Launching a magazine, newspaper or online news platform – even just a new section within them – is like giving birth (maybe minus most of the swearing and screaming). Certainly, in all scenarios, there’s plenty of preparation and research, anticipation and uncertainty, frustration and short tempers.
All of this, of course, makes way for joy and celebration once we are embracing the new arrival. Trust me, I’ve had experience in both kinds of births. And those working behind the scenes always feel a sense of pride once the big day comes and with each passing week/milestone (or edition).
I wasn’t part of the team effort that started Your Time in April 2015. I’ve only been editor for just over a year. So, I’m the ‘adoptive parent’ who knows this ‘baby’ has been in good hands up until the point of handover. Now it’s my role to ensure all that initial hard work doesn’t go to waste and to see this teenager grow and prosper
Two people who have been there from the beginning are the publishing and sales team, Michelle Austin and Sarah Hillman, who have taken the magazine from the launch to today’s edition. Your Time
wouldn’t be what it is today without them. They are at the frontline of connecting with advertisers and helping them promote their wares and services to our readers. In turn, our amazing and loyal advertisers keep us in business. And staying in business is tough. We don’t even have to look to COVID-19 or natural disasters to realise personal problems or merely bad luck can spell failure.
The media industry is no different. ‘Reader-favourite’ publications fold as overhead costs explode. Grassroots newsrooms are shut down by ‘suits’ in ivory towers. Mum-and-dad desktop publishers divorce and go their separate ways.
So, for Your Time to chalk up a decade of publishing speaks volumes for the dedication of Sunshine Coast Publishing Co staff, not to mention the trust readers place in the mag, its sister publications, My We ekly Prev iew (now more than 850 editions) and Salt (marking 20 years in the 2025 Winter edition), plus our Sunshine Coast News website, launched during COVID-19 in November 2020.
It proves that people want and deserve free and independent news, and appreciate the work that goes into providing a consistently good read – every article, every page, every edition. I hope that you find Edition 121 of Your Time is no exception.
PS Happy Easter!
Shi rley Sinclai r Editor
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What’s
What to b o ok
THE Museum of Brisbane’s walking tours are back – ideal for first-time visitors or long-time lovers of our capital city. The walking tour program has encouraged thousands of people over the past five years to visit Brisbane’s remarkable past. Step back in time to explore the World War II era of jazz music, US soldiers and the Battle of Brisbane in Walking in Wartime (book at museumof brisbane.com.au/whatson/walking-in-war t ime/). Or consider Brisbane City Walking Tour: Past and Present, delving into stories of Traditional Custodians, convicts, public art and one of Brisbane’s towering cathedrals, before taking in Museum of Brisbane’s exhibition, New Light: Photography Now + Then (museumof brisbane.com.au/whats-on/brisbanecit y-walking-tour-past-and-present/).
What to dis c over
IF YOU thought the Sunshine Coast’s leading contemporary art festival, Horizon, was just for the youngsters, think again. Now in its ninth year, the 10-day festival will run from Friday, May 2, to Sunday, May 11, with more than 50 entertaining and evocative events. Check out Catching A Whiff (a guided walking tour through the aromas of The Falls Farm), the music stylings of Australian/American recording artist CW Stoneking, Scene Through the Screen (a visual art exhibition that celebrates the work and stories of the Jinibara people) and Supperclub Mapleton – Dining Experience (a collaboration between chefs, regenerative farmers and artists at Mapleton Public House). And don’t miss The Daily Muse (a public art project, within the Festival Precinct, where each piece reflects the daily news). Go to horizonfest ival.com.au
What to watch
IF YOU enjoyed the triumphs and tribulations of the characters in Season 1 of Ten Pound Poms, the story ramps up in Season 2 on Stan. Based on true events, the series follows a group of immigrants as they leave dreary, post-World War II Britain for a new life in sunny Australia in 1956. The Ten Pound Poms scheme promised adult migrants passage to Oz for only 10 pounds sterling (children travelled for free). It convinced more than a million migrants between 1945 and 1972 to make the long journey. The idea of a better life for a tenner seemed too good to be true. And in many cases, it was … the reality can’t measure up to the hype when you’re struggling to survive, far from the familiarity of life as you knew it on the other side of the globe. As many parents and grandparents of Aussies today came out here as ‘Ten Pound Poms’, the historic drama series certainly pulls at the heartstrings and often shows an ugly side to life Down Under
Back in the day…
APRIL 25 Anzac Day ceremonies this year take on special significance as they will mark the 110th anniversary of Australian soldiers landing at what is now called Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkiye. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs says the Anzac Day Dawn Service will take place at the Anzac Commemorative Site, Gallipoli, followed by a mid-morning memorial service at Lone Pine Cemetery Se e dva.gov.au. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Pacific. The Australian National Maritime Museum at Sydney’s Darling Harbour will present a range of activities in coming months.
What to listen to
ENJOY an intimate, acoustic portrait of the songs that changed the world when Darren Coggan and Damien Leith celebrate the songbook of John Lennon and Paul McCartney in Two of Us. The two-hour show at The Events Centre, Caloundra, from 7.30pm on Saturday, June 7, is back-toback hits from the two Beatles’ musical partnership and solo careers, including He y Jude, All You Ne ed Is Love, Yeste rday, Imagine, Mull of Kint y re, E le anor Rigby, Le t It Be, Je alous Guy and Be aut if ul Boy, accompanied by The Strawberry Fields Stringed Quartet. Visit the eventscent re.com.au/event/ t wo-of-us-the-songs-of-lennon-and-mccar t ne y/
Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.
STATE OF ORIG IN RIVAL RY G OES WAY, WAY BACK
NOW that the Las Vegas NRL Round 1 ho opla is over, Que ensland can get on with the s erious business of winning State of Origin.
The intens e rivalry with the original c olony of NSW starte d in 1859 when the NSW Government left our new c olony ‘broke’, with the first governor Sir G e orge Bowen finding only s even p enc e halfp enny in the till.
When a thief broke into the Treasury and carrie d off thos e few c oins, the b ewildere d Bowen had to rely on his p ers onal ac c ounts to pay the state’s first public s ervants.
Knowing the c onvict would have originally c ome from NSW, the flabb ergaste d governor said, “The man is a fo ol as well as a rogue, or he would have waite d a b etter time until s ome revenue was c olle cte d.”
Revenue was rais e d at Que en’s Wharf with duties on imp orts by s ea and c oal shipp e d down the Brisbane River from
Ipswich plus excis e on rum. This was a practic e inherite d from NSW and its Rum Reb ellion.
But Que enslanders would s o on make their rum from b ountiful sugar cane.
To day, they have our Bundy to c elebrate when the Maro ons b eat the Blues after all thos e years sinc e b eing short-change d.
E ditor’s note: The men’s State of Origin Series op ener is at Brisbane’s Sunc orp Stadium on We dnes day, May 28. The action then will head to Perth for the first time in thre e years for G ame 2 at Optus Stadium on We dnes day, June 18. The p otential de cider is at Sydney’s Ac c or Stadium on We dnes day, July 9. The 2025 women’s s eries will s e e G ame 1 as part of the NRL Magic Round on Thurs day, May 1, at Brisbane’s Sunc orp Stadium. Then G ame 2 is at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Thurs day, May 15, b efore G ame 3 and p ossible de cider at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on Thurs day, May 29.
MUSINGS
T he bir th of Anz ac Day in Br isbane
CHRIS C URRIE
explores State Library of Que ensland’s c olle ctions to dis c over that our capital city b egan Australia’s national da y of remembranc e.
On Monday, January 10, 1916, a “monster public me eting” was held in Brisbane’s Exhibition Hall to dis cuss ways to publicly c ommemorate the more than 8700 s oldiers who had die d in World War I’s G allip oli campaign. Out of this me eting came the formation of the Anzac Day Commemoration Committe e (ADCC), whos e c omplete re c ords are held in State Library of Que ensland’s c olle ctions and give a fas cinating insight into the formation of what is to day a national day of remembranc e.
Minutes from the first me eting show a de cision that the date of obs ervanc e would b e April 25 – the day of the original landing – and that “the chief obje ct of the day” would b e “the re c ognition of the gallant c ourage displaye d by Australia’s s ons, in fighting for the pres ervation of lib erty and civilisation”
Only a few months later, Brisbane
hoste d what is b elieve d to b e the c ountry’s first Anzac Day c ommemoration, with lo cals exp eriencing a curious mixture of excitement and s olemnity
Inde e d, the c ommitte e was careful to try and divorc e the event from other patriotic activities b eing undertaken across the state.
“It is hop e d,” reads the ADCC statement, “that there will b e no attempt to turn the day into one of jubilation or rejoicing in any form.”
The day b egan with religious s ervic es “for all denominations” at army camps around Brisbane, followe d by formal church s ervic es at 11am, attende d by returne d s oldiers.
The stre ets of Brisbane city were adorne d with flags and “floral honours”, with thos e in c elebration mixing in with the great many in p ers onal mourning, who “wore badges or displaye d s ome cherishe d relic which was ass o ciate d
with one or the other of thos e now sle eping in G allip oli”
By 3pm, an enormous numb er of p e ople (s ome estimates put it as high as 50,000) b egan to gather along Que en Stre et leading up to the G eneral Post Offic e (GPO), which had b e en s et up as a “saluting bas e” where the day’s main c eremony would take plac e. D espite city c ouncil warnings not to sit or stand on building awnings, photos show many p e ople ignoring that advic e
By this time, more than 6400 s oldiers had b egun a march from the Exhibition Grounds towards the GPO. Along the route, the crowds grew s o dens e that p olic e had to form a c ordon to hold them back and let the s oldiers through.
The s oldiers eventually ass emble d at the front of the GPO where large platforms had b e en ere cte d, p opulate d by “Ministers of the Crown, naval, military, civic and e c clesiastical dignitaries [and] memb ers of the judiciary” (including then
Que ensland governor Major Sir Hamilton Go old-Adams on a dais overlo oking the stre et), forcing the majority of the s oldiers – s ome wounde d – to sit on the ground or gutters, b oth rep orte dly still wet from morning rain.
Nonetheless, thre e volleys of gunfire broke the air and the crowd fell silent as eight buglers s ounde d The Las t Pos t Afterwards, a band struck up a “brisk march” and the official parade b egan in earnest.
“... three volleys of gunfire broke the air and the crowd fell silent as eight buglers sounded The Last Post”
Even though “umbrellas were broken, hats crumple d up and tro d up on, dress es torn and hair dishevelle d”, the crowd rep orte dly left the pro c ession in fine spirits.
Later that night, ab out 2500 p e ople gathere d in the Exhibition Hall for a s eries of sp e e ches c ommemorating the G allip oli landing.
At 9pm, a minute’s silenc e b egan. By re quest of the mayor, “all public or s emi-public clo cks throughout the city” had b e en synchronis e d to the tower clo ck on Central Station, allowing all citizens to c eas e “all work and amus ement” at exactly the same time.
However you view it, Australia’s first Anzac Day c ommemoration was a sinc ere and impressive tribute to Australian and New Zealand s oldiers whos e sacrific e and “imp erishable fame” would now not b e forgotten.
Anzac Day, it was clear, was here to stay.
Sir HJ Goold-Adams, the then state governor, takes the salute at the post office on Anzac Day, Brisbane, 1916
PUSH TO PROMOTE MORE PET-FRIENDLY AGED CARE
WITH 95 p er c ent of p e ople b elieving that p ets c ontribute to improve d health outc omes for older p e ople, having ac c ess to dog and cat-friendly age d care should b e far more c ommon.
That’s ac c ording to national animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA).
