This month’s cover story from Carrol Baker is on ageing gracefully.
Goodness knows, we could all do with some help on that one over 55, especially since we’ve grown up with timeless celebrities from Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Jane Fonda, to Carey Grant, Gregory Peck and George Clooney.
I don’t have all the answers. So, of course, I Googled ‘ageing gracefully’. The first site I landed on – Simply Life Tips (simplylifetips. com/how-to-age-gracefully-signs/) – made plenty of sense. Here’s a precis of its 6 Powerful Signs You’re Doing It Right
1. You’ve stopped obsessing over food: you no longer feel the need to explain why you did or didn’t order dessert. You know what feels good for your body and choose accordingly, not based on trends or peer pressure.
2. You respect your body’s ‘no’ more than anyone’s ‘yes’: when you’re younger, it’s common to push past fatigue and say yes to things out of obligation and fear of missing out. Now, you start listening to your body’s cues and honouring your need for rest, solitude and stillness.
3. You’re curating energy, not chasing
youth: when you stop trying to look younger and start focusing on feeling good, everything changes. You become more intentional about what fuels your energy — people, practices, routines and thoughts. You might have fewer late nights or intense workouts, but you feel more alive than ever.
4. You’ve started investing in preventive care: it’s no longer about quick fixes but sustainable choices. You don’t wait for your skin to break out to book a facial. You take your supplements, go for regular check-ups and drink more water — because you care.
5. You genuinely like the person you’re becoming: you no longer need others to validate your worth. You’ve let go of the pressure to be liked and replaced it with a desire to be real.
6. You’ve let go of chaos, drama and ‘almost right’ people: you no longer tolerate relationships that drain you or situations that disrupt your peace. You invest in a few good people who truly get you.
Sage advice.
I’m not sure where the need to go to the ends of the Earth to satisfy my travel bug fits into the above. But I did find plenty of “rest, solitude and stillness” in the North Atlantic recently – just like the icebergs that are the subject of my travel article this month.
Enjoy the read!
Shirley Sinclair Editor
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Ageing gracefully is all about living life your way
CARROL BAKER seeks out advice for improving self-image over 55 and being the best version of ourselves we can be.
At 62, Nadine Bush never dreamed she’d be striking a pose in her undies. But there she was, shimmying and smiling for the cameras.
“Doing the Bonds photo shoot was so liberating,” she says.
“My previous work life in marketing was so stressful, and modelling is just so much fun.”
A decade earlier, Nadine spotted an advertisement for Silverfox MGMT: an agency for older models.
“I thought, ‘How amazing! I might get the odd job and earn a bit of extra cash’,” she remembers.
Before Nadine signed on the dotted line, work offers were pouring in.
An added bonus was how the career shift made her feel.
“I used to be shy. Now I’m much more confident,” she says.
This fabulous sexagenarian is one of a growing cohort of mature Aussies who are loving life and living it on their terms.
Silverfox MGMT CEO Bridgette Warne says over-55 models are now hot property.
“Style is ageless,” she says.
“It doesn’t fade, it evolves. It’s not about following trends or dressing for your age. It’s about expressing yourself in a way that feels authentic to you.”
Meanwhile, 75-year-old Jeff Downes has been modelling for five years.
“I have been a Mater Prize Home supporter for many years because I just adore and appreciate what Mater is doing. That is why I decided to give something a little more and leave a gift in my Will to Mater.”
“My daughter suggested I give it a shot, and I thought. ‘Why not?’,” Jeff laughs.
Previously, he lived all over the globe, working in real estate and corporate training.
Jeff left the corporate world a decade ago, appearing in the first season of The Amazing Race Australia with his son (they came third).
“When people discover I do modelling, they say, ‘Wow, you look great for your age’, but no one says, ‘What do you do? What do you take? What do you read? What do you think?’,” he says.
“Ageing well is a mindset and gratitude is also important.”
Living well and loving life is the new mantra for many in their golden years.
After all, age is just a number. It’s all about feeling good in the skin you are in and doing things that boost your self-image.
Taking care of our nutritional needs is one thing we can do to age well.
Fuelling our bodies with nutrient-
Nadine Bush
Jeff Downes
dense, protein-rich foods is important.
Another is getting moving. Vanessa Coman, an exercise physiologist from Studio Ness on the Sunshine Coast, says that as we age, we naturally lose strength and conditioning in a process called sarcopenia.
“This is why resistance/strength training is so important,” she explains.
If traditional exercise isn’t your thing, Vanessa says there are no excuses.
“There are a million ways to turn an activity you enjoy into something that gives you more fitness benefits,” she says.
Gardening is a fitting example of strength training, with lifting, pulling, carrying, squatting, up and down off the ground.
“With a couple of tweaks, you can turn that into an awesome workout,” she says.
Vanessa says other suggestions include setting up obstacle courses for the grandkids and joining in and grabbing aqua dumbbells to turn your summer swims into mini workouts.
Regular remedial massages are also helpful, at any stage of life.
Remedial massage therapist Chris Mann, from Studio Ness, says our ability
“Style is ageless ... It’s about expressing yourself in a way that feels authentic to you”
to remove waste and supply fresh nutrients via our vascular and lymphatic systems becomes reduced as we age.
“Even very gentle relaxation massage techniques are beneficial for improving circulation,” Chris notes.
Getting older also means more wrinkles, as the skin loses moisture and elasticity.
Brisbane make-up artist Megan Dent says staying hydrated is a great way to give your skin a boost.
“You can also use nourishing serums and creams to keep your skin healthy, for that youthful glow we all love,” she says.
Wearing make-up can be another way to boost confidence.
Megan is quick to explode the myth
that makeup is “just for the young”.
“It’s really about highlighting your best features and boosting your confidence, no matter your age,” she says.
Natural skincare is a fabulous way to nourish your skin. Grab the grandkids and enjoy a face mask. You’ll all have a giggle and feel good – granddad included.
Try Megan’s honey and avocado mask, with half a mashed avocado and a teaspoon of raw honey. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse.
Giving your wardrobe a makeover is a sure-fire confidence booster, whether you are a female or a fellow.
If your wardrobe is simply bursting at the seams and you still have nothing to wear, try a personal stylist.
Imogene Whittle, from Spree With Me in Brisbane, says a stylist can help fine-tune your signature style, to dress for your personality, lifestyle, shape and colouring.
“It’s a great option to make your wardrobe feel fresh, functional and modern again, especially if you’ve fallen into a style rut of wearing the same things,” she says.
As a bonus, you’ll have plenty of fun and save cash by avoiding impulse buys.
Your crowning glory speaks volumes
as you age. For women, Sunshine Coast hairdresser Annette Davis says a bob haircut is a winner.
“Try one length or a slightly layered cut above or below the jawline, depending on your face shape,” she suggests.
For men, Annette says it’s important to invest in a good, regular haircut.
“Stick to classic looks and watch your facial hair and grooming – a greasy ponytail is never a good look.”
For older people, thinning hair and breakage is common, especially if you take medication.
To combat this, Annette suggests a teaspoon of gelatin in water each day. We are on this Earth for a finite amount of time. And we never know when the jig is up.
Jeff and Nadine have nailed it. They are both living their best lives.
Jeff has a classic piece of advice for us oldies: “I feel like a lot of people think, ‘Right, I am 60 now, so I have to buy a brown cardigan’. Don’t do it.”
Instead, eat that ice-cream cone. Ride that wave.
Laugh at corny jokes. Embrace your wrinkles and those you love.
Annette Davis
And give yourself permission to be who you want to be.
Megan Dent
What to book
What to watch What’s
THERE’S only about seven weeks until Christmas Day. And what better way to celebrate than with (arguably) the best Christmas movie ever. Welcome the holiday season with Richard Curtis’s beloved festive rom-com Love Actually, playing on the big screen while a full orchestra performs Craig Armstrong’s unforgettable score live. With its star-studded cast, including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth and Bill Nighy, the film’s 10 intertwined stories of love and Christmas magic are more moving than ever. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit with loved ones, friends and family. And it’s coming to Brisbane’s QPAC Concert Hall with the Southern Cross Symphony on Saturday, December 20, at 8pm and Sunday, December 21, at 1pm. Tickets are available from qpac.com.au/whatson/2025/love-actually-in-concert
What to try
SUMMER Land Camels is an award-winning Harrisville farm attraction in the Scenic Rim in Southeast Queensland. The Southern Hemisphere’s largest camel dairy is where camels wander, skincare products are created and flavour abounds through its cheese, milk and even camel vodka and whiskey.
Now the farm has shared the recipe for a sensational spring or summer sip: The Camel Milk Vodka & Peach Spritz.
Ingredients: 45ml Summer Land Camels French Oak Matured Camel Milk Vodka; 30ml peach nectar; 15ml fresh lemon juice; 90ml sparkling or soda water; ice, fresh mint and peach slices to garnish.
Method: Fill a highball or stemless wine glass with ice. Add the vodka, peach nectar and lemon juice. Stir gently. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a peach slice.
What to experience
THE state’s most extraordinary music adventure The Outback Trail is a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. Produced by the Queensland Music Festival, the events transform the rugged heartland into Australia’s grandest stage, drawing audiences off the beaten track to breathtaking locations headlined by the very best in music talent. The 2026 trail charts a new course through nine Outback towns across April and May, each offering a new moment of discovery, with music acts Kaylee Bell, The Wolfe Brothers, Taylor Moss and Tori Drake joining along the way. The adventure kicks off in Charleville with a lively mixer under the stars before heading to Tambo, Barcaldine, Winton, Hughenden and Julia Creek, culminating in Mt Isa for a grand finale headlined by some of Australia’s biggest acts alongside emerging local talent. The full program is out this month. Visit qldmusictrails.com/trails/the-outback
Back in the day…
“LIKE sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.” That opening line (first spoken by Ed Prentiss, but made famous by Macdonald Carey) is from one of the longest-running soap operas in history. Days of Our Lives first aired on NBC in the US on November 8, 1965, bringing the residents of Salemthe fictional Mid-West small town - into our lounge rooms every weekday. Enduring characters such as Victor Kiriakis (Jennifer Aniston’s real-life father John), Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes) and husband Doug (real-life spouse Bill Hayes), Hope Williams (Kristian Alfonso), Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) also left their impression on Australian audiences. The 60th anniversary is on November 8. The show is renewed for its 63rd season.
