Toowoomba & darling downs seniors newspaper april 2015

& Darling Downs

Toowoomba

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Your Local Seniors’ Newspaper - Written for Seniors by Seniors

Vol 3 - Issue No 3

APRIL 2015

1300 880 265

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Community centre offers activities, friendship and a warm welcome

With a range of diverse activities, East Creek Community Centre offers seniors friendship, support, education and fun.

Visitors to the centre (from left) Nancy Doherty, Bette Bool, Linda Smoothy, Gwen McLeod, Ross Radel and Jim Flint discuss card strategies before a game of Canasta

By Jo Marsh

FROM the moment you walk into the East Creek Community Centre, you are greeted by a friendly, smiling face and given a warm welcome. It’s a nice feeling to be so welcomed, especially if it’s your first visit, and you might be a bit nervous. In just a few moments, you are likely to meet some of the regulars who are also quick to share a chat and a laugh, and it’s not long before you are shown where the coffee and tea making facilities are and you are invited to make yourself a cuppa.

For seniors over 60, the Centre provides an interesting range of activities under the Older Person’s Action Program (OPAP), including card mornings, walking groups, outings, computer lessons, knitting, crocheting, writing, art and floral art groups and more.

OPAP co-ordinator Ashlie Harmer is full of enthusiasm for the program.

“OPAP is a wonderful social support program for seniors over 60 who are at risk of social isolation,” she said. “It provides structured activities that give members the opportunity to meet new friends and make new connections.”

Ashlie is particularly aware of how social isolation can affect physical and mental health.

“Unfortunately as we grow older our social circle tends to shrink. Programs like OPAP are a good way to help combat this issue.”

A stark reality for many seniors on their own is having little or no company, and eating meals by themselves.

To help alleviate this, the OPAP program offers the opportunity to enjoy a meal with company through the Eating with Friends lunches – a regular, fortnightly outing to different venues around town.

Continued on Page 2

After-hours Bulk Billing Dial a home doctor Mon-Fri: 6pm to 8am (Call Centre opens 4pm) Saturday: from 12pm (Call Centre opens 10am) Sun & Public Holidays: 24 hrs (Call Centre open 24hrs)

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Newspaper Run by Seniors for Seniors IN THIS ISSUE Law & Finance .............. Page 11 Health ............................ Page 14 Postcards ....................... Page 15 Entertainment ................ Page 21 Crossword ..................... Page 22 All Advertising, Editorial & Distribution enquiries:

1300 880 265

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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 Published by ARM Specialist Media Pty Ltd (ABN 73064061794) 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.

community news Community centre offers activities and a warm welcome Continued from Page 1 As well as activities Ashlie said that helping seniors feel safe in the community is also big on their agenda, and this is often reflected in the educational talks they hold once a month.

“These talks have covered topics such as health, dealing with grief and loss, and keeping safe in the home,” she said.

As a government funded enterprise, the Centre has little money to spare and so draws heavily on a group of wonderful volunteers who help keep the place running. It’s likely that it will be one of these friendly volunteers you’ll meet when you first arrive. So, if you are interested in finding out more about East Creek Community Centre, take that first step and put your head in the door, and find out what’s on offer.

Page 2 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - April 2015

ANZAC Day Services CECIL PLAINS 10am service at cenotaph.

KINGSTHORPE Citizen’s commemoration 2pm at Memorial Hall.

CLIFTON Dawn service at Clifton cenotaph commencing 5.30am, followed by a gunfire breakfast at the Senior Citizen’s Hall.

Main service 10.30am, parade starts 10.45am. BBQ sausage sizzle lunch to follow.

MILLMERRAN Dawn service 5.30am at Anzac Memorial Park. March 10am to Cultural Centre.

COOYAR 10am at war memorial.

CROWS NEST Dawn service 5.30am at memorial cenotaph, Centenary Park; 10am service with march.

DRAYTON 7.30am service at Drayton memorial.

GOOMBUNGEE Dawn service 5.30am at war memorial; citizen’s commemoration service 10.20am.

GOWRIE JUNCTION Dawn service 5.45am at Gowrie State School memorial.

GREENMOUNT 9.45am march, 10am service at memorial, Ramsay Street, Greenmount, followed by morning tea.

OAKEY Dawn service 5.30am at war memorial. Citizen’s commemoration service 10am, following march from railway station.

PITTSWORTH Dawn service 4.28am. Laying poppies 9am at cemetery.

Civic ceremony 11am at town hall. March departs 10.30am corner Murray and Yandilla Streets.

TOOWOOMBA Dawn service 5.15am at Mother’s Memorial followed by gunfire breakfast at RSL Club. 9am wreath laying, march starts 9.45am in Margaret Street. Morning service 10am followed by luncheon at RSL Club.

YARRAMAN Dawn service 6am at war memorial. Morning service at 10.45am.

HIGHFIELDS Dawn service 5.15am at Highfields community memorial. Free gunfire breakfast at 6am at Cultural Centre.

March at 9.45am with service at 10am. Two Up at Highfields Tavern from 11am.

JONDARYAN Citizen’s commemoration 8am at Memorial Park.

ACN601 59-087

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Knitters needed to help keep up with demand for trauma teddies help the project.

By Jo Marsh Shirley’s friend, Helen McCallum, has been IN 2005, Shirley Meehan knitting for the project became involved in a for a number of years Red Cross project to knit and had completed 1430 teddy bears to be teddies when we spoke. provided to children in “When I started, I said traumatic situations. you can count on me for Now, 10 years later she 10 a month,” she said. is distributing between “Now, I can get one 800 and 900 trauma done in the time it takes teddies per year, but to watch an AFL match.” needs help keeping up Through her involvewith the demand. ment at Red Cross, “I have knitters at Shirley also receives Harlaxton knitted blankets, Neighbourhood Centre, scarves, jumpers, Oxford Crest and beanies, and bed socks Willowglen, and a which she distributes to number of individuals, nursing homes, the but the number of homeless and needy Shirley Meehan (left) and Helen McCallum are regular knitters is families, where she sees looking for knitters to help them keep up with dropping off,” she said. firsthand the comforts the demand for trauma teddies The trauma teddy these hand-knitted items Red Cross blood up so the “skins” are project started in NSW can bring. and proved so success- collection centres where sent to Shirley to be If you would like to help those looming needles stuffed and sewn up, ful that it took off like Shirley with this project, and to have their faces wild fire. The teddies are have seen grownups she can be reached on asking for their own embroidered and a Red given to hospitals, fire 4635 1175. Donations of teddy.

Cross tag sewn on the stations, ambulances, yarn or wool can be Each teddy is made to back. It’s a lot of extra police stations, Lifeline dropped in to the Red the same, simple pattern work but she doesn’t and anywhere that but can be knitted in any complain – in fact she is Cross office, underneath children may be incolours. Some knitters just happy that someone the Blood Bank at volved in stressful can’t sew their teddies Toowoomba Hospital. has made the effort to situations, including

Flu shots delayed a month in Queensland in bid to fight influenza QUEENSLAND Health has announced that the influenza shot will be delayed by a month due to a change in the vaccine. The vaccine will now be rolled out in Queensland during April, with the official vaccination season to begin on April 20. Queensland Health’s Communicable Disease Unit director Sonya Bennett told 612 ABC Brisbane’s Spencer Howson that it would be four weeks later than previous years.

“The vaccine is delayed as two of the strains of the vaccine have had to be changed from previous vaccines,” Dr Bennett said.

“The vaccine is assessed each year and the World Health Organisation

Cent Sale THE Missionary Sisters of St. Peter Claver cent sale is on Wednesday 6th May at All Seasons Function Hall, Cnr North and Tor Sts., Entry $5 gives you free sheet tickets, Lucky Door entry and buffet morning tea. Doors open at 8:30am for 9:30 start. For further information contact Sr. Miriam on 4632 1818.

Deadline for our May Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper is 29th April

looks at the influenza season and determines if the vaccine currently available needs to be changed.

“This year two of the strains were recommended to be changed; whilst one strain may change, two is unusual.”

The vaccine funded by the Commonwealth and distributed by Queensland Health would be available on April 20, while the private market in pharmacies would have access before then.

“For people who are at a high risk of getting influenza - they should be ready once the vaccine comes out to visit the GP to get the flu vaccine,” Dr Bennett said.

Courtesy: ABC

LAWN MOWING SERVICE Home & Community Care ASSERT offers lawn mowing services to HACC eligible clients

ASSERT Services employs experienced and uniformed staff who are able to trim your edges, mow your lawn, blow and sweep paths and collect and remove all lawn clippings. The service is subsidised making it very affordable.

Appointments can be made in advance.

Bookings can be made by contacting the

Lawn Mowing Service on 4632 3233 or emailing HMMSU@assertservices.org.au

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

April 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 3

community news Warwick Combined Probus Club Mystery Tour WE were not led up the garden path, but there was much guessing at possible destinations and activities as the day unfolded. First stop on the Cobb and Co route was Spring bluff railway station, where Arthur had arranged a demonstration of the passing of an empty coal train and a loaded train before we could cross to the station and surrounds for a brief inspection of the gardens.

