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This month’s cover story from Carrol Baker is on ageing gracefully.
Goodness knows, we could all do with some help on that one over 55, especially since we’ve grown up with timeless celebrities from Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Jane Fonda, to Carey Grant, Gregory Peck and George Clooney.
I don’t have all the answers. So, of course, I Googled ‘ageing gracefully’. The first site I landed on – Simply Life Tips (simplylifetips. com/how-to-age-gracefully-signs/) – made plenty of sense. Here’s a precis of its 6 Powerful Signs You’re Doing It Right
1. You’ve stopped obsessing over food: you no longer feel the need to explain why you did or didn’t order dessert. You know what feels good for your body and choose accordingly, not based on trends or peer pressure.
2. You respect your body’s ‘no’ more than anyone’s ‘yes’: when you’re younger, it’s common to push past fatigue and say yes to things out of obligation and fear of missing out. Now, you start listening to your body’s cues and honouring your need for rest, solitude and stillness.
3. You’re curating energy, not chasing
youth: when you stop trying to look younger and start focusing on feeling good, everything changes. You become more intentional about what fuels your energy — people, practices, routines and thoughts. You might have fewer late nights or intense workouts, but you feel more alive than ever.
4. You’ve started investing in preventive care: it’s no longer about quick fixes but sustainable choices. You don’t wait for your skin to break out to book a facial. You take your supplements, go for regular check-ups and drink more water — because you care.
5. You genuinely like the person you’re becoming: you no longer need others to validate your worth. You’ve let go of the pressure to be liked and replaced it with a desire to be real.
6. You’ve let go of chaos, drama and ‘almost right’ people: you no longer tolerate relationships that drain you or situations that disrupt your peace. You invest in a few good people who truly get you.
Sage advice.
I’m not sure where the need to go to the ends of the Earth to satisfy my travel bug fits into the above. But I did find plenty of “rest, solitude and stillness” in the North Atlantic recently – just like the icebergs that are the subject of my travel article this month.
Enjoy the read!
Shirley Sinclair Editor
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Ageing gracefully is all about living life your way
CARROL BAKER seeks out advice for improving self-image over 55 and being the best version of ourselves we can be.
At 62, Nadine Bush never dreamed she’d be striking a pose in her undies. But there she was, shimmying and smiling for the cameras.
“Doing the Bonds photo shoot was so liberating,” she says.
“My previous work life in marketing was so stressful, and modelling is just so much fun.”
A decade earlier, Nadine spotted an advertisement for Silverfox MGMT: an agency for older models.
“I thought, ‘How amazing! I might get the odd job and earn a bit of extra cash’,” she remembers.
Before Nadine signed on the dotted line, work offers were pouring in.
An added bonus was how the career shift made her feel.
“I used to be shy. Now I’m much more confident,” she says.
This fabulous sexagenarian is one of a growing cohort of mature Aussies who are loving life and living it on their terms.
Silverfox MGMT CEO Bridgette Warne says over-55 models are now hot property.
“Style is ageless,” she says.
“It doesn’t fade, it evolves. It’s not about following trends or dressing for your age. It’s about expressing yourself in a way that feels authentic to you.”
Meanwhile, 75-year-old Jeff Downes has been modelling for five years.
“My daughter suggested I give it a shot, and I thought. ‘Why not?’,” Jeff laughs.
Previously, he lived all over the globe, working in real estate and corporate training.
Jeff left the corporate world a decade ago, appearing in the first season of The Amazing Race Australia with his son (they came third).
“When people discover I do modelling, they say, ‘Wow, you look great for your age’, but no one says, ‘What do you do? What do you take? What do you read? What do you think?’,” he says.
“Ageing well is a mindset and gratitude is also important.”
Living well and loving life is the new mantra for many in their golden years.
After all, age is just a number. It’s all about feeling good in the skin you are in and doing things that boost your self-image.
Taking care of our nutritional needs is one thing we can do to age well.
Fuelling our bodies with nutrient-
Nadine Bush
Jeff Downes
dense, protein-rich foods is important.
Another is getting moving. Vanessa Coman, an exercise physiologist from Studio Ness on the Sunshine Coast, says that as we age, we naturally lose strength and conditioning in a process called sarcopenia.
“This is why resistance/strength training is so important,” she explains.
If traditional exercise isn’t your thing, Vanessa says there are no excuses.
“There are a million ways to turn an activity you enjoy into something that gives you more fitness benefits,” she says.
Gardening is a fitting example of strength training, with lifting, pulling, carrying, squatting, up and down off the ground.
“With a couple of tweaks, you can turn that into an awesome workout,” she says.
Vanessa says other suggestions include setting up obstacle courses for the grandkids and joining in and grabbing aqua dumbbells to turn your summer swims into mini workouts.
Regular remedial massages are also helpful, at any stage of life.
Remedial massage therapist Chris Mann, from Studio Ness, says our ability
“Style is ageless ... It’s about expressing yourself in a way that feels authentic to you”
to remove waste and supply fresh nutrients via our vascular and lymphatic systems becomes reduced as we age.
“Even very gentle relaxation massage techniques are beneficial for improving circulation,” Chris notes.
Getting older also means more wrinkles, as the skin loses moisture and elasticity.
Brisbane make-up artist Megan Dent says staying hydrated is a great way to give your skin a boost.
“You can also use nourishing serums and creams to keep your skin healthy, for that youthful glow we all love,” she says.
Wearing make-up can be another way to boost confidence.
Megan is quick to explode the myth
that makeup is “just for the young”.
“It’s really about highlighting your best features and boosting your confidence, no matter your age,” she says.
Natural skincare is a fabulous way to nourish your skin. Grab the grandkids and enjoy a face mask. You’ll all have a giggle and feel good – granddad included.
Try Megan’s honey and avocado mask, with half a mashed avocado and a teaspoon of raw honey. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse.
Giving your wardrobe a makeover is a sure-fire confidence booster, whether you are a female or a fellow.
If your wardrobe is simply bursting at the seams and you still have nothing to wear, try a personal stylist.
Imogene Whittle, from Spree With Me in Brisbane, says a stylist can help fine-tune your signature style, to dress for your personality, lifestyle, shape and colouring.
“It’s a great option to make your wardrobe feel fresh, functional and modern again, especially if you’ve fallen into a style rut of wearing the same things,” she says.
“Try one length or a slightly layered cut above or below the jawline, depending on your face shape,” she suggests.
For men, Annette says it’s important to invest in a good, regular haircut.
“Stick to classic looks and watch your facial hair and grooming – a greasy ponytail is never a good look.”
For older people, thinning hair and breakage is common, especially if you take medication.
As a bonus, you’ll have plenty of fun and save cash by avoiding impulse buys. Your crowning glory speaks volumes as you age. For women, Sunshine Coast hairdresser Annette Davis says a bob haircut is a winner.
To combat this, Annette suggests a teaspoon of gelatin in water each day. We are on this Earth for a finite amount of time. And we never know when the jig is up.
Jeff and Nadine have nailed it. They are both living their best lives.
Jeff has a classic piece of advice for us oldies: “I feel like a lot of people think, ‘Right, I am 60 now, so I have to buy a brown cardigan’. Don’t do it.”
Instead, eat that ice-cream cone. Ride that wave.
Laugh at corny jokes. Embrace your wrinkles and those you love.
And give yourself permission to be who you want to be.
Annette Davis
Megan Dent
What to book
THERE’S only about seven weeks until Christmas Day. And what better way to celebrate than with (arguably) the best Christmas movie ever. Welcome the holiday season with Richard Curtis’s beloved festive rom-com Love Actually, playing on the big screen while a full orchestra performs Craig Armstrong’s unforgettable score live. With its star-studded cast, including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth and Bill Nighy, the film’s 10 intertwined stories of love and Christmas magic are more moving than ever. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit with loved ones, friends and family. And it’s coming to Brisbane’s QPAC Concert Hall with the Southern Cross Symphony on Saturday, December 20, at 8pm and Sunday, December 21, at 1pm. Tickets are available from qpac.com.au/whatson/2025/love-actually-in-concert
What to try
SUMMER Land Camels is an award-winning Harrisville farm attraction in the Scenic Rim in Southeast Queensland. The Southern Hemisphere’s largest camel dairy is where camels wander, skincare products are created and flavour abounds through its cheese, milk and even camel vodka and whiskey. Now the farm has shared the recipe for a sensational spring or summer sip: The Camel Milk Vodka & Peach Spritz.
Ingredients: 45ml Summer Land Camels French Oak Matured Camel Milk Vodka; 30ml peach nectar; 15ml fresh lemon juice; 90ml sparkling or soda water; ice, fresh mint and peach slices to garnish.
Method: Fill a highball or stemless wine glass with ice. Add the vodka, peach nectar and lemon juice. Stir gently. Top with sparkling water.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a peach slice.
What to experience
THE state’s most extraordinary music adventure The Outback Trail is a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. Produced by the Queensland Music Festival, the events transform the rugged heartland into Australia’s grandest stage, drawing audiences off the beaten track to breathtaking locations headlined by the very best in music talent. The 2026 trail charts a new course through nine Outback towns across April and May, each offering a new moment of discovery, with music acts Kaylee Bell, The Wolfe Brothers, Taylor Moss and Tori Drake joining along the way. The adventure kicks off in Charleville with a lively mixer under the stars before heading to Tambo, Barcaldine, Winton, Hughenden and Julia Creek, culminating in Mt Isa for a grand finale headlined by some of Australia’s biggest acts alongside emerging local talent. The full program is out this month. Visit qldmusictrails.com/trails/the-outback
Back in the day…
“LIKE sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.” That opening line (first spoken by Ed Prentiss, but made famous by Macdonald Carey) is from one of the longest-running soap operas in history. Days of Our Lives first aired on NBC in the US on November 8, 1965, bringing the residents of Salemthe fictional Mid-West small town - into our lounge rooms every weekday. Enduring characters such as Victor Kiriakis (Jennifer Aniston’s real-life father John), Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes) and husband Doug (real-life spouse Bill Hayes), Hope Williams (Kristian Alfonso), Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) also left their impression on Australian audiences. The 60th anniversary is on November 8. The show is renewed for its 63rd season.
