AS A teenager on the northside of Brisbane in the 1970s, I have fond memories of the City Botanic Gardens and New Farm Park.
My mum and Poppa were both green thumbs, making the most of their suburban house blocks with vibrantly coloured flowering plants and potted succulents. But the sprawling trees and grand expanses of these open spaces were something else.
I particularly remember catching a train into the city from Wooloowin with two of my Year 9 girlfriends one weekend. Our idea was to head into the bicycle hire shop in Alice Street and spend an afternoon riding around the botanic gardens.
Sounds idyllic ... except for the fact I had never really learned to ride a bicycle properly. I spent most of the time crashing into bushes, ditching the bike to avoid oncoming trees, and falling sideways onto lawn whenever a fellow nature enthusiast approached on the paths. So, naturally, I returned home with a few bruises and scrapes and then had to explain why to my parents (who had a strict ‘ladies don’t ride bicycles’ policy and who had no idea I had ventured into town!).
On a happier note, the City Botanic Gardens and New Farm Park were the settings for some of my early hero worshipping at free outdoor concerts.
The Brisbane City Council must have hired a very music-savvy marketing team in the mid-to-late Seventies because they developed the FREEPS program: Free Entertainment for Everyone in Parks. What a boon that was for teenage, urban rock chicks without disposable income.
Thin Lizzy, Skyhooks, Dragon and Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons were among my favourite acts that brought together music fans from both sides of the river. I’m sure the cost of putting on big-name acts – for free – would be exorbitant today and a security nightmare. I distinctly recall Graeme ‘Shirley’ Strachan stopping the Skyhooks performance mid-song, calling out a d*ckhead who had thrown a full can of beer into the audience, and refusing to continue until said d*ckhead was removed.
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All those wonderful memories came flooding back when I read Russell Phipps’ cover story this month on Ross McKinnon, who retired in 2014 after more than a four-decade career in horticulture at those parks and gardens. And for something completely different, journalist Lee Mylne takes a deep dive into Hawaiian history and culture in our travel feature. Enjoy the read!
. Enjoy y the read!
IMAGE:
10cm of chemically charged mud. In some places, the flood rose to a depth of over 3m.”
The flood caused massive damage to the living collections and destroyed extensive plant records. Whole plant collections were destroyed, and the gardens were closed for 10 weeks.
RUSSELL PHIPPS speaks with Ross McKinnon AM about his passion for Queensland’s horticultural attractions.
Ross McKinnon has devoted a lifetime to his love of horticulture.
And for him, that love affair all started in Brisbane in 1972 at the City Botanic Gardens.
“Those gardens are very different from what they are today,” he says.
“You could see the City Hall clock tower from the gardens. The only thing taller was the brand-new Suncorp (then SGIO) building, and the Captain Cook bridge was just being built.”
Located in the heart of Brisbane, City Botanic Gardens is Queensland’s oldest
heritage garden, established in 1855.
Steeped in Brisbane history, the riverside park spans 18ha and 1.2km of river frontage. It’s home to heritage structures, plus exotic and native plants and trees.
Working at City Botanic Gardens was an eye-opening experience for Ross as a young gardener from Adelaide.
“Twenty to 100 homeless people slept rough every night,” he remembers.
“Overnight violence and worse were simply not reported after the bell rang and the gates closed.
“There were 12 suicides in the City Botanic Gardens in my first year.”
Two years later, in 1974, Ross was second-in-charge when he witnessed the devastation caused by floods.
“On Sunday of the 1974 Australia Day long weekend, I phoned those few staff who had phones to come in to work,” he recalls.
“We all stripped off to our shorts and moved what was, at the time, the world’s largest potted cacti and succulent collection.
“The gardens were coated in about
The continual flooding of the gardens became the catalyst for controversial new botanic gardens to be built at the base of Mount Coot-tha.
The lord mayor at the time, Clem Jones, saw the huge tourist potential of the new botanic gardens, which are now the city’s second-largest tourist attraction.
However, public comment at the time was that the site was too far from the CBD and too hilly.
Ross says some people felt the soil was too stony and filled with the wrong clay.
Yet, spanning 56ha, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha has become Queensland’s premier subtropical botanic garden.
“There was amazing growth, even on the steepest slopes, which can be attributed to the heavy minerally sustaining soils,” he says.
Ross helped oversee the development
Ross McKinnon. Image: Russell Phipps. INSET: The Mount Coot-tha view
of the Mt Coot-tha gardens since their inception. But when he first looked over the site, it was virtually just a cleared paddock.
“It was a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. We have been filling in the pieces ever since,” he quips.
Ross says the construction of the new gardens at suburban Mt Coot-tha was a team effort.
“We all knew what we were creating, and it was important work that we would be proud to tell our great-grandchildren that we had been a part of something far bigger than ourselves,” he says.
In 1982, Ross became the curator-incharge of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens – a role he held until 2014.
During his curatorship, he was most proud of the doubling in size of the gardens from about 25 to 52ha, with the addition of the 25-hectare Australian Native Plants Gardens.
“This is the largest collection of Australian native rainforest trees in the world, collected primarily from seeds from Far North Queensland,” he says.
Ross’s other passion was to make the gardens self-sustaining.
“We harvest all the water on the site, which goes into our lakes and then gets pumped onto our gardens,” he says, proudly.
“We have now been off mains water since 2005.”
His vision was always to create an educational institution.
Ross helped establish Lessons in the Gardens and the volunteer guides.
The Lessons facilitated the employment of eight education officers in a self-funded program for preschoolers to university botany students.
Ross says the program has been a success, with 120 volunteers helping international, interstate, Queensland and Brisbane residents better understand the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
City Botanic Gardens and Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha are only a part of the capital’s major green spaces, which also include the Roma Street Parkland and New Farm Park.
Opened in 2001, Brisbane’s 16ha Roma Street Parkland transformed a former industrial railway yard into a premier inner-city garden.
Historically, the site served as an Indigenous meeting place, a 19th-century market and a World War II base before being revitalised as a modern public park featuring themed gardens and public art.
Roma Street Parkland has an open-air amphitheatre that regularly hosts outdoor cinema screenings, along with film festivals and other activities during the summer months.
New Farm Park, established in 1914 and officially opened in 1919, is a 15ha Heritage-Listed city treasure, located on a bend of the Brisbane River.
Originally a penal colony farm in 1827 and later a racecourse, it was converted into a public park to enhance urban beauty, featuring beloved rose gardens, blooming jacarandas in spring and a sprawling playground.
In retirement, Ross can look back on a proud contribution to the state’s horticulture. And he remains a champion of public open spaces for all to enjoy.
In 2025, he became vocal in opposition to the proposed Olympic stadium in Victoria Park.
“To contemplate losing another of Brisbane’s green iconic spaces is an outrage: an abomination that will reverberate around the world – the desecration of public open space,” he says.
“Victoria Park is a highly valued green reserve in suburbia for hospital patients and the public alike.
“The gardens are the lungs of the city – sometimes the closest urban kids come to the real world.”
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha are open from 8am-6pm (September to March) and 8am-5pm (April to August). City Botanic Gardens and Roma Street Parkland are open 24 hours. New Farm Park is open 8.30am-11pm daily.
FAST facts
• On Australia Day 1999, Ross was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Australia for Outstanding Services to Horticulture.
• In 2005, he was awarded the inaugural Vitae Lampada (The Burning Torch of Life) medal for his role as consultant to the Queensland Poison Information Centre and the help he gave the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health.
• In 2019, he was handed the Japanese government’s high honour: the Order of the Rising Sun for his lifetime work with and for the people of Japan.
• Ross is a patron, life or honorary member of 32 horticultural organisations.
PORTRAIT OF AN ACCOMPLISHED GREEN THUMB
The Laughing Curator portrait is by Janelle Hatherly, of the Royal Art Society of NSW.
Hatherly is a professional educator and writer who, since retiring from full-time employment in 2012, has committed her energies to a career as an artist.
The portrait of Ross McKinnon was displayed in the Brisbane Portrait Gallery following judging in the prestigious Brisbane Portrait Prize.
Painting permitted for publication by Janelle Hatherly
What’s hip
What to book
FOODIES, wine aficionados and all lovers of ‘the good life’ are counting down the days to the 2026 Noosa Food & Wine Festival from June 11 -14. Tickets are still available for The Festival Village – the biggest event, the heart of the action and the lowest price point at $49.50 a ticket. It has a smorgasbord of food and wine stalls with 40-plus bars and eateries, as well as stages offering live interactive masterclasses with acclaimed guest chefs such as Louis Tikaram (Stanley), Jason Barrett (Supernormal), Ben Cooper (Chin Chin), and Marion Grasby. Or maybe try Settle in No, not the replacement surgery type of ‘hip’. It’s a selection of on-trend snippets that could include places to dine, travel destinations, where to shop, what to see and visit, as well as what to watch, read and listen to, so you can stay up to date with family, friends and neighbours of all ages.
What to hear
FORMER NASA astronaut, retired US Navy Captain and two-time New York Times bestselling author Scott Kelly presents The Sky is Not the Limit: Lessons from a Year in Space at QPAC on November 22 at 8pm. His record-breaking, 340-day ‘Year in Space’ mission was chronicled in a Time Magazine documentary series and an Emmy Award-winning TV special. Named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2015, his memoir Endurance has been optioned for a major motion picture. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, join Scott – live in Australia for the first time –for this awe-inspiring evening of extraordinary stories from the edge of human endurance and hard-won lessons in leadership and resilience. Tickets cost $69.90-$359.90 (a transaction fee of $7.50 applies). Visit qpac.com.au/ whats-on/2026/scott-kelly-the-sky-is-not-the-limit
How to reminisce
Back in the day ...
FOR many city kids growing up in the ’ 60s and ’ 70s, Skippy the Bush Kangaroo was their connection to the country and Outback.
The wholesome Australian television series originally aired from February 5, 1968, to May 4, 1970. The 91, 30-minute episodes (and one full-length movie Skippy and the Intruders) followed the adventures of Sonny Hammond (Garry Pankhurst) – the younger son of head ranger Matt Hammond (Ed Devereaux), and his closest companion: an orphaned Eastern Grey kangaroo. Charming Skippy’s intelligence, her unmistakable kangaroo-speak (even if they were man-made sound effects), her ability to understand English and complete human tasks endeared her to us all.
