I’m a walker, not a runner. Growing up on the northside of Brisbane, my parents built on a block with easy access by foot to shops and other community amenities, as well as two major bus routes, as neither of them could drive.
Just about every day of my young life, no matter the weather, I walked 3km to and from primary school (the day Apollo 11 landed on the Moon, I did it on my own as a six-year-old) or 3km to and from high school. I knew no different.
It was exercise I never used to think about. While lugging an overly heavy schoolbag was the downside, I was usually able to pass some of the journey by chatting with adult neighbours and schoolmates (even a boyfriend or two!).
I’m pleased to say that the joy of walking has continued into adulthood.
Apart from two broken metatarsals from playing sport, my feet have been sturdy, reliable modes of transport that I never have to wait around for.
We are blessed in Southeast Queensland to have a host of varied walking tracks, pathways and circuits that add to kilometres of golden sands, lake loops and scenic hikes.
A mild climate means we can make use of our surroundings year-round for walks.
I’ve even started what my husband calls my Sunday ‘walk and talk’ in a heated pool at the nearby aquatic centre, so there’s no excuse to stop in chilly winter months.
On holidays, I’ve been known to explore Old Towns and countrysides, clocking up 10-20km a day – because I believe the best way to truly experience a new place, its people, food, culture and natural beauty is on foot.
So, Your Time’s raison d’être this edition is to motivate you to start walking regularly if you are able.
Fido will love you, your body will appreciate the effort, and you might just have some fun as a bonus.
And if you really want to ‘clock up the Ks’, register for a charity walk or aim for a walking holiday – just like Beth and Ross Bennion, who talk about ticking off the bucket-list holiday adventures in our cover story this month.
And if you still need some encouragement, I highly recommend promenading around a ship such as the Norwegian Viva and strolling through history in ‘the Med’ – as I outline further in this month’s travel pages.
Enjoy the read (and then go for a walk).
PS: Happy Mother’s Day!
Shirley Sinclair Editor
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How to put a real skip in your step
SHIRLEY SINCLAIR tries to motivate herself and others to get up off the ‘Netflix couch’ and go for a walk.
From those first few tentative, wobbly steps as a toddler, humans instinctively put one foot in front of the other for the rest of our lives.
The joy those first steps bring us and our loved ones needn’t come to a halt as we get older. As the decades roll on, doctors, psychologists and personal trainers and remind us how important it is to “keep moving” to ensure optimum physical and mental health and mobility.
But ‘going for a walk’ in our 50s and beyond means different things to different people. It may be a fast track to social connection, with friends heading to the local coffee shop; a stroll on the beach; taking the dog ’round the block; or striding
out on a neighbourhood circuit. For some, it’s taking steps towards fundraising for charity – such as Coastrek for Beyond Blue on July 17 (coastrek.com.au/eventssunshine-coast-qld) and The Bloody Long Walk to cure mitochondrial disease on May 31 (bloodylongwalk.com.au/ sunshine-coast/).
Others like to strut and learn – like on the Museum of Brisbane’s Convict Brisbane Walking Tour, from the historic windmill on Wickham Terrace to Queens Wharf (museumofbrisbane.com.au/whats-on/ convict-brisbane-tour).
And an increasing number of over-55s are putting their best foot forward, clocking up the kilometres with gentle hikes or
overnight treks on holidays. A desire for slow travel and JOMO (the ‘Joy Of Missing Out’) means walking, hiking and trekking are winning out over ‘the big holiday’. That’s why seniors make up one of the fastest-growing demographics in adventure tourism.
Grand View Research’s Adventure Tourism Market Report (2026-2033) reveals that the 51-60 years group accounted for a global market share of 25.7 per cent in 2025.
It says this age group is drawn to adventure tourism as its members seek opportunities for physical activity, personal growth and connection with nature, often opting for softer adventure options such as hiking and cultural immersions that align
with interests and physical capabilities. It sounds like, the older we get, the more we agree with Chinese philosopher and the founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.
FIT TO TAKE ON THE WORLD
Because we’ve been walking all our lives, we may think we know all there is to know about ‘legging it’.
But we can’t all tackle the 5km Mt Coot-tha Summit Circuit or the Sunshine Coast’s 73km Coastal Pathway, let alone Spain’s Camino de Santiago or New Zealand’s Milford Track, on a whim.
Exercise physiologist and Your Time columnist Caitlyn Huth, of Full Circle Wellness, says consistent preparation is the key to tackling any long walks.
“Walking is one of the most accessible and rewarding forms of physical activity at any age,” she says.
“And for those over 55, it can be a cornerstone of healthy ageing.
“That said, preparing for longer walks requires a little more intention than it might have in earlier decades. It is best to start with a gradual approach: if 5km is your goal, build up in increments, adding 500m to 1km each week. This allows your cardiovascular system, joints and connective tissues time to adapt, reducing the risk of overuse injuries.
“You may also benefit from including a smooth warm-up: five to 10 minutes of gentle walking and mobility exercises for the hips, knees and ankles. This can significantly improve comfort and performance by preparing the tissues for the upcoming challenge.”
And don’t underestimate the value of strength training alongside walking.
“Exercises targeting the legs, trunk strength and balance (such as sit-to-stands or step-ups) will make those longer distances feel not only achievable, but enjoyable,” Caitlyn says.
“Particularly if walking up/down hills,
On the Tasmanian Walking Company’s Three Capes Signature Walk
stairs or slopes, this will take a lot more energy and effort than expected.
“Preparing the body and your mind to experience some muscular fatigue and breathlessness, it may get uncomfortable.
“The key here is to regulate the body: pace yourself with the steps and keep your breathing in rhythm and recognise when a rest break is needed.”
The other ‘obstacle’ as we age is a mental one. The mere thought of falling can be a stumbling block to walking.
“Falls are one of the most common barriers to maintaining an active lifestyle, but the good news is that many are preventable with awareness and a few practical strategies,” Caitlyn says.
“One of the simplest is to stay attentive to your environment. Uneven pavements, loose gravel, wet leaves and unexpected changes in surface are frequent culprits.
“Lifting your feet slightly higher than usual and shortening your stride on tricky terrain can improve stability.”
She says that having ‘good balance’ or preventing falls isn’t just about how still and upright you can be but being able to react and respond well to environmental changes or shifts in position.
Incorporating balance, coordination and reaction exercises into your weekly routine can make a profound difference.
Caitlyn says activities such as tai chi or gentle yoga can help bring body awareness to our movements, but other skills challenging movement and reaction games help train your body to respond and recover quickly from stumbles.
“Strength training is also key here for a strong body that can either withstand the impact of a fall and to be capable of getting up off the ground independently,” she says.
“Ultimately, confidence is key: the more stable and prepared you feel, the more likely you are to keep moving – and that consistency is what delivers the greatest health benefits over time.
“Walking isn’t just exercise, it’s freedom,
clarity and connection – to your body, your surroundings and, often, to others.
“With a little preparation and awareness, it can remain a safe, sustainable and deeply satisfying part of life well into your later years.”
THE ‘ROAD’ LESS TRAVELLED
RETIREES Ross and Beth Bennion spent a lifetime in business and now enjoy challenging themselves on walking holidays. Ross, 67, and Beth, 68, outline their experience on Tasmanian Walking Company’s Three Capes Signature Walk.
Q. Why Tasmania and the Three Capes Signature Walk?
Probably because everyone we knew who had been to Tassie wanted to return or had already returned on numerous occasions. Tassie didn’t disappoint. It was beautiful. The Tasmania Walking Company (TWC) and Three Capes Signature Walk had excellent reviews. The images of the water, tracks and the cliffs were very appealing, and it looked like a bit of a challenge rather than just a four-day walk.
Q. What were the selling points that might appeal to seniors?
The walk was rated easy to moderate. We didn’t have to carry a heavy backpack. Having a bed, hot showers, a drying room and a three-course meal with wine every evening was very enticing. An additional plus for Ross and me was that the really strenuous walk with 4000-plus steps out to Cape Hauy was optional. Ross loves, loves, loves a physical challenge and he did this walk with three others and a guide. Not me. There is no way I would enjoy that. Also, on the regular track, there was freedom for walkers to walk at their own pace, and a guide always came up the rear of the group. There was safety in this. We had plenty of stops along the way where we’d take off our pack and have a cuppa and cake.
Q. How did you prepare?
Ross and I started walking 5-7km along the
beach most days from about six weeks out from the walk. There were two long staircases of 200-plus steps on that walk which we would often climb. We infrequently climbed the 800m up Mt Coolum. That was tough to start with, and we often stopped to catch our breath. Closer in time to the Three Capes Walk, we carried backpacks and wore our hiking boots.
Q. What trip memories do you have?
The views out over the water, the cliff faces and forests are unforgettable. Another memory is the excitement the group had when our day’s walk finished and we arrived at a new lodge. We’d find our room, shower and meet in the lodge for drinks and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner. Ross and a few others also enjoyed the celebratory and very crisp plunge into the sea at the completion of our walk.
Q. What other walking holidays have you done and what’s on the bucket list?
Last year, we did a few hours on the Overland Track from Lake St Clair, with snow flurries making it a bit more interesting. In September this year, we’ve booked seven days of hiking in the Dolomites in Italy. We’re keen to do the
whole Overland Track in Tassie (without snow) with TWC, and the Nakesendo Way in Japan is on the bucket list.
Q. How has retirement influenced your travel?
Pre-retirement, we had travelled overseas quite a lot but always during times condusive to business requirements. In retirement, we can choose any time of the year to travel. Now, we are more interested in walking and meandering through the countryside than visiting cities with the hustle and bustle.
Q. What are some tips for other retirees contemplating a walking holiday?
Go for it if you enjoy the outdoors and want to challenge yourself. Ross says having the right clothing, walking poles, comfortable ‘worn-in’ hiking boots and good socks are as important as the ability to walk distances.
WALK ON TO NEXT ADVENTURE
Tasmanian Walking Company offers fully-guided, small-group, carbonneutral tours to help people immerse in nature in awe-inspiring places (including six of the 15 Great Walks of Australia). Its eight award-winning walks across Australia include access to the only private hut accommodation along the world-famous Overland Track and the sole private lodges in the Tasman National Park through its Three Capes Walks. Last month, it launched the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk: a fully guided, five-day/four-night, 54km walk that starts at the foot of the giant red domes of Kata Tjuta and arcs east over storied landscapes to Uluru. Small groups of up to 16 stay overnight in two ecosensitive camps and lodge accommodations – the only ones inside the World Heritage-Listed national park. A three-day, 35km version of the walk is also available. For more, visit taswalkingco.com.au
Ross and Beth Bennion
What’s hip
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.