What to watch
IF YOU’D like some nostalgia and a mini history lesson with your science fiction and high-stakes drama, tune in to Timeless. The 2016-2018 TV series on Tubi (and occasionally on other streaming services and Freeview stations) brings together a group of time travellers attempting to prevent a mysterious organisation, Rittenhouse, from altering history. The 28 episodes cover slices of significant events but with little-known facts and historical figures, plus a good dose of comedy and romance. Go along for the ride, from the Hindenburg to Bonnie and Clyde’s escapades, The Alamo to Hollywood’s ‘Golden Era’ and the day Ronald Reagan was shot to Benedict Arnold’s betrayal in the Revolutionary War. The hair and costume changes alone are worth tuning in for.
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• Gold medals and fobs • All other world gold coins
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• Nuggets and alluvial gold
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Shillings, Six Pences, Three all broken jewellery
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Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.
NOT A SLEEPYHEAD AMONG THESE BRILLIANT MINDS
EXPERTS say that sleep is the most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body. It can build a bridge between despair and hope.
Greek billionaire Aristotle Onassis put a different spin on sleep. He said: “Don’t sleep too much. If you sleep three hours less each night for a year, you will have an extra month-and-a-half to succeed.”
Among famous people who succeeded with minimal sleep are Leonardo da Vinci, who created his masterpieces with only 15-minute naps every four hours each day. Leonardo believed he ‘gained’ 20 years of productivity during his 67 years of life.
Even while cannons were booming in opening salvos, Napoleon could sleep like a baby before a big battle. His brief naps staved off fatigue while he directed his armies during the fighting, but then the general would sleep for an 18-hour stint.
Prolific inventor Thomas Edison thought sleep was a waste of time. He could sleep on a workbench or in a wardrobe “as
sound as a bug in a barrel of morphine”.
Winston Churchill kept a bed in the Houses of Parliament. He believed napping was the key to leading the country through the Battle of Britain, combined with conducting the occasional war cabinet meeting while having a bath.
Eccentric artist Salvador Dali said that one of the secrets to becoming a great painter was taking a siesta for a mere second. He sat in a chair with a heavy metal key pressed between the thumb and forefinger of his left hand. The moment he fell asleep, the key would slip from his grasp and clang on a metal plate below, waking him to create more dazzling art.
Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher slept for only four hours a night. Her late-to-bed, early-to-rise routine invariably made her the best-informed person in the room.
While Einstein enjoyed his naps, he still slept for 10 hours a night, supporting modern science which says that good sleep is essential for us mere mortals to maintain our physical and mental wellbeing.
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AUDIENNE BLYTH glides through regional history on a very special mode of transport familiar to long-time residents and visitors.
Afavourite tourist attraction at the then newly established The Ginger Factory at Yandina in the 1980s was an authentic replica of an 1880s paddle steamer.
Jenny and Ross Robertson organised a bus to take visitors from the factory to the nearby Maroochy River for short cruises on Ginger Belle. Ross was the captain and Jenny gave the commentary about the district’s early history, especially the agriculture industries of cane and ginger growing.
They also used the bus to take tourists to a local working ginger farm.
Ginger Belle was moored at Brownes’ Rocks, now known as The Rocks: a wedding venue off Coolum Road.
This part of the Maroochy River was the limit of navigation for steamers.
At low tide, rocks across the river can be seen.
However, Ginger Belle, although very popular, became an unsuccessful venture.
The paddle steamer was transported overland to the Thomson River in Central Queensland and renamed Thomson Belle It takes tourists on sunset cruises.
Ginger Belle had been moored at The Rocks for its historical significance.
More than 100 years previously, Brisbane sawmiller William Pettigrew‘s paddle steamer Tadorna Radjah delivered goods for and collected produce from the settlers there. It was then known as Peter Stevens’ Wharf and, after ownership changed, Brownes’ Rocks.
On arrival, Tadorna Radjah would sound her horn to let settlers know they had 24 hours to deliver their produce and collect supplies bought in bulk directly from Brisbane.
Goods storage sheds were established at The Rocks and Eudlo Creek.
Buderim and Maroochy River produced an abundance of bananas at that time and these were delivered for transport to Brisbane.
The Maroochy River was the highway to the farms of the hinterland.
Settlers depended on the Maroochy for transport from the 1860s until the railway opened in 1891, when river transport went out of business.
Tadorna Radjah could tow rafts of timber and navigate small creeks. The ship was 63 feet long (19.2m), 12 feet wide (3.65m) with a 6-foot depth (1.82m) of hold and successfully and miraculously negotiated the bars of coastal streams,
earning her nickname: ‘The Dodger’.
The paddle steamer regularly and safely crossed the Maroochy River bar and transported goods from the Pine and Caboolture rivers, as well as the Logan and Albert. It also carried miners who continued their journeys to the Jimna and Gympie goldfields.
Tadorna Radjah was the Aboriginal word for ‘mottled duck’. Its first run, in 1866, from Brisbane to Mooloolah Heads took a remarkably speedy eight hours.
In the great flood of 1893 on the
away and sank.
On March 20, 1893, Mr Pettigrew offered 10 pounds reward for anyone finding the wreck.
Regrettably, by June 1893, Tadorna Radjah’s hull, having been recovered, was on a sandbank for sale and this marked the end of her paddle steamer life.
Audienne Blyth is a member of the Nambour Historical Museum, open 1-4pm Wednesdays to Fridays, and 10am-3pm on Saturdays.
Brisbane River, Tadorna Radjah was carried
Ginger Belle in its glory days on the Maroochy River
A FUSION OF ART, HERITAGE, NATURE AND SCIENCE
VISITORS to Landsborough Museum have been delighting in the stunning watercolour exhibition Transformations: Art of the Scott Sisters, on show until December 7.
In the newly renovated museum, visitors will step into a world where history, science, art and nature beautifully collide.
The exhibition, on loan from the Australian Museum, showcases the breathtaking work of Harriet and Helena Scott: two trailblazing sisters who
Her meticulous records and pressed specimens later helped guide a major revegetation project – bringing back more than 200,000 endemic plants to the island.
Whether you’re a budding botanist, art lover or just looking for a fun family day out, this exhibition is one to see.
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Make an appointment to visit Kookaburra Village to view these great value pre-loved homes and have a look at the
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Landsborough Museum is a stroll from the train station and a great way to take advantage of 50-cent train fares. The museum is free to enter. It is open Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am-3pm.
Why Google keeps asking for reviews – and how it matters
EDIN READ knows the extra work we are asked to do as consumers can be ‘painful’, but it might help us all in the long run.
Have you ever searched for something on Google – maybe ‘good local mechanic’ or ‘best coffee shop near me’ – and noticed how some businesses appear right at the top, while others are buried a few scrolls down?
It’s easy to think those top spots are just the biggest or busiest places, but that’s not always the case. In fact, one of the biggest things that affects where a business shows up on Google is something you’ve probably come across before: reviews.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Another business asking for a Google review? What’s all the fuss?” But there’s actually clever tech behind it all. Once you understand how it works, it starts to make a lot more sense – and it might even change the way you use Google yourself.
First off, Google isn’t just a digital phone book. It’s more like a super-powered recommendation engine. When you type in a search, Google uses a complex formula (called an algorithm) to figure out what to show you. It tries to guess what you need, based on, for example, your location, what other people have searched for and what’s been most helpful in the past.
But one of the key ingredients in that formula is customer reviews. Reviews act like online word-of-mouth. If many people say a particular bakery makes great sourdough, Google takes that as a good sign.
Not only does it look at the star ratings, but it also checks how many reviews there are, how recent they are and even what kinds of words people use. If someone writes: “Friendly staff, quick service” that tells Google something different to “long wait, cold food”. All of this helps the system
decide which businesses to suggest to the next person who searches. That’s why businesses, especially small local ones, often ask for reviews. They’re not fishing for compliments. They’re trying to stay visible in a very crowded digital space.
Without reviews, even the best little café in town might never show up on the first page of search results. And as we all know, most people don’t scroll much further than that.
But this isn’t just useful for business owners. It matters for all of us who use the internet to make decisions. Knowing how reviews influence what we see means we can be more thoughtful when we search and more helpful when we take the time to leave a review ourselves. It’s a small gesture, but it can go a long way, especially for independent businesses that rely on locals to spread the word. You don’t need to write an essay. Just a sentence or two and a star rating is enough to make a difference.
Greyology has a very rare ‘5-star’ average, whereas other similar businesses may only have a ‘4-star’ average. It doesn’t seem like a big difference, but in the world of reviews, it’s a huge gap.
Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au
IN THE COMMUNITY
CALOUNDRA FAMILY HISTORY
THE next Caloundra Family History Research Inc. meeting will feature speaker military historian Ian Waters. In honour of Veterans’ Day, he will discuss how ill-prepared and vulnerable Australia, especially Queensland, was during the Pacific Conflict in World War II in ‘The Black Days of 1942’. Guests are welcome. The meeting is at 1.30pm on Thursday, November 20, at the Caloundra Family History Research headquarters within Corbould Park Racecourse: Gate 2, Pierce Avenue, Caloundra.
Visit caloundrafamilyhistory.org.au or call Cathy on 0411 881 745.
CHORAL SOCIETY
GYMNASTICS MASTERS GAMES
THE Gymnastics Qld Masters Games will be held on Sunday, November 9, at Maroochy Beach Gymnastics Club in Wises Road, Buderim. Matureaged gymnasts from beginners to advanced, from around Queensland and interstate, will enjoy a day of performances, awards and competition.
