“The world is your oyster”, “the sky’s the limit”, “dream big”, “you can be anything you want to be” – how many times have you said that to a young person seeking career advice? I know I have. I’ve said it because I want them to realise that while circumstances, luck and opportunity will play some part in their future, they shouldn’t limit themselves. Imagine. Believe. Accomplish.
If they want a job, business or profession bad enough, generally they can study and work hard to attain it and be successful. If they have a passion or drive to make a sport, hobby or pastime a career, go for it.
But most of us can remember a time when that wasn’t necessarily so.
Girls growing up in the ’60s and ’70s still had certain expectations placed on them to become housewives and bring up a family, or take jobs as secretaries, shop assistants and bank clerks perhaps. Female-dominated professions such as teaching and nursing also were acceptable.
Some were told that wanting to be anything else would be a pipe dream. Few females were encouraged to follow their ambitions. We saw the first men land on the
Moon but girls could forget any ideas of becoming astronauts and space engineers (real-life NASA employees Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, made famous in the movie Hidden Figures, were exceptions to the rule that we learnt about only decades after the fact).
The boys could do it, though, because they would be the breadwinners. Climbing the corporate ladder, securing promotions, gaining tertiary qualifications or switching jobs for better pay were expected of them.
Mind you, the boys also might be forced to: take over the family business; follow their father and grandfather as a fireman/ military man/builder; or train from an early age to realise their dad’s dreams of being a sporting superstar.
Thankfully, I had a choice. My parents encouraged me to be the first in my family to attend uni, pursuing what I loved and was good at: talking, researching and writing (though at the time, I still had no idea where that would lead).
For this month’s cover story, journalist Carrol Baker interviews a few personalities to see how their childhood dreams and wishes panned out. And for those of you who loved to play dress-ups in a checked shirt, jeans, chaps and Stetson hat, Marie Barbieri saddles up and heads to Nevada’s Cowboy Corridor for our travel feature.
PS Happy Mother’s Day.
Shirley Sinclair Editor
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When I grow up, I want to be ...
CARROL BAKER speaks to prominent Aussies about their childhood dreams for their future and how their career journey evolved over the decades.
When you were a child, what did you want to be? Childhood dreams and what we imagine we’ll be doing as grown-ups can sometimes be quite different to the reality, looking back.
My father worked for Castrol as a sales rep, and when I was 10, he brought home a 44-gallon drum. I thought, “I’m going to be a circus performer” and learned to traverse the length of the backyard, rolling it underfoot while trying to juggle oranges.
I had some spectacular falls. Needless to say, I didn’t run away to join the circus.
I was curious about other childhood musings. So, I’ve rounded up a few locals and had a yarn with them about their childhood dream jobs, and how that all played out in the real world.
BILL EDBROOKE, 60, retired police sergeant – Bill recently wrapped up 30 years on the job.
“I’ve absolutely no regrets about my choice of career,” he says.
“But who would have thought a spur-of-the-moment decision 39 years ago would have resulted in such a long and rich life experience?”
Growing up, Bill imagined he’d become a tradesman fitter. And, sure enough, he was – until he decided on a radical career pivot.
It was May 1985 and Bill was buying lunch. An apprentice told Bill that he’d applied for the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
“While waiting for my potato scallops to cook, I thought about what he’d said for five minutes, before
going to the public phone and calling for an application pack,” Bill recalls.
Eight weeks later, Bill walked through the Police Academy gates at Oxley.
He’s had many great experiences within QPS, and carved out a stellar career that’s taken him from Townsville to Mount Isa, as well as Burketown, Normanton, Karumba, Doomadgee proper, Boulia, Cloncurry and a half-a-dozen or so Birdsville Races.
One memorable job was when he was on the Northern Territory border at the Gulf.
After wild weather, he was involved in a double rescue of two teachers missing for four days and whom he discovered unharmed, plus a family which was bogged in the same remote and rugged region.
“We recovered their vehicle, too, and all camped overnight on the beach, caught and cooked some mud crabs, had a big fire and barbecue,” he muses.
Now Bill’s hung up his handcuffs and is enjoying retirement, travelling with his wife Elly.
MICHELE LIPNER, 73, OzHarvest Sunshine Coast founder – As a child, Michele wanted to be an astronomer.
Bill Edbrooke as a police sergeant (left) and a tradesman fitter
“I’d seen the movie Invaders from Mars,” she says.
“My career aspirations would change often, depending on what movie I’d watched.”
But, as she grew older, Michele realised one important thing: “I knew I wanted to help people.”
She studied and attained her masters degree in clinical psychology and a PhD in sociology.
She was consulting in international aid and development and went to Ethiopia at the time of the break-up of the 17-year Marxist regime.
“I loved it and I felt like, for the first time, I was living my life,” she says.
That desire to help others saw Michele reach out to OzHarvest to start a Sunshine Coast chapter in 2014.
“It began as a snowball that just kept growing and growing,” she says.
On the Sunshine Coast and in Gympie, more than 120 OzHarvest volunteers have delivered in excess of 2.1 million meals and supported 45 charities feeding people in need.
Michele has some incredible stories to share of those whom the organisation has helped.
“One memorable one was of a young mum who was able to give her kids fresh fruit and vegetables –something she’d been unable to do for a few years,” she says.
When asked if she’d ever retire, Michele says, “Never say never. I’m currently on a quest to find something that captures my passion and gives me a sense of purpose.”
CAROLINE HUTCHINSON, 56, radio personality – “When I was very young, my burning passion was to be a teacher,” Caroline says.
She remembers being asked to go to the office to retrieve photocopying for the teacher.
“I was stoked. I thought, ‘This is exactly who I want to be – the person who gives the handouts’,” Caroline remembers.
She’d toyed with the idea of going into radio, after some encouragement from her mum, and had also thought about becoming a journalist.
In the end, radio won out when an uncle in Sydney invited Caroline to stay.
“Come and have a bit of an adventure. There are lots of courses in radio you can do,” he told her.
Caroline’s first job offer was in TV news.
“I loved it, and when I had my second child, I jumped out of journalism and into announcing,” she says.
It’s a job that somewhat defined who she is, and also has had its share of unforgettable moments.
One was setting the record for the longest Mexican wave for the Give Me 5 children’s medical fundraising campaign.
“We had people holding hands from Alex surf club to Mooloolaba surf club. It was brilliant. We couldn’t believe we pulled it off,” she says.
Caroline has stepped aside from her role in radio and is embarking on a new venture.
“I will always love radio, and now I’m enjoying my new life,” she says.
“I’m working with my girlfriend Lisa Rowe (former CEO of the Wishlist hospital charity) and launching a PR agency called Our Shout.”
BRETT HIGGINS, 57, skydiving instructor – As a young child, Brett grew up on a farm in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales.
“I thought I’d end up a farm boy,” he says.
Instead, he swapped milking cows for a tradie’s toolbox, moved to the Central Coast and became a mechanic.
His life changed when a workmate suggested a tandem skydive.
“I thought, ‘Why not? Just for the hell of it’,” he says.
“I’d always wondered what it would be like jumping out of a plane.
“It was a bit surreal, but I wasn’t nervous at all.”
A few years later, after an 18-month stint travelling overseas, Brett watched cult movie Point Break, which features Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze skydiving.
“I called Drop Zone the next morning and booked the course to become a skydiver,” he says.
It wasn’t long before Brett was hooked.
He now teaches skydiving and enjoys taking people on tandem jumps.
“I love it. Everyone’s different. Some people are very nervous; others are laid back,” he says.
Brett’s also broken a few Guinness World Records along the way – among them, the largest canopy formation jump, with 99 other skydivers.
He’s amassed a staggering 13,562 jumps over 32 years, and he’s not hanging up his parachute any time soon.
“I’m getting a bit older. My body’s not as nimble as it used to be, but I’ll be doing it for as long as I can,” he says.
