Your Time Magazine Sunshine Coast - September 2025
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The elderly deserve to live out the rest of their lives in peace. Their sheer longevity – with the accompanying trials and tribulations they’ve endured over the years, the hard slog of working life, the day-to-day routine of bringing up families, the financial hardships, the weight of tough decisions – gives them that right.
But no matter how easy or difficult their journeys, they certainly don’t need to be confronted with emotional, psychological, financial or physical abuse in any of its forms. They do not need to be gaslighted – made to feel confused, to doubt their memories and to lose confidence in their thoughts.
They do not need to have their grandchildren used as weapons in warfare – unable to have contact with them if their adult children’s demands are not met. They do not need to hand over their savings, earned over decades to secure a comfortable retirement – blackmailed and guilted into ‘loans’ that will never be paid back and forking out for other people’s bills.
And they certainly do not need to be punched, pushed or have a hand raised to them in violent threats.
But that is the reality that a reported almost 15 per cent of older Australians face.
Many of us may have witnessed such abuse, but may not have recognised it. That’s because patterns of behaviour have a way of ‘normalising’ themselves.
Family members go along with ‘the joke’ that dad/granddad’s losing his marbles.
Youngsters may not understand why their grandparents endure the badgering to hand over money from their pension: “Jane only needs $100 – why won’t you give it to her?” Teens may be embarrassed that neighbours call the police over the loud arguments and bruises: “Didn’t Nan goad Johnny into hitting her?”
This month, writer Carrol Baker peels back the layers of life in the suburbs to find some disturbing statistics and stories. The stories are true but the names have been changed to protect identities. If you are a victim of elder abuse, or believe you know someone who is, support is available. Turn to page 4 for this important article.
On a lighter note, travel writer Caroline Gladstone heads to a scenic part of the world few Aussies consider as a cruising option, and we have all the usual columnists and experts offering their advice on life, health, history, retirement, finances and technology. Enjoy the read!
Shirley Sinclair Editor
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Seniors living in fear of those closest to them
CARROL BAKER pulls back the veil of silence on elder abuse that reportedly affects almost 15 per cent of Australians – a scourge on our community.
Sixty-four-year-old Kirsty* has experienced violent threats from her son, who moved into her home and never left.
“I slept a number of nights in my car instead of going home. I was too frightened,” she says.
After a year, Kirsty left, and her son and his wife live there free of charge.
Kirsty’s son threatened her life if she didn’t sign the property over to him.
“One day, he walked up behind my car with a jerry can in his hand. I was watching him in the rear-view mirror,” she says.
Her son placed the jerry can on the ground, smirked and lit a cigarette.
“He saw me in the mirror and had the most evil smile on his face. I know what he wanted me to think.”
The National Ageing Research Institute states that 14.8 per cent of
Australians are experiencing elder abuse.
It’s a number that beggars belief.
The abuse could be physical, financial, psychological, sexual or emotional abuse and also covers neglect.
The abuse usually occurs behind closed doors, in the family home, and it’s often perpetrated by family members or someone close such as a friend or carer.
Dr Rachel Carson, executive manager, family law and family violence elder
abuse team at the Australian Institute of Family Studies, says men are more likely to experience physical abuse; with women, it’s neglect or sexual abuse.
“The highest prevalence of abuse is in the 65-69 age group, with most cases of neglect in the 80+ age bracket,” she says.
Tragically, elder abuse has reached tsunami proportions, leaving in its wake a sea of elderly Aussies drowning in fear and despair.
Of the 7000 elderly participants in the National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study, 2 per cent of participants had been the victim of physical abuse.
About 47 per cent were grabbed, pushed or shoved, and 22 per cent were kicked, hit or punched.
The common prelude for many types of abuse seems to be financial, and those who refuse to give in sometimes pay a hefty price.
Dianne*, 75, is an alienated grandparent. She’s never met her grandkids because she wouldn’t cough up the cash for a new dishwasher for her daughter-in-law.
“We have cycled in and out of estrangement for around eight years, mostly due to money: she wants it and I won’t give it to her,” Dianne says.
“I’m certain that if I gave it to her, all would be forgiven, but where would it end? I refuse to be manipulated and withholding me from meeting my grandkids is my punishment for me not complying.”
So why is elder abuse becoming so commonplace?
National Ageing Research Institute Senior Research Fellow Dr Marina Cavuoto says ageism has a huge part to play.
“It’s not a form of elderly abuse, but it can be a driver of it,” she says.
Some argue that the next generation
is keen to get their hands on their inheritance. It’s called the inheritance impatience phenomenon.
Others are begrudgingly taking on the role of carer for their parents.
The biggest cohort of abusers, making up 18 per cent, are sons and daughters, followed by daughters-in-law and sons-in-law at 7 per cent, with friends, neighbours, spouses, siblings and service providers making up the rest.
Older generations wiped our noses, kissed our bloody knees, nursed our broken hearts at lost first loves, and laughed with delight when we took those initial wobbly steps.
Taking care of them, when they need us most, is a privilege. But not everyone sees it that way.
A fair chunk of perpetrators is also fighting their own demons.
Some are struggling with financial worries, drug and alcohol
“I’ve seen contacts removed from an elderly person’s phone. It’s a way to control them”
dependency, or mental health issues.
In some cases, abusers gaslight the elderly.
Take 90-year-old Peter’s* son Andrew, for example. He was in financial difficulty and wanted to ensure he received his inheritance.
He began a deliberate campaign to convince his father he was ‘losing his marbles’. Andrew insisted on taking Peter to medical appointments where he convinced his father’s GP that Peter had
dementia. He doesn’t, but Peter was put on medication.
Peter fought tooth and nail to have his son removed as guardian and administrator. He eventually won.
The real numbers of victims are skewed. It’s grossly under-reported.
Sometimes the elderly are unaware that it is abuse or feel they’re the cause.
Many seniors feel shame or fear retaliation if they do seek help, as they live under the same roof as the perpetrator.
Nancy* is 91. She’s frail and in poor health.
Two years ago, Nancy’s son moved in with her, along with his partner and two adult children.
Neighbours reported to police that Nancy was being subjected to verbal, financial, emotional and physical abuse by her son and grandchildren.
Police were unable to lay charges as Nancy refused to provide statements to the police.
Dr Helen Wallace, from Caxton Community Legal Centre, says if someone you know is a victim, listen without judgment.
“Don’t tell them what they should have done to prevent a problem,” she says.
Older people have a right to feel safe within their own home, to know their financial status, and their medications.
Dr Wallace says they should be able to have private conversations with their GP, without an overly helpful relative.
“They also have the right to live peacefully, to see friends and join clubs without someone else controlling who they contact,” she says.
“I’ve seen contacts removed from an elderly person’s phone. It’s a way to control them.”
In an age where texting and Facebook messages can replace a cheery hello over
the back fence, it’s important to build a sense of connectivity and community.
Dr Wallace says getting to know your neighbours is a way to start.
“In your street, be that friendly neighbour who reaches out to the elderly, and if you think something is wrong, let them know help is available,” she says.
* Names changed or only first names given to protect their identity.
If you are an older person who is experiencing abuse, or are concerned about a friend, neighbour or relative you think might be the victim of abuse, help is available.
If in immediate danger, call 000.
For further information and for independent advice, contact:
• Elder Abuse Queensland on 1300 651 192
• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). REACH OUT for help
What to watch
What to book
FANS of the hugely popular historical drama Outlander, starring Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe, have been tuning in to Stan each Saturday for the next episode in the much-anticipated prequel: Blood of My Blood. The spin-off series offers two new epic love stories, focusing on the lives and courtship of the parents of Jamie Fraser: Brian Fraser and Ellen Mackenzie, as well as Claire Beauchamp’s parents, Henry Beauchamp and Julia Moriston. The casting is spot on. And as an added bit of trivia, the boys who play the young versions of Rupert and Angus are in real life the sons of the men who played them on Outlander FAULTY Towers The Dining Experience recreates the laugh-outloud silliness of the much-loved British comedy. It offers fans a chance to dine out on its legacy of improvisation with a side of chaos. Fully immersive, highly interactive and completely original, this is the show where anything can and usually does happen as Basil, Manuel and Sybil take charge and bring a healthy dose of mayhem to your dining experience. Expect two hours of comedy, a 1970s-inspired, three-course meal and an unforgettable night out on Thursday, October 16, from 6.30pm at the Caloundra Power Boat Club. Tickets are $95 per person. Book on 5492 1444 or email reception@ caloundrapowerboat.com.au
What to experience
AFTERGLOW has its world premiere this week at the City Botanic Gardens as part of Brisbane Festival. Follow the flame and be captivated by a glowing, multisensory dreamscape of dancing shadows, candlelit installations and fire sculptures. Expect to be warmed by glowing embers, intrigued by light bending and bouncing through the tree canopy, dazzled by shimmering illusions and captivated by the pulse and rhythm of flickering flames. Live performances and a carefully curated ambient soundtrack spark wonder and awe as visitors young and old journey with purpose along a 1.4km trail brought to life by worldrenowned fire artists and local creative talents. The trail opens to the public on Friday, September 5, and continues until Saturday, September 27. To join the magic, visit brisbanefestival.com.au/events/afterglow
Back in the day…
“IT’S astounding, time is fleeting, madness takes its toll” Even before these words are spoken by creator Richard O’Brien, the guitar riff intro of Time Warp gives the game away in any music trivia contest. The hit song is from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which premiered in cinemas 50 years ago in 1975. At first, O’Brien’s strange musical confused critics and garnered low box office numbers. But everything changed a year later when cinemas started offering midnight screenings of the bizarre movie with transvestite aliens, cannibalism and a bevy of high-energy dance numbers such as Dammit Janet and Meatloaf’s Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul The film also took on a cult status in Australia at venues such as Brisbane’s Valley Twin Cinemas. Fans began dressing up as characters from the movie, including Tim Curry’s Frank-N-Furter and the tap-dancing Columbia, shouting the dialogue back at the screen, doing the Time Warp in the aisles and recreating the madcap scenes in their seats. Relive Brad and Janet’s weird adventure on Disney+ and Apple TV.
What to hear
THE Rock Orchestra By Candelight is a 90-minute spectacle, hitting QPAC’s Concert Hall on February 12 at 9pm. This band of 13 classical musicians will unleash a fusion of classical music and metal from bands including Metallica, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith and The Cranberries. Visit qpac.com.au
Shillings, Six Pences, Three
JEWELLERY
Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.
PHONE GERM WARFARE
DAYS out from a surgical procedure, I developed a heavy cough.
After clearing a precautionary Covid test, I zealously washed my hands throughout the day and took the extra step of wiping down touchpoints around the house with sanitiser.
Satisfied I had finished, I realised that I had overlooked one of the most common touchpoints: my mobile phone.
The experts confirm that our phones are covered in germs.
When scientists swab them, they invariably find hundreds of species of microorganisms and viruses.
What had started as a simple hygiene expedition around the house turned into a deep dive into high-tech maintenance.
Meena Jha, from Central Queensland University, has addressed the challenge.
“Smartphones are coated with a thin film that helps resist fingerprints and smudges,” she says.
“Harsh chemicals such as alcohols, acetone or ammonia-based cleaners can
strip this coating away, making the screen more vulnerable to smudging and risking diminished touch responsiveness.”
Well, that pulled me up in a hurry.
Common household cleaners are also risky. Vinegar can corrode aluminium or plastic edges due to its high acidity.
Bleach and hydrogen peroxide are too aggressive for the delicate materials used in consumer electronics. High-alcohol content wipes may dry out plastics and make them brittle with repeated use.
