Toowoomba & darling downs seniors newspaper november 2014

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Your Local Seniors’ Newspaper - Written for Seniors by Seniors

Vol 2 - Issue No 10

November 2014

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Members of U3A Toowoomba help celebrate the first birthday of Toowoomba & Darling Downs Newspaper

SINCE the first issue of Toowoomba & Darling Downs Newspaper hit the stands last November, the community has embraced the idea of their own senior’s newspaper and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our readers and advertisers for supporting the paper during

the past year. Thanks also to everyone who lets us know how much they enjoy reading the paper, it’s great to hear such positive feedback. We look forward to bringing you more local stories and interesting reading over the next year.

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community news G20 needs to act on ageing, says eminent community psychologist

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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.

Professor Simon Biggs ... problem of ageing misses out at G20 talks

WHILE Brisbane braces for the G20 summit this month, a community psychologist is concerned that visiting world government leaders have not prioritised the issues of ageing on their agenda.

By 2050, the global population aged over 60 will reach two billion, three times more than in 2000.

Almost 30% of Australians, or 6.1 million people, will be 65 or older by the same date.

Ageing is a challenge that is facing both mature and emerging economies and will be

Page 2 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - November 2014

key to social development in the 21st century.

“However this issue is not on the official G20 agenda, says Professor Simon Biggs of the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne.

This year, the G20 is focused on raising global growth by 2% over five years.

“Achieving that growth requires getting more people into the workforce, including older people,” Prof.

Biggs said.

“Many advanced economies started concentrating on this during the global financial crisis. For older people, this has manifested itself in the raising of the age of eligibility for the old age pension and getting rid of compulsory retirement ages.

“Little consideration is given to whether there are jobs available, the quality of work, and ageism in the workplace.”

It is often assumed that a new direction has been found which lies in extending working life

and adopting a restricted understanding of the social contribution of older people – in effect, reducing it to a period of work and work-like activity.

However, solving the issue of people living increasingly longer lives by turning later life into a period of insecure work does not address a growing global concern – the exacerbation of social inequality within contemporary society and across the life course.

“Little consideration is given to whether there are jobs available, the quality of work, and ageism in the workplace,” says Prof. Biggs.

International concern about widening inequality across the life course has led the OECD to suggest that “economic growth is not an end in itself”. Addressing the multi-dimensional nature of inequalities and their impacts on different population groups matters for inclusive growth’.

Prof. Biggs says there are indications that a long life is increasingly becoming a precarious one.

“The International Labour Organisation indicates that 49% of all people over pensionable age do not receive a pension and for many who do, pension levels may leave them below national poverty lines.

“Additionally, future pensioners will receive lower pensions in at least 14 European countries.”

Academic research shows that Australians who are 55 and older are now entering life after full-time work, both underprepared and underfunded.

In 2011, 15% of 55-64 year olds were living below the incomepoverty line (defined as 50% of the median equivalent household disposable income), and the level of disadvantage goes up with age.

People currently aged 6575 and 75-plus are the most deeply socially excluded age groups.

When housing affordability is added to the mix, the number of people over 65 who will fully own their own homes is expected to fall significantly by 2050, completely changing the profile of those with housing assets and security in old age.

The point is that living longer lives puts many people in a precarious position and is the

product of policies that can be changed. It is not rooted in the biology of an ageing of the body; we need to rethink the value and

contribution of a long life. The G20 it seems, however, will not be putting its collective mind to the problem this year.

Driving AN elderly man and his daughter got together at last after several years.

No doubt concerned for her Father, she asked “Well, Dad; that car of yours... are you driving alright now?”

The old-timer thought for a moment and then replied “Let’s see here. I have flown a plane and sailed a yacht, controlled a crane and driven a lot of cars and tractors too; also a fork-lift....not to mention the number of trucks! Ah, yes, over the years I have also had motor cars galore... So, as far as that driving caper goes, it seems to me, somehow, I reckon I am getting the hang of it now!”

Contributed by John Nolan

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Love of sewing and community spirit helps Hospice patients

COMMUNITY support for the Toowoomba Hospice continues to grow with the donation of clothes protectors from members of the Australian Sewing Guild. Hospice director of nursing Mrs Alicia Trimingham said they are so lucky to have the support of our community.

“This is a great example of community support when out of the blue a community group comes Members of the Australian Sewing Guild (from left) Lyn Anscombe and along and offers their Beverley Stewart with Pat Turton (far right) donate clothes protectors to help,” she said.

Alicia Trimingham-Turl of Toowoomba Hospice Members of the Australian Sewing Guild (ASG) Hospice and other com- Organiser Mrs Pat Turon. having loads of fun,” she take great pride in sup- munity charities said the “We also take time to im- said. “We came together porting the Toowoomba Darling Downs Regional prove our skills while as strangers, and became

lifelong friends.”

The Highfields group of ASG meet on the first and third Monday each

month at the Highfields Community Centre. Mrs Turton said all skill levels are welcome to come

along. For further information, contact Lyn Anscombe 4615 4389 or Pat Turton 4698 7663.

Judy helping to make jobs cool for Australia’s aging workforce

THE Australian workforce is ageing rapidly. It’s estimated that within the next three decades a quarter of our population will be over 65 years of age. Getting a job over 60 isn’t easy, and this is something Judy Higgins and her husband worked out through their own personal experiences more than six years ago. In response, they and their son Matt took on the challenge of helping older workers find jobs by starting a jobs board – www.olderworkers.com.au – for jobseekers over the age of 45.

Judy’s husband Shane, now 67, was in his mid-50s when the company he was working for was bought out. Shane and several others, all in their 50s or over, were moved sideways.

“Shane had been in sales almost all of his working life, and in this particular job had exceeded all targets and had just been given a salary increase and a very positive position review,” said Judy who manages the service

Judy Higgins . . . passionate about benefits of older workers

at Carina in Brisbane. The sideways move meant he was no longer ‘on the road’ in sales, but had an office position without his company car, company phone and sales bonus scheme. Effectively his salary package had dropped considerably. He had never had trouble getting a job so resigned and spent the next two years out of work eventually taking a job well beneath his training or skills, but was thankful to get any job. The two years he spent out of work were not only difficult financially, but very difficult in terms of his self-esteem, wellbeing and motivation.

Judy says he would often

get down to the last two or three applicants but on almost all occasions missed the job due to his age. The organisations would actually tell him this when he asked for feedback. Ageism was, and still is, alive and well.

In 2008, Judy, Shane and their son Matthew, 44, who lives in Melbourne, launched their agefriendly website, a jobs board that links agefriendly employers, those specifically looking for those with life skills, experience, loyalty, mentoring, problem solving with jobseekers.

The Higgins family now has the largest and fastest growing job board for older workers and jobseekers, with more than 2000 registered employers including some of the largest companies in Australia, and more than 25,000 registered jobseekers.

“We are passionate about getting the message out there about the benefits of older workers in all organisations,” Judy told

Seniors Newspaper.

“To be thrown on the scrap heap at 45 onwards is a ridiculous waste of rich resources in this country, and it’s all about choices.

If you don’t want to be working when you are older then that is fine, but not everybody is in that position and many older Australians need to work to make ends meet. Many also work because they enjoy working for a variety of reasons.”

Stay in Your Home Longer with Home Assist Secure Home Assist Secure is offered by ASSERT Services for people aged 60 years and over (in receipt of a Commonwealth Pension Card), or people of any age with a disability who wish to remain living independently in their own home.

The service provides minor maintenance for items relating to your safety and security delivered by qualified ASSERT Services staff.

ASSERT Services offers eligible clients $400 financial assistance towards the labour component of the job per household per year.

For further information about our Home Assist Secure Program please contact our friendly staff on 46327385 or email homeassist@assertservices.org.au.

ASSERT Services also delivers HACC eligible lawn mowing services and Home Modifications Programs. Please feel free to ask our staff about these programs as well.

Home Assist Secure Program is funded by the Queensland State Government. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 3

community news Low Carbon Living starts at home booklet now available online HOUSEHOLDERS’ Options to Protect the Environment Inc. (HOPE) is pleased to announce

the launch of the national edition of the popular Low Carbon Living starts at home booklet.

The booklet aims to help residents reduce their carbon footprint by adopting simple and

Page 4 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - November 2014

inexpensive measures to reduce the use of electricity and water, at home. President of HOPE, Frank Ondrus, said the organisation aims to raise awareness of, and provide information to educate the community about, important environmental issues.

“We encourage people to take responsibility for their relationship with the environment in their daily lives,” he said. “The Low Carbon Living starts at home booklet was developed to show residents simple and effective measures to reduce electricity and water consumption at home.” The 40 page booklet highlights all areas of the home where residents, renters and renovators can all make smarter choices to reduce their impact on the environment. Methods developed and explained in the Low Carbon Living starts at home booklet can also be implemented in schools, businesses and community facilities. Copies of the booklet can be downloaded free of charge from www.hopeaustralia.org.au.

Showcasing the latest fashions at the Toowoomba Floral Art Group’s October fashion parade were (from left) Gloria Hayes, Pam Saal, Val Devine, Elaine Olum and Arleen Breeze

Welcome news on pension indexation

NATIONAL Seniors has welcomed a government move to ditch current plans to change Age Pension indexation. In Parliament recently, the government amended the Social Security Bills to remove the change to pension indexation. In the May budget, the government announced that from 2017 the Age Pension would be indexed by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) only which would mean that the value of the Age Pension would decrease over time.

Currently, the pension increases twice a year in line with the higher of the CPI or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI). It is then benchmarked against a percentage of Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MATWE). National Seniors has been urging the government to ditch the changes to Age Pension indexation and to continue to use the current indexation method to ensure pensions keep up with costs of living and enable older Australians to maintain a decent standard of living. National Seniors will be closely following the Social Security Bills as they progress through Parliament.

Media release: National Seniors

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Path to golden middle age is stretching out for most of us

WORRYING about ageing populations is a standard feature of political discussions about long-term health care budgets and plans for the future supply of health care.

The Australian population might be getting older, but nevertheless they are also getting healthier.

People in their fifties are often far from the people our parents or grandparents were at the same age.

A golden middle age is stretching out for more and more of us.

Politicians and other decision-makers have to focus and worry about an ‘older’ future, since very old people with more complex health needs will increase in number.

This should not mean that we focus exclusively on costs. Let us instead focus more on the quality of human life, on a longer, healthier life for those living them and for those around them.

In the end, there is more money in it for all of us too – with a more competent, experienced workforce; new markets for active people in the late middle age or retirement age; and, not least, in seeing health as a crucial factor in improving our economy and

aged care homes.

Myth: Older people are unable to learn or change. Reality: There are increasing numbers of older people pursuing university studies while others attend informal classes through the University of the Third Age. Many seniors learn new things to allow them to take part in activities and leisure interests. Myth: Memory loss and senilThumbs up . . . ageing . . . no worries!

society. Perhaps one of the most dangerous myths of all is that, left to themselves, things always work out.

In this modern world, change comes rapidly.

Twenty years from now, society will look quite different in many respects.

The situation, capacity, aspirations and needs of older people must be discussed openly in forums in which older people, including the most vulnerable ones, can voice their opinions. Nevertheless, finding a way of changing perceptions, ensuring lifelong development for older people and a bright future for today’s children, requires discussing much more broadly.

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Possible scenarios for the future need to be discussed, for example, in schools, young people’s organisations, universities, workplaces, employers’ organisations and trade unions and by health and other care professionals, urban planners, architects and engineers. Some countries and cities have recognised the need to plan for an ageing population, and policies and strategies for healthy ageing are being developed at the national and local levels.

The health of older people is affected by the life they have led; their behaviour; their personal and family situation; the services available to them; the so-

cial, economic, cultural, and physical environment in which they live; and the perceptions of growing older.

As you get older, you may come across negative attitudes about ageing. You might even feel pressure to accept and adopt these stereotypes about seniors.

A lack of knowledge about ageing sustains these myths and can lead to age discrimination.

The reality is the vast majority of seniors lead healthy and active lives, and make significant contributions to their family and the community, so let’s dispel some common myths. Myth: Older people are an economic

burden on society. Reality: Older people make a significant contribution to the economy. They spend $895 million on domestic travel annually.

They donate generously to charity. In the 19992000 tax year, over 65s accounted for 22% of total donations while earning only 7% of the population’s income.

Their unpaid work as carers and volunteers is valued at almost $39 billion a year.

Myth: All old people are unwell. Reality: The majority of older people are healthy and active, particularly those under 80 years old. In 2003, only 5% of people aged 60 and older were in hospitals or

ity comes with age. Reality: Studies show you can maintain intellect and creativity into old age.

While your risk of dementia does increase, it affects only about 5% of older people.

Myth: Older people are more likely to be victims of criminal assault and robbery. Reality: People aged 65 and over are less likely to be victims of crime than other adults.

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community news YWCA jazz night fund-raiser

Book WINNER CONGRATULATIONS Mrs M Bryant from Goomburra who won our book giveaway competition titled ‘Bottom Desk Drawer’.

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Charlie & Deb Dayet with Alyssa Guscott

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community news Baby quilts provide a caring touch during difficult times

TOOWOOMBA Quilters Club have been helping community members during one of the most heartbreaking times of their lives. The making of quilted baby cuddle rugs is an ongoing project that provides a small but personal item for women and families who experience a stillbirth or miscarriage.

Quilter Genell Lilley has been making baby rugs for nearly 10 years and judges the baby quilt section at the Toowoomba Royal Show each year.

“The quilts entered in the baby section of the Show are all acquired and donated,” she said.

“There’s quite a need for these quilts both at

Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital”.

Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service, acting nurse unit manager,

November - or Movember - is the month in which many men grow a moustache and become Mo Bros to support the Movember Foundation in raising awareness of men’s health and producing

tangible improvements in the lives of men dealing with prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health problems.

Movember had its humble beginnings in Melbourne in 2003

riage,” she said. “The quilts are placed with the baby while the family is in hospital. The families are then invited take home the quilt as a keepsake.”

“The quilts are not only beautiful to look at; they are also a beautiful reminder of the kindness of the people who donate them. The midwives in maternity are thankful

that such kindness is shown to our patients.

We thank these women who generously donate their time and talent to provide this lasting memorial.”

Members of Toowoomba Quilters Club (from left) Lesley Ellevsen, Trish Prowse and June Phillips show the cuddle rugs they have made for the Special Care Nursery at Toowoomba Hospital

Women’s and Children’s Services, Peta Zupp said members of the Toowoomba Quilters Club donate baby quilts to the Special Care Nurs-

ery, via the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, quite regularly.”The donated quilts are given to families who have experienced stillbirth or miscar-

Movember when two mates Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, were having a quiet beer at the Gypsy Bar on Brunswick St, Fitzroy. They mused about where the Mo had gone and joked about bringing it back.

