Queensland Bowls Plus Feb - March 2015

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Distributed FREE from Kingscliff - Gold Coast Brisbane - Sunshine Coast

VOL 5 No 2 February March 2015

Your Local

Bowling & Lifestyle Magazine

MBE

The World’s Greatest Bowler has joined AeroBowls

Alex Marshall MBE

Check our new website: www.bowlsplus.com.au

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2 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

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BOWLS JUNE / JULY 2014 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2013 BOWLSPLUS PLUS2231 OCTOBER 2014 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND DECEMBER 2014//NOVEMBER JANUARY 2015

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2013 BOWLS PLUS 31

Introducing...

Aero Z Scoop

®

the all new grip from AeroBowls Available only in Optima or Dynamic models.

Z Scoop is a registered design.

Tried and tested by the World’s best, Aero’s Z Scoop is a giant leap in bowls design and technology.

The fingers fall naturally into the Z Scoop’s deeper groove, providing the perfect fit for any size hand. Holding the bowl with ease naturally translates into greater accuracy.

The bowl sits perfectly square to your aiming line, you’ll be taking the most accurate grassing you can imagine.

For those bowlers who wished they could go up a size, the Z Scoop will be a revelation. No bowler need ever struggle holding a bowl again.

Z Scoop grip is the choice of Alex Marshall mbe, the world’s greatest bowler.

Yet another bowls innovation from the company that make the world’s most accurate bowls.

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FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 3

Enjoy free delivery!...if not happy, return them within 21 days for a full refund (excl. postage).

BOWLING ARM from BEE’S KNEES BOWLS ACCESSORIES

Publisher’s Desk…

Hello Everyone, Welcome to another edition of our Queensland edition for 2015 Bowls Plus is dedicated to report current Bowls News from Local Clubs in South East Queensland and to promote the fast growing sport of Bowls.

More and younger people are discovering that Bowls is an inexpensive and fun sport and readily available at so many great clubs.

Special thank you to our wonder contributors Bowls Australia, Les Taylor, Barry Hamer, Frank Fox , Mike Golland, Vince Knauth, Henselite Australia and Aero Bowls , Our Travel agents bringing you great prices for a well-earned holiday Our health providers with new and innovative ideas to mention only a few. Make sure you support our wonderful advertisers whom supply great products at fantastic prices A special thank you to Standard Solar, for the purchase of our own residential property solar unit we have saved just over $600 for the last quarter. See details on page 39 and 40 of this issue.

Until the next edition of Bowls Plus Magazine. Thank you for reading and enjoy…

IN THIS ISSUE

Transplant gives Wayne a second chance at life The Innovator - A New Year Bowls Future A changing of the guard for National Bowls Team

Alex Marshall joins AeroBowls’ ranks

A new concept in Bowling Arms that takes away all of the strain and effort required to hold the bowl. No more squeeze - gentle spring pressure holds your bowl. The “Bionic Bowler” (or the green one) is the arm that has already helped many bowlers to continue enjoying their sport.

Retrieve your jack or bowl with the arm, set your bowl and relax, until ready to deliver. The Bionic Bowler is An Australian made quality product with a ten year guarantee.

Close collaboration with several senior coaches has resulted in a product that is easy to use. Available at your local bowls shop. Drop in and have a go. You will be pleasantly surprised how comfortable it feels.

6 8 10

11

Australia team to contest $50k East Cessnock 5 A Side 12 Blundstone Melbourne Roys farewell Archer 13 Whitehead aims to create history 15 Bowls Tournament Woes 16 Queensland Bus Bowlers driven to dewheel State transit Bowlers NSW

17

Can Queensland do better in 2015 Champion of Champions?

Lawn Bowls haven on friendly Norfolk Island Your diet and oral health How to stay young by getting a hearing aid

18 24 32 34

Publisher | Rosslyn Wren Advertising & Editorial Inquiries: 08 8724 8210 or 0424 672 796 or email to: bowlsplus1@bigpond.com

Bowls Plus Queensland (Inc. Tweed/Gold Coasts) ABN

81324710596

Tel: (08)8724 8210 Email: bowlsplus1@bigpond.com

www.bowlsplus.com.au

Artwork & Design | David Jones Creative 0064 7 345 3172 / dj@djcreative.co.nz Copyright: All material appearing in this magazine is copyright. Reproduction in whole or part is not permitted without permission from the publishers.

Notice: While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility is accepted by the publishers for material supplied by an individual, company or organisation or for any typographical errors.

4 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

QUOTE OF ANY ERA! “The Budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed, lest Rome will become bankrupt. People must again learn to work instead of living on public assistance.” Cicero, 55 BC.

So evidently we’ve learnt bugger all over the past 2,070 years.

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 5

Transplant gives Wayne a second chance at life

Wayne Fogarty considers himself to be a very lucky man.

Just over two years ago he was diagnosed with liver cancer and the prognosis wasn’t good but through the generosity of one organ donor, and his beloved sport of lawn bowls, he’s now right back on track.

“I found out I had liver cancer at the end of 2012,” he said. “I had 3 operations to remove tumours but they kept recurring, each one faster and more aggressive. I had started to go downhill pretty quickly.”

“In April last year I was scheduled for another tumour removal in a couple of days time and I got a call which turned everything around.

They had found a donor liver for me and instead of the tumour removal I was going to receive the transplant.”

Wayne and his doctors made headlines when they performed a domino operation, with 4 operations taking place with medical staff tag teaming throughout.

“People don’t realise,” said Wayne, “that one person, if they are willing to be an organ donor, can save 6-10 other people.”

The transplant operation was a success and Wayne began to rebuild his life. A keen bowler for 21 years, the first thing on his mind was to get back out on the green at East Ivanhoe BC where he’d bowled for the last 15 years.

“I maintained bowls all the way through the illness and the operations. It was something to take my mind off other things.”

“The transplant put me out of action for a little while and it was 8 weeks until I could get back on the green. I got out there and kept working on it. I was on a lot of drugs to stop my body rejecting the new liver and I am still taking a number of these but I was in good enough shape to play pennant by the start of the season after the transplant. My wife said I was a ‘typical bowler’ because I was really glad the operation was during the off season!”

“The doctors were very supportive and recommended bowls for me during my recovery to get me moving and spending time outdoors.”

It was during one of his routine visits to the medical clinic when he saw a poster advertising for competitors for the 2014 Australian 6 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

Transplant Games. The Games were 6 months away. “I went home and went online and had a look at it and thought it was something I could do. So I set myself a target to work towards the Games.”

“Everything I did was preparing for that day, not knowing what I was going to come up against. I set myself the goal of winning Gold at the Australian Transplant Games as I thought this might help me to promote organ transplant.”

He began to practice in earnest. “As I started to get good again and find my form, I thought I would get myself a new set of bowls. I didn’t buy any bowls earlier because I didn’t think I would be on the planet to use them. But about 3 weeks before the Games I got myself a new set of Henselite Dreamline XG and immediately my game started to improve. Changing bowls was a dramatic decision to take so close to the major tournament but I was very confident with the bowls. One of the blokes at the club commented to me, ‘you’re even better with these’.”

Wayne describes the Transplant Games as ‘an eye-opening experience’. “The first question everyone asked was ‘What have you had done?’” he said.

Wayne was entered in the Singles and the Pairs. “In the Singles I got through my early rounds and made the final where I was up against the title holder from WA. I bowled well and was really happy to come away with the Gold Medal.”

“I also won Gold in the Pairs with a guy who had a double lung transplant after Cystic Fibrosis. When we won it was an emotional experience, it’s not often you see a grown man cry, he was overjoyed to be there to win a medal.”

Musgrave Hill Bowls Club ‘$10,000 Easter Open Mixed Singles: The 11th running of this event is on 4-6 April 2015. Players choose to play on Easter Saturday or Sunday as their first day of knock-out play, with the last 8 playing on Easter Monday. Entry forms are available from the Club’s website … www.musgravebowls.com Night Bowls: Every Wednesday night from 6pm – 9.00pm; Plus 35 raffle prizes drawn at 7.30pm.

The positivity and determination Wayne has shown since his transplant is no surprise to those who know him. Even before the operation, Wayne had shown what a fighter he was. In 2011 he contracted Guillain Barré Syndrome, an illness where the nerves attack the body’s own immune system leading to temporary paralysis that can last for months, it was the same condition that put Hawthorn AFL coach, Alastair Clarkson, out of action in 2014.

Wayne forfeited all bowls games and was hospitalised for some time.

Prior to this, though, he had made the Club Singles final and he’d made a decision that nothing was going to stop him playing in it.

“My opponent was expecting me to forfeit, everyone knew how sick I was, but I was determined to get on my feet. I was using a walking frame and a walking stick but I didn’t want to just give the bloke the title without a game. I wouldn’t want to win a title that way.”

“When I arrived I could hardly walk but somehow I managed to bowl and bowl well and I got up and won the title. Everyone said to me ‘it’s because you are just too stubborn’. But for me it’s all about your state of mind, as hard as things get sometimes, and things have been very hard for me, you need to stay positive.”

“When I was diagnosed with the cancer I went through all these phases but I ended up with the determination that I wasn’t going to let it beat me. I was blessed to get the transplant when I did. I don’t want people to give me sympathy, I have been to hell and back but I do want to do all I can to promote organ donation.”

“The whole transplant process is hard for me to think about. I know a family out there had to lose someone for me to gain. It makes me emotional to think about.”

“For anyone considering it, it’s important to make sure you communicate with your family about your wishes, whether you are a teenager or a pensioner. It’s important to make sure they know you would like to donate your organs. It comes at the worst time in the world for any family and being able to make that decision, knowing what your wishes are about organ donation, will prevent them from going through a great deal of trauma.”

“I get up in the morning and when people say ‘it’s a terrible day’, I say ‘no it’s not, it’s a great day!’ It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, pouring, flooding, snowing… every day is a great day. I have one special person to thank for the fact that I am here. I don’t know who my donor is but I thank them every day.”

“I’ve always loved a challenge and this has been the challenge of my life but there’s nothing to complain about. The alternative would be not being here to complain. I’m very lucky.”

The Friday Night Raffle now has 60 x $15 meat trays; i.e. better quality, larger trays! Plus free live entertainment from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

Free Sunday Raffle: Drawn at 4pm each Sunday and consisting of 20 x $15 meat trays. Obtain a free ticket with any bar, café, keno purchase or gaming collect Bistro: Unlimited prawns now added to the Wednesday night buffet.

Also available Friday nights and Sunday lunch and dinner!

Bingo: 5 nights per week, all cash prizes – eyes down 7.30pm Tues, Thu, Sat & 7pm Mon & Sun; Jackpots up to $5,000. $2 Barefoot Bowls: 7 days per week, everything supplied … subject to green space availability.

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FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 7

Thevator Inno

Barry Hamer

Following a quick browse goggling during the New Year holiday to keep up to date with lawn bowling trends prompts me to ask, is the status of Lawn Bowls suffering from too many innovations?

With various clubs and well meaning bowlers introducing various concepts and rules over the past few years, for the various sponsored competitions on offer, my answer to the above question has to be a big yes.

That is, speaking as an innovator with a set agenda striving to elevate the status of lawn bowls since my first innovations submitted on 10/5 1973, and the years following, experiencing the lack of interest of Ivory towers , little wonder that concerned bowling members like me despair and become even more energised to keep the dream alive.

The good news is that there is nothing quite like playing a game of bowls out in open, playing on a well manicured greens, executing a broad range of deliveries to talk about later on, following a game with mates over a drink or two, enjoying amazing tales, sharing knowledge about just about anything and everything before returning home.

That’s lawn bowls and we wouldn’t miss it for quids. Therefore one must ask how come our membership has been in steady decline since the late 70s when other competing sports that lagged behind us long ago, have forged ahead of us?

The simple fact is that we had too many non performers in key positions. Too much politicking, cronyism, nepotism, and channel vision, blocking the efforts of the few concerned bowling members striving to be heard on this matter.

To be fair, lawn bowls was set to lose membership for a number of logical reasons from the seventies. Too many to repeat once again, but should not just fade away as some sort of non performance but a lesson to be heeded? I am painfully aware of the lessons but it appears that the teachers may not?

For my part I was engaged to develop and write my Innovation Columns on Lawn Bowls and will continue while my loyal readers support me.

The professional approach to grapple with and resolve these matters will require the engagement of a credible OD (Organisation and Development) program conducted by the most talented and qualified team

A New Year Bowls Future possible as previously mentioned in past columns. Need I say more?

CHRIS WILL FOR CANCER RESEARCH

Other than my passion to see lawn bowls rise up, all I can say right now is that this battered and bruised innovator has an email address Barryhamer1@gmail.com appreciating your input?

So without trying to explain past successes, actually engaging OD programs right now and openly discussing this matter with like minded bowling members at all levels, we should at least explore this critical matter.

That has got to be better than apparent silence right now, regarding the creation of such programs?

Perhaps a strange thing for me now in 2015, having spent 43 years writing and submitting innovations since the 10th May 1973, allow me to sumerise a minute sample of typical issues previously featured in no particular order for my readers to explore and develop along the next few months.

