baker’s Delight. Don’t forget, the freshest bread and rolls are baked onsite daily to meet all your entertaining needs.

A D D A L I T T L E S PA R K L E 6479073aa

40 Seniors Coffs and Clarence FROM PAGE 39

events held at seven community halls. Email info@artsnorthernrivers. com.au.

DECEMBER WEEKEND OF ROWING

CLARENCE River will take centre stage on December 10–11, for the river’s two major regattas, the Head of the Clarence River and the Grafton Rowing Club regatta.

These events attract interstate and even international competitors and the river comes alive with rowers, boats and officials.

Memorial Park, Prince Street, Grafton. Visit www.graftonrowing.asn.au or phone 6642 6389.

CAROLS URUNGA

THEY will be singing by the river and singing by the sea from 5–9.30pm at Urunga on Saturday, December 17, for the 22nd annual Carols Urunga, a free community event sponsored by Urunga Chamber of Commerce.

Find the event at Morgo Street Reserve in Morgo Street, opposite the Ocean View Hotel.

This natural amphitheatre has a backdrop of the twin rivers of the Bellinger and the Kalang.

Bring your best voice to sing along with traditional carols and Christmas songs, enjoy the concert of excellent music and entertainment and the fireworks at 9pm.

There will be food stalls, a barbecue and non-alcoholic drinks, or bring your own picnic and a blanket .

2016 MEMBERS CHRISTMAS PARTY AT C.EX COFFS

COME along on Friday, December 9, from noon–3pm.

Includes two-course Christmas luncheon and entertainment by The Beatnix.

The Beatnix Show includes fully authentic musical instruments identical to those used by The Beatles.

These include very rare and valuable guitars including: George Harrison’s: Gretsch Country Gentleman, Rickenbacker 12 String and Gibson SG. Paul McCartney’s: Hofner Violin Bass and Rickenbacker Bass. John Lennon’s: Gibson Acoustic J160E, Rickenbacker 320 short-scale and Epiphone Casino. Vox AC30 guitar amplifiers and a Vox AC50 bass amplifier with a T60 bass cabinet. Ringo’s: Ludwig Black Oyster Pearl

neigbourhood news

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

drum kit with Zildjian Cymbals. Cost is $29.90.

Located at C.ex Coffs, 1 Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour. For more information visit: www.cex.com.au.

JIMMY BARNES: WORKING CLASS MAN

JIMMY Barnes (pictured), the Scottish-born Australian rock singer-songwriter will share stories from his troubled childhood and delinquent adolescence and deliver an intimate musical performance of key songs from his earliest years.

Jimmy will perform at 8pm on Saturday, December 3, at the Saraton Theatre.

Located at 99 Prince Street, Grafton.

Phone 6642 1633.

Approved Aged Care and NDIS Provider Services under the following programs:

Home Care Package DVA Community Nursing Veterans Home Care Program Respite Private Disability (NDIS) Covering the 3 LGA’s of Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca

ENABLE YOUR LIFESTYLE 1300 770 118

info@nswhss.com.au

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Call us on

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 41

Wellbeing Older Australians are becoming more active OLDER Australians have active social lives and are getting more exercise, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

ABS Health and Disability Statistics program manager Justine Boland said the number of older Australians aged 65 years and over who participated in exercise or physical recreation increased from 44.5 per cent in 2012 to 49.2 per cent in 2015.

“This is great news, as we know an active and social lifestyle is associated with better health outcomes,” she said.

In 2015, there were an

estimated 3.5 million people aged 65 years and over, representing one in every seven people (15.1 per cent).

❝

In 2015, 50.7% of older people were living with disability, down from 52.7% in 2012.”

— Justine Boland

This proportion has increased from 14.3 per cent in 2012 and 13.3 per cent in 2009.

While the proportion of older Australians has

increased, the prevalence of disability amongst older people has decreased.

“In 2015, 50.7 per cent of older people were living with disability, down from 52.7 per cent in 2012,” said Ms Boland.

The proportion of all older Australians who needed assistance with at least one activity has also decreased to 38.6 per cent in 2015, down from 41.9 per cent in 2012.

“These findings reveal a positive trend that older Australians are healthier, living longer without disability and are in less need of assistance,” said Ms Boland.

Shape up for summer fun AS WE move into the warmer months and the thicker clothes go back into the cupboards, many of us begin to think about getting back into shape by doing some exercise.

So, what are the current recommended guidelines for physical activity?

Firstly, we need to change our thinking about movement.

How often do we try and find the closest car park to the entrance of the shopping centre or take the elevator rather than the stairs.

We need to think of movement as an opportunity and not as an inconvenience.

All the extra steps that we do in a day will help us

GOOD MEDICINE Dr MICHAEL GILLMAN to burn extra energy.

Did you know that 20 to 30 extra steps a day will burn around 1 extra calorie for an average 80kg person?

Secondly we need to be active every day in as many ways as we can.

This can involve gardening household chores etc.

Rather than put off that job that needs to be done, get in and start it!

Thirdly we should try and put together at least

30mins of moderate intensity physical activity on most days.

This may be brisk walking or a game of tennis and it does not have to be done all in one session. How about three lots of 10 minutes?

Lastly if you are able, you should carry out some regular vigorous activity such as jogging, running etc.

This will give added cardiovascular benefits beyond the previous three steps.

Christmas is just around the corner, so how about you start a plan to become more physically active?

— drmichaelgillman .com

Kirk rocks Movember Pengilly talks about his personal health scare Ann Rickard

IT’S THAT time of year when moustaches sprout on the upper lips of men all over the country as they participate in Movember and help raise funds to assist men’s health.

Who knew when two mates – Travis Garone and Luke Slattery – met for a quiet beer in Melbourne in 2003 that a global movement called Movember would be born.

The guys felt that the moustache had almost disappeared from fashion trends and wondered if they could bring it back.

They went about searching for blokes willing to take up the Bring the Moustache back challenge, found 30 participants, and now the Movember Foundation is one of the top 500 NGOs in the world, helping to

raise millions of dollars towards men’s health projects and, perhaps more importantly, raise awareness of men’s health issues, getting men to open up and talk more.

The Movember Foundation works to bring awareness to the forefront about prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health issues and suicide prevention.

You don’t have to grow a moustache to be involved…although why not?

You can host an event, fundraise or just spread the word…it all helps.

One of the founding members of INXS (in 1977) and perhaps the most recognisable member, Kirk Pengilly did not hesitate to jump on board when he was approached by the Movember Foundation.