The two friends decided to talk their mates into growing a Mo. Col with Mo: Regents This year, Regents on on the Lake host Col the Lake host Col Scrivener sports his Scrivener is again Movember Mo at last growing a Mo to raise year’s National Seniors money for the Christmas party Movember cause.

Men’s Health | Why is Movember important?

• The average life expectancy for Australian men is nearly five years less than women (79.5 years compared to 84).

• Every hour, more than four men die from potentially preventable conditions in Australia.

• Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men.

• Each year, 20,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in Australia.

• Testicular cancer is the second most common cancer, behind skin cancers, in young men aged 18-39 years.

• 1 in 8 Australian men experience depression at any given time.

• 1 in 5 Australian men will experience an anxiety disorder during their lifetime.

Terry White Chemists Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre, James St. Toowoomba QLD 4350 MacLean Country Pharmacy Shop 3a / 4664 Mt. Lindesay Hwy. North Maclean QLD 4280 Terry White Chemists Burpengary Shop 16 Burpengary Plaza, Station Rd. Now Available Burpengary QLD 4505 Magnus Shield Terry White Chemists TM is available at Shop 138, 400 Stafford Rd, good pharmacies Seek advice from your doctor if you suffer from these symptoms Stafford QLD 4053 and health food Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse 1 in 3 Australian men above 50 will suffer from an enlarged prostate stores. Ask your Cannon Hill Homemaker Centre Magnus ShieldTM contains CernitinTM, the Swedish pollen extract proven in extensive pharmacist or call Shop 5B, 1881 Creek Rd. 1300 760 627 Cannon Hill QLD 4170 clinical trials to support a healthy prostate and treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Terry White Chemists for more “Thank you for sending out Magnus Shield. I really believe they have been a great benefit to me. Before Shop 16 Stockland Shopping Centre information, if our 47 Bowman Rd., Caloundra QLD 4551 Magnus Shield, I was going to the toilet 3 or 4 times a night, now using Magnus Shield I’ve been going lines are busy Terry White Chemists once a night, sometimes not at all” John W, Benalla, VIC – 18 Jan 2010 please call again.

Shop 120 Sunshine Plaza, “I found these tablets Magnus Shield from a magazine. I found it helped me to empty my bladder at Maroochydore QLD 4558 night time and relieve the pain while passing water. It really works for me” Paul E, Ormond – 22 April 2008. Selina Street Pharmacy AUST L: 123642 152 Selina St., Wynumm North QLD 4178 Visit magnusprime.com for clinical studies Priceline Pharmacy Station Square and information. For nearest stockists Shop 27 Lennox St., Maryborough QLD 4650 please call: 1300 760 627 Always read the label. If symptoms persist seek the advice of a healthcare practitioner. - Approval No. CHC36636-04/07

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November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 7

THE Australian Council of Social Service has recently released a report revealing that poverty is growing in Australia with an estimated 2.5 million people or 13.9% of all people living below the poverty line.

The report provides the most up to date picture of poverty in the nation draw-

community news 2.5 million people living in poverty in Australia ing on new data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics Income and Expenditure surveys for 2011-12 and previous years. It finds that 603,000 or 17.7% of all children were living in poverty in Australia.

“This is deeply disturbing and highlights the need for

a national plan to tackle the scourge of poverty which diminishes us all in one of the wealthiest countries in the world,” said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.

“In particular, the child poverty rate should be of deep concern to us all, with over a third (36.8%) of children in sole parent families

Page 8 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - November 2014

living in poverty. This is due to the lower levels of employment among sole parent households, especially those with very young children, and the low level of social security payments for these families. “Most of the poverty we found is concentrated among the groups of

people facing the most disadvantage and barriers to fully participating in our community.”

“It emphasises the danger posed by Budget proposals to reduce the indexation of pension payments to the Consumer Price Index only, which is likely to result in higher poverty rates over time than would be the case if payments were indexed to wages and therefore community living standards. “Being unemployed is the strongest predictor of poverty. However, a significant finding of the report is the number of

people living in poverty whose main source of income is from employment.

Although workers in paid employment face a lower risk of poverty, they form one third (33.2%) of all people below the 50% poverty line. It is likely that most of these are either employed part time or supporting dependent children on a low wage.

“We need the development of a comprehensive national plan to tackle poverty if we are going to build on our great wealth and more fairly share the opportunities that will include all

our citizens,” Dr Goldie said. Poverty in Australia 2014 is the third report in ACOSS’ poverty series and updates earlier reports with new data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics Income and Expenditure surveys for 201112 and previous years. It uses the internationally accepted poverty line, defined as 50% of median household income, and adjusts for housing costs.

The research was conducted by the Social Policy Research Centre at the University of New South Wales.

Logan River & District Family History welcomes Lady Teviot

THE Logan River and District Family History Society has the privilege to announce that Lady Teviot is coming to do three talks at the Kingston Butter Factory on Thursday 27th November 2014 between 10.00am to 2.00pm. Only being a small Family History Society this is somewhat of a honour for us to be chosen by Lady Teviot to hold her talks at. Lady Teviot has been involved with Family History Research for over 40 years and is a Professional Genealogist and runs her own company called “Census Searches Ltd” which undertakes research into family history, probate records and media research. Lady Teviot has also featured in the second and third series of the UK program “Heir Hunters” on BBC1 television. Lady Teviot has lectured and fulfilled media engagements in Australia (including Good Morning Australia), New Zealand, Canada, USA and South Africa. Lady Teviot has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Federation of Family History Societies, including International Liaison Officer from 1995 to 2001 when she became the President of the Federation of Family History Societies until 2011. She is now a life Vice President. Other appointments include a member of the Council of British Records Association from 1998 to 2000. The three talks that Lady Teviot will undertake are: Talk 1) “The Parish Registers”. Talk 2) “The Parish Chest”. Talk 3) “Workhouses”. Each talk will be approxi forty minutes. Booking contact the society on 3808 6537 or Graham Popple on 3200 6141.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Home grown hospitality still on offer at QCWA tea and rest rooms Rest Rooms and the Orana function room stand proudly on that same sight, 263 Margaret Street,

Toowoomba, offering to all the public a comfy new lounge for resting, tea rooms for dining in, and

now serving takeaway morning teas and lunches and a function room available for hire.

SHOP NOW for

QCWA members at the first annual meeting in Toowoomba, 1924. Photo taken by T & E Deazeley Courtesy of State Library of Queensland

QCWA is one of the longest serving rural women’s organisations, having commenced service on August 11, 1922 to local, interstate and international communities.

The Toowoomba branch was formed on February 22, 1923 with members deciding that a retiring room for women was a necessity in the city. The first rest room was located in a room above the Commonwealth Bank in Ruthven Street for a rental of 10 shillings a week, and history records state that the room included a septic system.

Donations covered costs but the room was open

only to QCWA members.

In August, 1923, a rest room committee was formed within the branch, then in 1925 it grew into the Toowoomba and district rest room committee, but owing to insufficient use the room closed until June 1925 when a six month agreement was taken up for two rooms over the Downs Store (now Heritage Building Society) at a cost of one pound a week. Country branches paid five pound a year for operating costs, the remainder met by the Toowoomba branch.

Records show that in 1926 the cost of a cup of tea was

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three pence. September 1926 saw members seeking their own building and in late 1927 a piece of land at 263 Margaret St was purchased for 380 pounds. The purchase of these premises was made possible by relentless fundraising efforts and dedication of the members of those times. One such function was a dance held in what was then the new parking station of Red and Gold Taxi Co., 12 pounds, 12 shillings and 5 pence was raised.

The rooms were officially opened on August 7, 1931 by state president Mrs J. H. Fairfax who remarked

Christmas!

Pop in and check out our NEW RANGE for season

they would “bring rest, reChristmas Gifts for Someone Special freshment, peace and happiness to women and chilor just Spoil Yourself with these one-off pieces dren”. A newspaper report of the day stated that the • SCARVES • EARRINGS building was an imposing • BROOCHES • RINGS brick structure that was erected on the site of the • NECKLACES • BEADS first house built in • BRACELETS • JEWELLERY STANDS Toowoomba, and details of this history can be seen GET VOUCHER & IS on display in the rooms H T T N E S E Gift vouchers also available PR today. In the rest rooms annual report 1955/1956 it OPEN: Monday - Saturday is stated that “18,983 cups 9.00am - 5.00pm IAL ADY ON SPEC of tea have been sold”. In YTHING ALRE *EXCLUDES AN 1963 the rooms became the Shop at The Ridge Shoppingworld (Top of Travelator) responsibility of the QCWA Darling Downs 445-455 Hume Street Toowoomba Division. Still today in Call Frank: 0413 910 803 or Email: sixharmonies@hotmail.com 2014, the modern QCWA Country Way Tea and • UNIQUE PRODUCTS • AFFORDABLE PRICES • WIDE SELECTION • LAY-BY AVAILABLE

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November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 9

community news National Seniors Toowoomba Branch Hold fast to your dreams Picture a shy young Irish lad digging for bait worms on the beach at Monkstown on the south side of Dublin Bay in the 1950s. Looking up he sees seagulls floating in the wind without moving their wings and dreams that one day he too will soar like a bird.

This was the childhood dream of our guest speaker on Thursday,

October 2, George Lee. At age 16, George took up an electrical fitter’s apprenticeship with the RAF at its Halton base in England. To help occupy his spare time, he joined a nearby gliding club and thus began a love affair with gliders that has remained with him throughout his life.

As well as proceeding on to a distinguished career with the RAF, George became the first person to win three successive

World Gliding Championships.

He was also called upon to take Prince Charles on his first experience of gliding in 1978. He subsequently received several gliding trophies from members of the Royal family, and was even invited to Buckingham Palace for a small private luncheon and a chat with the Queen.

In the RAF, with determination and hard work, George managed to go

Did you know that swimming is one of the best exercises for seniors?

It is important to remain physically active as we age. If you are not used to exercising, high impact exercise can have a detrimental effect on our bones and joint muscles.

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Page 10 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - November 2014

George Lee at the controls of a Nimbus 4DM glider at his private airfield near Dalby

from being an electrical fitter to a Phantom jet fighter pilot.

While on training missions it sometimes struck him as ironic that the British were entrusting a young Irishman with a multi-million dollar aircraft armed to the teeth with the most sophisticated weaponry in the world flying at supersonic speeds within minutes of the seat of government.

After leaving the RAF at age 38, he joined Cathay Pacific as a 747 pilot based in Hong Kong. As Hong Kong was not suitable for gliding, George had to rely on participating in invitational events during periods of leave, one of which provided his introduction to gliding in Australia.

Being keen to return to gliding after his retirement from Cathay Pacific, George purchased a farm near Dalby where he and his wife Maren took up residence in 1999. George built a hangar and two runways suitable for gliders and began glider coaching courses for over ten years.

George has since published an autobiography, Hold Fast to Your Dreams, available from George’s website http:// holdfasttodreams.com for $15.00.

Smelling the roses I don’t think any of the Toowoomba seniors on our bus trip on October 16 had ever seen so many roses until we visited Bartons Rose Farm just off the Cunningham Highway near Kalbar.

After a delicious Devonshire tea, we were able to stroll through Bartons exhibition garden where over 1000 different varieties of roses could be seen (and smelled!) growing in a garden situation.

There were examples of hybrid teas, floribundas, old world roses, David Austins, miniatures, polyanthas, thornless roses, Delbards, ground covers, climbers and pillar roses.

There were also standard roses including minia-

tures as well as hybrid teas and floribundas.

Colours ranged from the popular red, white and yellow through every shade of orange and pink to mauve and blue along with variegated blooms of various hues.

Roses have a very long history. Fossilised roses have been found in sediments as much as 35 million years old. Garden cultivation of roses began in China some 5,000 years ago. By the Roman period, roses were grown extensively in the Middle East and Mediterranean. They were used as confetti at celebrations, for medicinal purposes, and as a source of perfume. There were large public rose gardens in the south of ancient Rome.

In the late eighteenth century cultivated teascented roses were brought to Europe from China, and in 1867 the French rose breeder JeanBaptiste André Guillot produced the first hybrid tea rose which he called “La France”, ushering in the era of modern roses.

Following our enjoyable and relaxing morning at the rose farm, we went on to the nearby Dugandan Hotel for lunch.

The “Dugie” as it is known was established as a general store in 1886, not actually becoming a hotel until 1913. It has survived several natural disasters including the 2011 floods, after which it underwent renovations together with the addition of a new deck and beer

Don and Flo Longmore admire Kentucky Derby, a beautiful red hybrid tea rose

garden. It nevertheless still retains its essential “country pub” charm and turns on generous country pub sized meals.

Coming Events For our final bus trip for the year on Thursday, November 20 we will be heading up to the Bunya Mountains for morning tea, then on to Bellfor lunch at the Bowls Club and a visit to the Biblical Garden at the Bell Catholic Church. The Biblical Garden was established to mark the Centenary of the church in 2012. Trees and plants mentioned in the Bible were sourced and incorporated into a ‘Way of the Cross’ walk set out on a vacant block beside the church building. Departure time is 7.00am, and the cost is $50.

Our Christmas Party this year will be on Tuesday, December 2 at Regents on the Lake. Welcome drinks and nibbles will be served from10.30am with proceedings getting under way at 11.00am. Our spe-

cial guest Rev Penny Jones of St Luke’s Anglican Parish will bring a Christmas message before our traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Music will be provided by the Timeless Duo of Patty Whitehouse at the keyboard and John Cosgrove on the saxophone. There will be a special Christmas raffle as well as lucky door prizes.

The cost is $45.

Enquiries and bookings for any of our activities may be made by telephoning June on 4635 9796 or Yvonne on 4638 5252.

Neville Fry, President NSA Toowoomba Branch

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community news Development seminar great success

LOCAL Members Trevor Watts & John McVeigh jointly hosted a Justices of the Peace professional development seminar with approximately 300 invited guests in attendance on Friday, 31st October 2014.

This seminar was held at the Harristown State High School Assembly Hall located at 341-367 South Street, Toowoomba.

Mr Watts stated “this seminar formed part of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General’s ongoing commitment to provide professional development opportunities for all existing Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations. Facilitated by the Justices of the Peace Branch, this seminar focused on general witnessing procedures and included an open forum for questions.”