Yet, as of 2023, only 18 p er c ent of age d care facilities allow residents to ke ep p ets, and just 9 p er c ent of older p et owners living at home, who rely on government-funde d Home C are Packages (HCPs), re c eive any assistanc e with their p et’s care, CANA’s 2023 Aged Care Sur ve y: S tat us of Pe ts in Aged Care rep orts.
As a result, p et surrenders due to life changes, such as moving into age d care or struggling to me et a p et’s ne e ds, c ontinue to ris e.
Many older Australians los e not only a cherishe d c ompanion but als o the daily joy, c omfort and s ens e of purp os e that a p et provides.
CANA’s 2025 Pe t Fr ie ndly Aged Care Sur ve y is now live, and everyone is enc ourage d to participate to help shap e p olicies that ke ep older adults and their b elove d p ets together
“CANA is calling on all Australians to s eriously c onsider what this means for their families and how it c ould p ers onally
affe ct them at s ome p oint in the future,” says Trish Ennis, CEO of CANA, which repres ents c ompanion animal welfare organisations across Australia.
“No one should have to say go o dbye to a b elove d p et simply b e caus e they’re growing older or ne e d extra care. ”
Australia has one of the highest rates of p et ownership in the world. Yet, for many older adults – whether living at home, in a retirement village or an age d care home – ac c ess to p et c ompanionship remains a challenge.
“Through our Pet Friendly Age d C are program, we work to pres erve this critical b ond, ke eping p e ople and p ets together for as long as it b enefits their health and wellb eing,” Ms Ennis says.
CANA is inviting age d care providers, p olicymakers, p et owners and c ommunity memb ers to take part in the 2025 Pet Friendly Age d C are Survey to help shap e p olicies that supp ort p et c ompanionship in age d care.
Take the survey at petfriendlyagedcare.com.au/surveys
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I READ somewhere that humans make up the only species, roaming this Earth or swimming in its waters, that laughs.
Oh yes, you can see smiles on the faces of animals, especially dolphins, but are they really expressions of amusement or something else entirely?
They might look like they are laughing but I am pretty sure that they don’t have a sense of humour
I am convinced that if I tried to tell a dolphin, cat or dog a joke about humans that it would not make them laugh, while we humans can laugh ourselves silly about animal jokes.
Laughter is like a drug: once you start, it is hard to stop. But it will do no harm.
On the contrary, we are being told – and it is proven, I believe – that laughter is one of the best medicines to keep us in good health.
It is free of any monetary cost and the supply is endless.
There are people who always look at the funny side of a situation and there are people who cannot get the
joke. I personally always try to look for the funny side of things because I want to laugh, no matter how small or silly the reason.
My children shake their heads and put it down to another idiosyncrasy of their mother
Would I laugh at a Chinese joke, an Indian, a Swiss one? Even if I spoke the language, I probably would not get their humour
But no matter what race or country, I would always recognise a laugh and would be able to laugh right back.
Comedians are entertainers we flock to. Why? Because their jokes are usually simple.
The simpler the jokes, the more we laugh.
We can laugh ’til we cry with mirth and might, leave the theatre exhausted, wiping tears from our eyes, but happy
I once spent a week in a health camp and one of the sessions I attended was called The Laughing Yoga. None of the participants had any idea of what to expect.
We mingled in the room, talking softly, until the facilitator shook my hand and gave a little laugh.
I shook her hand and laughed right back.
The same thing was happening
all around me. Soon the smiles and little laughs became loud, outright laughter
Then, the room was filled with unrestrained shrieks of laughter
We laughed at each other, we laughed over nothing at all, and we did not want to stop.
Of course, there is the vanity factor. I think that laughter lines around the eyes are much more attractive than frowns on your forehead.
There are many types of laughter: there is the grin, the sweet smile, the belly laugh, the guffaws, the sniggers, the cackles, the chortle, chuckles and sniggers.
But the most infectious— and precious of them all — is the laughter of a little baby or a very young child. They are truly irresistible.
May you find something to laugh about, even on a grey day
Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com
AS QUEENSLANDERS, we’re told to be storm ready In March, our usually serene part of the country was on cyclone alert – the first to cross our coast in 50 years, we were told.
Many of us had a sudden wake-up call as to what being storm ready might mean.
For some, it meant stocking up on baked beans and toilet paper akin to pandemic proportions.
While I can see how those items might relate to each other, I refuse to go into panic mode when I’m sure my pantry could feed me for a month or more at any given time.
The day before Cyclone Alfred’s ETA, I noticed Southeast Queensland residents were divided. There were people leaving the supermarket with trolleys loaded like they’d just won a supermarket dash competition. And then there were those doing a spot of fishing, and others taking advantage of the swollen sea to surf the waves at the closed beaches.
I haven’t had a lot of cyclone experience, so I checked the recommended things such as having a functioning torch, charged phone and batteries in the radio.
I also cleared my yard of excess rubbish. The line-up to dump green waste at the local tip told me I wasn’t alone on that one. There was also a long queue at the service station.
Free Will Service
By Che r yl Lo ck wo od
Advice from those on our television screens recommended we all stay safe at home, so I wasn’t sure why we all needed fuel. Maybe to drive to higher ground?
The closest I’ve been to a cyclone was while cruising as a 19-year-old, when the ship changed course to avoid one. The worst of it was seasickness, thanks to the rise and fall of the Or iana on the high seas. I haven’t been on a cruise since.
I was in New York City when Hurricane Sandy was looming. As there were seven of us travelling together, we hired a people mover and drove out of there. We kept driving until we reached Bethlehem in Pennsylvania and the shelter of a motel.
That night, we watched through the windows as transformers exploded like fireworks. The following day, we drove away from the now electricity-free town and kept going south until we reached unaffected states.
In hindsight, we were fortunate to be able to escape the path of destruction and
continue our travels. As we left New York, we were surprised to see a man cleaning paths with a leaf blower, which seemed very futile hurricane preparation.
Over a decade later, I can’t pass judgment. Awaiting the arrival of TC Alfred and bunkered down at home, I started cleaning my kitchen cupboards.
With no idea of the cyclonic damage that could unfold, I did wonder if a sudden cleaning spree would help anything.
I put it down to boredom. After attacking the pantry and discarding quite a few out-of-date products, the shelves looked a bit bare. So, I headed for the supermarket after all.
After that, I battened down the hatches, secure in the knowledge that I’d be able to make custard if I should be stuck at home.
After much dilly-dallying about, Alfred cancelled his visit to my neck of the woods, for which I was most grateful. Further down the coast, he caused nasty damage and robbed many households of power.
Eventually, Alfred ran out of puff, but still brought heavy rain and flooding to some areas. Again, not mine.
Thankfully, most residents had some warning and were able to be as storm ready as possible.
My thoughts and prayers are with those who copped more than their fair share of Alfie’s fallout.
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Picture a collection of precious memories across the generations
EDIN READ offers exp ert tips to help prote ct our treasure d photo albums and ke ep them ke ep safe for many years to c ome.
Family photos are some of our most precious possessions, capturing memories and moments we never want to lose.
However, old photo albums and printed pictures can fade, become damaged or even be lost over time.
That’s why digitising your collection is one of the best steps you can take to protect your family memories.
Physical photos are vulnerable to damage from sunlight, moisture or just the wear and tear of time. By creating digital copies, you safeguard these memories and make it easier to share them with family members who live far away
Plus, once your photos are digitised, you can organise them, back them up, and even restore some of the colours that might have faded over the years.
So how do you start scanning your photos? There are a few ways to go about it, depending on what you have available.
If you own a home scanner, this can be a great tool for creating high-quality digital copies. Place your photo on the scanner bed, close the lid, and select the highest-
resolution setting available (300 dpi or higher is best for photos).
For those without a scanner, a smartphone can work just as well. Apps such as Google PhotoScan or Microsoft Lens allow you to take a clear photo of your picture and automatically enhance it.
Another option is to use a professional scanning service, which can handle large batches of photos quickly and return them to you as digital files.
Once you have your photos digitised, it’s time to organise them. Sorting through decades of pictures might sound daunting, but it’s worth the effort to make finding specific photos easier later on.
A good starting point is to sort photos into folders by year, event or family member. You might have a folder for family holidays or grandkids’ birthdays, for example. It also helps to rename files with clear labels, such as ‘Mum and Dad Anniversary 1985’ instead of IMG_1234. This way, you can search for photos by name and find them quickly.
Backing up your digital collection is one of the most important steps you can
take. Losing digital photos can be just as heartbreaking as losing physical ones, especially if you’ve spent time scanning and organising them.
I recommend using both an external hard drive and a cloud service for backups.
An external hard drive allows you to keep a copy at home, while a cloud service such as Google Photos, iCloud or OneDrive provides an additional layer of protection.
Most cloud services offer a certain amount of free storage and back up your photos as you add them to your computer or phone.
Once your photos are organised and backed up, sharing them with loved ones becomes much easier. Digital albums are a fantastic way to showcase your memories and make them accessible to family members near and far. Services such as Google Photos let you create shared albums that anyone can view, comment on or add their own pictures to.
You might also consider creating a photo book, which makes for a wonderful gift and a beautiful way to display special moments. There are many online services including Snapfish or Canva that make designing photo books simple and fun. For something interactive, consider putting together a digital slideshow with music for family gatherings.
When sharing photos online, it’s important to keep privacy in mind. If you’re using social media to share your pictures, check your privacy settings to ensure only friends or family can see them.
Avoid posting photos with sensitive information or locations that could compromise your privacy. For safer sharing, stick to private albums on platforms such as Google Photos, where you can control who has access.
Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au
Bigger and pricier isn’t always better
BRUCE McMAHON test drives the next-generation To yota Prado whos e 4WD abilities no doubt will go largely undis c o ve re d by many buyers.
Toyota’s Prado has long b e en a family favourite as a go-almostanywhere alternative to the bigger (and dearer) LandCruis er
That p opularity le d to suburban paro dy when a go o d numb er of Prados were us e d for little more than s cho ol drop-offs, despite the machine’s extensive off-road ability
Now c omes the next-generation Prado with all-new style, fresh te chnology and pric es tending ever-upward, from around $72,500 all the way to $100,000 for top-ofthe-range.
And while there was quick uptake of the first of thes e new wagons off the b o at, this latest version may not prove quite as p opular as its pre d e c ess or
First up is the s quare d-off style –app ealing to s ome, not s o pretty to others (then again, prev ious Prados were no oil paintings).
This one retains a c ouple of styling cues from earlier Prados, such as the try-hard, Je ep-style grille on s ome mo dels and a little kink to the rear shoulders.
Some b o dy c olours suit the shap e b etter than others.
The b oxy b o dy is bigger, longer and wider with more interior spac e, though cargo spac e isn’t great when there’s a third row of s e ats. Thes e don’t fold into the flo or with a storage b ox b ehind the folde d s e ats to make up a flat platform.
So, there’s extra height to the cargo flo or: not helpful when heav ing an Esky or 50 litres of garden s oil into the rear, and less luggage spac e than rivals.
There is, however, any numb er of anchor p oints for child s e ats, a numb e r of storage sp ots and a fair amount of c omfort and c o nvenienc e features throughout the cabin.
Dashb oard and c entre c ons ole are a tad busy with switches for the likes of air-c onditioning and fourwhe el-drive mo des.
Likewis e, the instruments’ graphics are cluttere d, but the infotainment touch s c re en is a de c ent size.
The cabin’s style follows this new-age, straight-e dge d approach of the b o d y Yet it do esn’t fe el as fresh or engaging as s ome SUV rivals.
But there’s the thing: thos e s e vens e at rivals such as Hyundai’s Santa Fe don’t have quite the four-whe el-drive mountain-climbing ability or reputation.
Where the current Santa Fe is a real alternative as a family-friendly wagon with (the right options) s ome b eachability, it’s not quite ready fo r deadly s erious off-road work.
