Your Time Magazine Brisbane - December 2020

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GRATITUDE SURVIVES TIME AND DISTANCE

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COUPLE DRAWS ON A COLOURFUL LIFE

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Christmas COVID CHANGED THE RULES BUT SANTA CLAUS IS STILL COMING TO TOWN BRISBANE EDITION 69 DECEMBER, 2020

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Editor’s note

I

f there’s one good thing to have come out of this crazy year, it’s the potential for Christmas to be more meaningful; a quieter and less commercial celebration.

After a year of lockdowns, border restrictions, cancelled holidays and community health fears, it represents the chance to get together and rediscover the value of family.

As a generation, we are fortunate to have come this far without having to face real misfortune — no world wars, no queues for food and, for the most part, plenty of opportunities to pursue what we want out of life.

The 2020 pandemic has been something of a wake-up call, showing us that we are not immune to global crises, but have just been very lucky.

Brisbane

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Contents And so Christmas rolls around again, a time we have seen blow out from seasonal treats of cream biscuits, fizzy drinks and a leg of ham, to ever more extravagant gifts and bigger and brighter decorations.

Year on year, it has become harder to make Christmas special, but Covid and its impact on household budgets could change all that.

For families separated by borders and cancelled flights, hugs from a grandchild will be special. Children and other family members who have been unable to get home will be welcomed to the table to celebrate making it through the year.

Tinsel, baubles and beribboned gifts can take a backseat to fellowship and friendship.

Julie Lake this month takes a look at what we can expect this Christmas, but however it turns out for you, hopefully it will be a time of peace on earth and goodwill towards others.

The team at Your Time wishes all our readers a happy, healthy and safe Christmas season.

We look forward to bringing you more news and views for our generation in 2021.

Dorothy Whittington Editor

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COVER STORY LETTERS BITS AND PIECES LOCAL HERO AGES AND STAGES OUR PEOPLE CARE AFFAIRS YOUR CITY ACTIVE LIVING TECHNOLOGY MOTORING ON TRACK FINANCE BOOK REVIEW WELLBEING HEALTH RETIREMENT LIVING WHAT’S ON TRAVEL TRIVIA QUIZ PUZZLES

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December 2020 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 3

26/11/2020 9:53:38 AM

COVER STORY

How Covid (nearly) stole Christmas The Covid pandemic brought a whole new set of rules to life in 2020, but after a year of lockdowns and limited socialising JULIE LAKE is confident that for all but the Grinchiest, Santa Claus is still coming to town.

I

f you were dreaming of a white Christmas this year, you’ll be disappointed because trips to snowy northern climes are on hold, but there are plenty of ways to celebrate the festive season in south-east Queensland.

Traditionalists will be glad to know that the churches are still planning a busy Christmas program in compliance with government requirements for appropriate indoor social distancing.

The popular St Stephen’s Cathedral sound and light show is delighting after-dark visitors from now until

Christmas Eve and other churches are making similarly imaginative efforts to bring some joy to their many parishioners who have had a tough year.

The popular King George Square Christmas light spectacular will go ahead as usual, and suburban neighbourhoods will also light up with displays.

A guide to postcodes along with Covid Christmas lights tips can be found at christmaslightsearch.com.au/Brisbane Even the famous Enchanted Garden lights at the Roma Street Parkland is going ahead, with an extended time

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Those who like to share the Christmas story with their grandchildren will find plenty of child-friendly activities close to home, from carol singing to nativity scenes. Those unable or unwilling to attend services can tune in online.

Churches everywhere are, however, advising people to keep checking for updates to Christmas services and programs, due to the unpredictability of the Covid situation.

This is particularly important for

those whose churchgoing is confined to Christmas and Easter and who won’t be getting this information in their parish news updates. Information updates are readily available online.

Most churches in Brisbane are providing regular updates of their plans for Christmas services on their websites.

It appears that for the average Your Time reader Christmas 2020 is not going to be strikingly different from those of previous years.

“This shows how lucky we are,” says retired school bus driver Daphne Pilger, who had intended to visit her daughter in Tasmania in December, but is now planning a Christmas Day gathering of other family members at her newlyrenovated home.

“I think the feeling is ‘stay close to home, keep safe, enjoy what you’ve got’,”Daphne says.

She adds that in our region what we’ve got is great beaches, warm weather, big backyards and lots of lovely countryside in which to take day trips and picnics.

Indeed, almost everyone interviewed mentioned the beach as the focus of their Christmas activities this year.

However, there are a couple of differences about Christmas 2020. For one thing, significant numbers have chosen to buy gifts online rather than risk crowded stores, and this includes the traditional Boxing Day sales, known electronically as Cyber Boxing Day. Other online “click” sales have already dominated November’s Christmas shopping sprees.

To meet this demand, suppliers have had to gear up their delivery procedures

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COVER STORY

and take on extra staff.

Australia Post hired thousands of extra workers to help them handle the bigger-than-usual number of parcels and mail being sent interstate and overseas to families separated by travel restrictions.

Executive general manager of business Gary Starr says it has been the busiest festive season ever for the organisation.

According to Queensland University of Technology marketing professor Gary Mortimer, the trend is here to stay, with the consistently-growing online retail sales figure doubling this year.

Another difference is that for the first time in decades, Queenslanders have first dibs on holiday accommodation.

“This year of Covid just may set the course for more restrained celebrations in the future.”

Victorians and others from south of the border who usually book up the beachside units, holiday homes and campsites are not coming.

Even those who are allowed to travel here are reluctant to risk it in case of a sudden Covid outbreak ramping up restrictions, as happened to travellers stranded by South Australia last month.

And locals have been quick to grasp the opportunity, with accommodation owners reporting healthy bookings by people from around the state, according to Visit Sunshine Coast’s interim CEO Craig Davison.

Brisbane

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The magical Enchanted Garden at Roma Street Parkland has been extended into January.

The organisation has been encouraging Queenslanders to holiday in their own regional backyard through strategically-targeted marketing campaigns.

Michael Harper of Luxury Afloat in Noosa says bookings for his houseboats are slightly down this year and tend to be shorter in duration, but regardless, he is still largely booked out for Christmas and New Year and expects to fill remaining vacancies before Christmas.

His bookings are all from Queensland, mainly Brisbane, inland and up to Hervey Bay. In fact, he is not taking interstate bookings at all right now because a Covid outbreak could see him having to pay refunds and risk losing viable Queensland business.

South of Brisbane, hot air balloon operator Greg Daven says business is definitely different this year without international visitors who tend to go for the lifetime adventure market.

He is also finding that some of the

approximately four million people of south-east Queensland are prepared to take up some of the adventure tourism slack this Christmas. Last-minute bookings are still available.

While young families are prepared to risk going away — some places are promising refunds if Covid returns — many older people are cautiously opting to stay home.

Or else are not going far. For example 60-something realtor Nicola P. and her husband, son and grandchildren plan to holiday in the same Noosaville unit they have had for the past 15 years with one major difference this year – no presents.

“My daughter-in-law was laid off her job in events management and my son, a pilot, has also been out of work for months, finding driving jobs where he can,” Nicola says. “My student granddaughter can’t find the usual holiday season retail job, so we are pooling our resources for a bang-up Chrissie dinner and that’s it!”

If Christmas 2020 is proving to be largely business as usual for most south-east Queenslanders, New Year’s Eve is likely to be much more subdued.

Restaurants and clubs are reporting good bookings but for many it’s a case of minimising risk.

Brenda Clemm says in her younger days she always enjoyed seeing in the New Year with a drink and a song but, “since we retired we don’t go to big parties any more; we just get together with a few friends, go out to dinner, then watch the fireworks on TV. “This year we’re not even doing that because it seems prudent to stay away from places where people are kissing and hugging and singing,” she says.

“Instead, my partner and I are going to celebrate New Year’s Day, which when you come to think of it makes more sense.

We’ll avoid the beach crowds and find somewhere quiet in the country to have a family picnic and celebrate how lucky we are to live in Queensland.”

The times they are a changin’ and this year of Covid just may set the course for more restrained celebrations in future.

The commercialism that has been steadily increasing year-on-year for decades has been pulled up.

“I hope this year’s more subdued celebrations will remind people of the true spirit of Christmas – caring and sharing, peace and goodwill, not just an excuse for a party and extravagant presents,” was a common sentiment.

In fact, doing it differently has become something of a challenge for those not haunted by the ghost of Christmas past, such as the couple who have booked a balloon flight complete with champagne and hamper as a present to each other. It gives a whole new meaning to Ding, Dong Merrily on High!

Merry Christmas everyone, and a happy New Year.

December 2020 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 5

26/11/2020 9:54:07 AM

LETTERS

LETTERS WE SETTLED into a shady under-foliage on a warm Sunday morning, feeling fortunate to be by Moreton Bay waters with Tibrogargan in the background.

Coffee-flask in tow along with the weekend papers, my husband and I observed a sweet scene of a dad with young daughter, about eight years old, arriving to fish. Dad is showing her the skills and secrets of successful fishing.

In the distance were jet skis doing their speedy thing, but far enough away that they could hardly be heard.

The scene was set beautifully for everyone. All was at peace with the world. With fishing lines cast, the father-daughter conversation trickled over to us like small bellbirds, when suddenly a jet skier came close to shore.

Noise at maximum, closeness at premium, parallel-to-shore turns multiplied for a full 10 minutes, directly in front of dad and daughter.

Their beautiful moment making memories was destroyed by this seemingly heartless and purposeful destruction of a peaceful outing.

Did the encroachment break laws? I don’t know, but there was a deep moral and spiritual law broken. Why? Because dad and daughter’s space had been invaded. Fish nibbles had gone and chit-chat was drowned out.

Dad packed up and small daughter

followed, head to the ground. They drove away. And so did the jet skier who, having no further interest in being close to shore, disappeared into the distance.

Was it on purpose? Again, I do not know, but it was a sad moment, not earth-shattering, but a bad reflection on a society that is dealing with bullies in all dimensions and at all levels.

Oh for the day when our human consciousness and caring for each other grows to a point that all passions, purposes, and nurturing are not only allowed, but fostered.

Ever the optimist I look forward to the day when, with our metaphoric fishing lines in water, we can look into the distance at the speedy needs of others, and still be able to find our own serenity.

Kaye Forester-Harris I READ Cherrell Picton’s letter (YT Oct) and wondered for just one moment whether I had actually written it myself.

I applied the morning after the grant announcement was made and was told to go via my local Home Assist. I was asked to email a scan of the back and front of my pension card and send it to them plus a short summary of our problem.

I received a call to inform me that, as it was a bathroom in question, we would not be considered because it would cost $10,000 or more.

I called the Department of Housing to try to establish whether, should I already have a quote (which I did for $4850), I would still be able to apply for a grant.

Here was a question that nobody could answer but I was invited to put in an application via that body.

From here on my story is almost identical to Cherrell Picton’s.

I decided to see if I could track down some transparency on the grants so went to the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works and searched “Recipients of $5000 grants for seniors’ home improvements” and it popped up at the top of the page: Results 1-10. I couldn’t see any list and moved to page 2 and results 11-20 and then page 3 and 4.

