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Most things in life need some sort of plan to be successful. Retirement is no different. You can protest all you want, shouting about the need for spontaneity and the freedom to do what you want, when you want, how you want.
And I would agree with you – to a point.
We work hard all our lives and deserve the right to ‘do nothing’ if we wish, take things easy, spend our money and relish ticking things off our bucket list. After all, isn’t that what retirement is meant to be about?
But better education on our health, as well as medical and technological breakthroughs, mean we have the opportunity to live much longer than our parents and grandparents.
Maybe 20 years or more longer.
So there very well may come a time when we’ve ‘been there, done that’ in our travels after retirement, have become bored with the ‘routine’ of pottering around the house and ask ourselves: “Is that all there is?” or “What do I do now?”.
Journalist Janine Hill speaks with a retirement coach for this month’s cover story.
Robyn Nutt, founder of Ready to Thrive, has helped many people overcome the retirement ‘rut’ because she also found herself there at one time.
She highlights the fact that there are stages of retirement, and whether we are retirees or simply thinking about giving up full-time work, we all need a strategy to ensure that this will be a fulfilling and satisfying time in our lives.
But if you are still in that wonderful ‘honeymoon phase’ after the farewell drinks at work, maybe some time spent on a golf course in Hawai‘i is exactly what you’re looking for.
Turn to our travel pages for my scenic buggy ride around the Arnold Palmer Championship Golf Course at The Ritz Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay.
This month, columnist Kailas Roberts (page 20) also touches on the importance of purpose, referring to research that indicates purpose is both a psychological and neurological compass.
Plus, we have all our regular features and columnists to educate, inform and entertain you.
So, enjoy the read!
Shirley Sinclair Editor
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Say hello to a more satisfying retirement
JANINE HILL explores how to create a plan with a sense of purpose in the years beyond working – for the time when you’re bored of freedom and have already done that lap around Australia.
Most Australians have a good 45 years to think about retirement once they enter the workforce.
It’s a long time to dream, but retirement coach Robyn Nutt, founder of Ready to Thrive, says many people reach retirement without knowing what it will really look like for them beyond the farewell drinks.
“That’s what people don’t realise:
that there are stages of retirement,” Robyn says.
“We all seem to think that retirement is this endless beautiful beach that just goes on forever, and we forget that there are rocky outcrops and there are creeks that cut through, and you’ve got to wade over them.
“You go from that euphoric ‘I finally got rid of that annoying workmate’ to
that disillusionment that ‘well, the days are long. What am I going to do? I’m bored’ or ‘I’m lonely’.”
Robyn says that just as people make financial plans for retirement, they should also plan how to live with purpose, connection and satisfaction in the work-free years.
She says such retirement planning can be done at any time but ideally
before people retire.
“I could see anybody at any stage and help them, but I think that the people who would benefit most are the people who are ready to transition to retirement, or those people who have done the lap of Australia and they’ve gone, ‘Oh, okay. Well, what now?’,” she says.
“People do a second lap of Australia, or people go back to work full-time. People go back to what they know because it’s easy, on autopilot.”
While some retirees think keeping busy is the key to retirement, Robyn says there is more to it, having tread that path herself.
She transitioned to retirement early after a career in teaching, initially in primary and later in adult education, where she designed education and study skills programs for TAFE and universities.
“While you’re working, everybody thinks it’s easy because we look at retirement in a dream-like state. It’s in the distance and all the edges are blurry
Robyn Nutt
and it looks so perfect,” Robyn says.
“But when you reach retirement, it’s like the magnified view. All the gaps and all the unplanned events are so obvious. It was the same for me.
“I didn’t have that one big dream that most people have: to do a lap of Australia or to downsize.
“But I love learning, so I threw myself into lots of different courses.
“I was just so busy, but busy didn’t really give me the sense of purpose that I was expecting.”
After talking to others, Robyn realised that her skills could be repurposed to help retirees figure out their retirement.
She does not offer financial advice but coaches retirees and prospective retirees to think about their values and sense of purpose, and how the skills, strategies and qualities that they have used in the past can benefit them in retirement.
“I was just so busy, but busy didn’t really give me the sense of purpose that I was expecting”
It is an honest look at their lives that some find too confronting to do on their own, and can be awkward or not as effective with friends.
“People think they’ve sorted things but haven’t really when you start to question them because we always like to live in our own comfort zone,” she says.
“We ask ourselves easy questions, we do the easy things first, and sometimes, when you’re in a change or
transition, it’s a good time to move out of that comfort zone. You need to be asked different questions.”
One of Robyn’s clients had dropped back to working part-time when he sought her help to figure out his transition to full retirement.
“He knew he had enough money but he didn’t really know what he was going to do with this extra time. He was a bit worried about boredom and loneliness,” she says.
“When I got feedback from him recently, he said, ‘You helped me look at my whole life and really gave me a direction’.
“He decided that after working for so long, he needed to tap back into family and fitness stuff.
“I help people explore those possibilities, then help them plan to be a success, and what they’re going to do if things go wrong.
“What I’m really doing is building a bit of resilience and giving people some strategies to help themselves, but I’m a resource that they can always tap back into.”
ROBYN’S TIPS FOR RETIREMENT:
1. Spend time understanding what’s important to you and where you want to spend your time, energy and money. Work out your values, what you want in life.
“It’s actually recognising slices of your life which are potentially important to you.”
2. Try new things.
“When you’re at a transition, that’s a great time to make a change because you’re changing anyway.”
3. Check in with yourself, often.
“I actually schedule a meeting with myself every week, every Friday morning, just to check how I’m going.
I have questions I ask myself. What have I won on this week? What have I learned this week? What will I do less of next week?”
4. Do not hide in your comfort zone. “Staying in your comfort zone feels good, but it’s not good for you. It’s almost the equivalent of eating hot chips every day. It feels good, but it’s not good for you.
5. Sort out your finances.
6. Establish positive daily routines for your mental and physical health. “I’m a real advocate for making small positive changes over a long period of time.”
7. Focus on what you can control.
“All those things that we worry about that we can’t control, that’s what we worry about most of the time. It’s such a waste of time.”
8. Dream big – bigger than you can ever imagine.
“Big dreams are achievable with small, manageable steps.”
IF YOU fancy a little indulgence, book yourself in for High Tea on Sunday, August 24 at The Long Apron, the award-winning restaurant at Spicers Clovelly Estate in pretty Montville. Set among manicured gardens and French-inspired charm, the experience includes a curated selection of sweet and savoury treats, unlimited tea and coffee and a celebratory glass of bubbles on arrival. Visit spicersretreats.com/ events/high-tea-long-apron.
Reminisce
AUGUST marks 58 years since one of the world’s biggest rock bands, Pink Floyd, released their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn The English foursome went on to sell more than 250 million albums worldwide across their career. Their 1973 record, The Dark Side of the Moon, was one of only four albums globally to sell more than 45 million copies, spending 970 weeks in the US Billboard top 200 charts. Now, fans will have the opportunity to reminisce about those days gone by thanks to the much-loved Australian Rock Collective (ARC). Featuring celebrated artists, Darren Middleton (of Powderfinger fame), Kram (Spiderbait), Mark Wilson (Jet) and Davey Lane (You Am I), ARC will present Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here and Dark Side of the Moon on August 8 at The Events Centre, Caloundra and on August 10 at Brisbane’s QPAC. For tickets, visit livenation.com.au and search ‘ARC’.
Where to go
IMPRESS the grandkids with a visit to the globally celebrated Harry Potter A Forbidden Forest Experience. Targeted at all age groups, this magical walk through the bushland of Mount Cotton’s Sirromet boasts fantastic beasts and iconic wizarding world moments illuminated like never before. It is an experience you will never forget. You can enhance your visit with pre-show dining at the winery’s Tuscan Terrace or book the Wizards Wonder accommodation package and stay in an on-site pavilion. The Harry Potter experience is on until September 7. Bookings for all experiences are essential. Visit sirromet.com/pages/harry-potter-the-forbidden-forest.
Back in the day…
BACK in 1962, Australian television screens welcomed a cheerful fellow with a shiny bald head, a red airplane and a very catchy tune. Mr Sheen, the animated mascot for the household polish of the same name, quickly became one of the most recognisable advertising figures of the decade. Launched in the 1950s, Mr Sheen was Australia’s answer to clean furniture and shiny floors and his TV commercial, which combined live action with animation, captured the imagination of viewers. In the ad, Mrs Sparkle sang, “You are the most helpful man that I have ever seen.” According to the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Mr Sheen’s character was reportedly inspired by a real company employee. Mr Sheen’s pop culture identity was so strong that the brand hardly changed in the next 50 years.
What to explore
OCEAN breezes, boutique wines, fresh seafood and live music – what more could you want from a winter weekend? The Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival will be held at Apex Park, Woody Point Esplanade on August 22 to 24 and will bring together top chefs, local producers and entertainers for three delicious days by the water. A general ticket includes everything from cooking demonstrations to more than 140 exhibitors and pop-up bars. There are also add-on ticketed events, ranging from premium dining experiences to whiskey masterclasses. Visit moretonbayfoodandwine.com.au.
Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.
BALANCE VS MANKEEPING
I WASN’T familiar with the term ‘mankeeping’ but had seen the symptoms in couples’ relationships.
Sahra O’Doherty, president of the Australian Association of Psychologists, says it is the caretaking role that women often play for the men in their lives – looking after their emotional needs, bolstering their confidence and supporting their wellbeing.
The derogatory mirror has been ‘manchild’, describing a bloke incapable of managing his emotional needs.
I have another – ‘lion taming’ – where a woman mistakenly perceives a man’s reserve and independence as needing managing without his concurrence.
This can lead to push back from the recipient and a confusion of good intentions being lost in conflict and bottled-up resentment.
From my humble observations, I find men today confide their emotional needs in mates far more than women realise, even their partners.
I’m not suggesting that we’re all to use the old term SNAGS – sensitive new age guys – but you can feel it in the man hugs, the casual ‘are you okay’ inquiries and the uncorked personal emotion between boofy men on the football field during Queensland’s State of Origin win.
No matter what the terms, the emotional merry-go-round between men and women can leave a bloke giddy, trying to navigate the social norms, requiring an updated dictionary.
For a man who has been on the end of over-exuberant mankeeping, it can be suffocating, leaving you wanting a time out to reclaim your independence.
I like the concept of soulmates between a man and a woman in a couple’s balanced relationship, with one not having to manage the other, or with good mates you can confide in.
It need not be dependence as one person may have a lot of emotional challenges going on at a particular time, but what goes around comes around, and your soulmate knows you’re there for them.
Feeling that trust and reassurance often strengthens you to manage an emotional challenge, to emotionally backburn, preventing it from becoming chronic or inflamed in a series of crises.
We have enough of those in the wider world without creating our own or needing our soulmate to be tempted into mankeeping.
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AUDIENNE BLYTH continues her historical recount of the Coast’s early industries by looking back at the factories that helped shape the region.
The Moreton Central Sugar Mill opened in 1897 and was hailed as a great new industry. It was a sad day for the district when it closed in December 2003.
A film, The Last Crush , is available at the Nambour Heritage Library and records the history of the closing of the mill.
The sugar mill was built close to the railway line for cane arriving by steam train from farms north and south. Nowadays, the site is known as Nambour Mill Village, Coles Supermarket.