So, the Prado runs a dual transfer cas e for high and low drive to all four whe els, backe d by various drive mo des for different road and track c onditions.
It us es an eight-s peed a utomatic transmission for the 2.8-litre dies el engine and its motor generator, 48-volt ele ctrical system and lithium battery
This mild hybrid helps smo other
restarts from the stop-start system, supplies a little extra p ower at times and helps fuel e c onomy The battery is regenerat e d as the wagon slows.
To yota’s Prado has long b e en a p opular choic e with families, adventurous or not.
It drives well and there’s little doubting its four-whe el-drive abilities, but it’s now bigger and pricier, with more alternative options as the Chines e fill out SUV niches.
Then there’s still Ford’s Everest, To yota Fortuner and Isuzu MU-X fo r s erious four-whe el driv ing and the likes of that Santa Fe or Kia’s C arnival if chasing well-delivere d family transp ort in an SUV.
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Is more exercise al way s better for you?
CAITLYN HUTH lo oks at how we can all find the right balanc e to reach our movement goals.
Exp eriencing progress can c ertainly bring a lot of excitement, but do es that mean more is always b etter?
It can be! Putting in a little extra effort can yield impressive results, especially as we become more accustomed to facing new challenges.
If you’re feeling positive about the early stages of your recovery, this approach might suit you well.
Embracing new exercises and pushing yourself a bit further can lead to breakthroughs that enhance your overall performance and wellbeing.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that balance is key
As we introduce more exercise into our routines, our bodies need adequate time to recover and adjust to these new demands.
This recovery process is crucial for building our physical and mental capacity
If we bypass this important step and continue to increase our workload without giving our
bodies the necessary time to recuperate, we could face issues down the line.
Sometimes, doing more can lead to too much, causing the body to experience excessive stress and inflammation that it can’t manage. This can result in fatigue, injury or even burnout, which can set back our progress significantly.
It’s vital to listen to your body and recognise the signs that indicate when you need to slow down. Remember, recovery can often lead to greater progress.
Allowing your body the time it needs to heal and adapt can actually create a stronger
foundation for future achievements. Constantly pushing for more doesn’t always yield long-term benefits.
Instead, focus on a balanced approach that incorporates adequate rest and recovery, allowing your body to acclimate to the new demands.
If you feel the motivation and want to keep momentum with movement while also being mindful of overloading the body, try opting for gentle activities or activities of leisure or enrichment. This could include doing some stretching, swimming or slow walking.
This could also include playing with your grandchildren, attending to your garden or engaging in another somewhat active hobby that you enjoy.
This strategy will help you build resilience and strength, paving the way for sustained progress in your fitness journey.
Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au
FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law
AS WE age, the chances of us falling increase. We may be able to do something about that. The two most important things I would stress and always ask seniors to do is, firstly, make sure you practise your balance and, secondly, do regular resistance exercises. They are not placed in order of importance, but both are very important.
Balance can be practised every morning and night. When you put pyjamas on, try standing up with one leg in first and then the other. The same can be done when taking them off
This also applies to underwear. Try standing on one leg to put on your socks, and take them off These are simple things that we can do daily.
If you cannot do this straight away, work it out incrementally.
Start by sitting on your bed to put garments and socks on and off and then graduate to standing by the bed for support.
Resistance exercises should be done at least twice weekly, the
latest Aust ralian Gove r nment Guidelines on He alth reports.
If you have some weights or access to a gym, this is easy to achieve. But not everyone has these things available. My wife seldom lifts weights, but every time she goes shopping, Margaret insists on carrying her own shopping bags. She tells me this is part of her weekly resistance training routine.
Recently, she has not been well. So, her usual exercise routine has been disrupted. But she is now back into her weekly shopping routine of carrying her own (sometimes quite heavy) groceries. Other forms of resistance training can be hanging out the washing, pushing a vacuum cleaner around the house, mopping the floors and gardening.
So, practise your balance daily, and do some resistance exercise at least two days a week. Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.
over 60 years, the Queensland and Northern New South Wales Lions Medical Research Foundation (LMRF) has fuelled transformative medical research by supporting early career bio-medical scientists dedicated to tackling urgent health challenges.
Research for a Healthier Tomorrow
• Dr. Dominic Guanzon : Developing a blood test to predict ovarian cancer recurrence, offering a new hope for patients facing limited treatment options.
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TURTLE SYMPOSIUM AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT
MORETON Bay’s first Turtle Symp osium:
A C all to Action for Cons ervation on May 3 and 4 will s e e two days de dicate d to awareness of thes e marine creatures.
With turtle nesting along the Que ensland c oast surging by an astounding 125 p er c ent this past s eas on, the urgency to rais e awareness ab out thes e ancient mariners has never b e en greater
Climate change and human activity c ontinue to p os e significant challenges, making it crucial to bring together exp erts, c ons ervationists and the c ommunity for the inaugural symp osium.
This land mark event is b eing hoste d by Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group Moreton Bay, REF (Rehabilitate E ducate Facilitate)
Environmental and Bribie Island Turtle Trackers: thre e passionate organisations c ommitte d to safeguarding our c oastal e c osystems.
Kicking off on Saturday, May 3, from 10am-2pm, the first day of the symp osium unfolds on the shores of Que ens Beach North, Scarb orough: a site that onc e witness e d hatchlings dis oriente d by stre etlights, heading the wrong way in 2010.
Thanks to sp e cialis e d lighting s olutions, such incidents have sinc e b e en prevente d.
This fre e, family-friendly event
offers a unique e c o-tourism exp erienc e that features:
• exp ert talks on turtle c ons ervation in Moreton Bay
• Indigenous fo o d tasting and cultural storytelling
• children’s activities designe d to inspire the next generation of c ons ervationists
• lucky draw prizes for attende es.
On Sunday, May 4, the symp osium moves to The Komo, Re dcliffe, for an engaging day of dis cussion and dis c overy.
This tickete d event will feature a stellar line-up of sp eakers, including Profess or Col Limpus, Australia’s foremost turtle exp ert. His remarkable res earch includes a story of a hatchling he tagge d at Mon Rep os, Bundab erg, only for it to return, de cades later, to the same nesting site.
For updates, search for ‘Moreton Bay Turtle Symposium’ on Facebook.
BRENDALE VIEW CLUB COMPUTER GROUP
THE February dinner meeting was a time to party for the Brendale VIEW members celebrating the club’s 26th anniversary. On this special occasion, six members were presented with 10-year, 20-year and 30-year badges. During this celebration, guest speaker Karen Curtis, from Stafford Garden Club, gave an interesting and educational talk on ‘Gardening in Small Spaces’. The cake was cut by president Suzanne with past presidents Lynn T, Chris V, Tris R, Lyall A and Shayne H.
Save the date:
April 15: At the dinner meeting, the guest speaker is Amanda Harvey, from Queensland Rail.
May 20: The guest speaker will be Michelle Ryan, from Niagara Therapy, who will speak about pain management.
Book with Shayne on 0409 991 428.
LO GAN Seniors Computer Group (LSCG) me ets from 9am to no on on most s e c ond and fourth Saturdays of the month.
The venue is Logan West Library, Grand Plaza Drive, Browns Plains.
LSCG is a small, mature-age d, friendly, no-frills, non-profit group which has b e en running sinc e 1995.
Group memb ers share their knowle dge of c omputers, mobile phones and tablets and other devic es.
Memb ers assist each other (b eginners to advanc e d), one on one, in dis cussion groups, le ctures and PowerPoint pres entations.
Bring in your own c omputer (or share thos e of the group), plus a mug and noteb o ok.
Morning tea or coffee are available. Call Dawn on 0413 938 947.
PALLIATIVE CARE QUEENSLAND HELPS TO FULFIL 200 WISHES
THE signature program of Palliative Care Queensland has celebrated fulfilling 200 wishes for those with a life-limiting illness.
Ambulance Wish Queensland is all about helping create unforgettable memories for residents as they navigate the last special moments of their lives.
Robyn, the 200th wish recipient, fulfilled her wish to renew her marriage vows with her husband.
The vow renewal ceremony was held
at Wynnum Beach on Friday, February 7. The program is supported by volunteer Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics, nurses, doctors and community members.
Palliative Care CEO Louise O’Neill says the 200th wish demonstrates the community resilience of Queenslanders helping Queenslanders.
Visit palliativecareqld.org.au and ambulancewishqld.org.au
An initial limited release of 46 residences in our first precinct, Harmony, ofers the opportunity to be part of a world-class community like no other.
Designed by award-winning architects, Lea Design Studio, Abadi Gaia features world-class facilitiesincluding café bistros, a restaurant, resort-style pools, a day spa, workshops, nature reserves, and more.
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How to live by the power of ‘why ’
CHARLIE GRIFFITHS recommends we all check in on ourselves regularly to keep our endeavours – from special projects to work/life balance – on track.
In my b o ok Runaway Re t ire e, I include d a s e ction on the ‘golden circle’, as do cumente d by Simon Sinek in his b o ok S tar t w ith Why
The concept is illustrated as three concentric circles.
The centre (nucleus) is ‘why’, the second circle is titled ‘how’ and the outer circle is known as ‘what’
Why is the core of any endeavour: the motivation or reason for doing it, and is bound by core values.
How is the methodology: the processes involved in bringing the project to fruition.
What is the outcome: the results or the products and services delivered
Sinek says this irresistible force applies to everything in nature, from simple organisms to giant corporations.
Focusing on results without due consideration and understanding of the system – and, ultimately, the reason for existence in the first place – is a recipe for failure.
This supports my belief that the primary instinct of any living thing is to thrive, while survival is the last resort.
If insects and animals in the wild didn’t take advantage of every opportunity to
multiply and breed as prolifically as possible, and instead were content to just tick along, they would soon become extinct under extreme adverse conditions.
Your why is the core reason for your present and future.
So, have a good hard think about your golden circle and imprint the core why into your subconscious.
Everything you do from here on will be governed by your unconscious compulsion to live for your why
You can’t do anything about it.
Everything you think, do and say will be to one end: to satisfy your why
Your why might only be one word. It might be a feeling that you can anchor and call on at will. It might be the words of an inspirational song (that I’ll bet was a fave in the ’70s.) You might keep a photo or an image that reminds you of your purpose.
A baby boomer may well have their mantra tattooed prominently, probably coded in Asian hieroglyphics.
My why is a simple phrase: “Do my best work in my seventies”. I have no tatts and only one ear piercing, but because my why is so strong, I just might consider some ink. Leave that with me.
It is imperative that you have your why absolutely covered before you turn the key to start your next project.
There’s no point driving into town to buy groceries without a shopping list; and the list is pointless without a compelling reason to walk up and down supermarket aisles, dazzling your senses with an explosion of offerings.
All your future thoughts and actions –your how and what – will be controlled by your core why
Imagine that I have called you out of the blue on your mobile phone and asked, “What is your why?” You should be able to answer instantly, instinctively I won’t call you, but you should check in on yourself regularly for confirmation and to refocus.
As I anticipate the upcoming four-day Easter break, I confidently recall my retirement philosophy.
As I explained to a long-standing colleague recently, “Retirement for me is working Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Then every weekend is Easter.”
My retirement why is to have 50 Easter breaks every year, my how is to work three days a week, and my what is the best of both worlds: work and play.
If this article resonates with you, I would love to hear from you. Contact me at charliegriffithscoaching.com
Charlie Griffiths is a certified life coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner dedicated to helping fellow professionals refocus after being diagnosed with a chronic disease.
River Glen Haven
QUALITY LIVING FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART
Located within walking distance to major shopping centres, transport and park lands with walkways and bike tracks. At River Glen Haven everything is here for residents to enjoy!
