Your Time Brisbane - May 2026 by My Weekly Preview

James BallProperty is his business

Community is WHO HE IS.

At HME Property Group, real estate is what we do — but community is who we are.

For many decades, James has proudly supported the people and organisations that make our regions stronger. From supporting/sponsoring National Seniors, Mater Hospital Neo-Natal unit, QLD RSPCA, Small Steps for Hannah (to help halt domestic and family violence), New Hope Care, Research into Gynaecological Cancer, Rotary and Merthyr Bowls Club. James believes it’s his responsibility to give back.

James is committed to helping the community. Selling property enables him to achieve this.

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For over 20 years, James and HME Property Group has sold homes as far north as the Sunshine Coast and as far south as the Gold Coast and across Brisbane delivering outstanding results.

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If you’re considering selling, now is the time to have a conversation about what your home is truly worth — and how we will position it to achieve an exceptional result.

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“We found James Ball to be very helpful and attentive to our selling requirements. The sale was quick due to his enthusiasm to get us the best deal. We would have no hesitation in recommending James for the sale of their house.”

– David & Janet

We sell real estate We help the homeless

James Ball Director - Sales and Marketing james@hme.group

I’m a walker, not a runner. Growing up on the northside of Brisbane, my parents built on a block with easy access by foot to shops and other community amenities, as well as two major bus routes, as neither of them could drive.

Just about every day of my young life, no matter the weather, I walked 3km to and from primary school (the day Apollo 11 landed on the Moon, I did it on my own as a six-year-old) or 3km to and from high school. I knew no different.

It was exercise I never used to think about. While lugging an overly heavy schoolbag was the downside, I was usually able to pass some of the journey by chatting with adult neighbours and schoolmates (even a boyfriend or two!).

I’m pleased to say that the joy of walking has continued into adulthood.

Apart from two broken metatarsals from playing sport, my feet have been sturdy, reliable modes of transport that I never have to wait around for.

We are blessed in Southeast Queensland to have a host of varied walking tracks, pathways and circuits that add to kilometres of golden sands, lake loops and scenic hikes.

A mild climate means we can make use of our surroundings year-round for walks.

I’ve even started what my husband calls my Sunday ‘walk and talk’ in a heated pool at the nearby aquatic centre, so there’s no excuse to stop in chilly winter months.

On holidays, I’ve been known to explore Old Towns and countrysides, clocking up 10-20km a day – because I believe the best way to truly experience a new place, its people, food, culture and natural beauty is on foot.

So, Your Time’s raison d’être this edition is to motivate you to start walking regularly if you are able.

Fido will love you, your body will appreciate the effort, and you might just have some fun as a bonus.

And if you really want to ‘clock up the Ks’, register for a charity walk or aim for a walking holiday – just like Beth and Ross Bennion, who talk about ticking off the bucket-list holiday adventures in our cover story this month.

And if you still need some encouragement, I highly recommend promenading around a ship such as the Norwegian Viva and strolling through history in ‘the Med’ – as I outline further in this month’s travel pages.

Enjoy the read (and then go for a walk).

PS: Happy Mother’s Day!

Shirley Sinclair Editor

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How to put a real skip in your step

SHIRLEY SINCLAIR tries to motivate herself and others to get up off the ‘Netflix couch’ and go for a walk.

From those first few tentative, wobbly steps as a toddler, humans instinctively put one foot in front of the other for the rest of our lives.

The joy those first steps bring us and our loved ones needn’t come to a halt as we get older. As the decades roll on, doctors, psychologists and personal trainers and remind us how important it is to “keep moving” to ensure optimum physical and mental health and mobility.

But ‘going for a walk’ in our 50s and beyond means different things to different people. It may be a fast track to social connection, with friends heading to the local coffee shop; a stroll on the beach; taking the dog ’round the block; or striding

out on a neighbourhood circuit. For some, it’s taking steps towards fundraising for charity – such as Coastrek for Beyond Blue on July 17 (coastrek.com.au/eventssunshine-coast-qld) and The Bloody Long Walk to cure mitochondrial disease on May 31 (bloodylongwalk.com.au/ sunshine-coast/).

Others like to strut and learn – like on the Museum of Brisbane’s Convict Brisbane Walking Tour, from the historic windmill on Wickham Terrace to Queens Wharf (museumofbrisbane.com.au/whats-on/ convict-brisbane-tour).

And an increasing number of over-55s are putting their best foot forward, clocking up the kilometres with gentle hikes or

overnight treks on holidays. A desire for slow travel and JOMO (the ‘Joy Of Missing Out’) means walking, hiking and trekking are winning out over ‘the big holiday’. That’s why seniors make up one of the fastest-growing demographics in adventure tourism.

Grand View Research’s Adventure Tourism Market Report (2026-2033) reveals that the 51-60 years group accounted for a global market share of 25.7 per cent in 2025.

It says this age group is drawn to adventure tourism as its members seek opportunities for physical activity, personal growth and connection with nature, often opting for softer adventure options such as hiking and cultural immersions that align

with interests and physical capabilities. It sounds like, the older we get, the more we agree with Chinese philosopher and the founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.

FIT TO TAKE ON THE WORLD

Because we’ve been walking all our lives, we may think we know all there is to know about ‘legging it’.

But we can’t all tackle the 5km Mt Coot-tha Summit Circuit or the Sunshine Coast’s 73km Coastal Pathway, let alone Spain’s Camino de Santiago or New Zealand’s Milford Track, on a whim.

Exercise physiologist and Your Time columnist Caitlyn Huth, of Full Circle Wellness, says consistent preparation is the key to tackling any long walks.

“Walking is one of the most accessible and rewarding forms of physical activity at any age,” she says.

“And for those over 55, it can be a cornerstone of healthy ageing.

“That said, preparing for longer walks requires a little more intention than it might have in earlier decades. It is best to start with a gradual approach: if 5km is your goal, build up in increments, adding 500m to 1km each week. This allows your cardiovascular system, joints and connective tissues time to adapt, reducing the risk of overuse injuries.

“You may also benefit from including a smooth warm-up: five to 10 minutes of gentle walking and mobility exercises for the hips, knees and ankles. This can significantly improve comfort and performance by preparing the tissues for the upcoming challenge.”

And don’t underestimate the value of strength training alongside walking.

“Exercises targeting the legs, trunk strength and balance (such as sit-to-stands or step-ups) will make those longer distances feel not only achievable, but enjoyable,” Caitlyn says.

“Particularly if walking up/down hills,

On the Tasmanian Walking Company’s Three Capes

Walk

stairs or slopes, this will take a lot more energy and effort than expected.

“Preparing the body and your mind to experience some muscular fatigue and breathlessness, it may get uncomfortable.

“The key here is to regulate the body: pace yourself with the steps and keep your breathing in rhythm and recognise when a rest break is needed.”

The other ‘obstacle’ as we age is a mental one. The mere thought of falling can be a stumbling block to walking.

“Falls are one of the most common barriers to maintaining an active lifestyle, but the good news is that many are preventable with awareness and a few practical strategies,” Caitlyn says.

“One of the simplest is to stay attentive to your environment. Uneven pavements, loose gravel, wet leaves and unexpected changes in surface are frequent culprits.

“Lifting your feet slightly higher than usual and shortening your stride on tricky terrain can improve stability.”

She says that having ‘good balance’ or preventing falls isn’t just about how still and upright you can be but being able to react and respond well to environmental changes or shifts in position.

Incorporating balance, coordination and reaction exercises into your weekly routine can make a profound difference.

Caitlyn says activities such as tai chi or gentle yoga can help bring body awareness to our movements, but other skills challenging movement and reaction games help train your body to respond and recover quickly from stumbles.

“Strength training is also key here for a strong body that can either withstand the impact of a fall and to be capable of getting up off the ground independently,” she says.

“Ultimately, confidence is key: the more stable and prepared you feel, the more likely you are to keep moving – and that consistency is what delivers the greatest health benefits over time.

“Walking isn’t just exercise, it’s freedom,

clarity and connection – to your body, your surroundings and, often, to others.

“With a little preparation and awareness, it can remain a safe, sustainable and deeply satisfying part of life well into your later years.”

THE ‘ROAD’ LESS TRAVELLED

RETIREES Ross and Beth Bennion spent a lifetime in business and now enjoy challenging themselves on walking holidays. Ross, 67, and Beth, 68, outline their experience on Tasmanian Walking Company’s Three Capes Signature Walk.

Q. Why Tasmania and the Three Capes Signature Walk?

Probably because everyone we knew who had been to Tassie wanted to return or had already returned on numerous occasions. Tassie didn’t disappoint. It was beautiful. The Tasmania Walking Company (TWC) and Three Capes Signature Walk had excellent reviews. The images of the water, tracks and the cliffs were very appealing, and it looked like a bit of a challenge rather than just a four-day walk.

Q. What were the selling points that might appeal to seniors?

The walk was rated easy to moderate. We didn’t have to carry a heavy backpack. Having a bed, hot showers, a drying room and a three-course meal with wine every evening was very enticing. An additional plus for Ross and me was that the really strenuous walk with 4000-plus steps out to Cape Hauy was optional. Ross loves, loves, loves a physical challenge and he did this walk with three others and a guide. Not me. There is no way I would enjoy that. Also, on the regular track, there was freedom for walkers to walk at their own pace, and a guide always came up the rear of the group. There was safety in this. We had plenty of stops along the way where we’d take off our pack and have a cuppa and cake.

Q. How did you prepare?

Ross and I started walking 5-7km along the

beach most days from about six weeks out from the walk. There were two long staircases of 200-plus steps on that walk which we would often climb. We infrequently climbed the 800m up Mt Coolum. That was tough to start with, and we often stopped to catch our breath. Closer in time to the Three Capes Walk, we carried backpacks and wore our hiking boots.

Q. What trip memories do you have?

The views out over the water, the cliff faces and forests are unforgettable. Another memory is the excitement the group had when our day’s walk finished and we arrived at a new lodge. We’d find our room, shower and meet in the lodge for drinks and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner. Ross and a few others also enjoyed the celebratory and very crisp plunge into the sea at the completion of our walk.

Q. What other walking holidays have you done and what’s on the bucket list?

Last year, we did a few hours on the Overland Track from Lake St Clair, with snow flurries making it a bit more interesting. In September this year, we’ve booked seven days of hiking in the Dolomites in Italy. We’re keen to do the

whole Overland Track in Tassie (without snow) with TWC, and the Nakesendo Way in Japan is on the bucket list.

Q. How has retirement influenced your travel?

Pre-retirement, we had travelled overseas quite a lot but always during times condusive to business requirements. In retirement, we can choose any time of the year to travel. Now, we are more interested in walking and meandering through the countryside than visiting cities with the hustle and bustle.

Q. What are some tips for other retirees contemplating a walking holiday? Go for it if you enjoy the outdoors and want to challenge yourself. Ross says having the right clothing, walking poles, comfortable ‘worn-in’ hiking boots and good socks are as important as the ability to walk distances.

WALK ON TO NEXT ADVENTURE

Tasmanian Walking Company offers fully-guided, small-group, carbonneutral tours to help people immerse in nature in awe-inspiring places (including six of the 15 Great Walks of Australia). Its eight award-winning walks across Australia include access to the only private hut accommodation along the world-famous Overland Track and the sole private lodges in the Tasman National Park through its Three Capes Walks. Last month, it launched the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk: a fully guided, five-day/four-night, 54km walk that starts at the foot of the giant red domes of Kata Tjuta and arcs east over storied landscapes to Uluru. Small groups of up to 16 stay overnight in two ecosensitive camps and lodge accommodations – the only ones inside the World Heritage-Listed national park. A three-day, 35km version of the walk is also available. For more, visit taswalkingco.com.au

Ross and Beth Bennion

What’s hip

No, not the replacement surgery type of ‘hip’. It’s a selection of on-trend snippets that could include places to dine, travel destinations, where to shop, what to see and visit, as well as what to watch, read and listen to, so you can stay up to date with family, friends and neighbours of all ages.

