Your Time Magazine Brisbane - September2025

The stuff of fairy tales

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The elderly deserve to live out the rest of their lives in peace. Their sheer longevity – with the accompanying trials and tribulations they’ve endured over the years, the hard slog of working life, the day-to-day routine of bringing up families, the financial hardships, the weight of tough decisions – gives them that right.

But no matter how easy or difficult their journeys, they certainly don’t need to be confronted with emotional, psychological, financial or physical abuse in any of its forms. They do not need to be gaslighted – made to feel confused, to doubt their memories and to lose confidence in their thoughts.

They do not need to have their grandchildren used as weapons in warfare – unable to have contact with them if their adult children’s demands are not met. They do not need to hand over their savings, earned over decades to secure a comfortable retirement – blackmailed and guilted into ‘loans’ that will never be paid back and forking out for other people’s bills.

And they certainly do not need to be punched, pushed or have a hand raised to them in violent threats.

But that is the reality that a reported almost 15 per cent of older Australians face.

Many of us may have witnessed such abuse, but may not have recognised it. That’s because patterns of behaviour have a way of ‘normalising’ themselves.

Family members go along with ‘the joke’ that dad/granddad’s losing his marbles.

Youngsters may not understand why their grandparents endure the badgering to hand over money from their pension: “Jane only needs $100 – why won’t you give it to her?” Teens may be embarrassed that neighbours call the police over the loud arguments and bruises: “Didn’t Nan goad Johnny into hitting her?”

This month, writer Carrol Baker peels back the layers of life in the suburbs to find some disturbing statistics and stories. The stories are true but the names have been changed to protect identities. If you are a victim of elder abuse, or believe you know someone who is, support is available. Turn to page 4 for this important article.

On a lighter note, travel writer Caroline Gladstone heads to a scenic part of the world few Aussies consider as a cruising option, and we have all the usual columnists and experts offering their advice on life, health, history, retirement, finances and technology. Enjoy the read!

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Seniors living in fear of those closest to them

CARROL BAKER pulls back the veil of silence on elder abuse that reportedly affects almost 15 per cent of Australians – a scourge on our community.

Sixty-four-year-old Kirsty* has experienced violent threats from her son, who moved into her home and never left.

“I slept a number of nights in my car instead of going home. I was too frightened,” she says.

After a year, Kirsty left, and her son and his wife live there free of charge.

Kirsty’s son threatened her life if she didn’t sign the property over to him.

“One day, he walked up behind my car with a jerry can in his hand. I was watching him in the rear-view mirror,” she says.

Her son placed the jerry can on the ground, smirked and lit a cigarette.

“He saw me in the mirror and had the most evil smile on his face. I know what he wanted me to think.”

The National Ageing Research Institute states that 14.8 per cent of

Australians are experiencing elder abuse.

It’s a number that beggars belief.

The abuse could be physical, financial, psychological, sexual or emotional abuse and also covers neglect.

The abuse usually occurs behind closed doors, in the family home, and it’s often perpetrated by family members or someone close such as a friend or carer.

Dr Rachel Carson, executive manager, family law and family violence elder

abuse team at the Australian Institute of Family Studies, says men are more likely to experience physical abuse; with women, it’s neglect or sexual abuse.

“The highest prevalence of abuse is in the 65-69 age group, with most cases of neglect in the 80+ age bracket,” she says.

Tragically, elder abuse has reached tsunami proportions, leaving in its wake a sea of elderly Aussies drowning in fear and despair.

Of the 7000 elderly participants in the National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study, 2 per cent of participants had been the victim of physical abuse.

About 47 per cent were grabbed, pushed or shoved, and 22 per cent were kicked, hit or punched.

The common prelude for many types of abuse seems to be financial, and those who refuse to give in sometimes pay a hefty price.

Dianne*, 75, is an alienated grandparent. She’s never met her grandkids because she wouldn’t cough up the cash for a new dishwasher for her daughter-in-law.

“We have cycled in and out of estrangement for around eight years, mostly due to money: she wants it and I won’t give it to her,” Dianne says.

“I’m certain that if I gave it to her, all would be forgiven, but where would it end? I refuse to be manipulated and withholding me from meeting my grandkids is my punishment for me not complying.”

So why is elder abuse becoming so commonplace?

National Ageing Research Institute Senior Research Fellow Dr Marina Cavuoto says ageism has a huge part to play.

“It’s not a form of elderly abuse, but it can be a driver of it,” she says.

Some argue that the next generation

is keen to get their hands on their inheritance. It’s called the inheritance impatience phenomenon.

Others are begrudgingly taking on the role of carer for their parents.

The biggest cohort of abusers, making up 18 per cent, are sons and daughters, followed by daughters-in-law and sons-in-law at 7 per cent, with friends, neighbours, spouses, siblings and service providers making up the rest.

Older generations wiped our noses, kissed our bloody knees, nursed our broken hearts at lost first loves, and laughed with delight when we took those initial wobbly steps.

Taking care of them, when they need us most, is a privilege. But not everyone sees it that way.

A fair chunk of perpetrators is also fighting their own demons.

Some are struggling with financial worries, drug and alcohol

“I’ve seen contacts removed from an elderly person’s phone. It’s a way to control them”

dependency, or mental health issues.

In some cases, abusers gaslight the elderly.

Take 90-year-old Peter’s* son Andrew, for example. He was in financial difficulty and wanted to ensure he received his inheritance.

He began a deliberate campaign to convince his father he was ‘losing his marbles’. Andrew insisted on taking Peter to medical appointments where he convinced his father’s GP that Peter had

dementia. He doesn’t, but Peter was put on medication.

Peter fought tooth and nail to have his son removed as guardian and administrator. He eventually won.

The real numbers of victims are skewed. It’s grossly under-reported.

Sometimes the elderly are unaware that it is abuse or feel they’re the cause.

Many seniors feel shame or fear retaliation if they do seek help, as they live under the same roof as the perpetrator.

Nancy* is 91. She’s frail and in poor health.

Two years ago, Nancy’s son moved in with her, along with his partner and two adult children.

Neighbours reported to police that Nancy was being subjected to verbal, financial, emotional and physical abuse by her son and grandchildren.

Police were unable to lay charges as Nancy refused to provide statements to the police.

Dr Helen Wallace, from Caxton Community Legal Centre, says if someone you know is a victim, listen without judgment.

“Don’t tell them what they should have done to prevent a problem,” she says.

Older people have a right to feel safe within their own home, to know their financial status, and their medications.

Dr Wallace says they should be able to have private conversations with their GP, without an overly helpful relative.

“They also have the right to live peacefully, to see friends and join clubs without someone else controlling who they contact,” she says.

“I’ve seen contacts removed from an elderly person’s phone. It’s a way to control them.”

In an age where texting and Facebook messages can replace a cheery hello over

the back fence, it’s important to build a sense of connectivity and community.

Dr Wallace says getting to know your neighbours is a way to start.

“In your street, be that friendly neighbour who reaches out to the elderly, and if you think something is wrong, let them know help is available,” she says.

* Names changed or only first names given to protect their identity.

If you are an older person who is experiencing abuse, or are concerned about a friend, neighbour or relative you think might be the victim of abuse, help is available.

If in immediate danger, call 000. For further information and for independent advice, contact:

• Elder Abuse Queensland on 1300 651 192

• Lifeline on 13 11 14

• National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

FANS of the hugely popular historical drama Outlander, starring Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe, have been tuning in to Stan each Saturday for the next episode in the much-anticipated prequel: Blood of My Blood. The spin-off series offers two new epic love stories, focusing on the lives and courtship of the parents of Jamie Fraser: Brian Fraser and Ellen Mackenzie, as well as Claire Beauchamp’s parents, Henry Beauchamp and Julia Moriston. The casting is spot on. And as an added bit of trivia, the boys who play the young versions of Rupert and Angus are in real life the sons of the men who played them on Outlander FAULTY Towers The Dining Experience recreates the laugh-outloud silliness of the much-loved British comedy. It offers fans a chance to dine out on its legacy of improvisation with a side of chaos. Fully immersive, highly interactive and completely original, this is the show where anything can and usually does happen as Basil, Manuel and Sybil take charge and bring a healthy dose of mayhem to your dining experience. Expect two hours of comedy, a 1970s-inspired, three-course meal and an unforgettable night out on Thursday, October 16, from 6.30pm at the Caloundra Power Boat Club. Tickets are $95 per person. Book on 5492 1444 or email reception@ caloundrapowerboat.com.au

AFTERGLOW has its world premiere this week at the City Botanic Gardens as part of Brisbane Festival. Follow the flame and be captivated by a glowing, multisensory dreamscape of dancing shadows, candlelit installations and fire sculptures. Expect to be warmed by glowing embers, intrigued by light bending and bouncing through the tree canopy, dazzled by shimmering illusions and captivated by the pulse and rhythm of flickering flames. Live performances and a carefully curated ambient soundtrack spark wonder and awe as visitors young and old journey with purpose along a 1.4km trail brought to life by worldrenowned fire artists and local creative talents. The trail opens to the public on Friday, September 5, and continues until Saturday, September 27. To join the magic, visit brisbanefestival.com.au/events/afterglow

Back in the day…

“IT’S astounding, time is fleeting, madness takes its toll” … Even before these words are spoken by creator Richard O’Brien, the guitar riff intro of Time Warp gives the game away in any music trivia contest. The hit song is from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which premiered in cinemas 50 years ago in 1975. At first, O’Brien’s strange musical confused critics and garnered low box office numbers. But everything changed a year later when cinemas started offering midnight screenings of the bizarre movie with transvestite aliens, cannibalism and a bevy of high-energy dance numbers such as Dammit Janet and Meatloaf’s Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul. The film also took on a cult status in Australia at venues such as Brisbane’s Valley Twin Cinemas. Fans began dressing up as characters from the movie, including Tim Curry’s Frank-N-Furter and the tap-dancing Columbia, shouting the dialogue back at the screen, doing the Time Warp in the aisles and recreating the madcap scenes in their seats. Relive Brad and Janet’s weird adventure on Disney+ and Apple TV.

THE Rock Orchestra By Candelight is a 90-minute spectacle, hitting QPAC’s Concert Hall on February 12 at 9pm. This band of 13 classical musicians will unleash a fusion of classical music and metal from bands including Metallica, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith and The Cranberries. Visit qpac.com.au

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

PHONE GERM WARFARE

DAYS out from a surgical procedure, I developed a heavy cough.

After clearing a precautionary Covid test, I zealously washed my hands throughout the day and took the extra step of wiping down touchpoints around the house with sanitiser.

Satisfied I had finished, I realised that I had overlooked one of the most common touchpoints: my mobile phone.

The experts confirm that our phones are covered in germs.

When scientists swab them, they invariably find hundreds of species of microorganisms and viruses.

What had started as a simple hygiene expedition around the house turned into a deep dive into high-tech maintenance.

Meena Jha, from Central Queensland University, has addressed the challenge.

“Smartphones are coated with a thin film that helps resist fingerprints and smudges,” she says.

“Harsh chemicals such as alcohols, acetone or ammonia-based cleaners can

strip this coating away, making the screen more vulnerable to smudging and risking diminished touch responsiveness.”

Well, that pulled me up in a hurry.

Common household cleaners are also risky. Vinegar can corrode aluminium or plastic edges due to its high acidity.

Bleach and hydrogen peroxide are too aggressive for the delicate materials used in consumer electronics. High-alcohol content wipes may dry out plastics and make them brittle with repeated use.

Paper towels, tissues or rough cloths can leave scratches on the screen or shed lint that clogs openings.

As a last resort, this desperate DIY man read the instructions from the makers.

Most tech companies recommend using 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol wipes, gentle microfibre cloths and anti-static, soft-bristled brushes made of nylon, horse or goat hair to clean delicate areas such as speaker grills and charging ports.

For zealous phone-hygiene converts, they say giving it a proper wipe at least once a week under normal use makes sense but don’t get carried away like me.