We were soon back on board the coach for a drive through Murphy’s Creek

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1300 242 535

Page 4 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - April 2015

It is built on a truck body and powered by a 50 hp Gardner 4 cylinder diesel motor. He was driver on the short trip to Kunkala for a brief visit. Red Fred reversed to Cabanda where we rejoined our coach. Finally we visited St Brigid’s Roman Catholic church in Rosewood.

This is the largest wooden church in the southern hemisphere and is lovingly maintained by the local congregation. They are faced with a massive restoration project and the need to raise large sums of money to preserve this beautiful building. Three volunteers Bev de Vries and Zel crook at guided us around the Spring Creek Railway Station building and explained and Postman’s Ridge and we explored Das and assisted us to board the church history, and past the Helidon Spa be- Neumann Haus. Here we Red Fred – RM55 which the issues involved in fore arriving at Helidon discovered that Ken was built by QR in 1930. restoration. for morning tea in a beau- Wells went to school with tiful park with lots of a grandson of Hermann sculptures and informa- Neumann who had built tion for our entertain- the house and conment. The next stop was ducted a furniture making the Transport museum at business. A Stradivarius Gatton for a guided tour like violin and a zither before we drove past the handcrafted by Hermann Light on the Hill memo- were features of the disrial and on through the play in this museum. A old shopping precinct. representative of The NaContrary to some tional Trust opened the guesses, we continued Grandchester Railway along the Cobb and Co station and provided route passing through date stamped tickets from Forest Hill where we Grandchester to wherfailed to identify the crop ever. Greg was a great guide and very informaof Okra.

After a lap of the Laidley tive about the history of shopping centre, we ar- rail and the Grandchester rived at the QN hotel for station. John McDonald an excellent lunch before greeted us at Cabanda

Funeral Insurance and Funeral Payment Plans (Bonds) BEING able to pay for some or all of your funeral expenses in advance ensures peace of mind for both you and your family, as accessing superannuation funds or life insurance policies may take time. Funeral expenses can be pre-paid in either one lump sum or in manageable regular payments, or by taking out funeral insurance. It is important to understand the difference between funeral insurance and funeral plans and bonds.

Funeral insurance may be advertised as costing “as little as the cost of a cup of coffee a day”, but what they don’t tell you is that you may be required to continue paying contributions until age 90. By then, you will have paid well in excess (in some cases triple) of the actual cost of a funeral. So be wary of those funeral insurers that target retirees and check the conditions of the policy offered thoroughly.

There are a few viable insurance options if you are aged 55 or less where premiums are fixed (do not increase) and are only payable until aged 60, but if you are a retiree, you can be far better off starting a savings program in a funeral bond.

Pre-paid Funeral Plans or Funeral Bonds are flexible and secure, much like a term deposit, but the money cannot be withdrawn until the time of death. Your savings accumulate with bonuses (growth). A significant benefit to these plans is that the amount paid (currently up to $12,000 per person) is exempt from assets or income testing for Centrelink purposes. In this case, when the final account is drawn up at the time of the funeral, if the money set aside is more than the funeral cost, a refund is made to your estate.

For more information about funeral payment plans and insurance options, please contact the friendly staff at Australian Heritage Funerals, or take a look at their informative website – www.ahfunerals.com.au Australian Heritage Funerals - 314 James Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350, 07 4639 4496 www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news NSA Garden City IT was indeed a great day when 92 members and visitors chose our last meeting to celebrate St Patrick’s Day at Drayton Bowls Club where the caterers excelled themselves by producing such novelties as green lamingtons and most of

the group turned out in various shades of green.

There was no need for Guinness to liven the atmosphere as the jokes flowed and the Tomnet Minstrels played.

A judging panel wandered inconspicuously amongst the tables to

select the best outfits and prizes were awarded to, Honor Stevens, Michael Riedel, Ted Lewis and Margie Dowe. Another great day, this month, was the bus trip to Brisbane when 52 cheerful travelers headed to the Port of Brisbane. We were struck

by the developments at The Port since our last visit six years ago but pleased to welcome our previous guide Peter on board the bus to show us around. Reclaimed land has miraculously appeared and become a hive of activity since that past visit and Peter was able to explain it all. The highlight was the view

from the seventh floor observation deck. The day was topped off nicely with an hour long visit to the Queensland Police Museum in Roma Street.

It was a fascinating look at police equipment and activities from last century through to the present day. It was a nostalgic visit for our member, ex mounted

policeman Len Penrose.

Our bus trips have become so popular that bookings have to be made early. Next trip already has a waiting list as so many want to join us at Barton’s Rose Farm near Kalbar on Wednesday April 29th. This will be a round trip through Cunningham’s Gap, Aratula and other points

of interest in the Scenic Rim. Next meeting will be on Monday April 20 at 9.30am in the Drayton Bowls Club, Cnr Ball and Gipps Street, Drayton.

Guest speaker will be Noel Lipp author of the recently published book, Steele Rudd - ‘A Nobby Connection’. Visitors are welcome. For information: phone Hazel 4635 4519.

LE VAILAB UNT A O C S I NU & D .30PM RS MEOPEN 7AM-3 SENIO

HAVE WE NOW TION OF A SELEC ALS PALEO ME E AVAILABL

Ken Gillies and Gisela Matt dressed for the occasion Left: Honor Stevens samples a green laming ton for St Patrick’s Day

Our Cafe has Wheelchair & Scooter access

Attention all U3A Members in Queensland

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On returning from a three-week Christmas holiday, all my vegetables were as I left them in these bags in the fridge – fresh and ready to eat. I have been using these Roslyn Roberts amazing bags for more Hammond Village than two years and they Coombabah, QLD are still going strong.

Bags are washable and reusable and can be kept anywhere in the fridge - on shelves, in the fridge door and the crisper. To purchase immediately visit www.superfreshbags.com.au or call

Super Fresh Bags on 1300 768 706 FREE DELIVERY AUSTRALIA WIDE www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

ARGUABLY, one of the most important events in the history of the U3A movement in Queensland will take place in Brisbane during May of this year U3A Network Queensland & Asia pacific Alliance International conference will be held in the newly renovated and iconic Brisbane City Hall from the 28th to 3oth May with delegates and speakers from France, the UK, India, Portugal, Singapore and Mauritius just to name a few. Amongst the speakers is Mrs Barbara Lewis, Chair of the Third Age Trust, UK, who will be making the long journey from England to enlighten delegates about the U3A organisation in the United Kingdom.

Many delegates have already registered but there is still time for you to join us for this once in a lifetime event and learn how other U3As around the world operate so, to avoid disappointment, register today on the official conference website: u3aqldconference.org April 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 5

community news National Seniors Toowoomba Branch The Good Oil Did you know that Queensland is the home of a prize-winning organic olive plantation and processing plant?

Sprightly grandmother Gesine Owen began Coolmunda Organic Olives from scratch some 17 years ago and has seen it develop into a thriving table olive and olive oil business.

Gesine arrived in

Australia from Germany as a school girl in 1954 and subsequently became a nurse and married a handsome young doctor who hung up his shingle in Inglewood. In 1969, the couple invested in a 2400 hectare property overlooking nearby Coolmunda Dam as a weekend retreat and part-time grazing operation.

Although she loved the land, Gesine found she loved trees more than cattle, and in 1998 she planted 500 olive trees of various varieties to see how they would perform in the Coolmunda soil and climate.

The plantation has since grown to some 6,000 trees including the wellknown green Spanish Manzanilla and black

Greek Kalamata together with lesser known cultivars such as the small oil rich Arbequina from Spain and Koroneiki from Cyprus: the dual-purpose Volos from Greece: and the Barouni from North Africa, ideal for pickling.

In 2007 Coolmunda Olives gained its organic certification and has since gone on to win many awards for their

SENIOR CITIZENS DAY RESPITE CENTRE Caring for our guests Enhancing their lives Providing respite for their carers The Centre provides centre-based care for people who are: • HACC eligible • Frail Aged • Younger people with a disability • Qld Veterans under 65 years The centre offers morning tea and a two course lunch as well as programmed activities focused on providing opportunities for social interaction and enjoyment with peers.

Activities include board games, card games, bingo, musical activities, gentle exercise, indoor bowls, craft, picnics, outings, information mornings and many more. Transport, including wheel chair friendly is available to guests living within the Toowoomba City region.

Referrals may be made through health professionals, Carers, relatives, friends and other service providers. Self-referrals are encouraged. Personal care and mobility assistance are available for those who need it.

The Centre operates Monday to Friday Flexible hours can be arranged for Guests and Carers. The cost for HACC eligible people is $15 per day, all inclusive.