Mystified I rang the department and asked how to open the document and was told there was no such document.

I waded through 130 pages of “very interesting” information about the department in its annual report but still no list of recipients of grants.

I agree with Cherrell that there are possibly thousands of very unhappy Queensland seniors and I am one of them.

Carol Burls ALMOST a year ago I moved to be closer to family which meant saying goodbye to our long-time family doctor.

When I had my annual bowel scan

the results indicated that I needed a colonscopy. I had heard stories about this procedure and thank Cheryl Lockwood for telling her experience (YT Oct).

I began by asking my new doctor what other options I had before me and said I was quite prepared to put it in writing and sign that I had been advised to have a colonscopy and refused.

She accepted this and did indeed ask me to sign to that effect. She then offered me an alternative, stressing it would involve minimal exposure to radiation.

Medical professionals are in an invidious position in these days of litigation. Still, I hope my story will encourage elderly persons not to be intimidated into accepting treatment they have reservations about.

Individuals should be able to make their own decisions on medical advice, even if it means, as I did, signing a waiver so no-one can come back at the doctor.

My decision was influenced by my age, ethos, medical history, family medical history and chosen lifestyle.

I have no wish to end up being the oldest person in the nursing home. My neighbour, relative or friend may look forward to receiving a letter from the Queen on their 100th birthday or dandling their great grandchildren on their knees but I have other priorities.

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Cereal packets often had a small toy inside the pack.

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26/11/2020 9:56:04 AM

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LOCAL HERO

Memories of act of bravery survive time and distance Although he was only a boy when his father touched a power transmission line, BRIAN THOMAS never forgot the man who saved his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. It was Wattie Hemaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charity work that ultimately led to their reunion in Brisbane decades later.

I

t happened 62 years ago but Kallangur retiree Wattie Hemara remembers it like it was yesterday.

The 20-year-old Kiwi linesman heard a bang and knew straight away what had occurred. My father George had accidentally touched an 11,000-volt transmission line with his head and been blasted off the transformer pole on to the 240-volt lines just below. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body was twitching as the current passed through him, so I started up the ladder to try to rescue him,â&#x20AC;? Wattie told me recently. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But before I could get to him, he slid off the wires, brushing against me as he plunged to the ground.â&#x20AC;?

Despite the 8m fall, Dad was so charged by the shock that he crawled towards the power board truck calling out for my brother and me and Mum. Wattie, a 140kg front-row forward who played first grade rugby union and dreamed of becoming an All Black, struggled to subdue Dad, a much smaller man, who wanted to drive 30km home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe how strong he was,â&#x20AC;?

Wattie says. But then Dad collapsed unconscious. Protective equipment for electricity workers was virtually non-existent in 1950s northern New

Wattie Hemara with a photo of George.

Zealand but Wattie had been given CPR training and he put it to good use. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I brought him back to life pretty quickly and by then he had calmed down,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Now Wattie was faced with almost as big a problem â&#x20AC;&#x201C; how to summon help in the days 50 years before mobile phones.

Luckily his radio telephone message was picked up 370km to the south in New Plymouth and relayed by phone for an ambulance to be dispatched. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We waited for an eternity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; probably at least 90 minutes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because we were out in the paddocks,â&#x20AC;? he says.

Somehow Dad survived with a skin graft on top of his head, although as a

six-year-old I never visited him in hospital, probably because of the smell of rotting flesh.

He was 33 at the time, and his lifespan doubled. He continued to work as an electrician right up to retirement, before succumbing to prostate cancer soon after.

I spent a couple of weeks with him before he died but it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem right to mention the accident.

Wattie didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work for the power board for long after the accident because he resented the chief engineerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to massage his version of events.

In the early 1980s, he got the itch to cross the ditch, and confronted the heat working on Brisbane Airport roads, odd-jobbing around Queensland, toiling as a teetotaller deckhand and cook on prawn trawlers, and eventually driving a cab around Brisbane.

Wattie retired in 2002 but his working life was far from over. He began volunteering for the Redcliffe Breakfast Club, a charity that feeds the needy five times a week. And for a decade he was a kingpin of the Kippa-Ring Lions Club, managing its Sunday market and helping collect and dispatch spectacles to Third World countries.

Wattie is no chest-beater. The niece and nephew he lives with had no idea he had saved my fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. And I might never have been able to thank him for it, had it not been for his charity work.

In 2012, I was working as a sub-editor when the name that was part of family folklore appeared in a suburban story about Kippa-Ring Lions Club.

I drove from the Redlands for an all-day breakfast on Redcliffe esplanade with a giant of a man in both senses of the word.

Ros Thomsen, co-founder of The Breakfast Club, says Wattie has been a caring and compassionate presence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He often connected with guests who struggled to engage with other people.

Year after year, he has been a consistent contributor, often turning up on days when he was not rostered and always being available to help others,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kindness is not something Wattie does. It is who he is.â&#x20AC;?

Wattie is a devout Christian: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no higher duty you can perform than to save another manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life,â&#x20AC;? he says.

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AGES & STAGES

by Mocco Wollert

ONCE upon a time, a long, long time ago in 1970, I sat down, as usual, to write my Christmas cards, working down the list of relatives and friends.

When I finished, I counted 35 cards. I was heartily sick of writing the same message over and over to everyone.

Then, a friend changed all that.

When I opened her card to me, it contained just a single piece of paper – no card.

Her letter was full of news and Christmas wishes. I could see that she had photocopied the page but at the bottom were a few personal words for me in her own handwriting.

There was my answer! Write it once and then copy it 35 times or more, depending on the list of friends.

In those days it was a bit of a task to find a photocopier, but a friendly newsagency owner came to the rescue.

And so it was, that in December 1971, I sent out my first Christmas letters rather than cards. It was sheer

bliss to ramble on, tell happenings in detail and finish off with some loving and personal greetings.

I wondered, how my Christmas letter would be received. The reaction was certainly not unanimous. Quite a few objected to the impersonal letter, and not a hand-written card.

Weren’t they worth the effort to be written to individually? However, as the years passed, most of my friends all started to write Christmas letters.

I started off with one page but, of course, I had a lot to tell so the number of pages grew.

With modern technology, I managed to insert photos, relevant to my stories.

I must confess that sometimes I went overboard, like the year when my Christmas letter was 12 A4 pages long.

Well, we had been travelling a fair bit that year. I guess my letter had become a travelogue as well.

Writing proper letters was something my generation was taught.

If a gift was received, a thank-you note had to be sent. Birthday greetings to relatives had to be written by hand and finely crafted.

It was a chore none of us liked. I disregard all this training when writing my Christmas letters.

I still like to compose a decent letter but on the whole, I write straight from the heart as if I were talking to this person. It makes writing – and doing it only once – an enjoyable task, fun and no longer a chore.

Apart from saving me a lot of time, I realised recently, that my Christmas letters had become a chronicle of our family life from 1971 onwards.

A question came up in conversation about what had happened in 1993.

Nobody could remember. Neither could I. Then a light came on.

I went to my folder of Christmas letters and found 1993. And there it was, all the things that had happened, in black and white, bringing the year back to life.

May you receive many Christmas cards and at least one long Christmas letter.

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by Cheryl Lockwood

DECEMBER already! Have I left it too late to send a note to the big guy in the red suit?

No harm in trying.

Dear Santa, You’re probably a bit snowed under at this time of year, but I have a Christmas wish. Is there any chance that there is cargo space in the sleigh for a lawn mower?

I put in efforts to tame the old one, but there are times when one has to admit defeat.

The other day, wanting to surprise my hard-working husband, I decided to mow the lawn. Surely that’s worth some Brownie points.

The old mower spluttered and roared to life after only four pulls on the cord and minor muscle damage to my arm.

Off I went, bum out and head down around the back yard. All was well until the catcher fell off at my feet. After some investigation, I found that a plastic moulding had broken.

Questioning the worth of the old bit of machinery, I set about a repair.

Two hours and a few scratches later, I managed to fix it.

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The odd assortment of nuts, bolts and brackets wasn’t pretty, but it held.

I managed a few more laps before the mower gave a little cough and died. I deferred the rest of the job until the following day.

Thankfully, the beast fired up for Round 2 – the front yard. Pleasantly surprised that my handiwork was holding, I ploughed on.

After a short fuel break for both of us, I tried restarting the mower. No go.

Hot, sweaty and running low on patience, I gave the cord one last pull. It was almost a dance.

I threw my whole body into the motion and found myself, quite suddenly, several steps away. The tattered edge of the pull cord now dangled limply from my hand. I pushed the silent mower back to its spot in the garden shed and shut the door.

Having things to do elsewhere, I left a note for hubby explaining that the misbehaving mower had been sent to its room with no supper.

Day 3 – handy hubby fixed the cord and finished the job himself.

There you have it, Santa, justification for my Christmas wish. I tried to be good.

It’s the thought that counts, isn’t it?

Love, Cheryl xx PS: Happy Christmas to all of life’s adventurers.

Call 134 478 or visit irt.org.au 12 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / December 2020

12.indd 2

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OUR PEOPLE

Fulfilled life comes straight from the art Age is simply a changing palette in what has been a fascinating and colourful life journey for these acclaimed artists, writes GLENIS GREEN.

P

Judith Laws and Rex Backhaus-Smith surround themselves with their colourful art.

Supporting Queenslanders for over 80 years

who loves her colour and who painted the outside dining table and canvas deck chairs with her inspirations.

Judith jokes that she would even paint Rex - literally - if he sat still long enough.

The artist’s eye is everywhere in their eclectic home and while Judith bustles about saying “housework is not on my agenda because there are so many other interesting things to do” everything looks perfectly in place.

The couple, who were both married – Judith with five children and Rex with two – when they met through art 30 years ago, seem to have a synergy that brings out the best in each other and their work.

Already a well-known face on the world art scene, Rex was tutoring while Judith, who had always been creative, was struggling with traditional oil painting lessons in another class.

She had been a fan of Rex’s work and went to all his exhibitions so when he suggested she was more of an abstract artist than a traditionalist, Judith took it on board and found her niche.

“Romance blossomed and we’ve

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In fact, they are both more prolific than ever – planning new works and exhibitions as well as more of the travel adventures, once the Covid-19 pandemic calms down.

They have now downsized – well, sort of – to a retirement villa. They compromised with a four-bedroom residence so they could each have an art studio.

Somehow Rex also managed to snaffle the double garage for his enormous acrylic and mixed media works, as well as the upstairs bedroom for his watercolours.

Judith has her colourful studio in one of the downstairs bedrooms.

Studios aside, their home is really one big work of art with paintings they have given each other for special occasions on the walls along with the many sculptures and other craftwork they have created.

Even the bird bath has been delicately covered in mosaic by Judith

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14.indd 2

Brisbane

26/11/2020 9:58:41 AM

OUR PEOPLE

been together since 1990,” Judith says.

Their blended family of seven has now grown into 17 grandchildren around Australia and they are champing at the bit to see them all again.

While Rex was already exhibiting around Australia and overseas, Judith’s

first was at Linton Gallery in Toowoomba in 1979 – above a chemist shop – and it went well.

“She’s had 48 solo exhibitions,” says Rex proudly, while admitting he’s lost count of his own.