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City in your pocket: a visitor’s guide to early Brisbane

CHRIS CURRIE takes a stroll around the State Library Queensland collections and puts himself in the picture as an early tourist.

Spring is the ideal time to visit Brisbane, but how do you know the best things to do, the best places to stay and what to expect?

The same question faced visitors to the River City as far back as the early 1900s.

Luckily, there was a guide to give them the answers.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Brisbane faced an enviable problem. More and more people were visiting the growing city, but were not always sure what to do when they got there.

Enter the Intelligence and Tourist Information Bureau.

Established in April 1907, the Bureau was tasked initially with assisting those visiting for the annual Exhibition (Ekka) with accommodation. By as early as August, however, it was being overrun with inquiries.

It had published a map of Brisbane and its suburbs, showing tram routes, along with a series of postcards promoting local landmarks. In 1910, the

bureau published the first edition of The Pocket Brisbane, a “ready reference guide with information on the capital of Queensland”, edited by poet and journalist George Essex Evans.

The guide was published every year until 1928. Every physical edition is held in State Library of Queensland collections, with the majority also digitised.

These publications offer a fascinating insight into how the

city saw and promoted itself.

“Across an amphitheatre of dark-blue hills,” reads the introduction to the first edition, “the river winds like a silver ribbon: the city clusters along its banks, and spreads over valley, undulation and ridge.”

Brisbane, the 1910 guide assures us, is called ‘The Villa City’, owing to the “beautiful river banks covered with handsome residences embowered by greenery”.

The first guide is a comprehensive source of information for potential visitors that includes traffic, accommodation, amusements and ideas for trips out of the city, including ‘Eleven Panoramas’ to enjoy.

Interestingly, suggested locations for a day’s outing are not that different from what is listed on Brisbane tourism websites today. White’s Hill, Mount Coot-tha, Enoggera Reservoir, Sandgate, Redcliffe and the “Southern Shores” of Moreton Bay are all suggested.

As the years progress, the guide’s foreword begins to highlight Brisbane’s position as a shipping hub and as “the marketplace for everything that is raised throughout the extraordinarily productive state of Queensland”.

Soon, the guide lists Brisbane’s population at more than a quarter-million, noting its physical and economic growth.

“Brisbane’s chief thoroughfare,” boasts The 1915

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Pocket Brisbane, “has assumed, with the higher and more massive range of its buildings, the impressive, weighty outlook of a metropolitan main street.”

The city was welcoming more motorists, who “upon entering Queensland by road, should report to the nearest Police Station after crossing the border”.

Brisbane’s climate – so often a calling card of modern-day tourism campaigns – was sold not with pictures of sun-bronzed revellers, but with the unlikelihood of dying while in the city.

“The salubrity of the climate of Brisbane,” states the final published guide, “is emphasised by the lowness of the death-rate and satisfactory condition of the birth-rate”. Sold!

Many of the guides – and other Intelligence and Tourist Information Bureau publications – are available to view through State Library of Queensland’s online catalogue and are, like Brisbane, well worth a visit.

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KNOW ACCESSIBILITY BEFORE YOU GO WITH APP

IF YOU have or know someone with accessibility requirements, you’ll know how disappointing it is to arrive at a venue that doesn’t suit your needs.

Sunshine Coast Council is using the Cerge app to provide a series of accessible tools for its museums: Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct in Glass House Mountains and Landsborough Museum.

Cerge helps visitors understand a venue’s accessibility ahead of time.

Using Cerge, you can take a 360-degree virtual tour of the venues before you arrive. The visual story allows you to read and see the different locations at the venue, while sensory guides

provide some of the sensory elements you may experience.

Audio guides are also available, describing the venue’s accessible features from arrival, entry, amenities and navigation.

You’ll find other council venues listed on Cerge, such as Caloundra Regional Gallery.

Download the app on Google Playstore or the App Store.

Visit heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov. au to learn more about cultural heritage sites, upcoming events, and how the council is making history more accessible for everyone.

Bankfoot House

How to share intimate moments

daily, even if you’re miles away

EDIN READ knows that a picture tells a thousand words, and new live photo frames that loved ones can fill will speak volumes.

Just picture yourself making a morning cuppa and looking across the room to see your grandkids smiling from yesterday’s beach outing.

Or maybe you’ll see a surprise shot of your daughter’s new puppy – muddy paws and all.

You don’t need to print the photo, unlock your phone or learn a new app. It simply appears on the screen.

That is the quiet delight of a live photo frame. It stays connected to your WiFi and gently refreshes itself with the latest photos your family members or friends send.

These frames sit comfortably on a shelf, countertop or bedside table and receive photos via an app, email or shared album.

The moment someone uploads a picture, it shows up automatically.

You can choose whether to let photos display right away or wait for your approval, and removing an image you don’t want to see again (maybe it’s blurry or just not your style) is as easy as a tap.

There are plenty of models to choose from in Australia, all offering great value.

BRAIN MATTERS

For example, the 10.1-inch Frameo WiFi model sells for $139 at Kmart or Target, making it a simple and affordable option to start with. Officeworks stocks a range of Frameo sizes, with a 7-inch frame for $129.95, 10.1-inch smart frames from $199.95, and up to 15.6-inch models as high as $399.

If you prefer something larger and a bit grander, Bunnings offers a 15.6-inch Frameo WiFi frame for $379. Harvey Norman also has a 21.5-inch Frameo WiFi frame for $549 that comes with three interchangeable borders – ideal for that extra drama in your living room!

No matter which model you choose, live photo frames bring your family into the room without any fuss. They keep you part of their everyday, no matter how far apart you are, while delighting visitors who will spot that next beautiful or mischievous moment and ask: “Who’s that?”

Choosing a frame comes down to your preferences and budget. The smaller Frameo models under $200 are cheerful and simple. Mid-range options between

One benefit that comes with age

KAILAS ROBERTS considers ‘the getting of wisdom’ as one of the more positive aspects of ageing most of us can look forward to.

In my line of work, it is all too easy to focus on the negative side of ageing.

And there are some inescapable truths – such as the inevitable decline in physical function and, of course, the certainty of death.

What is often missed, however, are the benefits of having many decades under your belt.

It is good, then, to consider the value of getting older. And that certainly exists.

One such example is the begetting of wisdom – something generally lacking in our younger and less experienced selves.

The quote: ‘Youth is wasted on the young’, generally attributed to the playwright George Bernard Shaw, captures this eloquently.

But what do we mean by ‘wisdom’?

Everyone has a rough definition in their head, I suppose, but it is interesting to explore it a little more precisely.

In psychological circles, it is considered a multidimensional construct, basically meaning that it has multiple elements.

The first is the ability to contextualise new information, to understand how it fits with your experiences to date.

This helps you appreciate what is important and what is not, and therefore to

$200 and $400 get you bigger screens or a bit more style.

Most of these frames do not charge ongoing fees for photo sharing, so your only cost is the one-off purchase.

These devices also leave you in control of privacy and peace of mind. Only people you invite can send pictures, and you can remove them at any time. If the Wi-Fi cuts out, the frame continues to rotate through the photos it already has stored.

Setting one up is much easier than you might expect. You plug it in where the WiFi is stable, use a simple on-screen guide to connect, then send invites to family members. They can send photos instantly.

For best display, set it where you naturally stand or pause, such as the kitchen bench. Keep it out of direct sunlight

to reduce glare, wipe the screen with a soft cloth occasionally, and if new photos don’t appear, check the connection or simply restart the frame.

Greyology can connect your new frame to Wi-Fi, adjust brightness so it suits your space, and show you how to approve or delete photos.

Live photo frames are more than technology. They bring warmth into your home, continuously bringing you closer to the moments that matter. And whenever you glance over and see that muddybooted soccer champ or a new baby smile, you’ll know every cent and minute spent setting it up was worth the joy it brings.

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

be able to prioritise decisions and tasks you need to undertake. This is why businesses do well when there is an experienced leader at the helm: they are able to understand what requires focus, meaning that extraneous and less relevant matters can be disregarded or deferred.

The second ingredient of wisdom is truly understanding what is in your control and being comfortable with what is not. This tolerance of uncertainty is not something that comes naturally to the young, who often feel they have agency over everything, and, if only everyone agreed with them, all problems would be solved!

Life is full of unpredictability –seemingly more so right now, with global geopolitical tension and climate change. Wisdom allows you to accept this more readily and to concentrate on what you can do.

Another quality inherent in wisdom is less intuitive – that of empathy. This can be split into cognitive and affective (emotional) components.

The longer you have lived, the more opportunities you will have had to encounter other people whose experiences and thoughts differ from your own.

Inculcation of these different perspectives serves to broaden your own views, or at least to understand that our own are not universally shared.

This is a critical part of cognitive empathy. Affective empathy, or the ability to feel what other people feel, is the product of having had similar experiences yourself – again, something that accrues over the years.

I truly think wisdom is one of the blessings of age. This is perhaps more the case in our Westernised societies where there is a prevailing narrative of decline.

In Eastern cultures, and even locally in Indigenous cultures, wisdom is recognised as important, and Elders are a valued part of society in part for this reason.

They have seen the world and understand it at a level out of reach of their younger peers.

Of course, how much wiser you

become with age does vary from person to person, depending on your ability to be mindful of yourself and others, and to be reflective. As Oscar Wilde, a contemporary of George Bernard Shaw, quipped: “With age comes wisdom, but sometimes age comes alone”.

So, what are the lessons here?

Well, at a personal level, cultivating your own awareness of the world and the people around you, and being open to learning from it, is a powerful mindset to develop wisdom.

And within our society, we must value and embrace the wisdom of those who have lived long enough to have already acquired it.

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

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Soon to be roving all over the world, without missing a beat

BRUCE McMAHON is impressed with sub-zero testing of the all-electric Range Rover that kept its reputation for comfort and capability intact.

The Range Rover is a classic motor vehicle, now in its fifth decade and looking to keep on keeping on with electric four-wheel-drives.

It is a move fraught with risks: how to maintain the Range Rover’s off-road capabilities in all manner of conditions and climates while, at the same time, coping with the needs and abilities of sophisticated electrical powertrains.

So, the British wagons (now more the luxury estate vehicle than a mud plugger) have been sent way north to dance on Arctic ice. And, the engineers report this latest round of sub-zero temperature testing indicates that nothing of the Range Rover’s legendary comforts or capabilities have been sullied in these all-electric versions.

The vehicles feature Land Rover’s ThermAssist technology, said to optimise driving range while preserving charging capability and cabin comfort.

This thermal management system reportedly reduces heating energy consumption by up to 40 per cent and

recovers heat to warm the propulsion system, or cabin, in ambient temperatures as low as -10C.

While this is unlikely – climate change or not – to be useful cruising up the sands of K’Gari, it does suggest Range Rover is quite invested in this all-electric vehicle and it’s to be hoped these engineers approach hot weather testing with the same due diligence.

The latest 72,000 kilometres of testing across frozen lakes and snowpacked tracks also provided further tough conditions for dynamics, including the Range Rover’s single-pedal driving capability and air suspension.

The premium wagon’s single-pedal driving – as in using just the ‘power’ pedal on the right – can be used to slow the Rover and charge the battery through regenerative braking while also automatically engaging Hill Hold on any surface. Twin-chamber air suspension is said to better manage body movements brought about by the electric model’s weight distribution.

In news more likely to impress potential Australian customers, Range Rover engineers claim the electric vehicle’s more accurate torque delivery (more precise than with internal combustion powerplants), plus the latest driveline technology, means any traction slip is managed up to 100 times faster than an internal combustion engine vehicle equivalent.

The high-voltage 800V battery is the first to be designed and built in-house at JLR – optimised for energy density, range and charging times while engineered to provide the performance and refinement expected of a Range Rover.

The 117kWh battery is fully encased and smartly packaged, consisting of 344 prismatic cells in a double-stacked layout.

JLR’s engineering director Matt Becker

says that in its driving character, Range Rover should seamlessly combine capability and refinement.