(1) TV features and formats, (next month) (2) Team and match formats, (3) Lost in too hard boxes, (4) Program formats plagiarised.

(5) Professionalism.

So dear readers, in order to grapple with the limited issues listed above once again, may I ask, how come we have so many bowling wingers, so many players ideas lost in Ivory towers, so many bowling clubs bleeding to death, so many untested rules and formats and poor communication, having some of the best bowling clubs in the world, best bowling greens, best players facilities, best equipment, the best weather in the world, and dare I say a real capacity to attract and maintain stable membership?

Elements such as our unique demographics, family involvement, work pressures, varying cultural opportunities, too many things to do and a host of others will be comprehensively featured in my Innovation columns this year .

Therefore now is the time for all Lawn Bowlers to be positive at all levels to insure that our game of Lawn Bowls in Australia becomes much more salable dynamic and attractive, exploiting soundly based features in harmony to improve the image of Lawn Bowls as a skillful and exciting sport to attract membership.

Give it your best, dear readers!

The Innovator Barry Hamer

8 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

As we went to press Chris let us know he is in Victoria at the moment - Heading east through the mountains before turning south to the southern coast and travelling westward through Gippsland and into Melbourne.

Quick update: As of March 9 I’ve played at 540 clubs and raised $25,000 for the cancer council!

University Students Spend Australia Day Playing Barefoot Bowls Over 300 University students packed Broadbeach Bowls Club for Australia day. All the students arrived on trams which was a great test run for all the big events coming to not only Broadbeach but the Gold Coast. All the students enjoyed lunch then Jack Attack on the greens and the short trip to the beach to cool off with a swim.

South Australia won the event with QUT close on there heels in second place. The favourite of the students was a massive ‘spider’ with a $50 in the middle of the green. Hundreds of bowls went searching for it with all having a blast. A big thank you to all the clubs volunteers who made sure the day was a such a success dressed in the Green and Gold for the special day.

Broadbeach welcomes the World again in March Thirty-six of the finest under 25 players in the world will once again descent on the beautiful Broadbeach Greens in March for the World Championships. From March 9-16 come down and cheer on your favourite player and country. Australia is looking to defend the boys and girls singles titles, titleholders Dylan Fisher and Chloe Stewart will be looking for two in a row. Ben Twist will be looking to win back the title he won back in 2011. Kristina Krstic will be looking to go one better and Kelly Richards from New South Wales will be looking to stamp her authority on the event.

Malaysia will be looking to defend the mixed pairs crown they won in November. Strong challengers include the Kiwis and Broadbeach’s own Selina Goddard. Scotland who had a tremendous tournament last will be hoping the playoffs are more kind this year and get the gold. Free entry for all so come on down and see the stars of the future today!

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Phone: (07) 5531 5913 www.broadbeachbowlsclub.com.au

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 9

A changing of the guard for National Bowls Team

The national selection panel have confirmed that a young star will be blooded in the coveted blue-ribbon singles discipline at the upcoming Trans Tasman.

Kyneton teenager Chloe Stewart will face a baptism by fire after being named to carry Australia’s hopes in the blue-ribbon singles discipline during her international debut at the Trans Tasman in March.

Despite still being eligible to compete in the restricted-age Development team event; which features two under-18 and two under-25 players, Stewart, 18, has been hand-picked by Bowls Australia’s national selection panel to headline the women’s Open event in the coveted singles role, in a move that truly signals the changing of the guard for the sport of bowls.

Stewart has enjoyed a stellar year on and off the green, which included claiming the women’s world under-25 title at the World Junior Championships last November, and being named Bowls Australia’s Female Under-18 Bowler of the Year at the annual Awards Night earlier in 2014, while she most recently impressed the powers that be across the ditch in New Zealand last weekend, where she finished third overall at the Stuart Buttar Burnside Invitation Pairs in Christchurch; a mixed gender pairs competition that featured eight Australian high performance teams.

In spite of her tender age, and being the only Open player selected from outside the sport’s top high performance squad; the Australian Jackaroos, National Coach Steve Glasson was buoyant about Stewart’s selection and optimistic about her ability to deliver on the senior international stage.

“Chloe has had a standout 12 months at senior and under-25 levels and has proven beyond a doubt that she is ready to make the leap in to the main Australian team,” Glasson said.

10 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

“Her selection is a testament not only her ability to perform on the green, but also her levelheadedness and maturity beyond her years, and I’m confident that this will be the start of a long an illustrious career.”

Stewart is among a team of 20-players named to compete at the 2015 Trans Tasman event in the milestone centenary year of Australia and New Zealand’s involvement in the First World War. Also chosen for a maiden Trans Tasman appearance is former Scottish international Anne Johns, who last donned the green and gold uniform at a capped event in Malaysia in 2009.

Johns, who reigned supreme at last year’s Australian Open in the singles and fours disciplines, was the second half of Stewart’s combination at the Stuart Buttar pairs event over the weekend, where the duo finished ahead of every other Australian high performance team.

Rounding out the women’s Open team is Australian Jackaroos trio Lynsey Clarke, Claire Turley and Kelsey Cottrell.

Australian Captain Clarke has been named to contest her tenth Trans Tasman event, while Turley will resume her 179-game international career after last representing the nation in 2012.

Despite publicly declaring her intention to enjoy some respite after almost a decade of international representation, Cottrell, 24, has had to cut her hiatus unexpectedly short, after selectors implored her to make herself available for the event.

Alex Marshall joins AeroBowls’ ranks

Scotland’s four time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Alex Marshall is AeroBowls’ new Sales Manager for the Northern Hemisphere.

Alex Marshall MBE, the man widely regarded as the greatest player in the modern game, is the most recent covert to Bowls Australia’s preferred bowls supplier, AeroBowls.

Marshall, who displayed unbelievable skill at last November’s second Australian Premier League at Club Pine Rivers; where he guided expansion team Murray Steamers to their inaugural title, has inked a new long-term deal with Aero following his recent journey to Australia.

After discussions with AeroBowls Chief Executive Officer Walter Jacobs and AeroBowls UK CEO Ellen Falkner, the four time Commonwealth Games gold medallist and 19 times world champion has been appointed to the role of Sales Manager, where he will cover the regions of Northern England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland, commencing on January 28.

Marshall will play a key role in product development for the company, which boasts the claim of being the world’s most accurately made bowls, to assist with the growth and popularity of the AeroBowls brand in the Northern Hemisphere, which has sold and distributed more than 22,000 sets.

“AeroBowls are a new, innovative brand, who are already making their mark in the bowls world and I am very much looking forward to a bright future with them.”

Falkner was equally as enthusiastic about Marshall signing a role with her company.

“Our mission at AeroBowls is to manufacture the most accurately made bowls in the world and to revolutionise our sport,” Falkner said.

“To have a player of Alex’s calibre, profile and stature join our team, reinforces our commitment to achieve our mission.

“We are very excited about the difference Alex will make to the company.”

Marshall joins a star-studded contingent of AeroBowls players, which includes Australia’s triple International Bowler of the Year Aron Sherriff, former world number two Brett Wilkie, Commonwealht Games singles gold medallist Kelvin Kerkow OAM, Commonwealth Games silver medallist Julie Keegan, and Australian Jackaroo Barrie Lester.

Australians will be provided unprecedented access to the world champion in his new role, with Marshall competing in state pennant for Warilla from March to June, during which he will work out of the Aero Bowls head office in Rosebery in Sydney and do feature and demonstration days at clubs throughout Australia.

Clubs interested in hosting an Alex Marshall demonstration day should contact Walter Jacobs on walter@aerobowls.com

“I am delighted to be joining Team Aero,” Marshall said.

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 11

Australian team to contest $50,000 East Cessnock 5 A Side

Bowls Australia have selected a five-strong women’s team to contest the second iteration of the $50,0000 East Cessnock event.

Bowls Australia’s national selection panel has confirmed that it will field a five-strong women’s team in this year’s $50,000 East Cessnock 5 A Side tournament.

The team chosen to compete at the second iteration of the event will feature four Australian Jackaroos squad members and one NSW/ACT National Training Centre representative when it ignites at NSW’s East Cessnock Bowling Club, from April 20 to 23.

Two of Australia’s recently announced Trans Tasman combatants headline the 5 A Side team, with St Johns Park’s reigning dual Australian Open champion Anne Johns handed the blue-ribbon singles event, and will also line-up in the middle of the triples, while Cabramatta’s Claire Turley will skip the triples and play third in the fours discipline.

In order to hone their skills and teamwork as a collective ahead of the event, the Bowls Australia endorsed team will utilise the sport’s NSW Centre of Excellence, Cabramatta Bowling Club, as a training hub over the next 77 days.

“While only it is second year, the East Cessnock 5 A Side is an important event for our high performance team, providing another opportunity for our players to compete again the nation’s best and our national selectors a chance to scout the sport’s finest,” Glasson said.

“Cabramatta Blwing Club, our NSW Centre of Excellence, will prove an invaluable tool in our preparation for this event, and we are extremely grateful for their continued involvement in ensuring our athletes have best facilities available to them to progress as players.”

Tweed Head’s Australian squad member Kristy Thatcher will lead the pairs and fours, while Tasmania’s 2012 world champion Rebecca Van Asch is the only non New South Welshmen in the mix, chosen to skip the pairs and fours.

Club Helenvale’s Mark Casey, Brett Wilkie, Nathan Rice, Anthony Kiepe and Anthony Fantini claimed the inaugural honours last year, with the prize-pool increasing by $10,000 in year two to ensure that 50 per cent of the field receive prize money.

The youngest member to secure a berth is 18 year-old Natalie Noronha, who is also the only inclusion from outside the sport’s top high performance tier, with the Merrylands’ young-gun chosen to lead the triples and slot into second spot of the fours discipline.

Singles - Anne Johns (St Johns Park, NSW)

With 20 teams set to take part, one hundred of the nation’s best bowlers will descend on the Hunter Region for the four day event, which includes three days of four sessions per day of pairs/triples, singles/fours, pairs/triples, singles/fours, after which the top four clubs will contested the semi-finals and grand final.

Triples - Natalie Noronha (Merrylands, NSW), Anne Johns, Claire Turley

(Cabramatta, NSW)

Pairs -

Fours -

Kristy Thatcher (Tweed Heads, NSW) & Rebecca Van Asch (Invermay, TAS)

Kristy Thatcher, Natalie Noronha, Claire Turley & Rebecca Van Asch

Manager - Beth Quinlan (National Selector)

12 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

Blundstone Melbourne Roys farewell Archer Graeme Archer’s forthcoming move to NSW consequently means the Melbourne Roys are in the hunt for a third player for APL03 The Blundstone Melbourne Roys will have a new look line-up when they step onto the greens at Pine Rivers for the third instalment of the $110,000 Australian Premier League in November this year.

During his two years representing the Blundstone Melbourne Roys Archer teamed up with Australian Jackaroo Matthew Flapper and Fitzroy Victoria prodigy Dylan Fisher to finish fifth respectively, narrowly missing finals in both APL01 and APL02 but says it was a fantastic experience playing for the Roys.

Their favourite son Graeme Archer skipped the Roys to many victories during APL01 and APL02; however a new chapter in his life is taking the former Scottish International north to reside on the Wollongong shores, meaning Archer sadly parts ways with the Melbourne based franchise.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to be part of such a ground breaking tournament and whilst I’m disappointed to be leaving, I completely understand the reasons behind it,” Mr Archer said.

Each franchise in the Australian Premier League have different agendas when finalising their teams; the Blundstone Melbourne Roys owned by Fitzroy Victoria Bowling and Sports Club have prided themselves on representing the Melbourne bowling community which is the sole reason why Archer (who is moving interstate) will be substituted in 2015.

It comes with great sadness to see Archer depart the Blundstone Melbourne Roys; however he is leaving with tonnes of well wishes from Roy’s fans that loved watching the World Champion work his magic during the first two APL’s.

“Whoever takes my place should embrace the unique tournament and wonderful opportunity bestowed upon them, certainly soak up the atmosphere and lean on Matt (Matthew Flapper) and Snapper (Dylan Fisher) who have the experience playing the unique format.”

Archer relocated from Scotland in August 2012 prior to the 2012 World Championships in Adelaide, where he won gold in the men’s triples, to take up a position at Clayton Bowling Club in Victoria.

“After three and a half years I have fond memories from Clayton and would like to thank the members for their support,” Mr Archer said.

When relocating to Australia Archer said he wanted to experience as much of Australia as possible and his move from bustling Melbourne to the Wollongong beaches will be a nice sea change for the adopted Aussie.

The Scotsman will start his new role at Figtree Bowling Club in early March where he will start a Junior Academy, he hopes to open a bowls shop and will co-ordinate the bowls tournaments and championships for the members.

“I’m looking forward to the challenges that come with playing bowls in a new state; a new state means different events; however come time for APL I will be cheering on the Blundstone Melbourne Roys,” Mr Archer said.

Whilst a much loved member of the inaugural Melbourne Roys is moving on, the door is open for a Melbourne based bowler to join forces with the Roys in 2015.

Archer brought great experience to the Roy’s line-up and there is no doubt his replacement has big shoes to fill, big Blundstone boots!