Mixing with Australia’s art elite from Clifton Pugh, to the Boyds and

Frank Hodgkinson, Rex also has been to England to study William Turner.

“I was fairly traditional, but not anymore,” he says. “I did steam trains and old buildings. I was fascinated by light.”

At one point he was also running 100 watercolour painting schools including sessions on ancient architecture all around Australia and while he still has a soft spot for watercolour, he now enjoys painting large dramatic acrylics on canvas, usually featuring his signature Australian native birds.

Judith says her works are nowhere as big as Rex’s but still usually range up to 150cm square.

They both take to the countryside and sketch and take photos, which are only a record of the area – they never paint from the photographs.

Generally, they both work every way and both have also published books. Rex is still working on his now 30-year project – an art book featuring the Greek Islands.

They have travelled extensively around the world, sketching and painting as they go and also have an affinity for Australia’s Outback.

When not painting, they love to go out for coffee and make the most of

their retirement village’s facilities with gym and aqua aerobics.

Not many people realise Rex started his career as a primary school teacher, where he began teaching art. While he has no formal training, he did complete a course of applied art at a school in Brisbane.

He resigned from teaching in 1976 to take up painting full time, admitting he was “very brave” but when his first exhibition sold out he realised this was his new life and admitted “they were heady days”. Since then, he’s been selling about 100 works a year.

He also admits to being rather attached to those first works and even resented selling some pieces. “But I soon got used to it,” he says. He still gets feedback from buyers and former students.

In fact, during a visit to GOMA, they were approached by a young man who said “Mr Smith, you taught me art – it was because of you I became an architect.”

It turned out that the young man and his wife were the GOMA architects Kerry and Lindsay Clare.

“We’ve had a carefree life for 30 years,” Rex says, while Judith adds: “When you’re doing stuff you love it makes a big difference.”

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15.indd 3

December 2020 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 15

26/11/2020 9:59:01 AM

16.indd 2

26/11/2020 9:59:17 AM

CARE AFFAIRS

Stress less and have a good night’s rest Eight hours of sleep each night hasn’t always been the recommended norm. KENDALL MORTON explores what we think we know about sleep and finds some refreshing surprises.

S

LEEP is essential. As we sleep our brains lock in and organise the memories from the day.

Cerebrospinal fluid does a major wash through the brain during the non-REM sleep cycle. It cleans out waste products such as potentially damaging betaamyloids that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

Being deprived of sleep can lead to slower reaction times, poor decisionmaking and accidents. Yes, a good sound sleep is essential.

What we don’t need though, is anxiety about what is “normal” sleep. Let’s examine a few myths.

MYTH 1 – You need 8 hours of continuous sleep a night.

There is much debate about exactly how long an older person needs to sleep to feel rested the next day. Some experts advocate eight hours as the standard.

Others say anywhere between seven and nine hours is fine.

As you age, sleep requirements can change, after all your body is changing. It makes less melatonin. This hormone is manufactured in the pineal gland and is released to help you sleep at night.

According to Daniel Lieberman, academic and author of Exercised, the call for eight hours of sleep was adapted from a slogan for workers’ rights.

In the 19th century, workers would shout “eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, eight hours for what we will!”.

Research in the USA shows most adults sleep seven to 7.5 hours a night and do fine.

Recent studies have looked at groups who do not live by the electric light and television programming. For instance, the

American Amish people who shun electric light sleep 6.5 to seven hours and so do the farmers in Madagascar.

Both these groups live active outdoor lives yet manage fine on less than eight hours of sleep.

MYTH 2 – Being awake during the night damages your health.

If we look at the human health over the centuries we can learn much. It was common to have two sleeps a night, called the first and second sleeps. There was an hour or two of wakefulness between them.

In the space between the first and second sleep, people would stay in bed where it was warm, and rest, talk or have sex. They would also check on their animals or attend to other household tasks.

Being awake was normal. It was not a cause for stress and did not lead to illness.

While wandering around your house at 2am may not suit your spouse or other housemates, this historical evidence for two sleeps as a normal human pattern

may help you feel better about wakefulness.

This two sleeps pattern was the subject of a book by historian A. Roger Ekirch called At Day’s Close: Night in Times Past.

Ekirch found fewer references to the first and second sleep as modern industrial society took hold from the 17th century onwards. Interestingly, in the late 19th century the “problem” of insomnia appeared.

So where does this leave you and senior family members?

The key is to find your own sleep patterns. Listen to your body. Be alert to everyday impediments to good sleep, such as external lights or moonlight. Using a mask can help. Note whether your sleeping changes with new medication.

Research shows that exercising earlier in the day can help you sleep. Above all, stress less about sleeping.

Kendall Morton is the Director of Home Care Assistance. Email kmorton@ homecareassistance.com

DO IT YOURSELF OPTION RETIREES can self-manage home care packages, just like a super fund, and engage independent support workers with shared interests.

Research by aged care advocate Sarah Russell, found self-managed home care packages could offer choice and control unavailable through providermanaged home care packages.

She said participants described provider-managed packages as giving them no choice of support workers and no control over the time of day support workers visited.

The research, commissioned by online platform Mable, investigated the pros and cons of consumer-directed care from the perspective of older people who self-managed their package.

It is Dr Russell’s second research report looking at the lived experiences of people receiving in-home support.

Her first identified a catalogue of insufficiencies, inadequacies, complaints and disappointments when it came to provider-managed home care.

Other recent research includes: • Recommendations by Counsel Assisting to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety that proposed an overhaul of the entire system under a new rights-based Aged Care Act, fails to mention selfmanagement as an option, • The Grattan Institute’s Rethinking Aged Care report (2020), recommends a move away from a provider-centric system so older people can feel more empowered and able to make informed choices.

• The Tune Review (2017) pointed out that the aged care sector has continued to struggle with implementation of consumer directed care.

Dr Russell said said she had not expected the strength and consistency in support of self-management.

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December 2020 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 17

26/11/2020 9:59:29 AM

YOUR CITY

Take a voyage into our maritime history THE old boat moored at the southern end of South Bank is such a fixture in the river that it’s easy to overlook it’s part of a much bigger picture – the Queensland Maritime Museum.

Hugging the bank is Forceful, a brave little steam tug that once negotiated the bends in the river, pushing ships to their berth long before Port of Brisbane or even the Hamilton dock was being used.

During World War II she operated in Fremantle, Darwin and Thursday Island.

Forceful was retired in 1970, and soon became part of the collection of the Queensland Maritime Museum which was established a year later.

But now, the museum is threatened with closure at the end of this month.

With 70 per cent of its visitors coming from overseas, interstate and regional Queensland it has felt the pinch.

Operating hours have been reduced to weekends, so be quick to get in and take a tour of Queensland maritime history while you still can.

Even if you’re not a fan of all things shipping, it’s an engaging display from boats of all sizes to lighthouses, maps and charts, both indoors and outside.

A tour begins inside with a display of the lighthouses of Australia with plenty of supporting information and examples

18 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / December 2020

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of the lamps that have safely guided shipping for more than a century.

There is also a re-creation of the smoking room of the Queensland Government Steam Yacht Lucinda, made famous when the founding fathers of the nation met on the Easter weekend of 1891, to draft what would become the Constitution of Australia.

There are plenty of stories about the ships that were the lifeblood of the new colony when waterways were the only transport system.

Cabins complete with beds and sinks show what life was like for passengers.

It’s easy to spend an hour or two wandering around before moving

outdoors where the historic South Brisbane dry dock is virtually under the Goodwill Bridge.

Step deep down into the dry dock and stand under the big propellors of the Navy warship Diamantina, the pride of the museum fleet.

The dry dock opened in 1881 and became a hive of industry maintaining and repairing all types of ships, submarines, tugs and dredges, particularly during World War II. In 1899 it was used as a swimming pool by the new Queensland Amateur Swimming Association.

The dock closed in 1972, when the southeast freeway and Captain Cook bridge was built but the heavy stone walls remain a reminder of a past era.

Inside the dock is the little red Carpentaria, which was built in 1917 for the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service.

It was a light ship, used in areas where it wasn’t possible to build a permanent lighthouse structure.

The little sailboat that teenager Jessica Watson sailed around the world is nearby, along with a pearling lugger Penguin which shows how tough it was for the brave souls who went in search of the shells. Only about one in 5000 actually had a pearl, the rest provided

mother of pearl for jewellery, ornaments and buttons.

The lighthouse that stood on Bulwer Island at the river mouth is nearby.

Admission is $18, concessions $15, family $40. Allow at least four hours.

It’s non-profit, run by volunteers and great value. Volunteers are also currently being sought.

An urgent quest for donations from the private sector and State Government funding is underway, which could see the museum’s sentence commuted to March – and hopefully beyond.

Visit maritimemuseum.com.au

Brisbane

26/11/2020 9:59:44 AM

ACTIVE LIVING

Old ways teach value of exercise If you like finding a book in your Christmas stocking, TRISTAN HALL recommends a fascinating new read from a Harvard University researcher who specialises in studying human evolution and health.

E

XERCISED by Daniel Lieberman explains why it is so difficult for some of us to get started with exercise. He says we did not evolve to exercise.

In traditional societies, our ancestors were active for a reason. They hunted, gathered food, built shelters and had sex.

Being active was either necessary for survival, fun or both.

Dancing was for fun, ceremony and storytelling. It was not considered exercise.

Hunting and food gathering was generally done in groups or with at least one other person.

The tedium of stalking game for hours or digging for tubers was alleviated by the company of other people.

Energy was generally conserved for these necessary activities.

Today, those of us living in industrialised countries don’t expend much energy in daily survival. We drive to the grocery

store. We don’t gather wood to build a fire but use an oven and microwave. We don’t walk to a well and carry water. It’s on tap, literally.

Although our bodies may crave activity to replace this idleness, Lieberman argues that our instincts can rebel against unnecessary activity. So what’s the answer?

There’s no doubt that exercise is good for your health but Department of Health data shows that more than half of all Aussies are not active enough.

Let’s review some benefits: 1. Exercise can improve your mood as it stimulates the production of dopamine, serotonin and endorphins.

2. Exercise strengthens your heart and increases the oxygen levels in your blood.

3. A targeted program at home or elsewhere can improve your balance and reduce your risk of falls and bone fractures.

4. Regular exercise can help

manage osteoarthritis by building up muscle strength and increasing the flow of blood and lubricating fluids around the knee joint.

So, getting back to Daniel Lieberman, what can we learn from our ancestors?

One lesson is to add a social element to your exercise.

Meet a friend for a walk and coffee. Join a dance class. Find a rowing group. Do something that is fun for you.

Secondly, make a start. Those happy hormones won’t kick in until you get active.

The longer you have been inactive, the more time they will take to reactivate. Reward yourself for progress and hang in.

With patience, exercise can become an enjoyable and essential part of your life. And it will pay you back tenfold.

Tristan Hall is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Visit fullcirlcewellness. com.au

FIT HAPPENS With Tom Law THE other day a mate of mine who is doing well with his weight reduction returned from holidays.

He turned up at our Saturday morning exercise session with his wife, also a member of the group.