Where to visit
What to experience
TWO huge days of shopping and tail-wagging fun are set to be unleashed at Australia’s biggest celebration of our four-legged friends. The Dog Lovers Festival will be held at the Brisbane Showgrounds on May 16 and 17 with an expanded format and new outdoor zones. This year’s festival will feature more brands and services, including the VitaPet Arena, Dog Expo, Marketplace, Breed Showcase, Adoption Zone and Pat-A-Pooch experience. A new highlight is the Outback Arena, celebrating the skill, instinct and intelligence of working dogs. Also making its Australian debut is Scurry Dog: a fast-paced and interactive dog sport that puts training into action with retrieving, searching and trailing challenges. Fetch tickets at dogloversfestival.com.au/Brisbane
ONE of the world’s leading multi-artform festivals, Vivid Sydney transforms the NSW capital into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. This year’s festival will bring the city to life, night and day, from May 22 to June 13, through its pillars of ‘Light, Music, Minds and Food’. Under the Food offerings, the Long Table Dinner signature event, hosted by Pendolino/Nino Zoccali, will be held on May 30, on the ground floor of the Heritage-Listed Strand Arcade. In the arcade’s 134-year history, this is the first time a ticketed long table dinner will welcome 200 diners in a three-course showcase of food and wine producers from regional NSW. Tickets start from $332.94 each. Visit vividsydney.com/ event/food/long-table-dinner-at-the-strand-arcade-nsw-icons-of-land-sea
Where to sip and dine
THE Silva Spoon has long been a favourite of those who love a nicely brewed cup of tea, after welcoming locals for more than 16 years. But now the Cotton Tree institution is set to see teetotallers and high tea aficionados from further afield after being named Best Tea House in Queensland at the prestigious Golden Leaf Awards. It also took out four additional awards for its original tea blends: Gold – Love Tea (flavoured black tea); Gold – Berry Cheesecake (also known as Berry Bliss freshly made iced tea); Silver – Divine (herbal tea) ; and Bronze – Baked Apple Rooibos (non-traditional chai). Guests can explore more than 70 teas, alongside specialty coffee and a curated range of teaware and gifts. Its signature high tea experiences celebrate tea not only in the cup but also throughout the menu. Visit thesilvaspoon.com.au
Back in the day ...
GOOGLE ‘Australian bands and musicians of the 1970s’ and you may find one group that seems out of place. Ol’ 55 tapped into a resurgence in 1950s music and culture for those who had never experienced it first-hand. In 1976, a younger generation born in the 1960s were loving the vibe, fashions and comedy they were seeing in the TV show Happy Days Take It Greasy, Ol’ 55’s debut studio album, was released in May 1976, peaked at No.3 on the Australian Kent Music Report and went 3× platinum. Tracks This Little Girl, On The Prowl, Looking For An Echo, Goodnight Sweetheart and School Days were a tribute to the Fifties music genres –from doo-wop to soulful ballads and fast-paced pop.
What to book
From May 11, travellers to the area and locals wanting a ‘holiday at home getaway’ can stay in the lap of luxury at the Sunshine Coast’s first international hotel to open in four decades. Queensland-owned and operated KPAT Hotels has delivered the landmark Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel. The 12-storey, 180-room property’s dining venues, including rooftop restaurant Sully’s, led by executive chef Mark Godbeer (ex-The Calile Hotel, Brisbane) who will prioritise locally sourced seafood and seasonal produce, supporting local agriculture, food and beverage industries. Bookings for Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel are now open. Visit avanihotels.com/en and go to ‘Sunshine Coast’.
Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.
DECLINING FRIENDSHIPS
SOMEWHERE between raising families, building careers and sleeping through the night without worrying about teenagers, many of us look up in midlife and realise our friendship circle has thinned.
It’s one of those quiet truths nobody warns you about when you’re young and collecting friends like seashells. In our 20s and 30s, friendships grow easily because life throws us together – workplaces, kids’ sports and neighbourhood barbecues.
But by midlife, the scaffolding that held those friendships up begins to loosen. Careers change. Partners come and go. Adult children scatter. People move for affordability or adventure. And suddenly, the friend who once lived five minutes away is now a two-hour drive and three months of calendar juggling away.
Time becomes the rarest currency. We spend it carefully on ageing parents, grandchildren, health appointments, the quiet recovery from decades of busyness. Even the most cherished friendships can slip if neither person has the energy to keep nudging them along. Values shift, too.
The friend who once matched your pace may now be marching to a very different drum. Some become more political, others more spiritual, others more inward-looking.
Midlife sharpens our sense of what –and who – brings peace. We become less tolerant of drama, less patient with one-sided relationships, and far more protective of our emotional bandwidth.
And then there are the friendships that were never built to last, such as workplace comradeships that evaporate once the job does. They served their purpose, but they were circumstantial, not foundational.
Midlife doesn’t just take friendships away: it refines them. What remains is gold. The friend who still checks in. The one who knows your history without needing the backstory. The one who has seen you through grief, reinvention and the odd medical mishap. These friendships may be fewer, but they are deeper, steadier, and far more nourishing.
If friendships decline in midlife, it’s not a failure. It’s a natural pruning. What grows back is a smaller garden, but a healthier one.
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PUBLIC toilets are probably an indelicate subject to write about, but we all need them and use them.
One thing is for sure: whenever you feel that certain urge coming on, the next public toilet is miles away.
In many European countries, the toilets in bars, restaurants or public halls have a person in attendance.
These male and female toilet attendants keep the facility clean.
The service may sometimes extend to dealing with the effects of people having too much alcohol or too much wind in the lower regions.
A small amount of money is usually left on a plate.
On a visit to Hong Kong, I neglected ‘to go’ before we left the hotel.
The authentic, popular restaurant also had Chinese authentic toilets: holes in the floor.
I was younger then and managed to struggle down to do the business. Then, disaster: I couldn’t get up! There were no railings of any kind and my legs seemed to have lost all upwards power.
In the end, I had to resort to pushing myself up, hands beside the hole in the floor.
Needless to say, I could not eat my meal and washed my hands a million times when we got back to the hotel.
The needs of men used to be taken care of in France by round contraptions, standing in the streets. The bottom panel was missing so the bottom end of trousers, socks and shoes were quite visible.
Large signs of ‘pissoir’ were mounted on the top. One wanted to stay well clear of a pissoir on a hot summer‘s day.
There were no special facilities for the female of the species. I guess women were just expected to ‘hold on’.
Another very French invention for the bathroom is the bidet. When my Australian friends started to
travel to Paris in the 1970s, they often found a bidet in the bathroom of their hotel. They took it for a second toilet and used it as such – with rather embarrassing results.
Toilet paper also can play tricks on us. It disappears into the container where it normally comes from, and no coaxing of any kind will bring it out.
During my travels, I visited countries where one had to buy toilet paper, sheet by individual sheet. No money in your pocket? Bad luck. Hopefully you had tissues in your bag.
I wonder whether the manufacturers of toilet bowls are instructed to make them especially low for public toilets. Even when I was younger, I found it hard to ‘rise’.
Many of my friends complain about the same thing but nobody takes it seriously.
After washing your hands, the only way to dry them is by holding them into a contraption that blows hot air with a lot of noise. But it doesn’t fully dry your hands.
Shaking my still-dripping hands, I feel like I’m in Shakespeare’s Richard III but, instead of needing a horse, I’m calling: “My kingdom for a paper towel!”
May you find a public toilet quickly whenever you need one.
Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com
By Cheryl Lockwood
THE month of May means Mother’s Day is here again.
What better time to explore the pearls of wisdom bestowed upon us by those who know best?
That’s according to the saying: “Mother knows best”, which was likely first uttered by someone’s mother and used to end a discussion or argument. My own dear mum (pictured with me) is no longer with us, but her sagely advice lingers on for her four children. “It takes two to fight” was her response to the much-heard: “He (or she) started it”. Further debate was often met with: “Two wrongs don’t make a right”.
I have to admit she was right on some things, such as: “As soon as you throw something out, you’ll find a use for it”.
However, “Near enough is not good enough, it has to be exact” only suc ceeded in me striving for a level of perfection that was never going to happen. As a result, I prefer: “Just give it your best shot”. I conducted extensive research on the sayings of mothers for this article, and by that I mean I bailed up some mates over coffee.
“Sayings?” Rose responded. “My mother had hundreds of them – ‘If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well’ and ‘If you lie down with dogs, you get
fleas’ (the latter being a warning about the company you keep).”
From Sue: “Are you happy with what you’ve done?” – encouragement to do a good job.
My favourite came from Narelle, whose mother always warned her and her sisters to “always go out wearing decent, clean underwear”. This apparently left the sisters in fits of laughter after a visit to the hospital with their unwell mother, where they and medical staff discovered that “mum did not follow her own advice and was wearing the daggiest pair of undies she owned”.
I discovered that mine wasn’t the only one who uttered such words as “if you start something, finish it” and “a place for everything and everything in its place”.
There were variations of: “Treat others as you’d like to be treated”. My mum went
would you jump, too?” – a reminder not to bow to peer pressure.
My mum had some helpful health tips as well, including not swallowing watermelon seeds, lest you grow a melon in your belly. Apparently, ingesting chewing gum could stick your gizzards together. I wasn’t even sure what gizzards were, but I wasn’t about to risk mine.
Telling lies caused pimples on the tongue, so I wasn’t game to complain if my tongue was sore.
Naturally, I couldn’t look at this topic without asking my own children if they recalled words of wisdom from me.
My daughter, who has three children under 5, including a newborn, said that her brain was too fried to recall at present and she was currently sitting in the dark, eating Nutella from a jar. I don’t remember giving her this survival technique, but I’ve probably tried it.
My son felt I gave them more of an overall way of living or acting rather than specific advice, as in “lead by example”.
I chose to take this as a compliment and not a reference to any of my more idiotic behaviour.
Unrelated to that, mum also said sarcasm was the lowest from of wit.
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The best advice I can offer is to enjoy Mother’s Day and the rest of May, too.
May it be full of love, kindness and wisdom.
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Place names and their origins
AUDIENNE BLYTH considers how some of our southern areas of the Sunshine Coast were named, as a retired resident recalls the early days as a holidaymaker.
Names tell a story, especially on the Sunshine Coast. Caloundra comes from the Kabi Kabi language and means ‘place of beech trees’.
The great explorer Matthew Flinders named Pumicestone Passage from the abundance of pumice lying on the beach.
The year 1868 marked the subdivision of pastoral runs following a government Act. Thomas Ballinger was the first landowner but it was Robert Bulcock who built the first house.
He also built an observation tower to detect a possible invasion by Russians because, at that time, England was at odds with Russia. The lighthouse was built next to this tower in 1896.
Place names also evolve from events and people. Dicky Beach was named for the wreck of the Dicky in 1893. Moffat and Bulcock beaches were named for early residents.
As land was further subdivided, newcomers were able to purchase house blocks in the 1920s and 1930s.
During World War II, the Australian Defence Force established a large base with restrictions to visitors. Homes and boats were commandeered for war-time
use. After World War II, Caloundra became popular for holidays and permanent housing.
Retired Caloundra resident Noel Williams remembers the early days of Caloundra when his family first holidayed in 1947.
“Caloundra was a dead end at that time,” he recalls.
“Visitors came to Landsborough by train and were taken by buggy or service car to Caloundra and then returned the same way (access to other coastal resorts came in 1965 when the Nicklin Way opened).
“I remember the wreck of the Dicky when the frame was still fairly intact and safe enough to climb over.
“I also recall an army lookout tower on the headland overlooking the ocean.