“Delivering both in an electric vehicle in a way that doesn’t diminish the vehicle in other areas is incredibly challenging,” Mr Becker says.

“By increasing its torsional stiffness and improving its responses, we’ve been able to maintain a customary Range Rover driving experience that feels familiar. We have delivered on this promise by marrying all the essential Range Rover elements with new and advanced technologies.”

The Range Rover Electric prototypes still have a fair swag of testing to be completed, but it appears would-be customers can place orders toward the end of the year.

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NATIONAL CAMPAIGN HELPS TO ERASE STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION

WITH an estimated 433,300 Australians living with dementia and 1.7 million people involved in their care, chances are that every one of us knows someone who is impacted by dementia.

Dementia Australia reports that ‘dementia’ is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses causing a progressive decline in a person’s functioning.

It is a broad term used to describe a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning.

There are many types of dementia,

including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia, as well as Lewy body disease.

Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65.

Dementia Action Week, an initiative of Dementia Australia, runs from Monday, September 16, to Sunday, September 22, this year and takes in World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21.

This year’s theme is: ‘Act now for a dementia-friendly future’.

A lack of knowledge and understanding may lead to people living with dementia experiencing stigma and discrimination in the community.

But it doesn’t have to.

The week-long campaign aims to raise awareness and help create a future where all people impacted by dementia are supported and welcomed in their communities, no matter where they live.

Head to dementia.org.au/ DementiaActionWeek to find out how you can do your part.

The webpage includes information, toolkits and resources anyone in the community can use to plan their own Dementia Action Week activity.

If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours, seven days a week) or visit dementia.org.au

REGISTERED nurse Wen Xiao is originally from China and speaks fluent Mandarin.

It’s a skill she is using to help patients in Brisbane, particularly around the Upper Mt Gravatt and Sunnybank areas.

“There’s a large Chinese population there, and they may face language barriers when it comes to accessing services, or they’re unfamiliar with the Australian aged care system,” Wen says.

“Being able to bridge that gap culturally and in an appropriate way is so important. It’s about being understanding and also being able to advocate for their needs as well.”

AQ @ Home is committed to being in tune with the local community. There are interpreters available, but having Wen on board means there’s an added layer of trust and confidence.

“In China, health and ageing are sensitive topics,” Wen says.

“Issues like continence are a sensitive topic. A lot of Chinese people don’t feel comfortable asking for help.

“They think it’s embarrassing to ask for help. They feel like they’re losing face, and there’s a sense of shame.”

Wen believes her Chinese patients felt comfortable with her: “I can easily explain to them what is happening, and what services are available.”

AQ @ Home offers a continence advisory service, clinical nursing

assessment and clinical nursing support, including wound care, catheter reviews, pain, mobility, hygiene, falls, dietary screening and medication support.

The continence advisory service is primarily accessed through telehealth, and for clients paying privately, there’s no need for an external referral.

Wen says she is proud of her work with AQ @ Home.

“My dad was a traditional Chinese doctor, and he often treated people without charging them,” she says.

“I would ask him why, and he said because that person may be old, or poor, or they simply needed help. He would tell me, you have to be kind and you have to be willing to help. And I just enjoy helping people and providing person-centred care.”

AQ @ Home is looking to expand Wen’s role in the community, offering presentations in Mandarin to local groups. Contact AQ @ Home at clientservices@ alzqld.org.au or call 1800 272 846.

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How exercise helps seniors stay strong

CAITLYN HUTH considers ways to fight the creeping effects of muscle loss as we age.

Ageing brings many changes, and one of the most concerning is sarcopenia: the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength.

This can lead to weakness, reduced mobility and an increased risk of falls.

However, exercise — especially strength training — can slow or even reverse sarcopenia, helping seniors maintain independence and a high quality of life.

Sarcopenia begins in the 30s and accelerates after age 60.

Without intervention, it can cause:

• weakness and movement issues

• increased risk of falls and fractures

• difficulty with daily activities

• slower metabolism and weight gain.

The good news? Exercise is the best way to fight sarcopenia.

1. Strength training rebuilds muscle: the best way to counteract muscle loss is through resistance training, such as lifting weights, using resistance bands or

bodyweight exercises (such as squats and push-ups). Strength training stimulates muscle fibres, encouraging growth and preventing further decline. Even lightweight exercises done consistently improve strength and endurance.

2. Improves balance and prevents falls: as muscles weaken, balance and coordination suffer, leading to an increased risk of falls. Strength training can build movement control, responsiveness and confidence with activity, which can help with reducing falls and injuries.

3. Strengthens bones and joints: sarcopenia often goes hand in hand with osteoporosis – a condition that weakens bones.

Strength training places stress on bones, signalling the body to build stronger bone tissue. This helps reduce fracture risks and improve overall bone health. Additionally, exercise lubricates joints and strengthens surrounding muscles, easing arthritis pain and improving your flexibility.

4. Boosts energy and metabolism: muscle mass increases metabolic activity, helping prevent weight gain and increasing energy levels. Strength training improves circulation and oxygen flow, reducing fatigue.

Sarcopenia doesn’t have to define ageing.

With regular strength training, seniors can stay strong, independent and active for years to come.

Always consult a doctor before starting, and work with an exercise physiologist for professional guidance.

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

FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law

LAST month, I mentioned that many areas in Australia conduct a parkrun.

This is a five-kilometre run/ walk around the local area using pathways, footpaths and tracks.

It is free and a good local activity to help keep people fit and promote healthy living. I hope you have one near you. If not, just go online and search.

Last week, one of the people I conduct personal training with mentioned that when he walks/ jogs the parkrun, he tries to pick out a regular walker/jogger ahead of him to use as incentive to try and catch. That type of competitive nature is something I see a fair bit in exercise and it is in nearly every aspect of life.

It can be very beneficial if used in a positive way. While we were talking, I was reminded of the story I heard years ago where a person I know in the gym stepped onto a treadmill and noticed another person alongside him on another treadmill. They both started running and gradually they seemed to

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reach the same pace. My mate matched every increase in pace the other person made, so both were working out quite solidly. Every change to increase pace by the person on the treadmill was repeated by my mate. They were soon sweating profusely.

Eventually, the other person stopped his treadmill, cooled down and left the area.

My mate told me he did not know who this person was, but he was not going to get off the treadmill until the person alongside him finished.

Apparently, he did not intend to work out as hard but having someone alongside him brought out his competitive nature and he wanted to win.

Funny, really, but many of us can relate to this story. When you start your fitness journey, often the competitive juices start flowing again – even if it is just competing against yourself.

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

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Life in the slow lane

By Mocco Wollert

LOVE them or dislike them. Adore them or hate them. Ignore them or pamper them.

No matter what, they are always their own master.

I am talking, of course, about cats.

From my opening sentences, you might have guessed that I am one of those people who adore them.

Actually, I like most animals, especially if they are furry. Well, maybe not rats.

You can easily read a dog. It has many ways of expressing moods, wants and dislikes.

We know the moods by the expression on its face, the wagging of its tail, the tone of its bark.

A cat has only two serious expressions to let us know how it feels.

A hiss has only one interpretation: I don’t like you – beware!

A purr tells you that its world is good, and you are welcome in it.

Can you remember when we put out a saucer of milk for our cats?

If you wanted a neighbour’s cat to

Does

come visiting, out came the saucer of milk. Quite some time ago, some clever vet found out that milk is very bad for cats. Apparently, a lot of them are lactose intolerant and now they are allowed only water.

I have always had cats since I was an adult and I think I know my feline counterparts, but do I really?

They are mysterious creatures and although I had many cats during my life, I would not dare to claim that I know them.

If a cat dislikes you (or the world), there is no way of getting around it. It will hiss and scratch you like a demon.

If it likes you, it might snuggle into your bed and purr into your ear. If it is in bed with you and hisses, you better move your leg, arm or any other body part that is in your cat’s way.

Domesticated cats can be a comfort and delight, but feral cats are fearsome hunters: swift as

lightning and dangerous to wildlife, especially birds. Wildlife carers try to eradicate them as much as possible. I wish we could do the same with feral humans.

My very first book published was a collection of cat paintings from various artists and my ‘poetic’ interpretations of the paintings.

I called it She is a Cat To me, a cat is essentially female. Toms are only in the picture for you-know-what.

Mind you, a strutting tom cat is a magnificent picture of male power.

I decided at one stage to teach my cat how to walk.

I saw myself trotting down the street, in high heels of course, leading a magnificent purebred, feline creature with a shiny white pelt on an elegant halter ‘down the avenue’, admired by all who saw me.

I had seen it many times in Europe, especially Paris.

I finally managed to entice (drag) my cat for a bit along my street, until one day I suddenly realised that I was exposing her – a total indoor cat – to ticks and other pesties.

Brisbane is not Paris!

And high heels went out of my shoe cupboard a long time ago.

May all the cats you meet only purr and never hiss.

Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com

an adventure

By Cheryl Lockwood

WHEN I received the following text message, I could have proclaimed it a scam.

The message simply read: “We owe you $10 for farting” and it went on to ask for PayPal or direct debit details.

Why didn’t this message ring alarm bells?

You see, I had signed up for my first Scrabble tournament. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to try, but I had never taken the plunge.

I have loved this game for as long as I can remember and have played it since childhood, occasionally dodging the board being thrown at me by my sister when she lost.

These days, I don’t always play on a physical board, but I often play an online version on my phone.

Unlike family games night, there were strict protocols and rules to follow and a timer set to allow 22 minutes for each game. Nobody mentioned board throwing, but I assumed it was not allowed.

There were two groups: one for seasoned players and one for beginners or those who had never attended one of these competitions.

Each Scrabble set was checked before and after the game to ensure the correct amount of letter tiles were present and nobody had pocketed a blank tile for later use. Each game was played between two

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players, with multiple games occurring simultaneously in the room.

With the press of a button, the timer was started. Once a player had placed a word on the board and calculated the score, he or she pressed the timer to stop their clock. This transferred the play to their opponent, whose timer would tick off the minutes until they had their turn.

Apparently, a penalty of 10 points would be applied for every minute that a player ran overtime.

Checking for valid words in a dictionary was not allowed, but a word could be challenged by either player.

To do this, the clock was paused, while both players checked the potentially dodgy word using a computer app made for this purpose. The word would be either declared valid and play could continue or, if not an acceptable word, the player would be severely punished.

Not really. They would actually just lose their turn.

This seemed much more civilised than

screaming: “Mum, she’s cheating again.”

To add to the fun atmosphere of the tournament, there were sheets of paper where players could add highest-scoring word, best word starting or ending with certain letters and even one for words relating to Noosa.

Unfortunately, I was only able to attend for the morning, but the games continued into the afternoon. I was not present when the prize for the highest-scoring word of the day was announced. During one game, I had made the word ‘farting’, managing to place it on a triple-word square, where it scored 95 points. As a result, I received the aforementioned prize and that odd phone message.

I suddenly became the woman who won a prize for farting at her first Scrabble tournament. This was shared via the group’s social media, so there was little chance my feat would go unnoticed.

Showing the message to my sister, she quipped, “Who would have thought you’d get paid for farting?”

My reply to her was: “Finally!”

I had two options: 1. Hang my head in shame at making a mildly embarrassing word and never attend another Scrabble event or 2. Laugh it off. What can I say? I laughed all the way home.

I didn’t even care when someone pointed out that the same letters could have made the word ‘rafting’.

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CONFESSIONS OF AN EMOTIONAL MOTORIST

NEW research has revealed that for many Australians, their car is more than just a mode for transport – it’s a trusted companion, a safe space and even a secret keeper.

The Youi Car Confessions study, which surveyed more than 2000 Aussies, found nearly half (45 per cent) of respondents say they have an emotional connection to their car.

Younger generations are leading the charge: 58 per cent of gen Z drivers admit to feeling emotionally attached to their vehicle.

The data found that the majority of Aussies (92 per cent) use their car for something other than driving, and 43 per cent of us spend time in the car without going anywhere.

