WHY SOME PEOPLE WANT TO CONTINUE WORKING, CONNECTING AND ACCRUING MORE ‘POCKETMONEY’
“You’ll never retire.”
Editor’s note
How many times have I heard that from family members, friends and neighbours?
And they could be right. Let’s face it, writing and editing aren’t physical jobs.
I sit at a computer all day. As long as I get up and about now and then, use my stand-up desk as it was intended and exercise my neck and shoulders (not to mention having the occasional massage), I don’t run the risk of the aches and pains my tradie hubby has been complaining about for years that forced his early retirement.
Sure, the thought of a spontaneous, unscheduled life sounds inviting.
No deadlines, no phone calls, no troubleshooting. No worries.
But having viewed Dr Riley Moynes’ TEDxSurrey presentation on The 4 Phases of Retirement on YouTube, I’m sure the initial ‘honeymoon’ phase would wear off quickly.
I’d soon be searching for something more meaningful to do (especially if my superannuation is the only thing funding my love of gallivanting all over the world).
So, I think I will always be typing words onto a screen some days, somewhere,
for someone. It’s an intrinsic part of who I am and something I may never want to give up.
Most importantly, I still enjoy it.
That’s a bit like Peter Green, who is featured in my cover story this month.
The former flight attendant could have decided to retire completely and live the easy life five years ago when Qantas was forced to shed its workforce at the height of the pandemic.
But he’s always been a ‘people person’ and knew he still had something to offer his community work-wise.
He tried his hand at a few different jobs before finding the right work/life balance in semi-retirement.
At this stage in life, he’s certainly an unretiring type.
And I’m sure he’s not the only one.
But what are the rules governing work in retirement, and its effect on pensions and taxes?
Turn to page 4 for more.
And if you’re keen to enjoy more ‘life’ than ‘work’, our Travel section highlights two men of the Granite Belt who followed their passion for the wine industry. And I’m sure they’ve never really ‘worked’ a day in their lives because they love what they do.
Enjoy the read!
Shirley Sinclair Editor
Contents
4COVER STORY
6WHAT’S HIP
7MUSINGS WITH GARRY
8HISTORY
10AGES AND STAGES
11IN THE COMMUNITY
12TECHNOLOGY
14BRAIN MATTERS
14MOTORING
16ACTIVE LIVING
18AGED CARE FEATURE
22PALLIATIVE CARE FEATURE
23HEALTH
26WILLS & ESTATES FEATURE
28WHAT’S ON
30RETIREMENT LIVING
31TRAVEL
36BOOKS
37TRIVIA QUIZ
38PUZZLES
14
16 31
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easier and meet all those ‘retirement’ goals. Yet, the closer we get, we can’t quite let go. And if we do finally retire, it doesn’t last long before we end up returning to the workforce.
We admit we enjoy working –interacting with colleagues, connecting with members of the public, staying fit and healthy, and having a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
We still have plenty to offer in experience, wisdom, ability, energy.
Maybe the answer lies in cutting back the hours but still earning enough to make the work/life balance enjoyable.
In fact, like no other time in our lives, we feel like we can finally ‘have it all’.
That’s how Peter Green feels. And his story resonates with those who have decided to put off retirement for now.
Staying in the workforce and loving it
SHIRLEY SINCLAIR looks into the reasons why so many eligible Australians are putting off full retirement and remaining ‘on the job’.
For many Aussies, thoughts of retirement start in our 40s. No matter what jobs we’ve had, career we’ve followed or business we’ve created, the novelty of work can start to wear off after two decades or so.
When we were still in school, we couldn’t wait to venture out into the big, wide world and start earning a living –even if it was as a Thursday night/ Saturday morning check-out chic at Target or flipping burgers at McDonald’s.
The freedom that a wage or salary brings can be euphoric.
As we settle into adulthood, we get used to the routine of work – even becoming comfortable in the monotony.
We try to build the bank account, slowly increase the superannuation, live life and make plans.
But after 20 years, and with possibly another 20 ahead of us, the idea of work changes. It becomes much more of a means to an end. That end is retirement.
We aim to pay off the house, see the world, enjoy the grandkids and become more involved in the community.
Then, a weird thing happens to some of us. Just as we can see the end in sight, with only a couple of years to ‘pension age’ or feeling comfortable financially to give up work, those thoughts of retiring become daunting.
Sure, we want to take things a little
An international flight attendant, Peter was offered redundancy and chose to leave his full-time job of 34 years when Qantas was forced to shed its workforce in January 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He was 56 at the time and had expected to continue in his role until retirement around 67.
The Qantas decision was the impetus for many of his colleagues to retire early.
Backed by superannuation and owning his own home, Peter says he was in a good financial position at the time and “probably could have” retired.
“But I just felt like I wasn’t ready,” he says during a break from behind the bar at Kings Beach Surf Club, where the lunch crowd is starting to trickle in.
“I had plenty to give still. I’m definitely still fit enough. I try to match it with the young guys. What I lose in some aspects, I gain in experience.”
Through the federal government’s JobKeeper scheme at the time, Peter, also a former NSW policeman and public servant, was eligible to apply for part-time work.
A succession of interesting and varied jobs has flowed in the five years since then.
An active surf lifesaver, who had brought his two children Erika and Nik through the movement from nippers, Peter tried his hand first as a swimming instructor and lifeguard at Caloundra Aquatic Centre.
Then for a while, he was unloading fishing trawlers but discovered that having “20kg boxes of frozen fish flying past your head” can be quite dangerous.
And he worked as a ‘general dogsbody’ for a mate at his manufacturing business but confesses: “It wasn’t really me – I am definitely a people person.”
A former colleague’s tip about work as a bar attendant at Beerwah Golf Club saw Peter head back into the hospitality duties he’d experienced as a flight attendant.
That led to the club offering him the position as bar manager “which I took but it just wasn’t quite what I wanted to do”.
The surf club rosters are much more Peter’s speed now.
“I thought I just want to be the guy who works day shift, then is at home, gets to know everyone and that sort of thing,” he says.
“I just wanted to ease into retirement rather than going and doing a 40-hour shift. I work between 15 and 25 hours usually a week. It’s gone down to 12 sometimes and at Christmas up to 40 or 35 because they needed me.
“And that’s the beauty of being a person who doesn’t need the 35/40 hours a week which a lot of the young guys do. They need that money to pay the rent.
“I’m flexible, which is great for the business and it works for me, too.
“They are very approachable when it comes to me asking for time off and, as I have given lots of notice, I will be heading to Europe for five weeks with the family
PHOTO: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
Peter Green
later this year. (Semi-retired, over-55s) are good for business because we’re more reliable, also more flexible … and they trust us. If you’re like that, the business can be good for you and look after you as well.”
Keep in mind that the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (aihw. gov.au) reports that life expectancy in Australia has improved dramatically for both sexes in the past century.
Life expectancy in Australia has increased by 13.7 years for males and 11.2 years for females since the 1960s.
Men aged 65 in 2021–2023 could expect to live another 20.1 years (an expected age at death of 85.1 years), and women aged 65 in 2021–2023 could expect to live another 22.7 years (an expected age at death of 87.7 years).
Peter can see himself fully retired, but that isn’t any time soon.
“You’re a long time retired,” he says.
“I’ll see how I go. I might just drop the hours back and maybe work one day a week (when that happens) or ‘call me when you want me’. I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
And he’s quite happy to let his superannuation keep building. Despite global stock markets taking a hit in recent times, he says a knee-jerk reaction that makes significant changes to his super is not the answer.
“I did that during the GFC (Global Financial Crisis) and got burnt badly,” he recalls.
“I put my super into cash and then it all bounced back and I missed the bounce. I learnt my lesson. You’ve just got to ride the ride. I haven’t even looked at my super (recently). I’m not game to look at it. It will bounce back.
“It’s a great thing not to touch it and it’s been having a life of its own. It’s been growing quite nicely.
“We’ll just wait until the craziness disappears and it all settles down.”
YEARNING to keep earning
THERE are no restrictions on how much Australians can earn after retirement.
But remember: the more you earn, the more tax you will pay, and the more you risk reducing or losing Centrelink Age Pension payments.
Of course, every dollar counts when you’re an aged pensioner.
So, when Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek announced on June 12 that there would be changes to the age pension from July 1 to keep pace with the cost of living (with the CPI rising by 2.4 per cent in the year to March 31), some of the 2.6 million-plus recipients of social security payments surely gave a whispered “hip hip hooray!”.
Among the good news is an increase in the amount pensioners can earn before their pension starts to be
BY THE numbers
reduced under the income test.
The income test cut-off point to receive the full pension has now risen to $380 a fortnight combined for a couple ($8 extra a fortnight, making $9880 per annum), and to $218 a fortnight for singles (up $6 a fortnight, making $5668 per annum).
That might not seem much but can mean more bills are paid on time or extra medical expenses can be covered.
Any amount over the limit reduces the pension by 50 cents for each dollar until payments stop at $2516 per fortnight for singles.
Payments phase out completely at a new limit of $3844.40 per fortnight for couples.
Although the standard Centrelink age pension payment remains at $1149 per fortnight for singles and $1732.20 combined for couples, the raised thresholds mean that thousands more Aussies may now qualify.
But it’s not all cut and dried. Finance guru Noel Whittaker points out, for example, that the rule that a pensioner couple will start to lose pension once income reaches $380 a fortnight does not affect an assets-tested pensioner.
So, it’s worth reviewing your position with a financial adviser and on the ato.gov.au website.
In April 2021, about 619,000 Australians aged 65 and over were employed in the labour force. Of these older workers, three-in-five (61 per cent) were men and two-in-five were women (39 per cent).
In the 20 years to April 2021, the workforce participation rate of older Australians more than doubled (from 6.1 per cent in 2001 to 15 per cent in 2021) . Within these figures, the participation rate for older men almost doubled (from 10 to 19 per cent), while older women’s participation increased significantly from 3 to 11 per cent.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
GET HELP if you need it
• To get advice about your super income options, talk to your super fund.
• For questions about government benefits or retirement, call Centrelink’s older Australians line on 132 300. Ask to speak to a financial information service officer (for free). The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
• To get professional advice on planning for retirement, seek financial advice. Make sure your financial adviser has an Australian Financial Services licence or is an authorised representative. Check they are authorised and registered to give personal financial advice and review their qualifications on the financial advisers register (moneysmart.gov.au/financialadvice/financial-advisers-register).
• For help with tax matters, see how tax applies to your super withdrawals on the Australian Taxation Office website or visit a tax professional.
Source: moneysmart.gov.au
JULY on the Sunshine Coast will see two blockbuster festivals share the limelight. First up is the Queensland Garden Show (QGS) from July 11–13 at Nambour Showgrounds. Organisers of the state’s biggest annual gardening event have announced a powerhouse line-up of speakers. Making his debut is landscape designer Charlie Albone, from Better Homes & Gardens, alongside Costa Georgiadis (pictured), Sophie Thomson, Millie Ross, Jerry ColebyWilliams, Claire Bickle and Phil Dudman. This year, the Cook’s Garden Stage will benefit from The Curated Plate: the 10-day food and drink festival from July 25-August 3. Acclaimed chefs and passionate foodies on the QGS stage include Matt Golinski, Peter Kuruvita, Cameron Matthews, Tom Hitchcock and Sophie Phipps. Visit qldgardenshow. com.au and thecuratedplate.com.au
THEY are among the artists who provided the soundtrack to our lives: Crowded House, Angus & Julia Stone, The Church, Mark Seymour with Vika & Linda and The Waifs. And they will be coming together on the same stage for the latest incarnation of the Red Hot Summer Tour. There’s still plenty of opportunity to catch the full tour line-up, including: October 19 (second show added), Sandstone Point Hotel, Bribie Island; November 15, Queens Park, Toowoomba; and November 16, Broadwater Parklands, Southport. Visit redhotsummertour.com.au and ticketmaster.com.au/ search?q=CROWDED+HOUSE for any remaining tickets.
