WHAT’S NEW

STAR IN PETS FOR VETS PROJECT

PET photography business Zoo Studio is calling for owners to showcase their pets as part of a new photography book to raise funds for veterans and first responders impacted by PTSD.

The book will feature pet owners and their pets alongside veterans and first responders being helped by PTSD dogs.

Zoo Studio’s director and principal photographer, Lorraine Charlecrafte, aims to photograph, produce and launch the book before Christmas and to raise more than $40,000 in sales for PTSD Dogs Australia.

PTSD Dogs Australia is one of the country’s leading charities assisting veterans and first responders impacted by PTSD.

“They take in unwanted and dispositioned dogs, re-home and train them to ensure veterans and first responders never have to walk alone,” Ms Charlecrafte said.

“PTSD assistance dogs are gentle, intuitive, intelligent and full of unconditional love. They can provide a sense of calm amidst turmoil, safety amid confusion and comfort in sadness – which makes them the ideal companion.”

The book will give pet owners the experience of a photography session with their pet and incorporate the stories of extraordinary veterans and first responders.

Cost to participate is the photography session fee of $165 of which $100 is donated to PTSD Dogs Australia. It is hoped to sell at least 300 copies of the book at $150 each.

Visit Zoostudio.com.au

DEMAND SEES RISE OF NEW PROBUS CLUB

QUEENSLAND’S newest Probus Club was formed at Arana Hills & District last month, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mitchelton.

The foundation meeting was attended by almost 80 people, including members of the sponsoring Rotary Club, of which 57 signed up as members on the day.

A further 12 members have been added since, highlighting the need for Probus in the area to assist in reducing isolation and loneliness felt by many seniors in the community.

Probus is a not-for-profit and also a non-fundraising organisation dedicated to helping retirees and semi-

COMMUNITY organisation Inclusee is encouraging those aged 65 and over who are feeling isolated or lonely to visit their new website and access the power of connection.

“Our service has hundreds of participants and volunteers across 19 regions who have had thousands of hours of connection, laughter, education and conversation together,” CEO Rachael Cook said.

“Loneliness can greatly impact physical health, mental health, and overall wellbeing.”

The service has been connecting qualified volunteers with older Australians in need of social interaction through face-to-face visits, telephone and digital catch ups for nearly 50 years.

Programs are free but some eligibility conditions apply.

Volunteers are partnered with participants who have similar interests, and they meet retirees meet new friends, enjoy an active retirement lifestyle and have fun.

Arana Hills & District Probus Club meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month 10am-noon at the Arana Hills Leagues Club and interested retirees and semiretirees are welcome to attend. Call Barbara Tobin 0402 850 367 or visit paqnetwork.com.au to find your nearest Probus club.

CONNECT AND FEEL INCLUDED

at regular intervals over video.

“While there will never be a substitute for one-on-one, person-to-person contact, simple technologies are opening up exciting prospects for the future of care,” Ms Cook said.

“We use video chat and a user-friendly mobile tablet to keep connected and create enjoyable experiences related to the interests of the individual.”

The device is pre-configured with bespoke software designed to easily facilitate video chatting for those not confident with mobile technology.

Inclusee launched in 1973 as Golden Years Senior Centre and was recently known as Aurous Ltd. It has a range of online clubs and interest groups from learning to shop online to bingo, men’s shed, Greek culture club, and also caters for travel enthusiasts and trivia buffs. Register at inclusee.org.au or call 1800 287 687.

AFTER THE BLOOD COOLS By Gary McKay

A military memoir of Lt Colonel Gary McKay, who after 50 years looks back on his military career from being conscripted and training for war to the sudden violence of combat in Vietnam. The book focuses on his war service as a as a rifle platoon commander in South Vietnam in 1971. He was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry during the Battle of Nui Le, but was seriously wounded. The second part of the book focuses on recovery and the unexpected demons that haunted him for decades.

GET MOVING KEEP MOVING By Dr Gordon Spence

This new research-based health book shows how to age better by getting your exercise mojo back.Psychologist Dr Gordon Spence fuses psychology and exercise science to explore why exercise loses its lustre and provides a practical guide to healthy ageing. Using the personal stories of five people, including himself, he shows how challenges can be overcome and the possibilities it creates for ageing well. Learn how to identify forms of physical activity that suit you; take ownership of physical pursuits; examine physical and mental readiness for change and gather the help needed to form positive habits. Written without judgement, it is about hope.

IN THE END By Jacky Coyle

A resource for dealing with the difficult, taboo subject of death and dying, this book is a practical guide for people with a life-limiting illness, their families, carers and friends. It introduces the subject of death in a way that is not confronting or challenging. It is in four parts – different ideas and beliefs about dying and death; the elements of human life: body, mind, soul, people and possessions; planning and preparing for death and dying and carers, friends, companions and helpers.

Visit fernlea.com.au

BONE MEMORIES By Sally Piper

Brisbane writer Sally Piper’s third novel is about family, how we memorialise loss and the impact of the natural world, focusing on the repercussions within one family of a terrible crime. Sixteen years have passed since the murder of her daughter but Billie clings to Jess’s memory — and the site of her death — like a life raft. Daniel was a toddler when his mother was killed and knows he needs to move on if only his grandmother would let him. Deeply human and evocative this book explores human connection and memorialisation of place. Sally Piper will be at Books@Stones on July 14.

Books

Live Life... Make Friends

Probus is a great way to make new friends. Mostly it’s about bringing Active Retirees together for Friendship, Fellowship and Fun.

Find out what Probus can mean to you.

Call 0477 645 645 or 0477 000 645

Email: info@paqnetwork.com.au

for your nearest Probus Club in Queensland.

Probus is a NON-FUNDRAISING Organisation

www.paqnetwork.com.au

A lifestyle streets ahead

Discover our newest lifestyle community on Brisbane’s northside, designed exclusively for over 50s

Selling now... a way of life built around convenience, community and most importantly, you.

Just north of Brisbane and only 5 kms to beautiful Moreton Bay, our secure gated community has been thoughtfully designed with our signature mix of quality homes, state-of-the-art leisure and lifestyle facilities and plenty of greenspace. Featuring a Wellness Centre with 25m heated magnesium salt pool and gym, a sports hub with a 3D golf simulator, pickleball courts and bowling green and a resort style swimming pool*, there will be something for everyone at Halcyon Promenade. To visit our newest community, phone 1800 050 050 to book an appointment. Sales Centre, 25 Caulfield Drive, Burpengary East QLD 4505

stockland.com.au/halcyon-communities

Artist impression. Subject to change.