Paper towels, tissues or rough cloths can leave scratches on the screen or shed lint that clogs openings.
As a last resort, this desperate DIY man read the instructions from the makers.
Most tech companies recommend using 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol wipes, gentle microfibre cloths and anti-static, soft-bristled brushes made of nylon, horse or goat hair to clean delicate areas such as speaker grills and charging ports.
For zealous phone-hygiene converts, they say giving it a proper wipe at least once a week under normal use makes sense but don’t get carried away like me.
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Remembering when Nambour’s first car rolled into town
AUDIENNE BLYTH takes us back to 1910 when George Pitman’s motor car, fresh from Melbourne, made its way up Currie Street, spooking horses, exciting children and marking the dawn of a new era in transport.
The news was hot off the presses: Nambour’s first motor car had been seen in Currie Street.
There was a flutter of excitement in the town, so reported the Nambour Chronicle on June 4, 1910.
George Pitman, better known as a cordial manufacturer, on a recent trip to Melbourne had purchased “one of those small wagons, as the Yankees called them”.
The car arrived by train and, after collecting it from the goods shed at the railway station, Mr Pitman (at the wheel) slowly proceeded into the main street.
From there, the car headed uphill toward the post office.
With stops and starts, it was immediately surrounded by schoochildren.
Amid their cheers, the car would start up again.
It proceeded towards the yard of the cordial factory (on the corner of Currie and Bury
streets). A big grey horse, peacefully grazing, took fright and shot “like a bird” over the nearest fence.
The horse would have kept going but was stopped by anxious residents.
Mr Pitman was duly embarrassed and explained
that not only was part of the speed gear out of order, but the tyres were deflated and the pump stolen, as well as the horn and other articles.
The short run the car had made from the railway station had therefore been made under great difficulties and was not a
fair test of the machine’s capabilities. He looked forward to better times.
This was the first resident car in Nambour.
A visit by one of those new-fangled, horseless carriages had occurred the previous year when one arrived with a travelling picture show.
After a run around the town, it got stuck in the sawdust of the town sawmill where it remained for most of its visit.
No doubt a horse was called to tow it away.
Mr Pitman was the agent for the ‘Bunyip Forest Devil’ which could be used for tree or stump pulling.
At the 1910 Nambour Show, he gave daily demonstrations of the machine as well as his car. His innovative adventures were far from his quiet days as a cordial manufacturer.
Another story comes from Yandina where Julius Steggall
owned the town’s first car: a REO 1905.
What alarm it caused when it arrived in Yandina by train in 1917.
Mrs Steggall went to collect the mail from the post office which was, at that time, at the railway station and the station master surprised her by telling her there was a car for her as well.
Yandina’s first car also had come from Melbourne.
It is said that some early motorists learnt to drive by reading a book of instructions, as well as by tying the car with a long rope to a tree so that it did not get away.
No one knows how Mr Steggall learnt to drive. The car is presently in private ownership and going well.
Audienne Blyth is a member of the Nambour Historical Museum, open 1-4pm Wednesdays to Fridays, and 10am-3pm Saturdays.
In 1910, George Pitman gave free rides in Nambour’s first car at the Nambour Show
HAPPY COINCIDENCES
A SET of coincidences has led to two old school friends being reunited after more than 60 years.
Noel Williams and Arthur Fry, both 83, were friends and in the same class at Cavendish Road Intermediate and High School in Brisbane in the 1950s, but lost touch a few years later when Arthur joined the Royal Australian Air Force.
Arthur’s sister Ellen started nursing at Princess Alexandra Hospital in 1960 and invited a few of his friends over to the hospital to meet a couple of the young nurses – some of whom were from the country and didn’t know anyone in Brisbane.
That occurred on November 3, 1960. Ellen lined up a number of girls outside the nurses’ quarters and introduced everyone.
Noel was attracted to Maxina Kirwan, from Biloela. They subsequently married and recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. By coincidence, Arthur and his wife Annette have also been married for 60 years.
Now switch back to Vietnam when, during the war, our soldiers started teaching English to high school students in a village.
One of those students was Thai Dang. He and his wife Diamond migrated to Australia some years ago and now live in Bellflower Retirement Village at Sippy
Downs on the Sunshine Coast, directly opposite Noel and Maxina.
Thai is forever grateful for what Australia has given him, and he and Diamond are active members of the Sunshine Coast Vietnam Veterans Association.
Thai has written a book about his life and he showed Noel and Maxina a copy of the association’s newsletter, Ricochet, which contained an article about it.
But something else in the newsletter caught Noel’s eye: the association’s honorary chaplain was Arthur Fry.
He felt that there could be only one ‘Arthur Fry’. Noel asked Thai to get him Arthur’s phone number. This resulted in a reunion between the two school mates and the resumption of a long-lost friendship which now includes Maxina and Annette – all as a result of the goodwill of some Australian soldiers.
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From left: Noel and Maxina Williams, and Annette and Arthur Fry
By Mocco Wollert
LOVE them or dislike them. Adore them or hate them. Ignore them or pamper them.
No matter what, they are always their own master.
I am talking, of course, about cats.
From my opening sentences, you might have guessed that I am one of those people who adore them.
Actually, I like most animals, especially if they are furry. Well, maybe not rats.
You can easily read a dog. It has many ways of expressing moods, wants and dislikes.
We know the moods by the expression on its face, the wagging of its tail, the tone of its bark.
A cat has only two serious expressions to let us know how it feels.
A hiss has only one interpretation: I don’t like you – beware!
A purr tells you that its world is good, and you are welcome in it.
Can you remember when we put out a saucer of milk for our cats?
If you wanted a neighbour’s cat to
come visiting, out came the saucer of milk. Quite some time ago, some clever vet found out that milk is very bad for cats. Apparently, a lot of them are lactose intolerant and now they are allowed only water.
I have always had cats since I was an adult and I think I know my feline counterparts, but do I really?
They are mysterious creatures and although I had many cats during my life, I would not dare to claim that I know them.
If a cat dislikes you (or the world), there is no way of getting around it. It will hiss and scratch you like a demon. If it likes you, it might snuggle into your bed and purr into your ear. If it is in bed with you and hisses, you better move your leg, arm or any other body part that is in your cat’s way.
Domesticated cats can be a comfort and delight, but feral cats are fearsome hunters: swift as
lightning and dangerous to wildlife, especially birds. Wildlife carers try to eradicate them as much as possible. I wish we could do the same with feral humans.
My very first book published was a collection of cat paintings from various artists and my ‘poetic’ interpretations of the paintings.
I called it She is a Cat To me, a cat is essentially female. Toms are only in the picture for you-know-what.
Mind you, a strutting tom cat is a magnificent picture of male power.
I decided at one stage to teach my cat how to walk.
I saw myself trotting down the street, in high heels of course, leading a magnificent purebred, feline creature with a shiny white pelt on an elegant halter ‘down the avenue’, admired by all who saw me.
I had seen it many times in Europe, especially Paris.
I finally managed to entice (drag) my cat for a bit along my street, until one day I suddenly realised that I was exposing her – a total indoor cat – to ticks and other pesties.
Brisbane is not Paris!
And high heels went out of my shoe cupboard a long time ago.
May all the cats you meet only purr and never hiss.
Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com
Life in the slow lane Life’s an adventure
By Cheryl Lockwood
WHEN I received the following text message, I could have proclaimed it a scam.
The message simply read: “We owe you $10 for farting” and it went on to ask for PayPal or direct debit details.
Why didn’t this message ring alarm bells?
You see, I had signed up for my first Scrabble tournament. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to try, but I had never taken the plunge.
I have loved this game for as long as I can remember and have played it since childhood, occasionally dodging the board being thrown at me by my sister when she lost.
These days, I don’t always play on a physical board, but I often play an online version on my phone.
Unlike family games night, there were strict protocols and rules to follow and a timer set to allow 22 minutes for each game. Nobody mentioned board throwing, but I assumed it was not allowed.
There were two groups: one for seasoned players and one for beginners or those who had never attended one of these competitions.
Each Scrabble set was checked before and after the game to ensure the correct amount of letter tiles were present and nobody had pocketed a blank tile for later use. Each game was played between two
players, with multiple games occurring simultaneously in the room.
With the press of a button, the timer was started. Once a player had placed a word on the board and calculated the score, he or she pressed the timer to stop their clock. This transferred the play to their opponent, whose timer would tick off the minutes until they had their turn.
Apparently, a penalty of 10 points would be applied for every minute that a player ran overtime.
Checking for valid words in a dictionary was not allowed, but a word could be challenged by either player.
To do this, the clock was paused, while both players checked the potentially dodgy word using a computer app made for this purpose. The word would be either declared valid and play could continue or, if not an acceptable word, the player would be severely punished.
Not really. They would actually just lose their turn.
This seemed much more civilised than
screaming: “Mum, she’s cheating again.”
To add to the fun atmosphere of the tournament, there were sheets of paper where players could add highest-scoring word, best word starting or ending with certain letters and even one for words relating to Noosa.
Unfortunately, I was only able to attend for the morning, but the games continued into the afternoon. I was not present when the prize for the highest-scoring word of the day was announced. During one game, I had made the word ‘farting’, managing to place it on a triple-word square, where it scored 95 points. As a result, I received the aforementioned prize and that odd phone message.
I suddenly became the woman who won a prize for farting at her first Scrabble tournament. This was shared via the group’s social media, so there was little chance my feat would go unnoticed.
Showing the message to my sister, she quipped, “Who would have thought you’d get paid for farting?”
My reply to her was: “Finally!”
I had two options: 1. Hang my head in shame at making a mildly embarrassing word and never attend another Scrabble event or 2. Laugh it off. What can I say? I laughed all the way home.
I didn’t even care when someone pointed out that the same letters could have made the word ‘rafting’.
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Sunset Palms
How to share intimate moments
daily, even if you’re miles away
EDIN READ knows that a picture tells a thousand words, and new live photo frames that loved ones can fill will speak volumes.
Just picture yourself making a morning cuppa and looking across the room to see your grandkids smiling from yesterday’s beach outing.
Or maybe you’ll see a surprise shot of your daughter’s new puppy – muddy paws and all.
You don’t need to print the photo, unlock your phone or learn a new app. It simply appears on the screen.
That is the quiet delight of a live photo frame. It stays connected to your WiFi and gently refreshes itself with the latest photos your family members or friends send.
These frames sit comfortably on a shelf, countertop or bedside table and receive photos via an app, email or shared album.
The moment someone uploads a picture, it shows up automatically.
You can choose whether to let photos display right away or wait for your approval, and removing an image you don’t want to see again (maybe it’s blurry or just not your style) is as easy as a tap.
There are plenty of models to choose from in Australia, all offering great value.
BRAIN MATTERS
For example, the 10.1-inch Frameo WiFi model sells for $139 at Kmart or Target, making it a simple and affordable option to start with. Officeworks stocks a range of Frameo sizes, with a 7-inch frame for $129.95, 10.1-inch smart frames from $199.95, and up to 15.6-inch models as high as $399.
If you prefer something larger and a bit grander, Bunnings offers a 15.6-inch Frameo WiFi frame for $379. Harvey Norman also has a 21.5-inch Frameo WiFi frame for $549 that comes with three interchangeable borders – ideal for that extra drama in your living room!
No matter which model you choose, live photo frames bring your family into the room without any fuss. They keep you part of their everyday, no matter how far apart you are, while delighting visitors who will spot that next beautiful or mischievous moment and ask: “Who’s that?”