What to watch
RELIVE your favourite rock and pop memories in a two-hour show, Countdown Live, hosted by Paul Field of Aussie band The Cockroaches. This is a celebration of the music and acts that defined a generation. The show’s special guest and original Countdown artist Peter Cupples (Stylus) will be joined by Bronwyn Mulcahy, Peter Northcote and The All-Star Celebration Band to belt out the chart-topping hits and hidden gems from Australia’s most beloved music television show, Countdown. Hear classic hits by Skyhooks, The Divinyls, Cold Chisel, Suzi Quatro, AC/DC, Mental As Anything, INXS, The Angels, John Paul Young, ABBA, Pat Benetar, Blondie and KC & The Sunshine Band. Countdown Live comes to Twin Towns Showroom on July 3 at 8pm and The Events Centre Caloundra on July 4 at 7.30pm. Head to countdownlive.com.au
SOUTHEAST Queensland’s reputation as ‘Hollywood Down Under’ is growing by the day. Blockbusters such as Thor: Ragnarok have put the Gold Coast on the filmmaking map. Travis Fimmel’s Black Snow Season 2 used the Glass House Mountains backdrop for its murder mystery. And many a star has praised our film crews as the best they’ve worked with. A short film created in Nambour, Extraordinary Rob, recently won the Best Australian Short Film award at the Gold Coast Film Festival. So, Showdown Showcase at Kawana Event Cinemas on June 9 from 6-8pm is one of the hottest tickets in town, celebrating the talent emerging from the region. Visit screencollective.au
Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.
WHITE HAIR SYNDROME
A MYSTERIOUS condition seems to be sweeping Australia.
I call it ‘White Hair Syndrome’.
You know the signs. You’re first in line at the bakery, but the staff member serves the teenager behind you who’s still trying to remember what a croissant is.
You’re at the chemist and the assistant explains how to swallow a tablet, as if you haven’t been doing it since Australia had pounds, shillings and pence.
White Hair Syndrome affects anyone with silver or thinning hair (or hair that has simply packed its bags and left). It even affects people who don’t have white hair but look like they’re thinking about it.
Of course, we don’t take this lying down. We’ve developed countermeasures.
There’s the strategic cough: a gentle reminder that we are, in fact, alive.
The raised eyebrow of doom: capable of stopping a barista mid-froth. And the polite but deadly “excuse me, I was next”: a phrase that should be printed on T-shirts.
Here’s the truth: white hair isn’t a warning sign. It’s a superpower.
It’s the colour of wisdom and of having lived long enough to know which nonsense to ignore.
It’s the shade you earn after decades of raising families, working jobs, loving and losing people, plus finding your way through life’s storms without the benefit of Google Maps.
Every silver strand is a story — some funny, some painful, but all hard-won.
And yes, sometimes it means you can be overlooked.
But sometimes it means you get seen more deeply by the people who matter.
You can cross the road at any speed you like and drivers will smile indulgently. You can say exactly what you think and people call it “refreshingly honest”. You can ask someone to reach the top shelf and they’ll leap like they’re rescuing a kitten.
White Hair Syndrome may try to make us invisible, but we’re not fading.
We’re glowing.
And in Queensland, nothing catches the morning light quite like a head of silver – or white.
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I CONSIDER myself a good and responsible member of the inhabitants of this lovely planet.
I try to keep the consumption of water and electricity down.
I am also very aware of the necessity of dealing conscientiously with the waste we are creating. However, it is not as easy as it sounds: yellow bin for recycling, red bin for landfill, plus a green bin for plant waste.
It sounds so simple, but I must confess I am often confused. Having spoken to some of my readers, I am not the only one.
There is a symbol on bottles and packages: three arrows in a circle, which means the item is recyclable. I have a problem with this. Often, I cannot find the symbol and yet the item, a plastic vitamin tablets bottle or a glass jar, in accordance with the rules, is recyclable.
Thinking about the ‘old days’ when I lived in Darwin, nobody cared about where to dispose of waste.
I remember we were given a wild goose by a friendly neighbour. He had
just shot it in the experimental rice fields outside Darwin. My husband and I had no idea what to do with the massive bird and knew we had to get rid of it discreetly.
Into the rubbish bin? Oh no: our neighbour might see it and be offended. As the hot Darwin day progressed, the ‘present’ started to smell. Eventually, we stuck it into a plastic bag, drove to the Darwin wharf – just a wooden jetty then –and threw the bird into the water. Hopefully, the big groper that lived there would make a good meal of it.
I have made a lot of mistakes recycling in the past, mostly through sheer ignorance.
Take my wastepaper basket, sitting patiently beside my desk, for example. I discarded many things into it without thinking: pens, tissues, paper wrappers with food scraps and,
for many years, printing cartridges. I also confess to the odd empty, plastic coffee cup.
Wine bottles are easy and I make sure they go into the recycling bin. Small soft drink bottles or piccolos go into a skip, destined to go to the scouts for them to make some money.
Even though we might get it wrong sometimes, we are all trying in our small ways to keep our planet clean. But what about the massive amount of waste that the future generations will face?
What is going to happen to the millions of solar panels, destroyed by storms or simply old age?
What about the wind turbines – those massive machines that are dotting the landscapes?
Then, there are the enormous amounts of black plastic sheeting to cover strawberry fields or the endless metres of plastic watering lines used in fields and vineyards.
The latest is ‘space junk’. I am not sure how to classify ‘space junk’ and whether we earthlings are responsible for that?
I fear that whatever we sent out into the universe may one day come back to haunt us.
May you be informed enough to recycle responsibly.
Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com
Life’s an adventure
By Cheryl Lockwood
EVERY couple of months, I attend a games night and it has become something I really look forward to.
The number of attendees varies from 10 to 20 and those of us in our 60s are considered the ‘youth group’, proving that games are also for the young at heart.
This get-together happens in a friend’s home and there is a stack of board games to choose from.
Rummikub and Sequence are popular for those who want to give the grey matter a workout with some strategy. There are word games, which also require dusting off the brain cells, and games such as Pictionary are a lot of fun for those who want to show off their artistic skills (or maybe cop flack for their complete lack of talent).
Whatever the choice, there always seems to be a lot of laughter amid the good-natured rivalry.
A regular part of the night, besides the fine coffee, is what we call our icebreaker game. It’s kind of like a warm-up for the main event or stretching before a game of pickleball.
Our host has in his possession an old quiz-style game. The table you happen to sit at when you arrive automatically becomes your team for this game.
One person in each group becomes the scribe.
The host reads a topic from a card and with the help of the team, the scribe writes as many answers relating to that topic as they can think of.
A timer is set for two minutes and, once time is up, it’s pencils down.
The host then reads out the 10 answers, which he has on his card. Teams only score a point for an answer that matches those listed. You could scribble down 23 wonderful responses, but none of them are any use unless they are a match.
To help explain, I’ll share some themes we had recently. There are a few answers below, but I can’t remember them all, even though we don’t drink anything stronger than coffee.
1. Famous Georges … as in well-known people by the name of George.
2. Items made of glass.
3. Professions or jobs beginning with ‘G’.
On games night, there are two things to note. The first is that this game was made in the 1970s or ’80s, which affects what is on the answer card. For example, the suave Mr George Clooney is a renowned actor, but maybe not so
famous when the game was printed.
The second thing is, keep your voice down because this mob of grey-haired game-players will steal an overheard answer as though their life depended on it.
Competition becomes fierce when the answers are read. It is up to the host to judge whether an answer is acceptable.
He probably didn’t sign up to be the referee to the arguments that ensue or the sledging between rival teams, but this seems to happen every time.
We play rounds until one team reaches 25 points. With our creative juices flowing, everyone moves onto their board games of choice.
The laughs continue until the host and his wife feed us dessert and send us home (the latter is likely their favourite part of the night).
Answers to Famous Georges included: Harrison, Burns, Gershwin, Washington, Orwell and King George V.
Items made of glass were: vases, bottles, marbles, glasses, magnifying glass and windows. Arguing that a glass eye was practically a marble did not work.
Those ‘G’ professions were: geologist, garbage collector, graphic artist, greengrocer, gardener, gatekeeper and gunsmith.
We’re told to keep our brains active and that laughter is the best medicine.
Games night ticks both boxes.
Visit lockwoodfreelance.com
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It’s showtime! Annual community event puts Nambour in spotlight
AUDIENNE BLYTH looks back over the legacy the agricultural show gave to the region as we prepare for the milestone 2026 instalment.
“There were two events in the year we saved up for as kids: one was the Nambour Show and the other was Christmas” – so say many old-timers, recalling their childhood.
A full 120 years of memories of the show are stored in our collective psyche – the ring events, displays of produce, competitions, sideshows, entertainment and fireworks. It has been the place to meet old friends and have a great day out. It has also been the place to wear your Sunday best and walk with pride.
Celebrating its 120th anniversary, the 2026 Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show is scheduled for Friday, June 12, to Sunday, June 14. The three-day event will be held at the Nambour Showgrounds.
The show had humble beginnings, dating to 1900. Maroochy Pastoral, Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Society launched the first show at Woombye (the show was cancelled during World War II and Covid, so the actual tally is 120 in 2026).
By 1909, the show had outgrown its site in Woombye and moved to Nambour. To showcase the produce of the region, a permanent pavilion was built in 1909. A bigger one was built in 1931. Improvements have been made to the present day.
Features of the show have become a tradition. There is a grand opening parade, dignitaries and speeches, plus a large show ring offering continual entertainment with showjumping, dressage and rodeo-like items. Sideshow alley offers different excitement with knock’ems and a ferris wheel, fairy floss and hot dogs. A pavilion accommodates displays of arts and crafts, cooking and sewing, fruit and vegetables.
The show serves as an historical record of how our industries have changed. The glory days of dairying, cane growing and fruit production no longer take centre stage.
The local council and businesspeople
have always been great supporters. Some of their efforts are acknowledged in the names of structures at the showgrounds such as JD Grimes and Fergus Scott. Show presidents, committee members and secretaries have served loyally in their commitment to its success. Volunteers have also made a massive contribution since the first show and have become vital over the years. Many names are remembered: Jasper Bentley, Bert and Lorna Wallace, Jim and Byron Carolan, Mary Nipperas, Les Dowdle, Bev and Ken Pascoe, Tony and Val White, Ray Grace and Jenny McKay. Whole families have been
The Champion District Cane Display in the glory days of cane production in the 1960s involved: wood chopping champions, including Ray and Malcolm English and Don Kennedy, would be competing while their families served refreshments.