The most reported non-driving activities include snacking (59 per cent),

making phone calls (60 per cent) and just stopping to enjoy the view (64 per cent).

From naming our cars to using them as a place to cry, vent or simply escape, Youi’s head of product – vehicle and leisure Marni Jackson says the findings paint a picture of a nation that sees their car as a personal sanctuary.

“Our cars have become an extension of ourselves – a place where we feel in control, safe and even free to be vulnerable,” Marni says.

“The data highlights generational and gender differences – 67 per cent of gen Zs enjoy hanging out, listening to music or podcasts in the car compared with 43 per cent of baby boomers.

“Interestingly, 36 per cent of men like to nap in the car, compared with only 29 per cent of women.”

The data shows that the most common items found in Aussie cars include blankets (36 per cent), a change of clothes (24 per cent) and toilet paper (23 per cent).

Gen Zs and millennials are more likely to keep clothing, hobby materials and stuffed toys in their car compared with pre-boomers and boomers.

Aussies also believe their car has a personality of its own. A quarter of Aussies have given their car a pet name and one-in-five talks to their car – 13 per cent even saying their car “knows all their secrets”.

Scarisbrick in-home care –

the solution that means you never move to a nursing home

The Scarisbrick International Group started providing in-home care services in 2014. Our managing director was deeply concerned by the limited options for providing high-quality care for his mother in her retirement village unit in Australia. So, the decision was made to train international nurses to live in the spare bedroom of her unit and take care of her every need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The company hired two nurses and trained them in a community stroke care centre. The children of stroke sufferers would bring their parents to the centre each morning after getting them up, bathing and dressing them and driving them.

One day, the daughter of one of the patients asked if we could do this in her home to save getting her mum up every morning which was very difficult and stressful for her mother. We said, ‘Why not?’ and gave it a try.

Within eight weeks, we went from two nurses to 48 through word of mouth, via her online blog groups etc.

Our care services cover:

1. Alzheimer’s and dementia.

2. Cancer.

3. Stroke.

4. General aged disabilities.

5. Palliative needs.

6. Any other problems requiring 24/7 care.

We provide care services centred on

compassion and genuine empathy for those requiring additional care, not one driven by cost-cutting for profit maximisation – hence our services are not cheap.

Scarisbrick International provides the following comprehensive services:

• personalised care planning: tailored care plans that address medical and emotional needs, ensuring holistic support for each participant and their family

• trained and mentored caregivers and nurses: all of our carers and nurses have been carefully vetted and trained to ensure that our staff are competent, trustworthy and capable

• quality assurance and audits: our senior qualified and experienced nurses, provide regular home visits to ensure the quality of our services remains the best it can be

• support coordination: assistance in navigating the aged care process, creating care plans, and accessing necessary services, providing guidance and advocacy

• telehealth services: remote consultations and support for families in remote areas, ensuring accessibility to expert care and guidance

• educational workshops and seminars: providing valuable information and resources to families, caregivers and the community to raise awareness and promote inclusion

Scarisbrick International will provide 24/7 in-home quality services including:

• companionship

• daily medical checks (blood pressure, blood sugar, oxygen levels, temperature)

• wound treatment

• medication supervision

• first-aid

• cardiac pulmonary resuscitation

• exercise supervision (aerobics, water aerobics, walking, stretching)

• yoga

• meditation

• massage

• ayurvedic treatments

• shopping needs

• cooking

• cleaning (full house – sweeping, dusting, window washing etc.)

• laundry

• ironing

• bookings for theatre, air tickets, cruises

• medical appointments bookings

• gardening

• dog walking and pet care

• chauffeur services to medical and recreational destinations (using the family car or cab)

• education assistance (University of the 3rd Age – U3A courses )

• overseas and local holidays accompaniment (“I wish I could see my cousin in London – haven’t seen her since we were 12)

• 24/7 on-call support: immediate assistance for urgent community nursing concerns, ensuring families have access to expert advice around the clock.

Scarisbrick International’s services encompass a holistic approach that combines clinical nursing expertise, emotional support and advocacy to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for our clients.

Our mission:

We aim to provide support in an empowering way and seek to preserve the emotional safety, dignity and privacy of those engaged in our service.

Our values:

a. safety: we create a safe home environment for our clients where the day-to-day dangers of life are minimised for the comfort and ease of mind of the clients and their family (mum with Alzheimer’s doesn’t walk out of her house at 2am looking for her childhood home; dad has assistance to go to the bathroom at 3am so he doesn’t fall and break his hip etc.)

b. trust: we provide experienced, fully checked, professional care and nursing staff so that the whole family can rest easy knowing mum and/or dad are in good hands 24/7 in their own home

c. collaboration: we work with the client and their family to develop a care plan which suits individual needs.

• bathing and toileting assistance (pressure pads which sound an alarm in the carer’s room)

• registered experienced nurse visits twice a week

• daily care notes

• weekly reports to the family requirements. These services are fully provided to our clients if they:

i. provide a private room for our carer’s use

ii. provide meals for our carer (the carer will cook and eat what the client has) iii. pay a monthly fee.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY...

Dr ****** ****, leading specialist at a government hospital

Scarisbrick has demonstrated a high degree of professionalism in caring for my late mum. The caregivers were courteous, caring and patient during their interaction with her.

Dr N ****, leading hospital specialist

Scarisbrick nurses and carers truly are angels as they are dedicated, gentle and serve the patient to nurture them back to health. They may be expensive, but worth it. Their staff will try their best to fulfil the client’s requests and the nurses and carers are polite, disciplined and respectful of the house they work in. It’s a pleasure to have them around.

NEVER have to go to a nursing home

We provide an elite, 24/7 peace-of-mind lifestyle through in-home care and companionship services.

With our services, there’s no need to sell your family home to cover nursing facility entry fees — you can stay in your cherished surroundings, maintain ownership of your property, and even benefit from its potential asset appreciation.

Our elite range of lifestyle services is designed to meet all your needs in the comfort of your own home. With Scarisbrick International, you never have to go to a nursing home.

Services include:

• Companionship

• Health & fitness motivation

• Housekeeping (laundry, cooking and cleaning)

• Respite care

• Chauffeur

• Registered Nurse visits and much more …

Here’s a meteorological metaphor

CHARLIE GRIFFITHS tries to remember that there’s always a little patch of ‘sunshine’ up ahead to deal with life’s ‘winters’.

Ihate winter. It’s bleak, dreary, cold, wet and everything outside is grey and brown.

No verdancy, no vibrancy and even the sky can only offer occasional blotches of icy blue before it is suffocated.

The wind is fierce and merciless, helpless to provide any relief, regardless of what direction it is being propelled from.

On the rare moments when it’s just bearable to venture out into the straggly, leafless remnants of the once lush and productive garden, by the time tools have been located and cleaned, the forlorn sun abruptly departs to seek the comfort of a warmer hemisphere.

On really cold, wet and windy days, it’s nice to shelter in a warm and draught-free house with a generous reverse-cycle air-conditioner wafting fake, heated air throughout my meteorologically imposed prison.

Then, I think about the power being consumed to create this artificial microclimate and realise that the solar panels I will be paying off for the next seven years are useless today.

Winter is a great time to reflect on a long, active sporting career. My left knee

immediately reminds me that cartilage is very important for maintaining mobility in joints and that, without it, any movement is painful.

Scar tissue and calcification around healed fractures develops a whole new density, and whatever happens to dislocations awakens with a frenzied zest to relive the original event.

Evidently, carpel tunnel is a seasonal complaint that thrives in winter, which is particularly frustrating for a writer attempting to thump out words of wintery whingeing on a laptop keyboard with the most used keys strategically placed to inflict maximum pain.

Then, there are the daffodils.

In mid-winter, these hardy little bulbs surreptitiously sprout green spikes from the depths of the frost-bitten, barren garden earth.

Only noticeable to the optimistic eye, they forge slowly upward, despite the late frosts and biting easterlies that flatten the wimpy winter grasses.

Toward late winter, central stems begin to swell with expectancy, assuring us shivering humans that something wonderful awaits.

Kabloom! These incredibly vividyellow projections of hope and happiness trumpet their message to all life forms that it’s time to wake up and step into spring.

The sight of this band of emblazoned proclaimers injects an assuring formulation of relief, confidence, optimism and excitement directly into seized joints and the pre-frontal cortex.

Suddenly, the torture endured for what seems like forever (but was really only a couple of months) is all worthwhile.

The seasons ahead are full of growth and colour and movement.

Warmth, wonderful warmth is abundant, washing away the physical pain and emotional torment of another uncomfortable seasonal transition.

If we look at spring, summer and

autumn as irresistible forces of inspiration, productivity and generosity and winter as an awkward short period of transition, we can deal with life’s ‘winters’ positively. There’s a daffodil patch somewhere waiting to catch our attention and inspire motivation, forgiveness or whatever we need to wake up and love life again.

I still hate winter.

If this article resonates with you, I would love to hear from you. Contact me at: charliegriffithscoaching.com

Charlie Griffiths is a certified life coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner dedicated to helping fellow professionals refocus after being diagnosed with chronic disease. Visit charliegriffithscoaching.com.

PROVIDING expert imaging and compassionate care, because when it comes to your health, Imaging Queensland are here for you.

As we grow older, caring for our health becomes more important than ever. Regular check-ups, early detection, and timely treatment can make all the difference to our quality of life. At Imaging Queensland, we understand the unique healthcare needs of our community and are here to support you every step of the way, with expert diagnostic imaging services right here in Brisbane, Deception Bay and Margate.

What sets Imaging Queensland apart is our focus on people. We understand that attending a scan can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly when it relates to ongoing or

Caring for Your Health, Every Step of the Way

age-related health conditions. From the moment you arrive, our friendly staff are here to make the process as comfortable as possible. We take the time to explain each step, answer your questions, and ensure you feel supported throughout your visit.

Behind the scenes, your images are interpreted by highly skilled radiologists who live and work in Queensland. They are not just names on a report – they are part of your healthcare team, working closely with your doctors to provide accurate answers and clear direction for your treatment.

We also continually invest in our practices, meaning you benefit from the very latest advances in imaging, delivered by people who genuinely care about your health and wellbeing.

Our message is simple: We Are Here For You Whether you need an X-ray after a fall, a bone density scan to check for osteoporosis, an interventional procedure to manage pain, or advanced imaging for ongoing health conditions, we are here to provide answers, reassurance, and support. Because

we understand that behind the scan, is a life waiting to be positively impacted. Your health journey is important, and at Imaging Queensland, we are honoured to walk it alongside you.

With 3 local practices, compassionate staff, and a commitment to excellence in patient care, you can trust that we’ll be here when you need us most. www.imagingqueensland.com.au

TRUSTED SPECIALISTS IN SLEEPING BETTER

FOR anyone living with sleep apnea, the road to better rest can feel daunting.

There are countless options and technical details to navigate, and it’s easy to feel lost.

This is where CPAP Direct stands apart from other providers. When Bryce Perron and his wife took ownership of CPAP Direct 11 years ago, they saw an opportunity to do things differently. Their vision was to create a business where people felt valued and understood on their own personal journey to better sleep.

While the company has since grown into Australia’s largest independent sleep apnea provider, it has never lost its family-owned values or its people-first philosophy.

Unlike other providers, CPAP Direct offers more than just equipment. Customers are welcomed into a friendly, supportive environment where expert advice is always free and readily accessible, with no hidden service fees or charges that comes with supporting continuous positive airway

pressure (CPAP) therapy.

With more than 20 store locations across Australia, open six days a week, and a dedicated CPAP support team, access to a wide range of equipment and support is simple and stress-free. Their independence ensures every recommendation is made in the customer’s best interest.

Understanding that lifestyle and budget are hugely important when considering equipment, the team at CPAP Direct offers flexible, no-obligation trial options for masks and machines, giving you the confidence to find the solution that truly works for you. As an accredited NDIS and DVA provider, with a 5-star Google Review rating, CPAP Direct has become a trusted partner for thousands of Aussies.