A ROAD trip to Canberra with the grandkids might be on the cards, after the National Museum announced Australian children’s TV favourite Mr Squiggle is starring in a major new exhibition. From July 4 to October 13, Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington will treat visitors to an encounter with beloved puppet Mr Squiggle, ‘the Man from the Moon’, who starred in the ABC-TV show b earing his name between 1959 and 1999. Considered TV royalty, Mr Squiggle beamed into our homes for 40 years, delighting and inspiring generations of children to draw, with his distinctive pencil for a nose, charming banter and ability to turn a simple squiggle (usually upside down to keep us guessing) into a masterpiece. The free exhibition, which will also include sidekicks Blackboard, Rocket, Bill Steamshovel and Gus the Snail, will explore the history and magic of one of Australia’s most original and creative minds. Visit nma.gov.au
Back in the day…
CAN you believe the Live Aid benefit concert, organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, was 40 years ago? Held on July 13, 1985, the sensational global music event raised funds for relief of the 1983-85 Ethiopian famine. Live Aid was two mind-blowing events held simultaneously at London’s Wembley Stadium and John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, featuring the likes of Queen, Elton John, Madonna, Mick Jagger, The Beach Boys, U2, Dire Straits, Tom Petty The world had never seen such an assembly of musical talent in the rock age, and probably never will again. It was one of the largest satellite link-ups and television broadcasts ever.
WHY not go the whole hog and add the Farmgate To Festival Regional Tour to your 2025 Kingaroy BaconFest adventure. BaconFest on August 15 and 16 this year is a ‘crackling’ great event on the foodie calendar, boasting various activities across two days, including the Big Bacon Breakfast. BaconFest chief baconeer Rob Fitz-Herbert says the new regional tour will provide visitors with a chance to step behind the farmgate and discover the people, passion, produce and land that make the South Burnett unique. The exclusive bus tour will showcase six local farmers on August 15 from 10am-4pm. Tickets to the Farmgate to Festival Regional Tour (limited seats) cost $75 plus booking fee. Entry to Kingaroy BaconFest starts from $10. Visit kingaroybaconfest.com.au
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RETAINING
Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.
BRISBANE’S SOUL
I ENJOY my 50-cent train rides exploring Brisbane.
They bring back memories of the 1950s, when our family ventured there on a Christmas holiday from Sydney by exchanging houses for a fortnight with a family in St Lucia.
Dad was fuming most of the way in the old FJ after being booked for speeding at 5am on the Harbour Bridge.
As an eight-year-old, I relished summer’s sizzle and the constant buzz of the cicadas amid the choko vines and banana trees at St Lucia. For my parents, Brisbane was a big country town where the City Hall (pictured) towered over the surrounding buildings.
As a local, Barry Bull, of Toombul Music fame, recalls that slumbering Brisbane was like a coastal Cunnamulla as heavy vehicles ploughed unfettered through the streets.
I remember rattling along on Brisbane’s trams and was surprised by the steam trains puffing through the city, adding their Sunstate smoke to the atmosphere, drenched in humidity.
Barry says Brisbane had a lot of honesty, no drugs, and you didn’t need to lock your doors. It was a safe place to live and raise a family in an uncomplicated lifestyle.
He recalls “regularly skinny dipping in the creek as part of the innocence of creating your own fun”.
While most people now lock their doors, it would be sad if Brisbane’s traditional charm evaporated, and our capital lost its soul under the weight of unfettered development in preparing for the Olympics.
Hopefully, we don’t destroy in haste what made Brisbane a compelling first-choice venue for the world, and that government heritage promises don’t become continually negotiable downwards to feed corporate greed, political egos and short-term expediency.
EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR MATTHEW FLINDERS ART PRIZE
DON’T miss being part of the buzz of Moreton Bay’s premier art event, the Matthew Flinders Art Prize (MFAP) 2025, now in its 26th year.
The MFAP is an open competition for artists in all media except AI and video.
The competition carries $9000 in prizemoney, including a People’s Choice award.
The exhibition runs in the Matthew Flinders Gallery at Bribie Island Community Arts Centre from July 12 to August 2.
Experience the art prize exhibition in the gallery named after the explorer who first sighted Bribie Island while sailing up Pumicestone Passage in 1799.
Meet artists doing demonstrations in many different media in the gallery every day of the exhibition.
Bribie Island Community Arts Centre is at 191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach. Opening hours are 9am-4pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays; 9am-1pm, Sundays; and closed Mondays. Visit bribieartscentre.com.au
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One man’s ‘castle on the hill’ viewed with disdain
CHRIS CURRIE takes a journey through State Library of Queensland collections to find out more about a peculiar but grand house and its eccentric owner.
Since 1925, Brisbane residents have enjoyed the glorious views afforded by Bartley’s Hill in Ascot.
Did you know how the hill got its name? It all goes back to a distinctive house and the even-more distinctive man who built it.
Nehemiah Bartley was born in London in May 1830, arriving in Tasmania in 1849 where he began a period of adventure as a merchant in America and the Pacific before returning to Australia to work as a prospector, baker, banker, drover and, eventually, commercial agent.
He found his way to Brisbane in February 1854 where he began enjoying “the outdoor life of a commercial traveller in the new land of Moreton Bay”, traversing the Darling Downs and Burnett on horseback to collect orders.
From the moment Bartley arrived in Brisbane, he became enamoured with the town’s “picturesque timbered hills” and before long, his commercial success and an inheritance from his grandfather allowed him to begin buying up property on elevated land across Brisbane.
In 1858, he married Sarah Sophia Barton – sister of Edmund Barton, who the
next year would become Australia’s first prime minister – and two years later unveiled a grand house built for her at the highest point of Hamilton Hill.
Little is known about the construction and interior design of the house, but pictures from State Library collections show an unconventional, three-level structure with two large decks flanking three sides of the central storey.
The Brisbane Courier described it as having “a faint resemblance to some rambling mediaeval castle”.
Despite an enviable location with unrivalled views of Brisbane, the location was still mostly bushland and “the resort of vagabonds and dubious characters”. The unsubstantiated but popular story goes that Bartley’s wife declined to move in because of fears for her safety.
Whatever the reason, Nehemiah and Sarah reportedly soon decamped to a town house in George Street.
Recollections of a relative suggest Nehemiah’s brother James lived at the property for some time afterwards.
Soon, the house became known colloquially as ‘Bartley’s Folly’, much to the chagrin of the man himself. Responding to
a throwaway mention in an unrelated newspaper report, Bartley wrote to The Courier regarding this “frequently recurring grievance”, pointing out – as he would on subsequent occasions – that he in fact profited from the venture, purchasing the land at £2 an acre and later selling portions for £60 to £70 an acre.
“No doubt it was great folly of me,” he wrote, “to make 1000 per cent per annum on my money.”
Queensland’s 1866 finance crisis caused Bartley severe losses. He sold much of his property, including the land on which his house stood.
He remained an active contributor to the local press and became known as one of Brisbane’s most notable eccentrics. He rode everywhere on “an exceedingly mournful old roan pony”, the sight of which became “as familiar ... as the Post Office clock”.
While Bartley’s finances may have been impacted, his memory had not. In 1892, he published his first book: Opals and Agates – a collection of 50 years’ worth of “rambling recollections”. The book is a fascinating insight into not only Bartley’s life but also the lives of others in early
Brisbane. At age 64, while in Sydney to drum up support for his second book, Bartley died “of failure of the heart’s action”. The book was published after his death, released in 1894 as Australian Pioneers and Reminiscences.
Both Bartley’s books – held at State Library – contain invaluable insights into Australian life at the time, and the aspirations and challenges of the Brisbane colonial settlement.
‘Bartley’s Folly’ was not part of the physical landscape for long, but it remains an indelible memory for many Brisbane residents and is a popular area to observe the city’s expanse today.
‘Bartley’s Folly’ in Hamilton, circa 1914
STUMPED FOR A CAP
SOME years back, a local historical society was looking to install a toilet building within its museum complex.
The ‘little house down the back’ was for years a feature of every Brisbane backyard. But now none could be found. Most had been dismantled and destroyed while the very few remaining had been repurposed.
The search area was widened and eventually a ‘little house’ was located some 500km away in the bush. The building was retrieved, brought back to the city in kit form, and re-erected by volunteers. Success!
In very recent times, the Enoggera Historical Society went looking for stump caps and found this humble piece of metal as rare as the ‘little house’. Stump caps were originally used as a defence against termites in Queensland’s timber buildings.
Modern house foundations are a concrete slab with a poison barrier beneath, while the older homes sit snuggly on an iron bark stump with a circular cap or a concrete stump with a square cap.
A member of the society had an eye on two homes being stripped of asbestos prior to demolition. The ‘keep out signs’ delayed any request for stump caps. Overnight came the crunch: everything was munched up by a huge machine and not a stump or cap in sight. Back to square one.
A trip to the country and, lo and behold, in a paddock, among the remains of an old building, several respectable stump caps
were found. Why the search? In the early days of Queensland – for more than 50 years – the completion of the foundations of a church, community hall, school and even ambulance centre was the time for a party and donations to finish the work.
Stone or brick foundations saw the laying of a foundation stone, while the true Queensland timber structure involved a stump-capping ceremony. Such a ceremony took place at the Enoggera Memorial Hall on July 11, 1925.
A re-enactment, together with entertainment, will be held on July 20. Book through Humanitix or call the historical society secretary on 3355 4714.
WORDS: Diana Hacker, Enoggera and Districts Historical Society.
Brisbane 07 3624 6100 South Coast 07 5617 9500
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Life in the slow lane
By Mocco Wollert
HATS are things that hang on stands in front of most pharmacies.
They come in all shapes, colours and sizes. There are two iconic hats in Australia: the Akubra and a canvasmaterial hat with a chin strap.
I am not fond of the chin-strap hat, but anyone can recognise Australian tourists overseas by this headgear. The Akubra is a practical head covering, protective and actually quite elegant.
For some reason, the older the hat, the more impressive. Made from rabbit fur, it is the trademark of the Australian Outback and looks good on men, women and children. I mention the Outback on purpose. City dwellers somehow look ‘wrong’ when wearing this wide-brimmed head covering, preferably stained with dust and sweat.
Hazel Hawke, the wife of then prime minister Bob Hawke, wore an Akubra when she welcomed Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Australia (her grandson Prince William is pictured here in one). To me, it looked out of place. A good milliner should have been asked for.
I am not sure whether there are still many milliners in business today. To have a head covering made to suit a particular outfit costs an absolute fortune, but I guess there are enough wealthy women in Australia who can afford them.
When watching the Melbourne Cup, I always love to see the Fashions on the Field. Incredible (and sometimes very silly) headgear is always part of it. However, as the day progresses, a few of the fascinators or huge hats become quite lopsided. I guess alcohol and hats don’t have a good relationship.
Fascinators are whimsical bits of nothing, adorned with netting or feathers – mostly fake – that have the tendency to get into your eyes or mouth. However, I own six of them.
Spotlight had a shelf full of fascinators on sale for $8 each one
day. So, I bought six in different colours, and they now sit on the top shelf in my wardrobe (the one I can’t reach) like a flock of multicoloured birds, waiting for the day when I will choose one of them.
My father’s generation always wore a hat. Father would politely lift his when greeting someone.
Who can forget that classic film clip of the man dancing with joy and lifting his hat the day World War II ended? Today, caps have largely replaced hats for women and men. Where, as a young woman, I would not have stepped out without a smart hat, today people just throw on a cap. And actually, most look quite smart.
Don’t forget, sturdy helmets are required to protect your head from aggressive magpies. Many countries have national head coverings. The sombrero is typical for Latin American countries. To see a bowler hat reminds us of England; a beret and the La Marseillaise rings in your ears.
