Mid North Coast, September-October 2019

September-October 2019

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SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

How we use our time

INDEX 3 4 6 8 10 12 14 20 23 30 32 35

News - For country and nation Cover story - Jack Charles News - Expo is place to find out News - Party on in the garden Feature- Seachange on location Feature - Brunswick Heads Community group guide What’s on Wanderlust Wellbeing Living Puzzles

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Multi-generational cast by the sea

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Phil’s living well with dementia

Gail Forrer Seniors Group Editor EVERYBODY has a story — that’s one of the first things a journalist learns.

And what you find out along the way is that every year lived gives the opportunity to experience more change through new adventures, relationships or redemption.

These thoughts passed through my mind as I read about the big life of this month’s cover personality, Jack Charles.

What a hero to find a path through the enormous adversity he has faced – no wonder he was named Victoria’s Senior Australian of the Year (2016).

We also follow up with Ricci Bartels – the lady who spoke up on national TV about the difficulties of older-age unemployment and the fact that Newstart has not risen in 25 years.

Locally, the 53 Island Festival piqued my interest.

Organiser Claire Aman told reporter Tania Phillips: "We invited Clarence Valley people to salute, tend, depict and explore the islands – with art, photography, Landcare, science, culture, stories, navigation, whatever their field.," This month the Ageing Ravers, a fabulous Grafton dance group, are pictured on our Community Guide. if you would like to have your group/club featured – please email us at

Seniors.Editor@seniors newspaper.com.au.

In terms of travel, the man in charge of Seniors News online, Graeme Wilson, gets off the screen and into print with an interesting story on the National Trust’s Great Walks of Qld. If you wish to skip planes and boats, doing one of these walks looks like an amazing experience.

On the other hand, if you seriously want to stretch your horizons further, why not think about Armenia – check out our Wanderlust section for the story.

Our travelling correspondent Paul Coffey sends us his impression as he travels through this country.

Our Wellbeing section presents a wide range of practical advice for keeping in good health with several accounts from people sharing authentic tales of finding their own way to live their best life – in this case I’m referring to Phil Hazell, who is tackling his dementia diagnosis his own way. What an inspiration.

Enjoy.

CONTACT US General Manager Geoff Crockett – 0413 988 333 geoff.crockett@news.com.au Editor Gail Forrer – 1300 880 265 gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Executive Sue Germany – 0408 286 539 sue.germany@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Online Get your news online at www.seniorsnews.com.au Advertising, editorial and distribution enquiries Phone: 1300 880 265 or (07) 5435 3200 Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Website: www.seniorsnews.com.au Subscriptions Only $39.90 for one year (12 editions) including GST and postage anywhere in Australia. Please call our circulations services on 1300 361 604 and quote “Coffs Harbour and Clarence Seniors Newspaper”.

The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland.

The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications.

Published by News Corp Australia.

Printed by News Corp Australia, Yandina.

Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

Responsibility for election material in this paper is taken by Gail Forrer, cnr Mayne Road & Campbell Street, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006.

Try some Pickleball IT’S only been in Australia for four years, but Pickleball is attracting the attention of seniors as a fun and social way to get active indoors and outdoors.

The game came from USA via Cairns-based Pickleball Australia president Gabi Plumm.

She saw it was something

that could easily be introduced into Australia.

There’s already three million players in the USA and many of them are in retirement villages.

"It’s a mixture of tennis, badminton and ping pong," Gabi said.

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court..

It’s played using a

light-weight paddle, which Gabi describes as being "a ping pong bat on steroids", and a plastic wiffle ball which has holes in it.

Most games are played as doubles. It’s a game that can be played between grandparents and grandchildren.

Gabi says it’s "super

easy" to learn. Within 10 or 20 minutes of instruction in using the right stroke and then players can get on the court.

To learn Pickleball, join a group or start up their own group, contact Pickleball Australia at pickleballaus.org.

PADDLING: Pickleball player on the move.

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For country and nation A show to honour those who served and not recognised Tania Phillips THE Australian War Memorials first exhibition dedicated exclusively to exploring the military service stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is set to open at the Glasshouse Regional Gallery in Port Macquarie.

The touring exhibition – For Country, is one of 11 stops for the exhibition in a tour which will take it right across Australia and take three years to complete.

Acting War Memorial Exhibitions Head Suzanne Myers said For Country, for Nation would guide visitors through six different themes designed to tell the story of Australia’s Indigenous service history.

“Unlike other exhibitions at the Memorial, the stories will be told from the perspective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with many shared

through first-person voice,” Ms Myers said.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a long-standing tradition of fighting for Country, and continue to serve with honour among the military forces.

They have also worked in ancillary, industry, and other home-front activities, and their communities have been thrust into the front line of theatres of war.

The touring exhibition highlights these stories and explores themes of remembrance and tradition through family histories, objects, art, and photographs from across Australia, drawing inspiration from cultural traditions and symbols of warrior’s discipline, knowledge, leadership, and skill.

The exhibition features more than 30 artists, with 48 art works in the display.

Also featured are two installations by Victorian-based weavers

FOR COUNTRY, FOR NATION: A young Reg Saunders surrounded by his mates of the 2/7th Battalion, AIF, in Queensland in 1943.

Photo: Courtesy:Australian War Memorial Aunty Glenda Nicholls and Aunty Clair Bates.

Memorial Director Dr Brendan Nelson, said For Country, for Nation was one of the most significant exhibitions

developed by the Memorial in recent times.

“It is hard for non-Indigenous Australians to imagine the world as Indigenous Australians saw it, but we

must,” Dr Nelson said.

“They have served in every conflict this country has engaged in and they continue to do so with pride and professionalism, which is

nothing short of inspiring.”

For Country, for Nation runs from October 5 through to November 17 at the Glasshouse Gallery.

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COVER STORY

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Living with no excuses, Tracey Johnstone

TWO ARTISTS: Anh Do chatted with Australian actor Jack Charles while painting his portrait on an episode of Anh's Brush with Fame.

Photo: ABC

THE stage is set, the lights are dimmed and the audience is anticipating an enlightening encounter with renowned Australian actor Jack Charles.

He doesn’t disappoint.

The Aboriginal elder, who has spent his life searching for his stolen identity, has offered a glimpse of his extraordinary life, revealing the lows and highs of his journey, in his book, Jack Charles: Born-again Blakfella.

In this memoir, Charles is brutally honest about where the fault lies, while retaining his cheeky take on many encounters.

Removed from his mother’s arms at four months under the White Australia Policy and taken to the Salvation Army’s Box Hill Boys Home, in 70-odd years Charles has done more damage and good in life than almost imaginable in his quest to answer the question of where he came from.

“I was confounded by my heritage right from the get-go at the Box Hill Boys

Home,” he said.

Charles was a bright student who learned to read and write, memorise and recite works, and mimic radio voices, which helped him develop his acting voice.

He also experienced ongoing sexual abuse, like many of the other boys in the home.

There was a brief moment when Charles thought he met one of his siblings, Artie, but the brothers put a stop to him finding out more.

Denied the right to connect with “blood kin” and turfed out on the streets in his mid-teens, Charles gained work skills, both legal and illegal.

“I believe that I was easily conned as a young fellow by my fellow comrades from the Box Hill Boys Home who were living around Auburn at the same time,” he said.

“They were in a Salvation Army hostel.”

He remembers his boss bailing him out of Turana reception centre to get him back to work, and putting him in a gentlemen’s residence in

Glenferrie.

“So, I was mixing with the crowd from the home and many of them were already on a life of crime,” Charles said.

“One of them convinced me to go with him and we robbed a supermarket in Hawthorne. That was my first crime. I was easily led; a young, impressionable child, not knowing anything.

“They were my first and foremost siblings I thought,” he added.

“I ran amok with them, while at the same time staying on this journey of discovering who I was.”

Homelessness, burglaries and drugs became an integral part of his life. And so did acting.

He has appeared in many plays and Australian movies including The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Bedevil, Blackfellas and the international film Pan. But throughout all that, Charles still searched for his family connections.

He was delighted to finally find out his mother was still alive and living in a humpie in a “blakfella camp” in NSW, and that

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COVER STORY

no regrets he had several living siblings.

“She was well respected and even called a sergeant,” he said. But, there was also a dark story around her that has stayed with him well after his mother died.

Charles is unapologetic about the crimes he committed, leading to 22 incarcerations, and for his heroin addiction.

“I have outed myself and admitted to my crimes,” he said.

“I remember clearing up the police books and they did suggest: ‘Jack, I think you are admitting to too many more crimes than we envisaged.

Instead of 700 we will charge you for 75. Is that okay?’.”

Undertaking the *Marumali Program at Loddon Prison, near the completion of his last prison sentence in 2008, proved a final turning point for Charles.

“Those weeks of undertaking that journey of discovering the missing link in our lives, the missing denied heritage, really got many of us at those sessions pretty

upset,” he said.

“It was the catalyst that relit the burning embers of my life: my drugged up, grogged up, mucked up dreamings.”

Some of his confronting story has already been shared through the film Bastardy and in the play

‘‘

I have outed myself and admitted to my crimes

Jack Charles vs The Crown. He used the play as a chance to apologise to all from whom he had stolen and who he had disappointed.

Has he finally found himself?

“I am pretty happy now,” Charles said.

“Through the Koorie Heritage Trust and Link-Up, I have discovered who I am now.

“I won’t be around forever so the idea was to write a memoir, my ideas and to share it with

Australians.

“I am 76 this year and I have been leaving a number of legacies in one form or another. The book just tops it off. I do intend to write further insights, sharing the journey of jumping off the methadone for instance.”

Now an Aboriginal elder, Victorian Senior of the Year and recipient of the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement, Charles is using his “fine sense of com-artistry” to drive changes in the future of the younger generations as he enthusiastically continues his volunteer community leadership work.

He’s still on stage, recently completing the last of the ABC’s Black Comedy series, and is booked for the Te Rehia Theatre play Black Ties.

Charles plans to keep acting as long as he keeps getting asked.

“I never audition; I am too far up myself to audition and I fear rejection. I am only a little fellow,” he said cheekily.

Jack Charles: Born-again Blakfella is in bookshops now.

SELF-KNOWLEDGE: Jack Charles battled long and hard to find himself.

Photo: James Henry

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SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Expo is place to find out Tania Phillips

VOLUNTEERING and helping out in the community is something a lot of people dream of when they finally finish work – but where do you start?

Volunteer HQ will host its annual Volunteer Expo on October 22 and group co-ordinator Nuscha Van Nieuwkerk believes it’s the perfect place to start.

She said the event was held annually to promote and highlight volunteering in the local area.

“It is a free event and provides a platform for Not-For-Profit Community organisations to exhibit their services but it is also an opportunity to engage with individuals for possible recruitment of

volunteers,” Nuscha explained.

“For individuals attending the Expo, this is a great opportunity to find out about the benefits of volunteering and talk to organisations to find out about their services and how and where volunteers can assist.”

She said volunteering can benefit the volunteers as much as they organisations that they help.

“Volunteering is about being in touch with your community and making a difference for its members,” the co-ordinator said.

“But it is also a great way to create social contacts and to be part of a network.

“Volunteering is good for overall health, and stats show that

EXPO INFO: Would-be volunteers check out the 2018 Volunteers Expo will will be on again next month.

volunteers sleep better, are happier and live longer.

“Volunteering is a huge industry with Australians volunteers contributing an estimated $290 billion to the national economy annually, yielding a 450 percent return for every dollar invested.

“Australians collectively volunteer over 932 million hours in their local communities.”

Anyone who would like to make a difference and would like to make a difference but can’t make the Expo can contact Volunteer HQ on 6583 8044.

“We provide a free service covering everything in volunteering, recruitment, referrals, free workshops and promotions,” Nuscha said.

“VHQ links individuals and organisations together and provides on-going support. There

are more than 200 volunteer job roles in various categories available for people who are interested in volunteering.”

Annual Volunteer Expo at Panthers in Bay St, Port Macquarie, October 22, 10am to 2pm.

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Time for island count Thirty community groups will take part in landcare festival

Tania Phillips HOW many Islands are there in the Clarence River – the answer is not only surprising but also the name of a festival with it’s origins at a landcare day on Susan Island according to organiser Claire Aman.