N d C
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Geoff R A Australia, the Queensland organisation in the Older Persons Advocacy Network, talks about the importance of the Statement of Rights in the Aged Care Act which will give legislative power to a fundamental shift in the way we deliver aged care.
Rowe, CEO of ADA Australia, organisation in the Older Persons Network, talks about the importance in the Care Act which power to a in the way we deliver care.
Providers can start with practices which embrace those fundamental elements of an ordinary life – being listened to and making choices - what to eat, when to shower, what to do, where to go or who visits
Embracing human rights doesn’t need to be difficult, it is first a change of perspective that the aged care sector is now required to make.
As 1 July 2025 and the start of the new Aged Care Act fast approaches, there is a lot of consternation in the aged care sector about what the changes will mean, and the readiness of providers and systems.
As 1 2025 and the start of the new Care Act fast there is a lot of consternation in the care sector about what the will mean, and the readiness of and systems
On some levels this is understandable, however, as an aged care advocate, I am concerned about the expectation that everything should be perfect and in place before we start to make changes, which will see the rights of older people be the focus of our aged care system.
On some levels this is understandable, I am concerned about the expectation that should be and in place before we start to make changes, which will see the rights of older be the focus of our care system
we wait to be we’ll never
If we wait for everything to be perfect, we’ll never start.
The human rights of older people are now enshrined in the Aged Care Act through a Statement of Rights. Whether you are receiving aged care services at home or in a residential aged care facility, service providers will have a positive duty to understand and deliver their services in line with these rights.
The human of older are now enshrined in the Care Act a Statement of Whether you are receiving aged care services at home or in a residential care service will have and deliver their services in line with these rights
It means self-determination and choices of older people should guide their aged care. It is a change in the current ways of thinking and working. No more doing what ‘ is best’ for the older person or overzealous safety measures.
It means self-determination and choices of older should their care. It is a in the current ways of and working No more what ‘ is best’ for the older person or overzealous
owe is CEO of AD the
Older P
The Statement of Rights replaces the Charter of Aged Care Rights and will help to make sure you are at the centre of your aged care. It gives you the right to:
• make your own decisions about your own life
• have your decisions not just accepted, but respected
• get information and support to help you make decisions
• communicate your wishes, needs and preferences
• feel safe and respected
• have your culture and identity respected
• stay connected with your community.
For more information about the Aged Care Act and Statement of Rights go to www.opan.org.au/ new-aged-care-act.
Geoff Rowe is CEO ADA Australia, the Queensland member of Persons Advocacy Network.
How aged care advocacy can help
ADA Australia is your Brisbane aged care advocacy service. Our friendly team of advocates provide free and independent information and support.
• Accessing aged care and getting your aged care services in place
• Information about aged care fees, service agreements, statements and budgets
• Raising and addressing care related concerns with service providers
• Supporting you to have a say in your care and the things that impact you.
Do you get or do you need government aged care services, either in your own home
We support you to access or get the most from your aged care services, understand service charges and fees and have a say in the things that impact you.
Our service is free, and our focus is on a
HOPPING INTO TRAVEL WITH CPAP: EASTER ADVENTURES CAN BE MADE EASY
EASTER is a great excus e for a getaway — whether it’s a road trip to the c oast, a family reunion, or a well-earne d overs eas es cap e.
But if you rely on a c ontinuous p ositive airway pressure (C PAP) machine, yo u might b e wondering how to ke ep your sle ep therapy on track while travelling.
The go o d news is that with a little planning, you can enjoy a stress-fre e holiday while still getting great sle ep.
A little preparation go es a long way, and CPAP D i re ct has
everything you ne e d to make travel with your machine a bre eze.
Its range of c ompact, lightweight, travel-friendly CPAP machines makes it easy to stay on track, whether you’re hitting the road or catching a flight.
Airline-approve d batteries such as the SmartMe d Airpro High C apacity Battery ke ep your therapy running — even at 30,000 fe et.
Plus, don’t forget the ess entials: spare mask cushions, tubing, filters and cleaning wip es, b e caus e the last thing you want is to run out of supplies while you’re aw ay
With CPAP D i re ct’s wide s ele ction, you can travel c onfidently, knowing you’re fully prepare d for a great night’s sle ep anywhere.
CPAP D i re ct has everything you ne e d for hassle-fre e Easter travel – from p ortable machines to exp ert adv i c e .
With the right preparation, you can indulge in hot cross buns, Easter eggs and holiday fun while still waking up refreshe d and ready to explore.
WHEN it c omes to respiratory health, there’s a new dev ic e that’s making a differenc e to thos e who are impacte d by lung or respiratory c onditions.
AirPhysio is an all-natural, mucus-clearanc e dev ic e that is suitable for anyone suffering from c onditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary dis eas e, bronchie ctasis, emphys ema, respiratory syncytial v irus, pneumonia, c ommon c old or flu.
The ARTG-liste d air physiotherapy me chanical dev ic e us es the same airwayclearanc e te chniques that do ctors have b e en using on patients in hospitals for many years. The os cillating p ositive expiratory pressure dev ic e is a simple and easy-to-us e, effe ctive lung-training to ol that lo os ens and mobilis es thick, stubb orn mucus in the airways which makes it hard to breathe.
AirPhysio helps to clear blo cke d airways and clear mucus from the lungs. As yo u breathe through the dev ic e, it creates a p ositive pressure which caus es a stainless-ste el
ball to v ibrate. This turbulenc e helps to lo os en mucus, enabling you to c ough and exp el it out naturally. With c ontinue d us e, the dev ic e has the p otential to slow down the progression of respiratory c onditions.
The dev ic e offers age d care prov iders another to ol to care for their patients.
The b eauty of AirPhysio is that it is c ompletely drug- and chemical-fre e, s o do es not re quire a pres cription. It is not an inhaler, nebulis er, spirometer, spray or puffer, s o is safe to us e. And as it do esn’t re quire any refills or batteries, it als o caus es no unpleasant side effe cts such as headache, naus ea or dizziness.
This award-winning, Australian innovation puts the p ower back into the hands of the us er and is an invaluable to ol for patients suffering from c ongestive lung dis eas es and lab oure d breathing c onditions.
There are four different typ es of AirPhysio which cater to different lung capacities: Low lung capacity – for p e ople affe cte d by lung or respiratory c onditions such as asthma,
cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, bronchie ctasis, COPD, emphys ema and RSV. It aids in re c o very from pneumonia, c olds and flu and is suitable for indiv iduals with respiratory mu s cle weakness or low lung capacity due to age. Average lung capacity – ideal for te enagers and adults who want to improve day-to-day breathing and lung capacity
AirPhysio for children – to help ages five and up breathe easier, s o they can live, play and learn without b eing impacte d by c ongeste d lungs. AirPhysio Sport s – fo r professional, elite and amateur sp ortsp e ople age d 13-plus. The drug-fre e p erformanc e enhanc er and lung-expansion dev ic e helps us ers achieve p ers onal b est results and a c omp etitive e dge by optimising lung capacity and increasing 02 and CO2 gas transfer to re duc e re c o very time.
WOR DS: Da niel Seldon, ma na ging dire c t or, Aussie Pharma D ire c t Available from aussiepharmadirect.com.au. Call 1300 783 113.
Ever yday exposure poses challenge
KAILAS ROBERTS believes we all need to cut down on our contact with microplastics, after concerning results from a study of brains post-mortem.
Many of you may have heard of the term ‘neuroplasticity’. It has been used in scientific circles probably since the 1940s or ’50s and popularised into mainstream neuroscience since the 1970s after research conducted by an American neuroscientist, Michael Merzenich (one of the co-founders of BrainHQ which is one of the brain-training apps with most evidence to support its use).
Neuroplasticity is generally regarded as a hopeful concept, denoting the brain’s ability to change in response to the environment in which it finds itself.
New neural connections are formed and existing pathways strengthened or weakened, depending on the stimulus the brain receives. This means that if we engage in active learning, our brain changes for the better, becoming a stronger and more efficient system.
It underpins the whole idea of ‘use it or lose it’. ‘Exercising’ the brain leads to helpful adaptations; not doing so leads to the loss of neurons and otherwise helpful circuitry.
Recently, however, I have become aware that a different – and literal – type of neuroplasticity is emerging, and it is not good news.
Specifically, a recent study looking at the brains of people post-mortem showed that, on average, 0.5 per cent of their brain was made of micro and nanoplastics. This is the same amount as a plastic spoon. The finding is staggering, and clearly a modern phenomenon (the first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, only came into being in 1907, just over 100 years ago).
Even more worryingly, the brains of those with established dementia diagnoses had levels three-to-five-times more than those without the condition. This raises the obvious question of whether the plastic in the brain may cause the dementia.
Though this is not established, there are plausible mechanisms by which this could happen. These include by causing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, and through the additives in plastic (for example, pththalates and bisphenol A or BPA) causing hormonal changes.
At a most basic level, it is fair to say the brain was not designed to incorporate plastic into its substances.
It is thought that we ingest or inhale about 5g of plastic per week, or the equivalent of a credit card through living our everyday lives. Sources include the clothing we wear and the cosmetics and
personal care products we use. Then there is the food and drink we consume when it is stored and transported in plastic containers: bottles, bags and packaging. Adding to the issue, microplastics never fully degrade: they are with us to stay So, what can we do to reduce our exposure? Here are some tips:
• use glass, ceramic or stainless steel containers instead of plastic ones
• filter tap water
• eat more fresh, whole foods –processed or packaged items have more microplastics
• use your own ceramic or metal cup when ordering your daily coffee
• choose loose produce to avoid the plastic packaging of pre-wrapped fruit and vegetables
• wash synthetic clothes such as those made of polyester less often – friction may release plastics
• choose natural fibres including organic cotton or wool when buying clothes
• vacuum and dust frequently as many microplastics come from indoor fibres
• avoid bottled water – it contains twice as many microplastics as tap water
• avoid cheap, plastic kettles which can release particles when heated
• avoid microwaving food in plastic containers as heat accelerates the leaching of particles into the food
• avoid air fresheners, sprays and cleaning products in plastic containers. You can’t avoid all microplastics, but small, consistent choices add up. Think “less plastic, less heat, less friction”. Your brain will thank you for it.
Kailas Roberts is a psychogeriatrician and author of Mind Your Brain: The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia, available at bookstores and online. Visit yourbraininmind.com or uqp.com.au
Gastric reflux contamination may occur throughout the head and neck and can be the cause of ear and sinus infections, sore throat, and a difficulty in swallowing. Reflux can also irritate the airways and be aspirated into the lungs causing chronic cough, constant throat clearing, breathing difficulties, recurring chest infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia.
Available at two convenient locations, our patented & exclusive Gastroesophageal Reflux Test accurately detects the presence and determines the extent and severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The first of its kind, this non-invasive nuclear medicine imaging technique accurately identifies gastric fluid contamination throughout the maxillary sinuses, throat, middle ears, laryngopharynx, airways and lungs.
If you think you'd benefit from a Gastroesophageal Reflux Test, talk to your doctor about a referral to CitiScan Radiology or Lime Radiology. Visit our websites listed below for more information
Getting your head around the retirement living ‘ Word le ’
By LESA MACPHERS ON
Are you finding the terminology of retirement living options and age d care c onfusing? Trying to get your head around s ome of the abbreviations you ne e d to know is not quite Wordle, but s ometimes can b e just as challenging.
Don’t feel confused. Here’s some terms you might come across:
ACAT: Aged Care Assessment Team. The team you need to know. ACAT is dedicated to determining your best care options – at home or in care.
DAP: Daily Accommodation Payment.
I LOVE YOU BUT … LET’S SEPARATE OUR MONEY
TWO-fifths of Australian couples keep their cash separated, new research shows.