The Blundstone Melbourne Roys are shooting for an APL breakthrough therefore they are on the hunt for a player that can deliver on the biggest stage.

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 13

short sharp snappy the

social sport that all athletes play

14 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

www.jackattack.com.au

Alicia Molik

Whitehead aims to CREATE HISTORY Kylie Whitehead, like most junior bowlers across the country, inspires to one day don the green and gold for Australia; however the 20 year old from Wodonga in country Victoria has high ambitions motivating her to achieve her dreams.

Whilst VIC/TAS National Training Centre Coach Mark Cowan is also a positive driving force, Whitehead needs no pushing and at just 20 years of age she is self-motivated, coachable and heading in the right direction.

be strong contenders to knock off the ‘Blues’ who are searching for their fourth straight title.

Whitehead may have her own personal short and long term goals; however she would love to be part of a successful Victorian team at the Australian Sides Championships so she can share the success with her team mates.

The rising star of Australian bowls has aspirations to become the first female Aboriginal Australian to represent Australia in the sport of lawn bowls, and in just five years of taking up the sport, Whiteheads achievements indicate her goal is not out of reach.

VIC/TAS NTC coach Mark Cowan speaks very highly of Whitehead who he believes is working harder than most to continue improving her game.

“Kylie is now a regular in the Victorian state side because she has been a consistent performer in 2014 and has demonstrated that she is an integral part of the Victorian side,” Mr Cowan said.

“Kylie is quiet in nature but she is working very hard to adapt her game to suit playing all the positions and a vast array of greens; she is quickly becoming a great all-round package.”

In 2012, just three years into her short bowling career, Whitehead won the State Novice Singles and not long after winning her first state title she was selected in the Victorian senior side.

Whitehead has been selected to represent Victoria against South Australia on February 18-20 at Sunbury, where she will be in hot company leading for Australian Jackaroo Carla Odgers, along with Australia’s forthcoming Trans-Tasman singles representative Chloe Stewart as their third.

The announcement of the Victorian side to contest the Australian Sides Championships in Perth will come shortly after the VIC v NSW test series in March and it is there Whitehead hopes her second Australian Sides Championships is a golden one!

Victoria’s fresh faced state side skipped by Carla Odgers (24), Samantha Shannahan (25) and Elise Cowan (23), have been competitive at the previous Australian Sides Championships and will FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 15

Bowls Tournament Woes All over Australia many hundreds of bowls tournaments are successfully run each year, but just occasionally, something goes awry and players go home less than happy. Why? Most clubs run the same tournaments year after year using the same format, so why should there be any problems at all?

Rain: Rain delays usually result in shortened games which are covered in the conditions of play, however sometimes a game has to be abandoned altogether. Then what happens?

If this is not covered in the conditions of play what are the options and who makes the decision? Is the tournament reduced from, say, six games to five?

With three games per day of say, 16 ends, is it possible to run four games instead of three the next day? Probably not; and a reduction of ends to fit four games in doesn’t sound like a good solution either. But in a tournament of two games of twenty-one ends each day, would it be feasible to have say, three games of eighteen ends the following day? Possibly.

One team failing to turn up after the first day: What to do? Clearly another team cannot be substituted for the missing team. (Although this was done once in my experience and with disastrous consequences!) The games played by this team have to be erased and everyone given a bye.

Disputes on the Green: These are rare, but they do happen. During the tournament I have found that conciliatory advice given separately to the players / teams concerned, with the assurance that the matter would be dealt with after all formalities had been completed as the best first solution. Finally, level heads, (no preconceived ideas), are necessary. The object really, is to resolve the issue, if possible without formal sanctions, which only prolong the unpleasantness.

Greens: Players will often complain about a green.

It really doesn’t matter if a green is quick or slow or if one hand is markedly different from the other, as long as it is consistent.

Greens that “track” are always a problem as are greens where the “grass” depends on the length of the end. But perhaps the biggest problem is the choice of green, where more than one is available, for any final series.

A greenkeeper will not gain any friends by ripping up the best green on the day of the finals and, indeed, I have never seen this happen. Greenkeepers are normally highly tuned to player’s needs and justly proud of

their greens. But players will definitely be unhappy if the tournament director decides on a green because it is closest to the club house or the best for the spectators when it is clearly not the best for play.

Of course, where competitions such as Premier League are played, greens really do need to be chosen with all factors in mind because spectator involvement is a large part of the attraction of these events for the clubs. These are different, because entry fees are usually paid by the club and not the individual players.

So, with all of these problems just what needs to be considered?

The Players: First of all the players have a duty to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner, observe all of the laws of the game and relevant conditions of play and fulfil all of their commitments. This also means that they will play their best team arrangement for the duration of the tournament. Some conditions of play include a clause that bans changing the positions of players within a team after the second game without the director’s approval. This costs nothing and guards against unsportsmanlike changes.

The Club: The club has the responsibility, indeed a legal obligation, (apart from the requirements under the law for a safe environment, and observance of the liquor laws etc.,), to provide what the players have paid for with their entry fees.

Just as when a person buys an item from a retailer, that person has a right to expect a fault-free product, so players have a right to expect that a tournament is run correctly within the laws, so as not to favour any player/team over another and very importantly, provides the opportunity for all players to perform at their best. Given that there can be unforseen problems such as mentioned above; the club must have the capacity to provide the best and fairest solution.

16 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

Bowls tournaments generally fall under that old saying, “there is nothing new under the sun”. Everything that is likely to happen has actually happened at some time somewhere.

And it is very likely that at least one of the players at any tournament has firsthand knowledge of it. So what does that mean?

It means that when a decision has to be made that is not specifically covered in the conditions of play, the tournament director or committee either need to have extensive knowledge and experience or consult with the most experienced players in order to find the best solution. Disasters only occur with inexperience on the part of the committee coupled with oversized egos. No one should be averse to asking for help.

Many players have extensive experience not only in the playing of tournaments but also of arranging and running them, and this source of expertise should never be underestimated or ignored. A decision taken in conjunction with all of the skips or a fair number of the most experienced ones will always be appreciated by all of the players.

Of course, conditions of play can and should, be written so as to cover most common problems.

Umpires: Tournament directors need to understand exactly what falls under the umpire’s jurisdiction – the demarcation between the umpire and the “controlling body”. An experienced umpire is a valuable addition to any organizing committee, particularly with considering conditions of play.

Umpires and Measurers provide an essential service to all concerned and deserve respect. The courtesy of players leaving the head when an official is asked to measure is too often ignored. No-one enjoys having another ‘looking over their shoulder’ when working, and players should allow the umpire or measurer to perform his or her duties without hindrance.

Frank Fox

Queensland Bus Bowlers driven to dewheel State Transit Bowlers NSW

The Brisbane Transport Bowlers have been honing their skills for the upcoming Interstate Carnival with their equivalents in the State Transit Authority in NSW. The carnival is to be held in Newcastle and from the 14th to the 20th of February and consist of three tests of four teams each. In 2014 Brisbane Transport wrested to trophy from NSW in the 66th year of the carnival.

On Sunday the 11th of January under the watchful eyes of the selectors, the Brisbane bussies went through their paces in their pairs championship. Pairs gives a wider range for skill review than a fixed position such as lead. NSW had their pairs championship scheduled for the same day but rain washed out the event. Some may think this could be to Brisbane’s advantage but past experience says that NSW will leap this hiccup and be very strong contenders.

The Brisbane pairs was won by Steve Café and Vince Knauth and both eagerly forward to Newcastle. So too is the team.

Visitors are very welcome to watch the hard fought tests. The splaying schedule is Wallsend at 9.30am on Sunday the 15th, Hamilton North at 9.30am on Tuesday the 17th and Redhead on Thursday the 19th at midday.

Jeff McDonald, President of STILBA, and Gavin Parker, President of BTBA, wish all participants plenty of fun, heaps of friendships renewed and great games of competitive bowls

Vince Knauth and Steve Café with the pairs trophy.

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 17

Can Queensland do better in 2015 Champion of Champions?

Following the 2014 debacle of having seven Champion of Club Champions matches at least partially decided by an official with a stopwatch, Bowls Queensland is going to “review the matter” for 2015.

Let’s hope that those persons given the task will have their priorities right. It’s not all about the organization and schedules. If slow play is the problem empower the umpires with specific rules to penalise those individuals responsible.

25 up is not normally a very long game and given the latest results, an extra half hour would have made all the difference. Surely the most important part of these championships is to find the best, not just to make sure that they are completed on time. If all else fails, maybe we need another day.

With the State Championships, (more aptly described in the far north and western districts as the “SE Qld Open Championships), so biased towards the south east and the elite bowlers, the Champion of Club Champions is really the only time that the rest of the state gets a chance to perform. For the vast majority of bowlers this makes that competition far and away the most important on the calendar. This is the competition that bowlers everywhere can relate to.

To further redress the imbalance between the SE and the rest of the state, surely it’s high time that the current State Championships are just retained as Qld. Open Men’s and Women’s Championships and bowlers in the north and west are given the opportunity to play through from their District and group to the State Championship as in New South Wales. With the current format (and the expense involved), it is no wonder that interest is waning . And don’t the state selectors want to see what the rest of the state has to offer?

During the APL, did any of our State Selectors see the ability of Alex Marshall at forty-seven years of age and wonder if there might be someone somewhere in our state of a like age and with the same ability? Were any of the over thirty finalists in this year’s champion of champions considered to have the potential to represent the state, or

were they considered to be too old? Just what are the criteria for state selection anyway? If it is age and performance at State Championships that just about sinks anyone other than juniors or incumbents or residents of the south east. If the likes of Nathan Rice, and Brett Wilkie were just starting out, would these icons of the sport be considered to be too old for selection?

And while I am on the subject, does anyone else think that our current representatives rely far too much on the drive? It is a very important part of the game but against international competition won’t make up for a lack of ability in other departments.

Membership

Clubs everywhere have largely lost the 35 – 55 age group and that is surely a contributing factor in the closure of so many. Are there any plans to increase the number of members in this age group? Or are we just to continue with business as usual until we finally disappear altogether?

I believe that one of the causes of this membership problem was the misplaced emphasis on junior participation by State and National authorities. As such it cannot be left to the clubs to repair the damage. As far as finances are concerned, the decline in membership and subsequent loss of revenue cannot be overcome by simply increasing capitation fees.

State Pennant

Hearty congratulations are extended to everyone responsible for the organization. As usual, games were played in intense but friendly competition and the cream rose to the top.

FRANK FOX

Scotland’s Iain McLean wins the World Singles Champion of Champions with Henselite bowls.

Scotland’s Iain McLean became the 2014 World Singles Champion of Champions after winning the final in December at Fendleton Bowls Club in Christchurch. McLean, who arrived in NZ before the tournament and borrowed a set of Henselite bowls from the host club which were appropriate for the local greens, ran out the victor in the final against Malaysia’s Fairus Jabal in straight sets 6-5 11-7.

In a semi-finals series where 3 of the 4 bowlers, including Iain McLean, used Henselite bowls, Jabal eliminated hot favourite and local hero Ali Forsyth in a thrilling display, after the classy Kiwi, who won this event a decade ago, had qualified for the semi-finals unbeaten.

It was a similar scenario for Australia’s David Holt who was unscathed over the previous six days but came to grief at the hands of McLean, the reigning world indoor mixed pairs champion from the Blantyre club in Lanarkshire.

18 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

McLean who is the Scottish Indoor Champion will be back over this side of the world later this year after being selected for Scotland to play in the 2015 World Cup in Warilla NSW from April 13-23.

BOWLS CLUBS

THE FUTURE?

What’s it all about? Society is changing! The game is changing! Is it the game or is it the club?

In BowlsPlus, Vol 4, No 6, Jun/July 2014, p22, on the merger of two clubs I posed questions on the future of the new club formed, in relation to what I see as important for this club and indeed for all clubs. I questioned if this new club was setting up a future in its local community and suggested that that may well be the way to go, for that club and clubs in general to have a future. For clubs to survive and attract new members, I suggest, they need to change their activities and usual mode of functioning. Those that have already done this should be sought out and lessons can be learnt.

It is also about a need for clubs to have a strategic plan that will financially support the running of bowls, particularly with player numbers in decline. I believe what is paramount is to build a club that is inclusive, diversified and attractive to your local community.Marketing processes may need to be in place for guidance in this and other areas that can make a club successful in a community.

OVERVIEW 2015 The World Junior Under 25 Championship will be held at Broadbeach Bowls Club 9-15 March 2015. Although the event was held last November, the event will fall in line with both the Australian Open in June (for 5 years) and the need for another major event leading into the Commonwealth Games which will be held April 2018.

This event is sponsored by the Gold Coast City Council with assistance from Gold Coast Events.

Several Nations are competing with the USA , Turkey and Nui added to the list from last November. The strong Scottish delegation of players (and supporters) have booked their seats for the Gold Coast encouraging Scottish nationals living in Australia to support their team.

The Board of World Bowls will also attend bringing delegates from all over the World to attend a World Bowls Board Meeting here on the Coast as well.

The Opening Ceremony will be held at Broadbeach Bowls Club at 3.30pm Sunday 8th March. Each Nation competing will hand over their National Flag to the Chairman of the Club.