IF YOU’D like some nostalgia and a mini history lesson with your science fiction and high-stakes drama, tune in to Timeless. The 2016-2018 TV series on Tubi (and occasionally on other streaming services and Freeview stations) brings together a group of time travellers attempting to prevent a mysterious organisation, Rittenhouse, from altering history. The 28 episodes cover slices of significant events but with little-known facts and historical figures, plus a good dose of comedy and romance. Go along for the ride, from the Hindenburg to Bonnie and Clyde’s escapades, The Alamo to Hollywood’s ‘Golden Era’ and the day Ronald Reagan was shot to Benedict Arnold’s betrayal in the Revolutionary War. The hair and costume changes alone are worth tuning in for.
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Respite Care will be beneficial to you and your loved one to give you both peace of mind. If you require a break from your supportive role, please call our caring staff at either location.
Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.
NOT A SLEEPYHEAD AMONG THESE BRILLIANT MINDS
EXPERTS say that sleep is the most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body. It can build a bridge between despair and hope.
Greek billionaire Aristotle Onassis put a different spin on sleep. He said: “Don’t sleep too much. If you sleep three hours less each night for a year, you will have an extra month-and-a-half to succeed.”
Among famous people who succeeded with minimal sleep are Leonardo da Vinci, who created his masterpieces with only 15-minute naps every four hours each day. Leonardo believed he ‘gained’ 20 years of productivity during his 67 years of life.
Even while cannons were booming in opening salvos, Napoleon could sleep like a baby before a big battle. His brief naps staved off fatigue while he directed his armies during the fighting, but then the general would sleep for an 18-hour stint.
Prolific inventor Thomas Edison thought sleep was a waste of time. He could sleep on a workbench or in a wardrobe “as
sound as a bug in a barrel of morphine”.
Winston Churchill kept a bed in the Houses of Parliament. He believed napping was the key to leading the country through the Battle of Britain, combined with conducting the occasional war cabinet meeting while having a bath.
Eccentric artist Salvador Dali said that one of the secrets to becoming a great painter was taking a siesta for a mere second. He sat in a chair with a heavy metal key pressed between the thumb and forefinger of his left hand. The moment he fell asleep, the key would slip from his grasp and clang on a metal plate below, waking him to create more dazzling art.
Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher slept for only four hours a night. Her late-to-bed, early-to-rise routine invariably made her the best-informed person in the room.
While Einstein enjoyed his naps, he still slept for 10 hours a night, supporting modern science which says that good sleep is essential for us mere mortals to maintain our physical and mental wellbeing.
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Our team of experienced and qualified stonemasons combine modern technology with traditional stone craftsmanship to ensure the very best quality stone work on every project.
Life in the slow lane
By Mocco Wollert
IT USED to be a rite of passage for a boy or girl at the start of school when they finally managed to tie their own shoelaces.
As we get older and our hands are not so dexterous anymore, it becomes difficult again to tie shoelaces or other fasteners that require tying.
Life being what it is, we – or at least I – now have great trouble knotting or unknotting shoelaces or making ties of any kind.
I still go to the gym now and then, wearing my joggers. But more than once, one of my friends would alert me to the fact that my shoelaces had come undone and I was in danger of falling over them.
They would easily kneel down –something I now find hard to do – and fasten the wicked things for me.
Their advice? Buy gym shoes with Velcro fasteners.
Velcro was invented by Swiss engineer George de Mestral in 1941. His inspiration came from observing how burdock burrs – small seedpods
with hooks – clung to his clothing and his dog’s fur after a walk in the woods.
He recognised the potential of this natural hook-and-loop system for creating a new type of fastener. Mr Google tells us the name ‘Velcro’ comes from two words of the French language: velour meaning ‘velvet’, and crochet meaning ‘hook’. de Mestral’s original fastening system quickly spread into other uses and Velcro now can be found as fasteners on handbags, suitcases, gloves – in short, anything that needs to be held together.
The first shoes to have the new fastener came out in the 1960s and ’70s. It was a revolution.
A variation is the double-sided tape – some of it strong enough to keep a large painting on the wall.
But you better make sure it hasn’t deteriorated with age or spoilt in some other way.
I thought I was very clever to
fasten one of my paintings, newly bought and not cheap, above the bedhead. One day, it came crashing down, breaking into pieces over my bed. Luckily, I was not lying in it at the time.
There are many other fasteners, of course: chains with padlocks, locks with keys, not to forget the good old zippers.
The invention of the zipper was revolutionary, too, and saved time and effort. Of course, if the zipper gets stuck, you are in a real pickle, especially if you are in a long evening gown and you can’t reach the back. You will need help in that situation to get out.
Men have also been known to get some delicate part stuck in a trouser zipper and I believe it can be quite painful to get them ‘unstuck’.
But back to Velcro. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could use Velcro for fastening other than shoes, handbags and suitcases? What about people? Maybe somebody can invent a ‘fastening’ device that will keep children and grandchildren fastened to you, no matter how far away they move or how old they are, keeping them attached and close forever.
May Velcro make your life easier in many ways.
Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com
By Cheryl Lockwood
AS CHILDREN, it was not unusual to tell someone who was annoying us to “get lost!”.
I heard it on a regular basis from my siblings. It probably had no ill effect, but as an adult, I have no trouble getting lost.
I’m quite thankful for the latest technology in my car, with that pleasant voice telling me to turn right in 600m or take the third exit on a roundabout. The days of having a street directory tucked under the car seat seem like ancient history, but that was the way we once navigated our way through unfamiliar areas – obviously not with it under the seat, but open on our laps, flipping ahead to the page where the required map would join up to the last.
Generally, the person in the passenger seat would direct the driver and not always in the nice tone of the satnav lady.
Once, on a visit to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, hubby switched the helpful voice off once the famous landmark was in sight. Unfortunately, we missed the carpark entrance and drove another 10km before being able to turn back.
My sense of direction is non-existent. I have gone to a public toilet in a shopping centre and turned in the completely wrong direction on
NEW BEGINNINGS IN ARTWATER SPORTS OPEN DAY A VIEW TO THE ‘SILLY SEASON’NATIONAL CONVENTION
BRIBIE Island Community Arts Centre’s latest exhibition is a diverse collection of 13 artists who embrace the opportunity of new beginnings and the way they reflect and shape their art practice.
The New Beginnings exhibition from November 3-16 is not displayed by artist, but hung by mood, colour, composition and technique. Artists in the exhibition are: Tina Bower, Cheryl Mortimer, Matt Mortimer, Molly Galpin, Gail Shawyer, Sue Gardner, Shirley Heapy, Corinne Purcell, Linda Simpson, Sabine Von Graz, Jenny Cope, Geoff Ginn and Janet Foulcher.
JOIN the fun and free activities at the Lake Samsonvale Water Sports Open Day on November 8 from 9am-3pm.
Try sailing or enjoy a pleasant day out on the water and learn all about Lake Samsonvale Water Sports Association.
Adults and children can crew on one of the many boats or go for a paddle with a range of watercraft.
Challenge yourself with radiocontrolled yachting or the Amazing Race, where each team completes several fun activities with prizes up for grabs. Visit lswsa.org.au
MEMBERS of the Brendale Evening VIEW Club are preparing early for the upcoming Christmas season with a night of entertainment from the Ferny Groovers and a festive dinner.
On November 18, they will be dressed up in festive hats and T-shirts, and vying for raffles and a lucky door prize.
The Brendale VIEW Club meets every third Tuesday night of the month. The dinner meetings are just the beginning of many social and fundraising events planned throughout the year.
Call Suzanne on 0417 022 996.
REDCLIFFE Peninsula VIEW Club members, together with those from VIEW Clubs across Australia, enjoyed a weekend convention in Brisbane celebrating their charity work.
A past student of the program gave a first-hand account of the impact VIEW support had on her life and other young disadvantaged Australians. As well as friendship, information and inspirational speakers, participants also enjoyed a writers’ festival panel of Queensland authors and the Community Walk. Contact the club on 0420 788 312.
Mention the code word A05FREE and receive one
coming out. I have learnt to take particular notice of my surroundings when parking the car and always memorise the number and level of the carpark. I could be looking at a sunset and still not know which way was north.
It was some comfort to find out that other women admit to the same issue.
I discovered this on a day out hiking with a group of girls. Having almost completed the 13km loop trail we were enjoying, we noticed the track seemed to have disappeared.
We pressed on, complying with a sign which had instructed us to follow the fenceline as we were crossing private property. Some of the girls were tracking our progress via phone apps and it appeared we were heading in the right direction: the end of our hike and a pub were just 20 minutes away.
We trudged on with the grass seemingly growing thicker before our eyes until we were confronted by a barbed wire fence with no gate.
The preceding sections of trail had
been clearly marked, even if some of the signs were worn or damaged.
We scratched our heads and looked at our options.
Beyond the fence, cows lazed in the sun. One of them looked suspiciously bull-shaped, so we disregarded that route.
Option 2 saw us climb up a steep slope to get a visual perspective of our location. The incline gave us a workout that none of us asked for.
The view was impressive, but didn’t give us any idea of where we’d strayed from the track.
Our last resort was to backtrack to the last signage we’d seen. There, we discovered the error of our ways.
Thanks to one missing marker, we’d bypassed a gate instead of going through it.
At the end of our trek, we’d only added on an extra kilometre, but the hills made it feel more like five.