Choosing a frame comes down to your preferences and budget. The smaller Frameo models under $200 are cheerful and simple. Mid-range options between
One benefit that comes with age
KAILAS ROBERTS considers ‘the getting of wisdom’ as one of the more positive aspects of ageing most of us can look forward to.
In my line of work, it is all too easy to focus on the negative side of ageing.
And there are some inescapable truths – such as the inevitable decline in physical function and, of course, the certainty of death.
What is often missed, however, are the benefits of having many decades under your belt.
It is good, then, to consider the value of getting older. And that certainly exists.
One such example is the begetting of wisdom – something generally lacking in our younger and less experienced selves.
The quote: ‘Youth is wasted on the young’, generally attributed to the playwright George Bernard Shaw, captures this eloquently.
But what do we mean by ‘wisdom’?
Everyone has a rough definition in their head, I suppose, but it is interesting to explore it a little more precisely.
In psychological circles, it is considered a multidimensional construct, basically meaning that it has multiple elements.
The first is the ability to contextualise new information, to understand how it fits with your experiences to date.
This helps you appreciate what is important and what is not, and therefore to
$200 and $400 get you bigger screens or a bit more style.
Most of these frames do not charge ongoing fees for photo sharing, so your only cost is the one-off purchase.
These devices also leave you in control of privacy and peace of mind. Only people you invite can send pictures, and you can remove them at any time. If the Wi-Fi cuts out, the frame continues to rotate through the photos it already has stored.
Setting one up is much easier than you might expect. You plug it in where the WiFi is stable, use a simple on-screen guide to connect, then send invites to family members. They can send photos instantly.
For best display, set it where you naturally stand or pause, such as the kitchen bench. Keep it out of direct sunlight
to reduce glare, wipe the screen with a soft cloth occasionally, and if new photos don’t appear, check the connection or simply restart the frame.
Greyology can connect your new frame to Wi-Fi, adjust brightness so it suits your space, and show you how to approve or delete photos.
Live photo frames are more than technology. They bring warmth into your home, continuously bringing you closer to the moments that matter. And whenever you glance over and see that muddybooted soccer champ or a new baby smile, you’ll know every cent and minute spent setting it up was worth the joy it brings.
Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au.
be able to prioritise decisions and tasks you need to undertake. This is why businesses do well when there is an experienced leader at the helm: they are able to understand what requires focus, meaning that extraneous and less relevant matters can be disregarded or deferred.
The second ingredient of wisdom is truly understanding what is in your control and being comfortable with what is not. This tolerance of uncertainty is not something that comes naturally to the young, who often feel they have agency over everything, and, if only everyone agreed with them, all problems would be solved!
Life is full of unpredictability –seemingly more so right now, with global geopolitical tension and climate change. Wisdom allows you to accept this more readily and to concentrate on what you can do.
Another quality inherent in wisdom is less intuitive – that of empathy. This can be split into cognitive and affective (emotional) components.
The longer you have lived, the more opportunities you will have had to encounter other people whose experiences and thoughts differ from your own.
Inculcation of these different perspectives serves to broaden your own views, or at least to understand that our own are not universally shared.
This is a critical part of cognitive empathy. Affective empathy, or the ability to feel what other people feel, is the product of having had similar experiences yourself – again, something that accrues over the years.
I truly think wisdom is one of the blessings of age. This is perhaps more the case in our Westernised societies where there is a prevailing narrative of decline.
In Eastern cultures, and even locally in Indigenous cultures, wisdom is recognised as important, and Elders are a valued part of society in part for this reason.
They have seen the world and understand it at a level out of reach of their younger peers.
Of course, how much wiser you
become with age does vary from person to person, depending on your ability to be mindful of yourself and others, and to be reflective. As Oscar Wilde, a contemporary of George Bernard Shaw, quipped: “With age comes wisdom, but sometimes age comes alone”.
So, what are the lessons here?
Well, at a personal level, cultivating your own awareness of the world and the people around you, and being open to learning from it, is a powerful mindset to develop wisdom.
And within our society, we must value and embrace the wisdom of those who have lived long enough to have already acquired it.
Kailas Roberts is a psychogeriatrician and author of Mind Your Brain: The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia, available at bookstores and online. Visit yourbraininmind.com or uqp.com.au
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How exercise helps seniors stay strong
CAITLYN HUTH considers ways to fight the creeping effects of muscle loss as we age.
Ageing brings many changes, and one of the most concerning is sarcopenia: the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength.
This can lead to weakness, reduced mobility and an increased risk of falls.
However, exercise — especially strength training — can slow or even reverse sarcopenia, helping seniors maintain independence and a high quality of life.
Sarcopenia begins in the 30s and accelerates after age 60.
Without intervention, it can cause:
• weakness and movement issues
• increased risk of falls and fractures
• difficulty with daily activities
• slower metabolism and weight gain.
The good news? Exercise is the best way to fight sarcopenia.
1. Strength training rebuilds muscle: the best way to counteract muscle loss is through resistance training, such as lifting weights, using resistance bands or
bodyweight exercises (such as squats and push-ups). Strength training stimulates muscle fibres, encouraging growth and preventing further decline. Even lightweight exercises done consistently improve strength and endurance.
2. Improves balance and prevents falls: as muscles weaken, balance and coordination suffer, leading to an increased risk of falls.
Strength training can build movement control, responsiveness and confidence with activity, which can help with reducing falls and injuries.
3. Strengthens bones and joints: sarcopenia often goes hand in hand with osteoporosis – a condition that weakens bones.
Strength training places stress on bones, signalling the body to build stronger bone tissue. This helps reduce fracture risks and improve overall bone health. Additionally, exercise lubricates joints and strengthens surrounding muscles, easing arthritis pain and improving your flexibility.
4. Boosts energy and metabolism: muscle mass increases metabolic activity, helping prevent weight gain and increasing energy levels. Strength training improves circulation and oxygen flow, reducing fatigue.
Sarcopenia doesn’t have to define ageing.
With regular strength training, seniors can stay strong, independent and active for years to come.
Always consult a doctor before starting, and work with an exercise physiologist for professional guidance.
Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au
Here’s a meteorological metaphor
CHARLIE GRIFFITHS tries to remember that there’s always a little patch of ‘sunshine’ up ahead to deal with life’s ‘winters’.
Ihate winter. It’s bleak, dreary, cold, wet and everything outside is grey and brown.
No verdancy, no vibrancy and even the sky can only offer occasional blotches of icy blue before it is suffocated.
The wind is fierce and merciless, helpless to provide any relief, regardless of what direction it is being propelled from.
On the rare moments when it’s just bearable to venture out into the straggly, leafless remnants of the once lush and productive garden, by the time tools have been located and cleaned, the forlorn sun abruptly departs to seek the comfort of a warmer hemisphere.
On really cold, wet and windy days, it’s nice to shelter in a warm and draught-free house with a generous reverse-cycle air-conditioner wafting fake, heated air throughout my meteorologically imposed prison.
Then, I think about the power being consumed to create this artificial microclimate and realise that the solar panels I will be paying off for the next seven years are useless today.
Winter is a great time to reflect on
a long, active sporting career. My left knee immediately reminds me that cartilage is very important for maintaining mobility in joints and that, without it, any movement is painful.
Scar tissue and calcification around healed fractures develops a whole new density, and whatever happens to dislocations awakens with a frenzied zest to relive the original event.
Evidently, carpel tunnel is a seasonal complaint that thrives in winter, which is particularly frustrating for a writer attempting to thump out words of wintery whingeing on a laptop keyboard with the most used keys strategically placed to inflict maximum pain.
Then, there are the daffodils.
In mid-winter, these hardy little bulbs surreptitiously sprout green spikes from the depths of the frost-bitten, barren garden earth.
Only noticeable to the optimistic eye, they forge slowly upward, despite the late frosts and biting easterlies that flatten the wimpy winter grasses.
Toward late winter, central stems begin to swell with expectancy, assuring us
FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law
LAST month, I mentioned that many areas in Australia conduct a parkrun.
This is a five-kilometre run/ walk around the local area using pathways, footpaths and tracks. It is free and a good local activity to help keep people fit and promote healthy living. I hope you have one near you. If not, just go online and search.
Last week, one of the people I conduct personal training with mentioned that when he walks/ jogs the parkrun, he tries to pick out a regular walker/jogger ahead of him to use as incentive to try and catch. That type of competitive nature is something I see a fair bit in exercise and it is in nearly every aspect of life.
It can be very beneficial if used in a positive way. While we were talking, I was reminded of the story I heard years ago where a person I know in the gym stepped onto a treadmill and noticed another person alongside him on another treadmill.
They both started running and gradually they seemed to
reach the same pace. My mate matched every increase in pace the other person made, so both were working out quite solidly. Every change to increase pace by the person on the treadmill was repeated by my mate. They were soon sweating profusely. Eventually, the other person stopped his treadmill, cooled down and left the area.
My mate told me he did not know who this person was, but he was not going to get off the treadmill until the person alongside him finished.
Apparently, he did not intend to work out as hard but having someone alongside him brought out his competitive nature and he wanted to win.
Funny, really, but many of us can relate to this story. When you start your fitness journey, often the competitive juices start flowing again – even if it is just competing against yourself.
Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.
shivering humans that something wonderful awaits.
Kabloom! These incredibly vividyellow projections of hope and happiness trumpet their message to all life forms that it’s time to wake up and step into spring.
The sight of this band of emblazoned proclaimers injects an assuring formulation of relief, confidence, optimism and excitement directly into seized joints and the pre-frontal cortex.
Suddenly, the torture endured for what seems like forever (but was really only a couple of months) is all worthwhile.
The seasons ahead are full of growth and colour and movement.
Warmth, wonderful warmth is abundant, washing away the physical pain and emotional torment of another uncomfortable seasonal transition.
If we look at spring, summer and autumn as irresistible forces of inspiration, productivity and generosity and winter as an awkward short period of transition, we can deal with life’s ‘winters’ positively. There’s a daffodil patch somewhere waiting to catch our attention and inspire motivation, forgiveness or whatever we need to wake up and love life again. I still hate winter.
If this article resonates with you, I would love to hear from you. Contact me at: charliegriffithscoaching.com
Charlie Griffiths is a certified life coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner dedicated to helping fellow professionals refocus after being diagnosed with chronic disease. Visit charliegriffithscoaching.com.
FLIPSIDE
NEW research has revealed that for many Australians, their car is more than just a mode for transport – it’s a trusted companion, a safe space and even a secret keeper.
The Youi Car Confessions study, which surveyed more than 2000 Aussies, found nearly half (45 per cent) of respondents say they have an emotional connection to their car.
Younger generations are leading the charge: 58 per cent of gen Z drivers admit to feeling emotionally attached to their vehicle.
The data found that the majority of Aussies (92 per cent) use their car for something other than driving, and 43 per cent of us spend time in the car without going anywhere.
The most reported non-driving activities include snacking (59 per cent),
making phone calls (60 per cent) and just stopping to enjoy the view (64 per cent).
From naming our cars to using them as a place to cry, vent or simply escape, Youi’s head of product – vehicle and leisure Marni Jackson says the findings paint a picture of a nation that sees their car as a personal sanctuary.
“Our cars have become an extension of ourselves – a place where we feel in control, safe and even free to be vulnerable,” Marni says.
“The data highlights generational and gender differences – 67 per cent of gen Zs enjoy hanging out, listening to music or podcasts in the car compared with 43 per cent of baby boomers.
“Interestingly, 36 per cent of men like to nap in the car, compared with only 29 per cent of women.”
The data shows that the most common items found in Aussie cars include blankets (36 per cent), a change of clothes (24 per cent) and toilet paper (23 per cent).