Further information contact: Ryan Bester 0432 612 325

For a long time many bowls clubs have battled to recruit members, improve their clubhouse and greens, in this they endeavoured to survive.

Some were rewarded but for others the battle was lost with the club folding, in many cases lingering for a number of years, without consideration to change, without getting advice that may turn it all around. The club committee was all about running bowls, the game, without too much consideration to the club in marketing, promotions, publicity and operations. Building a club to financially sustain bowls playing, independent to the bowls side, was not in the thinking too much. An exposure of a club in wider activities away from bowls is needed, I feel, to attract patrons to a bowls club that is bowls only with little or no club social life. Clubs are more likely to succeed if they have a business plan with diversified community-minded functions along with bowls.

THE CLUB: Do you have a plan? Do you see it as a business? Are you ATTRACTING? I suggest that club committees should see their club as a business, not just a sporting entity. To have a business plan that is aligned to a strategic plan and tactical plan, like membership recruitment is essential.

I believe a committee should have

vision for the future of a club, good foresight and to be adventurous in establishing a club that will survive.

Clubs need a very dedicated and active membership group that brings forth a number of volunteers and importantly, ensures that a committee of hard- working, like- minded individuals is formed.

All should be working to a plan that will establish the club’s future in bowls and strive to be be financially sound, as does any business. Has your club a plan?

Brendan Nixon from FTI Consulting, wrote at the start of his article that (see Qld Bowler June 2014, on club Critical Situations), “A bowls club means a lot of things to its members but ultimately, regardless of its size and structure (or prowess in Pennant) it is a business.”

The Marketing Expert, Darren Masters, in his “Warts and All” article in the Qld Bowler, February 2013 issue, puts it straight on what clubs should be doing. His article and another in that issue, on the KFC barefoot bowls advertisement that was on prime time television is discussed by Bowls Qld CEO Keith Fullterton. He said “We can build on the momentum of the KFC ad and do something to attract more participants to the sport... .” He goes on “How many times have we heard it said you must keep adapting and changing because if you stand still, you won’t survive.”

Masters expands by saying, “Administrators and clubs need to realise they’re competing with all kinds of leisure activities for people’s time and money, not just sports but movies, internet, going out with friends, TV, watching kids’ sport. Everyone is so time- poor, bowls needs to offer customers a clear value proposition that attracts them and keeps them coming back.”

The article attributes Masters to believing that “if clubs throughout the state(s) want to save their sport and build their business, they need to offer young professionals with families ‘a compelling ‘reason’ to fit bowls into their busy lives.” Barefoot bowls is the key to attracting the hard-tocrack 25-45 year old age group, he believes. He goes on, “if people keep having a great time , a fun day out with mates, the kids ‘or other families, with good value meals and well- priced drinks, they’re more

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 19

BOWLS CLUBS

THE FUTURE? Continued

likely to take up bowls as a sport when they get the opportunity.”

The above examples of thinking on THE CLUB are a few from a considerable amount of articles written by bowls Associations, magazines, journals, club members, and committee persons on the problems with bowls (administration & the game) and club operations.

These articles by bowls and business-related bodies and concerned individuals contain suggested ways forward for clubs, based on research, experience and analysis. Yet with so much help and information available, how many committees consider using it; even to read it would hopefully persuade some.

We can all do our bit for the club.

Apart from some volunteers, most clubs have some of the membership with an attitude that is either not interested and /or not likely to put forth ideas and assist in club matters.

Those with the expertise unfortunately do not get involved.

Clubs can change the thinking of members by involving them in club plans and encouragement of them to assist. Bowls Associations can help clubs but you have to contact them. Scepticism is not warranted nor needed and you may learn something. Clubs should look at the information, develop a plan and impart those plans to members.

Through being pro-active as a club member on your future plans, you will be rewarded. Remembering the past or imagining the future?

What is being done by clubs to survive? Diversification - it is not hard or costly.

Divert from old thinking and unsuccessful ways of doing things.

Consider the information and then implement a plan to attract new members, keep members and generate finances for present and long- term viability. I suggest, as do others, that largely, the club plan will not only be through engaging the community with initiatives like barefoot bowls that invite and entice the community into your club with the aim of gaining new members but also through diversification.

When ‘new members’ is mentioned, clubs mostly see it as members who will play bowls. With bowls, not having the numbers that it once had, I believe, that clubs should look to diversify to attract social members, as part of your plan. Various activities that a club presently does not have, but ones that are in other clubs and/ or those popular in modern society living should be considered. With initiative and thoughtful processes that attract the community, you may

get new members now, because you opened your club up and welcomed them.

Once, you may have thought that those in the community would only join because they wanted to play bowls. In many cases that is true because there was nothing else other than bowls. If they didn’t join they were left to join other clubs that had the needs they were seeking in society attractions like meals, etc., coffee or to be part of a community social group and gambling of course.

This type of club gets bigger; many of them don’t have bowls, so the opportunity for the community to try bowls can be lost. Bowls clubs that do nothing but only think of themselves as a bowls club and do not attract the community, usually find it hard to trade profitably and eventually close.

Therefore bowls clubs can lose out, unless they consider, through a plan, those popular and essential societal needs for their club. Diversification into areas, including these essential attractions complementing barefoot bowls and the club promoting the ‘Jack Attack’ game are worth consideration. A Market Manager for guidance and advice may be necessary.

Are you engaging your community? Does your community know you? Do you care?

The opening up of a club, by inviting membership and welcoming through advertising, clubhouse / grounds signs and club activities, can start to turn around membership and finances with bums on seats.

Traditional bowls playing or its equivalent will come once these new members are exposed to bowls and encouraged to play, through thoughtful promotions. An inclusive atmosphere where all, not just bowlers but social members alike are members of your ‘one’ community club in bowling, social activities and attractions, is essential.

Rebecca Grisman, Director, Campaign Group, in a her writing, ‘Getting engaged? Does your community love you enough,’ for the Clubs Qld magazine, said “Community engagement is an essential part of your strategic planning and operations these days that can be built automatically into your customer service, promotions and performance measurement. It is all about relationship building that matter most to your club - your members, board, local residents, community groups, suppliers, local politicians, media and other influential people like church leaders or school principals in your area. It means reaching out to your community to understand and shape their opinion of your club and how they can support you in return”.

20 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

She said “ It starts with reaching out to your members and local community because ultimately that is why your club exists. The more that the community knows about what your club is doing for them, the more likely they are to provide ongoing support to your club, become a member, get involved and stand up for you.

Clubs are the cornerstones of their local communities and can take pride in saying so.”

Bowls Australia (BA) through the La Trobe University profiled bowls and found that the two important motives for participation in bowls are• Sense of camaraderie and belonging (53%). Clubs can do this at no cost!.

• Social connections (40%). Again at no cost. Both of these can be fostered.

The paper suggests that clubs can improve their recruitment and retention of members by• fostering an inclusive club culture • educating members in how to WELCOME and integrate new members, and • improving their governance and management practices.

Recruitment and retention ideas and other beliefs were the focus in the 1980’s of the then Royal NSW Bowls Association seminar titled, “Will your club Survive the ‘80’s? “ That seminar was about imparting the methods learnt from Ron Martin (NCR) who developed the Lake Cathie Bowls Club (Big Bowl monument), NSW, to its success. Much of his paper was simply social interaction of staff and members welcoming guests to enhance a person’s visit to a club, so they go away with a good impression and are likely to return.

The seminar was about putting your club in the best light for members and visitors. All clubs should follow this philosophy and also try to make your local community visitor a member.

A brief overview of Information that needs consideration by committees and members.

It is up to clubs to take notice of these articles which have been written to help clubs foster change, adapt and communicate to the community to improve club finances and attract ‘new members’. Members who may join your club because of what you offer and not necessarily to play bowls at first. Of course some clubs may not be able to offer anything, through lack of finance, an ageing membership or a tired, unenthusiastic committee.

However, much can be utilised, even if not all and it’s done at first on a smaller scale. The important issue in all of this is that someone has taken the time to do the work, so that clubs

have good information to fight on with. It is up to committees to be conversant with it and give attention, careful, thoughtful attention and implement many of the ways published by Associations and others in various magazines, to stimulate interest in bowls and to improve club business. It needs a committee to do some basic promotion and foster club atmosphere. At first a BBQ and club catering, then, as the community gets involved, keep them happy and expand as necessary, so that the club grows with/for its members’ demands. As mentioned everyone is time- poor, so consideration to club hours and days open is paramount. It could be different for each club but generally a club should endeavour to operate Fridays from lunch time at least (introduce practice / club roll-up session or games) for meals, raffles and entertainment, customary Saturdays and get Sundays moving with bowls, meals, music and entertainment. Music should be played at a sensible volume level every day a club is open. A club is not a cemetery. It has to have atmosphere, music can help.

Does your club have a leader? Is the club going somewhere? Is the committee taking you there?

Running a club is not easy. It is not just about filling a position, it is not just about having a meeting (monthly usually, which is not enough), particularly if the executive is not meeting regularly.

Each committee person needs to know his/her duties and know the duties of all committee persons. The committee after all has to drive the club as a united group that is across all matters and issues that affect club functioning. Decisions need to be made and need to be made quickly by a competent executive. The implementation of the decisions by well versed and dedicated persons, including staff is important. There are many facets to it and it needs to be understood when clubs are mostly run by volunteers.

Importantly though a committee/ club has to have a leader. A leader who can galvanise members, create morale, build a successful bowls playing and financial club through practices based on a plan for the future that ensures a sound footing and a successful future. This encompasses much and information is available, as mentioned, for the club chairman and committee to place their club in a mode of survival with a future starting NOW!.

To be continued.

Part 2, ‘Survival Considerations for a Club’s Future’ Greg Mahony

It’s All About Lifestyle Where home owners come together to celebrate, relax, socialise, A sense of community and belonging and the pursuit of happiness Welcome to Fraser Shores Retirement villages, it’s all about the lifestyle…

Space…with lots of room to stretch, another thing our lifestyle community has in common.

It’s all about building a community, not just houses…

We pride ourselves on our GreenSmart Energy Efficiency, it’s just a smarter move and it’s good for the environment too….With emphasis placed on preserving our planet, our homes come with up to 9.5 energy efficient rating thanks to innovative features including natural ventilation and more.

Homes have been carefully designed for the over 55’s lifestyle incorporating functionality and easy access, particularly in the kitchen, bathroom and en suite.

Wanting to travel, know that your home is well looked after whilst you enjoy your travelling pursuits.

Life at Fraser Shores Retirement Villages is where home owners come together to celebrate, relax, socialise, get fit and have fun.

It’s all about promoting an active and independent lifestyle for young at heart retirees by providing affordable, accessible and adaptable living opportunities with all the facilities you’d expect.

Closer to home, cast a line and enjoy a spot of fishing, only minutes from Hervey Bays pristine beaches. Coastal living has never been this good!

Whether it’s lazy afternoons by the pool with friends, meeting up with your favourite hobby group or simply staying in shape, Fraser Shores is the place to be.We are dedicated to providing home owners with well-rounded lifestyles, looking out for their best interests.

Famous for its year round temperate waters and moderate climate, Hervey Bay offers great local restaurants, shopping, golf courses, bowls and other pursuits that are just some of the options that abound.

There’s something about the nature of the place that defines Fraser Shores Retirement Village. A combination of people, a sense of community, a chance to enjoy living in a tranquil environment that makes it so special.

At Fraser Shores RV it’s all about a carefree lifestyle with more time for socialising, leisure and the pursuit of personal passions. Join a special interest group, take a dip in the pool or spa, enjoy a drink at the licensed bar, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Living at Fraser Shores you’ll have easy access to everything that Hervey Bay has to offer.

Renowned for its relaxed vibe, Fraser Shores adjoins St Stephens Private Hospital; it is the largest health private hospital in Australia.

Also close by is the regional base hospital, medical, sporting, social, shopping precincts, the beach and Fraser Island.

Need to pop out to the shops? They are conveniently located just a short stroll from your home.

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 21

evident the destruction of the fires from the Black Sunday bushfires with many burnt trees still standing.

On the way to these locations we listen several times to a tape of a Lyrebirds song. Ready and waiting in anticipation for the Lyrebird survey tomorrow morning!

Kinglake Naturewise

Eco Escape Debbie Cram shares her recent experience on a Naturewise Eco Escape which takes you behind the scenes to explore this special national park and local wildlife.

Its 7.40 am on a Monday morning, my kitchen window is open and I’m listening to a Magpie sing.

Only it’s a real Magpie singing and not a Superb Lyrebird doing an imitation of a Magpie song.

Recently, I participated on a Naturewise Kinglake eco tour and that’s where I heard the Superb Lyrebirds version of the Magpie.

Lyrebirds are most notable for their superb ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds from their environment. As well as their extraordinary mimicking ability, male lyrebirds are notable because of the striking courtship display. Lyrebirds have unique plumes of neutral coloured tail feathers and are among Australia’s best-known native birds.