Fortunately, getting lost wasn’t a serious situation for us as it can be for some. After all, we were only separated from farmhouses by a few strands of barbed wire.
They say men don’t ask for directions, but I can tell you that this plucky women’s group wasn’t about to admit defeat and knock on some farmer’s door.
Ah, all’s well that ends well and life’s still an adventure.
Wartime fundraising and the role of Brisbane’s ‘Tank Bank’
CHRIS CURRIE opens the hatch and climbs into State Library of Queensland’s collections to uncover how public contributions to the war effort were encouraged.
War is an expensive business. To help cover the costs during World War I, government-issued war bonds were made available to all Australians. Payments were made as loans to the government that would be paid back after the war with ‘handsome’ interest and little or no tax.
The First War Loan was announced on July 1, 1915, and raised £13 million – well above the asked-for amount of £5 million. By 1918, however, much larger sums were needed, and the Sixth War Loan – launched on February 17 – arrived with a formidable national target of £40 million.
Newspaper reports at the time stated that Queensland had “nearly the worst record in the Commonwealth” when it came to war contributions, with “wealthy, patriotic” Brisbane singled out for its stinginess.
“This is the time for patriots,” proclaimed The Daily Mail, “and not for day-dreamers.”
To help achieve this ambitious target, a series of bold
publicity stunts were planned. They would be called ‘Tank Banks’ and their activation in cities around Australia would not be out of place in a modern media campaign.
The idea was based on a successful British campaign from the previous year in which a real army tank – affectionately known as Egbert – was recovered from the battlefield at Cambrai in Northern France and displayed at Trafalgar Square to inspire the
public to buy similar war bonds and certificates.
On Wednesday, April 3, 1918, Brisbane’s own Tank Bank was set up in Queen Street, outside the General Post Office, as part of an Australia-wide campaign called Tank Week.
While the tank itself was actually a replica – made “in exact conformity with picture representations of those used by the British on the West Front” –its mission was clear: “To make an
offensive against those who have the money and do not like to part with it”.
The first war bond was bought by the then mayor of Brisbane John McMaster (the picture from The Queenslander is said to capture this very moment), with many others following.
The event also featured impassioned four-minute speeches given by guest speakers who stood atop the tank. One such speech was delivered with a poetic flourish by a Lieutenant Little: a blind returned soldier who implored those present to invest in war bonds.
“If they could not shoulder rifles,” proclaimed Little, “they could shoulder war bonds. They could bind themselves with golden chains of sympathy to the gallant men now fighting for the maintenance of the Empire.”
The first day was a resounding success. Within three minutes, £65,000 had been raised. At the end of the day, £107,390 had been raised from 390 applications. By the Friday, the
amount had grown to £296,940. On Tuesday, April 9, alone, receipts exceeded £194,000, with a crowd “a perfect whirl of thousands” cheering every announcement.
The most astonishing results were reserved for the final day of Tank Week: Wednesday, April 10.
With the day’s total already sitting at £100,000, the Queensland government fired “a surprise shot”, purchasing £200,000 in bonds.
The week’s final sum amounted to some £1.5 million – over $165 million in today’s money – making up about half of Queensland’s £3 million contribution to the £42,944,360 subscribed across the country from 143,870 applicants.
“It is doubtful,” wrote Commonwealth loan organiser George McDonald Dash, “if any public campaign was ever more spontaneously helped by every section of the community than the Sixth War Campaign.”
This is just one of many World War I stories. Explore more at slq.qld.gov.au/collections
Crowds gather to see a tank outside the General Post Office in Brisbane during World War I
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Why Google keeps asking for reviews – and how it matters
EDIN READ knows the extra work we are asked to do as consumers can be ‘painful’, but it might help us all in the long run.
Have you ever searched for something on Google – maybe ‘good local mechanic’ or ‘best coffee shop near me’ – and noticed how some businesses appear right at the top, while others are buried a few scrolls down?
It’s easy to think those top spots are just the biggest or busiest places, but that’s not always the case.
In fact, one of the biggest things that affects where a business shows up on Google is something you’ve probably come across before: reviews.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Another business asking for a Google review? What’s all the fuss?”
But there’s actually a bit of clever tech behind it all. Once you understand how it works, it starts to make a lot more sense –and it might even change the way you use Google yourself.
First off, Google isn’t just a digital phone book. It’s more like a super-powered recommendation engine.
When you type in a search, Google uses a complex formula (called an algorithm) to
figure out what to show you. It tries to guess what you need based on, for example, your location, what other people have searched for and what’s been most helpful in the past.
But one of the key ingredients in that formula is customer reviews.
Reviews act like online word-of-mouth.
If many people say a particular bakery makes great sourdough, Google takes that as a good sign.
Not only does it look at the star ratings, but it also checks how many reviews there are, how recent they are and even what kinds of words people use.
If someone writes: “Friendly staff, quick service” that tells Google something different to “long wait, cold food”.
All of this helps the system decide which businesses to suggest to the next person who searches.
That’s why businesses – especially small local ones – often ask for reviews.
They’re not fishing for compliments. They’re trying to stay visible in a very crowded digital space.
Without reviews, even the best little
café in town might never show up on the first page of search results.
And as we all know, most people don’t scroll much further than that.
But this isn’t just useful for business owners. It matters for all of us who use the internet to make decisions.
Knowing how reviews influence what we see means we can be more thoughtful when we search – and more helpful when we take the time to leave a review ourselves.
It’s a small gesture, but it can go a long way, especially for independent businesses that rely on locals to spread the word.
The good news is, you don’t need to write an essay. Just a sentence or two and a star rating is enough to make a difference.
And if you’re not sure how to leave a
review, don’t worry: that’s something Greyology helps with all the time.
Greyology has a very rare ‘5-star’ average, whereas other similar businesses may only have a ‘4-star’ average.
It doesn’t seem like a big difference, but in the world of reviews, it’s a huge gap.
So, next time you get a friendly nudge to leave a Google review, you’ll know it’s not just about flattery.
It’s about helping good people and good businesses be seen.
And it’s also about making sure your own search results stay relevant, reliable and useful – for you and for everyone else looking for something trustworthy online.
Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au
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Meet the next frontier in compact SUVs
BRUCE MCMAHON finds a smart-looking runaround with room for four adults and luggage.
Suzuki, long-time maker of honest small cars, has added the value-packed Fronx to the fleet. The all-new Japanese SUV lines up at just under 4m long, yet offers a decent amount of space and features for four.
It’s a cheerful compact with ‘Fronx’ apparently a combo of ‘frontier’ and ‘next’, which suits well enough. This is a tidylooking machine with coupestyle profile and clean, uncluttered body lines, with a fair choice of mature body-colour combinations to further help set the Fronx apart in the parking lot.
It’s a restrained, grown-up style which belies the $29,990 driveaway opening price.
The Suzuki’s features list is broad and runs from wireless phone charger to full suite of driver aids (sometimes annoyances, albeit switchable) such as lane-departure warnings and rear parking assistance through cameras and sensors. There is a swathe of buttons and switches to be learnt – from
disabling the stop-start system to voice controls for the 9-inch screen to adjusting the head-up display in front of the driver.
Now, both front seats are heated (handy even in Southeast Queensland) but the comfortableenough driver’s seat may sit a tad too high for old six-footers.
The tidy cabin is well organised with most of today’s expected comforts, conveniences and safety features. It’s not a premium interior at this price, with lots of hard plastics. It feels a little old-school, which may suit many at this end of the market.
Where the Fronx comes into its own is the frugality of the mild
hybrid system. With a 1.5-litre petrol engine plus extra battery and integrated starter-generator to help with re-starts and some acceleration, the five-door Suzuki runs at a claimed 4.9-litres per 100km. That figure isn’t too far off in the real world.
Out and about, the frontwheel-drive Fronx is happy enough to keep up with traffic, if no sports machine. The compact and lightweight body is a bonus for manoeuvring through city streets but is want to complain about uneven, pock-marked surfaces at suburban speeds. It’s happier when the 16-inch alloy wheels get a little speed up.
The Japanese-designed, Indian-built SUV’s handling and road holding are safe enough with some understeer if squeezing out the last of the 76kW into the turns. So, this all-new, smart-looking, five-door SUV with room for four adults and a weekend’s luggage is cheap at today’s prices (albeit with some elements less than premium).
IMPROVING RV REVERSING AND TOWING SAFETY
TWO self-confessed Sunshine Coast ‘geriatrics’ have helped to change recreational vehicle (RV) towing and reversing forever.
After 32 years’ operating a successful RV solar-panel business, Judy and Ian Hall were on a motor home journey in Central Queensland.
“I saw so many caravanners having ‘difficulties’ reversing into narrow parking areas, with one party ‘guiding’ the other,” Ian says.
“Sounds easy-peasy, but dinner that night would be cold tongue.”
That led to 20 months of prototype attempts to perfect the rearview170 cameras for
Waterfront Perfection is Now Complete.
caravans and motor homes, but also suitable for all vehicles.
The camera is solar powered, with built-in radio transmitters that send to the monitor, in front of the driver.
“Because towing is so dangerous – especially for inexperienced, recently retired couples doing the big lap – this do-it-yourself, 10-minute installation has absolutely no wires to connect,” Ian says.
“And not only does it take ‘cold tongue’ off the menu, but to ensure greater towing safety, the towing driver can see behind whilst driving forwards, if any looneys are rushing up behind the van and going to overtake, irrespective of how safe it is in front of the van.”
Call 5438 7750 or visit rearview170.com.au
Retirement should be about enjoying your freedom, not worrying about the future.
Even the healthiest people can face sudden health challenges such as dementia, stroke, falls, or depression from isolation and today’s hospital overcrowding can make care and recovery even harder.