A Finder survey of 559 respondents with a partner revealed half (41 per cent) – equivalent to 4.8 million people – don’t share their finances fully
The research found that half (59 per cent) say they share finances equally, while 25 per cent admit to having both personal and shared bank accounts.
In total, more than five-in-six (84 per cent) couples have at least one shared account.
However, more than one in 10 (12 per cent) keep their finances separate and are happy with that arrangement, and 5 per cent keep money separate but admit they would prefer to have shared accounts.
This is the payment for aged care accommodation. It is paid fortnightly or monthly and is non-refundable.
DMF: Deferred Management Fee. This occurs in most retirement villages and is often also called the exit fee. This is often misunderstood and is, in a sense, a deferred purchase cost. The DMF helps the retirement village pay for building all the community facilities you enjoy (pools, sports facilities, community rooms).
Generally, when you enter a retirement living complex, your purchase price is cheaper than relative values in the area.
The DMF is paid upon exit, and is a percentage of either your purchase price or sale price (depending on the particular village contract). Usually, it is relative to the time you’ve been there. The DMF is often confusing and varies from contract to contract. So, seek the advice of a specialist lawyer before signing.
GSC: General Services Charge. This is payable to the village operator for the day-to-day costs of management and administration, gardening, minor maintenance, recreation and
Rebecca Pike, money expert at Finder, says that for many couples, opening a joint bank account has long been considered a key relationship milestone.
“While joint accounts offer benefits such as reduced fees and easier budgeting, couples should first assess their financial compatibility,” she says.
“Before opening a shared account, it’s crucial to ensure you both have similar approaches to money management, as financial disagreements can be a major source of tension in relationships.”
Women are more likely to admit they keep finances separate, with 14 per cent of women in relationships choosing not to merge money compared with 10 per cent of men in relationships.
Ms Pike stresses the importance of transparency in managing joint finances.
“The key to a successful shared account is honesty – there should be no
entertainment facilities.
ILU: Independent Living Unit. In the retirement village, these are accommodation units/villas where people largely look after themselves, though usually some help is available (at a cost).
PEXA: Property Exchange Australia. Until recently, all transactions in relation to land existed in a paper world. A settlement involved meeting in a room and passing transfer and other documents around in exchange for bank cheques. No longer Now, transactions occur in an electronic environment called Pexa. While retirement villages and over-50s resorts aren’t strictly Pexa transactions, when there’s a sale of a home to fund the purchase (as occurs most of the time), then the payments can be processed through the Pexa system.
RAD: Refundable Accommodation Deposit. This is paid in part or in full upon entrance to an aged care facility and is refunded upon exit (after deductions).
The DAP and the RAD can occur separately, or together. Aged care entrants can pay a full RAD, a part-RAD/part-DAP,
financial secrets or unexpected surprises, which can lead to conflict,” she says.
Baby boomers (77 per cent) were the most likely to share finances equally, compared with gen X (61 per cent), gen Y (58 per cent) and gen Z (31 per cent).
Generation Z was most likely to hedge their bets by having joint and separate accounts (37 per cent).
Things to consider if you’re merging your finances with your partner: Financial compatibility – are your spending habits, saving goals and attitudes towards risk similar? Differences in these areas can lead to conflict. Discuss your financial philosophies openly Individual vs joint accounts – will you combine everything, keep some accounts separate, or have a hybrid approach?
Consider the pros and cons of each option for your specific situation. Some couples find it helpful to have a joint account for
or full DAP.
RTO: Right To Occupy. Usually in retirement villages, you purchase a right to occupy. You don’t own the property. Often the RTO is referred to as a lease or licence.
SA: Serviced Apartment. Some villages offer an in-between option where there’s a degree of independence, but some support (food or cleaning) is available. LTD: Living The Dream. What we all hope for
Retirement living and aged care law is complex. Contracts, while having some standard clauses through government requirements, vary significantly between village and village.
Legal and financial advice prior to signing, or at least during any ‘cooling off ’ period, is essential.
Brisbane Elder Law are experts in retirement village and aged care contracts. Contact Don or Lesa Macpherson on 1800 328 952 for individually tailored specialist advice. You can find out more at brisbaneelderlaw.com.au
shared expenses and separate accounts for personal spending.
Debt – be transparent about existing debt. How will you manage each partner’s pre-existing debt? Will you tackle it together or separately? Discuss how future debt will be handled.
Budgeting – create a joint budget that outlines income, expenses and savings goals. This helps you both stay on the same page and avoid overspending. Consider using budgeting apps or tools.
Credit scores – understand how merging finances might affect your credit scores. While joint accounts don’t directly merge credit scores, shared financial behaviour can impact them.
Regular check-ins – schedule regular financial meetings to review your budget, progress towards goals, and any changes in circumstances. This helps you stay aligned and address any issues promptly.
A ge pension smar ts for self-funded investors
HELEN BAKER looks at the rules and regulations surrounding self-funded retirement and qualifying for the age pension.
Self-funded retirement and the age pension: are they mutually exclusive?
Not necessarily. Yet, claiming it and maintaining those payments are not cut and dry
While age and residency criteria also apply, to qualify for the age pension you must meet an income or assets test.
If you exceed the upper thresholds, you won’t receive even a part-pension: you may have few assets but a high income, or have assets but a low income.
However, many people don’t realise they may still be eligible for a part-pension. Also, your circumstances change and markets fluctuate. You may drift into eligibility one year or out of it another.
Knowing entitlements and what will work best requires strategic planning.
The pension offers recipients two major benefits: supplementing retirement income to preserve superannuation/assets, and access to health care benefits. Even a small pension opens access to health care cards, reducing your medical expenses.
How does pension eligibility apply for couples? Often, one partner is younger than the other – typically women. Yet the bulk of superannuation is in the man’s account. If one partner is below pension age when the other retires, the younger
partner’s superannuation is not counted under the assets and income tests, because it is still in the accumulation phase.
This could be leveraged to your advantage – using super splitting contribution rules to redirect money into the younger partner’s super, thereby reducing assessable income and assets.
Doing so may allow the older partner to qualify for a pension, even if only until the other reaches age pension age. This should be well-planned, as there are caps on how much can be contributed and when, and tax implications, too.
Employment income also affects both partners – one’s earnings can impact the other’s pension entitlements. Overall, a higher income may offset the lack of a pension, but the trade-off could be additional commuting costs, income tax, time apart and stress. So, it’s crucial to do your numbers jointly
If a part or full pension is something you want to incorporate into your retirement plan, explore ways to maximise those funds and eligibility:
• update asset values: contents and cars are often overvalued by their owners. Generally, they are depreciating assets.
• selected years: as we saw when COVID-19 hit, markets fell. That opened up opportunities for some people to qualify for a part-pension that year
• home ownership: non-homeowners have a higher assets test. This may be temporary if you’re downsizing and haven’t found your home yet. As primary residences are exempt from the assets test, improvements may reduce assessable cash and boost the eventual sale price.
• who owns what: it could make sense to put low-earning assets into the name of the partner claiming the pension, and higher-growth assets into the other partner’s name if still accruing super.
• inheritances: gifting money/assets may boost pension eligibility, if done properly. Seek professional advice for options.
Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of On Your Own Two Feet: The Essential Guide to Financial Independence for all Women. Visit onyourowntwofeet.com.au
When you choose to leave a bequest to Animal Welfare League Queensland in your Will, your gift will directly help create a brighter future for animals in need and provide a safe haven for over 11,000 animals every year.
Your gift ensures your passion for animal welfare and protection continues to live on into the future.
Your gift gives them hope.
SIGNATURE FRAGRANCES
STARFISH Scarborough works with businesses and individuals to create their signature fragrances.
Founder Shirlee Green says it’s important to leave a lasting impression “whether for businesses looking to elevate their brand or individuals wanting a personal, high-quality gifting experience”
“Have you ever walked into a space and instantly connected with the scent? That’s the power of scent,” she says.
“It can impact how you feel in your workplace and home, as well as your mood and energy levels.
“Scents create a lasting impression enchanting brand identity and customer experience through emotional connection.
“I offer a hands-on, personalised service, from our initial consultation to the completed hand-crafted product. I work closely with you to develop your signature fragrance. You get involved to ensure the final product aligns with your brand.”
Starfish Scarborough is in Bribie Island. Visit starfishscarborough.com.au
Disease
THE latest over-50s lifestyle res ort by G emLife is generating significant interest, particularly from lo cals who know the area well and are drawn to the exc eptional lifestyle on offer
Contract holders David and Vicki Travers s e cure d their home in the new res ort almost as s o on as it hit the market.
“ We didn’t want an age d c ommunity to retire into but rather one where over-50s are active, and the lifestyle supp orts thos e who want to stay fit and healthy – that’s us,” Vicki says.
“ We als o to ok a clos e lo ok at the lo cation. The grounds are elevate d, offer stunning mountain views, and are ideally p ositione d for easy ac c ess to everything we ne e d.”
Downsizing was a natural step for the c ouple, who b oth c ome from cattle and wine-growing backgrounds.
They are embracing the transition with enthusiasm, emphasising that their move to G emLife Highfields Heights isn’t ab out retirement.
“Far from it,” Vicki says.
“ We’ll still b e working each day It is
RETIREE’S KNITTING MISSION TO HELP CHILDREN IN TRAUMA
LYN Mackenzie doesn’t wear a hero’s cape but her superpower uses knitting needles and wool.
For the past five years, the Seasons resident has dedicated countless hours to making teddy bears for children who experience trauma.
Whether children are fleeing bushfires or floods, are involved in a crash or rescue operation or are being rushed to hospital in an ambulance, these handmade teddies are donated and offer comfort in a crisis.
“Imagine you’re a child and you’re driving along a country road with mum and dad and then bang – there’s been a crash,” Lyn (pictured) says.
“Everyone is in shock, people are screaming, police are trying to get
When it came time to downsize from their 3000s qm prop erty, they were eager to stay in the plac e they know and love: “Highfields is a very sp e cial plac e.
“It has b eautiful tre es and remnant bush, including gum tre es, fantastic walking trails that we love, and a pristine environment.
PREVENTING TRIPS AND FALL S: SIMPLE STEPS TO STAY SAFE AT HOME
TRIPS and falls are among the most c ommon risks for s eniors, particularly in the home env i ronment.
As we age, balanc e and mobility can de cline, making everyday tasks more hazardous.
However, by taking s ome practical pre cautions, the risk can b e significantly re duc e d
A crucial step in preventing trips and falls is ensuring the home is fre e of hazards.
more of a lifestyle change and b e c oming part of a safe, caring c ommunity.
“ We want to travel more, and b eing at an over-50s lifestyle res ort will give us the p eac e of mind and s e curity to do just that.”
Fellow G emLife Highfields Heights c ontract holders Gretchen Graf and her husband Russ ell Smith, who retire d in 2018 and 2020 resp e ctively, have live d in Highfields for 11 years.
statements … it’s a lot for a young person to go through. Emergency services give these kids a teddy and straight away they cuddle them, bury their faces in them or feel the texture of the wool with their hands which helps to calm them down.”
In addition to reducing stress and anxiety and assisting with emotional
“Plus, G emLife offers everything we c ould ever want. We love it.”
Stage 1 features five archite ctdesigne d homes, each b oasting two b e dro oms, a versatile multipurp os e ro om, op en-plan living, al fres c o areas, and a 7-star energy rating.
For more details on GemLife Highfields Heights or to arrange a visit, call 1800 841 929 or visit GemLife.com.au/ghh
regulation, the handmade bears, which the children are allowed to keep, offer a sense of security in an unpredictable time.
Lyn began making the bears when she was living in the Lockyer Valley and joined a local craft group which also sewed clothing for returning soldiers.
