Bowling & Lifestyle Magazine Spring 2023

DIGITALLY DISTRIBUTED AUSTRALIA WIDE

Photo: Laura Fox / © IFAW

2023 VOL3 NO 3

Mark (Jacko) Jackson The Man Behind The Legend See Page 8-9

Brian Cadd Personal Interview

See page 38-39

News from our experts at BrainSpine.

You’re in great hands.

See pages 26-30

Bowls Australia

WORLD CHAMPION HAYMAN ECSTATIC WITH GOLD COAST RUN

Recently crowned World Champion Dawn Hayman is still adjusting to life with her new title, but the Right at Home Jackaroo is as elated as she was on the final Sunday of the World Bowls Championships.

The New South Wales product saluted in the women’s triples alongside Lynsey Clarke and Kelsey Cottrell after their 15-9 victory over New Zealand at Broadbeach.

Speaking on Without Bias, Hayman reveals that it has been straight back to the green with district singles taking up her time and not allowing the enormity of her achievements to fully sink in.

“It’s unreal, I still can’t quite believe it yet and I’ve been straight back into bowls since I got home so I don’t think I’ve let it fully sink in,” she said.

“ All of the family are really happy and so am I.”

Having strived to play in a major international event throughout the entirety of her career, going out with a gold was the cherry on top of a magical fortnight for the 26-year-old, who says the confidence continued to build from the sectional rounds all the way to the final.

“It’s everything we play for in our game, I’ve always strived to play in one of these major international events whether it be World Bowls or the Commonwealth Games,” Hayman said.

“We went undefeated in the triples and it just seemed to work, we had fun, were backing each other up and ended up finishing with a gold medal so it doesn’t get any better than that.

“We’d played six sectional games and just kept getting better as it went on, then played a really strong quarterfinal match against South Africa before a little bit of a battle with Ireland in the semifinal.

“That match was at Helensvale and it was windy and tricky, it went down to the last end but after that battle we really had the belief in each other that we could go on and win the whole thing.”

The final against the Blackjacks started in scintillating fashion for the Australian unit, racing to a 12-5 buffer before New Zealand mounted a mini fightback to get to within four shots with a quartet of ends to play.

Hayman and her teammates were able to steady the ship in the final exchanges to seal the victory, with the St John’s Park exponent putting it down to the team dynamic that she shared with Clarke and Cottrell.

“I think it was just having each other’s back,” she said.

“We had a really strong start and they did start to come back at us, but I think we knew that if we just kept getting in the areas and cutting them down or winning the end that we would feel confident that we could go all the way and win it.

“Kels played a few massive shots when it counted and that really got us over the line.”

In This Issue…

Letter from the editor

IT FEELS LIKE A DREAM -BOWLS AUSTRALIA...... 8 RIGHT AT HOME............................................... 16 & 17 HUMPTY DUMPTY FOUNDATION................ 20 & 21 BRAINSPINE PAIN EXPERTS........... 26 27 28 29 30 INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR ANIMAL WELFARE....................................... 42 43 44 YOUR NEVER TOO OLD TO HAVE FUN................54 WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO SEE ‘EGO’ THE MICHAEL GUDINSKI STORY...............56

Welcome to the 2023 Spring edition of Bowling & Lifestyle Magazine. Our 14th year anniversary edition Many thanks to everyone that continues to support us and our faithful readers.

Your commitment and dedication to the Magazine is very much appreciated. This bumper issue features interviews with Mark ( Jacko) Jackson, who gave us an exclusive personal Interview, after 15 years of no media interviews, multi-award-winning musician Brian Cadd AM and Rugby League Legend Danny Buderus.

Plus 2 articles written by our guest writer Tony Bonner AM, all the latest news from Bowls Australia, Lawn Bowls Icons Henselite and the latest news from the Royals and much more.

Special thanks to Bowls Australia and our Lifestyle & Entertainment Columnist, Catherine Colusso for all their wonderful stories. Plus, a huge thank you to all the clubs, bowlers and businesses who have sent in stories, latest events and articles. We love hearing what is happening at your club. ‘’KEEP THE STORIES COMING’’ Many thanks also to all our advertisers, who make this magazine possible. Read our latest and past editions on ISSUU ‘FREE OF CHARGE’ at https://issuu.com/sales.bowlingandlifestylemagazines Head on over to our Facebook & Instagram pages and give us a like/follow and support Australia’s only National Lawn Bowls Online Magazine. Thank you for reading our magazine. We appreciate the support.

From the team here at Bowling & Lifestyle Magazine.

Please stay safe

ULTIMATE NAMIBIA & THE OKAVANGO DELTA

Until next time…

– WITH CAPE TOWN 19 DAYS / 18 NIGHTS

Rosslyn Wren Catherine Flier Catherine Colusso Publisher CEO Lifestyle &

Entertainment Columnist Publisher | Rosslyn Wren

WE ARE GIVING ONE OF OUR LUCKY READERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO SEE

“EGO’’ THE MICHAEL GUDINSKI STORY

Advertising and Editorial inquiries:

0424 672 796 or email to rwren7@bigpond.com

Artwork and Design | Adele Dhillon

To be in the draw, send your email to bowlsplus1@bigpond.com WINNER WILL BE ADVISED BY EMAIL

Copyright: All material appearing in this magazine is copyright. Reproduction in whole or part is not permitted without permission from the publishers.

Notice: To ensure the information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility is accepted by the publishers for material supplied by an individual, company or organisation of for a typographical error p: 0422 920 75.

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LAWFORD ENGINEERING your Lawn Bowling Green & Equipment specialists. As an Australian owned and operated business, all products are manufactured in Australia to best service our Australian clubs and bowling enthusiasts.

Proprietors of LAWFORD ENGINEERING, Peter Lawford and Kim Mundie are repeating history with the expansion of their Ramsey Street business, to now include one of the world’s most sought-after lawn bowls accessories. (The Bowling Arm)

HISTORY

It was more than half a century ago that the lounge room of Peter Lawford’s parents, Jim and Barbra Lawford was a makeshift laboratory for the forward-thinking engineer’s prototype products for the sport.

Jim and Barbra were both Rochester club champions, however it was Jim Lawford who became a renowned innovator in the production of lawn bowls equipment, particularly in the space of greenside ditches and plinths.

Peter Lawford and Kim Mundie now head up the engineering business, and have recently expanded their operation – purchasing the rights to Bendigo based product, The Bowling Arm. The product, which will now be produced from the Ramsay Street factory in Rochester, has come a long way in the 30 years of its development. It is the latest addition to the Lawford Engineering stable of products.

Jim Lawford started the business in 1962, which his son Peter now operates. He started as an administrator and was also a Campaspe regional councillor. Jim was recognised by ‘’Bowls Australia’’ for his work relating to the Bowls industry.

Jim was the first to react when regulation changes in the sport were made to prevent dangerous rebounds of lawn bowls. The 6

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

administrators decided that concrete ditches needed to have a slope, so the bowls didn’t rebound back onto the green.

Jim then subsequently designed a pressed metal attachment to the concrete and later designed a standalone metal ditch which has lasted 30 years.

The product was installed on greens throughout Australia and New Zealand, and while never officially named, it become widely known as the Lawford Ditch.

During the 1980’s Jim moved full-time into the bowls business, taking the company forward using both the boiler marker skills he learned in a Nathalia garage and his imagination for the sport’s development.

The company is in the same shed as where Jim started the business, although for a long stint it was located at Echuca Road. Jim’s pre-cast concrete ditches and the galvanised steel products that followed, paved the way for 80 products that are now available to clubs through the company website.

Lawford’s steel plinth product remains one of the most sought-after products, the original design replacing the products that were formally a mixture of cement sheet, asbestos and wood. The creation of the steel plinth, is a more

practical, cheaper and easier alternative to what was used before.

The Lawford plinth is among a range of products, including synthetic carpet covered ditches and greenside bordering, and more recently scoreboards, rink numbers and other Greenside products.

Kim Mundie’s son Leigh, is the company’s senior engineer and oversees The Bowling Arm on site development. Bowling arms are continuing to rise in popularity in the sport, providing an option for not as nimble participants to deliver bowls in a more accurate fashion. The Bowling Arm improves your bowls. While the Bendigo based founder of the product was doing between 1200 – 1500 of the $285 (retail value) products on an annual basis, the Lawford’s hope to step that up to 2000.

The product will continue to be promoted heavily to the domestic market, but there is the potential for the expansion of existing markets in the United Kingdom, Canada, USA and New Zealand. There is also the potential for the product to be placed in retail outlets through the Campaspe region and even in Rochester itself. With the development is the opportunity for the business to expand it’s seven strong staff, potentially by up to three, as the Bowls Australia approved product battles with two other similar products for a share of the market. It’s a competitive market place, however the Lawford’s team , at least in the initial stages, is working 11 hours a day to ‘’hit the ground running.’’

Considering the complicated and exact nature of the product’s construction (there are about 12 elements to the arm) they hope to be making about 40 a week.

They do, however have to balance that with the greenside

installations they currently have on their books throughout Victoria and New South Wales.

It is a very fiddly product, because there are a lot of

aluminium castings. However, it is a very exciting time for the company.

Australian Owned and Family Run, just the way we like it!

Phone: 0429 845 346

Email : sales@lawfordengineering.com.au

Add: 78 Queen Street, Rochester, Victoria 3561

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MARK (JACKO) JACKSON THE MAN BEHIND THE LEGEND BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE recently had the enormous privilege of catching-up with Living Legend MARK JACKSON at the wonderful Back Page Sports Bar in Carrara on the Gold Coast We were lucky enough to take a trip down memory lane with him, as we reminisced about his herculean rise to fame as an ‘’ Aussie Hero’’ who was worshiped by fans across Australia. We were delighted to find he was extremely charismatic, hilariously genuine and down to earth. There was never a dull moment, nor was he ever lost for words, due to his exceptional story-telling abilities, coupled with his wild sense of humour. Mark’s enormous ‘’larger than life’’ personality contributed enormously in making the interview memorable and exciting.

MARK ( Jacko) JACKSON is a former AFL footballer and one of the most controversial characters in Australian AFL History. However, He is regarded as an almost mythical figure by many of his fans, who have never stopped supporting him, and acknowledge that Mark, is an important part of Australia’s cultural history. Mark exploded onto the football field in 1979, causing a media frenzy. However, he has dealt with the media attention and stardom in an open and straightforward manner.

Following his football career, Jacko became notable for several high-profile advertisements which included Eveready’s new ‘’Energizer Battery Line’’ and Nutri-Grain.

In the mid 80’s Americans developed an infatuation with all things Australian, largely due to the success of Paul Hogan’s ‘’Crocodile Dundee’’ films.

It was during this time that the prominent American 8

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

company ‘’Eveready’’ launched its new Energizer battery line.

They opted to hire Jacko as their spokesperson. Jacko at the time was quite possibly the most Australian man that ever walked the earth. The commercial was pure gold and featured extensively on American television, it was instrumental in achieving international stardom for Jacko.

Jacko then used his fame and popularity to launch a singing career. His first single ‘’I’m an individual’’ was a huge hit on the Australian singles chart.

Jacko also appeared in various television sitcoms and movies.

The most notable being the American action-adventure series ‘’The Highwayman.’’

Mark released his autobiography called ‘’Dumb like a Fox’’ in 1986. The title being a clever heading that captured the many personas of a multi-talented complex man.

Q & A with MARK (JACKO) JACKSON

B&L : CONGRATULATIONS Mark on your success.

Over the years you have played a major role in (AFL) appeared in several high-profile commercials, starred in several films and appeared in various television sitcoms. You have also written your autobiography. Can you tell us how you managed to achieve all this ?

MARK : I was able to achieve all these things because I like being a good person.

B&L :Can you tell us about an unforgettable highlight of your career thus far ?

MARK : I loved doing the publicity tour in America, after making the new Energizer Battery Line commercial for ‘’Eveready.’’

B&L :You also made other commercials and featured in other projects while you were there. Did you live in America for long ?

MARK : I was there for a couple of years, and during that time, I was able to make 13 episodes of ‘’The Highwayman.’’ I also became good friends with Wayne Newton and appeared on The Johnny Carson Show.

B&L : What location in America did you like the best and why ?

MARK : I liked Utah, because you can have more than one wife there.

B&L :What made you pursue a football career, and how old were you when you realized you could potentially make football a career ?

MARK : One of the reasons I got involved in football was to honour my father. I started kicking the ball around with my brother when I was very young, and you don’t ‘’realize potential’’ when you are very young.

B&L : Did you have a second career choice if your football career failed ?

MARK : My father was a 3rd generation roof-tiler and I was able to help him when I was very young.

B&L :Do you miss the adrenaline associated with football ?

MARK : No, however I am always looking for new

opportunities.

B&L : Following your retirement from football, you launched your singing career. You had a hit record called “I’m an individual you can’t fool me.” What was it like knowing that your song was enormously successful and why do you think the song was successful ?

MARK : The song was successful because it caught the Australian psych. I was in Darwin during that time, and the ‘’First Nation’s People’’ were singing ‘ ‘’I’m an Aboriginal you can’t fool me.

“It was awesome.’

B&L : Do you use social media? We could not help but notice an interesting facebook page called ‘’Mark Jacko Jackson’’ The Clown Prince.

Is this page your official page?

MARK : I don’t use any social media platforms, I hate social media, and I don’t need to tell everyone where I am and what I’m doing. I think we are now producing ‘’brain dead kids.’’

B&L :What is next on the agenda for Mark Jacko Jackson ?

MARK : “I WILL NEVER STOP.’’ We are honored that Mark Jackson chose Bowling & Lifestyle to give us his first interview in fifteen years Thankyou Mark!

Story and Interview – by the Bowling & Lifestyle in-house Journalist

How accessing equity from your home, debt free, could change your life forever

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AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

As a retiree, you may have built up significant equity in your home. This may be the difference between the value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage or, if you own your home outright, this is the value of your home today. Years ago, many retirees did not know they had the option to access this wealth locked up in their home or may have been nervous about accessing the equity in their home believing they needed to go back into debt to do so.

Today, the options for retirees are quite different. Many retirees are now turning to equity release products to get access to the funds they need to live a more comfortable retirement and improve their financial situation and quality of life.