Where to visit

What to experience

TWO huge days of shopping and tail-wagging fun are set to be unleashed at Australia’s biggest celebration of our four-legged friends. The Dog Lovers Festival will be held at the Brisbane Showgrounds on May 16 and 17 with an expanded format and new outdoor zones. This year’s festival will feature more brands and services, including the VitaPet Arena, Dog Expo, Marketplace, Breed Showcase, Adoption Zone and Pat-A-Pooch experience. A new highlight is the Outback Arena, celebrating the skill, instinct and intelligence of working dogs. Also making its Australian debut is Scurry Dog: a fast-paced and interactive dog sport that puts training into action with retrieving, searching and trailing challenges. Fetch tickets at dogloversfestival.com.au/Brisbane

ONE of the world’s leading multi-artform festivals, Vivid Sydney transforms the NSW capital into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. This year’s festival will bring the city to life, night and day, from May 22 to June 13, through its pillars of ‘Light, Music, Minds and Food’. Under the Food offerings, the Long Table Dinner signature event, hosted by Pendolino/Nino Zoccali, will be held on May 30, on the ground floor of the Heritage-Listed Strand Arcade. In the arcade’s 134-year history, this is the first time a ticketed long table dinner will welcome 200 diners in a three-course showcase of food and wine producers from regional NSW. Tickets start from $332.94 each. Visit vividsydney.com/ event/food/long-table-dinner-at-the-strand-arcade-nsw-icons-of-land-sea

Where to sip and dine

THE Silva Spoon has long been a favourite of those who love a nicely brewed cup of tea, after welcoming locals for more than 16 years. But now the Cotton Tree institution is set to welcome teetotallers and high tea aficionados from further afield after being named Best Tea House in Queensland at the prestigious Golden Leaf Awards. It also took out four additional awards for its original tea blends: Gold – Love Tea (flavoured black tea); Gold – Berry Cheesecake (also known as Berry Bliss – freshly made iced tea); Silver – Divine (herbal tea) ; and Bronze – Baked Apple Rooibos (non-traditional chai). Guests can explore more than 70 teas, alongside specialty coffee and a curated range of teaware and gifts. Its signature high tea experiences celebrate tea not only in the cup but also throughout the menu. Visit thesilvaspoon.com.au

FURTHER SUPPORT AT HOME REFORMS ‘URGENTLY NEEDED’

THE Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) welcomes the announcement that older people on the Support at Home aged care program will no longer pay out-of-pocket costs for help with showering, dressing and support with continence management.

The change, announced by the Albanese government, means these essential personal care services will move into the program’s clinical care category, fully removing co-contributions.

The changes take effect from October 1 this year.

OPAN director Policy, Education and Systemic Advocacy Samantha Edmonds welcomes the move.

“This is good news for older people who have consistently raised concerns with us about the

impact on their dignity and wellbeing by having to pay out-of-pocket expenses for essential personal care services,” Ms Edmonds says.

“OPAN has long and consistently called for these services to be covered by clinical care under Support at Home. We welcome this reform and the significant difference it will make to the lives of older people.

“It is clear, from what we’ve been hearing from older people and advocates, that many older people feel worse off under the Support at Home program, which contradicts the intent of the new Aged Care Act.”

Ms Edmonds says no older person should have to jeopardise personal hygiene due to cost, which is why these changes are so important.

Back in the day ...

GOOGLE ‘Australian bands and musicians of the 1970s’ and you may find one group that seems out of place. Ol’ 55 tapped into a resurgence in 1950s music and culture for those who had never experienced it first-hand. In 1976, a younger generation born in the 1960s were loving the vibe, fashions and comedy they were seeing in the TV show Happy Days Take It Greasy, Ol’ 55’s debut studio album, was released in May 1976, peaked at No.3 on the Australian Kent Music Report and went 3× platinum. Tracks This Little Girl, On The Prowl, Looking For An Echo, Goodnight Sweetheart and School Days were a tribute to the Fifties music genres –from doo-wop to soulful ballads and fast-paced pop.

What to book

From May 11, travellers to the area and locals wanting a ‘holiday at home getaway’ can stay in the lap of luxury at the Sunshine Coast’s first international hotel to open in four decades. Queensland-owned and operated KPAT Hotels has delivered the landmark Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel. The 12-storey, 180-room property’s dining venues, including rooftop restaurant Sully’s, led by executive chef Mark Godbeer (formerly of The Calile Hotel, Brisbane) who will prioritise locally sourced seafood and seasonal produce, supporting local agriculture, food and beverage industries. Bookings for Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel are now open. Visit avanihotels.com/en and go to ‘Sunshine Coast’.

“This is a welcome step, but it does not address other significant issues older people are facing under Support at Home, including long wait times for assessment,” she says.

“We will be looking closely at upcoming announcements, including the minister’s National Press Club address and the May budget, to understand how protections for older people – such as price caps – will operate in practice.

“OPAN will continue to champion and advocate the rights of older people to ensure they receive the care they need.”

For information or support regarding aged care, call the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600 or visit opan.org.au

Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.

DECLINING FRIENDSHIPS

SOMEWHERE between raising families, building careers and sleeping through the night without worrying about teenagers, many of us look up in midlife and realise our friendship circle has thinned.

It’s one of those quiet truths nobody warns you about when you’re young and collecting friends like seashells. In our 20s and 30s, friendships grow easily because life throws us together – workplaces, kids’ sports and neighbourhood barbecues.

But by midlife, the scaffolding that held those friendships up begins to loosen. Careers change. Partners come and go. Adult children scatter. People move for affordability or adventure. And suddenly, the friend who once lived five minutes away is now a two-hour drive and three months of calendar juggling away.

Time becomes the rarest currency. We spend it carefully on ageing parents, grandchildren, health appointments, the quiet recovery from decades of busyness. Even the most cherished friendships can slip if neither person has the energy to keep nudging them along. Values shift, too.

The friend who once matched your pace may now be marching to a very different drum. Some become more political, others more spiritual, others more inward-looking.

Midlife sharpens our sense of what –and who – brings peace. We become less tolerant of drama, less patient with one-sided relationships, and far more protective of our emotional bandwidth.

And then there are the friendships that were never built to last, such as workplace comradeships that evaporate once the job does. They served their purpose, but they were circumstantial, not foundational.

Midlife doesn’t just take friendships away: it refines them. What remains is gold. The friend who still checks in. The one who knows your history without needing the backstory. The one who has seen you through grief, reinvention and the odd medical mishap. These friendships may be fewer, but they are deeper, steadier, and far more nourishing.

If friendships decline in midlife, it’s not a failure. It’s a natural pruning. What grows back is a smaller garden, but a healthier one.

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Life in the slow lane

By Mocco Wollert

PUBLIC toilets are probably an indelicate subject to write about, but we all need them and use them.

One thing is for sure: whenever you feel that certain urge coming on, the next public toilet is miles away.

In many European countries, the toilets in bars, restaurants or public halls have a person in attendance.

These male and female toilet attendants keep the facility clean.

The service may sometimes extend to dealing with the effects of people having too much alcohol or too much wind in the lower regions.

A small amount of money is usually left on a plate.

On a visit to Hong Kong, I neglected ‘to go’ before we left the hotel.

The authentic, popular restaurant also had Chinese authentic toilets: holes in the floor.

I was younger then and managed to struggle down to do the business. Then, disaster: I couldn’t get up! There were no railings of any kind and my legs seemed to have lost all upwards power.

In the end, I had to resort to pushing myself up, hands beside the hole in the floor.

Needless to say, I could not eat my meal and washed my hands a million times when we got back to the hotel.

The needs of men used to be taken care of in France by round contraptions, standing in the streets. The bottom panel was missing so the bottom end of trousers, socks and shoes were quite visible.

Large signs of ‘pissoir’ were mounted on the top. One wanted to stay well clear of a pissoir on a hot summer‘s day.

There were no special facilities for the female of the species. I guess women were just expected to ‘hold on’.

Another very French invention for the bathroom is the bidet. When my Australian friends started to

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travel to Paris in the 1970s, they often found a bidet in the bathroom of their hotel. They took it for a second toilet and used it as such – with rather embarrassing results.

Toilet paper also can play tricks on us. It disappears into the container where it normally comes from, and no coaxing of any kind will bring it out.

During my travels, I visited countries where one had to buy toilet paper, sheet by individual sheet. No money in your pocket? Bad luck. Hopefully you had tissues in your bag.

I wonder whether the manufacturers of toilet bowls are instructed to make them especially low for public toilets. Even when I was younger, I found it hard to ‘rise’.

Many of my friends complain about the same thing but nobody takes it seriously.

After washing your hands, the only way to dry them is by holding them into a contraption that blows hot air with a lot of noise. But it doesn’t fully dry your hands.

Shaking my still-dripping hands, I feel like I’m in Shakespeare’s Richard III but, instead of needing a horse, I’m calling: “My kingdom for a paper towel!”

May you find a public toilet quickly whenever you need one.

Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com

Respite Care will be beneficial to you and your loved one to give you both peace of mind. If you require a break from your supportive role, please call our caring staff at either location.

By Cheryl Lockwood

THE month of May means Mother’s Day is here again.

What better time to explore the pearls of wisdom bestowed upon us by those who know best?

That’s according to the saying: “Mother knows best”, which was likely first uttered by someone’s mother and used to end a discussion or argument. My own dear mum (pictured with me) is no longer with us, but her sagely advice lingers on for her four children. “It takes two to fight” was her response to the much-heard: “He (or she) started it”. Further debate was often met with: “Two wrongs don’t make a right”.

I have to admit she was right on some things, such as: “As soon as you throw something out, you’ll find a use for it”.

However, “Near enough is not good enough, it has to be exact” only suc ceeded in me striving for a level of perfection that was never going to happen. As a result, I prefer: “Just give it your best shot”. I conducted extensive research on the sayings of mothers for this article, and by that I mean I bailed up some mates over coffee.

“Sayings?” Rose responded. “My mother had hundreds of them – ‘If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well’ and ‘If you lie down with dogs, you get

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‘An island of retailing in a lake of parking’ at Chermside

CHRIS CURRIE finds a bagful of information and photos in State Library of Queensland collections relating to our first ‘drive-in shopping centre’.

Did you know Brisbane was home to the Southern Hemisphere’s first ‘drive-in shopping centre’?

Its opening in 1957 was ahead of its time in more ways than one.

On May 30, 1957, thousands of shoppers attended the opening of Allan and Stark Chermside Drive-in Shopping Centre in Brisbane’s north.

Set across 11.3ha (28 acres), it promised a retail experience that would be “both fun and a thrill”.

The shopping complex – built at a cost of £600,000 (nearly $2.4 million today) – was heralded as the first of its kind in Australia.

The titular Allan and Stark Menswear was the site’s flagship store: a major departure for the storied Brisbane business which had operated in its Queen Street location since 1893.

The gamble was a big one: the investment on the huge site included 700 car parks, catering for the Brisbane public’s modern appetite for driving (and having somewhere to drive to).

Newspaper ads promoting the centre included the phrase “an island of retailing in a lake of parking”.

They needn’t have worried. Fifteen minutes after opening, the carpark was full and motorists began filling up surrounding streets.

The Telegraph Brisbanenewspaper reported that more than 15,000 people visited the centre on the opening day, along with 20 police for crowd control.

The Courier-Mail said the opening had “all the trappings of a Hollywood premiere – prominent personalities, brass bands, popping flashbulbs ... and crowds”.

At 9am, then Queensland premier Vince Gair officially opened the centre (“Every suburb should have its own shopping centre,” he reportedly enthused) which offered 26 shops, including a florist, milk and doughnut bar, fruit and vegetable shop, newsagent, butcher’s shop, beauty salon, optometrist, chemist and more.

The centre also had its own children’s nursery, so busy parents could drop off

their kids while they shopped in peace.

The other flagship in the centre was self-service grocery retailer Brisbane Cash and Carry, whose new ‘super store’ boasted seven checkouts and wheeled baskets, and included a car boot pick-up section. It was so popular that crowds were let inside in staggered waves.

More than 1500 sample bags were given away with goods to the value of 5 shillings (nearly $10 today). The sample bags included items such as balloons, comics, custard powder, pickles, jellies, Pine-O-Clean and macaroni.

The site has been redeveloped numerous times since its opening, with Myer taking over the business in 1959 and Westfield in 1996.

Westfield Chermside remains one of Brisbane’s most popular shopping centres, especially with drivers. There are more than 10 times the car parks there were in 1957.

Always caring. Always Australian.

Aerial view of Chermside Drive-In Shopping Centre on opening day, 1957. Inset: A scale model of Allan and Stark’s department store, Chermside, in April 1956

Why RICE is out but PEACE and LOVE are in

CAITLYN HUTH outlines a modern take on injury recovery and some acronyms to keep in mind.

If you’ve ever sprained an ankle or pulled a muscle, chances are that you were told to use RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

While this method was long considered the gold standard for treating acute injuries, recent research has evolved our understanding of healing – and so has our approach.

Enter PEACE and LOVE: a more complete and evidenceinformed method for supporting recovery after injury.

This modern framework looks beyond short-term relief and focuses on long-term tissue healing, mental wellbeing and safe return to activity.

So, what does it mean?

PEACE (for the first few days)

• Protect: reduce movement, rather than bed rest, for a short period to prevent further damage

• Elevate: keep the injured area raised above heart level to manage swelling

• Avoid anti-inflammatories: they may interfere with the natural

healing processes (inflammation is necessary initially to help the tissue)

• Compress: use bandages or wraps to support the area and manage swelling

• Educate: get informed about your injury. Understanding your body helps you make better choices moving forward.