“With my recent bout of prostate cancer I was approached by Movember to be one of their key ambassadors,” he said.

“Movember is about mental health, basically bloke stuff. It’s a great organisation. One of the great things they do is to get men to talk about issues with each other, their partners or their mums.

Most men find it a weakness. My prostate cancer was one of the reasons they picked me up.

“My story ended up being front page (news) because I talked about it openly. A lot of people were thankful for that. It’s a great feeling to know someone will have a (prostate) check-up because of me.”

More about Movember at website: movember.com

BLOKE’S STUFF: Kirk Pengilly supports men's health by losing the Mo.

42 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

Finance Enjoy your funds

INVESTORS have a one-off opportunity to place money into superannuation, as the government has announced changes, replacing measures from the May budget.

For those under 65, the change impacting you most is the removal of the $500,000 lifetime cap on after- tax contributions.

The current rules remain in place, allowing those under 65 in 2016-17 to bring forward up to two years of

Centrelink moving the goal posts It is important that you know about changes the Government has introduced to the pension assets test which will come into effect 1 January 2017 and which may affect your eligibility for the Age Pension.

What are the changes to the assets test? · The lower threshold is increasing. Those with greater assets could see a significant reduction in, or loss of, their age pension entitlement and those with lesser assets could see an increase. · The rate at which your Age Pension reduces if your assets exceed the lower threshold is increasing from $1.50 to $3 per fortnight for every $1,000 over the threshold - this has the effect of reducing the cut-off limit where an Age Pension is no longer payable.

For example, a single homeowner will lose their pension if the value of their assets exceed $542,500 and couple homeowners assets limit is $816,000.

Coffs Harbour Pty Ltd (ABN 92 003 523 653) Linda Ingleby are Authorised Representatives Count Financial Limited, AFSL 227232.

Q : A:

contribution entitlements to $540,000 by June 30, 2017.

Contributing less than $540,000 before July 1, 2017 will result in a reassessment and reduction, with the annual limitto be reduced to $100,000.

Any time in the relevant financial year you will still be able to bring-forward up to two years’ of entitlements, but to a maximum of $300,000.

If you’re turning 65

rewards in retirement rather than living an unnecessarily frugal lifestyle.

Something as simple as working out personal goals for the year ahead, and deciding how much income you’ll need to achieve them, can be a starting point to understanding how much you should drawdown from your super each year to enjoy a quality retirement.

I’m all for living within

our means, and yes, it pays to be mindful of not exhausting your nest egg early on.

But ultimately, your money is no good to you if you don’t let yourself enjoy it.

— Paul Clitheroe is a founding director of financial planning firm ipac, Chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

Coffs Coast Foot Clinic….

Seeing us sooner is better

02 56062114

1/26 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour

before June 30, 2017, it’s the change to retain the work test, requiring those aged 65 to 74 and employed for at least 40 hours in 30 consecutive days during the financial year prior, before their fund can accept.

Once you reach 65, you will need to meet the work test to make any more.

■ For more, contact Tim Maher at Maher Digby Securities Pty Ltd, Financial Advisers. Call 5441 1266 or visit

maherdigby.com.au. This was prepared without taking into account any person’s particular objectives, financial situation or needs. It’s not guaranteed as accurate or complete and shouldn’t be relied upon as such. Maher Digby Securities doesn’t accept 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.

ChrisBarrow

Can you help me with bunions?

For sure. Bunions can cause pain, problems with walking and difficulty fitting into shoes. A bunion is a deformity of the big toe joint. We can give you advice on strengthening the muscles in your feet, teach you about what sort of shoes will best suit you, provide support for your feet with orthotics and if required, discuss surgical options for you.

Don’t ignore the problem. The smaller the bunion, the easier to treat!

6451345ab

For more info call Linda Ingleby 02 6652 1202.

these retirees will pass away with substantial amounts of their nest egg unspent.

I realise that after a working life looking on super as a form of saving and investing, it can involve a radical change in mindset to see your super as a source of funds for spending.

The things is, having worked hard to accumulate super, it’s not unreasonable to reap the

Govt announces changes to superannuation

Linda Explains….

What happens if I lose entitlement?

If your Age Pension is no longer payable as a result of the changes, you will automatically be eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card which provides a range of benefits.

BEING CONSERVATIVE: Some retirees have concerns about outliving their retirement savings.

DentureCliniC • Dentures & Mouthguards • No Referral Required • All Funds • Vet Affairs Patients • Repairs • Hospital Voucher

6652 2406 11/20 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour

6476007aa

WORKING-AGE Australians are encouraged to grow their superannuation to enjoy a rewarding retirement.

But new research shows many retirees could be denying themselves a fulfilling retirement by avoiding dipping into their nest egg more than absolutely necessary.

A study by the CSIRO found retirees with more than $100,000 in super typically used their nest egg to invest in an account-based pension.

These are an extremely tax-friendly option, and they work a bit like a managed fund.

withdraw more than twice the minimum.

Coupled with relatively strong investment returns, this has meant most retirees using an accountbased pension have seen the balance of their nest egg increase in recent years.

There are a few reasons why people may opt for the minimum withdrawal.

One boils down to behavioural science – it can be hard choosing how much money to take out annually, so it is easier to simply go with the minimum, which is set in stone.

Retirees may also be concerned about outliving their retirement savings, and so take a conservative approach.

If you don’t have much in super, that makes sense.

Nonetheless, the study concluded that many of

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THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE

You can choose the underlying investments in line with your views about risk, and the pension pays a regular income stream in much the same way as a wage or salary.

A key feature of account-based pensions is that each year you need to choose the size of your annual withdrawals – or drawdowns.

Minimum drawdowns apply in order to qualify for a tax exemption on investment earnings.

For instance, if you’re aged 65–74 you need to withdraw at least 5% of your balance each year, rising to 14% if you’re aged 95 or older.

Beyond these limits you’re free to withdraw as much as you choose.

Interestingly, the CSIRO found most retirees stuck close to the minimum allowable drawdown.

Only one in four

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 43

Travel My PNG adventure JADED travellers who have crossed most destinations off their bucket lists – and this can happen when you get to a certain age – will be delighted to know they can now visit a place where few before them have been.

Now that P&O Cruises sails into some uncharted waters of Papua New Guinea, there are remote islands to explore, isolated atolls where lush jungle edges white sandy beaches.

You will have to use the ship’s tender boats to get ashore, these islands do not yet have wharves or infrastructure, but on our cruise on board Pacific Eden in September, there were seniors galore nipping down the gangway like

sprightly teenagers.

