Toowoomba & darling downs may 2014

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Vol 2 - Issue No 4

May 2014

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Dedicated volunteers keep Main Roads Heritage Museum in tip-top shape

By Jo Marsh A LOVE of history, transport vehicles and machinery is the connection for volunteers at the Main Roads Heritage Museum, in Mutze Street, Toowoomba. Many of them have either worked for, or are still employed by, Main Roads and enjoy keeping the museum in top shape by sharing their mechanical expertise and passion for all things to do with transport.

So, it was hardly surprising to see a solid core of hardy volunteers braving the icy winds on Sunday, May 4 to man the Museum when it opened its doors as a complementary attraction to the David Hack Classic held in the nearby airfield.

Heritage Centre Manager Karen Barrett said that this year visitors had access to a number of the exhibits normally cordoned off.

Continued Page 2

Above: Braving the icy winds to man the open day at Main Roads Heritage Museum are volunteers (from left) Michael Pedersen, John Hill, Chris Wickham, Trae Hill, Ann Gyte, Noreen Quinn, and Phil Quinn, with centre manager Karen Barrett Right: Volunteers at the Main Roads Heritage Museum are grand-fathers, John Hill (left) and Michael Pedersen (right) with their grandson Trae Hill

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Fighting Fit: Owner of The Natural Way Monique Lee stands with a poster of her before shot.

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community news Win a double pass to the Toowoomba model train exhibition

Toowoomba & Darling Downs

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Ted Freeman (left) and Alick Hodges show part of a realistic display of model trains and made-to-scale towns and scenery

To WIN one of five double passes to the Toowoomba model train exhibition, answer the following question: Where will this year’s exhibition be held?

Send your entry with your name and address to: Toowoomba model train exhibition, PO Box 1062, Tewantin Qld 4565 or email toowoombaseniorsnewspaper@gmail.com.

Entries to be received by Thursday, 22nd May, 2014.

Email: advertising@seniorsnewspaper.com.au editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Dedicated volunteers keep Main Roads Heritage Museum in tip-top shape

P.O. Box 1062, Tewantin Q. 4565

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Toowoomba Seniors Now Online

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au Published monthly and distributed FREE across the Toowoomba & Darling Downs Also publishers of • Sunshine Coast Seniors Newspaper • Brisbane Seniors Newspaper • Gold Coast/Tweed Seniors Newspaper Printed by APN Print, Toowoomba Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspaper are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

Distributed to libraries, clubs, shopping centres, select chemists and newsagents, seniors and community centres, senior specific groups, associations, over 50s complexes, aged care facilities and retirement villages.

THE world of model trains, and made-toscale scenery, complete with tiny people, little cars and miniature buildings, will capture the imagination of everyone, from the littlest grandchild to the youngest-atheart grandparent. Head along to the 2014 Toowoomba model train exhibition, sponsored by Clearspan, and be enthralled by the work of the talented members of the Darling Downs Model Railway Club.

The exhibition will be held on Saturday, May 31 from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday, June 1 from 9am to 4pm in the Founders Pavilion at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, Glenvale Road, Toowoomba.

There will be plenty of layouts in all the popular scales, various other hobbies on display, trade stands, refreshments, plus kids’ entertainment and a craft corner.

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 pensioners, accompanied children (pre-school & school age) free. For more information go to www.ddmrc.com.au or phone 4638 1408.

Continued from Page 1 The fully restored 1934 Ford truck with its wooden tipper tray drew much admiration, as did the restored Mack truck in shining red.

“The Ford truck is currently maintained by three of the volunteers – Michael Pederson, John Hill and their 16-year-old grandson, Trae Hill,” Miss Barrett said.

“The centre was open for the day thanks to the dedication of an army of volunteers who keep the machinery in working order, cook the barbecue, and staff the

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visitors’ desk.”

They also generously shared their knowledge of different displays and the workings of road making machinery.

Members of the Darling Downs Model Railway Club supported the day with a working exhibition of model trains, and Sparkles the clown kept youngsters happy with balloon creatures and face painting.

“It was a rare weekend opportunity for people to come and see the displays of Queensland’s road and transport history,” Miss Barrett said.

Thank you Queensland!

I WOULD like to extend a sincere thank you to all who helped make this year’s World’s Greatest Shave such a success. The World’s Greatest Shave is the Leukaemia Foundation’s major annual fundraising event. It enables us to continue to provide free world-class support services to blood cancer patients and their families as well as fund medical research.

This year thousands of brave participants shaved, cut, coloured or waxed their hair to help raise over $16 million nationally.

We are well on our way to reaching our $5 million goal set for Queensland. Each day the lives of six Queenslanders are turned upside down with the diagnosis of a blood cancer such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma. There are no known causes or preventative measures.

The Leukaemia Foundation is there to provide patients with the practical assistance and emotional support they need during this difficult time. We are truly appreciative of the many participants, sponsors and volunteers who supported our work by being involved in the World’s Greatest Shave.

The time and energy you have dedicated to the cause will help make a real difference to the lives of those impacted by blood cancers.

Bill Petch, Chief Executive Officer, Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Octogenarian works tirelessly to support farming families in need FOR the past 27 years, Betty Pugh has been helping farming families in need and although she turns 85 this month there are no signs of her slowing down. With the energy of someone half her age she travels to Toowoomba from her Tamborine Mountain home every three weeks or so to deliver goods.

It all started when she worked with her daughter selling preloved clothing on consignment.

“I saw a story about the Save the Farm Fund and asked my customers if they would donate anything that didn’t sell to the appeal,” she said.

Her customers did so eagerly and Mrs Pugh was soon well known for supplying good quality clothing.

“When Save the Farm Fund closed, I kept in contact with the (regional) co-ordinators and we would buy food for a hundred families or send bedding to farmers.”

This was the beginning of Farm Appeal. At the time, Mrs Pugh had access to a 4-ton truck and a driver, and could be found traversing the state delivering useful items.Although she no longer has the convenience of a delivery truck, she is still seriously committed to the cause. Sheaccepts as many donations as

Our next edition of Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper is June 5 Deadline for copy is May 28

Betty Pugh (left) and her friend Yvonne Thornton collect donated items for Farm Appeal. Here they show two of the beautiful bags made by friend Margaret from donated fabric

she can – sending clothing and bedding outby Australia Post andselling bric-a-brac at markets to cover the postage.

“Postage is between $300 and $500 a week,” she said ruefully.”I sell china and books to help cover the cost. Sometimes I get a donation from the Friends of the Library which helps.”

Others also offer monetary donations from time to time but the majority of donations come in the form of used goods.

“My house, garage and shed are pretty full,” Mrs Pugh laughed.”I can’t take furniture as there’s nowhere to store it.”

Other items such as

wool are given to women who knit children’s clothing which are then sent out to farming families.

Donated fabric is passed on to friends Margaret and Tex, a couple Mrs Pugh met while selling items for Farm Appeal.

Margaret makes beautiful bags which are sold to raise money for research into cervical cancer and had been funding the purchase of materials herself until she met Mrs Pugh.

Mrs Pugh’s good friend Yvonne Thornton helps out byadvertisinggood quality items such as vintage china and linen, and boxes of books, online and in the paper, as well as driving her

friend to the Darling Downs each month.

On their last visit, their car was as full heading back to the coast as it was coming up.

“I don’t knock back anything,” Mrs Pugh said as she busily wrapped up a donated dinner set and slipped in some damask tablecloths between boxes of donated glassware and the spare tyre.

Older Australians gravely worried about changes to age pension LEADING seniors advocate COTA Australia is calling for an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Tony Abbott to discuss pensioners’ concerns about any change to age pension indexation arrangements, eligibility age, or including the home in the assets test.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, COTA Australia Chief Executive Ian Yates made the point that the age pension was comprehensively reviewed as recently as 2009 and was found to be sustainable over the long term, so proposed further changes will need remarkable justification; noting also that the 2009 changes had bi-partisan support.

62% of age pensioners have little or no assets or income apart from the family home, and significant numbers don’t even have that. About 85% of pensioners who go on to the full age pension at 65 years do so from another Commonwealth payment such as Disability Support, Widows pension or Newstart - so increasing the pension age will have limited impact on the budget bottom line; and also can’t be done without addressing mature age employment issues.

Despite current indexation the age pension remains below the ASFA benchmark for a modest retirement income and cutting indexation will widen that gap.

Almost 1.5 million older Australians www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

depend either entirely or primarily on the pension for their income in retirement, and for another 943,000 it is an important part of their income alongside super and savings.

“Older Australians are growing increasingly fearful that the Prime Minister will renege on his pre-election promises and introduce changes to the pension,” Mr Yates said.

“Seniors fought long and hard to get to a point where the pension allows them to keep their heads just above water. We can’t afford any backward steps now which would have pensioners slipping below the poverty line again.”

Mr Yates said our ageing population offers both challenges and opportunities and must be planned for in an integrated way across retirement income, health, housing, employment, tax, transport and planning policies.

In COTA’s letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Yates calls for a roundtable between the government and all relevant stakeholders to explore evidenced based ways forward.

“Such a roundtable discussion would need to be well informed, including with detailed analysis of who would be the winners and losers in any changes,” Mr Yates says in his letter.

Media release: COTA May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 3

community news Governments get a big “F” for employing older workers GOVERNMENTS, both federal and state, lag well behind the private sector when it comes to employing older workers, a new report reveals.

Using ABS and Census data, the National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre report - Past, present and future of mature age labour force participation in Australia - highlights variations in rates of ageing and mature age participation across the country.

An interesting finding is a marked decline in the proportion of people aged 60 and over employed by governments. For example, around 16.4% of men aged 50 to 59 work across national, state and local bureaucracies, but this falls to 12.7% for men in their 60s. Women drop from 24.2% in their 50s to 20.1%.

Conversely, private sector employment actually increases as people age.

National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill said the findings were surprising considering Treasurer Joe Hockey’s recent emphasis on the costs of population ageing.

“Government threats to raise the pension age, when they don’t employ older workers themselves, are a bit rich,” O’Neill said.

“The public service should represent the gold standard in hiring and retaining mature age staff.

Instead, public servants aged over 60 are a rare breed across the country.

“When it comes to employing senior Australians, governments, both federal and state, get a big ‘F’.”

The report concludes that an ageing workforce underscores the importance of addressing the barriers to mature age employment from age limits on workers compensation to discriminatory recruitment practices.

“Unless governments lead by example and stamp out age discrimination, Australia’s mature age participation rates will continue to lag behind those of other OECD countries,” he said.

In 2012, 14% of the population was aged 65 and over. This is projected to increase to 20% in 2042.

The proportional decline in the “working age” population (15 to 64) may result in wage inflation and lower productivity.

Media release: National Seniors

Page 4 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

U3A president showcases Queensland at international conference in France A MEETING, an email, an invitation – that’s the chain of events that led Rhonda Weston to start packing for a trip to France.

Last year, Mrs Weston – president of U3A in Toowoomba and U3A Network Queensland president – met Professor Francois Vellas, president of the International Association of Universities of the Third Age (IAUTA) at a conference in Victoria.

The fortuitous meeting led to personal contact from the French professor and an invitation to speak at this year’s IAUTA conference in Toulouse, France – the birthplace of U3A. Our dedicated branch and state president, who this year also took over the reins as national president, will join a select few representatives of U3A branches from around the worldto give her views on the benefits and challenges of operating U3A in Queensland.

The invitation will give Mrs Weston the

Rhonda and David Weston are heading to Toulouse, France for the International Association of Universities of the Third Age conference where Rhonda will represent U3A Queensland

opportunity to promote not just Australia, but in particular Queensland and Toowoomba to an international audience.

“It is a great honour to be invited to represent your state at an international conference,” she said.”I am looking forward to learning how U3A is managed in other countries, and meeting people from other countries.”

Putting together a presentation that will interest an international audience may be challenging but Mrs Weston has drawn on her knowledge of the different U3A branches around Queensland to outline how our

branches are affected by the size of our state.

“The vast distances in Queensland particularly effect our ability to help neighbouring U3A branches,” Mrs Weston said. “There are branches from Far North Queensland to Roma to the NSW border, and climate and lifestyle effect each differently.”

Regardless of the different conditions each area faces there is one thing common to the majority of U3A branches and that is the enthusiasm of the members. Toowoomba’s membership has been growing annually – this year reaching 1,318.

What started as a

modest offering of lectures, and programs of physical activities, for older residents in Toulouse, France in 1973, quickly spread around the world.You could say that U3A went viral before we’d even thought of iPads and Facebook. From France into Belgium, followed

by Spain, Switzerland, Poland, Canada, Sweden, Italy, USA, UK, Germany, then South America, Africa, Asia and Australia – there’s a U3A somewhere near you where people are revelling in learning, making retirement more fulfilling and creating more interesting communities.

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community news Red Cross Shops prepare for winter chill

RED Cross Shops around Australia are appealing for donations of warm clothing and blankets to help build up their stocks ahead of winter.

General Manager for Red Cross shops, Kate Dear says “Our shops play a vital role in providing warm, fashionable and affordable clothing during winter, but to keep our stores well stocked we rely on the generosity of the public.”

“How many of us have

a much loved, but seldom worn, woollen jumper lying in the bottom of our wardrobe, or a woollen blanket that we never use?

“If you have a bit of spare time this weekend why not search your cupboards for

long forgotten blankets or woollen clothing, and give them a new lease of life by taking them to your nearest Red Cross Shop?”

Red Cross Shops help support the everyday work of Red Cross including disaster relief and recovery, daily phone calls to check on elderly people living alone, and nutritious breakfasts for schoolchildren who need a healthy start to the day.

To find the location of your nearest Red Cross Shop visit redcross.org.au/shops or call 1800 339 888.

Food for fellows out Oakey way LEARN simple and effective cooking tips for healthy, low-cost meals at the FOODcents one-day workshop for men only. Presented by Dave Foreman from Australian Red Cross, the date and time will be confirmed in June. Bookings are essential so call Chris on 0467 773 328 or book at www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au/ change.

Condamine Valley/Warwick QCWA members celebrate 90 years of supporting the community

Celebrating the 90th anniversary of the QCWA Condamine Valley/Warwick branch are (from left) QCWA state president Robyn McFarlane, Florence Slattery, CV/Warwick president Judy Bilbrough, and Gene Shelley

FOR 90 years the Condamine Valley/Warwick branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association has provided support and companionship for women in the southern region of the state,as well as to visitors in the area. Last month a celebration was held to commemorate

the valuable contribution this association has made to women and their families through almost a century. Today, members still work together to achieve the original aims and goals – that is to give service to country women, for country women, by country women.

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May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 5

community news Hockey acknowledges age discrimination, but will those willing to work to age 70 find a job?

AMID signals that Joe Hockey will raise the age of eligibility for the pension in his first budget on May 13, the Treasurer has acknowledged the barriers keeping older Australians out of the workforce such as age discrimination and physical decline.

Mr Hockey said wants to change attitudes in the business community as well to encourage business to start thinking about employing people who want to restart their careers after the age of 50.

“We have to start to focus the debate on how we can have a restart to working life after someone turns 45, 50 or 55 after manual labour,” he said in a radio interview.

National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill aid the Treasurer’s comments represented a shift

reality is, if they lose their jobs at 50 – now 45 even – few businesses will hire them.

“Raising the pension age without first changing employer attitudes or providing retraining opportunities will simply shift older Australians from one form of welfare to another.”

Mr Hockey has Joe Hockey . . . already hinted at focusing debate on plans to lift the lifting working age pension age from 67 to 70, saying raising the entitlement age from what has been a was an “inevitabilhardline stance on ity’’. raising the pension age “We should celto 70. ebrate the fact that “For the first time, Mr effectively, one in Hockey has publicly every three children acknowledged the born today is going obstacles older workers to live to 100,’’ he are facing, from told ABC radio. discriminatory recruit“We should also not ment practices to sheer see someone’s life physical exhaustion,” ending when they Mr O’Neill said. turn 65 or 70. They “Older Australians should work as long want to work but, the as they can.’’

Page 6 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

History of well-known Toowoomba family business comes to life in lecture

Family-owned Taylors Removals have been operating since 1918

THE Toowoomba Historical Society runs a monthly historical lecture program which is open to members and non-members. This month’s topic will be the History of Taylor’s Removals presented by

Melissa and Ray Taylor. From humble beginnings with a horse and dray in 1918, the family owned business is now

operated by the fourth generation of Taylors.

Come along and hear more about this wellknown local business on Monday, May 19 at

the Society’s rooms, 49 Lindsay Street, Toowoomba, starting at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend and supper will be available.

Tombstone Tours takes visitors on a journey through Toowoomba’s past THE ornate inscriptions on some of the cemetery’s oldest tombstones will be embellished into the fascinating, little-known and sometimes tragic stories that helped shape our region.