All enquiries are welcome

39 Victoria Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350 Phone: 4639 1915 Email: rayleen@seniorcitzrespite.com.au Web Site: www.seniorcitizensdayrespitecentre.com.au

Page 6 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - April 2015

President Neville Fry welcomes Nancy Webb and Dr Bridie Scott-Parker to National Seniors Toowoomba Branch at the March meeting on road safety

plump juicy olives, tapenades and pure olive oils.

In recent years Gesine has imported top quality Barigelli oil extraction machinery from Italy to establish her own processing plant instead of having to send fruit 200km to a plant in Inverell. This means that fruit is hand-picked, brought to the shed and processed straight away ensuring the resulting oil is absolutely fresh and clean.

As the old TV advertisement used to say: “Oils ain’t oils!”

Coming Events Our bus trip on Thursday April 16 takes us to Brisbane for an historic tour and morning tea at Boggo Road Gaol, then on to Indooroopilly Shopping Centre for a browse and buy your own lunch. Departure

Organic olive oil producer Gesine Owen explains the workings of her olive crushing machine to National Seniors June Kearsley and Kathy Smythe

time is 7.30am and the cost is $45 (not including lunch.)

Thursday, May 7 will be our Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea with all proceeds going to the Cancer Council.

Guest speaker will be Joan Billingsley of Cancer Council Queensland, Big Owie will provide musical

interludes and Chris Paroz will share the story of her personal battle with cancer via DVD. Morning teas are held at Regents on the Lake, 87A Perth Street, starting at 9.30am and cost $12.

For enquiries or bookings, phone June on 4635 9796 or Yvonne on 4638 5252.

March’s What is This? answer: MARCH’S mystery object appears to have been a bit too easy as so many readers correctly identified it as a hat stretcher. Thanks to Neville Brumpton, Keith Miller, Keith Loveday, and Gatton readers Wayne McGuire, Robyn Hohenhaus and John Marsh for their correct answers.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Stanley Rogers - Justice of the Peace for 50 years

TREVOR Watts MP, Member for Toowoomba North today visited Mr to thank him for his service as a Justice of the Peace and to present him with a Commemorative Certificate to mark his 50 years’ service as a JP. Mr Rogers became a Justice of the Peace in 1963 when he worked as an Inspector for the Agriculture and Stock Department. The office was located in the same building as the Beenleigh Magistrates Office. Mr Rogers was approached by the Clerk of the Court because they only had one Justice and some cases required that there be a second justice to sit on the bench.

“I have enjoyed giving back to the community Trevor Watts MP, Member for Toowoomba North presents Stanley Rogers and if you are able to help with a Commemorative Certificate to mark his 50 years’ service as a JP

Toowoomba NSA THE Toowoomba branch of the National Servicemen’s Association will be conducting badge selling stalls at shopping centres in Toowoomba prior to Anzac Day. Any Nasho or their wives are very welcome to assist with the stalls. The money raised helps our fellow Nashos, perhaps with mobility aids or for social interaction with their fellow Nashos. On Sunday 19th April services are held at both the Garden of Remembrance at 8.00 am and the Drayton cemetery at 3.00 pm.

At both these services our members will lay a wreath to honour those Nashos who have died. All Nashos are invited to attend these services. At 9.00 am on Saturday 25th a representative of the Toowoomba branch of National Servicemen will lay a wreath on behalf of those National Servicemen who lost their lives in defence of our country.

Following the wreath laying ceremony a march will take place from Duggan Street to the Mother’s Memorial for the Anzac Day Memorial Service. As the 1st Intake of Nashos are getting a little older and not quite so mobile, we are appealing to those National Servicemen who were called up from 1966 to join us for the march. If you plan to attend please phone Dennis on 4630 8228. The next Nasho meeting is Sunday 12th April at the Irish Club Hotel at 1pm and our Social lunch for all Nashos, wives and widows is Friday 17th April at 12 noon. Copies of the book ‘Nasho the National Service Experience 1951-1972’ are available from Wyalla News and Post.

somebody then you help them,” said Mr Rogers.

“It is a long standing achievement to serve the community as a JP for 50 years and I congratulate and thank Mr Rogers for

his invaluable time and commitment to this very important community role,” said Mr Watts.

“Without the service of JP’s and C.decs, our justice system would grind

to a halt. Justice of the Peace duties involve witnessing a variety of documents which can range from a simple statutory declaration to a more complex affidavit.”

Seniors welcome reversal of government cash grab SENIORS have welcomed moves to protect Australians’ savings for longer by amending the inactive bank account legislation. The Federal Government has announced it would reverse the former Labor government’s cash grab by restoring the timeframe that bank accounts and life insurance policies are deemed to be inactive back to seven years from three years.

National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill applauded the move to revert the change back to seven years, describing it as a win for common sense. “Older Australians may not touch their secondary or back-up accounts for a few years. It does not mean it is unclaimed or inactive. “The former legislation was ridiculous. This is the people’s money - not the government’s money. Today is a win for common sense.”

National Seniors had also raised concerns with the previous and the current government over violations of privacy regarding how personal information on inactive accounts was published. “Previously, a simple name search for unclaimed money via the MoneySmart website could reveal sensitive information about a person including their address and the amount of money unclaimed.

“This raised many serious concerns over identity theft and people preying on vulnerable members of society.

“We are glad that today’s announcement also includes changes to strengthen and protect the privacy of individuals.”

Accounts are regarded as inactive if no deposit or withdrawal takes place. The change will apply from 31 December 2015. O’Neill urged older consumers to complete a transaction on their idle accounts every few years to prevent being caught out by the seven year cut-off. With around 200,000 individual fee-paying members Australia-wide, National Seniors is the consumer lobby for the over-50s. It is the fourth largest organisation of its type in the world.

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April 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 7

community news A chance to reflect on our heritage

by Colleen Povall EVERY nation has a deep belief in its individual heritage. In Australia we adhere to ANZAC Diggers, sunbronzed athletes, meat pies and Holden cars. We can’t be mistaken for any other

country. So what is it that makes us so undeniably Australian?

Find out during Australian Heritage Week being held from 11 to 19 April this year, when all communities are encouraged to celebrate our shared and special heritage. Wherever you are, there’s an activity

you can join in. Here are a few events that may be of interest. You’ll need to book for most of them and ask about times, so we’re including phone numbers. In Maryborough on Saturday 11 April, you can learn all about John Carne Bidwell, the first public servant to be sent

Page 8 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - April 2015

north of Brisbane. For $5, locals and tourists can take a guided bus tour and hear about life in the 1850s. To book, call 4190 5722.

On Tuesday 15 April also in Maryborough there’s a free tour of the Bond Store, a beautiful, wheelchair friendly building with a fascinating history. Call 4190 5722 for details.

You can explore the

regional museums of the Fraser Coast on Monday 13 April. This is a fullday trip and the $40 fee includes morning tea, admission to the three fascinating museums and a light lunch. To ensure a seat, call 4190 5722.

Tamborine Mountain Heritage Centre is well worth a visit at any time, but on Sunday 19 April they’re holding an open day. Entry is free, it’s

Doll’s house enthusiasts & miniature makers club DO YOU enjoy making miniatures and/or doll’s house items? Why not join other like-minded people on a regular basis to share ideas and have fun with this fascinating hobby? Mini makers working to any scale welcome. Contact Darling Downs Miniature Makers at ddminimakers@gmail.com or phone 4638 2289.

Toowoomba Stamp Club monthly meeting THE April meeting of the Toowoomba Stamp Club will be held on Saturday, April 11, starting at 1pm, at the Salvation Army Hall, cnr West Street and Anzac Ave. The visiting dealer will be Craig Chappell and the visiting club will be City of Brisbane. A stamp auction will be held, with approximately 100 lots available. Come along to the largest stamp club meeting in Queensland. For more information phone 4635 5623.

wheelchair friendly and you’ll learn how our ancestors settled the district. There’s even a display of blacksmithing.

Phone 5545 3929 for details. In Brisbane on Monday 20 April, distinguished historian, David Gibson OAM, will conduct a ‘Places of Reflection’ tour between 9am and 4pm. The cost of $43 includes lunch.

You’ll be amazed at the

reminders of WWI and later conflicts dotted about our suburbs, and David’s tales of compassion and bravery. Book by phoning 3300 3172.

For this one week of the year, let’s join together to celebrate what makes us uniquely Australian.

These are just a few suggestions. Or just go for a typical Aussie picnic and play rounders with the kids.

From My Trench A clear cold night, and in the southern air Those far-off thunderings so often there; A Turkish moon is shining fitfully – My thoughts are ‘neath another moon where we Paced slowly through the tree stems – you and I. And, looking back at yon farewell, I sigh And wonder whether then I cared as much As now I do when far beyond your touch.

Written in the trenches by Cpl. Comus, 2nd Bat., AIF and published 1916 in ‘The ANZAC book’

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community news U3A Toowoomba to host Seniors Information Expo in August

U3A Toowoomba will once again host the Seniors Information Expo on Wednesday 19th August at Hume Ridge, 461 Hume Street, Kearney Springs.