The Skydiving Santas, Wishes for Wandi event is hosted by Sunshine Coast charity Wandi Nerida: Australia’s first long-stay residential treatment centre for people affected by eating disorders. Wandi is partnering with Skydive Australia for this colourful and significant fundraiser on Saturday, November 29. Skydivers will land on Coolum Beach from 8am. Register at skydiving-santas2. raiselysite.com
WHETHER you’re into classical masterpieces or modern favourites, the Sunshine Coast Choral Society welcomes singers of all ages and backgrounds. No audition is needed – just a passion for music and the joy of singing with others. The group rehearses every Wednesday at 6.30pm at Lakeshore Community Church, 1 Lakeshore Avenue, Buderim. Head along and find your voice in a friendly, vibrant choir community. Email info@suncoastchoral.org.au, visit suncoastchoral.org.au or find Sunshine Coast Choral Society on Facebook SUBSCRIPTIONS ON SALE NOW
THE Friendship Force Club of Sunshine Coast recently home-hosted members from Friendship Force – National Capitol Area USA. The cultural exchange included dining and some simple fun and games. The visitors were taken to many places of interest on the Coast, but most evenings were spent with other club members enjoying Aussie food in Aussie homes. The group was given a Mayoral Reception and a tour of the Sunshine Coast Council Chambers.
For information on how to join, call Jenny on 0448 866 141.
THE combined Zonta clubs of the Sunshine Coast will be hosting a domestic and family violence prevention forum at the University of the Sunshine Coast on Friday, November 8. Join service providers, advocates and people with lived experience of domestic and family violence (DFV) for a powerful day of learning, sharing and action.
Details are at trybooking.com/DFPRE
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Regrets are pointless: let’s move on
CHARLIE GRIFFITHS quizzes himself about a fair and honest life and owning the choices he’s made.
Recently, while surfing the mysterious world of ABC-TV, I stumbled upon an episode of The Assembly where Guy Sebastian is interviewed by 35 autistic, neurodivergent and learning disabled budding journalists.
The enthusiasm of the event is contagious as the focused interviewers challenge their idol to soothe their restless souls with inspirational, heartfelt insights.
Needless to say, Guy performs brilliantly with emotional honesty and respect.
Despite battling to rein in the awe of their host, the interviewers plough on professionally with innocent curiosity and without agendas. Guy’s responses are equally on song without dancing around any obviously uncomfortable topics. No apologies for the puns.
I know it will never happen but I imagined sitting in the hot seat, surrounded by admirers wanting a glimpse into my inner thoughts and emotions. What a thrill that would be!
If the unimaginable did happen, here is a possible transcript of the episode, part 1.
Abbey: “Charlie, you are in your seventies and still working full-time, with no intention of slowing down any time soon. You have lived a productive life. Have you lived a good life?”
Charlie: “If you mean am I likely to be nominated for a sainthood, not in this lifetime. But I have always been honest and fair in business, socially, in sport and with family. I’ve developed strong values which I proudly stand by in good and bad times. My motto is: ‘Whatever choice you make, as long as you make it for the right reasons, it’s the right choice’.”
Dale: “What scares you?”
Charlie: “More than coming on this show? Nothing! I believe there’s a difference between fear and anxiety. Let me explain. Fear is spontaneous, while anxiety is anticipation of fear. Fear might happen when you’re about to step on a snake or some idiot overtakes your car on a bend at ridiculous speed; you have no say in that. You deal with it as best you can in that moment and if you’re here to tell the story, you got it right. Anxiety, however, develops over time and may or may not be founded. I felt anxious about coming here tonight but since quickly realising that we
all have mutual respect for each other, I am now only mildly terrified about the next questions.”
Evie: “This might seem a bit of a cliché question, but if you had your time over, what would you do differently?”
Charlie: “Nothing.”
A moment’s silence.
“If I did one tiny thing differently, everything would be different. I wouldn’t be the ‘me’ that I am now. My story wouldn’t be mine.”
Evie: “So, you don’t have any regrets?”
Charlie: “None. They’re pointless. I’ve done things I wish I hadn’t and wherever possible I’ve tried to redress them, but I put everything, good and bad, down to experience and learn from them. Regrets, resentments and what-ifs are all dead weight because they’re historical. The future is what we live for and we make that happen now, in the present.
The past is gone, forever.”
Savannah: “Abbey said that you are in your seventies. Would you be offended if I ask you how old you are?”
Charlie: “I know I agreed not to skirt around any questions, and I’m certainly not offended by your question. I just want to say that age is merely a number and I have never had any regard for birthdays. The only birthday I really hung out for was my 18th so I could get my driver’s licence and ‘legally’ drink in pubs. My 21st and 40th were good celebrations, but other than that, I really don’t recall many. To answer your question, let me say I’m old enough to know better and young enough to do it again.”
Charlie Griffiths is a certified life coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner. Contact Charlie at his website: charliegriffithscoaching.com
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By Mocco Wollert
IT USED to be a rite of passage for a boy or girl at the start of school when they finally managed to tie their own shoelaces.
As we get older and our hands are not so dexterous anymore, it becomes difficult again to tie shoelaces or other fasteners that require tying.
Life being what it is, we – or at least I – now have great trouble knotting or unknotting shoelaces or making ties of any kind.
I still go to the gym now and then, wearing my joggers. But more than once, one of my friends would alert me to the fact that my shoelaces had come undone and I was in danger of falling over them.
They would easily kneel down –something I now find hard to do – and fasten the wicked things for me.
Their advice? Buy gym shoes with Velcro fasteners.
Velcro was invented by Swiss engineer George de Mestral in 1941. His inspiration came from observing how burdock burrs – small seedpods
with hooks – clung to his clothing and his dog’s fur after a walk in the woods.
He recognised the potential of this natural hook-and-loop system for creating a new type of fastener. Mr Google tells us the name ‘Velcro’ comes from two words of the French language: velour meaning ‘velvet’, and crochet meaning ‘hook’. de Mestral’s original fastening system quickly spread into other uses and Velcro now can be found as fasteners on handbags, suitcases, gloves – in short, anything that needs to be held together.
The first shoes to have the new fastener came out in the 1960s and ’70s. It was a revolution.
A variation is the double-sided tape – some of it strong enough to keep a large painting on the wall.
But you better make sure it hasn’t deteriorated with age or spoilt in some other way.
I thought I was very clever to
fasten one of my paintings, newly bought and not cheap, above the bedhead. One day, it came crashing down, breaking into pieces over my bed. Luckily, I was not lying in it at the time.
There are many other fasteners, of course: chains with padlocks, locks with keys, not to forget the good old zippers.
The invention of the zipper was revolutionary, too, and saved time and effort. Of course, if the zipper gets stuck, you are in a real pickle, especially if you are in a long evening gown and you can’t reach the back. You will need help in that situation to get out.
Men have also been known to get some delicate part stuck in a trouser zipper and I believe it can be quite painful to get them ‘unstuck’.
But back to Velcro. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could use Velcro for fastening other than shoes, handbags and suitcases? What about people? Maybe somebody can invent a ‘fastening’ device that will keep children and grandchildren fastened to you, no matter how far away they move or how old they are, keeping them attached and close forever.
May Velcro make your life easier in many ways.
Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com
Life in the slow lane Life’s an adventure
By Cheryl Lockwood
AS CHILDREN, it was not unusual to tell someone who was annoying us to “get lost!”.
I heard it on a regular basis from my siblings. It probably had no ill effect, but as an adult, I have no trouble getting lost.
I’m quite thankful for the latest technology in my car, with that pleasant voice telling me to turn right in 600m or take the third exit on a roundabout. The days of having a street directory tucked under the car seat seem like ancient history, but that was the way we once navigated our way through unfamiliar areas – obviously not with it under the seat, but open on our laps, flipping ahead to the page where the required map would join up to the last.
Generally, the person in the passenger seat would direct the driver and not always in the nice tone of the satnav lady.
Once, on a visit to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, hubby switched the helpful voice off once the famous landmark was in sight. Unfortunately, we missed the carpark entrance and drove another 10km before being able to turn back.
My sense of direction is non-existent. I have gone to a public toilet in a shopping centre and turned in the completely wrong direction on
coming out. I have learnt to take particular notice of my surroundings when parking the car and always memorise the number and level of the carpark. I could be looking at a sunset and still not know which way was north.
It was some comfort to find out that other women admit to the same issue.
I discovered this on a day out hiking with a group of girls. Having almost completed the 13km loop trail we were enjoying, we noticed the track seemed to have disappeared.
We pressed on, complying with a sign which had instructed us to follow the fenceline as we were crossing private property. Some of the girls were tracking our progress via phone apps and it appeared we were heading in the right direction: the end of our hike and a pub were just 20 minutes away.
We trudged on with the grass seemingly growing thicker before our eyes until we were confronted by a barbed wire fence with no gate.
The preceding sections of trail had
been clearly marked, even if some of the signs were worn or damaged.
We scratched our heads and looked at our options.
Beyond the fence, cows lazed in the sun. One of them looked suspiciously bull-shaped, so we disregarded that route.
Option 2 saw us climb up a steep slope to get a visual perspective of our location. The incline gave us a workout that none of us asked for.
The view was impressive, but didn’t give us any idea of where we’d strayed from the track.
Our last resort was to backtrack to the last signage we’d seen. There, we discovered the error of our ways.
Thanks to one missing marker, we’d bypassed a gate instead of going through it.
At the end of our trek, we’d only added on an extra kilometre, but the hills made it feel more like five.
Fortunately, getting lost wasn’t a serious situation for us as it can be for some. After all, we were only separated from farmhouses by a few strands of barbed wire.
They say men don’t ask for directions, but I can tell you that this plucky women’s group wasn’t about to admit defeat and knock on some farmer’s door.
Ah, all’s well that ends well and life’s still an adventure.
Embrace a lifestyle where you have more time to enjoy the things you love. At Sunset Palms Retirement Living in Palmview, this welcoming community offers exactly that. Modern, low-maintenance homes, convenient care and support services, home and garden maintenance taken care of and a dedicated team ready to assist. Feel more supported, with the freedom to enjoy your time your way.
5 common questions asked about recovery
CAITLYN HUTH offers advice about managing your health condition and the way forward with exercise.