Pieces of large machinery placed on roundabouts or near roadside in Nambour remind us of the time the mill operated. Heritage-listed old narrow cane tram lines in Howard Street also remind us of cane trams noisily bustling towards the mill.
Farmers and residents were proud of this industry. The district prospered from the
sugar mill. Some of us may recall the smell of molasses over the town and of course, the smoke from the mill. Cane tram lines were developed over the district, even as far as Coolum and along Petrie Creek. In the 1920s and 1930s, passengers were
transported on excursions. They could travel to Coolum. Maroochydore could be reached by tram and boat.
The Wax Factory, 1943 –1961, came about from the use of mill mud, a by-product from the crushing of cane. It was much in demand from
gardeners as an effective fertiliser before and after the wax was extracted. A rich aroma surrounded the factory.
Residents regularly complained about the noise from the factory and the smell. It too was close to town, on the tram line in Howard Street.
It came about during World War Two when wax polishes, carbon paper and teleprinter tapes were not able to be imported. Fred Gilmore initiated the factory.
The types of cane grown in the 1940s were suitable for wax extraction. Modern-day cane varieties would not yield the same product.
Shoes, hair and floors all needed polish of different kinds. Chief Cane Wax Floor Polish was a popular local brand until after World War II, when cheap plastic polishes were available.
Another early industry fondly remembered is Wimmers’ Softdrink & Cordial
Factory. The Wimmer family purchased the business from George Pitman in 1909. Originally the business was established by D. Will in 1905.
In 1997, the Wimmers’ Soft Drink company was purchased by Cooroy Mountain Spring Water. It now calls itself Noosa Beverages and says it still uses those original recipes for its many different soft drinks, which can be purchased all over Australia.
Many residents have fond memories of Wimmers’ factory on the corner of Bury and Currie Streets, especially the wooden cases, now collectors’ items, with the rattling glass bottles of assorted soft drinks, a standard buy. As they say, “Wet your whistle with Wimmers”.
Audienne Blyth is a member of the Nambour Historical Museum, open 1-4pm Wednesdays to Fridays, and 10am-3pm Saturdays.
EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF WILDFLOWERS AT BANKFOOT HOUSE AND LANDSBOROUGH MUSEUM
KATHLEEN McArthur is a name synonymous with the southeast’s beautiful wildflowers.
A gifted wildflower artist and author, the Kathleen McArthur collection, held by Sunshine Coast Council, includes more than 300 artworks, publications, and other written works.
From August 15 to December 7, celebrate her legacy and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of wildflowers through exhibitions and events at Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct in Glass House Mountains and at Landsborough Museum.
Entry to both venues is free, and both venues are open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–3pm.
At Bankfoot House, explore This Unique Wilderness, celebrating the life and legacy of Kathleen McArthur.
You’ll find her stunning wildflower artworks and writings, including pieces from the Save Cooloola campaign, displayed thanks to Arts and Heritage Levy funding.
During the exhibition you can also experience a range of programs from a Wildflower Acrylics and a Glass House Mountains Flora workshop to a
Kathleen McArthur heritage talk by Wildlife Queensland.
Meanwhile, Landsborough Museum will host Transformations: Art of the Scott Sisters, on loan from the Australian Museum, featuring exquisite scientific illustrations of butterflies and moths by Helena and Harriet Scott.
The exhibition includes a spotlight on Kathleen McArthur’s natureinspired art, live insect encounters, and drawing activities.
The Kathleen McArthur Collection is available on the council’s website alongside a 22-episode podcast series, taking you on an audio journey through her life.
Learn more at heritage.sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au.
More wildflowers: Wildflowering by Design exhibition – October 17 to November 30, Caloundra Regional Gallery Wildflower Festival – August 16-31. Walks and activities across the Sunshine Coast.
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By Mocco Wollert
EVERY winter, as a small child, I used to get tonsillitis badly and the ‘house doctor’ would be called. He was a nice old man, but I dreaded him like if he were the devil.
He arrived with a bottle of blue liquid and a small brush.
While my father held me tightly on his lap the doctor would paint the back of my throat with the most awful-tasting liquid.
After that, he would crush a small tablet in a teaspoon, add sugar and water, and that concoction was poured down my throat while the doctor held my nose, so I had no choice but to swallow it.
Thank God for antibiotics and medical centres or family clinics, None of it existed when I was a child, the doctor came to the house to visit the patient; if the case was serious, the patient was sent to hospital.
The family clinic I use is a welcoming place and both reception staff and doctors are friendly and nice. In fact, they are so nice that I
feel like visiting often – if it weren’t for the fact that I would have to be sick to make my way through their door. Having a retirement village sitting virtually next door, ensures that the centre is always busy and full of the patients. I sometimes feel that it is like ‘The Commons’ of a village, one always finds a friend or neighbour sitting there.
As we get older, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is a pretty common problem. If the doctor suspects it, he’ll ask you for a urine sample. Somehow you manage on a strange toilet in the surgery. I got sick of this – no pun intended. When I feel unwell and the dreaded UTI is a possible culprit, I get
a small sterile container from the pharmacy and collect at home what might be wanted by the doctor. Secure and hidden in my handbag the ‘sample’ can be produced instantly, except for the time when I didn’t close the lid tightly!
There is a separate room where they check patients for skin cancers and there is a room where experienced nurses reign supreme, changing dressings, giving injections with the obligatory warning: ‘Just a little sting.’
I endure the little sting. It makes me wonder what a big sting would be like.
Sometimes howling noises come from one of the doctor’s rooms. Usually, child and mother re-appear unharmed, accompanied by a friendly smiling doctor.
As we get older and illnesses attack us more ferociously, it is a good feeling to know that not too far away a medical centre is open.
A place to go when we need help or even just re-assurance that we are not suffering from leprosy or some other exotic illness and that the pain we experience is not just in our heads.
May you stay healthy enough to need little medical attention.
Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com
Life in the slow lane Life’s an adventure
By Cheryl Lockwood
THE wonderful thing about Australia’s multicultural society is the opportunities we have to sample delicious dishes from around the globe and at times, attend events brought here by people who choose to call this country home.
I arrived at a Swedish Midsummer celebration to be greeted by cries of, “glad midsommardag”, which means “happy midsummer day!”
In the northern hemisphere, particularly in Scandinavia, midsummer or the summer solstice is cause for celebration as the longest day marks the changing of the season.
The day, a public holiday in Sweden, is full of traditions which date back to the Middle Ages. The midsummer night was believed to be a time of magic, with certain plants said to hold healing powers and rituals used to predict the future.
Much of the celebration revolved around promoting the fertility of the earth to ensure a successful harvest. Flowers placed under a pillow could lead one to dream of a future spouse. Wearing a crown of flowers was a symbol of fertility and rebirth. A prominent feature was a maypole, which was decorated with greenery. Questioning its interesting, phallic shape, I was told this was intentional and was also related to fertility.
The midsummer event I attended was on a cool
winter’s day. Enthusiasm was not dampened as everyone held hands and danced around the maypole while singing Swedish songs. Thankfully, I had plenty of translators because my knowledge of the language has not progressed past polite greetings and words (kindly provided by my granddaughter) for bodily functions.
Apparently, one song was about little frogs. The song comes from a French military march, which was changed by English soldiers to mock the French by referring to them as “frogs.” Still not sure of its significance for Swedes, but jumping around mimicking frogs made everyone smile.
We wore floral crowns, which we had constructed from flowers, foliage, wire and string. The Scandinavians sported truly beautiful creations upon their blond heads, likely having had a lifetime of greenery-weaving experience. My effort screamed, “I am not a florist”.
A highlight of the event was the
tables of food. There was an emphasis on potato and cheese dishes and there were traditional Swedish meatballs, which would normally necessitate a trip to Ikea. Particularly yummy was the smörgåstårta or sandwich cake, which as the name suggests is a cake made of sandwiches! The dessert was more familiar, with cakes layered with cream and fresh strawberries. It was all delicious. Those who wished to had brought along the traditional Schnapps to accompany the meal. In hindsight, it would have gone down well on the cool, damp day.
In my younger days, my home town held an annual food fair, consisting on an array of stalls selling food prepared by people who had moved to Australia and lived and worked in our little area of South Australia.
We had our choice of Indian, Italian, Greek and Chinese. With full bellies, we would enjoy the entertainment, which always included traditional dancing and singing from the various cultures. Looking back, I feel lucky to have experienced this community event. With reports of racism frequently making the news, our fair seemed such a great way to embrace people from different backgrounds.
Now that I’ve attended my first midsummer celebration, my next goal will be to attend one in Sweden. I’ll add it to the ever-growing wish list!
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The big question: which Android phone is right you?
EDIN READ explains the key differences between the various types of devices.
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone and leaning towards an Android, you’ve got a lot of choice, but not all that choice is helpful. Android phones range from ultra-budget to high-end models, with a dizzying number of features, prices and brand names.
For many older Australians, the real question isn’t about having the flashiest phone. It’s about finding one that’s easy to use, reliable and good value for money.
Let’s start with budget phones. It’s true you can walk into a supermarket or petrol station and pick up a brand-new Android for under $150. These can be perfectly fine for very light use, such as making calls, sending texts and occasionally looking something up online. But they often come with downsides.
Many budget models have limited support, meaning they don’t get regular software updates, which can leave you vulnerable to security issues. They also tend to struggle with newer apps, and some features might not work as expected. In other words, they’re cheap for a reason.
These types of phones can also be ‘locked’ to a particular mobile provider,
usually Telstra or Optus. That means you’re stuck using their service and can’t easily switch to a better or cheaper plan. That’s why I always recommend choosing an unlocked phone whenever possible. An unlocked phone gives you freedom to shop around for the best plan, whether it’s prepaid or monthly.
So what should you be looking for? A good rule of thumb is to stick with trusted brands that are known for both quality hardware and long-term software support.
Samsung makes excellent mid-range phones that are popular with all ages and for good reason. They’re fast, easy to use, and regularly updated. The Galaxy A-series, for instance, offers great value without going overboard on fancy extras you might never use.
Google’s Pixel phones are another fantastic choice. They come with a clean, simple version of Android that isn’t weighed down with extra apps. They also have top-notch voice typing, camera quality and built-in features to assist with hearing, vision and reading.
If you like the idea of a phone that just works out of the box, the Pixel 6a or Pixel
7a are worth a look.
Nokia, too, is still in the game and doing a decent job. While not as powerful as Samsung or Google models, Nokia phones tend to have straightforward menus, a sturdy build and are ideal for calls, texts and basic internet use.
In terms of price, a decent Android phone will usually sit around the $500 mark. This gets you good performance, a sharp screen, a decent camera and regular software updates. If you’re after something a bit more advanced with better camera quality and a smoother experience all around, you’re looking at closer to $1000. That might sound like a lot, but for a device you’ll use every day, for photos, messages, video calls and even banking, it can be well worth the investment.
When it comes to where to buy, JB Hi-Fi is a good place to start. They tend to offer honest advice, stock reliable brands, and sell unlocked phones at fair prices.
It’s also worth noting that you don’t need to walk out with all the extras (like phone cases) they might suggest. Just focus on getting the right phone first, and take your time with the rest.
When you’re comparing phones, it’s worth focusing on a few key things. A large, bright screen makes reading messages and emails easier. A loud and clear speaker helps with hearing calls, and accessible settings like larger text or voice commands can make daily use a breeze. I also recommend checking that the phone will receive software updates for at least three years.