“We were speculating about how many islands there were in the river,” she explained.

“A spot of research revealed there were 53 named islands, lots of unnamed ones, and lots of opinions about the total number – likely more opinions than there are islands.

Before long, we were organising a festival.”

Claire said the 53 Islands Festival, coming up on October 7-20 was a celebration of the river and it’s islands.

“We invited Clarence Valley people to salute, tend, depict and explore the islands – with art, photography, landcare, science, culture, stories,

navigation, whatever their field.

People embraced the idea, with over 30 community groups planning events,” she said.

“The idea is that people are holding the type of event they’d normally run, but with islands as a theme,” Claire said.

“The photographers of Grafton Camera Club have been looking for the perfect island shot, exhibiting their photos in October.

“The Yacht Club is sounding the islands in preparation for their annual October cruise.

“There’ll be astronomy on an island, yoga on an island, rowing and sailing races, island tours, Yaegl culture at Maclean High School, island stories read at the art gallery, science in the pub, and nine island-themed art exhibitions.

“We have a feeling there’ll be an abundance of island stories to be told, especially by the older generation.

CULTURAL EXPLORATION: Claire Aman prepares for the 53 Islands Festival.

“We’d like to record those stories for future generations.”

Claire said there would be lots for visitors and locals to see.

“It’s a great way to promote local groups, showcasing skills and recruiting new members as part of a diverse valley-wide celebration,”

Claire said.

“The message is, from the headwaters to the river mouth, no matter what you plan to do in October 2019, make it

about the islands.”

For more information head to 53islandsclarence.com or find the festival on Facebook.

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SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Party on in the garden

National Gardening week in festival mode Tania Phillips THE Garden Party will feature the launch of a book written and illustrated by Mid North Coast Locals Kay Morrison and Liz Kent about another more unusual local.

“The theme for National Gardening Week is Children in Gardens, so

with this in mind, my illustrator Liz Kent and myself, decided it would be a perfect opportunity to launch our book as it is set in a beautiful garden and introduces both local native flora and fauna,” Kay, organiser of the garden party, explained.

Titled The Prickly Princess and the Pixies, the book is based on a Liz finding a Giant Prickly

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Stick Insect in her garden and is the first book the duo has published together.

“Set in a beautiful garden, this story tells of a Giant Prickly Stick Insect who finds herself in a new environment,” Kay said.

“It is her search for acceptance and belonging that makes this story so poignant and introduces the native flora and fauna found in our area.”

She said a colouring competition was being held throughout all the primary schools in the Hastings Region with the winners being presented on the day at Douglas Vale at 12.15pm.

“There will also be a Treasure Hunt which involves gathering clues, leading to the hiding place of the Prickly Princess,” according to Kay. The book will also be available to buy on the day.

The launch will be part of a full day of festivities which will include stalls, displays, tours, food, wine and plenty of entertainment.

BOOK LAUNCH: Author Kay Morrison (left ) and illustrator Liz Kent prepare for the launch of their book at the Garden Party.

“The well known and loved Sing Australia Choir will commence the day with their entertaining melodies,” Kay said.

“This Group began with only 12 members in 2002 and has now grown to over one hundred.

“It meets every Monday night and is well known for providing entertainment to nursing homes,

retirement villages, social clubs, community and charity events.”

Also on the program are the Port Macquarie Bush Poets, Khristina Joy and the Z Chords an enthusiastic and talented group of singers and ukulele players.

Groups will include representatives from PMH Council, The Lost Plot,

Mrs York’s Garden, Sea Acres Rainforest, Eastport High School, Port Macquarie Library Garden and Douglas Vale.

Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard Garden Party is on October 19.

Entertainment program: 9.30am until 2:30pm.

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SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

INTERGENERATIONAL STARS: The new Seachange series has been filmed around the Northern Rivers area including Brunswick Heads.

Photo: Vince Valitutti

Sea changes location to Tania Phillps

Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads while fans have been star spotting as far north as Kingscliff.

For Executive Producer Fiona Eagger, and co-CEO of Every Cloud Productions with show originator Deb Cox, it was a chance to come North for the autumn and winter and enjoy some sunshine.

It was also a chance to be part of one of her business partner’s most famous shows – not that they haven’t already got an impressive list of collaborations headed by the highly successful Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.

“I’m in Sydney at the

moment and I have been in Melbourne – after being in the Northern Rivers for the past three months it’s a bit chilly,” she laughed as we chat on the phone a week out from the shows debut.

“My son has been working on the crew and he went swimming last weekend up there.”

However, she said filming in Northern Rivers seemed like the natural thing to do this time and not just for the better weather.

“Seachange originally came about 20 years ago when Deb Cox was trying to have her own sea change to Byron Bay,” Fiona explained.

“She had hoped to film the original show on the Northern Rivers but 20 years ago it was too difficult.

There wasn’t enough crew in the area, and it would have been expensive – more than the budget could have allowed.

Plus the ABC’s studios were in Gordon Street in Melbourne and so the sets for the pub and other interiors were in the ABC.” So instead places like Barwon Heads became Pearl Bay in 1998 for the first three series.

However Fiona said with “ScreenWorks (a regional film, television and digital media office supporting

the local screen industry) in the Northern Rivers and so many more creatives” here now Deb’s original dream could be fulfilled.

In fact for many of the production staff, including Deb Cox who still lives in Byron, they didn’t even have to leave home to film.

Eagger said there had been a lot of community support to help bring what is a multigenerational show to the screen.

While this is the first time in Pearl Bay for Eagger there are plenty of old (and new faces) on and off screen including Sigrid Thornton who returns as Laura, along with Kerry Armstrong and 6931193ah

IT’S TV history that 20 years ago headwriter and executive producer Deb Cox created a series about leaving the rat-race and moving to the Coast.

The show was ABC smash hit Seachange – the story of lawyer Laura Gibson (Sigrid Thornton), on the brink of turning 40, who leaves Melbourne with her kids for a better life in a Coastal town after the breakup of her marriage.

Twenty year’s later it is back on our screens changing both networks and filming location and

now Laura is looking down the barrel at 60, job loss, another failed marriage, dealing with parenting adult children, possible grandparenthood and in the midst of all that trying to find herself again.

While the first series was filmed in Victoria for the ABC, this time around it will screen on Channel Nine/NBN and the filming, well that’s moved to the area that originally inspired both Cox’ move and her show – the Northern Rivers.

For the past few months a crew has been hard at work filming at various locations around Far Northern NSW from Billinudgel to

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John Howard with newcomers Kate Lister and Alex Tarrant.

Photo: Jon Love

COMMUNITY TIES: Friends and family catch-up at the local.

Photo: Jon Love

Seachange cast members.

Northern Rivers Bob Howard as the Jelly’s and Kevin Harrington as the laconic and loveable Kevin Findlay.

However this time around this is really about three Gibson women, who span three generations and a chance to explore turning sixty and looking to explore the next challenge while dealing with offspring who are still inter-dependent and frequently boomeranging to the family base, determined to thrash out the faults in their upbringing Eagger said.

“When we were young we couldn’t wait to leave home but it’s not the same now.”

She said Laura was

‘‘

a chance to explore turning sixty and looking to explore the next challenge while dealing with offspring turning sixty with adult children – a daughter (Miranda played this time

by Brooke Satchwell) heading to 40 and a younger daughter (Stella who was only hinted at in the final episode of series three and now played by Ella Newton) turning 20.

Eagger observed Laura’s journey was about parenting her now grown

children “working at that age and still being a mother and dealing with the idea of possibly being a grandmother as well”.

And she’s no longer escaping the ratrace but the whole world, searching what she once had.

She said just like the original series at it’s heart Seachange is also

about “community, about getting along in a small town despite different pollical views”.

The new Seachange has a large multigenerational ensemble cast combining the old favourites with newcomers and it’s hoped that this will encourage a multigenerational viewing audience of old fans and new – something that isn’t as prevalent now as it was back when the show first began in 1998.

RIGHT: Sigrid Thornton with newcomer Dan Wylie.

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FEATURE

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Brunswick Heads: the businesses right in town.

Check out local Farmers Markets and the Brunswick Heads Market (first Saturday of the month).

Stand-out activities in town are the relaxing and wildlife filled Brunswick River cruise from the boat harbour and shows of international acclaim at the beautifully restored Brunswick Picture House (we’re never too old to enjoy a Cheeky Cabaret!).

Bruns is a great base to explore the coast and hinterland, including Crystal Castle, Byron Bay and the just-across-the-river Ocean Shores.

Tours are available and the more adventurous can pick from kayaking, hot-air ballooning, whale watching and more.

Brunswick Heads hosts several festivals: May’s Mullum2Bruns Paddle (ideal for first time and experienced paddlers), June’s Old & Gold (the town turns into a giant second-hand fair),

PARADISE FOUND: A Birds-eye view of beautiful Brunswick Heads.

July’s Hot Rods and summer’s Festival of Fish & Chips (with woodchop events and a family carnival).

Bruns is also a great base for August’s Byron

Writers Festival.

Accommodation options abound.

The three Reflections Holiday Parks each have river frontage, there are several top-quality motels and many options for holiday rentals, all within easy walking distance.

IT’S OUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Iconic NSW holiday locations Your back to nature getaway awaits at Brunswick Heads

“Brunswick Heads has so much to offer seniors,” says Ann Holland, 61, a regular visitor.

“There are lovely walks and the choice of the surf beach or the calm Torakina river beach.”

Ann enjoys spotting whales and marvels at the time she saw dolphins swimming in the river.

A thoughtful visitor, Ann strives to share her patronage among the many cafés and restaurants.

“I love the iconic Hotel Brunswick,” she says of

Photo: Casey Eveleigh

its Poinciana-shaded outdoor vibe.

Margaret Schumacher, 67, ‘found’ Brunswick Heads when her son and daughter-in-law moved in a few years ago.

“I was born to shop and love all the little speciality shops in Brunswick Heads,” she says.

Like many visitors, Margaret has fallen in love with the town.

“We’ve found our home away from home,” she says.

In addition to sitting by the river and chatting with locals, Margaret and her husband enjoy exploring nearby places.

“Every time we visit, our son finds somewhere new,” she says.

Both Margaret and Ann find Brunswick Heads an ideal spot to meet family and friends.

“We meet people from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast,” says

Margaret, who lives on NSW’s mid-north coast.

Ann loved seeing a show at the beautifully restored Brunswick Picture House, and both have a cruise on the Brunswick River with Byron Bay Eco Cruises & Kayaks on their list of things to do for next visit.

“Even after all these years, there are still things I haven’t done!,” says Ann, who clearly can’t wait for her next visit to Brunswick Heads.

CRUISING IN BRUNSWICK HEADS

Byron Bay Eco Cruises & Kayaks operates daily Eco Rainforest River Cruises on the beautiful Brunswick River in Brunswick Heads. This family run business is multi-award winning and was recently inducted into the Tourism Awards Hall of Fame.

BRUNSWICK HEADS BOWLING CLUB Brisbane 104km

Tweed Heads

FERRY RESERVE MASSY GREENE TERRACE RESERVE

Ballina

Introducing the NEW Reflections Rewards Club - Get a $25 Discount Voucher for your next stay when you join! Visit reflectionsholidayparks.com.au/rewards

CCourtesy Bus

Make new friends, RELAX, SOCIALISE, DINE & BOWL

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Old Pacific Hwy. Hwy. Brunswick HeadsHeads NSW 2487 Old Pacific Brunswick P. 6685 1328 E. manager@brunswickbowlingclub.com

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BRUNSWICK Heads has been adopted by many as their ideal place to holiday.

With sea breezes moderating the heat of summer and warm clear days in winter, the climate is perfect no matter where you visit from.

The town’s motto is Simple Pleasures and this is a place to enjoy whatever speaks of simplicity to you.

The flat town is eminently walkable with easy access to the beach and fishing spots.

There is no shortage of great cafés and a treasure-trove of independent, boutique-style shops.

Whether you love new or vintage, prefer to window-shop or buy-up-big, you’ll find shopping here a joy.