Presented by local historian Peter Cullen, the Tombstone Tours will be held at Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery in Anzac Avenue on May 10 and May 18 at 10am.

Libraries and Cultural Services Portfolio Chair, Cr Ros Scotney, said the tours enabled residents to visit the gravestones of families who were integral to our community’s history.

“There are stories of those involved in constructing the Hampton tramway and building the first car in Queensland, and the grave of the Gore family, the namesake of the Gore Highway,” Cr Scotney said.

“Peter Cullen will also talk about those lives with tragic endings, including a World War II airplane crash, a 17-yearold who died in hospital after his horse shied, and a fateful railway accident.”

Tour tickets cost $5 and are available from the Local History Library in 476 Ruthven Street,

Coachbuilder Thomas Trevethan’s sons Thomas and Walter built Queensland’s first motor car in Toowoomba

Toowoomba. For more information, please contact the Local History Library on 4688 6150. Please note the Local History Library

has new opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:30am until 4pm and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 9:30am until 1pm.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Double the trivia, double the fun, double the benefit for Toowoomba Hospice

TWO trivia nights are planned for the month of May with the Toowoomba Hospice as beneficiary of both.

Yes, that’s double the fun and double the benefits for the hospice.

On Thursday, May 22, Rotary Club of Toowoomba City is holding its annual trivia night at Regents on the Lake, Perth Street, Toowoomba from 6.30pm.

Cost is $10 a head.

Teams of up to six will play for a coveted trophy.

Food and drinks

available for purchase from the kitchen and bar. Contact Robyn on 4635 7756, 0408 661 547 or email robyn@r plantation.com.au.

The following Saturday, May 24, the

hospice is holding a trivia night at the City Bowls Club, Victoria Street, Toowoomba from 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Cost is $12 per person – six people to a team and only 12 teams

competing on the night.

BYO supper. Tea and coffee will be supplied and the bar will be open. To book your team call Mark Munro on 07 46598500.

Adjudicator for the Toowoomba Hospice trivia night Professor Peter Swannell (left) joined Hospice chairman Graham Barron (centre) and quiz master Graham Healy as they fine-tuned questions and checked out some fun prizes for the evening

QCWA members walk together to raise money for projects in developing countries ON April 29, members of the Middle Ridge branch of QCWA joined a group of 9 million women in more than 70 countries to walk “together” to raise money for projects in developing countries.

Money raised by “Women Walk the

World” goes to the world headquarters of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) in London so that the implementing of projects, which qualify for financial support, in developing countries, can be carried out.

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QCWA Middle Ridge branch member Frances Tilly (left) and Darling Downs divisional president Elaine Kieseker joined other branch members to walk down Margaret Street as part of Women Walk the World

Middle Ridge branch member Frances Tilly said that as 10am comes around in each time zone, women will begin to walk together in their locality raising money as they go.

“A gold coin to register

and other pre-collected money will help keep the wheels turning,” she said.

QCWA members under the umbrella of ACWW conducted walks in and around Toowoomba to support the cause.

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May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 7

community news Darling Downs, raise your cups for chari-tea!

CANCER Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift asks all Darling Downs residents to raise their cups in the fight against cancer this May 22, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. Pop the kettle on and tuck into some delicious morning tea treats – there truly has never been an easier way to make a difference in the fight against cancer!

Thursday, May 22 is this year’s official date of Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. Queenslanders will gather in living rooms, community centres, schools and workplaces to help us raise more than $2.5 million for cancer research, education programs and patient support services in 2014.

The cause has never been more important. One in two Queenslanders will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime – around 24,000 people this year alone.

The impact is significant locally too – around 2000 South-West Queensland locals will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and about 640 people will die from the disease.

With a cup of tea and a biscuit, you can make a lasting impact in the lives of Queenslanders who will be touched by cancer. It’s so easy to get involved you can make a donation, register to host your own Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, or join in with a friend at biggestmorningtea.com.au.

We need your help this May 22 – together, we can beat cancer.

More information about Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is available at biggestmorningtea.com.au or 1300 65 65 85.

More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at cancerqld.org.au or via Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.

Share morning tea on May 22 and support Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Lockyer Valley tourism and produce stand takes gold at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show HOW lucky are we to live in this region? As southern Queenslanders we have direct access to some of Australia’s freshest and best vegetables – grown right on our doorstep in the Lockyer Valley. It doesn’t get better than that – taste wise and health wise.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council, and Mayor Steve Jones, know this and have taken an unprecedented step in marketing the region and its great produce to a whole new audience.

Council organised a tour of high-end Sydney food outlets to provide local food producers with direct access to the lucrative Sydney market.

Cr Jones said the Lockyer Valley is renowned globally for its high quality produce and if more producers can break into the

Sydney food market, it will generate local employment and boost the Lockyer Valley economy.

Council is determined to do whatever it takes to help them succeed.

The council-organised tour of prominent Sydney food outlets, including Victor Churchill Meats, Thomas Dux, Fourth Village Providore and Wholefoods House, provided a unique opportunity for local producers to make the contacts needed to break into the Sydney market.

“The reality is that opportunities won’t just fall in your lap. You have to go after them and make them happen and that’s what council has done by organising this tour,” Cr Jones said.

“The Lockyer Valley relies heavily on the agricultural

Representing the Lockyer Valley at the Sydney Royal Easter Show are (from left) Rob Bauer of Bauers Organic Farm, Alison Alexander food blogger and Trudy, Bauers Organic Farm

industry to provide sustained employment and economic growth and as a council, we need to be providing every opportunity we can to expand and grow. “We met leading chef Mike McEnearney

who spoke about what he believes is key to breaking into the Sydney market. Having worked alongside chefs including Neil Perry, Mike is well-known for providing simple and ethically sourced food,

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and to have him now fully aware of what produce is available in the Lockyer Valley is a massive boost forward for the region.”

Following the producers’ tour, council enlisted some of Sydney’s top chefs at Pier One to cook a special dinner for local media identities and food industry heavyweights featuring fresh produce as part of our winter/spring vegetable seasonal launch.

“The launch really show-

cased the very best of the Lockyer Valley to people who can take the message that we are back and open for business to the entire country,” Cr Jones said.

“While we realise agriculture is key to the region’s success, so too is tourism which is why council has expanded on our Ekka success and set up a trade stand at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show. “To the best of my knowledge what we are doing here in Sydney hasn’t been done by any council in Queensland before. By attending the Sydney Easter Show, we can take our message directly to close to one million people who will visit the show.”

That message certainly made an impact with the council’s tourism stand taking out a prestigious gold award.

Throughout the duration of the show, exhibitors were judged on the look and feel of the exhibit, the overall appeal and the friendliness of people manning the exhibit.

Cr Jones said to be recognised with such an award in Council’s first year at the Show is a tribute to everything Council is trying to achieve.

“We went to the Easter Show to promote the region and encourage people to visit the Lockyer Valley when in Queensland, and I am delighted to announce Council has picked up the gold award in the Home, Garden and Lifestyle category,” he said.

“Our message to the community by attending the Easter Show was that after ten harrowing years of drought and two devastating flood events, the Lockyer Valley is back and open for business and we are certainly getting that message out there,” Cr Jones said.

“To have been selected to win a gold award among the thousands of exhibitors at the Show is an absolute honour and a real credit to the hard work of everyone involved in seeing this project come to fruition.”

What is this?

DO YOU know what this item is? If so, write to “What Is This?”, Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper, PO Box 1062, Tewantin Q. 4565 or email editor@ seniorsnewspaper.com.au Please type TWBA What is This and your name in your email SUBJECT line.

April What is this? photo result: Thanks to Kev Stow who correctly identified April’s mystery object as an aircraft recognition model from World War Two. He writes: It’s a model of a DC3/C47 transport. These were used to train a variety of personnel to differentiate between allied and enemy aircraft in the heat of battle. They were generally made of a dark plastic resin type material and moulded to the shape required. Often they were black in colour. I remember playing games with such models not long after the war; they were available through the many disposal shops that sprung up to help get rid of the surplus war material that was no longer wanted. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Roll up, roll up for a fun day of bowls

AS the Regional Development Officer for Bowls Queensland based in the Toowoomba area, Col Clifford is often asked by newly retirees about the process of getting involved in the sport of lawn bowls. So many people who have had a very busy and active life, either in the workforce or running the household, all of a sudden are a little lost when things change and there is no more work place to go to.

The thought of getting involved in a sport has never crossed their mind, and now that they are a senior they often wonder if they are too old to learn something new. Col’s response is that you are never too old to try something new, and it doesn’t hurt to at least try your hand at bowls. Bowls is a fantastically fun, low impact sport that can be played by practically anyone in the community, regardless of age, gender or physical ability.

Whether you’re searching for a fun and friendly pass-time or an outlet for your inner competitor, bowls may be the sport for you. By far the easiest way to get involved is to drop in at your local club and

Doll Bear and Craft Show THE Toowoomba Annual Doll Bear and Craft Show will take place on Saturday, May 17 at the Lutheran Church Hall, Phillip Street, from 9am to 3pm.

There will be doll and bear competitions, multi draw raffles, with first prize in the main raffle being a porcelain doll, doll, bear and craft related trading tables, and a canteen with tasty home cooked refreshments.

Entry fee is $8 adults, $6 pensioners, and $1 for children under 12.

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organise a couple of coaching sessions. You will find bowlers are friendly and quick to offer advice on playing the sport, while the club coach will be happy to explain the basics, before taking you through your paces on the green. Research by the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates that although 67% of us claim to do some sort of physical activity during the week, only 27% actually participate in organised sport. Sports that include a social aspect like lawn bowls are attracting new members, and

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with a push for more Australians to get off the couch and get some exercise, the relatively low costs involved in lawn bowls helps to get people interested in the sport. In Toowoomba, the West Toowoomba, South Toowoomba, City and Drayton Bowls clubs are very welcoming and encouraging of new participants. As well as the opportunity of playing bowls, each club has a great social atmosphere offering new members and visitors the chance to meet lots of new people. The dress code is as relaxed as

the atmosphere, and you don’t need any experience as the clubs will provide friendly experts to show you what to do for free.

Contact one of these friendly clubs on how you can be part of this great sport: West Toowoomba Bowls Club, Cnr of West and Taylor Streets, Toowoomba 4639 4313.

Drayton Bowls Club, 46 Gipps Street, Drayton 4630 1223. Toowoomba City Bowls Club, 43 Victoria Street, Toowoomba 4639 2273. South Toowoomba Bowls Club, 331-339 Hume Street, Toowoomba 4635 1960.

Recently I came across a product called “Super Fresh Bags”.

These bags store food in the fridge for freshness and longevity.

I’m sure most of us Villagers waste fruit and vegetables because they “go off” before we get to use them up completely. Well, this need not happen anymore and the proof is in the pudding. Prior to Christmas I put various items in these bags to test. On returning from holidays some three weeks later, all of my vegetables were as I left Roslyn Roberts of Hammond Village, Coombabah, QLD them in the refrigerator – fresh and ready to eat. In fact, I now have had some spring onions stored for over six weeks and they are still fresh. My personal experience with these bags has been nothing short of fantastic and for what it is worth I want to share this with you. The bags pay for themselves in no time. And the best part is the bags are washable and reusable over and over again. I have been using my bags for over 12 months now and they are still going strong. You will find that these bags have a myriad of uses and it is just a matter of experimenting.

The bags have a very minimal cost and are posted free all over Australia.

Go on line and visit www.superfreshbags.com.au for more information or to make a purchase or if you don’t have access to a computer call

Super Fresh Bags on 07-5529 7743 They are pleased to answer any questions you may have, and help with your orders.

May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 9

community news Fashionistas frock up as Typhoon Red takes Weetwood THIS year’s Weetwood race day attracted approximately 3500 people, and while numbers were down on previous years, the fashion stakes were running high.

Outfits ranged from smart and stylish to simply skimpy.

The crowd had its usual throng of teetering totterers tugging at their skin-tight teeny, tiny dresses, (which looked suspiciously like elastic bandages), sipping champers and fiddling with their fascinators.

Those with a little more sophistication chose dresses with stylish lines and accessorised them with smart hats and matching purses.

Winner of the fashions on the field contemporary ladies race wear was milliner Katie O’Brien with a skirt, faux fur and headpiece of her own design.

Classic ladies race wear winner was Brooke Marjoribanks wearing a headpiece of her own design and a Karen Millen dress. Waistcoats were definitely in for the men and soft greys were teamed with crisp white shirts and more than a few smart salmon-pink ties and pocket kerchiefs.

In the equine stakes, home-grown race horse Typhoon Red, ridden by Toowoomba jockey Nozi Tomizawa, slipped by stable-mate and race favourite Kempelly to cross the finish line by a head taking out this year’s Mainz Developments Weetwood Handicap.

Yvonne and John Kelly were looking forward to watching their horse race at Weetwood Race Day

Maree Webster (left) and Heather Thomsen were out to enjoy the day at Toowoomba Turf Club

Hoping to back a winner at Weetwood were (from left) Cathy Nugent, Chris Walsh and Debbie Petersen

Harold Collins and Helen Leggatt arrived early to catch the whole Weetwood Race Day twilight racing program

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community news Lamb’s bakery fed generations of Downs’ residents gnome to bottles of silver cachous (remember those hard, little silver balls that nearly broke your teeth?).

CafÊ Alexandra and Lamb’s bakery and catering service were taken over in 1949 by J. F. Thorpe. The cafÊ was renamed in 1968 to Thorpe’s Cake Shop and eventually closed in 1975.

It was the end of an era still remembered fondly by many Downs’ residents.

By Jo Marsh

REMEMBER when a walk down Ruthven Street would take you past T. K. Lamb’s CafÊ Alexandra where you might be tempted inside to sample one of the many delightful baked goods or sugary sweets made by Lamb’s bakery?

T. K. Lamb’s was an institution in Toowoomba and many generations of Darling Downs residents would have seen the beautifully iced wedding cakes on display in the cafÊ’s window or enjoyed their special pink lamingtons.

By 1900, the bakery itselfwas firmly established in Bell Street and business was brisk with the factory supplying various centres on the Downs and out west.As production increased, the ovens were kept going continually and Lamb had purchased a small gas engine which he intended to use to mechanise the confectionery side of the business. At peak times,

The 1937 Christmas catalogue of Lamb’s bakery listed a large variety of products that were available by post or rail

Ex Chinchilla & district reunion WHEN I first came to Toowoomba to live in 2003 I would keep running into people I had known in Chinchilla and district who had moved to Toowoomba.

Everyone would say “We must meet for a coffee one day�. As usual when a date has not been made nothing happens, so I decided to make a special day each year for a meet and coffee. This will be the ninth such meeting we have planned. The Reunion is on Sunday afternoon the 25th May at the Philharmonic Complex at 2 p.m. 7 Matthews Street. All Ex Chinchilla and district people and friends are welcome. Over 60 people usually turn up with some different ones each year. If you are interested, please come along and join us. Wear a name tag, bring a plate of food to share and $5 towards the cost of hiring the hall. It is a great opportunity to catch up with friends you have not seen for some time. For further particulars contact Irene Bridgeman 4636 3316 or Judy Flett on 46302310.

Lamb’s Bakery was built on the site of an old Presbyterian Church in Bell Street, Toowoomba.

Source: Local History and Robinson Collections, Toowoomba City Library

it was not unusual for more than 500 dozen eggs to be used in a week. Lamb opened CafÊ Alexandra in 1902 and later followed it with other cafes including CafÊ Arcadia, further north along Ruthven Street.The cafes served not just to provide refreshments for customers but also to display and sell a large range of the bakery’s

products. Many wedding receptions and gatherings were held in its commodious, upstairs function hall.

A country mail order service was set up for and became an integral branch of the business.

Christmas catalogues such as Lambs Christmas Dainties 1937 offered the option of sending purchases either by rail or parcel post.

The catalogue offered an extensive range of products includingcakes, biscuits, chocolates, preserved fruits, confectionery, decorations and even boxes of handmade bon bons, which could be supplied in special colours if required.Iced Christmas cakes or “real Scotch shortbread� could be bought in fancy, presentation tins which the company was quick

to point out displayed no permanent advertising making them “very useful for household purposes�.Plum puddings were available in sealed tins or glass basins,and Christmas cakes could be bought as single tiers or up to four tiers, weighing in at a maximum of 30lbs (or a mighty 14kgs).Lamb’s could supply everything from a red celluloid

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community news Do You Know Your Road Rules?

RACQ Senior Education Officer David Terry (right) discusses roundabout rules with National Seniors Toowoomba Branch member Noel Stenzel (left)

TOOWOOMBA motorists are often criticised for their inability to negotiate roundabouts correctly. Guest speaker at our morning tea on April 3, RACQ Senior Education Officer David Terry, reminded us of the basic rules relating to roundabouts. We need to give way to any vehicle already on the roundabout. We should signal a right or left turn on approach to the roundabout, and maintain it into the roundabout. No signal is required on approach if we intend going straight ahead through the roundabout. We should always signal a left hand turn when we are about to leave the roundabout and maintain that signal until after we have exited. David also discussed the rules on merging lines of traffic and about doing U-Turns at traffic lights and across solid lines. These and other important road rules are very well explained in the Department of Transport and Main Roads web site: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/ Queensland-road-rules/Road-rules-refresher.aspx.