Characters such as Johnny Hamilton and his fundraiser of Guess the Weight of the Fat Bullock was an attraction in itself.
Nambour identity Maureen Doneman is 94 and recalls how she was inspired by her grandmother Martha Bade and her mother Alma Low, who always entered cooking, conserves and horticultural items. From the 1960s to 2000s, Maureen has more than 500 cards marking her prizes in competitions. She became a steward, then chief steward and judge in those contests.
Audienne Blyth is a member of the Nambour Historical Museum, open 1-4pm Wednesdays to Fridays, and 10am-3pm on Saturdays.
CELEBRATE QUEENSLAND DAY UNDER THE STARS
QUEENSLAND Day is a time to celebrate what makes our communities unique.
And this year, the Landsborough Museum offers the ideal setting to do just that.
Locals and visitors alike are invited on Saturday, June 6, from 3-9pm, to enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly evening that brings together history, culture and community pride.
Set within the grounds of the State Heritage-Listed former Landsborough Shire council building (1924), the event blends the charm of the past with a vibrant, modern celebration.
Families can enjoy free activities, including face painting, an inflatable
obstacle course and live music, while a variety of food options ensures something for everyone.
As the sun sets, Starry Nights will present outdoor screenings, beginning with the NRL clash between the North Queensland Cowboys and Redcliffe Dolphins, followed by a classic family movie experience under the stars.
More than just entertainment, the event is a reminder of the connections that shape our region. It highlights the importance of gathering, sharing stories and celebrating local heritage together.
Visit heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or register at events.humanitix.com/ qld-day
Why muscle mass matters more after 60
CAITLYN HUTH outlines why we need to build up our strength – and keep it – as we age.
Staying strong isn’t about looks: it’s about staying capable, independent and protected.
Most people associate muscle with gym culture or elite athletes. But after the age of 60, muscle mass becomes one of the most important factors in your quality of life – not for how you look, but for how you live.
What happens to muscle as we age?
From around age 35, we naturally begin losing muscle mass: a process called sarcopenia.
By the time we reach our 60s and 70s, sarcopenia can accelerate noticeably.
Without intervention, we can lose 3-5 per cent of our muscle mass per decade – often more.
This doesn’t just affect strength. It affects balance, energy, bone density, metabolism and even the ability to recover from illness.
Muscle isn’t just for lifting things. It acts as a metabolic engine, helping to regulate blood sugar and
keeping your weight stable.
It supports your joints, reducing the load on knees, hips and your lower back.
It powers every functional movement you rely on: getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, carrying groceries or simply walking confidently.
Muscle is also your body’s first line of protection in a fall.
Strong legs and trunk can mean the difference between catching yourself and hitting the ground.
The good news: you can build it at any age.
One of the most empowering facts in exercise science is that
muscle responds to training well into your 80s and 90s.
You don’t need to become a weightlifter. What you need is regular, progressive resistance exercise: movements that gradually challenge your muscles so they adapt and grow stronger.
This can include resistance bands, body weight exercises, light weights or supervised exercise with an exercise physiologist who understands how to tailor training to your needs and any conditions you may have.
Two to three sessions per week of strength-focused movement is enough to make a meaningful difference.
Combine that with adequate protein in your diet and you have a powerful formula for staying strong, capable and independent.
It’s never too late to start.
In fact, the later you leave it, the more important it becomes.
Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au
FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law
‘YES, I SEE OLD PEOPLE EVERYWHERE’
FRIENDS of ours are celebrating their mum’s 100th birthday.
Another person who exercises with me regularly is buying a bicycle in a few months. He will be 80 years of age.
And people are working longer. Just have a look around.
Some older Australians may be working longer than in the past, simply because of the economic situation. And that makes sense. But we are, without doubt, living longer and figures confirm that.
Over the past century, life expectancy has increased from about 51 years to our current (2024) figures of 81.1 years for males and 85.1 for females.
First Nations people have a variation in life expectancy that does indicate a health gap. However, there are variations in gender and localities, of course.
It is no secret that our health and wellness improvement and increased life expectancy coincide with modern-day medical advances and better nutrition for the majority of
Australians. With an increased life expectancy, we can do more – provided we are equipped to do more. By that, I mean if we have the health, mobility and strength to do more.
It really is a simple equation: keeping fit and healthy increases the chances of good health for longer.
For many, working longer actually achieves the finances required and the additional exercise necessary to maintain, to some extent, health and wellness. Good for you.
Over the years of this column, I have had some good feedback. Recently, a woman phoned me to say she loved the May ‘Don’t let the old man in’ piece.
The fact that she took the time to call me was a compliment.
So, a parting suggestion this month: “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.”
Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.
coastal villas and apartments, resort-style
Join us for a sneak peek at the upcoming GemLife Kilcoy Greens Country Club – designed exclusively for homeowners of our new boutique over-50s resort.
In this information session you’ll hear how our design team drew inspiration from the surrounding scenic Somerset Region and get a first look at the facility’s master plan.
Hosted by GemLife Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Coulter, you’ll get an exclusive preview of the Country Club’s design, features and stunning lifestyle amenities. The session will be followed by refreshments and a relaxed meetand-greet.
DATE Tuesday, 23 June 2026
TIME 10am to 12pm
WHERE Rileys View
703 Mount Kilcoy Road
Mount Kilcoy
RSVP Register online by Monday, 22 June at GemLife.com.au/gkgcc
Ah, the Seventies – what a wild ride I was on with my mates
Chronic disease sufferer CHARLIE GRIFFITHS recalls some of his glory days as a young apprentice electrician, footloose and fancy-free in WA.
This little quip on Facebook tickled me: “I was minding my own business when suddenly 1976 was 50 years ago!”
Where were you in 1976?
I was living in the party mecca of Perth, Western Australia, after riding my Honda 750cc road bike across the gravel and bulldust of the Nullarbor to start a new job and hopefully finish my electrical apprenticeship.
There were probably easier ways to do this but the allure of an adventure was irresistible. And as they say, “Go west, young man.”
To offset the debauchery, I kept myself fit with regular karate training, snorkelling and purging my lungs with clean, fresh air at 160-plus klicks wherever possible.
I even got roped into supervising the Mount Pleasant under-11s footy team for a month until they found a real coach.
So many great bars, nightclubs, fishing spots and parties kept me from dwelling on my very poor job of maintaining a long-distance relationship with a gorgeous
but naïve Miss Australia contestant living 3200km away in Mildura.
Even after I let her down gently, by just not writing or calling, we remained friends. She married my best mate and was matron of honour at my first wedding.
I bumped into her a couple of years ago and was pleasantly not surprised at how comfortably she displayed the elegance of a fine wine.
In 1976, life was for living and working was a means to that end.
My boss and I shared mutual disrespect and I didn’t hold out any hope of a partnership offer when I finished my time.
My final exam was due in November and I took a sickie to study.
Despite the brain-cell holocaust, the few survivors soldiered on fearlessly and I was reasonably confident of a satisfactory result.
I had agreed to be best man at a mate’s wedding in Mildura in January ’77 but didn’t fancy the return trip to endure the final agonising six months of my apprenticeship. So, I came up with an offer
my boss couldn’t refuse: “If I score a credit pass in my final, how about you sign off my indentures in January?”
He agreed and a couple of mad mates and I headed back across the Nullarbor on our bikes.
One paragraph wouldn’t do this trek justice. I just want to thank the hippy dude in the floral Kombi for passing cold cans to us as we rode past and tapped on the side of his van.
A shout-out to the heat-struck lady who forgot she had handed me her baby in the Penong pub and freaked when she saw a bedraggled biker holding the infant as if it was about to explode.
Special thanks to the driver who followed me into the scrub, tooting his horn to wake me up when I dozed off near Eucla, WA.
On that New Year’s Eve, I received a letter from WA TAFE and immediately called my boss. He didn’t welch and I was a
free, licensed electrician six months ahead of schedule.
Fast forward 50 years. If I had my time over, what would I do differently?
Absolutely nothing! I wouldn’t cheat myself out of any of the fun I had, and the lessons learned are invaluable.
As rebellious as I was, and still proudly am, my values are sound. Integrity is king and responsibility just happens as a consequence. No airs and graces. ‘Just get the job done’ is my motto.
In my book, Runaway Retiree, I gleefully relate many memorable escapades from my gifted life in the Seventies. The objective is to encourage readers to tap into the glory of growing up in the Seventies and vowing to do our best work in our seventies.
Charlie Griffiths is a certified life coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner. Visit his website at charliegriffithscoaching.com
Cyber crims are everywhere
EDIN READ offers some simple rules of thumb to ensure we are all safer online against viruses, scams and other threats.
“Would you mind having a quick look at this USB for me?” It sounds harmless enough. Perhaps a friend wants help with holiday photos, or someone at the local club is handing over meeting documents.
Most of us wouldn’t think twice about plugging a USB stick into our computer.
Cyber criminals know that, too.
One of the simplest ways for hackers to infect a computer is through a USB device.
The moment it’s plugged in, hidden software can automatically install itself without any warning.
In some cases, the owner of the USB may not even realise their device is infected. Viruses can quietly spread from one computer to another like a digital cold.
Over the years, I’ve seen cases where a single infected USB caused family photos to disappear, passwords to be stolen or computers to become painfully slow.
Sometimes the damage isn’t obvious straight away. A computer may continue working normally while hidden software secretly collects personal information in the background.
These days, USB devices can be surprisingly sneaky. Some are designed to
look completely ordinary while containing malicious programs specifically created to attack Windows or Apple computers.
There have even been reports of ‘free’ USB sticks handed out at conferences or left in public places, hoping somebody’s curiosity will get the better of them. The safest rule is very simple: if you don’t fully trust the USB device, don’t plug it in.
The same caution applies to public USB charging stations. Many people plug their phones into charging ports at airports, shopping centres, hotels or libraries without thinking much about it.
While many are perfectly safe, some can potentially transfer data as well as power. This means a compromised charging station could attempt to access information from your phone.
Using your own wall charger or carrying a small portable battery pack is usually a much safer option.
Thankfully, staying safe doesn’t require being a computer expert. A few simple habits make a huge difference.
Keeping your computer updated is one of the best protections available. Those update reminders that pop up on your screen can feel annoying, but they often
contain important security fixes. Cyber criminals actively target older software because they know many people delay updates for weeks or months.