Its day one on our Kinglake Naturewise Eco Escape and we are met by Park Ranger Tony, who spends time talking to the group about the Superb Lyrebird and our role as participants in the survey. Afterwards, we visit Masons fall for a walk and Mount Sugarloaf for great city views. From Mount Sugarloaf it was

It’s 6.30am on a cold winters morning but rugged up in beanie, gloves and scarf I’m keeping warm. We are off to monitor the location of the Superb Lyrebird in Kinglake National Park. Before this Naturewise tour I had no prior knowledge about Superb Lyrebird, their songs or how to use a compass. Through the comprehensive training we received yesterday, I feel confident I can be of assistance. Torch, clipboard and compass in hand I walk to my allotted area, and wait for the Superb Lyrebird.

At 6.50am I hear a song, I recognise a Kookaburra song. The song stop quickly and I am satisfied that I am listening to a Kookaburra. Then another song starts, it’s a series of bird songs strung together and I am confident I am listening to a Lyrebird. I look at my watch and record the start and finish of the call. The forest erupts with songs from other Lyrebirds and everyone is busy recording the time and location.

After recording data for half an hour, it’s time to finish and head back to our beautiful accommodation base at Karma Kinglake for Breakfast and a warm drink.

After breakfast there is time to freshen up before heading to the Karma conference room to discuss the group’s results. From the data collected it appeared there were six male Lyrebirds. In 2009, Kinglake was destroyed by fires. Tony, our Park Ranger recalls seeing scorched Lyrebirds seeking protection in the Mason falls during the bushfires. His story brings home how important the surveys are and it’s satisfying to know that some Lyrebirds survived. After the data is collected it’s time for lunch at Wirrawilla walk before an afternoon visit to Healesville sanctuary to discover how they are helping to fight native wildlife extinction.

Did I enjoy the Kinglake Nature wise Eco tour?

Absolutely. I hope to go back in 2015 in a different month to help monitor the Brush Tail Phascogales.

There’s not much travelling as Kinglake is just over an hour from Melbourne, so that gives plenty of time for the project as well as sightseeing. The accommodation is terrific at Karma Kinglake and the lovely owner cooks delicious meals. I felt like I was able to contribute to the Lyrebird survey, even though I had no prior knowledge about Lyrebirds. It was a bonus to see a real Lyrebird at the Lyrebird circuit in Kinglake National park on top of its mound. This didn’t feel like volunteering at all - it felt more like a mini break.

Debbie Cram Kinglake Naturewise Eco Escape participant June 2014. For more information on this program visit http://www.conservationvolunteers. com.au/get-involved/holidays/kinglakeconservation or free call 1800 032 501

Now’s the time to book your Sunshine Coast bowling get-away The Christmas decorations are packed away, the New Year resolutions are becoming tarnished and summer is reaching its eleventh hour.

Sounds like the perfect time to plan your next holiday. For that perfect escape, head to the aptly named Sunshine Coast.

This stunning stretch of coastline basks in Australia’s most temperate weather making it a relaxing holiday destination in any season.

Its beaches, from Coolum Beach in the north to Caloundra in the south, are some of the best in the country, with arcs of golden sand lapped by the revitalising waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Now is the time to book your accommodation at Sunshine Coast Holidays parks, which are all located beachside.

It doesn’t matter if you are a camper, a caravanner, or prefer the luxury of an ensuite villa, our parks will take the hassle out of your stay.

Choose from Dicky Beach, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Cotton Tree, Mudjimba or Coolum Beach.

Whatever your interest – bowling, swimming, surfing, boating, fishing, bushwalking, just kicking back on the beach – or the lot - there’s a park that’s the right fit for you.

All Sunshine Coast Holiday Parks are conveniently located, with direct access to sand and surf and great times.

If you enjoy the ambience of an open-air market, then the Sunshine Coast has some of the best, including the famous Eumundi Markets.

We have also teamed up with Experience Oz to bring you the best day tours, attractions, theme park tickets, cruises, water sports, whale watching and things to do on the Sunshine Coast at one low price.

Check them all out at www.sunshinecoastholidayparks.com.au where you can make an online booking or contact your chosen holiday park by phone.

Easy to get to, even easier to love, the Sunshine Coast is, indeed, naturally refreshing.

And Sunshine Coast Holiday Parks are naturally relaxing.

And while staying on the Sunshine Coast, include a visit to the beautiful hinterland, incorporating natural wonders such as the Glasshouse Mountains and the Blackall Ranges.

Each offers the great facilities and many of the Coast’s bowls clubs have artificial turf and roof enclosures making them all-weather in any weather.

22 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

Lake Eyre is coming back to life after recent flooding of the area The Lake Eyre basin is one of the largest internally draining systems in the world and covers about 1.3 million square kilometres.

The lake is fed mainly by its eastern tributaries, the Cooper Creek and the Diamantina and Georgina rivers system.

Significant runoff originates in the desert west of the basin, which is drained by the Neales and the Macumba.

The rainfall of the Lake Eyre basin is exceedingly erratic, and catastrophic droughts and floods tend to be the normal state of affairs throughout this region.

Recent local heavy rains have delivered substantial volumes of water to the lake creating an ecological boom that is expected to see huge numbers of waterbirds to the area.

Currently the lake is approximately 60% full creating spectacular views.

The best way to see Lake Eyre and take in its vastness is from the air so we have included a 2 hour flight from William Creek.

Join us on this rare opportunity.

MADAGASCAR & MAURITIUS DISCOVERY

EX ADELAIDE 5 DAY TOUR

• 2hr Scenic flight over Lake Eyre • Expedition to the Lake’s shore • Clare Valley visit • Flinders Ranges / Wilpena Pound • Brachina Gorge scenic drive • Underground accommodation in Coober Pedy and visit of opal mine • Frequent Stops

DEPARTS WEEKLY (see website for details) 5 DAY GUIDED TOUR WITH EN-SUITE ACCOMMODATION

This tour will showcase South Australia including the Clare valley renowned for its wine, the Flinders Ranges, the Lake Eyre regions and the opal capital Coober Pedy.

Gekko safari has put together a 5 day tour departing weekly starting from Adelaide.

The tour is accommodated with en-suite and includes all meals.

2495

$

pp twin share

www.gekkosafari.com.au • admin@gekkosafari.com.au • Bookings: 1800 262 979

1413105

Lake Eyre Spectacular

Historically, Lake Eyre has a 1.5m flood every three years, a 4 metre flood every decade and a fill or near fill, four times a century.

20

DAY EXCLUSIVE ESCORTED TOUR

7th October to 26th October 2015

$8790 Twin share

including international flights

Phone: 08 8278 9218

www.madagascardiscoverytours.com.au

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 23

Lawn bowls haven on friendly

Norfolk Island

Only two hours flight from Australia, Norfolk Island is a lawn bowls paradise and once discovered by bowlers it’s pretty much guaranteed to become a hot bowls favourite. It’s no wonder with Norfolk Island being renowned as the friendliest island in the South Pacific, the local club slogan sums it up nicely “there are no strangers in this club, only friends you haven’t met”. Locals find genuine pleasure in welcoming bowlers back, sometimes every year for their favourite tournament!

It’s easy to see why Norfolk Island draws bowlers back year on year.

It doesn’t take long for visitors to slip into Norfolk mode after they arrive. The airport is 5 minutes away so you can deplane, collect your bags, book in and be on the green within an hour of arrival if you choose! The Norfolk Island Bowling Club is located in the heart of town with a few accommodation options close-by, some next door, so driving after play is optional. As a golden rule most things are 5 minutes, maximum 10 minutes away from the Bowling Club! There’s no such thing as traffic jams on Norfolk in fact the island has no street lights, one roundabout, cows roam the roads outside of town and locking your car is optional!

Norfolk Island enjoys a sub-tropical climate and the Norfolk Island Bowling Club makes the most of it with three main tournaments scheduled in the year, appealing to bowlers in three different ways as Pairs, Triples and Fours events. The Bounty Bowls (Fours) tournament has been popular for a long time and it will be 53 years this year!

Although the other two events are fast picking up in popularity too, there’s a big reason why Norfolk Island bowls tournaments are such a success. The Norfolk tournaments give bowlers, family and friends the perfect excuse to combine bowls with a holiday! Norfolk Island is a fascinating destination offering a pristine environment with lots to see and do around tournament times.

Norfolk has some of the best fishing in the Pacific and visitors soon realise for a small island the range of activities are diverse.

Swimming and snorkeling in Emily Bay lagoon, history tours, chef school, rainforest walks including a walk through the magnificent and pristine 100 acres, 4WD tours, horseriding, farm tours, progressive dinners to island homes, ghost tours and sunset fish fries. The Norfolk Island Bowling Club also invites all family and friends to attend the welcome, presentation and social functions during the week.

The Norfolk Island Bowling Club invites bowlers to join them for one of their annual tournaments in May, August or February. Or if bowlers prefer to come another time of year or travel as a Club they’re most welcome. In fact travelling with your Bowls Club as a social bowls holiday is encouraged with some accommodation properties offering a 1 in 10 stay free deal for bowling groups. Local bowlers love any opportunity to mix, mingle and roll up with bowlers and invite visitors to travel over any time of year.

24 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

Competing in a tournament on Norfolk also means you will not only compete and socialise with the locals but also with New Zealand bowlers. Norfolk is unqiue because competitors literally meet in the middle on green Norfolk Island greens, events become a true Trans-Tasman comp with Aussies, Kiwi and Norfolk Island bowlers on the green.

Take advantage of the super special packages on offer with Norfolk Island Travel Centre a locally owned travel agency who also proudly sponsor the Norfolk Island Bowling Club. Special travel packages have just been released with prices starting from $999 per person ex Brisbane or $1039 per person twin share ex Sydney for a seven night stay.

Prices includes return ‘seat and bag’ airfare to Norfolk Island, pre-paid airline taxes, meet and greet at the Norfolk airport, 7 night’s twin share accommodation, 7 days car hire including surcharge and basic insurance (petrol usage extra cost), discount shopping card, complimentary mini-golf and complimentary ‘A Walk in the Wild’.

Prices are current today and subject to change without notice.

Conditions apply.

For those interested in travelling with friends from your local bowling club ask Norfolk Island Travel Centre about a special club promotion where some accommodation properties provide 1 in 10 bowlers stay free. For larger groups this can be teamed with 1 in 21 bowlers fly free.

Conditions apply.

For more information contact Norfolk Island Travel Centre by calling free phone 1800 1400 66 | Email joyce@travelcentre.nf | fax 0011 6723 23205 | or visit www.norfolkislandtravelcentre.com

Norfolk Island

Lawn Bowls Tournaments Bounty Bowls Tournament

03 - 09 May 2015

Norfolk’s signature longstanding event, 2015 will be the 54th Bounty Bowls tournament; an open fours competition where teams can be men, women or mixed. Good news is a second week of bowls will be held for those visitors who can extend for a two week stay. A separate mixed fours event will run 10 - 14 May 2015.

TAB Triples

17 - 22 August 2015

Travel as a (men’s OR ladies) team. A minimum of 5 qualifying games, number of ends in qualifying rounds is dependent upon entries & is at the discretion of the Overseas Committee of the Norfolk Island Bowling Club & Bowls Council, Inc.

South Pacific Pairs

February 2016

Or travel with your club for a social bowls comp, travel any time of year and roll up with the friendly locals!

7 night holiday packages from $999 ex Brisbane & $1039 ex Sydney Packages are per person & include: Return ‘seat & bag’ economy airfare to Norfolk Island + all prepaid airline taxes, meet & greet at Norfolk Island airport, 7 night’s twin share accommodation, 7 days car hire including surcharge (petrol is additional) + Norfolk Island Travel Centre bonuses.

Prices quoted are for South Pacific Pairs and Social bowls club visits. Prices are current at time of printing , subject to availability & change without notice. Conditions apply. Bowling registration fees are additional to holiday package prices.

*photo copyright & courtesy Ian Rolfe, Southern Lightscapes

Open pairs competition; teams can be men, women or mixed. Excellent cash prizes up for grabs

FOR MORE INFORMATION PHONE TOLL FREE: 1800 1400 66

www.norfolkislandtravelcentre.com Contact: joyce@travelcentre.nf Ph: 0011 6723 22502 or fax: 0011 6723 23205 Phone Toll free AU 1800 1400 66 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 25

See more of the world for less with Gate 1 Travel When you’re planning your next holiday you want to be sure of two things - that you decide on a destination that’s right for you and choose a reliable tour operator. With Gate 1 Travel you will achieve both, because they can take you to so many of the world’s greatest sights and their affordable first class tours will exceed your expectations.

For 34 years they have been the experts in escorted tours around the world and last year alone over 200,000 travellers chose Gate 1

Travel. In 2014 they opened a reservations centre in Australia, so now you have the opportunity to discover the Gate 1 service and quality for yourself.

included as well as other meals, sightseeing is included in modern air-conditioned coaches and their tour guides are the best in the business.

Choose from escorted tours and independent packages in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, USA and Canada, as well as river cruises and ocean voyages. Every travel option is extremely competitively priced and Gate 1 Travel never scrimps on quality.

Hotels are centrally located, daily breakfast is

If it’s time for you to see more of the world for less, then it’s time for you to talk to Gate 1 Travel about your next holiday and find out about their special $100 discount for Bowls Plus readers! Please call 1300 653 618 or visit www.gate1travel.com.au for more information.