Printed copies of the Road Rules Refresher Pocket Guide can also be obtained by telephoning TMR on 13 23 80.

Garden City National Seniors Zone Conference Guest Speaker: Michael O’Neill

Wallangarra visit ON our trip to the Granite Belt on April 17, members took time out to visit the unique war memorial at Wallangarra.

The memorial consists of a simple standing block of granite with bronze plaques attached commemorating the fallen in World War 1 and World War 2.

During the Second World War Wallangarra was an important staging point in the defence of Australia, with a general army store on the Queensland side of the border and an ammunition depot in Jennings on the NSW Wallangarra war memorial: National Seniors Toowoomba Branch side. More than 5,000 members Yvonne Beale, Desma Lindenbauer, Val Corcoran, Shirley McIvor troops were based at and June Kearsley remember the fallen at the Wallangarra War Memorial Wallangarra, and large numbers of workers were employed in the railway yards.

After a delightful lunch in the historic Wallangarra Railway Station refreshment room, our group headed home via the Bramble Patch at Glen Aplin.

Despite having consumed pancakes with maple syrup and ice cream at lunch, a surprising number found room for a berry ice cream in the “Dessertery” as well as stocking up with jams, marmalades, sauces and dessert wines from the Bramble Patch’s award National Seniors Toowoomba Branch members Jan Slatter and Anne winning range.

Porter enjoy a boysenberry ice cream at the Bramble Patch

CEO of National Seniors Australia

Wednesday May 21 Drayton Bowls Club Cnr Gipps & Ball St, Toowoomba

$35 per ticket includes Morning Tea, Lunch & Afternoon Tea

RSVP to: Hazel 4635 4519

Alternative emergency phone number THE RACQ CareFlight Rescue would like to make people aware of an alternative emergency number to Triple Zero. Mobile phone users who have run out of credit or who have no signal with their own carrier, can still phone for emergency assistance if they’re in an area covered by another mobile network. The alternative number 112 (one, one, two) diverts the caller to a Triple Zero operator.

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Page 12 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

Coming Events OUR next bus trip is a Mystery Trip on Thursday, May 15.

While the destination may be a mystery, we can guarantee that a good time will be had by all. Organisers suggest that we wear sensible shoes and bring a hat and a bottle of water. Cost for the day including morning tea and lunch is $55 and departure time is 8.30am.

At our morning tea on Thursday, June 5, our guest speaker will be from the Toowoomba Crime Prevention Unit.

Morning tea meetings are held at Regents on the Lake commencing at9.30am.

Enquiries and bookings for any of our activities may be made by phoning June on 4635 9796.

Neville Fry, president NSA Toowoomba Branch

Garden City National Seniors GARDEN City National Seniors have a very busy schedule for May, starting with “Big Cuppa for Cancer” on May 19.

This is the main fund raising activity for the year.

The morning will begin with entertainment from the barbershop quartet, Of One Accord. Guest speaker is Mark Middleton, CEO of Radiation Oncology Queensland at St Andrews Cancer Care Centre. St Andrews has undergone large expansions and most patients no longer need to travel to Brisbane for radiation therapy.

Hannas Department Store is outfitting some of our own models for a fashion parade of ladies fashions. Gentlemen of the branch will then show us what fashion is all about. There will be a bring and buy stall and a multi draw raffle as well as a

Hazel Gillies President, Garden City National Seniors

delicious morning tea supplied by the bowls ladies. The morning starts at 9.30am at Drayton Bowls Club on the corner of Ball and Gipps Street. Cost $12. Visitors are welcome. However, we would like them to book on 4635 4519 for catering purposes.

On 21 May our branch is hosting this years Zone 109 Conference.We expect visitors from Roma, Miles, Chinchilla, Dalby, Gatton, Warwick, as well as Toowoomba to attend.

Keynote speaker at the

conference will be Michael O’Neill, CEO of National Seniors Australia.This is a great opportunity for members to hear, and ask questions of, our CEO. Cost for the day is $35, and includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

However, bookings need to be made on 4635 4519. Our May bus trip is to Brisbane on Thursday 29 May. Morning Tea will be at Boggo Road Gaol followed by a guided tour of the now disused facility. We then head into the city for a guided tour of Brisbane City Hall.

In recent years an enormous restoration project has been undertaken at the City Hall. Lunch will be at The Shingle Inn which is within the City Hall Precinct. Old timers from Brisbane may remember the old Shingle Inn in Edward Street and this is a recreation of that.

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community news Toowoomba Highfields Senior Citizens Assoc.

THIS picture shows some of our members enjoying our activities after our meeting. We play cards, games, and bowls, every Monday from 10.00 am.

Members recently enjoyed a bus trip to Stanthorpe where we saw Law Dogs being trained for police and security work, we travelled on to the Happy Valley retreat for midday lunch and the brewery, we returned home in high spirits. Proposed activities include, picnic at Cooby Dam. Guest speaker at the May meeting will be from the fire brigade. New members welcome.

Phone Ray on 4698 7177.

Date Claimer – Seniors Information Expo U3A in Toowoomba Inc. will be organizing a Seniors Information Expo. On Wednesday the 20th August, during Seniors Week. This activity is subsidised by the Toowoomba Regional Council which allows all the public to attend free of charge. There will be the usual 80 Information Booths, informative guest speakers, Cafeteria where you can enjoy morning tea and light lunches while meeting with your friends. Please make a note of this date in your diary. 20th August.

For further particulars contact Irene Bridgeman 4636 3316 or the U3A Office in Toowoomba Phone 4687 7659

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Volunteers around Australia contribute to leading genealogy website RETIRED Toowoomba schoolteacher Brian Gilroy wanted to give something back to his hobby of genealogy, so he volunteered to index the death and funeral notices from The Chronicle for inclusion in the Ryerson Index.

Ryerson, at www.ryersonindex.org, is a free index to death notices in Australian newspapers. Started in 1998, it now contains over 4.4 million entries, and is growing by about 10,000 entries per week. The Indexcovers all the major metropolitan dailies, and many country and regional newspapers, from all over Australia.

The Ryerson website is consistently rated among the top-five Australian genealogy websites, providing as it does the easiest way to locate a recent death in Australia. While the various state birth, death and marriage official websites allow genealogists to search all registered deaths, none of them show deaths within the past 30 years, and it is

Brian Gilroy indexes death notices from his local paper for inclusion in the Ryerson Index, a leading Australian genealogy website

this void which Ryerson fills. Approximately twothirds of the entries in Ryerson relate to deaths within the past 30 years, none of which can be

found on the official BDM sites.

Every entry in Ryerson has been submitted by one of the team of volunteers who index the death

notices from newspapers.

Volunteers from Cairns to Launceston to Bunbury, and many more places in between, index their local papers and submit the data via the internet to a central point (in Toowoomba), from where the online database is updated each week.

Most indexers are retired, and are passionate genealogists, with some indexing continuously for Ryerson since 1998. The oldest indexer is 91, and lots more are aged over 80. Many of them have a story similar to Brian’s – their research was helped along by information found in Ryerson, so now they want to give something back. And indexing notices from their local paper, working from their own home at a pace to suit themselves, is a simple way to achieve this goal.

Ryerson is always looking for more indexers, so if you think this could be for you, have a look at the website, where you can find details of what is involved.

May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 13

community news Tutors needed for English conversation classes at Toowoomba City Library

IN THE 1950s, when my father first arrived in Australia, he could not understand why everyone kept talking about “Fred’s income”.

Fred’s income turned out to be the common phrase of the times, “fair dinkum”, which to his untrained Scottish ear somehow sounded like Fred’s income. While we rarely use fair dinkum in our speech these days, every generation has its own collection of bonza, you beaut colloquialisms that could pull the rug out from under most visitors to this country.

For the many travellers, international students and migrants in Toowoomba, Australianisms can sound, well, as mad as a two bob watch.

In an effort to help make some sense of what we silly galahs are saying, Toowoomba City library runs free English conversation classes that help people with their comprehension of general written English and understanding of Australian colloquialisms. Librarian Jenny Curtis says the

New tutors are sought for the free English conversation classes held at Toowoomba City Library. Working on their English are (clockwise, from left) Muhammad, tutors Lari O’Neill, Joan Wilberforce and Su Murgatroyd, and Abdullah and Murtaza

“classes” are often oneon-one sessions with people from all walks of life and include young people on working visas, spouses of international businessmen, university students and migrants new to Australia. The library is currently looking for more people with an interest in helping individuals with English conversation.

“We are keen to find people interested in tutoring,” she said.

“All you need is to give

two hours of your time, either once a week or once a fortnight.

“The tutors gain a lot by understanding more about the cultures of people from other countries. “They see firsthand what it’s like to try and integrate in a foreign culture with, in some cases, very little language.”

Conversational English at the library is not about teaching English in a strict classroom environment. It’s about working with students, either

one-on-one or in small groups, to help them understand our language, to work on their comprehension using current news topics, to learn the correct pronunciation of words and to explain our colloquialisms. Tutors have the support of other tutors already involved in the program. So, if you love the English language and want to help others get the most from it, then contact Jenny Curtis or Jane Hobbs on 4688 6670.

Seniors Enquiry Line more than a phone service UNITINGCARE Community’s Seniors Enquiry Line is more than simply an information and referral phone service.

Funded by the Queensland Government, the statewide service has access to a wide range of publications and forms which can be posted to interested seniors.

“There are a number of useful publications available which can assist seniors to access concessions, retirement accommodation, financial and legal assistance and information on government services,” Seniors Enquiry Line Coordinator Julie Argeros said.

“Booklets can also be forwarded to seniors which explain how UnitingCare Community’s Elder Abuse Prevention Line and Time for Grandparents programs can provide services to older Queenslanders to increase their wellbeing and sense of security while at the same time strengthening ties within the community,” Ms Argeros said. Publications and booklets available through the Seniors Enquiry Line include: Protecting Yourself Online – What Everyone Needs to know: An Austra-

lian Government publication designed to help keep Australians safe and secure when online (www.staysmartonline.gov.au) NPS MedicineWise: Information on who to contact when you suspect your medicine may be causing you a problem or if you have a question about your medicine (www.nps.org.au) Now That’s Living: A comprehensive publication of accommodation, services, support and lifestyle options in Queensland, including a retirement directory (www.qld.lasa.asn.au).

“Seniors Enquiry Line staff can also post out applications and forms to seniors who may not have access to the internet to be able to print them out,” Ms Argeros said.

“For the cost of a local call, Queensland seniors, their family or carers can talk to a real person to obtain applications for the taxi subsidy scheme or other government concessions, rebates and subsidies should you be eligible.”

For further information, call the Seniors Enquiry Line on 1300 135 500. The service operates Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.

Readers, please support our advertisers!

WHEN making inquiries or buying decisions with any of the advertisers in these pages, please tell them that you read about them in Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper. Without their advertising support, your paper would not be possible, nor could we continue to employ more mature aged local people to work with us at the paper.

Everyone in the region knows Graham Healy Born and raised in Toowoomba, Graham knows the area better than most • He talks to locals about local issues • He invites you to call in on a range of topics • He interviews the stars • He has regular lifestyle segments • He plays fun contests and the best hits

. . . all part of 4GR’s Focus On The Downs . . . 11am-1pm weekdays on 864 4GR

Page 14 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

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community news Improving palliative care access in aged care

MANAGERS of aged care services and facilities are being asked to participate in a new survey that aims to map the provision of palliative care and advance care planning services around Australia, in what has been described as a ‘first’ for the sector.

Dr Yvonne Luxford, Palliative Care Australia chief executive, says the survey aims to improve end of life care for older Australians.

The online survey, conducted by a consortium of leading national health, aged care and academic organisations, is part of a $15 million federal government project working to improve access to palliative care and advance care planning services in the aged care sector nationally.

DrLuxfordsays the survey seeks to capture the knowledge of aged care professionals, as well as GPs and specialist palliative care services, so that an accurate picture of services currently available can be obtained.

“About 60,000 people die each year in the care of residential and community aged care services, so it’s clear that palliative care and advance care planning are core business for the aged care sector,” DrLuxford says.

“This survey will help to identify gaps in service delivery that need to be targeted so those working in aged care can be better supported to improve palliative and end of life care for older Australians.”

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Findings from the survey will be incorporated into a national environmental scan of the sector, with the information used to develop a suite of programs funded through the Specialist Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning Advisory Services Project.

Other initiatives include a 24 hour hotline for GPs and aged care providers to call for specialist palliative care and advance care planning advice, as well as education, training and web-based resources for health and aged care professionals to enhance their skills in palliative care and advance care planning.

The consortium appointed to implement the Advisory Services Project comprises Respecting Patient Choices, Palliative Care Australia, CareSearch, the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, the Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine, Leading Aged Services Australia (LASA), and Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA).

The Project is funded under the federal government’s Living Longer, Living Better aged care reform package, which was developed in response to recommendations made in the Productivity Commission’s Caring for Older Australians report.

Courtesy: DPS news

Roma’s rugby league club celebrates more than 100 years of sporting tradition

Roma’s Cities team took premiership honours in1912

CITIES Rugby League Club in Roma is planning a gala reunion to celebrate more than 100 years of achievement. The junior club of Queensland legends Arthur Beetson, Darren Lockyer and Wally Fullerton-Smith will be holding a function in Roma on October 4 and 5. A celebratory dinner will take placeunder marquees on the club’s home groundsand is expected to attract 700 former and current players, officials and supporters.The Gladiators have been a part of thesporting and social fabric of Roma since the first team took to the field

in 1912. With more than 20first grade and numerous reserve grade and junior grade premierships in the trophy cabinet, Cities is the most successful club in the history of Roma football. The teams in blue and white have proven to be very durable and resilient, having survived numerous other clubs that have come and gone during the past century.All those who have a share of Cities’ history are urged to make contact and head west in October. Contact Desley Oates by email at desley53@hotmail.com or search for Cities on Facebook.

May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 15

community news World changing research happening on our doorstep

AS A young man, Andrew Borrell chose a career in agricultural science “to make a difference in the world”.

Now, as the principal research fellow at the Hermitage Research Station near Warwick and associate professor at Queensland University, Dr Borrell is making that difference with his world-changing research. He recently spoke to members of the Rose City Warwick Probus Club about the focus of his research, and his greatest challenge which is to develop grain crops that produce more grain using less water, to meet diminishing water supplies – an idea he

called the ‘Blue Revolution’.

To gain his PhD he investigated water use in rice production in Asian countries. After much research he succeeded in developing agronomic and irrigation techniques, which produced grain with the same yield, when compared with long established practices, but used 30% less water during its growth.

Dr Borrell has continued the work with cereal crops begun by Dr Paul Johnston and Dr Bob Henzell, former research scientists at the Hermitage in the 1960s and 70s. Erica Finegan thanks Dr Andrew Borrell at the Rose City Warwick Probus It was the effect on food meeting for sharing his remarkable research into reducing water usage in rice production production of erratic

Celebrate the power of volunteering VOLUNTEERING Australia has announced the theme for the 25th anniversary year of National Volunteer Week (12 – 18 May) – a theme that points to the power of volunteers and volunteering in Australia.

“Celebrate the power of volunteering” will be adopted for NVW2014 by volunteering organizations nationally as they plan for celebration events to acknowledge and thank more than six million volunteers who together form a formidable workforce powering many essential community, environmental, sporting, welfare, emergency services, education and cultural services and supports.

“The week will be a celebration of both individual volunteers, volunteer managers and leaders who help drive and direct the power of volunteering to serve volunteering organisations and our communities,” said Brett Williamson, CEO, Volunteering Australia. “We could not imagine life in Australia without them or their contributions large and

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Page 16 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

small, and we look forward to celebrating volunteering, which is part of the DNA of our nation,” he said.

This year, volunteer involving organisations across Australia will celebrate the power of volunteering in their own way and urge their members and communities to reflect on the power of volunteers to protect and enrich our lives. As in previous years, thousands of organisations across the nation will hold their own celebration and appreciation events to thank their volunteers for their commitment.

“NVW2014 will also be supported by our major partner Beyond Bank Australia and we are very grateful for its financial assistance as well as its promotion of volunteers within the community by encouraging their staff to volunteer their time,” said Mr Williamson.