“Another of my fond memories is of MacNellies’ Bakery and their signature ‘shark’s mouth’ bun loaves. They were split open at one end and filled with pink icing to make them look like a shark with its mouth open.
Two stores I remember were Tytherleighs and Rinaldis.
“On my first visit, I was only five and
used for trans-shipping goods from 1936-58.
my brother was only a few months old.
“We first stayed in Dunrossie Flats in Leeding Terrace, built by Andrew Cobb.
“It’s a two-storey stucco building and is still there.
“Our upstairs flat had no bathroom or toilet – both were up the backyard.
“Caloundra had no reticulated water then and the toilets were the old earth closets. We soon relocated.
“My grandparents and an uncle and aunt also came to Caloundra on holidays. On Bulcock Beach Esplanade were Harmony Court Flats, which had modern septic toilets.
“All the flats in that part of Caloundra had a rowing boat allocated to them. From memory, the oars were kept in each flat – no doubt so that no one could make off with the boats.
“We always swam at Bulcock Beach
where there was a diving board and, later, a second one.
“My uncle had a boat with an inboard motor and I loved going fishing in the passage with the family. At that time, the fishing was very good. We caught quite a few big flathead.
“Tom Maloney’s shallow-bottomed boat was called Waterhen, which trans-shipped goods from Brisbane in Pumicestone Passage for Caloundra from a bigger boat. It also carried away local produce such as citrus, bananas and pineapples from the hinterland, as well as shell grit.”
What remarkable changes are still occurring in Caloundra.
Audienne Blyth is a member of the Nambour Historical Museum, open 1-4pm Wednesdays to Fridays, and 10am-3pm on Saturdays.
Maloney’s Waterhen,
Why RICE is out but PEACE and LOVE are in
CAITLYN HUTH outlines a modern take on injury recovery and some acronyms to keep in mind.
If you’ve ever sprained an ankle or pulled a muscle, chances are that you were told to use RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
While this method was long considered the gold standard for treating acute injuries, recent research has evolved our understanding of healing – and so has our approach.
Enter PEACE and LOVE: a more complete and evidenceinformed method for supporting recovery after injury.
This modern framework looks beyond short-term relief and focuses on long-term tissue healing, mental wellbeing and safe return to activity.
So, what does it mean?
PEACE (for the first few days)
• Protect: reduce movement, rather than bed rest, for a short period to prevent further damage
• Elevate: keep the injured area raised above heart level to manage swelling
• Avoid anti-inflammatories: they may interfere with the natural
healing processes (inflammation is necessary initially to help the tissue)
• Compress: use bandages or wraps to support the area and manage swelling
• Educate: get informed about your injury. Understanding your body helps you make better choices moving forward.
Unlike RICE, PEACE doesn’t over-emphasise rest and ice, which can actually delay recovery if overused. Instead, it encourages guided activity and active involvement in healing. LOVE (for the following days/weeks)
• Load: gradually start moving and adding resistance to
promote tissue repair. Giving stimulus helps to signal adaptations
• Exercise: rehab-specific exercises are essential to restore strength, mobility and function.
This new approach shifts the focus from passively waiting to get better to actively working with your body. It’s not just about reducing pain and bed rest. It’s about promoting resilience and full recovery.
For everyday people, this means you can still walk, move gently and engage in light activity shortly after an injury (unless advised otherwise). Don’t be afraid to use your body. It’s built to heal, especially when supported with care, movement and a bit of LOVE.
Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au
Ted O’BRIENMP
Federal Member for Fairfax
FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law
REMEMBER: DON’T LET THE OLD MAN IN
TOBY Keith is an American country singer and has had his battles with cancer.
He wrote the song Don’t Let The Old Man In after meeting Clint Eastwood at a charity golf match.
Clint and Toby shared a golf buggy. Toby asked Clint how he kept going at his age and how he kept so energised.
Clint told Toby: “I get up every morning and go out. And I don’t let the old man in.”
Toby was so impressed, he went home and wrote the song with the same title.
He sent it to Clint, who included the song in his 2018 movie The Mule
The song tells of an ageing man and the problems he has with illness, being weary and generally feeling a lot older.
One of the lines in the song resonated with Clint: “Many moons I have lived, and my body’s withered and worn, but how old would I feel if I didn’t know the day I was born?”
I feel sometimes we hang on
to the age factor too much and use it any time to suit our needs when we feel tired or weary.
I like the song because the basic message is universal for those of us lucky enough to get to old age.
“Don’t let the old man in” is a message that age is not really that important.
Who we are and what we do is far more important.
Well, that is how I see it. Often, we are being told not to do things because we are too old and not capable, and that mindset may seep in.
Ageing is a balancing act and, of course, we cannot do everything the same way we once did.
But be careful of using the old age excuse. It may become a habit.
Do what you can for as long as you can and remember: don’t let the old man (or woman) in. Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.
Discover elevated over-50s country living in the heart of the beautiful Somerset region on Thursday, 4 June. The GemLife Kilcoy Greens’ VIP High Tea is your opportunity to relax, enjoy the superb location, and learn more about the resort.
The team will be on hand to answer questions about the community’s smartly appointed ‘rightsized’ homes, currently under construction, and plans for the outstanding facilities to come.
DATE Thursday, 4 June 2026
TIME 10am to 12pm
WHERE GemLife Kilcoy Greens 3 Travellers Rest, Woolmar
RSVP Register online by Wednesday, 3 June at GemLife.com.au/gkgvip
BOWLS FOR BEGINNERS
IF YOU are looking for an activity that strengthens mind and body, lawn bowls might be the answer.
One afternoon game of social bowls at Buderim Bowls Club in Tindale Avenue requires more than 70 lunges and in excess of 3000 steps.
It also requires good concentration and strategy. After the game, there are laughs with new friends over a cuppa or a glass of pinot.
If you are curious enough to give lawn bowls a try, sign up for the September coaching clinic at Buderim Bowls Club.
Call Anne Crosbie on 0490 089 175 or email annemcrosbie@gmail.com to ensure your place.
If you can’t wait until September, coaching sessions are held most Monday mornings.
See buderimbowls.com.au for details.
40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COOLUM COMMUNITY
MORE than 80 clients and volunteers gathered recently at the Coolum Beach Meals on Wheels centre to celebrate 40 years of service to the local community.
Guest of honour was Dr Wyn Lewis, who was the founding president in 1986 when the Santa Monica Avenue centre was officially opened.
“It was a wonderful celebration of community,” current president Pat Pashley says. “We wanted to celebrate 40 years of serving the local community, as well as recognising the many local organisations who have supported us over the past 40 years.”
Certificates of appreciation were handed out to Coolum Beach Lions Club, Coolum Beach Surf Club, Quota Club,
Coolum Advertiser, Bendigo Bank (Marcoola), Bunnings Warehouse Maroochydore and local singing group The Shoplifters who have all generously supported the organisation. Others were presented to local Sunshine Coast councillors Maria Suarez (Division 9), Taylor Bunnag (Division 8) and Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie.
“Coolum Beach Meals on Wheels has grown from 22 clients in 1986 to over 200 clients today who benefit from having nutritious meals delivered to their homes,” service manager Gerard Rollo says.
“Last year, we delivered over 32,000 meals to members of the local community.”
To be involved, call 5446 1000 or email admin@coolummealsonwheels.org.au
CALOUNDRA STAMP CLUBGENEALOGY WORKSHOP
CALOUNDRA Stamp Club holds meetings on the fourth Thursday of the month.
Attendees can trade through club exchange books, or take advantage of a bargain table where members sell surplus items, club mini-auction, 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 always welcome.
Call Catherine on 0406 018 456.
THE Genealogy Sunshine Coast Beginners’ Workshop starts on May 6 for four consecutive weeks.
The workshop covers finding births, deaths and marriages, websites and newspaper articles and building your family tree. Christine Dyer will help you with all these topics at the rooms in Petrie Park Road, Nambour. Cost is $15 nonmembers and $10 members. Register by email to info@genealogysunshinecoast. org.au or call 5329 2315. Bring your laptop or USB stick and lunch if desired.
BUDERIM VIEW CLUB
BUDERIM VIEW Club will meet at Buderim Tavern on Wednesday, May 6, at 11am for an 11.30am start.
Lunch costs $30. RSVP to Gail at gailjullian@gmail.com or call 0414 950 949.
Attending club events raises funds for The Smith Family charity, helping with education of students from disadvantaged families.
Buderim VIEW Club supports eight school students, in the Learning for Life program. Visit thesmithfamily.com.au/ view-clubs/find-a-club/qld/buderimview-club
Carole was presented with her new member badge by club president Carol
HERITAGE
MARKS MILESTONE YEAR
LANDSBOROUGH Museum is celebrating a milestone year.
The launch of its latest exhibition, Grassroots to Glory: Around The Track, comes alongside its 50th anniversary and the return of the much-loved Landsborough Museum Street Festival.
The new exhibition shines a spotlight on the energy, evolution and community spirit behind athletics on the Sunshine Coast. Around The Track explores how grassroots clubs, volunteers, coaches, families and innovators have helped shape local sporting culture and support athletes on their journey from backyard training sessions to national and international stages.
Through stories, objects and interactive elements, the exhibition highlights the vital role community networks play in developing sporting talent and inspiring future generations.
The exhibition arrives during a significant time for the museum. It marks 50 years since the Landsborough and District Historical Society opened the Landsborough Shire Historical Museum in 1976.
Housed in the Heritage-Listed former shire council chambers, designed by early settler architect Walter Carey Voller and opened in 1924, the museum grew into one
of the largest community-run museums in Southeast Queensland.
Over decades of volunteer dedication, more than 14,000 historical items were preserved, ensuring the building remained a treasured landmark and a living record of regional history.
To commemorate five decades of storytelling, the annual Landsborough Museum Street Festival will be extra special this year.
The free community celebration takes over Museum Street on Saturday, May 16, from 10am to 2pm, offering live music, children’s activities, farm animals, heritage displays, food and a giant birthday cake.
Landsborough Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm, with free entry. More information about the exhibition and festival can be found at heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Arts and Heritage Levy funded.
1969 Eudlo Annual Sports Day
Zipping straight into the more expensive end of the EV market
BRUCE McMAHON reckons the Mustang Mach-E SUV is a real grown-up’s electric vehicle – but the Untamed mode isn’t for the faint-hearted.
So, with some folk freaked out, fearful of expensive fossil-fuel shortages through on/off Middle Eastern wars, will all-electric vehicle sales skyrocket?
Maybe. There’s already a trend toward plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): vehicles which run on either electric or petrol/ diesel power and with batteries that can be charged up from home.
These aren’t always as economical as claimed but make for peace of mind in troubled times (today’s PHEV and hybrid EV customers notably include some who bought pure electric cars before longdistance travel – even along welltravelled highways – and hunting down working chargers for a repower became too tiresome).
Anyway, battery electric vehicles still have their place. There are plenty to choose from, and it was all smiles – plus electrons – driving a Ford Mustang Mach-E during the first bite of the fossil fuel ‘crisis’.
But here’s a most incongruous badge: why call a near-silent, four-door SUV a Mustang? Steve McQueen wouldn’t hack it, to be sure.