I once asked a Sikh friend why he wore a turban. “An old tradition,” he explained. “It was worn to keep a man’s long hair from getting into his eyes while fighting with his sabre.” A very old tradition, indeed.
May you wear a hat covering to protect your head or just for fun.
Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com
an adventure
By Cheryl Lockwood
FOR those of us who love to travel, Bali is often among the first to be ticked off on the destination list.
That said, I only visited the Indonesian island hotspot for the first time recently.
In the past, headlines involving drug smuggling, terrorist bombings and drink spiking didn’t exactly sell the place as safe or relaxing.
Throw in reports of general bad behaviour by Australian tourists and I decided it wasn’t a must-see for me.
Last year, more than 1.5 million Aussies made the journey. So, I thought that it couldn’t be all bad.
Bali’s proximity to Australia and its affordability has made it a popular choice and people always give glowing reports about the happy, friendly locals there. As a first overseas trip since the Covid pandemic, I thought it was worth a try.
As I arrived solo and past my bedtime, I spent a night at a resort close to the airport to await the arrival of other family members.
That included two of my toddler grandchildren. So, we opted for a stay at Sanur as well as four days on Lembongan Island as, through our research, these places were deemed family friendly.
Holidaying with small children can be challenging and is much more enjoyable for
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Everyone has been very polite and extremely helpful, especially as we were unaware of what we do. Dad is very happy with his treatment.” Resident’s Family Member
114 Holdsworth Road North Ipswich, Queensland 4305
After a trip away, people often ask, “What was the highlight?”
Where do I start? Warm, sunny days perfect for swimming? Or leisurely bike rides along Sanur’s shorefront path, stopping to eat and drink at the numerous eateries? Snorkelling among an incredible array of coloured, tropical fish? Dining on delicious food while watching the sunset glow across the water?
Bali had all of that, but maybe it was the hair-raising trip along the roads on Lembongan in a hired golf cart that brought the most laughter.
‘Roads’ may not be the right word. It was more a series of alleyways – some sealed, some not. All pretty rough.
We left the driving to my capable son-in-law, who navigated by referring to a Google image of the island.
The two-year-old, wedged between her parents in the front seat, was singing most of the way. Clearly, she was not concerned about the bouncy adventure
without a seatbelt. A wrong turn meant reversing back the way we came.
I’m not sure what was rattling the most: the poor, little cart or my teeth!
At one point, my daughter and I jumped out and walked so the golf cart could make it up a hill.
We all made it back in one piece with some great photos and happy memories of our day out.
I’d also recommend a visit to the Satria Agrowisata in Ubud. This coffee plantation tour offers free tasting of the locally produced coffees and teas.
If you’re brave enough, you can sample the infamous luwak coffee (aka ‘catpoochino’). This rich, dark coffee is produced from beans which have been through the digestive system of the luwak (or civet cat). This cute creature – like a cross between a possum and a fluffy cat – is partial to a feed of coffee beans.
The beans are collected from the excrement of the cat and I’m told are thoroughly cleaned before being roasted and ground to produce one of the world’s most expensive coffees.
I had to try it. After a tentative sip, I found it not too bad at all, especially if I ignored the unusual process it took to get into a cup.
The only downside to my visit to Bali was that nine days was not long enough. Clearly, I will have to return.
Visit lockwoodfreelance.com
VIEW clubs
REDCLIFFE Peninsula is on the lookout for new members who want to give back to their community and make connections with women in the area. As one of 280 such clubs in Australia, it is part of The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program and sponsors nine disadvantaged children. Members meet monthly at the Moreton Bay Boat Club in Scarborough for lunch, friendship and interesting speakers while fundraising to support the students to reach their educational potential. Email redcliffeview@gmail.com
CHAPEL Hill supports nine students through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. Members meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the Jindalee Hotel for a lunch meal and to listen to an interesting guest speaker. This August, the club will be celebrating its 35th anniversary. If you have a passion for children’s education and would like to
COMPUTER GROUP
LOGAN Seniors Computer Group (LSCG) meets from 9am to noon on most 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at Logan West Library, Grand Plaza Drive, Browns Plains.
LSCG is a small, mature-aged, friendly, no-frills, non-profit group which has been running since 1995. Members share their knowledge of computers, mobile
LOGAN club members meet on the second Wednesday of each month from 10.30am for an 11.30 meeting. The members and visitors enjoy a two-course lunch and a speaker at Diggers Services Club in Blackwood Road, Logan Central. Email viewlogan@gmail.com
BRENDALE EVENING had a frenzied night of bargains at the monthly dinner meeting recently. The members came in numbers with their homemade treats and treasures to start the night off with many laughs and giggles, as the bring-and-buy tables were loaded with all sorts of goodies. The members attend monthly meetings to support nine students through The Smith Family Learning for Life program. On July 15, the meeting’s guest speaker is Queensland author Sarah Todman. Book beforehand with Suzanne on 0417 022 996.
phones and other devices. They assist attendees and each other (beginners to advanced), one on one, in discussion groups or lectures and on PowerPoint. Bring in your own computer (or share the group’s computers), plus a mug and notebook.
Morning tea and coffee are available. Call Dawn on 0413 938 947.
Don’t fear tech change: what software updates really do
EDIN READ explains why a little inconvenience on your computer or device every now and then can prevent a mountain of worry and regret.
If you’ve ever seen that little pop-up on your phone or computer saying: “An update is available” and felt your stomach tighten just a little, you’re not alone.
Many people worry that pressing ‘update now’ might change something we’re used to or, even worse, break it altogether.
But here’s the good news: most software updates are small, safe and extremely helpful.
They’re like taking your car in for a service. You might not notice every little change under the bonnet, but you’re left with something that runs more smoothly and keeps you safer on the road.
So, what exactly is a software update?
In simple terms, it’s when the company that made your device – such as Apple, Microsoft or Samsung – sends out improvements to your system.
These might fix little bugs that were causing problems, close security gaps that hackers could exploit, or make the device run faster and more efficiently.
In some cases, updates also add
new features, but they’re usually careful to avoid changing things too much, especially on devices where simplicity matters.
Security is one of the biggest reasons to keep your devices up to date.
Scammers and hackers are always trying to find new ways to trick software into doing things it shouldn’t.
When companies discover these weaknesses, they send out updates to fix them – sometimes before criminals even have a chance to take advantage.
If those updates aren’t installed, your phone, tablet or computer becomes like a house with a broken lock: still standing, but not as safe as it should be.
Many modern devices now update themselves automatically, often while you’re not even using them.
This is usually a good thing.
It means you don’t have to remember to do it yourself.
But if you ever see a message asking if you’d like to update, don’t feel pressured to do it right away. It’s perfectly fine to wait until a time that suits you, such as
when the device is plugged in and not in use. Just don’t ignore it forever: those updates are there to help.
Some people worry that an update will make their device look or feel unfamiliar. While that can happen occasionally, it’s far less common these days. Most companies know how important it is not to confuse people with large changes.
Changes are usually subtle, and they often come with little tips to show you what’s new.
If something does look different, remember that you can always ask someone to walk you through it – or reach out for support. You’re not expected to figure everything out alone.
When an update begins, the device might restart, or the screen might go blank for a few minutes. That’s
completely normal. It’s best not to press buttons or try to interrupt it.
Just let it do its thing.
If in doubt, give it time. If it still seems stuck after, say, half an hour, then it might be time to ask for help – but most updates finish without a hitch.
The Greyology team likes to think of software updates as digital tune-ups. They don’t just keep things running smoothly. They also protect your privacy, your personal information and your peace of mind.
So, next time you see that little notification, don’t feel alarmed. Feel reassured that your device is doing exactly what it should: looking after itself and you.
Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au
Country Club Grand Opening
Join us for a special celebration as we unveil the heart of GemLife Gold Coast – our brand-new $22.9 Country Club –designed exclusively for active over 50s who are ready for their best years yet.
Explore this three-storey lifestyle hub and its first-class facilities, tour our beautifully styled display homes, and see for yourself what makes GemLife Gold Coast such an extraordinary place to live.
Then sit back and enjoy the live entertainment, along with delicious food and drinks by GemLife’s own Chef Matt Conquest - all in a vibrant setting designed for connection, wellbeing and fun.
DATE Saturday, 9 August 2025
TIME Session One: 9:00am to 10.30am
Session Two: 11:00am to 12.30pm
Session Three: 1:00pm to 2.30pm
WHERE GemLife Gold Coast
3 Gemstone Drive, Pimpama
RSVP Register online by Thursday, 7 August at GemLife.com.au/goldcoast
New kid on the block ready to fight
KAILAS ROBERTS discusses the first medication available in this country that modifies the underlying disease process of Alzheimer’s.
Many of you may have heard the recent news about a medication that has recently been approved for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease.
This understandably has created hope for those affected by the condition.
The medication (donanemab) has already been approved for use in a number of countries overseas, including where I am writing this article: the US.
In May this year, it was approved for use by doctors in Australia (through the Therapeutic Goods Administration). Unfortunately, it has not yet been approved for subsidisation by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, meaning that it can only be prescribed privately.
At this point, with a 12-month script you may not see much change from $50,000. And that is just the cost of the medication itself, not the associated expense of monitoring investigations and doctors’ visits.
For some, however, this might be a price worth paying. Donanemab is the first medication ever available in this country that modifies the underlying disease process of Alzheimer’s.
So how does it work? Well, you may recall from previous columns that Alzheimer’s disease is underpinned in part by the build-up of a protein, amyloid, in the brain.
This accumulates in plaques between the nerve cells and is associated with the damage and death of those cells.
Donanemab binds to amyloid. It induces an inflammatory response in the brain, whereby the amyloid is engulfed and removed. This can be dramatically demonstrated using special brain scans called amyloid PET scans.
The great hope has been that removal of amyloid will lead to a cure or a reversal of symptoms, including improved memory. This is not the case with donanemab.
What it does do is slow down cognitive decline for some. In the major study to date, this is in the order of 30 per cent. Compared with a group not receiving the drug, over an 18-month period, those on donanemab showed a decline equivalent to 13 months. In other words, they were five months better off. What is unknown, and what might be
Built Ford tough: from the ‘Squatters Joy’ to Ranger utes
BRUCE McMAHON puts time in reverse and takes a look at the contribution one manufacturer has made to the Australian drive market.
Ford Australia is 100 years old – no longer a local manufacturer, yet still a major player in Australia’s automotive scene.
This year, the home-grown Ford Ranger ute is a best-seller. In 1925, it was the Model T: the redoubtable ‘Tin Lizzie’, known in Australia as the ‘Squatter’s Joy’ for its rough country ability, reliability and value.
The Model T was the first Ford out of the company’s Australian assembly plant in Geelong and soon conquered one-third of the local market.
Fast forward to 1935 and it was the Ford coupe utility: the Lew Bandtdesigned ute which answered a farmer’s question for a vehicle in which he could head to church on Sunday and off to the livestock market on Monday.
In Detroit, Henry Ford dubbed this ‘the Kangaroo Chaser’.
Others had built light truckstyle vehicles – covered seats up front of a tray – but this Ford ute was the first with a one-piece body and sedan comforts.
more convincing for sceptics, is if this 30 per cent slowing persists over the longer term. If it did, that might mean that the drug could buy you an extra three years of better quality of life over a 10-year period.
This month, perhaps even before you are reading this article, the PBS will decide whether to pay for cost of the medication – meaning that it will be financially accessible for most people. If it does, this will radically change the treatment landscape of Alzheimer’s in Australia.
And taking donanemab is not without risk. It is given as a monthly infusion and there is the possibility of a reaction to that infusion. Then, there are the specific side effects of the medication on the brain. These fall into two main categories: brain swelling and brain bleeding. The risk of both is relatively low, but not insignificant.