At Greyology, we often help seniors choose phones that suit their lifestyle, not the latest trend. There’s an Android option out there that’s a comfortable fit. And if you’re ever unsure, we’re only a call away. Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au.
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Why lifting weights is essential for health
CAITLYN HUTH says there are numerous benefits to strength training for seniors.
Ageing comes with inevitable changes in the body – muscle loss, joint stiffness and reduced mobility. However, staying active can significantly slow these effects. While most seniors focus on walking or light aerobics, one of the most effective ways to maintain health in old age is lifting weights. Strength training is not just for bodybuilders; it’s a crucial tool for preserving independence, reducing injury risk and improving wellbeing.
1. Prevents muscle loss and weakness – As people age, they naturally lose muscle mass – a condition called sarcopenia. If left unchecked, this loss can lead to frailty, weakness and difficulty performing everyday tasks. Weightlifting combats this by stimulating muscle growth and maintaining strength. Even lifting light weights two to three times a week can slow muscle loss and improve functionality.
2. Strengthens bones and reduces fracture risk –
Osteoporosis, a condition where
bones become brittle and weak, is a major concern for the elderly. Strength training helps counteract bone density loss by putting stress on bones, encouraging them to become stronger. Studies show that lifting weights can increase bone density, reducing the risk of fractures.
3. Improves balance and prevents falls – Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults. Weightlifting strengthens the muscles that support posture and stability, particularly in the legs and core. Stronger muscles mean better balance, coordination and reaction time, which can
significantly reduce fall risks.
4. Enhances joint health and reduces pain – Contrary to the common belief that lifting weights is bad for the joints, strength training can actually reduce joint pain caused by arthritis. Stronger muscles help support the joints, reducing stress and decreasing inflammation.
5. Boosts mental health and cognitive function – Exercise isn’t just good for the body, it’s essential for the brain. Weightlifting has been linked to improved mood, reduced symptoms of depression and better cognitive function in older adults. It stimulates blood flow to the brain and enhances memory. Final thoughts – Lifting weights is a powerful tool for healthy ageing. By incorporating strength training into their routine, seniors can enjoy greater strength and quality of life well into their later years.
Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au.
FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law
IT’S TIME TO TAKE A WALK
THE opportunities and facilities we have at our disposal in southeast Queensland to exercise are impressive. Many years ago, the majority of the population in Australia and around the world exercised on a regular basis through their employment and way of life.
By that, I mean incidental exercise was everywhere. People walked or rode their bikes to work, the daily tasks of life involved exercise – milking the cows, chopping wood, scrubbing floors, emptying rubbish, doing the household washing.
Modern advances and technology mean that, to many in the world, those days are long gone. We replaced incidental exercise with gyms, although there is a body of evidence that tells us that being sedentary and going to the gym for an hour a day may not be enough. We have to move more. So, back to my opening sentence.
Where I live in southeast Queensland, authorities have provided facilities for residents
to exercise on a regular basis. In addition to the parks, we have exercise stations located in and around our streets.
In Redcliffe, where I live, we also have a popular ‘men’s walk’ three times a week for men to walk and socialise. If you want something more strenuous, there is the Parkrun – a set five-kilometre run/walk held every Saturday morning at 7am.
How lucky we are to have these free activities available.
Regular Parkrun participants volunteer every so often as marshals and run officials. There is no pressure to perform, and your time is recorded for your own information. Many of the participants connect after the event on a social basis for a coffee. Why not get out this week and try a walk in one of your local parks, check out the council-installed exercise stations or register for Parkrun?
Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.
Shillings, Six Pences, Three
JEWELLERY
In 2011, she sadly lost her father to a Amanda cared for her mum through her battle with stage 4 cancer and later supported her mother-in-law during her personal experiences strengthened Amanda’s passion for supporting others
very passionate after my experiences caring for my loved ones,” Amanda
In between caring for family, Amanda
Aged Care, formalising the kindness and
Kindness in Action: Amanda’s Commitment to Compassionate Care
she was awarded Compliments Champion of the Year at Home Care Assistance’s annual Carer Awards Night, a testament to the outstanding service
Clients are full of praise for Amanda, with comments such as:
Amanda gives 200%!
An amazing person.
For Amanda, the reward is in the little can provide my clients with the support they need to stay living independently in
She recalls one client in particular, a gentleman she assists every Friday
mobility, she lovingly prepares his
she prepares his favourite breakfast, assists with his personal care, and ensures he starts the
give my clients the care and support they deserve so they can continue living safely
She describes Home Care Assistance as a workplace that truly understands the importance of delivering heartfelt, helping our clients live a happy and Amanda encourages anyone considering you’re helping someone remain independent and making a genuine
Inspired by Amanda’s Story?
We’re looking for caring, reliable people to join our Home Care Assistance team across the region - from Beerburrum to Gympie - there’s an opportunity to make
Apply today! Email the HCA team at HomeCareAssistanceSunshineCoast.com.au
Ready for better support at home?
ake home
At Home Care Assistance, we’re here to make ageing at home easierwith genuine care, expert help, and someone you can call any time of day.
e you can call any time of day.
Put Jaecoo on the shopping list
BRUCE McMAHON says a new value-for-money Chinese SUV needs a little more polish on the drive, but the style and comfort is worth consideration.
The Jaecoo J7 is a most tidy SUV with a fair amount of appeal.
It has a clean and welcoming exterior and interior style and is packed with comforts and conveniences, plus safety gear.
It’s a well-mannered road machine and arrives with a value price tag.
Yes, the drive experience could always be a touch more refined and yes, there will be questions about resale, service and spares. Yet, this Chinese SUV is quite an attractive proposition in 2025.
The J7 arrives with three trim levels, front or all-wheel drive, petrol engine or hybrid drivetrain.
Prices are from $34,990 to $47,990 for the hybrid SHS version of this more premium vehicle from the Chery stable.
The AWD Ridge model with petrol engine is the one with the whole kit and caboodle for a reasonable $42,990.
The five-door’s style – a tad reminiscent of the Range Rover Evoque – is smart and tidy and won’t scare the neighbours.
Indeed, there’s plenty to show off, such as door handles which pop out of the body, while side mirrors spring to
attention as the ignition fob gets closer.
That premium exterior is well backed up inside where simple dashboard lines are highlighted by smart trim touches.
There’s a minimum of fuss to the interior design, as evidenced by the clear and simple instrumentation: digital speed read-out and analogue-style tachometer complemented by camera views of traffic ahead and to the sides.
A head-up-display, with speeds and traffic and distance to empty, projected onto the Ridge’s windscreen, is handy.
Slide into the driver’s seat in the J7 Ridge and electrics remember the driver’s spot.
Visibility is good to the front and sides; not so great through a narrow rear screen. But there are plenty of cameras and monitors to help out. All are clear and bright and mighty helpful when parking.
On the Ridge’s centre console is a 14.8-inch touchscreen for functions from air-conditioning to vehicle settings to Apple CarPlay. Driver monitors, warning and assistance systems are all polite and less intrusive than some rivals.
All J7 Jaecoos, aside from the SHS
MAXIMISE your independence
Feel safer at home with minor home modifications including grab rails, door wedges and hand held showers.
We also subsidise minor home maintenance related to your safety and security.
• Smoke alarm checks
• Changing light globes
• Gutter cleans
• Plumbing
• Electrical
NEEDING A MAJOR HOME MODIFICATION?
Our team of specialists has over 25 years of experience and can provide subsidised modifications to your bathroom, as well as access ramps and stairlifts.
hybrid, use a 1.6-litre, turbocharged petrol engine with 137kW at 5500rpm and 275Nm of torque supplied through a seven-speed auto.
There’s plenty of punch here, plus s even drive modes for the all-wheel drive Jaecoo – from eco to normal to sport to snow, sand, mud and off-road.
That dual clutch transmission can be a touch tetchy at times, works best with a fuller dose of throttle, and there is a little more engine noise. It’s no deal-stopper but there’s room for a little extra driveline refinement considering the premium
approach of the rest of the car.
Likewise, the AWD Jaecoo’s drive and ride are good, if lacking just that last bit of polish. The 19-inch, low-profile tyres here can feel stiff through the potholes, but the Ridge does carry a full-size spare – a little unusual these days.
The Jaecoo J7 all-wheel drive Ridge is a smart-looking, good-driving SUV with a wealth of premium style and comforts.
Backed by an eight-year, unlimitedkilometre warranty, it warrants consideration on any medium-sized SUV shopping list.
Discover the lifestyle
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Halcyon Coves
stunning new display homes and the Sales & Information Centre. All homes have been thoughtfully designed for over-50s, featuring premier inclusions.
Located in Banya, Aura
Call 1800 050 050 or scan the QR code to All photographs, illustrations, statements and information in this advertisement are for illustrative purposes only and are based on information available to and the intention of Stockland at the time of creation (August 2025) and are subject to change without notice. No diagram, photograph, illustration, statement or information amounts to a legally Indications of location, distance or size are approximate and for indicative purposes only. Subject to change. Artist’s impression. Subject to change. Images relating to landscaping are indicative only and may show mature plantings which may not be mature at settlement.
Furniture not included.
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Purpose: the brain’s north star
KAILAS ROBERTS says studies indicate that purpose isn’t simply a psychological compass, but a neurological one, too.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
It’s a deceptively simple question, but the answer may hold more power than you think, especially when it comes to your brain. As a psychiatrist, I’ve come to appreciate that beyond the usual prescriptions – healthy food, exercise, good sleep – something less tangible plays a prominent role in cognitive health: a sense of purpose.
Purpose, loosely defined, is the feeling that your life has meaning and direction. It gives your actions a greater ‘why’. For some, it’s raising children or caring for a partner. For others, it’s creative work, spiritual fulfilment, or serving a cause bigger than themselves.
Whatever shape it takes, purpose acts as a psychological compass and recent studies suggest it might also be a neurological one.
People with a strong sense of purpose tend to live longer, healthier lives. This includes sharper thinking as they age. One longitudinal study from Rush University followed older adults for over a decade and found that those with higher purpose scores were 2.4 times more likely to remain free of Alzheimer’s disease.
Remarkably, even when their brains showed signs of pathological change – plaques and tangles – their cognition remained more resilient. It’s as if purpose provides a kind of mental scaffolding that supports function even as the structure starts to fray.
Why does this happen? The exact mechanisms are still unfolding, but we can make some educated guesses.
First, purpose helps regulate stress. When life feels meaningful, we tend to cope better with adversity. Chronic stress is toxic to the brain, particularly to the hippocampus – the memory centre – and dampening this response may protect cognitive function.
Second, purpose encourages healthier behaviour. People who feel they have something to live for are more likely to exercise, eat well and avoid harmful habits. These lifestyle choices, in turn, enhance blood flow to the brain, reduce inflammation and promote the birth of new neurons.
And third – perhaps most intriguingly – purpose appears to enhance brain plasticity. Engaging in purposeful activity often requires cognitive effort: planning, problem-solving, adapting. These are the
Managing the hand we are dealt
CHARLIE GRIFFITHS was part of a fearless generation of teens who were unafraid to question the meaning of life.
Have you ever played 52-card pickup – the technical, strategic game of skill and chance that reflects the challenges of life and how we manage the hand that we are dealt?
I remember my first game. I was an impressionable 15-year-old negotiating my way through puberty and having a crack at forming my own philosophies on life, the universe and everything. It was fun, scary, exhausting, frustrating, exhilarating and just plain crazy to be a young teenager when the swinging ’60s morphed into the sizzling ’70s.