Recovering from an injury can raise many questions, especially when it comes to exercise and self-management.
Here are answers to some common questions you might have during rehabilitation. What exercises should I do at home to help my recovery? Your exercise plan at home should focus on mobility, strength and endurance. You should be guided by a routine tailored to your specific needs, complementing the work you do in physical therapy. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed exercises consistently and report any unusual pain. Small, regular efforts will yield the best results and keep your progress on track. How do I know if I’m doing too much or too little? Pay attention to how your body responds. Mild soreness is normal, but sharp or lingering pain is not. If you feel fatigued, take rest; if you don’t feel challenged, you might need to
increase intensity. Consistency is key. Adjustments can always be made. Communicate with your therapist to find the right balance for your recovery. Is this pain normal? Should I be concerned? Some discomfort is expected during rehabilitation, particularly with strengthening exercises. However, sharp, intense or persistent pain should not be ignored. If you experience pain that worsens during or after activity, stop and consult your therapist. Ongoing pain could indicate that your body needs more rest or a program adjustment. How can I prevent this injury or issue from happening again? Injury prevention is an important part of rehabilitation.
Your therapist should focus on strengthening the affected area, improving flexibility and correcting movement patterns. Maintaining proper posture, avoiding overuse and incorporating regular exercise are all essential in reducing the risk of future injuries. Prevention is a long-term goal, even after recovery. Will I be able to return to my regular activities or work? Yes! Returning to your usual activities is the ultimate goal, but you do so gradually. Movements will be reintroduced gradually and tasks step by step, ensuring you’re ready without overloading your body. It’s important not to rush the process. Pushing too hard can lead to setbacks. With consistent effort and guidance, you’ll be back to doing what you love safely.
Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au
FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law
ONE of the best ways to ensure that someone sticks with an exercise program is to make sure they enjoy it.
It would be pointless trying to undertake a walking or running program if you did not want to do it or did not like walking or running.
I know many people love water aerobics. One of the main reasons they enjoy it is because it is great exercise and supports their bodies while they get the necessary movement they require. It is not for everyone –the same as yoga or Pilates.
It is very important that you like what you are doing (‘like’ in the sense that you keep attending). Many of us realise how good an exercise is for us and regardless of if we like it or not, we keep attending.
I prefer to run. I don’t enjoy running but I like to run because it gives me my best bang for buck.
I do not have to exercise for long and I get my required intensity and cardiovascular exercise in at the same time.
Walking is a fantastic way to get in your daily exercise. It provides variety as you can do it on the flat, hills, trails and even a treadmill. It allows you to walk slow or fast, a short or long distance, and with or without additional weight via a backpack, for example.
Walking can be social and enjoyable or solitary and peaceful. Some of us are addicted to transport other than walking, particularly in the modern world. If you have not yet settled on a regular form of exercise, consider walking. It is easy to monitor and record, you can walk all weather by simply adjusting the clothing you wear, and you will quickly recognise the benefits to your health. Weight loss may well be one benefit. Whatever you do to keep yourself fit and healthy, keep doing it. Your body will appreciate it.
Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.
YOUR LOCAL EYE DOCTOR
Associate Professor
Kristopher Rallah-Baker
The next frontier awaits: a cheap and cheerful, compact SUV
BRUCE MCMAHON finds a smart-looking runaround with plenty of room for four adults and a weekend’s luggage to boot.
Suzuki, long-time maker of honest small cars, has added the valuepacked Fronx to the fleet.
The all-new Japanese SUV lines up at just under four metres long, yet offers a decent amount of space and features for four. It’s a cheerful compact with ‘Fronx’ apparently a combo of ‘frontier’ and ‘next’, which suits well enough.
This is a tidy-looking machine with coupe-style profile and clean, uncluttered body lines, with a fair choice of mature body-colour combinations to further help set the Fronx apart in the parking lot.
It’s a restrained, grown-up style which belies the $29,990 driveaway opening price.
The Suzuki’s features list is broad and runs from wireless phone charger to full suite of driver aids (sometimes annoyances, albeit switchable) such as lane-departure warnings and rear parking assistance through cameras and sensors.
There is a swathe of buttons and switches to be learnt – from disabling the
stop-start system to voice controls for the 9-inch screen to adjusting the head-up display in front of the driver.
Now, both front seats are heated (handy even in Southeast Queensland) but the comfortable-enough driver’s seat may sit a tad too high for old six-footers.
There’s room for an adult-sized driver with adult-sized passenger behind but, in both instances, a little more head room would be appreciated.
The tidy cabin is well organised with most of today’s expected comforts, conveniences and safety features.
It’s not a premium interior at this price, with lots of hard plastics.
Overall, it feels a little old-school, which may well suit many at this end of the market.
Where the Fronx comes into its own is the frugality of the mild hybrid system. With a 1.5-litre petrol engine plus extra battery and integrated starter-generator to help with re-starts and some acceleration, the five-door Suzuki runs at a claimed 4.9-litres per 100km. That
figure isn’t too far off in the real world when poking around.
Out and about, the front-wheel-drive Fronx is happy enough to keep up with traffic, if no sports machine.
The compact and lightweight body is a bonus for manoeuvring through city streets but is want to complain about uneven, pock-marked surfaces at suburban speeds. It’s happier when the 16-inch alloy wheels get a little speed up (NB: There’s no spare wheel, just a ‘flat tyre repair kit’).
The Japanese-designed, Indian-built SUV’s handling and road holding are safe enough with some understeer if squeezing out the last of the 76kW into
the turns. Here, paddle shifters on the steering wheel column for the six-speed automatic transmission add some sportiness to the drive but the show can become a little raucous if pressing on.
So, this all-new Suzuki Fronx is a smart-looking, five-door SUV with room for four adults and a weekend’s luggage. It is cheap at today’s prices (albeit with some elements less than premium), yet it is competent as a value-packed runaround.
The Fronx, with five-year warranty, has the marked advantage, too, of carrying Suzuki’s well-earned reputation for building reliable and durable small cars over many decades.
FARE INCLUDES:
• MCG Tour
• Bendigo Vintage Talking Tram
• Ballarat Botanic Gardens Bergonia Display
• International Flower & Garden Show
• Melbourne City Free Time
• Puffing Billy Train
• Crown Entertainment Centre
• Port of Echuca
• Canberra Tour, Newcastle
Pickup and Return: Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island, Caboolture.
FARE INCLUDES:
• Great Ocean Road
• Kangaroo Island
• Barossa Valley - Maggie Beer Farm Shop
• Winery Tour
• Hahndorf Historic German Village
• Mt Lofty, Adelaide City, Central Markets
• Haigh’s Chocolate Factory Visitor Centre
• Glenelg, Victor Harbour
• Port of Echuca
• Mt Gambier, Mildura, Griffith
Pickup and Return: Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island, Caboolture.
ADELAIDE EXPLORER TOUR
Retirement should be about enjoying your freedom, not worrying about the future.
Even the healthiest people can face sudden health challenges such as dementia, stroke, falls, or depression from isolation and today’s hospital overcrowding can make care and recovery even harder.
That’s why Scarisbrick International Group and its associated companies have been trusted for over 10 years to deliver 6-Star Luxury In-Home Care Services across Australia. With our support, you or your loved ones can remain independent, comfortable and cared for without ever needing to move to a nursing home.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE US:
• Stay in your own home – enjoy familiar surroundings, independence and peace of mind.
• Tailored care options – from 1 hour per month to full 24/7 live-in support.
• Comprehensive assistance – cooking, cleaning, laundry, companionship, and personal care.
They may come initially for the world-renowned whale watching, as a welcome beach break on a big lap around Australia or to drop in on friends and family who already call this special place home.
Before they know it, a few days have turned into a week; a week into a fortnight or a month.
They vow to return – and do, again and again.
And then, having found their place in the sun, they finally make the move from their well-established life in the city, Outback or beaches further afield to take up their new slice of heaven.
Hervey Bay has long worked its charms on travellers and tourists who feel so at home that they put down roots and become permanent residents.
That’s very true of savvy seniors who lap up the active, outdoorsy lifestyle and true sense of community that complement the exquisite turquoise and golden colours of their scenic surrounds.
They also discover that “sittin’ on the dock of the bay, wastin’ time” never felt or looked so good.
From Pialba and Point Vernon through Scarness, Torquay and Urangan, this city of nearly 58,000 in the Fraser Coast region supports over-55s, especially, to feel connected and continue to learn and grow through community and councilsupported programs and activities, including art and fitness classes, as well as social events.
Halcro Street Community Centre and Gardens at Pialba, for example, is a vibrant hub of activity, and Hervey Bay
Sixty & Better Healthy Aging Program
Inc is a membership-based, not-for-profit charity “run by older people for older people” – both joining a bevy of community service groups and social clubs and outlets to help create a lively, fun atmosphere.
Where else would you find a Mobility Scooter and Wheelchair Convoy, decorated in a pirate theme, attempting to break its own Australian record (as happened in September this year at Scarness Park)?
Senior residents feel like they are ‘holidaying at home’ every day in Hervey Bay, given the diverse array of café and restaurant venues, the world’s largest sand island (K’gari) at their doorstep with its four-wheel-driving, camping/resort facilities, recreational boating and fishing opportunities, not to
mention kilometre upon kilometre of calm coastline for swimming and just about every water sport under the sun.
All this is only just over two hours to Noosa and three-and-a-half hours to Brisbane if seniors need a dose of big-city ‘busyness’.
While it was declared its own city in 1984, Hervey Bay, to a large extent, has managed to maintain its quiet ambience and country hospitality.
And that’s what sets it apart.
It has all the conveniences, services and compelling lifestyle of an urban centre but with the beating heart of a rural hub. The best of both worlds.
By SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
IMAGES: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
Kilometre upon kilometre of pristine beaches
Brunch at Waterfront Restaurant
Walk or fish from the Urangun pier
A whale spy hop
wellness studio — these small moments shape the rhythm of community life.
WHETHER you’re a solo groover or a duo mover, Liven Beach Road has something for everyone.