“I told the ladies I wasn’t a knitter, so I would just do the stitching for the teddies instead,” she says. “The demand just grew and grew, so now I do more knitting than most people would in their life.”
Taking one to two days to make each bear, the talented knitter stopped counting after a while but believes her total of handmade bears stands within the hundreds-of-thousands.
The teddies go to emergency services, as well as local hospitals and charities.
To assist with the production of trauma teddies or make a donation, email info@seasons.com.au
Common risks include cluttere d walkways, lo os e rugs, p o or lighting and uneven or slipp ery flo oring, esp e cially in high-risk areas such as bathro oms and kitchens.
Ke eping hallways and pathways clear and ensuring ade qu ate lighting can significantly re duc e the risk.
Maintaining physical strength and balanc e is als o ke y
Exercis es that fo cus on improv ing c o ordination and strength, such as chair yoga or balanc e training, are highly effe ctive in re ducing the risk.
Even a short daily walk can go a long way in helping s eniors maintain their indep endenc e.
All Ab out Liv ing business manager Elv ira Brown emphasis es the imp ortanc e of ass essing the home env i ronment.
“Tripping hazards are one of the most c ommon risks we find with our clients in the home,” she says.
“Regularly ass essing your spac e and remov ing p otential hazards is an imp ortant part of our role as prov iders to help re duc e that risk.”
For s eniors, staying safe at home is ab out making simple adjustments and building habits that fo cus on safety
Regular ass essments and preventative measures can go a long way towards helping s eniors avoid trips and falls, ke eping them s e cure and indep endent for longer
Visit allaboutliving.com.au
Russell Smith and wife Gretchen Graf
An artist’s impression of the pool
WHY OLDER WOMEN ARE EMBRACING LIFE ON THE OPEN ROAD
OLDER Australian women are embarking on solo road trips and travelling the country in search of adventure, personal growth and new horizons.
Equipped with a caravan, campervan, or sturdy 4WD and a tent, these women are navigating vast landscapes, from the dusty Oodnadatta Track to the spectacular Tasmanian wilderness – all while challenging traditional views of ageing.
Margaret Yates, a PhD candidate from the University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Health and a retired nurse, interviewed 29 women travellers to explore their motivations and experiences. The majority were over 60 and considered themselves retired
Her research paper, ‘Women t ravelling
solo or with othe r women ac ross Aust ralia: A montage of nar rat ives’, with Professor Lin Perry, Emeritus Professor Jenny Onyx and Distinguished Professor Tracy Levett-Jones, was recently published in the Jour nal of Women and Aging
“For many of these women, this isn’t just about travel,” Ms Yates says.
“It’s about developing self-knowledge and self-confidence, experiencing the new and unknown, and taking control of their life and decisions, often after years of caring for others. The four women highlighted in the study, two in their 60s and two in their 70s, exemplify a willingness to break away from what might be expected of women in that age group and redefine what’s possible.”
Many women, despite chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, report better wellbeing, with less stress and improved health due to the travelling lifestyle.
One of the case studies, Vivian, in her mid-60s, has been living on the road for nine years. She says a discovery scuba dive in Far North Queensland was the catalyst to sell her business, rent out her house and take off on an adventure.
“The best choice I ever made,” she says.
Ms Yates says starting a new life on the road takes courage and resolve, and is often made in the face of opposition from friends and family, who question whether the women can manage alone.
ONE-STOP GUIDE TO RETIREMENT LIVING
MANY retire es know that they want to make the move out of their large prop erty, but don’t know where to start.
A new, easy-to-follow res ourc e aims to give retire es the information they ne e d to make a de cision that is right for them.
Ave o’s digital Re t ireme nt Liv ing Guide offers retire es fre e ac c ess to c omprehensive articles, vide os and downloadable res ourc es c overing the most c ommon questions ab out downsizing and retirement living and how to navigate the next steps when c onsidering a move to a retirement village.
Ave o’s head of marketing and c ommunications Bridgid Alls opp says the creation of the guide forms part of the group’s c ontinue d c ommitment to delivering innovation and s ervic e exc ellenc e to its customers.
“The journey to retirement living is unique to every customer and there is a lot to c onsider,” she says.
“Older Australians have told us they want more choic e and transparency in c ontracts, flexibility in payment options and c ertainty ab out c osts, giving them more c onfidenc e to navigate this chapter of their lives.
“ With de cades of exp erienc e within the Ave o team and in partnership with s ome of Australia’s b est retirement and
downsizing exp erts, we have create d this us eful res ourc e to emp ower retire es and their love d ones to b e able to make informe d choic es.”
The Re t ireme nt Liv ing Guide offers insights on topics including the range of living options in retirement villages, cho osing the right c ommunity and life in a retirement village, understanding c osts and c ontracts, care and supp ort options and how to make the move.
As part of the guide, Age d C are Gurus dire ctor Rachel Lane provides an explanation of the differenc e b etwe en age d care and retirement living, and how to find the right c ommunity that caters to a retire e’s lifestyle and ne e ds.
“It’s imp ortant to visit s everal villages to find the one that’s right for you,” she says. “G et the vib e of a c ommunity by doing the formal tour. Then go back for the s o cial events, esp e cially Happy Hour.’’ Visit aveo.com.au/retirementliving-guide
● Fixed rate with no hidden fees
● Fully licenced Proper ty Manager
● Regular routine inspections with photo repor ts
● Flexible owner payments, and same day statements
● Strict proper ty application processes with thorough tenant checks
● Limited number of managed proper ties to ensure top quality ser vice
THE GREATEST SHOW CHOIR
Following the phenomenal success of Rock Choir (2023) and Pop Choir (2024), Play It Forward is back with its most spectacular community choir project yet:The Greatest Show Choir.
Prepare to be dazzled as a cast of more than 200 local singers — from everyday performers to seasoned musicians — take the stage under the direction of the award-winning Jonathon Welch.
They will be joined by special guest artists, including star of stage and screen Queenie van de Zandt and her hilarious alter ego, Jan van de Stool, as they bring Broadway’s biggest hits to life.
After 12 weeks of dedicated rehearsals, this powerhouse choir is set to deliver show-stopping numbers from legendary musicals including Chicago, Les Misérables, Cats, Frozen, Hairspray, Rent, Swe e t Char it y, South Pacific, The King and I, The Sound of Music and The Gre atest Showman. WHERE: Redland Performing Arts Centre, 2-16 Middle Street, Cleveland. WHEN: Saturday, May 10, at 3pm or 7.30pm.
TICKETS: $39-$49. Visit rpac.com.au or call the RPAC Box Office on 3829 8131.
MUSIC, SONG, FUN DANCE &
JAZZ WITH PIZZAZ
Learn fun dance routines from Fosse jazz, to modified hip hop, to musical theatre – whatever your taste, we’re sure to cover it.
MAGICAL TAP
Get your toes tapping in no time. Great for circulation and leg strength.
BEGINNERS
CLASSICAL BALLET
While traditionally associated with grace, poise, and the boundless energy of youth, classical ballet has found a new audience among older individuals, proving that age is no barrier to the enchantment of this exquisite form of expression.
RO CK & ROLL RETROSPEC TIVE
DIRECT from performances across 40 countries, internationally acclaimed showman Thomas ArmstrongRobley brings a spectacular celebration of rock’n’roll’s golden era, paying tribute to the biggest musical icons of the past century
Take a journey through a catalogue of non-stop hits, featuring chart-toppers from The Beatles, Queen, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, The Eagles, The Kinks and more. This is the ultimate playlist for any music fan, packed with killer vocals, a tight-knit band and a rockin’ atmosphere.
Rock & Roll Retrospective will
have you in stitches as Armstrong-Robley shares tales of being raised by rock’n’rollers and growing up in a house filled with music. This high-octane hit parade, featuring tributes to a jaw-dropping line-up of Australian musicians, is a fun-filled experience that will have you singing and clapping along from beginning to end. And just like The Rolling Stones, Satisfaction is guaranteed WHERE: Redland Performing Arts Centre, 2-16 Middle Street, Cleveland.
WHEN: Saturday, May 24, at 2pm.
TICKETS: From $28. Call the
BRIBIE ISLAND COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE
ARTIST of the Month for April is Michelle Bo oby, with her exhibition: ‘Sandy Fingertips in O c eans Fo otprints’.
Bo oby dis c overe d the b eauty of the wildlife and fisheries at Moreton Bay when she move d to Beachmere nine years ago.
Her curious and adventurous nature came to the fore when she dis c overe d
DRUM FOR LIFE
Find your rhythm on the African Djembe drum. Easy to learn and super-fun.
BUFF BONES®
Optimise bone density, balance & strength with this medically endorsed program. Safe for people with osteoporosis.
SING FOR LIFE
Give rein to your voice and feel the joy of singing with this inclusive group.
PROGRAMS FOR THOSE LIVING WITH A DISABILITY
Art Therapy/Art/Craft • Drumming/ Percussion • Dancercise
No one is considered unable to take part, and all participants are actively assisted and encouraged to grow their abilities. And the exciting part is that they do.
Classes are conducted in Cleveland with new classes opening on a Thursday. For a timetable or further information please email admin@herestolife.org.au or phone Renee on 0408 717 342 to book your free lesson. www.herestolife.org.au
significant plastic and other floating debris as she res cue d turtles in the s ea.
Combing the b each, she dis c overe d other debris that she de cide d to turn into us eful pie c es, rather than just adding them to disp osal heaps.
So, in her little home studio, she s et to work and has sinc e create d wonderful and p opular pie c es.
WHERE: Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, 191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach.
WHEN: G allery hours are Tues day to Saturday, 9am-4pm, and Sundays, 9am to 1pm. TICKETS: Fre e entry. C afe 191 on site s erves refreshments daily: Sundays and Mondays, 9am-1pm, and Tues days to Saturdays, 9am-2pm.
RPAC Box Office on 3829 8131 or visit rpac.com.au (booking fees are $5.30 by phone and $6.40
ART OF THE SCORE: THE MUSIC OF HANS ZIMMER
JOIN Que ensland Symphony Orchestra as it c elebrates one of the unofficial ‘kings of mov ie s c o res’: Hans Zimmer
With a musical range more expansive than the Pride Lands of The Lion K ing (of which he s c o re d), s ettle in for an evening spanning s e ve ral genres across the ’80s, ’90s, 2000s and now
From the bro o ding tones of The Dark Knight to the heart-warming melo dies of Kung Fu Pa nda , the magnitude of Zimmer’s works is guarante e d to ke ep you enthralle d from In ce pt i o n to I nte rs tellar
Puzzle yours elf with cres c endos of The Da Vinci Code , and then jump ab oard the Black Pearl and plunder with The Pirates of the Car i b b e a n be fo re a well-earne d break with C ameron and Kate in The Hol iday . Hoste d by the creators of the p opular p o dcast, Art of the Sc ore, Andrew Pogs on and Dan Goulding, with c onductor Vanessa Scammell, your journey through thes e titans of te chnic olour will have yo u simmering with enjoyment.
WHERE: Conc ert Hall, QPAC, Grey Stre et, Brisbane
WHEN: Friday, May 23, at 7.30pm, and Saturday, May 24, at 1.30pm and 7.30pm.
TICKETS: From $100-140 (plus $7.50 transaction fe e), v ia qpac.c om.au
FOR THE DIA RY: Apri l
HERE are some dates to keep in mind this month.