Member for Toowoomba South, Mr John McVeigh advised that this seminar provided an ideal opportunity to present 70 long service awards in appreciation for the years of dedicated community service that C.decs and

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JPs provide. “If you were unable to attend the seminar and you are eligible to apply for a 25, 40, 50 or 60 years award certificate as a Commissioner for Declarations or as a Justices of the Peace you are encouraged to contact your elected Member of Parliament to apply for a long service award certificate.

This Seminar focused on general witnessing procedures and included an open forum for questions.

Mr Watts stated that he would like to encourage all Commissioner for Declarations or and Justices of the Peace to update their current contact details, including email address, through the Justices of the Peace website, www.qld.gov.au/jps.

If you are no longer able to be actively involved as a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Declarations, you may wish to consider tendering your resignation in writing to: Justices of the Peace Branch Department of Justice and AttorneyGeneral, Email: jp@justice.qld.gov.au

Learn to earn with Red Cross MATURE aged job seekers and those with a disability are being urged by Red Cross to consider heading back to the classroom to learn how to earn, now that Australians are living longer, retiring later and less likely to rely on welfare benefits. Bureau of Statistics figures show the average retirement age has jumped by five years in recent times with only 9% of workers expecting to retire before the age of 60. The figures also show a big shift in the way people expect to pay for their retirement, with fewer and fewer relying on a pension.

Red Cross General Manager, Operations and Business Development, Chris Casey says “The trend towards part-

time work means there will be plenty of jobs in Aged Care, Community Services, Cleaning, Hospitality, Retail, Transport and Warehousing.

“At Red Cross we have a range of training courses for job seekers to up skill, learn new skills or simply gain the confidence to re-join the workforce.

“Job seekers currently working with an Employment Consultant are urged to contact Red Cross for assistance with a back to work training program.

For more information about Red Cross ‘Learn to Earn’ training program phone 1300 367 428 or go to the Red Cross ‘Learn’ page redcross.edu.au

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November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 11

community news NSA Garden City Branch

More than 80 members enjoyed, and were given much food for thought, when Senior Constable

Alvyn Servin addressed the October meeting of Garden City National Seniors. He spoke about the

need for all drivers, including seniors, to be aware of their abilities and driving competency. And to ac-

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cept that the time may come when it is necessary to surrender their driving licence in the interest of safety and the maintenance of a good driving record.

His informative, entertaining and memorable power point presentation was followed by a lively question and answer session.

A heavy smoke haze didn’t prevent us from enjoying our mystery progressive luncheon tour to destinations unknown on Wednesday October 29.

The 50 members and visitors enjoyed the views and the camaraderie as we headed south from Toowoomba.

Conjecture over our destination, for the first course, ended when we turned into the gateway of the historic sandstone Glengallan Homestead between Allora and Warwick. The quiches were delicious and the service great as we were given a background briefing by local volunteer, Clare Cotton. Then we explored the wonderfully restored homestead and grounds, appreciating the evidence of the delights and hardships of a long gone era.

Some spent time on the top verandah taking in the magnificent view (despite

Dell Jensen and Helen Goodfellow enjoy the balcony of Glengallan Homestead

the smoke from bush fires) and perhaps imagining they were first owner John Deuchar. One of our members hadn’t visited the building since 1949. He was impressed by the change and appreciative of the restoration work that had been done.

We then headed north through Allora for a photo opportunity at the Mary Poppins House, one time home of Pamela Travers.

Midday found us at Rudd’s pub in Nobby where we enjoyed roast meats and vegetables surrounded by Rudd memorabilia and other reminders of early farming on the Downs.

It was a nostalgic stop over for those of us who grew up reading the tales of ‘On Our Selection’ and listening to Dad and Dave on the wireless.

Some of the men spent a

nostalgic moment discussing the uses of the old hand tools hanging from the walls and ceiling.

The mystery widened as we left Nobby on backroads, enjoying the scenery, until we finally emerged at Westbrook.

There we were greeted by the cheerful Westbrook Tavern staff who were at the ready with an awesome array of sweets and beverages. This, our last trip for the year, proved to be something of a highlight with members eager to know where our first adventure in the new year would take us.

COMING EVENTS • Our last monthly meeting for 2014 will be on Monday November 17. The morning starts at 9.30am with morning tea. Cost $6.

Guest speakers will be drawn from our own membership who will each tell a

short story of some aspect of their life. We have done this in the past and been fascinated by what we have learned.

• Monday November 24 is the date for our Christmas Party. It will commence at 10.30am with entertainment

by Scott Tweedie, multidraw raffle, good friendship, good food and of course a bag of goodies for everyone. Cost for the day $35.

Get your name down as soon as possible as there will have to be a cut off point for catering purposes. Please bring any donations for the goodie bags to the meeting on the 17th.

• There will be no meeting in December. Our next meeting will be on Monday 19 January 2015. First bus trip for the new year will be in February.

• For more information and bookings, Hazel 4635 4519.

Hazel Gillies President, Garden City National Seniors

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Page 12 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - November 2014

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community news Quota Club of Toowoomba Inc. QUOTA Club of Toowoomba are holding their monthly meeting at the meeting rooms at “The Hospice”, O’Quinn Street, Toowoomba at 6.30pm, on Tuesday the 11th November. The facility is run by a lady by the name of Trina Brown, who had worked with children for quite a few years, and felt a new approach to helping children with autism was badly Margaret Schulz, President Anne Arnold and Jeni Neary man a stand at needed. Together she and the U3A Expo her husband purchased a farm with the idea of the chil- The children go there sev- lives. They feel relaxed and his voice which has now dren forming close relation- eral days a week and told at peace with all the ani- disappeared. One told us us it had changed their mals, and he had a tic in he would love to live there. ships with the animals.

At present we have been assisting them to raise much needed money for facilities. You are very welcome to come along and

join us and learn a little of what we do in the community. We would love to welcome any interested ladies. Our meetings are held

on the second Tuesday of the month. Enquiries are always welcome. Contact Jeni on 4615 5033 or Shirley on 4635 9661.

Australians not prepared for dying with dignity

THE vast majority of Australians do not have a plan allowing them to die with dignity, new research has found. Just 14 per cent of the population has an Advance Directive, or “living will”, detailing their end of life treatment and care preferences, according to an article led by QUT Australian Centre for Health Law Research director Professor Ben White. This research is from a joint University of Queensland, QUT and Victoria University study, supported by the Australian Research Council in partnership with seven public trustee organisations across Australia. An Advance Directive is a legal document in which a person specifies what treatment or end of life care they want, when they no longer have the capacity to decide.

“There are ongoing calls from government, academics and policy-makers to improve how we die and how we can have a ‘good’

death,” Professor White, whose research has been published in the Internal Medicine Journal, said.

“Advance care planning is usually at the forefront of these policy discussions so when a person loses capacity, those responsible for that person’s care knows what they would want.”

Professor Ben White Professor White said having an Advance Directive was important because it offered those who are dying the chance to have their wishes about end of life care respected.

“Our findings present an opportunity, outside the health setting, to advance the policy goal of increasing advance care planning,” he said.

“Those responsible for advising wider future planning processes such as will-making, including lawyers and financial planners, should be co-opted into efforts to encourage people to plan not only for

their financial future but for their health as well.

“And health professionals must take opportunities to inquire about people’s existing directives. Getting Australians to think about advance care planning is a big challenge, so we need to think about how to start conversations about future health decision-making.” The survey results, which include the first national data on the prevalence of Advance Directive completion in Australia, revealed wide variations from state to state with South Australia (21 per cent) and Queensland (19 per cent) leading the country for the number of residents with Advance Directives. The Northern Territory had the lowest number of people with an Advance Directive (9 per cent).

“Australians are far more likely to make a will (59 per cent) or an enduring financial power of attorney (30 per cent) than an Advance

Directive,” Professor White said.

“But interestingly, there is a clear association between those people who have prepared a will or a financial enduring power of attorney and those people who have completed an Advance Directive. “We found that people who completed a financial enduring power of attorney were nine times more likely to have an Advance Directive than those who hadn’t, while those with a will were 2.5 times more likely to have an Advance Directive than those without.”

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community news DVD Winner

Keeping grandchildren safe in your home

CONGRATULATIONS to Lois Schulz from Oakey who won our DVD giveaway competition titled ‘I Love This Place’. Congratulations and Enjoy!

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Are you missing out on life’s important moments?

WHAT if you missed your granddaughter’s first word, or the gist of a speech by your son at his wedding? Thousands of Australians get by on piecing together conversations and missing important moments that result in lasting emotional impact, research by Australian Hearing has revealed.

The research has identified more than 87 per cent of Australians with hearing loss struggle to follow conversations and half of all sufferers (48%) and their loved ones (53%) believe hearing loss reduces the quality of communication by limiting the sharing of thoughts and feelings in conversation. Principal Audiologist at Australian Hearing, Janette Thorburn, said this could compromise quality of life and relationships for the sufferer.

“Simple things we take for granted like chatting with grandchildren or partaking in conversations can be challenging for people suffering with hearing loss. It’s as if they never get to fully experience these moments, often missing words and sentiment” said Ms Thorburn.

However, for the majority of untreated sufferers it is a burden often experienced unnecessarily - many people have hearing loss which can be managed effectively with proper diagnosis and treatment. Ms Thorburn said “people have a natural inclination to put up with or just ignore their hearing difficulties rather than take action.” The research found only 59 per cent of untreated sufferers had ever had a hearing test and of those who had had been formally tested, an average of 12.2 years had passed since their last test. “People who seek help earlier on are much more likely to get more benefit from them than those who put up with hearing loss for years before seeking help” said Ms Thorburn.

Call 131 797 to make an appointment for a free hearing check or visit www.hearing.com.au for more information.

CONCLUDING our story of top tips by Liz Coffey, St Johns Ambulance Volunteer.

Burns: Unlike the skin of an adult, children’s skin is very thin and burns easily. Sadly, this means that a child’s skin burns much worse than an adult’s skin and causes more damage. Skin is the body’s largest organ and its major function is to prevent infection.

When a burn occurs, the skin is broken, allowing bacteria to enter the body and cause infection. Liz said after a child has been burnt, immediately place the area under cool running water from a tap or a garden hose for at least 20 minutes.

“People often only cool the burnt area under water for less than a minute, however the skin can continue to burn and penetrate the layers of the skin, so it is important to apply running water for at least 20 minutes,” Liz said. “Do not use ice, lotions, creams or oils as this just traps the heat in the skin and aids in further damaging the layers of skin.”

After cooling, protect the skin area with a dry, non-

Queensland Police Service Road Safety presentation for Mature Drivers THE Queensland Police Service, through the Toowoomba Police, is presenting a talk for Mature Drivers. This talk involves licensing of drivers and gives up to date information on the rules and requirements of this process. A PowerPoint is the crucial part of the presentation given by the Police Officer. The Police Officer who is the presenter of these talks is the Senior Forensic Crash Investigator and the Traffic Adjudicator. He has many years of experience with the Queensland Police Service and is up to date with all the rules and regulations. At the end of the presentation people attending are given the opportunity to ask any questions they may be concerned about. If you are interested in having this presentation please email VanDenHeuvel.LorelleG@police.qld.gov.au or call Darling Downs District Crime Prevention Unit Telephone 4631 6733

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stick dressing. “In adults any burn larger than a 20 cent piece requires medical attention, however I highly recommend all burns on children are looked at by a doctor,” Liz said.

Liz advises grandparents to prepare for the unexpected by familiarising themselves with these common household emergencies and, if possible, enrolling in a St John (Qld) first aid course.

“Having the right equipment is just as important as knowing what to do in emergencies. Storing a wellequipped St John first aid kit in the home and car can really take the pressure off a stressful situation,” she said.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek professional advice from your doctor or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if an emergency occurs. If you would like to enrol in a quality St John (Qld) first aid course or purchase a first aid kit, visit www.stjohnqld.com.au or call 1300 360 455.

Tuesday Talks - Toowoomba

TUESDAY Talks - a free event on the 2nd Tuesday of each month welcomes new and regular members to gather and hear different guest speakers in the area of health and wellbeing.

Our next talk is on Tuesday, 11th November at Cafe Forte’. Join us at 10am for a 10.30start.

Please RSVP for catering to Barb on 0414 999 714 or email liveinsynergy555924@gmail.com We have a policy of “come when you can and leave when you need to” so that people are free to join in at any time, especially if they have to fit the Talks in between other appointments.

We will also be organising a Christmas lunch in December and all are welcome to join - we will have several speakers doing short presentations.

The Power of the Second Question Chris Skellett you can pause in your busy life to reflect and capture the ‘simple truths’ about your world. In doing so, Chris says, we can reconnect with the deeper meaning of our lives and rediscover our sense of purpose.

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community news Toowoomba Open House exceeds all expectations TOOWOOMBA Open House proves a winner with Toowoomba residents and visitors.

Trevor Watts, Member for Toowoomba North announced that around 6600 visits were recorded at the 30 buildings open this year, a 150% increase on visits for the first event in 2013. This increase reflected the strong involvement of the State Government in promoting the event. The best

way to maintain our heritage buildings is to open them up so that visitors can see them up close and touch them and appreciate that they are essential to the life of our city,” Mr Watts said. Most popular with Open house visitors was Gabbinbar Homestead with 1096 people flocking to explore the Victorian splendour of the house and gardens.

Vacy Hall, the other outstanding attraction

Pamela Gray & Maureen Withers at St. Matthews Church

on the day recorded 453 visitors in just a two hour period.

Traditional Toowoomba icons also featured in the top 10 for visitor numbers, such as, the Masonic Temple, the Empire Theatre precinct, the Royal Bull’s Head Inn, City Hall and Redlands Concordia.

The Toowoomba Open House Festival of Architecture continues with a number of activities and exhibitions still open. The Marks Courtyard at City Hall is displaying, the exhibition Architecture: Made by Women, which can be viewed for free during business hours.

Details of this year’s outstanding Toowoomba Open House are available at www.toowoomba openhouse.com.au and if you are interested in helping with next year’s event contact Stephanie at info@toowoombao

penhouse.com.au or by ringing 0432 939 350 .

“The more people who can experience these buildings the better, because it means more people get a taste and a feel for the history of the places, Mr Watts said.”

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Don’t book a scammer’s holiday

THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning consumers to watch out for travel scams. The ACCC has received 1,650 complaints about travel scams this year, with $100,000 reported lost. Most complainants were contacted by phone and many were offered holiday vouchers for $2,000 or $3,000. Others were sold fake trips to Florida or the Bahamas including tickets to theme

parks or cruises at greatly discounted rates.

“While you are making plans for a hard-earned break, scammers are plotting to steal your hardearned dollars,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard warned. Simply searching online for a holiday can alert scammers that you are a potential target and they won’t hesitate to approach you with travel vouchers or offers that

Do you need help around the home?