Most of the time, these problems are only detectable on an MRI brain scan, and anyone on donanemab needs to have these regularly while on the treatment. Sometimes, however, they can result in serious side effects, including death –more so for the brain bleeding.
So, the decision about using the medication is complicated and ultimately a personal one. I’m sure I will be having plenty of conversations with those under my care about it in the coming months, and many more so if it is PBS subsidised. What is certain is that, exciting as the progress being made is, when it comes to a cure, it is important not to forget all the other lifestyle choices that influence the brain.
Kailas Roberts is a psychogeriatrician and author ofMind Your Brain: The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia, available at bookstores and online. Visit yourbraininmind.com or uqp.com.au
By the 1960s, Ford Australia was designing and building the local Falcon, taking the fight to General Motors’ Holden.
There was competition on the sales floors and the race tracks. Bathurst 1000 battles between Falcon GTHOs and Holden Monaros, then Falcon Hardtops and Holden Toranas, were annual sporting highlights.
By the time the 21st century rolled in, both Ford and Holden had lost ground for a range of reasons. By 2017, both stopped building cars here.
While General Motors decided to close shop completely, Ford kept on with research, design and testing vehicles, leading to the acclaimed Ford Ranger utes and Everest SUVs.
The Ranger remains one of Australia’s most popular vehicles.
Built in Thailand while engineered here, these utes are well regarded for on- and off-road manners, general performance and comforts.
Full credit to the Ranger crew, while other Australian Fords this century have
also well fulfilled intended purposes.
There was the Falcon RTV ute: a two-wheel drive with 2.5” suspension lift, wider track and lockable rear differential.
This – in particular with the optional 220kW V8 – was proper hard to beat down a rough country road.
There was the 2004 Ford Territory: a five-door SUV that was one of the most competent of family wagons found anywhere in the world (if a bit thirsty).
Best of these was the Territory Turbo Ghia, with all-wheel drive, 254kW of turbocharged power and as good as premium, more expensive European rivals.
And among the last of the Falcon sedans was one of Australia’s best tourers ever.
The 2008 Falcon G6E ran with a turbocharged, six-cylinder engine pushing out 270kW and 533Nm of torque through a six-speed transmission. Perhaps others were a tad sharper through the turns, but the G6E was forever quick, comfortable, wellmannered and engaging (and well-loved by highway patrol officers).
Ford’s honourable Australian history also includes one of the world’s longest sporting sponsorships, having backed the Geelong Cats since 1925. And for the first time, more than 2300 brochures and images of Australian Fords have been added to the online Ford Heritage Vault and its 19,000 digital items.
It’s worth a look at the Ford Heritage Vault: fordheritagevault.com
The top reasons exercise helps osteoarthritis
CAITLYN HUTH looks closely at how to help ease a debilitating and painful condition.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that affects millions worldwide, causing pain, stiffness and a reduced quality of life.
While managing OA often involves medication and lifestyle changes, one of the most effective, yet under-appreciated, treatments is exercise.
One of the primary benefits of exercise for those with osteoarthritis is its ability to reduce systemic inflammation and lower pain sensitivity.
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of OA, contributing to joint pain and discomfort throughout the body. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce levels of inflammatory markers, offering a natural way to combat this persistent issue.
Exercise enhances strength and loading tolerance, allowing individuals to better manage the demands placed on their body by everyday activities. While muscles and tissues around the joint strengthen, they become better equipped to handle the
load, lessening the pressure on the affected areas. This not only reduces the likelihood of pain flare-ups but also provides a greater sense of confidence in performing daily tasks.
Building self-efficacy is another significant advantage of regular exercise. For many with osteoarthritis, the condition can feel overwhelming and lead to avoidance behaviours. However, exercise can empower individuals, providing them with a sense of accomplishment and control over their condition. When people see the improvements in their ability to move and perform activities,
their self-belief grows, and they are more likely to return to meaningful activities they once feared or avoided.
The ‘motion is lotion’ concept also highlights the importance of movement in reducing joint stiffness. Movement helps lubricate the joints, reducing sensitivity and discomfort.
Even light exercise can promote this natural joint lubrication, making it easier to move and reduce stiffness.
One of the most rewarding aspects of exercise is the release of endorphins: the body’s natural painkillers. These feel-good chemicals act as a counterbalance to pain signals, helping to reduce discomfort and promote a sense of wellbeing. As exercise increases endorphin production, individuals not only feel better physically but also experience an emotional uplift that can improve their overall quality of life.
Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au
Boronia Cottage Day Respite Program
Meaningful moments, friendly faces, and a well deserved break for carers
Join us every Friday from 9am to 1pm at Boronia Cottage, where we offer a warm, welcoming and engaging respite program designed to support connection, wellbeing and healthy ageing.
FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law
YOU HAVE TO KEEP TAKING THE LEAP
IF YOU have maintained a level of fitness and good health most of your life, you may never know the effort required to walk upstairs, push a wheelbarrow, pick up your grandchildren or break into a trot to catch the bus.
Those who have maintained a good level of activity will be able to do simple things for a lot longer and, once again, we are reminded that if you do not use a particular skill or level of mobility, eventually the skill or ability diminishes.
You may find this out by surprise – as I did.
A few weeks ago, I visited my son and his family on their little farm. I normally entertain my two young grandchildren with games outside the house.
This particular day, the game was to see how far we could jump off the rope-swing platform. So, to be clear, we were not using the rope to jump off: just the platform which was basically an old pallet raised up and wrapped around the tree. We had to take a step and jump off the platform.
Easy, right? I was fairly confident that I would be able to win the game by jumping further than my oldest grandson, 7. How wrong I was. As confident as I was, I started doubting myself when it was my turn. As much as I wanted to, my body would not let me jump off the pallet. I was really puzzled. I tried again and again to leap off the pallet, but the best I could do was a longer step.
When I got home that day, I told my wife what had happened and how I could not beat a seven-year-old at a converted long jump. My wife reminded me of my age and the fact that my grandkids played games for a greater part of the day.
Nonetheless, the next day, I practised long jumps and box jumps until I regained some competence. I can’t wait to compete against my grandson again.
Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.
Gentle exercise and therapy groups
Local outings and community events
A nutritious home-cooked meal
Engaging activities tailored to individual interests
Transport pick up and drop off may be available depending on catchment
To book or learn more about our Respite Program and transport options, call our friendly team on
Aged care feature
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN THE TIME COMES
By SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
IT CAN happen so quickly. A heart attack or stroke. A fall. Increasing confusion in everyday life. An escalation of a long-term condition.
Mum/grandma is too frail to cook, shower or bathe themselves at home. Dad/Poppa has become more aggressive and refuses to let anyone help them.
Family, friends and neighbours may sense that the time has come. A greater level of care is needed – one that will see them leave their home and surroundings for good.
But it has to be done. It is what’s best for their quality of life or to receive the expert care and attention they truly need and deserve.
Often, that’s when the scramble starts. Loved ones may have known for a while that this time would come but somehow, they didn’t want to face it. They put off any decision on “what happens next” out of respect for their elder or it was simply too hard to contemplate. Then come the frantic internet searches, phone calls, facility visits.
Finding the aged care home that is the right fit for the loved one is crucial, however. Make a checklist of what might be the ideal facility. Consider and compare a few online and in person. Do all your options meet government standards and hold
all proper accreditation? Are they award winners, well respected in the community?
Is the right aged care centre in the loved one’s immediate neighbourhood for familiarity, or is it better they move closer to you for more regular visits?
Once you have a few in mind, you and your loved one need to get a feel for what’s provided with regard to staffing levels and care, meal plans and visiting hours, activities and stimulation.
What can they bring with them from home? Can they see their own doctor for check-ups? Is there much socialising and celebrations? Does the facility promote health and wellbeing, not just nursing?
Can the facility cater to changing needs of patients by moving them to suites with higher levels of care?
Make sure you understand the fee structure. Are there any ‘hidden costs’?
The more questions you ask, the better.
While the new living circumstances can be stressful, the end result should be a rewarding experience for all.
RELATIONSHIP-FIRST APPROACH MATTERS
AS Southeast Queensland continues to grow, so, too, does the need for aged care that offers more than just clinical support.
The care must provide genuine connection, comfort and a sense of belonging.
Across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, Arcare Aged Care is meeting this need with purpose-built residences that support independence, dignity and personalised care.
With more than 45 years of experience and in excess of 55 residences nationally, Arcare is recognised for its relationshipfirst approach: a model that ensures residents are cared for by consistent team members who truly know them.
This approach builds trust and creates a calm, reassuring environment where residents feel seen and supported.
An exciting new expansion in Springwood is set to open in late 2025. The extended Arcare Springwood residence will feature extra-large private suites, complete with
kitchenettes and walk-in wardrobes, combining the comfort of home with the security of 24/7 care.
All Arcare residences offer beautifully designed suites –many with balconies or courtyards, alongside boutique amenities such as a cinema, hair salon and private dining room for family gatherings.
Arcare also plays an active role in local communities, partnering with volunteer groups and supporting regional initiatives that bring enrichment and connection into residents’ daily lives.
To learn more or book a tour, visit arcare.com.au
Living with purpose
WHEN it comes to winning awards, once is good, but a second victory is twice as nice.
The team at Carinity team was delighted to be recognised recently as the winner of ProductReview.com.au’s annual awards in the Health Services category for 2025.
It’s the second year in a row Carinity has taken out the award.
ProductReview is an independent review site where customers can share their honest feedback about services based on their real-life experiences.
Carinity was recognised for having a high number of reviews over the 12-month period, with the majority achieving a consistently high standard.
More than 130 clients have submitted their personal review of Carinity’s services.
One of those reviews was submitted by Janelle Dyer, daughter of Brownesholme aged care resident Daphne. For Janelle, the prospect of moving her beloved mum was tinged with anxiety.
“Our family was anxious about mum moving to higher care,” Janelle says.
In early November 2023, Daphne suffered a bad fall and found herself dependent on daily support from her family. With Daphne facing the prospect of a move to aged care, Janelle
researched reviews from other families.
“I don’t do it often, but before major decisions, I read product reviews and consider recommendations from other trusted sources,” she says.
The family, particularly Daphne, felt emotionally unprepared for the prospect of leaving her cosy home to move to aged care, where ‘strangers’ would be responsible for her day-to-day living.
However, when Janelle and Daphne joined the Brownesholme community, the staff weren’t strangers for long.
Having been part of the community for over a year, Daphne now feels right at home.
“Mum enjoys watching the rural scenery, working on a puzzle or reading by her window,” Janelle says.
“Her daily interactions with staff, visitors and residents are important to her for staying socially connected.”
Visit carinity.org.au
Daphne and daughter Janelle
New Aged Care Act –Statement of Rights not just good intentions
Geoff Rowe, CEO of ADA 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.
Although as aged care advocates, we have reluctantly supported a 4-month delay to the implementation of the new rights-based Aged Care Act – it was becoming increasingly apparent that older people didn’t have the level of detail they needed to make informed decisions about their aged care –providers don’t need to wait to start to make changes which place the rights of older people at the centre of aged care.
Rowe, CEO ADA Australia, the in the Older Persons talks about the importance of the Statement of in the Care Act which will the way we care. as care advocates, we have a 4-month to the of the new Care Act – it was apparent that older didn’t have the level of detail needed to make informed decisions about their care –don’t need to wait to start to make which the of older at the centre of care.
Whether you are receiving care services at home or in a residential care service will have a to understand and deliver their services in line with the Statement of now enshrined in the Care Act
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 the Statement of Rights now enshrined in the Aged Care Act.
It means self-determination and choices of older should their care. It is a in the current ways of and No more what ‘ is best’ for the overzealous
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.
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.
Providers can start with which embrace those fundamental elements of an life – listened to and 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 that the care sector is to make.
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.