• April 1-30 Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month
• April 1 April Fools’ Day
• April 2 World Autism Awareness Day
• April 6 Daylight saving ends in southern states
• April 7 World Health Day
• April 11 World Parkinson’s Day
• April 17 World Haemophilia Day
• April 18 Good Friday; World Heritage Day
• April 20 Easter Sunday
• April 21 Easter Monday
• April 22 Earth Day
• April 24-30 World Immunisation Week
• April 25 Anzac Day; 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
We may be a little late for St Patrick’s Day but this recipe for Irish Stew is handy to have when needing a hearty pick-me-up (or to freeze and then reheat when unexpected guests arrive), especially with a few coolish nights upon us. By the way, March 17 also marked 4 Ingredients’ 18th birthday Congratulations, Kim McCosker!
IRISH STEW
Se r ves 6
Irish Stew is a wonderfully simple meal made with a few basic ingre dients. It is hearty and healthy and a classic one-p ot wonder
Ingredients:
• 1kg lamb chops
• 3 large onions, sliced
• 1kg potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) Worcestershire sauce.
Method:
Preheat oven to 160°C. Arrange a layer of chops in a large casserole dish. Season with cracked pepper Cover with a layer of onions and then potatoes. Repeat until all is used. Sprinkle the Worcestershire over the top, then pour in enough water to come two-thirds up the dish. Cover and bake for two hours. Remove the lid and bake for 30 minutes more or until the chops are nice and tender Optional: Use beef stock instead of water and add whatever veges you have in the fridge – parsnips and carrots, in particular. Make a gravy out of the pan juices by stirring in a little cornflour paste (stirring 1 tbsp of cornflour into 2 tbsp of cold water). This re cipe is f rom 4ing redients.com.au/produc ts/4ing redients-the-e asiest-one-pot-co okb o ok-eve r
acific for thre e nights and four days.
Train travel toSydney Perth Indian Pacific
“You sure you don’t want me to sle ep on the top bunk?” I ask.
My 185cm lad tilts his head in amus ement. “How are you going to get up there, Mum? More imp ortantly: how are you going to get down?”
After pulling away from Sydney’s Central Station, the train cho ofs through the outlying suburbs, finally hauling the 25 carriages over the Nep ean River and Blue Mountains.
(The Indian Pacific stops in the mountains and Kalgo orlie in WA on the Perth-to-Sydney run but pushes on to Broken Hill when travelling the other way )
The villages and bushland vistas give way to the rolling pasturelands, gullies and lichen-c overe d b oulders of the Central West.
The train rounds a curve in the track, and we s e e its 1km length.
DAY 2 – An announc ement: “ We will shortly arrive in Broken Hill, which is a little bit of a weird town in that it’s in NSW but on South Australian time.”
All aboard for a cross-countr y adventure into Australia’s hear t
ELLEN HILL and her son finally discover where the legendary Indian Pacific train goes in a bittersweet adventure that creates shared memories but cuts him from her apron strings for good.
“The Indian Pacific us e d to remind me of the Polar Express when I was little. You know, the Tom Hanks movie? Perth was s o far away that it s e eme d like it was on the other side of the world.’’
When my s on Tally was tiny, he and I would sit on our front fenc e watching the trains go past our hous e in the Blue Mountains in NSW.
The interurban c ommuter trains rushe d along, always chasing a deadline.
The heavy freight train whe els press e d s o hard on the tracks that the s queal would jar our b o dies.
But twic e a we ek, we’d s ettle in for a treat, shivering in anticipation when we heard that telltale hiss of a train preparing to brake. A magic train was c oming.
The Ghan ran the line b etwe en the b ottom of Australia (Adelaide) and the top (Darwin), passing us each Monday (twic e a we ek b etwe en June and Septemb er).
Her sister, the Indian Pacific, trundle d by on its 4352km journey on a We dnes day.
We’d gaze in awe and wonder where they went and what they saw.
My b oy is now 23 – and we have our own twin ensuite cabin ab oard the Indian
landscapes and spectacular gorges await YOU...
The CT Travel Broome to Darwin Coach Tour in July 2025 promises an extraordinary adventure, filled with remarkable landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural experiences. From the exhilarating Horizontal Falls to the sunset on Cable Beach. This is an adventure not to be missed. For more details and bookings go to: cttravel.com.au /broome-to-darwin
We’re advis e d to wind our clo cks back 30 minutes.
It’s the first of thre e time zones we cross through this Great Southern Land.
We sp end more time in the lounge
car to day It’s the s o cial hub of the train where pass engers gather to chat, play b oard games, read or gaze at the s c enery
It’s where we sip a morning c offe e, an evening nightcap or a sneaky b evvy in b etwe en.
The magic train hurtles across the lands cap e, which is thinning in vegetation as gre en fields give way to that famous Outback re d dirt dotte d with she ep, goats, emus and kangaro os.
The detour to the Adelaide Central Market for a che es e tasting and dinner of lo cal pro duc e is welc ome respite from the des ert.
Day 3 – I rummage through the luggage and pull out a worn c opy of Ac ross the Nullarb or by Joy Cowley: a cute little b o ok we knew off by heart when Tally was small.
He smirks at the memory
“The kangaro o f rom Wo ollo omo olo o s aid as it lef t the shore, ‘I’m taking t ime out to go hop ab out ac ross the Nullarb or. I’ll go the re and b ack again ... hop ab out ove r the Nullarb or Plain’”
Stepping into the s earing heat at the ghost town of Co ok while the train waters up, we wander off in s eparate dire ctions.
Strolling b etwe en the long-abandone d c orrugate d iron lo ck-up and a dis carde d train carriage flapping and s quealing in the hot bre eze, I p onder the six months sinc e Tally move d out of home.
It’s go o d to have his humour on tap again, to b e in his easy c ompany
I’m proud to b e his mum when
IMAGE: JOURNEY BEYOND RAIL
IMAGE: ELLEN HILL
The Indian Pacific at Lake Julia, WA
The writer and her son b egin thei r journey
Fremantle P rison YHA historic bui ldings.
he op ens do ors for others, shows genuine interest on tours and instigates c onversation with older, often s olo travellers.
But there’s a new ass ertiveness in his de cision making and minutiae of his life that I’m no longer party to.
The train rumbles across the longest straight stretch of rail in the world (477km).
There’s p eac e and calm in monotony Time to think and refle ct, to pray, to rest the mind.
The magic train grinds to a halt alongside Rawlinna, Australia’s largest op erating she ep station (1,046,600ha), 400km east of Kalgo orlie.
Lanterns are strung over long trestle tables and a guitarist strums and sings while we tuck into roast meat and sausages, veges and salads.
Beyond the che ery glow of our trackside outp ost, the darkness of the Never Never is magnetic.
We wander to the fringes of light and shrink back, intimidate d by the yawning expans e b eyond and ab ove.
The womb at s aid that just ahe ad the re was a surpr ise in store – a monste r snake that could whistle and shake and r ush along w ith a roar.
Things could r ide in the monste r’s inside. That’s what the monste r was for.
It went the re and b ack along a t rack ac ross the Nullarb or.
We retreat within the train and awake among the undulations of the Avon Valley outside Perth.
Our trip ends in Fremantle with ‘Mama’s revenge’, s erve d ic e c old after 18 years.
Two we eks into kindy, Tally b oaste d to other kids: “My mum’s b e en to jail. Lots of times.”
He didn’t explain that there were five pris ons in the region where I worke d as a journalist, and that I’d regularly visit for stories ab out pris oner art, res cue d wombats, garden therapy and youth b oxing programs.
As it turns out, the World Heritageliste d private bunk ro om (from $135 a night) at Fremantle Pris on YHA is sup er c omfy, and the share d bathro om and toilet down the hall are clean and c onvenient.
It’s the ideal plac e to kip near all the attractions of Fremantle, with a lo cke d she d to stow your luggage b efore che cking in and after che ck-out while you ramble the city.
I wake to dis c over that Tally has es cap e d in the we e hours.
C an’t blame him.
He’s s erve d his time with me.
I’m ready to releas e him back to work, his own home and his b eautiful bride.
* E llen & Tally Hill expe r ienc ed the I ndian Pacific and YHA Fremantle Pr ison as g uests of Jour ne y Be yond and YHA Aust ralia.
FAST fac ts
• The Indian Pacific departs Sydney on We dnes days. Cost is from $3505 pp. Includes all meals and b everages, and off-train exp erienc es. Visit journeyb eyondrail.c om.au/journeys/ Indian-pacific/
• YHA Fremantle Pris on: yha.c om.au/ fremantle. Cost is from $83 a night for dormitory ro oms.
CHARLEVILLE, LONGREACH, WINTON, CHARTERS TOWERS, TOWNSVILLE, AIRLIE BEACH, TOWN OF 1770
FARE INCLUDES: Motel Accommodation and All Breakfasts and Dinners, All Admissions and Touring - Charleville Bilby Experience, Longreach Hall of Fame, Qantas Museum, W inton Age of Dinosaurs, Royal Open Air Theatre, Historic North Gregory Hotel, Charters Towers Venus Gold Battery, Townsville Tour, Magnetic Island, Whitesunday Cruise Hamilton Island, Town of 1770. GOOD MOBILITY REQUIRED FOR THIS TOUR.
PICKUP AND RETURN: Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Caboolture.
The Nul larb or at sunse t
Rawlinna Sheep Station
Nowhere par ties like the Ter r itor y
The Northern Territory is one of Australia’s most vibrant and expansive plac es. It offers epic road trips, breathtaking national parks, incre dible camping sp ots, immersive Ab original cultural exp erienc es and s ome of the c ountry’s unique festivals and wild outback parties. Here are s ome of the top events this year.
Ap r il 4-13, Al ic e Sp r ings (Mp ar nt we) Parrtj ima – A Festival in Light returns to
Alic e S prings (Mparntwe) for its 10th iteration, c elebrating Ab original art, culture and te chnology b eneath Central Australia’s starry skies. This fre e, 10-night festival lights up the 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges with stunning installations, Ab original art and live p erformanc es. Highlights will include the MacDonnell Ranges Light Show and Grounde d installations, four new installations by Ab original artists, as well as workshops, Blak markets, talks, stand-up c ome dy, and raft of music acts.
NT IRISH MUSIC FESTIVAL
July 12, Dar w in
The Irish are bringing the party to the Top End for a day packe d with music, dancing and unb eatable craic. The NT Irish Music Festival is back for its third year at the breathtaking Darwin Ski Club, s etting the stage for an epic c elebration under glorious dry s eas on skies and legendary Darwin suns ets. Exp e ct fo ot-stomping live music, high-energy Irish dancing and a whole lot of fun. Indulge in delicious, traditional Irish fare and rais e a glass (or two) of Magners and Guinness to ke ep the festivities going.
TOP END GIN FESTIVAL
May 24, Dar w in
Step into the Top End Gin Festival, where party-go ers c onverge for the ultimate c elebration of this b everage, music and
tropical vib es. Darwin Ski Club will transform into a junip er-s oake d paradis e, bursting with b old flavours, high-energy b eats and suns et revelry. Sinc e 2020, this festival has grown into a must-attend event, fusing craft-distilling exc ellenc e with epic entertainment. This year, sip your way through thre e hours of c omplimentary gin tastings from more than 20 top Aussie distillers, savour delicious bites and s oak up a stacke d music line-up, headline d by Australian band Temp er Trap.