That’s why Scarisbrick International Group and its associated companies have been trusted for over 10 years to deliver 6-Star Luxury In-Home Care Services across Australia. With our support, you or your loved ones can remain independent, comfortable and cared for without ever needing to move to a nursing home.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE US:
• Stay in your own home – enjoy familiar surroundings, independence and peace of mind.
• Tailored care options – from 1 hour per month to full 24/7 live-in support.
• Comprehensive assistance – cooking, cleaning, laundry, companionship, and personal care.
CAITLYN HUTH offers advice about managing your health condition and the way forward with exercise.
Recovering from an injury can raise many questions, especially when it comes to exercise and self-management.
Here are answers to some common questions you might have during rehabilitation. What exercises should I do at home to help my recovery? Your exercise plan at home should focus on mobility, strength and endurance. You should be guided by a routine tailored to your specific needs, complementing the work you do in physical therapy. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed exercises consistently and report any unusual pain. Small, regular efforts will yield the best results and keep your progress on track.
How do I know if I’m doing too much or too little? Pay attention to how your body responds. Mild soreness is normal, but sharp or lingering pain is not. If you feel fatigued, take rest; if you don’t feel challenged, you might need to
increase intensity. Consistency is key. Adjustments can always be made. Communicate with your therapist to find the right balance for your recovery. Is this pain normal? Should I be concerned? Some discomfort is expected during rehabilitation, particularly with strengthening exercises. However, sharp, intense or persistent pain should not be ignored. If you experience pain that worsens during or after activity, stop and consult your therapist. Ongoing pain could indicate that your body needs more rest or a program adjustment. How can I prevent this injury or issue from happening again? Injury prevention is an important part of rehabilitation.
Your therapist should focus on strengthening the affected area, improving flexibility and correcting movement patterns. Maintaining proper posture, avoiding overuse and incorporating regular exercise are all essential in reducing the risk of future injuries. Prevention is a long-term goal, even after recovery. Will I be able to return to my regular activities or work? Yes! Returning to your usual activities is the ultimate goal, but you do so gradually. Movements will be reintroduced gradually and tasks step by step, ensuring you’re ready without overloading your body. It’s important not to rush the process. Pushing too hard can lead to setbacks. With consistent effort and guidance, you’ll be back to doing what you love safely.
Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au
FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law
ONE of the best ways to ensure that someone sticks with an exercise program is to make sure they enjoy it.
It would be pointless trying to undertake a walking or running program if you did not want to do it or did not like walking or running.
I know many people love water aerobics. One of the main reasons they enjoy it is because it is great exercise and supports their bodies while they get the necessary movement they require. It is not for everyone –the same as yoga or Pilates.
It is very important that you like what you are doing (‘like’ in the sense that you keep attending). Many of us realise how good an exercise is for us and regardless of if we like it or not, we keep attending.
I prefer to run. I don’t enjoy running but I like to run because it gives me my best bang for buck.
I do not have to exercise for long and I get my required intensity and cardiovascular exercise in at the same time.
Walking is a fantastic way to get in your daily exercise. It provides variety as you can do it on the flat, hills, trails and even a treadmill. It allows you to walk slow or fast, a short or long distance, and with or without additional weight via a backpack, for example.
Walking can be social and enjoyable or solitary and peaceful. Some of us are addicted to transport other than walking, particularly in the modern world. If you have not yet settled on a regular form of exercise, consider walking. It is easy to monitor and record, you can walk all weather by simply adjusting the clothing you wear, and you will quickly recognise the benefits to your health. Weight loss may well be one benefit. Whatever you do to keep yourself fit and healthy, keep doing it. Your body will appreciate it.
Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.
The special place to find a new lease on life
They may come initially for the world-renowned whale watching, as a welcome beach break on a big lap around Australia or to drop in on friends and family who already call this special place home.
Before they know it, a few days have turned into a week; a week into a fortnight or a month.
They vow to return – and do, again and again.
And then, having found their place in the sun, they finally make the move from their well-established life in the city, Outback or beaches further afield to take up their new slice of heaven.
Hervey Bay has long worked its charms on travellers and tourists who feel so at home that they put down roots and become permanent residents.
That’s very true of savvy seniors who lap up the active, outdoorsy lifestyle and true sense of community that complement the exquisite turquoise and golden colours of their scenic surrounds.
They also discover that “sittin’ on the dock of the bay, wastin’ time” never felt or looked so good.
From Pialba and Point Vernon through Scarness, Torquay and Urangan, this city of nearly 58,000 in the Fraser Coast region supports over-55s, especially, to feel connected and continue to learn and grow through community and councilsupported programs and activities, including art and fitness classes, as well as social events.
Halcro Street Community Centre and Gardens at Pialba, for example, is a vibrant hub of activity, and Hervey Bay
Sixty & Better Healthy Aging Program
Inc is a membership-based, not-for-profit charity “run by older people for older people” – both joining a bevy of community service groups and social clubs and outlets to help create a lively, fun atmosphere.
Where else would you find a Mobility Scooter and Wheelchair Convoy, decorated in a pirate theme, attempting to break its own Australian record (as happened in September this year at Scarness Park)?
Senior residents feel like they are ‘holidaying at home’ every day in Hervey Bay, given the diverse array of café and restaurant venues, the world’s largest sand island (K’gari) at their doorstep with its four-wheel-driving, camping/resort facilities, recreational boating and fishing opportunities, not to
mention kilometre upon kilometre of calm coastline for swimming and just about every water sport under the sun.
All this is only just over two hours to Noosa and three-and-a-half hours to Brisbane if seniors need a dose of big-city ‘busyness’.
While it was declared its own city in 1984, Hervey Bay, to a large extent, has managed to maintain its quiet ambience and country hospitality.
And that’s what sets it apart.
It has all the conveniences, services and compelling lifestyle of an urban centre but with the beating heart of a rural hub. The best of both worlds.
By SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
IMAGES: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
Kilometre upon kilometre of pristine beaches
Brunch at Waterfront Restaurant
Walk or fish from the Urangun pier
A whale spy hop
wellness studio — these small moments shape the rhythm of community life.
WHETHER you’re a solo groover or a duo mover, Liven Beach Road has something for everyone.
This vibrant Hervey Bay community for those 50 and over has been thoughtfully designed with lifestyle, connection and the coastal charm of the bay at its heart.
THERE’S a quiet confidence about Reflections on the Bay retirement village — the kind that comes from thoughtful design and genuine community.
Part of Retirement Living by Ozcare, this Hervey Bay retirement community is designed for people who want more from where they live and how they live.
Set within established
gardens and only minutes from what matters — beaches, cafés, and local shopping — the retirement community has become a favourite among those rethinking what resizing can look like.
Life at Reflections moves at your pace. A swim in the covered all-season pool, coffee with neighbours in the clubhouse, or time in the
The new one- and twobedroom retirement apartments are now complete and ready to move in, offering light-filled spaces with full kitchens, open living and private balconies designed for everyday comfort.
As part of Retirement Living by Ozcare, residents enjoy priority access to Ozcare’s trusted Support at Home services — flexible help delivered by familiar faces, when and how it’s needed. Apartments are now selling. Call 1800 692 273 or visit reflectionsonthebay.org.au
Delivering a unique blend of 132 architecturally designed homes, it offers comfort and convenience to enliven every moment in your retirement lifestyle.
Life at Beach Road will feature a Clubhouse offering resort-style amenities including a pool, stylish clubhouse, tennis and pickleball courts, cinema, lawn bowls, free WiFi, a welcoming bar and lounge, private dining, pet-friendly spaces for four-legged friends and an app designed to foster connections, create shared experiences and enhance the overall sense of belonging within your community.
Surrounded by the coastal charm and natural beauty of
Hervey Bay, Liven Beach Road will place adventure, relaxation and community right at your doorstep. Residents will enjoy the ideal balance of activity and ease, with opportunities to be social, stay active or simply unwind.
Spend mornings walking along the esplanade, afternoons catching up with friends in the clubhouse, and evenings enjoying golden sunsets over the bay with a strong sense of belonging, thoughtfully curated spaces, and a lifestyle designed for how you want to live.
The baby boomers are now retiring and there are many legal challenges for this generation to deal with.
If you need a complicated electrical job done, you don’t get a jack of all trades. You choose someone who knows what they are doing because that’s what they do – every day.
Elder law is recognised as a distinct area of legal practice that requires expert advice. People often don’t understand what elder law is.
Do you worry about having an adequate will (or having any will at all) to ensure that your financial wishes are carried out and your estate is managed as you intend? That’s elder law.
Do you have a desire to be part of a community with lots of facilities that enhance your lifestyle? Is it time to consider moving to a retirement village to become part of an active and engaging community? That’s elder law.
Are you in the situation of having to
Free Will Service
Your beautiful gift to the future.
Anyone who needs a basic Will written and kindly includes a gift to Cancer Council Queensland is eligible to use the Free Will Service.
For more information phone 07 3634 5190 or visit cancerqld.org.au/bequests
manage the estate of a deceased family member and don’t know what to do or how to navigate the complexities involved? That’s elder law.
Many solicitors say they do elder law but, in fact, are generalists who do conveyancing, personal injuries, criminal law and, frankly, anything that walks in the door.
Don’t choose a generalist to do specialist work. Choose lawyers who practise in the areas of elder law day in, day out.
Significant financial planning considerations are involved. You need to get advice from planners who specialise in the issues affecting seniors in making their lifestyle and life-planning decisions.
Brisbane Elder Law is expert in all
aspects of elder law, including wills, estates, retirement village, manufactured home park and aged care contracts. We can also offer video conferencing to ensure advice can be given, and questions answered, in a convenient way. Call 1800 961 622 or visit the website: brisbaneelderlaw.com.au
BABY BOOMERS HESITANT ABOUT PURCHASING EVS
NEW research from national insurer Youi reveals that older Australians are the most hesitant to embrace electric vehicles — but many of their concerns may be based on outdated or inaccurate information.