If you are one of the many thousands of us who volunteer for community groups, well done. We salute you!

climatic conditions which motivated Dr Borrell, in collaboration with associates from three American universities, to commence a program investigating the physiological basis of the ‘stay-green drought resistance trait’ in sorghum. As a result of this research the development of the ‘stay green chromosome’ in sorghum has resulted in high grain yields under drought conditions – producing sorghum adaptive to drought. Drought adaptive sorghum is cultivated in Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia.

The Hermitage Research Station and the work of its research scientists is

playing a major role in crop research which will benefit not only Australia but other crop growing nations. The Research Station, located at the Hermitage on the eastern outskirts of Warwick, has a staff of 50 comprising geneticists, physiologists, plant breeders, technicians, administrative and support staff.

If you would like to learn more about this work or would like to inspect the Hermitage site, visitors are welcome. Tours of the facility can be arranged by contacting the administration office at the Hermitage.

From the Committee – Rose City Warwick Probus Club

A Generous Easter Gift helps to Save our Bilby SAVE the Bilby Fund Co-Founder Frank Manthey was delighted when he received a call from a Toowoomba couple Lyn and Bobbie Brazil pledging a $30,000 donation. After hearing of the devastation that feral cats had caused when they breached the Bilby enclosure on Currawinya National Park, wiping out the captive bilby population that had been released, Lyn and Bobbie wanted to help. Their donation of $30,000 will be used to fix the fence.

Frank said that Lyn and Bobbie are not looking for any awards for their wonderful contribution - their only motive is to help bilby conservation. Frank said “Australians, I urge you all, please don’t just wait for governments to do something to save endangered species. This is our country. Let us all help to keep our very unique and wonderful Australian species for future generations to see and enjoy.

To help Save the Bilby Fund in its work, you can make a donation online or purchase bilby merchandise at www.savethebilbyfund.org or purchase Pink Lady Chocolate Bilbies. For information contact Frank Manthey OAM on 0418 726 168 or email kowari@dodo.com.au

Mother’s Day: what does it really mean?

A WOMAN without children and who never married honoured her mother at a memorial service in West Virginia, USA, in 1908, at what is recognised as the first official observance of Mother’s Day. Anna Marie Jarvis, who died aged 84 in 1948, was the daughter of Ann Reeve Jarvis, who by the time she was 26 was the mother of 11 children.

Mother’s Day began to take root in 1858, when Ann Jarvis created working groups of mothers to deal with health and sanitation issues in her community.

These groups of mothers continued to work for the greater good, even through the American Civil War during which they cared for wounded soldiers from both sides of the conflict.

On May 10, 1908, three years after her mother’s

the peace. She and her sister Ellsinore spent their family inheritance campaigning against what the holiday had become. Both died in poverty.

So on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14, we should contemplate the origins of this day, a day that was first celebrated without buying gifts or greeting cards. That was never the point.

Think of Anna Jarvis as the figurative Mother of Humanity. She was, for all humanity, what all mothers want for their Anna Marie Jarvis . . . own children. They founder of Mother’s Day wanted peace, they death, Anna Marie held But by the 1920s, Anna wanted their children to be healthy, safe, edua memorial ceremony to had become soured by honour her mother and the commecialisation of cated and cared for. They wanted their children not all mothers at Andrews the holiday. She to die fighting stupid Methodist Church in incorporated herself as wars. They wanted their Grafton, West Virginia, the Mother’s Day children to remember that marking the first official International Associaeven when dogma-fueled observance on Mother’s tion, trademarked the Day. In the following phrases ‘second Sunday wars do divide us, our humanity unites us. years, she campaigned in May’ and ‘Mother’s They wanted us to care to make ‘Mother’s Day’ Day’, and was once for each other. a recognised holiday. arrested for disturbing www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

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May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 17

LAW, FINANCE and YOU Seniors demand tougher financial advice standards

OLDER Australians best interests; that stung by a string of their hard-earned corporate collapses money is safe; and have called for top that, on the promise of quality, independent commission, they’re financial advice in a not being sold a lemon. submission to the “Currently, that isn’t federal government’s always the case.”

Financial System The submission quotes Inquiry. a 2012 Australian In its submission, Securities and InvestNational Seniors ments Commission urges the inquiry to (ASIC) shadow consider whether: shopping survey that Elderly investors feel vunerable conflicted remunerashows only 3% of tion and percentage fees should be allowed retirement financial advice was of good in the provision of financial advice; quality; 58% adequate; and almost 40% minimum educational standards for finanpoor. Yet over 80% of consumers believed cial advisers should be lifted; and tougher they had received good quality advice and financial advice standards adopted.

78% had paid commissions or fees based The call comes barely two weeks after on a percentage of their assets or investacting Assistant Treasurer Mathias ments under advice.

O’Neill said there were lessons to be learnt Cormann delayed the dilution of consumer from corporate collapses which left protections introduced by the former Labor thousands of vulnerable, elderly investors government in response to recent corporate destitute. failures such as Storm Financial (2009), Trio “Government has a role to play in ensur(2009) and Banksia (2012). ing higher standards, greater transparency Chief executive Michael O’Neill said that and more accountability across the system with the growth of superannuation and an from banks and financial advisers to increasingly complex financial system, the regulators. risk burden had shifted to individuals.

“The challenge is to create a strong “The system needs to acknowledge and regulatory framework that puts consumers reflect the shift to individual risk,” he said. first without stifling growth,” he said.

“For older Australians there’s a great deal Announced by Treasurer Joe Hockey late at stake - nest eggs are on the line and, if last year, the inquiry is charged with you’re in or nearing retirement, there’s little exploring how to position the financial opportunity to recoup losses. system to best meet Australia’s evolving “Yet the system is so complex that consumneeds and economic growth. ers, no matter how savvy, are increasingly An interim report is due mid-year; and the forced to seek professional financial final report by November 2014. advice,” said O’Neill.

Source: National “Australians should be able to trust that Seniors ‘Connect’366 financial advice is independent and in their

Page 18 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

A balancing act?

Making sure you leave things right for your family IN these volatile times in the markets it’s easy to become preoccupied with your day-to-day expenses and forget about financial matters further a field. But it has become more important than ever to revisit your estate plans with a qualified financial professional.

“Understandably, when share prices are rising or falling, people tend to become concerned about how it will affect them. But if your estate includes a share-based portfolio, chances are it could have been disturbed by recent market movements,” says Celeste Sutton* from RetireInvest Toowoomba.

“For example, if you planned to leave your share portfolio to one loved one and property to another, the shares may no longer represent the value they once did. This could lead to unfair treatment of your beneficiaries or even family disputes over your shrunken estate after you’ve gone. And that’s exactly what we’re trying to avoid by having a good family succession plan,” she explains.

“Of course, market volatility is an everpresent part of the investment cycle and history has shown that shares more than recover over time. But you can never be too careful, especially if you’re older or in poor health,” says Celeste. After all, what if something were to happen to you before the share market recovered? “For this reason we suggest seeing a qualified financial planner immediately to rebalance your estate plan to reflect your wishes.”

Of course there is a lot more to family succession planning than a basic Will. Other things to think about are covering debts, structuring you assets to avoid additional tax and capital gains liabilities, securing your

Will against claims on your estate and your levels of insurance cover. “Many super fund members also have binding death nominations to consider, specifying which of their dependants will receive their super death benefits after they’ve gone,” says adviser.

“More often than not, this super will be largely share-based, so don’t forget to take this into account too, and compensate the beneficiary if appropriate.”

“Of course one of the major affects of falling share portfolios on family succession planning is that there is less to go around. However one clever way to compensate beneficiaries, who are to receive your share portfolio or super rather than other assets, could be to increase life insurance cover.”

Family succession planning is an important part of any financial plan and if done correctly could avoid a lot of heartbreak for loved ones after you’ve gone. So if you have a share portfolio, managed investment fund or a lot of super in share-based assets, now is the perfect time to see your adviser.

For more information, or to arrange an obligation-free appointment, contact RI Toowoomba on 07 4639 3733. This editorial does not consider your personal circumstances and is general advice only. You should not act on any recommendation without considering your personal needs, circumstances and objectives. We recommend you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances. *Celeste Sutton is an Authorised Representative of RI Advice Group Pty Limited (ABN 23 001 774 125), Australian Financial Services Licence 238429.

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LAW, FINANCE and YOU No interest loans help carers when they need it most

WHEN Wendy Sky’s household goods were ruined in a storage unit she couldn’t afford to replace them outright and had to resort to renting a used refrigerator and washing machine at a cost of $100 a week.As a carer for her husband who has an acquired brain injury, and her son who has recently been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, trying to make ends meet has been a battle.So when she remembered about the No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS), she contacted Carers Queensland to find out if they could help her.

Through Carers Queensland Wendy was able to access a no

interest loan which was used to purchase brand new white goods for a repayment of just $50 a fortnight. She was also eligible for a government subsidy known as the Home Energy Saver Scheme (HESS)which is available for products that meet a minimum energy star rating, such as fridges, freezers, washing machines, dryers and dish washers.

By combining NILS and HESS, Wendy and her family now have a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer and a Tuckerbox freezer, and most importantly are saving $75 a week by not renting.

Wendy says using NILS and HESS has

The No Interest Loan Scheme is available through Carers Queensland for carers with concession cards and can provide loans of up to $1200 for approved purchases

Public Guardian, Adult Guardian and Child Guardian: what’s in a name?

ON the first July 2014 two incredibly important government functions will fuse into one entity creating the Public Guardian of Queensland. This new position was proposed by the Hon Tim Carmody QC in his final report “Taking Responsibility: A Road Map for Queensland Child Protection” and accepted by the Queensland Government in December 2013.

The Public Guardian is an amalgam of the roles of the Adult Guardian and the Child Guardian (refocused for individual advocacy). This initiative is a welcome reform of Queensland’s Child Protection system; however the impact this will have on the existing role of the Adult Guardian is yet to be seen.

Dementia is on the rise globally and the 2011 Deloitte Access Economic Report commissioned by Alzheimer’s Australia provides Queensland dementia estimates of 55,509 in 2014, growing to 73,470 by 2020 and to 215,272 Queenslanders with dementia by 2050.

Related to this is a widespread concern that there will be a similar

increase in the number of financial elder abuse cases involving a person with impaired decision making capacity.

The agency at the forefront of providing the protection and investigating abuse in this area is the Office of the Adult Guardian, which records increasing workloads in each successive annual report.

Meanwhile the Carmody Report highlighted the need for individual advocacy and support for children coming into the child protection system and has apparently recognised the effectiveness of the Adult Guardian’s systems by recommending the refocus and merge of the Child Guardian area into the Office of the Adult Guardian. Better outcomes for children in the child protection system is a major positive in this merge but the only real concern is whether the Public. Guardian can keep a strong focus on both vulnerable children and vulnerable adults - or will one miss out?

By Les Jackson, Service Coordinator, UnitingCare Community Elder Abuse Prevention Unit (EAPU)

made a big difference to their lives, especially as they have been struggling to pay for muchneeded medication.

“I was blown away when they delivered everything,” she said.”Everything was brand new. No interest on the loan is the best part – it’s saving me so much money. It’s literally like getting a loan from a friend.”

Good Shepherd Microfinance’s No Interest Loan Schemeis run nationally from more than 600 locations in partnership with community organisations, National Australia Bank, federal and state governments.Loans of up to $1200 can be

provided for essential household items such as refrigerators, washing machines, beds etc, as well as car registration or repairs, health aids or education costs.

Under the HESS program, energyefficient appliances will be more affordable for NILS clients and in the long term this will help cut household energy expenses.HESS subsi-

dies are only available until June 30, 2014.

NILS is available to carers through Carers Queensland. To be eligible for NILS and HESS carers need to hold a pension card or health care card and be of genuinely lowincome. To find out more about No Interest Loans and HESS, phoneCarers Queensland in Toowoomba on 4632 8922.

I no longer wish to act as an Attorney – Now what?

IF you have been appointed an attorney under either a general or enduring Power of Attorney, there may come a time when you no longer wish to act as that person’s attorney.This may come about because of a change in your own circumstances or you may no longer have the ability to make the required decisions in the best interests of the principal. If this is the case you may resign as an attorney. You will however need to carefully consider how you do this, as the mental capacity of the principal will affect what you must do to resign.

If the principal still has capacity, you may resign pursuant to the Powers of Attorney Act by giving a signed notice to the principal. In the event that the principal no longer has capacity you may only resign with courts leave. This involves an application to the Court or in the alternative to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). The Court or tribunal will decide the application and if necessary appoint a new attorney. To ensure that the application is handled expediently and that suitable new or alternate attorneys are appointed we recommend seeking legal advice to assist with the preparation of the application to resign to ensure that all the legal requirements are met. For further information contact Sheelagh Gray, Gray Lawyers, 07 4613 5794. www.graylawyers.com.au

• Wills • Powers of Attorney • Estate Administration The Department of Veterans’ Affairs office in the Darling Downs region is located at 99 Russell Street Toowoomba and is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Our office can provide information on the complete range of DVA benefits, pensions and allowances and if necessary, personalised assistance with one on one interviews . We also provide a regular on base advisory service to the nearby Oakey and Cabarlah Defence bases.You are very welcome to visit our office but for more complex matters requiring an interview such as pension claims, aged care assets assessments and financial updates, please phone ahead to make an appointment, this will avoid delays with your enquiries. 07 4638 1555.

Our friendly and experienced staff will be happy to assist you. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

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May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 19

community news Toowoomba’s special places provide joy and inspiration

LIZ Whatson of U3A’s Rainbow Writers group shares her thoughts on one of Toowoomba’s “hidden” charms.

Discovering is learning. I crossed the road confidently, expecting to look over a railing similar Take the time to enjoy one to those just of Toowoomba’s hidden up the road treasures – the tropical where the waterfall at Picnic Point outlook is beautiful as I note each time I lean on the rail and look towards “forever”. However I was to discover this railing offers much, much more! It stands proud above rocks that provide a base for a possible sanctuary for busy minds. There is water gently rolling over the rocks, falling to the depths below. It beckons you to look further and discover. I obliged and followed the hedge winding my way to an area much below that railing and there it was....a beautiful majestic wall of water that appeared to be so soft and it created an urge to reach out and let the soft fall of water land in my hand. There was no turbulence, no spray, no anger just a gentle veil of water cascading down, regrouping and trickling down showing off as I stood on the stepping stones watching this story unfold. That same body of water dances past your feet picking up all your cares and concerns, leaving you wishing you could stay longer and drink up the ambience. If you have not visited the waterfall at Picnic Point recently, do you yourself a favour.

Grandparents pass down important lessons to younger generations

By Jo Marsh IT SEEMS in many households that the ritual of sitting at the table for dinner with the family has all but vanished. Of course, it was more than just eating a meal together and sharing your day; it was where you learnt good manners and table etiquette, and where family stories were heard and traditions passed down.

For the extended Tyson family the kitchen table is still a central place for the family to gather says Libby Tyson.

“The best moments have been when we are sitting around the table having a cup of tea with our parents,” she said.”The kids enjoy hearing their stories. We always eat dinner at the kitchen table – it’s something (husband) Darren’s parents instilled in us. It’s about having our meals together and sharing our day, and the children never leave the table without asking permission first.”

Darren’s parents, Gail and the late John Tyson have been a goodexample for their children and

Join Australia’s biggest dog walk to support RSPCA Queensland AROUND the country on Sunday, May 18, dog lovers will snap on leads and hit the streets with their four-legged friends for the RSPCA Million Paws Walk. Billed as Australia’s biggest and best dog event, the walk will attract more than 20,000 people and their dogs in Queensland alone. Funds raised from registrations, merchandise sales and fundraising pages, will help to provide essential care, veterinary treatment, food and shelter for more than 18,000 dogs that RSPCA Queensland cares for each year.

All dogs are welcome, regardless of breed, size or age, as long as they are fully vaccinated, friendly and registered with the local council. Dog-less people are more than welcome to join in the fun and show their support for animals in need.

Participants start from Queens Park and have a choice of three walks of varying lengths. After the walk there’s plenty of time for furry friends to socialise, market stalls to sniff and doggie competitions for showing off. The everpopular lure coursing will provide plenty of entertainment as dogs of all shapes and sizes display their skills and intelligence.

Register online before 3pm on Friday, May 16 to take advantage of ticket price savings. Registration on the day is $20 per adult, $10 per child, $45 family (2 adults, 2 children), $10 concession. For more information contact RSPCA Queensland Events Team on 3426 9943 or email events@rspcaqld.org.au

Maree Fenton, assistant shelter manager RSPCA Toowoomba, and one of the shelter’s dogs get ready for the Million Paws Walk

Walk location: Queens Park, corner of Margaret and Lindsay Streets, Toowoomba On the day registrations open: 9am Walk commences: 10am Walk length: 1.2km, 3.5km and 4km Event concludes: 1.30pm

Page 20 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

Gail Tyson (front centre) surrounded by some of her beautiful family. Standing, from left, are granddaughters Summer, Holly, Ebony, Jess and Sarah. Seated left, daughter Robyn Wickham, and (right) daughter-in-law Libby Tyson

grandchildren.Gail Tyson remembers well the values and principles that came from her own mother and grandmothers.

