Toowoomba & darling downs seniors newspaper october 2014

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Vol 2 - Issue No 9

October 2014

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Toowoomba fire brigade historical display finds permanent home

By Jo Marsh HUNDREDS of hours of hard work and fundraising by a dedicated group of men has finally paid off. The tireless efforts of the members of the Toowoomba Fire Brigade Historical Society have resulted in a comprehensive, permanent display at the Highfields Pioneer Village, chronicling the history of the Toowoomba fire brigade.

The display will be officially opened this month by the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services.

Society president Lester Naumann said the group had to raise $100,000 just to build the shed.

“The Society is supported by past and current firemen,” Mr Naumann said.

“Most of the current firemen donate $2 per pay which goes to the Society.”

That’s still a heck of a lot of raffle tickets to sell – but that’s what they did, year after year.

Ready for the official opening of the Toowoomba fire brigade historical display are TFBH Society members (from left) Neil Fanning, James Naumann, Lester Naumann, Pat Wright and Glen Englart

Continued on Page 2

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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.

community news Toowoomba fire brigade historical display finds permanent home Continued from Page 1 Once the shed went up, things moved quickly and the group was finally able to bring together the numerous trucks and other collectables they had stashed around the region.

The display now proudly houses a variety of memorabilia including antique brass helmets, vintage uniforms, an 1882 hose reel with canvas hose and brass fittings, and an original canvas tarp used to catch people jumping from burning buildings.

There is a fire truck from every decade since 1934, when the first vehicle was brought out from England. Interestingly, the

Toowoomba fire station in Neil Street c1897.

Firemen pulled the hose reel cart to a hydrant nearest the fire. The history of Toowoomba’s fire brigade will be permanently displayed at Highfields Pioneer Village

early vehicles came out with a cabin, engine, chassis and wheels only, leaving the firemen to custom build the backs themselves. Each truck has been lovingly restored and sits as a rep-

resentative of its era, complete with working sirens and horns – the different sounds of which evoke memories of days gone by. Enthusiastic society members, including treasurer Pat

Wright, Glen Englart and current Toowoomba fire station manager Neil Fanning, can often be found tinkering under the hoods of the big red machines. When a school group arrives, James Naumann brings a little bit of history to life, dressing in a vintage uniform of heavy wool, and strapping on a shiny, brass helmet. It’s entertaining for the children but there’s a serious side too, and that’s reinforcing the fire education they are taught at school.

Now the Society has a permanent home for its display, Lester Naumann said they are looking for any memorabilia specifically relating to the

Toowoomba fire brigade.

“If anyone has any photographs, old newspaper clippings or other items, we’d be very interested,” he said. “We are also hoping to get some mannequins (male) to display the uniforms we have collected.”

The public are invited to attend the official opening on Sunday, October 19, starting with the annual presentation of medals to current firefighters at 10.30am, followed by a tour of the display, a sausage-sizzle lunch and a fire safety talk. To view the full program go to the Highfields Pioneer Village w e b s i t e www.highfieldspioneer village.com.au.

Memories: perfumed plant bred to support Alzheimer’s research DIANTHUS ‘Memories’, a perfumed plant with a pure white bloom, has been bred

by Plants Management Australia to support dementia research – $1 from the sale of each plant goes to the Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Research Foundation.

Dianthus ‘Memories’ . . . glorious highly fragrant plant

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

Page 2 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

The plant has a perfumed pure white bloom and shares many of the characteristics of the modern dianthus plant including long flowering, sturdy stems and dry tolerance. It is the perfect gift, performing equally well in garden beds, containers or long lasting cut flower displays.

Dianthus ‘Memories’ has proved to be a very popular addition to the ‘magnifi-scent’ range of Dianthus. An awardwinning plant, Memories was runner-up to the Plant of the Year at the Chelsea Flower Show. It is a glorious highly fragrant, pure white double dianthus, free-flowering from spring through to late summer and is an ideal picking flower. The plant is a sun lover, drought tolerant once established and compact growing with soft grey foliage. It will be a wonderful easycare addition to garden borders or in pots – definitely a great plant to include in your planting plans. The plant will be available for purchase in select retail outlets and nurseries nationally over the next few weeks. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Women over 50 invited to inaugural evening health seminar QUOTA International of Toowoomba and Soroptimist International of Toowoomba are holding an initial evening Women’s Health Session with local specialist practitioners providing a series of lecture sessions and a panel discussion based on questions raised by a focus group of local women. Local specialist medical personnel have indicated their strong support for this initiative. The focus of the sessions will be on physical health issues. A closed environment of a female only audience will ensure that open discussion can be carried out and issues shared freely.

The topic for the initial evening session will be: Being an advocate for your own health. The session will cover how older women’s bodies work – basic biology, common health problems for older women – focussing on bone health, pelvic floor and sexual health issues and management. Health practitioners and presenters will include Doctor Carol Cox (General Practitioner), Robyn Kavanagh (Family Planning Queensland) and Carol Archer (Willows Health and Lifestyle Centre).

Dr Carol Cox OAM is a GP with 35 years’ experience in women’s health. She has worked for 14 years for the Rural Women’s GP Service, part of the Royal

evening health session on Wednesday, October 22, from 5.30pm to 8pm, in the Jacaranda Room, Grand

Central Shopping Centre.

Cost is $10 per person and registration is essential.

Please register by phoning

0498 691 650 or email to qitoowoomba@ hotmail.com.au OR sitoowoomba@siswp.org.

Preparing for the inaugural women’s health seminar in Toowoomba are (from left) Dr Carol Cox, Carol Archer and Patricia White-Davison

Flying Doctor Service, and she is passionate about encouraging women of all ages to look after themselves. She started the Family Planning Clinic in Toowoomba and provided sexual and reproductive health services there for twenty years. Robyn Kavanagh is an educator from Family Planning Queensland based in Toowoomba.

Carol Archer holds qualifications in teaching, fitness, wellness coaching, and pilates. In her role as women’s health fitness coach, at Willows Health and Lifestyle Centre, she coordinates the Safe Exercise for Women program, which combines pelvic floor exercise with education and support

for participants. Carol is dedicated to raising awareness of pelvic floor health, promoting pelvic floor safe exercise, and supporting women in building a personal safe exercise pathway that empowers them to achieve the health, active lifestyle and sense of wellbeing they desire.

The objectives of the whole women’s health project are to provide women over 50 with health information on issues of specific concern to them, access to relevant information from specialist medical personnel, a learning environment which is non-threatening, supportive and open, low cost access to medical information for

rural women, and to give local specialist medical practitioners an opportunity to provide education and information on issues specific to women over 50.

If there is sufficient demand following the initial information session, a full day Toowoomba-based session followed by a series of short follow-up information sessions in surrounding rural communities could also be provided in 2015.

Please join us for the first

Age pension increase A welcome boost to pensions will soon help pensioners keep up with rises in cost of living expenses. Single age pensioners will gain an extra $11.50 a fortnight after the September indexation figures were announced. Couples on pensions will get up to $17.40 a fortnight extra. Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews said Australia’s 3.7 mil-

lion pensioners are getting their second pension increase this year, after an earlier increase in March.

“This means total pension payments for people on the maximum rate will be $854.30 a fortnight for singles, and $1288 a fortnight for couples,” Mr Andrews said. Changes started on 20th September 2014.

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

October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 3

community news Scottie breeder off to the US to support canine cancer research

By Jim Bowden

THERE are more horses, chooks and dogs than people in the little South Burnett town of Taromeo (pop. about 340), but that’s fine with animal lover Beril Murray who is off to the US in October to continue her support of research into cancer in canines.

Beril, who breeds heavy horses and Scottish terriers on her mixed farm in this little town off the D’aguilar Highway is helping raise funds for canine cancer research from the sale of some of her breeding stock.

“Cancer research in dogs in the US is the most advanced in the world, and that’s why we visit at least once a year to provide support where we can,” said Beril who parades her

Scotties at shows and special events. The dogs are the only Scottish terrier ‘mascots’ in Australia.

A descendent of the Clan Gunn – one of the oldest Scottish clans, itself tracking back to the Norse Jarls of Orkney, dating 1567 – Beril will visit Warm Springs, Georgia, one of the main centres for world animal cancer research.

The town is famous for the Little White House, where 32nd US president and Scottie lover Franklin Roosevelt lived and died of paralytic illness in 1945.

Beril and her Canadianborn husband Bruce also breed Clydesdales, Shires and Drum Horses that carry a mixture of Gypsy, Shire and Clydesdale blood. The Drum Horse was bred initially by the

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British military to perform a special function – to carry the drums of military bands during war and parade duties.

Beril leaves for the US on October 13, but husband Bruce will stay on the farm to look after the animals and collect the eggs.

“He’s a professional brew master and worked for the famous Molson’s Brewery in Canada. And, yes, he makes a pretty good home brew,” Beril said.

Beril has more than 2000 Facebook friends, most of them Scottie owners.

In her support of canine cancer research, she says pet owners should be careful about what they are feeding their dogs.

“Americans have the world’s largest number of cancer sufferers and I am sure this is related to the many chemical preservatives used in the vast amounts of fast foods consumed there,” she said.

“The same goes for dogs; it might cost a little more, but it’s best to feed them natural foods.”

Beril says owners and breeders should remember that small dogs have small legs, so if they are running on grass or in paddocks that have been treated with synthetic herbicides or insecticides, they are more likely to absorb these chemicals which could possibly start the cancer cycle.

Open Day for the new airport that Wagners are building at Wellcamp

Warwick Dingle

Service providers invited to HACC forum THE Darling Downs South West Queensland Home & Community Care Services Forum and ‘Market Place’ will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at City Golf Club, 254 South Street , Toowoomba. The forum (with networking opportunities) is for regional service providers, and will start at 8am and finish at 12 noon. Organised by Carers Queensland in conjunction with Diversicare and Partners in Recovery the forum will be followed by a “Market Place” which is open to all carers and their families from 1.30pm3.30pm. If you are interested in booking for a display table on behalf of your organization please contact Sally Hewes on 4635 8379 / 0457 736 233.

Bill Woodside

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.

Eunice Dunstan and Barbara Mulckey

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Good Mates grandparents both still work so it’s great that he has this inter-generational time with Gill.”

By Gill MacDonald Caladen is not technically DRIVING homeward after a school pick-up, I decided to fake a cough – it was really too cold to go swimming and I needed a good reason to give it a miss. I explained that it would not be sensible to go in the pool (heated though it is) but a few minutes later, a little voice came from behind - “I don’t hear much coughing, Gill.” It was hard to keep a straight face as I contemplated how hard it is to fool a five year old.

Memories are made of moments like these!

my grandson and I am not a real grandmother but we have never let that get in the way of our relationship. We have shared a bond across the generations for almost all his life.

From the age of two, when he attended day care, he has loved coming to “Gill’s house” once a week and we play with LEGO and play dough, swim in the pool and even occasionally sip a lemonade at happy hour at the retirement estate where I live. Caladen has met many of my friends there and has always enjoyed

I know that as he and I both become older, he may not want to spend as much time with me, but for

Did you know that swimming is one of the best exercises for seniors? mixing with a different generation. Now that he is five we regularly spend time exploring maths or reading on my ipad, playing with more challenging LEGO, drawing or just

trying to extend his swimming skills (he is already quite a competent swimmer and loves the water).

Caladen’s mum, Saskia says, “My parents live interstate and his other

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.

That’s why swimming is a perfect exercise for over 50’s to get in shape and improve overall well being.

Grandparents Day in Queensland GRANDPARENTS’ Day will be celebrated in Queensland on Sunday 26th October. The day is a chance for grandchildren, children and the community to thank grandparents for their love and support. It will be the middle of spring for the annual day, hopefully perfect for a family picnic in the park! Break out the blanket and basket and get the kids to pack their favourite snacks and sandwich fillers.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

now I cherish his enthusiasm for life, curiosity about the world and delightful conversation.

Come along and exercise in our fantastic 25m heated pool • Great for all year round swimming • Easy ramp access • Lap swimming, walking and group classes available • Fantastic gentle exercise to help you keep fit

Phone Jodie for further information on 0429 465 316 Baillie Splash Lifestyle Centre Cnr Tor and Hogg St., Toowoomba

www.tjsswim.com

October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 5

community news

Warwick Combined Probus Club Tour of New Acland Open Cut Coal Mine and Empire Theatre

WARWICK Combined Probus Club members donned hard hats, high visibility vests and protective glasses before boarding the bus for a tour of the New Acland open cut mine site. We took the opportunity to clamber over a dump truck which carries 220 tonnes of material. The driver climbs a set of stairs to access his air conditioned cabin which is more than 5 metres above the ground. Traffic movements are controlled via two way radios, so drivers even have to announce when they have a toilet break. We recalled the times when we had to ask our teachers’ permission to leave the room at primary school.