If you need some care or pampering, there is a pharmacy, medical centre, gym (including casual classes for seniors) and several beauty, massage, health and healing

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

FEATURE

13

simple pleasures in life

DROP A LINE: Enjoy your stay by trying your luck at fishing or bring your boat or hire one from a local operator and make the most of the direct river access.

Photo: Luke Hedritch series and features in one of the upcoming episodes.

Film crew set up their equipment and marquee on the roof and used the cabin area in the scene featuring Sigrid Thornton and John Howard.

The scene involved getting Stargazer stuck on a sandbank and the dramas that followed.

The Seachange team were fantastic to work with and the actors were very down to earth and friendly.

The river, harbour and surrounds featured in many scenes. Look for the big blue and white boat with a roof viewing area moored next to the wharf that’s Jasmine aka Stargazer!

ENJOY THE BEST OF BRUNSWICK HEADS AT REFLECTIONS HOLIDAY PARKS

Boasting three fantastic holiday parks in Brunswick Heads, for your next caravanning and camping adventure, look no further than Reflections Holiday Parks.

Reflections’ Brunswick Heads parks are in some of the Northern Rivers’ most pristine locations, all boasting amazing riverfront locations with idyllic outlooks.

Whether you want a comfortable stay in a riverfront cabin or a back to basics camping trip, Reflections has you sorted.

SAVE ON YOUR NEXT STAY

Enjoy your stay by trying your luck at fishing or bring your kayak or boat or hire one from a local operator and make the most of the direct river access.

If this feature isn’t enough to convince you to

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The Morning Cruise includes morning tea with local plunger coffee and delicious cakes and other selections.

The Sunset Cruise includes a complimentary drink from the licensed bar and enjoyable Tapas platters featuring great local produce.

Both cruises are perfect for seniors, clubs and bus groups.

The boat, Jasmine, has a comfortable all-weather cabin, is very stable and can take up to 49 passengers. It also has 3 wildlife viewing decks and a toilet.

The top viewing deck offers the best views in Brunswick Heads also recently re-named ‘Pearl Bay’ for the Sea change series.

Jasmine is in the background of many scenes filmed around the harbour. Jasmine was renamed Stargazer for the

start planning your next getaway in Brunswick Heads you may be tempted by the offer to get a $25 instant discount on your next booking when you join the new, and most importantly free, Reflections Rewards Club.

To discover more or make a booking head, go to reflectionsholiday parks.com.au.

SEE A SHOW WHILST IN BRUNS

A peek into its program over the next few months and you will find everything from experimental cinema with a live music accompaniment, an 80’s weekend of film events and a Picture House Prom, along with a stunning live music program featuring flamenco and local choirs… through to the Cheeky, its signature

Brunswick Picture House.

Photo: Michelle Begg

monthly circus-cabaret extravaganza, kids shows and world class comedy with Josh Thomas and Paul McDermott and Gatesy. And an exciting upcoming date - the very first Picture House Tea Dance, bringing back the best of the ‘Golden Years.’

If you are looking for something new and exciting to do on your next night out or if you are passing through town and want some wonderful memories to take home with you… do yourself a favour and visit the Brunswick Picture House.

The magic is waiting for you. Go to brunswickpicture house.com.

day's bowling, visit the Brunswick Heads Bowling Club.

Conveniently located just on the edge of town, the club has all the latest facilities you'd expect from a modern social and sporting club and function centre.

The clubhouse is situated to enjoy picturesque vistas of excellent greens and natural bush setting. The Pacific Bistro offers delicious meals and light appetisers and is open for lunch & dinner daily.

Why not try their famous $10 Bruns Bowlo lunches or treat yourself to one of their delicious a la carte selections. For more, go to brunswick bowlingclub.com.

BOWLS AND BOWLO LUNCH

With a quaint village charm, pristine beaches, fishing and boating, Brunswick Heads is a unique beachside holiday or lifestyle experience for any member of the family.

If you enjoy the friendly social environment, fun and competition of a great

Be sure to visit the town, and pop into the Visitor Centre to pick up your town map, Accommodation and Eating-Out Guides and the famous ‘101 Things to Do in Brunswick Heads’ brochure. Go to brunswickheads.org.au.

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SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS be held on Wednesday, September 25, at the Cavanbah Centre Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour, at 9.45am for 10am. The guest speaker will be Margaret Cameron the manager of the Coffs Harbour Bunker Cartoon Gallery. Morning tea will follow the guest speaker.

This club is a friendly mixed-gender club and visitors and new members are always welcome. For further information, phone Brian on 07 5619 2484.

Community notes

Community group guide WE welcome youo neighbourhood news, please submit your photos and ensure they are at least 180dpi or 500kb to 1mb in size and of faces, in a nice bright setting. Email editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au.

THE AGEING RAVERS

GET YOUR GROOVE ON: The Ageing Ravers are a group of women who meet every Friday at 10.30am for fun and exercise while dancing.

When there is grief you need SUPPORT. When there is loss you need COMFORT & UNDERSTANDING.

VIEW CLUBS

When it is time to PLAN or say farewell there is

Funeral & Cremation Directors Since 1967 34 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour

6652 1999

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KEITH LOGUE & SONS

Grafton PRESIDENT Faye welcomed members to the August meeting, with a special presentation to new member, Barbara Hickman, of her membership badge and she was officially welcomed her to our club.

Guest speakers for the month were Sue Chapel and Narelle Saunders from the local SES who spoke on spontaneous volunteering and corporate volunteering, encouraging members to consider being a spontaneous volunteer,

Brand New Luxury Coastal Retirement Living Located in Beautiful Macksville in the Nambucca valley

some jobs being taking photos, helping remove debris caused by flood and fire, and logistical support.

It was very interesting learning how the SES helps other emergency services. During the month members attended a Soup and Crusty Bread Day at the Christ Church Cathedral hall.

Our thanks to Vorna and Margaret for providing a beautiful meal, with much fun and laughter.

Members are gearing up for our 52nd birthday which will be held on Friday, November 1, at Grafton District Services Club at 10.30am. Tickets are $30 and available at the Hope Chest in Prince St. There will be entertainment, raffles, tombolas, lucky door prizes and even crowning our own Jacaranda Queen and Princesses.

Get a group together and join us on this fun day. Or just come along and make new friends.

The daytime meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month, at 10.30am at Grafton District Services Club, Mary St, Grafton. All are welcome to come along and enjoy a

Grafton VIEW Club president Faye Stone and new member Barbara Hickman. lovely lunch, friendship and entertainment.

At the same time you will be making a huge difference in the lives of disadvantaged students.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 24, with guest speaker physiotherapist, Brett Sahlqvist. Phone Vorna on 02 6642 4719 if unable to attend meeting for catering purposes or if you are interested in attending any of our meetings.

PROBUS CLUBS

Coffs City OUR next meeting will

WE ARE a group of women who meet every Friday at 10.30am for fun and exercise while dancing. We all move around to the best of our ability and dance as individuals to rock, jazz, blues, etc. We are based at Grafton RSL Club, Mary St but visit several Aged Care homes every month to entertain the residents who join us on the floor if they can or sing, clap or keep time to our music with rattles, tambourines and so on. There is no charge and we get such pleasure from it all we would welcome any other women (or men) to join us. If you want to keep fit with fun at the same time.

Phone Jackie on 02 6642 2284 before 5pm.

COFFS HARBOUR FRIENDLY TRAVEL CLUB

OUR club meets on the last Wednesday of each month at 1pm in a meeting room at the Cex Club Coffs Harbour. We plan a day trip each month and 2-3 times each year we plan a 3-5-7-day trip away together. Do you like to travel, get out of the house and meet new people, perhaps this is for you. Come and join in. All welcome. For further information, phone Gwen on 02 6653 7151 or Betty on 0414 666 685.

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Prices Start from $425000

A great place to maintain an active lifestyle adjacent to the Macksville Country Club.

Fairway Gardens Contact 02 6598 5000 | www.fairwaygardens.com.au

INVERELL will be a hive of activity as The Regional Australia Bank Inverell Sapphire City Festival is held in October.

The 2019 Regional Australia Bank Inverell Sapphire City Festival runs between October 18-27, with an action packed program.

Inverell and District Lapidary Club will again host the Gem and Mineral Show along with their Fossicking excursions from the October 11.

Inverell’s Got Talent will return this year with plenty of eager performers.

The festival will reach its crescendo with the Festival Parade, the Brighter Access Finale

Evening and Crowning Ceremony and Fireworks Spectacular.

As in previous years the Finale Day starts with the Poet’s breakfast in Campbell Park featuring great entertainment.

The spectacular Festival Parade starts at 4.30pm.

The parade theme this year is Superhero.

Campbell Park is then the venue for the remainder of the evening.

You simply cannot beat the excitement of the Great Duck Race on the Macintyre River, or the many food stalls and rides.

There will be live entertainment for the

whole family with the youngsters entertained by Nickelodeon's PAW PATROL. The fabulous headline artist is the incredible Mel Dyer. Bring the family down and enjoy a fantastic night out with amazing entertainment.

Spring is beautiful time to visit the Sapphire City.

Plan your holiday, short stay or day trip to Inverell during the Regional Australia Bank Inverell Sapphire City Festival and you are assured of an experience you will treasure for years to come.

For more information, go to inverell.com.au.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

NEWS

Ricci Bartels raises her voice on unemployment

It’s been 25 years since a Newstart increase

Tracey Johnstone

LOUD AND CLEAR: Ricci Bartels speaks about her experience Newstart allowance.

SPEAKING out on national television about the devastating experience of being forced on to Newstart has been a surreal experience for senior Ricci Bartels.

Ms Bartels was in the audience of the ABC television show Q&A where she spoke up about her experience of being caught in a downward spiral of unemployment and welfare, when all she really wanted to do was to get a job and pay her own way.

It was particularly disconcerting for Ms Bartels, who had spent a good deal of her life employed in positions where it was her job to empower people.

“All my life I have been a social justice activist,” Ms Bartels said.

The opportunity to

speak out came about by accident. Members of the Q&A audience were invited to submit questions for panel to consider but Ms Bartel’s was the first to be read out.

The now 66-year-old asked: “What would you or how would you suggest people like me have a go to get a go?”

“Put in a nutshell, it was the worst time of life.

“The loss of dignity.

The loss of friends because you can’t go out, you can’t socialise.

“Not eating proper foods even though I suffer various ailments,” she said.

The story was posted on the Seniors News Facebook page, prompting a deluge of responses from people who were in similar position.

Ms Bartels believes an increase of $75 a week, which is what the Raise

the Rate campaign is calling for, is needed.

“The other side of the campaign is to raise the rent subsidy,” she added.

Even though Ms Bartels is now on an aged pension, she plans to continue actively supporting the work of Raise the Rate as she sees the current situation with Newstart as wrong.

It’s now 25 years since Newstart, previously called the dole, was increased by the Federal Government.

Dr Kirsty Nowlan, a Benevolent Society executive director and a leading voice in the Raise the Rate campaign, said Newstart had only been indexed.

“It moves with the level of CPI but it doesn’t move at the level of wages,” she said.

“It has declined relative to both the pension and minimum wage.”

Older workers and rights

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OLDER workers can learn their work rights with a new online toolkit that details the rights of older workers and the economic benefits for hiring older workers.

The Australian Human Rights Commission recently published the Multigenerational workforces: a guide to the rights of older workers under the Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth).

The guide also provides information about the Act. It addresses a variety of workplace issues including what is age discrimination, when it is and isn’t unlawful to discriminate, what constitutes an offence, promotion of inclusion through recruitment, training and flexible work, and who to contact to discuss workplace issues and complaints.

The guide may also assist employees and workers in understanding their rights under the Act. The guide can be downloaded from humanrights.gov.au/ olderworkers.

I can’t always be there for mum, that’s why we use CCA Home Care

I trust Mum’s friendly care team to help her whatever her needs.

Transport to appointments, grabbing groceries or cleaning around the house. It’s the perfect care for independent living.