This vibrant Hervey Bay community for those 50 and over has been thoughtfully designed with lifestyle, connection and the coastal charm of the bay at its heart.
THERE’S a quiet confidence about Reflections on the Bay retirement village — the kind that comes from thoughtful design and genuine community.
Part of Retirement Living by Ozcare, this Hervey Bay retirement community is designed for people who want more from where they live and how they live.
Set within established
gardens and only minutes from what matters — beaches, cafés, and local shopping — the retirement community has become a favourite among those rethinking what resizing can look like.
Life at Reflections moves at your pace. A swim in the covered all-season pool, coffee with neighbours in the clubhouse, or time in the
The new one- and twobedroom retirement apartments are now complete and ready to move in, offering light-filled spaces with full kitchens, open living and private balconies designed for everyday comfort.
As part of Retirement Living by Ozcare, residents enjoy priority access to Ozcare’s trusted Support at Home services — flexible help delivered by familiar faces, when and how it’s needed.
Apartments are now selling. Call 1800 692 273 or visit reflectionsonthebay.org.au
Delivering a unique blend of 132 architecturally designed homes, it offers comfort and convenience to enliven every moment in your retirement lifestyle.
Life at Beach Road will feature a Clubhouse offering resort-style amenities including a pool, stylish clubhouse, tennis and pickleball courts, cinema, lawn bowls, free WiFi, a welcoming bar and lounge, private dining, pet-friendly spaces for four-legged friends and an app designed to foster connections, create shared experiences and enhance the overall sense of belonging within your community.
Surrounded by the coastal charm and natural beauty of
Hervey Bay, Liven Beach Road will place adventure, relaxation and community right at your doorstep. Residents will enjoy the ideal balance of activity and ease, with opportunities to be social, stay active or simply unwind.
Spend mornings walking along the esplanade, afternoons catching up with friends in the clubhouse, and evenings enjoying golden sunsets over the bay with a strong sense of belonging, thoughtfully curated spaces, and a lifestyle designed for how you want to live.
YOUR estate plan is a combination of legal documents and personal information that grants your loved ones the authority to act on your behalf during incapacity or after your death.
It gives your loved ones the practical guidance to ensure your wishes are fulfilled.
The exact documents you need will vary, based on your circumstances. As a general outline, these are the key documents everyone should consider:
1. Will.
2. Enduring Power of Attorney.
3. Advance Health Directives (AHD, but commonly known as a ‘do not resuscitate’).
4. Superannuation binding death nomination.
5. Trust deeds and company constitutions (if relevant).
6. Company Power of Attorney.
Personal information addresses the practical and emotional aspects of your estate plan. Ryans Solicitors recommends that you:
1. Communicate your wishes to your loved ones and family: this may concern preferences, including your wishes regarding burial, as well as your choices concerning medication and care.
2. Organise your information: create a
I don’t want to get technical, but ...
I don’t want to get technical but Queenslanders are increasingly discovering that an estate isn’t limited to property and bank accounts.
A lifetime of photos, emails, social media and even cryptocurrency may sit behind passwords or two-factor authentication and, without planning, these ‘digital assets’ can be lost forever.
Under Queensland Law, a will governs how your assets are distributed. But it doesn’t automatically give your executor authority to accessonline accounts.
Many service providers, especially overseas platforms, refuse access unless your will specifically mentions digital assets.
A simple digital assets clause may avoid future frustration by giving your executor clear authority to locate,
access and deal with your online presence.
It’s also wise to keep a secure list of accounts, subscriptions and passwords (not in the will itself) so your executor knows what exists.
As daily life becomes more digital, ensuring your online legacy is properly managed has become an essential part of estate planning in Queensland.
If your will is more than a few years old, now is a good time to review it.
Our estate planning team can help ensure your will reflects today’s realities.
comprehensive list of critical details your loved ones will need. This might include:
• assets, bank accounts and investments
• insurance policies
• superannuation details
• tax file numbers
• passwords and login details for computer platforms
• pre-arranged funeral plans.
Keep this list updated and in a secure location, along with your formal estate planning documents, and make sure a trusted person knows where to find it.
We recommend including this list with your will.
We provide complimentary safe storage for any other documents that form part of your estate plan, even if we did not prepare the documents.
WORDS: Johanne Viavattene, solicitor, Ryans Solicitors and Attorneys. Call 5443 9911 for a free, no-obligation, 30-minute phone or in-person consultation. Mention this article when you call.
The big mistake people make in choosing an elder law adviser
By DON MACPHERSON
The baby boomers are now retiring and there are many legal challenges for this generation to deal with.
If you need a complicated electrical job done, you don’t get a jack of all trades. You choose someone who knows what they are doing because that’s what they do – every day.
Elder law is recognised as a distinct area of legal practice that requires expert advice. People often don’t understand what elder law is.
Do you worry about having an adequate will (or having any will at all) to ensure that your financial wishes are carried out and your estate is managed as you intend? That’s elder law.
Do you have a desire to be part of a
community with lots of facilities that enhance your lifestyle? Is it time to consider moving to a retirement village to become part of an active and engaging community? That’s elder law.
Are you in the situation of having to manage the estate of a deceased family
PEACE OF MIND STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION
WE SPEND our lives building for the future: raising families, growing our assets, supporting those we care about. But too often, the crucial step of planning what happens after we’re gone is left unfinished or, worse, unspoken.
Based on the Sunshine Coast and assisting clients across Queensland, Bush to Beach Legal offers practical, compassionate guidance to help you take control of your affairs, whether you’re planning ahead or navigating the loss of a loved one.
At the heart of this service are solicitor Mel Crosby and legal assistant Tahlia Kimber. Together, they bring a thoughtful, peoplefirst approach to what can be an emotional and complex process.
Mel’s professional background includes service in the Royal Australian Air Force and federal government roles, along with deep community engagement. Her legal approach is not just about ticking boxes. It’s about ensuring your wishes are truly understood and respected.
Tahlia assists with client communication, scheduling and the day-to-day coordination of estate matters.
The estate planning services offered go well beyond simply drafting a will. The team
can assist with appointing enduring powers of attorney, updating superannuation nominations, and managing legal aspects of estate administration after someone has passed.
Each solution is tailored to the individual, because no two lives or legacies are the same.
Many Australians are unaware of the complications that can arise from passing away without a valid will. In such cases, legal rules determine how assets are distributed, often in ways that may not align with your personal wishes.
That’s why Bush to Beach Legal encourages everyone, regardless of age or financial situation, to consider estate planning as an essential step toward protecting their loved ones and securing their legacy.
Clients often say they feel a great sense of relief after finally getting their affairs in order: something they had put off for years, unsure where to start. Bush to Beach Legal makes that first step easy, with conversations that are grounded in respect and practical solutions that deliver longterm security.
Visit bushtobeachlegal.com.au
member and don’t know what to do or how to navigate the complexities involved? That’s elder law.
Many solicitors say they do elder law but, in fact, are generalists who do conveyancing, personal injuries, criminal law and, frankly, anything that walks in the door.
Don’t choose a generalist to do specialist work. Choose lawyers who practise in the areas of elder law day in, day out.
Significant financial planning
considerations are involved. You need to get advice from planners who specialise in the issues affecting seniors in making their lifestyle and life-planning decisions. Sunshine Coast Elder Law is expert in all aspects of elder law, including wills, estates, retirement village, manufactured home park and aged care contracts. We can also offer video conferencing to ensure advice can be given, and questions answered, in a convenient way. Call 1800 961 622 or visit the website: sunshinecoastelderlaw.com.au
Brisbane Elder Law is expert in all aspects of elder law, including wills, estates, retirement village, manufactured home park and aged care contracts. We can also offer video conferencing to ensure advice can be given, and questions answered, in a convenient way. Call 1800 961 622 or visit brisbaneelderlaw.com.au
MIND
SCIENTISTS have recently discovered the glymphatic system: a plumbing network that clears away waste and protein plaques from between brain cells while we sleep.
This remarkable cleaning process is most active during the deep stages of non-REM sleep, when the body is fully relaxed and brain waves slow down.
During this phase, the brain actually shrinks by up to 60 per cent, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to wash away toxins.
The waste is then transported through the body’s plumbing system to the liver and kidneys for disposal.
Most of this cleaning happens in the first half of the night, when we experience the deepest sleep. When sleep cycles are repeatedly interrupted, the brain doesn’t get the deep rest it needs to do this clean-up.
Sleep apnea (where breathing stops and starts throughout the night) is one of the most common culprits. Each event jolts the body out of deep sleep and can also starve it of oxygen. Over time, that may leave behind waste linked to memory loss, dementia, depression and brain fog.
Up to 80 per cent of people with sleep apnea don’t know they have it. Watch for: loud or chronic snoring; daytime tiredness; night-time urination; brain fog or low mood.
Take a free online sleep test at cpap. com.au/sleeptest or call 1300 133 298.
LOW-IMPACT MOVEMENT HELPS AT EVERY AGE
REFORMER Pilates is one of the most effective and low-impact ways for older adults to stay mobile, strong and balanced.
It supports healthy joints while improving posture, flexibility and coordination. Strength training and load-bearing exercise are key in maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Research shows that consistent, progressive strength work helps protect bones, improve balance and reduce falls.
Redefine Reformer Pilates’ inclusive, community-based approach means every class is led by experienced instructors who understand how to adapt exercises for all abilities. Participants feel supported and empowered every step of the way.
New Active Aging Strength classes have been developed in collaboration with an exercise physiologist to ensure safety and effectiveness for adults 60 and older, and are designed to complement Reformer Pilates practice by focusing on building muscle, improving bone strength and enhancing everyday function.
Redefine’s classes are held in Buderim, with a new studio soon to open at Maroochy Waters.
Pre-register or book a call to learn more at redefinereformer.com.au
HEARING HEALTH IS CRUCIAL ON THE MOVE
LIFE on the road offers freedom and adventure, but for many caravaners, hearing loss can quietly erode connection and safety.