A set of tyres for each

Anne Ware, Dawn McLennan, Caroline Hunter, Tricia Collins

truck costs $300,000, lasts around 13,000 hours or 2 years.

Later that day we travelled to Toowoomba for a

backstage tour of the Empire theatre. The original theatre was opened in 1911, and was destroyed by fire in 1933. Much of the

brickwork was undamaged and forms part of the present building.

The theatre was rebuilt in art deco style within 18 months and contin-

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ued as a movie theatre until television, drivein theatres and videos led to the demise of many cinemas.

Waltons operated a store from the premises for several years before it fell into disrepair.

Following restoration the doors reopened in 1997. Since then it has been the venue for local productions as well as a host of travelling shows. The cavernous stage is mirrored by a rehearsal room of the same size at the rear.

Several Probus members can now claim that they have performed (very quietly) on stage at the Empire Theatre. The generous dressing rooms are highly regarded by travelling artists.

Father and son create family heirloom

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John Duff (left) and his son Alex, share a love of working with gemstones. Toowoomba’s Gemfest will be held on October 25 and 26 at Centenary Heights High School

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DOING the ‘tourist’ thing, John Duff, and son Alex, took off one day to try their luck in the sapphire fossicking fields. When they actually found some sapphires, they had them cut by a local gemstone cutter. Since then, they’ve found out they could learn how to cut precious gemstones themselves.

“I joined the Toowoomba Lapidary Club and I’ve learned how to cut semi-

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Don’t put your daughter on the stage. Probus members on stage with guide Sheridan at the Empire Theatre

jewellery, bring it along and match up a new gemstone. Come and see a kaleidoscope of colours in gemstones, jewellery, mineral specimens, crystals, beads, carved giftware and fascinating fossils – all for sale.

Gemfest has something for everyone, young and old. Gemstone testing is also available both days. Open Saturday, October 25 from 9-5 and Sunday, October 26 from 9-3. Admission $5.00 for adults and teens 13 years and over. Children under 13 are free.

precious stones like jasper, agate, rhodonite and petrified wood,” John said.

“Over the years, I’ve also been taught other aspects of gem cutting and jewellery making.” Alex, now 16, recently joined the Toowoomba Lapidary Club to learn the art of silver jewellery making. “Yes, he’s quite creative. He gets that from his mother,” Dad said. Using a 6mm yellow faceted cubic zirconia that John cut in the round brilliant design, Alex is crafting a silver ring with a claw setting to house the solitaire. This is one piece of jewellery that is destined to become a family heirloom.

You can create your own unique piece of jewellery at Gemfest – Gem and Jewellery Show on October 25-26, at Centenary Heights High School, Ramsay Street, Toowoomba. Choose from a variety of ring, pendant or earring settings, select an already-faceted gemstone and have it set while you wait. If you’ve lost a stone from a piece of www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Communities must work together to make Queensland age-friendly

MAKING communities more age-friendly, means they become friendlier for people of all ages.

That was the message delivered to group of government and business leaders in Brisbane recently by an international expert on ageing and founder of the international agefriendly communities movement.

Dr Alexandre Kalache’s visit to Queensland is part of the Illawarra Retirement Trust’s 2014 speaker series.

“The United Nations predicts that by 2030 there will be more people aged over 60 than under the age of 10, so we need to address the needs of an ageing population now to ensure our community supports the needs of older Australians,” IRT CEO Nieves Murray

in Queensland the chance to apply for grants that fund programs which directly benefit senior members of the community.

IRT has a commitment to return $20 million to the community by 2020.

Dr Kalache’s visit was organised as part of a partnership between the IRT Foundation and Architects Edmiston Jones (AEJ).

Director of AEJ Mark Dr Alexandre Kalache .. preparing cities and Jones says the demand communities to be more age friendly for age-friendly built environments is says “With an ageing enduring initiatives, he population, we need to conceived and launched increasing as the work together to make the WHO Active Ageing population ages.

Queensland agePolicy Framework (2002) “Over the 25 years our company has been friendly, and Dr and the WHO Agedesigning aged care Kalache’s research will Friendly Cities project help us do that.”

(2007). He is currently in communities and homes, From 1995 to 2008, Dr Australia to help launch we have contributed to an evolution in the Kalache directed the a multi-million dollar model of care needed for World Health community grants our ageing population,” Organisation’s global program – the new IRT he said. program on ageing.

Foundation, which will Among many other allow community groups Dr Kalache said commu-

nities had to prepare themselves for the longevity revolution in parallel with urbanisation.

“We have to prepare cities and communities to be more age friendly,” he said. “And as a result they will become age friendly to all ages”.

More than 1500 cities have adopted the concept to create a global movement.

“The beauty is if you belong to that network you will be enlightened by solutions and policy that has been made elsewhere,” Dr Kalache said.

“The way to become part of this vibrant network is you need a bottom-up approach so you can listen to the voices of the people and not try to second guess what is happening. Then you need local authorities to respond to the diagnosis.”

ARPQ assists residential parks home owners ARPQ specialises in assisting home owners living in residential parks and will soon include all

retirement venues in the State.

Since ARPQ first formed in September 2012 it has

PODIATRY

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grown to the largest home owners association in Queensland with a membership of just over 3,600 members, and growing!

Much of our success is due to the running of Expos in residential parks where our Sponsors (including multinational companies) bring their services to the home owners direct. This means that home owners do not have to leave the park to access services, can ask questions and be informed about the products that are available to our age group. At these Expos, ARPQ provides a morning tea and gives residents an opportunity to get to know ARPQ

committee members, who all have a professional background or skill sets.

In addition to this we run workshops for our members to give them a greater understanding of the legislation and to discuss residential parks life in general.

Last year the Queensland Government carried out probably the most comprehensive survey ever, giving home owners the opportunity to have their say about park living. A copy of this valuable survey and analysis is available from the Department of Housing and Public Works website or the ARPQ website on the Special Bulletins page.

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DVD Winner DOIN’ it for the troops DVD winner from last month is Martha Webb from Toowoomba.

Congratulations and enjoy.

October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 7

community news NSA Garden City A 6.30 am start saw Garden City National Seniors on the road for a fascinating trip to Cherbourg on their September outing.

Appetites were keen when the bus stopped for morning tea at Maidenwell.

We were cheerfully

greeted at Cherbourg and ushered into the old Ration Shed (now The Ration Shed Museum) where we watched movies of the early days of the community.

The Ration Shed was moved to its present position to celebrate

the Cherbourg Centenary in 2004. In the early days it was the spot where Aboriginal people were issued with meagre supplies of basic food items such as tea, sugar, flour etc..

Their diets lacked green vegetables and fruit. Amounts were

Waiting for lunch at the Ration Shed, From Left: Margaret and Bill Schwerin, Ursula Schumann, Elina Mikkonen, Lorna McGarry and Jeanette Williams

calculated according to the number of children in each family.

The guest speaker for our September meeting, Jim Winten, arrived expecting to speak to ten or a dozen people so was somewhat taken aback when he found himself facing an audience of 80.

After the initial shock he gave an entertaining and interesting account of his life in outback Queensland.

Next meeting is on Monday 20th October at Drayton Bowls Cub at 9.30am beginning with morning tea. Cost

In their own homes

Neville Fry, President NSA Toowoomba Branch

The Ration Shed

for the morning is $6.

Visitors welcome. There will be a presentation by the Queensland Police Service, through the Toowoomba Police, for Mature Drivers. The talk will involve licensing of drivers and will update information on the rules and requirements of this process. The Police Officer presenter will be the Senior Forensic Investigator and Traffic Adjudicator. There will be an opportunity to ask questions.

Our final bus trip for 2014 will be on Wednesday, October 29 and is a mystery progressive luncheon so we can’t tell you where we are going except to say that we

will start eating in the Southern Downs and finish West of Toowoomba.

Cost $60. Bus will leave Toowoomba by 8.30am.

Monday, November 24 is the date of our Christmas Party at Drayton Bowls Club.

All attendees will receive a goodie bag of pantry items.

Donations would be welcome.

For further information, contact Hazel on 4635 4519.

The Power of Oldness A new video awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the value of older workers was launched recently at the Australian Human Rights Commission. The Power of Oldness, launched by Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan and Minister for Employment, Senator Eric Abetz, exposes the stark difference between the skills and strengths mature workers offer employers and organisations, with the discrimination they face when trying to gain or maintain jobs. “We are living through a massive demographic change,” said Commissioner Ryan, “yet community attitudes, employer practices and business strategies seem to ignore where we are now.”

“The Power of Oldness campaign will, we hope, prod everyone to recognise and act to stop age discrimination.”

Senator Abetz said the campaign is a way of getting the message about the value of older workers, to people of all ages around Australia.

“The video juxtaposes reality and perceptions in what I consider to be an active, pacey and poignant presentation,” he said.

View the Power of Oldness campaign at http:// www.powerofoldness.com.

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Contact us today

Call 1300 DIVERSE or 1300 348 377 www.diversicare.com.au

Page 8 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

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community news Hearing health crisis in Aged Care A lack of formal training for carers has created a hidden crisis in hearing health in Australia’s aged care system. According to the Deafness Forum of Australia, despite the high proportion of aged people requiring hearing care, their needs have been largely ignored. For many years, hearing assistance has been given minimal attention in pre-service training for both community in-home and residential carers.

Staff with limited knowledge of hearing impairment may not sufficiently recognise hearing assistance needs when drawing up personal care plans that describe the scope of care that will be provided to a person. Deafness Forum said the result is widespread under-recognition and under-management of hearing loss in both community and residential aged care settings. Even a mild hearing loss can create difficulties in conversation, leading to social isolation and serious anxiety. Left uncorrected hearing loss may also increase depression and dementia. The Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council determines the training given to future aged care staff in TAFE and private colleges across Australia. The Skills Council is currently reviewing these training requirements but has resisted calls to include adequate instruction in hearing assistance in the relevant Direct Client Care Training Package. Deafness Forum wants an elective unit for students which allows for deeper study of hearing assistance. Over time, this would create a cadre of staff who can help lift the quality of hearing assistance in aged care. Hearing assistance includes: techniques to use when communicating with a hearing impaired person; knowledge of hearing aids and assistive listening devices (ALDs) and assistance to signing Deaf people; management and basic troubleshooting of hearing aids, ALDs and cochlear implants. Deafness Forum of Australia is the national representative of all Australians who have a hearing impairment, a chronic disorder of the ear, are Deaf or deafblind, and the families who support them. It recently launched a public campaign to make Hearing the next National Health Priority in Australia. Source: Deafness Forum of Australia

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Glorious blooms on display at annual rose festival

Last year’s rose festival winners showcase their beautiful blooms

ONE of the Rose City’s long-standing events will be held on Friday, October 10. The ladies of St. Mark’s Women’s Guild look forward to welcoming everyone to their 52nd Rose Festival in the Parish Hall on Grafton Street, Warwick. The competition schedule details the various ways that roses can be displayed. Copies are available from the back of St.

Mark’s Church or by email from sue.nalder@gmail.com.

There is no charge to enter the competition and winners receive cash prizes and most importantly, the kudos of having their name engraved on the perpetual trophies. Entries are to be brought to the Parish Hall from 8:30 to 10:30am on the10th.

The trophy and prize pre-

sentation starts at 1:30pm and the formalities will be followed by musical entertainment from Yangan’s Sue Needer, a delicious afternoon tea with homebaked treats, a mini cent sale and the drawing of the raffle. Entry of $6 covers all of this as well as being able to view the display of all the beautiful roses.

St. Mark’s Women’s

Guild appreciates the participation of long-term exhibitors and encourages new rose growers to enter the competition in any section. They should note, however, that there is also a special section just for novices.

The champion rose will again be displayed in the crystal vase dedicated last year in memory of Mrs Hazel Hoffman.

Southern Downs Re-

gional Council Mayor Peter Blundell will be in attendance to present the Council’s perpetual trophy along with Mrs Katie Craymer from the Warwick Credit Union who will present the prizes to the winners of the WCU sponsored sections.

For further information contact Joyce on 4661 1938 or Sue by email sue.nalder@gmail.com.

October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 9

community news Opening the doors to older workers: the age-friendly movement is on the march!

WITH increasing numbers of over-55s in the workforce, it is time to turn the spotlight on the contribution of older workers and the concept of retirement.

“The baby boomers revolutionised every aspect of society and are still doing so as they reach what was traditionally considered retirement age,” says Janet O’Hehir, research assistant at the Centre for Work + Life, University of South Australia. “Don’t expect these rebels to sit gently rock-

ing in their arm chairs, reading the daily paper in their older years.