Caroline Hutchinson with new business partner Lisa Rowe (left) and as a young schoolgirl
Michele Lipner as a respected figure in international aid (left) and with OzHarvest
Brett Higgins with a skydiving client
What’s
What to book
FANCY some flamenco dancers with a 10-course share-style tapas lunch at Maroochydore’s Toro Bar and Kitchen? How about a Farm to Fork lunch featuring celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita at Yandina Station? Or maybe take a seat at the Celebrate Glasshouse Country Long Lunch in a lychee orchard at Yanalla Farms, Beerwah, with second-generation farmers Robert and Karen Martin (pictured)? A fire-cooked feast and pottery glazing class, anyone? Perhaps the Beers, Boots & Bulls at Your Mates’ country-style dinner party with smoked meats, cold brews, and mechanical bull action is more your speed? These are all part of the 60-plus events in the annual celebration of everything Sunshine Coast: The Curated Plate food and drink festival, from July 25 to August 3. Buy tickets at thecuratedplate.com.au
What to read
Back in the day…
BRISBANE author, artist, corporate trainer and documentary maker Vicki Bennett has written 30 books, and last month launched her latest novel: The Letters “Most families have secrets – but mine held one that took a decade to unravel,” she says. “After my grandfather passed away, hidden letters from a French woman emerged, revealing that when he returned home to Australia after World War I, he left behind a family in Europe.” The result is a gripping story of adventure, passion and generational healing. In 1973, Ruby Scott, a 21-year-old uni student, discovers her grandfather James Scott’s hidden history when tasked with delivering letters to a mysterious French woman. Her journey to uncover the truth takes an unexpected turn when she is transported to war-torn 1917. As Ruby forms a bond with a Resistance fighter and meets her young grandfather serving in the trenches, she learns how trauma shapes lives and legacies. Visit vickibennett.com
How
to say ‘I love you’
TREAT the leading women in your life to an unforgettable experience at Brisbane’s oldest European-style residential property. Indulge in a Mother’s Day High Tea on the veranda of Newstead House, overlooking the Brisbane River. Boasting a reputation for hosting lavish parties dating to 1846, Newstead House will once again open its doors on Sunday, May 11, following a three-year, $5.5 million restoration project. This year’s high tea has two sittings at 10am and 1pm. Guests can enjoy two hours of the finer things in life, with a glass of sparkling on arrival. Savoury treats include zucchini and haloumi fritters with smoked salmon and crème fraiche, roasted Mediterranean vegetable quiches and ribbon sandwiches. Sweet treats include pink lamingtons, chocolate tarts, macadamia and caramel slice, lemon curd tarts and scones. Tickets are $109 per person and pre-booking is essential at newsteadhouse.com.au/mothers-day-high-tea/
SCREAMING, tartan-wearing teens climbed the wire fence at Brisbane Airport to get the first look at their idols in the flesh when Rollermania came to town in 1975. The Bay City Rollers played Festival Hall on December 8 that year. The classic line-up of the boys from Edinburgh was guitarists Eric Faulkner and Stuart Wood, singer Les McKeown, bassist Alan Longmuir and his younger brother Derek Longmuir on drums. The band sold 120 million records and conquered the UK, US, Australia and Japan. Teen hysteria followed them everywhere. Hits included Bye Bye Baby and Remember (Sha-La-La-La). The group imploded when McKeown left in 1978. Bitter court battles over money they should have been paid dragged on for many years.
Who to see live
CATCH the hits of legendary Aussie singer-songwriter-musician Russell Morris live one last time on August 22 at the QPAC Concert Hall during The Farewell Tour. Morris is set to hang up his hat and guitar after 58 hectic years of vans, hotels, auditoriums, pubs, clubs, planes, late nights, early starts, rehearsal rooms, backstage jams and meals on the run. He is renowned for his unique blend of rock, blues and pop influences that have resonated across generations. Morris first captured the Australian music scene’s attention in the 1960s with his now-signature song The Real Thing. His rich catalogue of songs includes Sweet, Sweet Love, Wings of an Eagle and Hush. For tickets, visit qpac.com.au/whats-on/2025/russell-morris
Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.
YOKO A SENIOR CELEBRITY
AGED 92, Yoko Ono is living on a farm in upstate New York after years of advocating peace through peaceful means.
She was always a mystery woman, inseparable from John Lennon until he was shot dead in New York in 1980.
Yoko was a contentious figure for Beatles fans who attributed her presence to the break-up of the ‘Fab Four’.
The intensity of the abuse Yoko received led to three miscarriages and it was a Beatles fan who shot her besotted lover.
John was drawn to Yoko at an exhibition of her art and photography in London.
They hit it off immediately, sparking a passionate affair.
However, the couple lost public support when John left his wife Cynthia.
Subsequently, John and Yoko married and promoted love and peace with ‘bed-ins’ around the world as they collaborated to write the song Give Peace
a Chance The song has been used as an anti-war anthem over generations through the Vietnam, Gulf and Ukrainian wars.
The remaining Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, have incorporated the song into their live performances as a tribute to John and his passion for love and peace.
John went on to write the single Imagine, encouraging the listener to imagine a world at peace without the barriers of borders or the divisions of religion and nationality.
Shortly before his death, John said that most of the lyrics of his biggestselling single came from his wife.
After a tempestuous life, Yoko is living out her days as a senior –quietly listening to the wind and watching the sky.
How we used to get our message across via the telegraph office
AUDIENNE BLYTH looks at a time when Morse Code and telegrams ruled long-distance communication – more than a century before social media.
Modern communication and its methods leave us in wonder.
A recent trip on The Ghan reminded me of another wonder of the age.
In 1872, a telegraph line from Adelaide to Darwin was opened, enabling fast communication between Australia and the rest of the world.
In 1837, Samuel Morse invented the system of morse code used in the electric telegraph. Messages, using a set of dots and dashes assigned to each letter of the alphabet, could be sent faster than any other invention previously made – the wonder of the age.
The distress signal SOS was three dots/ three dashes/three dots.
The discovery of gold at Gympie in 1867 brought development: a road was built between Brisbane and Gympie.
A telegraph line was established along it – a marked tree line, a bush track, slow and unreliable.
City investors needed to know about gold finds. Maintenance on the 267km (166 mile) ‘galvanised wire’ was carried out by a
linesman from either Caboolture or Gympie. There were continual mishaps along the line, especially after bad weather.
The poles, hopefully made to last, of ironbark or bloodwood might have collapsed or the wires might have broken from storm damage.
As well, the line needed to be clear of trees and undergrowth.
In 1874, a telegraph office was opened in Yandina.
William Peter Clark, who built other government buildings, was the Bli Bli contractor for a cost of 340 pounds.
The building contained four large rooms with a veranda all around, a generous-sized kitchen and a brick open fireplace and chimney.
On one side of the building, there was a small window for inquiries or the lodging of telegrams.
The officer-in-charge and his assistant were required to maintain the line from Landsborough to Tuchekoi: a distance of 93km (58 miles).
As the men were often away from the office, telegrams could be left at the
nearby hotel. The cost was one shilling for 10 words and one penny for each additional word.
The names of the men who worked the station were John Power, Charles Miller, H Bishop, Robert Scott and Joshua Davies.
By 1887, the officers complained that the building was being eaten by white ants and needed extensive repairs.
The postmaster general would not agree to the expense.
His reason was that the railway would soon be opened and the business of the telegraph office and equipment would be rehoused at the railway station.
In 1891, the Yandina Railway Station was opened and the station master duly became the telegraph officer as the telegraph line was also relocated along the railway line. A third title was added when he also became the postmaster.
The old telegraph office did receive a new lease on life when it was used as a police station in 1891. Police were stationed there for a year and were expected to patrol the railway construction camp, Main Camp at Mount Earwah, Eumundi.
It was believed that at Yandina, the two constables would be far enough away from the great temptations of such a place, yet close enough to make raids on the trading of illicit grog – which they successfully did.
The Yandina Telegraph Office was sold and became a private dwelling to be renovated beyond recognition.
In 2025, little remains to remind us of its glory days.
Audienne Blyth is a member of the Nambour Historical Museum, open 1-4pm Wednesdays to Fridays, and 10am-3pm Saturdays.
Yandina Telegraph Station: the internet of the 1800s. IMAGE: Sunshine Coast Heritage Library
VE DAY IN DUNEDIN
By Margaret Sawyers
I AM 94 years old, having lived through World War II as a child.
While I grew up in New Zealand, I now live in Mooloolah.
Having grown up with my older sister Isobel on our parents’ sheep and cattle farm on the Taieri Plains in the South Island of New Zealand, I attended The Dunedin Technical College, where I practised playing the violin in the school’s orchestra.
As the farm was situated about 20km from Dunedin, I needed to stay at my girlfriend’s house closer to town when we attended out-of-school activities. During these times, there was no public transport available.
One Wednesday afternoon, we needed
to attend orchestra practice, so we walked to the Dunedin Town Hall from her house.
We noticed, and commented to each other, about how unusually quiet the streets were. It was like a ghost town and we could not understand why.
We attended our two-hour practice to prepare for a concert that evening and went to walk back to my friend’s house.
The hall doors were opened and we ventured outside. To our surprise, the streets were now crowded with people.
There were thousands of people, all milling around, seemingly happy and excited in mood. The streets were so crowded that no vehicles could get through the streets.
We asked what was happening and were told that Victory in Europe had just been declared. This became known as VE Day, still an important date today.
At last the war in Europe was over, and everyone was ecstatic! People danced in the street and we happily joined in.
As teenagers, we knew that this would mean no more deaths at war. No longer would we need to scan newspapers to find the names of family members and local people who we knew, who had lost their lives fighting in the war.