Reliable Toowoomba lady is available to help you with: • Home cooking • Ironing • Appointments • Shopping • Social outings • Moving house • Holidays

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always turn out to be too good to be true. “Watch out for these fraudsters cold calling and announcing that you’ve won a travel prize, ranging from discount accommodation vouchers to whole holiday packages. To redeem the prize, you will be asked to provide personal information such as your credit card and drivers’ licence details before they can send it to you,” Ms Rickard said. “Sometimes scammers will provide authentic-looking tickets and itineraries but when it comes time to travel, these documents are useless and the business cannot be contacted.”

Scammers have also recently been targeting homes and businesses with a fraudulent phone message from QANTAS or Virgin, which claims they have won a ‘travel prize’ or ‘credit points’ typically $999 - towards their next holiday. In order to redeem the credit, you have to answer several questions, including handing over credit card details so that the ‘prize’ can be processed.

Further information about travel scams is available atwww.scamwatch.gov.au.

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 November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 15

LAW, FINANCE and YOU Are you ready to transition to retirement?

Our next edtion of Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper is 4th December. Deadline for copy is 26th November

THE start of each financial year is always a good time to review your financial plan.

For those considering retirement in the not-toodistant future, now is a good time to review your income strategy to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

“The minimum and maximum withdrawal limits for account-based pensions are adjusted on 1 July each year based on the member’s age”, says Jeff.

“This makes it easier to assess whether a transition-to-retirement (TTR) income stream is a strategy worth considering as you move towards retirement.”

Who is eligible to start a TTR? If you’re under 65 and still working, you are able to start a TTR income stream once you reach your preservation age. “The preservation age for most people nearing retirement is age 55”, says Jeff “however it depends on the year in which you were born.”

“With proper planning, a

Page 16 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - November 2014

TTR is a powerful retirement strategy from which you can benefit for up to 10 years so it is worth discussing with your financial adviser.”

How does a TTR work?

Once you’ve reached your preservation age, the first step in starting a TTR is to move some of your super into an accountbased pension.

“You’ll find most accumulation super funds offer an account-based pension”, says Jeff “however if your super fund doesn’t, you’ll need to set up a pension account with a fund that does.”

“You then must withdraw between 4-10% of the balance in your pension account each financial year as regular income”, says Jeff “and as a TTR is a pension, you have to take this as regular instalments and not as a lump-sum.”

How do you get the most out of a TTR? There are two main ways that you can use a TTR: Ease into retirement. A TTR allows you to reduce your working hours, while keeping

your income the same by drawing on your super.

“Many people like the mental challenge and social side of work”, says Jeff “and so TTRs allow you to scale back your time at work, while still maintaining the same level of income.”

“The main benefit here is that, as you ease yourself into retirement, the investment earnings on your pension account are tax free, potentially increasing the returns on your super.”

“You may also find that, you’ll benefit from some tax savings due to tax on your super being lower than your marginal tax rate”, adds Jeff.

Boost your super. If you want to keep working full-time, you can use TTR to access some pension income to boost your retirement savings through salary sacrifice contributions.

“This strategy involves moving the bulk of your super into an accountbased pension”, says Jeff “which means you’ll benefit from higher investment returns as

earnings in a pension account are tax-fee.”

“You then can salary sacrifice some of your income into super, with your reduced income being supplemented by income withdrawn from your account-based pension.”

“With this strategy, while your income stays the same, it’s likely that your super balance will be higher when you eventually stop work.”

“There are also some tax savings that you may be able to take advantage of along the way”, adds Jeff “which also increase when you reach age 60.”

The importance of planning Transition-to-retirement strategies are complex and the way in which you use one will depend on your retirement plans, your income needs and whether your super fund has an account-based pension available.

There are some taxation and life insurance implications that you’ll also need to consider, as well as the ongoing impact if you or your

partner are receiving social security benefits.

While the benefits of a TTR strategy are clear, a financial adviser can help you to decide if it is an appropriate income strategy for you as you near retirement.

To find out more, please contact Jeff from RI Toowoomba on 07 4639 3733 or email enquiries@ ritoowoomba.com.au *Jeff is an Authorised Representative of RI Advice Group Pty Limited (ABN 23 001 774 125), Australian Financial Services Licence 238429. This editorial does not consider your personal circumstances and is general advice only. You should not act on the information provided without first obtaining professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.

From time to time we may send you informative updates and details of the range of services we can provide. If you no longer want to receive this information please contact our office to opt out.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

LAW, FINANCE and YOU Australian retirees hardest hit by GFC

AN international study of retirees shows Australians have been the hardest hit by the global financial crisis.

The report by multi-national banker HSBC shows the crisis has caused the biggest drop in incomes for Australians entering retirement among the 15 countries surveyed. The reason is the big exposure that superannuation funds have to shares. ‘’Australians have felt the GFC acutely and for a prolonged period because of the strong links between our pension and superannuation systems and equity markets, which saw more than 50% falls following the crisis,’’ HSBC Australia’s head of retail banking and wealth management Graham Heunis said.

“It has resulted in many Australians’ retirement plans being disrupted.’’

According to the survey, almost 80% of Australian

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.

Graham Heunis .. the retirement plans of many Australians disrupted by GFC

retirees reported an income fall upon retiring. More than 40% reported their income falling by half.

That was about double the global average and way ahead of other western markets including the US at 16% and Britain at 24%.

Apart from the financial crisis, Australian retirees blamed the drop in income on unexpected events or expenses such as children moving back home or health-related expenses as

well as insufficient planning. About 40% of retirees say they did not prepare adequately or at all for a comfortable retirement.

About 60% said that their preparations for retirement turned out to be at least adequate.

The HSBC report – Future of Retirement: Life After Work? – also shows that one in six workingage Australians believe they will never be in a financial position to fully

retire. That is higher than the global average of 12% and on a par with the US and Britain. Australians are working longer but are also embracing semi-retirement in greater numbers. On average, Australians expect to fully retire at 64 (compared with the global average of 59), which is three years later than when their parents retired. One-third of Australians aged 55 to 64 are semi-retired.

Most households not saving, but retirees are faring the best UNTIL the global financial crisis, Australia was a nation of spendthrifts.

The savings rate was typically less than 4%, and households actually spent more than they earned a couple of times in the early 2000s. Savings rates jumped to double-digits after Lehman Brothers collapsed, and have remained around 10%e, even as interest rates were cut to record lows to encourage more spending.

However, a survey of 1500 households by

Members Equity Bank, reported by ABC News, shows the minority of households are responsible for that increased saving.

“About 54% of households are struggling to save,” observed the bank’s economics consultant Jeff Oughton.

“Of the order of 40% are breaking even at the end of each week and another 12% are actually overspending and drawing on their savings.”

Mr Oughton says that, not only are many people struggling to

put money aside, a large group do not have savings built up to meet an unforeseen large expense.

“About 25% of households feel they couldn’t raise $3000 if there was a financial emergency or they lost their job for a sustained period of time,” he said.

The survey finds about a third of households have less than $1000 cash on hand – for instance in on-call savings accounts. With record low interest rates, even those with bank

savings are struggling just to keep up with inflation.

That has often been assumed to hurt older savers, such as selffunded retirees, but Jeff Oughton says the study shows older households with more assets have typically fared well in the current low interest rate environment.

“The financial comfort amongst the asset rich households has risen to record levels thanks to rising share and house prices,” he said.

New police blog keeps community informed DARLING Downs Police District has launched a new internet blog which shares information with the community about policing issues of interest and importance to our area of the state. The Darling Downs Mypolice blog gives the community access to information about current policing issues, crime statistics, community safety, and crime prevention. It also creates an avenue for two-way communication between police and the community. Up-to-date information can be delivered to your email inbox by signing up to the free blog or you can read the blog by going to http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/ darlingdowns/

• Wills • Powers of Attorney • Estate Administration

Contacting the police for non-urgent matters POLICELINK, a division of the Queensland Police Service, is a contact centre which is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By phoning 131 444, you will speak with specifically trained Policelink client service officers who can assist you with your non-urgent incident report or your general Queensland Police Service enquiry.

You can phone Policelink whenever you would need to report a nonurgent crime or incident, or for general police enquiries. For example, you can report by phone wilful property damage, stealing offences, break and enters, stolen vehicles and lost property.

If the crime is happening now, is life threatening or there is a likelihood of the suspected offenders being in the area, call 000 immediately. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

• Elder Law • Complex Estate Planning & Succession • Family Trusts & Structures

MOBILE SERVICE - WE COME TO YOU

• Senior Living Arrangements

November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 17

FEELING GOOD

dent n e p e d In g in y a t S and The No.1 benign tumour in men

IF you know someone or a loved one who is suffering from poor prostate health, you’re not alone, it’s a common problem and help is available.

The Prostate The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that wraps around the urethra at the point of the bladder. Prostate gland enlargement can be caused by prostate cancer, but 80% of the time it is attributable to

benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

As men age, the prostate gland increases in size, making BPH one of the most common age-related conditions in men.

The enlarged gland puts pressure on the urethra, acting like a partial clamp and thus causing numerous urinary symptoms.

BPH affects more than 50% of Australian men in their sixties and 90%

of men above the age of seventy.

How Magnus Shield® Helps The Prostate Magnus Shield® is an extract created from the pollen (the male seeds that enable flowering plants to reproduce) of various plants, including rye grass.

Magnus Shield® has anti-inflammatory properties which decreases swelling and improves urine flow.

Magnus Shield also

Page 18 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - November 2014

works on the urinary tract by relaxing the smooth muscle tone of the urethra, thus improving urine flow, increasing bladder muscle contraction to push the urine out, and relaxing the sphincter muscles, which help hold the urine in the bladder. Together, these actions would improve the urine flow rate and reduce the amount of urine remaining in the

bladder after urination, thereby decreasing urinary frequency.

Research Validates Magnus Shield’s® Effects A number of impressive trials conducted have concluded that Magnus Shield® has a beneficial effect in the management of BPH. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 men suffering from BPH were treated with Magnus Shield®

or placebo for six months.

Nocturia (frequent urination at nighttime) was improved or eliminated in 60% of the patients treated with Magnus Shield® compared to 30% of the patients treated with placebo. In addition, 57% of patients treated with Magnus Shield® showed improvement in bladder emptying compared to only 10% in the placebo group.

Residual urine volume and prostate gland size also decreased significantly in the patients receiving Magnus Shield®.

Safe and Non-allergenic Magnus Shield® is safe and well tolerated. No adverse reactions to its use have been reported.

Magnus Shield® taken orally did not cause allergies in patients who are usually allergic to pollen.

Testimonials According to Mike B from NSW “9 Months ago, I have tried Magnus Shield for prostate medication made by Graminex Australia, I can say that it helps me mainly in reducing my night

time urination, a year ago, I used to wake up 6-7 times a night, and now I only wake up once or twice, and during last Christmas, I had 1 beer during the party, and I got up 3 times. Thank You for Graminex and I definitely will recommend this product” - from Johns Park, NSW David Norton from Victoria Market Pharmacy said that at Victoria Market Pharmacy, we have been selling Magnus Shield for five and a half years, many of own customers are regulars who have benefited greatly, especially in the reduction of night time urinary frequency.

Summary Magnus Shield® is available direct from Graminex Australia Pty Ltd or at your good pharmacies or health food shops.

For more information about nearby stockists, please call 1300 360 289.

Visit our website at www.magnusprime.com or call 1300 360 289 (Toll Free) for more information.

Slide on sunnies daily, Cancer Council warns AS summer beckons, Cancer Council is urging Queenslanders to slide on sunnies daily to protect themselves from cataracts, serious retina damage and cancers on the surface of the eye. Part of the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide campaign, Queenslanders are reminded to slide on wraparound sunglasses along with using sunscreen and slapping on a hat for best protection against the sun.”Damage to the eye can occur regardless of the UV Index level, so it’s essential that Queenslanders wear wraparound sunglasses at all times when outside during daylight hours. “Be sure to reduce exposure of the eye to UV radiation as much as possible, ensure your sunglasses meet the Australian/New Zealand standard, and wear a broadbrimmed hat. “Choosing wraparound, close-fitting, large-lens sunglasses provide the best protection by reducing direct and reflected UV radiation and glare.”Wearing a broad-brimmed hat along with wraparound sunglasses can reduce UV radiation exposure to the eyes by up to 98 per cent.”

Cancer Council Queensland recommends Queenslanders choose a pair of sunglasses that meet the Australian/New Zealand Standard and have the correct classifications and labelling.

“Always look for wrap-around sunglasses that meet the Australian/New Zealand Standard 1067:2003 and an Eye Protection Factor (EPF) 10,” Ms Clift said.

“Choose sunglasses with a clearly-labelled lens category two, three or four, rather than basic fashion spectacles. “The Standard doesn’t cover tinted or prescription glasses – though some may provide protection from UV or be coasted with a UV protective layer. “If you wear prescription glasses, ask your optometrist about the level of UV protection they provide.”Cancer Council-endorsed prescription lens coatings that block up to 95 per cent of transmitted and reflected UV are available from optical outlets, for use on prescription lenses. More information about Cancer Council Queensland and staying SunSmart is available on 13 11 20 or cancerqld.org.au. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

FEELING GOOD

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

Printed titanium heel has man back on his feet CSIRO, St Vincent’s Hospital and Victorian biotech company Anatomics have joined together to carry out world-first surgery to implant a titanium-printed heel bone into a Melbourne man. Printed using CSIRO’s state-ofthe-art Arcam 3D printer, the heel bone was implanted into 71-year-old Len Chandler, a builder from Rutherglen Victoria, who was facing amputation of the leg below the knee following a diagnosis of cancer of the calcaneus, or heel bone. St Vincent’s Hospital surgeon Professor Peter Choong was aware of CSIRO’s work in titanium 3D after reading about our work producing an orthotic horseshoe in 2013, and contacted

CSIRO’s John Barnes in early June about his vision for a metallic implant which would support the body’s weight. At the time, CSIRO happened to be working with the Victorian-based biotech company Anatomics on metallic implant technology and CSIRO brought Anatomics into the discussion with Professor Choong to draw on their experience as a certified custom medical device manufacturer. Working from Anatomics’ schematics for the calcaneus heel bone, teams at Anatomics and CSIRO developed the design requirements with Professor Choong’s surgical team. Included in the design were smooth surfaces where the bone contacts other bone, holes for

suture locations and rough surfaces to allow tissue adhesion.