34 years in business TM

Since 1981, Gate 1 Travel has been one of the world’s most trusted tour operators for senior travellers. Each of our first class tours offers exceptional value for money and our expert tour managers are always on hand to make sure your holiday exceeds expectations.

See more of the world for less with Gate 1 Travel: • Europe • Asia • Africa • USA & Canada • Latin America • Mediterranean • River Cruises & Sea Cruises

SAVE $100 per person on your next holiday!

Mention promotion code BOWLS100A and you’ll save $100 per person* on any Gate 1 Travel escorted tour or river cruise.

Subscribe to WIN

Sign up for our free email newsletter to receive special travel deals and go into the draw to WIN a deluxe Danube River Cruise for two! Enter at www.gate1travel.com.au

1300 653 618 w w w.gate 1trave l.com.a u

*Promo BOWLS100A valid until 31 March, 2015. Discount only applies to new bookings on escorted tours or river cruises and may only be used once per person.

26 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 Discount cannot be combined with other offers. Normal booking conditions apply at www.gate1travel.com.au or call 1300 653 618. ABN 74 169 034 575.

ATAS accreditation number A11423.

KIMBERLEY HOLIDAYS Kimberley- Darwin to Broome

Kimberley Shortbreak

11 days, May 28, Jun 25 (fully booked), Jun 11, Jul 30, Aug 13

8 days, May 31, Jun 21, Aug 2

Fly to Darwin & from Broome

Fly to Darwin & from Broome

See 2015 SCT Holidays Brochure page 100

See 2015 SCT Holidays Brochure page 102

LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE

LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE

Fares from $5,595 ppts $980 ss

Fares from $4,095 ppts $595 ss

Kimberley, Kakadu and Darwin 13 days, Jun 7 (fully booked), Jul 19

Fly to Broome & from Darwin See 2015 SCT Holidays Brochure page 104

LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE Fares from $6,465 ppts $1,195 ss

Please send me a copy of Seniors Coach Tours Holidays 2015

ORDER NOW 2015 Brochure Packed with over 48 fantastic holidays, including overseas cruises and Australian coach tours.

Call, email or post the coupon for your copy.

TRAVEL INSURANCE INCLUDED IN YOUR FARE* Bowls Plus QLD Feb 2015

Phone 1800 815 906 info@seniorscoachtours.com.au or contact your local travel agent

www.seniorscoachtours.com.au Return airfares are included in all fares listed ppts = per person twin share | ss = single supplement * Terms and conditions apply

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 27

Absolute waterfront holiday accommodation on the Sunshine Coast.

From your spacious balcony, enjoy the spectacular ocean view, the pristine waters of Pumicestone Passage and untouched beauty of Bribie Island. To your left the ever passing procession in the shipping channel and the panoramic night time view of the lights of Caloundra is simply breathtaking. Whether you enjoy fishing, windsurfing, golfing, walking or just relaxing on the sand, it is right on your doorstep.

Close to Bowling Club

Your hosts: Harley and Mary Moss 31 Landsborough Pde, Golden Beach, Coloundra, Queensland, 4551 Australia Telephone +61 7 5492 3666 Facsimile +61 7 5492 3422 Website: www.windwardpassage.com.au.

Our comfortable fully self-contained accommodation includes a magnificent Penthouse, superb Executive Suite, two specially designed disabled apartments and spacious two and three bedroom apartments all with ensuites and large north easterly facing, sunny balconies. Freeform freshwater swimming pool, heated in the cooler months for all year round enjoyment.

These superb apartments offer guest the perfect tranquil haven for the family holiday, honeymoon, romantic getaway, or just a few quiet days to soak up the sunshine. All apartments come with a full size kitchen with all modern conveniences (dishwasher, oven, microwave) and own laundry facilities.

SURFERS PARADISE RIVER &

CRUISE

20

$

 1.5hr River & Canal Cruises  Includes fun facts commentary  10.45am Morning Tea Cruise (FREE cake & coffee)



12.45pm Lunch Cruise (FREE buffet lunch)

Key Largo Holiday Apartments are perfectly located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, easily within walking distance to some of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular surfing and swimming beaches.

Key Largo is also close to everything you need to make the perfect holiday complete, with world-class shopping, fine dining and some of Australia’s favourite tourist attractions all at your doorstep, not to mention the stunning panoramic ocean views from your full size balcony. The Sunshine Coast maintains the perfect climate all year round making it an ideal location as your choice holiday destination.

KEY LARGO HOLIDAY APARTMENTS 6 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore QLD 4558 Hosts: Cas & Bear Rawlinson PH: (07) 5443 7774 www.key-largo.com.au Email: enquiries@key-largo.com.au

Noosa Riverfront Accommodation On the Beautiful Noosa River

SUNDECK VIEWING

Departs 7 Days

SIGHTSEEING RIVER CRUISE

Ph 0433 693 422

www.bluewatercruises.com.au

Bluewater Cruises has been described as the “best value cruise EVER”. Mention this ad and pay just $20 to experience this great day out.

We offer a 1½ hour smooth water cruise around the beautiful canals and waterways of Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast, with an informative commentary. The vessel has both an open sundeck for those gorgeous Gold Coast days, as well as a fully enclosed and weather-proof room, two toilets, easy access and seating for up to 40.

The cruise takes you around Chevron Island and Cronin Island where the staff will point out some fun facts about the area, before heading out into the Nerang River and past the million dollar homes of Paradise Waters. The cruise then ventures out towards Marina Mirage at Main Beach where guests can look upon the many magnificent vessels that moor in the area.

• Overnight / Weekly • On-site manager • Self contained studio, 1 bedroom and family units • Solar heated pool • BBQ area

REGENCY

WATERFRONT

N O O S A

Prices • Private balcony or patio from • Every unit has a view $125 • Walk to yacht and bowls clubs, restaurants, cafés and shops per night • Spacious waterfront parkland • Non smoking

Phone 07 5449 7139

130 Gympie Tce, Noosaville, Qld 4566 Email: manager@regencywaterfrontnoosa.com.au www.regencywaterfrontnoosa.com.au

28 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

Next it’s on to the broadwater past Palazzo Versace and taking in the sights of Sea World, before heading back for a spectacular view of the Surfers Paradise skyline.

Cruise operates 7 days a week - multiple cruises daily and caters for individuals, as well as small and large groups.

Please contact Jodi 0433 693 422.

WheN DID yOu lASt hAve yOur SKIN CheCKeD?

Did you know that more than 12,500 new cases of Melanoma are diagnosed in Australia every year?

At Australian Skin Cancer Clinics, we specialise in the early detection, diagnosis, treatment & management of Skin Cancer & Melanoma.

• No referral Necessary • Doctors with a special interest in Skin Cancer & Melanoma Call one of our clinics today to book an appointment to have your skin checked.

Annerley Cannon hill Chermside highlands Kenmore

3426 6800 3859 3200 3359 4155 5644 7999 3878 4555

Mermaid Waters Morayfield Springfield Surfers Paradise taringa

5526 5911 5428 0222 3818 9399 5538 7887 3371 8144

Australian Skin Cancer Clinics 1300 SKIN DOC (that’s 1300 7546 362) www.ausskinclinics.com.au

It’s never too late to start looking after your skin.

There are over 9 Australian Skin Cancer Clinics currently in operation throughout Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and we are continuing to expand. We specialise in the early detection, treatment and management of skin cancer and melanoma.

The Australian sun is one of the harshest in the world.

Australians have two to three times the number of incidences of skin cancer compared to Canada, the US and the UK. Quite often people think that a sunspot is simply just a sunspot, but given time, they can change into something that is life threatening.

Any change in a mole is important, and changes can occur in size, shape, and colour, or moles can start to itch or tingle. These are serious warning signs and a signal to get your moles checked.

Unfortunately, 3 to 4 Australians die each day from melanoma and 1 to 2 Australians die of the lesser-known skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

The real problem with skin cancer and melanoma is that most of the damage occurs before the age of 20, therefore early detection and treatment is vital. Though melanoma is very rare before the age of 14, it does affect young people between the ages of 20 and 40. Squamous cell carcinoma affects mainly the older age group from 55 onwards.

We expect 2 out of every 3 adult Australians to develop skin cancer at some point in their lives that will either be life threatening or severely disfiguring. Many adults recognise that damage done to their skin occurred when they were young, therefore we should all be thinking about our children.

Prevention is better than cure, so remember to slip, slop, slap by making sure children are appropriately attired with ultra-violet protective suites, covered in sun screen, and wear hats at all times.

The friendly, experienced staff at Australian Skin Cancer Clinics make it easy for you to come and get your skin checked. Bulk billing is available and no referrals are necessary, so don’t delay, make an appointment today.

Open Mon - Fri 9.00am - 4.30pm

CALL NOW 07 5476 5454

Paddy says to Mick, “I’m getting circumcised tomorrow.”

Mick says, “I had that done when I was a few days old.”

Paddy asks, “Does it Hurt?”

Mick says, “ Well I couldn’t walk for 18months..”

Call 1300 SKIN DOC (that’s 1300 7546 362) to speak to your nearest clinic.

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 29

24 hour Helpline at 1800 639 331 Website: http://www.alzheimersonline.org

Services: • Respite Services: 7 days per week centre-based and in-home respite.

Locations: Gordon Park, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Upper Mount Gravatt, Windsor • Residential Care Services – Garden City Aged Care Services, Rosalie Nursing Care Centre, Windsor Aged Care Services • Specialist dementia education and consulting Private Home Visiting Allied Health – physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology • Carer Support groups

Alzheimer’s Queensland (AQ) is your local Queensland champion of quality dementia services both in the community and residential sector. The organization boasts a Dementia Care Hub, 3 Aged Care Homes, 7 Multiservice Centres, a 24hour Helpline and additional dementia education and support services.

AQ’s primary aim is to keep their clients most of whom have dementia connected within their local communities through a flexible suite of care and support services offered by the organization. A good quality life and wellness are the cornerstone objectives of all AQ services.

Among the many AQ wellness and lifestyle programs is the “Gym” program offered through AQ’s Gordon Park Multiservice Centre located on 45 Shamrock Street, Gordon Park. Staff at the centre have gone beyond the funding objectives of providing respite and established a gym program. Clients have individualized goals and plans developed by

an AQ Physiotherapist and attend the local gym weekly with staff support. The sessions are geared towards assisting to maintain balance, strength and mobility. As part of the day, after the gym session clients either had out for lunch together or a group member hosts lunch at their place. Going to the local gym followed by social time has re-ignited AQ clients’ social lives; immersing them into their local community and building new friendships.

To learn further about the services of Alzheimer’s Queensland call 1 800 639 331.

THE FINANCE BOOMER The Finance Boomer Carol Roberts

DIP FIN PLANNING M.COM (PROF ACCT)

Aged Care Specialist - 58 yrs old

Looking FoR PERSonAL, STRATEgiC FinAnCiAL ADViCE? Looking FoR FinAnCiAL EDUCATion?

Contact us: Phone: 3821 7589 Email: admin@abc50plus.com.au Web: www.thefinanceboomer.com.au

Looking FoR A FinAnCiAL ADViSER WHo nEVER ACCEPTS CoMMiSSionS? LOOKING FOR BUDGETING FINANCIAL EDUCATIONASSISTANCE SEMINARSTO HELP MAKE RETIREMENT POSSIBLE? MOST THURSDAYS OF THE YEAR

The Anchorage, Suite 3, 20 Masthead Drive Raby Bay, Cleveland Q 4163 Baby Boomers Super Pty Ltd AFSL 453842 Trading as The Finance Boomer The Anchorage, Suite 3, 20 Masthead Drive, Raby Bay, Cleveland Qld 4163 Baby Boomers Super Pty Ltd ABN 28 167 453 643 Trading as The Finance Boomer Corporate Authorised Representative of SMSF Advice Pty Limited ABN 11 074 225 353 AFSL 234664

Financial Advice For over 50s? - Why you don’t TRUST Financial Advisers?

Financial Advisers are supposed to help you with superannuation, pension entitlements, investment cash flow in retirement and aged care. Yet some are more interested in the trailing commissions they receive and reaching sales targets – you know that! They try and confuse you with reams of paperwork and terms you don’t understand. You have heard horror stories of people losing their life savings because of advice from Financial Advisers.

All of this is TRUE! BUT you didn’t stop buying a car because of some shonky car dealers, or stop buying or selling a house because of unethical real estate agents. NO- you learnt to research, and find the good ones. The same is true with Financial Advisers. YOU interview them, don’t let them interview you, and YOU ask the following questions: • Do you receive trailing commissions?

• Are you going to look at my total financial situation and help me get the best from super

and pensions and cash flow, even if I don’t want to change investments at my age?

• Will you do the work for an agreed fee, with no hidden charges?

• Are you a Specialist in Aged Care legislation and experienced with retirees?

• Are you covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance - if I am unhappy with your work, want to complain and claim a refund?