Fortunately, hearing-aid technology has evolved to meet the needs of mobile lifestyles. Today’s devices are discreet, powerful and packed with features that enhance clarity in dynamic environments.
Partner microphones allow wearers to hear a companion’s voice directly in their hearing aids. This fosters smoother conversation and reduces listening fatigue.
Bluetooth streaming is another game changer. Caravaners can wirelessly connect their hearing aids to phones, GPS systems or entertainment devices, enjoying crisp audio without the need for headphones. For couples or groups travelling together, remote controls and smartphone apps offer easy adjustments to volume and settings, ensuring personalised comfort without fiddling with tiny buttons.
WORDS: Mark Paton, senior audiometrist, Hear4Good. Hear4Good is an independent clinic at Golden Beach and Caloundra. Call 5477 0144 or visit hear4good,com.au
SKIN cancer affects more than 75 per cent of Australians by the time they are 75 years old.
That proportion is higher in people with fair or olive skin types.
Many people develop skin cancers regularly, meaning ongoing surveillance and care.
They may also have difficulty with flaky or uncomfortable sundamaged skin.
With the Sunshine Coast having among the highest skin cancer rates in the country (and the world), identifying and managing skin cancer is important and can be challenging.
To help combat this problem, SunLife Skin Cancer Care Centre in Wises Road, Buderim/Maroochydore, has been building a team of trained and experienced skin cancer doctors supported by caring and efficient nursing and reception staff.
All of the doctors are accredited with the Skin Cancer College of Australasia, or are finalising this in the coming month, and they all have relevant Masters or Diploma degrees.
You can book appointments at SunLife now. No referral needed. Visit sunlifeskincancercare.com.au or call 5450 9808.
SPECIALISTS IN SENIOR HEALTH & COMMUNITY AGED CARE
RESEARCH shows that nearly 70 per cent of falls happen at home.
Whether it’s from unsure footing, tripping on a pesky bit of carpet or dizziness related to medications, a simple tumble can leave someone unable to get up for minutes or even hours.
For older Australians or people with disability, a fall can change everything.
The traditional solution has been ‘wearables’. They need charging, must be worn at all times and require manual activation to request help — not to mention the self-consciousness or stigma some may feel when wearing them.
But when you’re going about daily life, this isn’t a practical or empowering solution.
HomeGuardian.AI took these challenges and created a solution that revolutionises fall detection and personal safety.
The smart optical sensor detects falls and unusual activity.
No images or videos are ever taken or stored, and all monitoring is processed on the device itself, keeping your privacy completely safe.
Alerts go out instantly when help is needed.
Most of HomeGuardian.AI’s customers are people who want to
remain independent at home, supported through aged care or the NDIS.
Residential aged care facilities also trust the technology to keep residents safe.
Safety doesn’t stop at the front door. The companion app for Android and Apple devices lets users alert emergency contacts when outside.
Indoors, a small adhesive SOS button works up to 30-40 metres and can be placed in various areas around the home for extra peace of mind.
HomeGuardian.AI removes the stress of wearables and insures your safety and wellbeing as you go about your favourite day-to-day activities. It’s the simple and smart way to keep you safe, private and independent.
Visit homeguardian.ai
DECEMBER SHINES BRIGHTLY
IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas at The Events Centre, Caloundra, with a dazzling program of festive entertainment, dining and celebrations all December long. Darren Coggan: Home for Christmas Wednesday, December 10, at 11am Award-winning performer Darren Coggan brings his warm storytelling and Australian spirit to this joyful festive concert. Sing along to Christmas favourites and enjoy a special $8.50 Christmasthemed morning tea before the show. All tickets are $31, via theeventscentre.com. au/event/darren-coggan-homefor-christmas
Christmas Actually Friday, December 12, at 7.30pm Get ready to laugh, sing and relive the magical music of Love Actually. Starring
Libby O’Donovan, this show is a festive cracker packed with hits from Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Kelly Clarkson and more. Tickets from $30, via theeventscentre.com.au/event/ christmas-actually Mirusia’s Christmas Celebration Sunday, December 14, at 3pm
Soprano Mirusia returns with her Christmas Vocal Quartet, The Queensland Choir and musicians from the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra for a heartwarming concert of carols and festive classics. Tickets from $30, via theeventscentre.com.au/ event/mirusias-christmas-celebration
The Greatest Christmas Show
Monday, December 15, at 7pm
Led by internationally acclaimed master illusionist Anthony Street, this production features breathtaking illusions, vocals, dancers and a special visit from Santa Claus. Tickets from $49.90, via theeventscentre.com.au/event/the-greatestchristmas-show
The 7 Sopranos Celebrating Christmas Friday, December 19, at 7.30pm
The 7 Sopranos bring their breathtaking voices to a concert of Christmas carols, operatic highlights and holiday favourites, creating an enchanting evening of festive delight. Indulge in a special Christmas two-course dining experience pre-show for $80 per person. Tickets from $35, via theeventscentre.com.au/event/the-7sopranos-celebrating-christmas
CHRISTMAS IN THE HANGAR
GET in the festive mood early when the Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific hosts Christmas in the Hangar.
The event on Saturday, November 29, will be held at Queensland Air Museum in Pathfinder Drive, Caloundra, and is a fundraiser for DV Safe Phone, providing free mobile phones to victims of domestic violence.
Entertainment is by Girl Friday: a Southeast Queensland quartet blending smoky vocals, sax, bass and drums.
Two food trucks will offer a choice of
MALENY PLAYERS GET WYRD
TERRY Pratchett is one of the most imaginative and humorous best-selling writers of the past 50 years.
In Wyrd Sisters (PG rating), Pratchett riffs on narrative and themes that are famous in Shakespeare, with three witches tasked with restoring the rightful monarch after an assassination. Wyrd Sisters the novel has been adapted into a
CHRISTMAS MARKET
menus, while the night from 7-10pm will also feature a licensed bar and raffle prizes donated by local sponsors. Tickets are available at trybooking. com/DFFAH
two-act play which is being produced by the Maleny Players. More than 30 colourful characters and a rollicking narrative will delight audiences. WHERE: The Playhouse, Maleny Showgrounds, Maleny-Stanley River Road. WHEN: Saturday, November 29, to Sunday, December 14, at various times. TICKETS: Book at trybooking.com and search for ‘Wyrd Sisters’.
THE Woodlands Artisans Christmas Market on Saturday, November 22, from 9amnoon features more than 30 stalls. The stalls include home décor, mosaics, soft handmade toys, plants, preserves, paper craft, various types of jewellery and other Christmas items. Raffles and a sausage sizzle will be held on the day, and the café will be open for coffee, morning tea and lunches at 22 Lacebark Street, Meridan Plains. For more events, see page 32
Mirusia
From the nostalgic charm of Jingle Bells and Let it Snow to the serene beauty of Silent Night and Holy Night, this concert promises a magical musical journey through the season.
FRI 19 DEC, 7.30PM Tickets from $55*
DARREN COGGAN Home For Christmas A jolly celebration of songs and stories that embrace the festive spirit of Christmas in Australia. WED 10 DEC, 11AM | All tickets $31*
LIVING IT UP in retirement
QSO UNVEILS 2026 PROGRAM
QUEENSLAND Symphony Orchestra (QSO) has unveiled its 2026 season under the banner of ‘Feel Every Note’.
The 2026 program is designed to showcase the orchestra’s own talented
musicians with soloist opportunities that spotlight homegrown talent, as well as bringing some of the world’s best to Brisbane. Among the 10-concert Maestro Series are three thrilling and unusual concertos: a virtuosic trombone concerto, a wildly theatrical percussion concerto performed on dozens of instruments, and a classical accordion concerto rarely heard in the QPAC Concert Hall.
QSO also will expand its popular film concert series with inspiring performances, including live scoring of family favourite How to Train Your Dragon, an ode to gamers with The Music of Video Games, the annual cinematic concert – dedicated to The Wonder of Animation, and a tribute to music legend John Williams.
Tickets are on sale from qso.com.au
AN AFTERNOON OF ELEGANCE AND EMPATHY
A HEARTFELT afternoon of connection, compassion and cause is promised at An Afternoon of Elegance and Empathy.
The Thompson Charity Foundation invites the Sunshine Coast community to indulge in a luxurious high tea experience paired with sparkling champagne – all in support of the Rise2 Foundation: a local organisation dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence, women and families rebuild their lives with strength, dignity and hope.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Mooloolaba’s marina, guests will enjoy: a glass of champagne on arrival; a tasting of three premium champagnes including Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and
R de
Brut; and a decadent high tea experience. WHERE: Pier 33, 33/45 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba.
WHEN: Friday, November 14, 2-6pm.
TICKETS: From $120, via eventbrite. com.au and search for ‘An Afternoon of Elegance and Impact’.
SUNSHINE COAST CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT
BEFORE the Christmas rush begins, treat yourself to an afternoon of uplifting music and festive joy.
Let Your Spirit Soar — the Sunshine Coast Choral Society’s final concert for 2025 — is a pre-Christmas delight.
Enjoy Vivaldi’s glorious Gloria alongside a heartwarming selection of popular songs that inspire joy, gratitude
and hope. With a string ensemble adding extra sparkle, this concert promises to lift your spirits and set the tone for a joyful festive season.
WHERE: Stella Maris Primary School, 5 Stella Way, Maroochydore.
WHEN: Sunday, November 30, at 2pm. TICKETS: Adults $38, concession $32 (children free). Afternoon tea is included.
LAKESIDE ELEGANCE STARTS TO TAKE SHAPE
ONE of Australia’s leading developers of over-50s lifestyle resorts, GemLife has unveiled a stunning new vision for its Moreton Bay Country Club, revealing what future homeowners can look forward to at its luxury waterfront community.
Set beside the resort’s picturesque nine-hectare Brolga Lake, the resort’s largest, the $18 million Country Club is now under construction and promises to become the heart of GemLife Moreton Bay, bringing together relaxation, recreation and resort-style living.