As it turned out, the evening concert that we had planned for became an immediate success, with seemingly every person living on the plains attending to celebrate.
SABRINA’S NEW HOME AWAITS
4 PAWS Animal Rescue is in need of an urgent foster carer for Sabrina, 14, an extremely friendly cat with a wonderful character. All her vet fees will be paid for.
This year marks 20 years that 4 Paws Animal Rescue has been helping homeless dogs and cats on the Sunshine Coast. A fundraising lunch will be held at Headland Golf Club on May 31.
Visit 4pawsanimalrescue.org.au or call 0438 346 608 for all the details.
CALOUNDRA FAMILY HISTORY
THE next Caloundra Family History meeting on Thursday, May 15, will see the return of a favourite CFHRI presenter, Dr Jon Prangnell.
Dr Prangnell will present ‘North Brisbane Burial Ground – solving a Mystery’. How do you identify remains without a burial register or viable DNA?
A recent meeting of Caloundra Family History featured members who shared their research techniques and curious finds. These included how inheritance is shared with descendants when there is no will and the emotional search for a father.
For more details and to register your attendance at the next meeting, go to caloundrafamilyhistory.org.au
HARMONY Day is a time to celebrate all the different cultures in Australia.
Friendship Force Sunshine Coast members promoted this multicultural theme by wearing ‘Harmony orange’ or their blue club shirts to enjoy a pot-luck lunch of international foods and an afternoon of games from various countries.
The aim of Friendship Force is to improve intercultural friendships by living together for a week with members in other countries.
For further information, call Jenny on 0448 866 141.
FRIENDSHIP FORCE TAI CHI OFFERED
THE Taoist Tai Chi Society of Australia will offer two weekly tai chi sessions at the Beerwah Community Hall, starting in May.
The one-hour sessions will be Tuesdays at 6.30pm and Thursdays at 9.30am at Beerwah Community Hall, 25 Peachester Road, Beerwah.
Pre-registration is essential. Email sunshinecoast@taoisttaichi.org or call 1800 108 801. The first session is obligation free. In addition, a one-off introductory half-day will be offered on Sunday, June 1, from 9.30am-12.30pm (cost is $30). This event will offer an extended introduction to the first few moves of tai chi and participants can then join ongoing sessions. Visit taoisttaichi.org
VE Day celebrations in London on May 8, 1945. A truck of revellers passes through The Strand
Life in the slow lane
By Mocco Wollert
I ALWAYS have good intentions of having a beauty regime.
Encouraged and challenged by glossy advertising, I head for a David Jones or Myers, looking for the skincare counters.
There are many but, brainwashed by advertising, I know what to look for.
I buy cream to cleanse, cream to soften, cream to nourish, cream to add collagen. I use them for a little time until I fall back into my soap-and-water routine with a moisturiser afterwards.
Time and time, I fall for the same old spiel, the same old promises: your skin will be amazing; those wrinkles will be barely noticeable; you’ll emerge with a new face.
Yeah well, it might be a new face, but it still has the same old wrinkles!
However, I have been assured a facial is a very good investment and a must in my beauty regime. So off I go.
The young beauty therapist helps me onto the table. The room is peaceful and soft music plays. Tinkling water music, repeating itself over and over.
I foresee disaster. A certain urge coming on. If I could just turn that tinkling music off. I know I should have gone to the toilet before I climbed on that table.
Half-way through, I find that I am bored – I only admit this to my closest friend. Most women love a facial and will think I am mad.
From other women’s reports, having a facial is the ultimate in pampering and relaxation.
Maybe I feel bored because I can’t relax. I can’t relax because I am afraid I might fall asleep.
I have a tendency to snore and even soft little snores would not fit into the hallowed chambers of a spa and interfere with the tinkling water music.
Just when I finally relax under the ministration of the girl, she stops.
I don’t dare open my eyes as I am sure they are full of goo. I wait in silence. Then, suddenly, something very cold is slathered onto my face and neck.
“I am just applying your mask, dear,” I hear from a far-away voice.
“I’ll now give you a soothing head massage.”
When the hour is up, to the minute, I am finally released.
The head massage has destroyed my hairdo, and my eyes are
somewhat stuck together but I’m sure my skin looks young and fresh.
Well, maybe not young – although some of the wrinkles are probably filled with creams.
Pity that the creams will dissolve next time I wash my face.
Before I can pay, I am faced with a counter full of jars and bottles: all things I need in accordance with my beauty therapist. I don’t think so.
It is astounding always find money themselves beautiful.
In antiquity, it was elevated women –emperors – who did treatments are available
Despite hard times, being unaffordable, cost of living, beauty everywhere and obviously well. May you enjoy with
By Cheryl Lockwood
HOW good are 50-cent public transport fares?
Thank you, state government.
I recently had a lovely morning out, travelling 100km (return) by train and bus. The travel cost of my mini adventure was $2.
I haven’t used public transport a lot in the past because I grew up in the country, where bus and train services were scarce.
Car ownership was expected and something to strive for as a teenager.
Even now, train departure times are not always convenient for me. But most days, I can afford to spend an hour or so in air-conditioned comfort.
Shillings, Six Pences, Three
JEWELLERY
aboard third-class to get us to Bangkok.
“How bad can it be?” we asked ourselves with the enthusiasm of a couple of backpackers, half our age.
Famous last words. Our excitement lasted all of two hours. After that, we tired of the hardness of the seats, the swirl of smelly, humid air through open windows and the general uncleanliness.
The overnight trip felt far longer than eight hours, especially with nothing much to see as we rattled along in the dark.
Hubby laid out his sleeping bag on the dirty floor, while I attempted to snooze, curled up on the rock-hard seat.
One petite woman actually crawled into the overhead luggage rack for a nap. I was tempted to join her, but doubted I had the agility or energy for the climb.
The train stopped and started countless times as we traversed the country.
A visit to the toilet, its floor awash with questionable fluids, was terrifying and only undertaken out of desperation.
At Bangkok station, we stumbled from
the train like sleepwalkers and checked the timetable for a train to the coastal getaway of Hua Hin. A helpful staff member pointed us to the right platform with the words, “Train go now. Run!”
If our brains were in a functioning state, we would have opted for an overnight hotel and travel the following day. Somehow, we made our sleepdeprived, stiff bodies move fast enough to board with a minute to spare, where we faced another six hours on a train with as little creature comforts as the previous one.
When we arrived at our destination, we were so bleary-eyed, I’m sure we were drooling. Thankfully, it was nothing that a good night’s sleep wouldn’t cure. Not to mention a clean, flushing toilet.
While it was some time before I even got on another train, I didn’t let the experience scar me for life and I did return a few years later and tried out first- and second-class trains.
Here in beautiful, southeast Queensland, my train trip was comparatively relaxing. A short stroll from the station, the bus I needed arrived within minutes. A simple tap of the card and I relaxed into another comfy seat to be chauffeured to my next stop.
Thumbs up to our public transport staff for getting me from A to B safely and with a cheery smile. Love your work and the bargain basement price.
Visit lockwoodfreelance.com
How to choose the best phone fit for your needs
Technology can be confusing at the best of times, and with new iPhone models on the market, EDIN READ takes a timely look at the range of current upgrades and which might suit you for everyday use.
Let’s be honest, choosing a new iPhone these days feels a bit like ordering from a restaurant with too many menu items.
Between the 16 Pro Max, the 16 Plus, the 15, the 16e and more, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Apple’s naming system doesn’t help, either. What used to be simple has become a bit of a tangled web, and if you’re not following tech news regularly, it can feel downright confusing.
So, which one should you pick? If you’re thinking about upgrading your phone or buying your first iPhone, here’s what I’d recommend based on the current Australian line-up.
First off, it’s important to understand why newer is better. The iPhones are known for their longevity, but only the newer models receive ongoing software and security updates. These updates aren’t just cosmetic: they protect your information, keep your apps working properly and guard against online threats.
Using an older iPhone without these updates is like leaving your front door unlocked: it looks fine from the outside, but you’re at risk without knowing it.
Here’s the current spread of iPhones: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max – all released late last year.
Then, we have the iPhone 16e, which has replaced the old iPhone SE as the more affordable option. And still kicking around is the iPhone 15 from 2023. Prices range from $999 for the 16e, all the way up to $2849 for the top-of-the-line Pro Max. That’s a big price gap and a lot to consider.
Everyday Aussies – sending messages, checking emails, taking photos and watching videos – don’t need Pro models.
Sure, they’ve got flashier cameras and slightly more advanced screens, but unless you’re filming a documentary or editing photos for a gallery, it’s a bit of overkill.