Strong passwords matter, too. I still meet many people using passwords such as ‘123456’ or the family dog’s name. A good password should be long, unique and difficult to guess. Consider using a password manager so you don’t have to remember dozens of different logins.
Email scams also continue to catch many good people out. If an email creates panic or urgency – perhaps claiming your bank account has been locked or a parcel delivery failed – take a moment before clicking anything.
Scammers rely on people reacting quickly without stopping to think.
If in doubt, contact the organisation directly using a phone number or website you already know is genuine.
Backing up your important files is another simple but powerful habit. Family photos, important documents and treasured memories should never exist in only one place. An external hard drive or trusted cloud backup can save enormous heartache if a computer fails or is infected.
Computers, phones and the internet are wonderful tools that help us stay connected, informed and entertained. Most online dangers can be avoided with a little awareness and a healthy dose of caution.
Computer security is like home security: you don’t need bars on every window and cameras in every corner. Locking the front door and being careful about who you let inside is usually enough.
The same principle applies to that innocent-looking USB stick.
Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au
YOUR LOCAL EYE DOCTOR
Associate Professor
Kristopher Rallah-Baker
Kia ticks all the boxes for
cheap, cheerful and compact
BRUCE McMAHON considers how far Korean carmakers have come in the Australian market over the past 30 years or so.
Kia’s K4 hatchback and sedan are sophisticated compact cars – a fair way removed from last century’s offerings in this part of the market.
The Korean cars (this pair with internal combustion engines) are fine examples of how motoring’s moved on since the 1990s.
It’s not just in the K4s’ new-age style, nor the smart and well-equipped cabin.
It’s the road manners – the dynamics of the package – that help showcase how far cars have come, albeit with higher price tags to suit.
It took some time for Japanese makers to find solid ground in the Australian marketplace. The Koreans didn’t take quite so long.
The cheap and cheerful Hyundai Excel first arrived in 1986 and, while often derided, by 1998 the thirdgeneration Excel was the country’s top-selling car for a time (this was before utes and SUVs began to dominate sales charts).
This was about the time Kia ran into
financial troubles back home and Hyundai became Kia’s largest shareholder, owning about a third of their fellow Korean manufacturer.
From there, it appears to have been a win-win for both, with separate identities but some shared and successful synergies.
So, Kia now has an extensive range of showroom offerings – from small town cars to family-friendly SUVs to the luxuries of the Carnival people-mover and the workability of the Tasman utes (I remain delighted with the new Tasman X-Pro in the carport here, 4000km up and happy).
The Kia K4s – an upsized replacement for the Cerato and rival to Toyota’s Corolla – are handsome in design and stand out particularly in a couple of the fancier body colours.
They’re a bit low (especially after the aforementioned and high-riding Tasman), but comfortable for four adults and luggage for four.
The front seats hold a driver well, which is handy when you step up into
the GT Line and its turbocharged, 1.6-litre engine. All K4s are loaded with a deal of today’s technology and features once found only in high-end and premium European machinery.
It’s easy to hook up the phone, and the central touchscreen offers simple and intuitive access to all manner of convenience and comfort features. It’s also easy enough, if sometimes tiresome, to turn off some of the driver aids such as lane-keeping assistance at each start.
There are five trim grades for the K4s, starting out around $34,000 for the base, which is a most reasonable price for a compact car with this much class.
The heroes, though, are the top-end GT Line versions with the extra grunt – and a sunroof.
The $43,000 K4s run with 142kW
Ted O’BRIENMP
Federal Member for Fairfax
over the other models’ 110kW. More importantly, there’s an extra 85Nm of torque from 1700rpm, plus lower-profile 18-inch tyres.
And so the good road manners of the K4s’ Australian-tuned chassis can be well exploited and make for a most sporting drive. Switch to Sports mode to tighten up steering feel, shift through the eight-speed auto with paddle shifters and, despite some understeer, here’s some old-school fun punching along a mountain road.
The downside? Fuel consumption may double the factory-claimed 5 litres per 100km if having too much fun.
But a driver doesn’t have to push a Kia K4 around to appreciate this is a wellconceived compact car, and streets and goodies ahead of last century’s offerings.
HELP TO PROTECT THE MEMORIES THAT MATTER MOST TO LOVED ONES ENSURING
GIVING back to the place you love and leaving a lasting legacy is a powerful way to strengthen the communities that have given so much.
For Buderim Foundation supporters, leaving a gift in their wills has become a meaningful way to ensure their generosity stays local, grows over time and supports their communities for generations.
It’s giving that lasts – professionally managed and directed to where it creates the greatest impact, long into the future.
For the Grant family, giving in memory became a deeply personal way to honour Alastair (pictured) – a much-loved husband, father and community member whose quiet generosity touched many. Their gift now forms part of the Buderim Foundation’s investment funds, generating annual grants that reflect his values of kindness, fairness and community spirit.
“Dad believed in helping people without fuss,” his daughter says. “Knowing his name continues to support others brings us comfort.”
Tax-time giving and year-end planning are natural times to reflect on the legacy you want to leave. Every bequest helps communities thrive.
If you’re considering a donation or a gift in memory, the Buderim Foundation offers confidential support to explore what
meaningful, lasting generosity could look like. The Buderim Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that harnesses the power of community giving to enrich and enhance the quality of life for everyone across Buderim and the Sunshine Coast.
It works by professionally investing all donations and bequests from community members. The earnings from these investments are redistributed back to the community via annual grants programs, ensuring that today’s generosity supports tomorrow’s needs in perpetuity.
Join supporters at A New Dawn Gala Dinner on August 8 to hear inspiring donor stories and the lasting impact their generosity is making. Tickets are available at buderimfoundation.org.au/event/ gala-dinner-a-new-dawn/. Visit buderimfoundation.org.au/ how-to-give/ or email info@buderimfoundation.org.au
A Gift in Your Will to QIMR Berghofer is a Legacy for the Future
QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading medical research institute, renowned for our efforts in both discovery and real patient outcomes. Celebrating eight decades of delivering ground breaking medical research.
Gifts in Wills to QIMR Berghofer are the gifts that keep on giving. The research and knowledge that is achieved because of your generosity will continue, and advances that are made today will have the potential to change the lives of Australians now and generations to come.
If you have left QIMR Berghofer a Gift in your Will please let us know, we would love to thank you and ensure you receive the latest research news.
ALZHEIMER’S disease is one of the most devastating conditions affecting older Australians and their families.
Today, dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia, taking more lives than any other disease, and its impact reaches far beyond the person diagnosed.
It affects spouses, children, grandchildren and entire families who must watch as memories, independence and connection slowly fade away.
Families who once shared laughter, holidays and stories find themselves grieving long before their loved one has physically gone.
Alzheimer’s doesn’t just take memories, it takes the person you love.
But there is real hope.
Alzheimer’s Research Australia is leading world-class research into early diagnosis, prevention and new treatments.
Researchers have already discovered promising blood biomarkers, advanced imaging techniques and new therapeutic approaches that may one day slow or even prevent the disease.
Clinical trials are underway, offering genuine hope for future generations.
By including a gift in your will – whether it’s a small percentage, a
residual gift after your family is provided for or a specific amount – you can help ensure this vital research continues.
You do not need to be wealthy. Even 1 per cent of your estate can make a significant difference.
Many thoughtful Australians choose to leave a gift like this because they want a future where Alzheimer’s no longer steals time, memories or dignity.
Your legacy can help create that future. It is a powerful way to honour someone you love and to protect the generations that follow.
To learn more, call Caren on (08) 6457 0253 or visit alzheimersresearch.org.au
YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
For more information on leaving a Gift in your Will visit www.qimrb.edu.au or contact Lorraine Fraser for a confidential chat. 1800 993 000 E: giftsinwills@qimrb.edu.au
Leaving a Gift in your Will to QIMR Berghofer is a personal way to make a difference and create a lasting impact for future generations.
QIMR Berghofer has more than 650 researchers working on discovering better treatments and understanding of, Cancer Research, Brain and Mental Health, Infection and inflammation and Population Health in more than 60 specialised laboratories.
Gifts of all sizes are important, they are essential to fund the Research and the impact it has nationally and globally.
LOOKING out for one another is the Aussie way of life. And in regional Queensland, that belief is a lifeline.
Dick Wharton was raised on a station east of Cloncurry, where his father managed 20,000 head of sheep. His childhood was shaped by sprawling paddocks, riding horses, milking cows and growing food.
Schooling was done at home, and the nearest shop was almost 100km away.
In a place like that, you learn quickly who has your back.
For Dick’s family, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was a part of everyday life. They relied on the service as their pharmacy, their GP and their safety net.
“If something went wrong, mum or dad would ring the Flying Doctor,” Dick says.
That mantle of safety continued throughout Dick’s career as the district engineer.
His team worked hard, enduring isolation, heat, dust and torrential rain, but the RFDS was never too far with an airstrip nearby and an RFDS medical chest on hand.
Now, after a lifetime of support from the Flying Doctor, Dick wants to make sure the service is there for others.
“The RFDS was there for me,” he says.
“I’d like it to be there for other people in the future.”
For Dick, a gift in his will is a personal way of making sure someone shows up for those in need, no matter the distance.
“It’s a way of saying ‘thank you’ for having my back for all of these years,” he says.
WORDS: Sam Marsh, senior content advisor, Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland section). Visit flyingdoctor.org.au
THE Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) is a non-profit health promotion charity.
It was founded by Mark Hughes and his wife Kirralee in 2014 after Mark was diagnosed with brain cancer.
The foundation was established to address the significant lack of funding for brain cancer research in Australia, which has contributed to mortality rates remaining largely unchanged for more than 30 years.
Since launching the Beanie for Brain Cancer campaign in 2014, MHF has grown into a nationally recognised organisation, with more than one million beanies sold through its partnership with the National Rugby League.
Community fundraising plays a vital role in the foundation’s work, helping raise funds to support patients, increase awareness and fund critical research.
Without large-scale corporate partners, this grassroots support enables MHF to invest in initiatives such as the $25 million Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle, as well as fellowships, research projects and brain cancer care coordinators across regional NSW.
Making the choice to leave a charitable gift in your will would make a huge difference and helps the foundation continue its life-changing work.
“Here at MHF, we believe in giving hope to brain cancer patients and their families and that one day, together, we can find a cure,” Mr Hughes says.