For Bryce and his wife, the mission remains as strong today as it was on day one: to help people reclaim their sleep through genuine care, personalised support and a commitment to better outcomes at every step.

Call CPAP Direct on 5476 8328 or visit 98 Dalton Drive, Maroochydore (opposite Bunnings).

THE

IT’S easy to blame new aches or lingering wounds on “just getting older”.

But if you’ve had radiation therapy, even years ago, those symptoms might be a delayed side effect called a soft tissue radiation injury (STRI).

Radiation can quietly weaken tissue, reduce blood supply and limit healing, even long after cancer treatment ends.

OLDER DRIVERS TO TAKE PART IN NEW RESEARCH TRIAL

UNIVERSITY of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) researchers are seeking older drivers for a new trial measuring age-related changes in attention, as part of a broader program to develop a screening method for assessing cognitive fitness to drive.

Samantha Ellis, a PhD candidate at the MAIC/UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration, explains that the research will specifically examine brain activity and

For some, this means a scar that suddenly reopens, a fracture that won’t mend, or bladder and bowel changes.

The good news?

These problems are often treatable. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) helps by delivering pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber, encouraging blood vessel growth, reducing inflammation, and speeding healing.

At Wesley Hyperbaric, Australia’s only licensed private

how it relates to driving.

“As we age, it’s natural to experience changes in our attentional abilities,” she says.

“While these changes are normal, it is important to understand how they may impact our driving performance.”

To measure this, researchers will have eligible participants perform computerised attention tasks while measuring their brain activity using an EEG.

Participants will complete measures of simulated driving to see how they respond and react behind the wheel, which

day hospital for HBOT, treatments are safe, noninvasive and delivered in a supportive environment.

Most patients notice a real improvement in pain, energy and quality of life.

If you’ve had radiation for breast, prostate, bowel, head, neck or other cancers and now have unexplained discomfort, talk to your GP about a referral. It could make all the difference.

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will be compared to a control group of drivers aged below 30, with at least three years of driving experience.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be aged 60-90.

Email the research team at ADS@usc.edu.au or find out more at: uniofsunshinecoast. syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_eSaF84cZvklSoE6

LIFE after breast surgery is an ongoing journey – one that often requires more attention than many women realise.

Whether the surgery was recent or decades ago, the right post-surgery breast care can make a significant difference to daily comfort, posture and confidence.

Over time, bodies naturally change.

Weight shifts, scar tissue softens or tightens, and the chest wall may alter in shape.

These changes can affect the fit of post-surgery bras and mastectomy breast prostheses.

An ill-fitting bra or breast form can cause discomfort, skin irritation or even back and neck pain. Yet, many women continue wearing them simply because they’re unaware better options exist.

Experts recommend reviewing your fit every 12-18 months, as even small adjustments can improve comfort and support.

Signs that it may be time for a refit include your bra riding up, straps digging in, breast forms shifting or feeling heavy, or new irritation where your bra sits.

Advances in breast-care products mean there are now lighter, more breathable and adjustable prostheses, as well as mastectomy bras made from fabrics that regulate temperature and feel soft on the skin.

Importantly, modern designs offer function and beauty, allowing women to feel supported without compromising on style.

Based in Brisbane, Mei Moon offers personalised, one-on-one fittings tailored to each woman’s surgery type, body shape and lifestyle.

Expert guidance throughout the fitting process helps you update your fit to maintain not only physical comfort, but also your overall wellbeing and confidence.

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Big changes in selling properties

By LESA MACPHERSON

Big changes in how a house is sold came into force on August 1. All vendors must now provide a detailed Disclosure Statement to prospective purchasers prior to entering into any sale contract.

Failure to do so, or do it correctly, entitles the purchaser to pull out.

The Disclosure Statement is lengthy and onerous and takes time to complete.

This has resulted in slowing down the sale process.

This comes on top of the recent changes dictating that selling occurs via an electronic platform rather than the old ‘paper’ style.

Those of us who have bought and sold properties over the years would be familiar with the traditional way a settlement happens: all the parties, usually through solicitors and the banks, meet in a room and hand around signed transfer and stamp duty documents, new mortgages, old mortgage releases and bank cheques to make the settlement happen. Once that occurs, the physical documents are sent off to the Titles Office for lodgment and registration, and the parties rush off to their bank to deposit their cheques before it closes for the day.

Not anymore.

Transfers of real estate are now handled via the electronic platform known as Pexa.

Until recently, electronic settlements were optional, but now are compulsory.

The easiest way to imagine it is that instead of a physical meeting in an actual meeting room, all the parties meet electronically in a virtual meeting environment. All the parties join in to the Pexa workspace in advance of the agreed settlement date and time and input the requisite details – who is transferring to whom and who is being paid what.

The transfer, release of mortgage and new mortgage are electronically shared with the Titles Office for registration.

Payments are made into the nominated account as cleared funds.

No more waiting three business days for a bank cheque to clear.

But what about cybercrime? Will the money end up in Nigeria?

Our experience is that Pexa is incredibly security conscious. Getting registered to operate in Pexa is quite a laborious process of identity proof and independent confirmation.

Tens (perhaps hundreds) of millions of dollars go through the system daily.

It is essential that the Pexa electronic environment is as secure as is possible and it is being constantly updated in relation to cyber threats.

An example is that to direct funds to an account that hasn’t been used before in Pexa (as in the case with many of our clients selling their home after many years), the destination account must be input three times, and all match, to be allowed to proceed.

Having operated for more than 30 years in the paper settlement world, we can say that the electronic settlement process is quicker, simpler and definitely better for clients and lawyers.

Like all changes, the vendor disclosure obligations that commenced on August 1 are initially intimidating, but over time (like electronic conveyancing), it will become the norm.

Brisbane Elder Law specialises in retirement village purchases, and the selling of homes to fund that purchase. Contact the team on 1800 961 622 or visit brisbaneelderlaw.com.au

SINCE 1959, Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) has transformed the lives of more than 175,000 abandoned and homeless animals.

As one of Australia’s largest and most trusted animal welfare organisations, AWLQ cares for more than 12,000 animals every year, providing them with shelter, veterinary care and rehoming services.

AWLQ’s innovative programs – such as the Rehoming Centres, Community Vet Clinics, Golden Hearts Seniors Pet Support Program and the National Desexing Network (NDN ) – are at the heart of its work.

The Community Vet Clinics treat nearly 50,000 animals annually, ensuring affordable veterinary care for pets in need. The Golden Hearts program

PREPAYING AND NATURAL BURIAL EXPLAINED

WHEN it comes to funerals, here are some ideas that you may never have considered.

One important consideration is prepaying and prearranging your funeral.

Far from focusing on the end, preplanning brings peace of mind, locks in today’s prices, and eases the emotional and financial burden on family members.

Clear plans ensure your wishes are respected, creating a meaningful farewell while sparing your loved ones from tough decisions during grief.

Taking control now means your family can focus on healing, knowing everything is handled exactly as you desire.

With growing environmental awareness, natural burials are gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to traditional cremations or lawn services.

Natural burials involve placing your loved one in a biodegradable coffin and burying them in a shallow grave,

supports seniors aged 65 and over, offering discounted services and emergency care for their beloved pets.

Through NDN, AWLQ collaborates with local councils and vets to reduce pet overpopulation by providing low-cost desexing services.

Leaving a gift in your will to AWLQ is a powerful way to ensure the continuation of these life-changing initiatives. Your bequest will directly help animals in need, providing them with a second chance.

AWLQ has partnered with Gathered Here, a free online will-writing service, making it easy for supporters to create a lasting legacy. Whether or not you choose to include a charitable gift, writing a will offers peace of mind, ensuring your wishes are kept and your loved ones are cared for.

For more information about leaving a legacy to AWLQ, contact bequests@awlqld. com.au or call 5509 9099.

allowing a natural return to the earth. Even clothing must be fully biodegradable, often 100 per cent cotton, to maintain eco-conscious integrity. Some cemeteries offer these green options, reflecting a shift toward environmentally responsible memorial choices.

By exploring these options, you not only honour your legacy but also support your family and the planet – showing that thoughtful planning and care can extend well beyond a final goodbye.

WORDS: Sharna Davis, Newhaven Funerals.

Visit newhavenfunerals.com.au or call 3807 444.

THE FAMILY GIFT THAT BITES BACK HARD

WITH the cost of living rising and many adult children struggling to get ahead, it’s natural for parents to want to help, often by gifting assets such as shares.

Leading financial expert Alex Jamieson is warning older Australians that gifting shares, even with the best intentions, can trigger serious consequences, including tax bills and pension penalties.

“Parents want to give their children a leg up, but they may be unaware that gifting shares can create a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) event, even if no money changes hands,” says Mr Jamieson, founder ofMelbourne-based advisory firm AJ Financial Planning.

“Critically, if you are on the Age Pension, you could also fall foul of Centrelink’s gifting rules, resulting in your assets being counted for longer than you expect which could reduce your pension payments.”

When you gift shares, the Australian Tax Office treats the transaction as if you sold them at market value. That means any gain on those shares could trigger CGT, payable by the parent.

“If you bought the shares years ago and they’ve increased in value, that growth becomes taxable at the time you give them away,” Mr Jamieson explains.

“You don’t avoid tax just because you didn’t pocket any cash.”

For retirees receiving the Age Pension, the trouble doesn’t end there.

Centrelink imposes strict gifting limits: $10,000 per year and $30,000 over five years. Go above that and the excess continues to be assessed as part of your asset base, reducing your pension entitlements.

“This is called the ‘deprivation rule’ and many people don’t realise it exists,” Mr Jamieson says.

“Even if you no longer have the shares, Centrelink still treats the excess value as if you do. That could mean less pension for years.”

He says there are smarter ways to help children financially, but only if you get personalised advice.

“There may be more tax-effective ways to transfer wealth or alternative strategies like family trusts, loans with conditions or structured gifting over time,” he says.

“What matters is understanding the full picture before acting.

“A good financial plan balances generosity with long-term protection of your own position.

“The impulse to help is admirable but the consequences can be complex. You could jeopardise your retirement income, your aged care affordability or even create family tension down the line.”

Visit ajfp.com.au

ENSURING AFFORDABLE AND DIGNIFIED FUNERAL SERVICES FOR ALL

HOLY Cross Funerals provide affordable and dignified Christian funeral services to people of all denominations.

The organisation offers these thoughts for times of loss:

In this sacred moment, we pause to remember, to feel and to honour.

Grief is the heart’s natural response to love that has been touched by separation. It is the echo of the bond we shared, and though it may ache, it is also proof that we have loved deeply.

Each person will travel through grief in its own way: some in quiet reflection, others in tears, others in moments of laughter through remembered stories.

There is no right or wrong path, only the one your heart knows.

Let us accept and embrace each other’s journey with compassion.

Take time to let go – not of the love, for that is eternal, but of the weight that keeps us from breathing freely.

Letting go is not forgetting. It is placing our loved ones gently into God’s hands, trusting they are safe in His eternal care.

Take time to laugh, for joy is a thread that ties us to life. Laughter in the midst of sorrow is not betrayal. It is a celebration of the light they brought to

our days. It is a way of saying: “Your love still brings me life.”

Take time to meet new friends and renew old connections, for God often sends comfort through the hearts and hands of others. No one is meant to walk through grief alone.

And when the days ahead feel lighter, know it is not because love has faded, but because love has transformed. The one we remember today lives on – in our stories, our kindness, and in the quiet places of our hearts – until we meet again in God’s perfect time.

Visit holycrossfunerals.com.au

WALTZING THE WILARRA

FROM the producers of The Sapphires and The Sunshine Club comes Waltzing the Wilarra: a vibrant production by playwright David Milroy.