Government, service providers, peak bodies, older people with lived experience of aged care, and other key sector stakeholders must work together to ensure the smooth roll out of the Act on 1 November, so older
Government, service bodies, older with lived of care, and other sector stakeholders must work the smooth roll out of the Act on 1 November, so older people get the rights-based aged care they deserve
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 of ADA Australia, the Queensland member of the Older Persons Advocacy Network.
Rowe is CEO ADA Australia, the Queensland member the Older Persons 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
Hospice feature
LIVING LIFE TO THE END, ON YOUR TERMS
By SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
A DEAR friend and neighbour of many years knew he was dying of bowel cancer.
Always full of life, a keen golfer and footy fan, he loved nothing more than enjoying the company of his family, travelling the world, entertaining friends and having a laugh over a beer or two.
He lived large. So, he wanted to die in his way, on his terms.
He chose his end-of-life journey in a local hospice, where he could say his farewells, be surrounded by loved ones, have quality medical and nursing care and savour a few of his favourite things.
As hard as it was for those he left behind, his final days
HIGHLY SKILLED NURSES SUPPORT A PEACEFUL PASSING
LUTHERAN Services’ palliative care specialist nurse Regina Huang discovered the profound impact of end-of-life care early, inspired by her family’s loving support for a grandmother.
Now Regina supports aged care residents with comfort and dignity in their final days.
were filled with love, peace and quiet.
And that is perhaps the best we can hope for.
Few of us know what lies ahead in the next days, weeks or years. But if we can have a say in how our life ends, we should have that conversation, make a plan and prepare a directive.
The Australian government advises creating an advance care directive as an important part of your end-of-life care.
The directive can contain all your needs, values and preferences for your future care, as well as details of a substitute decision maker.
Learn more about palliative care at health.gov.au
“My grandmother passed peacefully where she wanted to be and that early experience has stayed with me,’’ she says.
“Now, it’s my privilege to support our residents at the end of life where they are most comfortable and to make the experience as positive as possible for them and their loved ones.”
Regina, a registered nurse with a Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care, is studying for a Master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner, supported by Lutheran Services’ industryleading program to place highly skilled nurses at its 11 aged care sites in Queensland.
“As a palliative care nurse practitioner, I’ll have advanced clinical skills and the ability to
prescribe medication, ensuring residents can receive the necessary care and comfort in their familiar surroundings, without the need for hospital transfers,” she says.
A key aspect of Regina’s role involves early conversations about advance care directives.
“While death can be a difficult topic, preparing a directive with your loved ones helps everyone be proactive and provide the special care you desire,” she says.
“It tells us what’s important to you, what brings you joy, your spiritual needs, your dignity and even what you don’t want.”
Regina developed an interest in therapeutic communication during palliative care studies.
“Therapeutic communication establishes connections and encourages open dialogue with strategies that include active listening, compassion and even silence,’’ she says.
“Often, I find it’s difficult to have the right words, but I learned that sometimes all you need to do is listen and spend time with the person and their family.’’
overseeing the nurse practitioner initiative, says positive changes have occurred in aged care, especially the focus on personalised, family-centred palliative care.
“Palliative care is a specialised field and we’re committed to upskilling our nurses,” Melanie says.
“Nurse practitioners play a crucial role in supporting complex clinical needs and providing guidance to the clinical team, while also supporting families on this emotional journey.
“Collaboration with GPs and external palliative care specialists enables residents to receive care according to their individual needs and preferences.”
For more information, call 1800 960 433 or visit lutheranservices.org.au
Melanie Wagner
SLEEP APNEA COULD BE A HEREDITARY TRAIT
YOUR genes influence everything from eye colour to sleep patterns.
And yes, they can affect your risk for sleep apnea, too.
Sleep apnea, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often runs in families. If you’ve inherited traits such as a narrow airway, extra throat tissue or a tendency toward weight gain, you may be more likely to develop OSA.
Even snoring (a key warning sign)
has a hereditary link. If your family gatherings sound like a symphony of chainsaws, you might have inherited more than just your dad’s nose.
That said, lifestyle factors play a big role, too. Weight, alcohol use, sleep position and overall health can all influence your risk.
Think of genetics as the starting point, not the full story. Even if sleep apnea is in your DNA, smart choices can still reduce your chances.
While OSA is the most common type, there are others to be aware of.
Central sleep apnea, caused by the brain’s failure to signal proper breathing, can also be linked to genetics, especially in people with certain heart or neurological conditions.
Complex sleep apnea is a mix of both and often requires more specialised treatment.
If sleep apnea runs in your family, the best thing you can do is stay alert to the signs: loud snoring, daytime fatigue and gasping for air during sleep. A home sleep study can help you get answers quickly and comfortably.
The good news? Sleep apnea is highly treatable. With the right diagnosis and support, you can get the rest your body needs and take back control of your health.
Call CPAP Direct on 1300 800 985 or email support@cpap.com.au
For 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.
Pioneering 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.
• Dr. Olivia Holland : Researching pregnancy health to mitigate long-term risks of gestational diabetes, aiming for healthier lives for mothers and children alike.
Building the Next Generation of Scientists
Through the SPARQ-ed program, LMRF provides scholarships for regional students, inspiring future researchers to push boundaries in medical science.
Join Us in Making a Difference LMRF relies solely on community support to fund these vital projects. Your donation can help drive discoveries, offering tax-deductible benefits while supporting life-changing advancements.
Visitlionsmedicalresearchfoundation.org.au to learn more andcontributetoabrighter,healthierfutureforall.
MAINTAINING SKIN
HEALTH AFTER 50
AGEING can cause changes to your skin that you are not expecting.
Sun exposure, seasonal changes, poor diet and medications can contribute to skin problems as we age.
Eczema is a skin condition that can affect people of any age.
Certain types of eczema are more common in people over 50. With age, several changes occur in the skin such as slower healing, loss of
moisture and increased vulnerability to skin damage.
The Eczema Association of Australasia Inc (EAA) offers these tips for healthy ageing skin:
• drink plenty of water
• always patch test any new products prior to use
• use moisturising, sensitive, hypoallergenic and fragrancefree products
• get outside for some sunshine, but wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing
• keep your shower routine simple: have a warm water temperature, not hot, and pat yourself dry after showering/bathing
• apply moisturiser directly after showering to lock in moisture
• speak to your pharmacist to direct you to the best skin lotions/creams on the market for your skin type. Look for products that feature the EAA logo
• reach out if you are experiencing skin rashes or flares that you have not had before, and speak to your doctor or carer to help you.
If you think you have eczema, talk to your doctor about your skin symptoms and diagnosis. You may need to be referred to a dermatologist if you are experiencing severe eczema. To become an Eczema Association of Australasia Inc member, email via eczema.org.au or call 1300 300 182.
IF YOU have had radiation therapy in the past and now experience unexplained symptoms, you might have a soft tissue radiation injury (STRI).
An STRI is a delayed side effect that can appear months or even years after treatment.
Many people assume these symptoms are just part of ageing, but that’s not always the case.
Radiation injuries can mimic other conditions and are often misdiagnosed. Common symptoms include:
• persistent pain or tightness in the treated area
• chronic fatigue or non-healing wounds
• bladder or bowel issues, such as bleeding (radiation cystitis or proctitis)
• dry mouth or dental problems after head and neck cancer
• numbness, tingling or unexplained fractures.
The good news is that STRIs are treatable. One of the most effective options is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which works by delivering oxygen deep into damaged tissues to promote healing.
Wesley Hyperbaric is Australia’s only private, accredited day hospital offering this treatment.
Patients receive care in a safe, supportive environment. You don’t need a specialist to get started. Just ask your GP or specialist for a referral for an initial assessment. Visit wesleyhyperbaric.com.au
Do I need a will?
Every day, people make excuses for why they don’t need a will to ensure their valuable assets pass to their family.
Classic excuses include:
1. I don’t need a will because my wife/ kids are going to inherit everything anyway. She/they’ll take care of it.
2. Isn’t that for rich, old people?
3. I only have a house – not much to worry about, really.
4. Getting a will is too expensive and time consuming.
5. I’ll be dead anyway, so it’s not my problem.
6. If I talk about it too much, I’ll probably jinx myself.
The response to all of these furphies is a resounding “wrong!”.
The absence of a will is a great way to waste money and ensure that your beneficiaries lose out.
While not having a will may mean that ultimately assets eventually find their way to next of kin, the pathway is longer, more expensive and requires court involvement – overall, a much slower and more expensive way to achieve the outcome that a straightforward will could ensure.
Of course, not having a will means
By DON MACPHERSON
that your intentions are irrelevant, and what you wanted to happen may not occur.
When people die without a will (called an intestacy), the law sets out a formula that applies to distribute assets in different proportions between next of kin in a specified sequence.
That may, for example, mean a house has to be sold, even if the wife is living there, to satisfy the intestacy formula.
The absence of a will may open the door to a contested estate.
A simple will would prevent unintended consequences occurring.
A simple will is not expensive (usually under $750).
Unless the estate is complex, there is no need for a testamentary trust or other complications to blow out the costs of a will.
In fact, lawyers make much more money when people don’t have a will, as the sorting out of people’s estates without a will significantly increases the time and expense involved.
Brisbane Elder Law are experts in wills, estate disputes, estate management and retirement village contracts. Contact them on 1800 961 622 or visit brisbaneelderlaw.com.au
AN OFTEN-asked question is whether committing a crime or having a criminal record can impact a will or other elements of the estate planning process.
Equity Trustees legal counsel Nick McColl explains that a criminal record, in particular the nature of a crime, can impact whether or not a person benefits under a will or remains in the position as an executor, trustee or testamentary guardian under a will.
“While a criminal record doesn’t automatically prevent a person from benefitting under a will or being appointed as an executor, trustee or testamentary guardian, it is most certainly a factor that would be taken into account when advising a client who to appoint as executor, trustee or testamentary guardian,” he says.
Mr McColl explains that a crime can impact a will in a variety of situations.
In estate administration, one key legal principle is the forfeiture rule, which prevents a beneficiary who has killed or injured the will maker (testator) from inheriting any part of their estate.
Mr McColl says this rule is based on the idea that no one should profit from their wrongdoing, particularly in cases involving violence against the testator. If a beneficiary is found guilty of intentionally causing the death or serious injury of the testator, then they are legally barred from receiving any inheritance under their will.
“A person who has unlawfully killed another is also unable to obtain a grant of probate or letters of administration and, if a grant has already been made, then it will be revoked,” he says.
Mr McColl points to the example of Re Edwards [2014] VSC 392, where the forfeiture rule was applied in a case of defensive homicide and upheld on appeal.
Even though there had been a history of domestic violence, and the will maker’s murder was committed in self-defence, it was held that the rule applied to all cases of murder and manslaughter without exception.
A similar rule can be applied when it comes to fraud – another situation very
likely to invalidate a will. In fact, Mr McColl says that fraud is generally the only crime that would affect the validity of the whole or part of a will.
“Where fraud is alleged, it must be shown that another person deceived or misle d the testator in such a way as to materially impact the making of the whole or part of a will in a certain way,” he says. “This includes wilfully false statements or the suppression of key facts by another person, intended either to gain benefits under a will for themselves or to prevent benefits being received by a person who would ordinarily expect to benefit under a will.”
Generally, a beneficiary who is a convicted criminal is entitled to inherit under a will, provided that their crime is not directly related to the testator’s death.
“However, it can impact the way in which they should benefit under a will,” Mr McColl says. “For example, a protective trust may be more suitable than leaving a direct benefit to a person in this particular set of circumstances, especially if they could potentially misuse the money left to them.”
That said, the testator has the freedom to disinherit or limit an inheritance to any beneficiary, including a convicted criminal, if they want to.
Mr McColl gives an example of a client who left their entire estate to their only son, a convicted drug dealer. While it wasn’t illegal for the son to inherit the estate, the client was concerned with how the funds would be used.