Visit markhughesfoundation.com.au
IN QUEENSLAND, we are lucky to live among some of the most beautiful landscapes and alongside truly unique and diverse wildlife.
Australia is home to more than 500,000 animal and plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Devastatingly, Australia is also one of the world leaders in mammal extinctions, and many of our iconic species are at risk.
The Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (Wildlife Queensland) has been working for more than half-a-century to create positive change for Australia’s wildlife and environment, and is the largest, longestrunning and most respected wildlife-focused conservation group in the state.
Wildlife Queensland works in cooperation with government, businesses and other conservation groups to develop policies to ensure the protection of our state’s natural heritage such as the Great Barrier Reef, mallee country, rivers and catchments, rainforests, mangrove and other coastal ecosystems.
The society is undertaking projects to protect and conserve brush-tailed rock wallabies, Richmond birdwing butterflies, yellow-bellied gliders and platypus, to name a few.
As a community, non-profit organisation, Wildlife Queensland can only suc ceed with the support of individuals. Along with being the lifeblood of the organisation, gifts left in wills to Wildlife Queensland ensure that beloved wildlife have a voice and that these unique creatures and their habitat will be protected for future generations to live alongside and cherish.
To find out how to help protect and conserve Queensland’s native wildlife, visit wildlife.org.au, email wpsq@wildlife.org.au or call 3844 0129.
A MISSION TO BETTER UNDERSTAND BRAIN DISORDERS
THE Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health is the largest brain research centre in the Southern Hemisphere.
It brings together leading scientists dedicated to advancing knowledge across a broad spectrum of neurological and psychiatric conditions.
As global demand grows for improved understanding, prevention and treatment of brain disorders, The Florey has remained at the forefront of discovery for more than 50 years.
Its work continues to deepen understanding of the brain – one of the body’s most complex and least-understood organs – while driving meaningful advances in patient outcomes.
The institute’s mission is ambitious: to make dementia preventable, improve quality of life for people living with mental health conditions, develop cures for epilepsy and discover new ways to protect and repair the brain.
A recognised global leader, The Florey excels in discovery science, neuroimaging, brain/body interactions and therapeutic development. Its research spans a wide range of conditions, including dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, epilepsy, multiple
sclerosis, addiction, schizophrenia and depression.
History shows that transformative scientific breakthroughs, from penicillin to MRI, are often made possible through timely support.
Generosity from philanthropic contributions to gifts in wills plays a vital role in accelerating research and translating discoveries from the laboratory into real-world health outcomes. Every contribution to The Florey helps advance critical brain research and improves lives.
To learn more about supporting brain research, visit florey.edu.au/ support-us/ or call 1800 063 693.
Most of us know someone living with a brain-related condition. Dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, autism and anxiety are among the many brain and mental health conditions researched at The Florey.
Discovery science is integral to solving these mysteries of the brain. Will you join us as we search to find answers to diseases affecting 1 in 5 Australians?
For a copy of our Gifts in Wills Guide or to speak to us about your wishes, please contact our Gifts in Wills Manager, Nola Wilmot on philanthropy@florey.edu.au or call 1800 063 693.
Kate Brown, pictured here with emerging Florey scientists, has included a gift to The Florey in her Will. Find out more by scanning this QR code
WHEN was the last time you looked at your will?
HOW TO ENSURE YOUR WILL IS STILL ‘UP TO CODE’ CHOICE SHARES TOP TIPS TO HELP LOWER YOUR WINTER HEATING COSTS
For most of us, a will is something we write once, tuck away in a cabinet and check off the list.
But while your document sits still, the law does not.
In April this year, Queensland officially introduced the new Trusts Act: the most significant overhaul of trust law in more than half-a-century.
Think of your will as the blueprint for your family’s future. Just as building codes change to ensure safety and efficiency, the new act has changed the ‘codes’ for how assets are managed.
The act specifically impacts testamentary trusts (trusts created within a will).
While it introduces a range of changes aimed at streamlining the process, it is important that you understand how these updates affect your estate planning to ensure your final wishes are fulfilled.
Significant life events such as marriage or divorce can often impact the validity of your will.
Similarly, if your document relies on legal terms or powers that have since been superseded by new legislation, it may undermine the effectiveness of your estate plan. Either scenario can result in your loved ones facing:
• unnecessary paperwork and legal hurdles during an already difficult time
• higher legal costs deducted from the estate to rectify technical errors
• legal ambiguity that could lead to avoidable disputes.
This is why Ryans Solicitors and Attorneys recommends reviewing your will at least every one to two years.
It also offers free, fire-proof storage for any part of your estate plan. Ryans Solicitors and Attorneys is happy to hold estate plans for you, even if it did not originally draft them.
To review your current will or create a new one, call Ryans to book a free, 30-minute consultation. Just mention this article when you call.
WORDS: Johanne Viavattene, Ryans Solicitors and Attorneys. Visit ryansolicitors.com.au
Call 5443 9911 to organise your no-obligation, free consultation. This article is general information only and is not intended as legal advice.
WITH cooler months approaching and cost-of-living pressures rising, keeping your home warm without breaking the bank can be challenging.
Choice experts have crunched the numbers on different types of heating to help you save money on your energy bills.
“Ninety-seven per cent of Australians say their household bills and expenses have increased over the last 12 months –the highest number recorded in more than 10 years of our Consumer Pulse survey. So, it’s more important than ever to do what you can do to reduce your energy bill,” says Choice household expert Chris Barnes.
CHOICE’S TOP TIPS:
1. Use a reverse-cycle air-conditioner.
“In the long run, air-conditioners are the cheapest way to heat your home, as opposed to using something like a portable electric heater. Our estimates show that running a reverse-cycle air-conditioner for the entire year can cost less than running an electric heater for just three months over winter,” Mr Barnes says.
“However, if you don’t already have one installed, the upfront cost of buying a reverse-cycle air-conditioner is anywhere from $600 to $5550, plus a few hundred dollars for the installation.”
2. Ensure your home is properly insulated.
“Having a well-insulated home makes a big difference to keep the heat in and the cold out. You can lose up to 35 per cent of your home’s warmth without insulation, which can drive up energy bills,”
Mr Barnes says. “However, if you can’t afford insulation or are renting, there are still plenty of cost-effective ways to keep your home warm. Sealing draughts, closing your curtains or blinds, and using rugs can all help retain heat – all of which will help reduce your heating bills.”
3. Be smart with your heating options.
“On cold days, avoid turning your air-conditioner up higher than necessary, as this will increase your energy bill. We recommended setting the temperature around 18-20°C. Every extra degree increases your heating energy use by up to 10 per cent,” Mr Barnes says. “While your heating is on, it’s also important to close doors to rooms you aren’t using. Only heating the rooms you’re in will reduce energy use and therefore lower your bill.”
4. Heat the person, not the home.
“Another cheaper way to stay warm is by using personal heating products such as heated throws or electric blankets. Rather than using an electric heater, which takes longer to warm up and is only ideal for shorter usage times, try an electric blanket or throw,” Mr Barnes says.
Stay across fine print as retirement living options keep upgrading
By DON MACPHERSON
The retirement village living industry is constantly in a state of upgrade.
Competition is high – not just within particular categories of accommodation options, but also across the board.
Clients expect more and operators need to offer more to remain competitive.
The industry is booming across Southeast Queensland, with more and more constructions happening.
People need to bear in mind that the choice to move to a retirement village is primarily a choice for community rather than merely a financial investment.
If you are focused solely on the financial outcome, you are asking yourself the wrong question.
People do, and should, buy for lifestyle as a major consideration. It’s a choice for companionship, community involvement and security.
However, as with any significant transaction, remember the adage: “Buyer beware”.
People buying into a retirement village need to understand that the transaction is very different to buying and selling a house in the way they have been used to throughout their lives. It involves ingoing, ongoing and outgoing costs and benefits that need to be understood.
Different retirement villages provide different ways of creating rights to reside in their properties. In essence, you buy a right to reside for an indefinite period. There are four main retirement living models:
1. Leasehold – this is the most common way that retirement villages offer their properties to incoming residents. The lease contract creates a right to reside for an extended period (usually 99 years –though, we are yet to see someone outlive their lease). A lease is registered in the Titles Office. There is no stamp duty. Sometimes there is capital gain, but not usually. General services fees apply. Normally, there are exit fees.
2. Licence – less common than leasehold (at least in Queensland), a licence creates a right to reside but is not registered against the title deed. However, there are additional protections provided under The Retirement Villages Act. Usually there is no capital gain. There is no stamp duty. General services fees apply. Normally, there are exit fees.
3. Manufactured/relocatable homes/ over-50s resorts – this model involves owning the house, but not the land. Because you own the home, there is usually a modest capital gain possible. There is no stamp duty. The owner pays a site rental to have a house on the land owned by the operator. There are no exit fees.
4. Freehold – this is the way that people are used to owning property. They buy the property (like buying a house) and can sell it at the end. They pay stamp duty. They get any capital gain (and bear any loss). The title is registered in the Titles Office. It is more like buying a unit in an apartment building and is subject to a body corporate structure. Body corporate fees, rates and water charges apply. Freehold is rare in the retirement village space.
Whatever the ownership model, all
retirement living contracts provide extensive rules in relation to occupation of the home in which you live.
There are always ongoing fees while in the village. There are usually significant fees payable at the end of the ownership period – called various names, including exit fees or deferred management fees. Exit fee percentages vary across the industry and can be based on the incoming payment or the resale figure.
Other exit payments such as renovation costs, reinstatement costs,
costs of sale, legal costs and valuation fees vary from contract to contract and operator to operator. Some allow for capital gain (and loss); some do not.
Retirement living contracts are always long and complex (often running to more than 100 pages). Specialist advice (legal and financial) should be sought before entering into a contract for any type of retirement living arrangement.
Sunshine Coast Elder Law staff are experts in all forms of retirement village contracts. Call 1800 961 622 or visit sunshinecoastelderlaw.com.au
Who can you trust with TDTs?
Recent federal budget discussions about trusts have sparked debate around Testamentary Discretionary Trusts (TDTs).
While the name sounds complicated, these trusts are commonly included in Wills to help protect children, grandchildren and inherited assets. But should TDTs be ‘lumped in’ with family or discretionary trusts when dealing with the tax treatment?
Brisbane Elder Law are experts in all forms of retirement village contracts. Call 1800 961 622 or visit brisbaneelderlaw.com.