The Seniors Information Expo is the keynote event held in the Darling Downs during Seniors Week and is proudly sponsored by Toowoomba Regional Council.

Business and Community groups who have participated previously, or who are on the waiting list will be contacted in late April.

New Exhibitors are welcome and each year’s Ex-

hibitors offer up to date and relevant information.

A programme of interesting Guest Speakers is arranged for your benefit.

Bookings open on April 27th and only 75 spaces are allocated. The booking fee, payable on registration is $100 for busi-

One of the informative stands at last years Expo

RENT

nesses and $25 for NFP organisations. U3A reserves the right to limit the number of same stream exhibitors. The valued sponsorship from Toowoomba Regional Council ensures U3A can offer this important event FREE to the public.

RETIRE

If you are interested in participating in or require further information on this Seniors Week activity please contact one of the following. Irene Bridgeman 4636 3316 or Rhonda Weston 4613 6559 or the U3A office 4687 7659.

RELAX

Quality Independent Rental Units

Centrelink Income Stream Reviews go online

INCOME streams are a regular series of payments made to you directly from accumulated superannuation contributions or purchased using either superannuation or ordinary monies.

In February and August of each year, the Department of Human Services conducts legislated Income Stream Reviews (ISR) for people receiving the Age Pension, Carer Payment and Disability Support Pension.

Centrelink has now moved this transaction from a paper-based review to online.

To complete an online Income Stream Review, Centrelink customers will need to go through myGov or by using the One Time Access Code (OTAC) provided in the Income Stream Review letter.

Using myGov, customers and their nominees can access their Centrelink online account. Once they log

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on to their account, they can go to the ‘Reminders’ section and select the ‘review reminder’. This will take them through the process step-by-step.

If a customer doesn’t have a myGov account, they can create one at my.gov.au. They can then link their Centrelink online account to myGov by selecting ‘Services’ and then the ‘link’ icon.

The OTAC allows people who cannot use their myGov account, or who have a nominated third party to act on their behalf, to complete the review online by visiting www.humanservices.gov.au/ incomestreamreviews.

For help completing the review online go to www.humanservices.gov.au/onlineguides or call Centrelink on 132 300.

Courtesy: National Seniors ‘Connect’

Live Independently With: • On Site Managers • No Lock In Contracts • No Bond • No Exit Fees • Fortnightly Rent Payment • Rent Assistance Available from Centrelink (for eligible people) • Modern 1 bedroom unit with ensuite • Your own Private Courtyard • Fully furnished or bring your own furniture • Weekly Linen Service included • All meals supplied, home cooked on the premises • Some organised activities • Secure Gated Complex • Public Transport at the Entrance • Close to shopping centres & doctors etc.

Contact:

John or Janice Humphreys 51 New Lindum R oad, W ynnum W est, Qld 4178 Road, Wynnum West,

Ph: (07) 3893 2172

livingbetterwynnum@gmail.com

April 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 9

community news Congratulations to M Pole from Kingston and Deb Hunt from Nerang for winning the Toowoomba/Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper competition for double passes to the National 4x4 Outdoors Fishing and Boating Expo being held at the Brisbane Showgrounds. Hope you enjoy the show.

Page 10 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - April 2015

Crows Nest QCWA 90th birthday CROWS Nest QCWA branch will celebrate 90 years of service to the community with a morning tea on Friday, April 17. The celebrations will be held in the QCWA Hall, 7 Thallon Street, Crows Nest and will commence at 10am. All are welcome including former members of the parent branch and the younger set. For any further information and to RSVP phone 4698 2173 or 4698 2139.

Afternoon tea celebrates 40 years since Bull’s Head Inn restoration

IT HAS been 40 years since the restoration of the Royal Bull’s Head Inn by the National Trust. To coincide with the 2015 National Trust Heritage Festival, the Toowoomba Branch will host an afternoon tea at the Inn on May 3, and wish to invite anyone involved with the restoration that took place in 1975 to attend. If you are related to, or know of anyone who was involved in the restoration, we’d love to hear from them. Please DO YOU have an interest in those who served in World pass their details onto Debby so she can get in touch War 1 who have a connection with Toowoomba? On with them, 0402 138 751 or rbhi@icr.com.au.

Sunday, April 26, the Toowoomba and Darling Downs Family History Society will be holding a free open day for WWI military research in its rooms at 452 South Street, Toowoomba. The day starts at 9 am with a brief THE 101st Goombungee-Haden Show will be held on tutorial on using the digital resources held by the soci- Saturday, April 18 and will showcase the best of the ety, followed at 10am by a demonstration focusing on area’s pigs, poultry and prime cattle, along with farm digital records, tips and techniques for researching produce, floriculture and fine arts. There will be chainsaw World War One military ancestors. The Society has action, beer making, photography and much more. developed a file on military personnel who were born in Toowoomba and enlisted in WWI, as well as a file of those not born in Toowoomba, but who enlisted in Toowoomba. These files along with others relating to DISCOVER the heritage of Laidley at the Pioneer Vilboth world wars will be available to research free of lage Museum and Das Neumann Haus. Enjoy a variety of displays, activities and entertainment on offer charge from 12pm to 4pm. including live music and activities for the kids. Das Neumann Haus, hand built by German immigrant Hermann Neumann in 1893, has been restored to its TOOWOOMBA Backscratchers networking group will former condition, refurnished in the style of the 1930s hold a trivia night in aid of Toowoomba Hospice on and is open to the public as a house museum. The Saturday, April 18, at the Greek Hall, corner Hume and Heritage Festival will be held on Saturday, April 11, Perth Streets, Toowoomba, 6pm for a 6.30pm start. Cost Drayton Street, Corner of Pioneer Street, Laidley. is $10 per person or $80 for a table of eight. Cash bar only and BYO nibbles. For more information phone Steve or Theresa on 0413 704 897. There will be lucky door prize and prizes for winners, runner ups and lucky last.

Free military research day

Goombungee-Haden Show

Laidley Heritage festival

Trivia night - aid Toowoomba Hospice

Queensland Transport Museum salutes ANZAC history

Dalby Show marks 145 years HEAD to Dalby on Friday 10 and Saturday 11, April, for the 145th annual show. There will be plenty of entertainment, exhibits and show ring action including sheep dog trials, best car, ute and truck, pet parade with a section for most dinkum Aussie pet, a grain shovelling competition, young farmers challenge and a you beaut smash up derby. Dalby Showgrounds, 56 Nicholson Street, Dalby. Seniors entry $5.

Groovy dolls & bears take on the swinging sixties PLANS are well underway for the Toowoomba Dolls, Bears and Craft Show to be held on Saturday, May 16 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church Hall, Phillip Street, Toowoomba, from 9am to 3pm. This year’s theme is “The Swinging Sixties” – so expect to see some pretty groovy fashions on display. There will be an abundance of trading tables with all you need for your doll and bear making, and craft. Visitors can receive free doll and bear evaluations and repairs. There will be spot raffles during the day, as well as the main raffle with first prize being a beautiful porcelain doll and second prize a cute doll’s house. All proceeds go to the QCWA Public Rural Crisis Fund and other QCWA charities. Entry is $8 adults, $6 pensioners, $1 children under 12. For more information call Elaine on 4696 9972.

SEE how the Lockyer Valley contributed to WW1 and remember those soldiers who put their lives on the line for our country. Portraits of Lockyer Valley WWI soldiers, mural by acclaimed artist Wayne Smith, military vehicles and memorabilia from WWI, archive footage from the National War Memorial. Entry to portrait series and display free. Standard entry charges apply for the Queensland Transport Museum. Open all day, Saturday, April 11, 34 Lake Apex Drive, Gatton.

Clydesdale & heavy horse field day

COME and see the heavy horses that built the nation.

Held at the Gatton Showgrounds, today’s Clydesdale, Shire, Percheron and Australian draft breeds all have ancestral roots that stretch back to first European settlers.

Displays include working exhibitions, decorated harnesses, ploughing teams, breed judging and much more.

Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3. Pensioners $7.

WWI literature & history workshop

JOIN Dr Jessica Gildersleeve and Richard Gehrmann on Saturday, April 18, as they explore the literature and history of World War I. Gain a clear understanding of the most important events leading to and during WWI, including an overview of the literature of this period.

The workshop will be held at USQ from 10am to 3pm.

Cost is $99 which includes morning and afternoon tea.

Bookings can be made by phoning 4631 1111.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

LAW, FINANCE and YOU Take pension changes to an election, seniors urge government THE Government’s attempts to index the Age Pension to CPI only is a cynical exercise in clawing back the $30-aweek increase granted by Kevin Rudd, says National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill.

“The 2009 pension increase was the result of a campaign hard fought and hard won by older Australians”.

“Interestingly, it was a campaign that the Coalition, then in Opposition, supported”.

“A change to indexation will drive pension levels down to the meagre levels of the unemployment benefit”.