For this reason, the client opted to include a protective trust under the will, managed by a professional trustee (in this case, Equity Trustees).
The terms of the protective trust allowed for the son’s financial needs to be met with the safety of a professional trustee managing his inheritance, minimising the risk of misuse. It also had the added benefit of not putting anyone in the family in a position (by appointing them as trustee, for example) where they might have to make difficult decisions which might impact family relationships.
Visit eqt.com.au
WHY GARTH AND KAY INCLUDED A GIFT TO CHARITY IN THEIR WILLS
GARTH and Kay Stephens made the decision to include gifts in their wills to Cancer Council Queensland after the passing of a beloved close family member.
The couple is among many Queenslanders who want to fund local cancer research, prevention programs and vital support services.
“When Garth’s father died, that’s when we decided: ‘Let’s put something in’. We updated our wills and decided to formalise the gift,” Kay says.
“I see Cancer Council Queensland really trying to get to people with cancer to help them live a good life, even if it’s terminal cancer.
“There are solutions around. And people don’t always know what’s available to them.”
Garth says he was keen to act because of the family’s medical history: “Mum had cancer, dad had cancer, Kay’s father had cancer and I’ve had cancer.”
Kay adds: “Everyone is touched by cancer. Every family has a cancer story.”
Cancer Council Queensland provides a free will service to make it easier to include a gift in your will.
For more information, visit cancerqld. org.au/free-will-service
Disclaimer: The information in these articles is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial or product advice. Any opinions or views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent those of this publication, or people, institutions or organisations they may be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated.
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Free Will Service
Your beautiful gift to the future.
Anyone who needs a basic Will written or updated and kindly includes a gift to Cancer Council Queensland is eligible to use the Free Will Service.
For more information phone 07 3634 5190 or visit cancerqld.org.au/free-will-service
A TASTE OF THAILAND
THE Moreton Bay community is in for a cultural and culinary treat as Mudmee Vigar, the renowned ‘Thai Cooking Queen’, takes the stage at the Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival on Friday, August 22.
With her signature dishes including Pad Thai and Papaya Salad, Mudmee is ready to share
showcase my culture at the festival,” she says.
“Thank you to Dominique and local celebrity chef Ada for their support—I can’t wait to see everyone there.”
After building a successful career in Thailand’s food, fashion and entertainment industries, Mudmee moved to Australia in 2010.
the rich flavours of Thailand, fused with a deep passion for culture, dance and community spirit.
Mudmee, president of the Empower Thailand Foundation, has dedicated her life to sharing the beauty of Thai traditions through food.
“I’m honoured and thrilled to
Now based in Brisbane, she has found a new purpose: bringing people together through Thai cooking and charity work.
“I believe food is a powerful way to connect communities, support others and spread happiness,” she says.
Her Cooking Experience & Food Charity Program offers affordable Thai and Asian cooking classes across Sandgate,
Woody Point, Enoggera and Redcliffe.
Classes are open to all, with memberships starting at $50. As part of her foundation’s work, Mudmee will also provide free meals for the homeless, and she’s calling on local businesses and government for support.
Mudmee’s long-term goal is to grow her Cooking Masters Australia event — an inclusive cultural cooking competition — and she welcomes anyone who would like to help bring the vision to life.
Don’t miss your chance to taste authentic Thai cuisine, support a wonderful cause, and be part of a growing movement that celebrates culture and kindness.
• Saturdays – Enoggera, 2-4pm (148 South Pine Road, business location)
• Sunday: July 27, noon-2pm (to be advised).
Visit trymythai.com.au or call 0474 147 564.
FRIDAY NIGHT HARNESS RACING AT REDCLIFFE
THE Redcliffe Harness Racing Club (RHRC) is an institution on the peninsula.
The club has been operating for 69 years and has a 99-year lease – so harness racing is here to stay for another 30 years.
Club president Mark McNee says this month is exciting for RHRC as it welcomed new caterers from July 1 with meals and snacks to suit all appetites.
It is also the start of the return to Friday night racing after a short hiatus.
Friday night racing belongs on the peninsula and is why RHRC has received most of its accolades over the years, Mark says.
Club members look forward to welcoming new patrons and families.
Don’t forget the 10 per cent discount voucher that’s available in Your Time magazine this month (see below).
For bookings, contact the club on 3284 4550.
See one of the greatest British classics on screen, performed live with Queensland Symphony Orchestra, featuring Rachmaninov’s lush Piano Concerto No. 2.
BRIEF ENCOUNTER IN CONCERT WITH QSO
QUEENSLAND Symphony Orchestra’s (QSO) Brief Encounter in Concert promises a deeply moving cinematic and musical experience.
David Lean’s 1945 classic film Brief Encounter will be projected in full, accompanied live by Rachmaninov’s emotionally charged Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, Op.18 – a score that became inseparably tied to the film’s portrayal of love and longing.
The film follows a poignant, forbidden romance between two married strangers.
With its atmospheric cinematography and restrained emotional tone, Brief Encounter has endured as one of the great romantic dramas of the 20th century.
Rachmaninov’s sweeping concerto, used throughout the film, mirrors the intensity and yearning of the characters, adding a second voice to their unspoken feelings.
The concerto itself – composed after Rachmaninov overcame a period of deep depression – is rich in lyricism, drama and Romantic grandeur.
It’s a staple of the repertoire.
Live, it becomes a visceral experience.
At the piano is Konstantin Shamray, celebrated Russian-Australian pianist and winner of the 2008 Sydney International Piano Competition.
Known for his expressive depth
and technical brilliance, Shamray is the ideal interpreter of Rachmaninov’s emotional range.
Under the baton of Benjamin Northey, the QSO brings this unique fusion of film and live music to life, offering an unforgettable event that blends cinematic storytelling with the immediacy and power of the concert hall.
Expect romance, heartbreak and beauty on screen and in every note.
TICKETS: From $100-140, via qso.com.au/ events/2025/matinee-moments/briefencounter-in-concert
A Taste of Thailand
The Moreton Bay community is in for a cultural and culinary treat this August as Mudmee Vigar, the renowned Thai Cooking Queen, takes the stage at the Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival on Friday 22 August.
wait to see everyone there!”
With her signature dishes like Pad Thai and Papaya Salad, Mudmee is ready to share the rich flavours of Thailand, fused with a deep passion for culture, dance, and community spirit.
Mudmee, President of the Empower Thailand Foundation, has dedicated her life to sharing the beauty of Thai traditions through food. “I’m honoured and thrilled to showcase my culture at the festival,” she said. “Thank you to Dominique and local celebrity chef Ada for their support – I can’t
Mudmee moved to Australia in 2010, now based in Brisbane, she has found a new purpose: bringing people together through Thai cooking and charity work.
From June 2025, her Cooking Experience & Food Charity Program will offer affordable Thai and Asian cooking classes across Sandgate, Woody Point, Enoggera, and Redcliffe. Classes are open to all, with memberships starting at $50.
FOR THE DIARY: July
HERE are some dates to keep in mind this month.
• July 1 International Tartan Day
• July 6-13 NAIDOC Week
• July 6 World Cardiologist Day
• July 7 World Chocolate Day
• July 9 Australian Constitution Day
• July 11-13 Queensland Garden Show
• July 18 Nelson Mandela International Day
• July 20 International Chess Day; International Cake Day
• July 22 World Brain Day
• July 27-August 3 DonateLife Week
• July 30 International Day of Friendship.
THIS quick and easy recipe for Italian Meatballs is a hearty winter warmer.
Ingredients:
• 500g lean beef mince
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup basil pesto, plus extra to serve
• 500g jar pasta sauce.
Method:
1. Combine the mince, egg and basil pesto. Season, then form into 6cm meatballs.
2. In a non-stick frying pan over medium heat, add the meatballs and cook, turning for 6 to 7 minutes or until browned all over.
3. Reduce the heat and add the pasta sauce. Season and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Optional: Sprinkle with mozzarella and grill for two to three minutes or until the cheese is bubbling. Serve scattered with extra basil leaves and over a mound of boiled rice.
This recipe is from 4 Ingredients The Easiest One Pot Cookbook Ever, available for $24.99 from 4ingredients.com.au/products/4ingredients-the-easiest-one-pot-cookbook-ever
Mudmee Vigar
CLASS LOCATIONS
June to November 2025
FRIDAY, 22 AUGUST, 5PM
Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival
MONDAY / JULY ONLY
As part of her foundation’s work, Mudmee will also provide free meals for the homeless
Don’t miss your chance to taste authentic Thai cuisine, support a wonderful cause, and be part of a growing movement that celebrates culture and kindness.
10AM-12PM
Sandbag Community, 153 Rainbow Street, Sandgate
SATURDAY 2-4PM
My business location: 148 South Pine Rd, Enoggera.
SUNDAY, 20 JULY, 12-2PM
Grinstead Park, Shand Street, Alderley.
Serves 4
ITALIAN MEATBALLS
DISCOVER THE ‘CROWN JEWEL’ OF OVER-50S LIVING
GEMLIFE, one of Australia’s leading developers of over-50s lifestyle resorts, is redefining retirement living with the upcoming launch of its most luxurious facility to date.
The $22.9 million, threestorey Country Club will open as part of its flagship Gold Coast resort.
Created exclusively for active, independent over-50s, GemLife resorts combine high-quality homes with premium recreational facilities, offering a vibrant, communityfocused lifestyle with no entry or exit fees.
Opening at the end of this month, the GemLife Gold Coast Country Club blends timeless Mediterranean elegance with
cutting-edge design across more than 7200 sqm –delivering a world-class experience where residents can socialise, stay active, create and unwind.
A grand entrance framed by bronze mosaic-tiled columns and a showstopping glass-sphere chandelier sets the tone, inviting residents and guests to explore.
Features include a plush private cinema, tenpin bowling lanes, indoor bowls green, a creative arts studio, workshop, beauty salon, library, and consulting room – all under one spectacular roof.
A grand ballroom forms the heart of the building, complete with a dancefloor, residents’ bar and stage, opening out to a stunning colonnaded terrace with views stretching toward Coomera and Sanctuary Cove.
“GemLife Gold Coast is our
flagship resort, and this Country Club is the jewel in the crown,” GemLife director and CEO Adrian Puljich says. “We’ve created something that truly embodies the Gold Coast lifestyle – stylish, social and made for living well every day.”
On the top level, residents can enjoy a state-of-the-art gym, indoor lap pool, games room and the showstopping rooftop terrace featuring an infinity-edge pool, sunken lounges and a barbecue area with views to Surfers Paradise.
The public is invited to experience it personally at the GemLife Gold Coast Country Club Open Day on Saturday, August 9.
Display homes will be open to view.
Visit gemlife.com.au or call 1800 193 177 to learn more or register your attendance.
ADVERTISEMENT
HOW A HOME EQUITY RELEASE LOAN IN RETIREMENT CAN CHANGE LIVES
FOR many older
Australians, retirement brings new freedom, but also financial uncertainty.
Rising living costs, medical expenses and limited superannuation can make day-to-day life challenging –even for those who own their homes outright.
That’s where a home equity release loan can help. It allows homeowners aged 55 and over to access part of their home’s value without needing to sell, move or downsize – unlocking flexibility and peace of mind.
But it’s not just about covering essentials. For many, a home equity release loan offers the freedom to live life on their own terms. This may include uses such as renovations, refinancing an
existing mortgage, helping children or grandchildren or even taking a long-dreamedof holiday.
A home equity release loan empowers people to remain in the place they call home, surrounded by familiar faces and memories.
And thanks to protections built into Australian law, including a ‘no negative equity guarantee’, borrowers and their families have peace of mind knowing they will never owe more than the value of their home.
It’s a way to turn years of hard work and home ownership into greater comfort and choice, opening doors to a better retirement.
Visit Inviva.com.au or call 1300 222 223.