Many lawyers and estate planning professionals would say no. Unlike a family trust, which is set up during someone’s lifetime, a TDT only comes into effect after a person dies. Families often use them to help protect inheritances from risks such as a beneficiary separating from a partner, bankruptcy, financial pressure or vulnerable spending habits.
There can also be tax advantages, particularly for younger beneficiaries,
but tax saving really isn’t the main reason most families use them. For many people, the driver is the asset protection and flexibility for future generations. It is a concern that if proposed changes do not specifically exclude TDTs, the people most impacted may be lower income beneficiaries and those in precarious financial circumstances.
I’m a Wills & Estates lawyer, not an accountant, but these proposed changes have the potential to significantly impact estate planning strategies. When the law is settled, it may be good time to revisit your estate plan.
FROM the pen of one of our favourite authors, this book has many features we have come to expect, following on from the success of The Dry
Many aspects of life in an Outback town are beautifully painted by Jan Harper’s descriptive passages, as the reader is drawn into the grief of a family and town gathering for the fifth year in memory of one of their young men.
Sam vanished without a trace when he returned from college for a short visit. The resultant widespread grief has been managed, as one can imagine, in various ways. With the impact of a huge mining company on an ever-dwindling small town population adding to the rising tension, Ro seeks answers to the what and the why questions around her son’s disappearance all those years ago.
Deeply enmeshed in the sad town’s secrets are accusations of betrayal towards those who have departed, their guilt and the bitterness of the remaining townsfolk.
While some readers may not be bothered by the slow-moving psychological aspects of so much sadness and despair, I found it a bit bogged down at times – not quite up to the high standard set by Harper’s previous works.
THE NAKED LIGHT
BANISHING BACK PAIN: RELIEF IS WITHIN REACH
By Valentyna Solowij
THE THREE HIDDEN DAILY HABITS MAKING YOUR BACK PAIN WORSE LAST ONE OUT
By Bridget Collins
Historical fantasy
Reviewed by John
Kleinschmidt
DESCRIBED as “a gothic tale that combines ancient folklore and superstition with the stories of three women post World War I”, I found the story underwhelming on ancient folklore, little about superstition and mostly about three women and the curiosity of a teenage girl.
Kit, an artist, paints face masks for grossly disfigured soldiers returning from the war. She becomes traumatised by this work and seeks peace in a quiet, English country town. On a hillside, etched into the grass, is a chalk face rumoured to protect the village from ancient menaces, including a sinister, murderous Thurlath (a hungry, wandering thing that resembles a man).
Kit finds solace in Florence, the spinster sister-in-law of the vicar, and annoyance in Phoebe, his teenage daughter, providing the background for the creepy folklore elements that make an appearance albeit far too late.
Hard to recommend.
THE DAFFODIL DAYS
By
Helen Bain, Historical fiction
Reviewed by Rebecca Walker, of Annie’s Books on Peregian
SET in rural England in the early 1960s, The Daffodil Days tells the fictional yet true-tolife story of infamous literary couple Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes through the eyes of the village community that lived around them.
Told backwards (beginning in 1962 and ending in 1961) through multiple narrators, the book traces the breakdown of their relationship by giving multifaceted glimpses into their lives in the years leading up to their separation.
Illuminating, lyrical and captivating, the story gives personal insights into the downward
spiral that eventually led to Plath’s suicide. And while that may sound depressing, the ‘early days’ of the story reflect the hopeful existence of a young couple pursuing their creative dreams in the English countryside.
Penned by British author Helen Bain, this poignant debut is based on extremely well-researched facts.
Equally whimsical and revealing, The Daffodil Days unveils Plath’s untimely unravelling in a new and truly unique way.
YOU go to the gym. You stretch. You try to sit up straight. Yet, your back still hurts.
After more than four decades as a practising physiotherapist, I began noticing something troubling. Some patients improved. Others returned to square one. And some never responded at all.
The real turning point came when I developed chronic pain myself. It forced me to rethink what I thought I knew. What I discovered is that most chronic back pain is not caused by a lack of exercise. It is shaped by the tiny, unconscious movements we repeat all day, every day –particularly the habit of turning to the left again and again.
For many years, I treated pain in isolated areas. But the spine operates as one connected system, and our so-called ‘harmless’ habits can cause significant damage over time.
Habit 1: Sitting too much.
Habit 2: Repeating the same movements.
Habit 3: ‘Relaxing’ positions that actually increase tension.
While many practitioners treat isolated areas, the spine does not function in isolated segments, operating as one connected system.
The insight led me to develop a two-part protocol of four simple exercises and specific habit modifications. The exercises stretch the tight muscles around the pelvis and hips, while the habit modifications strengthen the muscles that turn the body to the right, minimising the corkscrew.
Changing habits takes time. But it costs nothing. And when you treat the whole system, not just the sore area, relief is far more achievable.
– Valentyna Solowij
WILD DARK SHORE
By Charlotte McConaghy, Thriller
Reviewed by Karen Weiber, of Books@Stones, Stones Corner
A FAMILY on a remote island. A mysterious woman washed ashore. A storm gathering force.
Dominic Salt and his three children are caretakers of Shearwater: a tiny weatherlashed island that is home to the world’s largest seed bank. As Shearwater risks being lost to rising sea levels, the island’s researchers have fled but the Salts remain.
During the worst storm in living memory, a stranger washes ashore. The family nurses the woman, Rowan, back to
strength, but it seems she isn’t telling the whole truth about why she’s there. And when Rowan stumbles upon sabotaged radios and a recently dug grave, she realises that she’s not the only one on the island with a secret.
A novel of breathtaking twists, dizzying beauty and ferocious love, Wild Dark Shore is about the choices we make to protect the people we love.
I loved this book. The pacing, tension, climax and gut-wrenching twist were flawlessly executed.
GLP-1 PEPTIDE medications have quickly become one of the biggest talking points in health and weight loss.
Many people are now wondering whether they could also be the answer to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
While the research is promising, it’s important to separate the hype from the reality.
Recent clinical studies have shown that GLP-1 medications can help reduce the severity of sleep apnoea in some patients, particularly those with a body mass index of 30 or greater.
The reason is simple: weight loss can reduce pressure around the airway, which may lower the number of breathing interruptions experienced during sleep.
But here’s the key point many people are missing: GLP-1 medications are not a cure for sleep apnoea.
One year-long clinical trial found that the first 10 per cent of body weight lost resulted in roughly a 20 per cent reduction in sleep apnoea severity.
While that sounds significant, the improvement often plateaued beyond that point.
For example, someone with an apnoea-hypopnoea index of 25, classified as moderate OSA, may see that number
reduce to just under 20 after losing 10 per cent of their body weight. While improved, that person would still clinically have moderate sleep apnoea.
This highlights an important truth about OSA: sleep apnoea is not caused by weight alone.
Airway anatomy, genetics, muscle tone, age, sleeping position and other health factors all play a role. In fact, many people with sleep apnoea are not overweight at all.
CPAP Direct staff see daily how effective ongoing therapy and proper diagnosis are in improving sleep and overall health outcomes.
GLP-1 medications may play a supporting role for some patients, but they should be viewed as part of a broader management strategy, not as a silver bullet.
Visit cpap.com.au or call 1300 133 298.
A window of light into the world of healing for those challenged with cancer
MANY seniors in our community know what it means to live with pain that simply doesn’t go away.
For some, it begins after surgery or injury. For others, it can continue long after the original problem has healed.
Persistent pain can affect sleep, mobility, confidence and enjoyment of everyday life, particularly when standard treatments haven’t provided enough relief.
Noosa is home to Scrambler Therapeutics – currently the only Scrambler Therapy provider available in Queensland – giving residents access to a specialised treatment with roots in Italy, where it was developed more than 25 years ago.
Scrambler Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive neuromodulation treatment designed to support people living with persistent pain conditions that are often difficult to manage.
Now used internationally, the treatment delivers gentle electrical signals through small surface electrodes placed on the skin near the painful area. These signals are designed to introduce non-pain information through the same pathways that usually carry pain messages. The treatment is considered low risk and is generally well tolerated.
At the centre of this local service is
nurse practitioner Deborah Gray, founder of Scrambler Therapeutics, who has dedicated many years to working with people living with complex chronic pain.
Deborah’s commitment to ongoing education recently took her back to the therapy’s birthplace.
In May, she travelled to Rome for further advanced training with Professor Giuseppe Marineo, the inventor of Scrambler Therapy, alongside specialist clinicians from around the world.
Bringing this additional expertise back to Noosa means local residents can access internationally informed care close to home.
For people living with difficult-tomanage pain, Scrambler Therapy may represent another option worth exploring. People interested in learning more or discussing whether the treatment may be suitable for their circumstances are encouraged to contact the clinic directly. Visit scramblertherapeutics.com.au
Our focus is on gaining valuable research and a greater understanding of holistic, non-invasive cancer treatments and therapies.
At CanSurvive, we are dedicated to ensuring people challenged by cancer have a greater choice in determining their care and treatment
In doing so, we provide access to:
• Evidence-based research on traditional and complimentary care
• Holistic non-invasive cancer therapies (services)
• Books, Supplements and Events
• Support Groups
• Educational Seminars and Workshops
• Online Shop
• An extensive lending library with mail order service
MOST older people cherish independence and the ability to stay in their home for as long as possible, with their physical, social and emotional wellbeing still a priority.
That’s where in-home care services come in. In-home care enables older people to keep living in their own home, but with some help. Registered providers in the community deliver a diverse range of services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Support at Home program.
The health.gov.au website reports that the CHSP is an entry-level, in-home, aged care support program that helps older people live independently within their own surroundings and community. The CHSP also provides respite services to give carers a break. The program aims to: help older people live as independently as
possible; focus on enabling older people, rather than doing things for them; and give a small amount of help to many people.
CHSP will transition into Support at Home no earlier than July 1 next year.
Support at Home, which began on November 1 last year (replacing the existing Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs), helps older people remain at home as they age by delivering coordinated care and services to meet their assessed, ageing-related needs.
So, depending on your circumstances, you may be able to tap into myriad services – anything from short-term help with housework after a fall, to assistive technology including walkers or wheelchairs, and home modifications such rails in the bathroom, as well as transport to social group outings. Or maybe you just need someone to call in for a chat regularly. There’s even providers to assist you in applying for a needs assessment.