Enquire today (02)5525 3600 or www.ccacares.org.au

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ENTERTAINMENT

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

The King of Rock is back and on tour BRAND INSIGHTS ABSTRACT Entertainment proudly presents Elvis – an American Trilogy direct from the US. The Complete Story, starring Vic Trevino Jnr, Ben Thompson and Justin Shandor, tours Australia by popular demand in September and October.

The legendary Elvis Presley has been celebrated worldwide – he was one of the biggest and most important stars of the 20th Century pop culture.

A cultural icon, Elvis was often referred to as the “king of rock and roll”.

Now, direct from the US, comes the return by popular demand of the Ultimate Australian Concert Tour 2019 of Elvis

– an American Trilogy – the Complete Story that takes three of the world’s leading Elvis tribute artists starring in one of the most spectacular live concert production that takes you on a journey through the music of the “the King” in the history of entertainment.

The three stages in the success of “Elvis – The King” stars Vic Trevino Jnr, who embodies the Rockabilly Sound of the young Elvis; Ben Thompson recreates the sophisticated sound of the Elvis movie years with tracks from iconic films GI Blues, Kid Gallahad, Speedway and many more.

He is magnificent as he recreates the 1968 comeback TV Special; and lastly, Justin Shandor channels Elvis in the

famous White Eagle jumpsuit and was the only Elvis impersonator to have known the real Elvis personally.

He recreates the ’70s with An American Trilogy featuring the moves, the songs and the nuances that made Elvis the most recognisable figure in the History of World Music.

2019 TOUR DATES Wednesday, October 2 Wests Leagues Club, New Lambton - bookings phone 02 4935 1200; Sunday, October 6 - The Art House, Wyong - bookings phone 02 4335 1485; Sunday, October 13 - Ettalong Diggers Club - bookings phone 02 4343 0111.

Mid North Coast Friday, October 11 Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree - bookings phone 02 6592 5466.

MULTI-AWARD WINNING: Ben Thompson is a Elvis tribute artist from London and is one of the select few who has the ability to successfully recreate all the eras of Elvis.

Yulgilbar homestead holds a museum of local history Tania Phillips

Sam Hordern, one of the men featured in the Men of Yulgilbar exhibition. people,” Jennifer said.

“Edward Ogilvie’s long association with Yulgilbar is also covered, as are the periods of ownership of Sam Hordern and Baillieu

Myer.

“Between them these three men have owned Yulgilbar for a collective period of one hundred and twenty-six years and they have steered Yulgilbar through difficult years of drought and economic downturns as well as goldrushes and glorious years of prosperity.”

Lianne Hart said Ogilvie made his fortune off the sheep’s back before before building the iconic Yulgilbar Castle for his young bride.

“A century later Baillieu

Myer and his wife Sarah rescued the derelict castle and turned it into a comfortable modern home,” she said “In 2005 they opened the Yulgilbar Archives, a museum of local history in the old wine cellars below the castle.”

Since then the Archives have hosted hundreds of tours, allowing many people to share the history of this lovely old building. The collection is also available by appointment for private research.

But the exhibition doesn’t just feature the biggest names associated with the Castle according to Jennifer.

“Others to be featured in the exhibition include long-time manager Allan Rogan and current manager Rob Sinnamon, along with master craftsman Boxer Kroehnert who built a lot of the post and rail fences and other structures that Yulgilbar is renowned for today,” she said.

Exhibition: Oct 25 - Dec 8.

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THE historic Yulgilbar homestead – often referred to as the castle – and the people who lived there is the focus of a new exhibition opening at the Grafton Regional Gallery on October 25.

In 2017 the Grafton Regional Gallery and the Yulgilbar Archives celebrated some of the many women who have been connected with Yulgilbar since it was first taken up by the Ogilvie

family in the 1840s. And according to Yulgilbar Archive curators Jennifer Baldwin and Lianne Hart the exhibition proved so popular that this year they are following up with an exhibition featuring some of the many men who have made their mark on this historic property.

“The displays will feature the local Bundjalung leader, Toolbillibam, whose 1842 meeting with the Ogilvie brothers was to have far-reaching consequences for his

Live events staged at 1000 seat historic heritage theatre with wonderfuL acoustics, air conditioning, comfortabLe seating and superb Line of sight.

Home of the

Big Live Shows

An Afternoon At the Proms

the mcClymonts

sunday 27th october 2019

thursday 31st october 2019

Tickets on Sale Now.

Tickets on Sale Now.

CArl BArron

2nd show - sunday 3rd november 2019

Tickets on Sale Now. 1st Show (Sat 2/11/19) SOLD OUT!

tenorI

friday 22nd november 2019 Tickets on Sale Now.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

17

Classic catch in Mouse Trap CHATS presents Agatha Christie production on the stage Tania Phillips WITH a cast that ranges from 19 to well past retirement age the Coffs Harbour Amateur Theatrical Society’s (CHATS Productions Inc) latest production promises to appeal across the age groups.

The group’s October production will see the company take on the world’s longest running play – Agatha Christie’s The Mouse Trap with the show running October 17 to 27 at the Jetty Theatre according to production manager David Tune.

“Everybody knows Agatha Christie for her Who Done it books but she was a very prodigious play-write,” David explained.

“The Mousetrap started as a radio play – it was well received and was then adapted for the stage. It opened in the West End in 1952 and has been running ever since – it celebrated its’s 25,000 performance in 2012 and is the world’s longest running play.”

CHATS is also a bit of an institution in it’s own right in Coffs Harbour, starting back in 1982 and has been “going strong ever since” producing three shows a year.

And according to David while members fluctuate with the productions there are around 100 members and a committee which is a mix of ages – just like the cast for this forthcoming production.

For those who have never seen it The Mouse Trap revolves around a group of diverse characters, snowed in at a Guest House in country England with a murder in their midst.

Who can it be?

One by one the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motive are finally revealed.

The Coffs Harbour production features an eight-member ensemble cast which mixes the enthusiasm of youth with the experience only age can bring.

INTRIGUE: Mark Fifield is part of the thrilling stage act.

For David it’s a family affair with his wife Dee directing her first non-musical production while elder daughter Libby, 19, is part of the cast.

While two other members of the cast are also young, there is a good mix of ages particularly too with veteran local thespian

R O Y

Jenny Beatson, who will play “crusty old battleaxe” Mrs Boyle, and Mark Fifield, who takes on the role of Major Metcalf, adding their experience to the production. Not that too much can be given away about the show.

As David explains audiences have always been asked to “keep the

O R T U S O

Jenny Beatson stars in the show. secret” at the West End performances and it’s something that CHATs hopes their audiences will do too.

Mousetrap will run October 17-27. Go to jettytheatre.com/ the-mousetrap for more.

P R E S E N T S

JOHN WATERS Abstract Entertainment presents a homage to Bob Dylan as distinct as the man himself as one of Australia’s leading singers brings you his unique perspective on the work of the greatest living songwriter!

THU 24 OCT | C.EX COFFS HARBOUR FRI 25 OCT | MANNING ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE BOOK AT ABSTRACTENTERTAINMENT.NET

ABSTRACTENTERTAINMENT.NET

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NEWS

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

You're invited...

SUNDAY 29th SEPTEMBER Spring OPEN DAY 11-2pm Book your tour now....Sarah 8467 9333

Display Village OPEN Sundays 11-2

Join us to see inside the regions most spectacular Retirement Village OPENING SOON AT FREDDO.....

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

disCOVer a LOCatiOn LiKe nO OtHer..

NEWS

CHOOse a WeLCOminG COUntry COmmUnity

19

yOU deserVe tHe Best in retirement LiVinG

SALES |VIP TOURS: STEVE & JUDY 0414 863 666

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Find us at 78 Macleay St , FREDERICKTON

ENTERTAINMENT

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

What's on

CHEEK TO CHEEK

CHEEK to Cheek is an all-singing, all-dancing celebration of the romance, the glamour, the elegance of Hollywood’s most iconic song and dance partnerships – the immortal Astaire and Rogers starring Ross Hannaford and Amy Berrisford.

This stunning production features some of the most electric dance sequences conceived for film. Featuring classic songs including the Academy Award winning Night and Day, Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, and The Way You Look Tonight.

See it at the Glasshouse Port Macquarie, Friday, October 18.

MUCH ADO ABOUT SHAKESPEARE

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BELL Shakespeare presents one of the best-known romantic comedies in history, Much Ado About Nothing. It is a saucy, razor-sharp battle of wits between the bickering Beatrice and Benedick, who wield words as weapons, their

HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR: The stars of Cheek to Cheek, Amy Berrisford and Ross Hannaford. banter betraying their love for each while Claudio and Hero are deeply in love.

Much Ado About Nothing, one of Shakespeare’s contemporary comedies where romance is thwarted by dastardly plots, misinformation, false accusations, broken promises, and bumbling cops.

Or is it? – See it at the Glasshouse, Port Macquarie, September 30 and October 1, phone 02 6581 8888, email info@glasshouse.org.au or go to glasshouse.org.au.

ROY ORTUSO PRESENTS / DIRECT FROM THE USA

STARRING VIC TREVINO JNR / JUSTIN SHANDOR / BEN THOMPSON

WED 2 OCT / WESTS NEW LAMBTON SUN 6 OCT / THE ART HOUSE SUN 13 OCT / ETTALONG DIGGERS

BOOK AT ABSTRACTENTERTAINMENT.NET

ABSTRACTENTERTAINMENT.NET

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S SOUTH PACIFIC

GET set for an enchanted evening (or afternoon) when Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy present what is often considered by many critics to be among the greatest musicals of the twentieth century, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. South Pacific, which spawned the songs Happy Talk, I’m Gonna Wash That Man and Some Enchanted Evening is a lighthearted musical with serious themes.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019 Set in an island paradise during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. On from November 8 until December 1. Phone 02 6648 4930 or go to jettytheatre.com.

CRAFTING ESCAPE

TWO days of crafting, creativity and fun, Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6 at Timbertown Resort and Motel Wauchope.

A chance to work on projects as well as having six paper crafting projects to complete over the weekend. Two goody bags and five gifts will be supplied throughout the weekend. Snacks, tea, coffee, and water provided as well as lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Borrow paper crafting supplies such as die cutting, ink pads, punches and stamp sets.

There will be a small shop with basic crafting supplies (adhesive, kits, and lucky dips). Phone 0402 405 464, email stamping@tatiana creative.com.au or go to craftingretreat.com.au.

IPADS & BISCUITS: ALL ABOUT BLOGS

Woolgoolga Library will be the location for an iPads and Biscuits event on September 25 from 10am to noon.

Join with other iPad users to learn about blogs and find blogs on your favourite activities.

Subscribe to blogs you like or create your own blog. Bring along a device or borrow one on the day and the instructor will work through all things iPad apps. For more information phone 02 66484900.

ARREBATO ENSEMBLE

ARREBATO Ensemble will play the Coffs Harbour Jetty Theatre on October 6. Featuring dynamic and emotive instrumental music based in contemporary flamenco, with a spectacular visual aspect added by virtuosic dancer Chachy Peñalver.

GATE TO PLATE

GATE to Plate, a flagship food event showcasing everything the Clarence Valley and River has to offer, will be held noon to 4pm on September 29 at Grafton Showground.

From 9am to 2pm there will be the Gate to Plate Food, Farmers and Growers Market. Freshly cooked breakfast and brunch offerings await visitors to this extraordinary fifth Sunday of the month food market in Grafton. Noon-4pm Bendigo Bank Gate to Plate Long Lunch an

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

ENTERTAINMENT unmatched foodie experience reflecting the true character of this food-producing region.

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GOANNA PULLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

THE Australian National Goanna Pulling Championships, based in Wooli, has been running annually since 1985 and will be held from 9am-3pm, October 6. It is seen as the flagship event in the small coastal town of Wooli NSW and attracts upwards of 3000 visitors to the town each October long weekend. It is seen as a fun event, for all ages, with not just Goanna Pulling, but a range of other events: Tug-o-war, North Coast axemen event, brick carrying races, sprint age races, food and beverage stalls, carnival rides and live music.

RIVERSIDE PICNICS

RIVERSIDE Picnics are designed for people to enjoy a sunset picnic in style along the banks of the Clarence River 4pm-8pm on October 12 at Grafton. These events are fully licensed, featuring a bar serving craft beers and selected wines. Gentle sunset-flavoured recorded music will be mixed for the occasion. Go to riversidepicnics.com.au.