Gen Zs and millennials are more likely to keep clothing, hobby materials and stuffed toys in their car compared with pre-boomers and boomers.
Aussies also believe their car has a personality of its own. A quarter of Aussies have given their car a pet name and one-in-five talks to their car – 13 per cent even saying their car “knows all their secrets”.
OLDER Australians highly value aged care workers, but have strong views on how to improve quality of care.
That’s the findings of new research, based on 4425 Australians aged 50 and older who participated in the most recent National Seniors Social Survey.
The results reveal strong support for training for aged care workers prior to starting work, with almost 100 per cent of respondents rating this ‘very important’ (92 per cent) or ‘somewhat important’ (8 per cent).
Respondents also supported dementia training (98 per cent), further training on the job (98 per cent), career development (97 per cent), higher pay (97 per cent) and improved working conditions (98 per cent), with 61-77 per cent rating each of these items ‘very important’.
“The results reinforce the importance older Australians place on a quality aged care workforce,” NSA CEO Chris Grice says. “Older people want to see aged care workers treated better and better supported to do their absolute best for older Australians entrusted into their care.”
More than 600 respondents supplied comments revealing a common concern that poor pay conditions contribute to chronic understaffing and in turn
impact care. Some comments connected employment conditions and clients’ experiences: “The quality of care trickles down from the top. If staff are treated with respect by management, they will in turn treat each other and residents (with) respect.”
Some respondents expressed the need to reframe aged care work to attract and retain quality workers, with “more work done so it is perceived by the wider community as a credible, respected, desirable, aspirational career”.
While training is critical, 151 people believed inherent traits including kindness, compassion, patience, respect, attentiveness, being sociable and good humoured were more important than qualifications for aged care workers.
One person wrote, “Having experience with aged care homes, [there] have been some amazing workers who have empathy without any training, they are the ones that should be treated like gold.”
Soon to be roving all over the world, without missing a beat
BRUCE McMAHON is impressed with sub-zero testing of the all-electric Range Rover that kept its reputation for comfort and capability intact.
The Range Rover is a classic motor vehicle, now in its fifth decade and looking to keep on keeping on with electric four-wheel-drives.
It is a move fraught with risks: how to maintain the Range Rover’s off-road capabilities in all manner of conditions and climates while, at the same time, coping with the needs and abilities of sophisticated electrical powertrains.
So, the British wagons (now more the luxury estate vehicle than a mud plugger) have been sent way north to dance on Arctic ice. And, the engineers report this latest round of sub-zero temperature testing indicates that nothing of the Range Rover’s legendary comforts or capabilities have been sullied in these all-electric versions.
The vehicles feature Land Rover’s ThermAssist technology, said to optimise driving range while preserving charging capability and cabin comfort.
This thermal management system reportedly reduces heating energy consumption by up to 40 per cent and
recovers heat to warm the propulsion system, or cabin, in ambient temperatures as low as -10C.
While this is unlikely – climate change or not – to be useful cruising up the sands of K’Gari, it does suggest Range Rover is quite invested in this all-electric vehicle and it’s to be hoped these engineers approach hot weather testing with the same due diligence.
The latest 72,000 kilometres of testing across frozen lakes and snowpacked tracks also provided further tough conditions for dynamics, including the Range Rover’s single-pedal driving capability and air suspension.
The premium wagon’s single-pedal driving – as in using just the ‘power’ pedal on the right – can be used to slow the Rover and charge the battery through regenerative braking while also automatically engaging Hill Hold on any surface. Twin-chamber air suspension is said to better manage body movements brought about by the electric model’s weight distribution.
In news more likely to impress potential Australian customers, Range Rover engineers claim the electric vehicle’s more accurate torque delivery (more precise than with internal combustion powerplants), plus the latest driveline technology, means any traction slip is managed up to 100 times faster than an internal combustion engine vehicle equivalent.
The high-voltage 800V battery is the first to be designed and built in-house at JLR – optimised for energy density, range and charging times while engineered to provide the performance and refinement expected of a Range Rover.
The 117kWh battery is fully encased and smartly packaged, consisting of 344 prismatic cells in a double-stacked layout.
JLR’s engineering director Matt Becker
says that in its driving character, Range Rover should seamlessly combine capability and refinement.
“Delivering both in an electric vehicle in a way that doesn’t diminish the vehicle in other areas is incredibly challenging,” Mr Becker says.
“By increasing its torsional stiffness and improving its responses, we’ve been able to maintain a customary Range Rover driving experience that feels familiar. We have delivered on this promise by marrying all the essential Range Rover elements with new and advanced technologies.”
The Range Rover Electric prototypes still have a fair swag of testing to be completed, but it appears would-be customers can place orders toward the end of the year.
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NATIONAL CAMPAIGN HELPS TO ERASE ANY STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION
WITH an estimated 433,300 Australians living with dementia and 1.7 million people involved in their care, chances are that every one of us knows someone who is impacted by dementia.
Dementia Australia reports that ‘dementia’ is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses causing a progressive decline in a person’s functioning. It is a broad term used to describe a loss of memory,
intellect, rationality, social skills and physical functioning.
There are many types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia, as well as Lewy body disease.
Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65.
Dementia Action Week, an initiative of Dementia Australia, runs from Monday, September 16, to Sunday,
September 22, this year and takes in World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21.
This year’s theme is: ‘Act now for a dementiafriendly future’.
A lack of knowledge and understanding may lead to people living with dementia experiencing stigma and discrimination in the community.
But it doesn’t have to.
The week-long campaign aims to raise awareness and help create a future where all people impacted by dementia are supported and welcomed in their communities, no matter where they live.
Head to dementia.org.au/ DementiaActionWeek to find out how you can do your part.
The webpage includes information, toolkits and resources anyone in the community can use to plan their own Dementia Action Week activity.
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours, seven days a week) or visit dementia.org.au
DEMENTIA doesn’t always begin with memory loss.
Often, it starts quietly with subtle changes in mood, sleep, behaviour or sensory processing.
Gerontologist Tanya Dave encourages families and health professionals to tune in early and act proactively.
Mindhubs is helping to lead that shift. Its innovative approach combines advanced diagnostic testing, one-on-one dementia support and a structured brain-training program — all designed to uncover and address root causes of cognitive decline.
Tanya identifies 10 oftenoverlooked early signs: loss of smell; visual changes; restlessness; low stress tolerance; depression; sleep issues; constipation or incontinence; and minor disorientation or forgetfulness. While seemingly unrelated, together they form a pattern of neurological change that deserves attention.
Mindhubs offers a comprehensive diagnostic service
called the Brainoscopy, inspired by the ReCODE protocol developed by Dr Dale Bredesen. This suite of tests assesses metabolic dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, brain inflammation and gut/brain health. Once completed, the diagnostic findings are compiled into a detailed report and presented to the client’s GP or specialist for medical review and consideration.
But Mindhubs goes beyond testing. The tailored dementia support includes one-on-one social engagement, helping to reduce isolation and improve emotional wellbeing, and a structured 10-week MindGym program focused on brain activation, sensory stimulation, movement and mindfulness.
Weekly progress updates keep families informed and involved. Through partnerships with aged care providers, retirement village operators, home care services and NDIS programs, Mindhubs makes quality dementia care accessible, affordable and deeply personal, empowering individuals and their families to act before symptoms progress.
Call Mindhubs on 3105 5944 or visit mindhubs.com.au
SCONE time
SCONETIME events encourage community connection and go a long way toward easing loneliness and boredom for seniors.
Each event, hosted by Sunshine Coast Foodie Martin Duncan and his merry band of supporters, is a friendly gathering for seniors, carers, families, school students, local politicians, council reps and business leaders.
Enjoy fresh scones with sublime strawberry jam and lashings of whipped cream, Montville coffee or tea, and unique entertainment while meeting and chatting in a welcoming space. Visit sconetime.com.au
Buy tickets for the next Caloundra event on September 24, 10-11.30am:
550 NEW AGED CARE NURSES TO BE DELIVERED
THE University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) has received $2.2 million from the Australian government to deliver 550 more specialist aged care nurses to rural and regional areas by 2027.
This will enable UniSC to fully fund the Aged Care Transition to Practice Program as part of a broader $30.8million package to support 6000 extra skilled aged care workers in Australia.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett says the program will be available nationwide online, with part-time pathways taking up to a year to complete.
ensure older Australians are supported by skilled and high-quality care specialists who understand their complex care needs,” Professor Bartlett says.
“Many older people receiving care have dementia or other comorbidities, or they have extremely complex social situations that require specialist care and, because they may be nearing the end of their life, they may also be needing palliative care.
“This program into gerontological nursing offers a very clear, fully funded pathway for graduate nurses working in residential and community aged care to specialise and eventually become leaders in providing this care.”
Australia faces critical shortages in the aged care workforce over the coming decades, and universities play a vital role in ensuring community needs are met, Professor Bartlett says.
“Rural and remote areas in particular have found it harder to offer muchneeded specialised aged care services.
AUSTRALIA is emerging as the secondhighest per capita user of antidepressants in OECD countries.
About one-in-seven Aussies (14 per cent) are now taking antidepressants, but the medication is not absolving social issues such as loneliness and grief.
While symptoms of grief and depression may overlap, the core differences between them mean medication alone is not an appropriate means of addressing grief.
Support tools, community and therapy are essential. They reinforce a critical principle of managing grief, which is embracing and expressing complicated emotions, rather than denying or distracting from them.
To provide long-term support for people grieving, Someone.health has released a new psychologist-designed Guided Grief Journal. This is a free, gentle, no-pressure companion for those quietly carrying the weight of loss.
Unlike quick-fix wellness trends, this journal isn’t about ‘moving on’ or ‘finding closure’.
She says it offers an opportunity for graduate nurses to gain specialisation in sector that will only nation’s older population
“Over the coming
“But, with campuses spanning some of Australia’s oldest demographic populations and with a strong healthy ageing research profile, UniSC is uniquely placed to understand the needs in these areas and undertake
Instead, it offers a safe space to sit with grief, work through it, and slowly
Scarisbrick in-home care – the
solution that means you never move to a nursing home
The Scarisbrick International Group started providing in-home care services in 2014. Our managing director was deeply concerned by the limited options for providing high-quality care for his mother in her retirement village unit in Australia. So, the decision was made to train international nurses to live in the spare bedroom of her unit and take care of her every need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The company hired two nurses and trained them in a community stroke care centre. The children of stroke sufferers would bring their parents to the centre each morning after getting them up, bathing and dressing them and driving them.
One day, the daughter of one of the patients asked if we could do this in her home to save getting her mum up every morning which was very difficult and stressful for her mother. We said, ‘Why not?’ and gave it a try.
Within eight weeks, we went from two nurses to 48 through word of mouth, via her online blog groups etc.
Our care services cover:
1. Alzheimer’s and dementia.
2. Cancer.
3. Stroke.
4. General aged disabilities.
5. Palliative needs.
6. Any other problems requiring 24/7 care.
We provide care services centred on
compassion and genuine empathy for those requiring additional care, not one driven by cost-cutting for profit maximisation – hence our services are not cheap.