“They are more likely to be travelling the world, caravanning across Australia, chasing after grandchildren, caring for their elderly parents, and juggling their work-life balance.” Janet has a background in social policy, community development and change management.

She has worked for national and international charities, global corporations, and state and federal government ‘start-up

‘programs. “Policies that enable older workers to transition to retirement by working part-time, or to take time off to establish volunteering routines, travel or learn new hobbies will be far more appropriate to modern-day retirees than the traditional ‘golden handshake’ their parents embraced,” Janet says. As the proportion of older people participating in the workforce increases, so too will the demand for age-friendly workplaces. The agefriendly movement is an

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initiative of the World Health Organisation.

Originally aimed at identifying the features of cities that help or hinder people as they age, the concept has spread to all domains of community life. More than 200 cities in 26 countries have signed up to Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.

Central to the concept of being ‘age-friendly’ is the principle that an environment designed with older people in mind will benefit people of all ages and abilities. Age-friendly elements include public transport that is easy to use, accessible buildings, public toilets and ample resting places. Just as important is the social environment – how inclusive a community is and whether it has opportunities for people to participate in civic engagement, paid employment and volunteering.

“The age-friendly concept is now spreading to the workplace,” says Janet.

“An age-friendly workplace is one with culture and policies that are inclusive and supportive and ensures that workers are

not treated differently because of their age.

“An employer who offers flexible working conditions, such as compressed weeks or flexible hours, working from home, job-share arrangements, and flexible leave provisions will appeal to workers of all ages.

“The desire to learn new skills does not stop when you reach the age of 40.

Workplaces that offer development opportunities to all staff are more likely to attract and retain a diverse pool of talent.”

Janet says a Advertisement n age-friendly workplace also considers the physical working environment. This includes accessible toilets, stepfree access to buildings, easy-to-read signage, large-print materials and user-friendly technology.

Many of these features will also benefit younger workers with limited mobility and physical or sensory impairments. Viewing a workplace through an age-friendly lens means any adjustments will benefit the entire workforce.

A Deloitte report suggests a 3% increase in workforce participation

of those aged over 55 would result in a $33 billion boost to Australia’s GDP. “Yet, this resource is often lost to employers,” says Janet O’Hehir.

A 2012 survey of human resources professionals by the Australian Human Resources Institute found that almost half agreed the departure of older workers resulted in a loss of key knowledge and skills for their organisations.The Australian Bureau of Statistics also found many older people report barriers to employment such as a lack of vacancies, too

many applicants or being considered too old. “Like it or not, many of us are going to have to work for longer,” Janet says. “This fact has been reinforced by the raising of the future pension age and the government’s offer of a financial incentive of up to $10,000 for employers to hire an older job-seeker.

“These initiatives might open the door to older workers, but keeping them requires a greater cultural shift within workplaces.

We all need to ask, how age-friendly is my workplace?

Feel inspired to become healthier ON SUNDAY, October 12, the Gatton Sports Centre will become the central hub for all things health and wellbeing. The Lockyer Valley Health and Wellbeing Expo will feature more than 50 exhibitors on topics including, but not limited to sport, fitness and recreation, lifestyle, nutrition, holistic therapies and positive mental health. Find out about healthy eating with Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food, and catch Staging Post’s executive chef Maq Radabe live cooking demonstration. There’s indoor archery or if you are game, tackle the rock climbing wall in the extreme sports area. There will be plenty of free activities for younger children too, including face painting, storytelling and more. The Expo will run from 10am to 2pm and is free.

Step out in style with ...

Page 10 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

419 Ruthven St

4632 3577

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Frank and Roz happy seniors who enjoy their jobs every day WHEN Frank Fenech lost his job at Ansett after the airline collapsed in 2001 he fought off depression and straight away started looking for work, supported by the love and support of his family. But hundreds were not so fortunate.

“Many fell into dark holes, marriages broke up and some took their own lives,” recalled Frank, 62, who now enjoys his job at Bunnings Warehouse at Albion.

The Albany Creek resident served Ansett for 24 years, but in the early hours of September 14, 2001, the airline went into administration.

Everyone had been told that flights would continue on schedule, but when employees showed up for work at dawn that day it was all over – thousands of passengers were left stranded and more than 16,000 people were out of a job.

Now Frank is a Bunnings ‘team member’ – one of more than 2000 employees aged over 55,

DIY projects at home,” said Roz, who is happy to catch a ferry from her

island home, travel at Redland Bay to drive across Moreton Bay and to Albion each day. pick up her garaged car Jim Bowden

Service with respect .. Frank Fenech and Roz Knight are happy seniors working at Bunnings Warehouse at Albion

which makes the company one of the biggest employers of older Australians.

Chief executive John Gillam says the rate of hiring older workers at Bunnings is continuing to increase as retirees look to return to the workforce, either because they are bored at home or are searching for greater financial

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

security.

Retaining workers who are past normal retirement age is also a priority. Among the Bunnings workforce are employees in their early 80s.

“We are not fearful of having older workers,” Mr Gillam said.

“We find they have patience and a depth of knowledge, and they

love teaching the younger workers. The older workers generally command more respect.”

Roz Knight, 64, of Macleay Island, who also works at Bunnings at Albion agrees.

“I enjoy my work and respect my customers, especially the seniors who come in and are working on all kinds of

October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 11

community news Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Happy Ladies Red Hat ladies of Cabarlah viewing Trish Arden’s beautiful paintings which were on display during Carnival week

GET LOCKED UP

Book prior to 30th November Seniors & Retirees Groups receive 1 hour guided tour through the Gaol with tea & coffee included

Jondayan Woolshed Festival

for only $13.99 Tour Bookings

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

3844 0059

or 0411 111 903

www.boggoroadgaol.com

Page 12 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

Cherie and Ian Miller

Janice Erb and Henry Wilson, part of the band providing entertainment

Bargains galore

Norelle White and Heather Ross. from the Toowoomba Quilters, making the most of the 10th Anniversary Sale at the Quilters Angel in September

The Quota Club of Toowoomba Inc.

ARE holding their monthly morning tea at The Coffee Bean House in the Ridge Shopping Centre, Hume Street, South at 10am on Saturday 4th October. You are welcome to come along and join us and learn a little about what we do in our Community. We would love to welcome interested ladies. Our monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday 14thOctober at 6.30pm at the meeting rooms at “ The Hospice” O’ Quinn St., Toowoomba. Enquiries and interested ladies are always welcome. We are a non-for-profit Organization and are represented in many countries around the world. We work in the community helping hearing impaired children, the Toowoomba Hospital, homeless youth, disadvantaged people, reading in schools, the women’s shelter for abused women, together with many other needy groups. Contact Cheryl on 4635 6375 or Jeni on 0409 726 845. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Seniors concession card: be aware of changes from January next year THE income test for Commonwealth Seniors Health Care will become a lot stricter from January 1 next year. Retirees who make changes to their finances after this date could lose this valuable concession card, which provides discounts on medical and (in some states) electricity bills.

Currently, superannuation income streams, or account-based pensions, enjoy an exemption from the CSHC income test but, from next year income from superannuation pension ac-

counts will be included in the means test for the card, in the same way as other financial investments, such as shares and managed funds. The allowable income threshold for the card is about $80,000 a year for a couple combined and about $50,000 a year for singles. A person who is already a cardholder and has existing accountbased pensions will remain exempt if no significant changes are made to the pension after January 1, 2015, and otherwise will

maintain their eligibility.

Managing director of financial advisory for Dixon Advisory Nerida Cole says existing cardholders who don’t plan ahead will be the group most likely to lose out. “The grandfathering of current exemptions is generous but only if you maintain eligibility,” she said.

“Being aware of the impact restructuring and changes to your finances will have on the classification of any existing pension is critical to achieving this.”

“It’s best to review your

situation and put in place any changes well before the Christmas break. From January 1, care should be taken to preserve grandfathering rules and keep access to the health card.”

Considering overseas travel plans might sound unrelated but retirees who spend more than 19 weeks outside Australia may have their card cancelled. Al-

though you can get them back when you get home, the exemptions on grandfathered super pensions will be lost.

Putting in place an automatic reversionary option on your existing pension may preserve the more favourable income test treatment if you pre-decease your spouse.

This option means your pension will continue after

death but with payments made to your surviving spouse. No changes are required by the pension provider. Although early drafts of the legislation do not reflect this intricacy, the Department of Human Services has confirmed this detail will be corrected to align the treatment of income streams for CSHC purposes with age pensioner recipients.

Even if you don’t expect the proposed changes to affect your eligibility for the card, it is prudent to plan ahead to protect against future legislative change and optimise your personal situation. Restructuring before the changes occur can assist to minimise income assessed in future and to maintain eligibility if, for example, income thresholds are reduced.

‘I Love This Place’ film DVD giveaway THE film ‘I Love This Place’ will premiere from mid-October around Australia with selected screening dates including Nambour Arthouse Cinema on Monday 20th October at 6:30pm. As a ‘musical documentary’ the film is predominately targeted at our age group with its engaging rich visual imagery and bespoke musical score. It is a commentary free portrait of Director and lifelong resident, award winning Producer

Steven Salgo’s ‘backyard’ - Sydney’s eastern suburbs coastline. Unlike so many who can’t wait to get away from it all, Salgo found that everything he needed was already on his doorstep. The evocative and entertaining film unfolds around a year; drawing an intimate portrait of the energy, the unexpected and the daily life of this piece of paradise. The region’s architecture and events as well as the degrading coastal environ-

ment are also highlighted.

The power of the wind, rain and, of course, the sea, is integral to savouring the area’s innate glories and it’s easy to see why Steven Salgo ‘ loves this place.’ Steven is a fifty something award winning filmmaker with vast experience in film and television production. This is Steven’s passion project and he has invested a large majority of his superannuation into making this documentary over the last couple of years come to life! The film’s Ambassador is Costa Georgiadis, host of ABC’s Gardening Australia. We have one DVD to give away to a reader, so if you are unable to attend the screening at Nambour, make sure you enter to win a copy of ‘I Love This Place’.

To enter, write your name and a daytime contact telephone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to ‘I Love This Place’, Toowoomba/ Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper, PO Box 1062, Tewantin, Q 4565 to arrive by 29th October 2014. The first entry out of the barrel will win!

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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www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 13

community news Seniors use pedal power to get around city bike tracks

BRISBANE has more than 1100 km of bikeways and paths – and 65-year-old Greg Yeowart of Indooroopilly is using his power-assisted bicycle on many of them to crisscross the city.

Greg is one of many seniors moving around southern Queensland on ‘pedelecs’ – electric bikes provided by energetic couple Nick and Samantha Willis who

have an extensive range at their Enoggera shop.

Jeff Davies of Ashgrove is another who recently checked in his electric bike at the Willis shop for a service. In his 70s, Jeff has ridden 3200 km on the bike in just eight months.”It keeps you fit and saves money,” says Jeff who prefers the bike to driving a car or catching a taxi. Electric bikes are a mainstay for active ur-

ban transport in Europe and Nick and Samantha Willis are helping Queensland residents take up the trend.

Electric Bikes Brisbane is in its second year of trading and Samantha says the bikes sold so far have saved nearly I million km in car and public transport.

New bicycle technology has a motor and an electric battery that provide up to 250 watts of extra power to a rider’s own pedal power.

Electric bikes are legally classified as a bicycle; there is no need to regis-

ter them or carry a license to ride them, which makes them a popular choice for drivers who have lost their license. Greg Yeowart loves bike riding, but recent respiratory problems and knee trouble kept him “out of the saddle” – that is until the Electric Bike rolled up.

“The electric bike is just magic – I can do a lot with it and go anywhere,” said Greg who worked in project management in the mining industry.

“I’ve always ridden bikes and now I can pedal to my heart’s content. And

when the road gets challenging the electric assistance cuts in and it’s a breeze.”

Samantha and Nick make full use of their own product.

“We’ve worked out it saves us about $100 a week in tolls, car costs and parking so the bike pays for itself, pretty quickly.”

Contact Electric Bikes Brisbane at 1A, 60 Pickering Street, Enoggera or call Samantha on 0433 486 245.

Web: w w w. e l e c t r i c b i k e s brisbane.com

National Servicemen to be honoured ON Sunday 12th October those Nashos who turn 80 years of age in 2014 will be honoured with a lunch at the Irish Club Hotel, Toowoomba. There are 34 members who, at 18 years of age, spent a few months of their lives at an army training camp. The motto of the National Servicemen is “They also serve who only stand and wait”. These young men could have been called upon to serve their country in the event of a war. Members and their friends are invited to enjoy a day at the races on Saturday 25th October at Clifford Park racecourse. A delightful 2 course meal will be served in the air-conditioned JJ Atkins Room. Contact the secretary, 4633 2564, for more information. Our 3rd Friday lunches at the City Golf Club are well attended and the next

Page 14 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

will be Friday 17th October. No need to book, a table is reserved for the Nashos and you are most welcome to come and have a chat with your fellow National Service mates.