Saturday 5 October, 7.30pm

Monday 30 September, 7.30pm & Tuesday 1 October, 7.30pm

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Friday 18 October, 7pm

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Friday 8 November, 7.30pm

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The legendary flutist and West End musical superstar unite!

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FEATURE

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Personalised home care Feros Care registered nurse finds there is a better way BRAND INSIGHTS “THERE has to be a better way”.

That’s what registered nurse Bec Wilkinson thought in 2003 at her first job in a nursing home when she’d been told to wake up an elderly resident at 5am for a bath.

“It was winter and the lady just wanted to stay in bed,” says Bec. “I just thought, ‘there has to be a better way - a better way to age; a better way to deliver services, be it residential or in the community’.”

16 years on, Bec has found a “better way” through her work with aged care and disability service provider, Feros Care.

“At Feros Care, we seek to understand,” says Bec. “To understand what people and families are going through, what their goals and needs are, and how they want us to fit in with their life.

“It’s simple really - you just need to take the time to have the conversation and learn about people; to really listen to what they want and need, rather than doing what you might have been formally trained to do, or what the protocol or schedule says.

“It’s about personalised care delivered in a way that works for the individual and their family.”

At Feros Care, Bec is in charge of the coordination of Government-funded Home Care Packages for seniors living in the community.

“We are very fortunate in Australia to have a government that recognises the importance of keeping people in their homes,” she says.

“Our Home Care Packages offer traditional services like showering, help with medication and shopping, but our focus is on wellness and reablement.

“Just because

EMPOWERING PEOPLE: Feros Care strike a balance between helping and supporting people, also focusing on their independence, which empowers them to live their best life.

Photo: fullframe.com.au someone has a stroke, doesn’t mean they receive a standard list of services we think they’ll need as a result. Instead, we work to rehabilitate and help them regain their independence, so the services evolve as the person evolves.”Bec says it’s about finding someone’s purpose.

“We want people to have and achieve goals,” she says.

“We try to strike a balance between helping and supporting people; and also focusing on their independence, which empowers them to live their best life.”

For Bec, it’s a privilege.

“Feros Care often

comes in during tough times – usually after a crisis or a medical episode – but the point is, we are there,” she said.

“We are there with people and their families – helping them find themselves again; helping them find their independence again; find their happiness again –

and that’s just a really rich experience that can’t be put into words.”

Senior Australians can apply for a government-funded Home Care Package worth up to $49,500 a year. Phone 1300 763 583 or go to feroscare.com.au for more information.

LIFE IS FULL OF QUESTIONS

Our experienced advisors understand how to navigate the aged care system and which government-subsidised aged care programs are available to assist you or your loved ones.

We can answer any questions you may have about aged care and guide you through every step of the aged care approval process.

What’s more, we can also provide you with a FREE copy of our Aged Care Guide – which offers a step-by-step guide to accessing aged care services in Australia.

Call today 1300 088 691 feroscare.com.au

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SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

Walking on the wild side

Take Queensland in your stride

PAGE 25

STEPPING OUT: The Carnarvon Gorge is a feature of the Carnarvon Great Walk.

Mel Dyer

Inverell Sapphire City

Live ment ain t r e Ent

Festival Finale 26th October, 5pm Campbell Park

Amusement rides Crowning Ceremony Food and Refreshments Fireworks Spectacular

www.inverellsapphirecityfestival.com.au

Š 2019 Spin Master PAW Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved. PAW Patrol and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Spin Master Ltd. Nickelodeon and all related titles and logos are trademarks.

Photo: Robert Ashdown Š Qld Govt

24

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Travel Briefs BARGE CRUISE IN UK

JOIN Magna Carta, a unique floating hotel, for the six-night journey from London.

Bypassing the traffic, it meanders through past and present, stopping off at the historic cities, old-world villages and stately homes that line the Thames River.

Departing from May to September 2020 from $11,595 per person. Book before November 30 for Fly Free Superdeal offer of a return economy airfare per person. Info: phone 1300 196 420 or go to aptouring. com.au/travel-styles/ barge-cruising.

MILITARY HISTORY CRUISE CRUISE & Maritime Voyages new five-night Military History Cruise departs Sydney on December 1 on board the 1220-guest Vasco da Gama which includes 40 cabins for solo travellers. Info: cmvaustralia.com /cruise/v002/ east-coast-discovery.

FAN ABOUT KAKADU

EXPLORE Bamurru Plains, a region of natural beauty and unique biodiversity, on an airboat a 4x4 safari or walking safari. The region is on the edge of the Mary River floodplains just a short distance from the coast and the western boundary of the Kakadu National Park. classicsafaricompany .com.au/activity/ bamurru-plains.

ON THE GO SPECIALS

GET a great discount with On the Go tours for solo travellers and over 50s, departing within the next two months.

Choose your preferred destination and check out the last minute deals. Info: onthegotours.com /Last-Minute-Deals or phone 1300 855 684.

FIND TOUR SPECIALS

CHECK out this website – tourradar.com – for tour and travel specials worldwide.

The site provides travellers with everything they need to plan and book their next great escape in one place.

From thoughtfully crafted tours and their itineraries, videos and photos, to how-to guides and travel

experts available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

NEW BUNNIK EUROPE TOURS

BUNNIK has released four new small group 2020 tours.

Combine the ancient wonders of Greece and Egypt with experiencing the old-fashioned hospitality in England, Scotland and Wales.

Book now to secure your spot and saving of $500 per person. Info: bunniktours.com.au.

STEAMBOAT THROUGH AMERICA’S PACIFIC NORTHWEST

THE American Queen Steamboat Company is offering savings of up to US$1000 per couple on its eight-night cruise packages along North America’s historic Columbia River.

The special offer is for departures in March, April May, October or November 2020 if booked by December 31. Info: phone 1800 507 777 or go to cruisetraveller. com.au.

TRUFFLE HUNTING IN NSW CENTRAL WEST

FEEL immersed in the age-old craft of truffle hunting in NSW’s Central West. Attend the Black Tie and Gumboot Truffle Hunt and take part in the age-old craft of truffle hunting, before enjoying the fruits of their labour with a five-course truffle degustation dinner; visit Heifer Station Vineyard located on the volcanic basalt slopes of Mt. Canobolas, it has vineyard tours, a petting zoo and farm for the grandkids and special events year-round,Info: visitnsw.com.

DEADLY DINING ON COUNTRY

JOIN the Mandingalbay Yidinji people on their country for a four-course Deadly Dinner featuring traditionally inspired local produce and Australian native ingredients.

Cruise from Cairns city across the water with a Traditional Owner to the natural environment of East Trinity Reserve to be welcomed with a smoking and cleansing ceremony, traditional dance, storytelling.

Info: mandingalbay. com.au.

Stay and play in Waikiki Kerry Heaney HOME to Hawaii’s rulers for centuries, Waikiki’s gently curved, reef-protected beach offers ample room to pull up a canoe but is more famous for surfboards today.

Known as the birthplace of surfing, Waikiki has a rich history, great shopping and plenty of dining choices.

With Diamond Head in the background, it’s famous surf break is dotted by regulars every morning. Visitors can hire their own board under the 2.7-metre-high bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku (1890-1968). The Duke was Hawaii’s first Olympian who is credited with bringing Hawaii’s ancient sport of surfing to the world.

From the beach, you can see Diamond Head, and if you are feeling energetic, it’s a great walk to the top. The 2.5km summit trail takes around 30 minutes and is rated “very easy” and suitable for non-hikers, although there are some stairs and tunnels.

Rent an audio headset from the ticket booth, and you can have a guided tour as well. On Saturdays, there is a Farmers Market near the tunnel entrance.

Just on the edge of Waikiki are Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium and Kapi’olani Regional Park.

Head to the zoo to see komodo dragons and 905 different animals or the aquarium to view some of Hawaii’s beautiful sea life.

It’s a half-hour drive, but you won’t want to miss the chance to see Pearl Harbour where an aerial attack in 1941 left thousands dead and hundreds wounded. Start at the Visitors’ Centre with a walk through the USS Arizona Memorial Museum. The USS Arizona Memorial has been closed since May 2018 for repair work but is expected to reopen later this year.

You’ll be amazed by the size of the guns on the 60,000-ton USS Battleship Missouri. Walk around the ship and see where the documents ending WWII were signed.

Each location can take up to two hours to explore so allow plenty of time.

Just remember, no bags are permitted inside the Pearl Harbour Historic Sites unless they are wallet-sized. Bag storage is available.

The Bishop Museum is where you’ll find Hawaii’s

HAWAII RULES: Waikiki Beach known as the birthplace of surfing. most extensive collection of Hawaiian and Polynesian artefacts. It’s a fascinating look at the rich history of the islands.

There’s much more to discover about Hawaiian royalty at Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States!

Completed in 1882, this grand house looks as though the residents have just stepped out for a moment. Take a guided or self-led audio tour.

Hawaii’s history from the 20th century is just as fascinating, and the Liljestrand House will take you back to the 1950s and Hawaii’s Tropical Modernism style.

Designed for doctor and nurse Howard and Betty Liljestrand by Vladimir Ossipoff, It has the sort of cool vibe that makes you think of Dean Martin and Natalie Wood.

This exceptionally well-preserved house is a treasure trove of memory prompters. The views from the secluded hillside block overlooking downtown Oahu are expansive. Guided tours are available.

There’s one souvenir you must bring home from Honolulu, even if it is just for yourself. Pop into the Honolulu Cookie Company and taste before you buy their Hawaiian inspired cookie flavours. The signature pineapple-

Waikiki Beach from Moana Surfrider. shaped biscuits are memorable.

Where should you stay in Waikiki? It’s hotel central along this famous stretch of beach, so your options are many. The Royal Hawaiian, known as the Pink Palace, holds a highly coveted beach spot dotted with cabanas. The luxury hotel has heritage rooms dating filled with 1920s glamour.

Almost next door is another luxe resort Moana Surfrider. Known as the First Lady of Waikiki, it opened its doors in 1901 and offers

beachfront views with a historic banyan tree courtyard.

Just one block back from the beach, The Laylow, combines mid-century modern style with Hawaiian charm. . Fly with Hawaiian Airlines to Honolulu and your Hawaiian experience starts at the airport with miles of smiles and a taste of Hawaii menu designed by Executive Chef LeeAnne Wong.

The writer travelled as a guest of Hawaiian Airlines.

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SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

There are views forever at Lake Wabby on Fraser Island.

‘‘

It’s just made me so proud to be a Queenslander now

LIQUID REFRESHMENT: Lisa Marshall takes a dip at the Zoe Falls on the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island.

Photo: Contributed

The amazing Carnarvon Gorge amphitheatre.

next year to highlight the state’s offering.

The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Great Walks are suggested as ideal starting points. Each provides the option to extract yourself at points along the way and stay with accommodation providers rather than being committed to camping.

“So you’ve got the ability to create your own version of the walk with different start and end points,” Luke said. “With other walks, the further inland you go the more remote you are, so you need to be fully self-sufficient.”

While most walks offer multi-day experiences with set start/finish points, Lisa said there was always the option to do day walks.

“At Hinchinbrook, it’s just like being in a dreamworld for a day,” she said. “Carnarvon Gorge and Fraser Island also have spectacular day walks.”

Lisa said the aim was to get as many people as possible out on the walks, but it was crucial they were well prepared. Hikers needed to do their homework, pack the right gear and train properly.

“We will be encouraging them to take their time, stop at all the beautiful towns along the way, and be realistic about what they can achieve in the time they have available,” she said.

Lisa has written an online e-guide on how to get trek-ready, covering everything you need to know when you’re actually out walking, plus a 16-week training guide (visit trekcoach.com.au).

NTA (Queensland) CEO Jonathan Fisher said the National Trust had always been committed to conserving and celebrating natural heritage, and was proud to be partnering with the Queensland Government in promoting the Q10 Great Walks.

“We are really about promoting active lifestyles and getting people to celebrate the diversity of Queensland’s stunning landscapes,” Mr Fisher said.