The standard iPhone 16 or the slightly bigger 16 Plus are fantastic. They’ve got powerful processors, big and bright screens, long battery life and will be supported for many years to come. They also include Apple’s new Apple Intelligence features, which might seem fancy now but will become more useful over time.
The iPhone 16e is a clever choice, too. It offers great value for money and is ideal for anyone wanting a reliable phone without breaking the bank.
It also supports the latest updates, which means you won’t be left behind.
The iPhone 15 still holds its own and can be a good pick if you find it on sale, but be aware it’s already a year old. While it will still get updates for now, that support won’t last as long as the newer models. You’ll probably get fewer years out of it before needing to upgrade – something worth factoring into the decision.
Before you decide which model to get, take a quick look at how much storage you’re currently using on your phone.
Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and check the number. You don’t need to go overboard with storage, but it’s worth having some breathing room –particularly if you like taking lots of photos or videos. For most people, 128GB is plenty, but if your current phone is already close to full, it’s wise to go the next size up. That little bit extra can save a lot of hassle down the track.
Now, let me issue a friendly warning about older and cheaper iPhones. I know the temptation is strong: a secondhand phone or an older model from a few years back can seem like a steal. But often, the battery life is poor.
These phones might not even last you the day without needing a top-up, and no one wants to be tethered to a charger all afternoon. On top of that, you’re missing out on key security updates: a real concern for anyone using their phone for banking, emails or storing precious memories. So, if you want a good phone that will last, go for the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus. If budget is a concern, the 16e or the iPhone 15 are still excellent choices.
Apple doesn’t always make it easy to choose. But the good news is, you don’t need the fanciest phone – you just need one that works well, keeps your info safe and will last you for years to come.
Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au
A whole new life. Over-50s living redefined.
GemLife Palmwoods. Final Stage now selling.
GemLife offers luxury resort-style living with premium lifestyle facilities on your doorstep.
No entry fees, exit fees or stamp duty
Friendly community
Pets welcome
Gated neighbourhood
Extensive premium facilities
Luxury homes
Caravan and boat storage*
Retain your capital gain
Ageing-in-place solutions
Ph: 1800 718 414
Hybrids just make more sense for work and play in Australia
Bruce McMahon is looking forward to test driving the Ford Ranger PHEVs that tick all the boxes on paper.
Australia’s car market has slowed slightly and there’s particular concern in some quarters about the drop in demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
While sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and light commercial vehicles – mostly four-wheel-drive utes and wagons –remain the most popular of buys, BEVs were just 5.9 per cent of total sales in February, compared with 9.6 per cent in February last year.
While there are now dozens of electric vehicle choices in the showrooms, consumer demand fell by 37 per cent in the first two months of 2025, compared with last year.
So, as predicted way back, the shine had to come off the electric car market.
A slowdown in early adopters’ demand, prices, range anxiety, paucity of charging infrastructure and the antics of Tesla’s Elon Musk have all contributed.
Instead, there’s growing demand for hybrid vehicles: cars and utes which use a combination of internal combustion engines and electric motors for shortish,
all-electric trips and fuel savings while allaying concerns about longdistance travel.
Among hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), there’s a sub-niche: plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
These, as well as being able to generate electricity on the road, can be recharged from an outside power source.
Mitsubishi’s PHEV Outlander wagon was an outlier, and quite successful, from 2013. But today, there is a host of PHEVs from the likes of Alfa Romeo to Ferrari to Volvo (Outlander owners drive in electric mode 81 per cent of the time, Australian research reveals).
In 2025, there’s movement in the ranks of four-wheel-drive utes with the hybrid BYD Shark and GWM Cannon on the market and Ford’s PHEV Ranger due mid-year with a four-model line-up of the popular ute, starting from $71,990.
Ford states that the ute’s plug-in hybrid powertrain supplies this Ranger with 207kW and 697Nm while possibly running at 2.9L/100km.
The cargo tub has room for two
European-sized pallets and up to 973kg of payload. Ford reckons that’s 180kg more than any other plug-in hybrid dual-cab currently available.
Ford Australia boss Andrew Birkic says the company can’t wait for customers to get behind the wheel of the hybrid ute.
“The addition of PHEV to the Ranger line-up marks the first time in history that Australia’s best-selling nameplate has been offered with an electrified plug-in hybrid option, with the backing of an extensive nationwide dealer network,” he says.
“Our Aussie engineering and design team have created a plug-in hybrid that allows diesel ute buyers to begin their electrification journey without sacrificing any of the core capability that they need from a truck – whether they use it for work or play.”
The Ranger PHEV uses a turbo-
FLOORSTOCK SALE
charged 2.3-litre petrol engine, mated with a 75kW electric motor and 11.8kWh battery, for reportedly the same off-road and towing capabilities as ‘conventional’ Rangers.
A new transmission allows for a range of hybrid and EV modes, the ‘traction’ battery is tucked between chassis rails below the cargo tub, and a mechanical transfer case makes sure both axles can deliver the required power to all four wheels in rough country.
The Ford Ranger PHEV shows a lot of promise on paper and, if it works as well as the Rangers already available, will no doubt find a decent market.
At this stage in the motoring world, PHEVs and HEVs would appear to make more sense in Australia than pure battery electric vehicles for work and longdistance travel.
A whole new life. Over-50s living redefined.
GemLife over-50s lifestyle resorts. New homes now selling.
GemLife offers luxury resort-style living with premium lifestyle facilities on your doorstep.
No entry fees, exit fees or stamp duty
Friendly community
Pets welcome
Gated neighbourhood
Extensive premium facilities
Luxury homes
Caravan and boat storage*
Retain your capital gain
Ageing-in-place solutions
Ph: 1800 490 705
As a mother, grandmother and teacher, children have always been a focus in Glenda’s life. Now, through the gift she has left in her will to the Children’s Hospital Foundation, helping sick kids like Ava is her legacy.
Creating a lasting legacy
For Glenda, leaving a gift in her will to the Children’s Hospital Foundation was a unique opportunity to share what she has with future generations to impact the lives of our “beautiful children”.
“I had been a regular donor to the Children’s Hospital Foundation. The more I learned about their wonderful work, the more my passion for supporting them grew. And leaving a gift in my Will was the logical next step,” shares Glenda.
While no gift can ever give back all that childhood illness takes away, the kindness people like Glenda show can help save childhoods and lives.
Glenda’s gift – and every gift left in wills to the Children’s Hospital Foundation – supports ground breaking research, helps fund new and essential equipment and provides impact programs and services for every sick kid who comes through the doors of the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Glenda’s generosity will help save more kids like Ava.
Saving little lives
At just seven years old, Ava was in grave danger of becoming what her oncologist calls one of the “lovely ghosts” of cancer – one of the children who cannot be cured.
What was first thought to be a virus turned out to be stage 4 neuroblastoma – a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer and was given less than a 50% chance of survival.
Traditional treatments were not working for her, and after a gruelling regime of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, Ava’s chances of survival dropped to less than 30%.
Hope through innovation
After all other treatment options had been exhausted, Ava’s oncologist organised for her to take part in a trial at the Queensland Children’s Hospital that combined immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Ava was one of the first children at Queensland Children’s Hospital to benefit from this innovative new treatment, offering new hope for a cancer-free future.
“By the third treatment, the cancer that was riddled in the hard parts of her bones had all gone,” shares Tiffiany, Ava’s mum.
By giving even just 1% of your estate to the Children’s Hospital Foundation – after your loved ones are taken of – you could be the difference kids like Ava deserve.
Just like Glenda, you could give hope to families now and into the future.
“I would encourage everyone when writing or updating your will to consider leaving a legacy to the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Every little amount helps, and you will become part of the fabulous family,” says Glenda.
learn more scan the QR code or call Fiona on 0429 818 799 today.
Leaving a gift
How we can create a lasting legacy for many with the touch of a pen
SHIRLEY SINCLAIR looks at how a bequest in your will can help one special person or many thousands in the future.
Sometimes you don’t need to hear or see a ‘thank you’. The knowledge that you have done a good deed, made a difference or helped someone in the future is acknowledgement enough. And so it is with a bequest. Think of a bequest as a type of
‘gift’ that you can choose to leave perhaps to an individual, charity, community or sporting group as part of your estate, clearly documented in your legal will.
Safeguarding the financial future of your loved ones, championing the causes you’re passionate about, and
leaving a lasting impact on the lives of others you leave behind are all important considerations when deciding to list a bequest.
When considering dividing up your estate assets – savings, properties and belongings – you can give thought to how you might offer a helping hand to children, make life a little easier for a cash-strapped charity, buy muchneeded equipment for a community organisation, progress a cause or pass on a very personal legacy such as a collection that reflects something you have worked on or loved doing all your life.
The extent of your legacy has no bounds. And never underestimate the enormous impact it can have.