Scarisbrick International provides the following comprehensive services:
• personalised care planning: tailored care plans that address medical and emotional needs, ensuring holistic support for each participant and their family
• trained and mentored caregivers and nurses: all of our carers and nurses have been carefully vetted and trained to ensure that our staff are competent, trustworthy and capable
• quality assurance and audits: our senior qualified and experienced nurses, provide regular home visits to ensure the quality of our services remains the best it can be
• support coordination: assistance in navigating the aged care process, creating care plans, and accessing necessary services, providing guidance and advocacy
• telehealth services: remote consultations and support for families in remote areas, ensuring accessibility to expert care and guidance
• educational workshops and seminars: providing valuable information and resources to families, caregivers and the community to raise awareness and promote inclusion
Scarisbrick International will provide 24/7 in-home quality services including:
• exercise supervision (aerobics, water aerobics, walking, stretching)
• yoga
• meditation
• massage
• ayurvedic treatments
• shopping needs
• cooking
• cleaning (full house – sweeping, dusting, window washing etc.)
• laundry
• ironing
• bookings for theatre, air tickets, cruises
• medical appointments bookings
• gardening
• dog walking and pet care
• chauffeur services to medical and recreational destinations (using the family car or cab)
• education assistance (University of the 3rd Age – U3A courses )
• overseas and local holidays accompaniment (“I wish I could see my cousin in London – haven’t seen her since we were 12)
• 24/7 on-call support: immediate assistance for urgent community nursing concerns, ensuring families have access to expert advice around the clock.
Scarisbrick International’s services encompass a holistic approach that combines clinical nursing expertise, emotional support and advocacy to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for our clients.
Our mission:
We aim to provide support in an empowering way and seek to preserve the emotional safety, dignity and privacy of those engaged in our service.
Our values:
a. safety: we create a safe home environment for our clients where the day-to-day dangers of life are minimised for the comfort and ease of mind of the clients and their family (mum with Alzheimer’s doesn’t walk out of her house at 2am looking for her childhood home; dad has assistance to go to the bathroom at 3am so he doesn’t fall and break his hip etc.)
b. trust: we provide experienced, fully checked, professional care and nursing staff so that the whole family can rest easy knowing mum and/or dad are in good hands 24/7 in their own home
c. collaboration: we work with the client and their family to develop a care plan which suits individual needs.
• bathing and toileting assistance (pressure pads which sound an alarm in the carer’s room)
• registered experienced nurse visits twice a week
• daily care notes
• weekly reports to the family requirements. These services are fully provided to our clients if they:
i. provide a private room for our carer’s use
ii. provide meals for our carer (the carer will cook and eat what the client has) iii. pay a monthly fee.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY...
Dr ****** ****, leading specialist at a government hospital
Scarisbrick has demonstrated a high degree of professionalism in caring for my late mum. The caregivers were courteous, caring and patient during their interaction with her.
Dr N ****, leading hospital specialist
Scarisbrick nurses and carers truly are angels as they are dedicated, gentle and serve the patient to nurture them back to health. They may be expensive, but worth it. Their staff will try their best to fulfil the client’s requests and the nurses and carers are polite, disciplined and respectful of the house they work in. It’s a pleasure to have them around.
NEVER have to go to a nursing home
We provide an elite, 24/7 peace-of-mind lifestyle through in-home care and companionship services.
With our services, there’s no need to sell your family home to cover nursing facility entry fees — you can stay in your cherished surroundings, maintain ownership of your property, and even benefit from its potential asset appreciation.
Our elite range of lifestyle services is designed to meet all your needs in the comfort of your own home. With Scarisbrick International, you never have to go to a nursing home.
Services include:
• Companionship
• Health & fitness motivation
• Housekeeping (laundry, cooking and cleaning)
• Respite care
• Chauffeur
• Registered Nurse visits and much more …
TRUSTED SPECIALISTS IN SLEEPING BETTER
FOR anyone living with sleep apnea, the road to better rest can feel daunting.
There are countless options and technical details to navigate, and it’s easy to feel lost.
This is where CPAP Direct stands apart from other providers. When Bryce Perron and his wife took ownership of CPAP Direct 11 years ago, they saw an opportunity to do things differently. Their vision was to create a business where people felt valued and understood on their own personal journey to better sleep.
While the company has since grown into Australia’s largest independent sleep apnea provider, it has never lost its family-owned values or its people-first philosophy.
Unlike other providers, CPAP Direct offers more than just equipment. Customers are welcomed into a friendly, supportive environment where expert advice is always free and readily accessible, with no hidden service fees or charges that comes with supporting continuous positive airway
pressure (CPAP) therapy.
With more than 20 store locations across Australia, open six days a week, and a dedicated CPAP support team, access to a wide range of equipment and support is simple and stress-free. Their independence ensures every recommendation is made in the customer’s best interest.
Understanding that lifestyle and budget are hugely important when considering equipment, the team at CPAP Direct offers flexible, no-obligation trial options for masks and machines, giving you the confidence to find the solution that truly works for you. As an accredited NDIS and DVA provider, with a 5-star Google Review rating, CPAP Direct has become a trusted partner for thousands of Aussies.
For Bryce and his wife, the mission remains as strong today as it was on day one: to help people reclaim their sleep through genuine care, personalised support and a commitment to better outcomes at every step.
Call CPAP Direct on 5476 8328 or visit 98 Dalton Drive, Maroochydore (opposite Bunnings).
OLDER DRIVERS TO TAKE PART IN NEW RESEARCH TRIAL
UNIVERSITY of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) researchers are seeking older drivers for a new trial measuring age-related changes in attention, as part of a broader program to develop a screening method for assessing cognitive fitness to drive.
Samantha Ellis, a PhD candidate at the MAIC/UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration, explains that the research will specifically examine brain activity and how it relates to driving.
“While a number of factors are important, we know that our ability to focus on the road is fundamental to safe driving,” she says. “As we age, it’s natural to experience changes in our attentional abilities.
“While these changes are normal, it is important to understand how they may impact our driving performance.”
To measure this, researchers will have eligible participants perform computerised attention tasks while measuring their brain activity using an EEG.
Participants will complete measures of simulated driving to see how they respond and react behind the wheel, which will be compared to a control group of drivers aged below 30, with at least three years of driving experience.
“Unlike standard cognitive tests, the EEG will allow us to measure brain activity associated with attention in real time,” Ms Ellis says.
“This will allow us to better understand how the measured brain activity relates to driving performance.”
Researchers expect the trial will provide greater insights on how attention impacts driving ability as we get older, including whether compensatory behaviours have a place in maintaining safety.
Senior Research Fellow Dr Kayla Stefanidis says this is crucial for informing the development of better tools to accurately assess cognitive fitness to drive.
“We want to keep older drivers who are safe, driving for as long as possible,” she says.
Currently, GPs and health professionals make assessments without the aid of standardised measures or tests for assessing cognitive fitness to drive.
To be eligible for the trial, participants must be aged 60-90 and able to attend one appointment at the UniSC Sippy Downs campus.
Email the research team at ADS@usc.edu.au or find out more at: uniofsunshinecoast. syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_eSaF84cZvklSoE6
PROVIDING expert imaging and compassionate care, because when it comes to your health, Sunshine Coast Radiology are here for you.
As we grow older, caring for our health becomes more important than ever. Regular check-ups, early detection, and timely treatment can make all the difference to our quality of life. At Sunshine Coast Radiology, we understand the unique healthcare needs of our community and are here to support you every step of the way.
Our radiologists and imaging specialists provide expert diagnostic services across a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, cancers, and other age-related concerns. With state-of-the-art imaging technology, from MRI and CT to ultrasound, mammography, X-ray, PET/CT and nuclear medicine, we help your GP or
Caring for Your Health, Every Step of the Way
specialist get the answers they need quickly and accurately.
Our radiologists are part of your community, not just names on a report, and we take pride in delivering care that is both professional and personal. Many of our patients tell us how reassuring it is to know that their results are interpreted locally by doctors who live and work right here on the Sunshine Coast.
We also know that visiting a practice can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why at Sunshine Coast Radiology, we focus on putting patients first. Our welcoming team are here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure you feel comfortable and supported from the moment you arrive. We also continually invest in our practices, meaning you benefit from the very latest advances in imaging, delivered by people who genuinely care about your health and wellbeing.
Our message is simple: We Are Here For You Whether you need an X-ray after a fall, a bone density scan to check for osteoporosis, an interventional procedure to manage pain, or advanced imaging for ongoing health conditions, we are here to provide answers, reassurance, and support. Because we understand that behind the scan, is a life waiting to be
positively impacted. Your health journey is important, and at Sunshine Coast Radiology, we are honoured to walk it alongside you.
With 13 practices conveniently located across the Coast, compassionate staff, and a commitment to excellence in patient care, you can trust that we’ll be here when you need us most.
www.scradiology.com.au
1300 697 226
Cash under the mattress to pay for your funeral?
I regularly hear of a client’s plan to stash some cash under the mattress or give money to a family member, prior to their passing, to cover the funeral bill when they die.
This concern arises from the client’s view that the bank will freeze their account after they die. While banks do freeze individual accounts to prevent misuse after a person’s death, they also understand that certain costs can’t wait. Joint accounts are usually not frozen.
The executor or another family member may pay the funeral cost and get reimbursed from the estate, but this option may not be appropriate as not everyone has $5-$10k readily available to ‘lend’ the estate.
Presuming there is no pre-paid funeral or funeral bond, most banks release money from the deceased’s account (if there is enough money in the account) to pay for the funeral.
The payment is usually made to the funeral director after receipt of a copy of the death certificate and the invoice. With the right paperwork, banks generally cooperate with executors to ensure key expenses are paid without unnecessary delays.
Stashing cash under the mattress may result in a ‘windfall’ for an unintended person after you pass, but it’s an unnecessary step to ensure the funeral invoice gets paid.
INSIGHT
PROTECT YOURSELF BEFORE HELPING OTHERS
WITH the cost of living increasing, it is common to see parents giving their children money.
However, despite these family arrangements beginning with the best of intentions, relying on informal agreements or understanding can be risky. Life circumstances change, relationships can sour, children may get divorced, and unexpected events (such as illness or financial hardship) may arise.
An informal family agreement or loan, such as a verbal promise to let you live on your child’s property or an undocumented family loan can expose you to significant risk. Without a formal agreement, you may face a number of challenges, including:
1. If your relationship with your child or their partner deteriorates, you could be asked to leave with no right to financial compensation.
2. Funds you put forward for your child could be considered a marital asset if they divorce. Without a formal loan agreement, the money may be seen as a gift and lost.
3. If your child sells the home you live in, a lack of a formal agreement could leave you without a place to live.
Protect yourself formally by instituting a granny flat agreement or family loan.
The term ‘granny flat agreement’ is a
blanket term which refers to legal agreements which can offer you the lifetime right to live in a family member’s property, be that in a spare room or a dwelling in the backyard.
‘Family loan’ is a broad term for a loan between family members. These loans often have non-standard repayment terms. You can use a granny flat agreement or family loan in circumstances such as:
• transferring the family home to your child while retaining the right to live there for life
• contributing to the construction of a new dwelling or tiny home on your child’s property, while protecting your right to live there
• funding major renovations to your child’s home to create suitable living space for you to live
• providing funds for your child to purchase a home, on the condition that you can live there for life
• lending your child money for them to buy their first home.
Whether you want to institute a family loan or a granny flat agreement is subject to your personal circumstances. But ta formal agreement or loan is a must.
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.
Big changes in selling properties
By LESA MACPHERSON
Big changes in how a house is sold came into force on August 1. All vendors must now provide a detailed Disclosure Statement to prospective purchasers prior to entering into any sale contract.
Failure to do so, or do it correctly, entitles the purchaser to pull out.
The Disclosure Statement is lengthy and onerous and takes time to complete.
This has resulted in slowing down the sale process.
This comes on top of the recent changes dictating that selling occurs via an electronic platform rather than the old ‘paper’ style.