Environment and Science Minister Leeanne Enoch said Queensland was unlike anywhere else.

“All of these places are incredibly valuable to our state, and help provide unique environmental experiences to visitors,” Ms Enoch said.

Queensland invites the world to its Great Walks Graeme Wilson QUEENSLAND believes it has hiking trails to match the best on the planet and two energetic explorers have completed a 10-day adventure gathering proof to present to the world.

The National Trust of Australia (Queensland) and Queensland Government have combined to launch the Q10 Great Walks and intrepid duo Luke Edwards and Lisa Marshall accepted the challenge to complete one walk a day for a combined 400km of hiking from Currumbin to Cooktown.

The Q10 Challenge had the two Queensland adventurers zig-zagging 4000km across the state.

Luke, a National Trust employee, devised the idea to tackle all 10 walks in just 10 days and Noosa Trek coach Lisa Marshall was happy to join him.

Both set off thinking they already had a pretty good idea of what lay ahead, but what they discovered surpassed all expectations.

“I haven’t lived in Queensland that long and it’s just made me so proud to be a Queenslander now and to

realise there’s so many amazing walks for us to do,” Lisa said.

“There’s some beautiful trails out there and, among the many highlights for us, the standout was Hinchinbrook Island … the Thorsborne Trail is just stunning. And Carnarvon Gorge. And Fraser Island. Everything really.”

In particular, the pair loved the community spirit associated with Carnarvon Gorge.

“The locals really came together to make us welcome,” Lisa said.

“They’re so proud of what’s out there and so they should be. It’s just beautiful.”

Unlike South Africa-raised Lisa, Luke is a born and bred Queenslander but he too was stunned by what they saw.

“The exciting part is you think you know Queensland but then you go a bit off track and it’s so diverse,” he said.

“We didn’t leave the state and look what we saw. At Hinchinbrook, everywhere you go you’re like ‘what, wow how can that be?’.”

Publicity surrounding the challenge threw a

STEP OUT: The 10 Great Walks, from south to north, are: . Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk . Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk . K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk . Carnarvon Great Walk . Mackay Highlands Great Walk . Whitsunday Great Walk . Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail (includes kayaks) . Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island . Goldfield Trail, Wooroonooran National Park . Gamaay Dreaming Track, from Cooktown spotlight on what will be producing a range of Queensland has to offer, informative and 2020 is targeted to get documentary-style videos on more hikers heading out on each Great Walk to help one or more of the walks. people make informed Luke’s dream is for decisions on their choices,” hikers seeking bragging Luke said. rights to mention one of the Each Great Walk has its Queensland walks in the own static page on the same way they now talk of Department of Environment New Zealand’s Milford and Science website Track, Italy’s Dolomites or (parks.des.qld.gov.au) with Tasmania’s Three Capes maps and other vital Track. information, but the idea of “At the launch we said wethe videos is to bring those wanted to find a bragging pages to life. right to throw on the table “People will be able to see and we absolutely found the beauty of each walk but that,” he said. also understand what they Part of the purpose of need to do in order to the 10-day adventure was successfully complete to gather promotional them,” Luke said, adding material for next year’s that the walks are all push to get hikers out available now, with April to exploring Queensland.

October the peak season.

“We have a huge amount The team is also of great footage, lots of producing a documentary interviews we did with the about the trip and plans to rangers on the trails so we head out with a road show

26

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

‘‘

There seems to be a spirit under the surface that would take a little time to appreciate.

ARMENIAN SUMMER: The rustic charm of an old church at Lake Sevan, Armenia

All Photos: Paul Coffey

Armenia and the end

Paul Coffey reports on his stay in Armenia – the last city to visit before the end of his tour through the Caucasus.

THE landscape has dried out as we travelled further south through Georgia, ie. away from the Caucasus mountains, and Armenia seems drier still.

The land is more undulating with high hills scattered about, but only the valleys are the least bit green, although it is summer after all. Together with a slightly more basic housing stock here in the rural areas, the impression is that Armenia is poorer than Georgia. The GNI per head is not greatly less, however.

Modern Armenia is a small landlocked country of only about 30,000km sq (less than half the size of Tasmania), with a population of about three million, similar to Georgia’s.

The lack of a port of its own, and of any oil, are major disadvantages; we’re told that the main industries are tourism (which is still nascent), agriculture and surprisingly IT. Chess is taught in the schools.

Earlier Armenian civilisations and populations covered far

greater areas even as they waxed and waned, primarily further to the south in eastern Anatolia, and to the west in northern Persia including the current-day Azerbaijan. There are only around 50,000 Armenians in Turkey today, down from well over one million prior to the Armenian Genocide, and very few in Azerbaijan other than in the Armenian-controlled, disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabach. The area that has become modern Armenia was variously controlled by Hellenistic kings, Persian satrapies, Muslim khanates, the Ottomans, and of course the Russians.

Wars and treaties between empires over the centuries, and especially after WW1, left Armenia in its present reduced state, something over which Armenians are resentful.

Armenia proudly lays claim to being the first Christian nation, a king having converted and declared the kingdom Christian in 301AD. The Roman (or Byzantine)

Dancing in the square, Armenia.

Empire was declared Christian in 380AD, some time after Constantine converted in c.312AD. The Armenian Apostolic Church was an important vehicle for a sense of cultural identity under Muslim rule, and remains central to Armenian identity today.

Armenian Churches are very spartan, with none of the rich icons and ageing frescoes that feature in Georgian churches.

En route to the capital, Yerevan, we stop at the gorgeous Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest high-altitude and freshwater lakes, c.70km long. At 1900m of

altitude, it freezes over from time to time. When we were there it was a brilliant greeny aquamarine colour, quite beautiful. Invariably, there’s a church involved.

Our first glimpse of Yerevan is of armies of dull apartment blocks in the distance.

Unfortunately the whole city turns out to lack colour: grey to dun-brown is the limit of the colour range, and there are almost no buildings that distinguish themselves.

The better inner-city buildings have facades of local stone, which varies from a grey through to a range of browns, some

attractive as individual stones, including tones of orange and even rose among them. But on the larger scale, the whole is less than the sum of the parts.

The very dry hills surrounding the city don’t add to the city’s visual appeal. It would be very different in the winter, with snow on the hills and mountains all around.

However the city grows on us all, as people appear on the streets in the balmy, temperate evenings and nights. On the Friday night we are lucky to witness local people in their hundreds doing their traditional dancing to that marvellous high-pitched middle-Eastern flute music that I love, in a main square. The next night provides a free water music show in another square, again with hundreds present. The streets are alive in a very European way.

In fact, despite another a very different script here, there is a European feel to the look of the people as well as the way of life. All seems familiar.

27

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

of the Caucasus tour

We had only one full day here; it’s a city that one could easily live in for a time. There seems to be a spirit under the surface that would take a little time to appreciate.

I gave a visit to another carpet factory a miss and instead wandered the local streets nearby. They featured several depressing Soviet-era apartment blocks, of about 15 storeys: grey, drab and unornamented.

They had bitumen surrounds except for a couple of tiny parklets. As so often in such countries, I thought: Where do the children play?

The Genocide Museum was largely what was to be expected, in terrible detail. Such a contrast with the version I heard when in Turkey in 1981.

The Museum has an emphasis on eye-witness accounts, as if to deliberately counter Turkey’s decades-long denial. Only 31 countries officially recognise the Genocide: Australia, the UK and the US do not, while Canada, France and Germany are among those

Lake Sevan in Armenia. who do. Politics usually determine countries’ positions on it.

As to the eternal question of why, there’s a long and complex history, with periods of tolerance and periods of oppression of Armenians by the Ottoman Turks. My quick conclusion was that politics ultimately played the primary role, although that story is also a complex one. And on reflection, it probably is politics that triggers and/or sustains the worst examples of large-scale ethnic or religious massacres, not merely

the human flaws that underlie the frictions between peoples.

To the south of Yerevan lies the famed Mt Ararat, situated in Turkey but very visible at 5,165 metres at the summit. The summer haze makes it difficult to see well, but I got a shot from the airport on leaving, with its cap of ice visible adjacent to a small cloud.

We’ve felt safe and seen absolutely no cause for concern on this whole trip. We had only one warning here in Armenia at a tourist site to watch out for boys selling

Water Music show, Armenia candles that the church won’t allow to be lit (that’s a church monopoly of course!), but saw none.

Hardly life-threatening! It’s striking how often we assume that places that we know little about are

dangerous. But it’s a very human trait – valuable for survival in the long run.

On my last morning my plane leaves too early to have breakfast at the hotel, but while waiting for my airport transfer I was

spontaneously offered a tea and some dried fruits, which are ubiquitous here.

They are plumper and less desiccated than our dried fruits and quite delicious.

A simple thing but an enduring memory.

28

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Travel with George Negus Tracey Johnstone

TRAVEL ADVENTURES: Join George Negus as he returns to India and discovers Bhutan. traits and weaknesses that go with that.”

Negus has visited over 100 countries and has no intention of stopping.

“There is no such thing in the world as the greatest country as all 200 of them have qualities,” Negus

said. “I have been a professional traveller for most of my adult life. I became a journalist at 29.”

At the time he was a school teacher from Brisbane.

“One way or another

very quickly after that the world became my oyster.

It’s become part and parcel of the way I think.

It’s where I get my value judgements from.”

One of his projects is to host a group of Australian tourists on an

extraordinary Travelrite International journey through India and Bhutan.

Negus has visited India twice. Once was to interview Indira Gandi when she was leader.

The other time was to visit Mother Theresa

Info: travelrite.com.au or phone 1800 630 343.

THE KING OF TALKBACK RADIO JOHN LAWS ON 2HC AND 2GF With over sixty years of commercial broadcast experience, John Laws asks the hard questions – and cuts through the political spin. For unmissable news, information, entertainment and talkback, Australia relies on John Laws.

Don’t miss the host who calls it like he sees it.

Listen every weekday from 9am – midday.

Coffs Coast 100.5 FM | 639 AM www.radio639am.info

Clarence Valley 1206 AM | 103.9 FM www.radio2gf.com.au

CR114733AA

THE public voice of hard-hitting news in Australia for almost 40 years still rings out strongly in George Negus, but it’s now being enjoyed in a more private arena.

While criss-crossing the world to capture another major story, taking risks and digging for the whole story was his past job, Negus’ inquisitive brain is still switched on and full steam ahead.

He’s still is working hard, maybe harder than Negus should at the age of 77.

“Retiring is one of the few words that’s never been used to describe me,” he said. “I am trying to do less, but failing. I am still doing a lot, but just not the same as before, just a different version of it.”

“I don’t feel my age,” he added. “Just because somebody says you are getting older doesn’t mean that you are changing in such a way that you are unrecognisable as a normal human being with the normal strengths,

which he described as one of his most traumatic experiences. “It was in her House of Dying in Calcutta. That was one of the strangest places I have ever been in my life because these were people who went somewhere to die because they had nowhere to live.”

He has wanted to return there to discover more about this complex country.Bhutan has also captured his interest.

“Who wouldn’t want to go to a country that says being happy and content with your existence is much better than worrying about the economy, finances and conflict,” Negus said.

It’s an experience far removed from the days when Australians sat in their living room watching Negus deliver his ground-breaking reports.

He finds the one-on-one conversations give him a chance to enlighten his tour members on subjects they may not be sure about or places they haven’t heard about.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

MONEY

Five tips to help Understanding save for retirement retirement Village agreements

Planning your move to a retirement village can be fraught with confusion as you try and navigate the fees, contracts, ongoing obligations and exit strategies involved.

SUPER SAVING: Building a nest egg isn't hard but it does help to follow some basic rules. introduced.

By investing for the long term, the highs and lows even out to deliver more achievable average returns.

■ Keep an eye on fees Investment fees demand just as much attention as returns.

Importantly, high fees don’t guarantee high returns. In fact, the more you pay in fees, the harder your investment has to work to deliver the same after-fee return as a less expensive option.

■ Don’t let emotions drive investment decisions It’s possible to take the emotion out of investing

by setting long term goals.

Know what you’re aiming for, and stay focused by building a diversified portfolio of investments.