With people of 50, often living to 80 or 90 years, you need TRUSTED Advisers, to make sure you are not missing out on: • Pensions while you continue to work part time; • Making sure you manage your super, so you get the maximum Centrelink; • Costing and moving into Aged Care, so you or your loved ones have the least amount of financial stress ( the legislation is a minefield); • Costing and planning when you can afford to retire; • Understanding moving your superannuation

30 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

to pension phase or lump sum withdrawal.

The Finance Boomer - Carol Roberts is 58 years old.

A Senior working for Seniors. We provide Financial Strategy (we do not sell products) to give you peace of mind. Find like minded Financial Advisers – that are working for YOU. Interview them, and find the good ones!

‘This document contains general information only. You need to consider with your financial planner, your investment objectives, financial situation and your particular needs prior to making an investment decision. SMSF Advice Pty Limited and its Authorised Representatives do not accept any liability for any errors or omissions of information supplied’.

The Anchorage, Suite 3, 20 Masthead Drive, Raby Bay, Cleveland Qld 4163 Email: admin@abc50plus.com.au ph: 3821 7589 web: thefinanceboomer.com.au Baby Boomers Super Pty Ltd ACN 167 453 643 trading as The Finance Boomer ABN 28 167 453 643 Corporate Authorised Representative of SMSF Advice Pty Limited AFSL 234664.

269 North Star Holiday Site 87 Palm LakeSiteResort 44 Noble LakesideSite Park - Kingscliff Resort – Hastings Point – Banora Plan to save your retireme in Nundah

New rules come into effect on 1 Jan the way certain superannuation in assessed for social security purpos

Will your retirement be impa The prestigious resort is renowned for spacious, comfortable and affordable luxury homes in a secure and peaceful environment. The complex is located on the southern banks of the tranquil Noble Lake, just a 10 minute drive south of Tweed Heads on the beautiful Tweed Coast and just a ten minute stroll to Kingscliff Beach.

The two generously sized, carpeted bedrooms with built-in robes; master bedroom with a ceiling fan and the robe has mirror doors.

There is public transport at the entrance of the resort and free shuttle buses to local clubs; pets permitted subject to management approval.

This charming, character GWM Adviser Servicesfilled Limited, trading as MLC Ad AFSL 230692) manufactured home(“GWMAS”), is locateda company on a within the N companies, registered office large corner block and features105-153 Miller Street, Tom Davis is an authorised representative of GWM spacious open plan living areas with solid timber flooring throughout and high raked cathedral ceilings with exposed beams.

The home has two good-sized carpeted bedrooms with built-in robes and ceiling fans. A verandah door from the second bedroom leads to a very private, paved The home has an entrance porch with courtyard that is fenced and decked with a shade sail, making it an ideal home for JB31429 (653280 Will your retirement be impacted? Nundah Advert pleasant outlook views across the your 4-legged companion.The tiled bathroom comprises of a large shower cabinet village, a sun room and a covered and and vanity unit with a separate toilet. screened entertaining area/ This energy efficient home has roof insulation, a Solar hot water service and Solar conservatory with a timber deck. panels with Inverter. Adjoining the home is a carport with space for one vehicle and the laundry is located in an external building at the rear of the carport.This well The spacious living area with its presented home is ready to be moved into and enjoyed!Please call Kelvin Price @ Mr polished timber floor has a brand new Property Services on (07) 5523 3431or 0423 028 468 to arrange an inspection.

LG split-system air conditioner and ceiling fans.

  “Lifestyle Village & Residential Park Specialist” 

The tiled bathroom comprises spa bath with a separate shower cabinet, vanity unit and there is a separate toilet with sky light.

Rd

The tiled kitchen has plenty of storage/cupboard space with bluejazz coloured, mottle effect laminate bench-tops and off-white coloured panel doors. The kitchen is complemented with tiled splash-backs, double stainless steel sink and has a built-in Simpson oven/grill with cook-top.

ate

The home features an entrance porch with a pleasant outlook towards the park amenities, spacious open plan living areas with almost new Panasonic reverse cycle air-conditioning and ceiling fans. The living areas, kitchen and hallway were tiled less than two years ago. The tiled kitchen has plenty of storage space and work surfaces/ bench-tops with dark green onyx laminate and contrasting, cream coloured flat panel doors with stainless steel handles. The kitchen is complemented with a built-in Simpson fan-forced oven/grill with cook-top, tiled splash-backs and a double stainless steel sink.

The home is tiled throughout and boasts spacious open plan living areas with ceiling fans and reverse cycle air-conditioning for comfort.

This lavish home is perfect for those who want to move into a home with nothing to be done, simply move in and enjoy!

St

od The five star North Star Holiday Wo Resort is located a 20 minute drive south of Tweed Heads on the tio Sta beautiful Tweed Coast and just a yd St short stroll to a surf beach andBotidal estuary. Resort amenities include three swimming pools, a 25m lap Speak to Tom controlled Davis to find out how pool, three temperature spas, sauna, hair dressing MLCgymnasium, Advice Nundah salon, snooker/pool tables, massage 1297 Sandgate Road, Nundah. therapist, library and tennis court.

07 3266 2700 | nundah@mlcadvic dg

The ‘Pet Friendly’ resort spans over 25 acres and its amenities include swimming pools, a fully licensed Lakeclub Community Centre, landscaped gardens, bowls green, sports centre, arts & crafts centre with workshop, storage facilities and tennis court making it an ideal living environment.This immaculately presented home is conveniently located across the street from the swimming pool, bowling green and visitor car parking. Plus, the home is just a short stroll to the lakeside club house.

This immaculately presented manufactured home features a front verandah that runs the full width of the home with a bull-nose roof and awnings. At the rear of the home is a good-sized paved garden with a border of lush tropical plants. The garden has been designed to be easily maintained and is fenced and gated for privacy.

The home has an internal laundry, electric hot water service and Solar panels and Inverter have recently been installed. A tiled garage with remote operated roller door adjoins the home and at the rear of the garage is a storage area/workshop.

Eton St

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The over 50’s Palm Lake Resort is situated at a prestigious location close to shopping centres and sports clubs which include some of Australia’s top bowling and golf venues.

To find out how the rule changes c what you might be able to do now

View over 50 homes at  www.mrpropertyservices.com.au

  

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 

A company that prides itself on specialising in assisting ‘Buyers’ and ‘Sellers’ of manufactured & relocatable homes located at Lifestyle Villages and Residential Parks in the Tweed Valley.

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Call Northside Anytime Southside 3285 5155 3848 8666 24hrs 139 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South Kallangur

Ph: (07) 5523 3431 Mob: 0423 028 468 www.kentonrossfunerals.com.au

38 BOWLS PLUS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

The two generously sized bedrooms have timber floors and built-in robes; master bedroom with mirror doors and a ceiling fan.



The recently re-tiled kitchen has a built-in Chef fan forced oven/grill with cook-top, plenty of storage space and is complemented with Wedgewood blue laminate bench-tops and light blue/grey coloured flat panel doors.

    The recently re-tiled bathroom

comprises a new shower screen and  vanity unit with a separate toilet. The home has an internal laundry that has also recently been retiled, a garden shed and a tool shed.





A carport with good headroom adjoins the home with space for two vehicles and there is on-site parking for either Call a boat or caravan. For convenience the side entry from the carport to theAnytim home has a gently sloped ramp.

24hrs No pets permitted.

Kallangur

Northside 3285 5155

www.kentonrossfun

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 31

Your diet and

We are their preferred providers:

oral health

Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease in Australia. However it is largely preventable and diet has a big part to play in prevention.

Every time we eat, our teeth are exposed to an acid attack. The acid attack comes from the bacteria in our mouths fermenting the food we eat to make acid. If our teeth are exposed to this acid long enough or frequently enough, tooth decay will develop.

Having a balanced diet and minimising snacking between meals is important in keeping healthy teeth. Other simple dietary measures we can take to reduce our risk of tooth decay are avoiding grazing and choosing teeth friendly snacks.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your teeth, as it stimulates your saliva and neutralises acids. Calcium rich foods like milk and Greek and natural yoghurts are also great options. Remember to read labels on foods such as yoghurt, as flavoured yoghurts can contain high amounts of added sugar.

Some teeth friendly snacks include: • Apple and cheese • Celery and peanut butter • Carrot sticks or other raw vegetables • Nuts

SERVICES: • General Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Crown Implants & Dentures • Emergency Dental Works SPECIA L NO GAP Teeth W hitening • For Senior Citizens and children (16 years & younger) 1/2 PRIC E • For check-ups, X-rays, Cleans & Fluoride Treatments • Mouthguards • Fillings & Extractions NO HEALTH FUND - $100 Check-up, Clean & Fluoride BULK BILL - Medicare Child Dental Benefit Scheme

We accept all health funds and veteran affairs members

• Lean meats • Boiled eggs • Avocado Ferny Grove Shopping Centre Shop 3, 47-51 McGinn Road, Ferny Grove QLD 4055

Always finish snacks and meals with water to wash away any lingering food.

Staying well hydrated is also very important not only for your general health but oral health as well. So make sure you drink plenty of tap water throughout the day and between meals.

www.fernygrovedental.com

Phone 07 3351 4757

Limit your intake of sugar sweetened drinks such as tea and coffee with added sugar, soft drinks, cordials, fruit drinks and juices. Frequent consumption of drinks with added sugars is associated with an increased risk of tooth decay.

Even “diet” soft drinks pose a risk to teeth because of their acidity.

God visited a woman and told her she must give up smoking, drinking and sex if she wants to get into heaven. The woman said she would try her best.

Drink well by: • Staying well hydrated with tap water.

• Drinking water in-between meals.

• Avoiding frequent sipping of sugary and acidic drinks like soft drinks, cordials, juices and sports drinks.

God visited the woman a week later to see how she was getting on..

“Not bad” said the woman, “I’ve given up smoking and drinking but then Ibent over the lounge suite and my boyfriend caught sight of my long slender legs, he pulled up my skirt, and well the rest you can guess.

A healthy balanced diet combined with good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist will help keep your teeth healthy.

Dr Peter Alldritt is Chair of the Australian Dental Association’s Oral Health Committee.

“They don’t like that in heaven”, said God....

The woman replied: “And they’re not too happy about it in IKEA either!”

ARE SLEEP PROBLEMS KILLING YOU?

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Common night-time symptoms include loud persistent snoring, pauses in breathing (witnessed by your partner), choking or gasping for air, restless sleep and frequent visits to the bathroom not associated with prostate problems. If left untreated, you run increased risk of suffering from stroke, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm and type 2 diabetes. A simple overnight test in the comfort of your own bed can help determine whether CPAP (Constant Positive Airways Pressure) therapy would be of benefit. To discuss options for alleviating snoring, call Brendan West at CPAP Professionals for a consultation.

FIGHT OSTEOARTHRITIS INFLAMMATION

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Curcumin Anti-Inflammatory Pain Reliever from Australian NaturalCare contains the superior Meriva curcumin extract which is made using a unique technology to combine the curcumin with phospholipids. Phospholipids act like little ‘delivery trucks’ for the curcumin, which means it is absorbed twice as fast and up to 29 times better than curcumin alone.

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FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 33

How to Stay Young by getting a Hearing Aid In today’s world of smart phones, tablets and wearable technology that can measure heart rate and sleep patterns, the original wearable technology, the Hearing Aid has not been left behind.

We have caught up with General Manager of ihear Australia Shane Bullivant for an update on where technology has taken the hearing industry.

Question: The rate of hearing loss is higher than we think isn’t it?

Answer: That’s correct, people may not know but 1 in 6 Australians suffer from hearing loss.

That is approximately 3.6 million Australians.

3 out of 4 people over 70 are affected by hearing loss.

Future projections estimate 1 in 4 by 2050.

Everyone I speak to on a daily basis has a family member who has a hearing loss which affects not only the individual but everyone around them, in particular the significant other and family members.

Question: You were saying to me earlier that a lot of people do nothing about a hearing loss.

Answer: Out of the 3.6 million Australians only 20% seek help about their hearing loss.

Question: Why is that?

Answer: Previously there has been a stigma about wearing a hearing aid, that it represents being old. And most people I see still have the perception of the big beige banana behind their ear. That is no longer the case.

People are amazed when I demonstrate the latest in technology and that hearing aids can also be invisible inside the ear. They even connect wirelessly with smartphones and tablets.

Question: Wow, I didn’t know that either, can you tell me more about the smart phone capability?

Answer: Sure, The latest in technology allows direct connection to an iPhone, iPod or iPad. This allows the iPhone to work as a remote control to turn up or down. You can stream phone calls or even music straight to your hearing aids in private. Really you are only limited by your imagination!

My favourite feature of this hearing aid, called Halo is by the using their Trulink application you can personalise your listening environment.

Question: What does that mean?

Answer: It means if I walk into my favourite coffee shop each day, and if the sound is a little too loud, I can adjust my hearing aid to my preferred listening comfort. I can save that setting and using the GPS functionality on the phone or iPad, when I return tomorrow it will automatically change back to yesterday’s preferred level.

Question: I think that is quite remarkable, does this mean hearing aids are becoming “more hip” Answer: Definitely, We are seeing younger people now embracing this new technology and it is also becoming “cool” to discuss. We have business people adjusting their hearing aid volume using their phone, whilst everyone else thought they were sending an SMS. People are blown away when I demonstrate watching a You tube clip streaming into their hearing aids Question: Are there other innovations in the hearing field?