Anatomics and CSIRO produced three implant prototypes in the days before the surgery. In the space of two weeks, from first phone call to surgery, CSIRO and Anatomics were able to custom-design and present an implant part to the St Vincent’s surgical team, in time for the surgery on the second week of July.Mr Chandler returned to St Vincent’s Hospital this week for a check-up and said he was recovering well, and able to place some weight on his implant.

“The customisation of 3D printing is good in emergency situations such as these,” a member of

CSIRO’s titanium printing point in the future we ex- capacity to work on here to help local industeam Dr Robert Wilson pect that local for-profit projects like this, and try grow and build mosaid. “Custom designed businesses will have the meanwhile the CSIRO is mentum.” implants mean job opportunities in this area as these types of surgeries become more commonplace.” CSIRO is working with a number of major companies and SMEs across Australia to build capacity in biotech and manufacturing. “3D printing is a local manufacturing process, meaning Australian companies produce implants for our own patients for our own doctors to use,” CSIRO’s Director of High Performance Metal Industries John Barnes said. ”We would no longer have to rely on imported parts that slow the process down and is less personal for the patient. “At some

New yoga classes offer affordable health benefits HATHA Yoga classes, part of Toowoomba Regional Council’s healthy and active program, are now available at two different time slots. Head to Zama Yoga, Southtown Shopping Centre, 140 South Street, Toowoomba on Saturdays from

4.15pm-5.15pm, or 5.30pm-6.30pm. Cost is $3 and no bookings are required. Bring a towel and mat (mats are available for hire for $2). For more information contact Bridget or Nicole on (07) 3162 1652 or info@zamayoga.com.au.

Get fit with affordable healthy and active classes TWO new Energise classes have been started up as part of Toowoomba Regional Council’s healthy and active program. Join

Chad and Sarah at the Multipurpose court, Pilton State School, 24 Pilton Valley Road, Pilton on Wednesdays or at Bicentennial Memorial

Park, Ramsay Street, or email Greenmount on Thurs- sarah.chad@bigpond.com. days, both from 9am10am. Cost is $3. For more information contact Chad or Sarah on 0407 735 440

Council expands seniors’ fitness classes TOOWOOMBA Regional Council’s healthy and active program has expanded.

Seniors’ fitness classes will now be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am-12 noon. Classes cost $3 and will be held at Edge Health Studio, 146 Campbell Street, Toowoomba. For more information contact Lisa on 0499 774 601 or email info@edgehealth.com.au.

Keeping you Mobile & Independent

whilst in your own home!

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November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 19

Page 20 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - November 2014

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

SLEEPING Solutions

Good night’s sleep should be more than just a dream

WHAT do cats and nannies have in common?

Napping!

So, are cat naps and nannie naps good for you?

Taking a nap during the day can actually have good benefits for your health. Many people who regularly treat themselves to short naps claim they come with benefits.

Many seniors suffer from sleep deprivation, which can lead to poor performance and attitude during the day. Because of sleepiness during the day, some are more unproductive and irritable than they should be, and more prone to avoidable accidents than they want to be.

Taking a nap can easily fix these issues in a lot of cases. For many older folks, a good night’s sleep is but a dream; they have trouble falling asleep and awaken after only a few

hours. Their daytime fatigue may be so overwhelming that they can’t drive or participate in other normal activities.

About half of those who complain to their doctors about poor sleep end up with a prescription drug.

Not only are these unnecessary but they also are habit-forming and can cause side effects, according to sleep researchers in psychiatry and behavioral sciences. It is far better for people to consider what simple changes could be made to improve their sleep — and to understand how sleep patterns change with age.

Common — and normal — sleep problems, which plague up to 40% of the elderly, include light sleep, frequent waking, and daytime fatigue. Among older people, there is also a decrease in the deep-sleep

Good Night ... Good Morning

stage and an increase in periods of wakefulness during the night. While many seniors complain of poor sleep, relatively few have true sleep disorders and even smaller numbers need commonly prescribed sleep medications. Sleep disorders in the elderly include apnea (a temporary cessation of breathing which can also affect younger people) and peri-

odic limb movement, which can take the form of periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) or restless leg syndrome. In this syndrome, the person is gripped by strong urges to move his or her legs repeatedly before sleep, which prevent him or her from falling asleep.

While the benefits of napping are verified by research, in some cases, it

may not help at all. If you are among two specific groups of people, you should not be taking naps at all, as they may even hurt you. If you are either an insomniac or just endure bouts of depression, you will want to avoid naps in the afternoon. If you are an insomniac, napping during the day could make your sleep at night even worse. If you’re depressed, then napping during the day may even work to worsen your symptoms of depression.

Making sure you don’t sleep for more than 90 minutes during your nap is essential. If you do so, you may disturb your body’s internal rhythm, leading to results that are not beneficial. As always, consult with your medico – and if you have a problem don’t just sleep on it!

Sweet dreams.

Sleep disorders send signals on health FOR most people, dreams occur purely in the mind while the body is resting.

However, people who suffer from REM (nonrapid eye movement) sleep behaviour disorder physically act out their dreams while they are asleep. They physically move around, walk, talk, hit out in their sleep, or constantly waking up in the early hours.

It is often not diagnosed until it starts to prove a danger to the sufferer’s bed partner.

Studies of animals suggest that the symptoms of REM sleep behaviour disorder may be caused by lesions on the brain stem (the area of the brain which joins the spinal cord).

The disorder can be treated quite successfully using medications such as antidepressants.

However, the link between dementia and

clinicians diagnose whether they are suffering from dementia with lewy bodies or Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr Murray said.

‘It can sometimes be very difficult to tell the difference between these two dementias, especially in the early stages, but we have found that only 2-3% of patients with Alzheimer’s disease have a history of this sleep disorder.

“Once the diagnosis of Sleeping disorders can include constantly waking up in the early hours dementia with lewy bodies is made, patients the sleep disorder is not diagnosed in them while gator Dr Melissa can use drugs that can Murray, a neuroscienas strong in women, say they were under Mayo treat the related tist, said. care. researchers.

“So it is a very powerful cognitive issues. No “While it is, of course, The Mayo Clinic in the marker for the disease.” cure is currently true that not everyone US examined magnetic available.”

She added that the who has this sleep resonance imaging Dementia with lewy study’s findings could disorder develops DLB (MRI) scans of the improve the diagnosis of bodies affects men and (dementia with lewy brains of 75 patients women equally and is this form of dementia diagnosed with probable bodies), as many as 75 and that this can lead to most prevalent in the to 80% of men with dementia. over 65s. better treatment. dementia in our Mayo The researchers then database did experience “Screening for the sleep Contact your physician checked the patients’ disorder in a patient with first if you are considerREM sleep behaviour histories to see if the ing any treatment. dementia could help sleep disorder had been disorder,” lead investi-

Sleep Management IF you’re deprived of sleep, you’ll find it hard to function throughout the day – your energy levels will slump, you won’t be able to concentrate, and you’ll feel grumpy and moody. If this continues, you could risk the health of your immune system, putting you at risk of infections and diseases. The good news is that there’s plenty you can do to help you get a good night’s sleep.

“Sleep hygiene” is a term health experts use to describe a healthy sleeping routine. You can improve your sleep hygiene by: • Going to bed at about the same time each night, and getting up at about the same time each day.

• Creating a relaxing environment – get the TV and computer out of your bedroom, and try to make sure your bedroom is neither too warm or too cold.

• Starting to unwind before bed – drink some comforting warm milk 30 to 45 minutes before bedtime, have a relaxing bath with a few drops of lavender oil, don’t work or watch TV just before you turn in for the night. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

• Avoiding overloading your system – don’t eat a heavy meal shortly before bedtime.

• Limiting stimulants – enjoy your coffee, sure, but try to limit your caffeine intake to the mornings.

• Trying a traditional herbal supplement like Nature’s Own Complete Sleep Advanced containing a mildly sedating herb, such as valerian, hops or zizyphus, that may help to calm your mind and help you to fall asleep – and sleep through the night Nature’s Own Complete Sleep Advanced has a sleep promoting action, providing relief from sleeplessness and insomnia. It assists with a good night’s sleep, by helping you to get to sleep and stay asleep. Helps alleviate stress, a common cause of insomnia and sleeplessness and has a mild sedative action, helping to induce a restful state.

Nature’s Own Complete Sleep Advanced 30 Tablets $24.99 at your local Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse.

Visit www.goodpricepharmacy.com.au to find a store near you

Maintain your Confidence with Continence

We at Down-Undercare.com.au have been quietly dealing with this problem on your behalf for many years. Now with the arrival of the new over-pant/ pilcher, made from high quality Polyester in various colours to suit your wardrobe the breathable and much acclaimed polyurethane pant is quite comfortable to wear and waterproof. They also wash well with other garments. Gone are the days of the PVC baby type pants. All sizes available.

Prices start from $32 delivered.

Visit our warehouse store at 16/50 Kremzow Road, Brendale. QLD. 4500

Telephone: (07) 3333 2018 Buy direct through our secure website: www.down-undercare.com.au Discreet delivery November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 21

community news Enjoying a very hot day at the Westbrook Family Fun Day 26th October - Temperature reached 35+ºC

Reeve & Dina Waugh Jenny & Les Harch

Greg Mees, Frank Devlin , Peter Hundt members of the SES controlling parking

Toowoomba Multiservice Centre “Your home away from home” Alzheimer’s Queensland with its 31 years of experience is an industry leader in dementia care.

In the Darling Downs region Alzheimer’s Queensland provides 24 HOUR 7 DAYS respite through its centre located at 8 Buckland Street, Toowoomba

In support of the community we are running

2 FREE EDUCATION FORUMS

Dementia: Another Way of Living FORUM FOR FAMILY CARERS & THEIR FRIENDS Wednesday November 19th 2014 Time: 9:30am-3:00pm (registration starts 9:00am) Venue: Jacaranda Room, Grand Central Shopping Centre, Toowoomba Includes Morning Tea and Light Lunch RSVP Essential by Wednesday 12th November 2014, Call 07 4635 2966

Dementia: Let’s Get Personal FORUM FOR PROFESSIONALS Thursday November 20th 2014 Time: 9:30am-4:00pm (registration starts 9:00am) Venue: Jacaranda Room, Grand Central Shopping Includes Morning Tea and Light Lunch RSVP Essential by Thursday 13th November 2014, Call 07 4635 2966 Page 22 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - November 2014

Chris Watt from the Toowoomba Aeromodellers Association Inc (TAA) for short

Just for laughs An elderly couple had dinner at another couple’s house, and after eating, the wives left thetable and went into the kitchen. The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, “Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly.” The other man said, “What is the name of the restaurant?”

The first man thought and thought and finally said, “What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love?

You know... the one that’s red and has thorns.” “Do you mean a rose?” “Yes, that’s the one,” replied the man.

He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, “Rose, what’s the name of that restaurant we went to last night?”

Our Next edition of Toowoomba Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper is December 4th Deadline for Copy is 26th November

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

P O T C S R A D S TRAVEL r e p p o H d n Pacific Isla r Reef or a Barrie se? ui r C y r e v o c s Di

Travel for over 50s

S U L L E T YOU !

T N A W U O Y T A WH 24 ge a P o t n r Tu details e for all th

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November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 23

POSTCARDS

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Travel for over 50s

WIN a 7 Night Cruise for Two!

Ucango Travel & Cruise Centre and P&O along with Seniors Newspapers are offering readers the opportunity to go in a draw to win a fantastic fun filled cruise for 2 people. The winner will be able to choose from P&O’s Pacific Island Hopper Cruise or the Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise. Both cruises are ex Brisbane for 7 nights and to whet your appetite read more about the cruises up for grabs.

Let’s get MUSICAL! ROCK LEGENDS “THE EAGLES” LIVE IN CONCERT @ BRISBANE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE Tues 10th March 2015. $240 pp. Inc: Ticket & Coach Travel BIGGEST LIVE THEATRE SENSATION OF ALL TIME – DIRTY DANCING THE MUSICAL Sat 30th May 2015. $165pp. Inc: Ticket & Coach Travel FIRST CLASS MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA “ANYTHING GOES” Sun 16th Aug 2015. $170pp. Inc: Ticket & Coach Travel

Journeys to REMEMBER! CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT WISEMANS FERRY Mon 22nd – Sun 28th Dec 2014. $1985ppts - 7 days. Luxury Coach Travel.

ELVIS PRESLEY’S 80TH BIRTHDAY CARNIVAL TOUR Tue 6th – Mon 12th Jan 2015. $1980ppts - 7 days. Luxury Coach Travel.

Feat: Dubbo & Western Plains Zoo. A TASTE OF 2015 (PART 2) • Melbourne Flower Show & Dandenongs - Mon 23rd – Fri 27 Mar • 100yr Anzac Centennial Canberra - Tue 21st - Mon 27th Apr

1300 602 902

• True Outback Experience - Kimberley’s - Aug • Kiwi Rail Adventure - Wed 5th – Mon 16th Nov

tours@peterscoaches.com.au www.peterscoaches.com.au

Page 24 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - November 2014

Pacific Island Hopper “Nothing says ‘tropical holiday’ like island hopping from one tropical destination to the next, and when it comes to the Pacific Islands, we do it best! There’s the Frenchy-chic vibe of Noumea, the ancient culture of Lifou and the Caribbean atmosphere in Vila. Oh, and the beaches...we’d never forget the beaches!” – P&O Barrier Reef Discovery “This itinerary is dedicated to the incredible Great Barrier Reef – one of the seven wonders of the natural world. With three ports from which you can explore the pristine reef, coral cays and tropical islands, take the opportunity to fall in love with Australia all over again.” – P&O TO ENTER ENTER: Simply tell us in 25 words or less why you would like to win a P&O Cruise.

Email or post your entry along with your name, address and day time contact telephone number to Email: office@seniorsnewspaper.com.au and in the subject line write Win a Cruise or post your entry to “Win a Cruise Competition” P O Box 1062, Tewantin Q 4565 Conditions of entr entryy: Entrants must be aged 50 years and over, and only one entry per person per month. The competition will be drawn on December 22nd when one lucky person will be announced as the winner. The winner will be notified by telephone and post, and announced in our first newspaper published in 2015 being our February issue (No Jan issues are published)

For all your Travel needs contact Ucango Travel on 5451 8600 or 5437 4000

Pack the big lens for this outback adventure PETERS’ True Aussie Outback Experience tour for 2015 will be a trip you’ll never forget. An adventure through the Kimberley in Western Australia, the Top End of Northern Territory and the Outback of Queensland. WOW!!

Australia’s last frontier is a wild land of remote, spectacular scenery spread over huge distances, with a severe climate, a sparse population and minimal infrastructure. Larger than 75% of the world’s countries, the Kimberley is hemmed by impenetrable coastline and unforgiving deserts. In between lie vast boab-studded spinifex plains, palm-fringed gorges, strange rock formations and desolate mountains.