Come & try day TOOWOOMBA Bowls Club at 40 Lindsay Street , Toowoomba is holding a Come and Try day on Sunday ,the 26th of October at 2.00 pm. Everyone is welcome. The Club would like to thank you for the articles published earlier this year. For further information please contact Graham Lipp, Secretary on 07 4635 5806 or 0499 875 077.

Seniors Enquiry Line launches Seniors Info Chat SENIORS Enquiry Line is a statewide information and referral service. For the cost of a local call, Seniors Enquiry Line gives Queensland seniors, their family, friends, grandparents and carers access to information on topics of interest to seniors.

Seniors Info Chat is a service that Seniors Enquiry Line will now be providing as an extension of its current service which will provide you with regular updates across Queensland.

The friendly staff will call seniors who are registered with the service to provide them with information about current scams, government and community announcements or events in your local area. Often information becomes available to our staff through calls and other outlets that we believe would be beneficial information for our clients. It is important that seniors can access this information sooner rather than later.

Seniors Enquiry Line staff would keep an eye out for interesting and important announcements from a variety of services such as government, community and other services that will be useful and can be passed on to seniors.

Our mission is to provide seniors with relevant information so if you are interested in registering for Seniors Info Chat, please contact Seniors Enquiry Line on 1300 135 500. The service operates Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. All information we obtain is confidential.

If you are calling from a mobile phone, please let us know when you ring and we will call you back.

The Seniors Info Chat service is a 6 month trial due to be reviewed in March 2015.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Volunteers clock up hundreds of hours clearing weeds ‘Take a plant out by the roots and its dead’. And it’s true.”

With this in mind he worked on creating tools that gave him that ability.

Now no privet or lantana is safe as the group uses a combination of methods to reduce infestation.

By Jo Marsh

DESPITE major funding cuts by the Federal Government to Landcare, small groups of dedicated and determined people continue to wage war on major weed infestations in our parks and communities. Members of Cambooya Landcare are making a major impact, one square metre at a time, at Ramsay State School, where lantana had all but taken over much of the school grounds.

Euan McLean has been working on this project with five other seniors and a university student since November 2011.

“By May this year, we had worked 1035 hours collectively to restore 10 acres to a hand-weed finish,” he said. “That works out to be about the size of a tennis court for every hour we have worked.”

The Ramsay Lantana Busters, as they are known around the place, have been putting their backs into the job with the help of Mr McLean’s patented tools – the Root

It’s still a lot of hard, physical labour as much of the plant needs to be lopped back to be able to get to the roots. The results, though, are pretty spectacular. Areas cleared of lantana are already sprouting new growth of native plants, and land

that has been unusable for years has been opened up. The group even found an old outdoor auditorium from years ago buried in the lantana.

With the end finally in sight for the school project, these determined volunteers may soon be

scouting around for the next job. However, with no funds and limited resources, Mr McLean said it would be gratifying if they could receive some form of sponsorship to enable them to continue to make a difference to our region.

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Members of Cambooya Landcare, (clockwise, from left) Euan McLean, Ross Ibell, George Goodsell and Graeme Wegner, have handcleared more than 10 acres of lantana at Ramsay State School.

Photo: Tim Dunn, Toowoomba Photographic Society

Blade and Tower Power.

A former engineer, Mr McLean was keen to keep physically active after he retired, so started volun-

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

teering with a local group clearing weeds.

“I remembered my mother’s tenet of 60 years ago,” he said. “She said,

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October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 15

community news The Blacksmith – Life as a “Smithy” The Blacksmith Under the spreading chestnut tree. the village smithy stands; The smith, a mighty man is he.

With large and sinewy hands; And muscles of his brawny arms Are strong as iron bands.

The first verse of many for his well known and recited poems “The Village Blacksmith” written

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Can you remember this from your school days?

Blacksmithing is believed to have been started in 1500BC and this profession was very important in the Middle Ages. There has been very little changes over the years.

THE smell of burning coal lured many people as it permeated and wafted into the air and down the street. A variety of different sized anvils were utilised in the shop.

These heavy pieces were used by both the blacksmith and the striker as they worked side by side, they created a certain ring, musical rhythm while belting out their current piece. This sound also brought people to the shop, there they would stand and watch work progress.

The Smithy really was

responsible for keeping most businesses operational. He was surrounded by his many tools of trade.

The anvil used as a template on which to shape the object, hammers to flatten and shape metals, rasps, files to smooth out rough edges, chisels to sculpt and carve details or designs on objects, punchers to pinch, close and twist metals.

Chasing tools, and draw plates for wire making.

Councils, emporiums, farmers and general stores certainly would

not been as successful without the smithy’s expert knowledge and assistance especially with repairing implements, sharpening tools and keeping horses shod. He even made iron gates, chains, horse shoes, pot and pans, buckets, dishes, knives and forks, ladles, kettles, cake tins, jugs, you name it and he fashioned it.

In later years the the blacksmith reshaped/ altered motor vehicles to become utilities,

over again, ensuring the coal is clean and the forge is burning ans heating to the correct temperature.

One of the many articles items we are still proud of and certainly treasure is the steel bridle (pictured) hand made by Paul Lawson, a local identity of many years. It is the exact replica of the usual leather item.

Must be seen to be believed. Our Blacksmith Shop was opened on the 10th November 2001. The local blacksmith here in Samford during World War 11 used mainly on the Forward thinking was was called to service as farms. Replacing the certainly an asset as a blacksmith. Not only tyres on cart wheels the blacksmith , being were the locals catered proved a huge job, a creative and with a job which required a natural attribute could for, the American few pairs of capable use his “scraps” found soldiers had their horses shod here. hands, buckets of around the shed, It Gold is for the mistress. water and exact timing certainly was an era Silver for the maid with every step so as where time was not to produce the product money, and money did Copper for the craftsman cunning at his ordered. not determine quality. trade.

The blacksmiths shed When a job was done “Good! Said the Baron, was used as a social with pride. At the end sitting in his hall, gathering hub, where of the day the smithy the village inhabitants would be very fatigued, ”But Iron.. Cold Iron.. is the master of them assembled waiting to understandably dirty, all”. hear or be told of the hungry and possibly Rudgard Kipling latest gossip while dehydrated. After Our local resident and watching the actions of overnight rest his day blacksmith their host. in the shop starts all

Martin(pictured), displays his skills at the museum on the last Sunday of the month.

Veryinteresting and relaxing to watch as items go from a piece of steel to the completed item. Perhaps a door hinge, a chain, medieval swords and helmets. Visitors are welcomed to visit our Museum, Station Street, Samford. We are open on Wednesday and Sunday 10am – 4pm and by appointment for groups.

Contact number 3289 2473 or Geoff on 0417 610 983.

“Volunteers are an important part of any club and society”. That statement certainly includes the Samford Historical Museum.

Please consider offering your services as a volunteer, (Wednesday is working bee day and or one Sunday for four hours every six weeks) your reward is in the knowledge you have been involved in saving and maintaining our local history of years gone by.

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

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

Page 16 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news It‘s your death...book it in WHAT will happen when you die?

It’s one of those questions people of all ages tend to avoid but these days, there are more things to consider than whether you want to be buried or cremated; like who you want invited to your funeral (not that guy!), and how your family will gain access to your Facebook and other social media pages (where did she keep her passwords?) after you pass on. Lisa Herbert, an ABC journalist and radio presenter, has published The Bottom Drawer Book to make the conversation a little less confronting. Featuring comical illustrations and humorous text, the book offers thought-provoking questions about death and provides space for readers to leave their own ideas and plans.

“Then when you go there’ll be no squabbling over how much to spend on your casket, who’ll tell stories at your funeral or which footy jumper you’ll be buried in,”

said Ms Herbert.

She started writing the book after stumbling across a cardboard coffin during a suburban street fair.

“Who knew you could get your own photos and artwork printed on an environmentally friendly casket?” she said.

“It’s something I want to be buried in, so I started writing down ideas for my own funeral. Sixty-

nine pages later I had a book’” If you’ve ever wanted to know.....

What is the most popular item people request in their coffins?

Details about the ever increasing types of farewells. The ins and outs of a natural burial, where there are no headstones and your burial site is marked with GPs co-ordinates! Managing your digital afterlife such as websites and email accounts “Sure, death can be a dark topic but it doesn’t have to be,” says Ms Herbert.

“The Bottom Drawer Book is your after death action plan. Your ideas, plans, and your life’s reflections will sit quietly in its pages until they’re needed.”

“The Bottom Drawer Book: The After Death Action Plan by Lisa Herbert - $16.95.

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FOR your chance to WIN a copy of this book, please send your entry to the Bottom Desk Drawer, Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper, PO Box 1062, Tewantin 4565 with your name, address and phone number on the back of the envelope no later than Wednesday 22nd October.

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ing its own Take a Break event for carers on the morning of Wednesday, October 15, as well as several other events throughout Carers Week. Peter Kinson, Team Leader of Carers Queensland’s Toowoomba office, said, “Carers make a vital contribution to our local community – Carers Week is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for everything that carers do”.

The event on Wednesday, October 15 will also be the official opening of the new office at 907 Ruthven Street.

For more information about Carers Week, visit http:// carersqld.asn.au/news-andevents/ carers-week or contact your local Carers Queensland office on 4635 8379.

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DARLING Downs residents are being encouraged to stop and take a break for carers on Tuesday, October 14, to celebrate Carers Week, the national awareness week for unpaid family carers. There are approximately 448,400 unpaid family carers in Queensland, and Carers Week aims to raise awareness of who they are and what they do. This Carers Week, Carers Queensland is asking workplaces and local communities to stop and take a break to learn more about carers, in recognition of that fact that many unpaid family carers find it difficult to get a break from their caring role.

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October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 17

WHAT’S ON

ntthh moon this m

Toowoomba Stamp Club annual stamp day

Bull riders hit dirt in downtown Toowoomba

THE Toowoomba Stamp Club’s annual Stamp Day, will be held on Saturday, October 11 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Hall, cnr Phillip and James Streets.

There will be three visiting dealers, 15 clubs from SE Queensland with the books, and a large auction, The Queensland Inter-Club Trophy will be up for grabs, and we will also have our own Heritage Trophy competition. Come and join us for the biggest day on the stamp calendar in Toowoomba.

PROFESSIONAL Bull Riders (PBR) are back in Toowoomba to deliver one huge night of the toughest sport on dirt. It’s a showdown like no other - elite cowboys versus the toughest bulls on the planet in a 3 hour action packed sporting entertainment event that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Choreographed with pyrotechnics, concert sound system and mega screen replays, with multiple camera angles that will take you behind the scenes and inside the bucking chutes as riders prepare for the ride of their life at Clive Berghoffer Stadium, Arthur Street, Toowoomba, Saturday, October 18, from 7.30pm

Do you need help around the home?

Spring Bluff Railway Station Sunday afternoon during the Carnival of Flowers

Fun at Crows Nest Day

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

Spring Bluff Railway Station

IT’S all happening at Centenary Park, Crows Nest on Saturday, October 18 at this year’s Crows Nest Day. The action starts at 7am and finishes with fireworks at 7.30pm. There will be picnic races, pig races, worm races, crow calling, bungee trampolines, show and shine, food stalls, live entertainment, hay stacking, tug-of-war, and free watermelon slices – it’s all great country fun.

Mick & Joy Gibbs

Turn back the clock as The Platters sing their greatest hits

For further information

Ph: 0400 121 940

IN THE 1950s ‘Only You’ became The Platters first gold record, and many more hits were to follow – The Great Pretender, Twilight Time, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, You’ve Got The Magic Touch, My Prayer, and many, many more. In all, The Platters garnered 16 gold records and attained international fame and immortality through the romantic ballads that continue to be played and loved all over the world. Approaching his 5th decade as lead singer with The Platters Monroe Powell richly deserves the accolades he receives and is by far the most recognised ‘Platter’ of all. See The Platters at City Golf Club, Thursday, 23rd October 2014, 6:30pm-9:30pm.

John Filson , Gerard Hanssen , Jenny , Sonya , Bruce Chalk

Clifton Cup race day

Toowoomba Multiservice Centre “Your home away from home” Located at: 8 Buckland Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350 Open 24hours/7days Encouraging the wellbeing of clients and carers, our Centre offers expertise in dementia care. Our wellness and supportive philosphy of care is applied through every day familiar activities to give meaning and enjoyment to those who visit.