■ Start today Getting into the habit of investing – even small amounts – from an early stage., With planning and some commonsense, it’s amazing how we can all get rich for retirement – slowly.

Paul Clitheroe is Chairman of InvestSMART, Chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

On 11 November, The World Health Organisation will launch a report on the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being in the WHO European Region. This report will map global academic literature on the subject and represents the most comprehensive evidence review of arts and health to date.

TE

• Is the retirement village contract a registered lease or a license?

• What are the entry fees and what happens on exit?

• How is the termination fee calculated?

• What are the ongoing fees and how are these adjusted during the course of the term?

We also recommend that family members understand the nature of your retirement village transaction to avoid any potential misunderstandings or disagreements.

Our legal team can help you organise your affairs to support your transition into retirement village living. We offer superior, professional advice which is easily understood and is provided in a timely manner.

For more information about how we can help you to navigate the complexities involved in moving into a retirement village, please contact Hadyn Oriti on 6583 0449 or horiti@dohlaw.com.au.

LL

CA

At SCC we believe that ‘We Care’ includes creating an environment where our residents are supported to participate in meaningful activities that are important for their health and wellbeing, and that enable them to do the things they want to do.

SAW

Dear Readers,

The key considerations to address when making decisions about your move to a retirement village are:

• How are Capital Gains going to be dealt with under the contract?

RE

Hello from Sawtell Catholic Care

We have been helping our clients successfully transition to retirement villages for decades.

We know that understanding the detail before you sign a retirement village contract is critical to avoid disputes and heartache down the track.

Lawyer

Hadyn Oriti

CATHOL

IC

about LIVING

WELL

The report finds that the arts may help in providing holistic and integrated people-centered care, addressing complex challenges for which there are no current health- care solutions, such as social isolation leading to depression, and other issues.

Sawtell Catholic Care recently partnered with Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, Julie Ross Dance Studio, Vince Carroll Parkinson’s Clinical Nurse Consultant Mid North Coast LHD, and Parkinson’s NSW to run a pilot program expanding the Dance for Parkinson’s Program to include residents living with dementia and older people. The results to date have been exceptional, with evaluation now underway of the trial.

Until next month Michael Darragh CEO Sawtell Catholic Care.

Michael Darragh CEO Sawtell Catholic Care

To learn more visit us at www.scca.net.au Marian Grove

Mater Christi

P (02) 6653 1241

P (02) 6658 6133

L I F E S T Y L E

RESIDENTIAL

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These kinds of programs are still seen as innovative and out of the ordinary, but we see them as part of the SCC lifestyle. Hopefully this report will encourage more support for creative opportunities for our older people.

LEGAL + CONVEYANCING

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Paul Clitheroe BUILDING a nest egg isn’t hard but it does help to follow some basic rules.

Here are five tips to bear in mind.

■ Super alone can’t do all the heavy lifting I’m a big fan of superannuation, and from mid-2021 employer-paid contributions will steadily rise from 9.5% to reach 12% by mid-2025. That’s great news.

The downside is that annual contribution caps on super make it hard to build very large balances.

■ Be realistic about returns In Australia, 27% of people expect to earn 10-14% each year on their investments, and that’s just not realistic over the long term.

As a guide to more likely returns, figures from SuperRatings show that ‘balanced’ super funds, which spread their money across a variety of investments, have earned an average of 7.3% annually over the last 27 years since the Super Guarantee was

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FEATURE

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Wellbeing

Is your life balanced?

BRAND INSIGHTS A NEW Australian-made balance measurement device – the Multimetric Balance Mat – took its place alongside more than 70 aged care and healthcare service providers at the 14th Annual Living Well Expo at C.ex Coffs Harbour on September 3 and 4, 2019.

Balance Mat Pty Ltd Managing Director Ian Bergman said the Canberra-based company has chosen to focus on the mid-north coast region of New South Wales due to its nature as an emerging growth hub for aged care and healthcare professionals, with the new hospital and university campus specialising in aged care set to open in Coffs Harbour towards the end of 2019.

“Given that the first day of the Living Well Expo

We fix your internet, wifi and computer

was devoted to aged care and the second to healthcare, this was the perfect two-day event for us to showcase our multimetric balance measurement capabilities.

“Coincidentally, our slogan, Live Well Longer, fitted perfectly with the aims and objectives of the Living Well Expo too,” Mr Bergman said.

Balance Mat Research & Relationship Coordinator Simona Galimberti and Marketing & Sales Consultant Kim Hodges were on hand with Mr Bergman and Marketing Manager Margaret Metz to liaise with aged care and healthcare providers and measure the balance of more than 100 people, young and old and from many different walks of life, over the two days.

Results were uploaded into the Balance Mat score information system as part of a national

Mr WiFi

Nick Warne Owner

Mob: 0438 520 332

Email: concentraining@gmail.com

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Servicing Coffs Harbour to Scotts Head

LIVING WELL: Balance Mat Marketing & Sales Consultant Kim Hodges tests a visitor's balance ability in the tandem stance on the Multimetric Balance Mat. database on balance measurement.

“From the seniors who stood on the Balance Mat on the Tuesday for balance measurement to the refugees studying aged care and English at TAFE who had their balance measured on the Wednesday, what drew them to our stand was the immense novelty value of our Balance Mat product.

“Out of the hundred people who had their balance measured over the two days, only ten had poor balance, with the other 90% being in the range of good to fair balance. This was consistent with the results of several other large-scale measurement programs Balance Mat Pty Ltd has undertaken.

“The event also provided an excellent opportunity for us to seek local and national partners under our Innovation Partnership Program,” Mr Bergman said.

Balance Mat background The Balance Mat is a breakthrough in balance measurement created by Canberra-based technology company Balance Mat Pty Ltd. Tragically, Australia is in the grip of a preventable falls crisis.

Balance is a key indicator of falls risk for older Australians, with statistics showing that one in three people over the age of 65 experiences a fall each year and the majority of those falls are due to poor balance.

Until now there has been no simple, quick, unthreatening balance measurement device for aged care residential facilities and hospitals to use for falls risk assessment.

The Balance Mat is a revolutionary new electronic balance measurement system that can take the guesswork out of measuring older people’s balance and assist aged care,

healthcare and fitness service providers to identify those older people who may be at risk of falling.

The product does not replace the service providers’ skills, knowledge and years of experience in assessing people’s balance.

Rather, it complements those assessments and supports them with an objective balance measurement.

Four one-minute tests are undertaken on the Multimetric Balance Mat – for the first time giving aged care, healthcare and fitness professionals an objective measurement of a person’s balance (rather than a time-based, subjective assessment) for use in exercise and rehabilitation programs.

For more information, phone Ian Bergman on 0457 123 852 or email ian.bergman @balancemat.com.au.

Sleeping to fight dementia SLEEP, blessed deep sleep can evade many of us as we age and lead to significant brain health issues.

Middle aged, overweight men don’t have exclusivity over sleep apnoea.

“We know in people aged 65 and over, about 50 per cent of them have some degree of sleep apnoea,” Sydney University’s CogSleep research centre chief investigator Professor Sharon Naismith said.

“And this is not detected. These people don’t go to sleep clinics.

What we do know is that even if it is mild, it seems to be creating brain damage and in turn puts people at greater risk of memory decline and Alzheimer’s.”

Funding has recently been granted for Dr Naismith’s research team at CogSleep to investigate obstructive sleep apnoea in older Australians that are concerned about their memory.

“Trying to see if we can pick up people who are having oxygen desaturation in their brain at night time, can we screen for those people who are at risk of dementia and then can we treat it,” Dr Naismith explained.

“And if we can do that and treat it well in these settings, will it actually delay or have an impact on people’s cognition and markers of dementia in their brain.”

The trials on people aged over 50 will start in 2020 in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast with an outcome report by 2023.

Details on this research, email bmrihbacli@sydney .edu.au.

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SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

WELLBEING

31

Phil’s living well with illness Tracey Johnstone PACK your bags and get your affairs in order was the first bit of clinical advice early onset dementia patient Phil Hazell was told.

Never mind the fact that he was already doing everything he could to live with the condition within his own environment.

He also had to contend with finding a GP willing to take him on as a new patient. Four phone calls later he finally found one that was open to spending time with him.

Mr Hazell was diagnosed with dementia in his mid-50s and kept working as an optical laboratory representative with the support of his Melbourne employer until he resigned three years later.

“The real impact is I

was diagnosed at 55 and now I am 60 and it’s only going to get worse to be perfectly honest,” Mr Hazell said. “I still have a bright outlook on life. I’m not a half glass full, but a full glass full.”

He’s been doing a “s—tload” since stopping work.

The frustrations of dealing with some people in the medical profession who seemed not to want Mr Hazell to continue living a full and engaged life has driven him to be proactive in profiling how people with dementia can in its early stages, live well and outside of care through his advocacy work.

“I’m not cactus yet,” he said. “If I don’t get it done quickly in the next five or 10 years, I won’t get anything done. It’s getting quite urgent.”

Mr Hazell is an

REALITIES: Dementia advocate Phil Hazell and his assistance dog Sarah. advocate for Dementia Australia, chair of the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee, and advocate for assistance dogs for dementia and participating in research trials.

“In one of these I mentor people who have just been diagnosed with dementia so they can see it’s not the end of the world,” he said. “I am a living example of living well with dementia.”

“With dementia, it’s not all the time that you are living with it,” he added.

“Sometimes it can one

day out of a fortnight or a couple of days a week.”

At home Mr Hazell is responsible for keeping his home tidy while his wife, Jan, is out at full-time work. He also does some cooking.

When it comes to exercise, he says he is “slack”. “I should be doing it, absolutely.”

He does get moving when he walks Sarah, his assistance dog.

Sarah is with him everywhere, flying around Australia as Mr Hazell takes his living well message to all states.

The specially trained labrador even has her own boarding ticket which she carries to the check-in gate.

If he gets lost when he out of the house or gets confused: “Sarah comes in very tight and cuddles me. That gives me the chance to sit down for 10 minutes and get my mind back as to where I am or what I should be doing.”

Sarah finds Mr Hazell’s keys, phone and wallet before he leaves home each day. “Otherwise I would be wandering the house trying to find all

these items to get out of the house,” he said.

“If I can’t find these items I literally can’t get out of the house.” And that is critical to Mr Hazell as he is on the move as much as he can for as long as he can.

His advice to people with dementia and those caring for them is to contact the counsellors at Dementia Australia on 1800 100 500.

“I was at my wit’s end and they listened to me, and when I got off the phone, I felt a lot better,” Mr Hazell added.

Fast action saves husband’s life

Rocco Giandomenico with his wife Cecilia.

A STROKE survivor paid tribute to his wife for knowing the F.A.S.T signs of stroke and saving his life in the lead up to National Stroke Week (September 2-8).

In 2015, Rocco Giandomenico, 82, was with his wife Cecilia, 78, in their kitchen when Cecilia noticed Rocco’s speech sounded strange and she couldn’t understand what he was saying.

They had sat down to eat fresh watermelon from their garden when Rocco kept touching his forehead and slurring his words.

Recognising the signs of a stroke, Cecilia rushed Rocco to the near-by local hospital – five minutes away.

On seeing the seriousness of Rocco’s condition, health professionals quickly organised a transfer by ambulance to the larger Tamworth Hospital for treatment in the stroke ward.

Here, Rocco was given a brain scan and treated for stroke.

Rocco said he would forever be grateful Cecilia knew the F.A.S.T signs of stroke and sought medical help quickly.

“Cecilia is my love and my hero,” he said.

“I would never have gone to the hospital without her taking action and next year we’ll celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary, with our children and 13 grandchildren.”

Using the F.A.S.T test involves asking these simple questions: ■ Face Check their face.

Has their mouth drooped?

■ Arms Can they lift both arms?

■ Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

■ Time is critical. If you see any of these signs call triple zero (000) straight away Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. It occurs when blood supply to the brain is disrupted, either by a blocked blood vessel or a leaking blood vessel.

Treatments can stop this damage, but they must be delivered quickly.

Stroke Foundation New South Wales State

Manager Rhian Paton-Kelly applauded Cecilia on her quick thinking.