Set against a backdrop of curfews and prejudice, a secret club offers joy, love and music for black and white alike. Forty years later, as the venue faces demolition, its patrons reunite to protest, rekindle memories and confront long-buried

truths. Featuring a stellar cast including Lorinda May Merrypor (& Juliet), Shaka Cook (Hamilton) and Lisa Maza (Stingers), and performed with a live band, this is a moving and unforgettable celebration of music, resilience and reconciliation.

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

WHEN: Saturday, October 11, at 7.30pm.

TICKETS: From $25. Visit rpac.com.au or call the RPAC Box Office on 3829 8131.

RICK PRICE – THE CLASSIC HITS SHOW

CELEBRATED as one of Australia’s most gifted singer-songwriters, Rick Price has captivated fans worldwide since the release of his ARIA chart-topping debut Heaven Knows

In this intimate solo show, Price revisits career-defining hits including Not a Day Goes By, Heaven Knows, Walk Away Renée and River of Love, alongside stirring classics such as Hallelujah and Amazing Grace

With piano and guitar, his soulful voice and heartfelt storytelling promise an unforgettable night of nostalgia and inspiration.

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

WHEN: Wednesday, October 1, at 7.30pm.

TICKETS: From $27. Visit rpac.com.au or call the RPAC Box Office on 3829 8131.

FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS

THE Fisherman’s Friends – the beloved folk group from Cornwall made famous by the films of the same name – will be in Australia for the first time as they bring their rousing sea shanties and seafaring spirit to cities across the country.

On the back of a sold-out show at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, London, and another run of sold-out UK shows, the multi-million-selling shanty band is finally making its way to Australia, realising a lifelong dream to bring their show to our distant shores.

The Fisherman’s Friends hail from the picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac –familiar to many as the setting for the hit TV series Doc Martin.

The group came together in 1995 and is made up of local fisherman, lifeboatmen and coastguards.

Inspired by their surroundings and the traditional songs of their region, this rag-tag collection of locals went on to become a global singing sensation.

In 2010, they signed a major record deal, and in 2019 their story inspired the box office hit film Fisherman’s Friends A sequel followed in 2022.

On tour, The Fisherman’s Friends trawl a repertoire of more than 200 sea shanties and maritime work songs accompanied by their musician mates, Marcus Bonfanti and Simon Johnson, playing a collection of instruments, including bass, banjo, mandolin and resonator guitar.

WHEN and WHERE: Wednesday, January 21, Gold Coast, Star Theatre; Thursday, January 22, Caloundra, The Events Centre, King’s Theatre; Friday, January 23, Brisbane, Brisbane Powerhouse.

TICKETS: Via akaaustralia.com.au/ fishermans-friends

AN explosive tale of family, ghosts, fate and karaoke hits all the right notes when Congratulations, Get Rich! makes its world premiere at La Boite Theatre as part of the Brisbane Festival.

The hilarious new musical comedy is set in a Singaporean karaoke bar, where three powerful women convene, compete, commiserate and confront each other through stories, showmanship and song over one fateful night.

And it’s a big night for Mandy. Her heart and soul – her karaoke business –is failing. In a last-ditch attempt to save it, she’s hosting a mega-event: a reunion dinner special.

Things take an unexpected turn when two women arrive. Mandy instantly recognises one as her mother, who died over two decades ago. But who is the other woman? What do they want and why are they here?

Penned and performed by Merlynn Tong (Golden Blood), this work celebrates the vibrancy of Singaporean culture, centring on three powerful women in a supernatural tale.

Congratulations, Get Rich! is a wild rush that revels in the messy joy of being alive.

WHEN: September 4-20 at various times.

WHERE: Roundhouse Theatre, La Boite, The Works Level 5, 6-8 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove.

TICKETS: Various prices, via laboite.com. au/shows/congratulations-get-rich

CAMERATA: YOUR ETERNAL MEMORIES

QUEENSLAND’S chamber orchestra, Camerata, returns to the RPAC stage with a moving and innovative concert that celebrates our collective memories and the music that inspires them.

Audiences are invited to share stories of treasured moments and the music that accompanied them. inspiring the musical curation of this unique concert, Camerata: Your Eternal Memories.

The result is a rich tapestry of melodies, where Mozart sits alongside the profound spirituality of John Tavener, and Handel with the tender beauty of Anna Clyne.

Audiences will also delight in the warmth of Dvo ř ák’s Serenade for Strings and the enduring charm of Corelli’s

Christmas Concerto . Together, these works explore love, loss, joy, and remembrance – the universal themes that bind us all.

Throughout the concert, acclaimed Australian actor Barbara Lowing will narrate, seamlessly intertwining words and music to bring these memories vividly to life.

Don’t miss this breathtaking concert from an ensemble that “bursts with musical colour… it just doesn’t get much better than this” (Limelight).

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

WHEN: Thursday, October 9, at 7pm. TICKETS: $25-$60. Call the Box Office on 3829 8131 or visit rpac.com.au

FOR THE DIARY: September

HERE are some dates to keep in mind this month.

• September is Blood Cancer Month for the Leukaemia Foundation.

• September 1 World Letter Writing Day

• September 1-5 Women’s Health Week

• September 2 Jeans for Genes Day

• September 5 International Day of Charity

• September 6 World Beard Day

• September 7 Father’s Day; National Threatened Species Day

• September 8 International Literacy Day

• September 10 World Suicide Prevention Day; White Balloon Day (preventing child sexual assault)

• September 11 R U OK? Day

• September 13 World Chocolate Day

• September 17 Australian Citizenship Day; World Patient Safety Day

• September 19 International Talk Like a Pirate Day

• September 21 International Day of Peace; World Gratitude Day

• September 22-28 National Week of Deaf People; World Rivers Day

• September 27 World Tourism Day

• September 27 AFL Grand Final

• September 29 World Heart Day.

HERE’S an easy recipe to give dad’s tastebuds a treat this Father’s Day.

Ingredients:

• 600ml cream

• 100g Instant Pudding Vanilla

• 24 Sao biscuits.

Method:

Line a tray with baking paper. In a large bowl, pour the cream and add the vanilla pudding. Using electric beaters, beat to combine, about 1 to 2 minutes. Line the tray with Sao biscuits, then spoon across the vanilla mixture and top with more Sao biscuits. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

Top with a little passionfruit buttercream: simply mix 2 tbsp soft butter with ¾ cup icing sugar and the pulp of two large passionfruit until nice and smooth. Spread across the top of the Saos.

RECIPE FROM: 4 Ingredients The Easiest One Pot Cookbook Ever for $24.99. Go to 4ingredients.com.au/ products/4-ingredients-the-easiest-one-pot-cookbook-ever

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Serves 12

VANILLA SLICE

IMAGE: ALEX JAMIESON

ONE of the newest residents at The Newstead Residences describes life at the luxurious retirement community as a permanent holiday in a luxury hotel.

Resident Patricia Keogh says the lifestyle is “magical” in her ninth-floor, one-bedroom apartment, boasting stunning views of Brisbane City and the Story Bridge.

“I moved in early December last year and for the first few weeks, I expected someone to come up to me and say, ‘Okay, it’s time to leave and go home’. It seemed too good to be true,’’ she says.

Now she says she feels right at home.

Mrs Keogh relocated to The Newstead Residences from another retirement community in Logan to be closer to family after the passing of her husband.

“My daughter Judy, who lives at Newstead with her family, encouraged me to move closer,’’ she says.

“We are close enough not to live in each other’s pockets, but I now see much more of family, which I love as my other two children live interstate.’’

Mrs Keogh, a keen walker, enjoys daily strolls around the vibrant inner-city riverside suburb.

“All I need to do is take the lift downstairs and head off on a walk along the river,” she says. “The other day I ran into my granddaughter Tilly, who was

surprised to see me on the path.

“I no longer drive but I easily hop on a bus or ferry to the city or go downstairs to the Gasworks precinct where there is a supermarket, restaurants, doctors, dentists, an optometrist and chemist.’’

The 19-storey luxury vertical village provides residents with a range of resortstyle facilities, including an a la carte restaurant, bar, community centre, cinema, gym, library, hair and treatment salon, billiards, virtual golf, library and outdoor bowling lawn and terrace.

The community is located at 50 Longland Street, Newstead, and offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from $395,000-$1,020,000.

For more information or to arrange a tour of this Aveo village, call 13 28 36.

NEW LEVEL OF OVER-50S LUXURY ON OFFER

A $428 MILLION lifestyle resort will open its doors at Elimbah next month, bringing a new level of luxury to over-50s living in the Moreton Bay region.

The 26-hectare development, GemLife Elimbah, is the latest addition from GemLife: one of Australia’s leading names in resort-style communities.

At its heart will be a superb collection of exclusive facilities designed to keep homeowners active, social and connected.

The showpiece of the resort is an $18 million, two-storey Country Club featuring a state-of-the-art gym, heated lap pool, tenpin bowling alley, golf simulator, cinema, creative arts studio, and a private ballroom for special celebrations. For more laid-back gatherings, the Summer House will offer a resort pool, club room, barbecue spaces and even a pizza oven – the ideal setting for relaxed catch-ups with friends.

“GemLife Elimbah offers the best of b oth worlds – peaceful, semi-rural surrounds with a nature reserve along the southern boundary, yet all the everyday conveniences close at hand,” says sales manager Glenys Lowry.

“It’s a wonderful spot for morning walks, birdwatching or even spotting the occasional kangaroo. Local shops

HOW UNRETIRING TYPES CAN LEAN INTO ACTIVE, REGIONAL LIFESTYLES

THE popularity of land lease communities in Queensland continues to grow. And leading lifestyle community developer Living Gems is set to launch three over-50s developments in the state’s most soughtafter regional locations by the end of this year.

With resort-style country clubs featuring lap pools, pickleball and tennis courts, bowling alleys, lawn bowls, cinemas, dog runs and al fresco dining, each is packed with top-notch facilities designed for active over-50s.

Located in Townsville, Rockhampton

and Moreton Bay, they are also set among some of Queensland’s most picturesque landscapes, with access to natural wonders, tranquil bushwalks and local amenities, enhancing the opportunities for adventure.

Family-owned Living Gems has been building over-50s resorts for more than 40 years. Chief executive officer Anthony Puljich says the new communities offer affordable resort-style living in highly desirable locations.

“We’ve continued to raise the bar with each new community we’ve delivered over four decades, and our upcoming lifestyle

resorts will be among our best yet,” he says.

“They’ve been purposefully designed to promote an active lifestyle, whether that’s swimming laps in the pool, enjoying a game of pickleball, an afternoon barbecue, or locking-and-leaving to take off on your next holiday.”

The gated resorts include Living Gems Harris Crossing in Townsville’s Bohle Plains, Living Gems Rockhampton in Parkhurst, and Living Gems Moreton Bay in Burpengary – all anticipated to launch later this year.

As land lease communities,

are within walking distance, and some of Southeast Queensland’s most stunning natural attractions are just minutes away.”

The Glass House Mountains and D’Aguilar National Park provide endless opportunities for exploring, while Bribie Island and Pumicestone Passage make great day trips for those who love the coast.

Purpose-designed for downsizers, homes at GemLife Elimbah are priced from $745,000. Buyers can choose from five floorplans, with each offering two bedrooms, a multipurpose room, spacious al fresco living and high-quality finishes throughout.

“Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or simply a place to meet new friends, GemLife Elimbah delivers it all,” Glenys says.

Call 1800 835 926 or visit gemlife. com.au/gel

homeowners own their home and rent their land, with a weekly site fee covering amenities and maintenance. There are no entry fees, exit fees or stamp duty, and homeowners retain all capital gains. Visit livinggems.com.au

Gawain Kearse supports seniors living at Carinity Hilltop

“What I love about aged care is giving back to those whom paved the way for us from generations back,” Gawain said.

“Also, I love developing meaningful relationships.

“Some elders may have no family. So for me, helping ease the loneliness or helplessness that may arise is impactful. I love my job and continue to give back unconditionally.”

Personal experience shaped Kitty Lee’s desire to care for others – a role she fulfils working as a lifestyle carer with Carinity Home Care Hervey Bay.