Perhaps it was the thought of those remote islands with their turquoise waters that had us all keen to get ashore…more likely it was the opportunity to mix with the locals for a day, see how they lived, and to relax in the warm embrace of their generous welcome.

Some of the islands visited by Pacific Eden are untouched by the 21st Century, utopias previously denied to all but the young, the strong, the fearless.

Now we seniors can arrive in absolute comfort and step into a mysterious world where age-old traditions are still upheld.

P&O’s Pacific Eden made her inaugural PNG visit from Cairns in September and will be

ANN RICKARD unleashes her inner adventurer and finds it much to her liking, even though she admits to being an old sheila based in that city until the end of this month and then again from August through November 2017.

It takes just one day sailing from Cairns to reach this other world.

Being there is a simultaneously uplifting and humbling experience. At our first port, Alotou, the capital of PNG’s Milne Bay province, the dancers were there to greet us, their feathered headgear waving to their stomps, their fierce bone-nose adornments at odds

ISLAND LIFE: The kids are so happy, dancing, performing and greeting the travellers.

with their beetle-nut stained smiles.

Next stop Kitava, where the locals had come down from the hills to display their hand-crafted products on the white sand. It seemed horribly wrong to pay so little for an exquisitely carved, wooden bowl inlaid with shell. It must have taken days, even weeks, to craft but the old man selling it asked for just 20 kina (about $12).

The children had obviously been given the day off school for Pacific

Eden’s arrival and were dressed in grass-mat skirts and skimpy loin cloths, adorned with feathers, beads, and bits of nature’s bling. A group of exuberant boys danced, banging bamboo poles to the beat of a drum, their choreography rhythmical, perfect. They giggled and laughed as they danced, making the world seem a more innocent place.

Getting P&O’s ships close to these remote islands is a small miracle.

“When we look at a destination we need to know a ship can get in,” a documentary on the television in our stateroom told us.

At our next island, Kiriwina – where women enjoy higher status than men, and pigs are an

indicator of wealth - it was the teenage girls from the nearby school who danced for us, their colourful skirts and feathers swaying with their dainty movements while the local ‘musician’ accompanied them on an old guitar.

At all the islands, the snorkelling was some of the best in the world, and right off the beach, or further out by canoes where one of dozens of enthusiastic boys offered to paddle us out for a few kina.

After reluctant farewells at each island, it was a joy to return to Pacific Eden where colourful cocktails, grand dinners, live theatre and non-stop entertainment waited for us.

Pacific Eden Visit: pocruises.com.au

PHOTOS: ANN RICKARD

44 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

It’s a hoot

Owl cafe may not have food, but the unique company makes it well worth the visit

EAT, DRINK AND BE KERRY KERRY HEANEY TAKE a seat at a Tokyo cafe and the chair next to you might be occupied by a rabbit, snake, goat, cat, dog or even an owl.

The chance to get up close and personal with a variety of animals is one of the many attractions of visiting Japan. The weirder the better does it for me, so I headed off to a cafe where there are as many owls as there are people.

Akiba Fukurou is a popular spot to visit and visitors book ahead and then line up outside waiting for their hour of owl.

Although it’s widely known as a cafe and looks like a cafe, it doesn’t actually serve food or drink. The owner of Akiba Fukurou prefers to call it a relaxation space where visitors can interact with

the owls.

Once inside, guests take a seat and have the chance to meet the resident owls. There are about 20 owls ranging in size from petite to quite large. They don’t seem terribly bothered by the people around them and some just chose to nap the hour away.

Guests are instructed not to disturb sleeping owls or those with signs that say “Please don’t touch”, but it’s fine to touch the others. Stroking the owl’s head, between the eyes, is recommended and seems to be quite enjoyed by the creatures.

After a while, the owner comes around and places

an owl on your arm if you want to get a little closer. I had some one-on-one time with Snowman who was happy to sit quietly and have his photo taken.

Not everyone was so lucky. Some of the owls couldn’t settle and others left little messages on their human friend’s clothing.

The owls are all rescue birds and have been collected by the owner over a long period.

Although we were lucky and picked up a cancellation on short notice, you’ll need to book ahead to visit.

The cafe is a short walk from JR Akihabara Station and there are good instructions on the website to guide you there. It costs 1500 yen per person for a one-hour visit and take cash, they don’t accept credit cards.

Princess Cruises offer trifecta of voyages around the globe PRINCESS Cruises will offer travellers three ways to see the world in 2017, with a trifecta of world cruises setting sail next year to exotic ports across the globe, including South America, the Arctic Circle and Alaska.

Globetrotters can first set sail next year in early January when Princess Cruises’ Sea Princess will depart on the inaugural circumnavigation of South America from Australia, an 84-night Circle South America cruise, which will visit 28 ports in 18 countries.

Destination calls across Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Uruguay, travellers will have ample opportunities to explore the wonders of South America.

Departing Sydney on January 11, 2017, the cruise is priced from $15,999 a person twin share, with the round-trip voyage available from Auckland and Brisbane.

Sea Princess will offer a second overseas experience in May, when the ship departs on an epic 104-night world cruise –the first voyage

from Australia to visit the Arctic Circle. Setting sail from Sydney on May 20, 2017, the ship will call at 39 ports in 26 countries.

Cruising via the Middle East to Europe and the United Kingdom, Sea Princess will make unforgettable calls to the Lofoten Islands (Gravdal), Tromso, Honningsvag and Akureyri in the Arctic Circle before visiting North and South America and the islands of the Pacific on her return to Australia.

Also setting sail in May will be the 2600-guest Golden Princess, the

largest ship to ever offer a world cruise from Australia.

Sailing from Sydney on May 19, 2017, Golden Princess’ 75-night Circle Pacific itinerary will take holidaymakers to China and Japan before heading north to Alaska.

Roundtrip options are available from both Sydney and Brisbane with balcony room fares from $20,999 a person twin share, for the roundtrip Sydney departure.

For more information, visit princess.com, phone 13 24 88.

The Sea Princess in New Zealand.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

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NEW ZEALAND CRUISE RADIANCE OF THE SEAS EX SYDNEY 15 Days / 14 Nights Wednesday 29 Nov - Wednesday 13 Dec 2017 Price Includes: 14 night cruise on the Radiance of the Seas; Port charges and taxes; Prepaid gratuities; $100.00US onboard credit per cabin.

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Contact Trade Travel for a full itinerary 1800 034 439 Email: groups@tradetravel.com - www.tradetravel.com.au

travel

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Visit Provence with our Ann

Seniors 45

There’s so much to love about touring in the south of France SENIORS newspaper travel writer Ann Rickard has been hosting tours in Provence for 10 years.