Unlike RICE, PEACE doesn’t over-emphasise rest and ice, which can actually delay recovery if overused. Instead, it encourages guided activity and active involvement in healing. LOVE (for the following days/weeks)

• Load: gradually start moving and adding resistance to

promote tissue repair. Giving stimulus helps to signal adaptations

• Optimism: a positive mindset can boost outcomes

• Vascularisation: light aerobic activity helps blood flow and supports healing

• Exercise: rehab-specific exercises are essential to restore strength, mobility and function.

This new approach shifts the focus from passively waiting to get better to actively working with your body. It’s not just about reducing pain and bed rest. It’s about promoting resilience and full recovery.

For everyday people, this means you can still walk, move gently and engage in light activity shortly after an injury (unless advised otherwise). Don’t be afraid to use your body. It’s built to heal, especially when supported with care, movement and a bit of LOVE.

Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au

FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law

TOBY Keith is an American country singer and has had his battles with cancer.

He wrote the song Don’t Let The Old Man In after meeting Clint Eastwood at a charity golf match.

Clint and Toby shared a golf buggy. Toby asked Clint how he kept going at his age and how he kept so energised.

Clint told Toby: “I get up every morning and go out. And I don’t let the old man in.”

Toby was so impressed, he went home and wrote the song with the same title.

He sent it to Clint, who included the song in his 2018 movie The Mule

The song tells of an ageing man and the problems he has with illness, being weary and generally feeling a lot older.

One of the lines in the song resonated with Clint: “Many moons I have lived, and my body’s withered and worn, but how old would I feel if I didn’t know the day I was born?”

I feel sometimes we hang on

to the age factor too much and use it any time to suit our needs when we feel tired or weary.

I like the song because the basic message is universal for those of us lucky enough to get to old age.

“Don’t let the old man in” is a message that age is not really that important. Who we are and what we do is far more important.

Well, that is how I see it.

Often, we are being told not to do things because we are too old and not capable, and that mindset may seep in.

Ageing is a balancing act and, of course, we cannot do everything the same way we once did.

But be careful of using the old age excuse. It may become a habit.

Do what you can for as long as you can and remember: don’t let the old man (or woman) in.

Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.

Zipping

straight

into the more expensive end of the EV market

BRUCE McMAHON reckons the Mustang Mach-E SUV is a real grown-up’s electric vehicle – but the Untamed mode isn’t for the faint-hearted.

So, with some folk freaked out, fearful of expensive fossil-fuel shortages through on/off Middle Eastern wars, will all-electric vehicle sales skyrocket?

Maybe. There’s already a trend toward plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): vehicles which run on either electric or petrol/ diesel power and with batteries that can be charged up from home.

These aren’t always as economical as claimed but make for peace of mind in troubled times (today’s PHEV and hybrid EV customers notably include some who bought pure electric cars before longdistance travel – even along welltravelled highways – and hunting down working chargers for a repower became too tiresome).

Anyway, battery electric vehicles still have their place. There are plenty to choose from, and it was all smiles – plus electrons – driving a Ford Mustang Mach-E during the first bite of the fossil fuel ‘crisis’.

But here’s a most incongruous badge: why call a near-silent, four-door SUV a Mustang? Steve McQueen wouldn’t hack it, to be sure.

Two ways to look at that: 1. An electric car sullies the rip-roaring Mustang image; or 2. The badge is mightier than the car.

Maybe Ford’s playing smart, trading on the love for a revered badge, giving it a second dimension in an eco-conscious world and a fresh set of customers.

And despite the contradictions, this electric version’s not a bad car, especially stepping up into the $98,490 GT version: expensive but most entertaining, with 434kW and 955Nm of torque on hand.

Mustang Mach-Es carry some styling cues from the conventional sporting Ford, including around-the-nose, Coke-bottle

Your ‘best’ device doesn’t have to be the one with the big

price tag

EDIN READ helps seniors decide which Apple electronic option is the right one to suit their everyday needs.

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when buying Apple devices is assuming that they need the top model with all the bells and whistles.

In reality, many people, and specifically seniors, are far better off with Apple’s simpler options.

Devices such as the MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e and standard iPad are often a much better fit because they are budget friendly, easier to manage and focused on the things most people actually use.

That is what makes these basic models so appealing.

You are not paying for high-end power you may never notice or extra features that sound impressive in a shop but make very little difference in everyday life (and are sometimes hard to use!).

eyes, typing can feel cramped, and managing settings can be more frustrating than on a larger device, including the iPhone Air which is priced from $1799.

Another possible downside is the simpler camera set-up compared with Apple’s premium phones.

hips and rear taillights. It’s a coupe-style SUV, handsome enough and bigger than it looks.

The GT’s interior is minimalist, tidy, yet without a premium vibe.

Any number of controls are looked after by the big central touchscreen, there’s room for five, and space for luggage in the frunk up front and below the rear tailgate.

A full cabin sunroof – without a blind – may not always suit Queensland drivers. Nor may that tyre repair kit: no spare tyre or space saver here.

Yet, all up (despite the quibbles, the price tag, a firm ride and the lack of aural delights), this Mustang Mach-E has its charms.

It’s a grown-up’s car, and feels and drives more like a ‘traditional’ machine.

Where the electric Mustang GT moves on, with almighty speed, is switching from the quite mellow Whisper mode to Active and then to Untamed mode.

Now, Untamed, with more aural connection and more rear-drive bias and sharper steering, takes you into next week quicker than flash lightning. It may scramble the senses and the stomach when the full remit of the Mustang’s power and torque is unleashed.

This is a mode best left for solo runs. And certainly before passengers have eaten.

Ford’s Mach-E will never replace the road presence, handling or sounds of a V8 Mustang coupe and there are a number of electric rivals in this more expensive neck of the marketplace. Some may better suit.

But if looking for a quick family car with a hallowed name plate, the Mustang Mach-E GT could be worth a look.

For most seniors, the main jobs are email, web browsing, photos, online banking, video calls, messages and some entertainment. These devices do all of that perfectly well.

They also come in vibrant, funky colours, which is a fun bonus. Technology does not have to be plain, grey and boring. A soft pink phone, a blue iPad or a yellow laptop can make a device feel more personal and much more enjoyable to own.

The new MacBook Neo, starting at $899, is likely to appeal to seniors who still want a traditional computer. Its biggest advantage is comfort.

You get a full keyboard, a decent screen and the familiar laptop experience, which makes it much easier for typing emails, writing letters, printing documents or simply sitting down and doing things properly. The larger screen (compared with your other devices) is a real plus for anyone who finds phones too fiddly.

On the downside, a laptop is less portable and less convenient to grab quickly than a phone or tablet. It may also be more machine than some people really need if their main uses are reading, browsing and video calls.

Still, for those who like a proper keyboard and screen, it is often the easiest option to live with.

The iPhone 17e, from $999, is the most portable and convenient of the three. It is the one that stays in your pocket, goes everywhere with you and keeps your essentials close at hand.

For calls, messages, taking photos, checking maps, using reminders and staying in touch with family, it makes perfect sense. The colours are cheerful, the design is simple. And for many people, it becomes the device they use most.

But the smaller screen is the obvious drawback. Reading can be harder on the

But that raises a fair question: is that really a problem for most people?

Most people are taking everyday snaps of family, pets, holidays and special moments, not trying to become professional photographers.

In that case, having fewer cameras is not much of a loss at all. It may simply mean a lower price for a phone that still does exactly what is needed.

The standard iPad, at $599 for the 128GB model, is perhaps the most balanced option of the lot. Its biggest strength is the screen size. It is much easier to read on than a phone, better for watching videos, and more comfortable for browsing, video calls and looking at photos.

For many seniors, the iPad feels less intimidating than a laptop but far more comfortable than a phone. It is also excellent value. The downside is that it sits in the middle, which means it does not fully replace either a phone or a laptop. It is not as portable as a phone, and it is not as practical as a laptop for long typing sessions or more advanced tasks. But for everyday ease, it is hard to beat.

The real lesson is that basic does not mean lesser. For seniors, it often means sensible. A bigger screen can matter more than extra speed. A fun colour can make a device feel inviting. A simpler camera system can be perfectly fine if you are only taking everyday photos.

The best Apple device is not the most expensive one. It is the one that suits your needs, feels comfortable in your hands and gives you exactly what you need without charging you for what you do not.

Get in touch if you would like support in choosing a new device, setting it up or decommissioning your old ones.

Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au

BRENDALE Evening VIEW Club members make up a group of like-minded women who have been working together in partnership with The Smith Family for more than 27 years.

As part of a national women’s volunteer organisation, their contribution is one of many dedicated efforts within the community, all focused on helping young people reach their full potential. Members truly make a difference – not only within their community but also in the lives of the children they support.

Brendale VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) sponsors nine children through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, which

supports more than 1700 primary, secondary and tertiary students. Dinner meetings are held at 6.30pm for a 7pm start on the third Tuesday of the month at Aspley Hornets Football Club, 50 Graham Road, Carseldine. A booking is required. Call Suzanne on 0417 022 996. Members also hold a Coffee and Chat morning tea on the first Saturday of the month. Call Gwen on 0419 768 031.

SUPPORTING AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN’S EDUCATION

CHAPEL Hill VIEW Club is a women’s organisation working with The Smith Family to support the education of Australian children.

The friendly group meets for lunch on the second Tuesday of every month at The Jindalee Hotel.

The lunches have guest speakers and

other fun social outings are organised to raise funds as the club sponsors nine students.

If you would like to join the group, search for ‘Chapel Hill VIEW Club’ on view.org.au, look for Chapel Hill VIEW Club on Facebook or call Denise on 0409 261 488.

HOW TO JOIN OLDER WOMEN’S NETWORK

LOOKING to meet other women, enjoy guest speakers, social activities and stay active in your community? Contact the Older Women’s Network (Qld) Inc. to find a branch. Call 3358 2301 or email admin@ownqld.org.au

HENZELL STREET QUILTERS NASH THEATRE’S NEW PLAY

HENZELL Street Quilters Inc. has been active on Redcliffe Peninsula for 42 years.

Its bi-annual quilt show from May 29-31 at Webb Hall in Redcliffe Showgrounds will showcase members’ quilts and handmade craft items.

Be inspired by a stunning array of more than 70 handmade quilts.

See how our talented members transformed the same set of fabrics into unique and personal creations in the challenge quilt exhibition: ‘My Happy Place’.

And in the community quilt display and live demonstration, see how each year the quilters lovingly create more than 100 quilts for local community organisations to bring joy and comfort to many.

Opening hours are: May 29 and 30, 9am-3pm; and May 31, 9am-2pm.

Entry is $5, with raffle tickets on sale and refreshments available. Visit facebook.com/ HenzellStreetQuilters/, email henzellquilters@gmail.com or call Kathleen Duff on 0407 808 030.

CARAVAN is a sharply comic Australian play that invites audiences into a seemingly idyllic but increasingly chaotic holiday.

Five best friends, all approaching 40 and feeling the squeeze of ageing, set out on their first joint caravan getaway.

The quartet of couples hopes for fun, relaxation and a reconnection. But paradise is brief. When one of the group brings along his much younger new girlfriend, the caravan’s compact confines become a pressure cooker of jealousy, ego and unspoken anxieties. Add to that an imminent storm and seasonally inclement weather, and what was meant to be two carefree weeks becomes a hilarious ordeal.

Donald Macdonald’s clever script examines friendship, marriage, mid-life identity and the Aussie caravan culture with warmth, insight and humour.

Caravan is on Friday and Saturday nights in May, with a matinee on May 16 at the Nash Theatre in New Farm. Tickets are available from nashtheatre.com

Hurley able to hit the right notes again

A locally made natural supplement is giving people relief from arthritis pain.

He’s known as Australia’s King of Country Rock, and Jade Hurley – together with other octogenarian legends Digger Revell, Dinah Lee, Lucky Starr and 70-something youngster Little Pattie – are currently touring the country with the live stage show The Good Old Days of Rock ’n’ Roll.

Hurley is still putting on an energetic show, with one glowing review commenting that “it was ... impressive that, at age 81, he effortlessly managed to get that right boot up onto the keyboard”.

The show,which he’s written and produced, represents a triumphant return to form. After spending years “battling with the excruciating pain 24 hours a day” caused by arthritis in his hands, Hurley was facing the devastating consequence that his long and successful career was over.

“Playing the piano in my shows became almost impossible,” the OAM recipient says emphatically. Having visited doctors and prescribed medications, which he laments were “no good, made me depressed and really didn’t help all that much”, he felt he had nothing to lose when a friend suggested he try Arborvitae Joint Health.

That was three years ago and Hurley gratefully acknowledges Arborvitae, a family owned and Australian-made supplement business which has been operating for more than 10 years, as being a “life and career saver”.