Those of us who have bought and sold properties over the years would be familiar with the traditional way a settlement happens: all the parties, usually through solicitors and the banks, meet in a room and hand around signed transfer and stamp duty documents, new mortgages, old mortgage releases and bank cheques to make the settlement happen. Once that occurs the physical documents are sent off to the Titles Office for lodgment and registration, and the parties rush off to their bank to deposit their cheques before it closes for the day. Not anymore.
Transfers of real estate are now handled via the electronic platform known as Pexa.
Until recently, electronic settlements were optional, but now are compulsory.
The easiest way to imagine it is that instead of a physical meeting in an actual meeting room, all the parties meet electronically in a virtual meeting environment. All the parties join in to the Pexa workspace in advance of the agreed settlement date and time and input the requisite details – who is transferring to whom and who is being paid what.
The transfer, release of mortgage and new mortgage are electronically shared with the Titles Office for registration.
Payments are made into the nominated account as cleared funds.
No more waiting three business days for a bank cheque to clear.
But what about cybercrime? Will the money end up in Nigeria?
Our experience is that Pexa is incredibly security conscious. Getting registered to operate in Pexa is quite a laborious process of identity proof and independent confirmation.
Tens (perhaps hundreds) of millions of dollars go through the system daily.
It is essential that the Pexa electronic environment is as secure as is possible, and it is being constantly updated in relation to cyber threats.
An example is that to direct funds to an account that hasn’t been used before in Pexa (as in the case with many of our clients selling their home after many years), the destination account must be input three times, and all match, to be allowed to proceed.
Having operated for more than 30 years in the paper-settlement world, we can say that the electronic-settlement process is quicker, simpler and definitely better for clients and lawyers.
Like all changes, the vendor disclosure obligations that commenced on August 1 are initially intimidating, but over time (like electronic conveyancing), it will become the norm.
Sunshine Coast Elder Law specialises in retirement village purchases, and the selling of homes to fund that purchase. Contact the team on 1800 961 622 or visit sunshinecoastelderlaw.com.au
It’s natural for parents to want to help adult children struggling to get ahead with the cost of living rising. Often that help is by gifting assets such as shares.
Leading financial expert Alex Jamieson, of AJ Financial Planning, is warning older Australians that gifting shares, even with the best intentions, can trigger serious consequences including tax bills and pension penalties.
“Parents want to give their children a leg up, but they may be unaware that gifting shares can create a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) event, even if no money changes hands,” he says. “Critically, if you
are on the Age Pension, you could also fall foul of Centrelink’s gifting rules, resulting in your assets being counted for longer than you expect which could reduce your pension payments.”
When you gift shares, the Australian Tax Office treats the transaction as if you sold them at market value. That means any gain on those shares could trigger CGT, payable by the parent.
And Centrelink imposes strict gifting limits: $10,000 per year and $30,000 over five years. Go above that and the excess continues to be assessed as part of your asset base, reducing pension entitlements.
COMMUNITY EMPOWERS INDEPENDENCE, BUT WITH SUPPORT DELIVERED TO YOUR DOORSTEP
WITH a little support, retiree Jackie Stewart is continuing to enjoy an independent and social lifestyle at Aveo’s Sunset Palms Retirement Living community on the Sunshine Coast.
Jackie and her husband Peter were among the first residents to move into the villas in the Palmview community when it opened six years ago.
“We chose Sunset Palms because it was new, modern and had the benefit of being on a flat site,’’ she says.
“Where we had been living was very hilly and that made getting around difficult for my husband who was becoming increasingly unwell.
“The community here only got better as more people arrived. There are so many social events and things to do.’’
After her husband passed away, Jackie began finding it difficult to manage the housework while suffering a bad back.
“I spoke to Joanne Bartley, from Aveo’s Care at Home team, and she was fantastic. It was such a relief to have someone at Sunset Palms I was so comfortable talking with when I started to need extra help,’’ Jackie says.
“Jo organised for cleaners to come in who are so attentive and do a marvellous job. She also arranged physiotherapy sessions that came to me.
“I no longer feel so exhausted by lunchtime and my back isn’t so sore.
“I’ve gradually been able to return to doing the things I love, such as gardening and going for walks.
“The support I receive is brilliant. It’s such a relief to know that any care I might need is delivered to my doorstep.’’
Villas are low set and designed to support residents to live independently as they age. Features include wider hallways, no steps or trip hazards, secure garages with internal access, and 24/7 emergency response systems.
Residents also benefit from having external home and garden maintenance included, a community bus for local trips, and consultation rooms for visiting allied health professionals – all within a gated community.
Located at 58 Harmony Boulevard, Palmview, the latest stage of villas is now 50 per cent sold, starting from $570,000.
To tour Sunset Palms, call 13 28 36 or visit aveo.com.au
A NEW LEVEL OF LIFESTYLE LIVING AT ELIMBAH
A $428 MILLION lifestyle resort will open its doors at Elimbah next month, bringing a new level of luxury to over-50s living in the Moreton Bay region.
The 26-hectare development, GemLife Elimbah, is the latest addition from GemLife: one of Australia’s leading names in resort-style communities.
At its heart will be a superb collection of exclusive facilities designed to keep homeowners active, social and connected.
The showpiece of the resort is an $18 million, two-storey Country Club featuring a state-of-the-art gym, heated lap pool, tenpin bowling alley, golf simulator, cinema, creative arts studio, and a private ballroom for special celebrations.
For more laid-back gatherings, the Summer House will offer a resort pool, club room, barbecue spaces and even a pizza oven – the ideal setting for relaxed catch-ups with friends.
“GemLife Elimbah offers the best of both worlds – peaceful, semi-rural surrounds with a nature reserve along the southern boundary, yet all the
everyday conveniences close at hand,” says sales manager Glenys Lowry.
“It’s a wonderful spot for morning walks, birdwatching or even spotting the occasional kangaroo.
“Local shops are within walking distance, and some of Southeast Queensland’s most stunning natural attractions are just minutes away.”
The Glass House Mountains and D’Aguilar National Park provide endless opportunities for exploring, while Bribie Island and Pumicestone Passage make great day trips for those who love the coast.
Purpose-designed for downsizers, homes at GemLife Elimbah are priced from $745,000.
Buyers can choose from five floorplans, with each offering two bedrooms, a multipurpose room, spacious al fresco living and high-quality finishes throughout.
“Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or simply a place to meet new friends, GemLife Elimbah delivers it all,” Glenys says.
Call 1800 835 926 or visit gemlife. com.au/gel
Residents from Sunset Palms: Jackie Stewart, left, and Nancy Copley
Resort-style facilities will set a new benchmark and include an $18 million, two-storey Country Club
MEN join Freemasonry for many reasons — to uphold timeless values, grow personally, and give back to the community and be part of something greater than themselves.
Freemasonry is open to men of all faiths who believe in a ‘Supreme Being’. While not a religion, it offers a unique spiritual and moral dimension which appeals to many.
At its heart, Freemasonry is built on values such as charity, honesty, integrity and respect. Members are active in their communities, raising funds, supporting local causes and helping those in need.
Over the past decade, Mooloolah Lodge has donated more than $54,000 to charities and worthy local organisations. Examples include: Bloomhill Cancer Care – lymphedema control equipment, valued at more than $14,000; Sunshine Coast First Aid Volunteers and QAS Caloundra Auxiliary – more than $15,000 for medical equipment; Mooloolah State School – over 40 years of support through classroom equipment and bursaries.
Mooloolah Lodge proudly celebrated its centenary on August 7, marking 100 years of tradition, values and service. The Lodge meets at Caloundra on the 4th Tuesday of each month (not December).
Email Mooloolah Lodge at mooloolah334sec@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/mooloolahlodge
THE Nambour Orchid Society is celebrating 70 years and staging its Spring Orchid Expo at Venue 114, Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina, on September 6-7.
A wide selection of orchids will be on display and others for sale by specialist nurseries, along with all growing supplies.
Palmwoods Arts and Crafts will have display, along with sales of members’ creations. Guest speakers will cover everything relating to orchids and will be presenting on both days.
For more, call Nambour Orchid Society president Roger Barratt on 0439 998 409.
TAI CHI
AN INTRODUCTORY half-day of tai chi will be held on Saturday, September 6, from 1.15-4.15pm, at the Millwell Road Community Centre, Maroochydore.
Cost is $30.
Participants will experience the first few moves of tai chi and can then join ongoing weekly sessions at multiple locations across the Coast.
This half-day event is ideal for beginners and is open to all ages, as well as health conditions.
The slow meditative moves of tai chi offer a path towards life-long health and wellbeing.
For further information and pre-registration, email seq@taoisttaichi. org or call 1800 108 801.
BRIDGE LESSONS
Beginners’ Sunshine Coast Bridge Club start on Monday, September 8, at 8.30am. You will be able to play bridge in just these six lessons.
The clubhouse at the Elizabeth Daniels Sports Complex on Syd Lingard Drive has easy parking and is disabled friendly.
The course cost is $60 and includes the lesson book. Beginners can then join games, weekly sessions and events.
Visit suncoastbridge.com.au or call instructor Lisa Phillips on 0412 196 457.
Cerge, you can take a 360-degree virtual tour of the venues before you arrive. The visual story allows you to read and see the different locations at the venue, while sensory guides provide some of the sensory elements you may experience. Audio guides are also available, describing the venue’s accessible features. You’ll find other council venues listed on Cerge, such as Caloundra Regional Gallery. Download the app on Google Playstore or the App Store.
Visit heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
LET your heart sing with Celebrating The Seekers: 60 Years.
This is a heartfelt daytime tribute concert from founding member Keith Potger to the Australian group that shaped a generation. With his signature 12-string guitar and charming storytelling, Potger offers a time capsule of harmony, history and humanity.
Featuring rare visuals, timeless hits and a moving tribute to the late Judith Durham, this show is a warm embrace for fans old and new.
WHERE: Kings Theatre, The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra. WHEN: Wednesday, October 29, at 11am. TICKETS: $31, via theeventscentre.com. au or call 5491 4240.
BIG BROTHER IS BACK
1984 is a gripping adaptation of George Orwell’s chilling dystopian masterpiece. Shake & Stir’s daring adaptation of this classic novel is theatre at its most intuitive. Gritty, fast-paced, and terrifyingly relevant, 1984 throws us into Winston Smith’s rebellion against a regime that controls not only actions but thoughts. With immersive staging and unflinching performances, this production doesn’t just depict a story. It confronts us with a question: what is the cost of truth?
WHERE: Kings Theatre, The Events Centre, 20, Minchinton Street, Caloundra.
WHEN: Friday, October 24, at 7.30pm.
TICKETS: $59, via theeventscentre.com. au or call 5491 4240.
MAMMA MIA!
THE smash-hit musical, featuring 22 of ABBA’s timeless songs, bursts on to the stage at two locations in October.
With a talented cast of local performers as part of Little Seed Theatre Company, Mamma Mia! tells the story of Sophie: a young woman who is preparing for her wedding on a beautiful Greek island. In the search for her father, Sophie invites three men from her mother’s past to the celebration, leading to a whirlwind of emotions, revelations and hilarity.
Filled with hits such as Dancing
JAZZ IN THE PARK
THE Buderim War Memorial Community Association (BWMCA) is hosting a free community music event – the annual Jazz in the Park – on Sunday, September 28, from 1-5pm.
Listen to the captivating performances showcasing local talent.
The afternoon at Buderim Park starts with The Swing Brothers with Sista Paula, followed by Melanie and the Madmen, and the grand finale presented by the hugely popular Kitty Kats.