Michael has lost about 30kg by reducing his beer intake, keeping an eye on his nutrition and exercising. His weight reduction program has been, I believe, the way it should be – gradually and naturally. It is certainly working for him.

I asked Michael for his latest weight as he would regularly message me about how he was doing. He replied that was not tracking his figures because he was on holidays.

It reminded me that we don’t survive this life and enjoying yourself is paramount.

It is easy to become obsessed with reducing weight, getting fitter or stronger or faster, particularly for those with an addictive bent.

Some constantly weigh or measure themselves and what may be a gradual sensible program to get fit, lose some

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weight or generally get into shape, can become obsessive.

Michael was right. The objective of going on holidays is to enjoy yourself – see the sights, explore a new location, visit family or friends and indulge a little in the nice things in life.

Exercise can, and should, take a back seat from time to time and priorities readjusted accordingly.

For those who want to keep a little bit more active on holidays, there always seems to be plenty of options available.

Walk instead of taking the car, do a bike tour, take a hike around the new town, stop for a coffee. Although Michael and his wife did not plan any formal exercise while on holiday, they visit the various war memorials that take pride of place in most regional towns.

You may miss the gym for a little while, or your favourite walk, jog or pool session but the break and change of routine can be a good thing and you return refreshed and ready to go again.

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December 2020 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 19

26/11/2020 9:59:57 AM

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TECHNOLOGY

Gifts that keep on giving year-round As Christmas rolls around again, many of us find it’s a great excuse to upgrade the phone or purchase a new TV or computer. NATHAN WELLINGTON suggests some alternative gift ideas to enjoy throughout the year.

W

ith the year we’ve had, it’s not surprising we’re ready to get out of the house for some retail therapy to signify the end of a difficult year, but have you considered a subscription?

Many of my clients have begun dipping their toe into the ocean of content available online and have found that once they start getting the hang of it, they don’t look back.

Here are a few options to consider going into 2021. Streaming TV subscriptions (in no particular order) • STAN, the only home-grown Australian streaming service offers some fantastic classic and recent television series and movies starting from about $10 a month.

• AMAZON PRIME VIDEO starts at about $6.99 a month and is one of the cheapest online subscriptions. It has a great range of movies and television series.

• APPLE TV+ is the relatively new kid on the block. It is $7.99 a month and is developing content. There is a vast range of pay per view titles and a humble amount of new subscription content.

• DISNEY+ is also new to the market but has a vast back catalogue and is great value at about $8.99 a month. It’s not just for kids!

• NETFLIX is the staple for many households and although it is in the upper price bracket starting at $11 a month, it has an enormous catalogue.

• KAYO offers live and on-demand sport and its price reflects this, starting at $25 a month.

• Honourable mentions include Foxtel Now & YouTube Premium.

• KANOPY is a free service available to library members through the Brisbane City Council library website.

MUSIC STREAMING: The lion’s share of music streaming is with Spotify, with

more than 50 million songs. For the music buff, $11.99 is worth the starting price. If you’re looking for an alternative, iTunes has an enormous library to purchase an online copy, otherwise YouTube music is a great free option.

BOOKS: There are many and varied online book subscriptions. Many choose Amazon Books for online purchases read on a smart pad. Those with impaired vision subscribe to Audible to listen to their favourite books. It starts at $16.95 a month.

Brisbane City Council libraries offer various eBook and audio book services. All

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For me the value in these services is that they give access to so much more content than is available if you purchase a copy of one artist on CD or DVD. The cost of one CD or DVD equates to up to two months of an online streaming service.

You do need the appropriate equipment to take advantage of these, but even if you don’t have a Smart TV, a small smart pad is all you need to get going.

Many of these subscriptions offer a free trial period to explore content.

If you’re a classical music buff you have hundreds of thousands of compositions to choose from, or if you love comedy romance movies, there are thousands to choose from.

The days of buying a CD or DVD are slowly coming to a close but a world of much more varied and richer content is available at a relatively cost effective price and at the touch of a finger.

As always, if you are not sure how to go about purchasing a subscription or need some help you can always contact us.

We wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas and safe and fulfilling new year.

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Brisbane

26/11/2020 10:01:38 AM

MOTORING

Cheap and easy to handle without the bells and whistles The compact Ignis, now in its second iteration, adds to Suzuki’s reputation for reliable, value-for-money transport, writes BRUCE McMAHON

T

he little Ignis four or five-seater, five-door hatchback is a bit of a motoring throwback – in a good

way.

The Ignis eschews a deal of today’s driver aids, places more onus on the driver to stay in the right lane, to not run into the car stopped ahead and to switch on the wipers when summer rains pour down.

It is a city and suburbs car not overburdened with buzzers and bells and interfering, mollycoddling assistance systems.

The newest Ignis isn’t that much different to the first version aside from a rework of the front grille for a little more macho style plus some extra body colours.

So the basics remain a 3.7m long by 1.7m wide, front-wheel drive car powered by a 1.2 litre engine with 66kW of power at 6000rpm.

The $18,990 GL model uses a five-speed manual transmission or a Constantly Variable Transmission while the GLX, from a driveaway $20,990, arrives with a CVT. The dearer GLX, a four-seater, sits on 16-inch alloy wheels while the GX is a five-seater on 15-inch steel wheels.

Other differences include more sophisticated sound system and air conditioning for the GLX and extra cosmetic touches.

All are cheap and cheerful machines.

Sure, a fair bit of throttle is needed to get the Ignis under way. And sure, the GLX on its 16-inch rubber, isn’t always too happy about running over speed bumps and man hole covers.

But with its small body, light

steering and a 4.7m turning circle, the Ignis is a handy run-around and easy to place in traffic or the parking lot.

Indeed some at Suzuki suggest not only is this hatchback a prime choice for young apartment-dwelling urbanites in crowded cities but also for more mature folk downsizing their car looking to the benefits of lower running costs and stress-free parking in over-50s villages.

It’s not all old-school here. The

Suzuki Ignis arrives with most of today’s technological conveniences from USB ports to Bluetooth, from smartphone access for Apple CarPlay and others to satellite navigation and rear-view camera on the 7-inch touch screen.

That brings on the other quibble – alongside the Suzuki’s not-so-great suspension. The lack of a volume knob for the stereo (and phone calls) will irritate older drivers; the slide control on the screen can be a slippery, greasy pain to shift and the tiny steering wheel controls hard to find. (Plus, and today this is a losing argument right across motoring, where’s the CD player? Older folk still use them.)

Still, this is a handsome little city car in the ubiquitous SUV style and a cheap machine to buy and run. Fuel consumption should be under 6 litres per 100km for CVT versions, less for the manual, and there’s a five-year factory warranty.

Suzuki also offers the option of further customising the Ignis with splashes of different paint colours and decals for both the body and the cabin to individualise the hatchback and help it stand out from the crowd.

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23.indd 3

December 2020 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 23

26/11/2020 10:01:53 AM

ON TRACK

Good tidy-ings ready for seasonal bounty

SHOPPERS DREAMING OF A LEAN CHRISTMAS

Whether you’re planning a busy or a quiet Christmas, JUDY RAFFERTY has a proposal – decluttering now to find emotional and psychological space, as well as physical.

CHRISTMAS spending is likely to drop this year, with householders set to cut back on gift purchases, social events and holidays.

A survey of a nationally representative panel of 1013 Australians commissioned by financial information platform Money.com.au found that 39 per cent will spend less on Christmas gifts, 32 per cent will pay for December-January expenses on some form of credit and 31 per cent plan to dip into their savings to pay for Christmas.

And nearly four in five households will spend less or completely forego Christmas expenses.

The change in consumer behaviour is expected to have a significant knock-on effect on the retail sector.

The local travel industry is also likely to suffer alongside cash-strapped households. Even with States open for regional travel and some borders open, 38 per cent of respondents will forego a holiday this summer, while 20 per cent will reduce their holiday budget.

The findings also reveal 28 per cent of households will spend less on Christmas celebrations and Christmas lunches or dinners this year – and 10 per cent won’t have a Christmas celebration at all.

Overall, 44 per cent of households will spend less on Christmas celebrations, food, gifts, and a summer getaway this year, compared with previous years.

Purchasing gifts and other expenses for the December-January period can be a major financial stressor for households.

The Money.com.au survey found that nearly a third of respondents are making financial sacrifices to be able to afford some holiday expenses.

“With many households experiencing financial hardship this year – and with an uncertain economic recovery – it may be wise to cut back spending on Christmas and holiday expenses,” financial adviser Helen Baker said.

“I encourage households to review their financial situation now to determine how much they can spend and to be conservative in spending.”

I

f you are having a busy Christmas, family or friends might be coming to stay or visit. It is easier to prepare for them if you have already removed the unfinished sewing from the spare bed and sorted the clothes that really should go to Vinnies from the spare wardrobe.

Then there are the piles of books and magazines – the too good to throw away, the waiting to be mended/fixed, the might be useful, the adult children’s belongings and the things that adult children MIGHT want to have.

If you are having a quiet Christmas, a decluttered home means you might be in a better space – not just in your home but also in your head – to participate in Christmas.

You might get organised and make a toy to donate or you might bake, invite a friend or two for coffee and Christmas cake or wine and rum balls. Count me in for the latter.

Busy or not, you may be the recipient of gifts. You will be able to be more gracious and enthusiastic if you are not imagining trying to shove the gift into your over-full cupboards as you offer your thanks.

It is not easy to declutter. Do you say goodbye to that which has been in the family for a long time and holds memories, even though it is no longer useful or beautiful?

How do you say goodbye to beautifully tailored clothes which you might fit into again one day?

How do you decide to get rid of a duplicate piece of equipment when you suspect that as soon as you donate it your other one will stop working?

How do you know what your children will want when they finally settle down or buy a house? Decluttering is a tiring job as each item seems to require a decision.

For those readers who are feeling smug and uncluttered, let me give you a task.

Look into each cupboard category – linen cupboard, plastic containers drawer,

gift wrapping box, elastic bands container (the ones on the bottom will have lost their stretch and recoil capacity!), the bookcase, the might-be-useful jar of nails, the tool box – and from each group remove and delete a minimum of one item.

Remove three items if you believe you deserve your smugness as a hard line declutterer.

I often quote Marie Kondo’s book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Her bottom line for keeping an item is that it must give you a sense of joy. If not, sell it or give it away.

Beware passing on your now unwanted items to others. They may not value them as you expect or desire.

Giving to your children is also fraught.

Make sure that each child is given the same opportunity to make a claim on that which you are offering. Also make sure that your children do not feel they must take what you are offering in order to make you feel better.

It is something of a phenomenon that when people retire or move house – often to downsize – a major clearing out of possessions occurs.

It is also notable that as we age, we are usually keen to streamline and reduce belongings. You may have experienced this and acted to significantly minimise your possessions.

However, life in a consumer-focused society, along with the pleasure of acquisition and the reluctance to let go of good quality or useable items, leads to a sneaky build-up of STUFF. An annual clear-out is a great idea and there is no better time than Christmas. It is the junction between the close of one year and the beginning of the next; an opportunity for a fresh start.