Disclaimer: The information here is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, objectives or financial situation. Before acting on any information and for legal, tax, or financial questions, you should consult with an appropriate professional. Loans are subject to eligibility and lending criteria. Fees, interest rates and terms and conditions apply. Inviva Lending Pty Ltd, serviced by Inviva Services Pty Ltd. Australian Credit Licence No.533319.
World-class performance leather business celebrating 130 years
Packer Leather, one of the oldest and most respected family businesses in the Moreton Bay Region, has just celebrated 130 years of operation.
World Wars, the Great Depression, the Global Financial Crisis, a factory relocation and new technologies have built resilience and fostered an open-minded approach with the six generations of family leading the Packer Leather business based in Narangba.
Packer Leather’s point of difference globally is not just delivery of high-quality leathers, but reputation for a business that could be trusted
and one committed to the very best environmental practices.
For more information visit www.packerleather.com.au. If you would like to purchase our Australian-made leather you can go online at www.packerdirect.com.au or visit the Leather Shop onsite at Packer Leather, 101 Boundary Road, Narangba.
Packer Leather - the early years. Packer Leather team today.
Road trip Southwest QLD Granite Belt
‘FATHER OF QUEENSLAND WINE’
ANGELO Puglisi had a dream.
His dream was to develop a viable and sustainable commercial wine industry in the Granite Belt, southwest of Brisbane. That dream had its genesis long before he planted the first block of Shiraz vines with his bride Mary on their Ballandean farm in 1968. Even as a teenager, Angelo believed in himself. He believed in the soil
goes back in time. ‘New Australians’, such as his grandfather, journeyed halfway around the world to give themselves and their families a better life after war. They were not afraid of hard work or getting their hands dirty. In non-politically correct Australia in the early 1920s-’60s, Italians were considered ‘different’ – how they looked, their traditions and way of doing things.
Many ‘established’ Aussies of British and Irish heritage called these Italians ‘wogs’, ‘dagos’ and ‘eye-ties’ – and not always as terms of endearment.
SHIRLEY SINCLAIR meets two heavy hitters in the state’s burgeoning industry.
of his surrounds. And he had a few points to prove: he knew Australians one day would enjoy drinking wine as much as their beloved beer; and he knew that the Granite Belt had the potential to create great drops.
Ever the storyteller, and with a captive audience of travel writers and local identities during a ‘long lunch’ at Adam Penberthy’s Dear Vincent Winery, Angelo
Stanthorpe and the greater Granite Belt was one of the areas they gravitated to for farm and fruit-harvest work each November to March: the off-season to sugarcane. Catholic parish priest Father Jerome Davadi had planted the first wine grapes in the Granite Belt in the 1860s, and new-settler Italian families grew vines to make wine for their own enjoyment.
“All the old Italians and all the Europeans who were here were already making wine,” Angelo tells us.
“After the farmer had gone through and picked all the best ones (grapes) for market – the first grade – anything overripe, underripe, bird-eaten, hail-marked, not fit for human consumption, we went around and salvaged it and turned it into wine.
“Those old people used to drink one or
two bottles a day of that rough red and rough white. It was cloudy, it was thick. It was just crushed, pressed, fermented. It was still fermenting and they drank it. If it was cloudy, it meant they got a feed and a drink – not just a drink.”
Like most Europeans, young and old Italians consumed a glass or two of wine at every meal – an oddity in the eyes of other Australians but one that had its benefits, as Angelo discovered.
“All the memorial halls used to have these country dances,” he recounts.
“Those of us of Italian descent, we didn’t have to bring any girls because all the Aussie boys would bring their girlfriends, dump them in the hall, then go outside behind the boot of the car and get stuck into the grog.
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Angelo Puglisi
schoolmates. In the last 10 years, most of those have sold their vineyards to a winery. Hasn’t the wheel turned.”
“Their only opportunity to get drunk was on a Saturday night because at home, they weren’t allowed to drink (unlike us).
“So, we danced with the girls. And you know, we made a lot of girlfriends.”
But often, well before midnight at these dances, the Aussie males would run out of beer and ask Angelo to “go and try to pinch a couple of flagons of plonk from your father’s shed”. These were the same blokes who were adamant: “This is Australia, mate. Only wogs and dagos drink plonk. We drink beer.”
“My dream was to create a wine industry and to get Aussie people to drink wine breakfast, lunch and dinner,” Angelo says.
“It might not happen, and I know it is hard for some people to drink it for breakfast if you are in a town or city.
“But if you’re out in the country, and you’re working bloody hard and you’ve been out in the paddock since 5 o’clock in the morning and you come home at 7 or 8 o’clock – yeah, you’re pretty thirsty. Just a glass of milk doesn’t help. So, I had this dream. I started to put the dream together.”
Angelo planted his first commercial wine grapes, Shiraz, in 1968, soon followed by his inaugural Semillon and Rhine Riesling.
“From ‘only wogs drink wine’ to ‘all of us drink wine’ has been my dream.
“My dream has been achieved and to tell you the truth, half a dozen guys used to criticise me and laughed at me for trying to produce wine. ’Why are you making wine? Do you think you’re going to make a living out of wine? How do you think you’re going to live?’. That’s what I got told over and over. Some of them were my
Considered by many to be ‘the Father of Queensland Wine’, Angela is the founder of the state’s oldest family-run winery and this month celebrates his own 82nd ‘vintage’. From humble beginnings, producing wine since 1932 and opening a cellar door in 1970, Ballandean Estate boasts five generations of the Italian winemaking family. It has become a multi-million-dollar business, with Angelo and Mary’s daughters Robyn and Leeanne now at the forefront.
But the man who has lived and breathed all things grapes and wine for nearly 60 years says he is ready to hang up the farm clothes.
“My dream came true and it might surprise you but Ballandean Estate is now on the market,” he says.
“People want to know why. Well, this vintage has been the best vintage ever. The quality has been amazing. When would you sell a business? When it’s up on a high or when you’re down in the dumps?
“Why do we have to hang around? We can and go live a bit better life. We should get enough to pay the bills and buy a bottle of champagne or two.”
And knowing Angelo, when the time comes, he will be partaking of that celebratory champagne at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ballandean Estate is at 354 Road, Ballandean. Visit ballandeanestate.com
WINEMAKING WITH HEART
BALANCING Heart winemaker Mike Hayes is on a mission to take the snobbery out of wine appreciation.
With 40 years’ experience in viticulture and winemaking, the 2017 Australian Winemaker of the Year aims to educate more people about grapes and what it takes to create a quality drop.
A true trailblazer in his field, he champions sustainability in this era of climate change and is raising the profile of underrated Granite Belt winemaking by planting, nurturing and turning alternative (or emerging) varieties of grapes into small-batch hero vintages.
Australia’s highest elevated wine region produces elegant, cool-climate drops.
Shiraz and Chardonnay dominate the 15 or so mainstream grape varieties.
But more than 40 non-signature grapes – from Arneis in the whites to Zinfandel in the reds – are the point of difference that is really putting the Granite Belt Wine Country on the map and distinguishing it from other regions around Australia.
Known as ‘Strange Birds’, these alternative varieties are rare: each makes up less than 1 per cent of Australia’s total bearing vines.
Italian/Mediterranean grape varieties, such as Malbec, Saperavi, Tempranillo and Fiano love the altitude and thrive in the unique terroir with its longer growing season and deep granitic gravels.
The boutique-sized production means that the cellar doors of these small wineries are usually the only place the wines will be found.
Mike encourages everyone, including families, to visit Granite Belt wineries to be better educated about the vineyard-tobottle production and gain an appreciation for the wines through tastings.
Talking to the vineyard owner or winemaker at the cellar door helps to demystify the grape-growing and winemaking process while soaking up the ambience of the surrounds.
In addition, Balancing Heart now has a free, self-guided vineyard walk that takes about 15 minutes, with an information board at nine different spots.
Mike suggests taking the stroll with a
glass in hand as a five-senses treat.
Drink in information about each variety of grape and where it comes from, and learn about the textural building blocks of nature over the past 250 million years that have gone into every vintage.
On one such sunset vineyard walk towards the Balancing Heart natural rock formation, Mike can barely hold his enthusiasm as we stop beside a block of grapes that is extremely rare in Australia.
“This is called Carménère and this is one of our flagship varieties,” he tells us, grabbing a cluster of grapes.
“Carménère is an ancient variety that the French have claimed, but it’s not actually French.
“Its parent is Cabernet Franc and another variety called Gros (Cabernet).
“DNA has now proven that Cabernet Franc comes from the Pais Vasco region in the Basque Mountains.
“Gros Cabernet is a natural cross in the wild between Hondarrabi Beltza and Fer Servadou, also Basque Mountain varieties.
“So, Fer Servadou and Hondarrabi Beltza crossed to give us Gros Cabernet, then Gros Cabernet and Cabernet Franc crossed to give us Carménère.
“It was taken by the conquistadors to Chile, and they’d been selling it as Merlot for 200 or 300 years.
“In Chile (today), they make an absolute fortune out of selling it as Carménère, and it’s now their premium wine with exuberant prices. Some of them are over $1000 a bottle.”
Caloundra
Mike Hayes
A long lunch at Dear Vincent
The Balancing Heart rock
Mike has been experimenting with growing Carménère for many years at Balancing Heart – and it is about to pay off.
“I’ve got three combinations of pruning that I’ve been trialling to get it to fruiting, “It worked. We’ve had up to 300 kilos off these five rows. But now, the last couple of years, I’m getting two tonne, which gives me enough to make wine out of and do something commercial. We’re opening up our canopies here. As you can see, we’re letting more air flow through and more sunlight onto the vines. We let Mother Nature make the wine here, and I am the mere gatekeeper in the winery.”
Balancing Heart Vineyard is at 221 Old Wallangarra Road, Wyberba. Visit balancingheart.com.au
Download the free Southern Downs and Granite Belt App (southerndownsand granitebelt.com.au/official-visitor-app/)
ATTRACTIONS FAR AND WIDE ON THE GRANITE BELT
THE Granite Belt is less than three hours’ drive from Brisbane or Caloundra. Here’s seven good reasons to visit.
1. See the epic boulders that Granite Belt Wine Country (and especially Girraween National Park) is famous for. parks.desi.qld. gov.au/parks/girraween
2. Pick your own in-season apples and sunflowers at Nicoletti Orchards’ harvest experience. nicolettiorchards.com.au
3. Stanthorpe Holiday Park has added a Bath Haus, Sauna Retreat and Cedar Chalets.
stanthorpeholidaypark.com.au
4. Try an intimate tasting at the Rokkwell cellar with co-owner and the winemaker Dawn Walker. rokkwell.com.au
5. Take an elevated perspective from View Wine’s new ‘Big Red Shed’ Grape 2 Glass Centre. viewwine.au
6. Ballandean Pub is a great place to meet the locals. ballandeanpub.com.au
7. Take a heritage train ride on the Downs Explorer between Ballandean and Stanthorpe. downsexplorer.org.au
COACH
Tuesday 19th August
COASTAL
Grand Floral Parade (Reserved Seating) Private Gardens Tour, Jondaryan, The Empire Theatre, Railway Museum, Esk, Lake Somerset/Wivenhoe, Laidley
Join us for the 76th year of the celebration of Spring and enjoy all the colours of the parks & gardens in The Garden City. Highlights are Picnic Point, Laurel Bank Gardens and Queens Park. Morning Tea & lunch included.
Tuesday 23rd October
HINZE DAM & MURWILLUMBAH
A country drive via Hinze Dam to Northern NSW where we enjoy lunch at the Murwillimbah RSL. A stop at Yatala Pies on the way home. Morning tea and Lunch included.
Wednesday 19th November
EUMUNDI MARKETS
For convenience, we offer a variety of pick-up locations primarily on the northside of Brisbane, specifically the Redcliffe and Sandgate areas.