Two ways to look at that: 1. An electric car sullies the rip-roaring Mustang image; or 2. The badge is mightier than the car.
Maybe Ford’s playing smart, trading on the love for a revered badge, giving it a second dimension in an eco-conscious world and a fresh set of customers.
And despite the contradictions, this electric version’s not a bad car, especially stepping up into the $98,490 GT version: expensive but most entertaining, with 434kW and 955Nm of torque on hand.
Mustang Mach-Es carry some styling cues from the conventional sporting Ford, including around-the-nose, Coke-bottle
Your ‘best’ device doesn’t have to be the one with the big price
tag
EDIN READ helps seniors decide which Apple electronic option is the right one to suit their everyday needs.
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when buying Apple devices is assuming that they need the top model with all the bells and whistles.
In reality, many people, and specifically seniors, are far better off with Apple’s simpler options.
Devices such as the MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e and standard iPad are often a much better fit because they are budget friendly, easier to manage and focused on the things most people actually use.
That is what makes these basic models so appealing.
You are not paying for high-end power you may never notice or extra features that sound impressive in a shop but make very little difference in everyday life (and are sometimes hard to use!).
eyes, typing can feel cramped, and managing settings can be more frustrating than on a larger device, including the iPhone Air which is priced from $1799.
Another possible downside is the simpler camera set-up compared with Apple’s premium phones.
hips and rear taillights. It’s a coupe-style SUV, handsome enough and bigger than it looks.
The GT’s interior is minimalist, tidy, yet without a premium vibe.
Any number of controls are looked after by the big central touchscreen, there’s room for five, and space for luggage in the frunk up front and below the rear tailgate.
A full cabin sunroof – without a blind – may not always suit Queensland drivers. Nor may that tyre repair kit: no spare tyre or space saver here.
Yet, all up (despite the quibbles, the price tag, a firm ride and the lack of aural delights), this Mustang Mach-E has its charms.
It’s a grown-up’s car, and feels and drives more like a ‘traditional’ machine.
Where the electric Mustang GT moves on, with almighty speed, is switching from the quite mellow Whisper mode to Active and then to Untamed mode.
Now, Untamed, with more aural connection and more rear-drive bias and sharper steering, takes you into next week quicker than flash lightning. It may scramble the senses and the stomach when the full remit of the Mustang’s power and torque is unleashed.
This is a mode best left for solo runs. And certainly before passengers have eaten.
Ford’s Mach-E will never replace the road presence, handling or sounds of a V8 Mustang coupe and there are a number of electric rivals in this more expensive neck of the marketplace. Some may better suit.
But if looking for a quick family car with a hallowed name plate, the Mustang Mach-E GT could be worth a look.
For most seniors, the main jobs are email, web browsing, photos, online banking, video calls, messages and some entertainment. These devices do all of that perfectly well.
They also come in vibrant, funky colours, which is a fun bonus. Technology does not have to be plain, grey and boring. A soft pink phone, a blue iPad or a yellow laptop can make a device feel more personal and much more enjoyable to own.
The new MacBook Neo, starting at $899, is likely to appeal to seniors who still want a traditional computer. Its biggest advantage is comfort.
You get a full keyboard, a decent screen and the familiar laptop experience, which makes it much easier for typing emails, writing letters, printing documents or simply sitting down and doing things properly. The larger screen (compared with your other devices) is a real plus for anyone who finds phones too fiddly.
On the downside, a laptop is less portable and less convenient to grab quickly than a phone or tablet. It may also be more machine than some people really need if their main uses are reading, browsing and video calls.
Still, for those who like a proper keyboard and screen, it is often the easiest option to live with.
The iPhone 17e, from $999, is the most portable and convenient of the three. It is the one that stays in your pocket, goes everywhere with you and keeps your essentials close at hand.
For calls, messages, taking photos, checking maps, using reminders and staying in touch with family, it makes perfect sense. The colours are cheerful, the design is simple. And for many people, it becomes the device they use most.
But the smaller screen is the obvious drawback. Reading can be harder on the
But that raises a fair question: is that really a problem for most people?
Most people are taking everyday snaps of family, pets, holidays and special moments, not trying to become professional photographers.
In that case, having fewer cameras is not much of a loss at all. It may simply mean a lower price for a phone that still does exactly what is needed.
The standard iPad, at $599 for the 128GB model, is perhaps the most balanced option of the lot. Its biggest strength is the screen size. It is much easier to read on than a phone, better for watching videos, and more comfortable for browsing, video calls and looking at photos.
For many seniors, the iPad feels less intimidating than a laptop but far more comfortable than a phone. It is also excellent value. The downside is that it sits in the middle, which means it does not fully replace either a phone or a laptop. It is not as portable as a phone, and it is not as practical as a laptop for long typing sessions or more advanced tasks. But for everyday ease, it is hard to beat.
The real lesson is that basic does not mean lesser. For seniors, it often means sensible. A bigger screen can matter more than extra speed. A fun colour can make a device feel inviting. A simpler camera system can be perfectly fine if you are only taking everyday photos.
The best Apple device is not the most expensive one. It is the one that suits your needs, feels comfortable in your hands and gives you exactly what you need without charging you for what you do not.
Get in touch if you would like support in choosing a new device, setting it up or decommissioning your old ones.
Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au
Seminar targets aged care system confusion
Expert-led sessions offer seniors guidance on aged care delays, fees and provider choices
Afree community seminar aimed at helping seniors navigate Australia’s new aged care system, the Support at Home program, is being offered to the local community. Led by Sunshine Coast gerontologist Tanya Dave, seminars will address concerns about rising costs and access delays under the new aged care system.
The seminar will focus on real-world solutions, including how the Support at Home program works, strategies to reduce care costs through smarter planning and negotiation, how to ma ximise funding and avoid waste, what to look for when choosing a provider, and how to build a strong, reliable care network.
It is particularly aimed at those struggling to access approved services, paying excessive fees, feeling overwhelmed by the system, unsure how to choose providers, or experiencing delays, confusion and poor communication. “This is about giving people their power back,” Ms Dave said. “When you understand how the system works, you can make better decisions, reduce costs and get the care you actually need.”
The event comes after the federal government rolled out the Support at Home program on November 1, 2025, replacing home care packages and short-term restorative care. While designed to simplify aged care, Ms Dave maintains the reform has had the opposite effect. Across the Sunshine Coast, common concerns include delays in accessing approved services, rising out-of-pocket costs due to new fee structures, confusion around funding and entitlements, difficulty navigating an increasingly complex
Program Details
17th June
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Community Co- Lab
Lightning Ln, Sunshine Coast QLD 4558
provider market, and a lack of personalised support. Ms Dave said what she had seen on the ground was deeply concerning. “Five months in, it’s clear the system is not working as it should,” she said. “People are waiting too long for essential services, paying more than ever before for basic care and feeling completely lost trying to navigate it all.”
Ms Dave has decades of experience spanning aged care assessments, residential and community care, complex care coordination and workforce training. She has supported individuals with complex needs to remain safely at home and contributed to strengthening the aged care workforce nationally. Her leadership extends beyond direct care.
She is the founder of Lifestyle 55+ Magazine and the Senior Leadership Awards, initiatives that celebrate and empower older Australians while fostering stronger community connections. “We are seeing people go without care they urgently need, or paying far more than they should simply because they don’t know how to navigate the system,” Ms Dave said.
In response, Ms Dave is calling for stronger community involvement alongside government reform. She is also working together with Carolyn Roberts through the Kindness Counts movement to encourage locals to support older Australians. “We need to build stronger support within our own community,” she said. “If we don’t step up locally, too many people will fall through the cracks.”
Upcoming sessions
Maroochydore 15th May
Maroochy RSL, 10:00am–12:00pm
Nambour 26th May
Nambour RSL, 10:00am–12:00pm
Bribie Island 21st May
Bribie RSL Club, 10:00am–12:00pm
These sessions are free to the community. To RSVP, please call 07 3041 1355.
The seminar is open to seniors, carers and the community. Organisers hope it will provide immediate, practical relief for those struggling under the new system.
“This isn’t just about navigating a system, it’s about protecting the dignity, independence, and wellbeing of our older generation,” Ms Dave said.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community for everyone.”
Take Charge of Your Cognitive Health with
Are you concerned about memory changes or have recently been diagnosed with dementia?
The MindHubs Program is a structured, 10-week, Geriatrician guided hands-on program designed to help you understand, manage, and actively improve your cognitive health.
Commencing 17th June, this program runs for 10 consecutive weeks, providing practical tools, expert guidance, and measurable outcomes to support brain health, independence, and quality of life.
What you’ll gain
A deeper understanding of the root causes of cognitive decline
Practical strategies to slow progression and optimise brain function
Confidence to take control of your cognitive health journey
Improved memory, focus, and daily functioning
Support in navigating diagnosis and lifestyle changes
Program includes
Comprehensive cognitive screening
Tailored cognitive exercises
Red Light Therapy & Virtual Reality (VR) therapy
Measurable progress tracking
This program can be accessed through Support at
YOUR LOCAL EYE DOCTOR
Associate Professor
Kristopher Rallah-Baker
A window into the brain
KAILAS ROBERTS explains what tests and scans are available to help with early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of cognitive impairment.
For many years, diagnosing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease has relied largely on clinical judgment.
A patient (or their family) reports memory concerns. A doctor or specialist asks questions and performs cognitive testing, as well as blood tests, to rule out reversible causes of memory loss.
Brain scans have been available for a few decades but until relatively recently, in daily practice, we, as doctors, have been limited to using CT or MRI scans.
These look at the structure of the brain and can only hint at what disease process might be driving memory loss.
A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) has been a helpful and more definitive test available for some time, but is not widely accessible or appealing to the recipient.
We are now entering a new era, however, where we have more accessible and more sensitive and specific so-called biomarkers.
When it comes to the brain, this may involve functional brain scans or bloodbased tests looking at the proteins found in Alzheimer’s disease. These tests may be abnormal many years before a person even
Carpal
shows symptoms of the disease. Firstly, a scan I find very helpful is an FDG-PET which measures glucose (sugar) uptake in the brain. In Alzheimer’s disease, certain regions become less active. This test can also detect other causes of cognitive impairment, including frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body disease.
In metropolitan areas of Australia at least, this is relatively easy to obtain, and is a test I frequently use alongside an MRI.
Also increasingly available is another type of PET scan, known as an amyloid PET. Rather than measuring sugar, this test detects the build-up of amyloid in the brain: a hallmark protein of Alzheimer’s disease.
The main barrier to this test is the cost. In Brisbane, you are looking at paying about $2500. Alongside a lumbar puncture, it is our most accurate way of detecting Alzheimer’s disease while a person is still alive.
This type of test has become particularly important with the advent of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease: monoclonal antibodies that require a person to have a positive scan (or a positive lumbar puncture) before they can be used.
There is, however, an important point
to make. The presence of amyloid does not necessarily mean a person has dementia.
Many older adults have amyloid in the brain and remain cognitively normal. This is a recurring theme in brain health.
Biology does not always translate neatly into symptoms.