Nothing I was told by those who knew everything but weren’t doing a great job of anything, or so it seemed to me, made a whole lot of sense. At first, I wondered how on Earth we came as far as we had with the antiquated, bigoted, intolerant attitudes that our parents, teachers and community leaders unfailingly thrust upon us. The world was a mess, no question about it, but questioning how it got that way was taboo.
A brave group of concerned youths quickly learned the power of questioning everything. If we couldn’t get a sensible
skills that keep the brain agile, rewiring circuits and forging new connections.
But this isn’t just a message for those in their later years. Purpose is protective across the lifespan. Whether you’re 25 or 75, regularly engaging in meaningful activities nourishes brain health.
And it’s never too late to find (or redefine) your purpose.
So what does this look like in practice?
It might mean volunteering your time, mentoring someone younger, or taking up a cause close to your heart. It might involve deepening your relationships, reconnecting with your values, or simply noticing the moments in your day that feel fulfilling – and doing more of them. It doesn’t have to be grandiose or involved, just something that gives you a sense of satisfaction.
And no, purpose doesn’t mean you need to change the world. But it does ask you to connect to something that matters,
even if it’s just showing up fully for the people around you.
In my practice, I often see people who feel as though they have lost their sense of purpose – their children are independent, they have retired from their job and maybe their life-partner has died. These are difficult events to reconcile, but with enough exploration, we can almost invariably find something in their lives that provides purpose, and focusing on this can be enormously therapeutic.
If you’re struggling to find yours, it can be helpful to examine your everyday actions, past and present. When did you feel most alive? Most useful? Most content? These are good starting points.
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.
answer supported with sound evidence, historical data and a forward-thinking plan, it was bunk. So, we asked more questions and surrounded ourselves with mountains of conventional crapola. We became known as non-conformists and, to be honest, I don’t know if that was meant to be a derogatory slur or a complimentary title to wear with pride. Either way, it was a good thing; fun for us at the time and exciting for the future.
Eventually, we realised that building countless slag heaps of unacceptable teachings was only the beginning. There must be some pockets of value hidden among the overburden, so we began looking for rare shiny things that we could weave into our own discoveries to formulate world-changing principles.
We became a fearless breed of (sometimes extremely) open-minded pioneers, not only ready to challenge existing precepts, but courageous enough to offer solutions.
Our existence was the result of the post-World War II population recovery, and as we matured, we earned the more respectable title of ‘baby boomers’.
Even as a hormonally unhinged teenager, I was smart enough to realise the value of pure logic; such were the mathematical permutations of probability essential for gambling survival that my father taught me as soon as I was old enough to shuffle a deck of cards.
One Sunday afternoon, after I had scooped up all the matches on the table thanks to a run of ‘luck’ at poker, one of my friends calmly gathered the cards together and shuffled them intently. He smiled at me and asked if I had ever played 52-card pickup. Naturally I was curious and keen to learn a new game.
“Okay,” he said. “Move to the end of the table next to me.”
I followed his instruction and stood stunned as he unceremoniously dropped the deck of cards onto the floor at my feet.
Smiling at such a good gotcha, I
instinctively organised the cards in numerical order, face down and returned the reconstituted deck to the table.
I took a nugget from that illogical, irreverent card dump. However disastrous a situation may appear, we can always find a pattern that will guide us in getting back on top.
Sometimes we just need to let our deck fall. How we pick the cards up will depend on the schema presented. My old man would be horrified, but when you’re all out of aces
If this article resonates with you, I would love to hear from you.
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.
Hurley able to hit the right notes again
A locally made natural supplement is giving people relief from arthritis pain.
He’s known as Australia’s King of Country Rock, and Jade Hurley – together with other octogenarian legends Digger Revell, Dinah Lee, Lucky Starr and 70-something youngster Little Pattie – are currently touring the country with the live stage show The Good Old Days of Rock ’n’ Roll.
Hurley is still putting on an energetic show, with one glowing review commenting that “it was ... impressive that, at age 81, he effortlessly managed to get that right boot up onto the keyboard”.
The show,which he’s written and produced, represents a triumphant return to form. After spending years “battling with the excruciating pain 24 hours a day” caused by arthritis in his hands, Hurley was facing the devastating consequence that his long and successful career was over.
“Playing the piano in my shows became almost impossible,” the OAM recipient says emphatically. Having visited doctors and prescribed medications, which he laments were “no good, made me depressed and really didn’t help all that much”, he felt he had nothing to lose when a friend suggested he try Arborvitae Joint Health.
That was three years ago and Hurley gratefully acknowledges Arborvitae, a family owned and Australian-made supplement business which has been operating for more than 10 years, as being a “life and career saver”.
Hurley was not alone in his pain. Data from Arthritis Australia shows that 3.6 million people (or one in seven of us) are living with arthritis, a leading cause of chronic pain and the second most common cause of disability and early retirement due to ill health.
Made in Australia from natural ingredients Aloe Vera, Papain enzyme and honey, plus a French pine bark extract, technically known as Pycnogenol, Arborvitae Joint Health is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplement that can enhance healthy joint function, supporting mobility and flexibility.
It can also provide relief from the symptoms of mild osteoarthritis, mild joint pain and stiffness.
The main ingredient, Pycnogenol, has been widely studied for decades, with more than 160 clinical trials. The results of a recent study on Arborvitae Joint Health, published in September 2020 in the journal Minerva of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, showed a 66 per cent decrease in pain test scores, a 50 per cent increase inwalking distance without pain and a 56 per cent decrease in inflammation in blood tests. All of which lead to an impressive 78 per cent reduction in use of on-demand medications and a 50
per cent improvement in quality of life scores.
Available in liquid form, stocked in over 2000 chemists and health food stores Australia wide, including Chemist Warehouse, Terry White Chemmart and Blooms The Chemist, Hurley says it took about a month to ‘‘really kick in” and he now has “absolutely no problems and almost no pain”.
“First thing in the morning I take it out of the fridge, take the top off the bottle and have three to four mouthfuls on an empty stomach,” he explains.
While arthritis affects many in older generations, it can begin causing trouble for people as young as 35. Regardless of your age, Hurley advises anyone suffering from the acute pain it causes to give Arborvitae a try. “You have absolutely nothing to lose,” he says.
For Hurley, who’s now back on stage where he belongs, he says Arborvitae has “given me a new life and given me my career back”.
The above information is general in nature. Please contact your GP or other healthcare professional for advice that is specific to your health needs.
I couldn’t believe it!
The pain all but disappeared.
sore hands for years due to repetitive injury’s from my work as a cake maker.
A friend suggested I try Arborvitae Joint Health. After the first bottle I wasn’t
And yes! I couldn’t believe it! The pain all but disappeared.
“A Clinical Study was completed and published in the journal Minerva Orthopedics. Key results from the Arborvitae Joint Health Study showed a: DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
66% DECREASE in pain test scores
The relief that I get isn’t usually met with any other treatments I’ve tried. It is worth every cent! I highly recommend it!”
50% INCREASE in walking distance without pain (100m increase)
56% DECREASE in inflammation in blood tests (CRP/C-reactive protein)
78% REDUCTION in use of on-demand medications
50% IMPROVEMENT in quality-of-life scores
the clinical study
"Running a forklift business and keeping up with my grandson requires mobility. Arborvitae Joint Health reduced my knee pain and swelling in two weeks — I take it before big days in the yard, and it keeps me moving!"
Gary
Tracy from North Rocks, NSW
from Kenthurst, NSW
Jade Hurley is back on the road after finding relief from excruciating pain caused by arthritis.
CELEBRATING SIXTY YEARS OF LOVE
NOEL Williams and Maxina Kirwan recently celebrated 60 years of marriage, a milestone that began with a chance meeting more than six decades ago, when they began their relationship on November 3, 1960.
Maxina came to Brisbane from Biloela to begin nursing at Princess Alexandra Hospital and met city boy Noel through a friend’s sister. They admit it “took a little while to sort each other out” but then they just clicked and became best friends for life.
They married in St Mary’s Church, Kangaroo Point on June 12, 1965, when
they were both 23.
By then, Noel was a partner in a legal practice in Toogoolawah and they lived there for the next 26 years.
Maxina nursed at the Esk hospital for the first couple of years of their marriage. In 1991, they relocated to Buderim.
They have two children and five grandchildren.
They moved into Bellflower Retirement Resort in 2023 and say they are very pleased they didn’t leave it any longer. Their tips for a happy marriage? Be sure to marry your best friend and do things together.
CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF SCHOOL DAYS AND MEMORIES AT BUDERIM
ONE of the Sunshine Coast’s oldest and most beloved schools has reached a remarkable milestone, with Buderim Mountain State School marking its 150th anniversary.
Founded just 13 years after the Buderim township was established in 1862, the school has long been at the heart of the community. Over the past century and a half, it has educated more than 14,500 children and witnessed changes in both local life and global history.
The school celebrated the occasion with an event on June 21, drawing a crowd of past and present students, teachers and staff.
“We had the big 150th day where we had a huge number of people coming through both past and present students and staff,” says Pam Van der Kooy, a former teacher at the school. “It was a brilliant day with lots of memories and catchups, hugs and chats.”
As part of the celebration, the school has released a full-colour commemorative booklet packed with stories, photos and historical reflections.
Pam, who taught preschool and prep classes at Buderim Mountain State School from 2003 to 2018, says the milestone is an opportunity for
connection and remembrance.
“Both of my girls attended Buderim –they are now 27 and 24 and have many fond memories of the school. My sister-inlaw attended in the early 1970s so we also have some familial history there.”
Many past students still live locally and, for them, the school’s long legacy is personal. “The school has remained the constant community entity for the past 150 years,” Pam, says.
“This book provides a decade-by-decade history of the events that have shaped the school and its community. Along with an A-Z of school life, talking about uniforms, tuckshop treats, fancy dress balls, fetes and head lice to name a few, it will bring back lots of memories not just to past Buderim students but anyone who has attended school in the last 150 years.”
Copies of the commemorative book are available for just $10. They can be purchased from the Old Post Office in Buderim or from the Buderim Mountain State School office (cash only).
Noel and Maxina Kirwan married at Kangaroo Point in 1965
DAFFODIL DAY IS SET TO BLOOM
EVERY year, 33,000 Queenslanders are diagnosed with cancer. This Daffodil Day, the Cancer Council Queensland need your help.
On Thursday August, 21, you can make a difference.
There are four ways you can get involved this year. You can buy fresh daffodils for your kitchen table or for somebody you love at stalls across the state. You can also give the gift of time this Daffodil Day and volunteer to man or host a stall in your local community.
If either of those aren’t an option for you, you can donate through the Daffodil Day website. Every dollar raised this Daffodil Day goes directly to local cancer research, prevention and early detection
initiatives and vital cancer support services.
Toowoomba local, Anita Zimmermann, lost her dad over twenty years ago. This year, she is raising money for Daffodil Day as part of the Daffodil Day Dip – she is challenging herself to do four cold plunges at Crows Nest in the Darling Downs and raise $1000.
“My dad would be so proud,” Anita said “Every dollar helps to fund lifesaving research, prevention programs and support services.”
Daffodil Day Dip encourages Queenslanders to take a cold plunge this August. It can be the ocean, a lake, river or ice bath – as long as it’s cold. So grab your friends and brave the cold.