There are several ways to access your home equity in retirement. One option is to downsize to a smaller home. This can free up cash that you can use to pay off debt, invest, or cover other expenses. Another option is to take out a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage allows you to borrow money against the equity in your home without having to make monthly payments. The loan is repaid when you sell your home or move into long-term care.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to both options. Downsizing can be a stressful and emotional process, and it may be difficult to find a smaller home that meets your needs and budget. Reverse mortgages can be complex and expensive, and many retirees are reluctant to take out a loan at this stage of their life, particularly when interest rates are on the rise.

Thankfully, there is another alternative for retirees who want to access their home equity in retirement without going into debt: Homesafe Wealth Release™.

Homesafe Wealth Release is a debt-free equity release solution that allows you to receive a cash lump sum in exchange for a share of the future sale proceeds of your home. You remain the legal owner of your home and have the right to live in it for as long as you wish.

There are several benefits to accessing your home equity with Homesafe Wealth Release: •

It is debt-free: You do not have to take out a loan or reverse mortgage, so you will not have the added worry of interest rates continuing to rise and the impact of compounding interest charges over time.

•

You retain ownership of your home: You remain the legal owner of your home and have the right to live in it for as long as you wish.

•

You can access any amount*: You can access any amount of equity in your home, from $25,000 to $1,000,000.

•

There are no hidden fees: There are no hidden fees or charges associated with Homesafe Wealth Release.

•

You have peace of mind: Knowing that you have access to a financial cushion can give you peace of mind in retirement.

>>

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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>>

Homesafe Wealth Release can be used for a variety of purposes, such as: •

Paying off debt: You can use the money from Homesafe Wealth Release to pay off debt, such as credit card debt or even a reverse mortgage.

This can free up more money each month for other expenses, such as healthcare or travel.

•

Investing: You can use the money from Homesafe Wealth Release to invest in retirement incomegenerating assets, such as dividend-paying stocks or your Superannuation fund. This can help to ensure that you have a steady stream of income in retirement.

•

Making home improvements: You can use the money from Homesafe Wealth Release to make home improvements that make your home more accessible and safer as you age. You can also use the money to upgrade your home to make it more comfortable and enjoyable to live in.

•

Funding your lifestyle: You can use the money from Homesafe Wealth Release to fund your lifestyle in retirement. This could include travel, hobbies, or spending time with family and friends.

For over 18 years, Homesafe (in partnership with Bendigo & Adelaide Bank) has provided a tried and tested solution which has assisted thousands of homeowners by focusing on providing a safe and secure equity release option. Homesafe is not a reverse mortgage or a loan product and is specifically designed to provide protections for homeowners for the life of the arrangement.

How can I make an enquiry with Homesafe?

The team at Homesafe offer personalised service by phone initially, and a no-obligation meeting with a Homesafe Mobile Specialist in the comfort of your home is organised to ensure you can receive all the information you – and your family – need to make an informed decision.

For more information on how Homesafe^ has helped retirees to fund their retirement for over 18 years, contact Homesafe on 1300 307 059 or visit www.homesafe.com.au. ^Terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria apply.

Homesafe Wealth Release™ is available in 90% of eligible postcodes in Melbourne & Sydney.

The program operates on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 9.30am - 2.30pm and is located at Colonel Light Gardens SA. To be eligible participants need to be 65 years or over, reasonably mobile and independent with personal care.

Social connection for Seniors

Care & Share at Trinity is a social activity program for people 65yrs and over who are living in the South/East Metropolitan area.

It can be awkward meeting new people, but not at Care and Share. Our staff ensure that everyone is welcomed and have the opportunity to join in the conversation and fun activities while enjoying a relaxed informal club style atmosphere. The aim of the program is to enhance the general health and wellbeing of all participants and be a place to meet and make new friends.

The activities include board games, indoor bowls, bocce, conversation groups, memory games & quizzes, relaxation exercises, cards, bingo, craft and the occasional guest speaker. A delicious home-style 2 course hot meal is also served for lunch.

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AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

How to become involved: You are welcome to come along and be our guest for a free trial day. Please contact the Program Manager Janine Callegari on 8276 1144 for further details.

There is a small fee that regular participants are asked to contribute towards the cost of the activities/program and lunch ($20.00). If transport is not required, the fee is $17. Transport may be available to and from the program depending on your proximity to the Mitcham Council region.

A referral from myagedcare is required prior to regular attendance. The Program Manager will assist you with this process if required. (1800 200422) myagedcare.gov.au Alternatively, participants who receive a Home Care Package (HCP) can attend the program via an arrangement with their provider. HCP clients are not eligible for CHSP funding so the attendance fee will be at a higher rate. Care & Share at Trinity and is funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and is administered by the Trinity Baptist Church.

Jonathan’s family leaves a legacy Three-year-old Jonathan had a rocky start to life, after being diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) within 24 hours of being born.

HLHS is a condition whereby the left side of Jonathan’s heart was born too small to function effectively and was unable to pump his blood around his tiny body. To alleviate his condition, Jonathan underwent two open heart surgeries – the first of which was performed when he was only seven days old.

“Before he was taken away, we held him for what could have been the last time. It was not the beginning to his life that we had imagined.

His chest remained open for three days postoperation to allow his swelling to go down, and I will never forget that sight,” remembered Jonathan’s mum, Jess.

Jonathan has since undergone two further open-heart surgeries, and his treatment is ongoing. He will require cardio appointments

every few months to monitor his progress and another surgery in a few years. His family cite the Foundation’s support as invaluable during one of the most difficult periods for the family.

Due to the support that Jonathan received during his hospital journey, his family have decided to leave a gift in their Will to the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Both Jonathan and his sister, Liesel, have spent time in hospital, so the family thought it was important to ensure that other families who find themselves in similar situations can be supported by the Foundation.

“As Jonathan will need at least one more openheart surgery, we know that Children’s Hospital Foundation will be there to support us when his operation happens. The gift in our Will was easy to do when we wrote our Wills using Gathered Here, which took some of the stress out of creating this important document. It’s something we’ve encouraged our friends and family to do,” added Jess.

Write your Will for free We’ve partnered with Gathered Here, a free and easy step-by-step online Will writing service. It can take less than 10 minutes to have an incredible impact on sick kids.

Even just 1% of your estate could be the difference kids deserve and give hope to families now and into the future.

Scan the QR code to access the free Will writing service.

Bowls Australia

BPL18 TEAMS ANNOUNCED With just over two months remaining until the next instalment of the Bowls Premier League (BPL), the ten franchises have submitted their teams that show four playing changes and three coaching alterations, including two making their tournament debut in BPL18 at the competition’s spiritual home of Club Pine Rivers.

The Melbourne eXtreme has announced one change, with Right at Home Jackaroo Kylie Whitehead headlining the inclusions for the event to come in for Natasha Van Eldik.

Whitehead has earned 37 international caps for the Jackaroos and will join former champion Ali Forsyth and BPL15 All Star team member Matthew Flapper, who comes back into the Club Sunbury franchise for Nick Cahill after being a late withdrawal in February’s edition of the competition.

Kelvin Kerkow will reprise his role as the team’s coach.

The Tasmania Tridents have made a playing change as well, with 2022 Australian men’s singles champion Rob McMullen to replace foundation Trident Taelyn Male.

McMullen joins Rebecca Van Asch and Michael Sims on the green with Mark Strochnetter back on board as the franchise’s coach.

The final playing change comes from the Gold Coast Hawks, with former charger in Brett Wilkie making his return to the tournament in place of Shannon McIlroy.

Club Helensvale’s franchise is yet to feature in the finals since its return to the competition despite always boasting a healthy shot difference and will hope that their esteemed product can bring them into the top five.

Wilkie previously donned the Hawks colours from APL02 to BPL06 and also represented the Perth Suns in the inaugural tournament in 2013.

He teams up with former champions in Kelsey 14

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Cottrell and Nathan Rice, with coach Mark Thatcher making his debut and replacing Anthony Kiepe.

The Suns have also made a coaching replacement with Pieter Harris making way for Bill Brandsma, who will lead an unchanged trio of Kristina Krstic, Cody Packer and Blake Nairn.

The Adelaide Pioneers will be striving to finally end the South Australian hoodoo at the tournament with Les Carter coming back to the helm as coach in place of John Higgins.

On the green it will be the same trio of two-time MVP Scott Thulborn, Wayne Ruediger and Katelyn Inch as they aim to hoist the trophy for the first time.

Defending champions in the Moama Steamers will bring forth the exact same lineup that stormed to the BPL17 final on the Murray, as five-time champion and six-time MVP Aron Sherriff returns with recently crowned World Champion Ryan Bester and Australian Open women’s singles winner Cassandra Millerick for company.

Kevin Anderson will suit up yet again for the Steamers as coach.

No changes have been made for the Sydney Lions either as the Club Mount Lewis squad looks to go one better than February with coach Steve Glasson OAM leading the trio of Karen Murphy AM, Aaron Wilson and Ben Twist.

BPL15 and 16 champions in the Melbourne Pulse are unchanged as Barrie Lester, Ellen Ryan and Gary Kelly return under the guidance of Jeremy Henry, while the Tweed Heads Ospreys juggernaut will look to reassert themselves on top as Wayne Turley OAM leads Aaron Teys, Corey Wedlock and Chloe Stewart once more.

Finally, the home franchise of the Moreton Bay Pirates also bring an unchanged team as Alex Marshall, Jo Edwards and Chris Rosanes look to regain the title in front of the parochial Pine Rivers crowd under the reign of Ryan Burnett.

Bowls Australia

See below for the full ins and outs for each BPL franchise: Adelaide Pioneers: Scott Thulborn, Wayne Ruediger, Katelyn Inch Coach: Les Carter In: Carter (Coach) Out: John Higgins (Coach) Moreton Bay Pirates: Alex Marshall, Jo Edwards, Chris Rosanes Coach: Ryan Burnett No Change Gold Coast Hawks: Brett Wilkie, Kelsey Cottrell, Nathan Rice Coach: Mark Thatcher In: Wilkie, Thatcher (Coach) Out: Shannon McIlroy, Anthony Kiepe (Coach)

Melbourne eXtreme: Kylie Whitehead, Matthew Flapper, Ali Forsyth Coach: Kelvin Kerkow In: Flapper, Whitehead Out: Natasha Van Eldik, Nick Cahill Melbourne Pulse: Barrie Lester, Gary Kelly, Ellen Ryan Coach: Jeremy Henry No Change Moama Steamers: Ryan Bester, Cassandra Millerick, Aron Sherriff Coach: Kevin Anderson No Change Perth Suns: Blake Nairn, Kristina Krstic, Cody Packer Coach: Bill Brandsma In: Brandsma (Coach) Out: Pieter Harris (Coach)

Sydney Lions: Karen Murphy, Ben Twist, Aaron Wilson Coach: Steve Glasson No Change

Tasmania Tridents: Rebecca Van Asch, Rob McMullen, Michael Sims Coach: Mark Strochnetter In: McMullen

Out: Taelyn Male Tweed Heads Ospreys: Aaron Teys, Corey Wedlock, Chloe Stewart Coach: Wayne Turley No Change

BPL18 runs from November 13-17, 2023, at Club Pine Rivers with live streaming on Bowls Australia’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, as well as live broadcasts from Tuesday to Friday from 4pm until 10pm AEST on Fox, Kayo and Sky Sports NZ.

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Making you feel Right at Home Right at Home is your local, quality, in-home aged care and disability support provider, providing care and support that allows our clients to remain safe and independent in their own homes.

Right at Home have 42 offices in Australia throughout New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and now also in the A.C.T. Right at Home office owners aim to provide their communities with the best in-home care services, when and where you need them.

Right at Home’s mission is ‘to improve the quality of life for those we serve’TM. At Right at Home, our clients, their families, and our caregivers are at the centre of everything we do.

At Right at Home, you can expect exceptional, 24/7 customer service, 365 days a year. We offer free in-home consultations and care planning as well as free support navigating the government-funded Home Care Packages scheme (HCP). We are an Approved HCP Provider for levels 1 to 4 and can offer plan and self-managed support to NDIS participants, as well as care and support for private pay clients. We don’t charge package management fees for government funded clients, meaning you get more hours of care for your budget.

Right at Home understand that care decisions for you and your loved ones are important. We believe in the Right ApproachTM, so we carefully match our carers and support workers to our clients and participants. A personal introduction to your carer or support worker helps to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable prior to the start of your service. Our caregivers are highly trained, screened and insured prior to entering a client’s home. Because every client is different, we adapt our services to suit the client’s specific needs with a custom 16

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

care plan. We also offer free supervisory visits to ensure carers are following the Right at Home customised care plan and meeting your expectations.

Planning and organising the right home care services for your loved ones can be a daunting task, so why not let the Right at Home team of highly trained and experienced staff guide you during this time of inevitable change. Chat to our friendly owners to find out how we can support you and your family. Call us on 1300 363 802 to reach your local office or visit us at www.rightathome.com.au Right at Home is the naming rights partner of the Australian Jackaroos and supports the inclusivity and community connection that the sport of bowls provides. Click here to see the story on Bowls Australia website

Right at Home are leaders in quality homecare and support, delivering Right at Home are leaders in quality homecare and support, delivering services services that thatallow allowour ourclients clientsto toremain remainsafe safeand andindependent independentin intheir their own own homes. homes. Your Yourlocal localRight Rightat atHome Homefamily familyisisready readytotolook lookafter afteryours yours when ACT when you you can’t. can't. We Wehave haveoffices officesthroughout throughout QLD, QLD, NSW, NSW, WA, WA, SA, SA and Victoria, catering for government funded and private pay clients. and Victoria, catering for government funded and private pay clients.

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AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

17

MiCare Retirement Living Villages Beatrix Village Our independent living units have been built to provide affordable and attractive accommodation. One and two bedroom units are available.

The village offers a safe and secure environment where residents can choose a private lifestyle, or enjoy the benefits of friendship, support and shared interests within a community of likeminded individuals.

843 Mt Dandenong Rd, Montrose VIC 3765

Avondrust Village Avondrust Village units consist of two bedrooms with a spacious living and dining area, kitchen, built-in robes, combined bathroom and laundry with seperate toilet. Each unit has its own garage and garden space along with ample visitors’ car parking. Avondrust Village is conveniently co located with Avondrust Lodge, our aged care home.