She is familiar with the towns and villages, au fait with local festivals and knows the best markets in France.

Ann takes only eight guests each European summer to share a magical two-week party in Provence – next year from June 24 through to July 7.

With her trusty husband Geoffrey, Ann celebrates everything that is glorious about France.

“We base ourselves in a big house with pool in the heart of Uzes, a beautifully preserved town in the south of France surrounded by orchards and vineyards, just half an hour from Avignon,” Ann said.

“From there we explore iconic Provencal towns and villages including

Roussillon, with its red ochre buildings, and L’isle sur la Sorgue, famous for its waterways and antique shops.

“We go to Les Baux-de-Provence, with its castle ruins and spinetingling experience of the sound and light

made many friends in Provence and love to introduce our Aussie guests to them.

“We meet them at the markets, enjoy village festivals with them, even have local musicians come and give us a private concert.”

❝

Because we’ve been going every year for the past decade we have made many friends in Provence and love to introduce our Aussie guests to them. illuminations at Les Carrieres de Lumieres.

“The beautiful city of Avignon is a highlight, and so is the Roman heritage town Arles where Van Gogh lived and painted for a year.

“Because we’ve been going every year for the past decade we have

Ann says that although the two-week Provence tour is structured with myriad highlights, it is also very personal and laid-back.

“Because we stay together in the same big house for two weeks we really get to know each other,” she said.

“And most of our guests are ‘mature’ folks like me so we fit in.

In between touring we have lots of free time to laze around the pool with a glass or two of the pink wine they love in this region.

“We leave lots of time to explore the laneways, cafes, shops and beautiful buildings of Uzes.

“And, yes, we eat a lot ... and enjoy the wonderful local wines.

“In-house chefs cook gourmet meals for us with exquisite French produce, and we also dine in both high-end restaurants and rustic bistros.”

Ann and Geoffrey believe in an all-included cost so guests have nothing to spend during the tour – unless they want to go shopping of course.

“We include everything:

TRAVEL GUIDE: Ann Rickard.

pick-up and drop-off in Avignon, transport in an air-conditioned mini-bus, entry tickets, all meals, unlimited wine, guest chefs, restaurant visits ... everything.

“There are no added expenses.

“We really do have the most wonderful time in France.

“All our past guests have become good friends and we keep in touch.”

escorted ESCAPES

See the full itinerary at www.annrickard.com or email ann@annrickard. com or call 0408 557 311.

Ann will answer all your questions.

Ann Rickard is a Queensland author of six travel books including the popular Ooh La La! A French Romp.

Enjoy your holiday knowing you have an expert with you every step of the way.

INCLUDES RETURN AIRFARES PLUS DOOR TO DOOR BRISBANE AIRPORT TRANSFERS*

MEXICO & CUBA

25 DAYS

Departs Brisbane: 7 Mar 2017

Highlights Small group private tour starting in Mexico City with the Pyramids of Teotihuacan and the best of the Aztec and Mayan sites such as Palenque and Chitzen Itza. Relax in Playa del Carmen then onto Old Town Havana and regional Cuba such as Vinales and Trinidad.

Plus breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 5 dinners. from solo traveller from

$9995*

$11,745*

ESSENCE OF SOUTH AMERICA 24 DAYS

PANAMA EXPLORER

EAST AFRICAN SAFARI

Departs Brisbane: 29 Apr 2017

Departs Brisbane: 28 Sep 2017

Highlights Small group private tour focusing on Peru, Brazil and Argentina. Stay in an Amazon river lodge, explore the famous Machu Picchu and cruise on Lake Titicaca. See Rio’s famous landmarks, the mighty Iguassu Falls and finish with extended time in Buenos Aires. Plus breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 7 dinners.

Highlights Cruise through the Panama Canal in style on the luxurious Celebrity Infinity. Visit ports of call in Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico. Includes 3 nights in Miami and 2 nights in San Diego with included sightseeing and touring.

Plus breakfast daily, 14 lunches and 17 dinners.

Departs Brisbane: 28 Apr 2017

$10,995* * solo traveller from $12,595 from

23 DAYS

from solo traveller from

$7450*

$10,750*

21 DAYS

Highlights Small group private tour of Kenya and Tanzania. View Mt Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National Park. Enjoy extended game drives searching for the big five and more in iconic Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks.

End with a relaxing stay in Zanzibar.

Plus breakfast daily, 12 lunches and 14 dinners. from

$13,295* $15,375*

solo traveller from

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escortedescapes.com.au

*Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Please ask us for further details. Prices are correct as at 1 Jul 16 & are subject to change. Quoted prices on sale until 8 weeks prior to each departure date or until sold out prior. Prices are per person twin share and subject to availability. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store and are fully inclusive of taxes, levies, government charges and other applicable fees. Payments made by credit card incur a surcharge. Visa information based on Australian Passport holders. Where a visa is required the cost included in the trip price (Australian passport holders only). Arrival and departure transfers included up to the return value of $100 pp. If costs between your home and Brisbane airport exceed this you can either choose to pay the difference or have the $100 pp refunded and make your own arrangements to and from Brisbane airport. Participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Escorted Escapes product is exclusive to Qld and Nth NSW Escape Travel stores. All cruises are based on lead-in inside cabin twin share. All Escorted Escapes are subject to minimum passengers booking, paying and travelling together. Escape Travel reserves the right to cancel the tour should the numbers travelling not meet the required minimum. Should this occur a full refund will be provided. Please ask your Escape Travel consultant for further details. ^Interest Free: Approved applicants only on a Lombard 180 Visa card. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply including a $99 Annual Fee charged on the account open date and annually on the anniversary of the account open date. Minimum finance amount applies and is valid on holidays over $999. Interest, currently 22.99% p.a., is payable on any balance outstanding after the 12 month Interest Free period. Ask in store for details. Offer ends 31 Dec 16. Credit provided by Lombard Finance Pty Limited ABN 31 099 651 877, Australian Credit Licence number 247415.

Lombard® is brought to you by FlexiGroup ®. FROM BRISBANE. Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Escape Travel. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412.

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46 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

Cook Islands such a joy

THE Cook Islands, is an ‘unpack once’ destination for lovers of easy-going cultural holidays and avid Pacific Island travellers.

With colourful culture, pristine azure waters, warm hospitable people, lush volcanic mountain scenery and wonderful cuisine, an Uplift Tours and Travel-arranged cultural tour to Cook Islands Pacific Paradise ticks all the boxes.