Hurley was not alone in his pain. Data from Arthritis Australia shows that 3.6 million people (or one in seven of us) are living with arthritis, a leading cause of chronic pain and the second most common cause of disability and early retirement due to ill health.

Made in Australia from natural ingredients Aloe Vera, Papain enzyme and honey, plus a French pine bark extract, technically known as Pycnogenol, Arborvitae Joint Health is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplement that can enhance healthy joint function, supporting mobility and flexibility.

It can also provide relief from the symptoms of mild osteoarthritis, mild joint pain and stiffness.

The main ingredient, Pycnogenol, has been widely studied for decades, with more than 160 clinical trials. The results of a recent study on Arborvitae Joint Health, published in September 2020 in the journal Minerva of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, showed a 66 per cent decrease in pain test scores, a 50 per cent increase inwalking distance without pain and a 56 per cent decrease in inflammation in blood tests. All of which lead to an impressive 78 per cent reduction in use of on-demand medications and a 50

I couldn’t believe it!

per cent improvement in quality of life scores.

Available in liquid form, stocked in over 2000 chemists and health food stores Australia wide, including Chemist Warehouse, Terry White Chemmart and Blooms The Chemist, Hurley says it took about a month to ‘‘really kick in” and he now has “absolutely no problems and almost no pain”.

“First thing in the morning I take it out of the fridge, take the top off the bottle and have three to four mouthfuls on an empty stomach,” he explains.

While arthritis affects many in older generations, it can begin causing trouble for people as young as 35. Regardless of your age, Hurley advises anyone suffering from the acute pain it causes to give Arborvitae a try. “You have absolutely nothing to lose,” he says.

For Hurley, who’s now back on stage where he belongs, he says Arborvitae has “given me a new life and given me my career back”.

The above information is general in nature. Please contact your GP or other healthcare professional for advice that is speciﬁc to your health needs.

The pain all but disappeared.

sore hands for years due to repetitive injury’s from my work as a cake maker.

A friend suggested I try Arborvitae Joint Health. After the ﬁrst bottle I wasn’t

And yes! I couldn’t believe it! The pain all but disappeared.

“A Clinical Study was completed and published in the journal Minerva Orthopedics. Key results from the Arborvitae Joint Health Study showed a: DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

66% DECREASE in pain test scores

The relief that I get isn’t usually met with any other treatments I’ve tried. It is worth every cent! I highly recommend it!”

50% INCREASE in walking distance without pain (100m increase)

56% DECREASE in inﬂammation in blood tests (CRP/C-reactive protein)

78% REDUCTION in use of on-demand medications

50% IMPROVEMENT in quality-of-life scores

"Running a forklift business and keeping up with my grandson requires mobility. Arborvitae Joint Health reduced my knee pain and swelling in two weeks — I take it before big days in the yard, and it keeps me moving!"

Tracy from North Rocks, NSW

Gary from Kenthurst, NSW

Jade Hurley is back on the road after finding relief from excruciating pain caused by arthritis.

A window into the brain

KAILAS ROBERTS explains what tests and scans are available to help with early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of cognitive impairment.

For many years, diagnosing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease has relied largely on clinical judgment.

A patient (or their family) reports memory concerns. A doctor or specialist asks questions and performs cognitive testing, as well as blood tests, to rule out reversible causes of memory loss.

Brain scans have been available for a few decades but until relatively recently, in daily practice, we, as doctors, have been limited to using CT or MRI scans.

These look at the structure of the brain and can only hint at what disease process might be driving memory loss.

A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) has been a helpful and more definitive test available for some time, but is not widely accessible or appealing to the recipient.

We are now entering a new era, however, where we have more accessible and more sensitive and specific so-called biomarkers.

When it comes to the brain, this may involve functional brain scans or bloodbased tests looking at the proteins found in Alzheimer’s disease. These tests may be abnormal many years before a person even

shows symptoms of the disease. Firstly, a scan I find very helpful is an FDG-PET which measures glucose (sugar) uptake in the brain. In Alzheimer’s disease, certain regions become less active. This test can also detect other causes of cognitive impairment, including frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body disease.

In metropolitan areas of Australia at least, this is relatively easy to obtain, and is a test I frequently use alongside an MRI. Also increasingly available is another type of PET scan, known as an amyloid PET. Rather than measuring sugar, this test detects the build-up of amyloid in the brain: a hallmark protein of Alzheimer’s disease.

The main barrier to this test is the cost. In Brisbane, you are looking at paying about $2500. Alongside a lumbar puncture, it is our most accurate way of detecting Alzheimer’s disease while a person is still alive.

This type of test has become particularly important with the advent of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease: monoclonal antibodies that require a person to have a positive scan (or a positive lumbar puncture) before they can be used.

There is, however, an important point

to make. The presence of amyloid does not necessarily mean a person has dementia.

Many older adults have amyloid in the brain and remain cognitively normal. This is a recurring theme in brain health.

Biology does not always translate neatly into symptoms.

With the expense and involved nature of these brain scans, it is unsurprising that there has been a push to develop blood tests that might help us detect Alzheimer’s disease, and these are now available in Australia.

The two main tests involve the detection of tau: the other Alzheimer’s protein. One of these tests, p-tau 181, was approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in late 2025 and has been heralded as a helpful screening tool for GPs. It costs about $300.

A negative p-tau 181 test result means it is highly unlikely that Alzheimer’s disease

is present. This, of course, can be very reassuring, though it does not rule out other causes of dementia.

For now, these investigations are best used selectively, in the right clinical setting, and interpreted with care. They can clarify a diagnosis, guide treatment decisions and, in some cases, provide reassurance.

Their availability raises other important questions, however. When should we test? What should we do with the information? And, perhaps most importantly, does knowing earlier change outcomes?

As with many advances in medicine, the challenge is not just in developing the technology, but in using it wisely.

Kailas Roberts is a psychogeriatrician and author of Mind Your Brain: The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia, available at bookstores and online. Visit yourbraininmind.com or uqp.com.au

THE WHITE CROW

By Michael Rowbotham Thriller

Reviewed by

Jan Kent

THIS is my first Michael Rowbotham book and, I must admit, it definitely won’t be the last.

With tension building with each short, readable chapter, Rowbotham is able to maintain the reader’s interest with a smooth writing style and characters that are complex, but likeable – even the villainous MacCarthy family.

One of these is Philomena: the police officer assigned to the case, who, while attending a late-night call-out to a robbery, finds five-year-old Daisy wandering the dark streets alone.

With her father and uncles – the McCarthy gang, which the chief suspects in a murderous robbery gone wrong – Phil is pulled in many directions: her new marriage, Daisy without parents, her family whom she would rather not be linked to, and her burgeoning career.

With so many threads of the story masterly interwoven, I was hooked from start to finish, with enough breath-holding moments preventing me from putting this book down.

I always love a strong female character in a book. Phil did not disappoint me and as she was drawn deeply into the erupting gang war, I found myself silently shouting encouragement.

SAOIRSE

BILL THE BASTARD

By Roland Perry Historical non-fiction

Reviewed by

John Kleinschmidt

THIS true story is about Australia’s most famous war horse.

‘Bill the Bastard’ was a Waler: an Australian mixed breed noted for great endurance and versatility and as the backbone of the Australian Light Horse Troops in World War I. He earned the ‘Bastard’ name because he was among the biggest of Australian horses and unbroken. He only ever let one man, Major Michael Shanahan, ride him.

Bill was cantankerous, incredibly perceptive, intelligent and much stronger than most other horses. He was used as a packhorse at Gallipoli before serving as a Cavalry horse for the Major in the Beersheba charge and then again as a packhorse after Shanahan was injured.

Banjo Paterson is a key figure in the story in his capacity as a Remount Officer. By the end of the Middle East campaign, Bill the Bastard was something of a legend.

A very entertaining read.

By Charleen Hurtubise, Contemporary fiction

Reviewed by Rebecca Walker, of Annie’s Books on Peregian

SET between Ireland and the US, Saoirse is a suspenseful novel that traces the life of its emotionally damaged female protagonist over a decade during the 1990s.

Told from her perspective, Saoirse – whose name means ‘freedom’ – is a sympathetic character who escapes a traumatic childhood in the States and flees to Ireland on a false passport.

Constantly switching from present to past, a picture is slowly painted to reveal the circumstances that made her run abroad.

As the chapters progress, tension mounts as it becomes clear that Saoirse can’t outrun the truth, which threatens the new identity and life she’s built.

Touching on themes of abuse, identity, survival and the fine line between reinvention and deception, the novel dives into deep waters, yet is an easy read. A mystery, comingof-age and love story all in one, Saoirse is a compelling and wellwritten page-turner.

POWERFUL STORIES TOLD BY TWO REMARKABLE

STORYTELLERS

NOOSA alive! will present a rare Queensland-exclusive literary event on May 11, exploring two new books featuring the almost unbelievable tales of two extraordinary Australians.

The festival fundraising event features Peter FitzSimons’ latest non-fiction book on war hero Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, and wife Lisa Wilkinson’s extraordinary and previously untold true story of Evelyn Marsden: the only Australian-born survivor of the sinking of the RMS Titanic

This Queensland exclusive event sees the media power couple together ‘in conversation’ at The J theatre in Noosa from 4pm.

Audiences will first hear from FitzSimons at 5pm, presenting The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop — the legendary Australian war hero whose courage and leadership became a lifeline for thousands of Australian prisoners of war forced to work on the infamous Thai-Burma Railway during World War II.

At 6.30pm, Wilkinson will present The Titanic Story of Evelyn Through extensive research and compelling storytelling, Wilkinson brings to life Marsden’s courageous journey through one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters, revealing an unforgettable tale of resilience and humanity.

Following the presentations, the audience will have the opportunity to meet both authors during a book signing session from 7.30pm, with book sales available on the night. The event is supported by Hachette Books and The Junction Bookstore.

For any remaining tickets for this literary event, go to noosaalive.com.au

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF BETTY

By Debra Oswald, Historical fiction

Reviewed by Karen Weiber, of Books@Stones, Stones Corner

MEET Betty: storyteller, feminist, eternally curious and phenomenally old.

On the eve of her 100th birthday party, Betty tells us her story as one of 10 children.

Betty’s family is poor and after The Blitz, she decides to migrate to Australia as a teenager. On board the SS Asturias, she meets three people who will influence the course of her life: Pearl, a good-hearted party girl; Athena, a Greek woman on her way to marry a man she has never met; and Leo, a German Jew who lost all his family.

In Sydney, Betty makes ends meet as a waitress at the Trocadero dance hall when she has a rushed courtship with Donald, a wealthy businessman, and dedicates herself to being a suburban housewife. But soon she must find a way to do more than survive.

What a delightful read. Her thoughts and observations as we follow her through the years are witty yet poignant. She continues to forge ahead despite unimaginable sadness and loss – a story of resilience and a life lived to the fullest.

Redcliffe feature

Barry, Maurice and Robin, as well as younger brother and pop idol Andy.

A long-lost love affair rekindled

By Shirley Sinclair

Redcliffe, it’s been a while. And though I left you in the lurch while I was off making a life to the north, your laidback coastal charm is still alluring.

You made that very clear one glorious autumn day recently.

Redcliffe Parade was already

energised this early Saturday morning. But I promised my first date to the Bee Gees.

I had been meaning for more than a decade to make the pilgrimage to The Bee Gees Way: a 70m walkway at 109 Redcliffe Parade honouring hometown heroes, the legendary Gibb brothers –

Music fans can easily spend a halfhour or more here. Largely curated by Barry, himself – the only surviving member of one of Australia’s greatest music exports and top-selling artists – this outdoor museum has lifelike sculptures, larger-than-life murals, a fascinating array of photos, album covers and historical snippets, plus a massive screen playing media interviews, home videos, filmclips and performances.

The soundtrack to my young life played on repeat in the background, helping me relive memories of Saturday Night Fever and the first album I ever bought: the self-titled Universal Summit compilation vinyl in 1972.

Next, more reminiscing on a walk out

on historic Redcliffe Jetty – a 1995 replica of the original built in 1885 – where families had set up under the pavilion, throwing in fishing lines in the hope of catching bream, whiting or flathead for lunch.

It was obvious by this time that Redcliffe people are not wallflowers or stay-at-homebodies. They’re out and about jogging, walking their dogs along the foreshore, brunching and meeting for coffee with that ever-present water view.

So, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Preece’s at The Jetty obliged with hearty smashed avocado and corn fritters, all

IMAGES: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR

Smashed avocado at Preece’s on the Jetty

washed down with the first coffees of the morning.