1105 Frankston - Dandenong Rd, Carrum Downs VIC 3201

741 Luxury Apartments 741 Apartment features 40 exquisite apartments, all with private balconies or terraces, set within landscaped grounds. There is a choice of six modern, stylish, and spacious two-bedroom designs, some with study/flex-room, to suit your lifestyle. Conveniently located across from our aged care homes, Margriet Manor and Overbeek Lodge, Kilsyth.

741 Mt Dandenong Rd, Kilsyth VIC 3137

Call Now

Michelle Stanley

Retirement village Manager

0433 997 338

www.micare.com.au

With hearing aids on, do you find it difficult to hear: on the in crowded children’s voices clearly? phone? places?

Then a cochlear implant may be right for you.

Did you know?

Hearing loss can have a big impact on how you live your life.

Hearing loss is the number one, biggest modifiable risk for dementia in middle age.1

A cochlear implant can be a suitable option for adults and seniors of any age.

Improve connections with your loved ones and participate in everyday activities with a new confidence.

Our mapping and audiological support are bulk-billed—no out of pocket expenses.

Join one of our free information sessions to meet a cochlear implant recipient and discover how you could benefit from a hearing implant system.

Register now

→

For further information, contact us on 1300 581 391

NextSense is the registered business name of Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (ABN 53 443 272 865) 1. Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care (The Lancet, December 16, 2017)

Levi Atkinson, father Rodney and mother Tegan at the Great Humpty Ball Darwin 2023

70 days of Levi, 70 days in the NICU Life from the perspective of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Mum

By Tegan Wain The first time you can see your baby is heart stopping, but not the 'amazing' kind of heart stopping moment you had dreamed of.

You get introduced to so many people, but you will be so numb that you hardly remember your own name, let alone any of theirs. A nurse will walk towards you and tell you they are caring for your baby. This will be your first kick to the guts – someone else looking after YOUR baby. They will tell you what's happening; what all the tubes, needles, monitors, lines, and beeps are. But none of it will register, and you will forever keep asking what things are for.

You will miss all your baby's first moments while you lie in your hospital bed, wondering what's happening to them. You'll remember reading that skin-to-skin contact immediately following birth is so crucial for your baby, but there are literal walls between you, and you can't help but picture the worst.

Eventually, you will get to go home…without your baby.

You will still be feeling the immense pain from the birth.

You will still be getting up in the middle of the night to pump. You will see all the things you bought for your baby to come home to – but your baby won't be there.

You will suddenly notice just how many babies there are in the world. You will see them in every shopping centre, coffee shop, hospital corridor and on every TV channel.

You will also see all the pregnant women, ready to burst at the seams, clearly carrying their baby to full term. The hardest sight will be seeing those happy parents with their baby strapped tightly into its capsule, ready to be taken home. You will see the fear in their eyes, the 'What if I stuff this up?' And quietly, you'll find yourself thinking, 'You don’t know what fear is'.

You will mourn the pregnancy you didn’t get to have.

You’ll miss the kicking and rolling inside you, the talking to your belly, the father of your baby talking to and stroking your bump with the softest touch.

humpty.org.au 20

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

You will cry every day at the thought that you didn't do enough or that you did something wrong. You will even find yourself apologising for not being able to keep your baby safe by hanging on longer.

People will constantly tell you to 'Take care of you, too', but you will forget how to. You will forget to eat, you won't sleep, and you will forget what you used to enjoy doing before your world crumbled from under your feet.

You will soon learn a whole new range of words and understand medical terminology and abbreviations like you have studied Pre-Med. You will know what incubate, extubate, aspirate and ventilate mean - though you’ll really wish you didn’t. You will hear terms like 'critically ill, extremely low birth weight, high risk, underdeveloped'. You will wish you could trade places, so your little baby didn't have to go through all of this.

Your protective instincts will kick in fierce, and you'll wonder how your heart has held together. It has never felt so full and so broken all at the same time.

You will forever check that you have your phone on you.

You will look at it a thousand times a day to make sure you didn't miss a call, wondering if it's ringing while you're in the shower. And when it does ring, your heart will stop.

But do you want to know something else?

The small things that used to bother you won't anymore.

Life gets put into perspective, and all your trips, failures and the things you didn't get to do will fade into the distance and become insignificant.

You see your child fight for every breath, defy the odds or, in our case, stick his two middle fingers up at the statistics that say he won't make it. We already see him saying, 'Watch this, mummy and daddy!'

Some days it feels like our baby can't fight anymore – he's been fighting for so long already. It's heartbreaking and breathtaking, and it will show you that life is a battle. But so what? We've got this…And so does Levi.

Levi’s battle and the medical interventions that helped him fight

Levi Atkinson & father Rodney

Levi came into this world at just 24 weeks and four days, weighing a tiny 740 grams. With extreme Chronic Neonatal Lung Disease (CNLD), severe abdominal infections, two small intestine perforations, a hole in the heart and blood clots in the brain and upper left leg, the odds were stacked against him. However, thanks to several pieces of equipment donated to Royal Darwin Hospital’s NICU by the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and supporters, Levi continues to fight for his life and is going from strength to strength.

A Giraffe Omnibed Carestation has given Levi uninterrupted warmth and protection while receiving lifesaving treatment from care teams, and a Neonatal Ventilator has helped support his little lungs.

At one month old (and weighing just 1 kg), Levi was also transported from Darwin to Brisbane for further treatment in a Neonatal Transport Cot – a feat that wouldn’t have been possible without this equipment, which provides critically ill newborns with safe and consistent support during transportation.

Meanwhile, mum Tegan has utilised a Symphony Breast Pump to help express extra milk for baby Levi to ensure he gets the nutrients required as a premature baby to heal and grow.

The latest is that little Levi is now off oxygen support during the day and doing well.

YOU CAN HELP save A CHILD’S LIFE Scan this QR code to donate now.

Or contact Humpty on 1300-HUMPTY (1300-486-789)

wishlist.humpty.org.au

Donations are 100% tax deductable | donate.humpty.org.au AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

21

Catherine’s Column

THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF MALAYSIAN AIRLINES FLIGHT MH 370...

The shocking disappearance of Malaysian flight MH 370, along with 227 passengers and 12 crew aboard was the deadliest incident involving a Boeing 777, and the deadliest in Malaysian Aviation history.

The plane left Kuala Lumpur International Airport at midnight on the 8th March, 2014. It’s planned destination, Beijing International Airport in China, approximately 6 hours away.

Unfortunately, and inexplicably, Malaysian Air Traffic Control lost communication with the plane when it was over the South China Sea, 38 minutes after take-off. Malaysian Air Traffic control followed protocol and radioed to pass the flight off to Ho Chi Minh City Airport, the plane’s Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah replied. ‘’Good night, Malaysian threeseven-zero.’’ It was the final communication from the plane. However, the aircraft was simultaneously being tracked by the Malaysian military’s primary radar system for another hour. The military’s radar system tracked the plane making a sharp 180 degree turn away from its original northeastern course and abruptly deviating westward from its planned flight path. It then crossed the Malaysian Peninsula, northwest of Penang Island in northwestern Malaysia. The plane continued that course until leaving the range of the military radar while over the Andaman Sea. However, the plane’s automated communications programme, equipped with an INMARSAT SATELLITE was also indicating the plane was travelling southward over the southern Indian Ocean.

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AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

The communications Inmarsat satellite also concluded the plane continued travelling south for at least 5 hours towards the southern Indian Ocean.

This data analysis also concluded the plane crashed into the Southern Indian Ocean, although the precise location has never been determined.

On the 24th March 2014, sixteen days after the plane’s disappearance, the Malaysian government initially stated, ‘’Flight MH 370 ended in the Southern Indian Ocean, with no further explanation offered. Unfortunately, the lack of official government information relating to the plane’s disappearance garnered severe criticism from China and around the globe. The country’s Prime Minister was accused of being slow to take action, especially during the early days of the plane’s disappearance. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad concluded at the time ‘’Until the plane is found, the world cannot know for certain what happened to it, we intend to continue the search.’’ It has since been reported that over half of Malaysia’s citizens believed their government withheld vital information during the initial hunt for the missing aircraft.

Despite a multi-nation search in Asia and the Southern Indian Ocean, which included ships and aircraft from Australia, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States, the plane has never been found.

The search and rescue operation became the most expensive search in aviation history, with multiple sources saying, the exercise cost over $200 US million.

Catherine’s Column

In July, 2015 several pieces of marine debris were found off the East coast of Africa. The debris was subsequently confirmed as pieces of Flight MH 370.

However, the bulk of the aircraft has never been located, resulting in numerous conspiracy theories relating to the disappearance.

THE CONSPIRACY THEORIES Almost a decade later, the catastrophic mystery continues for relatives, who lost family members and friends on the tragic MH 370. Unsurprisingly, the lack of evidence has resulted in numerous conspiracy theories from all over the world.

Several aviation experts have allegedly indicated

MH 370’s pilot Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah was involved in deliberately crashing the plane. The experts believe that after Captain Zaharie sent his final signal to air traffic control in Kuala Lumpur, and before entering Vietnamese airspace. He prompted his co-pilot Fariq Abdul Hamid to leave the cockpit and quickly locked the door. It is alleged, Zaharie then turned off all the plane’s electronics, causing the plane to go off radar, then directed the plane back towards the Malaysian peninsula. It is believed, Zaharie then began depressurizing the plane’s passenger cabin, causing the emergency oxygen masks to be lowered into the plane. Unfortunately, the oxygen masks were useless, as the plane’s oxygen generators only work for 15 minutes, causing certain death to passengers and crew. It is alleged that Zaharie however, wore a more ‘’sophisticated longer lasting’’ oxygen mask, which allowed him to continue flying the plane until all the fuel was consumed. After six hours of flight, the plane’s engine stopped which resulted in the plane ploughing into the Southern Indian Ocean killing everyone on board. Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai added fuel to this conspiracy soon after the disappearance, by admitting to journalists that Captain Zaharie’s home simulator included a flight path to the Southern Indian Ocean.

However, Malaysian officials at the time refused to confirm the findings. During this time Malaysia Airlines announced that Flight MH 370 was assumed lost with no survivors.

At various stages of the disappearance, possible hijacking scenarios were also considered, which included crew involvement. Speculation went into overdrive when discussing the possibility of a hijack, with many allegedly believing the hijackers were terrorists who took the plane to Northern Pakistan.

It has been suggested the plane could have been outfitted with explosives, or nuclear weapons for future use. However, this scenario has been deemed unlikely, with no confirmation or denial received from Malaysian officials to date.

The most plausible theory thus far, suggests an electrical fire in the cockpit could have forced Captain Zaharie and co-pilot Fariq Abdul Hamid to turn the plane west towards the Palau Langkawi airstrip situated off the coast of Northwestern Malaysia. Both pilots could have then succumbed to smoke inhalation, resulting in incapacitation, leaving the plane on autopilot and flying for hours until it ran out of fuel and crashed into the Southern Indian Ocean. This theory seems to be the most logical explanation, however again there is a lack of solid evidence to support it.

CONCLUSION Unfortunately, the location and final resting place of the doomed MH 370 has yet to be determined.

However, the importance of locating the aircraft to provide answers and closure to the families of those who lost family members, loved ones and friends is paramount…………………………………..

STORY & RESEARCH

COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Catherine’s Column

SIR PAUL McCARTNEY TOURING AUSTRALIA Sir Paul McCartney, irrefutably one of the most successful singer-songwriters of all time, is returning to Australia for the first time since 2017 with his acclaimed ‘’Got Back Tour.’’

Paul will be kicking off his national tour at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre 18th October, 2023.

Followed by • The Melbourne, Marvel Stadium 21st October, 2023 • McDonald Jones Stadium Melbourne 24th Oct, 2023 • Sydney Allianz Stadium 27th October, 2023 • Sydney Allianz Stadium 28th October, 2023 • Brisbane Suncorp Stadium 1st November, 2023 • Gold Coast Heritage Bank Stadium 4th Nov, 2023 Paul McCartney first visited Australia in 1964 when he was a member of ‘’The Beatles.’’

The fab four, provoked relentless hysteria during the tour, which resulted in thousands of Australian teenagers being swept away by the ‘’over the top’’ madness of ‘’Beatlemania’’ which also consumed the country……………….

The tour was a significant event for Australia, and proved to be a major link to international pop culture of the 1960’s which was saturating the world during that time.

By then, the Beatles ( John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr had released 3 whimsical UK number one hits ’From Me to You’’ ‘’She Loves You’’ & ‘’I want to hold your hand.’’

Due to the great success of their music, they changed the music landscape forever. The Beatles managed to make a dramatic impact on Australian youth and music, resulting in local artists such as The Bee Gees, The Easy Beats, Ray Brown, Normie Rowe and Billy Thrope to dominate the Australian airwaves.

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AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

The foursome came together as teenagers and became superstars by their early 20s. They burst onto the music scene in 1963, and redefined pop music. They became the most influential band of the 20th century.

However, in 1970, Paul Mc Cartney announced in a press release that he was no longer working with the group (The Beatles) Subsequently, the dissolution of the Beatles was not formalised till 1974. Creative differences, money problems and girlfriends were used to explain their grievances and eventual breakup.

Unfortunately, John Lennon was shot and fatally wounded in 1980, outside The Dakota Building, his home in New York City. Lennon was rushed to Roosevelt Hospital. He was pronounced dead on arrival. John Lennon was 40 years old.

Unfortunately tragedy struck again in 2001, when George Harrison, lead guitarist for the Beatles died of throat cancer.

He was 58 years old.

Fast forward to 2023, many years have passed and the world has changed enormously, including music and technology since 1964. However, this tour through the magic of technology, Sir Paul McCartney will be singing with John Lennon again. This master stroke in Technology was first trailed in 2022 at Glastonbury Music Festival in Somerset, England where Lennon was projected on a mega screen.

Therefore, audiences felt like they were being transported back in time, and for McCartney himself, it proved to be more personal and very emotional.

Paul McCartney will begin his 2023 ‘’Got Back Tour’’ in Adelaide, where more than 300.000 people lined the streets to greet the Beatles in 1964……………

STORY COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO

Catherine’s Column

One Year Without The Queen The Royal Family will be spending this year’s festive season without Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. However, Buckingham Palace has indicated that King Charles III will continue the tradition of hosting Christmas at Sandringham House, the late Queen’s country estate in Norfolk with his wife Camilla. The Queen, who passed away on the 8th September 2022, chose to celebrate Christmas at Windsor Castle during the 1960’s. However, the family returned to their Norfolk retreat in 1988.