“I was very close to my grandparents,” she said.

“They taught me about loyalty to the family and if you say you’ll do something, you do it.”

Libby says these lessons have been passed down to the

children.

“We are very much about family; very much about cohesiveness,” she said.”The children are very involved with all their grandparents,they are very close to them. With the death of their grandfather John, they have learnt to appreciate their grandparents more now. His illness made us all aware that we had a

finite time with him.”

The tragedy of their grandfather’s illness and passing from Motor Neurone Disease has given the grandchildren a different view on life.

“The children have learned to be more giving,” Libby said.

“They have gone out and organised fundraisers,andtwo of them even went to school with their hands

tied behind their backs for a day, to raise awareness about what it was like to not be able to use your arms.”

Top of the list for the grandchildren though is taking Gail out for morning tea or lunch – it gives them another opportunity to sit around a table and share a precious relationship with their grandmother.

Croquet club members keen to share fun and skills with juniors MEMBERS of West Toowoomba Croquet Club are passionate about the sport of croquet, and that passion is making a real difference to a number of people in our community.

Club members are sharing their skills and the joy of the game with community groups such as stroke rehabilitation group TRUST and the Toowoomba Multi Service Centre.

It’s not just the social side of the game that brings benefits but the physical activity and the mental stimulation which comes from playing and seeing their skill levels improve says club secretary Ros Dryden.

“A number of people were unable to hit very far when they first started,” she said.

“Now they are hitting good distances. They look forward to coming here and get quite upset if their day gets cancelled.”

The club has had special mallets made which are suitable for use by those in wheelchairs or with other physical limitations. Among those sharing their skills is

affordable and we have special family rates.”

Ros Dryden says that West Toowoomba Croquet Club offers three levels of the game – each one requiring a higher level of skill.

“Golf croquet is fast and fun; it’s a great social game,” she said.

“Ricochet croquet requires a little more thought and a little more skill. Then there’s association croquet which is competition level. It’s a bit like chess, you have to think ahead.

Each level improves your skills.”

Ready to have a go at croquet are (front, from left) According to member Russell Belz, association Tim Wright, Oliver Murphy and Lilly Wyvill, with croquet is polite but West Toowoomba Croquet Club members (back, from left) Betty Belz, Joy Wright, and Neil Williams deadly – with everyone out to win. “Association former Australian ladies recently received a grant croquet is a game for intellectual killers,” Mr champion and the club’s from the Department of Belz said. current vice president Sport and Recreation to Betty Belz.

Even if you don’t have a enable them to promote killer instinct (yet), you “Croquet is a game the game to this age which will suit almost group. Mrs Belz said that can head along to West everyone and every Toowoomba Croquet croquet was one of the Club at Newtown Park on fitness level,” Mrs Belz cheapest sports for said. The club members juniors to be involved in, Taylor Street to try the are keen to start up a game. New classes are and the club has had now being offered on junior club so they can mallets made for junior Thursdays from 9.30 to pass on their skills to players. younger members.

11.30am, and Sundays “All juniors will receive They are hoping to professional coaching,” from 3.30 to 5.30pm. For more information contact attract 10 to 14 year olds she said. to the club and have the club on 4633 0911.

“Our rates are very www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

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May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 21

community news Images of Mother

Simple, low-cost measures to increase your home security REPORTS of crimes and break-ins can make us feel uneasy and nervous even in our own homes, but thanks to Queensland Police Service there are some simple, lowcost ways to make your house look occupied and help deter intruders.

SECURING YOUR HOME: Outside security • Make sure your house number is easy to see from the street—both day and night.

• Trim bushes and trees that obscure windows.

• Consider removing bushes or trees that could be used as hiding places by intruders.

• Ensure that doorway and outside lighting will illuminate your yard.

• Consider installing sensor lights that turn on when you come home at night, and will deter prowlers.

• Check your lights regularly to make sure they are working.

• Consider keeping a dog.

• Consider securing your electricity meter box. Your electricity supplier can help arrange this.

• Keep ladders and tools locked in your garage, garden shed or under the house.

• Lock up your wheelie bin/s or keep them under the house.

Doors • External wooden doors should be of solid core construction and fitted with deadlocks that can be opened from the inside without a key.

• If your deadlocks need a key to open from the inside, leave the keys in the locks and make sure they are unlocked when you’re at home.

• If your door has glass panels, hang the key near the door when you’re home, but out of reach of anyone who could smash a pane.

• A peephole in all external doors, and a light outside, allows you to see who is there, day and night, without having to open the door.

• A security chain between the door and the wall will help you check who’s at the door.

• Fit good quality aluminium or steel security screen doors to all entrances.

• Security doors offer valuable protection when your main door is open for ventilation.

• Keep security doors locked at all times.

• Make sure all your door locks can be opened with the same key.

• Fit double-sided locking handles and patio door bolts to sliding doors.

• A snug fitting block of wood placed in the lower sliding door channel can make it difficult for intruders to open the door.

Windows • Install quality key-operated window locks to all windows.

• Make sure all your window locks can be unlocked with the same key.

4 years of age: My Mummy can do anything!

8 years of age: My Mum knows a lot. A whole lot!

12 years of age: My Mother doesn’t really know quite everything.

14 years of age: Naturally, Mother doesn’t know that, either.

16 years of age: Mother? She’s so old fashioned.

18 years of age: Mothers are so out of date!

25 years of age: Well, Mum might know a little bit about it.

35 years of age: Before we decide, let’s get Mum’s opinion.

45 years of age: Wonder what Mum would think about it?

65 years of age: Wish I could talk it over with Mum.

Queensland Police Service’s handbook on safety for seniors provides tips on home security and personal safety

• Install security screens to deter intruders so you can leave your windows open in hot weather.

• If possible, replace louvre windows with sliding windows, or install security screens over your louvres.

Internal security • Access to your home can be gained through the roof, so attach hinges and a sliding bolt to your ceiling access cover (manhole).

• If watching TV, using the vacuum cleaner or other noisy tools or equipment, keep external doors locked.

• Consider installing an alarm system. Advice on suitable security alarms for your home is available from reputable security companies, locksmiths and hardware stores.

• If you have an alarm system, advertise it by displaying a security sticker.

Other tips • Self-tapping screws in the top frame of your windows and sliding doors will stop them being lifted out (but make sure there’s enough clearance for the door or window to slide).

• When you buy new electrical goods, don’t leave the packaging outside so burglars will know you have new products.

• Don’t keep lots of money in your house unless it’s in a good quality safe.

• Consider using a safety deposit box at your bank for storing valuable items.

• Don’t leave keys hidden outside.

Staying healthy over 50 - Tips for eating well as you age AS you age, your relationship to food may change along with your body. A decreased metabolism, changes in taste and smell, and slower digestion may affect your appetite, the foods you can eat, and how your body processes food. The key is to figure out how to adapt to your changing needs. Now, more than ever, healthy eating is important to maintain your energy and health.

Load up on high-fibre fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Your whole digestive system does slow as you age so fibre is very important.

Consume fibre-rich

foods such as whole grains, fruit and vegetables. They will help you feel more energetic and give you fuel to keep going.

Put effort into making your food look and taste good. Your taste buds may not be as strong

and your appetite may not be the same, but your nutritional needs are just as important as ever. If you don’t enjoy eating like you used to, put a little more effort into your meals, including the way you flavour, prepare and

present your food.

Watch out for dehydration. Because of physical changes, older adults are more prone to dehydration.

So make sure you are drinking plenty of fluid, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you’re not getting enough water you’re not going to be as sharp and your energy will suffer.

Make meals a social event. It’s more enjoyable to eat with others than alone. If you live alone, invite other people over. It’s a great way to stay in touch with friends and you can share cooking and clean-up duties.

Freedom residents enjoying the sunshine

These tips form part of a handbook on safety for seniors, titled Confident, Safe and Secure – Living in Queensland produced

by Queensland Police Service.

The handbook can be downloaded from www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/ cscp/personalSafety/seniors/.

Toowoomba Knit and Natter TOOWOOMBA Knit and Natter meet on the second Tuesday of every month at 17 Podd Street, Wilsonton. Knitters and crocheters of all ages welcome, bring your work. 10am to 3pm. Come and stay as long as you like. Beginners welcome but you should know how to knit or crochet basics. Refreshments.

Free to all. Phone 07 4634 0492 for more information.

Page 22 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

L to R Gertie Robinson, Margaret Armstrong, Audrey Yuide, Robbie Diete, Pat Beaman and Greg Bell soak up the autumn sunshine while planting some new flowers www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

FEELING GOOD

endent p e d In g in y a t S d an

Let’s muscle in on anti-ageing HERE are some valuable hints for all of us over 50.

Metabolic rate slows with age, so keep walking.

Muscle mass - do some exercise with weights at least once per week.

Bone density - as we age we very slowly lose bone density so do some weight training and stair stepping.

Fat gain - we tend to gain body fat so do some cardio vascular exercise to burn off this extra fat.

Flexibility - regular stretching exercises will help to keep you limbered up.

Strength - this is different from training for muscle mass; do shorter timed exercise and only do 4-6 repetitions.

Lung volume - to maintain or increase lung capacity, do deep breathing exercises, sitting up, lying down or running around.

Heart fitness - ten or twenty minutes of strenuous exercise will

muscles or general fatigue. There are ways to manage or even remove stress from your life. Set aside time for doing the techniques, a few minutes to begin with, and improve to 15 or 20 minutes two or three times per day.

build cardiac reserve capacity. Stair steps, cycling or swimming are better than jogging.

Co-ordination - keep up with dancing and sports activities just to ensure that arms, hands, legs, feet do what you want them to do! No falls allowed!

Relaxation is good for us.

Relaxation techniques or exercises reduce physical and emotional responses to stress and tension. They are simple to learn and help

Included in the techniques are: close your eyes and imagine a calm soothing scene and/or concentrate on your body and move muscle groups in a routine from feet to head. Look after yourself by eating regular meals; drink

about 2 litres of water per day. Exercise is good; get out into the fresh air whenever possible. A warm bath or shower can be calming and relaxes tense muscles. Remember to laugh and smile; it is not always easy, but it is always positive.

our bodies cope with stress.

If practised regularly, relaxation techniques can lead to feeling more relaxed with an improved sense of wellbeing. There are a number of indicators pointing to stress.

Included in the long list are difficulty sleeping or making ordinary decisions. Crying for no apparent reason and/or lack of enthusiasm for anything.

There may be fast heartbeat, tense

Care for your feet YOU may not think about your feet that often, way down there at the end of your legs, but they’re an essential part of almost everything you do.

Whether walking, running, exercising, or just standing, having feet that are comfortable and well-cared for (rather than aching or in pain) makes the experience must more pleasant. Therefore, knowing how to care for your feet is vital.

And this isn’t just about feeling good.

When your feet don’t get the attention they need, chronic problems can develop, which may trouble you for years to come. Have you ever thought about the important role your feet play in your daily life? On face value, your feet touch the ground whenever you’re

standing, walking or running, and they are extensions of the legs, which help move you. But your feet are much more than that. After all, they are the foundation of your body, which means keeping your feet healthy can help keep you healthy.

It is often only once your feet hurt that you realise quite how important they are. Our feet are not only essential for getting us from A to B, but foot pain and symptoms can have a major effect on our function, mobility and quality of life.

As we age, we can become less able to look after our feet due to poor vision and limited flexibility, but a podiatrist can help us stay active by keeping our feet healthy.

Walking can help stave off Alzheimer’s symptoms EXPERTS have been mystified why higher physical and mental activity can lower your chances of getting Alzheimer’s Disease.

A stress hormone produced during a brisk stroll can protect the brain from memory loss.

The discovery may also explain why people vulnerable to stress are at more risk of dementia.

Experts have been mystified why higher physical and mental activity can lower your chances of getting Alzheimer’s, but a team at the University of Nottingham have found that the key might be found in balancing the body’s level of the hormone CRF. People with Alzheimer’s have a reduced level but normal levels of CRF help the brain, keeping the mental faculties sharp.

Research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, shows the www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

effects of CRF in mice and found when its production was blocked, the mice displayed stress and abnormal behaviour.

Dr Marie-Christine Pardon and her team found releasing CRF can maintain a connection between nerve cells which is thought to break down in Alzheimer’s patients and cause early memory loss.

Other symptoms include mood changes and problems with communicating and reasoning.

Dr Pardon said: “This is the first time researchers have been able to identify a brain process directly responsible for the beneficial effects of exercise in slowing down the progression of the early memory decline of Alzheimer’s.

“Overall, it is further evidence a healthy lifestyle involving exercise slows down the risk.”

May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 23

FEELING GOOD

dent n e p e d In g in y a t S and

After 46 years of nursing, Vicki finds HAPPY FEET . . .

IN the good old days, you didn’t get much vocational choice. If youwere a bright young lady your choice was either a secretary or a nurse. Thankfully Vicki McCabe chose the latter.

46 years later with hospital training at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, as a clinical nurse in Aged Care, A and E, Orthopaedics, medical and surgical, vicki is still on her feet, and over the years her feet have caused her enormous pain .

Growing up in PNG and having worked at Calvary Hospital in Cairns and then in aged care and now as a community nurse for a large community care organisation, Vicki knows all about humidity and tinea too. ”My feet were already sore when I woke up, and after another day on a cement floor, I could barely stand.

That’s why nurses wear really good shoes. Up until the 80s, we had to wear stockings too!

My husband’s cousin asked me to try bamboo charcoal socks. They make such a difference.

My feet were still sore by the end of the day

but so much better than before. They improve my circulation, and now I don’t have any oedema in my feet or legs, or even an

People with diabetes are at risk of foot problems

indentation where the socks go. They prevent tinea too, so I bought 4 pairs. I rotate them, wash them and dry them in the sun. I wear them every day.”

Happy healthy feet means Vicki can still nurse, garden, go see her favourite movies, and spend time with husband Mick and 4 grown up children.

Says Vicki McCabe, “I still love my work, love the contact with the other staff, and my community nursing patients. “ Toowoomba seniors can now purchase easily at Betty’s Hair Salon, Foyer Entrance, St Vincent’s Hospital, Scott Street, Toowoomba order 24/7 at www.aushealing.com.au, or call 0412 071 713 any time.

Recognise the signs of a stroke USE “FAST” to remember and recognise the signs of stroke: Face – Has the person’s mouth drooped? Arms – Can they lift both arms? Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call triple zero (000) immediately.

PEOPLE with diabetes are more likely to develop serious foot problems because the condition may lead to reduced blood flow to the feet, which makes cuts and abrasions slow to heal.

Diabetes can also causedamaged nerves in the foot, which result in a reduced ability to feel minor trauma.

As well as checking their feet daily for cuts, blisters, bruises or signs of injury, which they may not have felt happening, they should have at least an annual foot check-up with a podiatrist.

Seek advice or treatment from a podiatrist before trying to manage foot problems (such as corns, calluses or ingrown nails) by yourself.

Good foot care can help people with diabetes to avoid foot problems. Take care of your feet, get regular check-ups from your doctor or podiatrist and act quickly if you have a problem.

The nerves to your feet are the most likely to be affected by diabetes. Damaged nerves (neuropathy) can cause painful, numb or insensitive feet. Minor cuts, blisters or burns may not be felt and ulcers can develop, which you may not be aware of. Some people with neuropathy experience uncomfortable sensations such as burning, tingling and pain. This is often worse at night.

It is important to remember that many people with nerve damage have no symptoms and are unaware of the problem. Nevertheless, they are still at risk of developing ulcers.

Foot care amongst diabetics is incredibly important as foot ulcers affect as many as one out of 10 people with dia-

betes. Even small ulcers on the foot can represent a serious risk as they may heal extremely slowly and need rigorous treatment to cure.In turn, ulcers can develop into serious lower body infections. The presence of high blood glucose levels over a long period of time may result in damage to the body and to bodily functions.Although it is uncertain how this process works, amongst diabetics it is relatively frequent. A condition called diabetic neuropathy sometimes occurs over time, usually affecting the sensory nerves in the legs.

If your nervous system is even slightly damaged, the extremities of the body can become numb.

For this reason, you may not be able to feel foot problems until they have developed. It is most important to ensure you have regular foot examinations.

Diabetic neuropathy can gradually occur without the patient realising and, as such, the loss of protective sensation puts them at risk of developing increased pressures underneath the feet that can cause ulceration and in some severe cases where infection and gangrene is present, amputation.

The blood supply to the feet can also be affected along with an increased tendency to develop foot deformities due to an imbalance between the foot and lower leg muscles. These complications represent a significant risk to patients with diabetes mellitus and their health and quality of life in general.

If you are at risk, check in with your doctor or podiatrist soon.