“It will hit full single age pensioners - the majority of whom are women - the hardest”.

“If the Coalition is determined to push ahead with this pension change, it must seek a mandate and take it to the next election,” said O’Neill.

The Age Pension is currently indexed twice a year against the higher of either the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or Pensioner Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI) and then benchmarked to 28 per cent of Male Total Average Weekly Earnings. This is to ensure that it realistically reflects, and keeps pace with, rising living costs. In the 2014 federal budget, the government announced that from 2017 the Age Pension would be indexed to CPI only. Media reports of modelling conducted by the ANU’s Peter Whiteford suggest indexing the pension to CPI from 2017 will see pension payments fall from 28 per cent of average male weekly earnings to 16 per cent by 2055.

Over the five years to March 2013, the cost of essentials rose by more than double the inflation rate – electricity by 83 per cent (6.2 times CPI); water and sewerage by 63.1 per cent (4.7 times CPI); gas by 57.5 per cent (4.3 times CPI); and property rates and charges by 32.6 per cent (2.4 times CPI). This research was done in 2013 by the National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre “A Squeeze on Spending - An update on household living costs for senior Australians”.

Media release: National Seniors

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Australia Post encourages seniors to sign up for a MyPost Concession Account • 5.7 million eligible Australians have access to concession stamps and other qualifying products and services at a concession rate, through the MyPost Concession Account • Eligible customers can register for a MyPost Concession Account at their local post office • Concession stamps are frozen at 60 cents for the next two years Australia Post is calling on eligible seniors to sign up for a MyPost Concession Account to protect concession card holders from stamp price increases by holding the 60 cent price until 2017.

Australia Post spokesperson Michelle Skehan said the organisation was encouraging all eligible customers to register for the account, which also offers discounts on postal services.

“The MyPost Concession Account has been created to meet the needs of those customers to help them manage costs by providing them with access to the concession stamp,” she said.

“Our customers’ needs are changing and Australia Post must evolve our services to ensure that we continue to help people stay connected by providing a range of choices of relevant services, whether it’s

physical or digital.

“The establishment of a MyPost Concession Account ensures that our services remain affordable for low income groups while maintaining our essential services for all Australians.”

MyPost Concession Account holders will receive a MyPost concession card that entitles them to five free concession stamps, with the option to purchase a maximum of 50 concession stamps per year.

Account holders will also have access to concession rates on Mail Hold and Mail Redirection services and a digital mailbox to securely manage communications, pay bills and store important documents online with privacy, choice and control.

The MyPost Concession Account is available to holders of the following Federal Concession cards: Pensioner Concession Card; Health Care Card; Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card; Department of Veteran’s Affairs Card; Veteran’s Repatriation Health Card.

Eligible customers can sign-up now for MyPost Concession Account at their local Australia Post outlet or download the application form from auspost.com.au/mypost

April 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 11

LAW, FINANCE and YOU $115 Million Community puts Sinnamon Park on the Aged Care Map

AUSTRALIA’S leading provider of innovative private aged care services, Season’s Aged Care, is proud to announce that construction will soon commence on stage one of its new $115 million 283 unit community – Seasons Sinnamon Park. Located in the heart of one of Brisbane’s fastest growing suburbs,

leafy Sinnamon Park sits in a prime location just 14kms from the CBD and enjoys wide open spaces, parks and walking tracks, as well as access to an array of shopping, medical and transport services.

Stage one of Seasons Sinnamon Park is scheduled to be open to residents in early 2017. Val-

ued at approximately $53 million, it includes 131 units with a choice of one, two and three bedroom, fully self-contained apartments specifically designed and constructed to optimise delivery of clinical care and support services.

Seasons Aged Care is proudly Queensland owned and operated and

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.

Page 12 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - April 2015

Sinnamon Park will be its seventh successful aged care development. Each Season’s community boasts its own unique amenities which are based on the needs of the individual community and the location and design of the land upon which it has been built.

From beautiful lakes and walking tracks, men’s sheds, chicken houses, bird aviaries and communal veggie gardens, there’s always something very special for residents to enjoy. Beautiful leisure facilities ensure safety and security, while cinema’s, movie lounges, library’s, beauty salons and cafes all help to create that special sense of ‘community’ which Seasons residents can access across the day.

Onsite Lifestyle Coordinators are an integral part of each Seasons community, providing an endless offering of wellbeing and social activities for residents to connect with others and get involved. From charity fundraising, group exer-

cise and cooking classes, to arts and craft workshops - there’s never a dull moment at Seasons.

Seasons CEO Nick Loudon said that his focus was on providing a private home environment for each resident.

“Seasons Sinnamon Park has been designed to deliver the security, dignity, respect and choice which we all expect and that the older people in our communities have earned in building this great country of ours. While each unit will present as a private residence, it will also have been subtly integrated with state of the art clinical monitoring capability and emergency response systems which can be accessed by our residents as they require them”, Mr Loudon said.

Couples can remain living together, even when one’s health needs might change, and family pets are welcome.

For more information on Seasons Sinnamon Park or to register your interest please contact 1300 506 116 or visit www.seasonscare.com.au.

2 Ticking Bombs awaiting your family in your Will MOST readers will have heard of people going to court over a Will. A lot of people think that it is just because people are greedy. But that is not always true. Often, it is what is in your Will that causes issues. Here are the 2 most common causes.

1. Will Kits One of the most common problems with Will Kits is that people do not sign them properly. If they are not signed properly, your executors will need to apply to the court to have the Will Kit recognised as an “informal Will”. This adds thousands of dollars to the cost of administering your estate, not to mention the extra time involved.

Other times, it is what you write in those Will Kits.

What you think you mean and what other people think you mean may be completely different.

2. Out of date Wills What were you doing 5 years ago? Have you bought a house? Sold some investments? Retired? More grandchildren? When it comes to your Will, a Will prepared 5 years ago is often out of date.

There are a lot of challenges to Wills because children have not been mentioned in the parent’s Wills – not because the children were left out deliberately, just because the parents forgot to update their Wills.

De facto partners are another group that are often neglected. People sometimes forget to update their superannuation death nominations, insurance policies and mention their de facto partners in their Wills.

In England, Barristers practising in Wills and Estates often toast with “Here’s to the man who makes his own Will”. Try not to lose sight of the fact that saving a few hundred dollars in your lifetime could cost your family tens of thousands when you are gone.

For more information contact Kennedy Spanner Lawyers on 4639 2944.

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TOOWOOMBA GARDENFEST 2015 Experience all things gardening at this year’s Gardenfest

Stock up on your favourite plants or find something new at Gardenfest 2015

AS MOST garden experts will tell you, keeping your garden alive through cold winters and hot summers requires some planning and work in the milder months. This is why autumn is the ideal time to head to Gardenfest to find out the best ways to grow and maintain a beautiful garden or sustainable vegetable patch.

This year, Gardenfest has some exciting new features – the first of which is a new venue. Moving from the TAFE site, Gardenfest will return to Toowoomba Showgrounds. The new venue will provide much more space for visitors and exhibitors alike, as well as plenty of undercover areas for protection from Toowoomba’s variable

weather. Visitors will have access to Gardenfest displays, trade tables and suppliers all the way from the turnstile entry, right into the Founders Pavilion.

There will be a wide variety of traders with products ranging from plants and other nursery items, information on growing methods, compost, garden tools, heritage seeds, hand-crafted soaps and creams, fruit wines, as well as a farmers market with lots of fresh fruit and veggies. Returning exhibitors will include Earth Life, Jackpot Nursery, Grandmas Garden, Watersaver Gardens, Direct Compost Solutions, TLC Jewels, SAJ Designs, the Toowoomba Floral Art Society and the Leafmore

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Garden Society. Among the new exhibitors will be Budgee Garlic and Herbs, Rocky Point Mulching, PennyWise Natural, Just Geraniums, plus many more. Brisbane horticulturalist Claire Bickle will be a guest speaker at Gardenfest on Saturday, May 9. As a horticultural and sustainability writer and teacher, for more than 20 years, Claire has plenty of gardening and poultry expertise to share, which she does with the help of her favourite chook.

On the Sunday, visitors can enjoy hearing from Noel Burdette – a man whose passion for all things gardening started when he was five years

old and his grandmother taught him to sow calendula seeds. Noel has worked for more than 20 years in the horticultural industry and has watched as fashions and trends have changed the way we garden today.

Noel will be joined later in the day by his cousin as they cook up a Sri

Lankan curry using their own herbs and spices.

Also this year, Gardenfest organisers are giving readers of Toowoomba and Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper a very special offer. Readers have the opportunity to attend Gardenfest at the bargain, two-for-one price of $5, by taking the advertisement below to claim entry for yourself plus a friend or carer. So there’s no excuse for staying home – the cost is minimal, the weather won’t matter and you are going to love this year’s Gardenfest. So put the dates in your diary now – Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10. Gates are open from 8am to 4pm on Saturday, and from 8am to 3pm on Sunday.