With the expense and involved nature of these brain scans, it is unsurprising that there has been a push to develop blood tests that might help us detect Alzheimer’s disease, and these are now available in Australia.
The two main tests involve the detection of tau: the other Alzheimer’s protein. One of these tests, p-tau 181, was approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in late 2025 and has been heralded as a helpful screening tool for GPs. It costs about $300.
A negative p-tau 181 test result means it is highly unlikely that Alzheimer’s disease
is present. This, of course, can be very reassuring, though it does not rule out other causes of dementia.
For now, these investigations are best used selectively, in the right clinical setting, and interpreted with care. They can clarify a diagnosis, guide treatment decisions and, in some cases, provide reassurance.
Their availability raises other important questions, however. When should we test? What should we do with the information? And, perhaps most importantly, does knowing earlier change outcomes?
As with many advances in medicine, the challenge is not just in developing the technology, but in using it wisely.
Kailas Roberts is a psychogeriatrician and author ofMind Your Brain: The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia, available at bookstores and online. Visit yourbraininmind.com or uqp.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
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
Redcliffe feature
Barry, Maurice and Robin, as well as younger brother and pop idol Andy.
A long-lost love affair rekindled
By Shirley Sinclair
Redcliffe, it’s been a while. And though I left you in the lurch while I was off making a life to the north, your laidback coastal charm is still alluring.
You made that very clear one glorious autumn day recently.
Redcliffe Parade was already
energised this early Saturday morning. But I promised my first date to the Bee Gees.
I had been meaning for more than a decade to make the pilgrimage to The Bee Gees Way: a 70m walkway at 109 Redcliffe Parade honouring hometown heroes, the legendary Gibb brothers –
Music fans can easily spend a halfhour or more here. Largely curated by Barry, himself – the only surviving member of one of Australia’s greatest music exports and top-selling artists – this outdoor museum has lifelike sculptures, larger-than-life murals, a fascinating array of photos, album covers and historical snippets, plus a massive screen playing media interviews, home videos, filmclips and performances.
The soundtrack to my young life played on repeat in the background, helping me relive memories of Saturday Night Fever and the first album I ever bought: the self-titled Universal Summit compilation vinyl in 1972.
Next, more reminiscing on a walk out
on historic Redcliffe Jetty – a 1995 replica of the original built in 1885 – where families had set up under the pavilion, throwing in fishing lines in the hope of catching bream, whiting or flathead for lunch.
It was obvious by this time that Redcliffe people are not wallflowers or stay-at-homebodies. They’re out and about jogging, walking their dogs along the foreshore, brunching and meeting for coffee with that ever-present water view.
So, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Preece’s at The Jetty obliged with hearty smashed avocado and corn fritters, all
IMAGES: SHIRLEY
SINCLAIR
Smashed avocado at Preece’s on the Jetty
washed down with the first coffees of the morning.
A full tummy then necessitated a long stroll by the waters of Moreton Bay through Charlish Park and past the Settlement Cove Lagoon (already packed with picnickers and barbecuers), around the point and outside Redcliffe Surf Life Saving Club to Suttons Beach – scene of many surf sports triumphs when my now-adult sons visited for nipper carnivals.
A cordoned-off area indicated the Suttons Beach Pavilion Redevelopment Project is underway after Moreton Bay Council awarded the construction tender in November last year.
The project features: the new pavilion building (including the rooftop among the
hospitality areas, a public deck and event space); extensive landscaping; public changing rooms; new shade structures; and an upgraded car park (moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/ Projects/Parks/Suttons-Beach-PavilionRedevelopment-Project).
The redevelopment is part of the changing face of the former Redcliffe Peninsula District.
But one thing stays the same in the towns of Clontarf, Kippa-Ring, Margate, Newport, Redcliffe, Rothwell, Scarborough and Woody Point: a strong sense of pride.
It’s evident in the beautifully
presented old Queenslanders and new-build mansions you pass on a drive to Scotts Point at Margate.
You can see it at the Belvedere Hotel at Woody Point, bursting at the seams with visitors and locals as a sun-kissed Saturday afternoon turns into palate of colours at sunset.
You can feel it at The Dolphins’ NRL matches, drawing many of the peninsula’s almost 70,000-strong population to home games at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe, Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, and Kawana’s Sunshine Coast Stadium.
And I also found it behind the counter at Peninsula Distillery in Clontarf where
the passion and innovation of chief distiller and one of the founders, Arnold Keuker, is creating awardwinning gin, vodka, single malt whisky, cane spirit and rum.
A friend who is lucky enough to call himself a local tells me I have to try The Rustic Olive (Italian), Little Lamb (Mediterranean/Spanish) and Thai Boi Eatery (authentic Thai), and that The Komo with its large terrace and the Moreton Bay Boat Club at Scarborough are great spots to catch up for drinks. With the Redcliffe Market offering fresh, farm-direct produce and artisan products every Sunday, my long-lost love affair with the area seems far from over.
The Komo
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3 Bedroom + MPR Apar tments from $ 2,950,000* *Priices
DISTILLING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
YOU’RE sure to find your new favourite beverage among the offerings at Peninsula Distilling at Clontarf.
Unique, small-batch gin, rum, vodka, single malt whisky and even a cane spirit are created on site at the Macdonnell Road premises, under the watchful eye of head distiller and one of the founders, Arnold Keuker.
With less than two years of production, the business is already creating award-winning blends and gaining a following of local and visiting spirit drinkers because of its proud ties with the Moreton Bay community.
That’s why only local, historical images and names – Humpybong (the original name for Redcliffe Peninsula), Moreton, Red Cliff and Hornibrook –grace the labels.
All products are made from scratch (with a zero-waste policy), using ingredients largely sourced from local suppliers, and are handcrafted on the Redcliffe Peninsula, with the bottles labelled and numbered by hand.
Arnold says the Humpybong Gin –Myrtle Cascara is the best-seller and makes for a citrusy gin and tonic, incorporating locally grown botanicals: • lemon myrtle grown on the Redcliffe Peninsula and blitzed in-house
• cascara (the dried husk from the coffee cherry skins left over after the coffee beans are removed ) – from the on-site crop of neighbour Neli Coffee.
It was awarded the Silver Medal at the 2025 Australian International Spirits Awards in the Citrus Gin New World and Contemporary Gin Category, with back-to-back Silver Medals at the 2025 and 2026 Royal Queensland Awards in the Contemporary Gin Category.
Join the Spirit Club for ‘first dibs’ on exclusive releases, event invites and newsletters, or follow the Peninsula Distilling journey and keep up with the latest developments on Instagram and Facebook.
Visit peninsuladistilling.com.au to order online (including bundles, gifts and mixers) or drop in to the cellar door at 2/293 Macdonnell Road, Clontarf, on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm.
WHY RETIREES CHOOSE NEWPORT AND THE PENINSULA
FOR many people approaching retirement, lifestyle becomes one of the most important decisions when choosing where to live.
Increasingly, retirees and downsizers are discovering the relaxed coastal lifestyle of Newport and the Peninsula.
Many homeowners who have lived in larger family houses for years are now looking for something simpler.
Apartments, townhomes and single-level homes close to the water are becoming popular choices for people who want a home that is easier to maintain and comfortable to live in.
The Peninsula offers the kind of lifestyle many retirees are looking for.
Residents enjoy morning walks along the waterfront, coffee at local cafés, quiet parks and an active local community. It is a place where people can slow down a little and enjoy their surroundings.
At the same time, the Peninsula remains convenient. Brisbane City, the airport and major medical facilities are all within comfortable travelling distance.
This allows people to enjoy coastal living while staying connected to family, services and the wider city.
Many buyers moving to the area say they are simply looking for a more relaxed way of living.
A home close to the water, within walking distance of cafés, walking paths and local shops often becomes the ideal next step.
For those considering downsizing, the Peninsula continues to offer a welcoming community and a lifestyle that suits the next stage of life.
WORDS: Jay Peters, business partner and senior sales team Ray White Newport and Ray White Scarborough. Call 0404 999 593 or visit raywhitenewport.com.au
Perfect Water t Escape.
IMAGE: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
Arnold Keuker
Over 1,800 residents know the feeling. A little hesitation. A big decision. And then, relief.
Moving into The Village Redcliffe isn’t just a change of address. It’s a fresh start. Relaxed living, a close-knit community, and a whole lot less to worry about. Independent villas with everything you need, right on the Redcliffe Peninsula you already know and love.
See for yourself at thevillage.com.au/redcliffe or call Emma on 07 3204 1884.
thevillage.com.au/redcliffe
Free Will Service
THE POWER OF A SPECIAL DISABILITY TRUST
WHEN planning your estate, providing for a loved one with a disability brings a unique challenge.
How do you leave a financial legacy without accidentally cutting off their access to essential government support?
A direct inheritance is often a ‘double-edged sword’. While intended to provide security, a sudden influx of assets can push a beneficiary over the means-test thresholds, potentially costing them more in lost pensions and medical concessions than the gift is actually worth.
Large sums can make a vulnerable person a target for financial exploitation or lead to funds being depleted too quickly.
A Special Disability Trust (SDT) offers a way forward and is created by your will. By setting aside assets or property within this structure, families can provide financial support without jeopardising the beneficiary’s eligibility for government assistance.
The SDT protects the individual’s baseline safety net, such as the Disability Support Pension or Department of Veterans’ Affairs pensions, while allowing the trust’s funds to cover ‘extras’ that enhance their overall quality of life, comfort and dignity. A SDT also acts as a vital ‘gatekeeper’ for individuals who may be
vulnerable. By appointing a trustee to manage the funds, you can ensure:
• long-term security: funds are preserved for essential needs such as care and accommodation, rather than being spent all at once
• protection from influence: the assets are shielded from outside pressures or individuals who might take advantage of the beneficiary
• oversight: professional or trusted oversight ensures the money is used specifically for the beneficiary’s wellbeing.
While there are specific legal requirements to establish such a trust, it remains one of the most effective ways to provide your loved ones with the best of both worlds: the continued support of the government and the extra comfort provided by your gift in your will.
Because every estate is unique, Ryans Solicitors and Attorneys offers a free, no-obligation initial appointment (in person or by phone) to discuss your specific situation and the options available to you.
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.
What you need to know after being named as executor of a will
By DON MACPHERSON
An executor is the person named in a will whom the deceased chose to administer the estate. If there is no will, then someone must apply to the court to be appointed as administrator of the estate.
The executor or administrator is responsible for the deceased’s property and for payment of all outstanding debts and taxes from the estate funds before distributing the assets of the estate to the beneficiaries of the will.
The executor or administrator’s duties include:
• protecting and auditing the deceased’s assets and perhaps obtaining asset valuations
• if necessary, depending on the assets of the estate, applying to the Supreme Court for a grant of probate or letters of administration
• contacting the beneficiaries of the estate to advise as to entitlements under the will (or the next of kin in an intestacy)
• collecting and recovering the deceased’s assets
• maintaining the assets of the deceased in the interim, while assets are being collected and debts paid
• paying any debts of the deceased owing prior to death and any incurred during the course of the estate’s administration
• defending the will of the deceased where litigation is commenced against the estate
• obtaining advice in relation to and attending to any tax liability of the deceased
• having forensic accounting undertaken if necessary
• ensuring that a statement of assets and liabilities is maintained and provided to beneficiaries upon request and at the conclusion of the administration of the estate
• making a distribution of the deceased’s assets to those beneficially entitled in accordance with the will or the intestacy rules.