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HEAD to Clifton on Saturday, October 25 for the Clifton Cup races, part of the popular Clifton Country Week celebrations. The day runs from 11am to 10pm and includes five races, fashions on the field, licensed bar, canteen, barbecue plus live entertainment with music and dancing in the evening. Cost is $10 adult, $5 for pensioners, and children under 15 free. Tickets are available for the race day marquee at $60 per person which includes gate entry, two course luncheon, a glass of champagne on arrival, and lucky door prize of a getaway for two. For more information go to www.cliftonraces.com.au.

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For further information please call 1 800 639 331 or 07 4635 2966 Page 18 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Let’s Get

Floral art workshop

Food grower shares knowledge and skills THE first Grow Your Own Food workshop was held in September in Clifton by passionate food grower Kathy McDonald and a willing band of helpers. Kathy said the day was very successful with participants coming from Toowoomba, Laidley, Warwick, Allora and surrounds.

“The workshop covered how to improve the soil using humus, animal manure and composts, all organic practices,” she said. “Also on the agenda was compost making, soil testing, how to set up and use a worm farm and worm castings, and biochar.”

Kathy said she is looking forward to hosting future workshops on growing herbs, raising chickens, seed raising and more.

TOOWOOMBA Floral Art Group presents a demonstration and workshop by Brisbane floral artist and judge Heather Prior to be held on Wednesday, October 15, at Rose Cottage, Newtown Park, Holberton Street, Toowoomba, starting at 9.30am. Heather has just returned from Ireland after competing in the World Association of Floral Art in Dublin. If you are interested in attending, please contact Denise Harcourt on 0432 383 021 or Heather Palmer on 4632 7013.

Janet Bishop (left) and Kathy McDonald discover the merits of compost during the Grow Your Own Food workshop

Healthy eating SUMMERTIME is just around the corner and time to enjoy our salad vegetables. Here is a simple and very tasty recipe to enjoy which is a bonus to our continuing good health.

Rice Paper Vegetable Rolls Ingredients: 8 small rice-paper wrappers 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce 3/4 cup (50g) beansprouts, trimmed 1 small carrot, peeled, grated 1 medium Lebanese cucumber, peeled, cut into ribbons 1 medium avocado, peeled, cut into strips Sweet chilli sauce, to serve

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Fresh

Method: Pour warm water into a heatproof bowl until half full. Dip 1 rice paper wrapper in water.

Place on a flat surface. Stand for 20 to 30 seconds or until soft enough to roll without splitting. If water cools down, replace with fresh warm water.

Place one-eighth of lettuce along 1 edge of 1 wrapper. Top with oneeighth each of beansprouts, carrot, cucumber and avocado. Fold in ends.

Roll up firmly to enclose filling. Cover with a damp tea towel to prevent roll drying out. Repeat with remaining wrappers, lettuce, beansprouts, carrot, cucumber and avocado. Serve with sweet chilli sauce.

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

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October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 19

LAW, FINANCE and YOU Workers should not be forced in retirement to take their superannuation savings as periodic payments WORKERS should not be forced in retirement to take their superannuation savings as periodic payments, says First Super chief executive Bill Watson.

Speaking to an audience of fund managers in Melbourne recently, Mr Watson said he was very concerned by the “kite flying” by the Financial Services Council on denying retirees the option of a lump sum and forcing them to take a pension of some description”.

Referring to the council’s push to require retirees to use part of their savings to buy a

product that makes periodic payments, such as an annuity, Mr Watson said there was no evidence to support the myth that workers waste their super on luxuries such as trips and boats.

Someone who is near retirement and earning $45,000 a year probably has less than $100,000 in super, Mr Watson claimed. He said retirees would not have had the spare cash during their working lives to prepare for their retirements. It is not until they retire that they use some of the money to pay off debts, make repairs to their

home, replace whitegoods and buy a new car.

Mr Watson said the council, which represented the banks, fund managers and insurers, wanted retirees to be compelled to buy annuities so that its members could earn more in fees from retirement savings.

The council was influential in the decision taken by the Coalition government in the Budget to increase the age pension qualifying age to 70 by 2035. Under Labor, the pension age was to gradually increase from

65 to 67. The council is also pushing for an increase in the age at which superannuation savings can be accessed – the ‘preservation age’ – from 60 to 65.

John Brogden, the council’s chief executive has said these changes are needed because Australians are living longer and it is important that “future generations of taxpayers are not burdened with the cost of an ageing population”.

Mr Watson said savings could be better made on other fronts, rather than imposing “income management’ on retirees

and that superannuation tax concessions to highincome earners should be restricted.

He also said that the tax concessions on super contribution should cease for people who have saved more than seven times the annual non-concessional limit of $180,000. That equates to super savings of $1.26 million, which is more than enough to support a comfortable standard of living in retirement.

Earnings on super savings in retirement above this amount, Mr Watson said, should be taxed.

Email scam warning AUSTRALIA Post continues to warn customers about emails which advise that a “courier” was unable to deliver a parcel to their address. The email then requests the customer to view and print information about their package and to go to their local post office to collect the package.

These emails are similar to a scam Australia Post warned customers about in November 2013, February and July 2014, which required the customer to remit a payment first in order to be able to print the article label. The emails have not originated from Australia Post and appear to be targeting customers.

Australia Post does not request customers to remit a payment for parcel collection nor does it charge customers for holding a parcel. If you receive this email, please delete it. If you have fallen victim to the scam, please call the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on 1300 795 995

to report the matter to SCAMwatch. The aim of these scam emails is to collect personal / financial information or to install a malicious virus such as ‘ransomware’ which can ‘take over’ your PC. Recovery of infected systems is virtually impossible without clean backups. Prevention is the best approach to any

malware. It’s vital that you know the warning signs of a phishing scam. If you suspect your computer or network is infected by ransomware, you should seek technical advice immediately. Find out more about online security, scams and frauds and how you can help protect yourself in future at scamwatch.gov.au.

New blueprint pushes the business of ageing OLDER Australians have welcomed a blueprint recently launched in Canberra which casts population ageing as a business opportunity rather than a national problem.

The long awaited Blueprint for an Ageing Australia, first envisaged by former National Seniors chairman Everald Compton three

years ago, faltered late last year with government funding cuts.

However, after finding private backers and many months of consultations, the Blueprint’s panel of prominent minds finally launched its completed strategy at the National Press Club. Panel chairman Everald Compton said: “Every

• Wills • Powers of Attorney • Estate Administration • Elder Law • Complex Estate Planning & Succession • Family Trusts & Structures

MOBILE SERVICE - WE COME TO YOU Page 20 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

• Senior Living Arrangements

nation has a choice: you can turn ageing into a crisis or you can turn it into an asset.

“The ageing market is a growing industry and astute businesses will want to be part of it,” he said. Everald, 83, vowed to lobby every politician and business leader with his last breath to ensure the Blueprint didn’t end up gathering dust.

Acting National Seniors chief executive Sarah Saunders said the project was refreshing in turning the rhetoric around and casting ageing as something positive.

“The document highlights that the $8 trillion spent by the over 60s globally will, by 2020, almost double to $15 trillion.

“If Australia embraces the business of ageing, and does it well, the potential to export and capitalize on our knowledge in this area is huge,” she said.

The Blueprint highlights that Australians aged 50 to 69 hold more than 40 per cent of the national wealth.

It focuses on the contributions seniors can make in philanthropy, entrepreneurship and the labour market, but emphasises that

their efforts must be supported by a dedicated Minister for Ageing and enabling environments across transport, building

design and technology.

Download a copy of the Blueprint from nationalseniors.com.au Media release: National Seniors

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

LAW, FINANCE and YOU Looking to retire in the next 12 months?

IF you are considering retiring or reducing your working hours before the new year but are concerned about having enough money to retire on, it’s not too late to seek some professional advice to give you peace of mind. For anyone approaching retirement, especially those who are worried about their finances, it’s never too late to seek professional financial advice. Your financial circumstances change as your life changes, so getting some advice, whatever age you are, is always

worthwhile.

“We often find that it’s only as they near retirement people really start thinking about their finances,” says Jeff.

Especially when they start looking at everything that retirement offers, like making time for a hobby, more travel, volunteering projects or spending time with family.”

“We suggest that seeing a financial adviser well before you retire, rather than trying to do it all yourself, is the best option. Not only will this give you peace of mind

but it will also give you options for when you do need to make financial decisions.”

So even if you’ve never received any financial advice before, here are just some of the things a financial adviser could help you with that could make a real difference to the quality of your retirement.

Working out the best time to retire. This depends on how much money you have in super and other investments to live on in your retirement.

“We often find there is a

real difference between people’s expectations around the income they’d like to retire on” says Jeff “and the investments they have that can actually generate this income.”

“What we can show people is the positive impact that working another couple of years can have on their final super balance, and what this could mean for their retirement income.”

Increasing your final retirement amount. Are you feeling overwhelmed about how to increase your savings as retire-

ment gets closer?

“We can suggest a number of tax-effective ways to fast-track your savings” says Jeff, “some of which may not impact your cashflow that much at all.”

“Saving as much as you can in the last few years before retirement can make a significant difference in how much

income you’ll have in retirement, and also how long this income will last.”

To find out more about the benefits of seeing a financial adviser before retirement, contact Jeff* from RI Toowoomba on 07 4639 3733. *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.

Playing the right card: Extra funding to help older workers VICTORIA’S Minister for Ageing David Davis has announced an additional $5 million in support to seniors, including expansion of the popular Seniors Card program in 2015. This will include more than 160,000 seniors aged 60 and over who are working 35 hours or more a week.

Currently, the discounts are already available to the 940,000 Victorian Seniors Card holders who work less than 35 hours a week.

On the International Day of Older Persons (October 1), National Seniors Australia Victorian Policy Advisory Group chair Arnold Bates said that the extra funding was a step in the right direction but older people wanted to see more commitment from the major parties ahead of the November 29 state polling day.

“A $5 million funding boost is welcome, but there are still many areas of everyday living that seniors are struggling to cope with,” Bates said.

“Increasing costs are putting pressure on seniors with low and fixed incomes and the major parties have to step up and provide some meaningful measures that will make their lives a little easier,” he said.

“The minister has said that mature age workers will be able to take part in training programs to improve their skills to help secure employment.

“However, it’s no good trumpeting the training programs if mature age people looking for work – or for more working hours – are unable to get a place on a program.And there is no mention of removing the 65-year age limit within the Workers Compensation Scheme.

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.

Defend your Pension New income tests rules could mean less Centrelink Age Pension Jeff English CFP, B Com, CPA

New superannuation pensions commencing from 1 January 2015 will be affected.

The impact of these changes could be significant on Centrelink entitlements for retirees.

If you are: • Already 65 or turning 65 before 31st December 2014 • Retired or considering retirement within 2 years • Have money invested inside or outside of superannuation

Celeste Sutton Adv Dip FS (FP), C.dec

Contact our office on 07 4639 3733 to arrange your no obligation, free discussion with Jeff or Celeste to find out ow these changes may affect you

Jeff and Celeste are Authorised Representatives of RI Advice Group Pty Ltd This information is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be personal advice on any particular matter. RI Advice Group | ABN 23 001 774 125 AFSL 238429

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 21

FEELING GOOD

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

The secret to old age !!!

Keeping grandchildren safe in your home

“For better digestion, I drink beer. In the case of appetite loss, I drink white wine, In the case of low blood pressure, I drink red wine, In the case of high blood pressure, I drink scotch, And when I have a cold, I drink schnapps.” “When do you drink water?” “I’ve never been that sick.”

Part Two - Continuing our story of top tips by Liz Coffey, St Johns Ambulance Volunteer WHEN grandchildren come to visit, it is easy to get distracted by the marvellous things they see and do. Children have a very unique view of the world and often see things differently to adults.

Unfortunately, this ‘unique view of the world’ can sometimes cause the child undue harm, which can lead to a medical emergency. St John Ambulance (Qld) volunteer Liz Coffey has more than 15 years of hands-on first aid experience and knows the risks associated with a toxic environment for children. She urges all grandparents to familiarise themselves with the following first aid tips to ensure grandchildren can continue to safely visit their ‘Nanna and Poppy’.

1. Poisoning: Young children are naturally inquisitive as they learn all about the

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Page 22 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

world around them.

Most grandparents are quick to move household chemicals and detergents to higher shelves away from little hands, but many forget to ensure the nappy bag is also in a safe place.

Liz said nappy bags are possibly the most dangerous item in the house, as they tend not to be locked and are often placed at a child’s sight level.

“As children get a little older, they learn that the nappy bag can have all kinds of goodies inside, such as yummy treats, favourite books and treasured toys,” Liz said. “Next to their favourite stuffed toy in the nappy bag are other nasties that should not be accessible; plastic nappy bags, wet wipes, nappy creams, teething creams, powders as well as paracetamol or other medication. As the child’s mind grows and develops, zips and clips are a fun learning activity but can pose a potential danger.”