A full tummy then necessitated a long stroll by the waters of Moreton Bay through Charlish Park and past the Settlement Cove Lagoon (already packed with picnickers and barbecuers), around the point and outside Redcliffe Surf Life Saving Club to Suttons Beach – scene of many surf sports triumphs when my now-adult sons visited for nipper carnivals.

A cordoned-off area indicated the Suttons Beach Pavilion Redevelopment Project is underway after Moreton Bay Council awarded the construction tender in November last year.

The project features: the new pavilion building (including the rooftop among the

hospitality areas, a public deck and event space); extensive landscaping; public changing rooms; new shade structures; and an upgraded car park (moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/ Projects/Parks/Suttons-Beach-PavilionRedevelopment-Project).

The redevelopment is part of the changing face of the former Redcliffe Peninsula District.

But one thing stays the same in the towns of Clontarf, Kippa-Ring, Margate, Newport, Redcliffe, Rothwell, Scarborough and Woody Point: a strong sense of pride.

It’s evident in the beautifully

presented old Queenslanders and new-build mansions you pass on a drive to Scotts Point at Margate.

You can see it at the Belvedere Hotel at Woody Point, bursting at the seams with visitors and locals as a sun-kissed Saturday afternoon turns into palate of colours at sunset.

You can feel it at The Dolphins’ NRL matches, drawing many of the peninsula’s almost 70,000-strong population to home games at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe, Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, and Kawana’s Sunshine Coast Stadium.

And I also found it behind the counter at Peninsula Distillery in Clontarf where

the passion and innovation of chief distiller and one of the founders, Arnold Keuker, is creating awardwinning gin, vodka, single malt whisky, cane spirit and rum.

A friend who is lucky enough to call himself a local tells me I have to try The Rustic Olive (Italian), Little Lamb (Mediterranean/Spanish) and Thai Boi Eatery (authentic Thai), and that The Komo with its large terrace and the Moreton Bay Boat Club at Scarborough are great spots to catch up for drinks. With the Redcliffe Market offering fresh, farm-direct produce and artisan products every Sunday, my long-lost love affair with the area seems far from over.

The Komo

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2 Bedroom Apar tments from $1, 211, 500*

3 Bedroom Apar tments from $1,674,000*

3 Bedroom + MPR Apar tments from $ 2,950,000* *Priices

DISTILLING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY

YOU’RE sure to find your new favourite beverage among the offerings at Peninsula Distilling at Clontarf.

Unique, small-batch gin, rum, vodka, single malt whisky and even a cane spirit are created on site at the Macdonnell Road premises, under the watchful eye of head distiller and one of the founders, Arnold Keuker.

With less than two years of production, the business is already creating award-winning blends and gaining a following of local and visiting spirit drinkers because of its proud ties with the Moreton Bay community.

That’s why only local, historical images and names – Humpybong (the original name for Redcliffe Peninsula), Moreton, Red Cliff and Hornibrook –grace the labels.

All products are made from scratch (with a zero-waste policy), using ingredients largely sourced from local suppliers, and are handcrafted on the Redcliffe Peninsula, with the bottles labelled and numbered by hand.

Arnold says the Humpybong Gin –Myrtle Cascara is the best-seller and makes for a citrusy gin and tonic, incorporating locally grown botanicals: • lemon myrtle grown on the Redcliffe Peninsula and blitzed in-house

• cascara (the dried husk from the coffee cherry skins left over after the coffee beans are removed ) – from the on-site crop of neighbour Neli Coffee.

It was awarded the Silver Medal at the 2025 Australian International Spirits Awards in the Citrus Gin New World and Contemporary Gin Category, with back-to-back Silver Medals at the 2025 and 2026 Royal Queensland Awards in the Contemporary Gin Category.

Join the Spirit Club for ‘first dibs’ on exclusive releases, event invites and newsletters, or follow the Peninsula Distilling journey and keep up with the latest developments on Instagram and Facebook.

Visit peninsuladistilling.com.au to order online (including bundles, gifts and mixers) or drop in to the cellar door at 2/293 Macdonnell Road, Clontarf, on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm.

WHY RETIREES CHOOSE NEWPORT AND THE PENINSULA

FOR many people approaching retirement, lifestyle becomes one of the most important decisions when choosing where to live.

Increasingly, retirees and downsizers are discovering the relaxed coastal lifestyle of Newport and the Peninsula.

Many homeowners who have lived in larger family houses for years are now looking for something simpler.

Apartments, townhomes and single-level homes close to the water are becoming popular choices for people who want a home that is easier to maintain and comfortable to live in.

The Peninsula offers the kind of lifestyle many retirees are looking for.

Residents enjoy morning walks along the waterfront, coffee at local cafés, quiet parks and an active local community. It is a place where people can slow down a little and enjoy their surroundings.

At the same time, the Peninsula remains convenient. Brisbane City, the airport and major medical facilities are all within comfortable travelling distance.

This allows people to enjoy coastal living while staying connected to family, services and the wider city.

Many buyers moving to the area say they are simply looking for a more relaxed way of living.

A home close to the water, within walking distance of cafés, walking paths and local shops often becomes the ideal next step.

For those considering downsizing, the Peninsula continues to offer a welcoming community and a lifestyle that suits the next stage of life.

WORDS: Jay Peters, business partner and senior sales team Ray White Newport and Ray White Scarborough. Call 0404 999 593 or visit raywhitenewport.com.au

Y r Perfect Water t Escape.

IMAGE: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR

Arnold Keuker

Over 1,800 residents know the feeling. A little hesitation. A big decision. And then, relief.

Moving into The Village Redcliffe isn’t just a change of address. It’s a fresh start. Relaxed living, a close-knit community, and a whole lot less to worry about. Independent villas with everything you need, right on the Redcliffe Peninsula you already know and love.

See for yourself at thevillage.com.au/redcliffe or call Emma on 07 3204 1884.

thevillage.com.au/redcliffe

JAMES Ball (pictured) is a highly experienced real estate professional with a proven track record in sales, marketing and leadership across multiple industries.

He began his journey with Aveo at Albany Creek Retirement Village, where he successfully sold independent living units and serviced apartments.

He was promoted to regional sale manager overseeing sales in Aveo villages located in the southern states, before advancing to national sales manager, where he led sales across 62 Aveo communities nationwide.

During this time, Mr Ball also contributed to the development and launch of the Aveo brand.

However, his greatest reward came from helping people transition from their family homes into retirement living –guiding clients through one of life’s most significant changes with care, understanding and empathy.

With a diverse career spanning shipping, coal, not-forprofit, retirement living and residential real estate, Mr Ball

brings a unique and wellrounded perspective to the property market.

His extensive leadership experience in middle and senior management has refined his communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills, enabling him to navigate even the most complex real estate transactions with confidence.

With more than 20 years of experience in real estate sales, Mr Ball is committed to delivering exceptional service. He takes the time to understand each client’s individual needs and goals, ensuring a smooth and personalised experience for buyers and sellers.

By combining innovative marketing strategies with a deep

understanding of local market conditions, he consistently works to maximise the value of every property.

Whether you are a first-time seller or buyer, or a seasoned investor, Mr Ball provides tailored guidance and support at every stage of your real estate journey.

Beyond real estate, Mr Ball is deeply committed to his community. He actively supports organisations such as Mater Hospital’s neonatal unit, New Hope Care, RSPCA Queensland and Small Steps 4 Hannah. He has also participated in fundraising initiatives including The May 50K, supporting vital research into multiple sclerosis.

A proud member of Rotary International, he has been recognised with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award for his contribution to community service and fostering goodwill. He is also a member of National Seniors Australia and a supporter of Merthyr Bowls Club.

Call 0422 618 556 or email james@hme.group if you’re considering selling your home or investment property.

SERIOUS decisions start when you are preparing your home for sale and the thought of selling becomes very real.

If you don’t want every man and his dog to know you’ve been thinking about selling, start on the inside. It gives you time to decide if you’re emotionally ready to sell.

People notice items such as skip bins, trades, gardeners and painted roofs. Questions start with a frenzy – not only from friends and family. Starting inside gives you the time to make peace with your decision.

Begin by looking around your home and sorting everything into six clear categories.

Pick up each item and make a firm decision. If it brings you joy and you’re not ready to part with it, store it: nobody knows you’ve even started thinking about selling and you can take your time.

Keep: everyday essentials such as food, kitchen items, clothing and toiletries.

Store: what you love but won’t need for the next three

months. Store or neatly box it in the garage.

Sell: what someone will pay you for.

Donate: what someone else will love.

Recycle: anything that can be responsibly recycled.

Trash: these are last-resort items – anything that you can’t fit into any of the other categories.

Decluttering isn’t just about your home: it clarifies thoughts. It helps you decide whether now is the right time to sell or whether you should stay where you are.

WORDS: Jodie Brooks, licensed real estate agent and REIQ member, Jodie Brooks Real Estate. Call 0404 257 024 or visit jodiebrooks.com.au

What you need to know after being named as executor of a will

By DON MACPHERSON

An executor is the person named in a will whom the deceased chose to administer the estate. If there is no will, then someone must apply to the court to be appointed as administrator of the estate.

The executor or administrator is responsible for the deceased’s property and for payment of all outstanding debts and taxes from the estate funds before distributing the assets of the estate to the beneficiaries of the will.

The executor or administrator’s duties include:

• protecting and auditing the deceased’s assets and perhaps obtaining asset valuations

• if necessary, depending on the assets of the estate, applying to the Supreme Court for a grant of probate or letters of administration

• contacting the beneficiaries of the estate to advise as to entitlements under the will (or the next of kin in an intestacy)

• collecting and recovering the deceased’s assets

• maintaining the assets of the deceased in the interim, while assets are being collected and debts paid

• paying any debts of the deceased owing prior to death and any incurred during the course of the estate’s administration

• defending the will of the deceased where litigation is commenced against the estate

• obtaining advice in relation to and attending to any tax liability of the deceased

• having forensic accounting undertaken if necessary

• ensuring that a statement of assets and liabilities is maintained and provided to beneficiaries upon request and at the conclusion of the administration of the estate

• making a distribution of the deceased’s assets to those beneficially entitled in accordance with the will or the intestacy rules.

An executor also acts as trustee of the estate in holding assets on trust for the beneficiaries: for example, where beneficiaries are minors or are otherwise unable to hold their entitlements under the will.

For infant beneficiaries, the trustee manages money, investments or assets on a continuing basis for their benefit.

An executor must not make distributions to beneficiaries until he or she is sure that there is no likelihood of a claim being made for a share of the estate.

The executor’s first task is to determine the assets and the liabilities of the estate.

Very often, the executor can manage all of these matters themselves, but where they feel it is appropriate or necessary, they can engage a solicitor to carry out tasks in the estate.

The most obvious role of a solicitor is to obtain probate or letters of administration.

A solicitor appointed to manage the estate will usually request the executor send to their office:

• the original death certificate once it has been received from the funeral director

• any recent bank statements, cheque

books or passbooks for the deceased’s bank accounts

• registration details for any vehicle or boat held by the deceased

• any accounts payable by the estate

• any other relevant documentation (including details of term deposits, life insurance policies and any documents held by the deceased’s accountant).

On receiving this information, a solicitor can then correspond on behalf of the executor with the asset holders (such as banks) and with the creditors to determine the financial details so

Get your FREE guide on ‘Preparing Your Home For Sale’ and/or ‘Essential Guide To Downsizing’ by email or hard copy delivered to your door

that a comprehensive statement of assets and liabilities can be finalised.

The role of an executor is onerous, challenging and often fraught with family tension. It is often better to engage a solicitor who is familiar with the tasks involved, and without any emotional tensions, to carry out the necessary tasks in the shortest possible time.

Brisbane Elder Law staff are experts in estate management, estate disputes and wills and other estate-planning matters. Call 1800 328 952 or visit brisbaneelderlaw.com.au

Knowledge is Power

Not sure where to start or what to do regarding your property?

Brisbane Elder Law are experts in estate management, estate disputes, and wills and other estate-planning matters. Call 1800 328 952 or visit brisbaneelderlaw.com.au

Whether you’re selling now or in a few years time, advice is free of cost and obligation.

Call me if you’d like my help JODIE BROOKS 0404 257 024

Scan the QR code for helpful links

Stress-Free Home Sales

SEPARATING SLEEP MYTHS FROM REALITY

WHEN it comes to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, there are plenty of myths that can stop people from getting the sleep they need.

The reality is that modern CPAP technology is quieter, smaller and more comfortable than ever.

Let’s separate fact from fiction.

Myth 1: CPAP is for old, overweight men.

Fact: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender or body type. While excess weight can make symptoms worse, a 2025 metaanalysis suggests that about 60-70 per cent of people with OSA are not obese.

Men are often diagnosed earlier due to classic symptoms such as loud snoring or choking during sleep. Women, however, tend to be overlooked or misdiagnosed as they present with more subtle signs, including insomnia, morning headaches or low energy, especially when approaching menopause.