In a national survey of more than 1000 Australians, 78 per cent of baby boomers said they were unlikely to consider an EV for their next car, making them the most resistant generation. But with fuel prices rising and sustainability becoming a bigger priority, is it time to take a second look?
Despite the buzz around EVs, only 7 per cent of Aussies have ever owned one, and two-thirds have little or no confidence in their understanding of key aspects of EV ownership — from charging times and battery range to insurance and resale value.
The Youi EV Data Digest report study shows there’s a clear link between experience and confidence.
A total of 78 per cent of EV owners say they’re likely to buy another, compared with just 22 per cent of the general population. But with such a small portion of Australians having ever driven or owned an EV, most drivers don’t know what they’re missing.
So, what’s pulling the handbrake?
The top barriers for EV adoption include: purchase cost (53 per cent), cost of installing home charging stations (48 per cent) and the availability of public charging stations (47 per cent).
Confidence is also low when it comes to understanding resale value (14 per cent), repair costs (14 per cent) and the government rebates available (11 per cent), suggesting that education and mythbusting are key to unlocking broader adoption.
Youi’s head of product – vehicle and leisure Marni Jackson says a lack of information and education could be contributing to low purchase intent.
“The research shows that while many Australians are still uncertain about EVs, they’re actively considering them,” Marni says. “In fact, 69 per cent say they need more information before they feel confident purchasing, yet 55 per cent also say sustainability is a key factor in decision making.”
Aussies are most motivated by lower fuel costs (51 per cent), lower maintenance costs (43 per cent) and longer driving ranges (41 per cent). Millennials (32 per cent) and gen Z (27 per cent) are leading the charge.
CMG Christmas
Regrets are pointless:
CHARLIE GRIFFITHS
quizzes himself about owning the choices he’s made.
Recently, while surfing the mysterious world of ABC-TV, I stumbled upon an episode of The Assembly where Guy Sebastian is interviewed by 35 autistic, neurodivergent and learning disabled budding journalists.
The enthusiasm of the event is contagious as the focused interviewers challenge their idol to soothe their restless souls with inspirational, heartfelt insights. Guy performs brilliantly with emotional honesty and respect. Despite battling to rein in the awe of their host, the interviewers plough on professionally with innocent curiosity and without agendas.
I know it will never happen but I imagined sitting in the hot seat, surrounded by admirers wanting a glimpse into my inner thoughts and emotions. If the unimaginable did happen, here is a possible transcript of the episode, part 1.
Abbey: “Charlie, you are in your seventies and still working full-time, with no intention of slowing down any time soon. You have lived a productive life. Have you lived a good life?”
Charlie: “If you mean am I likely to be nominated for a sainthood, not in this lifetime. But I have always been honest and fair in business, socially, in sport and with
family. I’ve developed strong values which I proudly stand by in good and bad times. My motto is: ‘Whatever choice you make, as long as you make it for the right reasons, it’s the right choice’.”
Dale: “What scares you?”
Charlie: “More than coming on this show? Nothing! I believe there’s a difference between fear and anxiety. Fear is spontaneous, while anxiety is anticipation of fear. Fear might happen when you’re about to step on a snake or some idiot overtakes your car on a bend at ridiculous speed. You deal with it as best you can in that moment and if you’re here to tell the story, you got it right. Anxiety, however, develops over time and may or may not be founded. I felt anxious about coming here tonight but since quickly realising that we all have mutual respect for each other, I am now only mildly terrified about the next questions.”
Evie: “If you had your time over, what would you do differently?”
Charlie: “Nothing. If I did one tiny thing differently, everything would be different. I wouldn’t be the ‘me’ that I am now. My story wouldn’t be mine.”
Evie: “So, you don’t have any regrets?”
Charlie: “None. They’re pointless.
SPECIALISTS IN SENIOR HEALTH & COMMUNITY AGED CARE
Promotingindependenceat home&inthecommunity
Preventingfallsand providingconfidence
I’ve done things I wish I hadn’t and wherever possible I’ve tried to redress them, but I put everything, good and bad, down to experience and learn from them. Regrets, resentments and what-ifs are all dead weight because they’re historical. The future is what we live for and we make that happen now, in the present. The past is gone, forever.”
Savannah: “Would you be offended if I ask you how old you are?”
Charlie: “I know I agreed not to skirt around any questions, and I’m certainly not offended by your question. I just want to say that age is merely a number and I have never had any regard for birthdays. The only birthday I really hung out for was my 18th so I could get my driver’s licence and ‘legally’ drink in pubs. My 21st and 40th were good celebrations, but other than that, I really don’t recall many. To answer your question, let me say I’m old enough to know better and young enough to do it again.”
Charlie Griffiths is a certified life coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner. Contact him at charliegriffithscoaching.com
DISTURBED SLEEP CAN LEAD TO A DIRTY MIND
SCIENTISTS have recently discovered the glymphatic system: a plumbing network that clears away waste and protein plaques from between brain cells while we sleep. This remarkable cleaning process is most active during the deep stages of non-REM sleep, when the body is fully relaxed and brain waves slow down.
During this phase, the brain actually shrinks by up to 60 per cent, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to wash away toxins. The waste is then transported through the body’s plumbing system to the liver and kidneys for disposal.
Most of this cleaning happens in the first half of the night, when we experience the deepest sleep. When sleep cycles are repeatedly interrupted, the brain doesn’t get the deep rest it needs to do this clean-up.
Sleep apnea (where breathing stops and starts throughout the night) is one of the most common culprits. Each event jolts the body out of deep sleep and can also starve it of oxygen. Over time, that may leave behind waste linked to memory loss, dementia, depression and brain fog. Up to 80 per cent of people with sleep apnea don’t know they have it. Watch for: loud or chronic snoring; daytime tiredness; night-time urination; brain fog or low mood.
Take a free online sleep test at cpap. com.au/sleeptest or call 1300 133 298.
RESEARCH shows that nearly 70 per cent of falls happen at home.
Whether it’s from unsure footing, tripping on a pesky bit of carpet or dizziness related to medications, a simple tumble can leave someone unable to get up for minutes or even hours.
For older Australians or people with disability, a fall can change everything.
The traditional solution has been ‘wearables’. They need charging, must be worn at all times and require manual activation to request help — not to mention the self-consciousness or stigma some may feel when wearing them.
But when you’re going about daily life, this isn’t a practical or empowering solution.
HomeGuardian.AI took these challenges and created a solution that revolutionises fall detection and personal safety.
The smart optical sensor detects falls and unusual activity.
No images or videos are ever taken or stored, and all monitoring is processed on the device itself, keeping your privacy completely safe.
Alerts go out instantly when help is needed.
Most of HomeGuardian.AI’s customers are people who want to
remain independent at home, supported through aged care or the NDIS.
Residential aged care facilities also trust the technology to keep residents safe.
Safety doesn’t stop at the front door.
The companion app for Android and Apple devices lets users alert emergency contacts when outside.
Indoors, a small adhesive SOS button works up to 30-40 metres and can be placed in various areas around the home for extra peace of mind.
HomeGuardian.AI removes the stress of wearables and insures your safety and wellbeing as you go about your favourite day-to-day activities.
It’s the simple and smart way to keep you safe, private and independent.
Visit homeguardian.ai
Your aged care support service
Your side, your
say
Do you get or do you need government aged care services, either in your own home
We support you to access or get the most from your aged care services, understand service charges and fees and have a say in the things that impact you.
Our service is free, and our focus is on a
Chat with us 1800 700 600
COMMUNITY OFFERS FRESH TAKE ON OVER-50S RESORT LIVING
A LEADING Australian lifestyle resort developer, known for its innovative, luxury communities for the over-50s, GemLife is setting a new benchmark in coastal living with the upcoming Moreton Bay Country Club.
The $18 million development, now under construction beside the nine-hectare Brolga Lake, has been designed to showcase natural light, open space and a seamless connection to its beautiful waterfront setting.
GemLife managing director and group CEO Adrian Puljich says the Country Club represents a new direction in design.
“This single-level country club will span more than 4000 square metres across two pavilions – the Beachside and the Lakeside – linked by an expansive courtyard and 8.5-metre roofline,” he says.
Inside, homeowners can look forward to premium spaces including a grand ballroom, bar, cinema, bowling alley, virtual golf and creative arts studios – all designed to encourage creativity, connection and wellbeing.
GemLife interior design manager Jennifer Kyle says the interiors are inspired by nature, reflecting the hues and textures of the lake.
“Timber textures, deep greens and elegant burgundies mirror the landscape, creating a sense of calm and sophistication,” she says.
The outdoor precinct will feature a resort-style infinity-edge pool, spa, al fresco dining and a private sandy beach – the ideal place to relax or entertain.
“With spaces for socialising, relaxing or discovering new interests, it’s about creating an environment where homeowners can truly live their best life,” Adrian says.
Expected to open in late 2026, the Country Club will add to GemLife’s expanding portfolio of luxury lifestyle resorts across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Call 1800 490 705 or visit gemlife.com.au/gemlifemoreton-bay-resort
WHERE BRISBANE CONVENIENCE MEETS A TRANQUIL, LUXE LOCALE
POSITIONED just north of Brisbane, Living Gems Moreton Bay offers a lifestyle where tranquillity meets convenience – far enough from the city to relax, yet close enough to enjoy its shopping, dining and entertainment.
It’s the ideal address for over-50s seeking relaxed, resort-style living with the freedom to stay connected to the best of Brisbane.
Wake up in your own home and spend your days exactly as you please: take a dip in the heated pool, meet friends for coffee at the Country Club, or take a short drive to explore the scenic beauty of Moreton Bay and beyond.
With the Sunshine Coast’s beaches and the bay’s calm waterways close by, weekends can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you choose.
Living Gems Moreton Bay is set to raise the bar for over-50s living, combining beautiful homes with premium, resort-quality facilities.