The family’s Christmas ‘’get-together’’ this year will include Charles’ three siblings Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and their families, as well as Prince William, his wife Kate and their 3 children.

It is unlikely Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle will join the Royal Family for Christmas this year.

Unfortunately, since leaving the Royal Family to pursue financial independence in America, the couple have sparked fierce controversy by publicly accusing the family of racism, which has resulted in relationships between the Royal Family and Harry and Meghan to severely implode, and there doesn’t seem to be any hope for reconciliation.

Despite Queen Elizabeth’s absence, longstanding family traditions will be kept, which include the Monarch’s

Christmas broadcast.

King Charles’ speech will likely reflect on Queen Elizabeth’s incredible 70 year reign, and the way she was supported by her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip (The Duke of Edinburgh) whom she described as her ‘’Strength and Stay.’’

There is no doubt King Charles will mention that his parents remained devoted to each other until the end, despite the many challengers they endured over the years. He will also mention the Queen’s uncompromising dedication to her country, her compassion for her people and her monumental devotion to duty and The Commonwealth.

Reflecting on the Queen, will also be a large part of The Christmas Carol Concert at Westminster Abbey, an event that will be televised on Christmas Eve and dedicated to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and to all those who are sadly no longer with us.

The Christmas reunion at Sandringham will however, be very different this year for the British Royals, it will mark the first Christmas King Charles and Queen Camilla will host under their new titles as King and Queen…………………………

STORY COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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NECK AND BACK PAIN 26

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Neck and back pain can range from mild, annoying aches to severe, disabling pain While most spine pain occurs as a part of the normal degenerative ageing process-it can

also be a warning sign of cancer, infection,

autoimmune disease, or a structural problem causing pressure on the spinal cord/ nerves WHY DOES THIS OCCUR? Our spines are comprised of a number of joints around the spinal cord and nerves. As we age,

changes occur as the joints wear out resulting in inflammatory processes such as osteoarthritis.

The joints and tissues can also become

overgrown and compress a neural structure, which is called spinal stenosis.

Failure of the joints to hold the bones in

position can result in slippage and deformity.

These are common characteristics of conditions such as spondylolisthesis, kyphosis, or scoliosis.

WHAT SYMPTOMS CAN THESE

DEGENERATIVE CHANGES CAUSE?

• Dull, burning, or sharp pain-which can be confined to a single spot or cover a large area.

• Arm/leg numbness or tingling • Sharp, shooting pain that radiates from your neck and your arm.

• Sharp shooting pain that radiates from your lower back to your

buttocks, and down your leg (sciatica) • Stiffness in your neck or back • Difficulties with walking and balance • Difficulties with coordination • Loss of bladder and bowel control, with weakness in both legs are

important symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

HOW IS A DIAGNOSIS MADE?

You should see your general practitioner for a medical and physical exam. They may obtain

a CT scan and /or an MRI scan to assess your spine. CT/MRI produces pictures of bones, joints, ligament, the spinal cord and spinal

nerves. Sometimes other tests are needed such as bone scans and specialised x-rays.

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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HOW ARE BACK AND NECK PAIN TREATED? If you experience back or neck pain it may simply improve with some rest. Over the counter medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, may also help alleviate discomfort.

Activity should be modified to avoid movement that exacerbates pain. Physiotherapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy are beneficial.

Low-impact exercise programs may improve range of motion, increase muscle strength, and improve flexibility and mobility, increase endurance, and improve pain. Weight loss and improving one’s core strength are also useful.

away overgrown bone, ligament and joint tissue to decompress the spinal cord and spinal nerve.

Some operations (for example those that help control the conditions spinal stenosis or sciatica) employ a decompression technique and at times may also require a fusion. The latter involves a surgeon placing titanium screws and rods to stabilise the spine and cause adjacent vertebrae to fuse.

There are minimally invasive ways to perform this type of surgery, and can even encompass advanced technology such as GPS-like tracking systems and robotics. If performed for the right indications, surgery can be effective in 80-90% of patients.

WHEN CAN A SURGEON HELP? A surgeon can advise on further treatment if the above suggestions haven’t improved the pain and your quality of life.

Your surgeon can assess your imaging and recommend cortisone steroid injections that can alleviate some forms of neck, back, arm or leg pain.

An appropriate surgical operation can also significantly improve pain, mobility and quality of life.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SURGERY Most patients are mobilised either on the same or following day of surgery, as early movement has been shown to be be beneficial.

You may be reviewed by a physiotherapist to provide advice on stretches, exercises and activities. Sometimes health professionals will design a rehabilitation program to meet your needs. The type of program will depend on the procedure you underwent and your level of mobility.

The goal of back and neck rehabilitation is to help you return to your highest level of fitness and independence and improve your overall quality of life.

Courtesy Dr Raj Reddy, MBBS, MS, FRACS

WHAT DOES AN OPERATION INVOLVE? Because symptoms, imaging findings and causative factors can vary significantly, a surgical procedure must be tailored for you.

A traditional spine surgery procedure involves an incision along the backbone. The surgeon moves muscle and soft tissue aside to gain access to the bones of the spine and the spinal cord.

Minimally invasive techniques involve a smaller incision and special microsurgical instruments, through which the surgeon operates on the spine. Minimally invasive techniques may be able to shorten recovery time and reduce the risk of complications.

These approaches allow the surgeon to trim

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AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Dr Raj Reddy is a neurosurgeon with special interests in complex & minimally invasive spine surgery, paediatric neurosurgery, and brain tumour surgery.

Raj manages all neurosurgical conditions, both cranial and spinal. He has a special interest in spine surgery, with foci on minimally invasive techniques as well as complex reconstructive surgery. The focus of his cranial surgery is in the management of intracranial tumours, trauma , and craniofacial operations; both adults and paediatric patients Suite 3, Level 7 Prince of Wales Private Hospital Barker Street, Randwick NSW 2031 P (02) 9650 4132 E enquiries@brainspine.com.au W. www.brainspine.com.au

Dr Raj Reddy, MBBS, MS, FRACS

Dr Peter Wilson is a specialist neurosurgeon with a focus on endoscopic skull base surgery, complex spinal surgery and cranial / spinal tumour surgery.

Peter is committed to maintaining the highest level of clinical and operative care of his patients, and is constantly striving to improve his practice by perpetually evolving in pace with the latest in medical advancements.

His clinical interests include: • Pituitary disease • Trigeminal neuralgia / hemifacial spasm • Spinal sagittal balance • Benign and malignant brain tumours Suite 3, Level 7 Prince of Wales Private Hospital Barker Street, Randwick NSW 2031 P (02) 9650 4132 E enquiries@brainspine.com.au W. www.brainspine.com.au

Dr Peter Wilson BSc MB BS (Hons) MS MSurg FRACS (Neuro)

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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DR. RAJ REDDY MBBS. MS. FRACS.

BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE recently had the enormous privilege of chatting with Doctor Raj Reddy about the things that are important to him: his family, his extraordinary career and the impact that COVID has had on society.

Dr Raj Reddy is a dedicated neurosurgeon who strives to achieve the best possible outcome for his patients. His commitment to them is paramount; his ultimate goal is “to help patients return to their highest level of fitness and independence, and improve their overall quality of life’’.

He is currently the Head of Department of Neurosurgery at the Prince of Wales Public. He also holds appointments at Prince of Wales Private, St Vincent’s Private, and The Sydney Children’s Hospital.

Doctor Reddy’s special interests include complex and minimally invasive spine surgery, paediatric neurosurgery and brain tumour surgery. He manages all neurosurgical conditions, both cranial and spinal. The focus of his cranial surgery is in the management of intracranial tumours, trauma and craniofacial operations in both adults and paediatric patients.

Raj graduated from Sydney University in 1999. He commenced his internship at Westmead Hospital and spent the following years working in general surgery, before commencing his neurosurgical training. He completed this in 2009, becoming a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.

Q&A WITH DR. RAJ REDDY

B&L: Congratulations Raj on your extraordinary career.

Why did you become a neurosurgeon, and are other family members in the medical profession?

RAJ: Yes, my father is a GP in the Liverpool area so a career in medicine became an appealing choice for me. However, I think my parents were disappointed that I became a neurosurgeon! They wanted me to be a physician, since the life of a surgeon can be demanding.

B&L: What led you to follow the brain and spine path?

RAJ: The brain defines us, and I find operating on the brain technically and intellectually challenging. Challenges motivate me, and bring out the best of my abilities.

B&L: What was your second option if you were not successful in this field?

RAJ: I am good with my hands, so I could have become a chef, mechanic or a carpenter.

B&L: How does your family feel about your success as a surgeon and the dedication to your work?

RAJ: Being a surgeon is challenging, there is no room for complacency and mistakes. My parents and my partner are very proud of the work I do for the community.

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AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

B&L: Any plans for marriage and children?

RAJ: The short answer is yes. Unfortunately our plans have been temporarily put on hold due to COVID. B&L: What motivates you to continue doing what you are doing?

RAJ: I want to make use of my skills and do as much good for the community as I can.

B&L: Can you tell me about your association with the other doctors in BrainSpine and how that came about?

RAJ: I am an only child; I’ve always seen the bond and strength siblings have. Hence, developing a group of doctors with a similar mindset has many positives. We brainstorm difficult cases, and manage each other’s patients when one of us is away.

B&L: What is the most common ailment you observe in your patients?

RAJ: I work in both the public and private sectors; therefore, I deal with everything that occurs in the public sector, mainly trauma and cancer, and mainly degeneration issues in the private sector.

B&L: Who do you admire in the medical field and why? Did you have a mentor?

RAJ: Yes, Doctor James Drake from Toronto because he is neurosurgical royalty, vastly skilled, and experienced – yet is grounded and acknowledges his limitations.

B&L: What is your advice for a healthy mind and body?

RAJ: Balance, moderation, and remaining active.

B&L: What are your thoughts on the COVID crisis and how should we be dealing with it?

RAJ: Unfortunately, the situation is very difficult for the public to understand, because of the changing data. The data does not change because it's wrong, it changes because we are continuously learning more about this disease. Also, the authorities' messaging is not as clear and straightforward as it could be.

B&L: People seem hesitant about receiving the jab because of side effects (blood clotting) from AstraZeneca.

RAJ: All vaccines can have side effects; however, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the rare risk of side effects. It's better than getting COVID.

EXPERIENCING JOINT PAIN?

OUR GOAL IS TO HELP YOU AVOID OR DELAY SURGERY.

Our Mission At Surecell, we focus on the regenerative powers in our bodies.

We use the power of platelets to encourage the body’s natural healing process without resorting to medication or intrusive operating procedures.

We adopt a holistic approach and seek to understand the way our body repairs itself and how we can best assist in this process.

Leaders in Regenerative Medicine Surecell specialises in the clinical application of autologous PRP and cell therapies.

The Surecell group treats up to 1,000 patients per month, trains medical professionals from across the globe and creates educational material accessible to both patients and health workers.

PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) What is PRP? Our blood is made up of 93% red blood cells, 6% white blood cells, 1% platelets and plasma.

Platelets are best known for their function of blood-clotting to stop bleeding. Platelets, however, are much more significant than this, as human platelets are also a critical component in injury healing.

How does PRP work?

The growth factors and platelets in the plasma promote cells to multiply and form new tissue accelerating and enhancing the healing process.

PRP contains a much higher concentration of platelets than normal blood. This means that higher concentrations of growth factors are being released into the injured area.

When compared to cortisone injections, PRP injections hold better results and last much longer. While the effects of cortisone are rapid, they are often followed by a decline in condition. PRP shows slower but greater long-term improvement and less injury recurrence.

Support Available We have a friendly team of doctors and exercise physiologists who can provide a treatment plan tailored to you and your lifestyle.

Our locations Malvern PRP clinic 1291 Malvern Road Malvern VIC 3144

Dingely PRP Clinic 269 Centre Dandenong Rd Dingley Village VIC 3172 Contact details P: 03 9822 9996 E: info@surecell.com W: www.surecell.com

What does the process involve?

After assessing you, a nurse will take your blood (like a standard blood test), which will be spun in a centrifuge to isolate the plasma component.

PRP is activated under a light. Then, the PRP is injected directly into the site of injury. The process will take around 45 minutes to an hour.

Local anaesthetic is injected 15-20 minutes before or at the same time with PRP injection depending on the injury.

DR PETER LEWIS MBBS, FAARM, Dip. Sports Med

Dr Lewis has been an Australian registered medical practitioner since 1983. He is the Medical Director of Surecell and the current chairman of the Australian Ringside Medical Association. He is also the presiding doctor for most boxing and kickboxing fights in Victoria.

Dr Lewis is an expert in the field of sports and regenerative medicine. PRP can be used for sport injuries such as tendon tears, as well as degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis. He was one of the first clinicians in Australia to offer PRP treatment and is now considered the most experienced.

Japan in Bloom: An Escorted Luxury Voyage with Regent Seven Seas Cruises As travel enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the revival of international adventures, there's one destination that never fails to captivate the imagination - Japan. A country where tradition meets modernity in a seamless blend of culture, natural beauty, and vibrant city life.

If you're yearning for a truly immersive Japanese experience, look no further than the 12-night cruise aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Explorer. Plus, and included, is a 3-night land program in Tokyo, a city that effortlessly balances its ultramodern skyline with ancient temples and traditions.

Your stay in Tokyo is not just any stay; it's a stay at a luxury hotel that defines elegance and comfort. From the moment you arrive everything is taken care of, including tours, sumptuous breakfasts, and seamless transfers. This journey is designed to offer you an unparalleled fusion of Japanese culture, breathtaking scenery, and opulent living.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has long been synonymous with luxury, and their Japan itinerary is no exception.

Onboard Explorer, there are only 740 guests, offering an intimate and immersive experience. With Regent's best price guarantee, you can book with confidence, knowing you won't find a better fare for this unparalleled experience.

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It is truly fully inclusive - you'll enjoy valet laundry service, unlimited Wi-Fi, premium beverages, prepaid gratuities, unlimited shore excursions and access to all specialty restaurants. With eight dining rooms, including a variety of cuisines from around the world, your taste buds are in for a treat.