The assessment is the first step that gets the ball rolling. To access any governmentfunded help at home for the first time, you need to apply for an assessment on the My Aged Care website (myagedcare.gov.au/ apply-online) or call the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422. You can complete the application for yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend.
A little help could change your life or help a loved one thrive in their later years.
– SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
HINTERLAND FESTIVAL MARKS MILESTONE
THE Sunshine Coast hinterland will play host this winter to a vibrant celebration of connection, creativity and community, as RangeCare brings its Treasures & Togetherness festival to Mapleton.
The free event is set for Monday, June 29, from 10am-1pm at the RangeCare Op Shop on Obi Obi Road.
Locals and visitors will experience the beloved op shop like never before.
For one day only, the space will transform into a lively hub, filled with pre-loved treasures, hidden gems and the warm, welcoming spirit the hinterland is known for.
At the heart of the event is a focus on meaningful connection.
Alongside browsing unique finds, attendees can take part in a silent disco – an unexpected highlight that promises fun for all ages.
With headphones on, guests can immerse themselves in music while sharing a light-hearted, communal experience.
Families are also well catered for, with free games and activities, plus a complimentary sausage sizzle, and extra refreshments available.
Marking RangeCare’s 40-year milestone, visitors will have the chance to sign a commemorative guestbook and
explore limited-edition merchandise celebrating the organisation’s legacy.
Marketing officer Rebecca Whitaker says the event goes beyond retail.
“It’s about bringing people together and celebrating what makes our hinterland community so special,” she says.
Fundraising officer Stacey Rogers adds that even small actions – shopping, donating or simply attending – can make a meaningful difference.
And that’s the heart of the festival: a reminder that community thrives on shared moments.
Blending nostalgia, fun and purpose, Treasures & Togetherness reflects the generosity and spirit that continue to define Mapleton and its surrounds.
Visit rangecare.com.au
THE HIDDEN VALUE OF COMPANIONSHIP
AS WINTER approaches, days get shorter and older people are more likely to stay indoors, which can increase feelings of loneliness and isolation.
This is where the hidden value of companionship in aged care comes to the forefront.
A quality aged care provider understands the benefits of relationships and works to foster them.
Companionship helps to:
• reduce loneliness: social engagement significantly reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness, a major cause of depression in older adults
• enhance mental health: lack of social interaction increases the risk of cognitive decline. Regular interaction helps
maintain mental sharpness and cognitive function
• build strong relationships: companionship fosters meaningful relationships, enhancing quality of life and a sense of belonging
• promote physical health: older adults are more active when engaging with others as connection promotes physical movement, leading to better cardiovascular health and immune responses
• support independence: performing small tasks together, such as folding laundry, can motivate participation and support older adults to maintain their independence
• notice changes sooner: regular interaction fosters familiarity, making it easier to detect subtle changes in mood and behaviour. By identifying concerns early, individuals can access support sooner and address issues before they escalate
• support emotional wellbeing: social interaction provides emotional support, contributing to overall happiness and mental clarity.
All About Living staff know care goes beyond the tasks they are performing. Companionship is essential for the wellbeing of older adults, not only to reduce loneliness, but also to promote mental and physical health, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
Visit allaboutliving.com.au
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.
• Changing light globes • Gutter cleans
Plumbing
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.
We are a not-for-profit provider designed to support your lifestyle, not change it.
We provide thoughtful, reliable help at home that is delivered with respect, warmth and genuine connection including:
Support
Whether it’s a practical hand, a friendly conversation, or reassurance for families, our focus is always on people, not processes.
MOVING FORWARD BUT STAYING LOCAL
WHEN asked what’s on their bucket list this year, Ian and Elaine Davie don’t hesitate.
Securing their future at Living Gems Moreton Bay is right at the top.
For the long-time locals, the move is less about change and more about enhancing the life they already enjoy.
Staying close to familiar surroundings while gaining a more relaxed, connected lifestyle made the decision feel right from the start.
With the community coming together quickly and set to welcome its first residents from the middle of this year, they’re not far from living their dream.
A big motivation was simplifying day-to-day living.
Downsizing from a larger home means less time spent on upkeep and more time doing what they enjoy.
“I won’t be gardening anymore,” Ian says. “We’ll be spending that time enjoying the facilities instead.”
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED
The Davies add that moving to a boutique resort was highly attractive.
“Because of its size, I think it will be more friendly and easier for everyone to join in on the activities,” Ian says.
For Elaine, the sense of community is exciting.
“I’m really looking forward to the community,” she says.
Ian adds: “We’ll be very active in the community.”
The couple, keen to stay active and social, are excited about what’s ahead – from fitness and recreation to easy catch-ups with neighbours.
“We’re prepared to join in on activities and be positive,” Ian says.
The ease of the process also stood out.
“Everything is taken care of,” Elaine says.
“It just makes the move feel simple.”
Visit the Sales Centre at 273-308 Buckley Road, Burpengary East, or call 1800 957 981.
BUDERIM VIEW CLUB SEEKS NEW MEMBERS
INTERESTED women are welcome at the Buderim VIEW Club’s meeting and lunch, with guest speakers, on the first Wednesday of the month at 11am at Buderim Tavern.
Cost is $30, including lunch. RSVP to Gail at buderimviewinfo@gmail.com or call 0414 950 949 by the previous Saturday.
A social event is held on the third Wednesday of the
OLDER WOMEN’S NETWORK
LOOKING to meet other women, enjoy guest speakers, social activities and stay active in your community? The Older Women’s Network Maroochydore Branch meets on the third Monday of each month at The Avenue Retirement Community, 32 Baden Powell Street, Maroochydore, at 1.30pm. Call Lee on 0429 831 414.
MARY VALLEY ART
ENTRIES are open for the Mary Valley Art Festival, celebrating its 25th anniversary. Artists have until July 6 to lodge the paperwork. From July 23-26, Imbil Public Hall will be filled with hundreds of artworks.
Business Mentoring?
Business Mentors Sunshine Coast exists solely to support small to medium-sized businesses, helping owners navigate challenges and achieve their business goals.
If you’d love to use your business experience in a meaningful way and be part of someone’s journey, visit www.businessmentorssc.org.au
month at various venues.
Attending club events raises funds for The Smith Family charity, helping with education of students from disadvantaged families.
Buderim VIEW Club supports eight students in the Learning for Life program through this charity. Visit thesmithfamily.com.au/ view-clubs/find-a-club/qld/ buderim-view-club
CALOUNDRA Stamp Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month to trade through club exchange books, a bargain table where members sell surplus items, club miniaction, raffle and stamp of the month competition.
Meetings are held from 12.30pm at Bellvista Meeting Place, 18 Lomond Crescent, Bellvista. New members and visitors are welcome.
For more information, call Catherine on 0406018456.
RAISE FUNDS FOR THE SMITH FAMILY
SUNSHINE Coast women seeking new friendships, a vibrant social life and the chance to support a great cause are invited to join the friendly Caloundra Evening VIEW Club.
With more than 100 members, the club sponsors the education of 16 disadvantaged
Mentoring small to medium-sized businesses is both rewarding and enjoyable!
Australian children through The Smith Family. VIEW is about women, connection and community. Members meet for dinner at the Caloundra Power Boat Club on the second Tuesday night of each month with a guest speaker, as well as hosting many other social occasions.
Call president Beryl on 0419 678 349 or visit thesmithfamily.com.au/ view-clubs/ and go to ‘Find a Club’.
Members attend a recent Buderim VIEW Club social event, held at Maggie May’s Kitchen and Bar in Rosemount
Joanne, of Mogg Real Estate, VIEW member Prue and Jess, of Dovida
REGIONAL STAMP FAIR
THE Sunshine Coast Stamp Club is hosting the Regional Stamp Fair at the CWA Hall in Short Street, Nambour, on Sunday, July 5, from 8.30am-2pm.
Entry is free and in attendance will be regional stamp clubs from Enoggera, Caloundra, the Sunshine Coast and Gympie, plus three professional dealers.
There will be on-site refreshments, ample parking is available nearby and the hall has disabled access.
Activities will include: viewing and purchasing stamps and philatelic items from club exchange books, professional dealers and a bargain table; bidding on silent auction lots; and obtaining a free appraisal/estimate of your stamps.
For more information, call club secretary Jeff Marks on 0438 715 925.
CRAFT COTTAGE EXHIBITION
THE Buderim Craft Cottage annual Mixed Media Art Exhibition, Our Amazing Planet, is the culmination of 12 months’ work, exploring new ideas compatible with an individual artist’s chosen medium.
WHERE: Buderim Craft Cottage, 5 Main Street, Buderim.
WHEN: Now until Sunday, June 7, and open daily from 9am to 3pm. TICKETS: A free event. Visit buderimcraftcottage.com.au
PREPARATIONS are underway for the 12th annual Ridgewood Photo Fair.
The categories are: People in Black and White; Pets; Light and Shadow; My Town; Botanical; Ramshackled (Buildings and Machinery). Competition entries for 2026 open on Friday, June 12, with the cut-off for submissions set for Friday, June 26.
The Photo Fair awards night will be held on July 3, at the Ridgewood Hall. Visit roundtheridges.com/events for entry forms and more details.
WINTER HILLCLIMB
THE Noosa Hillclimb is considered to be one of the most exciting hillclimbs in Australia. The course is a challenging 1.5km stretch of closed public road, with 14 tight corners, elevation changes and highly technical sections that test driver skill and vehicle performance.
WHEN: June 12-14.
WHERE: Gyndier Drive, Tewantin.
TICKETS: Spectators welcome to attend for free. Visit noosacarclub.com.au
TINY HOME EXPO
AUSTRALIANS are rethinking the idea of ‘home’. Many are discovering that smaller living may offer a bigger life.
From downsizers and retirees to adult children returning home, the tiny home movement is attracting people looking for affordability, flexibility and freedom from rising living costs and endless maintenance.
This month, the Sunshine Coast Tiny Home Expo arrives at the Caloundra Sharks Club from June 19-21, showcasing some of Australia’s most innovative tiny homes and compact living solutions.
Visitors will step inside beautifully designed homes featuring full kitchens, stylish bathrooms, clever storage solutions, off-grid systems, luxury finishes and inspiring ideas for modern
NOOSA ALIVE! FESTIVAL
THE Noosa alive! festival delivers 10 days and nights of world-class arts, culture and entertainment, set against stunning natural backdrops of the region.