Visit daffodilday.com.au
A LEGACY OF LIFE SAVING: HOW YOU CAN HELP FUND THE LMRF’S CANCER RESEARCH
FOR more than 60 years, the Queensland and Northern New South Wales Lions Medical Research Foundation (LMRF) has been a quiet but powerful force in advancing medical science. Through its support of earlycareer researchers, the foundation has helped unlock breakthroughs that have transformed lives, especially in the fight against cancer.
Among the most celebrated LMRF Fellows is Emeritus Professor Ian Frazer AC, coinventor of the HPV vaccine Gardasil. His pioneering work on cervical cancer immunotherapy, supported by LMRF, has saved millions of lives worldwide.
Alongside him, Professor Robert Tindle contributed vital research into the immunology of human papillomavirus, laying the groundwork for future cancer vaccines.
Today, that legacy continues with the foundation’s newest fellow, Dr Dominic Guanzon, based at the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research. Dr Guanzon’s research
focuses on developing a diagnostic test to predict ovarian cancer recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy – using extracellular vesicles as biomarkers. This innovative approach could dramatically improve survival rates for women with advanced ovarian cancer by enabling earlier detection and personalised treatment strategies.
“Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late and has a high recurrence rate,” says Dr Guanzon. “Our goal is to give clinicians a tool to detect recurrence earlier and tailor treatment to each patient’s unique cancer profile.
“The support from LMRF has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue this research. It’s not just funding. It’s a vote of confidence in the potential of this work to save lives.”
He joins a distinguished lineage of cancer-focused LMRF Fellows, including Professor Carlos Salomon, who has made significant strides in ovarian cancer research, Professor Nicholas Saunders, who has
developed novel therapies for squamous cell carcinomas and Dr Heather Beamish, who explored cancer cell cycles to understand tumour progression and treatment resistance.
These researchers exemplify the foundation’s mission: to fund bold, early-stage research that leads to real-world impact. But this vital work depends on you.
LMRF is sustained by community support, with all funds dedicated to medical research initiatives. Whether you choose to donate today or leave a gift in your will, your contribution helps. All donations are tax-deductible and bequests offer a meaningful way to leave a legacy of hope and healing. To make a donation, visit lionsmedicalresearchfoundation. org.au.
SUNNY SIDE UP FOR EGGS AND CHOLESTEROL
FROM poached to panfried, when it comes to eggs, it’s all sunny side up, as new research from the University of South Australia confirms that this breakfast favourite won’t crack your cholesterol.
Long blamed for high cholesterol, eggs have been beaten up for their assumed role in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Now, UniSA researchers have shown definitively that it’s not dietary cholesterol in eggs but the saturated fat in our diets that’s the real heart health concern.
In a world-first study, researchers
examined the independent effects of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat on LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ kind), finding that eating two eggs a day – as part of a high cholesterol but low saturated fat diet – can actually reduce LDL levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for nearly 18 million deaths each year. In Australia, one person dies from CVD every 12 minutes, accounting for one in four of deaths nationwide.
Lead researcher, UniSA’s Professor Jon Buckley, says it’s time to rethink the
“Eggs have long been unfairly cracked by outdated dietary advice,” Prof Buckley says.
“They’re unique. High in cholesterol, yes, but low in saturated fat. Yet it’s their cholesterol level that has often caused people to question their place in a healthy diet.
“In this study, we separated the effects of cholesterol and saturated fat, finding “Eggs have long been unfairly cracked by outdated dietary advice”
that high dietary cholesterol from eggs, when eaten as part of a low saturated fat diet, does not raise bad cholesterol levels.
“Instead, it was the saturated fat that was the real driver of cholesterol elevation. You could say we’ve delivered hard-boiled evidence in defence of the humble egg.
“So, when it comes to a cooked breakfast, it’s not the eggs you need to worry about.
“It’s the extra serve of bacon or the side of sausage that’s more likely to impact your heart health.”
FREE BREAST CANCER EDUCATION SESSION
A free information session aimed at women going through or recovering from breast cancer treatment will be held at The J Noosa on Tuesday, August 5 from 4.30pm.
The event, Reducing the risk of lymphoedema: optimising quality of life after breast cancer, is open to women, their partners and carers.
Presented by Cancer Care Noosa and The McKenzie Clinic, the session will feature talks by lymphoedema physiotherapist Jen McKenzie and lymphoedema nurse practitioner James Chapman.
An expert panel, including radiation oncologist Dr Debra Furniss, will also be available for a Q&A session.
Entry is free and includes complimentary refreshments. RSVP to rkavanagh@cancercare.com.au.
Seats are limited.
COULD A WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER?
If you or someone you love struggles with sleep apnea, you’ll know it’s more than just loud snoring. It can mean restless nights, daytime fatigue and long-term health risks. But now, there’s a new option that’s turning heads, and it doesn’t involve a CPAP machine.
Mounjaro, a medication originally used for type 2 diabetes, has just been approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to treat sleep apnea in adults with obesity. You may be more familiar with its well-known counterpart, Ozempic.
This is big news as it’s the first time a medication has been approved in Australia specifically for this purpose.
So how does it work? Mounjaro helps people lose weight by regulating blood sugar and reducing appetite. Excess weight, especially around the neck and upper airway, is a major contributor to obstructive sleep apnea, therefore weight loss can lead to fewer breathing interruptions during sleep.
In clinical trials, participants using Mounjaro experienced up to 60 per cent fewer sleep apnea episodes per hour. For some, the severity of their sleep apnea reduced significantly.
But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Mounjaro or weight loss medication isn’t suitable for everyone, and it’s not a quick fix. Side effects can occur and it’s essential to keep using your prescribed CPAP therapy unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
If you’re curious about whether weight loss medication might help, always speak with a medical professional or sleep specialist first. They can help assess the cause of your sleep apnea and recommend the safest path forward.
Already using CPAP therapy? If your equipment is needing a check, the team at CPAP Direct Maroochydore is here to help.
Their range of equipment and expert advice can keep you sleeping soundly. Call CPAP on 5476 8328 or visit 98 Dalton Drive, Maroochydore (opposite Bunnings).
HEARING AIDS
AS WE age, our health needs change and that includes our dental care.
Dental Health Week, the Australian
Dental Association’s annual awareness campaign, is held on August 4 to 10 and is a timely reminder of just how vital oral health is, especially for those aged 50 and over.
Tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth and ill-fitting dentures are just some of the common issues facing older Australians. But while these problems are widespread, they’re not inevitable and are often preventable with the right habits and regular care.
Oral health has far-reaching effects beyond the mouth. Poor dental hygiene can impact speech, nutrition and confidence and has even been linked to heart disease and other chronic conditions. Maintaining a healthy smile plays a key role in overall wellbeing, independence and quality of life.
This year’s Dental Health Week reinforces four essential habits for everyone – brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth daily, eating a balanced diet low in sugar and visiting your dentist regularly. For seniors, these habits remain just as important, particularly as age-related factors like medication side effects or reduced dexterity can affect oral hygiene.
Specialist care and routine check-ups can help identify issues early and ensure dental work remains comfortable and effective.
TOOTH decay continues to affect thousands of Queenslanders, with more than 30 per cent of adults across the state living with untreated dental issues.
According to the National Oral Health Plan, more than 63,000 Australians are hospitalised each year for preventable dental conditions. These figures highlight the urgent need for both prevention and timely treatment.
Dr Joseph Hollywood, practice principal at Blackall Terrace Dental in Nambour, says early intervention can make a significant difference.
“I’m seeing more and more patients
wanting to restore damaged or replace missing teeth. Full-mouth rehabilitations are quite common and we can absolutely do that with the use of crowns, implants, bridges or a combination of treatments.
“But many of the cases I see like that could have been prevented by getting issues resolved earlier.”
With tooth decay rates on the rise, Dr Hollywood encourages residents to take charge of their oral health and seek professional advice before problems progress.
Blackall Terrace Dental is a longestablished dental practice providing expert care across preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
Visit blackallterracedental.com.au or call 5441 3583.
SLEEP RECOGNISED AS A LIFELONG SUPERPOWER
SLEEP is emerging as one of the most powerful tools for healthy ageing, with experts calling for greater awareness of its role in physical and mental wellbeing.
As research continues to link quality sleep to improved immunity, memory, mood and cognitive performance, the Sleep Health Foundation is urging Australians to prioritise better sleep habits, particularly in later life.
This year’s national awareness campaign, Sleep Health Week, which is from August 11 to 15, will focus on the theme Sleep: the lifelong superpower.
It aims to highlight the enduring health benefits of sleep across every stage of life, while encouraging people to take simple, practical steps to improve their sleep quality.
A breakthrough online course from Macquarie University and supported by the foundation, has been proven to improve sleep by up to 40 per cent for people across the country.
Developed by the university’s expert psychologists, the sleep course is designed to help people struggling with insomnia and other persistent sleep issues.
Delivered online, the free course offers step-by-step modules based on cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia principles, expert guidance and strategies to address unhelpful sleep habits.
Participants learn how to break the cycle of poor sleep, manage worries that keep them up at night and establish routines that support healthy, restorative rest.
For older Australians, consistent, high-quality sleep has been shown to support healthy ageing, reduce risk of chronic disease and improve day-to-day function and mood.
For more sleep resources, visit sleephealthfoundation.org.au or for the course, visit mindspot.org.au/ treatments/sleep-course.
WHAT’S LURKING UNDER THE SHEETS?
ARE you sleeping on a mattress that’s over 10 years old? You could be sleeping on kilograms of dead skin, bacteria from body fluids such as sweat and saliva and millions of dust mites. Add pet dander to that list too, if your pets sleep on the bed. Sleep is one of the most important aspects of human health and wellbeing, so it makes sense to have a clean and hygienic sleep environment.
Otherwise, you may start to experience allergies and respiratory problems. The air quality in your bedroom can also be affected by your mattress.
The suggested average lifespan for a mattress is six to eight years.
After this, not only does your mattress become less hygienic, but the support structures inside the mattress can start to degrade and fault, making it less comfortable. It can also be the cause of muscle and joint pains.
If you’ve noticed your allergies playing up or you’re waking up with body aches and pain, it’s time to look at the age and condition of your mattress and consider what’s really lurking under your sheets.
Visit makinmattresses.com.au.
MORE and more Australians are delaying retirement as the dream of home ownership becomes a nightmare at the end of their working life. The number owning their home outright has halved in the past 20 years, census data shows, while the proportion of over-65 households with a mortgage has more than tripled.
“We’re going to see this continued pressure on people working for longer because the next generation, their mortgages are even bigger than the last generation,” Digital finance analytics founder Martin North tells AAP.
Housing costs were by far the leading reason over-60s contacted the National Debt Helpline’s chat service last financial year, with one in three users feeling the pain from mortgage payments, council rates, rent or strata costs.
The number of households delaying retirement because of their mortgage liability tripled to 51,000 in the past five years, according to Mr North’s data.
Australians are also borrowing against their home to pay for renovations, trips, or giving their children a boost into the housing market. “People are postponing retirement because they’ve still got this mortgage debt overhanging and they’re concerned about how they’re going to actually service it,” Mr North says.
Using superannuation to pay down debt and hang onto equity has become increasingly popular, but this ultimately counteracts one of super’s core intentions – to take pressure off the taxpayer-funded
Age Pension. Around one in five Aussies are still paying off mortgages in retirement, National Seniors Australia estimates.
The organisation’s chief executive Chris Grice also notes the trend of tapping into superannuation to pay down debt, which often leaves retirees in a poorer position to fund services like private health insurance.