Liz recommended placing a small padlock around the zippers to ensure harmful products are out of reach.

2. Head injuries: As children begin to crawl and walk to discover the exciting world around them, the occasional bump on the head is quite a common

occurrence.

“Head injuries can differ greatly, ranging from a small bump on the head to a more severe injury where the child is knocked unconscious,” Liz said.

Ensuring your first aid skills at up-to-date will make things easier for you in the event of an emergency.

“Head injuries can be quite scary, and the steps you take could mean the difference between a minor incident and a major medical emergency.

Treatment for head injuries varies depending on severity; one way of determining this is whether the child cried straightaway or not,” she said.

Crying is a normal and expected reaction, and can indicate a minor injury.

“If the child does not cry straightaway or appears groggy, confused or dazed, they may have sustained a concussion which requires hospital assessment and observation,” Liz warned. “A first aid course will inform you of the signs and symptoms of a head injury, and will provide you with the confidence to give your grandchild the proper care they require.”

If the child screams straightaway and a lump or wound appears

on the head, controlling the bleeding is the first priority.

“Head wounds can bleed profusely, however they also control very quickly so using a clean absorbent pad, apply light pressure to the wound to stop any bleeding,” Liz said. “From personal experience, children do not enjoy having an icepack wrapped in a cloth applied to the bump, but try your best to do this for as long as possible - at least 15 minutes.”

It is important to closely observe the child’s behaviour for the next 10 days and watch for any changes.

“Common signs to look for that require medical attention include vomiting, profuse crying, difficulty consoling, difficulty walking, dizziness, difficulty waking up as well as head or neck pain,” Liz advised.

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.

Kiwi Invention Reaching Aussie Seniors THE New Zealand invention which is a boon to arthritis sufferers in NZ was launched in Australia in July. It is already helping people here manage not only arthritis but diabetes, Parkinson’s, aching legs, sore feet and aiding stroke rehabilitation. It is a great circulation booster, helps relieve joint and muscle pain, strengthen leg muscles to help support and protect joints and improve balance and mobility.

Night cramps and swollen ankles are relieved. It’s useful for anyone on diuretics to help get rid of accumulated fluid.

The Australian distributor, Tess Rowley, a well known author of

children’s books, is excited about her new venture.

She has already visited some retirement villages and is available to speak to groups and demonstrate the Aircycle.

Tess can be contacted on 0412 329 450 or by emailing aircycle.au @gmail.com The Aircycle keeps you moving while you watch TV, chat on the phone, or sit at your office desk.

It’s simple to use and relaxing. If kept by a comfortable chair and used several times a day, results are quickly noticeable. The exercises not only work foot, knee and hip joints but also move the lower back and core muscles.

By placing the Aircycle

on the knee, fingers, wrists and shoulders can be exercised too.

It is soothing and relaxing for arthritic fingers, OOS and carpel tunnel problems.

The Aircycle has a lifetime guarantee and is used or demonstrated by arthritis and diabetes educators, podiatrists, physiotherapists and some hospitals in NZ. It is washable and folds up to pop in your pocket to take anywhere with you. It’s great for using in the car or on long flights for boosting circulation and avoiding ankle swelling.

More information and direct orders : Call 0412 329 450 or visit www. aircycle.co.nz.

For mail orders see advert on page 8.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

FEELING GOOD

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

Toowoomba gets worked up and works out to take on women’s cancers PULL out your leg warmers and get ready for some lycra! Cancer Council Queensland is calling on Toowoomba residents to unite in pink and start warming up to take on women’s cancers! Cancer Council will officially launch Pink Ribbon Day (October 27), and all upcoming Pink events, on Tuesday, October 7 at USQ Works Health & Recreation Club – and ladies, let’s get physical! To celebrate the official Cancer Council Pink Ribbon Day Mascot, Fitness Penny, USQ Works will be getting people pretty in pink with a special ABT/ CXWORX session and morning tea. USQ gym manager Shelley Myatt said the launch was a great opportunity to get active and reduce your own cancer risk. “Exercise is such an important part of maintaining our health and wellbeing, and can really make a difference in reducing your cancer risk,” Ms Myatt said. Toowoomba’s Pink launch will kick off at 12pm with a one hour ABT/ CXWORX workout session at USQ Works Health & Recreation Club, Baker Street, Toowoomba. A gold coin donation is required upon entry and there will be a prize for the ‘Prettiest in Pink’, so be sure to don your pink finest! Unite in pink this October – buy pink, register to host a Girls’ Night In or Pink Ribbon Fundraiser, donate or volunteer on Pink Ribbon Day, Monday October 27. More information is available via pinkribbon.com.au or 1300 656 585. More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available via cancerqld.org.au or 13 11 20. Cancer Council Queensland is an independent, community-based charity. The achievements of Cancer Council Queensland are made possible by the generosity of Queenslanders

Coffee, cats and iPhones rob Australians of good sleep UNCOMFORTABLE pyjamas, a late night whisky and whining pets are stopping hundreds of Australians from getting the good night’s sleep they need, sleep experts warn. The bedroom should be a sanctuary for sleep but specialists at the Sleep Health Foundation say young and old alike are forgetting the most basic rules of a healthy night’s rest. “Great sleep relies on a quiet room, a relaxed mind and a comfortable bed,” Professor Dorothy Bruck, Sleep Psychologist at the Sleep Health Foundation. “But you’d be surprised how many people ignore these important guidelines and snuggle up with their iPhone in their overheated bedroom after drinking too many glasses of wine.” Sleep is a pillar of good health alongside exercise and nutrition, but many people take it for granted, not realising how much the quantity and the quality of their shut-eye effects how they feel in their waking hours.

Studies show that over 1.2 million Australians experience sleep disorders like insomnia, costing the economy more than $10 billion annually. To stress the importance of good sleep, the foundation’s sleep experts are giving advice on how to sleep proof the bedroom. Prof Bruck says simple tips like dimming the lights an hour before sleep or removing the cat from the bed can vastly improve a person’s chance of a good night’s sleep. “One of the most

important aspects of this is keeping technology out of the bedroom,” she says. “We strongly suggest keeping your phone on silent or better still, in another room while you sleep so you’re not tempted to check it.” Having the TV in your bedroom and using it to help fall asleep is also bad news, as you lose the ability to doze off on your own when you wake up during the night.

Specialists urge people to check there are no other potential distur-

healthfoundation.org.au to complete the survey and find out how your bedroom rates.

Rate Your Sleep Habits • Do you regularly use a laptop, electronic tablet or watch TV after getting into bed at night?

• Is your mobile phone either outside the bedroom or on silent overnight?

• Is your sleep is disturbed by loud snoring or breathing pauses from either you or your bed partner?

• Do you often look at the clock when you bances, like a bright wake up overnight? clock, snoring partner or • Is your sleep disstimulant drink to hinder turbed by pets, outside sleep. noises or light?

The Sleep Health • Does your body Foundation has temperature feel developed a 10-point comfortable at night in checklist so people can bed? test out how sleep• Do you regularly have friendly their room is. coffee after 2pm?

“Some might be • Do you drink more surprised to learn that alcohol than you their bedroom is not should? the sleep sanctuary • Do you take time to they think it is,” Prof wind down before bed, Bruck said. “Thankfully so you are relaxed in we’ve got lots of body and mind? simple tips to get them • Could your bed, snoozing well in no pillow and bedding be time.” Visit www.sleep more comfortable?

JAMES STREET DISCOUNT DRUG STORE

SPECIALS ON SALE FROM 8TH OCTOBER 2014 – 10TH NOVEMBER 2014. ALL ITEMS IN THIS PUBLICATION HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN GOOD FAITH ON THE BASIS THAT THE GOODS DESCRIBED WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF SALE AND ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST. FAILURE BY THE SUPPLIER TO DELIVER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAMPLE, DESCRIPTION OR ALL UNINTENTIONAL CAUSES MA Y RESULT IN SOME PRODUCTS BEING UNAVAILABLE. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO AMEND PRICING DUE TO MANUFACTURER PRICE RISES OR PRINTED ERRORS. ^SAVINGS CALCULATED BASED ON SUPPLIER SUGGESTED RETAIL AND NOT NECESSARILY PREVIOUS IN STORE PRICE. #ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. USE ONLY AS DIRECTED. INCORRECT USE COULD BE HARMFUL. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST.

Call in and see the friendly team today!

JAMES STREET DISCOUNT DRUG STORE ‘RedEdge on James’, Cnr James & Pechey St Toowoomba Ph: (07) 4639 2441

Trading Hours: Mon to Fri: 9.00am - 7:30pm I Sat: 9.00am - 3:00pm www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

RE A H E MB E OO A L A R OW P I T W E TO H O S AR E NE A S B

October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 23

FEELING GOOD WITH Aussies consuming 10 times the amount of sodium they need for good health, Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift asks us to halt the salt!

Did you know a McDonald’s large chocolate shake contains as much sodium as a large serving of fries, or that you can blow your daily salt intake with just a couple slices of pizza –

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

and that a Vegemite sandwich can supply 50 per cent of a small child’s daily salt limit?

Salt is found in almost every food we eat – worryingly, it’s estimated Aussies currently munch through twice the suggested daily dietary target for salt despite the significant health risks. Excess levels of sodium and/or salt can lead to high blood pressure, cardio-

Page 24 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

vascular disease, stroke, overweight and obesity, which increases the risk of a range of chronic diseases – including some cancers. Salt is often not where you would expect to find it – 75 per cent of the salt Aussies consume is in the processed foods we eat on a daily basis, like bread, breakfast cereals, canned food and pasta sauces. We know up to one-third of cancers are

preventable through lifestyle changes including eating healthy, quitting smoking, engaging in physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.

Getting your health back on track doesn’t mean overhauling your whole lifestyle – it can be a few small changes to your meals or physical activity habits that can make a big difference.

It’s important to limit the intake of foods high in salt - including takeaway and fast foods such as burgers, pizza, processed meats, fried chicken and chips – these foods should only be consumed sometimes and in small amounts.

Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and minimise high sodium soups, sauces, condiments,

canned and preserved goods and prepared mixes – check nutritional information labels and choose low sodium options where possible.

Use alternatives – lemon juice, garlic, vinegar or herbs and spices can be great flavour alternatives when cooking at home! Know your recommended sodium intake - National Health and Medical Research Council has set 1600mg as the daily suggested Dietary Target, or less than six grams of salt a day. So at the dinner table tonight – consider halting the salt!

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

Australian obesity causing diabetes crisis DIABETES levels have doubled since 1990. The number of self-reported rates of diabetes has more than doubled since 1990, from 1.5% to 4.2% of Australians, with over 1 million people now diagnosed with the illness. Given the disease often goes dangerously undiagnosed, this figure may just the tip of the iceberg.

The increase is due to higher rates of obesity, with two thirds of the Australian population now identified as overweight or obese, which is a key contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Medibank data reveals more men were identified with diabetes than women, particularly the age group 65-69. This may be because rates of obesity are higher in men than women and age and a sedentary lifestyle are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Dr Ian Boyd, Medibank Chief Medical Officer, said that diabetes often goes undetected because people can ignore the symptoms and it can become difficult to diagnose.” The symptoms of diabetes are quite generic and can often be attributed to other health or environmental factors. They include excessive thirst, tiredness, weight change and headaches. As a result, diabetes can go undetected for quite a long time, which can lead to fatal consequences. Although there is no known cure for diabetes, it can be managed through diet, exercise and possibly medication including tablets and insulin injections.’

Carers Week - the added burden of incontinence

IT’S Carers Week (October 13 – 17) - a fitting time to acknowledge the carers who have it particularly tough – the ones who care for someone with incontinence.

In fact, a person becoming incontinent is often the tipping point for the carer relinquishing their care to a nursing home, particularly if combined with dementia or mobility issues. Continence Foundation of Australia chief executive Barry Cahill said incontinence had a widespread impact on the community, and particularly on carers. He said people could order many resources from the Helpline, including the Department of Health and Ageing’s book, Help for people who care for someone with bladder of bowel problems.

The Continence Foundation of Australia is the peak national organisation working to improve the quality of life of all Australians affected by incontinence. For more information, go to continence.org.au or contact the Helpline on 1800 33 00 66. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

TRAVEL POSTCARDS Travel for over 50s

per Pacific Island Hop f or a Barrier Ree Discovery Cruise?

YOU TELL US !