GemLife managing director and group CEO Adrian Puljich says the development reflects a new approach for the company.
“Unlike our multi-level country clubs at other resorts, this one will stretch across a single level of more than 4000sqm, spread between two impressive buildings: the Beachside Pavilion and the Lakeside Pavilion,” he says.
The pavilions will be connected by a soaring roofline and tropical courtyard, creating a tranquil retreat that
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS AWAITS
LIVING Gems Moreton Bay offers a lifestyle where every day has that ‘just started the holiday’ feeling.
It’s the ideal location for over-50s seeking relaxed, resort-style living within easy reach of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast – truly the best of both worlds.
Wake up in your own home and spend your days exactly how you
blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors.
GemLife interior design manager Jennifer Kyle says the interiors take inspiration from the landscape, using timber tones, deep greens and soft burgundies to mirror the lakeside setting.
“The result is a warm, grounded ambience that celebrates the natural beauty of the surroundings,” she says.
Residents will enjoy a grand ballroom, bar and lounge, cinema, games room, tenpin bowling and creative art studio. Outdoors, an infinity-edge pool, al fresco dining and a private sandy beach will complete the resort experience.
Call 1800 490 705 or visit gemlife.com. au/gemlife-moreton-bay-resort
please: swimming in the heated pool, catching up with friends at the Country Club or exploring Moreton Bay with its abundance of islands, coastal markets and entertainment options.
Life moves at your own pace there with plenty to do, friendly faces to meet and time to simply enjoy it all.
Living Gems Moreton Bay is set to raise the bar for over-50s living, combining beautifully designed homes with resort-style facilities.
There, you’ll find a Country Club with bar and private cinema, a heated pool and spa, pickleball courts and lawn bowls, plus plenty of spaces to unwind –and that’s just the beginning.
Created for a low-maintenance, lock-and-leave lifestyle, it’s a great choice for those who love to travel, stay social and make the most of every day – all at a surprisingly affordable price. Visit livinggems.com.au
Ruinart
Ruinart
Moreton Bay Country Club artist impression
Cruise andGreenland Canada
Bay has come close for sheer ‘wow’ factor. But this is next level ‘whoa’. The ship’s bridge team masterly manoeuvres the Volendam on 360-degree turns and into a fjord for all to experience the grandeur from every angle. And we are captivated – whether jockeying for position on the ship’s open bow, lunching by the floor-toceiling windows on the Lido Deck or lounging with a warming Knotty Irishman (Baileys Irish Cream, Frangelico, Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey, coffee, cream and nutmeg) in The Crow’s Nest with its commanding view under the bridge.
Much of the day’s scenic cruising is spent rugged up on the wet and breezy bow, playing the same game Greenlanders find amusing: what does that iceberg shape look like? ‘Lions’, ‘seals’, ‘whales’, ‘grandma’s handbag’, ‘human foot and ankle’ - you name it, we imagine it in the icy shapes, with some as big as a Noosa mansion.
But seeing this alien landscape on our 25-night bucket-list cruise to Canada, New England, Iceland and Greenland also brings the climate change issue to the surface. After all, we hope our children and grandchildren will be privileged to see this one day, too.
video on Greenland to see why this unique, resources-rich, autonomous territory of Denmark is so important to the world (and why US President Donald Trump wants to gain control over it).
But back to those icebergs.
In the Northern Hemisphere, an iceberg is born 10,000-15,000 years after snow falls at the ice cap. The snow accumulates and compresses into layers of dense ice over centuries.
The ice cap ‘feeds’ the series of glaciers around its edges, with the slow-moving ice ‘river’ gradually sweeping up rock debris and slipping down through a valley to the sea.
Iceberg ahead! Navigating a path less travelled in the North Atlantic
Beach babe SHIRLEY SINCLAIR braves the cold of an Arctic summer to get up close and personal with some icy behemoths.
Captain Rens van Eerten’s distinctive voice comes over the speaker in the stateroom, excitedly telling us that orcas have been sighted off starboard. Instinctively, we know we will be too late to see them by the time we dress, head up two floors and make our way across the ship to the open deck.
This 7am ‘wake-up call’, however, is enough to turn us into inquisitive meercats – springing into an upright position and peeling back the curtains of our oceanview window to be rewarded with an equally gobsmacking sight: icebergs of titanic proportions. Our Holland America Line
ship Volendam has entered Greenland’s Prince Christian Sound.
These icebergs that greet us like butlers at the entrance to a grand restaurant are just the beginning of a smorgasbord of Arctic experiences over the next eight hours. Mother Nature is our host as we dine out on mesmerising glaciers tinged with turquoise, partly frozen waterfalls, bergy bits (icebergs the size of a cottage), growlers (icebergs as big as a family-sized SUV or grand piano) and coal-coloured mountains with jagged peaks you can almost reach out and touch.
In our experience, only Alaska’s Glacier
Rising sea levels and coastal erosion are expected to have enormous impacts on Greenland’s 55,000-strong population and especially the Indigenous Inuit people.
Greenland is basically an ice sheet that is about 3.2km thick. Tremendous ice loss has occurred in the past decade.
Higher temperatures due to climate change, and the extreme possibility of this sheet beginning to melt, will change the Inuit way of life forever – from shifting animal populations affecting hunting patterns, to loss or damage to homes and infrastructure, and even the need to relocate. The sight of the sole Inuit village in Prince Christian Sound – with boiled lolly-coloured houses at the foot of a soaring mountain range – brings home the effect relocation would have on the 100 villagers and the only way of life their families have known for generations.
Tune in to just about any YouTube
Pressure from the weight of the ice above combines with rising and falling tides and wave action, plus warm temperatures in the summer, to create an explosive event called calving.
About 40,000 medium-to-large icebergs break off the Greenland glaciers annually. Wind and currents move these large masses of freshwater ice fairly slowly: about 0.7kmh on average.
NASA (climate.nasa.gov/news/723/ breaking-the-ice-on-icebergs/) says Greenland icebergs are carried along the Labrador Current southward, down what is known as ‘Iceberg Alley’, which passes around Newfoundland and into the Grand Banks area of southeastern Canada and New England (which is where the Titanic met its demise).
Our next port of call, Nanortalik (translating to ‘place of the polar bears’) –Greenland’s southernmost town on an island of the same name – takes us closer than we ever thought imaginable to these ‘bergs.
Among the icebergs in Nanortalik, Greenland
Up close with a glacier in Greenland
As luck would have it, our Rigid Inflatable Boat shore excursion to get up among the icebergs turns into a ‘private tour’ all to ourselves on an open boat.
Andre, our skipper from Arctic Cruises, guides us at lightning speed to a huge ‘granddaddy’ iceberg first.
Icebergs generally live three to six years but can be much older if they are in colder waters.
They may get stuck locally on the ocean bottom or find themselves anchored by surrounding sea ice. But once they head further south into warmer waters, they rarely last more than a year. While Andre, born and bred in Nanortalik, can’t remember how long this particular iceberg has been ‘visiting’, he thinks 10 years wouldn’t be stretching the truth.
He ensures we keep our distance, pointing out the dark lines showing weathered faults in the iceberg that can break off and crash down at any time.
It is true that only 10 per cent of an iceberg is above the waterline. Andre believes that this ‘granddaddy’ is resting on
the sea floor and, with 90 per cent below water, is about 70m high (taller than the Sydney Opera House).
In under a minute, we are approaching a much smaller growler. We are so close, I can run my outstretched hand along the top ridge. Andre picks up a tiny piece of iceberg, made of the purest freshwater, that he says will be great in a wee whisky!
A later port of call, St Anthony’s in Canada’s remote Newfoundland and Labrador Province, is another important dot on the map in the lifecycle of an iceberg.
It is where icebergs go to die. About 90 per cent of icebergs that reach this rugged coastline
begin their journey a year earlier down Iceberg Alley. They usually find themselves trapped in one of the many bays, coves and bights along the way, where they run aground and melt (only about 400-800 a year make it as far south as St John’s, 470km to the southeast as the crow flies).
Also in St Anthony’s, hikers can take on the 0.4km Iceberg Alley Trail from Fishing Point Recreation Area (Day Park) and see these icebergs in the twilight of their years – especially in late spring and early summer.
As well as other hikes (Carter’s Trail, Whale Watchers Trail and the Santana Trail), the more adventurous can take on the Daredevil Trail, where the only way is up, up, up: 476 steps and a 550ft (168m) elevation to the top of Fishing Point Head for an even better view of those majestic icebergs, frolicking whales in the harbour, circling sea birds and the town far below.
Even with no ’bergs in sight, that’s enough to make any heart melt.
*The writer paid for all her expenses.
IMPROVING RV REVERSING AND TOWING SAFETY
TWO self-confessed Sunshine Coast ‘geriatrics’ have helped to change recreational vehicle (RV) towing and reversing forever.
After 32 years’ operating a successful RV solar-panel business, Judy and Ian Hall were on a motor home journey in Central Queensland.
“I saw so many caravanners having ‘difficulties’ reversing into narrow parking areas, with one party ‘guiding’ the other,” Ian says.
“Sounds easy-peasy, but dinner that night would be cold tongue.”
That led to 20 months of prototype attempts to perfect the rearview170 cameras for
caravans and motor homes, but also suitable for all vehicles.
The camera is solar powered, with built-in radio transmitters that send to the monitor, in front of the driver.
“Because towing is so dangerous – especially for inexperienced, recently retired couples doing the big lap – this do-it-yourself, 10-minute installation has absolutely no wires to connect,” Ian says.
“And not only does it take ‘cold tongue’ off the menu, but to ensure greater towing safety, the towing driver can see behind whilst driving forwards, if any looneys are rushing up behind the van and going to overtake, irrespective of how safe it is in front of the van.”
Call 5438 7750 or visit rearview170.com.au
EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH US IN 2026
– Tasmania
– The Kimberley
– Kenya & Tanzania
– Alaska Inside Passage & The Yukon
– Trans Mongolian by Rail
– Malta & Sicily
– France
A bird’s-eye view from the bow
IMAGE: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
21 YEARS EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH TRAVEL
AS WOMEN-only travel continues to gain momentum worldwide, Girls On Tour founder and owner Judy Polkinghorne is proud to mark 21 years in the industry.