Enjoy the Country Club with bar and private cinema, a heated pool and spa, pickleball courts and lawn bowls, plus plenty of inviting spaces to relax –and that’s only the beginning.
Created for a low-maintenance, lock-and-leave lifestyle, it’s a great choice for those who value freedom, and peace of mind, all at a surprisingly affordable price.
Visit livinggems.com.au
DEDICATED aged care stalwart Leti Asi has entered deserved retirement.
After contributing almost 40 years of service to Brisbane seniors, Leti has left an indelible impression on the older people she supported – and the staff members she has worked alongside.
She worked at the Carinity Clifford House aged care home for 39 years, in roles including personal carer, nurse and activities officer.
Motivated by the close alignment of Carinity’s values and her own philosophy, Leti embarked on a new career – dedicated to meeting the needs of seniors – while in her 30s.
That included taking residents to off-site events such as dining and concerts, improving the lives of people living with dementia and fostering intergenerational friendships between residents and local school students.
Leti has enjoyed establishing connections with the elderly and absorbing their wisdom.
“The favourite part of my job is making those connections with residents. I love listening to them, knowing the stories, helping them to overcome challenges and taking them out to do what they want to do,” she says.
“The big thing about aged care is, if you can look after the residents’ little needs, you’ll never have a problem.”
Leti says supporting seniors is “part of my DNA”.
“It makes your heart feel good. I’ll go home satisfied, feeling that I’ve done a good thing for someone today,” she says.
“That was my purpose and my biggest goal: to serve others.”
GemLife reveals $18 million waterfront Country Club at Gemlife Moreton Bay
A FUSION OF ART, HERITAGE, NATURE AND SCIENCE
VISITORS to Landsborough Museum have been delighting in the stunning watercolour exhibition Transformations: Art of the Scott Sisters, on show until December 7.
In the newly renovated museum, visitors will step into a world where history, science, art and nature beautifully collide.
The exhibition, on loan from the Australian Museum, showcases the breathtaking work of Harriet and Helena Scott: two trailblazing sisters who became leading natural history illustrators in the 19th century.
The Scott family lived on Ash Island, Newcastle, from 1846, where Helena documented more than 300 plant species.
Her meticulous records and pressed specimens later helped guide a major revegetation project – bringing back more than 200,000 endemic plants to the island.
Whether you’re a budding botanist, art lover or just looking for a fun family day out, this exhibition is one to see.
Landsborough Museum is a stroll from the train station and a great way to take advantage of 50-cent train fares.
The museum is free to enter. It is open Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am-3pm.
● Flexible owner payments, and same day statements
● Strict property application processes with thorough tenant checks
● Limited number of managed properties to ensure top quality service
FOR THE DIARY: November
HERE are some dates to keep in mind this month.
• November 1-15 Movember to raise awareness of men’s health issues
• November 1 World Vegan Day
• November 4 Melbourne Cup Day
• November 9 The Gymnastics Queensland Masters Games at Maroochy Beach Gymnastics Club, Buderim
• November 10 World Science Day for Peace and Development
• November 11 Remembrance Day
• November 13 World Kindness Day
• November 14 World Diabetes Day
• November 15 Australian Food Safety Week to encourage food safety and nutritional education
• November 16 International Day for Tolerance; World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
• November 19 International Men’s Day; World Toilet Day
• November 20 No Smoking Day
• November 21 World Television Day; International Stand Up To Bullying Day.
SALMON & DILL CHEESEBALL
Serves 8
THE Melbourne Cup always seems to herald that end-of-year parties have begun. So if you need to ‘bring a plate’ to your next gathering or festive function, why not try this ever-popular Salmon & Dill
Cheeseball? It just might be the star of the show.
Ingredients:
• 250g cream cheese
• 220g can pink salmon, drained
• ½ red onion, finely diced
• 10g fresh dill
Method:
In a bowl, place cream cheese, drained salmon, diced onion and a quarter of the dill. Season, then mix well to combine.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
With damp hands, roll the mixture into a ball. Then, completely coat in freshly diced dill.
Serve with your favourite crackers and vegie sticks.
Optional: Add a tablespoon of chopped capers.
This recipe is from 4 Ingredients More Diabetes, on sale now for $24.99. Visit 4ingredients.com.au/products/4-ingredients-morediabetes
CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
THE festive season is just around the corner, and Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) is set to shine with a wonderful line-up of Christmas musical entertainment to bring joy to your December.
A Merry Motown Christmas – Feel the soul, the groove and the joy of Motown with Brisbane’s sensational The 8-Tracks, performing holiday favourites with a smooth Motown twist on Friday, December 19.
Christmas Actually – Relive the music and magic of Love Actually live on stage in this heartwarming, laugh-out-loud celebration of love and the festive season. This cracker of a show is the ultimate silly season starter on Saturday, December 20.
The 7 Sopranos – Experience seven glorious voices bringing Christmas to life
with elegance, style and beloved carols that will lift your spirits, including Silent Night, It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year, Let It Snow and many more on Sunday, December 21.
There’s even more to enjoy, with community events adding to the festive cheer.
Browse for gifts and support a great local cause at the Mater Private Hospital Redland Auxiliary Christmas Markets on Saturday, December 13, or experience the majesty of Handel’s Messiah performed by the Redland City Choir, under esteemed conductor Jacob Cavanough, with two stirring performances.
This is just the start of the RPAC festive program.
More shows and events will be added in the lead-up to Christmas.
Visit rpac.com.au or call the RPAC Box Office on 3829 8131.
THE 7 SOPRANOS IMAGE: JOEL DEVEREUX
SCULPTURE ON THE EDGE
STEP into the ‘creative feast’ that is Sculpture on the Edge.
Now in its 16th year, this popular annual exhibition, organised by Arts Connect Inc, invites visitors to enjoy sculpture in a refreshingly different way beyond the walls of a traditional gallery.
Sculpture on the Edge coordinator Deb Weaver says this year’s event features 162 works created by 95 artists who have been selected as finalists.
It showcases a rich mix of talent from emerging creatives to wellestablished sculptors.
“The line-up is always fresh and evolving, keeping visitors coming back year after year. Expect to see a wide variety of styles and materials, including metal, stone, wood, recycled objects and more, with all works available for purchase,” she says.
Visitors can also take part in the People’s Choice Award by voting for their favourite piece. Every vote goes into the draw to win a two-night stay at Love Stone Cottages in Montville, making your visit even more rewarding.
QUEENSLAND Symphony Orchestra
(QSO) has unveiled its 2026 season under the banner of: ‘Feel Every Note’.
The concerts and recitals aim to satisfy every musical taste, from sublime symphonies to film scores and family favourites.
QSO chief executive Michael Sterzinger says the season reflects the company’s vision of being an orchestra for all of Queensland.
“Some people only come to see a Mahler symphony, other audiences come to hear their favourite film soundtracks live and others bring their grandchildren to our Christmas show – and that’s wonderful,” he says.
“Every audience and every concert matters and our 2026 season builds bridges between them all.”
The 2026 program is designed to showcase the orchestra’s own talented musicians with soloist opportunities that
Immerse yourself in the outdoor gardens, explore the indoor gallery spaces and enjoy breakfast, morning tea or lunch from the restaurant. Wander through the exhibition at your own pace, view artist demonstrations and join a guided tour to hear the stories and inspiration behind the artworks. WHERE: Flaxton Gardens, 313-327 Flaxton Drive, Flaxton.
WHEN: Saturday, November 28, to Sunday, December 7, 8am to 3pm daily.
TICKETS: Adults $15, concessions $7.50 and free entry for under-18s, via sculptureontheedge.com.au
spotlight homegrown talent, as well as bringing some of the world’s best to Brisbane.
Among the 10-concert Maestro Series are three thrilling and unusual concertos: a virtuosic trombone concerto; a wildly theatrical percussion concerto performed on dozens of instruments; and a classical accordion concerto rarely heard in the QPAC Concert Hall.
QSO will also expand its hugely popular film concert series with inspiring performances, including live scoring of family favourite How to Train Your Dragon, an ode to gamers with The Music of Video Games, the anticipated annual
cinematic concert – dedicated to The Wonder of Animation, and a tribute to musical legend John Williams.
Built on nostalgia, these concerts are ideal for younger audiences and newcomers to orchestral music.
Other 2026 highlights include symphonies by Beethoven, Mahler, Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn and Strauss, alongside the return of QSO’s impressive regional, community and education programs aimed at taking the orchestra statewide.
Tickets for the 2026 season go on sale this month. For more in formation, visit qso.com.au
on the ship’s open bow, lunching by the floor-to-ceiling windows on the Lido Deck or lounging with a warming Knotty Irishman (Baileys Irish Cream, Frangelico, Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey, coffee, cream and nutmeg) in The Crow’s Nest with its commanding view under the bridge. Much of the day’s scenic cruising is spent rugged up on the wet and breezy bow, playing the same game Greenlanders find amusing: what does that iceberg shape look like? ‘Lions’, ‘seals’, ‘whales’, ‘grandma’s handbag’, ‘human foot and ankle’ – you name it, we imagine it in the icy shapes, with some as big as a Noosa mansion.
Iceberg ahead! Navigating a path less travelled in the North Atlantic
Beach babe SHIRLEY SINCLAIR braves the cold of an Arctic summer to get up close and personal with some icy behemoths.
Captain Rens van Eerten’s distinctive voice comes over the speaker in the stateroom, excitedly telling us that orcas have been sighted off starboard. Instinctively, we know we will be too late to see them by the time we dress, head up two floors and make our way across the ship to the open deck.
This 7am ‘wake-up call’, however, is enough to turn us into inquisitive meercats – springing into an upright position and peeling back the curtains of our oceanview window to be rewarded with an equally gobsmacking sight: icebergs of titanic proportions. Our Holland America Line ship Volendam has entered Greenland’s Prince Christian Sound.