Thinking of buying a new matress or bed?

It’s important to remember that good health requires a good sleep!

Your Avante Hi Lo adjustable electric bed will adjust slowly, smoothly, silently and unfailingly into the position you desire.

Chiro Dreamz Single .................... $ 315.00 Chiro Dreamz King Single ............ $ 355.00 Chiro Dreamz Double .................. $ 405.00 Chiro Dreamz Queen ................... $ 455.00 Heavy duty centre zoning, full mattress edge support, includes luxurious pillow top using premium quality materials, never turn technology, 5 year warranty

MAD MAY S PECIAL PR ICES Long Singl $ e - 1990 King Single $ - 2150

My Harmony Double .................. $ 750.00 My Harmony Queen .................. $ 855.00 My Harmony King ...................... $1015.00 No partner disturbance with pocket spring technology, no roll together, pressure relieving latex sheeting, heavy duty centre zoning, pillow top, with excellent pressure relief, 15 year warranty

Chiro Care Single ........................ $ 235.00 Chiro Care King Single ................ $ 265.00 Chiro Care Double ...................... $ 315.00 Chiro Care Queen ....................... $ 350.00 Heavy duty centre zoning, full mattress edge support, medium to firm rating, great mattress for the spare room, 5 year warranty

WE ALSO STOCK A RANGE OF ENSEMBLE BASES TO SUIT ALL OUR MATTRESSES, AT VERY COMPETITIVE PRICING

Page 24 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

8 Mylne St, Toowoomba - PH: 07 4637 1899 mobility@friendliespharmacy.com.au I

www.friendliesmobility.com.au

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

WHAT’S ON

this month

Autumn in the mountains attracts foodies to Hampton Festival

IT’S that time of year again when serious foodies make their annual pilgrimage to enjoy autumn in the mountains,and all the yummy goodies the region produces, at the Hampton Festival.

This year’s special guests will be acclaimed celebrity chef Matt Golinski, from the popular ‘Ready Steady Cook’ television series,and Sally Lynch, chef to the rich and famous, and owner of Brisbane-based cooking school and food travel

business, Taste Trekkers.

While the popular autumn farm trail and sumptuous long lunch is already booked out, visitors can enjoy the free festival opening with an evening of art, music and wine on Saturday, May 17 from 7pm to 9pm.

The art exhibition will showcase works from artists living and working within a 50km radius of Hampton.

On Sunday, May 18, the festival will feature live cooking demonstrations using the best of the region’s produce, market

and provedore’sstalls, musical entertainment, and children’s activities.

For more information about the festival go to www.hamptonfestival.com or just head out to Chapman Park at Hampton on Sunday, May 18 between 9.30am and 4pm. Tickets are $10 per adult (children under 12 free) and are available at the gate.

Visitors to Hampton Festival delight in the fresh produce grown around the region

Last days for Last of the Red Hot Lovers TOOWOOMBA Repertory Theatre presents the “Last of the Red Hot Lovers”, a comedy by Neil Simon. Public nights May 9 and 10. Box office at 94 Margaret Street open between 10am and 2pm. Phone 4632 8058.

Fun and fancy…fancy that!

A GROUP exhibition by 18 of the Toowoomba Art Society’s Thursday painters titled Fun and fancy…fancy that! will be held from May 5 to June 1. The subjects chosen are as varied as the artist’s individual styles – realistic, impressionistic and abstract, either in oils, acrylic, pastel, watercolour and ink. The official opening will be Friday May 9, 6.30pm. All are welcome.

Find a bargain at Warwick country markets ROSE City country markets are on again at Australiana Park, Wallace Street, Warwick on Sunday, May 11 from 8am to 12 noon. Stalls include fresh produce, ornaments, plants, toys, jewellery, jams, art and craft, woodwork, health products, furniture, books and more.

Enjoy fine china & homemade delicacies at Soroptimist’s annual high tea

JOIN members of Soroptimist International Toowoomba for their annual high tea on Saturday, May 17 from 2pm-4pm at the Glennie Room at The Glennie School, Toowoomba. Come along for an enjoyable afternoon with a delicious afternoon tea of homemade delicacies served on fine china. There will be a fashion parade of bridesmaid’s dresses and a guest speaker who will talk about one of the group’s projects. Cost is $25 per person. For more information contact Patricia or Alison on 0407 762 932 or 4635 0059.

Swing into Drayton for an evening of jazz and blues HEAD out to the Drayton Memorial Hall on Saturday, May 17, from 7pm till 11pm for a great night of jazz and blues. Presented by the Toowoomba Municipal Band the evening will be in aid of musician Dan Graf who on Christmas eve 2012 broke his neck in a terrible accident leaving him paralysed from the chest down. The night will feature some of Toowoomba’s best musicians and special guest singer Miss Lisa Skerman fresh from her Phantom of the Opera success. Cost is $30 per person. For more information contact Mal Agydon on 0416247993 or mgaydon@hotmail.com.

Carers invited to inaugural Home and Community Care Services ‘Market Place’ A FREE afternoon featuring a range of health services available in the region, and information on accessing these services, will be held at the Toowoomba Golf Club, Middle Ridge on Wednesday, May 21 from 1.30pm-3.30pm. A light afternoon tea will be provided.

Carers of any age and families are invited to attend the first Darling Downs, South West Queensland Home and Community Care Services market place.

The event is hosted by Carers Queensland and Medicare Local – Darling Downs, South West Queensland.

For more information contact Liz Grummitt on 4688 2000 or lgrummitt@ddswqmedicarelocal.com.au. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 25

community news Television celebrities Costa Georgiadis and Alistair McLeod have a bovine experience at Felton Food Festival

Celebrity chef Alistair McLeod gets up close and personal with a local bovine personality in an attempt to get milk to use in the cook off against Costa Georgiadis`

ON THE last Sunday in April, the pretty, bucolic Felton Valley greeted the day with glorious autumn weather as it played host to the third Felton Food Festival.

Festival organiser Sally McCreath joined some of the 130 volunteers at 5.30am to add the last minute touches to what would be the biggest and best festival to date. “We think about 10,000 people attended the event this year,” Mrs McCreath said.”The first year there were about 3,000 people; last year, about 5,000; and this year there were about 10,000.We were really pleased with the day. It was great looking around seeing so many people enjoying themselves.”

The festival’s rural environment adequately accommodated the large numbers and visitors were relaxed and happy, with plenty of room to move around and talk to some of the 70-plus stall holders. Local farmers, meat and dairy producers showcased the region’s diversity, and importance as a food growing area, with displays of livestock, fresh fruit and veg, and locally made gourmet products. They

Celebrity gardener Costa Georgiadis shares his knowledge about using locally available products to create a no-dig garden and great compost

Waiting to see celebrity gardener Costa Georgiadis create a no-dig garden are (from left) Brian and Del Timms, Veronica O’Connell and MarionneDiggles

were joined by enthusiastic gardener and television personality Costa Georgiadis whose passion for sustainable gardening was palpable as he urged people to look around themselves and utilise the resources that were in their own backyards and within their region. Mulch, compost, manure – it all made Costa’s heart sing.

His demonstrations on the best ways to create no-dig garden beds and mix the perfect batch of compost were encouraging and simple enough to make even nongardeners want to get down and get dirty.

Celebrity chef Alistair McLeod captured the audience’s imagination

by cooking up a storm in the main marquee using the best of the fresh, local produce on hand.

His recipes included cider braised pork chops, silverbeet colcannon, pork shoulder bolognese and sorghum grain salad.

The highlight of the day was the great cook-off between Alistair and Costa. Their bantering died a quiet death when they became aware of a bovine presence in the marquee. Not just one, but two cows were quietly led to the front of the audience. Suddenly the cook-off took a new twist – the celebrities were charged with milking a cow each and using the milk in whatever recipe they

Page 26 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

Jaguar car club members Julie and

chose to create. While Alan Jorgensen drove from neither had ever milked a Brisbane to check out the Felton cow before, Mrs Food Festival McCreath said Costa was pretty good as he went straight to the right end! Alistair spent much time patting the cow’s face and murmuring nice words before he managed (with the help of a real farmer) to produce some milk. Events turned more hilarious as both cows managed to kick over their buckets of milk and the celebs had to start again. It all made for great entertainment and a terrific day out. So, no matter what you’re doing next year, grab some Moira McDowall of Southbrook (left) friends, support our and Charm Ryrie of Pittsworth farmers and head out to volunteered their time to run the the Felton Food Festival merchandise stall at the Felton in April.

Food Festival

Lyn Wieden (left) and Dianne Holbornwere keen to see the displays and products from the farms around Felton

Robyn Jackson (left) and Meredith White enjoyed the autumn weather as they wandered among the stalls at the Felton Food Festival

Celtic honour awarded to Malcolm Leslie IT was with a great deal of surprise and appreciation that local man, Malcolm Leslie, was advised in early March that he had been awarded a “Celtic Honour” by the Celtic Council Australia Queensland. He had been nominated, by a fellow member of the Society of St Andrew of Scotland (Queensland) Ltd., Darling Downs Branch, because of his long involvement in local Scottish affairs through the Toowoomba Caledonian Society and Burns Club and the St Andrews Society. The Celtic Council must have agreed with the nomination, because the honour was awarded. With his wife, Colleen, he travelled to Brisbane on Saturday, 12th April 2014 to attend the Pan Celtic Dinner and Awards Night, held at the Queensland Irish Club. Malcolm and Colleen were joined at the dinner by Mr Kym Flehr and his wife Katrina, who had attended to offer support. The dinner was wonderful, and all present were entertained by the Queensland Irish Pipe Band, Queensland Irish Dancers and the “Elan Sopranos”. After dinner, eight people including Malcolm were presented with certificates and badges naming them as “Duine Uasal” (Honoured Person), and allowing them to use the Post Nominals of D.Ua. Malcolm receives his lapel pin from Celtic Council Australia Queensland President Mavis Williams D.Ua. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Let’s Get Netta’s open garden at Toowoomba

IMPRESSIVE young organic garden with beautifully maintained plants requiring minimal water. Foliage and colour interest from standard grevilleas, espaliered fruit trees, formal hedged areas, roses, irises, clematis and magnolias. Edible plants throughout the garden, including a fabulous Dragon Fruit vine. Organic productive garden. Netta’s garden is open courtesy of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme and is situated at 122 Hogg St, Toowoomba and will be open on Saturday 17 May and Sunday 18 May from 9am-4.30pm. Entry $7.

Pets make great companions for seniors PETS, like John Graham’s contented cat, make great companions and give us unconditional love.

Stroking a cat or patting a dog can benefit our health by providing pleasure and a sense of wellbeing. The RSPCA has many beautiful pets just waiting for a loving home. See page 34 in this issue for two of their cute pets available for adoption.

Fresh

Milk a ‘balanced’ diet for seniors HERE’S some good news for dairy farmers – healthier seniors could help boost milk sales.

People who want to stay healthy and independent into their golden years need to eat right and exercise regularly.

While it’s never too late to get healthy, the sooner a person starts to follow good habits, the more likely he or she is to stay fit for the rest of their lives. For example, a recent study found that starting to drink milk as a child can lead to improved balance and physical ability in old age.

The study, published in the journal Age and Aging, found that subjects who drank an extra glass of milk a day then they normally would had a 5% faster walking time and 25% smaller chance of experiencing poor balance in their old age.

While studies in the past have examined the positive effects of drinking milk, this is the first one to show that these benefits may last a lifetime.

Along with improving balance into old age, there are many benefits of consuming milk.

Drinking more milk may build healthier bones and teeth, strengthen muscles, enhance weight loss and improve

One squirt or two? Clearer skin with milk

the look of your skin.

Nutritionists say a lowfat, high-fibre diet is not appropriate for all elderly people, especially those with repeated infections, generally poor health or a poor appetite. It’s important that older people choose a nutrient- rich diet, high in foods providing protein, vitamins and minerals such as milk and dairy products, meat, eggs, fish, bread, cereals, and fruit and vegetables.

A varied diet will also help to ensure adequate nutritional intake.

Snacks can be an important part of the diet, too, in older age groups, particularly for those unable to cope with large meals at one sitting. Dairy products

such as milk provide an excellent way to provide a nutrient-rich snack along with fluid in individuals who are struggling to meet their requirements.

It is a good idea for seniors to keep an emergency store of some basic dairy food items for times when it is difficult for them to get to the shops. Useful store cupboard items include long-life milk, evaporated and dried milk and tinned milky puddings.

A sacrificial anode is a vital part of your hot water system, and having it inspected can be the difference between an efficiently working system or a costly replacement. Manufacturers recommend that you maintain the anode in your system in order to prevent damage from rust + corrosion. After its 5th birthday warranty expires.

THE ANODE IN YOUR SYSTEM SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO CORRODE AWAY WHATEVER TYPE OR BRAND OF SYSTEM YOU HAVE. SOLAR - Electric, Gas or Heat Pumps.

FOR A LIMITED TIME we will check your anodes free of charge.

“REMEMBER YOU CAN’T LOSE, NO ANODE REPLACEMENT NO CHARGE” Comes with a 5 year warranty Make your Hot Water System last for up to 30 years without replacement.

AUSSIE ANODES

Check out all that is great about farming at FarmFest FARMFEST is Queensland’s premier primary industry field day. Showcasing more than 2000 companies and attracting more than 60,000 visitors from across the nation and overseas, this is one of the fastest growing and successful field days in Australia. Come along and check out all that is great about farming on Tuesday, June 3, Warrego Highway, Kingsthorpe. For more information go to www.farmfest.com.au.

QCWA is holding a Citrus Morning Tea on Tuesday, May 13, from 9.30am, at the CWA Rooms, 263 Margaret Street, Toowoomba. There will be entertainment, citrus based food, recipes available, a talk on the use of citrus foods, tea and coffee. Entry is $5, tickets are available at the CWA rooms. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 27

HOLIDAY & Leisure Home sweet anywhere: retirees trade their home for a life around the world

Retire and travel .. Lyn and Tim Martin spending their later years on the road

AMERICANS Lynne and Tim Martin are on their way to Queensland – and they say they’re breaking all the rules of retirement.

At a time when they had every right to kick back in their cosy Paso Robles, California, home and live out their golden years surrounded by children, grandchildren and friends, they chose to sell their house, pack their lives in two rolling duffel bags, and see the world.

Lynne, 73, and Tim, 68, have been chronicling their journeys since 2010.

Lynne’s memoir, ’Home Sweet Anywhere’, recently hit the shelves. She retired from a career in public relations, and Tim

retired from his job running a small electronics firm.

Their lifestyle is the stuff of dreams for most retirees, but the couple’s decision to travel full time was very much rooted in reality. “We looked very carefully at what our overhead was living in California, and what it cost us to wake up every morning in our house,” says Lynne.

“We added everything together and it was staggering. We found we could live for less travelling the world.” If they needed a sign they were on the right path, they got it as soon as they put their house on the market. It sold in one day. In less

than four months, they began the first leg of their journey in San Miguel, Mexico, where a friend agreed to let them housesit for free. A month later, they were in Buenos Aires for six weeks, where they tried (and failed) to finetune their Spanish. After a brief visit to the UD for Thanksgiving, they flew to Florida and took a oneway cruise to Europe, where they spent seven months hopping around France, Italy, England, Ireland and Portugal.

They’re re-visiting their favourite destination, Paris, this June. “We try to schedule our destinations [based on our budget],” Lynne says. “If we’re going to London or Paris, which are expensive, we try to counter them by going to Portugal or Spain afterward, which are cheaper. It all cost-averages.” About that budget. Living abroad without a home base isn’t something one can do on a whim, especially without a steady income. How do the Martins manage to make it work? Funding: With the help of an investment ad-

Page 28 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

visor, the couple decided live off of a $6000 monthly stipend, sourced from returns on their joint investment portfolio. They also get a boost from Lynne’s Social Security income.

Since they book trips as far as six months in advance, they keep a ‘slush funds of about $20,000 to make deposits ahead of time on any lodging or transportation they may need without biting into their monthly budget. It took decades to build the nest egg that now sustains them overseas.

Lynne was always an aggressive saver, but Tim, like most Americans, didn’t start saving for retirement until he was well into his 40s. To catch up, he dabbled in real estate for a while and ran a small electronics firm. Transportation: One of their favourite ways to bundle transportation and lodging together is to take ‘repositioning’ cruises.

Twice a year, cruise lines relocate their ships as the seasons change and sell cheap one-way fares to passengers who want to come along for the ride.

The Martins recently

travelled from the US to Europe for $2000 – not exactly ideal if you have to book a flight home as soon as you land, but for Lynne and Tim, it’s an economical way to get from point A to point B while enjoying all the amenities a cruise has to offer. Often they travel from the US to Europe this way. “When you consider what airfare costs, we’re getting transportation there, plus 12 or 14 days of food and housing,” Lynne says. On the ground, they stick to public transportation whenever possible and use CarRentals.com when wheels are necessary. The site lets them search for rental agencies in most countries and compare prices in one place. Lodging: With a housing budget of around $2400 a month, they don’t have room for pricey hotels.