Since 2011, Uplift Tours and Travel director Claire McErlane has enjoyed escorting tours to the Cook Islands, and has grown passionate about the locals.

Special relationships have been built over the years, and donations from each tour now assist the local primary school and the bowls club.

Just this year, president George of the bowls club told visitors at the fourth Cook Islands Bowls Carnival how much the Australian bowlers have financially assisted the club.

With proceeds the club has received from green fees, donated bowls and clothes, providing entertainment, and not

forgetting money made over the bar, the club has been able to buy two solar panels to assist with extremely high electricity bills, purchased Sky TV so they can watch world bowls events, and have invested into their juniors.

Always one of the highlights of a tour is the inspiring visit to the local primary school, run by the wonderful and committed principal Elizabeth and her team.

The children are an absolute delight, and always courteous, fun and forever respectful of their overseas visitors.

Donations are now assisting with the bi-yearly overseas educational trip which is offered to each student, regardless of the financial situation of the family.

This is an amazing feat of fund-raising capacity by the school community, and Uplift is privileged to play a small part.

This tour treats guests to many hidden delights not available to the independent traveller.

For further details, contact Uplift Tours and Travel on 3283 1966 or groups@uplifttours.com.

ISLAND TIME: Cook Island dancers will make you feel right at home.

Seniors’ travel made easier

By James Cracknell

Fully Escorted Group Tours 2017 • 24 day Canada & Alaska – We have been escorting this custom-made tour for over 15 years.

Over the years we believe we have it just right! Its takes in the best that Canada and Alaska has to offer at a slower pace giving you time to enjoy this most amazing place.

• Walks and Tastes of Tuscany – This is a small group tour designed to immerse you in the local culture and tastes of Tuscany. It’s guided

by Barbara & Bruno Marriotti who live in this amazing place. There is no better way to experience a place than to be shown by a local!

• 20 Day best of South America – This Tour is a showcase of what this incredibly diverse continent has to offer. The tour includes the must see locations throughout this fantastic continent.

• Africa Annual Migration Tour – This tour is a small group tour, totally organised by us to showcase the people Birds and animals of Africa. We have handpicked our camps, the guides and most importantly the right time of year for this tour to ensure a trip of a lifetime. Herds of animals in the tens of thousands make for a photographers dream you can literally put yourself in the middle of an Attenborough documentary.

• Spirit of The Outback – This tour is a rail holiday utilising the Spirit of the outback Rail from Brisbane to Longreach. Once in Longreach we visit historic and authentic outback towns giving a great insight into this special place.

• Queensland Dive trip – 5 Day Diving trip to experience firsthand the Great Barrier Reef.

Includes 2 night on board the Kangaroo explorer catamaran.

• Singapore Getaway – This short 5 Night trip is ideal to anyone who wants an introduction to Asia. Our staff will be there on hand to orientate you around plus give you plenty of ideas to make this place even more special.

• State of Origin P&O Cruise – We have a group booking on this cruise. Meet some of the past players and enjoy friendly rivalry with your fellow guests then join us for Game 1 of the three match competition.

“What have you been waiting for?

www.windsongtravel.com.au

“For further information on any of the above tours please don’t hesitate to contact any one of our offices

Book Now

Bellingen – Windsong Travel Bellingen – 02 66550855 Inverell – Windsong Travel Inverell – 02 67223011 Coffs Harbour – Coffs Coast Travel – 02 66512202”

6485172aa

FOR many years escorting groups to various locations on the planet, I have found there are a few simple travel tips that will reduce stress and make your journey much more enjoyable. Here are three:

BACKPACKS ARE BEST

THE rest of the world is not laser-levelled flat like the paths and streets in Australia and my biggest fear for my clients as a tour guide/escort are falls. Aussies are not used to coping with the unevenness of the cobblestones that are found everywhere in the UK or Europe, or the uneven ground you find in many places in Asia, South America and Africa.

My mantra when travelling internationally is hands-free walking so if you do trip or stumble at least you can break your fall with a free hand. A sprained or broken wrist can be repaired fairly easily but a broken hip means an immediate end to the trip and a long, painful journey home.

Including a backpack in your luggage provides this hands-free touring and, if you are worried about

pickpockets, a few simple locks will soon deter the stealthiest of fingers. For those who feel naked without a handbag I know it’s a hard habit to break, however the benefits far outweigh any possible inconvenience. And, of course, you can store a lot more in a backpack, like a bottle of water, or energy giving chocolate or souvenirs you might buy.

PUT IN A BIT OF TRAINING

I KNOW this sounds glaringly obvious, but if you can institute a small walking regime before your trip you will see a lot more on your travels.

I was recently escorting a group on a European river cruise which had a side trip to Prague that included a 5km downhill stroll from a castle to the middle of Prague.

My eldest client was 94, she had put in so much effort walking every day prior to her trip that, she could “keep up with the 60-year-olds” and she didn’t miss a thing.

If she can do it at 94, we all can, because travelling is often about walking and climbing steps and stairs. Even if you just lift your mobility level from five stairs to

ten, in the end you will benefit exponentially.

ONE-NIGHT WONDERS ARE NOT WORTH THE SAVINGS

WHEN choosing a coach tour, look carefully at the itinerary.

Two or three night stays allow you to see and enjoy everything. One night stays are just ticking off that you have been there and they are, frankly, exhausting.

Tours of Canada and Alaska are perfect examples of why one-night wonders are false economies. Canada is bigger than Australia and the distance needed to be travelled some days exceeds 500km. That’s a long way to go to find out you don’t have the time to experience the place.

My advice is to allocate enough time and money for a relaxed trip, rather than spending the majority of your holiday in a seat on a tour bus – and, if the budget won’t stretch, remember, less is more. * James Cracknell is the owner and manager of three travel agencies and has been escorting tours for more than 20 years. bellingen@windsongtravel. com.au.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

What’s on

SWIFF 2017 PROGRAM LAUNCHES IN DECEMBER

THE Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF), Coffs Coast’s heart of film and screen culture, returns to Coffs Harbour and Bellingen running from January 4–28.

With over 60 film sessions curated for the 2017 program, there will be something for everyone from gripping dramas, to compelling documentaries, incredible comedies, independent titles and the newest films Australia has to offer.

The festival also has a long list of events planned and festival guest filmmakers confirmed to travel to the region to engage with Coffs Coast audiences about the feature films they’ve acted in, written, produced, and directed.

SWIFF enters its second year in 2017, having attracted over 3000 people into theatres for its

inaugural 2016 festival to discover world cinema from more than a dozen countries around the world.