Myth 2: CPAP machines are loud and bulky.

Fact: Modern CPAP machines are quiet, compact and designed for convenience, with features such as auto-adjusting pressure and ramp settings to improve comfort. Ultra-portable devices are small enough to fit in your pocket.

Myth 3: CPAP masks are uncomfortable to wear.

Fact: While the mask is the most important part of your CPAP set-up, technology has made them smaller, lighter and more minimalistic to maximise comfort.

Some masks use ultra-soft memory foam cushions that gently conform to your face.

Most people adjust to modern CPAP masks within a few weeks of starting therapy.

CPAP therapy isn’t something to fear.

The CPAP Direct staff regularly help fit, active individuals, as well as women of all ages, who never expected sleep apnea to be the cause of their symptoms.

Visit cpap.com.au or call 1300 133 298.

BRINGING HEARING CARE TO THE COMMUNITY

AUDITUS hearing specialists believe quality hearing care should be accessible, personal and delivered where it is needed most.

For many people, particularly those in nursing homes or retirement villages, accessing traditional clinic-based services can be challenging.

Mobility, transport and health considerations often become barriers to receiving the care they deserve. That is why Auditus takes a different approach by bringing professional audiology services directly into the community.

Through regular visits to nursing homes, retirement villages and private residences, staff ensure that hearing care is not only convenient but also comfortable and familiar.

Being seen in a known environment can make a meaningful difference, allowing clients to feel at ease while receiving support tailored to their individual needs. Hearing plays a vital role in maintaining connection, independence and overall wellbeing. When hearing declines, it can lead to isolation and reduced engagement with others.

By providing accessible, compassionate care, people can stay connected to conversations, relationships and the moments that matter most.

As an independent local practice, the Auditus focus is always on people first. Staff take the time to listen, understand and deliver solutions that genuinely improve quality of life.

Visit auditushearingspecialists.com.au

TRY TO PROTECT YOUR SANITY AMID GLOBAL CHAOS

AUSTRALIANS are being warned not to become emotionally consumed by the chaos dominating headlines.

Best-selling author Elizabeth Jane says the constant cycle of conflict, economic uncertainty and fear-driven media is having a profound impact on mental health, relationships and decision making.

Jane, who shares her insights in her acclaimed book Free and First: Unlocking Your Ultimate Life, says one of the most important skills Australians need right

now is the ability to remain grounded and emotionally steady: “You cannot control global conflict or economic shifts, or even the actions of those around you, but you can control how you respond, how you manage your finances, how you treat people, how you spend your time and how you look after your health. If you are grounded, calm and clear, you will navigate challenges far more effectively than if you are anxious and reactive.”

Visit elizabethjane.au

THE SIDE OF CANCER NOBODY TALKS ABOUT ENOUGH

A CANCER diagnosis brings an immediate focus on treatment. But for many people and those who love them, the harder, quieter struggle is everything else.

The sleeplessness. The anxiety that arrives uninvited at 3am. The exhaustion that doesn’t lift between appointments. The carer who keeps going because they don’t feel entitled to stop.

Here’s what integrative cancer care teaches us: quality of life during and after treatment is not a luxury.

It is part of the healing.

Four things that genuinely help:

1. Manage the nervous system, not just the symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices have strong research support for reducing cancer-related anxiety and fatigue. Even 10 minutes daily makes a measurable difference.

2. Nutrition matters more than most oncology teams have time to discuss.

Anti-inflammatory eating supports treatment tolerance and recovery. A qualified naturopath can tailor this safely alongside conventional care.

3. Carers need support, too. Compassion fatigue is real. Seeking your own support is not selfish: it sustains your capacity to be present.

4. Community reduces isolation. Peer support groups consistently show improved emotional outcomes for people affected by cancer. Connection is therapeutic. You don’t have to navigate this alone and you don’t have to choose between conventional medicine and whole-person care.

WORDS: Chris Scott, CanSurvive Australia CEO. CanSurvive Australia is an integrative cancer support organisation based in Maroochydore. Visit cansurvive.org.au

KEEP THE MIND SHARP FOR HAPPINESS IN OLDER AGE

A MAJOR long-term study has found that older adults with stronger cognitive abilities report higher levels of life satisfaction, positive mood and healthrelated quality of life over time.

Published in Aging & Mental Health and led by UNSW Sydney’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), the research followed more than 1000 older adults (who did not have dementia at entry into the study) for over 12 years, making it one of the most comprehensive studies to examine how thinking abilities relate to wellbeing in later life.

Wellbeing in older age is often discussed in terms of physical illness or disability. However, researchers say this overlooks an important part of the picture: how people feel about their own lives.

‘Subjective wellbeing’ refers to a person’s own assessment of their happiness, including life satisfaction and positive emotions. ‘Health-related quality of life’ focuses more specifically on how people feel about their health and its impact on daily living.

Lead author on the research Dr Michael Connors says that both measures give older adults a voice in defining what successful ageing means to them – not just the absence of disease, but the presence of fulfilment and positive experiences.

CHeBA’s Sydney Memory and Ageing Study assessed 1037 community-dwelling older adults every two years. Participants were required to complete detailed

cognitive (thinking and memory) tests, medical and health assessments, surveys measuring life satisfaction and positive emotions, questionnaires on health-related quality of life, and measures of depression, anxiety, and personality.

“We used advanced statistical modelling to examine how cognition and other factors were linked to wellbeing over time,” Dr Connors says.

“Results showed that older adults with higher cognitive scores reported greater life satisfaction, more positive emotions and better health-related quality of life.”

The research reveals these links remained consistent over the full 12-year period. The relationship held even after accounting for age, sex, physical health, daily functioning, relationship status, depression, anxiety, personality traits, and alcohol use. It also held after excluding people who developed dementia.

“We found that wellbeing in older age isn’t determined by cognition alone,” Dr Connors says.

“Several other factors independently played an important role. Older adults who had better physical health and were able to function more independently in their daily lives tended to report higher levels of life satisfaction and quality of life. Lower levels of anxiety were also strongly linked to better wellbeing.

“Personality made a difference, too: people who were less prone to worry and emotional distress (lower neuroticism) and those who tended to be organised, responsible and self-disciplined (higher conscientiousness) consistently reported better wellbeing. Together, these findings show that successful ageing is shaped by a combination of mental sharpness, physical health, emotional health and enduring personality traits.”

Interestingly, female sex, older age and living in residential care were associated with poorer health-related quality of life, but not necessarily lower life satisfaction or positive mood.The findings suggest that maintaining cognitive health may play an important role in supporting happiness and quality of life in older age – beyond its known role in reducing dementia risk.

Visit cheba.unsw.edu.au

DOUBLE CELEBRATION FOR NEW CENTENARIAN

JUNE Whiting’s latest birthday festivities were extra special for two reasons.

Not only did June (pictured right) turn 100, she is also the 100th person inducted into the Carinity 100 Club for centenarians since it was founded 12 years ago.

The former physiotherapist celebrated her milestone birthday with friends and family, including her son Jonathan, at the Carinity Clifford House aged care home in Brisbane on March 3.

June was born in the village of Pulham St Mary in Norfolk, England. Her mother was Kathleen Jennings and her father Karl Johan Ohsten, a Danish immigrant who arrived in England during World War I.

“Despite the fact he was born in the city in Copenhagen, he had a love for the farm life and he bought a small farm where my mother would grow up. She loved it,” June’s son Jonathan Whiting explained.

June lived on the farm with her

parents, older sister Pamela and their younger brother Timothy. After completing her schooling in Norwich, June studied physiotherapy in London during World War II.

“She can remember the buzz bombs dropped by Hitler during the London blitz and hearing the bombs landing,” Jonathan says. “She says that one minute you were sitting at a desk, and when the buzzing stopped you dived under a desk or table, wherever you were, and just hoped that

you wouldn’t be a victim.”

June worked as a physiotherapist, including for two years in Canada in the early-1950s when she would travel to the US and Mexico with her work colleague.

“In those days, two young women travelling independently overseas was quite a thing. My mother can remember seeing the rich Texan oil billionaires’ wives with their huge diamond rings,” Jonathan says.

June returned to England in 1955 and married her childhood sweetheart: a farmer and top-flight rugby player named John Henry Whiting (pictured left).

The couple, who had met through June’s brother, had one child together.

“They had 10 happy years in Buckinghamshire where the farm was, but sadly my father died at the aged of 38 in 1965 from acute pancreatitis,”

Jonathan says.

June never remarried and raised Jonathan as a single parent. They started a new life in Hove, near Brighton, and holidayed in Malta and New Zealand.

June enjoyed sewing, playing tennis and was interested in antiques, attending furniture restoration classes. She continued her child physiotherapy work before moving to Australia in 1987.

She lived at Clayfield and became an Australian citizen in the early-1990s.

June is one of the longest-residing current residents of Carinity Clifford House, moving there 13 years ago.

FOR THE DIARY: May

HERE’S some dates to keep in mind this month:

• May is Queensland Small Business Month.

• May 1 Sauvignon Blanc Day; No Pants Day

• May 2 International Harry Potter Day

• May 3 World Press Freedom Day; World Laughter Day; International Wild Koala Day

• May 4 Labour Day; International Firefighters’ Day; Star Wars Day; World Give Day

• May 5 World Asthma Day; Sleep Apnea Awareness Day

• May 6 International No Diet Day

• May 8 VE-Day

• May 10 Mother’s Day

• May 12 International Nurses Day

• May 15 International Day of Families

• May 16 Day of Living Together in Peace

• May 17 World Baking Day; Pinot Grigio Day

• May 18-24 National Volunteer Week

• May 21 International Tea Day; International Chardonnay Day

• May 23 World Turtle Day

• May 26 National Sorry Day

• May 27-June 3 Reconciliation Week

• May 28 International Day of Action on Women’s Health; World Hunger Day

• May 30 World MS Day

• May 31 World No Tobacco Day; World Parrot Day.

STRESS FREE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

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DELICIOUSLY DEVONSHIRE SANDWICH CAKE

Serves 8

JUST in time for Mother’s Day, here’s a recipe from 4 Ingredients that will be a hit when the crowd comes around. For more, visit 4ingredients.com.au

Ingredients:

• 1 sandwich loaf, unsliced

• 1 cup strawberry jam

• 2 ½ cups thickened cream, whipped.

Method:

1. Line the bottom and the two long sides of a 22 x 13cm loaf pan with baking paper, with overhang for easy removal.

2. Trim the crust off each side of the loaf and discard.

3. Cut the remaining bread into three long, rectangular 2cm-thick slices to fit within the pan.

4. Place a slice in the bottom of the pan and top with one-third of the jam and one-third of the whipped cream.

5. Repeat the layering two more times. Using a flat blade knife, smooth the top layer of cream.

6. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for four hours.

7. Remove and transfer to a serving platter. Slice while still frozen. Then, thaw before serving.

Recipe notes: You could also use white slices of bread: just remove the crust from each and cut to fit. Spread each with jam before placing into the pan and decorate as you wish to serve with edible petals, seasonal fruit or fresh mint leaves.

For extra ‘wow’, add a tablespoon of Bailey’s Irish Cream to the cream.

THE BIG CHILLOUT: MOTOWN SPECTACULAR

THE Big Chillout: Motown Spectacular is a lively celebration of classic Motown and soul that delivers a genuinely feel-good night of entertainment.

At the centre of the production are standout performers – including Judah Kelly, winner of The Voice Australia; and Asabi Goodman (Chicago, Hairspray), whose stage presence and vocal power bring authenticity and energy to every number.

Together with a tight band and strong ensemble, they ensure the music – based on the smash hit The Big Chill movie soundtrack – resonates instantly, bringing back memories and encouraging audiences to relax and enjoy themselves.

Audiences can expect a hit-loaded journey through classics from Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Creedence Clearwater Revival and more.

WHERE and WHEN: Redland Performing Arts Centre, July 4, at 7.30pm; The Triffid, Newstead, August 2 at 3pm;

TICKETS: Various prices, via tours.goodcompanyentertainment.com.au

● Fixed rate with no hidden fees

● Fully licenced Property Manager

● Regular routine inspections with photo reports

● Flexible owner payments, and same day statements

● Strict property application processes with thorough tenant checks

● Limited number of managed properties to ensure top quality service

DARREN LOCKYER

SPORTMAN’S LUNCH

DARREN Lockyer – three-time premiership winner, two-time Dally M Medallist and Queensland and Australian Rugby League legend – will be hosting an exclusive Sportsman’s Lunch this month.

Expect an afternoon of stories, insights and conversation, hosted by Peter ‘Salty’ Psaltis.

Guests will enjoy a three-course lunch with a beverage package, plus auction and lucky door prizes throughout the afternoon.