It could set up a young relative financially or help buy their first home.
It could save the lives of unwanted and stray animals.
It could provide inspiration to the next generation of artists through an exhibition of your life’s paintings.
It could secure new technology for a regional cancer centre.
It could stock a school library.
It could buy a new patrol vehicle for a local surf lifesaving club.
It could give an overseas child a better life or an Aussie kid a chance at an education.
It could add to painstaking research into finding a cure for a disease.
The list is endless.
‘Paying it forward’ with a bequest can have untold positive effects and impacts – ones that can change lives forever.
“‘Paying it forward’ ... can have untold positive effects and impacts –ones that change lives forever”
The beneficiary – from a loved one to faceless thousands across the globe – will benefit after you pass away, so you will never hear or see their thanks, feel their gratitude or know how the bequest has been viewed, cherished or put to good use.
But in documenting your will with these bequests secured, you will have peace of mind and maybe even some feelgood vibes about your lasting legacy.
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.
YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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.
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.
Gifts of all sizes are important, they are essential to fund the Research and the impact it has nationally and globally. A Gift in Your Will to QIMR Berghofer is a Legacy for the Future
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. 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
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.
For over 60 years, the Queensland and Northern New South Wales Lions Medical Research Foundation (LMRF) has fuelled transformative medical research by supporting early career bio-medical scientists dedicated to tackling urgent health challenges.
Pioneering Research for a Healthier Tomorrow
• Dr. Dominic Guanzon: Developing a blood test to predict ovarian cancer recurrence, offering a new hope for patients facing limited treatment options.
• Dr. Olivia Holland : Researching pregnancy health to mitigate long-term risks of gestational diabetes, aiming for healthier lives for mothers and children alike.
Building the Next Generation of Scientists Through the SPARQ-ed program, LMRF provides scholarships for regional students, inspiring future researchers to push boundaries in medical science. Visitlionsmedicalresearchfoundation.org.au
Cancer Council
Queensland’s head of growth and impact Bradley Cameron says gifts in wills help to ensure the charity can be there for all Queenslanders, every step of the way, through cancer research, prevention programs and support services.
“A will is a deeply personal reflection of a person’s values and makes a profound statement about their life,” he says.
“When a Queenslander includes a gift in their will, it leaves a legacy of hope for future generations. We are so grateful for the generosity of every Queenslander who chooses to include a gift to Cancer Council Queensland in their will.”
Lockett McCullough Lawyers also offers the free will service on the Sunshine Coast at Suite 15/113 Poinciana Avenue, Tewantin (call 5449 7500).
If you’d like more information, visit cancerqld. org.au/get-involved/individualsupport/gift-in-will/free-willservice or contact the gift in wills team on 3634 5190 and 3634 5124 or email giftsinwills@ cancerqld.org.au
SUPPORTING GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH
THE Queensland and Northern New South Wales Lions Medical Research Foundation (LMRF) has a rich history of supporting groundbreaking medical research.
Among its notable past fellows is Professor Carlos Salomon, whose work in exosome biology has advanced cancer diagnostics, particularly for ovarian cancer.
Currently, the foundation supports Dr Olivia Holland and Dr Dominic Guanzon – two exceptional researchers.
Dr Holland, a 2019 Fellowship recipient, is based at the School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University.
Her research focuses on improving pregnancy health and understanding how events during pregnancy impact long-term health.
She particularly studies diabetes during pregnancy and the mechanisms linking placental dysfunction to complications and later-life conditions such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Dr Guanzon, the latest
LMRF Fellowship recipient, is based at the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research.
His research aims to develop a diagnostic test for predicting ovarian cancer recurrence and chemoresistance using extracellular vesicles.
This innovative approach could significantly improve survival rates for women with advanced ovarian cancer by providing early detection and personalised treatment options.
Supporting the LMRF through a gift in your will is a powerful way to ensure the continuation of such vital research.
Including the foundation in estate plans helps secure the financial stability needed to fund future medical breakthroughs.
Consult with your legal advisor to include the LMRF in your will and leave a legacy of hope and healing for generations to come.
Visit lionsmedicalresearch foundation.org.au
ADDING TO THE QIMR BERGHOFER LEGACY
QIMR Berghofer, established in 1945 as the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR), was the brainchild of Dr Edward Derrick, an early director of the Queensland State Health Department Laboratory of Microbiology and Pathology.
Its purpose is: “Better health and wellbeing through impactful medical research”.
Its vision is to “lead the way to significant innovation in health – nationally and globally”.
“Our greatest measure of success is seeing our research have real-world impact, and together we have achieved great outcomes for medical research and for the people of Queensland.”
For 80 years, QIMR Berghofer has been at the forefront of medical research, pushing the boundaries of science to improve lives. But it is not stopping there: the future demands bold ideas, groundbreaking discoveries and transformative innovation.
QIMR Berghofer has unlocked genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to heart disease, mental illness and
melanoma. Its research provided the knowledge for public health advice on sunscreen use, including the “Slip! Slop! Slap!” campaign.
The next chapter of QIMR Berghofer’s legacy will be defined by breakthroughs in genomics, immunotherapy and AI-driven medicine, advancing treatments that will save millions of lives.
At the heart of this journey are students and emerging scientists — the future leaders of medical research.
Their passion, innovation and relentless drive will ensure that discoveries today shape a healthier tomorrow.
Visit qimrb.edu.au
If you would like to know more about what
call us on: 0474 220 895 or visit our website:
ONLY A FEW GOOD SLEEPS AWAY FROM FEELING BETTER
HAVE you ever woken up feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep?
Does your partner complain about your loud snoring or gasping for air during the night? You could be one of the millions of adults living with obstructive sleep apnea: a common but often overlooked sleep disorder.
Sleep apnea is where a person’s airways collapse while they sleep, causing them to start and stop breathing many times throughout the night. It’s far more common than you might think. Studies show that about one-in-five adults may suffer from sleep apnea. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart
disease and stroke, due to the prolonged oxygen deprivation.
If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, start by talking to your GP.
They can assess your symptoms and provide a referral for an in-home sleep study, where your sleep is monitored overnight from the comfort of your own bed.
When it comes to treatment, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is considered the gold standard.
A CPAP machine gently delivers air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep, helping you breathe normally and get the deep, restorative sleep your body needs.
With a wide range of CPAP machines, masks and accessories from trusted brands, CPAP Direct offers tailored solutions and expert one-on-one support to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. The CPAP Direct team can guide you in understanding your diagnosis, through to choosing the right equipment.
Call 1300 133 298 or visit cpap.com.au
HOW
A RESPECTED wellbeing and mindfulness relationships coach, speaker and mentor is encouraging people to find their ‘inner happy’.
Elizabeth Jane says it is important to find our ‘inner happy’ rather than trying to attain it through external things and circumstances.
“The happiness you find externally is only fleeting – like celebrating my daughter’s birthday, I was so happy but it’s a fleeting moment, whereas your inner happy is always there for you to access and is independent of your circumstances,” she says.
“All that is required is for you to stop, park your problems and become aware of your breathing and senses. Become fully present.”
Here are her tips.
Mindfulness minutes – set your phone to alarm for at least three separate mindfulness minutes spaced throughout the day to take you out of your mind of negative thoughts and into your heart. Focus on some deep belly breathing and your senses.
Start your day with gratitude – begin by listing three things you are grateful for.
Move your body – exercise boosts mental wellbeing, too. Whether it’s yoga, dancing, walking or swimming, find an activity that brings you joy and do it regularly.
Embrace nature – spending time outdoors, even for just 10 minutes a day, can significantly improve your mood.
Nurture your connections – happiness thrives in supportive, positive relationships. Call a friend, send a thoughtful message or make time for loved ones.
Unplug to recharge –schedule daily ‘tech-free’ time to recharge. Use this time to read, meditate or enjoy a hobby.
Cultivate a growth mindset – shift your perspective on challenges by viewing them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Do something for others – volunteer, donate or perform small acts of kindness. It doesn’t have to be big to make an impact.
Prioritise rest and relaxation – aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night and incorporate relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness.
Be kind to yourself – if we are
not respecting and loving ourselves, we cannot expect others to love and respect us.
Celebrate small wins – life is made up of little victories. When completing a task, cooking a great meal or meeting a personal goal, take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate efforts.
Focus on what you can control – accepting or letting go of things beyond your control reduces anxiety and frustration. Choose compassion over anger and let go of past grievances.
Jane emphasises that true inner peace and happiness is always there for us to draw on.
Once we can foster our inner happy by tuning into the present, we attract and manifest this peace and wellbeing into our lives and also uplift our family and friends with our radiating inner happy vibe.
Visit elizabethjane.com.au
Breaking down the big changes coming soon in aged care
By LESA MACPHERSON
There has been a lot of talk about the approaching changes to aged care.