Answer: Certainly, almost too many to discuss but we have accessories which plug into your TV or laptop and send the sound direct to your hearing aids at your preferred level. This is one of the most popular innovations amongst family members. Every day I hear a couple comment the other one has the television turned up too loud.

Question: I have a grandfather like that? Can it help him?

Answer: Yes, it would allow your grandmother to have the TV at their preferred level, whilst the sound will come through the hearing aid at Grandads preferred level, Keeping everyone happy!

In fact I have had the hearing aid wearer turn down the sound of the TV too low to play a trick on their partner whilst hearing the TV loud and clear.

Question: You talked at the start about invisible hearing aids? Can you tell me more?

Sure, as I mentioned, the stereotype hearing aid is the big banana behind the ear. Firstly, they are alot more stylish these days and are starting to look like a piece of jewellery.

However there are ones so tiny they go inside your ear and are invisible to others.

34 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

General Manager of ihear Australia Shane Bullivant

Question; Are they popular?

Yes, at ihear we find some people aren’t ready to share their hearing loss with the world but want help. Having hearing aids to pop in their ears in the morning and they are fully automatic so they will adjust to your environments and they are smaller than a jelly bean.

What are the main objections to a hearing aid?

Size has been an issue but that has now been overcomed with invisible hearing aids like the Soundlens and as the name suggests it is like a contact lens for the ear.

The other main concern is being able to hearing people in noisy environments.

Has that been fixed yet?

There have been major developments in improving hearing conversation in noisy environments. These days hearing aids have computer chips inside that are working harder than a computer was 5 years ago.

Being able to supress noise in places like a restaurant has been a major enhancement in the past 3-4 years .

It sounds like there is no reason not to act?

It is a wonderful time in our industry at the moment which is on the cutting edge of technology, the performance, size and features of hearing aids and accessories has never been more exciting and we are getting a real kick out of seeing people amazed at how their life has changed with hearing aids.

So it is not for old people then?

Definitely not, I believe you actually look older by continually saying Pardon? Or what?

And as my mum told me when I was growing up “Don’t say what”.

Now there is no excuse. We have adopted a slogan around the offices where we are saying to clients “Stay Young” get a hearing aid.

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FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND 35

New pacemaker procedure performed at John Flynn - another Australian first in a private hospital!

John Flynn Private Hospital is well known as a major cardiac hospital for the Gold Coast and Northern NSW area. Recently cardiac surgery took another leap forward when Dr John Meulet (Cardiologist) inserted a new pacemaker containing an algorithm for detecting sleep apnoea.

Sleep apnoea is highly prevalent and vastly undiagnosed in many pacemaker patients. It increases the mortality risk and the risk of common cardiovascular co-morbidities such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF). Moreover, sleep apnoea complicates the management of common cardiovascular co-morbidities.

In September last year, Doreen Grant, 90, received the new pacemaker that contains the new algorithm for detecting sleep apnoea, the Sorin Reply 200.

“The procedure went very well and Mrs Grant is now resting comfortably at home”, said Dr Meulet.

“The REPLY 200 provides us with an intuitive tool to offer more comprehensive care to our patients. Many of our pacemaker patients have co-morbidities such as hypertension and AF. If cardiovascular medical treatment is not working as well as expected for the patient, we can easily check whether sleep apnoea is a complicating factor and adjust the treatment plan accordingly”, he said.

Dr Meulet’s special interests include all rhythm disturbances and their management, including Atrial Fibrillation, Cardiac Re-synchronisation Therapy (CRT) for heart failure, Pacemaker and ICD implantation and extraction.

MOBILE ALERTS

Alert pendants have been around for a few years. Generally worn on a lanyard, they’re designed to contact family, friends or emergency services with the push of a button. Until now, the only models available were ones that worked within the range of a cordless phone. A few offer monitored services for a monthly fee.

If you want a pendant that can be used anywhere, whether in the the back garden, down the street or even interstate, there is now a range of Mobile Alert™ pendants to choose from. They work

with a SIM card, sharing the same network as a mobile phone, offering 2-way communication with your emergency contacts. There are no monitoring fees and our recommended phone service provider offers a plan with no monthly fees.

Mobile Alerts all have GPS capabilities.

This means that your family members can see a map of your location on their mobile phone. Besides the obvious benefits for those with dementia or Alzheimers, this also gives your family peace of mind should you fall or lose consciousness while away from home.

Fall detection is a newly developing technology. If you do fall, your contacts are automatically notified by text of your location and that you’ve fallen.

Falls are unfortunately commonplace as we get older and can cause significant injuries. Many seniors who have fallen report that they were unable to reach a phone to call for help and had to remain on the

36 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

floor for hours until someone discovered them.

For those who live alone, some form of safety alert device is like personal insurance. We should think of it as a necessary expense, just as we do with car insurance. We hope we never need it, just as we hope we never have to claim on our auto insurance.

Modern technology can be a bit daunting at times however the Mobile Alert is a simple, easy-to-use device.

I was thinking about you today As a bowler, you and I are active seniors. So why do we need an alert pendant?

If we knew we weren’t going to claim on our car insurance in 2015, we’d skip payment this year. Of course, we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

A fall can happen anytime. Having a Mobile-Alert is personal insurance for the unexpected. *Wherever you are, one push of a button will contact your family so you can tell them what help you need. Even if you can’t talk or push a button, a fall detector will automatically notify them.

Give your family peace of mind. Trial a Mobile-Alert before 31 March 2015 and receive a FREE PAL (child’s alert pendant valued at $79) just for trying it out. Even if you return the Mobile-Alert, keep the PAL with our compliments.

See the full range of Mobile-Alerts: www.mobile-alert.com.au or call for a brochure on: 1800 88 53 50 (it’s a free call). * The Mobile-Alert works wherever a cell phone works.

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FUNERAL INSURANCE COULD END UP COSTING YOU $14,000* A PREPAID FUNERAL LOCKS IT IN AT $6,000

Call us anytime on 1300 556 222 or visit simplicityfunerals.com.au * Subject to variables, such as age, period of cover and policy conditions.

Save on funeral costs with Simplicity Funerals Whether you are looking to prepay your own funeral or need funeral services now, Simplicity Funerals are the champions of the affordable funeral.

Prepaying your funeral with Simplicity Funerals is not only one way to protect your family from having to find funds at a difficult time, in many cases it will also be the best way to achieve this.

When you prepay a funeral you are locking in today’s price, which means you are protected from inflation. Along with this protection, you will also have the added benefit of knowing the price up front and, when paid in full, there is no more to pay. Compare this with, say, a funeral insurance policy where you may face ongoing premiums that will add up over time: this means you can end up paying more for the

funeral insurance policy than the value of the actual funeral.

But this is not the only way that Simplicity Funerals can save you money on funeral costs.

If your family needs to arrange a funeral now, then we are pleased to offer you our Simplicity Guarantee where we make two simple promises to you: you will pay no more than you have to, to get the level of service you expect.

Thanks to our Simplicity Guarantee, we offer to better any written funeral quote you receive from another funeral director by 10%. Just bring in any written quote to us, then rest assured that our price beat guarantee means you will pay less on funeral costs.

But we know that even though the cost of the funeral is often a factor, you also want things to run smoothly on the day.

Simplicity Funerals has more than 30 years of experience in arranging affordable funerals and so we are able to use this experience to offer you a refund of our professional fees if you are unhappy with the services we provide.

We offer you this Simplicity Guarantee so that you can be assured that the service we provide will be of the highest quality. Why trust your important family moment to someone who isn’t prepared to guarantee that you’ll pay less as well as be satisfied with the services provided? Only Simplicity Funerals has the confidence and expertise to provide you with such an attractive offer. Our price beat and satisfaction guarantee is designed to assure peace of mind, at the lowest possible price.

Pay no more than you have to; get the level of service you expect: this is the Simplicity Guarantee.

I am writing to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of Simplicity Funerals in planning and managing my father’s service. The day was extremely sad but what made it wonderful was the effort and professionalism of those concerned. I would personally like to highlight the efforts of Poppy for her guidance and professional manner. For my father’s service, I extend nothing but praise. One of the brothers said “This was the best funeral I’ve ever been to,” and many other people commented that “the celebrant was excellent”. It was a wonderful service. So, in closing, thank you for our very special day. Hopefully I won’t see you in the near future, but I would have no hesitation in recommending your company to any of my friends and loved ones. - Glenda 38 BOWLS PLUS QUEENSLAND FEBRUARY / MARCH 2015

News Flash Electricity Bill Down $600 for the last quarter With the cost of power constantly increasing to sky rocket prices, it’s no wonder that the owners of Bowls Plus Magazine purchased two systems, one for their office premises and a separate system for their residential home, as more and more people have been turning to alternate energy sources we also needed to look at reducing our costs As electricity prices keep on increasing on a regular basis all over Australia.

The owners of Bowls Plus Magazine ordered two 5 kilowatt systems, one for their office and a second system for their residential home in South Australia.

The owners of the magazine needed to reduce their electricity bills through installing solar panels and taking advantage of the feed in tariff offered in the state of South Australia. With a 5kw system, requiring only 32 square meters of roof space, we can save up to $2,390 per year on electricity costs through each system. As we were writing this editorial our electricity account was received for our residential property and we have gone from the last bill received of $673.57 down to $53.03 for the billing period of 21st October 2014 to 20th January 2015. Now that’s worth writing about…

Confident in their knowledge that we would benefit from buying a Solar System., not only did we feel assured that we would benefit, but had absolute faith in the company after dealing with them for a period of time and talking to other Bowlers in Queensland and New South Wales that had purchased systems though Standard Solar not only did they reduce their electricity bills, but in Queensland and New South Wales the bills where very low and some bills in credit. Our only regret is that we waited so long to go solar.

Our next stage as business owners is to become completely self-sufficient and disconnect from the electricity network altogether in our

home and our office premises, We will keep you posted with information as we go self–sufficient as what to expect, costs of going forward and savings we have made.

As a lot of our readers are reaching the retirement age income is reduced and so costs have to go down to manage a good lifestyle. So give our friends a call at Standard Solar we’re sure they can help you as they have us.

So whether you would like to simply reduce your bills or to become completely self-sufficient and disconnect from the electricity network altogether, Standard Solar will have a solution to suit you.

Using state of the art Lithium Ion battery technology, they can tailor a system that will enable you to utilise power from the sun, even at night! As your panels are generating electricity, any excess that is not being used to power your home during the day is stored in the batteries. Then, after the sun goes down, the electricity that was stored is put into use. As the power prices are generally at the most expensive between 3:00pm and 11:00pm, the savings are maximised.

As soon as the sun comes up again, the panels begin producing, and the batteries are re-charged. Basically, you generate, store, and use your OWN power, eliminating the need to ever pay a power bill again! Modular battery units are maintenance free, and have a working life upwards of 20 years. This cutting edge technology is available now, and has never been so affordable.

With a range of both commercial and domestic systems ranging from 2kw to 100kw, Standard Solar is leading the way in total energy management.

Benefits of being a host family

impact, your family will grow together.

Getting involved in international exchange is rewarding for your whole family. Below are just some of the benefits of hosting an exchange student with EF Language School.

Live Life to the Fullest Families with grown children or without kids of their own love hosting too. Having an exchange student provides a great way to be part of a vibrant international community. Many people also find they start living life to the fullest with a new son or daughter to share experiences with.

Create a Volunteer Family Families of all shapes and sizes benefit immensely from doing good together. This is especially true when you sign up to be a home stay family with EF. Parents experience the joy of sharing in a student’s development. People of all ages benefit from bonding with a student from another country. And by sharing a desire to understand other cultures and make an

Learn More About the World Hosting is an excellent way to learn about the world without leaving home. Parents and children alike can learn a new language, get personal insight into the world beyond their backyards, and even become

BRING MORE LIFE INTO YOUR HOME. HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT! Welcome a temporary member to your family a few times a year when it suits you. Through hosting you will discover new cultures and show students the Australian way of life!

excellent international cooks! Living with a student from another culture is an education in itself, and it doesn’t cost a thing.

Have Fun Host families and exchange students share a lot of laughter. Whether giggling over the mispronunciation of words or sharing students’ excitement about the new school and friends, host families have a tremendous amount of fun.

Change the World It sounds ambitious, but it’s true: when you host an EF exchange student, you gain the power to change the world, one student at a time.

CONTACT US! EF International Language Centres tel: +61 7 3846 4544 email: brisbanehosts@ef.com www.ef.com

Our homestay families are compensated weekly for the hosting costs.

If you live in Brisbane please do not hesitate to contact us for more information!

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UNLOCK THE POWER OF THE SUN

GENERATE, STORE AND USE YOUR OWN POWER

The future of home energy is here now and its never been so affordable You can now generate store and use your own electricity and stop paying those ever increasing electricity bills You can now run your home on solar power and state of the art lithium ion battery systems Generate and use solar during the day and run your home on battery power during the evening no need to buy electricity from a power company ever.

Our modular lithium ion battery storage systems are computer controlled and have a working life of 20 years plus this is state of the art technology available now.

1800 636 636

www.standardsolar.com.au