Above: Claire Bickle, with the help of her favourite chook, will share her expertise of horticulture and poultry at this year’s Gardenfest in May Left: Passionate gardener Noel Burdette will be one of the guest presenters at Gardenfest at its new venue, the Toowoomba Showgrounds

April 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 13

FEELING GOOD

1 IN 3 men over 50 have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) commonly known as an Enlarged Prostate; this number rises to nearly 80% of men when they reach 70. While BPH is not fatal like prostate cancer, it can cause a lot of pain and inconveniences. Common symptoms are frequent

dent n e p e d In g in y a t S and Ignoring your Prostate, what it might cost you

and painful urination, and for some cases sexual performance is affected. It is no wonder that we have reached epidemic proportions, yet so few men talk openly about it.

According to Mr. Indra, spokesperson for Graminex Australia, a company that specialises in developing prostate

medication, men in general do tend to be tight-lipped about their current condition.

“Its normal for men to feel uncomfortable talking about their prostate and their symptoms (of BPH), that’s okay, we understand, “says Indra, who does his best to personally answer questions

Page 14 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - April 2015

from individual callers.

He has spoken to many concerned wives whose husbands are reluctant to acknowledge the issue. The key to this problem, he believes is to slowly encourage a culture where men should not feel ashamed

to talk about their medical condition, especially if it concerns their “personal equipment”. The good news is that all this is starting to change, especially with the internet which allows men to be more discreet in search for

prostate health information. Still it cannot make up for face-to-face interaction, hence Graminex Australia, which recently introduced Magnus Shield, a new over-the-counter prostate supplement, has been working together

with non-profit prostate support groups in Victoria to help bring awareness to men.

For enquiries about Magnus Shield Prostate formula, visit www.magnusprime.com for more information or call 1300 760 627.

Get out there and party!

by Colleen Povall THE spectre of developing dementia looms over all of us as we age, and even early onset dementia seems to becoming more prevalent. There is a lot that can be done for the condition, including drugs to slow its progress, but so far there is no cure.

So, how to prevent it? Is there some clever ploy we can use to delay its onset? Some recommend the Mediterranean diet, rich in fish, tomatoes and olive oil. It’s certainly a tasty way to go.

Another suggestion is to keep socially active. The Rush University Medical

Centre in the US, studied a group of 823 older people, none of whom at that stage showed any symptoms of dementia and all of whom were about 80 years of age.

Over the course of four years they were asked to rate their social life – whether they felt they had plenty of friends or were lonely. They were asked to score themselves from zero (for lots of friends) to 5 (feeling lonely and abandoned).

Out of the 823 subjects, 76 went on to develop Alzheimer’s (my maths isn’t good, but that works out to less than one-eighth, so that’s not bad!). The interesting point is that those 76 poor souls were the ones

with fewer friends and with a score getting up towards 5. Now the big question is: did loneliness contribute to them developing Alzheimer’s or did they shy away from social contact because of their disease?

If you’re confused or depressed, you naturally don’t feel like partying.

It’s well-known that keeping the brain active, reading, doing crosswords, volunteering, going to the

theatre...whatever, will help prevent dementia.

Chatting with friends (and it doesn’t have to be anything intellectual a good old gossip works just fine) will keep you mentally stimulated.

So if you have a friend or relative who’s on their own, pop in for a cuppa and a yarn, take them out for a picnic and a walk and you’ll be contributing not only to their mental health but your own as well.

Readers!

Please support the advertisers!

It’s their support that pays for your paper each month and remember to tell them that you saw them in the Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper!

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TRAVEL POSTCARDS Toowoomba

& Darling Downs

Travel for over 50s

Thank you to everyone who attended our Toowoomba Travel Expo!

Thank you to everyone who attended Toowoomba’s Travel Expo. We are pleased to have provided you with EXPERT ADVICE – EXCLUSIVE DEALS & DISCOUNTS – PRIZES all under the one roof!!

More than 3000 people attended and we extend our thanks to you!

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

April 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 15

POSTCARDS Travel for over 50s

Page 16 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - April 2015

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Finding the Perfect Holiday Destination SINCE their humble beginnings back in 1993, Stonestreets Coaches and Travel have been striving to provide travellers with perfect holidays to perfect destinations.

Having travelled extensively throughout Australia in luxury tour coaches for more than 21 years, it was becoming more and more difficult to find new destinations – at least to those that could be accessed by coach. It soon became obvious to reach new destinations Stonestreets would need a coach that would access more

remote locations. A new 4x4 coach was introduced into the fleet.

Since the introduction of this purpose built luxury 4x4 coach Stonestreets could offer tours to many more exciting and new locations. Stonestreets passengers could now travel to destinations such as Cape York, The Gunbarrel track, the Kimberley, Tanami Desert and so much more in the same luxury comfort as they were accustomed to on a Stonestreets luxury tour coach. Stonestreets 4x4 coach tours and Luxury coach tours became very popular with so many travellers being able to travel to their Perfect Holiday Destinations – in Australia. Before long, travellers began to ask Stonestreets if they could provide tours to destinations they could not possibly take a coach – overseas. To

cater for these travellers, Stonestreets developed some international tours. The first international tour was to the USA taking in the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Utah Arches and Yosemite National Parks. Of course, Stonestreets couldn’t take their own coach so they sourced a similar company to themselves in the USA to provide a coach, then, as done with their Australian tours, fully arranged and personally escorted the tour. This first International tour proved so successful, Stonestreets enlisted the help of an experienced International tour Coordinator, Consultant and Tour Escort, Sue McPherson. With Sue’s assistance Stonestreets now has tours planned for 2015 to Exotic India, Shopping in Hong Kong, New Year in Vietnam, and in 2016 to the wildlife of Africa,

Incredible Canada & Alaska culminating with a special ‘White Christmas’ tour through the British Isles and Europe followed by a river cruise on the Danube.

As you can see Stonestreets have worked hard and have been prepared to adapt to provide travellers with Holidays to the Perfect Destination and will continue to do so well into the future. And no matter where you live in Australia, Stonestreets will make all arrangements for you to join any of their tours.

For more information on your Perfect Holiday Destination, be it throughout Australia by luxury 4x4 coach or a luxury tour coach or on a fully escorted tour to some wonderful international destination, call Stonestreets today on 0 7 468 7 5555.

07 4687

Fast

FACTS

FREE CAMPING SITES AROUND QUEENSLAND

Notch Point 12km from Ilbilbie, south of Sarina Longreach Apex Riverside Park 4km from Longreach Chinchilla Weir 8km south of Chinchilla Nobby Opposite Rudd’s Pub Babinda Rotary Park 50km south-east of Cairns

Bushy Parker Park, Rollingstone 54km north of Townsville Cumberland Mine Historic Site 20km west of Georgetown Fletcher Creek 42km north of Charters Towers Bedford Weir 27km north of Blackwater Lloyd Jones Weir 15km south west of Barcaldine www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

P&O Cruises like no place on Earth

ON a P&O Cruises holiday, it’s all up to you. Wake up at noon, eat dinner under the stars or spend your time losing track of it. It’s your holiday and you can do what you want. And in 2015, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden join the P&O fleet, making P&O’s fleet of five ships the largest based in Australia year-round. That means more destinations to choose from, more experiences to indulge in and more reasons to holiday with P&O. Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden offer cruising like never before. Night or day, there’s something for everyone in The Pantry, a foodie haven of delicious outlets serving everything from fine cheeses to Mexican street food. The best bit is, you can sample as much or as little as you like - it’s all included your fare. Angelo’s Italian Restaurant is the go-to for the best traditional Italian this side of Rome, while after dark, Dragon Lady delivers mouth-watering modern pan-Asian cuisine.

As for destinations… they’re out of this world. With eight homeports, including six in Australia, P&O Cruises offers more choice than any other Australian cruise line. For those after a paradise getaway, P&O is the best way to sample the Pacific Islands. Cruise to some of the best ports in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. If you’re an adventurous cruiser, why not immerse yourself in the sounds and cultures of destinations like Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa, New Zealand and more? Or discover Australia’s favourite coastal destinations and bask in the beauty of our famous natural wonders.

Contact yyour our local TTra ra ravveller ellerss Choice consultant today on 1300 78 78 58 or visit www.travellerschoice.com.au to discover why you should cruise with P&O Cruises!

POSTCARDS Exciting new travel expo Travel for over 50s

AN EXCITING new travel expo is coming to Toowoomba on Wednesday, June 3. Organised by group travel specialists Uplift Tours and Travel, the expo will showcase a number of exciting holiday destinations, travel options and information stands specifically aimed at seniors travel and group travel. Uplift Tours and Travel looks after many groups including churches, schools and special interest groups, and is particularly experienced in seniors travel. Director Claire McErlane said the team at Uplift understands the specific requirements of seniors group travel, such as no showers over baths, ground level accommodation, inhouse restaurants for breakfasts, and importantly airport transfers (even from Toowoomba). “We also understand that an itinerary shouldn’t have the client feeling like they need a holiday when they get home,” she said.