“It’s not unusual to have someone paying $4000 or $5000 a year for private health,” he says. “Let alone insurance costs for home insurance and car insurance and the rest.”
Downsizing is a common goal, but a lack of suitable housing stock and transaction costs like stamp duty mean many retirees are wary of selling.
With 710,000 Australians expected to retire in the next four years, public policy settings which don’t lock retirees in the big family home are essential, Retirement Living Council executive director Daniel Gannon says. “Retirement villages are part of the solution to accommodate this silver tsunami of ageing Australians,” he says.
The council is calling for an increase to the Age Pension Assets threshold, an end to roadblocks for retirees going into retirement villages and for the housing type to be included in the Home Equity Access Scheme. -Adrian Black, AAP
YOUR WILL, YOUR WAY
WHEN writing your Will, you have the right to include or exclude anyone. However, after your passing, individuals may contest your estate. Such contests often result in your desired beneficiaries receiving less than you planned, or those you excluded receiving a portion. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of your Will being contested. What is my estate? Your Estate consists of the assets that are distributed according to your Will. However, not everything you own will form part of your Estate. For example, superannuation paid directly to a nominated beneficiary, jointly owned property and joint bank accounts generally fall outside of your Estate. Understanding which assets form part of your Estate is important.
Who can contest my Will? In Queensland, the most common way to contest a Will is by a Family Provision Claim. Family Provision Claim allows certain individuals to apply for further provision from your Estate if they believe they were not adequately provided for under your Will. Those eligible to make a Family Provision Claim are: your spouse (de facto or married); your children (biological, adopted and in some circumstances stepchildren); and dependant (anyone financially dependent on you).
What is adequate provision? Adequate provision refers to whether a person has been properly provided for in your Will, considering the assets that form part of your Estate. There is no one-size-fit-all answer to what constitutes adequate provision. It depends on several factors,
USING HOME EQUITY TO ENHANCE YOUR HOME AND LIFESTYLE
FOR many Australians aged 55 and over, the home they live in is often their greatest asset – not just emotionally, but financially too. Tapping into the equity built up in the home can be a smart and practical way to fund important renovations.
A home equity release loan allows homeowners aged 55 and over to borrow against the value of their home without needing to sell or downsize. Unlike
traditional loans, there are no regular repayments or proof of income required. The loan is typically repaid when the home is sold, or the borrower moves out.
Using this type of loan to renovate could be beneficial for several reasons. Renovations can significantly improve comfort and safety, especially as mobility or health needs change with age. In addition, strategic renovations can often
add value to the property, potentially offsetting the cost of the loan.
Of course, it’s important to seek professional advice and fully understand the implications. But for many, unlocking equity to invest back into the home can be a great way to enhance lifestyle, wellbeing and independence a in retirement.
The information provided here is general in nature and does not take into
including the size and nature of your Estate, the relationship between you and the person making the Family Provision Claim, and that person’s personal circumstances at the time of your death.
How to reduce the chances of a family provision claim? Unfortunately, simply stating “I do not want anything left to XXXX” or leaving a nominal amount like $100 does not prevent that person from making a claim. In some cases, explicitly excluding someone or leaving them a nominal amount may increase the risk of a claim being made.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent your Will from being contested, careful and proactive planning can significantly reduce the risk. One effective strategy is to reduce the size of your Estate by arranging for certain assets to pass directly to your intended beneficiaries upon your death. This can be achieved by:
• Making binding superannuation nominations;
• Adjusting how your bank accounts are structured (eg. joint accounts or trusts);
• Changing the way property and other assets are owned (eg. joint tenancy or trusts); and
• Gifting funds/assets during your lifetime. Additionally, you may want to prepare a supporting document, such as a statutory declaration, explaining your reasons for excluding a person or leaving them a smaller share. While this will not prevent a claim, it can help.
Johanne Viavattene, at Cameron Rogers & Co Solicitors, is always happy to use her comprehensive legal knowledge to assist clients. Call 5445 1213 or visit cameronrogers.com.au.
account your personal circumstances. Before acting on any information and for legal, tax, or financial questions, you should consult with an appropriate professional. Loans are subject to eligibility and lending criteria. Fees, interest rates and terms and conditions apply. Inviva Lending Pty Ltd, serviced by Inviva Services Pty Ltd. Australian Credit Licence 533319.
Ageism is discrimination
By LESA MACPHERSON
There has been recent press coverage about ageist behaviour in the workplace. The suggestion is that HR managers are seeing workers 50 plus as less employable and accordingly downgraded in any job application. It is said that under the influence of artificial intelligence, machines undertake a first cull of job applicants, and either place applicants above a certain age low on the list or eliminate them completely.
Sadly, this reflects a trend across the board of downgrading people over 50 in all manner of situations and circumstances.
Another common example is where shop assistants, receptionists, even professionals use terms like “love” and “dear” in a condescending way when dealing with seniors. So, what is ageism? What are the legalities around age discrimination and how effective are they?
• Ageism is stereotyping, discrimination and mistreatment of people solely on the
basis of age. Ageism has a devastating impact on physical and mental health, longevity and employment prospects. Recent alarming findings include:
• One in every three over 50s has had a job application rejected because of age or been made to feel they are too old to work if they want to.
• There needs to be real and practical legal clout for calling out ageism in the workplace. The Age Discrimination Act has been in place for many years, but to date has failed to be effective in driving a change in behaviours.
• Nearly half of all over-50s have been made to feel incompetent in learning and understanding new technology.
These are sad statistics. A huge government campaign is needed to address these issues at a community-based level. Perhaps we do need to heed the advice to update our CVs and increase our familiarity with Zoom and online platforms to enhance our employability.
Every one of us, regardless of our stage of life, wants to age well. Let’s end ageism and its negative aspects. Let’s see more cases of age discrimination treated with far greater seriousness.
Sunshine Coast Elder Law are experts in all aspects of the law in relation to Elder people. Contact them on 1800 961 622 or visit sunshinecoastelderlaw.com.au.
Who can see a Will after someone dies?
When a loved one passes away, it’s natural to want clarity around their wishes, especially when it comes to their Will. In Queensland, there are rules about who has the right to see the Will.
The person who holds the original Will (often a lawyer or close family member) must allow certain people to see or get a copy of it. This includes:
• anyone named in the Will (even if they don’t end up receiving anything);
• anyone who was named in an earlier version;
• close relatives, like a spouse, children (including stepchildren), and parents;
• someone who had a financial or legal connection with the deceased
– like being owed money or being in business together.
Free Will Service
Understanding who can view a Will helps avoid confusion and ensures the administration process is transparent.
If you’re unsure whether you’re entitled to see a Will or whether you are obliged to provide a copy to someone who has requested it, seek professional legal advice.
Note, the rules above only apply to a person who has passed away.
While a person is alive, they (or their substituted decision maker if they have lost capacity) will decide who gets to see the Will.
CALOUNDRA STAMP CLUB
45TH ANNUAL STAMP FAIR
STAMP collectors and enthusiasts are invited to the 45th Annual Stamp Fair hosted by the Caloundra Stamp Club at the Kawana Community Hall in Buddina on Saturday, August 30, 8.30am to 3.30pm.
This popular event will feature club books, a bargain table, a sale by tender (limited to 200 lots) and four attending dealers. There’ll also be lucky door prizes, a multi-prize raffle, refreshments and plenty of parking with wheelchair access. Admission is free.
The Caloundra Stamp Club also meets in Bellvista monthly on the fourth Thursday, with regular trading, miniauctions and stamp competitions. Contact Club Secretary Jill on 5494 7233 for more information.
GENEALOGY
THEY are holding beginners workshops across three Wednesdays from 9.30am to 3.30pm on August 6, 13 and 20. Learn how to find state, archive and Census records and explore Ancestry and Familysearch. You can bring your own laptop or use theirs with wifi. Bookings are essential. Cost is $15/day for members and $25/day for non-members.
Phone 07-5329-2315 or email to genealogysc@gmail.com.
BOUTIQUE MARKET
A VARIETY of stallholders with a selection of different products will be available at the Golden Beach/Caloundra Handmade Boutique Market on Saturday, August 9 from 8am to 1pm. The market has outdoor and indoor (air-conditioned) stalls. Food, coffee and plenty of parking. Easy access as no steps.
The market will be held at Caloundra Indoor Bowling Association at 55 Burke Street, Golden Beach.
CALOUNDRA MAHJONG CLUB
BEGINNERS and experienced players are welcome at the Caloundra Mahjong Club Parklands Tavern. Members play westernstyle mahjong. Meetings are held every Thursday from 8.30am for an 8.50.am start and continue until 11.30 Meet new people for a small yearly fee.
Call Ken Gregson on 0419 866 899.
BUDERIM VIEW CLUB LUNCHEON:
Support the education students by joining the Buderim VIEW Club’s next luncheon on Wednesday, August 6 at the Buderim Tavern. Arrive from 11am for an 11.30am start. Cost is $30, which includes lunch and function room hire. Funds raised will support The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds access education. Buderim VIEW Club currently sponsors eight students through the initiative.
RSVP to Gail at gailjullian@gmail. com or phone 0414 950 949 by the Saturday prior. Learn more at: thesmithfamily.com.au.
TWIN WATERS VIEW CLUB GOES FRENCH: Ooh la la! The Twin Waters VIEW Club July lunch meeting was a trés chic soirée to celebrate Bastille Day. Members were welcomed by Parisian theme. To make the day even more special, Eileen, who celebrated her 91st birthday, treated members with a bottle of bubbles on every table. Guest speaker Linda Dennis, from the Nambour Multicultural Migrant Centre, spoke about her role in the settlement and support of migrants on the Sunshine Coast. The group meets for lunch on the second Thursday of each month at The Loose Goose Restaurant, Ocean Drive, Twin Waters, 11am for 11.30am start. Contact Doreen on 0415 695 921 or email twinwatersviewclub@gmail.com.
GREY MEDALLION COURSE COULD SAVE A LIFE
THE free, one-day Grey Medallion on Saturday, August 30 at BreakFree Resort Caloundra is a Royal Life Saving Society course, teaching skills to deal with emergency situations on land or water and water safety.
The Grey Medallion covers a range of topics: rips, waterwise skills, familiarising children with water, marine stings, simple ‘dry’ rescues, response to emergencies at home or away, CPR and use of a defibrillator.
The course is ideal for new Sunshine Coast residents, migrants, parents and grandparents and run by Ithaca Caloundra City Life Saving Club. Donations are welcome. Places are limited. Participants must enrol in advance.
Visit caloundracity.org.au.
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. “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.
“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. The support I receive is brilliant.”
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, 24/7 emergency response systems, external home and garden maintenance and consultation rooms for visiting allied health professionals.
The latest stage of villas is now 50 per cent sold, starting from $565,000.
To tour Sunset Palms and find out more about the support available, call 13 28 36 or visit aveo.com.au.
ELIMBAH TO HOST NEW LIFESTYLE RESORT
A NEW master-planned over-50s resort is set to launch in Elimbah this September, bringing a new lifestyle option to the tranquil Moreton Bay hinterland township.
Developed by GemLife, a leading national operator in the over-50s sector, the new project promises a blend of lifestyle, convenience and natural surroundings in a pocket just north of Caboolture.