The region starts at Kununurra, with its irrigation miracle and ends at swashbuckling Broome, home to the iconic Cable Beach with its camel-

tinged sunsets!

In The Top End, we explore Darwin.

While a sophisticated modern city, it is also one steeped in history and we learn a bit about that history while we’re here. We then head into the Top End’s most important asset – the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park to experience much that it has to offer. From Katherine, we begin our journey home, travelling to Cape Crawford and staying at the Heartbreak Hotel – they say the hotel has been “heartbreaking” for every owner who has had her. While we’re here, we fly over the little known Lost City – truly a natural wonder. We drive up to the Gulf of Carpentaria and explore the area before heading to Cairns and the coast.

What a tour!

Call our friendly staff for further information. 1300 602 902

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

The Devil’s Play Stone

BY COLLEEN POVALL ONE of our favourite cities in the world is Utrecht in Holland. An old university city dating back to pre-Roman times, it has long been a crossroads of humanity and wherever you look, there are traces of that humanity clinging to it ancient buildings and canals.

One day, rounding a corner, I almost fell over a massive rock imbedded in the narrow footpath and chained securely to building on the corner. ‘What on earth is this?’ I demanded, hastily regaining my balance. My husband Ben, who’d been born and bred in Utrecht merely shrugged. ‘Dunno...it’s always been there.’

Fortunately for my inquisitive nature, his mother knew the answer. ‘It’s the Devil’s play stone,’ she answered and went on to explain. Back in mediaeval days the citizens discovered that each morning the rock was in a different spot and since it was so massive, they decided it must be moved by the Devil, having a bit of fun at their expense. Since any of his activities are to be discouraged, they chained it to the corner of the nearest building. Apparently the idea worked and the Devil moved on to more tolerant climes. So it remains today, a menace to pedestrians, but a salutary lesson to the Devil not to mess with the locals.

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Do you want an Exciting, Fully Escorted African Adventure filled with up close and personal Interactions with Wildlife?

CHOICE takes on new consumer travel project

FOLLOWING the deregulation of travel agents, CHOICE has reached agreement with state and territory governments for a new Consumer Travel Hub project.The project will provide a mix of research, tailored information, education campaigns and advocacy to significantly improve the experience of Australian consumers in the travel market. With a planned launch date of late 2014, the hub will identify issues with travel providers, products and services, and bring these issues to the attention of governments, regulators and industry.

CHOICE reached agreement with state and territory ministers in July, with the project to receive funding of $2.8m over four-and-a-half years, provided from the now-defunct Travel Compensation Fund. This matches the funding already provided to the Australian Federation of Travel Agents to set up a voluntary self-accreditation scheme from 1 July 2014. Funding has also been provided to state and territory governments to raise awareness about the changes to the travel industry.

Key features of the CHOICE proposal are: • Ensuring there is a strong consumer voice in the Australian travel market, identifying emerging consumer issues, and advocating for solutions.

• Publishing and promoting

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independent advice for Australian travellers on their consumer rights and protections, including common issues around travel agents and other providers.

• Providing unbiased reviews and how-to guides for navigating consumer travel products and services, including travel insurance.

CHOICE was one of several groups invited by the nation’s consumer affairs ministers to apply for funding to establish a consumer voice in the travel industry. This followed the decision of ministers to abolish the Travel Compensation Fund, which since 1987 was part of licensing arrangements for Australian-based travel agents. The fund also paid more than $60 million in compensation to consumers left high and dry when agents went bust, such as when a Sydney-based cruise company went into administration in 2012.

While we recognise the travel industry is evolving, CHOICE advocated for reforming the fund rather than abolishing it. We also argued that if the fund were abolished, dedicated resources should be provided for consumer protection. When ministers decided to abolish the fund anyway, and to provide funding to the travel industry to set up a voluntary selfaccreditation scheme, we argued that comparable amount should be provided to help consumers.

Article reprinted courtesy of CHOICE

November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 25

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Travel for over 50s

Travel TALES Busan, Korea ide a restaurant in ts ou n sig ky ee ch A Lee

Maureen

Just thought I would borrow your spectacles for a quick read!

Valerie Pienaar

A Day in Rome

BUDGET or BOUTIQUE

“We need an angel!”

Our onward, flight had been delayed and we couldn’t bear to waste a day. So here we were, seven brightly dressed tourists lost in a sea of drab commuters somewhere between the airport and the city of Rome. And I was responsible for the escapade. I was beginning to feel more than a little disorientated and aware that we might just be lost in the spaghetti of the Italian railway system.

Already we had made erratic progress through money changing, and travelling by bus to a nearby station. There we floundered through the ticket dispensing machines with much waving of hands and incomprehensible exchanges with those we pressured for help.

We had changed trains twice in the labyrinth of underground stations and now our initial boldness and enthusiasm was wearing thin as we contemplated the fact we could be lost travelling in a foreign city.

The door slid open at the next station and the rush of new arrivals pushed us closer together. “Where are we?” I spoke out loud, while searching for the name of the station.

“Are you Australians?” A new arrival interjected as she joined the crush near the door.

WHERE:

LAUNCESTON, Tasmania

WHA WHATT : Modern City with long history, founded 1806 WHY: Food, wine, convict buildings, World Heritage sites BONUS: Direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne

For a moment we were stunned. Were we hearing things? Someone who understood us, perhaps she was the angel we needed! It was better to think so than to to never know for sure. Our new found friend was however a travel agent visiting Rome to research the tourist attractions, a city she already knew quite well. What a day we had, our own off duty tour guide showing us the sights and sounds of Rome. Lunch time found us seated under the vine clad trellis of a sunbathed outdoor restaurant not far from the Spanish steps, but definitely not the usual tourist beat. Rome down to the last curl of garlic laden pasta.

Eventually having squeezed the last drop out of an extraordinary day, we headed with accomplished ease back the way we had come: Three trains, one bus and a long walk. There was the airport hotel, just where we had left it.

In a short space of time we had graduated from being accidental tourists to authentic travellers thanks to an angel.

Beverley Souster

BUDGET EAT Smokey Joe’s Creole Café –Cajun and Creole, mains from under $20.

SLEEP The Arthouse Hostel (built 1888), $33.75 pp p/night private room, free WiFi, free tea & coffee, free sunscreen, free BBQ, herb garden.

DO Wander the streets to see the many well-preserved Georgian and Victorian buildings, take a peek at the Old Umbrella Shop, a retail museum run by the National Trust.

Be awed by the beauty of Cataract Gorge, 15 minutes’ walk from city centre, with its walking trails, world’s longest single-span chairlift, suspension bridge and park-like gardens. Beautiful City Park houses stunning orchids in the conservatory, Japanese monkeys, and historic Albert Hall.

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Travel

TIPS

When I purchase sheets or lightweight blankets, I save the zippered plastic bags (smaller sizes) they came in. I use them to help organize my suitcase, putting underclothing in one, shirts in another, etc. It’s especially helpful on those trips where I have to repack every few days.

Elizabeth J. Kast

Competition

If you have a humorous travel story, photo or travel tips to share with our readers please send them to Email: editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au and in the subject matter write Travel Tales. Also include your name, address and daytime phone number, or you can the post the above to Travel Tales, PO Box 1062, Tewantin, 4565.

If you would like your photo to be returned please include a stamped self addressed envelope. Please keep your entries brief and photos should be in high resolution.

Win a P&O Cruise

All entries will automatically go into the Win a P&O Cruise Competition from Ucango Travel & Cruise, P&O and Seniors Newspaper which will be drawn on 22nd December 2014.

BOUTIQUE EAT Stillwater Restaurant – renovated 1840s flour mill beside the Tamar River offers indulgent seasonal menus. Try fresh Tas scallops, wild crayfish, wallaby or duck. Mains small/large $26/$44.

SLEEP Hatherley House - 1830s historic house with a modern twist. Try the Garden Pavilions set in the historic gardens. Modern, art filled, with a moon window and private deck with outdoor bath carved from volcanic stone. $340 p/night.

DO Enjoy local beer and wine tasting ona luncheon cruise through Cataract Gorge to Batman Bridge, $125 per person. Follow the Tamar Valley Wine Route for a choice of more than 20 cellar doors.

Indulge in a day tour of chocolate and gourmet foodfarms with smoked salmon at a salmon farm, luscious raspberries, cheese tastings, honey sampling and chocolate to die for, $165 per person.

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Travel for over 50s

Happy Christmas SAFARIS Into Africa would like to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for 2014. We would like to wish all the people at the Seniors Magazine and all our new friends, that have travelled with us to Africa this year2014, a special Thank you for all your support throughout the year.

We have spent over 8 months in Africa this year as we guide you personally on each safari. We travelled through Southern Africa viewing Victoria falls, doing Elephant back safaris, walking with lions, our walks with the Bushman and the Himba tribe were adventurous, and not to mention our night drives which were spectacular this year viewing leopards mating and lions on an elephant kill.

In East Africa the photographic opportunities were unsurpassed especially since the migration was witnessed on all our tours. The highlight for us, in the Serengeti, was our 3 new luxury tented camps which are unfenced and overlooking rivers.

The game viewing at these camps was thrilling as lions, elephant and buffalo frequently walked past our accommodation every day and night.

2014 was an amazing year for Safaris

Fast FACTS

Sydney Harbour Bridge

• • • • •

Into Africa and we’re looking forward to 2015 as most tours are nearly fully booked. We have just released our 2016 brochures so bookings are now open, please get in early if you are interested as we don’t want you to miss out.

Our website has been upgraded and updated so have a look at www.safarisintoafrica.com to find out information about the new adventures available to you.

For those of you who wish to travel with Clive and Anne to Alaska in 2015 due to popular demand we have now added a second tour so phone us for more information.

In 2016 our new safari will be traveling to Brazil, Rio, Argentina, the Galapogas islands, The Pantenol, Iguazu Falls and The Amazon. There we will view species like Camans, Jaguars, Tapirs, Capybara, Armadillos, Ocelots, and birds like Macaws and Toucans.

To make your booking and find out how our safaris are so different, exciting and memorable give Anne and Margot a call on (07) 4632 6515 and Remember you are not clients, you are our friends.

1 pedestrian way • 1 cycleway 2 rail tracks • 8 road lanes • 9.5 years to build 250 stonemasons cut & dressed blocks for pylons 1932 the year the bridge opened 30,000 litres of paint for a single coat

Holiday with us . . .

Discover Southeast Queensland

OVER 40s - 5 DAYS

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$

PER PERSON TWIN SHARE EX BRISBANE

See the Great South East

SPECIAL FREE Pick up

from Warwick, Toowoomba & Gatton

23rd February 2015

• Brisbane • Gold Coast • Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta • Sunshine Coast, Ginger Factory • Noosa, Mooloolaba • North Stradbroke Island • Mt Tamborine & Much More!!

Includes

• Accommodation • All Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners • Morning & Afternoon Teas • Full Day Trips Every Day • Family Atmosphere

Not another penny to pay

GROU P WELC S OME

Phone Lyn now for your full colour brochure

FREECALL 1800 156 252 OR (07) 3245 6555 Staying at

KOALA RESORT BRISBANE

Family Owned & Operated

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November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 27

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Page 28 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - November 2014

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspape

Cruise Europe’s best BOASTING the motto of ‘no request too large, no detail too small’, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is the leader of luxury river cruising in Europe, offering a six-star all-inclusive holiday experience. Cruising Europe’s greatest rivers in comfort and luxury, you will receive the highest standards of excellence in expertise, service, unique ships, culinary, choice of innovative shore excursion and remarkable value.

Uniworld’s true all-inclusive European cruises include onboard and onshore gratuities, all meals and unlimited beverages, shore excursions and more, allowing guests to enjoy extraordinary value, completely unwind and make the most of the unparalleled luxury a Uniworld river cruise provides. Uniworld’s itineraries are designed to immerse travellers into the culture, history and cuisine of each destination visited, both onboard and onshore.

With customisable shore excursions, from

tasting fine Côtes du Rhône wines from the Hermitage to an exclusive ‘Go Active’ bike ride along the Danube or an exclusive evening visit of St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Uniworld inspires you to travel your way.

With expertly planned itineraries ranging from eight to 29 days, Uniworld continues to evolve with new destinations, excursions and new boutique ships to suit even the most experienced traveller. Travel along the Main, Rhine & Danube from Amsterdam to Budapest or indulge in the gourmet food and wine in the south of France. Why not experience la dolce vita of Italy, with Uniworld’s programs through Venice and Northern Italy, a country whose romantic language and landscape is sure to charm you.

Contact your local Travellers Choice consultant on 1300 78 78 58 or visit www.travellerschoice.com.au to book your luxury Uniworld river cruise today!

Get bailed up on the Highway, on a Stonestreet’s Coach Tour!

STONESTREET’S are excited to announce a host of new tours to many fabulous destinations in 2015.

Imagine strolling beneath a mauve canopy of Jacaranda blooms in Grafton, cruising the crystal blue seas of The Great Barrier Reef, fossicking for precious gems in Outback Queensland, standing at the intersection of three Australian States, exploring the wilderness and wonders of Tasmania or tasting Tassie’ s delicious gourmet foods & liqueurs. You could do all of this and so much more on a Stonestreet’s tour. Featuring one of many Luxury Coach Tours in 2015, Stonestreet’s Coaches ‘Tracking Down the Bushrangers’ tour concentrates on tracking down those notorious, daring & dangerous bushrangers who flourished around the 1860’s and 1870’s, when the colonial-born sons of poor (often ex-convict squatters) were drawn to a more glamorous life than mining or farming. Much of the bushranging activity of this era took place in the Lachlan Valley area of NSW around Forbes, Yass and Cowra.

Highlights of this tour include a visit to Captain Thunderbolt’s Cave – Tenterfield NSW; a walk in Thunderbolt’s footsteps with a visit to Thunderbolt’s Rock and Kentucky Creek (the place where Thunderbolt was eventually shot and killed– Uralla NSW); a visit to Escort Rock/Eugowra – the site of Australia’s biggest ever Gold Robbery carried out by Frank Gardiner

Captain Thunderbolt and his gang of Australian bushrangers including John Gilbert and Ben Hall; an insight into the world of the Kelly Gang and the Ned Kelly Trail from Junee to Jerilderie and with visits to Beechworth, Glenrowan, Benalla and Euroa before eventually ending up in Melbourne, and so much more! So why not join Stonestreets Coaches and start ‘tracking down’ our bushrangers for yourself? We invite you to browse through our list of tours for 2015 in Stonestreet’s Coaches new Destinations 2014-15 Catalogue, which is available in now! If you require further information, please call our friendly travel team on (07) 4687 5555. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Travel for over 50s

Fill your senses with sound, BOOK iew v e R colour and flavours INDONESIA etc.