They use Homeaway.com and VRBO.com to rent

apartments, condos and sometimes houses. To stretch their dollar and have time to settle in to new places, they stay in countries for several weeks at a time.

And their first destination in any new city is always the grocery store. If they do eat out, it’s usually for lunch, a much less expensive meal.

Health care: Since Medicare doesn’t cover overseas health expenses, Lynne and Tim have an international catastrophic health care policy. It’s not much, but it ensures they can be transported home if they become too ill for travel. For more common health needs like dental check-ups, they pay out of pocket. “Health care in other countries is remarkably good,” she says. “If you get sick in Paris, lucky you.”

The time table: Tim usually handles nitty gritty trip-planning duties, but

they’re careful to leave room in their schedule.

“We try to plan six months ahead because I’m old and I need to know where I’m going,” Tim says. “When we first started, we tried planning a year ahead and I thought that lacked a little flexibility.”

Currency: Credit is king with the Martins. They take advantage of their airline-specific credit cards for free checked baggage perks and otherwise use credit cards that earn points for travel and don’t charge foreign exchange fees.

The end of the road: With the benefit of good health on their side, the Martins say they’ll continue travelling as long as their bodies allow it. But they purposefully leave their principal retirements savings untouched as a form of security for when they do finally need to slow down.

Air transport tips GET tech savvy (if you don’t know how your kids will help you).

Check with your airline to determine if there are options for web, kiosk or mobile phone checkin to save time when you arrive at the airport. Hold the stress and understand your airline’s baggage requirements.

Check with your airline to ensure that you have the latest information about baggage restrictions. Be prepared if any extra charges may apply to you. If you have any items that you are unsure about, check with your airline prior to arriving at the airport so that you can avoid any unnecessary surprises or delays while checking in for your flight.

Gifts - Unless your present is intended for the security personnel, it is best to keep all of your items (including those packed in your checked baggage) unwrapped until you

arrive at your destination point. Don’t be “that person” in the security line (you know who you are!)

Don’t hold up the line.

Ensure that all personal toiletry items such as liquids, aerosols and gels are packaged in containers with a capacity of 100 ml/100 grams (3.4 oz) or less.

The containers must fit comfortably in one clear, closed and resealable plastic bag, with a capacity of no more than 1 litre. One plastic bag per person is allowed and must be

removed from carry-on baggage.

Any containers over 100 ml should be placed in checked baggage. All liquid food in your carry-on (for example, yogurt, pudding, peanut butter or jam) must be in containers of 100 ml or less. Still unsure about the rules?

You are responsible for making sure that you have the proper identification and travel documentation for yourself and your children as required by the country of destination.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

HOLIDAY & Leisure Visit by royals stirs new interest in Uluru THE royal visit to Uluru at the southern end of the Northern Territory has awakened new interest in the iconic sandstone formation as a 4WD destination by ‘grey nomads’.

Locals report an upsurge in visits from Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

Prince William and Catherine took in a grand sunset at Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park to end their tour of the Red Centre.

The royals took part in a guided walk around Uluru which brought back memories of the 1983 visit by Prince Charles and Diana who climbed the edifice. A popular

option for visitors is Rock Tour which departs daily from Alice Springs at 5.30 am and includes all meals. The tour operates three itineraries daily and all are the same price. The tour involves a genuine bush camping experience sleeping in genuine Aussie swags if you’re tempted.

Freecall 1800 246345 for travel advice about getting to the NT, accommodation options and the free airport pickup service from the airport, bus or train station when you arrive in Alice Springs.

Tourist magnet .. Uluru in central Australia

Latin America small group tours

Iguazú Falls

CAREFULLY planned small group fully escorted tours to different Latin America destinations are paying off to husband and wife team Horacio Passeggi and Stella Romagnoli joining forces in their pursuit to promote Latin America, the continent of their roots. Latin America Group Tours is focusing on small groups where the passenger is escorted every day, in every place until boarding the last flight home. Their classic fully escorted tour to Argentina, Brazil and Peru is scheduled for April and September 2015.

From the hectic capital of Argentina to the incredible Iguazú Falls, the astonishing city of Rio de Janeiro to the mixture of cultures in Cuzco or the majesty of the Inca sacred city of Machu Pichu all has been carefully considered.

If you are one the adventurous and curious type that dream about exotic cultures, far away lands and ancient history, Mexico and Central America is your tour.

Your senses will be filled up with the sounds, colours and flavours that this unique region has to offer. This tour has been planned to explore the genuine Aztec and Mayan cultures combined with country life and cosmopolitan fascinating cities in the most authentic Mariachi style with lots of burritos, tequila and amigos! Departure time for this tour is May 2015. Two information nights are being held at Caloundra Community Centre, on May 15 and 22 starting at 5.30pm.

On May 15 we will show a day to day itinerary of the Mexico/Guatemala trip while we’ll do the same for the Argentina/Brazil/Peru on May 22. Everybody is welcome. Stella and Horacio love to promote their culture and can be contacted at: 07 5492 5274 or Mob: 0400 193 040.

Email:latinamerica grouptours@gmail.com Web: www.latinamericagrouptours Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Latinamericagrouptours

GET LOCKED UP

Book prior to 31st May Seniors & Retirees Groups receive 1 hour guided tour through the Gaol with tea & coffee included

for only $13.99 Tour Bookings

Offer applies to a min of 20 visitors bookings@boggoroadgaol.com

3844 0059

or 0411 111 903

www.boggoroadgaol.com www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 29

HOLIDAY & Leisure Settle in, relax and be impressed IN early April I was fortunate enough to attend the christening cruise of APT’s latest European river ship, the MS AmaReina. On this 7 day cruise I was treated to the wonderful APT service and given a sneak preview of what they are offering in 2015.

Much is the same, unpacking and repacking only once on your luxury floating hotel, tipping included, Freedom of Choice touring included and most meals & drinks included.

Having sailed on an APT concerto class ship before, I was impressed with the improvements on the AmaReina.

The sundeck is a new look with a swim up bar and stunning outdoor lounge area.

The main lounge/bar is laid out in a different way and looks sleek and inviting. The

Melk Abbey

MS Ama Reina Sun Deck

Erlebnis chef’s table restaurant with the curved glass walls and smaller tables seems

more intimate and stylish.

If you are lucky enough to be cruising

make sure you book at least one night at this great restaurant.

As good as Erlebnis is

TAKE LATIN AMERICA OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST JOIN US AT OUR FREE INFORMATION SESSION CALOUNDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE – QUEEN STREET– CALOUNDRA • THURSDAY MAY 15TH FROM 5.30 FOR THE “NORTHERN TREASURES” TOUR DEPARTING May 16th 2015 to MEXICO AND GUATEMALA • THURSDAY MAY 22ND FROM 5.30 FOR THE “GEMS OF THE SOUTH” TOUR DEPARTING APRIL 3rd 2015 to ARGENTINA, BRAZIL AND PERU

Everybody welcome

Phone: (07) 5492 5274 Mob: 0400 193 040

I was certainly not disappointed with the meals in the main dining room. This is split into two sections, an Italian and international dining area. You can order from either menu however or from a small always available menu. A couple of guests had special diet requirements and they were handled with ease.

What has not changed is the classic APT service. The best example of this was when I took a glass of red wine from the restaurant up to the lounge.

When it was finished I went to the bar and the barman asked if I would like another. I explained it was the red wine from the restaurant and he smiled and produced a bottle. The waiter had bought it up after I

Cabin on A ma

Reina

asked if it was OK to take my drink upstairs in case I wanted another.

The APT Freedom of Choice touring is a wonderful way to customise your holiday. Select from a range of excursions, all of which are included in your cruise price.

The groups were small and we were equipped with a little headset so even an old deaf bloke like me could hear at all times.

The local guides were wonderful, full of knowledge and humour. The bike ride along the side of the river was great fun and I felt like I had earned the beer at the pub on the way. I also may have a new favourite room in the world after visiting the library at

the Melk Abbey. As we went around the abbey I realised it was after hours and had only been opened for APT! In addition APT have started to add Signature Experiences such as a private concert in the Liechtenstein City Palace which has recently been fully renovated. We even got to meet the Prince!

The other Signature Experience I enjoyed was the Majestic Imperator Luxury Train. This recreation is based on the imperial train of the Emperor Franz Joseph 1 and Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the Imperial Express.

Wow hardly describes it.

I came away impressed with the APT way of touring.

Get your Travel Advice & Vaccinations or put your health at risk Lindsay Street Medical Group Including Yellow Fever, Malaria Prevention Medications and Gastrokits with consultations.

1300 369 359 www.travelclinic.com.au

Lindsay Street Medical Centre 62 Lindsay Street Toowoomba Page 30 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

PH: 4632 9688

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

HOLIDAY & Leisure An Eiffel of tulips, windmills, some Moselle and a Rhine River Cruise!

Tower. Travel north through Belgium WW1 battlefields where Australians soldiers are honoured in many war memorials dotted throughout the fields.

Visit historic villages while travelling to Holland to view the much photographed windmills of Kinderdijk.

Cruise through the bustling port at Rotterdam then wander through fields of colourful tulips near Amsterdam.

In Germany, enjoy several nights staying in the tiny hamlet of Zell, sitting right beside the Moselle River. The people of Zell will take delight in showing off their homes, castles and other historic buildings in this small town right in the centre of the

moselle wine region of Germany. From Zell, the tour will continue through the Black Forest – famous for cuckoo clocks, spa towns and Black Forest cake!

The land leg of the tour will finish in Switzerland.

Spend two nights in the alpine village of Zermatt – famous because it hasn’t seen a combustion engine car in its streets for many years.

But Zermatt is also famous for the magnificent scenery and mountains of the Swiss Alps. Almost one-third of all the 4,000+ metre tall mountains in the Alps are grouped around Zermatt, the most prominent of these being the Matterhorn.

The next section of this European tour will be on board a river cruise

Historical Germany

THESE days, with cheap flights it is becoming so much more affordable to visit international destinations and with so much enquiry, Stonestreets are in the midst of developing international tours to many exciting destinations – worldwide.

These will complement the many tours Stonestreets operate throughout Australia. To make tours more personal for the traveller, Stonestreets are specializing in small group International tours.

In 2012, Stonestreets first international tour visited the USA. This wonderful tour saw many magnificent sights; Yosemite National Park, The

Arches National Park in Utah, Monument Valley, The Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and heaps more.

The group shared many wonderful sights and times together. They are all eager for the next ‘instalment’ to arrive.

Stonestreets next destination will be to Europe in April 2015.

Bev and Rob from Stonestreets (who also escorted the USA tour) are travelling to Europe this month to plan the tour and visit many of the places which will be included in the 2015 European tour.

Starting in France, Stonestreets European tour will spend a couple of days in Paris visiting well known landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel

following the Rhine River from Switzerland to Amsterdam. Travelling in absolute luxury, cruise through the Rhine River valleys and gorges viewing idyllic scenery, historic castles and cathedrals while enjoying fine dining and local wines.

Stonestreets are confident this tour will sell quickly. Already so many people have placed their names on the list. It is recommend anyone interested call Stonestreets for more information or attend Stonestreets ‘Info Arvo’ on the 30th May following Bev and Rob’s return from Europe with first-hand information and many pictures. The ‘Info Arvo’ is FREE to attend but bookings are essential. To book phone Stonestreets on 07 4687 5555.

Great holidays combine independent travel with local knowledge THE freedom and choice of travelling independently is sometimes offset by missing out on a major attraction. This can be due to lack of knowledge about a region and less than thorough research before you leave. With so much information on the internet travellers are spoilt for choice, and trawling through airfare sites and accommodation options can lead to information overload.

By the time you’ve sorted out where you are going, how you will get there and where you are staying, it can be easy to be satisfied with knowing the best two or three things to see or do when you get to your chosen destination.

Of course, you can’t always see everything on a holiday visit, so start by creating a must see and do list, but try and add a little spare time into your itinerary as well. If you have never visited a place before, settle in to your chosen accommodation and see if they have a street map with your address marked on it. Head for the tourist information centre and ask a local what makes the place special and what is really worth seeing. It may be that the view of the area from a nearby hill is more worthwhile than another art gallery or fountain in the centre of the town.

Long Term Options Available

199 Boundary Street, Coolangatta Qld 4225

Sophisticated Paris

Specialising in

Travel Arrangements with a Personal Touch

Locally owned and operated Travel Agency 23 Bridge Street Toowoomba Q 4350 www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

(07) 4637 8235

email: enquiries@mypersonaltravelplanner.com.au

www.mypersonaltravelplanner.com.au

May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 31

HOLIDAY & Leisure Boastful van snobs insist bigger is better, but do you really need it all?

By Johnny Damn Van My initial tactic on arrival at a van park was to unhitch, wind IT’S A whole new world down the stabiliser legs out there for those who (technical term, decide to join the grey obviously), plug in the nomads of Australia. power and retreat Some caravans are like inside as quickly as blocks of flats on possible to avoid wheels, some are conversation with aerodynamic – a bit like other vanners who exocet missiles – and might want to talk some are like gin about equipment. But palaces, complete with eventually I was smoke-coloured cornered and hectored windows and satellite by other van owners dishes, only lacking a about fuel consumpdoorman waiting at the tion, water pumps, air portico. conditioners and

Townsville & Magnetic Island

Small driver with a lot to learn about caravan equipment

stump-jump ploughs.

Maybe that last bit is wrong; I’m not technosavvy.

Anyway, by day’s end,

7 Days $799*

*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare.

Single supp $250

10 Days $1,399*

*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare.

Single supp $250

8 Days $979*

*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare.

Single supp $250

Stars & Saddles Charleville

Tour Date: 7th September

5 Days $739*

*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare.

Single supp $150

10 Days $2,049* *Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare. Single supp $500

• Accommodation in Townsville, Charters Towers, • Stathmore Station Hughenden & Longreach • Kinnon & Co Harry Redford • Meals • Sunset Cruise on the Thomson River, Dinner & Waterhole • Townsville & Castle Hill Tour & Camp Dinner with “Larrikins & Legend Show” • Magnetic Island • Helpful fun Tour Host & Coach Captain • Charters Towers Town Tour • Miners Cottage, Zara Clarke & Ambulance Museums • Night time Ghosts of Gold Tour • Flinders Discovery Centre Hughenden • Winton, Waltzing Matilda Centre, Magic Mesa’s & Age of Dinasaurs Exhibition • Stockman’s Hall of Fame • Qantas Museum & Tour of 747

Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Kangaroo Island & Adelaide 10 Days $3,499* Tour Date: 7th October

*Per person twin share Single supp $590

• Includes return flights from Brisbane • Accommodation and Meals • Interesting day tours to: Eureka Towers Skydeck, Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, Geelong & Apollo Bay, Werribee Open Range Zoo Safari, Lorne, Great Ocean Road including Cape Otway, Port Campbell National Park, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell, London Bridge, Crown of Thorns, Warrnambool, Flagstaff Hill, Lady Bay, Middle Island, Thunder Point Coast Reserve, Famous Laser Light Show “Shipwrecked”, Port Fairy, Mount Gambier, MuttonBird Rookeries, Portland, Coorong National Park, Victor Harbour, Kangaroo Island, Seal Bay, Kingscote, Flinders Chase National Park, Seal Bay, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Admirals Arch, Cape Jervis, Strathalbyn, Hahndorf, and Adelaide’s Mount Lofty Lookout.

Plus much, much more on this magnificent deluxe tour.

• Naturally this tour includes one of our helpful fun Tour Hosts & experienced Coach Captain

Page 32 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

Tasmania - The Great Escape

Tour Dates: 2nd September

devices, washing machines, fully integrated plumbing systems, a sauna maybe.

Before you know it, you want all those things.

Of course, if you’re not really into caravan envy (the eighth Deadly Sin, I believe), then it’s worth knowing that caravanning can be deliriously good fun, whether you have a 16ft old thumper or a 26ft mobile palace with all the bells and whistles. To hell with the equipment know-italls. A good book, the great outdoors and wheels that keep turning are all you really need. Er, maybe.