“Each itinerary that we arrange for a

group is specifically designed to cater for the older demographic.” Claire is delighted to be bringing a travel expo to Toowoomba. “We have had many satisfied clients from Toowoomba,” she said. “There has been high interest from previous tours, so we are thrilled to be able to hold this expo in Toowoomba.” The expo will have something for everyone, including individuals, social groups and committees, clubs and tour group organisers. As well as numerous stall holders there will be presentations throughout the morning covering a range of interesting domestic and international destinations. The travel expo will be held at HumeRidge Church of Christ on Wednesday, June 3. Entry is free and morning tea will be available. If you would like to attend the expo please RSVP (for catering purposes) by phoning 3283 1966 or email marketing @uplifttours.com.

Handy apps SAFE TRAVELS

WE TRAVEL to see what surprises the world has to offer but not all these surprises are good.

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April 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 17

Page 18 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - April 2015

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

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April 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 19

POSTCARDS

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Travel for over 50s

A Berber Storyteller

WHILST strolling through a Berber market in Morocco we were warned that if we took photos of people we may have to pay for the privilege. A large crowd of men had gathered and were at one time quiet then the next emitting roars either of laughter or excitement or even wonder. I went across to the group to see what was going on and there in the middle of the throng, was the fellow pictured above. He was gesticulating and addressing the crowd in such a manner as to hold their complete attention.

He was the storyteller at work. Many Moroccans are illiterate and enjoy the telling and retelling of favourite stories and legends. I snapped his picture and immediately a howl went up from members of the crowd. The storyteller quickly turned, saw the camera in my hand, so approached me shouting goodness knows what but his open hand thrust out gave me the clue. I paid him 50 Dirhams (about $5) and honour done, he went back to his story and I continued on through the market.

Get us of f this thing!

Last Christmas my wife and I were in Cambodia on a cruise. We did a shore excursion to Ream National Park, along with about 50 other passengers. At a primitive ranger stat ion we were allotted to wooden longboats and found ourselves sha ring a longboat with an English couple and their two young adult son s. We set out on a crocodileinfested river, with no idea how long the journey would take. Shortly after starting, I noticed water running in between the boards on the boat’s sides. Thinking we would be on board for only a short time, it did not worry me. However, an hou r later, with no sign of our destination, the English guy cried out, “The water is getting deep back here. I will have to start bailing!” He used a small water bottle and we all started helping. The boat was getting lower in the water and the Cambodian skipper got on his mob ile phone and called for help. One of the young guys panicked and yelle d, “Emergency! Get us off this thing!” We tried to calm him down as we continued bailing out the water. Some time later, another long boat joined us and both boats pulled into a decrepit jetty where we transferred to the other boat, leaving our skipper to fend for himself . The journey continued for another half hour before reaching our destination. There is little doubt that our boat would have sun k by then. It was a novel way to spend Christmas Day!

Allan Blackburn

Kenn Rogers

BOOK

Review AUSTRALIA FREE Mike Koch

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Departing Toowoomba May 17th to 26th - 2015

Departing Toowoomba May 31st, June 1st, 2nd, 3rd - 2015

Page 20 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - April 2015

AUSTRALIA Free is a comprehensive travel guide to the best free activities and camping spots located throughout Australia, and is a great informative guide for the budget-minded traveller. Meticulously researched and documented, Australia Free covers every state and territory and boasts hundreds of free attractions and camping options, many of which have not formally been recorded in a guide such as this before. Dozens of maps for each state and territory pinpoint where you are and where you’re headed. Free camp sites and overnight stays, free activities, sights to see and things to do, areas of interest and regional information, rest areas and dump points, expert advice and the author’s personal recommendations.

Travel TALES How many yarns have you begun with ‘I remember once when we were in...’? We all have our favourite travel stories we love to share, especially the funny ones you can back up with a photo or two.

Don’t just save them for family and friends. Send them in to us here at your favourite Seniors Newspaper and share with us. We’d love to hear all about your adventures or maybe a handy travel tip or two that will save fellow readers a lot of hassle.

You can email them to us at editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au, with the heading Travel Tales and remembering to include your name, address and daytime phone number. Or post it to us at Travel Tales, Shop 2, 12 Project Avenue, Noosaville 4566. Don’t forget a stamped self-addressed envelope if you want your photos returned!

All we ask is that you keep the story short and the photos be in high resolution.

Come on – we’re longing to hear those great travel tales.

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“Grafton is easily reached via car on the Pacific Highway or, if you travel via coach/rail we provide courtesy transfers”

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

‘Let Us Entertain You’ . . .

Viva Italia Supremo THE music of Italy evokes passion, romance, red wine and pasta. Be transported to the many cultural destinations in Italy with their stylistically sensuous music. The great three tenors changed the world audience to enjoy the best bits of some of the great composers of the last 300 years. Modern Italy continues to exude the power that

great performance and wonderful music provides.

By popular demand Anna-Maria La Spina will return following the triumphs of Viva Italia in 2013 After singing with Australia’s duo ‘Savage Garden’ for 2 world tours, she cowrote the album ‘Always You’ recorded with brother and International Tenor, Rosario La Spina. The

Brain Training Answers From page 23 Two of a Kind: 1. Drab/dreary 2. Consume/ ingest 3. Competitor/rival 4. Flourish/prosper 5.

Dogged/persistent Add Up: 36 Mini Jigsaw: Breeze, Zephyr, Cloudy, Shower, Nimbus, Flurry

album debuted at No. 1 on the classical charts.

Tenori comprises the talents of three of Queensland’s powerhouse tenors in a dynamic, uplifting and hugely entertaining performance. With a combined fifty years’ experience in the industry, bring a sense of fun and sophistication to classics from the world of Opera, Music Theatre, Jazz and

Crossword Solution From page 22

everything in between.

David Kidd, Craig Atkinson and Andrew Pryor met while touring internationally with The Ten Tenors and have gone on to work with Opera Australia, Opera Queensland and many of the country’s finest orchestras. Individually, they have beautiful voices, together they sing like the band of brothers they are, with the camaraderie and precision that more than a decade of harmonising together can bring.

Selena Pennetta will dance the evocative Pizzica that will take us to the southern parts of Italy and this ancient dance form. Humours and talented Domenico Taraborrelli will perform on ‘The Stomach Steinway’ with some of the great Neapolitan songs.

Performances will be held at the Concert Hall QPAC on Saturday 16th May at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Book now at www.qpac.com.au or phone 136 246.

Readers! Please support the advertisiers!

It’s their support that pays for your paper each month and remember to tell them that you saw them in the Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Discover the perfect way to unwind with family & friends in our new facilities Lunch & Dinner - 7 Days a Week • Courtesy Bus • Bistro • Bar • Pokies • TAB • Keno • Sportsbet • Members Draw & Promotions

phone 4633 1229 now to reserve your table 561 Boundary St, Toowoomba I www.clubglenvale.com.au

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

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April 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 21

community news Straight Clues

Seniors Twospeed Crossword

ACROSS 2 Board a ship 5 Result 7 A colour 8 Small nick 11 Legal direction 12 Unaccompanied 14 Biblical writing 16 Ancient gold lover 17 Umpire (abb) 18 Papal edict 20 Makes neat 21 Stir up 22 Hits lustily DOWN 1 Touched 2 Carve in metal 3 Steal 4 Dislike of action 6 Foolish following 9 Was in debt 10 Snicks 12 Crazy 13 Responsibility 15 Lover of cruelty 18 Utilises 19 Curved structure Auspac Media - Answers on Page 21

Cryptic Clues ACROSS 2 Measure tree covering to board 5 Cause to happen as a result 7 Enticer is etched in part cherry-red 8 Mark up a win not with the church 11 Regulations of leading laymen and workers . . .

12 . . . only to the exclusion of others 14 Covenant to try final word on time 16 Many said to reform ancient gold lover 17 Shortened game arbiter pumping without sound 18 Sake produced after you finish edict from the Tsar 20 Makes orderly when it turns and perishes 21 Cause extreme emotion with former name 22 Hits out at single little creatures

DOWN 1 Had a feel for hat material 2 Carve in metal fetched inside 3 Awful grub the French follow to steal from a house 4 Ill-feeling about sentiment I leave 6 Extreme zeal of devotee a nervous move on doctrine

9 None married being still unpaid 10 Slashes shares 12 Am all right shortly to run round in a frenzy 13 The burden on you and me 15 Lover of torture is unhappy one way 18 Abuses sailor leaving customs 19 Leading part of structure

Word Trivia Scraunched and the archaic word strengthed each 10 letters long, are the longest words which are only one syllable long.

Timber Heritage comes to life in Maleny THE Maleny Wood Expo is an annual celebration of the wonderful world of wood! Visitors can enjoy a relaxed weekend at the picturesque Maleny Showgrounds in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland on

the 2nd and 3rd May. Maleny Wood Expo is one of those rare events that has ‘something for everyone’, whether you’re a collector of fine woodwork, a woodworker yourself or just looking for two

days of clean country fun for the whole family. This unique event celebrates our rich timber heritage.