Make this Christmas one of giving. Give away all the extra possessions in your life that are causing clutter and not giving you pleasure. Soon enough, after your “out with the old” there will be an “in with the new” starting with the bounty that Christmas brings.

Happy clutter-free Christmas!

Judy Rafferty is the author of Retirement Your Way, A Practical Guide to Knowing What You Want and How to Get It. Available at all good bookshops and online.

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FINANCE

Popular over 50s resorts packed with paperwork

CONSUMER GROUP WELCOMES SUPER REVIEW

Among the different retirement living options, the over 50s resort style of living is becoming increasingly popular. DON MACPHERSON explains.

O

ver 50s resort living arrangements come under the Manufactured Homes Act, and deal with ownership (theoretically) of relocatable homes within a manufactured home park.

The term “over 50s resort” is really a marketing term and doesn’t have any legal definition or meaning.

The crucial difference with manufactured homes is that unlike a retirement village unit, you actually own the home in which you live.

Retirement village units are held as leases or licences.

With manufactured homes you do not own the land and pay a site rental to place your home on the land owned by the operator.

Usually the site rental payment would be higher than the service fees payable for a comparable level retirement village unit.

There are a series of differences between a manufactured home and a retirement village arrangement.

Some of the major differences are: RETIREMENT VILLAGE > You don’t own the home > You pay service fees > Usually no capital gain

SUPER Consumers Australia has welcomed the release of the Retirement Income Review as a clear call to action to reduce complexity and make the superannuation system work smarter.

“Retirement planning has become far too complex. People are left in the dark with no one to trust,” Super Consumers Australia director Xavier O’Halloran said.

“We support the review finding that there is more work to do to guide consumers towards better decisions.”

The group was established last year as an independent voice for consumers in superannuation. Its establishment

funding will run out this month.

The Federal Government’s recently announced budget package, designed to guide consumers and lift performance in the savings phase, is an example of what could be done to improve decision making in the retirement phase.

Super Consumers welcomes recognition there is a need for objective research to show how the system can best serve the community.

“Superannuation belongs to consumers. It is their money, but the interests of lobby groups have traditionally been much louder,” she said.

> Significant exit fees > Focus on community > Usually more expensive to “buy” MANUFACTURED HOME > You own the home > You pay site rental > You get the gain on the home > No exit fees > Limited community engagement > Usually cheaper to buy In 2019, the State Government brought in significant changes to the legislation in relation to manufactured homes, introducing greater transparency for purchasers, but also very detailed forms to be disclosed.

The forms 1A, 1B, 1C and 2 that must be reviewed, digested and signed can often run to more than 100 pages all up.

Accordingly, the government strongly recommends prospective purchasers obtain experienced independent legal advice prior to entering into this complex contract documentation.

Don Macpherson is founder of Brisbane Elder Law, experts in the complex documentation required when purchasing a manufactured home.

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1800 961 622 | www.brisbaneelderlaw.com.au | Newstead, Milton, Murarrie, North Lakes (FREE PARKING) December 2020 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 25

26/11/2020 10:02:24 AM

BOOK REVIEW

BILL MCCARTHY This is the second book by Australian screenwriter Christian White. The action is set on an island somewhere between Long Island USA and Phillip Island Victoria. It annoyed me that some of the terminology was not Australian.

The widow, Kate, discovers that her husband has left his employ, is now dead and potentially murdered on the island. Her attempts to unravel this mystery occupy the main part of the story.

The other part involves the islanders Ray and Abby who are struggling financially. Abby worries about her husband’s activities while like most mothers is concerned about her children’s behavior. The plot follows fairly conventional lines until the amazing twist. This is the piece de resistance of the novel and may leave you scratching your head for a few minutes. All together it’s a good read and this novel should meet with the same success as the first.

MARY BARBER This was an interesting thriller set on a small island off the coast of Victoria.

The two central characters, the wife and the widow, take a chapter each in turn.

The chapters are short and end with a threat or a promised revelation.

This kept me turning the pages at first, but it became overdone and tiresome as the plot thickened.

The character who changed the most was Kate, the widow. She tackled challenges that she had not dreamt of before her husband’s murder. Late in the book the timelines and characters seem to get muddled. If this was a planned device, it didn’t work.

It was confusing and distracting. I can rate this novel only as a 3-star read.

TONY HARRINGTON

BOOK review

SUZI HIRST This is a quick, easy read and has a twist that I did not see coming.

The book is written in alternating chapters of the wife and the widow. The story is effortlessly written and Christian White has very cleverly written the book by the intertwining of two stories and two timelines.

It kept me turning the pages eager to know the storyline and although I kept thinking I knew what the outcome would be I was proved wrong a few times.

I would add I much preferred his first book The Nowhere Child, but this is definitely a page turner. 7/10

THE WIFE AND THE WIDOW

by Christian White

JOHN KLEINSCHMIDT The author of this book is an Australian and the setting is a fictional town off the coast of Victoria although you would not know that from his description of the island and its residents. Certainly I did not get that vibe.

I enjoyed the writing style of Christian White but felt his character description and scene development could have been better.

I am used to authors reverting from present to past to provide background and cultivate a twist to the plot. White has done this in a new and different way, although a little confusingly at times. Worth the time to read.

JO BOURKE This is the perfect book to read when one wants to switch off over a weekend or a long flight. The story moves along at a cracking pace with the author’s use of imagery cleverly introducing the characters, each with their idiosyncrasies and their contribution to the whole mystery.

I enjoyed the contrasts in this story – from the prologue with the sinister intruder strangely recognised by the homeowner to the first chapter normality of waiting at the airport for a loved one to arrive.

And there the normality ends as the many characters twist and turn to the conclusion that I did not see coming.

This is Christian White’s second book after the huge success of The Nowhere Child. I look forward to following him as he adds to his bestsellers in the future.

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Set in an eerie island town in winter, this unsettling thriller is told from two perspectives: Kate, a widow whose grief is compounded by what she learns about her dead husband’s secret life; and Abby, an island local whose world is turned upside when she’s forced to confront the evidence of her husband’s guilt.

But nothing is quite as it seems, and only when these women come together can they discover the whole story about the men in their lives.

This page-turning thriller by an Australian author takes readers to a cliff edge and asks the question: how well do we really know the people we love?

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After an agonizingly slow start with the author taking more than 50 pages to set the scene I didn’t want to continue, but I did, and I’m sorry I did.

I found the writing style too descriptive and the analogies a little odd.

The characters were uninteresting and at times unrealistic. The setting and the story concept were good but this book certainly wasn’t a gripping thriller or page turner.

The alternating chapter stories of each woman were cleverly woven and brought together in an over the top ending.

The plot twist and timeline jumping didn’t work for me. It was hard to finish this novel.

3/10

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WELLBEING

Clear the way for a good night’s sleep Stress built up from old injuries and even old infections can keep you from sleeping. TRUDY KITHER investigates reasons and remedies for sleep problems.

A

trigger for sleep apnea can be high levels of cortisol that elevate and shrink the hypoglossal nerve.

This nerve goes straight to the nasal passages and when it shrinks, it shuts down the air, so you can’t breathe at night.

It is usually okay during the night and is activated at night.

The other issue is that your bladder causes you to wake up. If you wake up to go to the toilet during the night, you may have adrenal issues.

Adrenal problems will have you continually going to urinate during the day and even the night.

A lack of calcium from acid urine and consuming lots of acid foods will also deplete your calcium levels, as will high levels of cortisol.

The sensation of calcium depletion makes it challenging getting to sleep because your brain won’t wind down.

Your head is tired, but you can’t relax.

Ideally, you would need to take calcium citrate or calcium lactate supplementation.

When you have mental stress and think a lot, you deplete vitamin B1. This vitamin helps the nervous system counter stress.

If you take B1, be sure to consume it naturally in nutritional yeast form from the health food store or as a fat-soluble vitamin called Benfotiamine.

The B vitamins are water-soluble, so they are depleted from your body as soon as you are stressed, injured, or unwell.

It is also essential to keep in mind that when you take a particular vitamin such as B1, that you take the full spectrum of B Complex vitamins simultaneously.

Taking only one vitamin, such as B1, will deplete all the other B vitamin.

Consume them together to reduce the chance of co-factor depletion.

Vitamin B1 is fantastic for taking away the nervous, restless feeling when you are sleeping, and allows you to feel like you have more tolerance for stress.

The next important issue is waking up and feeling refreshed every day.

Do you wake up feeing grumpy, tired, or exhausted?

When it’s dark and less light is shining into your eyes, the pineal gland, which turns serotonin into melatonin, is activated. Melatonin makes you feel tired.

Taking melatonin supplements is not the long-term answer as it stops your

body from needing to produce melatonin, and it starts to make less. Ultimately, it is not going to be the perfect solution for sleep issues.

Also, as you age, melatonin decreases, which causes poor sleep and immune function. It can also cause inflammation in your body.

Any time between 9pm and 11 pm, depending on the time you wake each morning, is the optimal time to go to bed.

You can enhance melatonin production before bed by: • Turning lights out before bed • Use a water filter in your drinking water to remove the fluoride which is a neurotoxin.

• Reduce blue light exposure – television, computer, phone, and even clock radio • Keep your bedroom cool for sleeping • Avoid EMFs (electrical, magnetic frequencies) in or near your room as much as possible.

The suggestions given in this article are by no means meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Consult your qualified natural medicine professional for further advice.

Trudy Kither is a naturopath and owner, Nature’s Temple. Visit naturestemple.net

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HEALTH

QUALITY BEATS QUANTITY FOR THERAPY TO RECOVER LANGUAGE AFTER STROKE

INTENSIVE therapy is not necessarily best when it comes to treating the loss of language and communication in early recovery after a stroke.

Edith Cowan University (ECU) research has found that unlike physical and motor skill rehabilitation, recovering lost language caused by a condition known as aphasia after stroke is a marathon, not a sprint. It also found that early intervention is crucial.

Lead author, Associate Professor Erin Godecke said the findings had important implications for the treatment of aphasia because it meant service delivery options were likely to change. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Previously people with aphasia got the majority of their therapy in the first 6-8 weeks after stroke,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our research shows that there is no benefit to this. It is likely that the same therapy could be spread over a longer period to enhance recovery, rather than getting a burst at the start and very little

over the next months or years.â&#x20AC;?

Aphasia is a neurological disorder affecting spoken language, comprehension, reading and writing. It affects one-third of about 17 million people worldwide who experience stroke each year, and is treated with speech therapy.

Professor Godecke said aphasia therapy and early intervention were vitally important for recovery outcomes after stroke but increasing intensity of treatment didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t equate to better results. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We found that when we provided early aphasia therapy people had a massive increase in their ability to communicate at 12 and 26 weeks after their stroke. They could talk better and had less difficulty finding and using the right words,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Importantly though, we also found that if we provided around 10 hours of therapy a week versus nearly 23 hours a week the results werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t any different. We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see any harm, but we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see any benefit.â&#x20AC;?

Prof Godecke said the way people recovered motor skills after a stroke was different to how they regained language, which is a higher function.

Researchers recruited 246 participants with aphasia from 17 acute-care hospitals in Australia and New Zealand.

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Brisbane

29.indd 3

across the country if the trial is successful.