Since its inception in 2004, Girls On Tour (GOT) has provided a platform for women to explore the world in a safe and supportive environment, fostering unforgettable experiences and lifelong friendships.
Exploring the world together, with a return business rate of more than 70 per cent, Judy’s vision for women-only travel has proven to be a resounding success.
GOT has travelled to 67 countries across all seven continents, including Cuba, Mexico, Egypt, Jordan, Italy, Morocco, Kenya and Tanzania, Laos, Myanmar, the Kimberley, the Arctic and Antarctica. The most recent adventure, The Ancient Silk Road in the Five Golden Stans, is just one example of the journeys on offer.
“As a little girl growing up in far-west Queensland, I could never imagine the places I would go,” Judy says.
“Life takes us to unexpected places. Love brings us home.”
With a passion for empowering women through travel, Judy has created a community of like-minded females who share a love for exploration and adventure.
“If I have to describe travel with Girls On Tour in a single phrase, it is ‘exciting
adventures with inspiring women’,” a long-term GOT traveller, Robin, from Queensland, says.
“With Judy and GOT, I have walked with penguins in Antarctica, visited teeming cities such as Tokyo and peaceful rural villages in India, got up close with wild animals in Africa and camped in Australia’s Outback. I’ve made lasting friendships with like-minded women. Judy’s passion for travel, leadership, planning and attention to detail ensures every tour is a series of memorable experiences. I can’t wait for the next one.”
GOT continues to explore new destinations and experiences, with upcoming tours in Australia and overseas.
Call Judy on 0409 057 417, email info@girlsontour.com.au or visit girlsontour.com.au
FEBRUARY 2026
Brisbane Tattoo (3 Days)
MARCH 2026
Norfolk Island (8 Days)
Noumea (8 Days)
APRIL 2026
Easter in Port Stephens (8 Days)
Alpine High Country to the Murray Delta (11 Days)
MAY 2026
Murray Princess & Kangaroo Island (11 Days)
O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days)
Wallaroo Outback Retreat (7 Days)
JUNE 2026
Darling River Run (15 Days)
Red Centre & Top End (18 Days)
JULY 2026
Lightning Ridge (7 Days)
Broome to Darwin (12 Days)
AUGUST 2026
Murray Princess & Kangaroo Island (11 Days)
North Queensland Savannah (11 Days)
Tropical North Queensland (12 Days)
SEPTEMBER 2026
Fraser Island (5 days)
Wallaroo Outback Retreat (7 Days)
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4Days)
Spring Gardens & Floriade (11 Days)
OCTOBER 2026
Wild Wild West of WA (13 Days)
DECEMBER 2026
O’Reillys (4 Days)
NSW Central Coast & Blue Mountains (11 Days)
IMAGE: GIRLS ON TOUR
THE UNQUIET GRAVE
By Dervla McTiernan
Murder mystery
Reviewed
by
Jan Kent
HUNTING for my usual fix of crime novels, I couldn’t go past another of Dervla McTiernan’s, featuring the much-loved detective Cormac Reilly in his fourth appearance.
As in previous tales, Cormac rides the gamut of relationship issues, troubles with colleagues and his self-imposed battles with trying to do things by the book.
When a body is discovered in a bog, with all the elements of an ancient ritual killing, Reilly and his sidekick follow the path of suspecting three former students of the murder of this much-disliked local headmaster.
How cleverly plots are interwoven to lead the reader in different directions and doubting their own judgments – a computer genius missing in France, a plot to hack into the Lottery to fake a windfall, and two bodies discovered in copy-cat ritual style.
As the issues in the personal lives of the two detectives, Cormac and Peter, conflict at times with their professional duties, the reader is drawn to realise the humanity of our often-maligned crimebusters.
The complexity of these plots moves the story along with a juxtaposition of pace, yet reflection, which makes this a compelling book right to the end.
Bring on Cormac Reilly’s book five, please.
WHAT WE CAN KNOW
A DEATH IN CORNWALL
By Daniel Silva Murder mystery Reviewed by John Kleinschmidt
THIS book is the 24th in the Gabriel Allon series by Daniel Silva and starts with the murder of an art history professor.
Dr Charlotte Blake was trying to find and return to the rightful owners a very valuable painting by Picasso that was looted from a Jewish family during World War II.
Allon, a retired legendary Israeli spy and highly regarded art restorer, is recruited by a friend and Cornwall detective to investigate the murder.
He calls on very talented acquaintances, including underground criminals known from his earlier life, to find the missing Picasso.
In the process of solving the mystery, a number of people are killed to prevent the Picasso being found, and elaborate schemes to launder vast sums of money are exposed.
This novel has entertaining characters and is an engaging read for those who enjoy murder mysteries.
By Ian McEwan, Dystopian fiction
Reviewed by Annie Grossman, of Annie’s Books on Peregian
IAN McEwan is, in my opinion, one of the world’s greatest contemporary literary authors.
His novels are brave and accomplished in their content, and all are surprising and brilliant.
What We Can Know is set in the year 2119, in a flooded world where the United Kingdom is an archipelago of islands and climate change has wreaked havoc. Our protagonist Tom Metcalf, a scholar of literature, is obsessed with the early 21st century and the freedoms and opportunities available during those ‘historic
times’. He is also obsessed with a poem written by an enigmatic poet in 2014. It was recited only once at a small dinner party, after which the poem was either hidden or destroyed.
Tom trawls through the historic record of the poet, his friends and his life in a massive effort to uncover this poem. But, as Tom discovers, sometimes a mystery should remain just that.
This is highly recommended.
LYREBIRD MOUNTAIN
By Julie Lake, Historical romance/mystery
LYREBIRD Mountain is a family saga set in Southeast Queensland from 1898 to today.
The setting is typical of our coastal uplands with their red soils, green pastures and dark, misty, mysterious rainforests.
The story’s main character Anna goes to the mountain as a child with her German immigrant parents and becomes enchanted by its wild creatures and ancient secrets. There, she meets Jack: a dark and troubled artist, but their passionate love affair is interrupted by war. Anna, pregnant and believing herself abandoned, marries a farmer.
The marriage is unhappy but Anna is blessed with determination and great talent and she turns this into a career that brings her international fame. She shares her life with many of the artists and naturalists who formed Australia’s intellectual elite in the early 20th century. Then Jack returns.
Anna’s story is told by her granddaughter, Laura, through diaries, letters, newspaper clippings and old photographs. With the help of her own troubled and nihilistic granddaughter Sunny, she reconstructs the life of a remarkable woman in all its tragedy and triumph – and in so doing, encounters a dark mystery.
The novel is by former Sunshine Coast journalist Julie Lake, who wrote her first book when she was eight and has never stopped writing since. Now an octogenarian, Lake lives on her own ‘Lyrebird Mountain’: Mount Tamborine.
You can read all about this book, and meet the characters, on her website, lyrebirdmountain.com, as well as on Amazon where it is for sale in print, ebook and audiobook formats. Also available from Under The Greenwood Tree Bookshop, North Tamborine.
SEED
By Bri Lee, Thriller
Reviewed by Karen Weiber, of Books@Stones, Stones Corner
MITCHELL is a brilliant biologist, committed to the environment and the growing global antinatalist movement.
For one month each year, he lives with his colleague Frances in a utopia of radical equality and scientific dedication in Antarctica. They are concluding the Anarctos Project: a seed vault in an isolated, secret location. It is a biodiversity insurance policy against humanity’s devastating effects on the rapidly warming planet.
But when their helicopter doesn’t pick
them up and strange things begin to happen, their faith in science is suddenly not enough. Mitchell has been keeping big secrets – from Frances and himself.
The ice haunts him with memories of a devastating betrayal and questions of legacy and fairness crowd his mind.
This is Bri Lee’s second novel and she is one of Australia’s stellar young authors.
The plot-driven novel has you right in the thick of the snow-covered and freezing landscape and had me hooked to the last page.
With Quizmaster Garry Reynolds
1. What is the closest capital to Broken Hill?
2. Who composed Swan Lake?
3. What was Beijing known as prior to 1949?
4. What are the three colours of the Aboriginal flag?
5. What breed of dog is used as a piece in Monopoly?
6. What instrument is used to measure radioactivity?
7. What is the name of the original supercontinent?
8. Who was the director of Crocodile Dundee?
9. Who was the compere of Australian TV’s Bandstand?
10. Which was the first country to give women the vote?
11. What is the term for deliberately sinking your seagoing vessel?
12. What did the letters for American President LBJ stand for?
13. What instrument measures the sky’s blueness?
14. What was the name of the band Paul Keating managed?
15. Which actor married Kylie Minogue in TV series Neighbours?
16. What is a fortunate confluence of circumstances called?
17. What is the name of tropical grassland?
18. Which Australian capital was called Batmania?
19. What is a fermented drink made from mare’s milk?
21 Fine adjustment made to his bass, for example(4)
22 They may be used to eat meat and snags(10)
25 Appreciation from Titus
26 a broken leg(5)
27 Draw colour in rows(6)
28 Find out about algae a bird of prey(3,5)
WORDFIND
QUICK CROSSWORD
Today’s Aim:
G O U P I T O R
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.
No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.
14 words: Good
21 words: Very good
28 words: Excellent
tuft of threads (6) 25 Finish (3) 26 Stood for (11) 28 Family name (7) 29 Completely (7)
a major group (5) 8 Machines for converting energy to electricity (10) 12 Meeting (11) 13 People who maintain websites (10) 16 Nature spirit (9) 18 Republic in North Africa (7) 21 Radiolocation (5)
23 Confectionery item (5)
24 Frivolously (4)
27 Cobbler (3)
WORD STEP
Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. One possible answer shown below.
Every row, column and 3x3 outlined square must contain the numbers 1 to 9 once each.