Tables are limited, making this a

unique opportunity to connect with one of sport’s iconic figures.

WHERE: Gas Hound Bar & Kitchen, 84 Longland Street, Newstead.

WHEN: Friday, May 22, noon-3pm.

TICKETS: Tickets are $190 per person or $1800 for a table of 10, via gashound.com. au/whats-on/

FROM FAIRYTALE DREAMS TO TIMELESS MELODIES

REDLAND Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) invites audiences to enjoy two exceptional performances this May and June – one rooted in real-life history and imagination, the other filled with the joy of timeless musical favourites.

On Friday, June 12, at 7pm, RPAC’s intimate Studio space hosts The Last Princess of Lebanon by Nadia Milford: a powerful true story told through theatre and dance. Growing up in the Queensland town of Dalby, Nadia imagines the fairytale life of her Lebanese great-grandmother and namesake – a real princess born into a royal family during an era of empires.

Concert Series continues on Wednesday, May 27, at 11am with The Sound of Julie

When the princess was sent to Australia in the 1930s, her life of wealth and privilege was left behind, and a very different story began.

As Nadia steps into adulthood, she begins to uncover the reality behind the fairytale, discovering that being a princess was far more complex than childhood dreams suggest. Blending past and present, this moving performance weaves together the lives of two generations of women bound by name, resilience and spirit.

For lovers of daytime entertainment, RPAC’s popular Musical Melodies

AFFORDABLE ART FAIR

ART lovers can browse and buy thousands of original artworks when Affordable Art Fair makes its highly anticipated return to Brisbane.

The Brisbane fair brings together more than 55 independent galleries from across Australia, with artworks ranging from $100 to $10,000.

The 2026 fair offers a packed program of artistic experiences. Highlights include an Artist in Action series with live painting demonstrations, and the Discover: Young Talent Exhibition, which provides emerging artists with a platform to show their work at a major international art fair.

Guests will also be greeted by celebrated muralist Jason Parker’s largerthan-life, rotating suspended mural and installation, alongside a live painting

Specially tailored for young-at-heart seniors, this warm and uplifting concert sees Suellen Cusack return to the RPAC stage with a tribute to the legendary Julie Andrews, featuring beloved songs from The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins. If you are looking for a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious morning of entertainment that will leave your heart full of joy, this is it.

WHERE: Redland Performing Arts Centre, 2-16 Middle Street, Cleveland.

TICKETS: Various prices. Visit rpac.com.au or call the RPAC Box Office on 3829 8131.

demonstration on opening night.

WHEN: May 7-10: opening night on Thursday, 5-8pm; general entry hours are 10am-8pm on Friday, and 10am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

WHERE: Exhibition Building, Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills.

TICKETS: Four-day fair pass from $47.45, via affordableartfair.com/fairs/brisbane

The Last Princess

By Nadia Milford

Starring Sueelllen Cuusack

HERITAGE EXHIBITION MARKS MILESTONE YEAR

LANDSBOROUGH Museum is celebrating a milestone year.

The launch of its latest exhibition, Grassroots to Glory: Around The Track, comes alongside its 50th anniversary and the return of the much-loved Landsborough Museum Street Festival.

The new exhibition shines a spotlight on the energy, evolution and community spirit behind athletics on the Sunshine Coast. Around The Track explores how grassroots clubs, volunteers, coaches, families and innovators have helped shape local sporting culture and support athletes on their journey from backyard training sessions to national and international stages.

Through stories, objects and interactive elements, the exhibition highlights the vital role community networks play in developing sporting talent and inspiring future generations.

The exhibition arrives during a significant time for the museum. It marks 50 years since the Landsborough and District Historical Society opened the Landsborough Shire Historical Museum in 1976.

Housed in the Heritage-Listed former shire council chambers, designed by early settler architect Walter Carey Voller and opened in 1924, the museum grew into one

of the largest community run museums in Southeast Queensland.

Over decades of volunteer dedication, more than 14,000 historical items were preserved, ensuring the building remained a treasured landmark and a living record of regional history.

To commemorate five decades of storytelling, the annual Landsborough Museum Street Festival will be extra special this year.

The free community celebration takes over Museum Street on Saturday, May 16, from 10am to 2pm, offering live music, children’s activities, farm animals, heritage displays, food and a giant birthday cake.

Landsborough Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm, with free entry. More information about the exhibition and festival can be found at heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Arts and Heritage Levy funded.

MOTHER’S DAY HIGH TEA

WITH a long-standing tradition of hosting lavish parties since 1846, Newstead House will open its doors for an annual high tea in one of Brisbane’s most elegant Mother’s Day events on Sunday, May 10.

Celebrate the leading ladies in your life as Brisbane’s oldest European-style home hosts high tea.

The Heritage-Listed residence overlooks the Brisbane River.

This year’s event will feature two sittings at 10am and 1pm in a special setting on the riverside veranda, where guests can relax and savour a refined menu over two hours for $115 per person.

New for 2026, groups seeking a more intimate and elevated experience can exclusively reserve the historic Dining Room for a private high tea which offers something truly special for families.

Designed for eight to 10 guests, this premium offering at $130 per person delivers an exquisitely styled setting, personalised service and a warm atmosphere where mums can feel truly celebrated.

Guests will enjoy a glass of sparkling or non-alcoholic fruit punch on arrival, alongside a curated selection of tiered sweet and savoury delights, complemented by freshly brewed specialty tea and coffee.

The menu celebrates classic high tea

favourites with contemporary appeal –from zucchini and haloumi fritters with smoked salmon and crème fraîche to roasted Mediterranean vegetable quiches, asparagus rolls and delicate ribbon sandwiches. Sweet offerings include pink lamingtons, citrus tarts, eclairs and chocolate opera cake, alongside traditional scones with raspberry jam and Chantilly cream. Pre-booking is essential. Visit newsteadhouse.com.au

1969 Eudlo Annual Sports Day

IMAGE: PICTURE SUNSHINE COAST

A

tapestry

TThe Med

Just cruising

RAVENNA, Italy

This first stop in the EmiliaRomagna region boasts early Christian and Bystantine mosaics and eight UNESCO World Heritage monuments and is the gateway to shore excursions including the legendary race cars and racing memorabilia in the Ferrari Museum. But my destination was mountaintop San Marino. It may be the 5th smallest country in the world and the oldest republic (301AD), but the maze of hilly, medieval streets is dotted with modern boutiques, restaurants and museums. From the Porta San Francesco, take in the expansive Piazza della Libertà (built in the 14th century over ancient cisterns) and neighbouring Palazzo Pubblico and head to the 11th-century Guaita fortress, also known as La Rocca: the oldest of three towers on Mount Titano.

SPLIT, Croatia

of culture and history

SHIRLEY SINCLAIR believes that cruising Mediterranean ports, exploring grand cities and picture-postcard villages is always a good idea.

here’s always unfinished business for me in ‘the Med’. One trip is never enough.

Geographically, ‘The Med’ refers to the Mediterranean Sea and the lands that border it on three continents: Europe, Africa and Asia. It spans countries including Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, with the addition of the island nations of Malta and Cyprus. The Med’s tapestry of cultures shares a particular climate (mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers) that in turn creates a way of life that goes well beyond geography and national boundaries. And I love it!

There are so many ways to ‘do the Med’, but cruising mirrors its relaxed and stress-free lifestyle that champions simple

THURSDAY 14TH MAY

Summerland Camel Farm & Dugandan Hotel

Boonah & Scenic Rim.

and delicious food and wine, plus social connections, with a little extra ‘dolce vita’. I found much of what I was looking for in a Mediterranean holiday through the Greek Isles on a Norwegian Viva cruise. Norwegian Viva delivered me across the nautical miles quickly, with a minimum of fuss, on its 9-Day Greek Isles itinerary from Trieste (near Venice), Italy, to the Greek capital of Athens. NCL is sure to have a host of ships and itineraries to suit you. So, here’s a snapshot of what you might expect.

* With uncertainty of travel in the Middle East in the near future, several airports in Asia are the best alternatives for Aussies flying to Europe. Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the biggest international hubs, with Singapore Airlines flying on to Europe. Many carriers, including Qantas, operate through other Asian hubs such as Tokyo, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur airports, and Thai Airways flies through Bangkok to Europe.

winter tradition since 2004. Includes Morning Tea but lunch is at own expense during your free time exploring Warwick’s City Centre. $110pp

open-air restaurant overlooking the city walls, walking the Jesuit Staircase (where Cersei Lannister began her ‘Walk of Shame’ in Season 5) and the series’ market scenes of St Dominic Street, before cooling off with a swim in the clear teal harbour waters.

CORFU, Greece

On the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Old Town Split boasts the Diocletian’s Palace (circa 295AD), a glorious cathedral and marble streets, plus café-lined promenades by the harbour. Shore excursions include Krka River National Park with its 17 natural cascades. But medieval Trogir’s narrow streets were beckoning, taking in the 13th century cathedral and waterfront (don’t miss the quirky gelato flavour combos or handmade Trogirski rafiole: like tiny pasties). A scenic drive along the Cetina River for a restaurant grazing platter highlights authentic Croatian hospitality.

DUBROVNIK, Croatia

The ancient port city is a mecca for fans of the Game of Thrones TV series. The oldest section of the city, a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site, is ‘King’s Landing’: the fictional capital of the Seven Kingdoms. The 11th century Lovrijenac Fortress, located just outside the medieval walls that encircle Old Town, was the series’ scene overlooking the Battle of Blackwater Bay. On this, my second visit to the city, I explored on foot, finding Christmas baubles and ceramic souvenirs, eating lunch in an

MONDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER TILL

FRIDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER

Includes Morning Tea & Lunch. $100pp

TUESDAY 16TH JUNE

Crows Nest & Cobb & Co Museum Toowoomba Scenic drive via Esk & Perseverance Dam. Includes Morning Tea & Lunch. $110pp

SATURDAY 18TH JULY

Jumpers and Jazz Festival in Warwick

Join us for a memorable day to enjoy the quirkiest festival which has been an annual

NEW DATE / FRIDAY 31ST JULY

Christmas in July – Birches Restaurant, Mt Mee Travel via Dayboro on the return to Brisbane. Includes Morning Tea & Lunch. $120pp

THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST

Back by popular demand! Hinze Dam, Chillingham & Murwillumbah Northern NSW Includes Morning Tea & Lunch. $90pp

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Choice of Five Daily Day Tours to see the colours of this Annual Spring Festival up on the Great Dividing Range. Includes Morning Tea & Lunch. $100pp

THURSDAY 22ND OCTOBER

Peachester – Maleny – Kenilworth Hotel & Brewery A scenic drive up to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Includes Morning Tea & Lunch. $90pp

The northernmost of the Ionian Islands, also known as Kerkyra, is one of the lushest of the Greek Isles, and famous for dramatic turquoise waters, hillside villages, sandy beaches and secluded coves. The Timeless Villages and Scenic Drive excursion offered plenty of opportunity to see Corfliot villages up close (at times almost scraping the paint off walls as our expert driver navigated the narrowest of thoroughfares). A stop at Paleokastritsa was an opportunity to see the celebrated beach and multiple bays, while a coffee stop in the village of Lakones and lookout at Mount Pantokrator gave bird’s-eye views of the majestic island. It was capped off by a three-course outdoor lunch at stunning taverna The Old School Restaurant Kassiopi. Back in Old Town, meander the cobblestones of the narrow serpentine streets, browsing boutiques and shops, pausing at cafes and eating in historic tavernas. It is a designated World Heritage Site for the authenticity/integrity of the urban fabric and Venetian fortresses.

SANTORINI, Greece

Black cliff faces contrast with the whitewashed homes, blue church domes and buildings carved into the rock, crowning the caldera – all surrounded by sapphire-blue waters ... Santorini deserves its place as one of the most photographed islands in the world. The dramatic landscape was shaped by a volcanic

WEDNESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER

Eumundi Markets, Sunshine Coast

A straight through journey today to have maximum free time at these ever popular markets. Morning Tea & Lunch are not included. $70pp

We offer a variety of pick-up locations on the northside of Brisbane, speciﬁcally the Redcliffe and Sandgate areas. We also serve Taigum and Aspley Hypermarket Shopping Centres. Pick-ups also 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.

San Marino

eruption in the 16th century BC. I’ve seen the archeological digs at Akrotiri, romantic Oia sunsets from a sailing boat, and steam escaping from the ground on Nea Kameni island. I’ve swum in the dark-reddish hot springs in a cove off Palea Kameni. This time, I opted to line up for the cable car from the port to Fira before walking through the markets’ throng to my favourite part: Firostefani, where my family once stayed in a cave apartment with a view of the caldera. Take the coastline-hugging walkway back to Fira and then return to the ship via the steps to the bottom (a 45-minute workout!).