Screenwave is a small team, comprised of film enthusiast husband-wife team Kate Howat (Screenwave artistic director) and Dave Horsley.

The couple have a background in film production and have established a number of programs aimed at developing film and screen culture on the Coffs Coast, including the popular Cinematinee program at the Jetty Memorial Theatre.

Opening night tickets are now on sale for the new Iranian documentary Sonita, available through www.swiff.com.au.

EMSLA PRIZE CELEBRATES MILESTONE

THE Eutick Memorial Still Life Award (EMSLA) is celebrating its 10th year of artistic excellence and

success at Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery – and the 2016 prize and festival promises to be its best yet.

The EMSLA $20,000 art award encourages excellence and innovation in Australian still life painting.

It was the vision of Dr Mal Eutick who wanted to honour the memory of his parents while contributing to the artistic and cultural life of the city.

This year 220 entries were received from all over Australia and the 68 finalists include notable artists such as Leo Coyte, Laura Jones, Monika Behrens, Samuel Condon, Graham Marchant, Robyn Sweaney, Madeline Preston and Chris Hundt.

The EMSLA exhibition will run until Saturday, January 7.

For information go to www.coffsharbour.nsw .gov.au/EMSLA

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE COMING TO JETTY THEATRE

THE Jetty Memorial Theatre has become a home for film and screen culture over the last few years, with the addition of a beautiful retractable screen and ceiling-mounted projector.

The newest announcement for the theatre is that the venue will play host to a season

of National Theatre Live productions in 2017.

National Theatre Live connects live theatre plays from London’s West End with cinemas all around the world.

The program is the world’s most successful and celebrated stage-to-screen transition program, allowing millions

Seniors 47

of viewers around the planet the same experience as London theatre crowds.

Following on from the success of the Jetty Theatre’s first National Theatre Live screening of Hamlet, the follow-up event for National Theatre Live’s WarHorse is set to take Coffs Harbour by storm.

WarHorse is an incredible story set in World War I featuring the relationship between a boy and his horse, who is requisitioned by the British army in the war effort.

The production features life-size horse puppets by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company.

The screening takes place at 6.30pm on Wednesday, December 7.

Advanced bookings are essential.

To secure your tickets phone the Jetty Memorial Theatre Box Office on 02 6652 8088 or www.jettytheatre.com.

Researcher takes grave view

GRAVEYARD TOUR: Coffs Coast cemetery researcher Ruth Morrow explains the significance of carvings on headstones on a rainy day at Coffs Harbour Historic Cemetery, while Rochelle Davies provides some shelter.

PHOTO: BELINDA SCOTT

GRAVEYARDS are three-dimensional history books for Coffs Harbour’s Ruth Morrow.

The Coffs Harbour Regional Museum volunteer and local historian devotes her leisure time to digging up the stories behind the headstones.

She also conducts cemetery tours, bringing the past to life as she walks and talks about the lives and times – and sometimes the crimes, of those now safely under the sod.

“I’ve always been interested in cemeteries and the stories behind the stones,” Ruth said.

“I began visiting the cemetery researching my own family history.”

The Coffs Harbour Historic Cemetery is located a short walk from the city’s museum, which has recently published Ruth’s 42-page booklet, Coffs Harbour Historic Cemetery.

This graveyard was established in 1886; dedicated in 1892 and closed to new burials in 1986.

Ruth said the cemetery was not the first for the town, but it is not known how many people, if any

were buried in the “old cemetery” between Barrie St and Glenreagh St. “In the old days people were buried on private property or where they died,” Ruth said.

She is compiling a spreadsheet containing all the information she can gather from available sources on who is buried where around Coffs Harbour’s cemeteries, as there is currently no central register.

On one of Ruth’s cemetery walks you will find the graves of early European settlers worn out by years of unrelenting toil; the graves of victims of tragic accidents with falling timber, fire and flood; the graves of war heroes and pioneering doctors – and of tiny children who too often succumbed to disease or domestic disaster.

Here also rest the earthly remains of many of those who laid the foundations of today’s prosperous city, with many of the names engraved on headstones still familiar in the district today.

The oldest headstone in the cemetery, dating from 1895, is devoted to three children of the Marles family of pioneering

shopkeepers.

One of the most impressive monuments is dedicated to Betsey McLean, the wife of Murdock McLean, who built the Fitzroy Hotel (now the Coast Hotel).

You will also visit the grave of George MacKay, the unfortunate first husband of one Elizabeth Cook.

Elizabeth was charged with bigamy after marrying someone else without divorcing George, but this obviously did not put her off marriage, as she acquired four husbands during her lifetime.

One of the graves is that of Clarrie Shephard, whose discovery of a man’s severed leg in a chaff bag led to the discovery of Coffs Harbour’s first murder, of Russian-Finnish settler Matt Matteson in 1885.

This incident demonstrated the dangers of mucking about with dead bodies, as the policeman forced to exhume the leg for the subsequent court case in Grafton contracted blood poisoning.

The murderer, Matthew Friske, was the first execution at Grafton Gaol in December 1885.

48 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Reviews

Seniors 49

RELAX Kick back & enjoy a read from this month’s selection of travel books

Mal’s Still Travelling

Memoirs of friends in later life

AUSSIE LEGENDS: Bob Irwin with his wildlife warrior son, Steve Irwin.

Bob Irwin’s biography CO-AUTHORED with trusted friend Amanda French, the book uncovers the man behind the legend and explains how a plumber from Melbourne became a conservation pioneer, began Australia Zoo and raised his wildlife warrior son, Steve Irwin.

Opening with a remarkable letter from a 32-year-old Steve to his mum and dad, which Bob only found this year, when an unopened envelope, inscribed: please be happy to know that your strength and wisdom have been

❝

When the world lost Steve, the animals lost the best friend they ever had, and so did I.

passed on, fell from a book during Bob’s research for his book.

The Last Crocodile Hunter details a remarkable father/son relationship that built a worldwide audience for Steve and inspired people around the world to follow their passion.

Bob told his story to Amanda French over a 20,000km road trip to

— Bob Irwin

some of Australia’s most spectacular locations.

Initially reluctant to share, Bob gradually opened up to Amanda to reveal 77-years’ worth of stories that will move and inspire readers. ❚ Allen & Unwin ❚ Bob Irwin & Amanda French ❚ RRP: $32.99

GROWING Old Outrageously is a delightful memoir of friendship and what happens when two ladies of a certain age decide to test the maxim: leap and the net will appear.

After 35 years, two school friends reconnect and discover they both love travelling – and the more exotic and far-flung the location, the better.