Actor Noeline Brown, who voices one of the characters in the Ageing Wisely videos, says keeping friendships strong is important for good mental health. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to tend your friends like a garden. Send an email. Phone people.

It takes work â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially during Covid-19 when you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just go out and have a cup of coffee but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth keeping those friendships going,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Common triggers for depression in older people are often related to loss and change which lead to social isolation.

Ageing Wisely Online addresses many of the barriers because participants take part in the privacy of their own home. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to travel to see a mental health clinician and also from a government perspective, it should be more costeffective.

If the trial succeeds, she hopes to roll it out nationally.

There are no costs for participating in the clinical trial which is co-funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and Beyond Blue.

Participants can sign up at mq.edu. au and search for stepped care trial

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MANY older Australians are not getting the mental health support they need, but a new program from Macquarie University is offering a cost-effective approach online.

About one in 20 Australians over the age of 65 have a diagnosable depressive or anxiety disorder, says Director of the Centre for Ageing, Cognition and Wellbeing at Macquarie University Professor of Psychology Viviana Wuthrich.

Depression is linked to suicide, and suicide rates in older men are four times that of women, and twice that of teenage males. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is not an issue that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dealing with adequately as a society,â&#x20AC;?

Prof Wuthrich said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Older adults in Australia have the least access to mental health treatment of any age group.â&#x20AC;?

To tackle this growing issue, she and her team have developed a novel online program called Ageing Wisely Online.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of a stepped approach that encourages older people to follow self-directed treatment, by using either an online program or a work-at-home workbook over 10 weeks.

Participants also have a 15-minute weekly phone consultation with a mental health clinician. Prof Wuthrich hopes to roll out Ageing Wisely Online

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AGEING WISELY TRIAL SEEKS PARTICIPANTS

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wesleyhyperbaric.com.au/rpc

07 3371 6033

December 2020 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 29

26/11/2020 10:03:45 AM

RETIREMENT LIVING

CEREMONY LAUNCHES CLUBHOUSE CONSTRUCTION

HOMES BUILT TO CHANGE WITH YOU ADAPTABLE Living Homes, a range of housing designs aimed at making home easier to access, navigate and live in, and more “adaptable” to future modifications, has been created

by Independent Builders Network for DBC Homes.

A display home has opened in the Everleigh Estate at Greenbank.

DBC Homes director Keith Carling said it was the only display home in the country to be awarded “gold level” by Livable Housing Australia.

“We came up with the name Adaptable Living Homes because we’d had a good look at current building practices and realised there was a need for a product that would reflect the ongoing changing characteristics of the property owners,” he said.

“We looked into creating a product that would cater for the aging, injured or disabled family by essentially future-proofing the home to cater for any changes that life might throw their way.

“A new home should be designed and built to meet the ever-changing needs of the homeowner over their lifetime,” Mr Carling said.

Adaptable Living Homes follows the Livable Housing Australia guidelines which making homes easier to access, navigate and live in.

“By doing this as part of the building process we are providing a more cost-effective way to adapt to changes in life and make it easier to change your home to suit, as opposed to changing afterwards which can be an extremely costly experience,” he said.

“Our aim is to build homes to meet the ongoing needs of the ageing community.”

Homes meet the everchanging needs of the occupants.

These include a safe, level, continuous and step free path from the street; at least one step-free entrance; and internal doors and corridors that allow comfortable and unimpeded movement between spaces; At least one toilet is at ground (or entry) level; reinforced walls around the toilet, shower and bath support safe installation of grabrails; any stairways reduce the risk of injury and enable future adaption and at least one bathroom has a hobless shower recess.

“Almost all of our 120 standard designs can be modified to suit,” Mr Carling said. “We also have a range of designs already modified. This covers two, three and four bedroom homes as well as acreage homes.”

Call 0414 322 900 or visit independentbuilders.com.au or dbchomes.com.au

WORK has commenced on a state-of-the-art clubhouse at over 50s lifestyle resort, Affinity Sheep Station Creek at Amy St, Morayfield.

Excited homeowners attended the onsite sod turning

by Malcolm and Merilyn Chisholm who were the first to purchase a home in the community and moved in 2018.

The new clubhouse complex will include a gym, bowling green, cinema and a heated magnesium pool and spa.

Rob Nichols, CEO of Serenitas which owns and operates Affinity Sheep Station Creek, said the project would provide state-of-the-art facilities for homeowners.

“The jewel in the crown will undoubtedly be the heated magnesium pool and spa, which will provide additional therapeutic benefits for our

community,” he said. “Swimming in a magnesium pool is like bathing in a health spa, with the magnesium absorbed through the skin. There are only a handful of them in Queensland, and we are delighted Affinity homeowners will soon experience all the benefits they offer.”

Resident Pauline Minnis said homeowners were excited to see work start and were looking forward to having the magnesium pool.

“My physiotherapist always tells me to exercise in a pool as it’s very safe and effective and doesn’t put unnecessary pressure on my joints, particularly my lower back,” she said. “I know many homeowners are going to enjoy the additional benefits of having a magnesium pool, along with exercise equipment to use in it. I can’t wait to get out the

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HALCYON

OSSIE and Jo Feiner are now living in their second Sunshine Coast Halcyon community, after moving from Bli Bli to a new home at B by Halcyon in Buderim.

The couple, originally from Brisbane, chose Halcyon Lakeside in Bli Bli three years ago and loved the many leisure and recreation activities on offer.

“We knew from the first visit that Halcyon was where we

were coming when we retired.

We did had it has been the best,” Jo said.

“We have tried everything at Halcyon Lakeside, from pottery to painting, tennis and lawn bowls. I’m not the sportiest person, but I’ve had a go at everything. I can hit a tennis ball and now I can bowl.”

Ossie said they loved living at Halcyon Lakeside, but decided they wanted to be one of B by

Affinity’s first homeowners Malcolm and Merilyn Chisholm with Warren Ahern of PBS Building. bathers and into a new exercise regime.”

Stage 1 has sold out and due to high demand, Stage 2A has been launched with three new display homes open for private viewing. The clubhouse is due for completion mid next year.

Call 1300 295 807 or visit affinitylifestyle.com.au

Halcyon’s first homeowners.

“Coming in at ground level, you get the opportunity to form different groups and be a part of creating a community,” he said.

“We are looking forward to work starting on the community’s facilities, which are due to be built by April next year.”

B by Halcyon will feature 5-star health and wellness facilities including a 25m covered and heated magnesium salt pool with spa, outdoor resort pool, gymnasium and circuit room, yoga lawn, massage and therapy treatment rooms and beauty salon.

Also planned is a creative arts precinct which includes an art room, pottery workshop, music studio and work shed.

Call 1800 050 555 or visit lifebeginsathalcyon.com.au

Wishart Christian to e m Welco Retirement Village Wishart Christian Retirement Village is a beautiful boutique retirement home, comprising of 29 units.

With peaceful surrounds and an elevated position this secure gated Village is centrally located, close to bus stops and shopping centres and Churches. All units are air conditioned, with lock up garages, Paved and covered patios, 24/7 medical alarm system, On site management. ● ●

A charitable Christian organization with low subsidised quarterly fees Community hall and beautiful village green ● Active residence committee Call today to make arrangements for an informal visit to the Village.

30/3 Erindale Close, Wishart Queensland Tel 3219 2386 admin@wcva.org.au

www.wcva.org.au au

30 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / December 2020

30.indd 2

Owned and Operated by Wishart Christian Village Association Incorporated ABN 67 089 024 936

Brisbane

26/11/2020 10:03:56 AM

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26/11/2020 10:05:06 AM

WHAT’S ON

It’s ‘time to say goodbye’ to 2020

THE Queensland Pops is thrilled that it will be able to present a New Year’s Eve concert for the 36th consecutive year.

Maestro Patrick Pickett CSM has crafted a concert with a Carnival of Venice atmosphere packed with virtuosity, colour and movement – as is the Pops tradition.

It’s the perfect occasion to celebrate the end of a tough year and look forward to 2021 with optimism and joy.

As the countdown to January 1 begins, Patrick and the orchestra are looking forward to being joined by a star cast of exceptional and gifted musicians.

For NYE 2020, internationally renowned tenor Kang Wang, soprano Katie Stenzel, violinist Cherin Lee, and the Voices of Birralee will join the musicians of the Queensland Pops Orchestra.

Kang Wang is originally from Harbin, China, and is the son of two distinguished opera singers. He received an International Artist Diploma at the UK’s

Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, and a Master of Music from the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University in Australia.

He is a quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young lyric tenors in the opera world.

Kang will be joined by dynamic coloratura soprano Katie Stenzel, who graduated with a Bachelor of Music from QUT and went on to complete her Master of Music Studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

The talented Queenslander has become a regular on the Pops New Year’s Eve program with her vivacious presentation of classical and popular songs.

Young violin virtuoso Cherin Lee has regularly graced the Pops stage since her debut with the orchestra at age 14.

After leaving Somerville House and Australia, Cherin was offered a place at Julliard in the US (which she has deferred), and is now studying at

Tamworth CMF Australia’s Largest Festival 50TH ANNIVERSARY 2022 JOIN THE FUN...

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Harvard. With an international performing career beckoning, Cherin is coming back to Brisbane to play the third movement of the legendary Beethoven violin concerto.

The talented Voices of Birralee will be on stage throughout the special 36th year NYE concerts.

The soaring harmonies of this Queensland ensemble – a Pops audience favourite – are a treat with every performance breathtaking in both scope and innovation.

After the lavish stage spectacular guests can head up to the QPAC rooftop to hear Bruce Grice pipe in the New Year at an exclusive black-tie function with champagne and nibbles.

Tickets are limited so book now!

As has become the tradition, there will be two performances of the New Year’s Eve Gala – 6pm and 10pm.

Visit qldpops.com

QSO LAUNCHES A BIG SEASON LINE-UP QUEENSLAND Symphony Orchestra has launched its 2021 season and a program packed with something for every taste, from classical favourites to film scores, big symphonies to dazzling soloists.

With more concerts at more times, there is a performance to suit any schedule.

For those new to the magic of orchestral music, the website offers a taste of breathtaking performances, ear-catching playlists, backstage reflections and more.

Visit qso.com.au or call 3833 5044 for a brochure.

BARRACKS TOURS RESUME TOURS by the Army Museum South Queensland at Victoria Barracks on Petrie Terrace, will resume in March.

The historic precinct near Caxton Street provides a glimpse of Australia’s military history from the colonial era, through two World Wars, to the present day role of the Australian Defence Force.

The popular tours of the Barracks are back with a new exhibition of interest to all ages. “Sport in Army” will include artefacts relating to the army’s involvement in a variety of sports. The first Rugby League Cup played by interstate teams in Bougainville in 1945 gave its name to the State of Origin.

Bookings are essential for individuals and groups. Covid-19 restrictions apply.

Visit armymuseumsouthqueensland. com.au or email info@armymuseum southqueensland.com.au or call 0429 954 663.

AND THE WINNERS ARE …

Thank you for the many entries received for our November competitions.

The winner of the prize pack of three Harlequin Books is Sandra Reed of Sunnybank.