The date for introduction of the adjustments is July 1.
Essentially, the changes are about creating a user-pays regime.
Aged care providers will be charging a fee of 2 per cent of the cost of the aged care room, per year, up to 10 per cent for five years or more.
The fee is akin to an exit fee commonly
THE ROLE OF PROPERTY DEBT FUNDS EXPLAINED
GLOBAL financial markets continue to experience turbulence, driven by shifting economic policies and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
The appeal of traditional incomegenerating investments has diminished.
With interest rates fluctuating and equity markets unsettled, many investors are re-evaluating their approach in favour of more stable, asset-backed strategies.
Property debt funds are increasingly being viewed as a compelling option. These funds pool capital and lend to property developers, with loans secured by a registered mortgage over real estate assets.
This structure offers a built-in layer of protection: should a borrower default, the underlying property provides recourse.
In Australia, real estate remains a relatively robust sector and property debt funds benefit from this stability.
Unlisted property debt funds are also
seen in a retirement village contract.
One important aspect of the change is that it relates to aged care only.
In aged care, you pay for your accommodation as a lump sum (a refundable accommodation deposit or RAD), a daily payment (DAP) or a combination of both.
Previously, if a full RAD was paid, it would be fully refundable at the end.
Now, it will be subject to a deduction at the end of up to 10 per cent of the initial purchase price.
We have found that some of our Elder Law clients (and their families) initially confuse retirement village units, manufactured home parks (commonly called over-50s resorts) and aged care, bundling them all under the term ‘retirement living’.
Don’t feel bad about being confused – it’s easily done. They all encompass housing and various degrees of support.
However, the legal aspects – how you
shielded from the day-to-day volatility of public markets. Importantly, property debt funds provide consistent income through fixed-interest payments made by borrowers — an attractive feature in a low-yield environment.
With banks continuing to scale back their lending to small-to-mid-sized developers due to regulatory constraints, private lenders are stepping in to fill the gap. This dynamic has opened the door for property debt funds to secure favourable lending terms, translating into higher potential returns for investors.
And as borrowing conditions improve with lower rates, the risk of default may also decline.
For investors seeking a more measured approach during uncertain times, property debt funds offer a combination of income, security and resilience.
By JUSTINE CHRISTIE head of marketing,
Capital Property Funds. Visit capitalpropertyfunds.com.au
pay, the level of care and the lifestyle offered – are very different.
It’s very important to note that these are all very different concepts.
They each come under separate legislation and, accordingly, the contracts are very different.
The costs paid – ingoing, ongoing and outgoing – all vary according to the individual contracts applicable. They also vary from operator to operator.
It can’t be stressed enough that financial advice needs to be accessed.
Make sure you choose to get advice from someone who knows about elder financial matters.
Due to the complex nature of the contracts, it is always wise to seek the legal advice of a legal professional who specialises in elder law, rather than a ‘general practice’ lawyer.
Sunshine Coast Elder Law is an expert in retirement village, manufactured home park, and aged care contracts. Call 1800 328 952 or visit sunhinecoastelderlaw.com.au
Buyer (and seller) beware!
MAJOR changes relating to the purchase and sale of property in Queensland are coming into effect on August 1, 2025.
Traditionally, it has been up to the Buyer to satisfy themselves a property was ‘right for them’ by doing their due diligence and obtaining relevant searches – the old adage of “let the buyer beware!”.
Brisbane Elder Law are experts in retirement village, manufactured home park, and aged care contracts. Call 1800 328 952 or visit brisbaneelderlaw.com.au
The new regime requires a Seller to provide the Buyer with a disclosure statement with relevant information (along with copies of searches) prior to the Buyer signing the Contract.
If the Seller fails to do this (or if the information is incomplete or incorrect), the Buyer has certain rights including a right to terminate the Contract at any time up to Settlement.
The regime applies to residential and commercial property and there are only limited exceptions.
No doubt, a Buyer who is ‘locked in’ to an unconditional contract and then gets cold feet (or finds a more favourable property elsewhere), will carefully scrutinise the disclosure statement and the Seller’s information provided, to see if there is an opportunity to get out of the Contract. Often the Seller needs the funds from their sale to buy their new home. Sellers should obtain legal advice to ensure their obligations are met, to avoid a deal ‘falling over’ at the last minute.
Seller beware!
Road tripping Cowboy trails Nevada, USA
mishaps and unlikely bonds. Listening in, it becomes a tender tale of anthropomorphism on a touching scale.
Crouching behind yellow flowering rabbitbrush, our camera lenses rise.
Which way will they head next?
Cheryl Broumley, of Country Excursions, has done this many times. But for me, a novice cowgirl, it rewinds me to sitting on my mum’s lap, waiting for Black Beauty to bolt.
I’m neither a cowgirl, nor on a horse. But I am wearing an authentic Stetson, lent to me by Cheryl, a horse whisperer.
We’re in Nevada’s Carson Valley on her wild horse-spotting tour.
Sheltered between the Sierra and Pine Nut Mountains, this is home to Pine Nut Wild Horse Advocates: a non-profit organisation that protects the Fish Springs wild horses before us.
“Joining the 80 horses in our valley last week are the colt and filly newborns over there,” Cheryl points out.
“All are documented, right down to who was born when and from which mother. But working out who is dad is a trickier business.”
Road tripping in search of neighs, moos and back-country buckaroos leads MARIE BARBIERI to Nevada’s Cowboy Corridor.
We admire bushes of Utah juniper berry while meadow larks sing.
When hooves kick up dust, we know it’s action time.
“When a mare gives birth, she goes into a foal heat, but can still get pregnant,” Cheryl whispers.
“She throws out a smell, which drives the stallions nuts.”
We watch in awe at two males sparring over one fair maiden, until they call a truce.
Nearby, we meet Karen Martell, topping up a waterhole. When the natural springs and ponds dry up, volunteers haul in water.
Karen also conducts health and wellness checks on the valley’s horses.
Cheryl and Karen banter about which dude has a new girlfriend, which gentleman is a family man, which band has inherited colts and fillies from another, which charmer has earned a lady and raised her baby, and recent observations of mating
I’m unexpectedly emotional waving goodbye to the foals – but even more so, handing back Cheryl’s Stetson.
COWBOY COUNTRY
Inspired by all things horse and ranch, I begin the 40-minute drive north towards the I-80 that connects Reno to West Wendover.
Deep in cowboy country, its 400 mile (644km) length is dubbed the ‘Cowboy Corridor’. But en route, I derail to see Nevada’s oldest town.
Founded in 1851, Genoa is steeped in western heritage. Travellers and transiting emigrants also pulled over here after the first building was constructed at Mormon Station trading post.
Between 1860 and 1861, horsemounted relay postmen came through Genoa: a rest stop on the 2000-mile (3220km) Pony Express.
They trotted, cantered and galloped across eight states between Missouri and California, carrying locked mailboxes sewn into leather knapsacks. Meal provisions were rudimentary.
Within the 1865-built jail and
courthouse (now museum), I find a copy of The Pony Express Rider’s Oath One line reads that each of the 100 riders of 400 horses swears to never use profane language or drink alcohol.
The hardy horsemen permanently hung up their reins with the arrival of the transcontinental telegraph.
Being the birthplace of Nevada, townsfolk have meticulously preserved their handsome, weatherboard buildings. I lose an hour neck-craning at their elegant architecture.
IMPRISONED ARTISTS AND LIBERATED AUTHORS
Motoring the renowned I-80, I pull over at Lovelock. The town marks the western border of Nevada’s true cowboy country. Bringing art to Lovelock from behind closed doors was Buckley Nimy.
His work as a ranch hand during the 1930s ended when he was sentenced for attempted robbery. But Nimy developed an exceptional hand at sketching vivid black-and-white cowboy scenes from the confines of his cell and editing the prison’s magazine.
His talent led to his pardon, and he became known as the ‘Cowboy Artist’.
An hour later, I reach mountain-
IMAGE: MARIE BARBIERI
IMAGE: MARIE BARBIERI
One of Elko’s massive cowboy boots
Wendover Will on the Nevada/Utah border
IMAGE: MARIE BARBIERI
Wild horse spotting with Cheryl Broumley, of Country Excursions
backed Winnemucca. The city was named after a highly respected 19th century Northern Paiute chief and is the only Nevadan city with an Indigenous name.
In 1883, the chief’s daughter Sarah Winnemucca penned a book on Paiute life and became the first Native American woman to be published in America.
RIDE-EM COWBOY!
Winnemucca’s Buckaroo Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum showcases relics from the region’s early days. There, well-worn boots and saddles
hang alongside photographs of Wild West Hall of Fame inductees.