Not having a clue whether they will get along, the eccentric pair embark on a trial journey to Morocco. That tentative start turned into a series of unusual holidays, and Hil and Liz have circumnavigated the globe ever since.

This is a book for thrill-seekers and armchair travellers alike, a celebration of friendship and laughter – and an inspiration for anyone who's longed to venture outside their comfort zone and travel to exotic places.

■ Hilary Linstead & Elisabeth Davies ■ Allen & Unwin ■ AUD $29.99

Discover love in The Chocolate Tin THE highly anticipated, sensuous new blockbuster by the beloved, best-selling author of The Perfumer's Secret.

Alexandra Frobisher is a modern-thinking woman with hopes of a career in England's famous chocolate-making town of York.

She has received several proposals of marriage, although none of them promises that elusive extra – love.

Matthew Britten-Jones is a man of charm and strong social standing.

He impresses Alex and her parents with his wit and intelligence, but would an amicable union be enough for a fulfilling life together?

At the end of the war, captain Harry Blakeney discovers a dead soldier in a trench in France. In the man's possession is a secret love note, tucked inside a tin of chocolate that had been sent to the soldiers as a gift from the people back home.

Only together will they be able to unlock secrets of the past.

From the battlefields of

northern France to the medieval city of York, this is a heartbreaking tale about a triangle of love in all its forms and a story about the bittersweet taste of life and of chocolate.

The argument had been tame, polite even, but there was no doubt in her mind that if she didn’t make a decision, it would be made for her.

Alex Frobisher gave a small clicking sound and nudged her coal-coloured mare to pick up its pace.

The familiar noise of hooves on the road

soothed, tried to take her thoughts back to a time when the summers seemed to stretch forever in a warm recollection of shared laughter and Scotland.

Such happy days before that August afternoon of 1905 when darkness descended; it was this pain, she was sure, forever haunting the family, that was the root of her mother’s urgency for a wedding even an unwelcome one for Alex.

■ FIONA MCINTOSH ■ RRP $32.99 ■ PENGUIN

INTREPID explorer, navigator, documentary film-maker – the surviving Leyland brother looks back on his incredibly adventurous life.

Mike and Mal Leyland’s first step towards becoming beloved Aussie icons came with the screening of their hazardous trip down the length of the Darling River in a 5m aluminium dinghy.

In this revealing memoir, Mal Leyland takes us through his eventful life, from his ten-pound Pom immigrant childhood, adventuring with Mike through outback Australia, the brothers’ sometimes stormy relationship, their dramatic rise to success as film-makers, their devastating financial losses, Mal’s triumph over cancer to his ongoing travels with his beloved wife of 45 years, Laraine.

Ever the adventurer, Mal continues to explore Australia.

Still Travelling is his compelling account of a life lived to the full.

■ MAL LEYLAND ■ ALLEN & UNWIN ■ $32.99

The Outback Wrangler

THE Outback Wrangler takes you on a wild ride, where a special outback flavour of danger, adrenaline and adventure comes together in the personal stories of a unique Australian.

“I never knew I could do this as a job.”

National Geographic conservationist and chopper pilot Matt Wright was born for a life of action and adventure.

Raised in the wilds of far north Queensland, Papua New Guinea and outback Australia, as a child he would catch deadly snakes for fun or lizards and turtles for show and tell at school.

From his early years working in the outback to a short stint in the army, Matt’s life reads like an own adventure story.

Today, he is the star of his own international television show on National Geographic, a renowned outback adventurer and a wrangler of deadly animals.

■ Matt Wright ■ Penguin ■ RRP $35

50 Seniors Coffs and Clarence G E N E R A L K N O W L E D G E

1

2

3

puzzles

4

5

6

7 8 9 11

10 12 13

14

15

16

17

19

18 20 21

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

ACROSS 1 Which is the largest of the Canary Islands? (8) 7 What is a large wall painting? (5) 8 What silvery alloy (__ metal) consists of tin, antimony and usually copper, lead, or zinc? (9) 9 What is the Vietnamese New Year called? (3) 10 What chess piece typically has its top in the shape of a battlement? (4) 11 What round, close-fitting hat is worn on the back of the head? (6) 13 Which corporation was formed in 1919 by Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin and D W Griffith? (6,7) 15 What is a line marked on a cricket pitch? (6) 16 Along with Johnson and Roosevelt, the US has had two presidents with which surname? (4) 18 Latin nihil gave us what word? (3) 20 Lord Nelson died in which naval battle? (9) 21 What is the act of loaning money at an exorbitant rate of interest? (5) 22 Which hills (The __) extend from the Scottish border into England’s Peak District? (8)

DOWN 1 What river flows through Rome? (5) 2 In which African city was singer Roger Whittaker born? (7) 3 500 sheets of paper make a what? (4) 4 Which James Joyce novel opens with the second half of the sentence that starts at the very end of the book? (9,4) 5 On which Greek island can the remains of the Minoan civilisation be seen? (5) 6 What is vocal apparatus of the larynx called? (7) 7 What provided the ignition spark in early petrol engines? (7) 12 According to the Bible, what is our allotted lifespan? (7) 13 What type of atom bomb exploded over Hiroshima in 1945? (7) 14 What device is used to immobilise an attacker without causing serious injury, typically by administering an electric shock? (4,3) 15 What short, flat-headed nail is used for attaching sheet metal to wood? (5) 17 As canine applies to dogs, what does leporine refer to? (5) 19 Analgesia is the inability to feel what? (4)

22

SUDOKU

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

5x5

ALPHAGRAMS

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

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential.

For example, if the fiveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

S

11

D D

12

13

14

15

16

18

19

G A

17

D R

B

N

THORN AT ONCE PER SACK IN A QUART VERSATILE

P

E

A

E

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

20

19/11

SOLUTIONS

admin amnion anion anoint anon anti BADMINTON band bandit baton bind bond daimon damn dint domain dominant donna into main mantid mind mint moan monad nation nomad obtain

21 22

D E N S E

Across: 1. Tact 8. Employment 9. Gradient 10. Hazy 12. Assist 14. Ensign 15. Minded 17. Mishap 18. Dear 19. Verbiage 21. Inaccurate 22. Digs.

Down: 2. Aggressive 3. Tend 4. Upbeat 5. Loathe 6. Emphasis 7. Stay 11.

Zigzagging 13. Indirect 16. Devour 17. Mortal 18. Dais 20. Iced.

ALPHAGRAMS: NORTH, OCTANE, PACKERS, QUATRAIN, RELATIVES.