These icebergs that greet us like butlers
at the entrance to a grand restaurant are just the beginning of a smorgasbord of Arctic experiences over the next eight hours. Mother Nature is our host as we dine out on mesmerising glaciers tinged with turquoise, partly frozen waterfalls, bergy bits (icebergs the size of a cottage), growlers (icebergs as big as a family-sized SUV or grand piano) and coal-coloured mountains with jagged peaks you can almost reach out and touch. In our experience, only Alaska’s Glacier Bay has come close for sheer ‘wow’ factor. But this is next level ‘whoa’.
The ship’s bridge team masterly manoeuvres the Volendam on 360-degree turns and into a fjord for all to experience the grandeur from every angle. And we are captivated – whether jockeying for position
TUESDAY 10 MARCH TO TUESDAY 17 MARCH, 2026 Be
But seeing this alien landscape on our 25-night bucket-list cruise to Canada, New England, Iceland and Greenland also brings the climate change issue to the surface. After all, we hope our children and grandchildren will be privileged to see this one day, too. Rising sea levels and coastal erosion are expected to have enormous impacts on Greenland’s 55,000-strong population and especially the Indigenous Inuit people.
Greenland is basically an ice sheet that is about 3.2km thick. Tremendous ice loss has occurred in the past decade. Higher temperatures due to climate change, and the extreme possibility of this sheet beginning to melt, will change the Inuit way of life forever – from shifting animal populations affecting hunting patterns, to loss or damage to homes and infrastructure, and even the need to relocate. The sight of the sole Inuit village in Prince Christian Sound – with boiled lolly-coloured houses at the foot of a soaring mountain range –brings home the effect relocation would have on the 100 villagers and the only way of life families have known for generations.
Tune in to just about any YouTube video on Greenland to see why this unique, resources-rich, autonomous territory of Denmark is so important to the world (and why US President Donald Trump wants to gain control over it).
But back to those icebergs. In the Northern Hemisphere, an iceberg is born 10,000-15,000 years after snow falls at the
ice cap. The snow accumulates and compresses into layers of dense ice over centuries. The ice cap ‘feeds’ the series of glaciers around its edges, with the slowmoving ice ‘river’ gradually sweeping up rock debris and slipping down through a valley to the sea.
Pressure from the weight of the ice above combines with rising and falling tides and wave action, plus warm temperatures in the summer, to create an explosive event called calving. About 40,000 medium-to-large icebergs break off the Greenland glaciers annually. Wind and currents move these large masses of freshwater ice fairly slowly: about 0.7kmh.
NASA (climate.nasa.gov/news/723/ breaking-the-ice-on-icebergs/) says Greenland icebergs are carried along the Labrador Current southward, down what is known as ‘Iceberg Alley’, which passes around Newfoundland and into the Grand Banks area of southeastern Canada and New England (which is where the Titanic met its demise).
Our next port of call, Nanortalik (translating to ‘place of the polar bears’) –Greenland’s southernmost town on an island of the same name – takes us closer than we ever thought imaginable to these ‘bergs. As luck would have it, our Rigid Inflatable Boat shore excursion to get up among the icebergs turns into a ‘private tour’ all to ourselves on an open boat.
Andre, our skipper from Arctic Cruises, guides us at lightning speed to a huge ‘granddaddy’ iceberg first.
Icebergs generally live three to six years but can be much older if they are in colder waters. They may get stuck locally on the ocean bottom or find themselves anchored by surrounding sea ice. But once they head
Among the icebergs in Nanortalik, Greenland
Up close with a glacier in Greenland
further south into warmer waters, they rarely last more than a year. While Andre, born and bred in Nanortalik, can’t remember how long this particular iceberg has been ‘visiting’, he thinks 10 years wouldn’t be stretching the truth.
He ensures we keep our distance, pointing out the dark lines showing weathered faults in the iceberg that can break off and crash down at any time. It is true that only 10 per cent of an iceberg is above the waterline. Andre believes that this ‘granddaddy’ is resting on the sea floor and, with 90 per cent below water, is about 70m high (taller than the Sydney Opera House).
In under a minute, we are approaching a much smaller growler. We are so close, I can run my outstretched hand along the top ridge. Andre picks up a tiny piece of iceberg, made of the purest freshwater, that he says will be great in a wee whisky!
A later port of call, St Anthony’s in Canada’s remote Newfoundland and Labrador Province, is another important dot on the map in the lifecycle of an iceberg. It is where icebergs go to die.
About 90 per cent of icebergs that reach this rugged coastline begin their journey a year earlier down Iceberg Alley. They usually find themselves trapped in one of the many bays, coves and bights along the way, where they run aground and melt (only about 400-800 a year make it as far south as St John’s, 470km to the southeast
Tuesday 10th February
as the crow flies). Also in St Anthony’s, hikers can take on the 0.4km Iceberg Alley Trail from Fishing Point Recreation Area (Day Park) and see these icebergs in the twilight of their years – especially in late spring and early summer.
As well as other hikes (Carter’s Trail, Whale Watchers Trail and the Santana Trail), the more adventurous can take on the Daredevil Trail, where the only way is up, up, up: 476 steps and a 550ft (168m) elevation to the top of Fishing Point Head for an even better view of those majestic icebergs, frolicking whales in the harbour, circling sea birds and the town far below.
Even with no ’bergs in sight, that’s enough to make any heart melt. A bird’s-eye view from the bow
•
MONTVILLE AND YANDINA GINGER FACTORY
Includes Morning Tea but Lunch is at own expense.
Thursday 12th March
MOOLOOLABA CANAL CRUISE
Free Time & return via Scenic drive of Caloundra.
Includes Morning Tea but Lunch is at own expense.
Tuesday 21st April
GALLERY WALK & CEDAR CREEK WINERY MT TAMBORINE
Morning Tea at own expense but Lunch is Included
& SCENIC
Morning tea and Lunch included.
Tuesday 16th June
CROWS· NEST & COBB & CO MUSEUM TOOWOOMBA SCENIC DRIVE VIA ESK & PERSEVERANCE DAM
Includes Morning Tea & Lunch
For convenience, we offer a variety of pick-up locations primarily on the northside of Brisbane, specifically the Redcliffe and Sandgate areas.
We also serve Taigum and Aspley Hypermarket Shopping Centres, making it easier for our passengers to access our services.
Additionally, we provide pick-ups at the Eternal Flame in Ann Street, City, and, on tours heading south, we include Palmdale Shopping Centre for added convenience.
Dates and itineraries are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances that are out of our control.
Creating Hunter wines with heart
SHIRLEY SINCLAIR’s imagination soars as she indulges the senses in Australia’s oldest wine-producing area.
Ihave to rub my eyes to make sure I am awake and not seeing things. It starts with two. Then two become four and four turn to six.
It is like an alien invasion, albeit a peaceful one.
And they aren’t going anywhere but up. At least not at first.
The vibrantly-coloured hot air balloons rise above the treetops beyond our humble back patio and neighbouring cow paddock from 6.30am.
They remain gently suspended in the air – no doubt to give passengers their
money’s worth of the majestic Hunter Valley panorama.
I feel a sudden pang of jealousy: the only time I have ever contemplated a balloon ride was in ‘the Hunter’ more than a decade ago, but a 4.30am operator cancellation call (due to unfavourable high winds) burst my bubble.
Now, here I am, returning the waves of those lucky souls in the long, rectangular baskets as they pass to our left and right, with the unmistakable ‘whoosh’ of the intermittent burners sounding like the static of the old black
and white TVs. It’s certainly a pleasant morning after the night before in Pokolbin, where I may have taken the ‘eat, drink and be merry’ idiom a little too far.
But there’s a lot to be said for staying ‘on site’ at a vineyard. Indulging in a late-afternoon wine tasting and partaking of more alcoholic beverages over a twilight dinner is that much sweeter when your pillow is only a short stroll away.
I booked Harkham Lodge for this very reason, knowing that Harkham Wines’ cellar door and wine bar with food menu were right at our doorstep.
I soon discover there is plenty to learn about this special family-owned and operated winery.
Founder and chief winemaker Richie Harkham has turned modern winemaking trends on their head since putting his name to the brand in 2005.
All the high-quality drops are preservative-free and only 5000 bottles of each style are produced every year, sold through cellar door and online sales only.
All the fruit (20-25 tonnes per year) is farmed sustainably, handpicked and wild fermented with minimal intervention – with no fining or filtration.
By creating wine in this more traditional style with minimal intrusion in production, the team lets
the fruit and the terroir do the talking.
“Harkham has focused on making wines that are honest to their origins and whose personalities roam free,” a note in the lodge compendium says.
“Wine to us is a living thing, a snapshot of a particular vineyard which has produced fruit in a particular year from the nutrients in the soil, from the sun, the rain, the entire living environment in which those grapes were grown – not a manufactured product but a product of nature, a thing of beauty with a unique personality that should be embraced and never censored.”
So, it’s no surprise that the Harkham Wines team T-shirts have the slogan: “In grapes we trust”.
Richie found his passion for winemaking at a young age, inspired by his grandmother Aziza’s lifelong hobby.
FEBRUARY 2026
Brisbane Tattoo (3 Days)
MARCH 2026
Norfolk Island (8 Days)
Noumea (8 Days)
APRIL 2026
Easter in Port Stephens (8 Days)
Alpine High Country to the Murray Delta (11 Days)
MAY 2026
Murray Princess & Kangaroo Island (11 Days)
O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days)
Wallaroo Outback Retreat (7 Days)
JUNE 2026
Darling River Run (15 Days)
Red Centre & Top End (18 Days)
JULY 2026
Lightning Ridge (7 Days)
Broome to Darwin (12 Days)
AUGUST 2026
Murray Princess & Kangaroo Island (11 Days)
North Queensland Savannah (11 Days)
Tropical North Queensland (12 Days)
SEPTEMBER 2026
OCTOBER 2026
DECEMBER 2026
(4
(13
(11
(4Days)
(11
IMAGES: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
The grounds at Harkham Wines
was chardonnay, although she also made cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, and enjoyed experimenting – even making some wine in clay pots like the ancient Georgian winemakers.