An executor also acts as trustee of the estate in holding assets on trust for the beneficiaries: for example, where beneficiaries are minors or are otherwise unable to hold their entitlements under the will.
For infant beneficiaries, the trustee manages money, investments or assets on a continuing basis for their benefit.
An executor must not make distributions to beneficiaries until he or she is sure that there is no likelihood of a claim being made for a share of the estate.
The executor’s first task is to determine the assets and the liabilities of the estate.
Very often, the executor can manage all of these matters themselves, but where they feel it is appropriate or necessary, they can engage a solicitor to carry out tasks in the estate. The most obvious role of a solicitor is to obtain probate or letters of administration.
A solicitor appointed to manage the estate will usually request the executor send to their office:
• the original death certificate once it has been received from the funeral director
• any recent bank statements, cheque books or passbooks for the deceased’s bank accounts
• registration details for any vehicle or boat held by the deceased
• any accounts payable by the estate
• any other relevant documentation (including details of term deposits, life insurance policies and any documents held by the deceased’s accountant).
On receiving this information, a solicitor can then correspond on behalf of the executor with the asset holders (such as banks) and with the creditors to determine the financial details so that a comprehensive statement of assets and liabilities can be finalised.
The role of an executor is onerous, challenging and often fraught with family tension.
It is often better to engage a solicitor who is familiar with the tasks involved, and without any emotional tensions, to carry out the necessary tasks in the shortest possible time.
Sunshine Coast Elder Law staff are experts in estate management, estate disputes and wills and other estate-planning matters. Call 1800 328 952 or visit sunshinecoastelderlaw.com.au
INDUSTRY EXPERT
Organ donation may return to Queensland driver licences
Queenslanders may soon notice a familiar feature returning to their driver licences: the option to record their decision about organ donation.
Years ago, driver licences included a marker showing whether a person intended to be an organ donor. That system was phased out in favour of the national Australian Organ Donor Register, managed by Medicare. Now, there is renewed discussion about reintroducing a visible prompt on licences to encourage more people to register their wishes.
adopted if the option becomes available again in Queensland.
Brisbane Elder Law are experts in estate management, estate disputes, and wills and other estate-planning matters. Call 1800 328 952 or visit brisbaneelderlaw.com.au
The legally recognised consent still comes from registration on the Australian Organ Donor Register. Families are typically consulted at the time of death, making it crucial that your loved ones are aware of your wishes.
Australia continues to face a shortage of donor organs, and a simple conversation and formal registration can save lives.
The key takeaway remains
In South Australia, you can still indicate your organ donor preference on your driver licence when obtaining or renewing. The information is automatically transferred to the Australian Organ Donor Register.
A similar approach is likely to be
SEPARATING SLEEP MYTHS FROM REALITY
WHEN it comes to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, there are plenty of myths that can stop people from getting the sleep they need.
The reality is that modern CPAP technology is quieter, smaller and more comfortable than ever.
Let’s separate fact from fiction. Myth 1: CPAP is for old, overweight men.
Fact: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender or body type. While excess weight can make symptoms worse, a 2025 metaanalysis suggests that about 60-70 per cent of people with OSA are not obese.
Men are often diagnosed earlier due to classic symptoms such as loud snoring or choking during sleep. Women, however, tend to be overlooked or misdiagnosed as they present with more subtle signs, including insomnia, morning headaches or low energy, especially when approaching menopause.
Myth 2: CPAP machines are loud and bulky.
Fact: Modern CPAP machines are quiet, compact and designed for convenience, with features such as auto-adjusting pressure and ramp settings to improve comfort. Ultra-portable devices are small enough to fit in your pocket.
Myth 3: CPAP masks are uncomfortable to wear.
Fact: While the mask is the most important part of your CPAP set-up, technology has made them smaller, lighter and more minimalistic to maximise comfort.
Some masks use ultra-soft memory foam cushions that gently conform to your face.
Most people adjust to modern CPAP masks within a few weeks of starting therapy.
CPAP therapy isn’t something to fear.
The CPAP Direct staff regularly help fit, active individuals, as well as women of all ages, who never expected sleep apnea to be the cause of their symptoms.
Visit cpap.com.au or call 1300 133 298.
TRY TO PROTECT YOUR SANITY AND STAY CALM AS GLOBAL CHAOS SPIKES
AUSTRALIANS are being warned not to become emotionally consumed by the chaos dominating headlines.
Best-selling author, keynote speaker and emotional wellbeing thought leader Elizabeth Jane says the constant cycle of conflict, economic uncertainty and fear-driven media is having a profound impact on mental health, relationships and decision making.
“The world feels loud, uncertain and, at times, overwhelming,” Jane says.
“With conflict in the Middle East, rising living costs and a relentless news cycle, it’s very easy to become anxious, reactive and emotionally depleted.”
Jane, who shares her insights in her acclaimed book Free and First: Unlocking Your Ultimate Life, says one of the most important skills Australians need right now is the ability to remain grounded and emotionally steady, even when external circumstances feel unstable.
“Just because the world is in chaos does not mean you have to be,” she says.
“Whether you keep your power is determined by how you respond and whether you can remain calm and grounded regardless of what is happening around you.”
Based in Sydney and a mother of four
adult children, Jane says she is seeing a surge in people feeling overwhelmed, fearful about the future and struggling to stay focused on their own lives.
“People are absorbing global stress as if it is their own,” she says.
“They are checking the news constantly, worrying about things outside their control and, as a result, they are feeling paralysed, exhausted and unable to move forward.”
Jane says that while it is important to stay informed, there’s a critical difference between awareness and emotional overexposure.
“Being informed is healthy. Being consumed is not,” she says.
“When fear becomes your daily state, it impacts your relationships, your finances, your health and your ability to make clear, rational decisions.”
She warns that heightened emotional states can lead to poor choices, particularly when it comes to money, relationships and long-term planning.
“You cannot control global conflict or economic shifts, or even the actions of those around you, but you can control how you respond, how you manage your finances, how you treat people, how you spend your time and how you look after your health,” she says. “This is where your true power lies. If you are grounded, calm and clear, you will navigate challenges far more effectively than if you are anxious and reactive.”
Visit elizabethjane.au
THE SIDE OF CANCER NOBODY TALKS ABOUT ENOUGH
A CANCER diagnosis brings an immediate focus on treatment. But for many people and those who love them, the harder, quieter struggle is everything else.
The sleeplessness. The anxiety that arrives uninvited at 3am. The exhaustion that doesn’t lift between appointments. The carer who keeps going because they don’t feel entitled to stop.
Here’s what integrative cancer care teaches us: quality of life during and after treatment is not a luxury.
It is part of the healing.
Four things that genuinely help:
1. Manage the nervous system, not just the symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices have strong research support for reducing cancer-related anxiety and fatigue. Even 10 minutes daily makes a measurable difference.
2. Nutrition matters more than most oncology teams have time to discuss.
Anti-inflammatory eating supports treatment tolerance and recovery. A qualified naturopath can tailor this safely alongside conventional care.
3. Carers need support, too. Compassion fatigue is real. Seeking your own support is not selfish: it sustains your capacity to be present.
4. Community reduces isolation. Peer support groups consistently show improved emotional outcomes for people affected by cancer. Connection is therapeutic.
You don’t have to navigate this alone and you don’t have to choose between conventional medicine and whole-person care.
WORDS: Chris Scott, CanSurvive Australia CEO. CanSurvive Australia is an integrative cancer support organisation based in Maroochydore. Visit cansurvive.org.au
Chronic pain can impact your sleep, mood, confidence, independence, or enjoyment of everyday life.
Scrambler Therapy (located in Noosa) is a non-invasive neuromodulation treatment used internationally for over 20 years.
It involves gentle electrical signals delivered through small surface electrodes placed on the skin near the painful area.
These signals aim to help the nervous system respond differently to pain over time. No medication or surgery involved.
Medication-Free Pathway to Chronic Pain Management
HAS your pool turned green? Is weekend lawn mowing on repeat? Do repairs stretch longer than a to-do list?
All of this can quickly add up financially and start eating into the time and energy you want to spend living your life.
Between rising costs and a never-ending cycle of maintenance, it can feel like you’re working harder just to stay in one place, instead of enjoying the comfort your home is meant to provide.
This is where Living Gems Moreton Bay will save the day. It’s designed to be a smarter way to live that keeps your lifestyle full, not your chores.
Merging modern living with a clear, financial model, Living Gems Moreton Bay is the whole package.
Operating on a land lease model, you own your home but lease the land it sits on, removing stamp duty and ensuring you keep 100 per cent of your capital gains when you sell.
Instead of a traditional mortgage plus a stack of household bills, you have a clear, low-entry cost and a
straightforward weekly site fee that covers shared spaces and facilities.
Inside the gated community in Burpengary East, you’ll find 186 modern, low-maintenance homes that are designed for comfort and ease.
Open-plan living, quality finishes, integrated security and modern appliances are already in place. So, you move in without the hassle and with peace of mind instead.
Beyond your home, you can lounge at the pool, play a friendly game of lawn bowls or hone your creativity at the residents’ workshop.
There’s a suite of facilities that’ll keep you active – and you decide what you want to fill your day with.
Living Gems isn’t about shrinking your life. It’s about shedding the upkeep and money worries and stepping into a simpler, more enjoyable chapter built around comfort, community and calm.
Call 1800 957 981 or visit the Sales Centre, open Monday-Friday at 273-308 Buckley Road, Burpengary East. Visit livinggems.com.au
A FEMINIST
IN THE lead-up to International Women’s Day in March, the Office for Women in Brisbane paid tribute to local resident Shirley Wilson on her 90th birthday, while honouring her 40-year dedication to feminism.
Shirley began her passion as secretary to the Grafton Women’s Refuge, supporting the cause with annual luncheons.
These luncheons were often fiery and emotional, with like-minded women who gathered and shared their experiences, based on concern about inequality, domestic violence and lack of support politically.
Shirley relocated to Tin Can Bay where she became the owner/operator of the Cooloola Coast Child Care Centre and continued the lunches on the
balcony of the caretaker’s residence for 15 years.
She eventually retired to Caloundra where she enjoys an occasional game of bridge at her local club.
She is continuing the lunches, empowering women in the cherished tradition, where they can feel safe and express themselves and later sharing these experiences with their loved ones.
THE SILVER SIRENS MAKE A SPLASH IN FRIENDSHIP
A GROUP of enthusiastic women gather at Kings Beach, Caloundra, every Friday, just before 8am, with boards under their arms, laughter in the air and not a care about the temperature of the water.
They call themselves the ‘Silver Sirens’ and what started as a few friends looking for some outdoor fun has turned into a lively, end-of-week ritual.
All are women over 55, but don’t call them “retirees at rest”.