But what truly sets this voyage apart is the chance to witness Japan's iconic cherry blossoms in full bloom. The delicate pink petals that paint the country's landscape with a rosy hue are a sight to behold, and this cruise ensures you're there at the right time.

In conclusion, Japan in Bloom with Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Explorer offers an unrivalled opportunity to delve deep into the heart of Japan. With a blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty, this total 15-night journey promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Don't miss your chance to embark on this extraordinary adventure. It's time to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing culture of Japan.

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Setting sail from Tokyo, explore some of Japan’s most iconic ports including Kobe, Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Marvel at the incredible Osaka temple, tour the tranquil Shinto shrines and feast on fresh delicate sashimi masterfully prepared before your eyes. Captivate all your senses with this fantastic itinerary, together with the comfort and luxury of the perfect sailing companion, Seven Seas Explorer®.

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MAKE A BRIGHTER FUTURE YOUR LEGACY For 60 years Amnesty International has campaigned for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. We believe everyone is entitled to live in a world where their human rights are recognised, realised, and protected. At the very core of Amnesty International is the belief that the actions of each individual can make a difference. What better way to demonstrate this than by making a gift in your Will and helping to transform the future for the better?

Organising your Will is a way to ensure that everything you have stood for in your life, everything you believed in and cared so deeply about, lives on for the next generation. A Will is more than a piece of paper, it is absolutely vital to preserving and protecting the fundamental rights that underpin everything else we hold dear.

When you choose to make a gift in your Will to Amnesty International, our promise to you is to continue to uphold our shared values long into the future. We are proudly independent and non-partisan, which means gifts in Wills are critical to our work. We rely on the generosity of our supporters to help us search out the facts, expose what’s happening and rally people

All images © Amnesty International

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together to pressure governments and those in power to respect human rights.

It’s more important than ever to hold on to what you believe in, and what you know is true.

No matter the size of your gift, it’s a way of ensuring that the struggle to uphold our shared values of freedom, equality and justice will continue in the world we’re leaving our children and grandchildren.

Your gift to Amnesty International will help safeguard a future world where human rights are respected, defended and upheld. It’s a gift that will ensure that your values will live on for your loved ones and across generations to come.

For more information call Naomi Vaughan on 08 8110 8103 or naomi. vaughan@amnesty.org.au or visit www.amnesty.org.au to find out more We’ve partnered with online Will writing platform Gathered Here, who host a free and easy step-by-step online Will writing service. Scan the code to write your Will for free today.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL FIGHTING INJUSTICE AROUND THE GLOBE PETER BENENSON 1921 – 2005 The concept of AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL was conceived and launched in 1961, by British barrister and human rights advocate Peter Benenson. The organisation is a global movement, that campaigns to end abuses on human rights and secure the release of political prisoners. Benenson had previously been a founding member of the UK law reform organisation “JUSTICE’’ a UK-based human rights and law reform organisation.

According to multiple sources, Benenson felt compelled to write an article, which was published in the UK newspaper “The Observer’’ entitled “The Forgotten Prisoners.’’

Benenson’s action was triggered after witnessing distressing injustice around the world.

The article brought attention to those unfortunate individuals “imprisoned, tortured or executed, because their opinions differed to their respective governments.

Benenson’s article detailed his outrage regarding the treatment of 2 Portuguese students, who had been jailed for raising a toast to freedom.

He, also expressed his disgust at the global trend of people being imprisoned, for their political views or religious orientation.

The article appeared on the front page of “The Observer’’ and garnered extraordinary support and attention around the globe. Benenson asked readers to write letters and show support through “collective action’’ for all those imprisoned for their political or religious beliefs.

The response was overwhelming, which resulted in various groups of letter-writers forming an alliance in more than a dozen countries around the globe.

This resulted in Benenson launching “The Appeal for Amnesty 1961’’ which drew attention to human rights abusers and mobilized public opinion.

The appeal was instrumental in campaigning for compliance with international laws and standards.

This sentiment succeeded in generating pressure on Governments to become involved and take action, where abuse had occurred.

The appeal was reprinted in newspapers globally.

In doing so, Benenson’s vision of “collective action’’ by inviting others to unite with him was given a platform that defines Amnesty International today.

Today, Amnesty International has campaigned for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all for over 60 years.

The organisation now has over ten million supporters in over 150 countries, and has played a major role in highlighting social injustice.

Peter Benenson was awarded the “PRIDE OF BRITAIN AWARD’’ for Lifetime Achievement in 2001 he was 80 at the time. That same year, he became the Chairman of “The Association of Christians Against Torture’’ and organized aid for Romanian orphans.

Benenson passed away in 2005, aged 83.

However, his legacy and activism live on.

STORY COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Catherine’s Column

THE MEANING & ORIGINS OF CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS means something different to everyone.

For many people Christmas is a time to rejoice, exchange gifts and enjoy the festivities with relatives and friends. However, for some people it is a time of reflection and sadness. The Christian population around the world celebrates Christmas on the 25th December annually. This date is observed to honour the birth of Jesus Christ, who is regarded as the creator and spiritual leader of Christianity. Additionally, the day is also regarded as a global cultural holiday in several countries. The first recorded date of celebrating

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE EASTER ?

EASTER is an important day on the Christian calendar, it is the day that Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the bible, Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday, and resurrected from the dead, on Easter Sunday. This Historical event is still impacting on the world 2,000 years later.

However, the way we celebrate Easter today is very different. Easter is now extremely commercialised, with the main focus of the day being visits from the Easter Bunny, Easter Egg Hunts and the exchanging of Easter Eggs.

The exchanging of Easter Eggs is an ancient custom that has become part of modern day Easter celebrations.

Throughout history, people have given each other eggs to celebrate a new season. Eggs represent new life and rebirth.

John Cadbury produced his first ‘’French eating Chocolate’’ in 1842, however it was not until 1875 that the first Cadbury Easter Eggs were made……………..

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Christmas in Rome by the Roman Church was on the 25th December in 336 AD.

Roman Emperor Constantine, also known as

‘’Constantine the Great’’ is attributed as the first

Emperor to convert and adopt Christianity as the religion of the empire. However today, Christmas

celebrations around the world can vary dramatically,

this of course is a reflection of different traditions and cultures.

Catherine’s Column

MOTHER’S DAY & FATHER’S DAY HISTORY & WHEN & WHERE IT ALL BEGAN? Mother’s Day is celebrated on different days in many parts of the world. Here in Australia, we celebrate Mother’s Day annually on the second Sunday in May. The official incarnation of Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in the United States in 1908, and the day became an official holiday in the United States in 1914.

Apparently, Anna wanted the day to be a celebration of love, appreciation and gratitude towards mothers and mother figures for their unconditional love and support for their children.

For centuries the celebration of fatherhood in Catholic Europe is known to date back to at least 1508, and was celebrated on the 19th March as a celebratory feast day for Saint Joseph. Today, Father’s Day is celebrated annually worldwide to recognize male parenting and the contribution father’s make to the lives of their children.

It is believed the Father’s day celebration was first introduced to America by the Spanish and Portuguese in the early 15th century.

The first ever official FATHER’S DAY was celebrated in Washington, USA in 1910………………….

The idea for Father’s Day came after social activist Anna Jarvis proposed Mother’s Day in the early 1900’s. It was a worldwide success. Subsequently a few years later the idea of Father’s Day was conceived by Sonora Smart Dodd to establish an official equivalent to Mother’s Day. It was also a way for Sonora to celebrate her own father who was a veteran of the Civil War and widower who had raised six children.

Typically, Australian families make a special effort to gather on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Family members show their appreciation by giving cards, flowers, chocolates and gift cards. However, Australia is now a secular country with a diverse migrant population.

The migrant population collectively come from over 200 birthplaces and speak over 200 languages, with many families preferring to retain their affiliation with their own spiritual beliefs and traditional religion.

Therefore, visiting places of worship together, like churches, synagogues or mosques on the day is preferable……………..

STORY COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO

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Catherine’s Column

CELEBRATING OVER 50 YEARS OF ROCK n ROLL WITH MUSICAL GENIUS BRIAN CADD AM Bowling & Lifestyle Magazine recently had the privilege of catching-up and interviewing ‘’Living Legend’’ and MUSICAL GENIUS BRIAN CADD. Brian is a Platinum album seller, who in the early 1970’s had four Australian Top 20 singles and three Top 20 albums.

He is an ARIA Hall of fame recipient, Multi-Award winning songwriter and has also been awarded an Order of Australia (AM) We were lucky enough to take a trip down memory lane with him, and reminisce about his mammoth rise to fame during his extraordinary 50 year career in the music industry.

THE EARLY YEARS

Brian’s music career started when he won a TV Talent quest when he was just twelve years old, as a result of his phenomenal piano playing skills. He was subsequently offered his first professional job as a pianist for a children’s TV Program.

However, in the early 1960’s Brian became involved with the Melbourne Jazz Music Scene, playing with The Beale Street Jazz Band and The Castaways.

He then gained prominence in 1966 as a member of numerous bands including The Groop 1966-69, and Axiom 1969-71, which secured his place in Australian music history before carving out a solo career in 1972……..

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During this time Brian also established his own record label called Bootleg Records. He produced records for Ronnie Burns, Tina Arena and Glen Shorrock and composed music for the films Alvin Purple, Fatal Vision and The Heartbreak Kid. He also wrote songs for other artists including Joe Cocker, Ringo Starr, The Master Apprentices, The Bootleg Family Band, Ronnie Burns, The Pointer Sisters, Little River Band and John Farnham.

In 2007, ARIA (The Australian Recording Industry Association) recognised Cadd’s iconic status and he was subsequently inducted into the ARIA HALL OF FAME for his 50-year service to the music industry.

That same year, Brian was also inducted into The Australian Songwriters Association (ASA) Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifetime of songwriting achievements.

In 2018 Cadd was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his 50-year service to the music industry as a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, mentor and producer and his work in production.

In 2019 Brian released SILVER CITY, an album that highlights his evolution in music and consolidates it into an awe-inspiring journey of Rock, Pop, Folk and Country. The album was recorded in Nashville with top session musicians and is a testament to Brian’s relevance today.

Despite Brian’s staggering success as a recording artist and songwriter, he has remained humble and down to

Catherine’s Column earth, which is evident in his acceptance speech after being inducted into The Aria Hall of fame in 2007.

BRIAN CADD’s acceptance speech, when he was inducted into the ARIA HALL of FAME. ‘’I’ve had forty incredible years in this world of music.

During that time I have had the honour to write and record with many fabulous creative people and to perform in front of many wonderful audiences. I can’t really imagine how it could have been much better or any more fun. Now being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame absolutely puts the icing on the cake for me. I truly appreciate this honour so very much.

BRIAN CADD, 2007……………………..

Q & A WITH BRIAN CADD

B&L : Congratulations Brian on your extraordinary career, is it true that your association with the music industry started when you were 12 years old, by winning a TV Talent quest? What do you remember about that night and how did you feel when you won?

BRIAN : It was 1958, I was 12 years old, and living in Perth with my family. The show was a children’s TV programme hosted by Rolf Harris which featured a Talent quest. I entered the quest as a pianist and won. I felt numb after winning, however I was offered my first professional job as a pianist as a result of my performance.

B&L : How old were you when you started playing the piano?

BRIAN : I started playing the piano when I was 5 or 6, my family had inherited an old upright piano from relatives, and I started playing little tunes on it.

B&L : Is there anyone else in your family involved in showbiz ?

BRIAN : My mother was an accomplished soprano.

B&L : At what age did you decide to pursue a career in music ?

BRIAN : I knew from a very young age, I wanted a career in music, and I became a professional when I was twenty.

B&L : What was your second career choice if you were not successful as a musician ?

BRIAN : I am interested in Architecture, and how it all works, so I would have become an architect.

B&L : You have now been a part of the music scene for over 50 years, and you have been involved with various bands. What part of this process do you enjoy the most, performing, songwriting or touring and why ?

BRIAN : I am lucky, I get to do and enjoy all of them, with the ‘’pay off ’’ being the audience’s enjoyment and participation.

It’s an amazing feeling.

B&L : What musicians did you admire and who was your inspiration during this time ?

BRIAN : I was inspired by two great piano players, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard.

B&L : Were you influenced by the British music invasion of the sixties, were you a Beatles or Rolling Stones fan?

BRIAN : I liked both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The Rolling Stones are a great touring band and the Beatles a great recording band.

B&L : You have written songs for several famous people, can you name a few ?

BRIAN : Ringo, Joe Cocker, The Master Apprentices, The Bootleg Family Band, Ronnie Burns, The Pointer Sisters, Little River Band and John Farnham.

B&L : Your songs are now iconic.

Which one of your greatest hits garner special memories for you and which one do you consider your favourite ?

BRIAN : Little Ray of Sunshine, which was performed

by Axiom brings back special memories for me, and remains one of my favourites and ‘’Don’t you know it’s magic, which John Farnham Sang for me also remains a favourite.

B&L : Did you play the piano for the record ‘’Don’t you know it’s magic’’ BRIAN : Yes of course B&L : In 2007 you won an ARIA AWARD and you were inducted into the Aria Hall of fame. Can you recall how you felt on the night?

BRIAN : I was honoured and truly appreciative.

Winning an Aria and being inducted into the Aria Hall of fame is important because it’s judgement by your peers.

B&L : What is next on the agenda for Brian Cadd?

BRIAN : I am working on a new album…………

STORY & INTERVIEW COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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FATHER’S DAY WHAT DOES THIS DAY MEAN TO ME ?

COURTESY OF TONY BONNER AM

What do I remember about my thoughts regarding my father, on that day of the year during my childhood, and early teen years.

Sadly, I cannot remember any great moments of joy or celebration. As I have mentioned many times during past interviews or discussions, my childhood memories are not littered with moments of joy or celebrations, moments to be cherished.

So, to remember one particular celebration does not jump into my thoughts…………………

Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and Christmas were not as commercialised as they are today.

Well, maybe they were in some households, but not so much mine. It saddens me not to be able to remember these days, or something special we may have done, I’m sure we did but alas, not in my memory.

I do remember that we gave more importance to Mother’s Day. I believe most families did, there was more importance, love and thoughts to Mother’s Day. And I would agree with that. What the devil would we, (me) have done without our mums.