Check your vehicle to ensure a safe and trouble-free trip

• Accommodation Charleville • Meals • Fire, Flood & History Tour • Yabby Races & Camp Oven Dinner • Woollabra Station Tour • Corones “Scones & Stories” • Cosmos Centre night sky tour • Flying Doctors • History House & Meet the Bilby • Helpful fun tour host Tour Dates: 26th August

• Staying at Daydream Island, Airlie Beach & Cairns Queenslander • Delicious meals • Airlie Markets, Yacht Club & orientation tour • Daydream Island Coral Reef Lagoon • Atherton Tablelands & Kuranda Kyrail • Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree River • Harbour Cruise and Trinity Inlet • Helpful fun tour hose Tour dates: 18th July or 22nd Aug or 12th Sept

Pioneer & Prehistoric Trails

Cairns, Daintree & Cassowary Coast

about hydraulic override couplings and corrugated sullage hoses slowly ebbed away. There are just so

• Accommodation at 4 star Cairns Queenslander • Meals on tour • Gorgeous Green Island - including glass bottom boat tour • Travel up the tablelands to Mareeba & Jacques Coffee Plantation, explore Kuranda then travel on Skyrail • Paronella Park, Innisfail, Scenic Cassowary Coast • Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree River Cruise • Helpful fun tour host Tour Dates: 6th July, 17th Aug, 21st Sept

• Accommodation at 4 star Chifley Plaza • Meals on tour • Day tour to Magnetic Island • Castle Hill and town orientation tour • Markets, Perc Tucker Museum, Reef HQ Aquarium • Museum of North Qld, Hervey’s Ranges Heritage Tea Gardens • Army Museum of North Qld • Helpful fun tour host Tour dates: 20th June, 1st Aug, 29th Aug, 3rd Oct

Best of Coastal Qld

or “wine o’clock” as they say, and the smell of thoroughly burned sausages lingering in the air, conversation

many times one can fend off equipment conversations with the phrase ‘look, our van is just a first experiment to research what we really want’, before the penny soon drops that the shabby old 16footer pop-top in our possession doesn’t really measure up to the rest. And equally there is a limit to how many times you can stand there, wearing a weak smile, being told by an equipment zealot: “Mate, what you really want . . .”

It’s only natural that such peer pressure begins to invade one’s mind. We’re suddenly talking slide-out walls, surround sound

8 Days $2,690* *Per person twin share Single supp $480

THE condition of your vehicle is critical to the success of any driving you undertake. A properly maintained car will not only run better, it will be safer and contribute to a more relaxed, enjoyable journey. Ensure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition and properly serviced. In particular you should check the wipers, washers, lights and horn are all working, radiator hoses for softening or cracking and that fuel and temperature gauges are functioning properly.

Also checking fan belts for cracks and tension, the radiator for corrosion or leaks, tyre for uneven wear or poor tread, that tyres are inflated to correct pressure, the exhaust system leakage or loose parts, the engine, gearbox and differential for oil leaks, the braking system for war and fluid leaks, the wheel bearings, brakes, lights and coupling mechanisms if you are towing a trailer or caravan (remember to carry a spare tyre for them).

Carry up to date maps of the area you are travelling through.

A basic toolkit is also a must, and should include a torch, jumper leads, jack and wheel brace, pliers, small and large flat screwdrivers

Crossword answers from page 34

• Includes return flights from Brisbane • Accommodation & meals • Interesting day tours to Hobart, Richmond, Port Arthur, Queenstown, Gordon River Cruise, Strahan, Cradle Mountain, Stanley, North West Coast, Launceston, Tamar Valley and River Cruise, Wall in the Wilderness and much more • Friendly informative tour host & experienced Coach Captain

Canberra Floriade with Bowral Tulips & Spring in the Highlands

Tour Date: 26th September

• Accommodation & meals • Interesting tours to Port Macquarie, Bowral Tulips, Canberra Floriade, Canberra War Memorial, Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre Cowra, Parliament House, Camelot Lavender Farm, Gloucester, Uralla and the Gostwyck Chapel, Captain Thunderbolts Grave, Armidale, Manor at Cotswald, Glen Innes, Celtic Standing Stones, Tenterfield Saddlery, Stanthorpe for a ‘Medley of Maine’ and much more • Friendly informative tour host & experienced Coach Captain

8 Days $2,099* *Per person twin share Single supp $560

Brain Training Solution From page 35 Code Words: 1 Date 2 Tide 3 Era 4 Rise 5 Diaries 6 Present 7 Antedate 8 Stop 9 Period 10 Season Splits: 1 Persevere 2 Liquorice 3 Porcupine 4 Magnesium 5 Incognito

Elimination: Night – Moon, Owl, Pyjamas, Sleep, Stars Noises – Bang, Boom, Clunk, Pop, Thud Settlements – City, Hamlet, Metropolis, Town, Village Heroines – Beatrice, Juliet, Portia, Rosalind, Viola Remaining words: Harvest Festival

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

‘Let Us Entertain You’ . . .

Rendezvous Café embraces all aspects of the community RENDEZVOUS Café on Ruthven Street is fast becoming the place to meet for coffee and good food.

Since owner Lynn McLean took over the business she has remodelled the café to allow easier access for seniors, those with wheelchairs or walkers, and even scooters. She has created a private area for breast-feeding mums, and caters for a variety of dietary requirements.

“We are embracing all aspects of the community,” Mrs McLean said. “We want to support the local area and provide great service to our CBD family.”

Mrs McLean is passion-

ate about providing good, healthy food and supporting the local community. “Everything is made on the premises,” she said. “We only buy in the ingredients, and we buy with a local focus.”

There is even a mobile herb garden out the front which supplies some of the fresh herbs used in the café’s dishes.

Her introduction of vintage china has been popular among seniors who she says appreciate the quality of beautiful crockery and the purpose for which it was made. A new high tea menu will make good use of the vintage china and give customers the opportunity to enjoy

start up a regular morning or afternoon card group which would play one or two days a week. If you are interested in a friendly

game of cards and enjoying a cuppa in a relaxed, welcoming environment please call Mrs McLean on 0419 650 370.

Longyard Country Music Club welcomes you!

a unique dining experience.

Mrs McLean said they are working to make the café

a place where people can sit and have a leisurely chat without feeling pressured to have to buy. To

that end, they have extended the café’s hours to 4pm and she already has a customer who is keen to

OUR next Social is the 1St June, 2014. If you play an instrument, then why not join the club’s members for meetings and practice from 10am to 5pm on the second Sunday of each month, except May. BYO lunch on these days.

Everyone is welcome to come along to enjoy the club’s social music days from 12 noon to 5pm on first Sunday of each month, except January and September. It’s only $5 admission with free coffee and tea all day and raffles. Call Nola on 4635 2754 for more information or just come along and enjoy great country music at the Longyard Country Music Club Inc., Wyreema Hall, Umbiram Road, Wyreema.

Annual quilt exhibition THE Toowoomba Quilters Club will be holding their exhibition at St. Ursula’ College Salo Centre, Rome Street, Toowoomba. ( Turn off Taylor St. into Warra St. then into Rome Street. No access from West St.). Taking place on 20th to 26th September, 2014 (Saturday until Friday) from Saturday to Thursday, 20th to 25th, 9 am to 5 pm on Friday 26th, 9 am to 2.30 pm. Entry Fee is just $5. For further details please contact Janice on 4630 4949 on Marilyn on 4691 6294. www toowoombaquiltersclub.org

Textile art on display at Oakey Cultural Centre A NEW textile art exhibition, Recollection: a retrospective of the work of Marion Curry will be held at the Oakey Cultural Centre, corner of McDonald and Campbell Streets, from June 1 to 8, between 10am and 2pm. The official opening will take place on Sunday, June 1 at 10.30am. All are welcome – please RSVP to Angela on 4691 2142.

Toowoomba Stamp Club monthly meeting THE May meeting of the Toowoomba Stamp Club will be held on Saturday, May 10, starting at 1pm, at the Salvation Army Building, cnr West Street and Anzac Ave. The guest speaker will be a representative from the Queensland Philatelic Council, and Stewart Robbins of Burstamp will be the visiting dealer. A stamp auction will be conducted, with approximately 100 lots for sale. Come along to the largest stamp club meeting in Queensland, for a fun afternoon.

Valid until March 2015

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 33

community news Seniors Twospeed Crossword Straight Clues

Cryptic Clues

ACROSS 1 Having a common centre 6 Accept delivery 9 Made beer 10 Small remnant 12 Egotists 14 Magma 17 Prior to 19 Built 20 They produce allergies

ACROSS 1 A concert briefly incorporated having a common centre 6 Get to take delivery of 9 Devised a plan prepared by fermentation 10 A small quantity from a doctor for example 12 Those who practise self-admiration are vain people 14 Balaclavas conceal that which emanates from volcanoes 17 Earlier than being in the presence of 19 Put together upright established tips 20 Is this name provided to produce hay fever?

DOWN 1 Skin eruption 2 Organ of smell 3 Want 4 Swamp grass 5 Small bay 6 Keepsake 7 Vexes 8 Outer layers of birds’ ova 11 Questioned 13 Meander 15 Span 16 Non-returnable tennis serves 17 Greek letter 18 Prophetic sign

Auspac Media - Answers on Page 32

Our next edition of Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper is June 5 Deadline for copy is May 28

DOWN 1 Detailed carbon to a male relative for a rounded gemstone 2 Sounds like one is aware of a proboscis

A letter from a bush kid to mum and dad Dear mum and dad, I am well. Hope youse are too. Tell me big brothers that the Army is better than workin’ on the station- tell them to get in bloody quick smart before the jobs are all gone!

I wuz a bit slow in settlin’ down at first, because ya don’t hafta get outta bed until 6am. But I like sleepen’ in now, cuz all yagotta do before brekky is make ya bed and shine ya boots and clean ya uniform.

No bloody horses to get in, no calves to feed, no troughs to cleannothin’!! Yahazgotta shower though, but it’s not so bad, coz there’s lotsa hot water and even a light to see what yadoin!

At brekkyya get cereal, fruit and eggs but there’s no kangaroo steaks or goanna stew like mum makes. You don’t get fed again until noon and by that time all the city boys are buggered because we’ve been on a 12 mile ‘route’ march- geez it’s only just like walking to the windmill in the bullock paddock!

I keep getting’ medals for shootin’ – dunno why. The bullseye is as big as a dingo’s bum and it don’t move and it’s not firing back like the Johnsons did when our big scrubber bull got into their prize cows before the Ekka last year!

All yagotta do is make yourself comfortable and hit the target – it’s easy! You don’t even load your own cartridges, they comes in little boxes, and ya don’t have to steady yourself against the roo bar.

Sometimes yagotta wrestle with the city boys and I gotta be real careful coz they break easy- it’s not like fighting with the ringers all at once like we do at home after the muster.

I can’t complain about the army- tell the boys to get in quick before word gets around how bloody good it is.

Your lovin’ daughter, Susan.

3 Have occasion for some fine education 4 Any of the tall water grasses used in certain wind instruments 5 A sheltered nook for a common bloke 6 A surviving memorial out of dereliction 7 Otherwise risk troubles 8 Urges on infernos to shards 11 Inquired about a desk

13 Some grovellers wander about 15 Part of the ear changes into a curved structure 16 Single spots on cards for highly skilled people 17 Punt on a second brightest star in a constellation 18 Ring some fellows for a prognostication

Word Trivia Abstemious, abstentious, adventitious, aerious, annelidous, arsenious, arterious, caesious and facetious are all words with all five vowels in order. If you count ‘y ‘ as a vowel, -ly can be added to most of them to get all six vowels.

Pets of the month

‘Mike’ is four-year-old, male, Silky Terrier cross.

This sweet little man will melt your heart. He is the perfect companion dog who won’t take up much room at all, and will enrich your life with his loyalty and affection. Mike is desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and flea treated and available to adopt for only $315.

Fabulous Bonus

Who do you call…

Morning or Afternoon Tea

at “Secrets” on the Lake for all Seniors staying or booking during the month of May

Seniors Card 137 468 or 1800 175 500 (free call outside Brisbane) Centrelink: Retirement 132 300 Disability, Sickness & Carers 132 717 Employment Services 132 850 Seniors Enquiry Line 1300 135 500 Department of Veteran Affairs 133 254

Page 34 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

Veteran Affairs Network 1300 551 918 National Information Centre on Retirement Investments (NICRI) 1800 020 110 National Aged Care Information 1800 200 422 www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

‘Sophia’ is a 2.5 year old, female, domestic, medium hair cross.A cat to really make the house a home. Sophia is a real charmer and will love to be by your side constantly. She doesn’t mind living with dogs but would prefer to be the only feline in the household. Sophia is desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and flea treated and only $180 to adopt.

The RSPCA Toowoomba shelter has plenty of beautiful pets just waiting for a loving home.

Visit them at 43 Vanity Street, Rockville or phone 4634 1304. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

‘Let Us Entertain You’ . . .

What’s on at the Empire Theatre in the next month May 14: 8pm APIA Good Times Tour Audiences will be rocking in their seats in this brand new show with an all-star line-up including Joe Camilleri, Richard Clapton, Russell Morris and Leo Sayer.

May 23 & 24: 7.30pm The Ten Tenors This dynamic live experience is a wonderful collection of Broadway’s most-loved classics sung by ten of Australia’s hottest tenors.

May 25: 3pm Darling Downs Secondary Schools Droughtbuster Community Concert In support of the Lifeline 2014 Queensland Drought Appeal.

May 27-29: 7pm Bone Woman When All is Gone – Bernadette Walong-Sene is a founding choreographer and former assistant-director of Bangarra Dance Theatre Australia, Walong-Sene directs a diverse team of dancers and actors in a mesmerising experimental hybrid of dance-theatre, multimedia, installation, live voice and film. The work reflects on genocide, identity, ownership, war and land boundaries and, the fragility of life and invincibility of spirit.

May 31: 2pm & 8pm ABBA The Concert Experience The Gold Arrival Tour – A two-hour show that will re-live the hits of the Swedish pop phenomenon.

June 3: 7.30pm The Magic Hour Thought you knew Grimm’s fairy tales? Think again. Little Red Riding Hood meets Trainspotting in this wicked retelling of classic bedtime stories June 5: 7pm Camerata of St John’s French Twist – Camerata welcomes Maurice Bourgue, arguably the greatest living exponent of the French oboe tradition, to appear as soloist and guest director.

June 6: 7.30pm Tim O’Brien Gypsy in my Soul Tim and Mia O’Brien’s performances capture the soul of the gypsies, spirit of the masters and the essence of guitar.

For more information go to www.empiretheatre.com.au or phone the box office on 1300 655 299.

Tony Robinson in Toowoomba for Tour of Duty call out TO COMMEMORATE the centenary of service in WWI, the History television channel is sending Sir Anthony Robinson to a number of towns in Australia to host some fantastic community events for a new series, Tony Robinson’s Tour of Duty.

On Sunday, May 11, Tony Robinson will be in Toowoomba sharing stories and information about war-time memorabilia from local people. Sir Tony will be at the Mothers Memorial in Margaret Street, Toowoomba from 11.30am to 4.30pm. Attendance is free.

Tony Robinson will be in Toowoomba in May filming for a new television series

Social Card afternoons

SOCIAL card afternoons at the QCWA centre 263 Margaret St have recommenced for 2014 and are held on the first and fourth Tuesdays of each month. If you are looking for company and enjoy an afternoon of card playing and afternoon tea, all for a cost of $5, call 4632 8312 for more information.

Panyiri - a Greek celebration

Answers on Page 32

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

BE taken on a Greek journey of discovery - a celebration of dance and music, a gastronomical tour through secret recipe books, a voyage through history rich in colour and passion. More than 30 food stalls will showcase the tastes, recipes and food secrets from all corners of Greece. On the main stage famous Greek dances the ‘Zorba’ ‘Sirto’, ‘Kalamatiano’ and ‘Sousta’, will be performed to traditional Greek music n a wonderful cross-cultural celebration. Enjoy the Panyiri celebration on Saturday, 24 May from 12 noon-10pm and Sunday, 25 May from 10am-7pm at Musgrave Park, South Brisbane.

May 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 35

HARRISTOWN - 3/6 PHYLLIS STREET (walk to Clifford gardens) 4 x 2 BR unit, 1 bath with single lock up garage. $310,000

GLENVALE - 35 Balaroo Drive (Duplex Units) no body corp fees 1 x 2 Bedroom with ensuite and single garage. $310,000

SOUTH TOOWOOMBA 34 Stephen Street (unit 2 available) 2 BR unit all built in, spacious with single remote garages. Now finished, brilliant location and price $295,000 each.

MIDDLE RIDGE - Collingwood Close Lot 27 & 28 3 BR, Ensuite, Office Nook & Double Garage. Under Construction, to be Priced $420,000 to $440,000)

MOUNT LOFTY - Sidney Street 2 X 2 BR , Ensuite , Single Garage $330,000 - $340,000 (Under Construction)

HIGHFIELDS - Close to Shopping Centre and Sporting Fields.

1 X 3 BR and 3 X 2 Bedroom Units all with Ensuites. From $320,000

We also have 2 and 3 BR units to be constructed in Middle Ridge, East Toowoomba, South Toowoomba and Highfields. All will be completely TURN KEY and will include blinds, screens, landscaping and fencing. Buy and rent or move in immediatelly.

Page 36 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - May 2014

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au