BLACKOUT

QUICK CROSSWORD

Solution opposite

E R U P T

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

D O G M A

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word.

No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb.

TODAY: Good 13 Very Good 17 Excellent 21

DOUBLE CROSS

I D E A L

MO

WORD GO ROUND

B T

SUDOKU

5x5

S A B L E

389

GK CROSSWORD

N

Down 2. Belligerent (10) 3. Look after (4) 4. Optimistic (6) 5. Strongly dislike (6) 6. Accent (8) 7. Remain (4) 11. Veering (10) 13. Roundabout (8) 16. Eat greedily (6) 17. Deadly (6) 18. Platform (4) 20. Frozen (4)

Across: 1 Tenerife, 7 Mural, 8 Britannia, 9 Tet, 10 Rook, 11 Beanie, 13 United Artists, 15 Crease, 16 Bush, 18 Nil, 20 Trafalgar, Usury, 22 Pennines.

Down: 1 Tiber, 2 Nairobi, 3 Ream, 4 Finnegans Wake, 5 Crete, 6 Glottis, 7 Magneto, 12 Seventy, 13 Uranium, 14 Stun gun, 15 Clout, 17 Hares, 19 Pain.

N A

D I

WORD GO ROUND

Across 1. Discretion (4) 8. Work (10) 9. Incline (8) 10. Vague (4) 12. Help (6) 14. Ship’s flag (6) 15. Looked after (6) 17. Accident (6) 18. Costly (4) 19. An excess of words (8) 21. Imprecise (10) 22. Lodgings (4)

W G W F R B X L W E P R A D M

R E T I N A R C O S M E T I C

B N D S I N Z O F C O V T V J

B E A T F A L P H A B E T I C

W R M Q Z N X P M P F L K D D

C O V E R A G E Z A W A K E N

S U H G K X Z R P D K T R L K

Z S P O U S E V G E N I U S H

T S A C U I F A M Z M O D W Q

A P P E A L X S P L I N T E R

N O N N H I C P Y O Z U Y A K

P R O T E C T I O N E B A R E

Y T E R X O A R A E W A J I D

P A T I E N C E E L A T E N T

S L V C D E D R S Y K H G G B

BLACKOUT

Work out which squares need to be deleted to reveal a completed crossword.

Solution opposite

DOUBLE CROSS

C O E S M R E T D I C

R B G E N E T A F I S T N B A N A L O P H C A B V E T V I C

C R O U S V P E G O R U N A S G E P E R G P A D E W N L A T I K U D E S N

A P P P O R T A L P O T C E N T R I C A E E I L I C O N E T C A S P I R E P O L O N E L Y I A O N B A T H T A E W E A R I N G R E T

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, November 28, 2016 seniorsnews.com.au

Gardening

Seniors 51

What’s on in the garden

CHRISTMAS ART IN THE GARDEN November 30 and December 7: Christmas decorations and gift making in the garden at the Front Pavilion, 4–6pm.

Cost: $5 per child, suitable for 4–12 years. Bookings essential. Phone Julie Belford at the council on 6648 4542.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN THE GARDEN

IN BLOOM: Prime Display Pergola at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, Coffs Harbour.

Create a green fence NUTS ABOUT PLANTS PHILLIP TAYLOR

PRIVACY is a powerful word, for us gardeners it means ‘space to ourselves ’.

At the nursery we spend a lot of our day advising customers on what plants will give them this vital ‘breathing space’.

The solutions are many but let’s break it down to just a few of the absolute best. Here are the top three lilly pillies: ■ Backyard bliss – This new variety has taken over

as the most popular one for screening around pools courtyards and narrow garden spaces.

Backyard bliss provides an evergreen hedge of glossy green foliage throughout the year and offers some colour with bronze/ red new growth.

Most importantly all foliage remains clean and healthy and free from psyllid attack.

■ Firescreen – Hot and dry? That’s not a problem for the firescreen lilly pilly.

Once established, it can withstand just about anything.

I love the red new foliage that contrasts to the older leaves – it looks like flickering flames.

SIMPLE & SINCERE FUNERALS

ALLIED FUNERAL HOME and Lady Cameo Funerals

secure funeral plans available

just want to run your hands along the side of the hedge to feel the softness.

Superior grow tall enough to provide

Are you looking for quality after hours medical care?

Doctoronduty comes to you

Doctor Home Visiting Hours: Monday to Friday: 6.00pm – 8.00am Saturday: Noon – 8.00am Sunday & Public Holidays: All day and all night

Phone Lines Open: Monday to Friday: 4.00pm Weekends: from 10.00am Saturday and then all weekend

1300 2255 47 Or visit www.doctoronduty.com.au for more information www.facebook.com/doctorondutyaust

* for all calls booked before midnight 6486367aa

a large variety of timber and environmentally friendly cardboard coffins

124 West High Street, Coffs Harbour

Firescreen is tolerant of the typically sandy conditions associated with living along the coast.

■ Superior – Refreshing soft green foliage – you’ll

All visits bulk billed*

affordable and dignified funerals

6651 2363 or 6651 4155

Soft green foliage is the perfect solution to create your own privacy hedge.

screening from neighbours, walls and garages. They are dense growers, with a small leaf that is easy to keep in shape.

Plant them along your fence line; they’ll reach about 3–4m high quickly and stay nice and dense all the way to the ground.

Of course, when you’re nuts about plants, you don’t like to pick favourites, they are all great. Don’t forget to use Searles 5in1 Organic Plant Food, which is packed with nutrients.

■ Visit Phillip Taylor at Acorn Garden Centre, 229 Brisbane Water Drive, Point Clare, phone 4324 1874.

December 2 to December 23: Come along and see the lights on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (only) on December 2–4, 9–11, 16–18 and 21.

The shop will be open on all the above dates for drinks, ice-creams and chips.

The cafe will be open on Friday (December 2, 9, 16 and 21) and Saturday (December 3, 10 and 17) nights. Gates are open from 5 8.30pm.

Bring a picnic. Prime Display Area.

The garden is located on the corner of Hardacre and Coff Streets, about 1km east of the Coffs Harbour central business district; www.ncrbg.com.au.

6476298aa

52 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, November 28, 2016

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PaSSat WaGon 132 tSi $39,990 Drive AwAy

aMarok Core ManuaL $44,990

aMarok HiGHLine auto $53,990 Drive AwAy

GEOFF KING MOTORS Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour

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Ph. 6659 1000 Geoff King Motors Pty Ltd – Lic. No. MD1000. *Government & Statutory charges apply

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