The weather-etched faces of strapping cowpokes expose just how tough ranch labour was.
Some 125 miles (200km) east is high-desert country Elko.
Commercial Street is where, in 1896, internationally renowned leathermaker GS Garcia set up his saddle shop.
Attracting customers from across the world, the business now operates as JM Capriola Co, where skilled craftsmen have been making saddles for presidents and Hollywood A-listers since 1929, along with other authentic yee-hah trappings.
Opposite, in the old Pioneer Saloon and Hotel building, is Elko’s non-profit Western Folklife Center, where the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering takes place.
It has attracted personalities within the Nevadan cowboy world, including Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Don Edwards and the late Ian Tyson.
The multigenerational, week-long jamboree sees poets, folklorists, singers, line-dancers, guitar-strummers, filmmakers and cattlemen creatively share stories of life on the ranch, through workshops and jam sessions.
January 2025 marked the gathering’s 40th anniversary – Elko’s boots are made for dancing.
DESERT ART
So deeply rooted in buckaroos and boots, Elko also splashes art across its ‘wellheeled’ streets.
I meet with 1.8m tall cowboy boot sculptures, commissioned for the town’s centenary in 2017. Hand-painted by 36 artists, they reveal the Ruby Mountains, wildlife and ranch life.
And thanks to the 2019 Elko Mural Expo, more than 60 stirring al fresco murals decorate the town’s previously featureless walls.
They compellingly narrate the settlement’s strong Native American heritage, Basque influence, the region’s mining and railroad history and, of course, much eye-catching cowboy and steed action.
CONFIDENT COWBOYS
A whopping welcome from Will the cowboy awaits me at West Wendover. And charmed, I am.
But sadly, I’ll be long gone come nightfall, when he’s said to reveal his true colours.
A local community and state icon, Wendover Will is a 19m tall neon cowboy sculpture at the Nevada/Utah state border.
He lights up at night, but not with modern LED. The installation was wired with neon tubing installed by the Young Electric Sign Company in 1952.
If I were to return after dark, apparently, he’d wink at me. Oh, the temptation
Visit travelnevada.com
JUNE 2025
South-West Queensland Outback Loop (12 Days)
Lightning Ridge (7 Days)
Brisbane Sights at the Star Casino (3 Days) - FULL
JULY 2025
Broome to Darwin (12 Days)
Carnarvon & Wallaroo (8 Days)
Brisbane Sights at the Star Casino (3 Days)
AUGUST 2025
North Queensland Savannah (12 Days)
SEPTEMBER 2025
Fraser Island Whale Watch (4 Days)
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4 Days)
Flinders Ranges (11 Days)
Brisbane Sights at the Star Casino (3 Days)
OCTOBER 2025
Murray Princess & Kangaroo Island (11 Days) - FULL
Elko’s historic streets
Where wild horses roam
IMAGE: MARIE BARBIERI
IMAGE:
MARIE BARBIERI
Experience the boldest and most innovative ships at sea, where you can hang 10 while deck surfing the FlowRider, ice skate in the middle of the ocean, soar on a skydiving simulator or brave the tallest slides at sea.
Sailing exciting itineraries covering in excess of 270 destinations in more than 60 countries on six continents, Royal Caribbean dials up the guest experience for adventurous travellers, offering bold onboard thrills, spectacular dining options, dazzling entertainment and world-class accommodation.
Enjoy mouthwatering cuisine, step back in time with architectural marvels and soak in exotic landscapes on a Royal
Caribbean sailing to Asia. Ring in the New Year with an Indonesian escapade aboard one of the world’s most innovative ships, Ovation of the Seas. Embrace an authentic Balinese experience by temple hopping, seeking waterfalls in lush rainforests and taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Celukan Bawang and Benoa in Bali.
Or take a round-trip cruise from Hong Kong on Spectrum of the Seas, visiting Japan’s captivating ports - from Fukuoka’s ramen and shrines to Kyoto’s temples and gardens, Sakaiminato’s folklore, Kanazawa’s artistic charm, and Sasebo’s seafood haven. Travel with Royal Caribbean to ‘the last frontier’ and experience nature and wildlife like nothing else. Get ready for a
thrilling journey through Alaska aboard Ovation of the Seas. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Sitka, explore the streets of Juneau and uncover the gold rush history in Skagway. Prepare to be awed by the majestic Hubbard Glacier, where you can witness massive ice calving into the icy waters below. Alternatively, set sail on an Alaska Inside Passage cruise aboard Serenade of the Seas. This scenic voyage takes you to some of Alaska’s most captivating ports, including Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. Get ready for a European adventure aboard the newly amplified Allure of the Seas. This cruise offers the chance to explore the beauty and history of the Western Mediterranean.
See the sun-soaked paradise of Palma de Mallorca and wander through charming old towns or relax on stunning beaches. Discover the picturesque coastal wonders of La Spezia, the perfect launchpad for exploring the Cinque Terre.
Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Rome, where ancient history meets culture. And witness the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast (pictured) in Naples, home to the ruins of ancient Pompeii.
Contact your local Travellers Choice by visiting travellerschoice.com.au
OUTBACK TO THE TROPICS
TRAVELLERS who want to explore their own backyard will be interested in Coastal Variety Tours’ Queensland Outback Explorer, departing June 10 for 13 days. This tour takes guests via Charleville for the Bilby Experience, Barcaldine for the Tree of Knowledge, arriving at Longreach – a town that encapsulates the history and culture of Outback Queensland. Longreach is the home of The Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the multi-million-dollar Qantas Museum where guests will be amazed with the historic memorabilia. This Outback journey is not complete without a trip to Winton, home to Australian Age of Dinosaurs, The Royal Open-Air Theatre and the historic North Gregory Hotel. From the Outback, the coach tour heads to the Tropical North via Charters Towers. Tropical North Queensland highlights include Townsville’s Magnetic Island (a World Heritage Marine Park) and scenic boat cruise of the beautiful Whitsundays, including Hamilton Island. Call Coastal Variety Tours on 55302363 for a detailed Itinerary.
EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH US IN 2026
– Tasmania
– The Kimberley
– Kenya & Tanzania
– Alaska Inside Passage & The Yukon
– Trans Mongolian by Rail
– Malta & Sicily
– France
GO WEST and discover Queensland’s big skies and wide, open spaces that are packed with history and adventure.
Some areas are household names. Others are little, out-of-the-way places with big appeal. But often the only discouragement to getting to see them is the vast distances.
Paul Brockhurst, of CT Travel, has solved that with a Southwest Queensland Outback tour for 12 days from June 9 – covering the miles in a luxury coach.
“Sit back and relax as we journey to SW Queensland,” he says. “Outback Queensland has always been a place for adventurous, independent and inventive people to create a life far from the city.”
All the floods have cleared to leave a sight to behold: vast plains of green – a once-in-a-lifetime vision. History is on show from the Roma cattle saleyards and the wartime secrets of Charleville airport.
Toogunna Plains (three nights) is an exciting new farmstay located in the Channel Country, midway between the towns of Eromanga and Quilpie. The fifth-generation, family-owned 52,600ha (130,000 acre) sheep and cattle property boasts 18 beautifully presented ensuited huts and cabins. There is a range of gourmet foodie experiences, bespoke station tours and exclusive sunset
locations. Then on to Thargomindah , Cunnamulla and St George, with a visit to Cubby Station not to be missed.
For a shorter adventure, try an eight-day escape to Carnarvon Gorge and Wallaroo, leaving July 14.
After a visit to Roma, settle in at the Wallaroo Outback Retreat. The station on 29,000ha of some of Australia’s best beef cattle country, captures the magnificent scenery of the Carnarvon Ranges from the western escarpment of the Arcadia Valley and is the ideal base for day trips with experienced nature guides to Carnarvon Gorge National Park.
See ancient forests with cycads thousands of years old, Aboriginal cultural sites, canyons, majestic cliffs where water has eroded a dramatic gorge system through layers of sandstone and rugged wilderness. Put a place to names that pique the curiosity: the Aboriginal site the Axe Factory, Date Rock, Cycad Gorge, Rainbow Cave and Mt Abundance Homestead.
Visit cttravel.com.au or call 53911648.
NOOSA EAT & DRINK FEST
NOOSA Eat & Drink Festival will once again bring together world-class chefs, celebrated restaurants, premium beverage brands and an electric atmosphere that will take over the region.
From Thursday, May 29, to Sunday, June 1, festival-goers can expect four dynamic days of delicious and innovative dishes, mouth-watering new menus, and chefs cooking up a storm against the backdrop of Noosa’s spectacular coastal and hinterland settings.
Highlights this year include the vibrant Festival Village, exclusive Signature Events, and an unmissable line-up of Restaurant Events. Food lovers will be delighted by intimate chef’s tables, long lunches by the sea, and surprising creative collaborations in unforgettable venues.