They charge into the waves like teenagers, riding the surf with whoops and cheers that rival the gulls.
Shirley’s story is testament to the power of grassroots activism, recognising the need for respect for all as the basis for hope in the future.
Her work reminds us that change often begins with a single voice and that humour and determination can be a forceful voice for good.
Shirley’s fondest wish is to stay alive long enough to see a woman walk on the moon.
For them, it’s part exercise, part therapy and all joy.
“It’s the best way to start the weekend,” says Sarah, one of the group’s founders.
“You forget about everything else once you’re out there – just the ocean and your friends.”
Fitness experts agree bodyboarding offers a great full-body workout, improving balance, core strength and cardiovascular health.
But for this bunch, the real payoff is connection: something hard to find and deeply valued.
And newcomers are always welcome.
The only rules: bring your board, bring your smile and have a go.
Join the group on Facebook: facebook.com/caloundra.silver. sirens/ or just turn up.
FASHION AND HIGH TEA
COMMUNITY charities will be winners from the Caloundra Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Parade and High Tea on June 27. The auxiliary is continuing its contribution to many non-for-profit organisations within the community. Working alongside these organisations, it has contributed much-needed funds which have assisted in helping the homeless, and provided domestic violence and disability services, as well as clothing, food hampers and school supplies. This will be a day of fashion, delicacies and trivia.
Call Juliet Anderson on 0438 179 951 or email caloundrawomensauxiliary@ gmail.com
THE PETER ALLEN SHOW BLUES ARTIST ANDY COWAN
The Jazz & Blues Collective presents acclaimed Australian blues artist Andy Cowan live in concert.
A fixture on the Australian music scene for more than five decades, Cowan is widely regarded as one of the country’s finest live performers, renowned for his earthy, emotionally charged vocals and masterful piano playing.
WHERE: Millwell Road Community Centre, 11 Millwell Road East, Maroochydore.
WHEN: Sunday, June 7, from 1.30-4pm. Doors open at 1pm.
TICKETS: Adults $28.50, seniors $27.50, via stickytickets.com.au/jazzandbluescollective
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
THE much-loved and highly entertaining comedy The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde will be welcomed by modern audiences appreciating historic classics.
Billed in its first production in London on Valentine’s Day in 1895 as “a trivial comedy for serious people”, this was the fourth in Wilde’s classic quartet of comedies of manners: following Lady Windermere’s Fan, A Woman of No Importance and An Ideal Husband.
Attacked by the Marquess of Queensberry (who took a bouquet of rotting vegetables to the theatre to express his disapproval of Wilde’s personal life), the
play sparked an explosion of legal cases which ended in Wilde’s imprisonment.
‘Be yourself: everyone else is taken’, one of Wilde’s witticisms, is a clue to the theme of identity: two modern young men-abouttown hide their nefarious identities in an invented amalgam of Victorian virtue called Earnest. Two romances with two paragons of virtue result in a romp of confusion.
WHERE: The Playhouse in the Maleny Showgrounds.
WHEN: July 24-August 2, at various times.
TICKETS: $20-$25 from Rosetta Books in Maleny or go to trybooking.com and search for ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’.
BRISBANE mates Simon Chamberlain, Maureen Bowra and Rebel Bliss met a long time ago in a high-stress, highreward hobby: local community theatre. They discovered a mutual love of singing, dancing, great wine, cute dogs and theatre gossip.
A decade later, they turned their weekly dinner catch-ups into rehearsals, and The Peter Allen Show was born.
So, grab your maracas and sequins, and button up your most flamboyant shirt for some fabulously fun nostalgia.
This production is a captivating mix of Peter Allen’s most beloved hits, along with some hidden gems from his repertoire.
Featuring a five-piece band, three vocalists, sparkling costumes and high-energy dancing, this is a night at the theatre not to be missed.
WHERE: The J theatre, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Junction.
WHEN: Saturday, June 27, at 7.30pm. TICKETS: $69 adult, $64 concession (pensioner, senior or child 17 and under), via thej.com.au/the-peter-allen-show/ or call 5329 6560.
COOLOOLABIN HALL COUNTRY MARKET
THE Cooloolabin Hall is hosting its annual Country Market on Sunday, May 24, from 9am-2pm.
The fun, child-friendly market – less than 10 minutes’ drive west of Yandina – is part of a volunteer fundraising effort to maintain the historic hall and help build stronger community connections in the area.
It is an older style market with
children’s activities, art and crafts, local produce, homemade cakes and preserves, flowers, plants and bric-a-brac stalls.
There will even be a pick-your-own sunflower field open at an adjoining property on the day.
Food and coffee will be available and buskers are welcomed.
Message Dee on 0459 207 453 for more details or to book a stall.
A tapestry
TJust cruising The Med
RAVENNA, Italy
This first stop in the EmiliaRomagna region boasts early Christian and Bystantine mosaics and eight UNESCO World Heritage monuments and is the gateway to shore excursions including the legendary race cars and racing memorabilia in the Ferrari Museum. But my destination was mountaintop San Marino. It may be the 5th smallest country in the world and the oldest republic (301AD), but the maze of hilly, medieval streets is dotted with modern boutiques, restaurants and museums. From the Porta San Francesco, take in the expansive Piazza della Libertà (built in the 14th century over ancient cisterns) and neighbouring Palazzo Pubblico and head to the 11th-century Guaita fortress, also known as La Rocca: the oldest of three towers on Mount Titano.
SPLIT, Croatia
of culture and history
SHIRLEY SINCLAIR believes that cruising Mediterranean ports, exploring grand cities and picture-postcard villages is always a good idea.
here’s always unfinished business for me in ‘the Med’. One trip is never enough.
Geographically, ‘The Med’ refers to the Mediterranean Sea and the lands that border it on three continents: Europe, Africa and Asia. It spans countries including Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, with the addition of the island nations of Malta and Cyprus. The Med’s tapestry of cultures shares a particular climate (mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers) that in turn creates a way of life that goes well beyond geography and national boundaries. And I love it!
There are so many ways to ‘do the Med’, but cruising mirrors its relaxed and stress-free lifestyle that champions simple
and delicious food and wine, plus social connections, with a little extra ‘dolce vita’. I found much of what I was looking for in a Mediterranean holiday through the Greek Isles on a Norwegian Viva cruise. Norwegian Viva delivered me across the nautical miles quickly, with a minimum of fuss, on its 9-Day Greek Isles itinerary from Trieste (near Venice), Italy, to the Greek capital of Athens. NCL is sure to have a host of ships and itineraries to suit you. So, here’s a snapshot of what you might expect.
* With uncertainty of travel in the Middle East in the near future, several airports in Asia are the best alternatives for Aussies flying to Europe. Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the biggest international hubs, with Singapore Airlines flying on to Europe. Many carriers, including Qantas, operate through other Asian hubs such as Tokyo, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur airports, and Thai Airways flies through Bangkok to Europe.
On the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Old Town Split boasts the Diocletian’s Palace (circa 295AD), a glorious cathedral and marble streets, plus café-lined promenades by the harbour. Shore excursions include Krka River National Park with its 17 natural cascades. But medieval Trogir’s narrow streets were beckoning, taking in the 13th century cathedral and waterfront (don’t miss the quirky gelato flavour combos or handmade Trogirski rafiole: like tiny pasties). A scenic drive along the Cetina River for a restaurant grazing platter highlights authentic Croatian hospitality.
DUBROVNIK, Croatia
The ancient port city is a mecca for fans of the Game of Thrones TV series. The oldest section of the city, a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site, is ‘King’s Landing’: the fictional capital of the Seven Kingdoms. The 11th century Lovrijenac Fortress, located just outside the medieval walls that encircle Old Town, was the series’ scene overlooking the Battle of Blackwater Bay. On this, my second visit to the city, I explored on foot, finding Christmas baubles and ceramic souvenirs, eating lunch in an open-air restaurant overlooking the city walls, walking the Jesuit Staircase (where
Cersei Lannister began her ‘Walk of Shame’ in Season 5) and the series’ market scenes of St Dominic Street, before cooling off with a swim in the clear teal harbour waters.
CORFU, Greece
The northernmost of the Ionian Islands, also known as Kerkyra, is one of the lushest of the Greek Isles, and famous for dramatic turquoise waters, hillside villages, sandy beaches and secluded coves. The Timeless Villages and Scenic Drive excursion offered plenty of opportunity to see Corfliot villages up close (at times almost scraping the paint off walls as our expert driver navigated the narrowest of thoroughfares). A stop at Paleokastritsa was an opportunity to see the celebrated beach and multiple bays, while a coffee stop in the village of Lakones and lookout at Mount Pantokrator gave bird’s-eye views of the majestic island. It was capped off by a three-course outdoor lunch at stunning taverna The Old School Restaurant Kassiopi. Back in Old Town, meander the cobblestones of the narrow serpentine streets, browsing boutiques and shops, pausing at cafes and eating in historic tavernas. It is a designated World Heritage Site for the authenticity/integrity of the urban fabric and Venetian fortresses.
SANTORINI, Greece
Black cliff faces contrast with the whitewashed homes, blue church domes and buildings carved into the rock, crowning the caldera – all surrounded by sapphire-blue waters ... Santorini deserves its place as one of the most photographed islands in the world. The dramatic landscape was shaped by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BCE. I’ve seen the archeological digs at Akrotiri, romantic Oia sunsets from a sailing boat, and steam escaping from the ground on Nea Kameni
San Marino
island. I’ve swum in the dark-reddish hot springs in a cove off Palea Kameni. This time, I opted to line up for the cable car from the port to Fira before walking through the markets’ throng to my favourite part: Firostefani, where my family once stayed in a cave apartment with a view of the caldera. Take the coastline-hugging walkway back to Fira and then return to the ship via the steps to the bottom (a 45-minute workout!).
KUSADASI (EPHESUS), Turkiye Kusadasi, Turkiye’s busiest cruise port, is popular for its shopping: gold jewellery, decorative ceramics, leather and handwoven carpets. But it is best known as the coastal gateway to some of the most hallowed sites in the ancient world, including a residence believed to be the Virgin Mary’s, the ruins of Ephesus and St John’s Basilica. I chose a shore excursion exploring the ruins and the traditional village of Sirince to sample its renowned fruit wines. Ephesus, Turkiye’s most celebrated archaeological site, was established around the 10th century BCE. Among this UNESCO World Heritage site’s painstakingly excavated ruins are the Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre (where St Paul spent three years in the 1st century preaching the Gospel to up to 25,000 spectators) and Curetes Street – with its terrace houses. But it was an unplanned foodie encounter in Sirince that will long
stay in my memory: an ageing grandmother at Simena Cafe Restaurant rolled, flipped and thinned out the pastry for my gozleme using a long, cane-like stick.