Food stalls will be available, as well as a raffle. Alcohol is not permitted in the park but it can be purchased at the volunteer-run bar and consumed in the designated area.
Visit bwmca.com.au/jazz-in-the-park
Queen, Take a Chance on Me and Super Trouper, Mamma Mia! is sure to have audiences of all ages singing and dancing.
Little Seed Theatre Company specialises in high-quality performances while nurturing local performers. WHERE and WHEN: The J Theatre, Noosa Heads, on October 2-4 at 7.30pm and 2pm on October 4; The Events Centre, Caloundra, on October 10 and 11 at 7.30pm, October 11 at 2pm and October 12 at 1pm.
TICKETS: Available at little-seed.com.au/ tickets/mammamia
REGIONAL DISABILITY
IN REGIONAL Queensland, individuals with disabilities and seniors, along with their caregivers, often face challenges in accessing essential resources and support that are readily available in larger cities.
Sharon Fulwood, an event manager and parent of two children with disabilities, has first-hand experience with the challenges of navigating the disability support system (NDIS) in the Sunshine Coast region. The Regional Disability Expo (RDE) aims to empower, educate, share experiences and introduce the latest technologies for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.
In 2024, the expo was expanded to include the Seniors Expo, offering the Sunshine Coast community access to a wide range of services under the one roof.
Whether you’re seeking innovative products, engaging services, or want to connect with others who understand your journey, the expos offer something for everyone. Sharon invites suppliers of products or services related to developmental delays, health conditions, congenital disabilities or aged care to join the expos. Call her on 0402 836 213. WHERE: Caloundra Indoor Stadium, North Street, Golden Beach.
WHEN: Thursday, September 18, 9am-3pm.
TICKETS: Free entry. For more, visit disabilityexposc.com.au
HERE’S an easy recipe to give everyone’s tastebuds a treat this Father’s Day.
Ingredients:
• 600ml cream
• 100g Instant Pudding Vanilla
• 24 Sao Biscuits
Method:
Top with a little passionfruit buttercream: Serves
Line a tray with baking paper. In a large bowl, pour the cream and add the Instant Vanilla Pudding mix. Using electric beaters, beat to combine, about 1 to 2 minutes. Line the tray with Sao Biscuits, then spoon across the vanilla mixture and top with more Sao biscuits. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
SEX PLEASE WE’RE SIXTY
DON’T miss BATS Theatre Company
Inc’s latest hilarious farce Sex Please We’re Sixty, by Michael Parker and Susan Parker.
The play, directed by Julian White, is set in a Bed & Breakfast in Maleny.
One neighbour is an elderly lothario who relies on little blue pills.
The other is a retired research chemist who has created a pill to increase libido in menopausal women –also blue.
Three female guests arrive. What could possibly go wrong?
simply mix 2 tbsp soft butter with ¾ cup icing sugar and the pulp of two large passionfruit until nice and smooth. Spread across the top of the Saos.
WHERE: Buderim War Memorial Hall, corner Main and Church streets, Buderim.
WHEN: Friday, September 26 at 7.30pm is the opening night fundraiser for the Buderim Foundation. All tickets for this night are $40. Other performances: Saturday, September 27, at 2pm and 7.30pm; Friday, October 3, 7.30pm; Saturday, October 4, 7.30pm; Sunday, October 5, 2pm.
TICKETS: Adults $30, concessions $28, members $25, groups of eight or more $25 (must be prepaid), via batstheatre.com or call Alice on 0427 856 680.
RECIPE FROM: 4 Ingredients The EASIEST ONE POT COOKBOOK ever for $24.99: go to 4ingredients.com.au/ products/4-ingredients-the-easiest-one-pot-cookbook-ever Big Brother is back George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece brought to life.
Celebrate the unforgettable sounds and stories of the past with Keith Potger, founding member of The Seekers. Relive timeless hits, heartfelt ballads, rare footage, and joyful anecdotes.
29 Oct, 11am
VANILLA SLICE
Celebrating Sunshine Coast Seniors at the upcoming Seniors Festival!
Held on 1st October, the Sunshine Coast Seniors Festival is the region’s flagship event celebrating Queensland Seniors Month. This stand-out event brings together the senior community for a full day of connection, recognition, and celebration.
The program includes the lively Seniors Expo, the inspiring Sunshine Coast Senior Leadership Awards
Morning High Tea, a series of informative seminars, and concludes in style with the prestigious Crest Society Ball.
More than just an event, the festival is a tribute to the wisdom, resilience, and contributions of seniors across the Sunshine Coast — a day to learn, connect, and celebrate together.
2025 SENIOR LEADERSHIP AWARD HONOURS REMARKABLE INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS
This year, the award is proudly presented to the following recipients.
Mark is recognised for his extraordinary leadership and advocacy in mental health, particularly in the field of eating disorder recovery. As the co-founder of endED, he helped establish the House of Hope and Wandi Nerida, Australia’s first residential eating disorder facility. Mark’s work, born from personal adversity, has become a national model for compassionate, community-based care.
Award sponsored by KEYTON
Kerrie’s powerful transformation from trauma survivor to community leader has inspired many. Through founding Stories of HOPE and Empower Life Solutions, she has become a tireless advocate for mental health, addiction recovery, and grassroots initiatives like Streetlight. Her efforts in resilience training and counselling have restored dignity and hope to countless lives.
Award sponsored by Sage Care Advice.
Aunty Bridgette is celebrated for her cultural leadership as a Kabi Kabi Traditional Owner, artist, Law-Lore Woman, and Guardian of Sea Country. Her advocacy for native title, cultural education, and environmental protection has enriched the Sunshine Coast’s spiritual and cultural fabric. Her work is a beacon of healing, truth-telling, and reconciliation.
Award sponsored by IAgeWell.
Bill and Melissa are honoured for over 30 years of service through Care Outreach, supporting rural and remote families across Queensland and NSW. From delivering food and emotional support to spreading holiday cheer with “Christmas for the Bush”, their legacy is one of steadfast compassion, resilience, and community care.
Award sponsored by Country 2 Coast.
Carmel is honoured for her visionary work in disability support. As the founder of STEPS Group Australia and STEPS Pathways College, she has dedicated decades to empowering people with disabilities through education and independent living opportunities. Her efforts have shaped national conversations around inclusion and dignity for all.
Award sponsored by Maroochy Home Assist.
Fiona is recognised for her unwavering dedication to empowering women in crisis through her work at Lilly House. As a mentor, advocate, and leader, Fiona has played a pivotal role in providing safe, supportive accommodation and holistic care for women facing domestic violence, homelessness, or addiction. Her commitment to creating pathways for healing, independence, and restored dignity has transformed lives and fostered hope across the Sunshine Coast. Fiona leads with deep compassion and quiet strength, embodying the true spirit of service and community leadership.
Award sponsored by Blue Care.
Mark Forbes
Aunty Bridgette
Bill and Melissa
Fiona Browne
Kerrie Atherton
Carmel Crouch
Tanya Dave
SENIORS FESTIVAL...EXPO
– CONNECTING COMMUNITY – CELEBRATING LIFE
What would a festival be without an EXPO. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect and learn about the different services available to live your best life.
Our range of exhibitors include:
• Travel
• Health and Wellness
• Insurance
• Recreation and Fitness
• Employment and Education
• Financial and Retirement Planning
• Clothing, Fashion and Accessories
• Beauty Services
• Aged Care
• Government Services
• Independent Living Products
• Holistic Living Options
• Community groups
SENIORS FESTIVAL - SEMINARS
REGISTER FOR SEMINARS WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE EXPO
Planning for Peace – Estate Planning Made Simple
Presented by Pacific Law
Time 9.30am – 10.30am This presentation outlines the essentials you need to know to protect your assets, support your loved ones and minimise family disputes.
We cover :
• Wills & Testamentary Trusts: Choose the right structure to safeguard your estate and minimise tax.
• Superannuation: Ensure your benefits go to the right people and not the ATO.
• Enduring Powers of Attorney & Health Directives: Appoint trusted decision-makers and document your healthcare preferences.
• Contesting Wills: Understand how disputes arise and how to prevent them.
• Special Tools: Asset protection strategies, family agreements, and more.
Revolutionising Palliative Care at Home
and end-of-life care — the upcoming Support at Home Program will reshape how services are delivered. Join us for this clear and practical session to learn what the reforms mean for you or your clients, the impact it will have, and how to prepare for a smooth transition.
“Redefining Cancer Care: The Science Driving Tomorrow’s Therapies”
Presented by Associate Professor Michelle Wykes & Dr Lachlan Harris - QIMR Berghofer
Time: 12pm -1pm
QIMR Berghofer is one of Australia’s premier medical research institutes, committed to addressing some of the world’s most urgent health challenges. Their work covers an exceptional scope — from groundbreaking discoveries in cancer, infectious diseases, and chronic conditions, to advances in mental health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and pioneering fields such as genetics, precision medicine, regenerative medicine, and immunotherapy. Backed by world-class scientists, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong focus on turning research into real-world solutions, QIMR Berghofer is transforming lives through science.
WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER, 2025
6PM - 10PM
MAROOCHYDORE RSL 105 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore
be inspired by dazzling dance performances from our talented senior community. Dress to impress, reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and dance to your favourite hits from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. It’s a night to sparkle, mingle, and create memories that will last well beyond the final song.
To book your seat visit www.scseniorsfestival.com.au
Presented by Sue Mason-Baker, Managing DirectorMingary Care
Time: 10am – 11am
Born from the pandemic’s challenges, Mingary Care’s award-winning, free-of-charge model is transforming end-of-life care across the Sunshine Coast. Filling gaps the system can’t, it delivers everything from personal care and respite to meals, transport, and financial support — ensuring more people can spend their final days at home. Discover how this innovative service is changing lives, connecting services, and redefining what’s possible in palliative care.
What are the changes to aged care funding and how will it affect you?
Presented by Mikhaila Frampton, General Manager, Home and Community Care – Comlink Australia Time: 11am – 12pm
Big changes are on the way for in-home aged care. From new funding levels and capped service prices to revised rules around equipment, home modifications,
In this session, you’ll hear about their latest breakthroughs in cancer research — and why there is genuine hope for the future.
Navigating the Future of Home Care: What You Need to Know
Presented by Rob Cross Manager – Home Care & RV Sales QLD
Time: 1pm – 2pm
Big changes are coming to Australia’s in-home aged care system — are you ready? Join us for an engaging presentation on the new Support at Home Program, where we’ll unpack what’s changing, how it will affect fees, and what it means for you or your loved ones. From the expanded classification system and capped service prices to updated rules on equipment, home modifications, and end-of-life care, this session will provide the clarity you need to plan with confidence.
Whether you’re a senior, a carer, or a service provider, this is your opportunity to get ahead of the changes, ask questions, and leave with practical insights you can put into action.
sight of women covered head to toe in black and wearing burqas was the staple and tourism was just in its infancy.
cruise Arabian Gulf
Anticipation is high as I embark on a week’s cruise through the Arabian Gulf, aka the Persian Gulf: the oil-rich waterway that divides West Asia from the Arabian Peninsula.
‘High’ because I love the Middle East: the Islamic design of mosques with their arches, domes and minarets, the calligraphy and intricate patterns on mosaic tiles of dazzling hues.
I love the richness of the trinkets in the souqs, and the smell of incense, the hessian
But, to be honest, I’m excited because we’ll be calling in to Oman, albeit briefly, which I’ve yearned to visit, and new ports in the United Arab Emirates are on the agenda.
As perception is indeed everything, our ship’s captain Ioannis Fountoukas tells me not to confuse the Gulf with the wider Middle East where, in some quarters, conflict is distressingly an everyday event.