Hundreds of hospitality leaders will come together in a vibrant showcase of Australian culinary skills and ingredients framed by sand and surf, lush country vistas and waterfront vibes in this unique food festival program.
The Festival Village at Noosa Woods is the beating centre, offering an unforgettable weekend of indulgence at affordable entry prices. This year, the Festival Village stages showcase some of the best food talents from the region and interstate, with a diverse range of muchloved chefs. Chef talents include: Luca Ciano, Hayden Quinn, Warren Mendes,
Reece Hignell, Telina Menzies, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Alanna Sapwell-Stone, Louis Tikaram, Sergio Perera, Ben Cooper, Matt Golinski and Josh Emett.
The Official Opening Party, presented by Chandon, is on Noosa Main Beach on May 30 and kicks off under the stars, with live DJs, premium drinks and a menu collaboration between Noosa Waterfront, Agnes (Brisbane) and Mason (Bali). Expect continuous canapés, Chandon Garden Spritz, Stone & Wood brews and a buzzing beachfront vibe.
Among the Signature Events in 2025 is the Beachside Italian Long Lunch, presented by Ferrari, at Noosa Main Beach on May 30. For the first time, Main Beach transforms into a luxurious Italian escape, with an exclusive beachfront feast curated by Andrea Ravezzani, Guy Grossi and Luca Ciano. Expect a five-course share-style menu, paired wines from Dal Zotto, and handcrafted cocktails by Paradise Arcade.
Visit noosaeatdrink.com.au
TOOWOOMBA
Charleville, Longreach, Winton, Charters Towers Townsville, Airlie Beach, Town of 1770
FARE INCLUDES:
Motel Accommodation and All Breakfasts and Dinners, All Admissions and Touring.
Charleville Bilby Experience, Longreach, Hall of Fame, Qantas Museum, Winton Age of Dinosaurs, Royal Open Air Theatre, Historic North Gregory Hotel, Charters Towers Venus Gold Battery, Townsville tour, Magnetic Island, Whitsunday cruise Hamilton Island, Town 1770.
7-night roundtrip from Barcelona aboard Allure of the Seas®
Set off on a European adventure, from wandering cobblestone streets to enjoying sunsets over the sea.
Highlights Barcelona • Palma de Mallorca • Florence/Pisa (La Spezia)
• Rome (Civitavecchia) • Naples/Capri
Departs 05 October 2025
Balcony from $1,882*pp
Bali Adventure Holiday Cruise
8-night roundtrip from Singapore aboard Ovation of the Seas® Ring in the New Year with an exciting Indonesian escapade aboard one of the world’s most innovative ships.
11-night roundtrip from Hong Kong aboard Spectrum of the Seas® Cruise from Hong Kong to Japan’s poetic shores, where tradition, culture
Highlights Hong Kong • Fukuoka • Sakaiminato • Kyoto (Maizuru)
• Kanazawa • Sasebo (Miura)
Departs 23 November 2025
Balcony from $3,035*pp
THE SUGAR PALACE
By Fiona McIntosh
Historical romance
Reviewed by Jan Kent
WHEN one of Australia’s much-loved authors uses Sydney as the setting for another of her historical romantic adventures, she promises much, then delivers it in her usual style.
Her ardent followers have come to expect strong female characters, engrossing and heart-stopping drama and locations brought to life with vivid description. This novel delivers the whole bundle.
Set amid the clamour of The Rocks in the 1920s, not too far removed from the seedy underworld of drugs and brothels, the wholesomeness of Grace and the cheeky Alfie, to whom she is drawn, seems out of place.
But Fiona McIntosh explores this contrast with her usual skill.
With Grace’s ambition to establish a sweet shop where even the smallest customer can leave with an affordable treat, the reader can almost taste the sticky toffees and shimmering sherbets with each page turned.
With all of this to lose through Alfie’s shady past rearing its head, Grace unexpectedly finds herself making deals with madams and standover merchants.
McIntosh’s talent for descriptive writing and gripping drama makes this book yet another mustread from her pen.
DEEP CUTS
By Holly Brickley, Romance
Reviewed by Annie Grossman, of Annie’s Books on Peregian
PERCY Marks is a know-it-all when it comes to music.
Her friends roll their eyes at her constant dismantling of the popular music of the day.
Why can’t she just enjoy it? Percy is lacking in musical ability herself, but has very strong opinions, which she shares freely (and loudly) at any opportunity.
She meets up with aspiring songwriter Joey. They know each other vaguely, but find some exciting common ground over a beer in a local
THE HUNTER
By Tanya French Crime thriller
Reviewed by John Kleinschmidt
THE HUNTER is a sequel to an earlier book and may be best read after The Searcher , although it stands alone as a good read.
Set in a remote part of Ireland, retired Chicago Police Detective Cal Hooper and his love interest Lena have developed a parent-like interest in a local teenager, Trey Reddy, who helps Cal restore old furniture.
After a four-year absence, Trey’s feckless father Johnny returns to Ardnakelty and his family, with an Englishman. Both are promoting a get-rich-quick scheme intended to scam enough money from the locals to repay a debt owed by Johnny.
Cal and Lena try to distance Trey from her father’s scheme but she sees it as an opportunity to get revenge on those responsible for the death of her brother ( The Searcher ).
This is a well written book, very descriptive and with strong characters, spoiled a little by a less-thanabsorbing plot.
bar. Their conversation is all about music, and both have almost encyclopaedic knowledge of many styles, their roots and technicalities.
This is always going to be a romantic pairing but in time, disagreement, fame, competitiveness and, of course, sex exert pressure on this partnership. This book is packed with musical references from many genres and eras and it comes with a great playlist.
BOOK LAUNCH AND BREAKFAST WITH HILARIOUS PODCASTER
ANNIE’S Books on Peregian will present a book launch breakfast with Victoria Vanstone at Sunshine Beach Surf Lifesaving Club on May 8 at 9.30am.
Vanstone is the host of Sober Awkward, a popular comedy podcast, and became a renowned over-sharer on her blog: drunkmummysobermummy.com. Originally from Reading in the UK, she now lives on the Sunshine Coast with her brood of uncontrollable children, a rather confused dog and a very patient husband.
Mumming: A Year Of Trying (And Failing) To Be A Better Parent is a hilarious and painfully relatable memoir about a mum who sets out to revolutionise herself and her parenting – one failed experiment at a time.
Vanstone thought she’d be the kind of mum who would spend her days ironing names onto school shirts and who knew the best chocolate-chip cookie recipe off by heart. But as the years have ticked by, she’s got the feeling that that woman isn’t going to show up.
So, Vanstone embarks on a year of development –enrolling in a parenting course, implementing an exercise regime, and a holiday away from her family to reset the parenting dials. A hilarious author talk is guaranteed.
Cost is $50 per person and bookings are essential. Call 5448 2053 or email info@anniesbooks.com.au
THE JAM MAKER
By Mary-Lou Stephens, Hstorical fiction
Reviewed
by
Ingrid Nelson
I’VE always been a fan of Mary-Lou Stephens –there’s a natural rhythm to her storytelling that pulls you in from the first page. Her latest novel might just be my favourite yet.
Set in Hobart, Tasmania, the story begins in 1874 and spans a period of years as it follows Harriet Brown: a young girl who disguises herself as a boy to escape poverty and get a job as a label paster at George Peacock & Sons jam factory. Along the way,
Security, Independence & Peace of Mind
she crosses paths with real-life jam tycoon Henry Jones, of IXL fame. Like all of Mary-Lou’s novels, this one is meticulously researched. The gritty details of Hobart’s tenements, the jam factory, and the challenges women faced back then are so vivid and real. But at its heart, The Jam Maker is a celebration of strong women who refused to be limited by their circumstances. Harriet’s journey is emotional, powerful and absorbing.
With Quizmaster Garry Reynolds
1. What is the title of the 1995 movie featuring a piglet?
2. Which British band released Stairway to Heaven?
3. What common pharmaceutical is composed of acetylsalicylic acid?
4. What is the central part of an atom?
5. On the Moon, what are Hell, Billy and Julius Caesar?
6. What body of water surrounds New York City?
7. In which country did the inaugural Football World Cup take place?
8. Who is the king of Greek gods?
9. Who painted The Scream?
10. What is the largest whale species?
11. What is the name of the US stocks industrial average index?
12. What is the term for the cycle of rebirth in Hinduism?
13. What tabletop game involves sinking an opponent’s fleet?
14. Where was Superman born?
15. What is the world’s highest capital city?
16. Who was the lead actress in the 2018 film A Star is Born?
17. What is the smallest planet?
18. What animal has panoramic vision?
19. What is the name of the wizard in Lord of the Rings?