Everything wood - from chainsaws to fine furniture, showcasing the work of regional wood artisans working in sustainably harvested native timbers, weed or recycled timbers.

Hosted by Barung Landcare, the event was born from the vision to promote sustainable use of our beautiful native timbers while protecting this natural resource for future generations. The Wood Expo tells the whole timber story – from seed col-

Available Sunday to Thursday this APRIL

lection and planting forests, harvesting and milling through to the end product. Find an inspirational piece to transform your home or take home the perfect piece of timber for that DIY project. The 2015 Wootha Prize theme is ‘Planting the Seed’. The exhibition is the end product of a prestigious competition that attracts entries from wood workers and sculptors Australia wide. As with other Expo woodworkers, all Wootha entries are made from sustainably harvested native timbers, weed or recycled timbers Visitors

can enjoy demonstrations of heritage crafts such as cross-cut saw racing, mobile milling, woodworking for women, chainsaw carving, wood turning, tool displays from our heritage days to the latest wood carving innovation and technology. Sharpen your skills at one of the popular Wood Shed Workshops.

This year’s program includes hand-carving with Master Carver Don Powell’, Diddley Box Making with blues duo Eb’n’Flo, Long and Short board Skateboard Deck Making with wooden surfboard shaper Steve-o, and

Construct a Milk Stool using the technique of mortise and tenon with Richard Knight. Want to take home your own bespoke woven basket?

Join local sculptor and installation artist Kris Martin, for a workshop ‘Weaving with Cat’s Claw – a Weed of National Significance’. Learn how to transform an environmental problem into a beneficial solution. And when you’re ready for a break, simply soak up the country atmosphere. Pull up a hay bale and enjoy a Landcare burger or a Montville Coffee Fair Trade latte. And the sustainability theme flows throughout the event.

Barung’s Nursery offers visitors the opportunity to purchase local native plants to create habitat for local fauna. Visit Natural Resource Management displays to learn more

about the region’s environmental initiatives. Take home some local boutique produce including woodfired breads, bush tucker and cheeses from the The Taste Maleny Produce Store. Plus there’s live music, free entertainment for the kids including Kids Woodworking Sessions and a monster raffle with prizes that everyone will love.

Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for Concession holders with children under 16 FREE and FREE parking. The Maleny Wood Expo is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a dynamic calendar of events throughout the state. For more information on the Maleny Wood Expo visit http:// w w w. m a l e n y w o o d expo.com.

TOTAL PRICE $335 per couple

TOTAL PRICE $395 per couple

FABULOUS BONUS Morning or Afternoon Tea at the beautiful Secrets By The Lake overlooking Baroon Pocket Dam

Page 22 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - April 2015

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WHAT’S ON this month Youngest classical musicians perform free THE Australian Youth Orchestra’s Young Symphonists program offers a unique opportunity for the best young musical talent aged 12-17 years to perform exhilarating repertoire for a live audience. Our youngest classical musicians from across the country will perform at the Empire Theatre – Armitage Centre, under the guidance of internationally acclaimed conductor Warwick Stengards. Come and experience the next generation of Australian orchestral talent at this special free concert, Friday, April 10, 7.30pm.

An afternoon with Chopin

ENJOY a Sunday afternoon of classical music in the historic surrounds of St Luke’s Anglican Church, Toowoomba. Acclaimed pianist and composer, Lance Clarke, will present a stunning piano recital featuring the best loved works of Chopin. This recital is the second in a fourconcert series paying tribute to the acclaimed poet of the piano, Frederick Chopin. Lance’s performance reflects the sensitive and highly expressive nature of Chopin’s work. Afternoon tea will be served after the recital. An afternoon with Chopin will be held on Sunday, April 12, from 3pm to 5pm, with further sessions on May 12 and June 10. Cost is $15 adults, $10 concession/ student, children under 12 free, and includes afternoon tea. For more information contact Del Merrick on 4635 0443.

Friday at the flicks AUSTRALIAN feature film Forty Thousand Horsemen (1941) is significant for its role in legend making, for the Australian Light Horse.

The story follows three larrikin Light Horsemen and their role in the desert campaigns. The three leads, played by Grant Taylor, Chips Rafferty and Pat Toohill, are introduced to us playing two-up in a market place and indulging in tomfoolery, including taking a wild donkey ride through town and into a cabaret club. The celebrated climax of the story plays out the famous charge at Beersheba. The film broke national box office records and also had considerable success on the international market. Friday, April 17, 6pm at USQ Arts Theatre. Tickets are $15.50 which includes post show drink and nibbles. Phone 4631 1111 to book.

Felton Food Festival features fine fare, farmers, and fun

Philharmonic Society showcases opera favourites

BY POPULAR demand, the Toowoomba Philharmonic Society will once again present an extravaganza of favourite opera choruses and proudly back five very WHEN celebrity chef Alistair McLeod and madcap talented local singers and internationally acclaimed soprano Deborah Rodgers (one gardener Costa Georgiadis get together it is a comedy in of the Seven Sopranos) performing solo and in ensemble. Be swept away by the the making. Their return to the Darling Downs for a haunting magic of Offenbach’s Barcarolle, thrill to the extraordinary mechanical grudge match at this year’s Felton Food Festival, is sure Doll’s Song, revel in the spirit of Spain with the Toreadors’ March and Habanera to be a highlight with visitors as the pair face off with their from Carmen, experience the passionate faith of Picker’s Hymn. With weddings, usual high levels of whacky enthusiasm. Joining the mix humour, drinking songs, love and betrayal, works by Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, this year is chef Matt Golinski, gardener Jeremy ColebyPuccini and Bernstein, to name a few, this is an event not to be missed. PerforWilliams and foodie Alison Alexander. The Felton Food mances will be held at the Empire Theatre – Armitage Centre on Friday, April 24 at Festival just keeps getting better and this year offers more 7.30pm and Sunday, April 26 at 2pm. Tickets are available from the Empire’s ticket than 70 stall holders with gourmet delights and fine fare, box and from the Empire Theatre’s website www.empiretheatre.com.au or call 1300 workshops, cooking challenges, Q&A with the farmers, 655 299; Adults $30, Concession $25, Children $20. musical entertainment, ANZAC biscuit baking competition and much more. Stonestreets Coaches will again be running free buses to the festival. Felton Food Festival is on Sunday, April 12, from 9am to 4pm at 64 Bryces Road, Felton. Entry is by gold coin donation.

Who do you call…

World architecture on our streets DISCOVER how major architectural movements from the past 2000 years are reflected in the face of Toowoomba, with local architect and driving force behind the Toowoomba Open House initiative, Stephanie Keays.

‘World architecture on our streets’ is part of the free Curator Conversation series of talks on the first Wednesday of each month at Cobb+Co Museum. This talk will be held on Wednesday, May 6, at 2pm.

Original performance of ANZAC stories and memories

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 or 1800 555 254 (Regional) National Information Centre on Retirement Investments (NICRI) 1800 020 110 National Aged Care Information 1800 200 422 www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

WE THAT Are Left, written by Robert Kronk, is an original commissioned performance knits together ANZAC stories and memories to explore the impact of war on families and communities from Toowoomba and the South West Queensland region, and how it came to help define who we are. The play runs from Saturday, April 25 to Wednesday, April 29 at USQ Arts Theatre.

Rating: 15+ adult themes. Tickets are $25 adult, $20 concession and are available by phoning 4631 1111.

Tunes from the war years THE Toowoomba Concert Orchestra, in collaboration with USQ music students, will perform a collection of music from the war years at the USQ Arts Theatre, on Saturday, April 18 at 6pm and Sunday, April 19, at 2pm.

Tickets are $25 adults, $20 concession. Bookings can be made by phoning 4631 1111.

Deadline for our May edition of Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper is April 29

A new place to call home Situated on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Little Mountain Home Park offers resort style retirement living for the over 50’s.

Located just minutes from Caloundra’s town centre & beautiful beaches. Relaxed & secure environment. A perfect place to call home.

• Community Hall • Bowling Green • Swimming Pool • Spa • Library • Craft Room • Bus • BBQ • Hairdresser

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Answers on page 21 www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

72 Mark Road West, Caloundra • Phone 5492 5600 • www.lmhp.com.au April 2015 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 23

I am downsizing to a Duplex Unit ... Do I have to pay body corporate fees ???

Page 24 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - April 2015

CLOSE GLENVALE DUPLEXES: BUY ONE OR BUY BOTH UNITS 2 and 3 Bedroom available from $325,ooo

SOUTH TOOWOOMBA - 184 WEST STREET 2 Bedroom Units - $310,000

HIGHFIELDS - UNIT 4/8 ALEXANDER AVENUE $340,000 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Single Garage - $340,000 $337,000 and $305,000

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