VIEW CLUBS

BRENDALE FUNDRAISER

MORE than 1300 dedicated Carinity aged care and home care workers support Queensland seniors to live safe, fulfilling lives.

On Aged Care Employee Day on August 7, the centre celebrated the contribution of these dedicated and selfless employees.

Some of the cherished team members were asked what motivates them to support older Queenslanders.

Previously a hospital worker, Gawain Kearse has been in aged care for 14 years and serves as a personal carer at Carinity Hilltop.

“I never got to know my grandparents on either side of my family. So, I treat my clients like they are family as I missed out on that relationship with older people growing up,” Kitty says. “I also became a mum at 17, so a caring role is all that I know.”

Tenzin Dema works in support services at the Carinity Wishart Gardens aged care home. She was “drawn to care practice as I have always been someone who wants to help others”. “This job allows me to help the elderly and give me a sense of satisfaction and purpose,” she says.

AS the month of July came to a close, the members of the Brendale Evening VIEW Club and their family and friends came together at the Aspley Hornets Football Club to enjoy a fundraising afternoon of fashion, with a cent auction and afternoon tea.

As the afternoon progressed, it was time for the selected ladies to walk down the makeshift runway dressed in the many stylish garments of Nanny Lou’s Boutique. At the end of the day a percentage of sales added to a very successful fundraising day.

VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) is a

network of close to 280 clubs and more than 13,000 women throughout Australia.

For 65 years, VIEW has connected with others in the community, enabling The Smith Family to reach more families in need. It provides a place for women to connect with each other, enjoy social activities and develop lasting friendships – all while supporting the work of children’s education charity The Smith Family.

Brendale VIEW extends an invitation for women to join their ‘coffee and chat’ on the first Saturday of the month from 10am at White’s Coffee Co., Bracken Ridge Tavern, 153 Barrett Street, Bracken Ridge.

The next dinner meeting is on September 16. The guest speaker will be Trevor Hamley, author of Vodka in a Vegemite Jar. To RSVP, call Suzanne on 0417 022 996.

LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE

LOGAN MEETINGS

THE Logan VIEW Club’s monthly meetings are held on the second Wednesday at Diggers Services Club in Blackwood Road, Logan Central. Call Cheryl 37119146 or email viewlogan@gmail.com for inquiries.

REDCLIFFE PENINSULA

THE Redcliffe Peninsula VIEW Club is a valued part of The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program for disadvantaged Australian children.

Members meet at 10.30am on the second Thursday of the month at the Moreton Bay Boat Club in Scarborough for lunch, friendship, interesting speakers and fundraising for nine sponsored students.

If you would like more information about VIEW, email redcliffeview@gmail.com

BEGINNER lessons will be held in bridge at the Gold Coast club at 2883 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise, from 9-11am from October 1-November 5.

For inquiries or to enrol, email Dot.piddington@bigpond.com or call 0418 887 806.

● Fixed rate with no hidden fees

● Fully licenced Property Manager

● Regular routine inspections with photo reports

● Flexible owner payments, and same day statements

● Strict property application processes with thorough tenant checks

● Limited number of managed properties to ensure top quality service

traditions

sight of women covered head to toe in black and wearing burqas was the staple and tourism was just in its infancy.

Arabian Gulf

cruise

Anticipation is high as I embark on a week’s cruise through the Arabian Gulf, aka the Persian Gulf: the oil-rich waterway that divides West Asia from the Arabian Peninsula.

‘High’ because I love the Middle East: the Islamic design of mosques with their arches, domes and minarets, the calligraphy and intricate patterns on mosaic tiles of dazzling hues.

I love the richness of the trinkets in the souqs, and the smell of incense, the hessian

But, to be honest, I’m excited because we’ll be calling in to Oman, albeit briefly, which I’ve yearned to visit, and new ports in the United Arab Emirates are on the agenda.

As perception is indeed everything, our ship’s captain Ioannis Fountoukas tells me not to confuse the Gulf with the wider Middle East where, in some quarters, conflict is distressingly an everyday event.

The captain, who has worked for Greek line Celestyal Cruises for 30 years, loves cruising in the Gulf. He says it’s a safe, crime-free region with good ports and excellent terminals … and nowhere near as busy as the Mediterranean where he’s spent his career on seven-day cruises from Piraeus to the Greek Isles and Turkiye.

I have to agree. During my week at sea, we encounter only two other (and much bigger) cruise ships doing a similar course.

harsh landscapes meet luxe cruising

CAROLINE GLADSTONE returns to the Arabian Gulf after a 30-year absence and indulges in an array of exotic experiences that capture the essence of the intriguing literaryadventures of her childhood.

bags of pungent spices, the shape of the coffee pots.

It’s the exoticism, I guess – a hangover from the days I read Tales of the Arabian Nights as a child.

But that foreignness, that unknown, is the very reason some friends advise me against it, warning me the area’s just not safe.

But I’m intrigued to see what Dubai and Bahrain are like as it’s been more than 30 years since I was last there, when the

After taking the political temperature, Celestyal Cruises launched a new program of Gulf itineraries in November 2024 to take advantage of the mild winters with temperatures hovering around 25C, which appeal to Europeans wanting to escape the northern chill.

For we Antipodeans, it’s not just an opportunity to metaphorically dip our toes in Gulf waters but also a tempting stopover enroute to Europe, as cruises leave from three ports in the Gulf: Doha, Dubai and

Abu Dhabi, all with good air connections.

We begin the journey in Doha, capital of Qatar: a country that was, until 1971, a British protectorate.

At first glance, it resembles the modern-day Dubai I have seen in a hundred magazine stories. But with a little exploration, I find its Arabian heart in the old 19th century bazaar, Souq Waqif.

While this market flourished some 150 years ago, its fortunes waned in the mid-20th century when modern airconditioned shopping options appeared.

However, a restoration has brought back its soul and I love getting lost in the maze of alleyways, where storekeepers still practise traditional trades.

In one alley, I find rows of tailors busily hand sewing metres of white cloth into flowing thobes. And down another alley, windows display a bewildering array of swords and weaponry.

There’s an entire area dedicated to falconry, with high-priced birds for sale, along with all manner of falcon apparel.

We depart from Doha’s Mina Port and, from our Deck 10 cabin balcony, my travelling companion, a high school friend, and I trace the wide bay that curves around from the old town where we stayed to the modern high-rise in the distance.

We have chosen a variety of shore

The on-board dinner service

Chandelier inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Camels in Doha

excursions from a desert camp to a cruise through Omani fjords to make the most of our time.

In Bahrain, we take the ship’s shuttle to the new Al Baraha market: a modern twist on the traditional souq.

There, bakers turn out Arabic crepes, called raqaq, and half a dozen coffee shops serve their delicious brew. Salesmen offer perfume samples and the smell of oud (an incense made from burning agarwood) fills the air.

So popular is our next port, Dubai, that we have an overnight stay, giving us a chance to take an evening trip to a desert camp dinner, preceded by dune-bashing over the sandhills in convoy with a dozen Land Cruisers.

The highlight is the dinner entertainment of Tanoura dancers, who whirl like dervishes and wow the crowd with a finale of flaming torches from which performers set their costumes alight.

After a three-decade absence, I feel the urge to see the ‘new wonders of Dubai’.

The sail-like Burj Al Arab hotel and world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa have many enthralled, but I’m more impressed with the Miracle Gardens, where 150 million flowers and 250 million plants adorn a variety of floral structures,

including a fairy-tale castle and an Emirates 380 aircraft.

In the remote Musandam Peninsula, a tiny outpost of Oman completely surrounded by the UAE, we take a dhow trip down the 17-km fjord Khor Sham, one of several that cut through the majestic Hajar Mountain range.

The landscape is beautifully harsh, the antithesis to the bling and billion-dollar buildings of much of the Gulf.

Our last port bedazzles, as befitting Abu Dhabi’s status as the UAE capital.

We queue with a hundred others to view Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, topped by 82 domes. Under the glow of gigantic Swarovski crystal chandeliers, we admire marble tiles inland with Arabesque floral designs and the world’s largest handknotted carpet created by 1200 artisans.

The cruise takes place on the Celestyal Journey: a mid-size ship, taking just 1260 passengers. While not new, it is smart, having been treated to a $32 million upgrade in 2023.

It’s a perfect week for us. A great introduction to a region much maligned.

I get my exotic hit. I buy a pashmina and Arabian perfumes and have my photo taken with a falcon perched on my arm, just as I did in Bahrain three decades earlier.

* The writer travelled as a guest of Celestyal Cruises.

Visit celestyal.com/au

TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS

Grand Floral Parade (Reserved Seating) Private Gardens Tour, Jondaryan, The Empire Theatre, Railway Museum, Esk, Lake Somerset/Wivenhoe, Laidley

FARE INCLUDES:

Motel Accommodation and All Breakfasts and

and

PICKUP AND RETURN:

Coast, Caboolture, Redcliffe,

Surburbs, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads

ARABIAN voyages

CELESTYAL Cruises’ 2025-26 winter season begins in the Gulf on December 4 this year.

Two ships, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery, will operate different itineraries, with a handful including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Journey will operate seven-night Desert Days departing from Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi; Discovery will operate three and four-night Iconic Arabia cruises from Abu Dhabi. New ports include Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. Prices start at $AUD1018 for two people for a three-night Iconic Arabia cruise. Positioning cruises of 14 nights between Athens and the Gulf cities are offered at the beginning and end of the season. New ports of call include Jedda in Saudi Arabia and Muscat, Oman.

CANBERRA FLORIADE & SYDNEY

Hunter Valley, Sydney Opera House, NSW South Coast, Toowoomba, New England, NSW South Highlands

FARE INCLUDES:

Motel Accommodation and All Breakfasts and Dinners, All Admissions and Touring.

Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads

Swimming in the fjord is part of the dhow boat excursions

Spice seller in Souq Waqif, Doha

The eccentric heart of NSW

ASPRING or summer road trip can offer some quirky surprises. Head inland to find rabbit traps on roofs (yup!), the world-famous Utes in the Paddock, a giant ‘dish’, country personalities and unexpected attractions all along the way in Central NSW.

For those seeking the extraordinary, put Parkes and Lachlan (at the geographic heart of NSW) on your route planner. Art, culture, history and big, star-lit skies are in abundance.

If Lachlan had a capital, Condo would be it. This laid-back, riverside town and

neighbouring Parkes are home to the Parkes Elvis Festival from January 7-11 next year.

Central NSW Joint Organisation has revealed ‘The Quirkiest Things to See in Lachlan and Parkes’:

• have a drink and meet the locals at The Rabbit Trap Hotel in Albert, with a massive rabbit trap on the roof of this popular pub. There are cold beers and delicious pub meals, as well as camping and accommodation.

designed by outback artists. Don’t miss Go Vegemite and Dame Edna’s Looute at this outdoor art trail that is fun, free and very Aussie!

• marvel at the 6-metre tall Heart of Country: a noble and strong Indigenous man made of steel – just one of the 25 large outdoor art installations at Sculpture Down the Lachlan, which runs 100km from Forbes to Condo. Another must-see is Varanus: a 5.5-metre-tall goanna sculpture at Gum Swamp Reserve in nearby Forbes.

• if you need a swim, Lake Cargelligo is a surprising inland water oasis – a huge 8km-long natural lake which becomes a haven for water sports and birdwatching. Sail, waterski, swim and kayak from its peaceful foreshore.

the top is 400m and there is a re-created Aboriginal camping ground with billabong, campfires and gunyah huts.

• in Parkes, discover Murriyang: CSIRO’s Parkes Observatory and ‘the dish’ (with its own Aussie film of the same name). This 64-metre radio telescope relayed the Apollo 11 Moon landing to millions in 1969 and still leads space research today. Visit the Discovery Centre and enjoy the 3D theatre experience.

• step back in time at the Henry Parkes Centre, which brings together the Elvis Museum (The King’s Castle), the Antique Car Museum, and the Henry Parkes Museum for a unique blend of history, culture and rock’n’roll.