ISTANBUL, Turkiye
About 16 million people live in this city whose old and new sections straddle two continents: Asia and Europe. Camlica Tower, the telecommunications tower that is designed like a tulip about to bloom (a symbol for the Turks during the Ottoman Empire), dominates a hillside at 369m. The sheer size of the place is best garnered from the Observation Lounge on Norwegian Viva, while docked at the world’s first underground cruise terminal: Galata Port. The Capital of Two Empires shore excursion introduces the Ottomans and Byzantines who ruled Istanbul for centuries. Their legacy is seen on Sultanahmet Square where the famed Blue Mosque and its more than 21,000 blue/ green Iznik tiles sits opposite the Hagia Sophia mosque architectural masterpiece. A short walk away is the Byzantine Basilica Cistern that featured in the Tom Hanks film Inferno. Constructed in 532AD to supply water to the Great Palace, this is the city’s largest surviving Byzantine subterranean cistern. A total of 336 marble columns salvaged from ruined temples create the massive structure that is now a quirky art gallery. Don’t miss the Grand Bazaar – the world’s largest and oldest covered market. Visit ncl.com.au
THE OUTBACK’S GENTLY CALLING US BACK
THERE’S a certain comfort in travelling Australia by coach, settling into your seat, watching the country roll by and knowing you’ve got nothing to do but enjoy it.
And if there’s ever been a time to answer the call of the Outback, it’s now with Coolum Tours & Travel.
From Adelaide to the Red Centre and Top End – Heading out of Adelaide, the shift happens slowly. The neat city edges soften, the colours warm and, before long, you’re surrounded by that unmistakable Outback expanse. It’s the kind of journey where the window becomes your storyteller.
A stop in Coober Pedy feels like stepping into another world: homes tucked underground, stories of opal miners and a community that’s quietly proud of its resilience.
Further along, Yulara welcomes you with a calm that’s hard to describe. It’s the gateway to the Red Centre, where sunsets seem to linger a little longer and conversations come a little easier. By the time you reach Alice Springs, you can feel the rhythm of the inland, the history, the people, the stories woven into the land.
Then, as you journey north into Kakadu National Park, the landscape transforms again. Wetlands, wildlife and ancient culture come together in a way that reminds you just how vast and varied this
country really is. And all along the way, travelling by luxury coach means you’re not worn out, you’re present.
Across the Top End: The Kimberley from Broome to Darwin – If the Red Centre speaks in quiet tones, the Top End has a bit more energy to it: raw, rugged and full of contrast. Starting in Broome, there’s that coastal charm before you head inland to explore one of Australia’s most remote and striking regions. Experiencing the Horizontal Falls is something you don’t forget in a hurry: powerful tides rushing through narrow gorges, a real reminder of nature doing its thing.
Travelling through Fitzroy Crossing and on to Kununurra, you start to appreciate just how important these small communities are. They’re the backbone of the region, welcoming, hardworking and deeply connected to the land. By the time you reach Katherine and continue on to Darwin, you’ve experienced a part of Australia that many people never truly see. Visit cttravel.com.au or call 5391 1648.
MAY 2026
O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days)
JUNE 2026
Red Centre & Top End (18 Days)
JULY 2026
Broome to Darwin (12 Days)
Brisbane Star (3 Days)
AUGUST 2026
North Queensland Savannah (11 Days)
Tropical North Queensland (12 Days)
SEPTEMBER 2026
Fraser Island (5 days)
Wallaroo Outback Retreat (7 Days)
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4Days)
Spring Gardens & Floriade (11 Days)
OCTOBER 2026
Wild Wild West of WA (13 Days)
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)
THE WHITE CROW
By Michael Rowbotham Thriller
Reviewed by Jan
Kent
THIS is my first Michael Rowbotham book and, I must admit, it definitely won’t be the last.
With tension building with each short, readable chapter, Rowbotham is able to maintain the reader’s interest with a smooth writing style and characters that are complex, but likeable – even the villainous MacCarthy family.
One of these is Philomena: the police officer assigned to the case, who, while attending a late-night call-out to a robbery, finds five-year-old Daisy wandering the dark streets alone.
With her father and uncles – the McCarthy gang, which the chief suspects in a murderous robbery gone wrong – Phil is pulled in many directions: her new marriage, Daisy without parents, her family whom she would rather not be linked to, and her burgeoning career.
With so many threads of the story masterly interwoven, I was hooked from start to finish, with enough breath-holding moments preventing me from putting this book down.
I always love a strong female character in a book. Phil did not disappoint me and as she was drawn deeply into the erupting gang war, I found myself silently shouting encouragement.
SAOIRSE
BILL THE BASTARD
By Roland Perry
Historical non-fiction
Reviewed by
John Kleinschmidt
THIS true story is about Australia’s most famous war horse.
‘Bill the Bastard’ was a Waler: an Australian mixed breed noted for great endurance and versatility and as the backbone of the Australian Light Horse Troops in World War I. He earned the ‘Bastard’ name because he was among the biggest of Australian horses and unbroken. He only ever let one man, Major Michael Shanahan, ride him.
Bill was cantankerous, incredibly perceptive, intelligent and much stronger than most other horses. He was used as a packhorse at Gallipoli before serving as a Cavalry horse for the Major in the Beersheba charge and then again as a packhorse after Shanahan was injured.
Banjo Paterson is a key figure in the story in his capacity as a Remount Officer. By the end of the Middle East campaign, Bill the Bastard was something of a legend.
A very entertaining read.
By Charleen Hurtubise, Contemporary fiction
Reviewed by Rebecca Walker, of Annie’s Books on Peregian
SET between Ireland and the US, Saoirse is a suspenseful novel that traces the life of its emotionally damaged female protagonist over a decade during the 1990s.
Told from her perspective, Saoirse – whose name means ‘freedom’ – is a sympathetic character who escapes a traumatic childhood in the States and flees to Ireland on a false passport.
Constantly switching from present to past, a picture is slowly painted to reveal the circumstances that made her run abroad.
As the chapters progress, tension mounts as it becomes clear that Saoirse can’t outrun the truth, which threatens the new identity and life she’s built.
Touching on themes of abuse, identity, survival and the fine line between reinvention and deception, the novel dives into deep waters, yet is an easy read. A mystery, comingof-age and love story all in one, Saoirse is a compelling and wellwritten page-turner.
POWERFUL STORIES TOLD BY TWO REMARKABLE
STORYTELLERS
NOOSA alive! will present a rare Queensland-exclusive literary event on May 11, exploring two new books featuring the almost unbelievable tales of two extraordinary Australians.
The festival fundraising event features Peter FitzSimons’ latest non-fiction book on war hero Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, and wife Lisa Wilkinson’s extraordinary and previously untold true story of Evelyn Marsden: the only Australian-born survivor of the sinking of the RMS Titanic
This Queensland exclusive event sees the media power couple together ‘in conversation’ at The J theatre in Noosa from 4pm.
Audiences will first hear from FitzSimons at 5pm, presenting The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop — the legendary Australian war hero whose courage and leadership became a lifeline for thousands of Australian prisoners of war forced to work on the infamous Thai-Burma Railway during World War II.
At 6.30pm, Wilkinson will present The Titanic Story of Evelyn Through extensive research and compelling storytelling, Wilkinson brings to life Marsden’s courageous journey through one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters, revealing an unforgettable tale of resilience and humanity.
Following the presentations, the audience will have the opportunity to meet both authors during a book signing session from 7.30pm, with book sales available on the night. The event is supported by Hachette Books and The Junction Bookstore.
For any remaining tickets for this literary event, go to noosaalive.com.au
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF BETTY
By Debra Oswald,
Historical fiction
Reviewed by Karen Weiber, of Books@Stones, Stones Corner
MEET Betty: storyteller, feminist, eternally curious and phenomenally old.
On the eve of her 100th birthday party, Betty tells us her story as one of 10 children.
Betty’s family is poor and after The Blitz, she decides to migrate to Australia as a teenager. On board the SS Asturias, she meets three people who will influence the course of her life: Pearl, a good-hearted party girl; Athena, a Greek woman on her way to marry a man she has never met; and Leo, a German Jew who lost all his family.
In Sydney, Betty makes ends meet as a waitress at the Trocadero dance hall when she has a rushed courtship with Donald, a wealthy businessman, and dedicates herself to being a suburban housewife. But soon she must find a way to do more than survive.
What a delightful read. Her thoughts and observations as we follow her through the years are witty yet poignant. She continues to forge ahead despite unimaginable sadness and loss – a story of resilience and a life lived to the fullest.
With Quizmaster Garry Reynolds
1. What city is on the Tamar River?
2. What is Don Bradman’s middle name?
3. What is Italian for ‘the sweet life’?
4. What is a substance to increase libido called?
5. Which element does Bi represent?
6. Which Dickens novel is partly narrated by Esther Summerson?
7. Who was the most recent Australian to win the Wimbledon men’s title?
8. What drug is ‘reefer’ slang for?
9. Which animal featured on Australia’s two-cent coin?
10. What was a helot?
11. Peck’s Pastes were made in Australia but now are made in which country?
12. Who wrote Shall We Tell the President?
13. What is the colloquial term for a lock of hair curving into the face?
14. What is the hometown of The Big Trout?
15. Who is the singer on the $100 note?
16. What type of postal transport is specified by ‘par avion’?
17. What is the veterinary term for sterilising a female animal?
18. What is the term for drunken Roman orgies?
19. Which company developed the bionic ear?
20. Who is the composer of Otello and Falstaff?
14. Adaminaby. 15. Dame Nelly Melba. 16. Air. 17. To spey (spay). 18. Bacchanalia. 19. Cochlear. 20. Verdi.
8. Marijuana cigarette. 9. Frill-necked lizard. 10. Spartan slave. 11. France. 12. Jeffrey Archer. 13. A kiss curl.
1. Launceston. 2. George. 3. La dolce vita. 4. Aphrodisiac. 5. Bismuth. 6. Bleak House. 7. Lleyton Hewitt (2002).
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1 Stupid fellow, carrying a bed, set off a security system(8)
5 Fine cow, perhaps, is the choicest example(6)
9 Dig one in a suit(5)
10 Pressure applied to skilled workers enthused supporters(9)
12 One, after short time wearing footwear, is capable of working independently(10)
13 A few in church advertised a place in Africa(4)
15 I get up after one day and take off(8)
16 Passage pertaining to us in church(6)
18 Injury that should be treated right in a European country(6)
19 Male in unoccupied toilet breaks down problem with digestion?(3,5)
22 Polish fan(4)
23 Our reputation is maintained in explosive contest(10)
25 Set of items found in a chest replaced dryers(3,6)
26 A girl re-evaluated a cherished goal(5)
27 The writer heading bank is calling(6)
28 Regulations trade union listed in reports(8)
DOWN
1 Stops son kidnapped by believers in God(7)
2 Really rotten treats divided up by a mother before bad performance(2,1,6,2,4)
3 Study knotted fur found in Islanders(10)
4 Fuel loss stemmed by one type of cosmetic preparation(3,5)
6 Loony-bin not accepting cooked pieces of bony meat(4)
7 Few orchestrate a prepared news item of great interest to many(7,8)
8 Rise affected outstanding balance(7)
11 Piece of leather used solely for money(4)
14 Stop stealing, say, grog that is ordered(2,8)
17 Eager Sherpas wrongly mountains(5-3)
18 in problem as a minor detail(7)
20 from titles, calms down(7)
21 Aggressive youth is left in an exhausted state(4)