“Cecilia‘s quick action in recognising the signs of stroke and getting Rocco to hospital meant he reached treatment quickly and is able to live well after his stroke with his family,” Ms Paton-Kelly said.

“The more people who know the F.A.S.T signs of stroke message and to call an ambulance at the first sign, the better.

“Share this important message with your friends, family and colleagues this Stroke Week.”

For more on National Stroke Week, go to strokefoundation.org.au.

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SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

‘‘

Living

when the power goes out the NBN connection won’t work or landline.

Solution needed to phone blackouts Tracey Johnstone I AM sitting with an old friend at her home in the ACT, sharing a hot cup of tea on a cold winter’s day, listening to a story about her neighbour who is over 90 years old.

Let’s call him John.

The widower lives alone in an old brick house which he shared with his wife for many, many years.

Dementia has set in – rather badly it seems, but John won’t move out of the family home; at least not willingly.

Last week he turned up at my sister’s front door,

panicked. He, at least, remembers that my sister will always welcome him and is happy to help him out, when she is home.

She has a list of contact numbers at hand for John’s family, because he is now often calling at her door.

This time though the lights have gone out in his house and it was a very cold, dark night.

He didn’t know why they went out and didn’t know what to do to turn them back on.

John said he reached for his landline phone to call for family help, but with the power out, it

PHONE DILEMMA: He reached for his landline phone to call for family help, but with the power out, it wasn't working Photo: SolStock wasn’t working.

He doesn’t own a mobile you see and is unlikely to understand how to use one due to his increasing dementia.

His next reaction was to walk to my sister’s place on the cold night and ask for her help.

Luckily she was home and able to find someone to help get the power back on and John back home safely.

So, when the power goes out the NBN connection won’t work and so too the landline.

If an elderly Australian

doesn’t own a mobile, can’t afford one, doesn’t know how to use it, can’t read the buttons and screen clearly enough to use it, forgets to have it fully charged at all times, can’t use the landline to ring the mobile to find out where it has been left in

the house... it’s a big question and that needs answering now, but who is providing the solution?

I am going to take this up with my local Federal member and ask him to act on our behalf to push for a solution.

What can you do?

Roll back clock and start to rock in a four-week course

BOWLS Australia has joined the Sports Australia Better Ageing Grant program by trying to encourage more older Australians to become more active.

Its Roll Back the Clock initiative aims to boost physical activity rates through bowls, light exercise and education.

Each four-week program has two sessions per week which incorporate activities lasting 30 minutes each, targeting the body and mind through bowls, functional training, fitness and wellness education and socialisation.

Each session is adapted for individuals, with benefits ranging from enabling participants to perform activities of daily life more easily, to withstanding injuries and providing a sense of accomplishment and achievement.

The first week focuses on the importance of exercise, how to get going and the ingredients to a healthy life.

The second week works on healthy brain meets healthy body, exercising it and learning to relax and mindfulness.

‘‘

The program is open to anyone and the cost to participate is $20 for the full four weeks.

BOWLING ACTIVE: Bowls Australia has introduced a new program coming to local bowls clubs, called Roll Back the Clock.

Photo: Bowls Australia In the third week, the focus is on supporting the body through movement with good posture and

healthy pelvic floor.

Finally, in week four the session focuses on how to continue good habits,

have fun and the keys to success, and bowls games are introduced.

The program is open to

anyone and the cost is $20 for the four weeks.

“In addition to the physical health benefits,

engaging in physical activity and group sports for older Australians provides increasingly important opportunities for socialisation, peer-support, and conversation that reduces the possibility for loneliness related physical and mental illnesses,” Bowls Australia Better Ageing program manager Michael Haarsma said.

Roll Back The Clock is staged regularly at bowls clubs around Australia.

For more information, go to: www.bowls.com .au/ roll-back-the-clock.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

LIVING

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Sobering tale Seven tips that can help you get off the grog WE are risking our health by continuing to drink too much alcohol and too often.

More than two standard drinks per day on a regular basis is high risk. One in five of us are at that level of consumption.

Wesley Hospital’s Drug and Alcohol Program director, Professor John Saunders, has seven top tips on how to stop.

■ Identify your motivation to stay dry.

Dry July allows for plenty of opportunities to raise money for alcohol-related health problems, such as heart disease and cancer, by getting sponsored by friends and family to abstain from alcohol. If staying away from alcohol is difficult, remind yourself that you are doing it primarily for yourself, but others will benefit.

■ Keep busy. Opening the wine bottle can often be the result of boredom or an easy way to de-stress.

Try to take up activities that do not involve drinking, such as going to the movies, enrolling in painting classes or joining book clubs. You could

also think of preparing meals that do not naturally go with alcohol, such as Asian and other spicy food.

■ Identify your drinking triggers. Whether it is your way of winding down after a hectic day or a way to socialise, recognising what triggers you to drink will help you to avoid them and to stay away from alcohol.

■ Limit or avoid social situations with a big drinking scene. It is much easier to abstain from alcohol when you are not in the vicinity of other drinkers or where drinks are consistently flowing.

Do not feel pressured to accept invitations to events with plenty of drinking. Instead, host a dinner party or encourage meet-ups at restaurants and cafes, instead of bars.

■ Surround yourself with sober friends. Join groups motivated to stay sober or get friends or family to also take a few weeks off alcohol with you. This will help you avoid the pressure of having to drink. Being around

people with the same goal can also improve your mental health, as you are not encountering social pressure to drink. You may also, as a group, seek sponsorship and donations to charities.

■ Choose alternatives for when you want to drink.

When you would normally pop a bottle of champagne, opt for a different type of drink, such as sparkling mineral water or another alcohol-free drink. If you are still socialising regularly, take along a non-alcoholic beer and put it in a stubby holder. That way, the stigma of not drinking will be taken away.

■ Put your personal spend on drinks towards another goal. Get yourself financially motivated by putting aside the money you would normally spend on alcohol. A few drinks here and there won’t put a dent in your wallet but spending on alcohol daily or weekly can add up quickly. When you put pause on drinking, you may be surprised by how much you save.

SOBER UP: Read these tips for getting sober, no matter the month. Photo: CREATISTA

Share the Good News If you’ve got big news, a heart-warming story or community event coming up, spread the word and share it online with Seniors!

Opening Doors to the Seniors Lifestyle

Visit seniorsnews.com.au today!

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CLASSIFIEDS

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS

Kitchen too kitsch?

Find a redecorator to suit your style at Buy Search Sell.

SENIORS \\SEPTEMBER, 2019

G E N E R A L K N O W L E D G E

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8

5

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ACROSS 1 Whose ashes were dumped in an East German river in 1970 by Russian agents? (5,6) 8 What are bundles of reaped cornstalks? (7) 9 Who (Andrew ___) played Manuel in Fawlty Towers? (5) 10 At 5600m, Mt Demavend is the highest peak of which country in the middle East? (4) 11 On which record label did Frank Sinatra record from 1953 to 1962? (7) 12 What is a small island in a river? (3) 13 What is a religious image typically painted on a small wooden panel in an Eastern Church? (4) 15 What is a former name of Thailand? (4) 17 What is a habitual or chronic drunkard? (3) 19 What type of beans are used for tinned baked beans?

(7) 20 Hautbois is French for which musical instrument? (4) 23 The hickory tree produces what edible nuts? (5) 24 What are place names derived from the names of real or mythical people? (7) 25 Which fictional horse began life as Darkie? (5,6)

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11 12 13

14

15

16

17

18 20

19

21

22 23

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PUZZLES

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DOWN 1 What make of car had models Somerset, Cambridge and Westminster? (6) 2 A libretto is the text of what? (5) 3 How many senses do we have? (4) 4 What type of creature makes up the largest class of the phylum Arthropoda? (6) 5 What bugle call is sounded at military funerals? (4,4) 6 What soft Italian cheese is used in making ravioli and gnocchi? (7) 7 Deposits of what dark, volcanic rock sometimes form columns? (6) 12 What snake is also called the great water boa? (8) 14 What type of pipe did Huckleberry Finn smoke? (7) 16 Who composed the piece nicknamed the “Minute Waltz” (6) 17 What is to run naked through a public place? (6) 18 Which river reaches the sea at Liverpool? (6) 21 In the southern US, what is a marshy tributary of a river? (5) 22 Which city was first to reach a population of one people? (4)

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25

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

8

5

6

7

9

5x5

ALPHAGRAMS

Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down.

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential.

For example, if the fiveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

A E

11 12

16

T

15 17

G

18 20

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GK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Adolf Hitler, 8 Sheaves, 9 Sachs, 10 Iran, 11 Capitol, 12 Ait, 13 Icon, 15 Siam, 17 Sot, 19 Haricot, 20 Oboe, 23 Pecan, 24 Eponyms, 25 Black Beauty.

Down: 1 Austin, 2 Opera, 3 Five, 4 Insect, 5 Last post, 6 Ricotta, 7 Basalt, 12 Anaconda, 14 Corncob, 16 Chopin, 17 Streak, 18 Mersey, 21 Bayou, 22 Rome.

SUDOKU

5x5 C E L T S

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Superficial 8. Retract 9. Adage 10. Poll 11. Nourish 12. Sod 13. Magi 15. Rage 17. Guy 19. Replete 20. Urge 23. Stout 24. Skilled 25. Experienced.

Down: 1. Seraph 2. Petal 3. Roam 4. Intend 5. In a hurry 6. Leasing 7.

Crèche 12. Sidestep 14. Approve 16. Crisis 17. Geyser 18. Wedded 21.

Relic 22. Cite.

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word.

No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb.

TODAY: Good 20 Very Good 24 Excellent 28

DOUBLE CROSS Find a finished crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.

Solution opposite

BLACKOUT

ALPHAGRAMS: INEPT, JILTED, KEEPING, LAMENTED, MUTILATES.

O R

WORD GO ROUND

E

Down 1. Angel (6) 2. Flower segment (5) 3. Wander (4) 4. Mean (6) 5. Pushed for time (2,1,5) 6. Renting (7) 7. Nursery (6) 12. Avoid (8) 14. Give permission (7) 16. Critical situation (6) 17. Natural hot spring (6) 18. Married (6) 21. Outdated object (5) 22. Quote (4)

WORD GO ROUND

P O

S

cert cooper cope coper copter core corer cote crept oreo pert poet poorer pore porter project PROJECTOR recto rector report repot repro retro rooter rope rote tope toper tore torero trooper trope

J T

S

SOLUTIONS

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R C

PEN IT JET LID PINE KEG METAL END STIMULATE

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

24

Across 1. Cosmetic, skin-deep (11) 8. Recant (7) 9. Saying (5) 10. Survey (4) 11. Sustain (7) 12. Turf (3) 13. The three wise men (4) 15. Wrath (4) 17. Man (inf) (3) 19. Full, satisfied (7) 20. Impulse (4) 23. Portly (5) 24. Adept (7) 25. Practised (11)

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I S L E T

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P A I R S

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C S

S E R G E

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P

A L T E R

SUDOKU

B Q I K C W I V N W S F F I K

D U M B O F C H E V A L I E R

E V P B U M O U O U G X G T E

V I E T N A M N P R O B L E M

O S R G T E M C H X H C E S A

I T I N E R A R Y B C L A N K

D Z L E R E A Z T B O L F I E

S D D H A L F P E N N Y J A G

R P D Y C T U Q Y K C E V M S

E X E R T I T U R Q U O I S E

W Y S J T Z U C E K S B B E P

I N C I S O R G M U S K R A T

N Z E S P B I K I F I X A C I

D I N N E R S E T V O P T I C

O P D D W P M A F A N N E G D

BLACKOUT

Work out which squares need to be deleted to reveal a completed crossword.

Solution opposite

DOUBLE CROSS

C H N E V S A L F I E R D U I M B C O

E V O I D R E W I T X P E R I L D E S T N H R U N T E R A C T A R L O M M A F U T U R P U O P H Y T E R E R N Q G O C O N C U S B L Y O G L E A F V I B E N S E M A K E S E P

M U S K R A T I N C I S O R

I O N P A T E I I C N D I E N D N P E W R I S M E I T

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MID NORTH COAST

SEPTEMBER, 2019// SENIORS