The 2026 program has officially been unveiled, featuring an extraordinary line-up of acclaimed Australian and international artists spanning theatre, music, literature, dance and thoughtprovoking conversations.
Festival audiences can look forward to an impressive series of ‘In Conversation’
living. For many over-50s Australians, the attraction is not just affordability, it’s lifestyle: less cleaning, debt and upkeep, but more travel and freedom.
The expo also features a range of products and services connected to sustainable and compact living, with experts available to answer questions.
Tickets, ranging in price from $20-35, are available online and at the gate. Visit events.humanitix.com/sunshine-coasttiny-home-expo-2026
events with some of Australia’s most respected voices. The festival also welcomes the return of Queensland Ballet, presenting the Jette Parker Young Artists in a world premiere season of choreography. A major theatrical highlight of the program is the world premiere of Coping with Winter by legendary playwright David Williamson
WHEN: July 17–26.
WHERE: Various venues across Noosa. TICKETS: Various prices. Visit noosaalive.com.au for the full program.
From up here, the feeling of Honolulu is one of pure nostalgia. I’m standing on an ocean-view balcony at one of Hawaii’s most iconic high-rise hotels – and I can almost hear the strains of the Hawaii Five-0 theme song swirling around me. Remember that music? As the helicopter pans around, actor Jack Lord stands gazing out on his domain: the beaches, palm trees and skyline of Honolulu expanding before him. And yes, he was standing on a penthouse balcony just above where I am, in this very hotel.
Opened in 1964, when the Waikiki streetscape looked a little different, the Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites is an icon, inextricably linked to the hit TV show that ran for 12 seasons from 1966 to 1980. Today, it overlooks the bustling Ala Wai boat harbour, a 15-minute walk from downtown Waikiki’s dining and shopping precinct.
I may not be in the penthouse, but my room is apartment-sized. The Ilikai was conceived as a condominium project but opened as a hotel that was soon welcoming not only the cast of Hawaii Five-0 but also celebrities including Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Jack Benny, Engelbert Humperdinck
Stopover Hawaii
the room in which the feisty Queen Lili’uokalani was imprisoned after she was overthrown in 1893. Across the street from the palace, my eye is caught by a striking bronze and gold statue outside an equally impressive building and I go for a closer look. The statue is of King Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian Islands and established the monarchy, ruling from 1795-1819.
A friendly passer-by tells me that I’m standing outside the Supreme Court – and that it’s worth going inside.
After passing through a security point – “guns not allowed” – I explore the ground-floor Judiciary History Centre: a small museum devoted to Hawaiian law and the transition to Western law that the 50th state now follows. Upstairs, under an elegant domed atrium ceiling, the courtrooms are empty today.
nuts and shrimp was delicious. On my last night in Honolulu, I splurged on dinner at the Ilikai’s signature Empire Steak House restaurant on the 30th floor, where the prices are as heart-stopping as the views. For the budget-minded, head up there for a cocktail and something from the bar menu.
LEE MYLNE returns solo to Honolulu for a deep dive into history and culture.
and the crew of Apollo 13. Elements of the hotel, including the glass lift and rooftop restaurant, were drawcards at a time when such things were not common.
It’s my third visit to Hawaii, but my first as a solo traveller, stopping over in Honolulu for a few days on my way to mainland USA.
As I’ve already ticked off Oahu’s major attractions – Pearl Harbour, Diamond Head and, yes, the shopping – I’m keen to dig a bit deeper into the culture.
My first stop is Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the US, once home to Hawaii’s king and queen. It’s a revelation: a reminder that Hawaii was once a monarchy.
This grand symbol of Hawaiian sovereignty was completed in 1882 but, only a decade later, the kingdom was overthrown and entered a period as a republic. Built in the ‘American Florentine’ style by King Kalakaua, Hawaii’s last king, it sits on sacred land and was home to King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi’olani.
Entry is by guided tour and is well worth doing for an insight into the lavish lifestyle – always with an eye to Hawaiian culture – that the royal family enjoyed.
There are many surprises, too, including
My appetite for learning more about Hawaii’s history now piqued, my next stop is the Bishop Museum, a 30-minute bus ride from Waikiki.
The museum was established in 1889, named for Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop: a member of the Hawaiian royal family who left her estate to be used to establish schools for native Hawaiian children.
Operating as a natural and cultural history museum, it has the world’s largest collection of Polynesian cultural artifacts and is a treasure trove of Hawaiian culture and royal heirlooms.
While dining alone is one of the most dreaded aspects of solo travel – especially for women – Honolulu has plenty of welcoming, comfortable options.
Book a table by the window at Monkeypod Kitchen at Outrigger Reef Hotel for views of Diamond Head and a sweep of palm-fringed beach while you dine on Hawaiian-influenced cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced produce.
I also found a terrific little restaurant on Ala Moana Boulevard, near my hotel.
Goofy Café & Dine is a licenced ‘surfer’s café’, upstairs in a classic old wooden shop building, serving dishes created with local organic produce. My Genovase spaghetti with homemade herb pesto, macadamia
For entertainment, I couldn’t go past the new Cirque du Soleil resident show ‘Auana (above) at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. It’s a thrilling show of acrobatics, hula and music, honouring the deep connection to the land and the people of these islands. ‘Auana is inspired by the stories of Hawaii, from the Polynesian migration, to the golden age of tourism. There’s even a nod to Hawaii Five-0 that has the theme tune stuck in my head again.
FACT BOX
Getting there: Hawaiian Airlines flies direct to Honolulu from Sydney five times a week, departing at 9.40pm and arriving at 11.40am. Since combining in September 2024, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines now offer more than 200 daily flights for non-stop access between the islands and great connections to the US mainland. hawaiianairlines.com
Where to stay: Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites has rates starting at US$300 per night. aquaaston.com/hotels/ilikaihotel-luxury-suites
What to do: Go City Pass has discounted entry to 40 attractions on Oahu. gocity.com
Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Auana at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel has two shows nightly. cirquedusoleil.com/auana
IMMERSIVE RIVER JOURNEYS REIMAGINED
RIVERS have always shaped the way people travel, carrying stories, traditions and cultures through the heart of some of the world’s most remarkable destinations.
With AmaWaterways, these waterways become the backdrop to a luxury journey where comfort, discovery and connection sit side by side.
From Europe to Asia and South America, each sailing reveals a different rhythm of life along the riverbanks.
AmaWaterways is known for its refined approach to river cruising, where thoughtful details elevate every moment on board. Spacious Riverview staterooms create a calm retreat after days spent exploring, while regionally inspired dining brings local flavour to the table.
Guests enjoy free wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, along with the signature Sip & Sail cocktail hour. What truly defines the experience is the level of choice, with a wide range of included excursions such as guided hikes,
cycling tours, cultural encounters and culinary experiences.
In Southeast Asia, a Mekong River journey captures the essence of Vietnam and Cambodia through an immersive river cruise that spans multiple regions.
From the limestone beauty of Ha Long Bay to the temples of Angkor and onward to life along the Mekong River, this experience blends iconic landmarks with authentic village encounters and meaningful cultural moments.
In Europe, a Rhine and Dutch waterways sailing travels through five countries including Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Medieval towns, vineyard-covered hills and the Rhine Gorge set the scene, with stops in cities such as Amsterdam, Cologne and Bruges.
Further afield, a Magdalena River journey offers a voyage along Colombia’s waterways from Cartagena to Barranquilla. This experience showcases the country’s colourful heritage through music, colonial towns, wetland wildlife and lively cultural traditions.
Each AmaWaterways itinerary reflects a signature blend of immersive exploration and considered comfort, designed to bring you closer to the heart of each destination without compromising on ease.
Visit travellerschoice.com.au to save up to $5250 per stateroom when you book before June 30.
UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY COMES WORRY-FREE
THERE’S something special about heading off on an adventure where all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
No worrying about maps, long drives or where to stay next.
Just good company, incredible scenery and the kind of memories that stay with you long after you return home.
And right now, there are unforgettable journeys that are well worth a closer look.
A trip that reminds you just how big and beautiful Australia really is a journey to the wild, wild west of Western Australia.
This tour is packed with beloved destinations, charming towns and unforgettable coastal scenery.
AUGUST 2026
From the crystal-clear waters and relaxed charm of Busselton (pictured) to the wineries and rolling countryside of Margaret River, every stop has its own personality.
You’ll experience the rich gold rush history of Kalgoorlie, soak up the laid-back atmosphere of Rottnest Island and finish with time in the vibrant city of Perth.
This tour is about more than simply seeing the sights. It’s about travelling with like-minded people, sharing stories and laughs along the way and enjoying the comfort of knowing everything is taken care of for you.
Join Coolum Tours & Travel (CT Travel) for an unforgettable adventure from October 11 to 23.
Visit cttravel.com.au or call 5391 1648.
North Queensland Savannah (11 Days)
Tropical North Queensland (12 Days)
SEPTEMBER 2026
Fraser Island (5 Days)
Wallaroo Outback Retreat (7 Days)
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4 Days)
Spring Gardens & Floriade (11 Days)
OCTOBER 2026
Wild Wild West of WA (13 Days)
Fraser Coast & Lady Musgrave Island (5 Days)
NOVEMBER 2026
Tasmania (15 Days)
DECEMBER 2026
O’Reillys (4 Days)
NSW Central Coast & Blue Mountains (11 Days)
MARCH 2027
O’Reillys (4 Days)
Norfolk (8 Days)
World Flower Show Sydney (6 Days)
IMAGE: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
UP TO $ 5 , 25 0 PERSTATEROOM*
Wonders of Colombia
Sail deep into the heart of Colombia along the Magdalena River, where centuries of culture, music and tradition come alive, while spotting rare wildlife along the way.
Highlights Cartagena • Calamar • Magangue • Mompox • Santa Barbara de Pinto • Sabanagrande • Barranquilla Departs 30 December 2026
Riches of the Mekong with Hanoi & Siem Reap
A journey begins in the mist of Ha Long Bay, moves through sacred stone at Angkor Wat and drifts along the Mekong, all experienced in quiet elegance aboard the
Highlights Hanoi • Ha Long Bay • Siem Reap • Angkor Ban • Phnom Penh • Oudong • Tan Chau • Mekong Delta • My Tho • Ho Chi Minh City
Departs 23 March 2027 15 nights from $10,014*pp Save $5,112 per stateroom *
Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals
thoughtfully chosen moments that bring the river’s character to life.