• from January 7–11, 2026, the legendary Parkes Elvis Festival returns for its 33rd year. With the theme: ‘Love Me Tender’ , a romantic tribute to one of Elvis’s biggest ballads, the festival’s five-day program is filled with live music, look-alike competitions, rock’n’roll dancing and even a renewal of vows ceremony for couples ready to say “I do” all over again. Central NSW includes Oberon, Bathurst, Orange, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Parkes, Grenfell, Lithgow and Lachlan.

• the Utes in the Paddock features a unique collection of 20 Holden utes, colourfully

• Manna Mountain is a sacred site for the Wiradjuri people. Scars have been left on the rocks from generations of Aboriginal people sharpening their axes. The walk to

Experience THE BEST THIS COUNTRY has to Offer

This region offers a variety of accommodation options including free camping, caravan parks, hotels and motels. For more information, go to visitcentralnsw.com.au

NOVEMBER 2025

Tasmania (15 Days)

O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days)

MARCH 2026

Norfolk Island

O’Reillys

APRIL 2026

Easter in Port Stephens

Alpine High Country to the Murray Delta

JUNE 2026

Darling River Run Red Centre to Top End

JULY 2026

Lightning Ridge

AUGUST 2026

Murray Princess and Kangaroo Island

North Queensland Savannah Tropical North Queensland SEPTEMBER 2026

OCTOBER 2026

PARKS NETWORK GROWS

BIG4 Holiday Parks has announced a major milestone, with a total of 300 of its holiday parks now dotted across this beautiful country we call home.

This figure includes BIG4-branded parks and a growing number of partner parks. From coastal retreats to regional escapes and outback getaways, the network now stretches further than ever before.

CEO Sean Jenner says the milestone reflects the strength of the BIG4 brand and the dedication of its network partners.

“Reaching 300 parks is a proud moment for the BIG4 community. It’s a testament to our long-standing commitment to quality, friendly service, and delivering memorable stays to millions of visitors,” he says.

Founded in 1979 by a group of local park owners in the Ballarat region, BIG4 has always been proudly Australianowned and locally grounded.

From humble beginnings to a national network, BIG4 has stayed true to its roots, prioritising quality accommodation, genuine hospitality and a down-to-earth holiday experience that keeps guests coming back. With this new milestone, BIG4 continues to play a vital role in driving regional tourism, supporting local communities, and connecting people with the natural beauty of Australia. Visit big4.com.au

Monday 13th

THE world’s largest fiddle is located on the Sydney waterfront – but not THAT Sydney.

The Big Fiddle, standing just over 18.2m, is next to the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, and designed by Cyril Hearn in 2005.

The fiddle pays tribute to Cape Breton’s Celtic community, its folk music and traditions.

And if you really enjoy listening to the fiddle, check out Breton Thunder.

The five-musician outfit’s recent performances aboard Holland America Line’s Volendam ship almost brought the roof down. Cruises to Canada and New England on Volendam and Zuiderdam will feature the new show.

Tuesday

December LADY BRISBANE CRUISE Join us for an end of year 3 hour luncheon cruise along the Brisbane River aboard the historic MV Lady Brisbane. Special pick-up times apply. Buffet BBQ Lunch & Cruise incl.

Tuesday 18th November

Time to think about Christmas gifts again and Eumundi is the best place to look. We travel straight up to Eumundi and back with maximum time to browse. Morning Tea provided but Lunch at own expense.

By Holly Ringland Mythology/fantasy

Reviewed by Jan

Kent

HOLLY Ringland had certainly set the bar high.

And did this novel reach it? Not quite, but it was a great read nevertheless, engaging by its beautiful language and imagery, with a moving storyline encompassing love, grief and the transformative ways these bind characters together.

As Esther is urged by her family to unravel the background to Aura’s disappearance from the shores of Tasmania’s coast following her return from Denmark and the Faroe Islands, we are transported to these three varied locations and accompanying myths and legends through some beautiful descriptions of landscape and local personalities. Armed with Aura’s diary – complete with seven fairy tales alongside verses which she had secretly tattooed on her body – the trail leads her to discover just how far a sister’s love can stretch.

Esther’s character, often frustratingly complex and antagonistic, is cleverly developed throughout the book and reveals the ripple effect that grief can have.

This is a beautiful and moving story, though at times a little wordy with excessive details and side issues.

The references to legends of extraordinarily strong women, from Indigenous Australians to Nordic culture, are indicative of the depth of research and engagement in these places by the author, adding authenticity to this wonderful book.

THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON

HOW THE WORLD REALLY WORKS

LITERARY LUNCH WITH AUTHOR HEATHER ROSE THE SEVEN SKINS OF ESTHER WILDING

By Vaclav Smil Non-fiction

Reviewed by

John Kleinschmidt

A YEAR or more ago, I decided to try and gain further knowledge on how the world really works.

To do this, I chose a scientific work by Vaclav Smil: a worldrenowned scientist.

I have been reading and re-reading chapters of this book with dogged persistence on and off for more than a year.

I now believe that I have a better understanding of the key subjects of this book, including energy, food production, our material world, globalisation, risks, environment and our future.

While this book is hard work, it is relatively easy to read and very enlightening.

This book has so much information, it will be one of the very few that I read a second time. A challenge and certainly not for everyone.

By Jana Wendt, Collection of short stories

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

WRITTEN by award-winning Australian journalist Jana Wendt, this debut collection of unique short stories is engaging and entertaining.

Revolving around themes of ageing, reflection and the complexities of human relationships, Wendt successfully opens the lid on the interior lives of her characters.

While the stories mirror the ‘ordinary’ reality of the day-to-day,

each one carries emotional depth as the reader journeys with each character through time, memory and ultimately the human experience.

There are 12 stories in total – each charming in its own right.

This represents a great book to pop in and out of if you’re seeking an easy and enjoyable read.

JOIN Annie’s Books on Peregian for a literary lunch with author Heather Rose, in conversation with Shelley Davidow.

The author of A Great Act of Love will be front and centre on Tuesday, October 14, at noon at Gusto Restaurant on Noosa River.

Inspired by true events, A Great Act of Love is an immensely beautiful and heart-rending saga of a father and daughter, and the enduring power of familial love.

From the award-winning author of The Museum of Modern Love and Bruny comes an enthralling tale of legacy, love and the making of champagne.

Van Diemen’s Land, 1839. A young woman of means arrives in Hobart, with a young boy in her care. Leasing an old cottage next to an abandoned vineyard, Caroline Douglas must navigate an insular colony of exiles and opportunists to create a new life on this island of extreme seasons and wild beauty. But Caroline is carrying a secret of such magnitude that it has led her to cross the world, and it will take all she is made of to bring it into the light. Soaring from the champagne vineyards of revolutionary France to London and early colonial Australia, A Great Act of Love is a spellbinding novel of legacy, passion and reinvention.

For the literary lunch, enjoy a two-course lunch with welcoming glass of wine for $85 per person. Bookings are essential on 5448 2053 or by emailing info@anniesbooks.com.au

MELALEUCA

By Angie-Faye Martin, Crime fiction

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

RENEE Taylor is planning to stay the minimum amount of time in her remote hometown: only as long as her mum needs her.

Then, she is fleeing back to her real life in Brisbane. Seconded to the town’s sleepy police station, Renee is pretty sure work will hold nothing more exciting than delivering speeding tickets.

That’s before a murdered woman is found down by the creek on the outskirts of town.

Leading the investigation, Renee uncovers a perplexing connection to the disappearance of two young women 30 years earlier. As she delves deeper

and the mystery unfurls, intergenerational cruelties, endemic racism and deep corruption show themselves, even as dark and bitter truths about the town and its inhabitants’ past rise up and threaten to overwhelm the present

Though Goorungah is a fictional town, it serves as a paradigm for Angie-Faye Martin, illustrating how it’s possible to live harmoniously within a community. Her ability to weave suspense with sharp social commentary and nuanced character development places her firmly within the ranks of great Australian crime writers.

An exceptional debut.

Security, Independence & Peace of Mind

Providing privacy and independence with the security of proximity to family. Glendale Granny Cabins provide comfortable, self contained accommodation for elderly relatives on the same site as the family home.

With Quizmaster Garry Reynolds

1. Who was the first Indigenous woman elected to federal parliament?

2. How many gold medals did Cathy Freeman win in the Sydney Olympics?

3. What is the name of AFL’s best and fairest medal?

4. On which TV show was Plucka Duck?

5. Where did Kath and Kim live?

6. What is the name of the Canberra street machine festival?

7. Which car has a prancing horse logo?

8. What metal is formed from copper and zinc?

9. Which English monarch abdicated in 1936?

10. Escargot is what food animal?

11. What is the white of an egg called?

12. From which country did pide originate?

13. What is the stage name of Nicholas Coppola?

14. What is the traditional food on Shrove Tuesday?

15. What is the capital of Latvia?

16. What was the occupation of Wilbert Awdry, author of Thomas the Tank Engine?

17. How many times did Henry VIII marry?

18. At the mouth of what river does Shanghai sit?

19. How many points are needed to win a game of badminton?

20. What does the ‘S’ stand for in TS Eliot?

Cage. 14. Pancakes.

5. Fountain Lakes. 6. Summernats.

1. Nova Peris. 2. One. 3. Brownlow. 4. Hey Hey It’s Saturday.

7. Ferrari. 8. Brass. 9. Edward VIII. 10. Snail. 11. Albumen. 12. Turkiye. 13. Nicholas

15. Riga. 16. Anglican minister. 17. Six. 18. Yangtze. 19. 21. 20. Stearns.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

DOWN

1 Elected court shifted around desperate subordinate(8)

2 Makes fun of objectives in presence of superior(5,2)

3 Soft cloth appeared hard in refuge(9)

5 Child tucking into the rissoles strangely forfeits everything(5,4,5)

6 the front section(5)

7 Motorcycle seat’s edge folded up by a courageous person(7)

8 Starter of turkey, with fresh dates, is savoured(6)

9 Assorted cuts threatened inexperienced instructor(7,7)

16 Outlaw’s small house detailed in ordinary writing(9)

17 in club(8)

Spineless creature in religious group(6)

Period of inactivity noticed in grass growing behind units(4,4) 10 Representation of man’s deity explodes(9)

11 Soccer players learn to control these social occasions(5)

12 Made a ruling about stone taken illegally(7) 13 Fruitless tree is not normally in leaf? Quite the opposite!(7)

One in the middle playing

18 Spoilt child taking part in contests experiences trembling(8)

20 Communist party backed stranger(5)

23 One in company dealt with a card game(7)

25 Computer criminal spotted a tool(7)

26 Members of local Aboriginal group in politics(5)

27 Tradition broken by male refuge(9)

28 Expressive people see parks in a different light(8)

29 Feed wild cat without a weakness(6)

19 Plebeian that’s holding up large smoker(7)

21 Contaminated seed is a problem that may need treatment(7)

22 They weigh small pieces

24 One separated from hikers tangled with animated star(5)

QUICK CROSSWORD

WORD

1 Taste(3) 3 Additives(11) 9 Undermine(7)

10 Drink made with wine, fruit and brandy(7) 11 Puffed up(8) 12 Top quality(1-5) 14 Malicious(3)

15 Rural woman(11) 17 Impermanence (11)

20 Greek poet, born in Lesbos(6)

21 Moving out (from)(8)

24 Examined(7)

25 Most famous falls (7) 26 Holland(11) 27 Melancholic(3)

1 Offering(9) 2 Agonising(7) 3 above(5) 4 Choice(10) 5 Rich(4) 6 Collection of animals(9) 7 Relate(7) 8 Climb(5)

13 Extraordinary thing(10)

15 Female name(9)

16 A precaution(9)

18 Bituminous road layer(7) 19 Stringed instruments(7)

20 Female name(5)

22 Raises(5)

23 Digital data transmission type(1,1,1,1)

Wholesome