Positioned beside a nature reserve and recreational green space, sales manager Glenys Lowry says the location offers the best of both worlds – natural beauty and proximity to key attractions. Residents will be within easy reach of the Glass House Mountains, D’Aguilar National Park, Bribie Island and beautiful Pumicestone Passage.
The resort will feature a range of facilities, starting with the Summer House – a community space incorporating a resort-style pool with semi-submerged lounges, a recreation room, workshop and an outdoor kitchen complete with
barbecue and pizza oven.
A central two-storey Country Club is also in the works and will include a residents’ lounge, bar, ballroom and theatre stage, heated indoor lap pool, spa, sauna, gym, games room, bowling lanes, golf simulator, creative arts studio, private cinema, and beauty salon.
The development will offer a choice of five architect-designed home layouts, all including two bedrooms, a multipurpose room and outdoor alfresco areas. Homes will come with high-end inclusions such as European appliances and open-plan interiors to suit downsizers and retirees. Contact 1800 193 177 or visit gemlife.com.au/elimbah.
while saving residents money.”
SUSTAINABILITY, BUILT IN
HALCYON Coves, Stockland’s second over-50s lifestyle community in Aura on the Sunshine Coast, represents a significant step forward in sustainable living.
As part of Stockland’s ESG strategy, Halcyon Coves integrates sustainability from the ground up.
For Scott Ng, Stockland Halcyon Queensland’s general manager, it’s about leaving a legacy. “We’ve made it our mission to leave a lighter footprint on the planet while reducing the cost of living for our Halcyon homeowners,” Scott says.
“That means solar on every home, water tanks, timber construction and green concrete. It helps the environment
Environmental sustainability is a priority at Halcyon Coves, with compost bins, drought-resistant landscaping, water-wise lawns and 3000-litre rainwater tanks connected to laundries and toilets. Homes achieve a 7-star energy rating, staying cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing energy bills.
Sustainability also enhances social impact through design. “All the homes are designed to Liveable Housing Australia silver level standards,” says Stockland project director Andrew Astorquia. “There are no steps, wider hallways and the option to add support features like grab rails. We’re building homes that can adapt to our homeowners as they age.”
Halcyon Coves’ streetscapes and community facilities are step-free and easy to navigate, encouraging daily movement and connection.
Halcyon Coves offers over-50s a smarter, greener place to call home in Aura. Display homes are now open. Visit stockland.com.au/halcyon-coves.
RESORT-STYLE LIVING THAT BUILDS REAL COMMUNITY
IMAGINE waking up each day on the edge of Parrearra Lake, the ocean a paddle away, the sky wide and welcoming. That’s life at Living Choice Kawana Island, where resort-style luxury meets vibrant community living on the Sunshine Coast.
This isn’t just a retirement village, it’s a lifestyle hub. Think luxury one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments nestled in a pet-friendly, waterfront setting with direct access to kayaking, boating and scenic island walkways. Add a private pontoon, a bowling green, tennis courts, and Leisure & Wellness Centre, and you’ve got all the ingredients of a waterside resort.
But what truly sets Living Choice apart is its heart: the people. Here, connection is just as valued as comfort.
From bowls five days a week to themed dinners, theatre outings, dance nights and craft groups, residents enjoy a full social calendar shaped by shared
interests and a sense of belonging.
Whether it’s bridge or billiards, meditation or water aerobics, there’s a club, class, or conversation waiting for everyone. And with access to shopping and dining just minutes away, convenience complements the coastal calm.
In a world where community can feel distant, Living Choice Kawana Island proves that retirement living doesn’t isolate. It brings people together. It’s a place to feel at home, stay active and live richly connected, every single day.
Living Choice Kawana Island is at 10 Marco Way, Kawana Island. Phone 1800 004 388 or visit livingchoice.com.au.
MONDAY 24 NOV. TO MONDAY 8 DEC.,
Andrew and Scott
CELEBRATING A DECADE OF WORLD-CLASS JAZZ
The Sunshine Coast’s beloved monthly jazz series, The Jazz Sessions, is celebrating a major milestone – 10 years of showcasing world-class jazz – with a spectacular evening of music.
Since its inception, The Jazz Sessions has brought top-tier jazz talent to the Coast and continues to present monthly shows, boutique festivals and large-scale events.
To mark the milestone, The Jazz Sessions presents a Festival of Jazz, featuring The Glasshouse Country Christian College Jazz Band and Camaron de la Vega Duo, a virtuosic guitarist fusing flamenco, Afro-Cuban, Latin, jazz, and world music. Wil Sargisson Trio will also perform.
WHERE: Buderim War Memorial Hall, Burnett Street, Buderim.
WHEN: Saturday, August 23. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 6.30pm. TICKETS: thejazzsessions.com.au.
SUNSHINE COAST CREST SOCIETY BALL
Don’t miss the Sunshine Coast Crest Society Ball celebrating Queensland Seniors Month.
I Age Well is hosting the event, which includes a three-course, gold-plated dinner, music and dancing. Enjoy performances by the Kitty Kats and dance performances showcased by our talented senior community.
Get your best outfit ready to razzle dazzle and prepare to mingle with friends old and new. It will be an unforgettable evening of good company, while honouring Sunshine Coast seniors.
WHERE: Maroochy RSL, Memorial Avenue, Maroochydore.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 1, 6-10pm.
TICKETS: $107.19. Visit eventbrite.com.au and search ‘Crest Society Ball’.
NAME THAT SONG
COMPOSERS choose names for their songs in all kinds of ways – sometimes deeply meaningful, sometimes totally arbitrary. The Caloundra Chorale has put together What’s in a Name – a choral concert packed with songs that drop
RAISING VITAL AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH ART
THE Graceville Art Festival, now in its fifth year, is introducing a new monetary art prize for 2025.
Run by Lutheran Services’ Graceville Centre, the festival is a standout event for the Sunshine Coast community.
The festival invites artists with a lived experience of mental health or disability from across the Sunshine Coast and beyond to submit their creative works.
Lutheran Services regional manager Susan Dwyer says the festival is an opportunity for artists to share their stories, showcase their talents, and connect with the wider community in a supportive environment.
Submissions are now being accepted until September 1.
The three award categories this year include the Graceville Art Prize, Heart Prize and Inclusive Photography Prize. The Graceville Art Prize awards $2000 in prize money to an artwork that explores mental
more names than a celebrity memoir. Compiled by talented choir member Polly McCarthy and illustrious conductor Kim Kirkman, the program features songs that celebrate names we know and love from Sweet Caroline to Proud Mary and others.
health and lived experiences through this year’s theme Earth, Sky, Sea and Me. The Inclusive Photography Prize awards $700 in prize money, sponsored by My Supports, to an individual artwork chosen by a judging panel.
WHERE: St Luke’s Lutheran Church, Sydney Street, Nambour
WHEN: The festival, including workshops, market stalls and entertainment, will be open to the public from October 8-12, aligning with Mental Health Week. Art submissions close September 1.
FOR MORE: Artists can submit their work via donate.lutheranservices.org.au/ event/graceville-art-festival/home.
WHEN: August 8, 7.30pm; August 9, 10, 16, 17 at 2pm.
I’m not a golfer – but that hasn’t stopped me from traversing some of the most picturesque courses in the world.
By buggy and on foot, I’ve accompanied my golf-tragic husband on 18 holes from St Andrew’s revered Old Course in Scotland to blustery Norfolk and Lord Howe in the Pacific to Canada’s enchanting Fairmont Banff Springs and plenty in between.
I’m no caddy, either – preferring to capture the magic moments (and yes, even the slices and hook shots) for posterity on camera, to inhale the fresh air and soak up the surrounds in a leisurely fashion.
That, to me, is how golf should be – not getting the hurry-up from following groups, not being the one spending precious time looking for balls in the rough, and certainly not being tormented by a little white ball that refuses to go into a cylindrical cup willingly.
And so, when we found ourselves on the North Shore of O’ahu in Hawai‘i in the Northern Hemisphere summer (and with no monster surf in sight), the decision to take in a round at the Arnold Palmer Championship Golf Course at The Ritz Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay, was a no-brainer.
Leisure golfing O’ahu Hawai’i
earned a place in Golf Magazine’s Top 10 New Courses and ranked 4th among Golf Digest’s Best New Resort Courses in America.
In 2025, it is considered the number one public access golf course on O’ahu. The course is in such beautifully maintained condition that if you are on the fairway, you never get a bad lie. But it’s the little things that can make a big difference to your score: GPS-enabled carts that provide detailed hole information and scoring capabilities, toilets on course, ice in the buggy Esky, plus a beverages cart that’s never far away.
Rates start at $USD140 for nine holes and $USD220 for 18 holes for registered guests of The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay. Visitor rates start at $USD140 for nine holes and $USD220 for 18 holes and it’s best to book well in advance for a round.
costs. The par-3 17th is the signature hole. But don’t let the views of the Pacific Ocean and Kahuku Point distract you, as this hole has nine bunkers and requires a shot over water to reach the green.
Hubby was most proud of his efforts on the par-4 16th – his birdie. From hitting into oblivion off the tee (because you can’t see over the hills to the pin), his second shot would have impressed any pro: 130 metres out of the rough and on to the green.
With game over, our thoughts turned to much more relaxing pursuits at this resort, whose backdrops are a movie location favourite.
We were staying less than a 10 minute drive away at an Airbnb just off the famed Sunset Beach, so we decided to make a day of it. Turtle Bay welcomes day visitors to its restaurants and bars to fully experience this unique location.
SHIRLEY SINCLAIR goes along for the buggy ride on one of Hawai‘i’s most picturesque courses.
The course, with its five sets of tees, is a mix of Scottish links-style front nine with rolling terrain and a tropical rainforested back nine, including more than 70 bunkers. It measures 6225 yards (5692m) from the resort tees and 7218 yards (6600m) from the black tees and offers a little something to challenge everyone from the Friday social hacker to the pro golfer.
But be warned: the picturesque course with majestic ocean and mountain views is set amid the Punaho’olapa marsh. Water hazards lie on 14 of the holes – you’re often only a shot away from ending in the drink.
The watery surrounds also attract birdies you don’t want as a golfer – egrets, a variety of ducks, albatross (they were nesting near the par-4 14th hole at the time of our visit), the red-crested cardinal and the ‘alae ‘ula native moorhen (legend has it that these birds brought fire from the gods to the Hawaiian people).
And along with the carefully curated bunkers, traps and treed areas, exercise enthusiasts cycling the course can pose just as much a hazard.
Designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, the course opened in 1992 and quickly
Granted, that’s not a cheap day out. The green fees are among the highest in Hawai‘i. But the feeling of being embraced by tropical surrounds and coastal scenery, and challenging yourself on possibly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, is priceless.
The pro shop hires out top-quality clubs
handy for international visitors not wishing to pay for oversized luggage.
As for hubby’s game, this was a glory day – where five pars and a birdie helped him play to handicap at 13 over-par. He parred what he considered the ‘hardest hole’, the third, with five, then doublebogeyed the ‘second-hardest’ 11th hole.
Wind affected the early coastal holes plus those on high elevations. The final two holes are especially challenging because of the number of hazards to be missed at all
Months earlier, we had booked a special dinner at the fine dining-meets-surf vibe of Beach House By Roy Yamaguchi overlooking the water at the breathtaking Bay View Beach. This restaurant utilises the bounty of local farmers, fishermen and ranchers to create dishes that are Hawaiian-inspired, in a Euro-Asian fusion. We couldn’t go past the Beach House Trio of seafood delights or the crispy freshly caught snapper. But in the end, the chocolate lava cake dessert was as good as a hole in one for me.