A pack of three books by popular Australian authors is in the post from Harlequin Books.

Winners of double passes to see the comedy-drama Misbehaviour, in cinemas from November 26, are Sue Ong of Ormiston, Margaret Tamerius of Taigum, Gislaine Arantes of Zillmere, Michael Droder of Redland Bay and Peter Lovely of Deception Bay. Passes are valid for most cinemas and are in the mail.

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For more information or enquiries please contact GREG & DONNA ROSS. PH: (07) 4129 7132 OR 0427 297 132 e: rossbuscharters@bigpond.com www.ganddrossbuscharters.com.au 32 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / December 2020

32.indd 2

Brisbane

26/11/2020 10:05:20 AM

WHAT’S ON

Access for all on Rattler day out

LOOKING for a day out close to home? Join the famous Mary Valley Rattler heritage steam train, which now has an all-access carriage providing special facilities for wheelchair and assisted-access passengers.

The carriage dates back to 1924 and required extensive renovation and upgrading to make it rail-worthy. It was launched last month by athletes Steven Elliott and Hannah Dodd who have qualified for the next Paralympic Games.

The pair were meant to have been returning from the Tokyo after representing Australia in the Rollers and Gliders wheelchair basketball teams, until Covid-19 forced postponement of the Games to next August.

Expert Gympie craftspeople brought the carriage back to life with its most comprehensive restoration since its

Brisbane

33.indd 3

construction in the Ipswich workshops 96 years ago.

While built to carry up to 90 passengers on cross bench seats in nine compartments, the new configuration is a more spacious 56 seats, with four dedicated and fully-equipped wheelchair spaces.

Mary Valley Rattler general manager Michael Green said realisation of the project was testament to the passion, skills and community spirit of the restoration team, and it was fitting that two inspirational Paralympians should launch the carriage.

“Making the Mary Valley Rattler accessible to a wider cross-section of the community and visitors has always been a priority of the team,” he said.

The Rattler runs between Gympie Station and Amamoor in the Mary Valley.

The three-hour journey captures the beauty and history of the rich agricultural – and former gold mining – region from the comfort of restored heritage carriages.

Another innovation, the “Pets On Board” service means passengers are welcome to bring their furry friend.

Pets can travel on the Rattler on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday services subject to availability and terms and conditions apply.

Visit maryvalleyrattler.com.au

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qso.com.au

December 2020 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 33

26/11/2020 11:20:54 AM

EXPERTS PROMOTION

INDUSTRY EXPERTS MOBILITY

Merry Christmas from all at Scooters Australia Brisbane Christmas is just around the corner and Scooters Australia Brisbane has a wide variety of excellent gifts.

As well as our range of portable, medium, and large scooters, our power chairs, lift chairs and mobility equipment are all great choices that will make a real difference in someone’s life.

Whether you’re buying for a parent, a partner or yourself, Scooters Australia Brisbane’s experienced experts will always help you find the perfect model.

Now is also a good time to have your scooter or chair serviced.

We will be closing for a short period over the Christmas break, so please book in with us soon if you want to avoid breakdown at this special time of year.

With 2021 fast approaching, we would like to thank all our valued customers for their support through 2020.

Our commitment to our customers has always been our highest priority and this year has been no exception.

We wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

KAVITA SHETTY SCOOTERS AUSTRALIA BRISBANE 3/9 VALENTE CLOSE, CHERMSIDE 1300 884 880 SALES@MOBILITYSCOOTERS.COM.AU WWW.MOBILITYSCOOTERS.COM.AU 34 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / December 2020

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LIFE SIZING

Lifestyle villages a whole new world of retirement living Over 50s lifestyle villages are not the same as retirement villages.

They operate under the Queensland Government Manufactured Homes Act 2003.

This means that you own the home outright and lease the land.

The (site agreement or Form 2 under Queensland legislation) has a start date but no end date, so you have the right to use the land forever. There are no exit fees or stamp duty payable on these homes.

They are proving a hit with over 50s who enjoy this type of living because it means they are surrounded by like-minded people and they can easily engage and socialize.

There is usually a recreation centre with bowling, tennis, pool, cinema, library, gym and so on, which encourages interaction and a healthy lifestyle.

Some also offer caravan storage.

Villages have community guidelines or rules. You can buy a home anywhere but when you are looking to buy in an over 50s village you are looking for something more, usually lifestyle and security.

Don’t think about downsizing, think about “life sizing”. If you have any questions, or need solutions or support just give me a call.

LYN MORRISON OVER 50S REAL ESTATE SERVICES 0431 483 388, LYNM62@OUTLOOK.COM OVER 50S REAL ESTATE SERVICES.COM.AU

ADVOCACY

Chemical restraint is not a necessary evil The overuse of medication or “chemical restraint” to manage behavioural concerns usually related to dementia, needs to stop.

The consequences are terrible and have caused needless suffering, disability and even death. Provision of medication without informed consent violates our basic human rights.

We are calling for a ban on the use of chemical restraint in aged care, unless it is short-term, clinically administered and reviewed.

While we are hopeful of seeing reforms in aged care that will address the factors behind this issue – understaffing, inadequate training and lack of innovative design and delivery models, what can you do if you have concerns about the inappropriate use of medication for a loved one right now?

We know that when confronting facilities with requests to stop chemical restraints there can be push back.

Remember medication is your choice and your right. Refer the provider to the Charter of Aged Care Rights, and if the provider persists, consider finding a new one. An advocate can help, 1800 700 600.

GEOFF ROWE CEO AGED & DISABILITY ADVOCACY AUSTRALIA (ADA AUSTRALIA) 1800 700 600, ADAAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

FITNESS

Book makes the perfect gift idea Spend time on health and save money on illness When I was a young man most people worked hard physically and ate simply. Fast forward to 2020 and life is a very different story.

My book Tom’s Law Fit Happens contains all you will ever need to know to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle for as long as possible.

It covers the science involved in exercise and good nutrition, as well as government recommendations on type of exercise and for how long and the exercises you should do.

A whole chapter is dedicated to nutrition, called How to Never Diet Again by Mitch Peterman APD, AEP, ESSAM The book makes an informative and useful Christmas gift and is available from Amazon, Apple Books and Smashwords, for $25 plus postage.

As a special offer to Your Time readers, buy the book direct from me and I will pay postage for any Queenslander. Order now so it can arrive before Christmas.

This could well be the best $25 you will ever spend.

TOM LAW AUTHOR OF TOM’S LAW FIT HAPPENS 0409 274 502. VISIT TOMSLAW.COM.AU FIND ME ON FACBOOK AS TOM’S LAW Brisbane

25/11/2020 11:34:54 AM

TRAVEL

Top destinations to discover at the top end

Pristine Groote Eylandt in Arnhem Land is famous for its fishing.

W

ith borders opening up, travellers can start to expand their horizons and there’s never been a better time to head north by north-west to the Top End. Whether travelling by road for the long haul or taking a flight into Darwin for a short escape, there are plenty of options to explore parts of the country that have remained a well-kept secret.

In fact, there are many good reasons to tick the Northern Territory off the bucket list. Here are some suggestions: TIWI ISLANDS A short ferry ride from Darwin are the Tiwi Islands, nicknamed the Islands of Smiles. Comprised of two main islands, Bathurst and Melville, the Tiwis are known for friendly locals, a love of AFL, rich indigenous culture and unspoilt beaches.

SeaLink’s Tiwi By Design is an immersive art and cultural day-tour introducing the Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga. It includes a Welcome to Country with a smoking ceremony and totem dances, and a screen printing workshop at Tiwi Design to print your own traditional Tiwi souvenir.

The shores of Paddle Pop Rainbow Beach resemble the pastel pinks of an ice cream and are the perfect backdrop to set up the picnic blanket and watch the sunset.

Off the coast of Bathurst Island,The Tiwi Islands Retreat is a private, beachfront resort with options for a hotel-like stay or glamping.

ARNHEM LAND One of Australia’s last true wildernesses, Arnhem Land was voted by Vacaay as one of the top five micro-regions to see in 2021. It hosts Garma Festival, Australia’s largest Indigenous cultural gathering, and offers a diversity of landscapes, from monsoonal forests to savannah woodlands, wetlands, wild coastlines, deserted tropical islands and soaring escarpments.

In East Arnhem Land, pristine Groote Eylandt is famous for its world-class fishing.

At West Arnhem Land, stop at Injalak Arts and Crafts, a gallery showcasing the work of more than 200 Indigenous artists, or spend a day in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, which is fringed with white beaches.

KAKADU Dual World Heritage-listed and the largest terrestrial national park in Australia, Kakadu is an incredible nature reserve, teeming with monsoonal forests, wetlands and waterfalls. The park is home to a quarter of all Australian freshwater fish species, one third of bird species and the Territory’s crocodiles.

Some of world’s most incredible Aboriginal rock art can be found here at Ubirr. Jim Jim Falls is one of the Kakadu’s most recognisable and photographed destinations. Surrounded by monsoonal forest and dramatic cliffs, the 200m waterfall cascades into a deep plunge pool and family-friendly beach.

LITCHFIELD Located 90 minutes’ drive south of Darwin, Litchfield is a favourite among locals thanks to its accessibility and pristine natural beauty.

One of the park’s most popular cascading waterfalls, Florence Falls, has panoramic views of the valley, sandstone plateau and lush monsoon forest.

Hundreds of Magnetic Termite mounds stand up to 2m high and are thought to be at least 100 years old.

FINK GORGE NATIONAL PARK A handy day trip from Alice Springs, Finke Gorge National Park is an important wilderness reserve, home to the Finke River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, and Palm Valley, which shelters groves of red cabbage palms.

Drive to the park’s various hiking tracks, including Kalaranga Lookout, which offers amazing views of sculptured sandstone amphitheatre, and the Mparra Walk, which introduces travellers to an Indigenous dreamtime story when walked in clockwise direction.

RED CENTRE Stretching for more than 100km east of

Alice Springs, the East MacDonnell Ranges were part of a short lived gold rush and have since lived in the shadow of the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Now fondly known as the East Macs they offer some of the best outback spots and landscapes for bush-walking, camping and four-wheel driving.

Walk in Trephina Gorge Nature Park, known for its quartzite cliffs and River Red Gum-lined watercourses and see the history of Central Australia’s first-ever town, Arltunga, once a gold mine site.

RAINBOW VALLEY Rainbow Valley, 75km south of Alice Springs, is renowned for its scenic sandstone bluffs and cliffs. The rock bands change from ochre and red to orange and purple in the early morning and late afternoon, offering some of the Territory’s most magical sunrises and sunsets.

ULURU-KATA TJUTA Considered the spiritual heart of Australia, this park should be on everyone’s travel radar. It is home to Uluru, the world’s largest monolith as well as the lesser known soaring rock domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas).

The Tiwis are a short ride from Darwin.

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* Lunch included Extended holidays include return home transfers (Brisbane Metropolitan Area). Day tours marked with * includes lunch. Itineraries and prices quoted are subject to change.

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35.indd 3

HERMAN’S TOURS & TRAVEL

CALL 3379 6255 ABN: 27862101744 December 2020 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 35

26/11/2020 11:21:13 AM

TRAVEL

All aboard for new adventures in 2021

A

fter a year when travellers were forced to re-think their way of doing things, it’s time to move on and accept that getting out and about to explore will have to be done differently.