APRIL 2025
Norfolk Island (8 Days) - FULL
Alpine High Country to Murray Delta (12 Days) - FULL
MAY 2025
Red Centre to Top End (18 Days) - FULL
JUNE 2025
South-West Queensland Outback Loop (12 Days)
Lightning Ridge (7 Days)
Brisbane Sights at the Star Casino (3 Days) - FULL
JULY 2025
Broome to Darwin (12 Days)
Carnarvon & Wallaroo (8 Days)
Brisbane Sights at the Star Casino (3 Days)
AUGUST 2025
North Queensland S avannah (12 Days)
SEPTEMBER 2025
Fraser Island Whale Watch (4 Days)
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4 Days)
Flinders Ranges (11 Days)
Parrtjima 2024 crowds enjoy Grounded, featuring the work of Margaret Bloomfield
Aug us t 7-24, Dar w in Australia’s hottest winter arts extravaganza, Darwin Festival, is s et to return. Now in its 46th year and spanning 18 ele ctric nights across multiple city lo cations, Darwin Festival promis es another jam-packe d line-up of music, theatre, visual arts, danc e, cabaret, c ome dy and more. New to the festival in 2025 will b e an expande d fo o d and b everage s eries of events, showcasing s ome of the Northern Territory’s top breweries, bars, restaurants and culinary exp erienc es. Love d by lo cals and visitors alike, the award-winning Darwin Festival is the c entrepie c e of the Top End’s stunning dry s eas on, offering balmy nights under twinkling festival lights.
EXPLORE REGIONAL GEMS ON LUXURY COACH TOURS
PLAN now for a winter break and answer the call of the regions.
Paul Brockhurst, of CT Travel, has luxury coach tours departing in June and July that are packed with interest, adventure and opportunity to see regional attractions while en route to Carnarvon Gorge or Lightning Ridge.
For seven days from June 23, there’s plenty to see on the way to Lightning Ridge: the only place in Australia where the prized black opal can be found.
Visit various local attractions as you travel through Dalby, Miles, Roma, Surat, St George and Dirranbandi. Learn about cotton production as a grower leads a tour of his farm and stop at the Riversands Vineyards for a tasting and lunch.
Spend three days on the opal fields including Grawin, Glengarry and Sheepyard.
Tour the Walk-In Mine, the historic miners’ camp Gemseekers Paradise, and the Chambers of the Black Hand mine. See cutting demonstrations, and try your luck as a miner.
The return journey is via Walgett, Narrabri and Glen Innes
The eight-day tour to the Carnarvon region departs July 14 and includes five nights glamping at the Wallaroo Outback Retreat.
Wallaroo Station, on 29,000ha of some of Australia’s best beef cattle country,
captures the magnificent scenery of the Arcadia Valley from the western escarpment of the Carnarvon Ranges.
On Wallaroo Station, see ancient forests with cycads thousands of years old, Aboriginal cultural sites, canyons, majestic cliffs where water has eroded a dramatic gorge system through layers of sandstone, and rugged wilderness.
Put places to intriguing names such as Axe Factory, Date Rock, Cycad Gorge, Arch Rock, the Sphinx and Rainbow Cave
Simon and Michelle, from Australian Nature Guides, lead the way to the Moss Garden in Carnarvon Gorge, where lush ferns and moss line crystal clear waters against a dramatic waterfall backdrop.
Along the way, stop at the Roma Saleyard – the largest cattle sales facility in the Southern Hemisphere – to be greeted by retired farmers and graziers who will explain how it all works before a local guide leads a tour of the town.
Full itineraries can be found at cttravel.com.au
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THAT?
A FAVOURITE with we dding photographers, Maslin Beach is on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, 42km from Adelaide.
And it’s no wonder visitors want to get ‘snap happy’, with ab out thre e kilometres of talcum-p owder-like white sand, plus glorious suns ets that make the sp e ctacular sandstone cliffs glow. But b e warne d: its s outhern end b e came Australia’s first official nudist b each in February 1975, and c elebrate d 50 years of clothingoptional bathing this year
And if you like a tipple, it would b e rude to visit this b eautiful part of SA and not venture 10 minutes inland to the fame d wineries of the McLaren Vale region.
Thursday 24th April
WOONGAROO WINERY
Travelling via Caboolture we visit Woongaroo Winery before stopping at the Tarampa Hotel for Lunch. Return to Brisbane via the Centenary Highway Morning Tea, Wine Tasting & Lunch included.
Tuesday 20th May
SUMMERLAND CAMEL FARM
Travelling through the Scenic Rim to see all the products from a camel farm before lunch at the Dugandan Hotel near Boonah. Morning Tea, Farm Admission & Lunch included.
Tuesday 24th June
IPSWICH MULGOWIE & LOCKYER VALLEY
Morning tea in Ipswich then heading west via Grandchester to the quaint little pub at Mulgowie. Returning via Laidley on Darren Lockyer Way to Brisbane. Morning Tea & Lunch included.
Tuesday 22nd & Thursday 24th July
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
We return to St Bernard’s Hotel in Tamborine for that special annual lunch function in winter time. Morning Tea & Lunch included.
THE O THER SIDE OF HER
By BM Car roll
Aust ral ia n thr ill e r
Reviewed by Jan
Kent
FROM Chapter 1 of this b o ok by a talente d Australian writer, I was ho oke d
I was c omp elle d throughout by the fast pac e and twists and turns of the cleverly crafte d plot.
When an Irish nanny go es missing and a large reward is offere d by her griev ing relatives two years later, the reader is drawn into the ordinary lives of two families: the overstretche d parents of Elliott and his sp e cial ne e ds, and single mum Beth who is barely managing to stay afloat while avoiding the susp e cte d re venge of her bitter ex.
With each chapter told from the p oint of v iew of different characters and in various time p oints using flashbacks, was it c onfusing? Not with C arroll’s adroit handling of thes e challenges.
In fact, it adde d to the story’s app eal.
You susp e ct that the parallel lives of thes e families must b e linke d, but the reader is left to add their own the ories b e fo re all unfolds, page by page.
To what lengths will a parent go to fierc ely prote ct their child? Was Ta ra’s disapp earanc e simply just another backpacker liv ing the s e e dy Sydney life?
More questions than answers prop el the reader through this page-turner at a rapid rate as, like me, you can’t put it down.
I think I’ve found a new Australian writer to add to my ever-growing must-read list.
WILD DARK SHORE
WAR By Bob Wo odward Militar y non-fic t ion
Reviewed by John Kleinschmidt
B OB Wo o dward is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and one of the b estknown journalists in the world.
I was drawn to this b o ok by my curiosity ab out the p olitics and diplomacy involve d in de cision making relevant to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Hamas attack on Israel and the subs e quent retaliation by Israel.
Wo o dward has written this b o o k bas e d entirely on re c orde d interv iews with all of the key players in the c onflicts. He takes us to dis c ours e b etwe en all the major players c onc erne d with trying to broker p eac e b etwe en the protagonists, the leaders of the c ountries involve d in b oth wars and the many c ountries either supp orting one side or the other
A very informative insight into the back-channel deals done b etwe en c ountries and the de cision making of the Unite d States, Unite d Nations, Middle East c ountries and Russia.
Perhaps b oring for s ome but a page-turner for me.
By Charlot te McConaghy, Myste r y fic t ion
Reviewed by Annie Grossman, of Annie’s Books on Peregian
THIS novel – the author’s third –is a mystery, love story, adventure saga and dystopian thriller, set on an Antarctic island sometime in the future.
In my humble opinion, she is one of this country’s most brilliant writers.
Dominic Salt and his children are isolated on a tiny island as caretakers to one of the world’s vitally important seed banks. But their tenure is coming to an end, as the ocean levels are rising and will soon flood their small sanctuary.
One night, in a horrifying storm, a woman is washed ashore. This seems like an impossibility, due to the remoteness of the island, but as the woman recovers, we find that her presence is not so farfetched. Her arrival changes everything.
Everyone is pressured into making difficult choices which will affect survival of their community, possibly the world.
Expect beautiful prose and a compelling, unexpected storyline.
By Tom Stodulka Po e t r y
I LOVE how Tom Sto dulka’s p o etry sp eaks of truth and is ‘real’ and ‘honest’ – stories ab out living and human life exp erienc e: the ups, the downs and the will to p ers evere.
He helps us to fo cus on the bright side of life in challenging times, reminding us we are all in this together and that when things lo ok bleak, there is always a silver lining.
What shines through for me is that he enc ourages us to make the most of every moment.
Life is L ove s erves as a c ompanion to the heart, offering us strength while helping us fe el less alone.
I esp e cially love d reading the p o em de dicate d to Sto dulka’s dear mother. One can summis e she has left an indelible imprint up on his heart.
POE T Tom S todulka’s latest b o ok Life is L ove is his fif th in the ‘Life is’ se r ies. Cop ies are availabl e at seve ral Sunshine Coast ve nues, including Uncl e Be arsk in G all e r y in Co oro y, Mal e ny Addit ions, the Mal e ny Bo ok Sh op a nd the Villa ge Bo oksh op in No os a. The ne w b o ok of 100 po ems has 70 ne w ones a nd 30 ‘Re ade rs’ ch oic e ’ offe r ings f rom the e arl ie r four b o oks. O the r c op ies are availabl e b y v isit ing tomstodulkaauth or.c om
by Karen Weiber, Books@Stones, Stones Corner
IN THE distant highlands, a puma named Dusk is killing shepherds.
Down in the lowlands, twins Iris and Floyd are out of work, money and friends.
When they hear that a bounty has been placed on Dusk, they reluctantly decide to join the hunt.
As they journey up into this wild, haunted country, they discover there’s far more to the land and people of the highlands
than they imagined. And as they close in on their prey, they’re forced to reckon with conflicts – ancient and deeply personal.
Robbie Arnott’s writing has an effortless and distinct quality to it that draws me right in.
This is a colonial adventure novel where the landscape is a character: at times so real, it’s breathtaking; at others reimagined and constructed, all its own.
and independence
DUSK
By Robbie Ar not t, Aust ralian fic t ion
Reviewed
Reviewed by Cheryl Woods
With Quizmaster Allan Blackburn
1. What typ e of fo o d s ourc e is quinoa: grain, ro ot, leaf?
2. How is the apparent size of the Mo on changing when it is waxing?
3. How many days do es February have in a non-leap year?
4. What single letter can b e adde d to the word ‘are’ to change it into a thre e-syllable word?
5. Which Europ ean capital city has a train station calle d Waterlo o?
6. Go odb ye, Fare well a nd Ame n was the title of the last epis o de of which TV s eries?
7. In 2024, Roger Co ok was Premier of which Australian state?
8. Complete the saying: “A lucky p ers on lands on their …”
9. In the English alphab et, how many c ons onants are b etwe en E and I?
10. Co c o G auff has made a name for hers elf in what sp ort?
11. Which Beatle was murdere d by Mark Chapman in 1980?
12. How many to es on each fo ot do es a Southern C ass owary have?
13. What is the surname of TV chef Manu?
14. Which car manufacturer has a mo del calle d Kole os?
15. In p olic e dete ctive work, what is a CI?
16. On a phone keypad, how many digits have more than one syllable in their name?
17. Who was premier of Que ensland b efore Steven Miles?
18. In what year was Australia’s B ic entenary?
19. Who was the male star of the 1961 movie E l Cid?
20. True or fals e: Swe den is the c ountry with the most islands?
16. woT o(zer and s en).ve 17. Annastacia alaszczuk.P 18. 1988. 19. Charlton Heston. 20. rue.T
ain.Gr 2. G etting .bigger 3. 28. 4. A ea).(ar 5. ondon.L 6. A*S*HM*. 7. Western alia.Austr 8. eF et. 9. eThr e. 10. ennis.T 11. John ennon.L 12. eThr e. 13. eildel.F 14. enault.R 15. Confidential ormant.inf
1 Iodine used in a leg scan interfered with painkiller (9)
6 Measure youngster with it (5)
9 On a high seat, Pope resolved to believe no matter how gloomy the outlook (4,7,4)
10 Northern Ireland scenes shot with subtlety (8)
11 Survive without a ram castrated when young (6)
13 A number of ambitious educators took drugs (4)
15 Driving restrictions reduced amount of a drug on offer in functions (4,5)
17 A friend stationed outside Paris forged evaluation (9)