T N A W U O Y T A WH Turn to Page 26 s for all the detail

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 25

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Travel for over 50s

Beautiful landscapes and extraordinary cultures

ASIA can be a challenging place to visit; the crowds, the noise, the strange smells, languages that seem impossible to understand, traffic that blows the mind and food often completely different to what we enjoy at home. Whilst you may be able to struggle by in Europe with some high school French or German, Asia is a bewildering melting pot of cultures just so exciting but so different. As bewildering as Asia is, there is a way to experience it in comfort and style while being exposed to all of the features you came to see, on a river cruise. Australia’s own top travel company, APT, for 87 years a family owned company are probably best known for their European river cruises but they also operate in China, Burma, India, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Step onto one of their luxurious river ships and have your floating hotel room tour you through

your destination.

Combine the river cruise with a small group experience and you find an intimate discovery of history, beautiful landscapes and extraordinary cultures.

APT’s all inclusive packages coupled with their personal service, audio headsets on tours, signature experiences, and freedom of choice touring, and freedom of choice dining mean that you want for nothing and have some scope to design your own experience. With APT you will find you arrive as a guest but leave as a friend. To find out more about APT river cruises and tours in Asia come to the free information night on Wednesday 22 October and receive exclusive offers only available on the night. Call Experience Travel and cruise on 4636 2622 now to register.

CALL TO JOIN OUR “JOURNEY TO REMEMBER” TRAVEL CLUB $ 4560

per person twin share

BAROSSA VALLEY, MURRAY RIVER, HIGHLIGHTS: Haighs Chocolates, Adelaide; St & BEECHWORTH TOUR - 14 DAYS - Peters Cathedral, Adelaide; Adelaide Zoo; Richmond SAT 8TH – FRI 21ST NOV 2014 Grove Winery, Tanunda; Jacobs Creek, Rowland Flat; 3 night Murray Princess Cruise

$ 7780

TASSIE FOR NEW YEARS 22 DAY TOUR 29TH DEC 2014 - 21ST JAN 2015

$ 195

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL TENNIS - COURTSIDE ACTION DAY TRIP - FRI 9TH JAN 2015 Return Coach Travel & Seating

per person twin share

per person

HIGHLIGHTS: Be Amazed at the Misty Rain Forests, Rugged Mountains, and Wild River Rapids, experience all that Tasmania has to offer.

$ 595

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL TENNIS - OVERNIGHT PACKAGE 2 DAYS - FRI 9TH-SAT 10TH JAN 2015 Includes Buffet Breakfast & Accommodation @ Rydges, Southbank with games over 2 Days - Incl Mens Semi Final. Dont’ miss the thrills & spills of this world class event!

A TASTE OF 2015 - A SNEAK PEAK OF NEXT YEAR’S TOURS: • January – 2 day Granny & Grandkids Gold Coast Escape • April – 7 day Canberra 100yr Anniversary of the Anzacs • 4 Day Easter Tour of Yeppoon (Fri 3 Apr-Mon 6 Apr 2015) • February – 5 day Yamba; Byron Bay & Ballina • March – 5 day - Melbourne Flower Festival & Dandenongs • May – 17 day Chelsea, England Flower Show & Paris per person twin share

1300 602 902

Page 26 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

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

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.

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

Handy apps

The Converted by Ideon QUICKLY convert currency or other units such as Imperial to metric, Fahrenheit-Celsius with this all-inone conversion app. Drag a converter bar, swipe to change settings or long-hold to work with precise amounts. The Converted covers 165 currencies, with exchange rates updating automatically when you have a data connection, and 52 other units of measure. iOS $3.79 Currency exchange rates updated daily & available when offline

For when you’ve just got to go The National Public Toilet Map shows the location of more than 16,000 publicly accessible toilet facilities across Australia. Using the Trip Planner function, you can plan your journey and locate toilets you can use along the way. Details of toilet facilities are available along major travel routes and for shorter journeys as well. Useful information is provided about each toilet, such as location, opening hours, accessibility for people with disabilities and the details of other nearby toilets. The National Public Toilet Map is available on any mobile phone with an Internet browser. Go to toiletmap.gov.au on your phone to be automatically directed to the mobile site. The Map is also available for Apple’s iPhone. Just go to the App Store on your iPhone or use iTunes to download the National Public Toilet Map App. It’s free.

You can also call tollfree to 1800 990 646.

The National Toilet Map is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing as part of the National Continence Management Strategy. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Travel for over 50s

Sports on the island

Did you

KNOW? about

d Norfolk Islan

IN August Go See Touring held the inaugural Convict’s Cup Croquet Tournament on Norfolk Island.

Croquet players from around Australia were invited to travel to the island for a week of croquet fun and have fun they did.

The social tournament was a golf croquet match and players were paired ‘randomly’ with novice players being teamed up with those who were more experienced.

In all 64 players participated in the event and a huge congratulations goes out to the winners

Gordon Giles from Victoria Point in QLD and Nanette Meredith from Leongatha in VIC. The history of sports on the island goes back to the Second Settlement (1825 – 1856) when sports were played by the military and free settlers on the Kingston Oval.

The field today is home to football and cricket matches and is the oldest pitch in the Southern hemisphere still in use. Norfolk Island doesn’t have any croquet lawns as such so much preparation work was done to the Kingston Oval to make it suitable for the

event. Our players came from as far South as Geelong and as far north as Bundaberg and as well as playing croquet our group had time to explore on their own, shop til they dropped and also enjoy BBQ’s, Island Fish Fries, Breakfast Bush Walks and more.

Go See Touring plans to make the Convict’s Cup an annual event and the next tournament is planned for June 2015. Next year players from New Zealand are also invited. There are also plans in place for a week’s touring in New Zealand in

November 2015 with the best sites of the South Island being combined with some social croquet activity with some of our Kiwi cousins.

For more information on either tour give the friendly staff at Go See Touring a call on 1300 551 997 or check the details at www.goseetouring.com

• You must give way to cows on Norfolk Island • Only 1800 (approximately) people live there • There are 40 unique plant species & 20 species of bird life • They don’t call it fishing; they call it ‘catching’ because you don’t have to try very hard – there are so many fish!

Long Term Options Available

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is t Safar c a t n o C ca now i r f A o Int your to get

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Call (07) 4362 6515 info@safarisintoafrica.com www.safarisintoafrica.com www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 27

POSTCARDS Travel for over 50s

Page 28 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Freak Street revisited

By PHIL HAWKES FORTY years ago. Kathmandu.

Exotic, neurotic. Freak St., Durbar Square, Pie Alley. The Camp Hotel. Dylan and headbands.

Hash candy and ganga pie.

Embroidered Afghan sheepskin jackets. Battered VW vans arriving overland from Europe.

The daily DC3 coming from Patna.

And, to escape, the back of a truck bound for the Indian border, 8 hours away.

Then, the travellers. Real travellers, genuine pioneers.

“Hippy, hippy” cried the children.

“Come my place, good stuff” insinuated the older ones. “Change money, good rate” muttered the shopkeepers. Through it all, the passing parade. Kennedy’s children. A time for changing the world; changing one’s self. Self discovery amongst a movable commune, caught between Est and yoga, between Erhard and Rajneesh. A remarkable town, a remarkable time.

Thankfully, the fundamentals haven’t changed.

But we have. The children of a different era. A time of designer jeans and Reeboks, of more assured minds and spirits, of Empowerment seminars. White water rafting and trekking and insurance policies. A GPS phone.

Swayambhunath Temple The pursuit of style and a global identity; taking time out from an MBA. Not so much the naïve idealism of the Peace Corps, but the orchestrated business break. The certainty of getting back to it all; a computerised reservation.

Kantipath giving way to a career path. The Grateful Dead transformed into the gracious living.

But the moon still rises high over the Himalayas.

Nagarkot still welcomes the first rays of daylight.

And the temples continue to go about their ancient business, third eye watchful as ever.

Kathmandu is still what you make of it, what you want it to be.

Relive your travels in the 60s and 70s IT’S been said that if you remember the 60s then you weren’t there.

But if you grew up in the 60s and 70s and were into backpacking, there is actually a whole lot to remember. We were creative and intrepid and we had virtually no money but we saw a lot of the world.

Some of us went overland from London through Afghanistan to India and on to Australia. We slept on the beaches or café rooftops in Greece, or worked on a kibbutz in Israel.We came of age in the 60s and 70s; we were rebellious and restless, we hitchhiked or bought an old campervan and threw an extra pair of jeans in a backpack and just took off, usually with no real plans.

We would love you to share your early travelling days with our readers.

So send in your backpacking stories (limit 150 words) and photos of your early travels and relive those heady, magical days. Mail them to ‘Relive your travels’, Brisbane Seniors Newspaper, PO Box 1062, Tewantin, Q 4565.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

The Stunning Heartland of New Zealand

NEW Zealand is a country filled with incredible gems that will strike awe into even the most intrepid of visitors, making it an unbelievably rewarding holiday experience. A stunning heartland of Maori Culture and history, this natural landscape

is a patchwork of soaring Alps, immense glaciers and sandy beaches. Imagine waking each morning to a view over the ocean or Alps, watching the time slide away as you let the road take you wherever it leads with a 7 Day Summer

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Motorhome Package.

If you prefer a little more structure to your holiday and the stressfree option of having all accommodation and sightseeing prebooked in advance, then a self-drive journey is the option for you. Discover the spectacular

Travel for over 50s

rail travel, the 14 Day Auckland to Christchurch Adventure allows you to combine self-drive and rail travel to explore New Zealand across two islands.

Beginning in Auckland, board the Northern Explorer Train for the trip down to Wellington. Cross to the South Island on the Interislander Ferry,

and upon arrival, board the Coastal Pacific Train for your journey through to Christchurch.

Next, board the TranzAlpine Train, known as one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world.

Travel through the heart of the Southern Alps and across to Greymouth on the wild West Coast. From

here, pick up your rental car and make your way down to Dunedin, taking in the alpine scenery, before taking a cruise on Milford Sound.

Contact your local Travellers Choice consultant on 1300 78 78 58 or visit www.travellers choice.com.au to book your Kirra Holidays New Zealand escape today.

Coromandel Peninsula on New Zealand’s North Island, with a 6 Day Coromandel Coast Self-Drive. Beginning in Auckland, this package takes you on a journey around the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula and its golden sand beaches.

For those interested in

October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 29

POSTCARDS

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Travel for over 50s

TravelTALES 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.

Page 30 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

Our Step-Friends Our story unfolds on the highway down the West Australian Coast. We were towing a rear door caravan and had stopped for a break and have some lunch. We carried a small stool as a step to access our van. Having put the step down, got our lunch things out of the van proceeded to lock the door and go to a table at the rest area to have our lunch. We saw some wild flowers growing in the bush beside the road and took some photos and then got into our vehicle and drove away. Our planned night stop was at a free night campsite on the Murchinson River. We found a nice spot right near the water and started to set up for the night. Upon opening the van door surprise!!

Where was our step? We had left it behind where we had our lunch. Another van parked not far from us and we went to greet our new neighbors. During the course of our conversation I mentioned how we had left our stool/step behind somewhere up the road. He went over to his van and what should he produce but our stool/step. He had told his wife that this step must belong to a rear door van according to the tyre tracks. What were the chances of them meeting up with the owners of that step? Very slim, but it payed off for them and lucky for us. From that moment we christened them ‘OUR STEP-FRIENDS’. We were invited to visit them at their home when we were in their area. We did visit them in Augusta, which is on the S.W. corner of West Australia, a few weeks later on in our journey.

Having had a lovely day with them, we will always remember our ‘STEP-FRIENDS’

Lexie Henseleit

So much to see and do at Charleville IN SEPTEMBER 2013, I took my great-grandchildr en are Kayeeshia (9) and William (8) by the overnight train to Charleville. Kayeeshia is interested in photograp hy, and William’s interest is astronomy. Ch arleville has an amazing Cosmos Centre and Observatory , which is also the Inform ation Centre, at the edge of town. I rely on an electric mobility sco oter to get around, so I phoned for a wheelchair-friendly tax i to take us to the Cosmos Centre. It wa s so interesting watching a film and being shown what “fallin g stars” are, even holdin g one in our hands. We booked for the night sky experience, loo king through very strong telescopes.

That was terrific – you cou ld say “out of this world”. The next mo rning we had booked to go to the tagalong tour of the WW2 US A Base ruins (you should have seen the look on the face of the lead vehicle driver when she thought I was going to participate on my scooter!) We didn’t have a vehicle for the tag-along, and it was of interest to the chi ldren so I’d asked three months ear lier if we could go in the lead vehicle, and the answer was “yes”. The children got out at each stop, and took in the information with enthusiasm. They hav e grown up around WW2 vehicles and aircraft, their Poppy and Grandma’s interest. Friday we went to the Historic House Mu seum. The outbuildings and machiner y are a photographer’s joy . The displays inside were so extensive and well set out, but the icing on the cake was when George, a volunteer, played three tunes on the Auto Harp for a group of us visitors. Kayeeshia and William watched in awe.Charlev ille has so many living tre asu res, there was so much more yet to see, so we’ll be back.