Although the days of lockdowns are over – hopefully – trying to plan air and sea travel remains tricky, but with the new year coming up, it’s time to start planning how to make it memorable.

International travel plans may be stymied for a while longer, but it presents an opportunity rather than a threat.

It’s a chance to discover all the wonders of Australia and, as state borders re-open, to find the places that you have heard about but not quite got around to seeing, or that have been put off until a time when air travel is off the agenda. That time is now, and coach travel is filling the void.

There are plenty of good reasons to book your next trip on a luxury coach.

“Forget 2020, let’s go travelling and making memories in 2021,” says Paul Brockhurst of CT Travel. “A spacious, modern air-conditioned luxury coach is the most comfortable and safest way to get out on our highways and by-ways.”

Passengers can sit back and enjoy the views without stress; chat to neighbours and socialise rather than having eyes glued to the road – no road maps, leave the GPS at

Lightning Ridge is one of the few places in the world where you’ll find the prized black opal. home and enjoy the experience without worrying about traffic or where to park.

“You’ve got your own private chauffeur who knows exactly where to go and who to meet,” Paul says.

It’s also economical – fuel prices aren’t your problem and accommodation and most meals are part of the package.

On top of that, there’s a direct line to the locals to tap into their knowledge of their home. Put away the guidebooks and meet real guides.

Whether it’s a three-day getaway or a two-week adventure, Paul has created a range of itineraries that make coach travel the way to go.

If you’re ready to head interstate, discover the charm the Blue Mountains, and cruise the Nepean River aboard the

old-world Nepean Belle paddlewheeler, in February. This nine-day adventure includes an invitation into the home of artist Norman Lindsay and uncovers an eclectic collection of tea pots!

Or you could spend Easter in Port Stephens, the “blue water paradise”, on an eight-day tour that absorbs the laid-back lifestyle of an idyllic coastal town where volcanic peaks and crystal clear bays provide magnificent views. Then head to the flourishing wine country of the Hunter Valley and sample the produce.

Try your luck at finding an opal at Lightning Ridge. A seven-day trip in July heads to the only place in Australia, and one of the few in the world, where the prized black opal is found.

Stop in to see the sights at Miles, Roma

and St George before crossing the border for three nights in Lightning Ridge.

Attractions include the Grawin, Glengarry and Sheepyard Opal fields.

Closer to home, spend seven days in March getting to know Bundaberg, Bargara and Lady Musgrave Island.

Venture on to Fraser Island and while staying at the Kingfisher Bay Resort, visit Central Station, Lake McKenzie, 75 Mile Beach, Eli Creek and the Maheno wreck.

A four-day tour in April heads into the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. Just one hour from the Gold Coast, it is filled with natural attractions to visit while staying three nights in luxury accommodation at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Resort and its gourmet dining.

Journey into the south-west Queensland Outback’s endless landscapes, pioneering history, and fossil rich lands to meet the locals over 11 days in July.

“Wherever you choose, you can sit back and enjoy the ride,” Paul says.

A complete list of tours and itineraries is available on the CT Travel website, where you can sign up for the Travel Club to receive regular updates and specials.

Tours can also be planned for groups, clubs and organisations who want to set off adventuring together.

Visit cttravel.com.au

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www.caloundrapetresort.com.au 36 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / December 2020

36.indd 2

Brisbane

26/11/2020 11:21:28 AM

SUDOKU (EASY)

3 2 6 8 4 5 7 1 9

1 5 7 6 9 2 8 4 3

9 4 8 3 7 1 6 5 2

2 8 3 1 5 7 4 9 6

6 7 1 4 3 9 2 8 5

4 9 5 2 8 6 1 3 7

5 1 8 3 4 2 7 6 9

2 9 4 6 5 7 8 1 3

SUDOKU (MEDIUM)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

5 6 9 7 1 8 3 2 4

6 3 7 8 9 1 4 2 5

3 6 5 1 7 4 9 8 2

CODEWORD P S O L RWA I Y H F G T 2

1

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

C Q B E X K U D J Z VMN 3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

9 5 3 4 1 6 2 7 8

4 2 6 7 3 8 5 9 1

7 8 1 9 2 5 3 4 6

Secret message: Follow the recipe

13

9-LETTER WORD

15

1 7 2 5 8 9 6 3 4

WORDFIND

14

8 4 9 2 6 3 1 5 7

WORD STEP LOVED, LIVED, LIKED, LIKER, BIKER, BAKER

deferent, DEFERMENT, dement, dent, emend, enter, entered, entree, erne, fend, fender, ferment, FERMENTED, fern, freedmen, freemen, mend, mender, ment, need, nerd, rend, rent, rented, teen, tend, tender, tern, trend

1. In The Twelve Days of Christmas what were there two of?

2. According to the Bible, what were the gifts the Three Wise Men brought for the baby Jesus?

3. What colour are the leaves on mistletoe?

4. Which item associated with Christmas was invented in Germany in 1610?

5. Feliz Navidad is Merry Christmas in what language?

6. Ebenezer Scrooge is a character in which Dickens novel?

7. Which of Santa’s reindeers shares a name with an astronomical phenomenon?

8. Who wrote and sang Here Comes Santa Claus in the 1940s?

9. In which country is the sweet bread panettone traditionally eaten at Christmas?

10. Complete this song title: All I want for Christmas is…

11. True or false: December 25 is mentioned in the Bible as the birth datee of Jesus.

12. From which country did the tradition of having Christmas trees in houses ouses originate?

13. How the Grinch Stole Christmas and what other movie are considered the highest-grossing Christmas movies?

14. As thanks for British assistance during World War II, the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square comes from where?

15. In what two oceans are there islands called Christmas Island?

16. From what song do these lyrics come: Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum 17. Traditionally, what is Santa’s usual method of entry into a house?

18. What animated 2004 movie is about a train that carries kids to the North Pole?

19. What traditional Christmas decoration is actually a parasitic plant?

20. Traditionally, by what collective name are Balthasar, Gaspar and Melchior known?

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS QUICK CROSSWORD

7 1 4 5 2 3 9 6 8

With Quizmaster Allan Blackburn

8 3 2 9 6 4 5 7 1

TRIVIA

There may be other correct answers

1. Turtle doves; 2. Gold, frankincense, myrrh; 3. Green; 4. Tinsel; 5. Spanish; 6. A Christmas Carol; 7. Comet; 8. Gene Autry; 9. Italy; 10. My Two Front Teeth; 11. False; 12. Germany; 13. Home Alone; 14. Norway, specifically Oslo; 15. Pacific and Indian; 16. Little Drummer Boy; 17. Chimney; 18. The Polar Express; 19. Mistletoe; 20. The Three Wise Men or the Magi.

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37.indd 3

December 2020 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 37

26/11/2020 11:21:43 AM

PUZZLES

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 7 8 9 10 12 14

15 17 18

CODEWORD

No. 2568

DOWN 1

Poisonous vipers, ogres and such as are apt to promote change (11) Bolt down almost half of creation (3) Less refined cares or worries (7) I see, I say a third of lyrics in a cold way (5) See the way charred wood can hide things away (5) Steer around the woody pillars (5) Stormy wind surrounds, Feeling pretty yuck, hair tossed - Cry out for more verse (5) Copy the parcel I deliver (7) Demand the blockage be removed from damask (3) Severely scorn secret propriety (11)

2

3 4 5 6 11 13 14 16

The choir priest remembered something about a time before records were made (11) Give the motor a quick tune, oil change etc. That should give you a general, overall picture (7) Appearing stony but not firm (5) Finally marks labels and studs (5) One Science fiction reflection has possibilities (3) Give the frightened squeaker a new hat when he has the tremors (11) Article I partner to give life to (7) I hear it’s the fashion with which one scales the fence (5) The centre of our planet exploded! (5) The average vicar is without his son (3)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

WORDFIND

Copyright © Reuben’s Puzzles www.reubenspuzzles.com.au.

Refer to the website for a cryptic solving guide.

Tamworth CMF Australia’s Largest Festival 50TH ANNIVERSARY 2022 JOIN THE FUN...

DUE TO COVID19, 2021 FESTIVAL HAS BEEN CANCELLED

No. 041

G T

The leftover letters will spell out a secret message No. 041 BISCUITS

CUPCAKES

BREAD

DOUGH

BROWNIES

FLOUR

BUTTER

FRUIT

CAKE

ICING

CARAMELISE

MUFFINS

CHOCOLATE

OVEN

CHOUX

PASTRY

CREAM

SCONES

Tamworth Country Music Festival Bus Trip 2021

WORK IT OUT!

SUDOKU Level: Medium

5 3 4 6 9

No. 862

6

9 4 7

8

1 4 7 1

1

4 9

8 5 2

6

7 8 2 5

2 5 9 8 6

The Great Western Play & Stay Musical Tour 2021…

B Bed & Bus, B Breakfast

M d 20/09/21 Monday to Thursday 30/09/21 Bus, Bed, Breakfast, Nightly Meals & Entertainment

$850 $

$2900 per person

T Tuesday 18/01/22 tto Sunday 23/01/22 TAMWORTH CMF 2021!

per person p

11 Day Musical Tour with 12 Country/Western, Rock n Roll Artists. See the Outback like you’ve never seen it before!

For more information or enquiries please contact GREG & DONNA ROSS. PH: (07) 4129 7132 OR 0427 297 132 e: rossbuscharters@bigpond.com www.ganddrossbuscharters.com.au 38 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / December 2020

38.indd 2

Brisbane

26/11/2020 11:21:58 AM

PUZZLES

QUICK CROSSWORD

No. 3669

9-LETTER WORD

SUDOKU

No. 041

Level: Easy

Today’s Aim:

T D

14 words: Good 21 words: Very good

F

E

N

E M

E

29 words: Excellent

R

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

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

WORD STEP

ACROSS 1 4 10 11 12 13 14 15 19 20 24 25 27 28 29 30

Deciphers (6) Muddy (6) Fragrance (5) Appalling (9) Food (9) Avoid (5) Maul (6) Gray (4) Medicine container (4) Previously (6) Uncertainty (5) Globe-trotter (9) Artificial language (9) Outranking (5) Purchasing (6) Bug (6)

DOWN 1 2 3 5 6 7

8 9 16 17

18 19 21 22 23 26

Trade (8) Optional (8) Murdering (7) Blasphemous (7) Fair-haired (6) Animation pioneer (6) Measure (4) From the UK (7) Choosing actors (7) Kicking a ball between two of these gives a score (7) Find and fetch (8) Ex-soldier (7) Raise (7) Meaning modifier (6) Provide (6) Riding (4)

No. 041

No. 861

6 4 2 5 4 8 7 4 8 5 9 7 8 3 6 9 8 5 1 7 6 5 7 2 6 2 1 4 5 1 8 WORK IT OUT!

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

LOVED

_____ _____ _____ _____ BAKER December 2020

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39.indd 3

December 2020 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 39

26/11/2020 10:06:20 AM

40.indd 2

26/11/2020 10:06:36 AM