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 ex Brisbane 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 and its magnificent glaciers, the incredible Iguazú Falls, the “most beautiful city in the world” of Rio de Janeiro

to the mixture of cultures in Cuzco or the majestic Inca Sacred City of Machu Picchu all is carefully planned and considered. “...having always resisted the temptation to travel with group tours at any level, any such resistance soon proved to be of no concern once we arrived with Stella and her team in South America.” They not only speak the languages, they also understand both cultures.

If you are one the adventurous and curious type that dream about exotic cultures, faraway lands and ancient history, Mexico and Guatemala with optional to Cuba is your tour. Your senses will be filled up with the sounds, colours and flavours that this unique

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region has to offer. This tour has been planned to explore the genuine Aztec and Mayan cultures combined cosmopolitan fascinating cities and local wildlife in the most authentic Mariachi style with lots of burritos, Tequila and amigos!

Departure time for this tour is May 2015.More information at www.latinamerica grouptours.com “Stella and Horacio provided a tour with first class and excellent traditional hotels, comfortable mini-buses and entertaining tour guides ensuring a safe, comfortable, well-paced and educational tour.”

An information session will be held in Toowoomba on November 8 and Caloundra on November 13 to share original

Elizabeth Pisani

GRANT A $29.99 GRANTA ONE in thirty people on this planet is Indonesian. The 13,000 islands of their homeland, scattered along the equator, stretch the distance from London to Tehran. By any standard, Indonesia is a global hub, one of the most dynamic and diverse countries of the 21st century.

But you don’t have to look far from metropolitan Jakarta to find poverty, ancient rituals and black magic. Investigative reporter Elizabeth Pisani sets out to capture the real Indonesia in this entertaining and indispensable guide to a fascinating country we can’t afford not to know more about.

photos, daily itineraries and Q&A. Everybody is welcome. Register your interest now on any of the contact details listed below.

Stella and Horacio love to promote their culture and can be contacted at: Of: 07 5492 5274 or Mob: 0400 193 040 Email: latinamerica grouptours@gmail.com Web: www.latinamerica grouptours.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Latinamericagrouptours

November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 29

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Asia experience with the experts

ASIA is a wonderful travel destination, but can be challenging. It is hugely diverse, from Japan and Korea in the North, the huge mass of China in the middle, and on to Indochina, Thailand and Myanmar. Do not forget the subcontinent countries of India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Much of the experience in Asia is totally different to our lives here. Whilst this is one of the reasons we travel it can be confronting. Marvellous food but watch out for the curries, questionable hygiene in many areas, languages we cannot follow, heat and humidity or freezing conditions, poverty and beggars, and places where there are no ATM’s or credit card facilities. Tipping and visas, what do you do? One way to minimise all of these issues is to travel with someone who loves the area and is an expert in travelling Asia. Travel Indochina provide a range of options for travellers in Asia. Their Small Group Journeys with no more than 16 guests are fully escorted. They provide real opportunities to experience the culture, meet the people and savour the cuisine.

Footloose Adventures give you a basic framework from which to build your ultimate experience and offers great value for money. They are not quite independent but not as structured as group travel. You can sail the rivers of Asia or just book an independent trip - regardless of the style of travel, with Travel Indochina, you know you have the support of a nearby office.

Come along to the free information night at Experience Travel & Cruise on the 17th November. Call 46362622 to book a place.

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Travel for over 50s

Sailing the Whitsundays

BY ALLAN BLACKBURN

ANYBODY who has ever sailed has dreamt about sailing around the beautiful Whitsunday Islands in North Queensland. Plenty of charter boats of all sizes and styles are available. Novices have the option of having a hired skipper manage the boat for them. We decided to “bite the bullet” and arranged a “bareboat” charter of a 40’ Adams sloop called Kookaroo. Bareboat chartering means you have the boat to yourself and have to sail it and do all the chores associated with living on a yacht. Two female friends jumped at the chance of accompanying us. Airlie Beach is 1100km away from the Sunshine Coast and the drive took us 12 hours. A motel provided beds for a night and our adventure began the next morning. The initial briefing was information overload and I just hoped I could figure it all out later. Before being given the all clear a guy accompanied us for a quick sail to make sure we knew what we were doing – fooled him! We departed Airlie Beach under a clear sky with about 20 knots of wind – a brisk breeze. I made sure all the crew had a turn on the helm during the crossing to Nara Inlet on Hook Island. It was great to be finally out on the water and under sail. The sheltered inlet had a fair number of boats already moored but we found a spot and soon were enjoying sundowners in the cockpit – this was what sailing was all about!!

Night on a strange boat is an eerie experience. Yachts have the habit of making a weird assortment of unexplainable noises and Kookaroo was no exception. A halyard slapped the mast, the anchor chain made groaning sounds, the dinghy bumped against the side, odd clicks seem to come through the hull, a myriad of other sounds intruded our brains. A check on deck around 1.30am revealed a starry sky and everything secure.

By morning the sky was overcast and a strong wind was blowing. We sailed under jib alone at 7 knots with a rolling motion. At Langford Island we thought we might snorkel but the wind was blowing so strongly we aborted that idea and went to Stonehaven on the northwest side of Hook Island. Rain started that afternoon and that changed everything. We did manage to get in a short swim and a brief snorkel over some coral. Bullets of wind struck every few minutes. The next

morning saw the southerly still howling and driving scuds of rain.

Butterfly Bay on the northern tip of Hook Island seemed to offer shelter from the wind so we sailed there and tied up to a mooring buoy. Periods of sunny sky allowed us to get in some good snorkelling over brilliant coral and colourful fish. However, the wind absolutely screamed like a banshee and several times our big yacht was heeled right over. Once, during dinner, four meals ended up on my wife’s lap!

This trip was proving less than idyllic!

Determined to visit Whitehaven Beach, we headed south under motor into the gale and made it to the eastern side of Whitsunday Island and its pristine white sand. This beach is reputed to be one of the world’s best. It was really enjoyable to go ashore in the dinghy and walk along the empty beach between showers. No trip to the Whitsundays would be complete without checking out Hamilton Island. Nothing was free here – we even had to pay to moor the yacht for an hour. Kookaroo looked rather insignificant among the super yachts in the marina.

Electric buggies were the mode of transport on the island, each with their own Hamilton Island number plate. The main street was like an upmarket town with boutiques, banks, restaurants, bistro, art galleries and a large variety of tourist traps. It was all very “over the top”. We were glad to get back to the seclusion of our temporary home.

Cid Harbour proved a more sheltered anchorage and we enjoyed a more relaxed night with less noises intruding – maybe we were getting used to life at sea. Several maxi yachts were nearby. A large tourist cruise boat anchored a few hundred metres away. Our final sunset was rather watery with showers persisting but we maintained the ritual of sundowners.

On our return leg to Airlie Beach I sent two of the crew out in the dinghy to get some photos of the yacht under sail. No sooner were they in the tiny rubber dinghy than the wind picked up and Kookaroo took off. Yachts don’t have brakes and it was a struggle to try to slow down so the dinghy could catch up for photos.

Back on shore we had mixed feelings saying farewell to Kookaroo. The weather had not been kind but we had some great memories and could tick another off the Bucket List.

November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 31

community news Purple poppies commemorate the role of animals in conflict

IN THE lead up to Remembrance Day, Greencross Vets and the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) will be distributing Purple Poppy badges to honour some of Australia’s lesser known war heroes; the animals who served to protect our country and give comfort and companionship to their handlers, our soldiers. These purple poppies are designed to be worn alongside the traditional red one, as a reminder of the bravery that both humans and animals have played during times of conflict.

Greencross Vets will be partnering with AWAMO to raise awareness and support Queensland’s first State War Animal Memorial Statue, that will commemorate the important role animals played in Australia’s war efforts

throughout history. The 2.5m high monument will be a powerful and moving tribute to all the

animals that served alongside our soldiers and is due to be erected in 2015. If you would like

to support and pay tribute to the war animals, pop by your local Greencross clinic

to pick up your purple poppy or call us on 1300 GREENX (1300 473 369) for more information.

New book documents early churches of Emu Creek IT IS likely residents, and even former residents, of East Greenmount and nearby would not be aware that there was a period in their local history when three separate denominational church structures existed at the settlement then known as Emu Creek.

Two of these churches were built in the 1880s while the third appeared in the first decade of the 1900s. Two structures have long gone while the third has now been adopted by a different denomination from the one aligning itself to the original church.

In a new book, former East Greenmount resident and historian Noel Lipp has tracked the origin of these churches, their locations, the relevant clergymen, the key players, the

Author and historian Noel Lipp has documented the history of the early churches of the East Greenmount area in a new book which was launched on October 28

families of the different denominations, and more.

“I have been able to source this all-important religious dimension of the lives of the pioneers of early East Greenmount,” Mr Lipp said. “I have made a point of tracking the first couples to be married in each of the churches, the first clergymen to serve these churches and the people involved in promoting the different religious creeds before the church buildings arrived. These include the McIntyres, the Ryans, the Bells and others.”

To add a further dimension to the pioneering life of the local people, in his book Mr Lipp has presented some of the early cultural pursuits that people followed by

way of entertainment. Of the many names which appear in the book, a few of the same names still remain local residents and other names can be readily identified as former locals. “Because of the changing population in the East Greenmount district, the history involved in this edition is most unlikely to be written again,” Mr Lipp said.

The book contains some 60 photographs, a few of which Mr Lipp said have not yet been seen in a local production. All enquiries, including where the book can be obtained, should be directed to Noel Lipp on 4634 3577, email lippandlipp@ bigpond.com, or mail to 12 Bullock Street Toowoomba, Qld 4350.

Cross-cultural friendship blossoms at Drayton Villas IT’S NOT often that overseas students visit Drayton Villas but that’s exactly what happened recently.A group of 13 eager and friendly Japanese girls, who are currently studying at the University of Southern Queensland, dropped by the village with their tutor to meet Drayton Villas’residents and tour the grounds.The visit was organised as part of the students’ investigation brought much joy and into Australian retireinterest. ment living and their “It was a very happy presence at the village

time,” exclaims Helen Curtis, a Drayton Villas resident who greatly

Page 32 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - November 2014

enjoyed meeting the international guests.

“We all had fun trying

to do new things and communicate together!

They took many photos and tried to teach us to do a little calligraphy and also origami.”

The students were said to be equally as impressed by Drayton Villas’ facilities and enjoyed meeting the residents despite the obvious differences in age and language.

“Perhaps they were able to pick up as I did that we can appreciate each other across the generations and cultures,”Helen said.

Global AgeWatch Index: Norway best for older people

NORWAY is the best place to grow old, according to an index of the quality of later life in 96 countries.

HelpAge International’s Global AgeWatch Index measures the social and economic welfare of those over 60. Published on the UN International Day of Older Persons, it ranks Australia, Western Europe and North America highly, and Afghanistan last.

The report predicts that by 2050, 21% of the global population will be over 60.

The index measures four areas - income security, health, personal capability and whether the person lives in an “enabling environment”.

The report says that by 2050, some 40 countries in the index will have populations where 30% are aged 60 or over. The UN has said that the number of those aged 60 or over is expected to reach 1.4 billion by 2030.

Experts point out that the increasing numbers of people surviving into older age are, of course, a cause for celebration - advances in healthcare and in nutrition, better sanitation, and more economic prosperity are all contributory factors. Add in other factors like falling birth rates and it is clear why we see not just more people living longer, but countries with higher percentages of older people as well.

But the question is whether this can be turned into more positive ageing for those who have little or no social protection or savings - an acute challenge for many in the developing world.

It is made worse where the tradition of caring for the elderly within extended families is weakening.

There is change taking place. The growth of tax-financed, non-contributory “social pensions” is seen as key to helping to tackle inequality for the older age group. A slogan often heard in global development is “leave no-one behind” - the welfare of those in later life is as much of a test of it as the young.

Several Latin American countries - particularly Mexico and Peru - have leapt up the index for their commitment in ensuring “social pensions” for the poorest older people. These are tax-financed, non-contributory pensions that ensure a basic income for the most vulnerable. In Mexico, nearly nine out of every 10 people aged 65 and over receive a social pension.

Because of this, Mexico ranks at 30 on the index, outstripping the BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Courtesy: BBC news

Free bowel cancer awareness day

THE community are invited to attend a free bowel cancer awareness and ostomy lifestyle day on Saturday, November 15, from 9am-4pm at City Golf Club, 254 South Street, Toowoomba. This free event will feature information and talks on bowel health, you and your family, local and national support, screening and diagnosis, medical and surgical intervention, diet and exercise hints and tips, plus more. Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service’s health promotion officer for the Queensland Bowel Cancer Screening Program Claire Condon will present information about the bowel screening program and will answer your questions during the event. For more information contact Claire on 4616 6848.

Future Beauty: 30 years of Japanese fashion

FROM 1 November in the Fairfax Gallery and River Room at Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). ‘Future Beauty’ explores the tremendous innovation of Japanese fashion designers from the early 1980’s to the present. With over 100 garments drawn from the unparalleled collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute, ranging from the classic and elegant to the outrageous, this will be a rare opportunity to view these unique creations firsthand.

Cost: adults $20, seniors concession $16.

Garden lovers rejoice

GARDEN lovers rejoice and make a note in your diary for the Leafmore Garden Society’s popular biennial winter garden school, to be held at the City Golf Club on Wednesday and Thursday, June 17 and 18, 2015. Hear from garden experts, meet other gardeners, exchange ideas, shop for gardening books, plants and other items at the various stalls. Register your interest now and a program will be sent to you. Contact Marjorie 4636 1580, Val 4635 5232, or Joan tj.cahill@bigpond.com. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

WHAT’S ON

community news Toowoomba set to host its own antique roadshow event

Getting ready for Toowoomba’s own Antiques Roadshow are (from left) Carol Barben, antique dealer Jeremy Green seen here with a hand decorated glove box c1901, Colin Fitzgerald whose gardens at Stirling House will host the roadshow, Carolyn Prouse and Carol Bateman

By Jo Marsh

HAVE you ever wondered how much that family heirloom tucked away in the dark recesses of your cupboard is really worth?

Well, now may be your chance to find out. On Saturday, December 6, Colin Fitzgerald will open his stunning gardens at Stirling House for Toowoomba’s own Antiques Roadshow. Antique dealers will be on site to give free valuations

of your favourite item as part of a major fundraising event for the Mater Foundation Prostate Appeal.