But I digress………. My personal Father’s Days, were moments that I loved. I still do, receiving a card, or better a call from your children to connect with a “HAPPY FATHER’S DAY DAD’’ was a moment of joy.

This was even more so on the many times I would be away filming or touring with a play or on a speaking commitment interstate or overseas.

To receive that specially made card with the beginnings of their writing attempts, and the cute spelling, felt like you had been given a shot of life.

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I still have many of these ancient cards, drawings, letters and trophies to be treasured. I have several of these offerings from my girls framed with me, as they now have their own families to create their children’s memories.

When times may be dark, loneliness within my spirit, these past offerings and memories keep the flame within dancing, that the sun will shine, all is not lost, it’s just life.

That’s what Father’s Day means to me. A day when I can thank my daughters for just being, understanding that we are all on a journey of discovery that will, I hope give us all the courage that we will need down the trail ahead.

I leave my mobile on 24/7 just in case one of my daughters may need me, and I am blessed that has happened, and I was able to be a father…………..

I can only image that mothers feel very much the same on their special day.

So, I can only implore the reader to give your mum or dad a call, just say hi, maybe even “I LOVE YOU’’………your mum and dad will love that.

TONY BONNER AM “PROUD FATHER.

Lest We Forget COURTESY OF TONY BONNER AM On the night of the 31st of May, and the morning of the 1st of June, 1942 war once again came to Sydney Australia, in particular Sydney Harbour.

This was not the first time we, Australia had felt the threat of an invader, the Japanese airforce had earlier in that year, February 1942 bombed the towns of Darwin and Broome, causing massive damage and loss of life. The attack on Sydney Harbour came in the form of a Japanese midget submarine assault.

Three midget submarines were released from a large mother submarine to then courageously make their way into our (we thought) protected harbour.

Within hours our peaceful serene harbour exploded in a naval battle. The prize the Japanese submarines were after, was the American heavy destroyer USS Chicago. Two of our naval ships were also to be targeted, these were the HMAS Canberra and Adelaide, all at mooring.

We should have possibly been more prepared, as a similar attack by them, during the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii, a few months earlier was successful.

The Sydney harbour campaign started at 6.30PM with the three midget subs entering the harbour at 20 minute intervals. Sub (1) travelled in the wake of the 7.30PM Manly ferry heading from Manly to the city, then moved into another channel where it was caught in a security net. Around 9.50PM the navy discovered its whereabouts and gave it hell.

By 10.30PM this sub was unable to escape,the Japanese submariners then blew their sub up, just off Clifton Gardens, courageous men.

Sub (2) around 10.30PM made its way from the heads into the main harbour. This sub submerged then surfaced, to submerge once again, being fired on by the USS Chicago. The sub also survived depth charging, and was able to fire off two of its torpedoes, one of these hitting HMAS Kuttabul, hitting this ship

at the waterline tragically killing 21 Australian Naval personal.

War had certainly come to our shores.

This number (2) sub then escaped Sydney harbour around 2AM heading north.

Damaged by canon or depth charges this sub made it to a watery grave approximately 30 klms north of the harbour entrance, being discovered on the seabed in 2006. The grave site is an honoured war grave.

Sub (3) received the harshest of the action, chased all over the inner harbour, finally being trapped, and destroyed in Taylors Bay, near Bradley Head just after 5AM. This raid by the Japanese, and the loss of Australian Naval personal was not widely reported at the time. This was possibly done not to alarm the people of Sydney. This raid could have been far worse, the submarines had a total of six torpedoes, only two managed to be fired, one hitting the HMAS Kuttabul. Several homes and apartments in the Rose Bay area suffered damage by the deck cannons that the subs fired, these locations damaged by war are noted. This is a chapter of our country’s history that is remembered each year at the North Head Memorial site.

This remembrance ceremony reminds us yearly of the service our military forces stand, a post of protection to our country………..

LEST WE FORGET COURTESY OF TONY BONNER AM AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Charred landscape after the Black Summer bushfires in Busbys Flat in northern New South Wales. Photo: © Jane Baldwin

Bushfire recovery reconnects habitat, helps endangered species.

April 26, 2023

Sydney, 26 April 2023 – Koalas and greater gliders are two of more than a dozen species benefiting from the reconnection of thousands of hectares of Australian habitat impacted by the Black Summer bushfires.

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IFAW and the Great Eastern Ranges (GER) combined forces over a 15-month period to assess the impact of the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires and undertake recovery projects to help communities, wildlife and landscapes heal. This effort involved 28 local groups, 450 individuals and 3,500 hours' worth of volunteer help.

“The scale of impact from the Black Summer bushfires was unprecedented. We have seen firsthand the trauma of local communities and the destruction of native species and the places we all call home,” IFAW Regional Director Rebecca Keeble said.

“Australia is at a crossroads—we are seeing the impacts of climate change at an alarming rate. We need to look beyond recovery to building resilience for our communities, wildlife, and landscapes which have been on the front line of these climate disasters.”

Recovery projects included tree planting, weed management, nest box installation, citizen science surveys, community education and capacity building.

At least 15 endangered species benefitted from these projects including the koala, greater glider, red goshawk, spotted-tail quoll and the black-breasted button-quail which is critically endangered in New South Wales.

The regional connectivity between core patches of habitat was also improved across 228,137 hectares of land in NSW and Queensland in the Lockyer Valley, Border Ranges and Blue Mountains. This includes bushfire-impacted land and land that, while not directly impacted, was identified as providing important habitat refugia for wildlife.

Native habitats were also increased through planting and assisted natural regeneration with more than 23,000 plants established.

“The Black Summer bushfires resulted in significant damage for people and nature over vast areas,” said Gary Howling, CEO of Great Eastern Ranges.

“There was an urgent need for evidence-based and complementary bushfire recovery projects to be rolled out to restore and reconnect vital habitat, assist wildlife and build community and landscape resilience to future climate disasters. Our partnership with IFAW enabled us to work with our regional partners to deliver a suite of these community-led activities in three badly impacted landscapes in NSW and QLD.” • IFAW and GER undertook these projects between 2021 and 2022 with local landholders, Indigenous leaders, and community groups. Similar recovery projects are underway following the 2022 flood disaster.

• This project was a collaboration with 28 local groups including GER regional partners Kanangra-Boyd to Wyangala Link Inc, Northern Rivers Fire & Biodiversity Consortium, Healthy Land and Water Ltd, Lockyer Upland Catchments Initiative, Griffith University and the Community Environment Network.

•

Connectivity is the degree to which landscapes and seascapes allow species to move freely and environmental processes, like soil formation, to function as they should. It is crucial for the survival and adaptability of people and animals, particularly in the face of climate change.

• A metric was used to calculate the improved connectivity of landscapes at the local level. It applies what is known about a certain species’ movements, identifies those features in landscapes and the natural pathways which would improve movements. This is followed by the quantifying of works completed at anchor properties within these landscapes which contribute to connectivity. The figure calculates the size of the new wildlife corridors created plus the habitat patches it has connected.

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) - IFAW is a global non-profit helping animal and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organisations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org About the Great Eastern Ranges (GER) – Since 2007, the Great Eastern Ranges has brought people together to stem the loss of native wildlife and their habitats, provide natural solutions to the climate crisis, protect precious resources, and ensure thriving, resilient landscapes and ecosystems for nature and people. Today, we are one of the world’s largest conservation initiatives, delivering environmental, health, cultural and socio-economic benefits across eastern Australia through our extensive network of local, regional, and national partners.

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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©IFAW

©IFAW

together, we can build a better future for people, animals and the planet

your gift could help koalas, elephants and their habitats to survive and thrive far into the future

Our natural world needs us. Only together, through collaboration and action can we answer the call. For over 50 years and with projects in more than 40 countries the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) rescues individual animals, prevents animal cruelty and campaigns for the protection of wildlife and habitats.

is Life-ZEN Elephant Nursery in Zimbabwe where she’s continuing her journey back to the wild.

You can be a lasting part of our fight against illegal wildlife trafficking, such as training and equipping wildlife rangers to intercept traffickers, investigate crime scenes and ensure proper care for living animals seized as part of prevention operations.

Our work is only possible because of the generosity of our supporters, many of whom have chosen to leave a gift to IFAW in their Will. In fact, for every five animals IFAW has helped, o ne has been saved thanks to the generosity of gifts in Wills. And the impact of those gifts is never limited to just one individual animal.

You can continue to play a vital role in our long-term landscape conservation efforts, like Room to Roam, our innovative approach to conservation in Africa that aims to ensure viable, stable, resilient elephant populations long into the future.

Including IFAW in your Will is a powerful way to continue making an impact that helps people and animals thrive together. A gift in your Will extends your legacy as part of IFAW’s change-making boots on the ground around the world.

You’ll be part of saving the few remaining North Atlantic right whales, rehabilitating koalas burned by bushfires in Australia, rescuing animals caught up in natural disasters, fighting for legislation that better protects animals and much, much more.

You can continue helping rescue and rehabilitate individual animals, like Sally the 2-year-old elephant calf who was entangled in a poacher’s snare when we rescued her and airlifted her to the IFAW-supported Wild

Gifts in Wills make all t hi s possible. For more information, please contact Naomi Hepperlin on 02 9288 4988 or nhepperlin@ifaw.org

Download your free Will information guide here:

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Catherine’s Column

RUGBY LEAGUE LEGEND DANNY BUDERUS IS A FORMER AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AND NEW SOUTH WALES STATE OF ORIGIN REPRESENTATIVE. Buderus played in the National Rugby League for the Newcastle Knights for more than a decade. He made his debut with the Newcastle Knights in 1997 and was instrumental in helping the Knights achieve a grand final win in 2001.

Buderus is regarded as one of the most respected and inspirational players in the history of rugby league...

EARLY DAYS Buderus began his amazing career playing junior football for the Taree Red Rovers as a youngster, however managed to establish himself from being a ‘’junior school boy star’’ to a professional Rugby League Legend and premiership winner with ease.

RUGBY LEAGUE CAREER He has played a record breaking 389 first class rugby league games during his illustrious career. 257 games for the Knights, 21 appearances for NSW and 24 tests for Australia. Buderus went on to win a place in the NRL and Knights Hall of Fame in 2019 as well as the NSWRL Hall of Fame in 2023. He is currently an ambassador for the Mark Hughes Foundation.

Q & A WITH AUSTRALIAN RUGBY LEAGUE LEGEND DANNY BUDERUS B&L : Congratulations on your amazingly successful and illustrious career. You are a former professional footballer, rugby League Commentator, coach, and currently Ambassador for the Mark Hughes Foundation. Can you tell us about your involvement with each of these professions, and what you enjoyed the most about your time in these roles.

DANNY : I lived out a dream as an NRL Player, I loved every minute being able to challenge myself to keep improving to see where I could end up. High performance sport and rugby league gives you so many lessons that you can take into life after footy; discipline, patience and routine are a few that come to mind.

B&L : What has been an unforgettable highlight of your football career thus far ?

DANNY : Without a doubt wearing the green and gold of Australia is a highlight along with captaining the NSW Blues, I have been privileged and honoured to be involved in both teams and loved every moment.

But every player sets out to win a grand final, and 2001 is hard to top. To see the crowd lining the streets in Newcastle when we returned at 3AM to celebrate is what its all about and they are the best memories.

B&L : Were your parents supportive, and did you have a mentor to guide you during that time ?

Catherine’s Column DANNY : They sure were. I must thank my mum and dad for a lot of things but giving me the confidence to leave home at 15 to fulfil a dream was brave and amazing. Being a father of 3 myself and having a 16 year-old daughter it has put it into perspective for me and how tough a decision it would have been for them to let me go so young.

B&L : How old were you when you realised you could potentially make football a career?

DANNY : I started playing at 4 as I had a brother 2 years older. I was playing in my grade and his too and just couldn’t get enough! I trialled at the Dragons and didn’t make it, then trialled at the Knights a week later.

Once I started training with the Knights at 15, I just wanted to make sure I did everything I could to make a career out of this experience. I loved the game and challenging myself.

B&L : Do you have any regrets about your career choices, and what was your second career choice if you were not successful as a Rugby League star?

DANNY : If I could turn back time I would give school a better go, I was aiming to make the Australian Schoolboys in 1995 and my studies were 2nd to my goals. I worked in the plumbing industry 3 years after finishing school, I guess that was my 2nd option as our family business of 20+ years was Town Plumbing Supplies in Taree. But no regrets as I worked hard and managed to live out my dream.

B&L :You are currently supporting the Mark Hughes Foundation as an ambassador. What prompted you to take on this role, and what path will you be taking as ambassador.

DANNY : With the news of Mark’s diagnosis, being there in any way for Kirralee and the kids was the most important thing for myself and all his mates.

To see what has been achieved in 9 years is nothing short of remarkable but at the forefront of everything is Mark’s health, being there for my mate and helping in any way I can. The impact of Mark, Kirralee and the MHF team is inspiring, they are all so committed and relentless in finding a cure and so are the ambassadors of which I am privileged to play a role.

Raising as much money as possible is our role for brain cancer research whether it’s through treks, selling beanies, bike rides, charity balls, I will forever play a role until we all achieve our goal there of finding a cure.

B&L : How long have you known Mark Hughes and what year did you become involved with the foundation?

DANNY : Right back in 1996 I was introduced to Mark, we lived together for 6 years from 1999 to 2005.

I have been next to him with all his other mates since Day 1 of his Brain Cancer Journey, and there was no question about getting involved and all doing whatever it takes to help him and so many others we have met along the way to find a cure.

B&L : What are your aspirations for the foundation and what is the ultimate goal you would like to achieve for the foundation?

DANNY : Finding better outcomes for patients and their families is our holy grail. The statistics have not changed for over 30 years and we are working hard to change this, and give hope to patients.

B&L :You are heading off to Everest Base Camp Twin Peaks Summit in a couple of weeks for your 3rd trek with MHF. What is it like being a part of these treks for the Mark Hughes Foundation ?

DANNY : Its amazing to walk side by side with people with a common cause to beat this hideous disease. At the same time you have to beat some serious challenges of your own on these treks. The memories and experiences will last a life time. Each trekker must fundraise before they go and over 2.5 million has been raised which is incredible. We are about to embark on our 6th trek with another 20 trekkers and I’m super excited for the challenge and experiences on the mountain. Its nothing compared to what patients face every day.