We also serve Taigum and Aspley Hypermarket Shopping Centres, making it easier for our passengers to access our services.
Additionally, we provide pick-ups at the Eternal Flame in Ann Street, City, and, on tours heading south, we include Palmdale Shopping Centre for added convenience.
Dates and itineraries are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances that are out of our control.
Time to think about Christmas gifts again and Eumundi is the best place to look. We travel straight up to Eumundi and back with maximum time to browse. Morning Tea provided but Lunch at own expense. e: admin@rwcoaches.com.au | w: redandwhitecoaches.com.au
& SYDNEY
Hunter Valley, Sydney Opera House, NSW South Coast, Toowoomba, New England, NSW South Highlands
FARE INCLUDES:
Motel Accommodation and All Breakfasts and Dinners, All Admissions and Touring.
PICKUP AND RETURN: Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, Redcliffe, Brisbane Surburbs,
Follow the pretty flowers
Everyone knows about Japan’s cherry blossom season, with delicate sakura painting the scenery in shades of pink between late March and early May.
But what if the flower-filled magic didn’t end there? What if you could travel a little further or stay longer and discover even more blooming beauty across Japan and Europe?
That’s where Imagine Cruising steps in, offering curated cruise packages with hotel stays included before and after your
voyage. It’s more than a holiday – it’s a floral journey across continents.
Japan is a country where each season brings fresh floral beauty. In autumn, cosmos flowers bloom in soft shades of pink, purple and white, with fields near Mount Fuji offering a particularly stunning setting.
Spring sees wisteria draping over garden paths in waves of violet, especially at the Kawachi Wisteria Garden in Kitakyushu. Throughout the year, colourful blooms such as irises,
hydrangeas and lilies brighten temple grounds and public parks.
Now shift your gaze west to Europe. Imagine Cruising also offers holidays that explore the continent’s floral wonders.
In Italy, especially around Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, springtime brings camellias with their elegant white, pink and red blooms perfectly complementing the alpine backdrop and shimmering lake views. As you stroll through villa gardens and lakeside promenades, it’s easy to see why this region has long been favoured by poets and painters.
Travel south to Florence and you’ll find yourself in the birthplace of the Iris Florentina: a delicate bloom that is the very symbol of the city. In May, the Iris Garden near Piazzale Michelangelo bursts into life, overlooking the red-tiled rooftops of Florence.
Further along the Mediterranean, bougainvillea adds splashes of colour to the whitewashed walls of Mykonos and Santorini – a striking contrast against the deep blue sea and sky.
With Imagine Cruising, the best of the world is brought to your fingertips. These holidays offer exceptional value and seamless experiences, combining hotel stays, cultural immersion and cruising into one complete package. It’s time to stop and smell the flowers.
IF YOU
Contact your local Travellers Choice agent via travellerschoice.com.au WHERE
Experience THE BEST THIS COUNTRY has to Offer
Season 2, this cathedral and forecourt cafes might be familiar.
Various filming locations in Sicily for HBO’s popular ‘dramedy’ series included Cefalù, about an hour’s train ride along the northern coastline east of Palermo, Sicily.
Terracotta rooftops lead up to the stunning Rocca Di Cefalù mountain that acts as a backdrop to the Cathedral of Cefalù (part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Arab-Norman Palermo and the Catholic Cathedrals of Cefalu and Monreale).
Down the cobblestoned streets from the cathedral, the balconies and back walls of old apartment blocks have absolute beachfront position on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
AUGUST 2025
North Queensland Savannah (12 Days) - CLOSING SOON
SEPTEMBER 2025
Fraser Island Whale Watch (4 Days)
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4 Days)
Flinders Ranges (11 Days)
Brisbane Sights at the Star Casino (3 Days)
NOVEMBER 2025
Tasmania (15 Days)
O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days)
FEBRUARY 2026
Scottish Tattoo in Brisbane
MARCH 2026
Norfolk Island
O’Reillys
APRIL 2026
Easter in Port Stephens
Alpine High Country to the Murray Delta
Petals & Passages
All-Inclusive Azamara Immersive Japan Voyage, CosmosFlowers&MountFujiDiscovery Cosmos Flowers & Mount Fuji Discovery
Explore Japan and South Korea’s contrasts, from Tokyo’s bright lights to Yeosu’s peaceful coast, with a Mount Fuji tour and all-inclusive cruise
Highlights Tokyo • Nagoya • Kobe • Kōchi • Hiroshima • Beppu • Kagoshima • Nagasaki • Fukuoka
• Busan • Yeosu • Seoul
Includes
• Hotel stays in Tokyo and Seoul • 14-night all-inclusive cruise on board Azamara Pursuit • Reserved seat on the Bullet Train • Photography • Views over Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji • Views over Oishi Park with Mount Fuji
Savour the charm of Italy’s sparkling gems in the scenic Italian Lakes, then cruise through the captivating Eastern Mediterranean.
Highlights Milan • Lake Maggiore • Lake Como
• Mykonos • Athens • Santorini
Includes
Florence • Civitavecchia
Naples
Crete
Ku
Kotor
Sicily • Barcelona
• Hotel stays in Lake Maggiore, Florence and Barcelona • 14-night Sun Princess® • Lake Como tour • Scenic rail journey on board the Centovalli Railway
Valid for travel Select dates 15 May - 07 August 2026
Antarctica & South America Voyage with Iguazu Falls Discovery
25 days $10,299*pp
Experience the best of both worlds, from escorted tours to Christ the Redeemer and Iguazu Falls to cruising past the dramatic glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Highlights Rio de Janeiro • Iguazu Falls • Buenos Aires • Montevideo • Puerto Madryn • Port Stanley
Includes: Hotel stays in Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu, Buenos Aires and Santiago • on board Oosterdam • • Departs 26 January 2027
31 days $12,999*pp
THE LAST DAYS OF KIRA MULLAN
By Nicci French Psychological thriller
Reviewed by Jan
Kent
THIS story begins with Nancy and her partner Felix making a fresh start in their new apartment, hoping to put the dark days of her breakdown and loss of her business behind them.
She is determined to quell the voices in her head, take her medication and move forward, but the over-protectiveness of Felix and the patronising attitudes of the other house residents make her question her sanity.
When the body of the resident downstairs is discovered, Nancy is the only one doubting the death is a suicide. But how could she be believed, with her history of mental illness?
Ploughing through the mix of busy-body neighbours, chauvinistic and judgmental policemen and a partner who seems determined to quash her self-confidence, Nancy at times makes questionable decisions which had me fuming and squirming in equal measures.
When Detective Maud O’Connor takes up the cudgel, hope flares at last.
An unexpected conclusion capped off my enjoyment of this novel, which handles the delicate subject of mental illness sensitively and realistically.
Another great product of the author.
SPEAK TO ME OF HOME
THE VANISHING HALF
By Brit Bennett Modern fiction Reviewed by John Kleinschmidt
MALLARD, a fictional town in Louisiana, is inhabited by light-skinned African Americans “who would never be white but refused to be treated like Negroes”.
In 1938, “creamy-skinned, hazel-eyed” identical twins Stella and Desiree Vignes are born. When the girls leave home, one marries a dark-skinned man and the other moves to California – marrying a white man and living as a white woman.
Each has a daughter: one very black and the other white – the latter and her mother living a perpetual lie. The daughters’ lives eventually intersect and result in the lie being revealed.
This book is not a comfortable read from a racial perspective and not helped by the author’s writing style which was hard to follow at times, with lots of jumping around chronologically and adding backstories in the middle of present-day ones.
Not my type of book but great for a book club.
By Jeanine Cummins, Modern fiction
Reviewed by Rebecca Walker, of Annie’s Books on Peregian
A STORY about marriage, family and identity, Speak to Me of Home tells the tale of a mother and her daughters as they contemplate their shared cultural roots.
Set in Puerto Rico and America, the plot examines the interconnected lives of three generations of women over a 65-year period.
Jumping between the past and present, the narrative dances across time while touching on complex issues such as displacement, cultural
assimilation and the struggle to belong.
With a feisty cast of characters and an exotic backdrop, the book weaves multiple viewpoints into one sweeping tale that ultimately asks its reader: “What does it mean to call a place home?”.
Absorbing and evocative, Speak to Me of Home is a modern saga with plenty of multigenerational appeal.
RESPECTED travel journalist
Celeste Mitchell chose Noosa last month to launch her latest book: Ultimate Beaches: Australia. If you’re a beach babe or aquaman at heart, this is the book – whether you’re after a swim, surf, reviving walk or fun with the family.
Australia’s mainland and islands are home to more than 10,000 beaches, but you don’t have to visit them all.
Mitchell has done the footwork for you, sharing her top 80 picks of the best.
The co-founder of slow and sustainable travel platform Life Unhurried and author of Life Unhurried: slow and sustainable stays across Australia, the meticulous, sun-loving researcher has curated a guide to the ‘big names’ and lesser-known spots.
Detailed information covers what makes each beach special, when to go, whether it’s dog friendly or appropriate for families, and how accessible it is for all visitors.
Also included are must-do nearby attractions and experiences.
Whether you’re seeking a day-trip hero beach, world-class surf break, romantic weekend away or ultimate tropical holiday for the family, this coffee table book has you covered.
Published by Hardie Grant Explore. RRP $45.
I WANT EVERYTHING
By Dominic Amerena, Australian fiction
Reviewed by Karen Weiber, of Books@Stones, Stones Corner
IT STARTS with a lie. One small lie to get everything he wants.
But one lie leads to another and another.
Caught in his own web of deception, how can he recognise the truth? And what is it going to cost him?
The legendary career of reclusive cult author Brenda Shales remains one of Australia’s last unsolved literary mysteries. Her books took the world by storm before she disappeared from the public eye after a mysterious plagiarism case.
But when an ambitious young writer stumbles across Brenda at a Melbourne pool, he
Glendale Granny Cabins
realises the scoop of a lifetime is floating in front of him: the truth behind why she vanished without a trace.
The only problem? He must pretend to be someone he’s not to trick the story out of her.
This is a compelling tale of deception that explores the question of success at any price and who makes the most reliable storyteller.
Dominic Amerena draws us in with his unusual style of doing away with quotation marks. This is a memorable debut by the Melbourne author and a book that keeps you wondering how it will all end.
With Quizmaster Garry Reynolds
1. Which two countries share the longest border?
2. Which Beatle was the narrator for Thomas the Tank Engine?
3. What sport uses a wooden ball and mallet on a lawn?
4. Who is the fairy in Peter Pan?
5. What is an haboob?
6. How many hours are there in a year?
7. What is the colour of a zebra’s stripes at birth?
8. What country did Justin Bieber come from?
9. What is the smallest state in the US?
10. What tree produces acorns?
11. What is the name of our solar system’s galaxy?
12. Whose Pop Art featured Campbell’s soup cans?
13. What alcoholic drink is made from fermenting agave?
14. What is the computer program containing PowerPoint?
15. Who is the founder of Amazon?
16. How many legs do insects have?
17. Which Irish saint is said to have turned water into beer?
18. What was the name of the East German secret police?
19. What is the body’s largest organ?
20. What force makes objects float?
? nt? er? ?
14. Microsoft Office. 15. Jeff Bezos. 16. Six. 17. St Brigid. 18. Stasi. 19. Skin. 20. Buoyancy.
7. Brown. 8. Canada. 9. Rhode Island. 10. Oak. 11. The Milky Way. 12. Andy Warhol. 13. Tequila.
1. US and Canada. 2. Ringo Starr. 3. Croquet. 4. Tinkerbell. 5. A type of sandstorm. 6. 8760.
Waterproof canvas cover(9) 16 Relating to a mystical Jewish movement(7) 17 Inborn(7) 19 Periods of 60 minutes(5) 20 Tableland(7) 21 Wrap a baby tightly(7)