Mr Fitzgerald said it was a pleasure to share the gardens with the public.

“We have held a fundraiser here each year for the past few years,” he said.

“This year we have enlarged the garden to make more room for a bigger marquee. There will be about 14 stalls selling a range of unique items perfect for Christmas gifts

including quality, handcrafted Australian silver jewellery.”

Former curator of the Japanese Gardens, Rusell Campbell, will also be on hand with free gardening advice, and visitors will have the chance to win a personal consultation with Rusell about their own garden. The day will include musical entertainment, a sausage sizzle, coffee, afternoon tea and a raffle with excellent prizes.

Visitors are requested to

bring a maximum of two items to be valued by the dealers. So drag out granny’s silverware and dust off greatgrandfather’s snuff box, you might be pleasantly surprised at its value.

Toowoomba’s own Antiques Roadshow will be held at 32 Leslie Street, Toowoomba, from 11am to 5pm. Entrance is by gold coin donation, which includes a lucky door prize ticket. All proceeds will go to the Mater Foundation Prostate Appeal.

Out and about ‘In the Pink’ TOOWOOMBA ladies unite in pink at the Pink Ribbon Movie Night on Saturday, 25 October.

Christine Jensen , Carley Wagner (organiser) & Bronwyn Wagner

Corry Dowling & Margaret Murry

Crossword Solution From page 34

Sue McIntyre , Fay Stafford & Lillian Fisher

Brain Training Answers from page 34 Step Riddle: Chore, Shore, Score, Scare, Scale, Scalp Code Mode: 1. 20 Hundredweight in a ton 2. 10 Downing Street 3. 5 Gold Rings 4. 366 Days in a Leap Year 5. 26 Letters in the Alphabet Pattern Maker: Square 2 (pattern rotates ninety degrees, 4 nonstandard colours, 1 new each time)

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Unique gifts for all the family at Bush Christmas exhibition

ONE of a kind Christmas presents create one of a kind Christmas memories. So if it is the perfect handmade present, a mouth watering gift or some unique stocking stuffers you are after this Christmas, then head to Bush Christmas Exhibition. More than 110 rural and remote artisans are starring at the annual gallery-style gift exhibition in Toowoomba. With everything from quality leather goods, beautiful books and body products to exquisite jewellery, exclusive homewares and works of art, there is something for everyone. For the gourmet lover, there will be a multitude of mouth watering goodies on offer including handmade biscuits, jams and puddings for the sweet tooth, while those who savour the savoury will fall in love with the tastes of the dressings, spices and teas. Bush Christmas Exhibition runs from Friday, November 21 to Sunday, November 30 and is open 9.00am to 6.00pm daily at Masonic Centre, 58 Neil Street Toowoomba (next to Empire Theatre). Admission is free. For more information go to www.bushchristmas.com or call 4696 4529.

Hospice Christmas carols KICK off the Christmas season with the Hospice Christmas carols from 5pm, Sunday, November 30. Bring the family and a blanket and join in the fun. There will be a huge Christmas craft and food stall, food and drink on sale, and a special visit from Santa. The evening will feature Toowoomba’s Municipal Band and High Altitude Harmony. Gold coin donation.

New drama/comedy at Repertory Theatre THE Repertory Theatre’s latest production, The Cemetery Club, is a drama/comedy by Ivan Menchell. Directed by Michael Taylor, the story follows three women who find their lives changing following the deaths of their husbands. While one is content to stay the same, another is ready to move on, and the dynamics of the group start changing. This is a story of love and friendship, loss and loyalty.

Public nights are November 22, 28 and 29 and doors open at 7pm for performance commencing at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from November 14 at the box office at 94 Margaret Street or phone 07 4632 8058between 10 am and 2 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday, during the run of the show. Online tickets are available from November 1. Cost is $20 adults/$14 concession and includes a light supper and a complementary pre-show wine.

Caxton Street Jazz Band swings into Toowoomba HEAD to North Toowoomba Bowls Club on Friday, November 21 to hear one of Australia’s leading jazz bands, Caxton Street Jazz Band.

While the band’s roots are in the music of the early twentieth century, many other influences are represented in its output. These include big band swing, mainstream jazz, folk, country, rhythm and blues as well as popular tunes of the 30s, 40s and 50s. The band sets out to give their music a soft new edge that appeals to modern audiences. Performance runs from 7:45pm to 11pm. Meals are available from 6:00 to 7:15pm.

Entry is $25 per person, Jazz Society members $15.

Discover historic Warwick EXPLORE Warwick’s CBD with the Town Crier, Bob Townshend, taking in historic buildings and architecture of yesteryear. Departs every Wednesday in November at 10:30am, from the front of the Town Hall, Palmerin Street Warwick. For more information phone Warwick’s Visitor Information Centre 4661 3122.

Handmade Under the Stars twilight market HAVE fun shopping for unique handmade Christmas gifts this year at Cobb + Co Museum’s annual Hand Made Under the Stars twilight market. Be spoilt for choice by the wide range of quality, artisan-made products, from jewellery and ceramics, to silk and wooden items, while enjoying gourmet food and a glass of wine. Twilight market is open from 5pm on Thursday, December 4, at Cobb + Co, 27 Lindsay Street, Toowoomba.

November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 33

community news Straight Clues

Seniors Twospeed Crossword

Cryptic Clues ACROSS 2 Hinders progress to begin blending hair 7 One Roman keeping his Emperor 8 Hit an obstruction on an outing 9 One raced in the country 10 Assist the last assistant?

11 Test baby is first inside concerned with the tribe 13 Warning in advance of PE monitor in trouble 16 Did me a turn for a crown 18 A short time at a ditch for defence 19 Never go back without right to be equal 20 Sometimes used to beat a sort of plant 21 Harvest about a third of apples 22 Bird went first as designated with name

ACROSS 2 Solid pieces of wood 7 Old Roman 8 Stumble 9 Asian country 10 Assistant 11 Of a group 13 Foretaste 16 A headpiece 18 Defensive trench 19 Level 20 Pithy wood 21 Harvest 22 Named DOWN 1 Removed top 2 A span 3 Traditional learning 4 Pleasure 5 Stern 6 Travel document 12 Old typesetter 14 WWII submarine 15 Pressed 17 Russian name 18 A pond

DOWN 1 Opened, but never played for special team 2 Could it be played with cards on important part on ship?

3 Role played in body of knowledge 4 Pleasure from ingredients with people with time 5 Severe stir about short court 6 Volume is a necessity for a travel document 12 Floor covering with sort of older print composing machine 14 Stinging insect takes first little sub 15 Pressed Ian first with two little chaps following 17 Russian man with one vehicle 18 Nothing more than a small lot of water

Auspac Media - Answers on Page 33

Oktoberfest celebrations raise money for QAS THE residents at Drayton Villas Retirement Village enjoyed a delicious Bavarianinspired afternoon tea recently for their annual Oktoberfest celebra-

Support the RSL this Remembrance Day IN the lead up to Remembrance Day on Tuesday 11 November, I encourage all Australians to purchase and wear a red poppy, in support of the Returned and Services League’s (RSL) Poppy Day Appeal. Buying a poppy contributes significantly to the fundraising work of the RSL. The money raised helps provide financial and medical assistance, advocacy and support services to current and former serving members of the defence force and their families. Wearing a red poppy acknowledges the service and sacrifice of those who have served, including the more than 102,000 Australians who lost their lives in war, peacekeeping and other operations. Red poppies have long been a symbol of Remembrance Day,

tions. More than 100 guests were present for the event and assorted wurst (deli meats),apfelkuchen (apple cake) and schwarzwälderkirschtorte (black forest cake) were

the red Flanders poppy was one of the first plants to grow on the battlefields of the Western Front.

The poppy sellers you see in your local community are volunteers, many of them veterans or current serving members, who give up their time each year for this great cause and strongly contribute to the success of the Appeal. In light of this, I urge all Australians to consider volunteering as Appeals Collectors for the Appeal. I commend the RSL for the work they do and thank all those who have supported the Appeal in the past.

For more information on the Appeal and the RSL, or to volunteer or donate, please contact your local RSL. The RSL National Office can be contacted on 02 6248 7199.

Available Sunday to Thursday this NOVEMBER

Fabulous Bonus

As well as our Bowls competition each Tuesday afternoon followed by drinks we are now able to offer all golfers access (no charge) to our beautiful par 3 course.

So bring your Bowls, bring your Golf Clubs there’s lots of fun to be had at Clouds. A big fabulous cooked breakfast will set you up for a big day, every day!

Marj Shaw, a keen fundraiser at Drayton Villas, dressed in theme for the Oktoberfest celebrations

allon offer among other German delicacies.

Popular entertainers, Travelling Tunes, played a variety of German pop and folksongs and Nelson Boorman, a long-time Drayton Villas resident, gave a short butfascinating speech about his German family

tree. Together Drayton Villas residents raised anexceptional $3032 for the Queensland Ambulance Service who were thrilled to receive the donation. Many local businessesgenerously contributed prizes to the raffle and the first prize was a much sought afterlaptop computer.

Our next edition of The Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper is 4th December.

Deadline for copy is 26th November Page 34 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - November 2014

Answers on Page 33

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‘Let Us Entertain You’ . . .

Mayor’s Over 80s Christmas Party IT’S always a rollicking good time at the Mayor’s Over 80s Christmas Party and this year will be no exception. Guests can enjoy a scrumptious morning tea and entertainment by Travelling Tunes. There will also be a prize for the best dressed. The Christmas Party will be held on Wednesday, November 19, from 10am at the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre. Bookings are essential. For more information contact the Mayor’s office on 4688 6631.

Tombola and hoy morning UPPER Lockyer/ Withcott QCWA branch will be holding a tombola and hoy morning on Monday, November 10, commencing at 9.30am in the Lockyer Regional Council/QCWA hall at Withcott. Admission of $5 includes morning tea and lucky door prize. Multi draw raffle tickets will be on sale for $1 a ticket. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Christmas cent sale TOOWOOMBA Floral Art Group will hold their popular annual cent sale on Saturday, November 15, at Rose Cottage Hall, Newtown Park, Holberton Street, Toowoomba. Open at 12 noon, the cent sale starts at 1pm. Entry is $5 which includes one sheet. Extra sheets are $1. Come along for wonderful ideas for Christmas gifts and raffles. Afternoon tea is included in the entry fee.

Inaugural Toowoomba Writers’ Festival THE inaugural Toowoomba Writers’ Festival will be held on Saturday, November 15. The day will bring together writers and lovers of literature in a celebration of creativity and learning. The program starts at 8am with Haiku readings at the Japanese Gardens, followed by writers’ workshops, markets, poetry and short story competitions, open mic at St Luke’s Hall. For more information or to reserve a place at the workshops go to http:// toowoombawritersfestival.com.

Pittsworth Lions market HELD only twice a year, the popular Pittsworth Lions community market will be happening again on Sunday, November 16 from 8am to 12 noon, at the Pioneer Village, Pioneer Way, Pittsworth. There will be a wide variety of stalls including craft, clothing, home-cooked goods, honey, confectionery, second-hand books, plants, wood-work, Christmas cakes and puddings, trash and treasure, BBQ, morning tea and soft drinks. Entry is free. All funds raised by Lions go back into the community or to Lions projects such as Medical Research, Hearing Dogs, Lions Eye Health project and Childhood Cancer Research.

Floral art expert demonstrates new ideas MEMBERS of Toowoomba Floral Art Group recently had the pleasure of hosting a demonstration and workshop day under the tutorage of the president of the Floral Art Society of Queensland, Heather Prior. About 30 people attended, some coming from Chinchilla, Killarney and Brisbane to learn from Heather.

“I demonstrated a technique I learned at a conference in Adelaide in August,” she said.

“It’s a type of papier mache to use in a floral Christmas theme, though it can be President of the Floral Art Society of Queensland Heather Prior (left) adapted to any theme.” joined Coral Chapman, vice-president of the Toowoomba Floral Art Group Earlier this year Heather at a demonstration and workshop day in Toowoomba travelled to Ireland for the world floral art she said the various judged the club competicompetition which seminars were worth tion, choosing Coral attracted 600 entrants attending.

Chapman’s work for first from 30 different While she was in prize in the open countries. Though her section. entry didn’t win a prize, Toowoomba, Heather

Floral Art Cent Sale

TOOWOOMBA Floral Art Group Inc. invites seniors to come along and enjoy our fantastically popular annual Cent Sale with wonderful ideas for Christmas gifts and raffles. Cent Sale will be held on Saturday 15 November, commencing at 1pm at Rose Cottage Hall, Newtown Park, Holberton Street, Toowoomba. Entry is $5 which includes one sheet. Extra sheets $1.

Afternoon tea included.

Who do you call…

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

Queensland Pops Orchestra New Year’s Eve Special FOR 30 years the QPO has provided the ultimate NYE event. Last year the Pops introduced the Black Tie concert to the delight of 200 patrons. The package includes an A reserve ticket to the 9.30pm performance followed by exclusive access to the QPAC roof top function to enjoy French champagne and exquisite canapés whilst watching the thrilling display of pyrotechniques. There is opportunity to mingle with the stars while counting in 2015 in style with Brisbane’s most exclusive ticket to the New Year’s Eve fireworks. The musical experience will take you from the gondolas of Venice to the razzmatazz of Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue. Alex Raineri has had numerous successes in competitions on both a national and international level. Significant prizes include;1st prize at both Australian National Piano Award and Kerikeri International Piano Competitions in 2014. Young virtuoso violinist Cherin Lee will also make her Pops debut and will perform the gypsy sensation Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate and the highly emotional theme from Schindler’s List.

The chance to sing along with Auld Lang Singe will be one of the many opportunities for audience participation. The orchestra will also be joined by solo vocalists to transport you into the most positive frame of mind to start 2015. The Pops is fast becoming the desired location for high quality entertainment for the wider musical tastes. This concert is designed to enhance your celebration of the year gone and excite your expectation for the year to come. Have your spirits uplifted and enjoy a great night out in Brisbane.

Two performances which will get you out in time to watch the fireworks on the Brisbane River.

6pm & 9:30pm Bookings: qpac.com 136 246 For more information visit qldpops.com www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

November 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 35

You can Buy any of these Units subject to the Sale of your Home

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

SOUTH TOOWOOMBA - West Street (near hospital) 2 Bedroom Units

ALEXANDER AVENUE 2 and 3 Bedroom Units from $310,000

MIDDLE RIDGE - Collingwood Close Lot 27 & 28 3 BR, Ensuite, Office Nook & Double Garage. Under Construction, to be Priced $425,000

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

HIGHFIELDS - Highgrove Drive - 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 - November 2014

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