Aziza, whose name appears on all the Harkham flagship wines, “only made wine for fun”, he says.
Richie points us in the direction of a photo of himself as a teen with Aziza (right), drinking chardonnay from her favourite circular champagne glasses “to let the wine breathe”. Israeli-born, she moved to Australia for a better life in 1967.
Richie tells me her favourite wine
FARE INCLUDES:
• MCG Tour
• Bendigo Vintage Talking Tram
Aziza’s legacy is in every drop of her namesake wine, which Richie says comes from an older vineyard and is “classic Hunter Valley”, producing wines with more spice and less fruitiness.
The 2023 Aziza Semillon “swimming through time”, the 2023 Aziza Chardonnay “with all the trimmings” and the 2022 Aziza Shiraz “meat on the bones” (my pick) are part of this particular eight-strong tasting that also boasts an Indulgence chocolate liqueur.
But somewhat surprisingly, the ‘entry-level’ Hark Angel Shiraz – with its distinctive gold-winged label – is what steals the conversation limelight, more for what it is creating on a global scale than necessarily how it is created locally.
• Ballarat Botanic Gardens Bergonia Display
• International Flower & Garden Show
• Melbourne City Free Time
• Puffing Billy Train
• Crown Entertainment Centre
• Port of Echuca
• Canberra Tour, Newcastle
Pickup and Return: Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island, Caboolture.
A portion of proceeds of sales of the drop are donated to the Hark Angel Foundation annually to build schools in some of the world’s most vulnerable areas, such as Cambodia.
Hark Angel Foundation has already built a dozen educational facilities overseas as a direct result of sales.
“Each year we make Hark Angel the wine, we donate $10,000 to Hark Angel Foundation,” Richie says.
“A school in Cambodia costs $AUD85,000.”
Richie started this end-to-end charity to ensure funds went directly to the builder, bypassing any bureaucratic red tape or possible political corruption.
This is now Richie and Harkham’s legacy. Grandma would be proud.
Hunter Valley Wine Country – part of the Lower Hunter Region – has more than 2600ha under vine and in excess of 150 cellar doors. It takes in the areas of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Mount View, Broke, Wollombi and Cessnock and can be reached in about a two-hour drive north-west of Sydney’s CBD or an hour’s drive west of Newcastle-Port Stephens Airport.
Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas fly between Brisbane and Newcastle-Port Stephens Airport daily. The flying time is about an hour and 15 minutes.
PLAY – Harkham Wines is at 266 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin, in NSW’s Hunter Valley. Visit harkham.com.au
STAY – Harkham House is a fourbedroom, 2.5-bathroom duplex accommodation in a contemporary, yet country style. Harkham Lodge offers six individual rooms.
Visit harkham.com.au/harkhamproperties to book.
EAT – Harkham’s Wine Bar with food (pictured above left) and drinks menus is open Thursdays noon to 4pm, Fridays 11am to 10pm, Saturdays 11am-10pm, and Sundays 11am to 10pm.
ADELAIDE EXPLORER
FARE INCLUDES:
• Great Ocean Road
• Kangaroo Island
• Barossa Valley - Maggie Beer Farm Shop
• Winery Tour
• Hahndorf Historic German Village
• Mt Lofty, Adelaide City, Central Markets
• Haigh’s Chocolate Factory Visitor Centre
• Glenelg, Victor Harbour
• Port of Echuca
• Mt Gambier, Mildura, Griffith
Pickup and Return: Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island, Caboolture.
$5,250 Per Persontwin share (inc. GST)
Richie Harkham
THE UNQUIET GRAVE
By Dervla McTiernan
Murder mystery
Reviewed by Jan
Kent
HUNTING for my usual fix of crime novels, I couldn’t go past another of Dervla McTiernan’s, featuring the much-loved detective Cormac Reilly in his fourth appearance.
As in previous tales, Cormac rides the gamut of relationship issues, troubles with colleagues and his self-imposed battles with trying to do things by the book.
When a body is discovered in a bog, with all the elements of an ancient ritual killing, Reilly and his sidekick follow the path of suspecting three former students of the murder of this much-disliked local headmaster.
How cleverly plots are interwoven to lead the reader in different directions and doubting their own judgments – a computer genius missing in France, a plot to hack into the Lottery to fake a windfall, and two bodies discovered in copy-cat ritual style.
As the issues in the personal lives of the two detectives, Cormac and Peter, conflict at times with their professional duties, the reader is drawn to realise the humanity of our often-maligned crimebusters.
The complexity of these plots moves the story along with a juxtaposition of pace, yet reflection, which makes this a compelling book right to the end.
Bring on Cormac Reilly’s book five, please.
WHAT WE CAN KNOW
A DEATH IN CORNWALL
By Daniel Silva Murder mystery Reviewed by John Kleinschmidt
THIS book is the 24th in the Gabriel Allon series by Daniel Silva and starts with the murder of an art history professor.
Dr Charlotte Blake was trying to find and return to the rightful owners a very valuable painting by Picasso that was looted from a Jewish family during World War II.
Allon, a retired legendary Israeli spy and highly regarded art restorer, is recruited by a friend and Cornwall detective to investigate the murder.
He calls on very talented acquaintances, including underground criminals known from his earlier life, to find the missing Picasso.
In the process of solving the mystery, a number of people are killed to prevent the Picasso being found, and elaborate schemes to launder vast sums of money are exposed.
This novel has entertaining characters and is an engaging read for those who enjoy murder mysteries.
By Ian McEwan, Dystopian fiction
Reviewed by Annie Grossman, of Annie’s Books on Peregian
IAN McEwan is, in my opinion, one of the world’s greatest contemporary literary authors.
His novels are brave and accomplished in their content, and all are surprising and brilliant.
What We Can Know is set in the year 2119, in a flooded world where the United Kingdom is an archipelago of islands and climate change has wreaked havoc. Our protagonist Tom Metcalf, a scholar of literature, is obsessed with the early 21st century and the freedoms and opportunities available during those ‘historic
times’. He is also obsessed with a poem written by an enigmatic poet in 2014. It was recited only once at a small dinner party, after which the poem was either hidden or destroyed.
Tom trawls through the historic record of the poet, his friends and his life in a massive effort to uncover this poem. But, as Tom discovers, sometimes a mystery should remain just that.
This is highly recommended.
LYREBIRD MOUNTAIN
By Julie Lake, Historical romance/mystery
LYREBIRD Mountain is a family saga set in Southeast Queensland from 1898 to today.
The setting is typical of our coastal uplands with their red soils, green pastures and dark, misty, mysterious rainforests.
The story’s main character Anna goes to the mountain as a child with her German immigrant parents and becomes enchanted by its wild creatures and ancient secrets. There, she meets Jack: a dark and troubled artist, but their passionate love affair is interrupted by war. Anna, pregnant and believing herself abandoned, marries a farmer.
The marriage is unhappy but Anna is blessed with determination and great talent and she turns this into a career that brings her international fame. She shares her life with many of the artists and naturalists who formed Australia’s intellectual elite in the early 20th century. Then Jack returns.
Anna’s story is told by her granddaughter, Laura, through diaries, letters, newspaper clippings and old photographs. With the help of her own troubled and nihilistic granddaughter Sunny, she reconstructs the life of a remarkable woman in all its tragedy and triumph – and in so doing, encounters a dark mystery.
The novel is by former Sunshine Coast journalist Julie Lake, who wrote her first book when she was eight and has never stopped writing since. Now an octogenarian, Lake lives on her own ‘Lyrebird Mountain’: Mount Tamborine.
You can read all about this book, and meet the characters, on her website, lyrebirdmountain.com, as well as on Amazon where it is for sale in print, ebook and audiobook formats. Also available from Under The Greenwood Tree Bookshop, North Tamborine.
SEED
By Bri Lee, Thriller
Reviewed by Karen Weiber, of Books@Stones, Stones Corner
MITCHELL is a brilliant biologist, committed to the environment and the growing global antinatalist movement.
For one month each year, he lives with his colleague Frances in a utopia of radical equality and scientific dedication in Antarctica. They are concluding the Anarctos Project: a seed vault in an isolated, secret location. It is a biodiversity insurance policy against humanity’s devastating effects on the rapidly warming planet.
But when their helicopter doesn’t pick
Security, Independence & Peace of Mind
Providing
them up and strange things begin to happen, their faith in science is suddenly not enough. Mitchell has been keeping big secrets – from Frances and himself.
The ice haunts him with memories of a devastating betrayal and questions of legacy and fairness crowd his mind.
This is Bri Lee’s second novel and she is one of Australia’s stellar young authors.
The plot-driven novel has you right in the thick of the snow-covered and freezing landscape and had me hooked to the last page.
With Quizmaster Garry Reynolds
1. What is the closest capital to Broken Hill?
2. Who composed Swan Lake?
3. What was Beijing known as prior to 1949?
4. What are the three colours of the Aboriginal flag?
5. What breed of dog is used as a piece in Monopoly?
6. What instrument is used to measure radioactivity?
7. What is the name of the original supercontinent?
8. Who was the director of Crocodile Dundee?
9. Who was the compere of Australian TV’s Bandstand?
10. Which was the first country to give women the vote?
11. What is the term for deliberately sinking your seagoing vessel?
12. What did the letters for American President LBJ stand for?
13. What instrument measures the sky’s blueness?
14. What was the name of the band Paul Keating managed?
15. Which actor married Kylie Minogue in TV series Neighbours?
16. What is a fortunate confluence of circumstances called?
17. What is the name of tropical grassland?
18. Which Australian capital was called Batmania?
19. What is a fermented drink made from mare’s milk?