The captain, who has worked for Greek line Celestyal Cruises for 30 years, loves cruising in the Gulf. He says it’s a safe, crime-free region with good ports and excellent terminals … and nowhere near as busy as the Mediterranean where he’s spent his career on seven-day cruises from Piraeus to the Greek Isles and Turkiye.
I have to agree. During my week at sea, we encounter only two other (and much bigger) cruise ships doing a similar course.
Exotic traditions and harsh landscapes meet luxe cruising
CAROLINE GLADSTONE returns to the Arabian Gulf after a 30-year absence and indulges in an array of exotic experiences that capture the essence of the intriguing literaryadventures of her childhood.
bags of pungent spices, the shape of the coffee pots.
It’s the exoticism, I guess – a hangover from the days I read Tales of the Arabian Nights as a child.
But that foreignness, that unknown, is the very reason some friends advise me against it, warning me the area’s just not safe.
But I’m intrigued to see what Dubai and Bahrain are like as it’s been more than 30 years since I was last there, when the
Abu Dhabi, all with good air connections.
We begin the journey in Doha, capital of Qatar: a country that was, until 1971, a British protectorate.
After taking the political temperature, Celestyal Cruises launched a new program of Gulf itineraries in November 2024 to take advantage of the mild winters with temperatures hovering around 25C, which appeal to Europeans wanting to escape the northern chill.
For we Antipodeans, it’s not just an opportunity to metaphorically dip our toes in Gulf waters but also a tempting stopover enroute to Europe, as cruises leave from three ports in the Gulf: Doha, Dubai and
At first glance, it resembles the modern-day Dubai I have seen in a hundred magazine stories. But with a little exploration, I find its Arabian heart in the old 19th century bazaar, Souq Waqif.
While this market flourished some 150 years ago, its fortunes waned in the mid-20th century when modern airconditioned shopping options appeared.
However, a restoration has brought back its soul and I love getting lost in the maze of alleyways, where storekeepers still practise traditional trades.
In one alley, I find rows of tailors busily hand sewing metres of white cloth into flowing thobes. And down another alley, windows display a bewildering array of swords and weaponry.
There’s an entire area dedicated to falconry, with high-priced birds for sale, along with all manner of falcon apparel.
We depart from Doha’s Mina Port and, from our Deck 10 cabin balcony, my travelling companion, a high school friend, and I trace the wide bay that curves around from the old town where we stayed to the modern high-rise in the distance.
We have chosen a variety of shore
IMAGE:
The on-board dinner service
Chandelier inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Camels in Doha
excursions from a desert camp to a cruise through Omani fjords to make the most of our time.
In Bahrain, we take the ship’s shuttle to the new Al Baraha market: a modern twist on the traditional souq.
There, bakers turn out Arabic crepes, called raqaq, and half a dozen coffee shops serve their delicious brew. Salesmen offer perfume samples and the smell of oud (an incense made from burning agarwood) fills the air.
So popular is our next port, Dubai, that we have an overnight stay, giving us a chance to take an evening trip to a desert camp dinner, preceded by dune-bashing over the sandhills in convoy with a dozen Land Cruisers.
The highlight is the dinner entertainment of Tanoura dancers, who whirl like dervishes and wow the crowd with a finale of flaming torches from which performers set their costumes alight.
After a three-decade absence, I feel the urge to see the ‘new wonders of Dubai’.
The sail-like Burj Al Arab hotel and world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa have many enthralled, but I’m more impressed with the Miracle Gardens, where 150 million flowers and 250 million plants adorn a variety of floral structures,
including a fairy-tale castle and an Emirates 380 aircraft.
In the remote Musandam Peninsula, a tiny outpost of Oman completely surrounded by the UAE, we take a dhow trip down the 17-km fjord Khor Sham, one of several that cut through the majestic Hajar Mountain range.
The landscape is beautifully harsh, the antithesis to the bling and billion-dollar buildings of much of the Gulf.
Our last port bedazzles, as befitting Abu Dhabi’s status as the UAE capital.
We queue with a hundred others to view Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, topped by 82 domes. Under the glow of gigantic Swarovski crystal chandeliers, we admire marble tiles inland with Arabesque floral designs and the world’s largest handknotted carpet created by 1200 artisans.
The cruise takes place on the Celestyal Journey: a mid-size ship, taking just 1260 passengers. While not new, it is smart, having been treated to a $32 million upgrade in 2023.
It’s a perfect week for us. A great introduction to a region much maligned.
I get my exotic hit. I buy a pashmina and Arabian perfumes and have my photo taken with a falcon perched on my arm, just as I did in Bahrain three decades earlier.
* The writer travelled as a guest of Celestyal Cruises.
Visit celestyal.com/au
ARABIAN
voyages
CELESTYAL Cruises’ 2025-26 winter season begins in the Gulf on December 4 this year.
Two ships, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery, will operate different itineraries, with a handful including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Journey will operate seven-night Desert Days departing from Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi; Discovery will operate three and four-night Iconic Arabia cruises from Abu Dhabi. New ports include Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. Prices start at $AUD1018 for two people for a three-night Iconic Arabia cruise.
Positioning cruises of 14 nights between Athens and the Gulf cities are offered at the beginning and end of the season. New ports of call include Jedda in Saudi Arabia and Muscat, Oman.
NOVEMBER 2025
Tasmania (15 Days)
O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days)
MARCH 2026
Norfolk Island
O’Reillys
APRIL 2026
Easter in Port Stephens
Alpine High Country to the Murray Delta
JUNE 2026
Darling River Run
Red Centre to Top End
JULY 2026
Lightning Ridge
AUGUST 2026
Murray Princess and Kangaroo Island
North Queensland Savannah
Tropical North Queensland
SEPTEMBER 2026
Flowers
OCTOBER 2026 Wild West of WA
Swimming in the fjord is part of the dhow boat excursions
Spice seller in Souq Waqif, Doha
By Holly Ringland Mythology/fantasy
Reviewed by
Jan Kent
HOLLY Ringland had certainly set the bar high.
And did this novel reach it? Not quite, but it was a great read nevertheless, engaging by its beautiful language and imagery, with a moving storyline encompassing love, grief and the transformative ways these bind characters together.
As Esther is urged by her family to unravel the background to Aura’s disappearance from the shores of Tasmania’s coast following her return from Denmark and the Faroe Islands, we are transported to these three varied locations and accompanying myths and legends through some beautiful descriptions of landscape and local personalities. Armed with Aura’s diary – complete with seven fairy tales alongside verses which she had secretly tattooed on her body – the trail leads her to discover just how far a sister’s love can stretch.
Esther’s character, often frustratingly complex and antagonistic, is cleverly developed throughout the book and reveals the ripple effect that grief can have.
This is a beautiful and moving story, though at times a little wordy with excessive details and side issues.
The references to legends of extraordinarily strong women, from Indigenous Australians to Nordic culture, are indicative of the depth of research and engagement in these places by the author, adding authenticity to this wonderful book.
WRITTEN by
THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON
By Jana
HOW THE WORLD REALLY WORKS
LITERARY LUNCH WITH AUTHOR HEATHER ROSE THE SEVEN SKINS OF ESTHER WILDING
By Vaclav Smil Non-fiction
Reviewed by
John Kleinschmidt
A YEAR or more ago, I decided to try and gain further knowledge on how the world really works.
To do this, I chose a scientific work by Vaclav Smil: a worldrenowned scientist.
I have been reading and re-reading chapters of this book with dogged persistence on and off for more than a year.
I now believe that I have a better understanding of the key subjects of this book, including energy, food production, our material world, globalisation, risks, environment and our future.
While this book is hard work, it is relatively easy to read and very enlightening.
This book has so much information, it will be one of the very few that I read a second time. A challenge and certainly not for everyone.
Wendt, Collection of short stories
Reviewed by Rebecca Walker, of Annie’s Books on Peregian
award-winning Australian journalist Jana Wendt, this debut collection of unique short stories is engaging and entertaining.
Revolving around themes of ageing, reflection and the complexities of human relationships, Wendt successfully opens the lid on the interior lives of her characters.
While the stories mirror the ‘ordinary’ reality of the day-to-day,
each one carries emotional depth as the reader journeys with each character through time, memory and ultimately the human experience.
There are 12 stories in total – each charming in its own right.
This represents a great book to pop in and out of if you’re seeking an easy and enjoyable read.
JOIN Annie’s Books on Peregian for a literary lunch with author Heather Rose, in conversation with Shelley Davidow.
The author of A Great Act of Love will be front and centre on Tuesday, October 14, at noon at Gusto Restaurant on Noosa River.
Inspired by true events, A Great Act of Love is an immensely beautiful and heart-rending saga of a father and daughter, and the enduring power of familial love.
From the award-winning author of The Museum of Modern Love and Bruny comes an enthralling tale of legacy, love and the making of champagne.
Van Diemen’s Land, 1839. A young woman of means arrives in Hobart, with a young boy in her care. Leasing an old cottage next to an abandoned vineyard, Caroline Douglas must navigate an insular colony of exiles and opportunists to create a new life on this island of extreme seasons and wild beauty. But Caroline is carrying a secret of such magnitude that it has led her to cross the world, and it will take all she is made of to bring it into the light. Soaring from the champagne vineyards of revolutionary France to London and early colonial Australia, A Great Act of Love is a spellbinding novel of legacy, passion and reinvention.
For the literary lunch, enjoy a two-course lunch with welcoming glass of wine for $85 per person. Bookings are essential on 5448 2053 or by emailing info@anniesbooks.com.au
MELALEUCA
By Angie-Faye Martin, Crime fiction
Reviewed by Karen Weiber, of Books@Stones, Stones Corner
RENEE Taylor is planning to stay the minimum amount of time in her remote hometown: only as long as her mum needs her.
Then, she is fleeing back to her real life in Brisbane. Seconded to the town’s sleepy police station, Renee is pretty sure work will hold nothing more exciting than delivering speeding tickets.
That’s before a murdered woman is found down by the creek on the outskirts of town.
Leading the investigation, Renee uncovers a perplexing connection to the disappearance of two young women 30 years earlier. As she delves deeper
and the mystery unfurls, intergenerational cruelties, endemic racism and deep corruption show themselves, even as dark and bitter truths about the town and its inhabitants’ past rise up and threaten to overwhelm the present
Though Goorungah is a fictional town, it serves as a paradigm for Angie-Faye Martin, illustrating how it’s possible to live harmoniously within a community. Her ability to weave suspense with sharp social commentary and nuanced character development places her firmly within the ranks of great Australian crime writers.
An exceptional debut.
Security, Independence & Peace of Mind
With Quizmaster Garry Reynolds
1. Who was the first Indigenous woman elected to federal parliament?
2. How many gold medals did Cathy Freeman win in the Sydney Olympics?
3. What is the name of AFL’s best and fairest medal?
4. On which TV show was Plucka Duck?
5. Where did Kath and Kim live?
6. What is the name of the Canberra street machine festival?
7. Which car has a prancing horse logo?
8. What metal is formed from copper and zinc?
9. Which English monarch abdicated in 1936?
10. Escargot is what food animal?
11. What is the white of an egg called?
12. From which country did pide originate?
13. What is the stage name of Nicholas Coppola?
14. What is the traditional food on Shrove Tuesday?
15. What is the capital of Latvia?
16. What was the occupation of Wilbert Awdry, author of Thomas the Tank Engine?
17. How many times did Henry VIII marry?
18. At the mouth of what river does Shanghai sit?
19. How many points are needed to win a game of badminton?