B&L : What is next on the agenda for Danny Buderus?

DANNY : My focus will always be family and being the best dad and husband I can be for them. I have a purpose of seeing the Knights challenge for a premiership, being a part of the club I love , along with playing my role in the MHF family too.

STORY/ INTERVIEW COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO

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Mark Hughes Foundation Mark Hughes, a former Newcastle Knights player, along with his wife, Kirralee, founded the Mark Hughes Foundation in 2014 after Marks’s diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013. The foundation aims to raise funds for brain cancer research, create awareness, and support patients and their families.

From 1997-2005 Hughes played 161 games for the Newcastle Knights, winning the 2001 NRL Premiership with the team, before moving to France in 2006 to play with Catalans for one year.

To date the Foundation has raised close to $30 million and in 2022 MHF announced a $25 million Brain Cancer Research Centre at the University of Newcastle. The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research is an exciting step forward for brain cancer research in Australia.

The Trek

After conquering the dizzying heights of some of the most popular treks in the world including Mt Everest Base Camp, Mt Kilimanjaro and Borneo Sandakan Death March, MHF are set to embark on our toughest challenge yet!

In October this year, Mark along with Roosters Head Coach Trent Robinson, Knights Old Boys Danny Buderus and Bill Peden, plus 20 other mates and associates are taking on our highest, most treacherous challenge yet – Everest Base Camp Twin Peaks Summit.

Heading off the beaten track from Dingboche to Lobuche the team will then summit Chukking Ri at 5550m and trek through Kongma La, overlooking the Himalayas. With an added hike across the Khumbu Glacier, the world highest glacier, this is going to be one hell of an adventure!

We are hoping to raise $600,000 which will ensure that we are able to fund the incredible AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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MHF Brain Cancer Care Coordinators in the Hunter New England and Mid North Coast health districts.

In 2017, Mark was joined by fellow NRL legends, Matthew Johns, Paul Harragon, Steve Menzies and Kurt Gidley as they embarked on MHF’s first Everest voyage. The group faced altitude sickness and other challenges during the nine-day trek in Nepal. Despite the difficulties, they successfully reached Everest Base Camp and raised $500,000 for the foundation.

This will be the second trip to Nepal for NRL and Newcastle Knights Hall of Famer, Danny Buderus. “There’s so much to take in around you, you just can’t take it for granted either," Buderus said of the trip.

"You’re walking and facing it (Mt Everest) the whole time. Hopefully those following our trip at home have enjoyed the experience through the lens. But it’s nothing like being here.”

This year’s addition of Trent Robinson to the trekking group has brought some great publicity to the teams fundraising efforts.

"It’s a challenging climb and I want to push myself to do well, but for me, this is about supporting something that’s greater than you, and I feel really fortunate that I can support Mark’s important work this way,” Robinson said.

“The work that Mark has done, and the struggle and fight he’s had with brain cancer, and the ongoing fight for him – and winning 50

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that fight and creating The Mark Hughes Foundation – it shows what support and progress can do to help a great cause.”

With their fundraising tally sitting just below $550,000 the day before they reach Base Camp there is plenty of motivation in the group to keep pushing in the hope they will conquer the mountain as well as reach the fundraising target of $600,000.

The MHF Everest Base Camp Twin Peak Challenge was led by Wild Spirit Adventures and proudly sponsored by PKF Sydney & Newcastle, Fred Mayer Foundation, Vision Infrastructure, Ausure Insurance Newcastle, Colterlec and Channel 9.

ABOUT OPERATION CHRISTMAS DROP Operation Christmas Drop is the Department of Defense’s longest-running humanitarian airlift operation. The tradition began during the Christmas season in 1952 when a B-29 Superfortress aircrew saw islanders waving at them from the island of Kapingamarangi, 3,500 miles southwest of Hawaii.

In the spirit of Christmas the aircrew dropped a bundle of supplies attached to a parachute to the islanders below, giving the operation its name. Today, air drop operations include more than 50 islands throughout the Pacific.

Operation Christmas Drop is a PACAF event which includes a partnership between the 374th Airlift Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan; the 36th Wing, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam; 734th Air Mobility Squadron, Andersen AFB of the 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; the University of Guam; and the 'Operation Christmas Drop' private organization which leads the fundraising and donations for the operation. Andersen is used as a "base camp" to airlift the donated goods to islanders throughout Micronesia.

Utilizing the Denton Program, which allows private U.S. citizens and organizations to use space available on U.S. military cargo planes to transport humanitarian goods to countries in need, the C-130J Super Hercules crews airdrop food, supplies, educational materials, and toys to islanders throughout the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau. These islands are some of the most remote locations on the globe spanning a distance nearly as broad as the continental US. Months leading up the drop dates volunteers create donation drop-off boxes and raise money from local businesses and citizens. A week before the drop, volunteer Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, civilians, contractors and families assist in picking up and sorting the donations. After the goods are

sorted, riggers from Yokota and Andersen volunteers build dozens of boxes to hold the materials, most containing school supplies, clothing, rice, fishing equipment and toys.

Each year, the Christmas drops serve as a proving ground for the techniques used and shared with regional partners in preparation for response to natural disasters all too common across this region.

Air crews are linked to the village via ham radio as they fly overhead and drop supplies. The event provides readiness training to participating aircrew, allowing them to gain experience in conducting airdrops while providing critical supplies to 56 Micronesian islands impacting about 20,000 people; ultimately it's a profound win for everyone involved.

Low Coast Low Altitude (LCLA) airdrop is incredibly costefficient and easy to apply across the global airlift community, utilizing readily available resources and repurposed personnel parachutes to build supply pallets at a fraction of the cost of other airdrop bundles. These pallets are dropped at low altitude to improve drop accuracy.

Demonstrating and executing LCLA drops alongside regional allies is just one example of the USAF actively pursuing and participating in interoperability partner training to increase Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief operational capabilities while ensuring stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.

The capabilities employed during OCD are a unique method of delivery suited to the region. Coast Humanitarian Air Drop (CHAD) takes the LCLA capability to the types of environments seen in many places throughout the Pacific.

Together, CHAD and LCLA represent a unique Humanitarian Aid/Disaster Response or wartime capability that enables the USAF and allied nations to rapidly respond anywhere in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.

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For decades group travel has been one of the most popular forms of travel available for like minded friends. For more than 20 years, Groups Tasmania has been providing Clubs and groups from all over the world the opportunity to explore our wonderful State without the pressure of having to plan an itinerary or book everything themselves.

Group touring is about being shown around by locals and really capturing the essence of the destination. It means seeing the famous attractions but also wandering off the tourist trail. So much more than just a coach tour, you’ll experience the culture, meet the locals and savour the wonderful food.

Our well-balanced tailor made itineraries are designed with the traveller in mind.

We put great effort into getting the right balance between organised touring and free time, after all it is a holiday! We include all the essential sights that others consider “optional extras”, while providing plenty of time for you to explore & discover.

• COACH TOURS The best way to see the spectacular island state of Tasmania is on board a well appointed coach, with different sizes available depending on the number in your group. Let your experienced and knowledgeable coach captains do the driving while you relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

• CAR CLUBS Tasmanian roads are renowned for their appeal to car and motorcycle enthusiasts, with its natural topography allowing for long sweeping roads through undulating hills and magnificent scenery.

• EDUCATIONAL TOURS Tasmania is a popular destination for educational tours with its history, scenery and perceived isolation from the rest of Australia playing a major role in drawing schools to Tasmania for a memorable life experience.

Opening in February 2000, Groups Tasmania was established as a Nationally Accredited Tourism Operator by David Luttrell with a vision to provide excellent service in the expanding market of coach touring. Tasmanian owned and operated, Groups Tasmania offers comprehensive knowledge and experience of holidaying in your Natural State. David and Brett are true Tasmanian’s with both having in excess of 25 years specifically selling Tasmania as a holiday destination and we would love you to benefit from our knowledge and to share our passion for Tasmania.

We specialise in itinerary planning for every kind of group from schools to car clubs through to senior community groups and everything in between! We can arrange your travel arrangements including flights, Spirit of Tasmania, accommodation, meals and attractions in Tasmania.

If your organisation is looking at Tasmania as a destination for its next conference we can also assist with day tours and pre or post conference tours.

Basically if you have a group that is looking to travel to Tasmania then Groups Tasmania can be your one stop shop and most importantly help you put together a memorable trip.

12 Nichols Street, Kings Meadows Tasmania 7249 Phone: 0409 857892 (David) Email: david@groupstasmania.com.au Website: www.groupstasmania.com.au

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THINGS TO DO IN

Tasmania

Northern Tasmania

Southern Tasmania

Tasmania’s “northern capital” of Launceston was established in 1806 by free settlers. It has fine Victorian buildings from the 1870s and 1880s and elegant contemporary architecture. The unique attraction of Cataract Gorge is a natural wonder only a 15-minute walk from the city centre, and not far from the J Boag and Son brewery. Cool climate wines and fine dining are the essence of the new Launceston experience, and the city is a perfect base from which to explore the surrounding region.

With the River Derwent at its heart and Mount Wellington rising above it, in Hobart the tranquility of a city from a bygone era coexists with the vibrancy of a pocket-sized modern metropolis. Hobart’s European beginnings are evident everywhere, from quaint settlers’ cottages to the lofty porches of colonial mansions.

The tidal River Tamar flows north from Launceston to George Town and Bass Strait, past forested hills and pastures, lavender plantations, vineyards, strawberry farms and orchards. Excellent restaurants, superb boutique wineries and simple roadside stalls ensure every appetite is indulged and this idyllic setting will satisfy other interests too, from history enthusiasts to nature lovers. You can explore by road or cruise the long curve of the Tamar River.

Once bustling with whalers and entrepreneurs, 19th-century sandstone warehouses now serve as dockside cafes, artist’s studios and restaurants, where you can enjoy excellent cuisine and fine wines.

Discover Tasmania’s history in the nearby Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, be enthralled and even challenged by world leading MONA just a few minutes from the city.

Hobart is a place of fishing boats, fish punts at the docks, an accessible harbour around historic Constitution Dock, coffee under the sun-umbrellas where the famous Salamanca Market is held every Saturday. Or restaurants serving some of the best food in Australia. And so much more …

Ask us about the East & West too. You will be surprised……

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YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD

To Have Fun After an exhausting day of shopping, Ex Ballarat Lawn Bowler Margaret Hobi (95) and her great grandchildren dropped into a children’s playground facility for a cuppa and a snack. While relaxing and enjoying her cuppa, Margaret could not help but notice the great delight on the children’s faces as they climbed the obstacle course which led to the slippery slide.

She then enthusiastically watched the children come down the slide at great speed, happily squealing with delight. Margaret casually mentioned she thought coming down the slide would be fun, and wished she was young again.

Her cheeky great grandchildren responded by daring her to have a go. Never one to shy away from a dare, Margaret announced ‘’THAT’S IT, I AM DOING IT.’’

The children watched in disbelief as their great grandmother tackled the difficult obstacle course leading to the slippery slide.

After conquering the obstacle course, Margaret then climbed another ladder and climbed to the top. Prompting, one of the children to point to a sign which read ‘’MAXIMUN AGE 11 YEARS.’’

Margaret responded with ‘’OH WELL TOO LATE NOW, I HAVE ALREADY DONE IT’’ as she hurdled down to the bottom of the slide at great speed.

The invigorating experience resulted in a feeling of achievement and a permanent smile on Margaret’s face.

However, her great grandchildren were left in total shock and disbelief, unable to comprehend that their 95year old nana was able to tackle such an enormous challenge.

Margaret is an inspiration to all who meet her.

She is full of life and always has a positive outlook.

She walks every day and still does Pilates and Boot Scooting twice a week. She also has many passions including writing poetry, and has been a keen supporter of the Collingwood football team for the last 20 years.

Five years ago, Margaret stopped riding horses and her 54

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beloved Mo-ped bike, which she would ride for miles to visit friends and do her shopping, the last mode of transport to go was her bicycle at 91.

Margaret attributes her longevity and passion for life to her relentless devotion to a healthy Lifestyle.

She claims a healthy lifestyle is the key to a long and happy life.

Her advice to the younger generation.

(1)

Healthy eating habits

(3)

Enjoy Life

(2) (4)

Keep moving Stay positive

THERE IS A MESSAGE IN THERE FOR ALL OF US………..

Catherine’s Column

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SHARING OUR LIVES WITH “MAN’S BEST FRIEND” Animals have always played a major role in society, and there is no doubt pets have helped numerous people regain their confidence and independence. It is safe to assume that most of us are completely in awe, when we come across animals, especially dogs and cats. We love to observe their behaviour and interaction with their owners and we love to admire the mutual love and trust that is shared between pet owners and their pets.

We are all familiar with the monumental work our precious pets do in supporting humans. However, many of us remain unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that come with owning a fury friend.

Recent scientific studies have shown that pets have evolved to become acutely attuned to humans and our emotions.

Dogs and cats are able to understand many of the words we use, and are also experts at interpreting our tone of voice, body language and gestures. Pets can also assist humans in improving, both mental health and physical health. They can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression, help decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels, plus help manage loneliness and encourage socialising, exercise and playfulness.

Over the years, dogs have subsequently proven to also be devoted and willing to please their owners, making them the obvious choice to successfully be “employed’ in a large variety of fields including Therapy Work, Search & Rescue, Herding, Police Work and Guiding and supporting the vision impaired.

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2.

3.

4.

5.

Therapy dogs provide companionship and a calming presence to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes and in other stressful situations. They may also help with mobility assistance.

Search & Rescue dogs have been trained to detect the scent of missing individuals through the wilderness, in hazardous weather, debris and underwater.

Herding dogs work alongside humans driving various livestock including cattle and sheep. The most common breeds used for herding are Australian Cattle Dogs, Border Collies and Kelpies.

Police Work, German Shepherds are typically trained as police dogs. These dogs can play many roles including, enforcing public order, detection, search and rescue.

Guide Dogs, helping the vision impaired, these remarkable dogs provide companionship for people with vision impairment, plus take on the task of helping their owners with their daily activities. They are trained to ignore distractions, navigate obstacles and travel on public transport before they are matched with their vision impaired person. Historically, Labradors and Golden Retrievers have proven to be the most successful guide dog thus far.