KUSADASI (EPHESUS), Turkiye

Kusadasi, Turkiye’s busiest cruise port, is popular for its shopping: gold jewellery, decorative ceramics, leather and handwoven carpets. But it is best known as the coastal gateway to some of the most hallowed sites in the ancient world, including a residence believed to be the Virgin Mary’s, the ruins of Ephesus and St John’s Basilica. I chose a shore excursion exploring the ruins and the traditional village of Sirince to sample its renowned fruit wines. Ephesus, Turkiye’s most celebrated archaeological site, was established around the 10th century BC. Among this UNESCO World Heritage site’s painstakingly excavated ruins are the Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Library

of Celsus, the Great Theatre (where St Paul spent three years in the 1st century preaching the Gospel to up to 25,000 spectators) and Curetes Street with its terrace houses. But it was an unplanned foodie encounter in Sirince that will long stay in my memory: an ageing grandmother at Simena Cafe Restaurant rolled, flipped and thinned out the pastry for my gozleme using a long, cane-like stick.

ISTANBUL, Turkiye

About 16 million people live in this city whose old and new sections straddle two continents: Asia and Europe. Camlica Tower, the telecommunications tower that is designed like a tulip about to bloom (a

symbol for the Turks during the Ottoman Empire), dominates a hillside at 369m. The sheer size of the place is best garnered from the Observation Lounge on Norwegian Viva, while docked at the world’s first underground cruise terminal: Galata Port. The Capital of Two Empires shore excursion introduces the Ottomans and Byzantines who ruled Istanbul for centuries. Their legacy is seen on Sultanahmet Square where the famed Blue Mosque and its more than 21,000 blue/ green Iznik tiles sits opposite the Hagia Sophia mosque architectural masterpiece. A short walk away is the Byzantine Basilica Cistern that featured in the Tom Hanks film Inferno. Constructed in 532AD to supply water to the Great Palace, this is the city’s largest surviving Byzantine subterranean cistern. A total of 336 marble columns salvaged from ruined temples create the massive structure that is now a quirky art gallery. Don’t miss the Grand Bazaar – the world’s largest and oldest covered market.

MYKONOS, Greece

It may be considered the party animal of Greece, but this little island remains one of the most photogenic in the stunningly beautiful Cyclades group. As part of a Let’s Take a Selfie shore excursion, we not only had the opportunity to take ‘hero shots’ of its postcard-worthy landmarks but also saw a side of Mykonos many visitors never see. Before ticking off the windmills,

Mykonos Castle archeological site, Old Port, Little Italy, and the highly Instagrammable Church of St Nicholas of Kadena (the little church across from the town hall with the cute blue dome), a coach trip to the eastern side of the island takes in picturesque Kalafatis Beach, the quaint town square at Ano Mera and Mykonian Farm Restaurant (with pattable cows and goats, wine tasting and the best baklava I’ve ever tasted).

ATHENS, Greece

Gaze on the Acropolis bathed in gold from a rooftop bar at sunset, dine in the Plaka’s tavernas and people-watch in Monastiraki Square. Norwegian Viva’s cruise ended here. But in the past, I’ve devoted at least four days to walking in the footsteps of history. The city is dominated by 5th century BC landmarks. Snake your way through Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora and the Ancient Agora and Museum in a day. Perhaps devote day two to the massive Acropolis site (including the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaea and the Erechtheion), as well as the New Acropolis Museum. Also worth adding to the list are the Odeum of Herodes Atticus, Theatre of Dionysus, the Olympieion (Temple of Olympian Zeus), Congress Hall and Panathinaiko Stadium and the National Archaeological Museum with its priceless collections that have survived the test of time.

Visit ncl.com.au

Transportation: Comfortable

JOIN

Destinations: Shhh! its a

Duration:

Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Transportation:

Explore

Destinations: Goondiwindi, St George, Miles, Mundubbera

Duration: 4 Nights / 5 Days

Accommodation: 3 Star Motels and Lodges

Meals: Daily Breakfasts, Lunches, and Dinners

Transportation: Comfortable coach, with pick up & drop off

The Parthenon in Athens

PLANNING FOR COMFORT, DISTANCE AND THE UNEXPECTED

OUTBACK travel is rewarding because it’s different: big distances, small towns, changing weather and landscapes you can’t see on a weekend away.

A little preparation helps you enjoy it more.

Start by choosing a tour with a realistic pace. Long drives are part of the Outback, so look for an itinerary that balances travel days with proper time to stop, stretch and explore. If you prefer a slower rhythm, fewer locations with longer stays often feel better than trying to tick off too much. Next, pack for limited services. In remote areas, mobile coverage can be patchy and eftpos may not always be

available. So, it’s sensible to carry a small amount of cash.

Plan for comfort and health as well.

Bring a refillable water bottle, sun protection and a light layer for early mornings and air-conditioned coaches.

If you take regular medication, pack extra doses in case plans shift due to weather, road conditions or delays.

Finally, keep expectations flexible. The Outback doesn’t always run to the minute, but that’s part of the experience. When you’re prepared, you can relax and focus on what you came for: good company, local stories and the space to breathe.

WORDS: Leigh Doyle, owner-operator, East Coast Coaches.

Call 3200 1628 or visit eastcoastcoaches.com.au

THE OUTBACK’S GENTLY CALLING US BACK

THERE’S a certain comfort in travelling Australia by coach, settling into your seat, watching the country roll by and knowing you’ve got nothing to do but enjoy it.

And if there’s ever been a time to answer the call of the Outback, it’s now with Coolum Tours & Travel.

From Adelaide to the Red Centre and Top End – Heading out of Adelaide, the shift happens slowly. The neat city edges soften, the colours warm and, before long, you’re surrounded by that unmistakable Outback expanse. It’s the kind of journey where the window becomes your storyteller.

A stop in Coober Pedy feels like stepping into another world: homes tucked underground (pictured), stories of opal miners and a community that’s quietly proud of its resilience.

Further along, Yulara welcomes you with a calm that’s hard to describe. It’s the gateway to the Red Centre, where sunsets seem to linger a little longer and conversations come a little easier. By the time you reach Alice Springs, you can feel the rhythm of the inland, the history, the people, the stories woven into the land.

Then, as you journey north into Kakadu National Park, the landscape transforms again. Wetlands, wildlife, and ancient culture come together in a way that reminds you just how vast and varied this

country really is. And all along the way, travelling by luxury coach means you’re not worn out, you’re present.

Across the Top End: The Kimberley from Broome to Darwin – If the Red Centre speaks in quiet tones, the Top End has a bit more energy to it: raw, rugged, and full of contrast. Starting in Broome, there’s that coastal charm before you head inland to explore one of Australia’s most remote and striking regions. Experiencing the Horizontal Falls is something you don’t forget in a hurry: powerful tides rushing through narrow gorges, a real reminder of nature doing its thing.

Travelling through Fitzroy Crossing and on to Kununurra, you start to appreciate just how important these small communities are. They’re the backbone of the region, welcoming, hardworking and deeply connected to the land. By the time you reach Katherine and continue on to Darwin, you’ve experienced a part of Australia that many people never truly see. Visit cttravel.com.au or call 5391 1648.

MAY 2026

O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days)

JUNE 2026

Red Centre & Top End (18 Days)

JULY 2026

Broome to Darwin (12 Days)

Brisbane Star (3 Days)

AUGUST 2026

North Queensland Savannah (11 Days)

Tropical North Queensland (12 Days)

SEPTEMBER 2026

Fraser Island (5 days)

Wallaroo Outback Retreat (7 Days)

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4Days)

Spring Gardens & Floriade (11 Days)

OCTOBER 2026

Wild Wild West of WA (13 Days)

Fraser Coast & Lady Musgrave Island (5 Days)

NOVEMBER 2026

Tasmania (15 Days)

DECEMBER 2026

O’Reillys (4 Days)

NSW Central Coast & Blue Mountains (11 Days)

With Quizmaster Garry Reynolds

1. What city is on the Tamar River?

2. What is Don Bradman’s middle name?

3. What is Italian for ‘the sweet life’?

4. What is a substance to increase libido called?

5. Which element does Bi represent?

6. Which Dickens novel is partly narrated by Esther Summerson?

7. Who was the most recent Australian to win the Wimbledon men’s title?

8. What drug is ‘reefer’ slang for?

9. Which animal featured on Australia’s two-cent coin?

10. What was a helot?

11. Peck’s Pastes were made in Australia but now are made in which country?

12. Who wrote Shall We Tell the President?

13. What is the colloquial term for a lock of hair curving into the face?

14. What is the hometown of The Big Trout?

15. Who is the singer on the $100 note?

16. What type of postal transport is specified by ‘par avion’?

17. What is the veterinary term for sterilising a female animal?

18. What is the term for drunken Roman orgies?

19. Which company developed the bionic ear?

20. Who is the composer of Otello and Falstaff?

Adaminaby. 15. Dame Nelly Melba. 16. Air. 17. To spey (spay). 18. Bacchanalia. 19. Cochlear. 20. Verdi.

8. Marijuana cigarette. 9. Frill-necked lizard. 10. Spartan slave. 11. France. 12. Jeffrey Archer. 13. A kiss curl.

1. Launceston. 2. George. 3. La dolce vita. 4. Aphrodisiac. 5. Bismuth. 6. Bleak House. 7. Lleyton Hewitt (2002).

14.

ACROSS

1 Stupid fellow, carrying a bed, set off a security system(8)

5 Fine cow, perhaps, is the choicest example(6)

9 Dig one in a suit(5)

10 Pressure applied to skilled workers enthused supporters(9)

12 One, after short time wearing footwear, is capable of working independently(10)

13 A few in church advertised a place in Africa(4)

15 I get up after one day and take off(8)

16 Passage pertaining to us in church(6)

18 Injury that should be treated right in a European country(6)

19 Male in unoccupied toilet breaks down problem with digestion?(3,5)

22 Polish fan(4)

23 Our reputation is maintained in explosive contest(10)

25 Set of items found in a chest replaced dryers(3,6)

26 A girl re-evaluated a cherished goal(5)

27 The writer heading bank is calling(6)

28 Regulations trade union listed in reports(8)

DOWN

1 Stops son kidnapped by believers in God(7)

2 Really rotten treats divided up by a mother before bad performance(2,1,6,2,4)

3 Study knotted fur found in Islanders(10)

4 Fuel loss stemmed by one type of cosmetic preparation(3,5)

6 Loony-bin not accepting cooked pieces of bony meat(4)

7 Few orchestrate a prepared news item of great interest to many(7,8)

8 Rise affected outstanding balance(7)

11 Piece of leather used solely for money(4)

14 Stop stealing, say, grog that is ordered(2,8)

17 Eager Sherpas wrongly mountains(5-3)

18 in problem as a minor detail(7)

20 from titles, calms down(7)

21 Aggressive youth is left in an exhausted state(4)

24 Magazine vendor cutting margins(4)

QUICK CROSSWORD

1 Atlas contents(4)

3 Accepting events as inevitable(10)

10 Australian musician and former politician(7)

11 Braid of hair(7)

12 Relating to monks(8)

13 Stocking(5)

14 Titled woman(4)

15 Involving an affair(10)

18 Buying(10)

20 Close(4)

21 Finnish phone maker(5)

23 Abandoned(8)

26 Irregular(7)

27 States as true(7)

28 Interpreted(10)

29 Absent(4)

1 Extremely big in size, importance, etc.(4)

2 Actor(9)

4 Heights(9)

5 Savoury jelly(5)

6 Artless young girl(7)

7 Path(5)

8 Settler(9)

9 Self-referential(4)

14 Contingent(9)

16 Painting of the countryside(9)

17 Removed from power(9)

19 Furnace parts(7)

22 Divided peninsula(5)

23 Russian country cottage(5)

24 Luxuriant(4)

25 Catch sight of(4)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of

colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

WORD STEP

Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. One possible answer shown below.

Every row, column and 3x3 outlined square

contain the numbers 1 to 9 once each.

For more than 30 years, Carinity Home Care has been delivering high-quality, genuine care and support to seniors - making a real difference so you can get the most out of life.

Because we’re locally based, you’ll enjoy having experts right on your doorstep, along with the comfort and trust that comes from seeing familiar faces.

Discover elevated over-50s country living in the heart of the beautiful Somerset region on Thursday, 4 June. The GemLife Kilcoy Greens’ VIP High Tea is your opportunity to relax, enjoy the superb location, and learn more about the resort.

The team will be on hand to answer questions about the community’s smartly appointed ‘rightsized’ homes, currently under construction, and plans for the outstanding facilities to come.

DATE Thursday, 4 June 2026

TIME 10am to 12pm

WHERE GemLife Kilcoy Greens 3 Travellers Rest, Woolmar

RSVP Register online by Wednesday, 3 June at GemLife.com.au/gkgvip