GOLFING details
The Arnold Palmer Championship Golf Course, The Breaks 18-hole seaside links putting course and Pitch n’ Putt three-hole Par-3 Golf Course are at The Ritz Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay, located at Kahuku. Visit turtlebayresort.com/things-todo/golf to book. The resort also offers stay-and-play golf packages that include accommodation, meals and unlimited golf. Visit ritzcarlton. com/en/hotels/hnlkz-the-ritzcarlton-oahu-turtle-bay/overview/. Hawaiian Airlines flies from Sydney to Honolulu nine times a week. Visit hawaiianairlines.com.au
IMAGES: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
A red-crested cardinal
THE Coolum Tours & Travel 2025 Tasmania Explorer Tour will take you on an exploration through a land that has been classified with the cleanest air in the world. Journey with to an island of unparalleled beauty and captivating charm. A place of wild beauty, friendly people and haunting history evoked by world-famous convict ruins.
Hobart is a city of contrasts, where the old and the new coexist in perfect harmony. You will begin your exploration with a visit to Salamanca Place, a historic precinct known for its
Georgian sandstone warehouses that have been repurposed into galleries, boutiques and cafes. Every Saturday, Salamanca Market comes alive with stalls offering artisanal goods, local produce and unique crafts.
Leaving Hobart behind, you will embark on a journey into the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness. The island is renowned for its national parks and protected areas, which cover nearly half of its landmass. The rugged beauty of Cradle Mountain, with its jagged peaks and serene glacial lakes is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
A visit to Tasmania would not be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Bruny Island, a short ferry ride from Hobart, is a food lover’s dream. The island’s food trail will lead to gourmet treasures, including creamy cheeses, handcrafted chocolates and locally distilled spirits. A visit to an oyster farm will allow you to taste the freshest oysters, harvested from the crystal-clear waters of the island.
Your visit to Tasmania will be a journey of discovery and wonder, testament to the island’s enduring allure. It is a place where the past and present converge, where nature and culture coexist in harmony.
To find out exactly where this amazing tour will take you, visit cttravel.com.au.
IF THERE’S a place in Australia that truly stirs the soul, it’s the Kimberley. Remote, ancient and dramatically beautiful, this is a land that refuses to be tamed. For those seeking to explore it in style and comfort, this remarkable region offers a unique opportunity to witness raw, untouched beauty in ways few ever experience.
PONANT’s small luxury expedition ships take you where larger vessels simply can’t go, through winding gorges, past secluded beaches and alongside the thundering King George Falls. With fewer than 165 guests aboard and a crew of expert naturalists and guides, this is immersive travel at its best, all wrapped in the elegance and ease you’d expect from the world leader in luxury expeditions.
The Kimberley is twice the size of Victoria, yet home to fewer than 40,000 people – half of whom are Indigenous Australians. This unspoilt expanse is best accessed by sea and PONANT’s specially designed Zodiac® outings allow you to sail right up to soaring ochre cliffs, into hidden inlets and over reef systems. You’ll get up close to ancient Gwion Gwion rock art, explore cascading waterfalls and witness tidal phenomena so unique they defy belief, like Montgomery Reef appearing to rise from the sea.
From June to October, the coastline is alive with humpback whales returning from Antarctica to birth their calves. Throw in saltwater crocodiles, sea turtles and colourful birdlife. You’ll find yourself immersed in one of Australia’s most extraordinary natural habitats.
Aboard your PONANT ship, you’ll enjoy French-inspired cuisine, elegant staterooms and onboard experts who bring the region’s culture, geology and wildlife to life through engaging lectures and guided shore excursions.
Take advantage of the fly, stay and cruise offer, which includes return economy airfares from major cities, premium pre- and post-night hotel accommodation with transfers and a €200 day spa voucher per person.* It’s a well-deserved indulgence after your day’s adventures.
Contact your local Travellers Choice agent by August 30, as the Kimberley is waiting. Visit travellerschoice.com.au.
SEPTEMBER 2025
Fraser Island Whale Watch (4 Days)
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4 Days)
Brisbane Sights at the Star Casino (3 Days)
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
MAY 2026
Murray Princess & Kangaroo Island
JUNE 2026
Darling River
FLY, STAY & CRUISE In The Kimberley & West Coast
INCLUDES RETURNECONOMYAIRFARESFROMMAJORCITIES RETURN ECONOMY AIRFARES FROM MAJOR CITIES*
• PREMIUM PRE- OR POST-NIGHT HOTEL ACCOMMODATION WITH TRANSFERS*
• €200 DAY SPA VOUCHER PER PERSON*
Iconic Kimberley
Set sail for the wild and grandiose landscapes of the Kimberley on an expedition cruise to one of the last unspoiled regions on Earth.
Highlights Darwin • King George River • Vansittart Bay • Ashmore Reef • Careening Bay
• Swift Bay • Hunter River • Collier Bay • Lacepede Islands • Broome
for travel Select dates 13 May – 31 August 2026 11 days from $14,250*pp
West Coast Odyssey
Explore Australia’s west coast aboard Le Soléal, with immaculate beaches edged with turquoise waters, encounters with marine life and unearthing the history of the region.
HOW pleased I was to discover, on the bookshelves, a previously unread book by one of my very favourite authors. Since her passing, Lucinda Riley’s son has brought back to life some of her early works and presented them for her fans’ enjoyment.
In true Riley style, this novel spans generations, global settings and confronting situations for the many colourful, well-defined characters. Growing up in a humble Yorkshire village, Leah is thrust, by virtue of her astonishing beauty, into the world of fashion and modelling, with its many pitfalls and challenges, particularly as her naivety sees her ill-prepared for the users and abusers. This high-powered life contrasts markedly with the horrors of wartime Poland for two siblings, which is artfully woven into the story through flashbacks from their current successful but troubled lives.
In true Lucinda Riley style, characters are well developed and relatable, whether we are drawn to their goodness or repelled by the dark side of human nature. Complex social issues are handled deftly with a sensitivity and honesty we have come to expect from her writing. This is a wonderful read – with an engagement we have come to expect from one of the most successful modern writers and I will certainly be on the lookout for more of her ‘hidden’ treasures.
ALL THE WAY TO THE RIVER
By
THE RUNNING GRAVE
By Robert Galbraith Crime fiction
Reviewed by
John Kleinschmidt
THIS is the first Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling’s pseudonym) book I have read and it certainly won’t be the last. Cormoran Strike, with his female business partner Robin, runs a private detective agency. The pair are engaged by a wealthy businessman to extract his son from a big and powerful religious cult. Robin goes undercover and joins the Universal Humanitarian Church to gather evidence of the inhumane and criminal activities of the church to shut it down. Robin endures starvation, brainwashing and sexual grooming in her quest for evidence, while Strike works the case from the outside and juggles other agency cases, which provide subplots for the story. This is a lengthy book but it held my attention throughout with numerous good and bad believable characters. I loved the writing style and the complexity of the story. A very good read.
Elizabeth Glibert, Landmark memoir
Reviewed by Rebecca Walker, of Annie’s Books on Peregian
A STORY about love, loss and liberation, All The Way To The River is a moving memoir that explores Elizabeth Gilbert’s (of Eat Pray Love fame) personal journey through grief as she grapples with the loss of her partner.
Told with admirable honesty, this tale traces the story of two women who began as friends, then fell deeply in love, before death prematurely parted them.
marriage to be with) this raw non-fiction account touches on the dangers of co-dependency when all-consuming love overshadows prudence. It also sheds light on Gilbert’s subsequent recovery from ‘sex and love addiction’.
LOCAL WRITER RELEASES SECOND COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES
SUNSHINE Coast fiction writer Ian Laver has just published his second collection of short stories, called Hard Hits
Within the pages, the reader is taken on a journey into the lives of the good and the bad as the characters are compelled to make decisions on the tightrope of life. Weakness and strength, love and hate, darkness and light are all obstacles to be negotiated.
Hard Hits follows his first collection, Deadly Sins. Laver also has published two novels, Crucial Step and Uneasy, and is working on the follow-up novel to Uneasy, titled Comeback, which follows the journey of Detective Sergeant FitzMichael in his quest to reinstate his credibility in the Queensland Police Service.
Laver has won numerous writing awards and is a former president of the Sunshine Coast Literary Association.
At present, he is involved with Haiku and creative writing at Noosa Arts and Crafts, where he was Writer in Residence last year.
His books are available as eBooks and hard copy from all online bookstores and locally at the Noosa Arts and Crafts gift shop in Wallace House, Noosaville. Discover more at facebook.com/ian.laver.18 and IanLaver.net
By Sam Guthrie, Espionage thriller
Reviewed by Karen Weiber, of Books@Stones, Stones Corner
They are as close as brothers – or so Charlie thinks – while both keep the secret that lies at the very heart of their relationship.
Then a single phrase in Mandarin is spoken in Sebastian’s ear and he does the unthinkable. As Charlie tries to piece it all together, things in the outside world start to fall apart. Then the secret intelligence services come knocking.
Exploring the unique, somewhat toxic, dynamic Gilbert shared with her lover Raaya (who she ended her heterosexual
Complemented by heartfelt poetry and doodles, it is a heavy read that will appeal to anyone recovering from – or supporting someone on – a recovery journey.
THIS is an exciting and gripping new espionage thriller and debut novel, perfect for fans of John le Carré and Robert Harris. The Peak is a nailbiting read. A powerfully taut, gripping and fast-moving international thriller that weaves a story of friendship, love and betrayal together with the ruthless geopolitics of China’s rise, set in the last 24 hours of the world as we know it. It is well written, has a great sense of place and the characters are well drawn.
Political hatchet man Charlie will do anything to protect Sebastian, government minister and his best friend since their brutal private school days.
Written with an insider knowledge of China, the realities of global power and the inner dealings of the Australian Government, The Peak has authenticity and moral complexity. A great read.
Security, Independence & Peace of Mind
THE PEAK
With Quizmaster Garry Reynolds
1. Which fabled character let down her hair from a tower?
2. Which was the first Australian city to host the Olympics?
3. Who was the first czar?
4. What school did Harry Potter attend?
5. Which band did Paul Keating manage?
6. What does MASH stand for in the TV series?
7. In which country did Panama hats originate?
8. Which Greek figure has a bull’s head and man’s body?
9. Which US fast food chain was first to locate in Australia?
10. Who has been the oldest person to ascend the British throne?
11. What is the name of the musical instruction meaning to play in a sustained manner?
12. Who was the NSW convict pardoned when the hangman’s rope broke three times?
13. Which ancient German city was destroyed by firebombing raids in February 1945?
14. Who composed Bolero?
15. What is the term for an inscription on a grave?
16. Who was prime minister when decimal currency was introduced in Australia?
17. What is the term for an alpine lake?
18. What is the lightest metal in the periodic table?
19. What is a mammal that can fly?
20. What sport did Pete Sampras play professionally?
Ravel. 15. Epitaph. 16. Harold Holt. 17. Tarn. 18. Lithium. 19. Bat. 20. Tennis.
Ecuador. 8. Minotaur. 9. KFC. 10. King Charles III. 11. Sostenuto. 12. Joseph Samuel. 13. Dresden.
1. Rapunzel. 2. Melbourne. 3. Ivan the Terrible. 4. Hogwarts. 5. Ramrods. 6. Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.