Proud pet owners and dog trainers all over the world, are also quick to highlight the immediate joy that comes with sharing their lives with a pet…………………

STORY COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO

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Catherine’s Column

WE ARE GIVING ONE OF OUR LUCKY READERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO SEE

“EGO’’ THE MICHAEL GUDINSKI STORY To be in the draw, send your email to bowlsplus1@bigpond.com WINNER WILL BE ADVISED BY EMAIL

REMEMBERING MUSIC POWERHOUSE MICHAEL GUDINSKI AND THE EXTRAORDINARY LEGACY HE LEFT BEHIND. Michael passed away in March 2021. He was one of the most significant and powerful players in the Australian Music industry. Gudinski founded “The Consolidated Rock Artist Agency’’ in 1970 with his colleague Michael Browning. (Browning would later manage SUPER GROUP AC/DC) GUDINSKI then went on to establish the highly successful “Mushroom Record Label’’ in 1972, through which he signed several generations of Australian musicians which resulted in enormous success for himself and the artists. Gudinski’s success in the music industry grew from his unwavering passion for music which he loved.

MICHAEL GUDINSKI was born and raised in Caulfield, a suburb of Melbourne Victoria to Jewish/Russian immigrants.

He began his music career as a teenage dance promoter and band roadie. However, after achieving enormous success with Australian band “Skyhooks,’’ in the 70’s, he went on to secure success with the quirky New Zealand Band “SPLIT ENZ.’’ They became the first New Zealand band to garner world-wide success and recorded four number one albums in New Zealand and three number one albums in Australia.

SKYHOOKS The cult band “SKYHOOKS’’ benefitted significantly from the guiding light Gudinski projected, his influence and management skills, resulted in the release of their album “Living in the 70’s’’ which sold a quarter of a million records. The Label proved to the world, that Australian bands could compete globally.

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DICOVERING MINOQUE Next on the agenda for Gudinski, was the discovery of POP PRINCESS KYLIE MINOQUE. Gudinski signed Minoque to the Mushroom record label after witnessing Kylie perform an impromptus version of “The Loco-motion’’ at a football charity event.

Under the guidance of Gudinski, Minoque achieved unimaginable success as a recording artist, and has since sold over 70 million records worldwide.

JIMMY BARNES Gudinski’s association with JIMMY BARNES, resulted in Barnes becoming one of Australia’s most successful artists, as a direct result of Gudinski’s guidance. Barnes has sold more records in Australia than any other local artist. He has also enjoyed seventeen number one albums and delivered some of the music’s most intense and iconic live performances.

In 1979 Gudinski established “The Frontier Touring Company’’ with his comrade Michael Chugg. The pair successfully secured Australian tours with The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Bob Dylan, The Foo Fighters and Bruce Springsteen to name but a few.

Gudinski was made a “Member of the Order of Australia for service to the entertainment industry, the promotion of Australian Music and services to the community.’’ A State memorial service was held at The Rod Laver Arena on the 24th March 2021 to honour the star maker, promoter and music industry giant.

STORY CURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO

Catherine’s Column

Royalty & Celebrity Culture...

Our fascination with The Royal Family and Royal weddings seems to have reached epidemic proportions. Today it seems, the majority of the world’s population has become emotionally invested in the lives and dramas of the Royal family, which include scandals, affairs, glamour, sibling rivalry, wealth and fame.

Unfortunately, our collective obsession has now been subsequently amplified due to social media and the 24/7 news cycle which is rammed down our throats daily. According to the experts our ravenous appetite for information relating to the Royals, can be attributed to our attraction to celebrity culture and extravagant heroism.

Apparently, most of us love the idea of fairy tales featuring princesses “living happily ever after.’’

This scenario is regarded as the ultimate achievement in love.

Therefore, a Royal wedding with its collection of Princesses is able to achieve what we can only dream of, and desire for ourselves. Therefore, we wait in anticipation for media outlets to release endless stories relating to the Royals and celebrities………………………….

However, Royal historians believe this desire to explore anything connected to the Royals and their weddings dates back to the 19th century.

Apparently, Queen Victoria scandalized the nation and caused controversy when she chose to wear a white gown, instead of the traditional crimson velvet robes, when she married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg in 1840.

Little did the 21-year-old Royal know that the white silk satin gown she wore would escalate into a universal trend for centuries to come. Queen Victoria is therefore, credited with changing the fashion landscape by breaking Royal Custom, which resulted in unimaginable curiosity from the public.

Today, this influential fashion statement, coupled with intense curiosity continues to fascinate and intrigue the world.

FAST FORWARD TO 1947

The fascination with the Royals continues. Princess Elizabeth’s wedding to Prince Philip was televised by BBC Radio to more than 200 million people around the globe.

Great Britain was still recovering from World War II, and the nuptials were met with enormous enthusiasm from Post War Britain. Prompting former Prime Minister Winston Churchill to describe the event as a “flash of Colour’’ on the hard road we have to travel.

1981 CHARLES & DIANA The wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 was billed as a “fairytale wedding’’ by media outlets around the globe. It was watched by an estimated global television audience of

750 million people. The United Kingdom had a national holiday on the day to celebrate the wedding. Unfortunately, the fairytale came to a grinding halt in 1992 when the couple separated. They divorced in 1996 after fifteen years of

marriage.

WILLIAM & KATE 2011 & HARRY & MEGHAN 2018 Today, it seems our infatuation with The Royal soap opera continues to gain momentum. Even though we have become more exposed to the challenges of marrying a prince or princess and the distinct possibility of “not living happily ever after.’’ We are still intrigued by the pomp and ceremony that is associated with Royal weddings, and will continue to celebrate these iconic fairy tales from afar….

STORY COURTESY OF CATHERINE COLUSSO AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Bowls Australia

2023 WORLD BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS:

A Fairytale The 2023 World Bowls Championships has now been over for more than a week and what a fairytale it was, even more so because of the seven year gap from Christchurch 2016.

nobody claiming multiple ends in a row in the first half

Across both weekends bowls fans saw the world’s best battle it out for history with champions proving themselves for the first time either on debut or after more than a decade of perseverance.

shoulders as he climbed to the top step of the podium.

There was also the narrative arc of Right at Home Jackaroo Lynsey Clarke, who’s time in the green and gold concluded in the most remarkable fashion, claiming the women’s triples title with Dawn Hayman and Kelsey Cottrell in the final match of her glittering international career.

Making her debut in 2003, the Gold Coast native capped off her two-decade tenure in the Australian squad with her third gold medal to go with her 2008 and 2012 triumphs, going out quite literally on top of the world.

Later on the final Sunday it was the men’s singles final and it would be a maiden title in the discipline to either Ryan Bester or Gary Kelly.

Both had conquered the pairs on previous occasions, with the Canadian winning his nation’s only previous gold in 2004 and the Irishman winning with Adam McKeown just eight days prior at Club Helensvale.

Bester’s record in the singles category was well documented, having been so close yet so far over the years.

In 2008 he lost 21-20 in an agonisingly close semifinal to Malaysia’s Safuan Said to claim the bronze, in 2012 he took silver after falling to Leif Selby and in 2016 it was Shannon McIlroy who denied the now Broadbeach local in the decider.

It wasn’t just at the World Championships either, as he was defeated by Aaron Wilson in the final of the 2018 Commonwealth Games and by Darren Burnett in 2014, while also accruing a bronze in 2006.

The 2023 contest commenced in tight fashion, with

before Kelly managed to edge to a 16-13 buffer.

Fittingly, it was Bester’s drive that propelled him to his destiny and finally the weight of the world was off his

The fairytale was alive for Kelly as well, having clinched his own gold in the pairs and putting his Aaron Wilson curse

to bed, having lost to the Australian in the 2016 pairs final and 2022 Commonwealth Games singles decider.

In the para disciplines, the glistening narrative was well and truly alive for all of the gold medallists, with Jake

Fehlberg the most notable as the first ever para bowler to earn a gold at both the World Championships and the Comm Games.

Aron Sherriff enjoyed a simply stunning tournament,

becoming Australia’s most successful male bowler at the

event with his second and third gold medals coming across the fortnight.

The Queenslander, Corey Wedlock and Carl Healey would become the first Jackaroo men to win multiple

championships at the same event and joined Brett Wilkie as multiple gold medallists.

The trio also became the first men’s triples champions from Australia since the inaugural tournament in 1966.

Finally, Rebecca and Connie Rixon’s stunning run to the women’s pairs final earned Malta’s first ever medal at the

tournament after emerging from a group containing both of the Birmingham finalists from last year.

The duo overcame the strong challenge of Norfolk Island’s Carmen Anderson and Shae Wilson in

the quarters before dispatching England’s Sophie Tolchard and Amy Pharoah in the semis.

Malaysia would ultimately prove too strong in the final, but the Maltese sisters established themselves as world

class players across a scintillating fortnight in the state that they call home.

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Bowls Australia

FROM LAST PICKED TO WORLD CHAMPION: THE INSPIRATION THAT IS

Jacky Hudson You could hardly blame Jacky Hudson for scarcely believing that she is a world champion in the sporting arena considering that she was never the athletic type in her junior days.

The Right at Home Para Jackaroo admits that she was the last person picked when school sport classes commenced, but the tables well and truly turned on the Gold Coast as she stepped to the top step of the World Bowls Championships podium with a gold medal draped around her neck.

Hudson, along with her husband and director Rob, teamed up with Jake Fehlberg and his director Cody to defeat South Africa’s May Homer and Herman Scholtz after one of the more epic finals to seal the first ever para gold in the tournament’s history.

Speaking on Bowls Australia’s (BA) ‘The Right Line’ podcast, the Fingal Bay product only picked up the sport after moving to the area in retirement but has not looked back since.

“I’d never really played sport at all apart from what was compulsory at boarding school, and I was usually the last one to get picked on a team,” Hudson said.

“When we retired and moved up to Fingal Bay, I went to a Christmas lunch with the men’s and women’s bowlers here and the coach at the time asked if I would like to learn how to play.

“I was a bit surprised because I can’t see past the end of my nose but she insisted that it was no issue and to come and give it a go, and I’m always up for a challenge.

“Off I went and it was a way for me to meet new people and make new friends, plus we only live about five houses down so I can walk to bowls and take myself without having to rely on anybody.

“It was for fun to start with but I love the friendship and the fact that I was accepted by 60

everybody.”

While the title of World Champion is still sinking in, one thing that the 72-year-old is still grasping with is her newfound notoriety across her suburb, with people coming from all directions to congratulate her on her title.

“It’s still all sinking in and being a World Champion still sounds a little bit surreal and I never thought that would be said about me for anything, but it still feels pretty darn good,” she said.

“It was a lot bigger deal than what I was expecting and I’m still getting really surprised because since I’ve been home when people walk past and congratulate me, I still initially wonder what for.

“Even on our daily walk this morning, we passed one of our neighbours down near the beach and she came running over and congratulated me so that still surprises me.

“But it’s all slowly sinking in and now it’s about getting back to normal and daily life again.”

The husband and wife combination on the green is a rare one in a major international tournament, and the Hudsons seem to be the perfect blend having been married for more than four decades.

“Rob and I have been married for over 40 years and I guess it’s just like at home, you have your ups and downs from time to time.

“If you can imagine being told by your husband what to do, what you’ve done wrong and what you’ve done right all day it can get a little testy at times,” Hudson joked.

“We had a lot team discussions with Claire Turley about how we actually communicated on the green because the information that you receive from the director is very important, as is how it is delivered.

“Rob is a patient man but not always tolerant, whereas I am tolerant but not very patient which seems to work out well.”

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOWLING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Bowls Australia

CLARKE: IT STILL FEELS LIKE A DREAM The now former Right at Home Jackaroo Lynsey Clarke admits that the fairytale ending to her international career still feels like a dream.

It was just over a week ago that the Queenslander walked off the green for the final time as an Australian representative, but what made it different was the World Bowls Championships gold medal dangling around her neck.

Clarke, Dawn Hayman and Kelsey Cottrell clinched the Jackaroos’ fifth title of the fortnight on the Gold Coast, with the 39-year-old chaired off after the win by fellow teammates in Ellen Ryan and Kristina Krstic.

Speaking on Bowls Australia’s (BA) ‘The Right Line’ podcast, the Club Tweed product is processing the fact that her international career actually did conclude in such a manner.

“It’s still a buzz and it’s been several days now but it feels very much like a dream, a dream come true,” she said.

“I announced my retirement in May so I knew this was going to be my grand finale and I had no pressure or expectations on me to finish on top of the world, these things are out of your control.

“But it was written in the stars and I was surrounded by my amazing teammates in Kelso and Dawnie, as well as the wider Jackaroos squad, family and friends.

“It hasn’t quite sunk in and I don’t think it will for a long time.”

On the tournament’s final Sunday at Broadbeach, the Australian unit would meet New Zealand’s Leeane Poulson, Tayla Bruce and Val Smith in the decider and an early 12-5 buffer would prove insermountable.

Smith’s efforts ere defiant in the second half of the contest, ensuring that the Jackaroos would need the full allotment of 18 ends to clinch the gold, but with the Blackjacks requiring

a huge count of five to send the match to an extra end, it was going to prove challenging.

With a healthy amount of bowls around the head, Clarke’s dream became the reality on the New Zealand veteran’s second last bowl.

“It was probably Val’s second last bowl that it started to sink in that I thought we had done it.

“She finished a little short of where she wanted to get to in order to make that five, and I looked over at Dawnie and in the corner of my eye I had a little tear,” Clarke added.

“We had held ourselves in good stead throughout the two weeks in not trying to let our emotions get the better of us and just focus on the determination and the game at hand but at that moment I started to get choked up.”

It was a flawless way to rebound for the triples team, having lost in the final of the women’s fours on the first Saturday of the tournament.

The trio and Krstic had previously gone undefeated before falling to England at Helensvale, but the veteran of more than 450 international appearances took an abundance of positives from the silver to be confident for the triples.

“It was pretty special, we had a pretty flawless two weeks and were undefeated in the fours until the final loss to England who were just too good on the day but we went away taking a lot of positives,” Clarke said.

“We judged ourselves not being on top of the podium that day but how we competed, we gave it everything we had and supported each other.

“We felt the bitter disappointment and were then able to reset and continue on our way.

“ It’s such a tight unit and

our women’s five are all so close.

”

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