Mrs Pa

mellia-Ann Abel

Grey Nomad Blue sky searcher, Urchin drifter, Carefree sifter, Sifting sands Of timeless lands.

Contributed

by G. Watts

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Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Travel for over 50s

Africa - expect the unexpected EXCITEMENT, thrills and the unpredictability of the animals is what makes Africa so special. You never know what animal is going to be where or what you are going to witness next. It could be the thrill of a hunt, or even an actual kill, or maybe a herd of elephants bathing in a river, maybe giraffe ambling along and browsing through the treetops, perhaps even hippo wallowing in the shallows, and hear the call of the African fish eagle in the distance or the roar of a lion in the early morning.

You could enjoy the excitement of an elephant back safari

where you view the animals below as you pass by on the back of the undisputed king of beasts or even walk with lions.

The beat of the African drums send tingles up you spine as you move to the rhythms of their music. The different tribes of the continent all offer something unique, their dress, their dances and their customs are a special part of the drama of Africa. On safari with us we try to show you the best of Africa, with is diversity of cultures and contrast is colours and scenery and the drama of the African plains where animals live and move to the

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

something for everyone uncertain rhythms of nature. View the mighty to enjoy. Let us make Victoria Falls, the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, magnificent Drakensberg Mountains or the open plains of the Sergengeti.

We will show you the wonderful qualities of Africa whether you chose to travel to Southern Africa or East Africa you will witness all the wonderful aspects that make Africa unique. Our personally escorted tours will suit all adventurous travellers.

And once you get bitten by the Africa bug we hope you will return with to visit another part of this diverse continent. There is

your African dream come true and join

Clive Arnold on Safari.

Contact us to receive

your free brochure and DVD Telephone: 07 4632 6515 or 07 4639 2255, email: info@safarisinto africa.com or visit website: www.safarisinto africa.com

October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 31

POSTCARDS Full service travel agency offering dream holidays

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper

Travel for over 50s

helloworld Toowoomba Town Hall is located at 501 Ruthven St, just north of the Town Hall. Formerly Jetset Toowoomba/Goodman Travel, helloworld Toowoomba Town Hall is a local family business established in 1992

by Hellyn Goodman who still owns and actively manages the business.

At helloworld Toowoomba Town Hall we are truly experts in everywhere. Hellyn, Prue, Olivia, Amy and Shelley have been arranging dream holidays for 62 years. As passionate and experienced travellers, we have lived for extended periods in 3 countries and travelled throughout 55 others on 6 continents and the list continues to grow, so the chances are, wherever it is you wish to travel, we have already been there. We love sharing our first-hand knowledge, our amazing adventures and insider tips with

Page 32 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

you to enhance your holiday experience. We know cruising – from European River cruising to ocean cruising, sailing the Yangtze and the Mekong to paddle-wheelers on the Murray - on ships large and small – we know cruising. As your local cruise specialists we are proud to say that Prue is ranked 32 and Olivia 93 in Australia’s most qualified cruise consultants. Between us we have cruised for 133 days on 25 ships worldwide. helloworld Toowoomba Town Hall is a full service agency. We can arrange to take you from your front door in Toowoomba or the surrounds to your hotel on the other side of the world and back again. Whether it is by air, sea, rail or coach, we can get you there. helloworld Toowoomba Town Hall also provides all of the additional services that you might require such as transport passes, visas, travelsims, currency, cash cards. We really are your one stop shop when it comes to travel.

What makes us different?

• We are exceptional listeners – listening to your needs, your interests and your budget.

• We are available face to face, by phone, email and online.

• We are passionate about travel. We love it when you visit our favourite places, armed with a wealth of insider tips, we hope that you will come to love them like we do.

• We are your most efficient search engine • We are here when you want us - in the planning stages, during your travels and after you return – we are here to help you.

• We are here when you need us should an emergency arise, here or overseas • We offer peace of mind with helloworld’s customer protection policy • We value the privilege of arranging your dream holiday, group tour or business travel • We are experts in everywhere Each helloworld agency in Toowoomba is independently owned and we each have our own personality, strengths and expertise. Jointly we have the purchasing power of a very large Australia-wide franchise group, an exceptional vault of knowledge and experience on which to draw to provide you with a most exceptional travel experience. We are all very excited about the vibrant new helloworld brand and the opportunities it affords both us and you, our clients.

We hope that when you think of travel, helloworld Toowoomba Town Hall is your first point of contact.

Come instore and say hello today! helloworld Toowoomba Town Hall, 501 Ruthven Street, 07 4632 1588 twbtownhall@helloworld.com.au

Maher Tours - first class family atmosphere WE recently had the pleasure of a couple of Maher Tours and we are happy to recommend that organisation to everyone who enjoys travel.

Our first tour was a fortnight in Tasmania. We came across this by chance in a magazine and it sounded like a good one so we joined that tour. It was better than expected – it was excellent. One comment was what would you do for two weeks in Tasmanian.

Well in that time we saw lots of places that we would never have found by ourselves, (we had self-driven previously) and every day was a highlight.

After Tasmanian experience we had no hesitation in joining a month long tour of Canada and New England in the autumn.

Again, very enjoyable. The “Fall Colours” were amazing; the places where we stayed were extremely interesting.

Both tours were very well organised. First class accommodation, varied and beautiful places to visit, and with very enjoyable company.

We had the added pleasure on both tours of having part of the Maher Family Company as tour leaders. This added an extra dimension of personal attention and family atmosphere to the tours, which made the tours all the more enjoyable.

We judge the experiences that we had as first class. We are happy to recommend Maher Tours; in fact we are now looking forward to our next Maher tour.

Earle & Netta, Toowoomba

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 33

community news Seniors Twospeed Crossword

Straight Clues ACROSS 6 Hill climber 9 Consumes 10 Took to the air 11 Amuse 12 Cutting 13 Horse stables 15 Lift with effort 17 Former singing group 18 A cocktail 19 Depend 20 Diminutive suffix 22 Revoke an order

DOWN 1 Type of dog 2 Greek letter 3 Call on 4 Jeer at speech 5 Stop 7 Efts 8 State as cause 13 Copies 14 Shelled fruit 15 Women’s quarters 16 As a cat 17 Aids 21 Attempt

Word Trivia Uropyoureter, at 12 lettters long, is the longest word that can be typed using only those letters on the top row of a typewriter. Some 11 letter words are: proprietory , proterotype and rupturewort.

Auspac Media - Answers on Page 35

Cryptic Clues ACROSS 6 Unite or mean to change a noted climber 9 Consumes the pea, best pieces last 10 Smoke passage in chimney heard as passed quickly by 11 Amuse as player does with ivories 12 Shell of pastry sharp to the taste 13 Setter with directions for sets of stables 15 The male with feet to lift heavily 17 Former singing group from left or right 18 Drink on a famous beach in US 19 Put trust in a learner leaving, really!

20 Suffragette’s finishing part is shortening suffix 22 Call back order from shop table fellow first delivered

DOWN 1 Some miner has no right to a dog 2 Letter in the talk of Greece 3 Call on six to take a seat 4 Partly check lewd speech to harass a speaker 5 One right with the others put in custody 7 Salamanders strewn around without right 8 Characteristic of a token testimonial 13 Little girl catches both ends for copies 14 Shade of brown, edible hard-shelled fruit 15 Run fast before male in women’s part of Moslem palace 16 Feel in replacement of cats 17 Helps commit crime as wager retained 21 Even parts of stormy rugby score

Warwick Combined Probus Club - Guest Speaker Doug Partington – Love affair with cars MODEL T Hall of Fame Inductee reminisces about his life with Fords.

Doug Partington is the only non-American to be

future generations of the family.

The Model T has been lovingly restored and is often seen at functions such as Jumpers and Jazz festival. It has been timed at 96 miles per hour on a race track.

He built his racing car which bears the number 22 and which carried him to victory over many years. The car still appears at the Leyburn sprints. Doug pointed out that when Henry Ford built the Model T,

inducted into the Model T Ford hall of fame. As the Guest Speaker at September meeting of the Warwick Combined

he did not just build a motor car.

His creation led to service stations, motels, tourism, more and better roads, and was instrumental in better health outcomes as doctors were able to reach patients more quickly to attend to their needs and in many cases to save lives which would have been lost if they had to travel on horseback.

When his grandson asked what led to his

being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Doug realised the importance of writing for his family about his life and his involvement with Ford cars and racing. He encouraged Probus members to write their stories for future generations who will not have experienced many of the things which were part of our daily routines, but are seldom seen outside museums or in the hands of collectors.

Available Sunday to Thursday this OCTOBER Doug Partington shows off Racing Car No 22 and 1912 Model T Ford

Fabulous Bonus Come celebrate the opening of our NEW Lawn Bowls Green Each Tuesday we will conduct singles Knockout comps for men and women with fabulously inexpensive trophies for the winners!

Probus Club Doug shared the experiences which led to his being invited to America to receive this honour.

From an early age, Doug was encouraged by his mother to read widely.

She subscribed to a motoring magazine and Doug talked of an article about a racing machine where the reviewer provided lessons in English, Geography, History, and Interaction between nations, in his descriptions of the vehicle and the journey which he undertook.

His experience with early motor vehicles led to a dream to build a racing car. At the age of 17 he bought a racing car for £14 ($28) to begin his racing career which led

Page 34 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

to competing at major race events throughout Australia, winning his share on the way. His mother lent £10 pounds towards the purchase and would not accept repayment, retaining proprietary interest in the car.

When he was 12 years old his father bought a 1912 Model T Ford for £100 (two hundred dollars). His father later talked about his mother’s reaction to the expenditure of this sum and explained that it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. On his father’s death, ownership of the car passed to his mother.

Doug regards himself as the caretaker of the vehicle which will pass to

Answers on Page 35 www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

‘Let Us Entertain You’ . . .

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 includesan A reserve ticket to the 9.30pm performance followed byexclusive 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 Rainerihas 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 sensationZigeunerweisen 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

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Waiting for the parade to start

Beryl Domjahn, Sylvia & Bill Colley

Attention: Victoria Barracks Brisbane Now Open!

DURING the centenary commemorations of World War One, the staff of Army Museum South Queensland, on behalf of the Australian Army History Unit, will conduct guided tours of the Barracks by appointment.

Devonshire Tea at $5/head is then served in the Officers Mess – which is quite a unique experience in itself. Victoria Barracks on Petrie Terrace, Brisbane,

has a long and interesting history dating back to 1859 when the first Governor of Queensland Sir George Bowen requested better security for the fast growing colony. The Barracks has been a home to many Army personnel through the South African War, the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam and the more recent conflicts.

For more information, please phone (07) 3233 4866 or email adele.catts@defence.gov.au.

Christmas in the Country Art & Craft Show IT will be the 24th annual Christmas in the Country Art and Craft Show to be held in the Gatton Shire Hall, North Street, Gatton, 40km east of Toowoomba.

To be held over two days: Friday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Show will have over 65 stalls filled with Christmas gifts, jewellery, fresh local produce and

cakes, quilting and patchwork supplies, old wares, cottage and rustic crafts, pottery, plants, and much much more.

Entry cost for adults will be $6, with children under 12 free.

For more information, please call mobile 0439 735 958 or email: artandcraft@peacelps.qld.edu.au.

Soaring Eagles Reunion ST C Columban’s College had a long and rich history. All past students are cordially invited to attend our annual Soaring Eagles Celebration. Bring your classmates and make it a night to remember! 17 October 2014 6 to 9 pm. The Irish Club, Elizabeth Street, Brisbane $25 per head. (includes finger food, beer, wine and soft drink). For catering purposes RSVP to events@stc.qld.edu.au

Toowoomba Philharmonic Society

Brian Hillyer-Thake

Jan Malt & Lorraine Grice

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

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

THE Toowoomba Philharmonic Society will be presenting the Toowoomba premiere performance of the exciting musical, Elton John & Tim Rice’s AIDA. The show will be held on the 17th and 18th of October at the Hume Ridge Church of Christ Auditorium.

Cavendish Road High School 50 Year Reunion

IF you were in Senior in 1964, come and join us at the school hall for lunch 9.30am-3.30pm. on Sunday 2nd November, 2014. A chance to share memories with past students and teachers.

For more information and to register, contact cavroad50@gmail.com, visit www.cavroad50.weebly.com or phone 3394 0790.

Crossword Solution From page 34

Brain Training Answers From page 34 Add Up: 83 Word Builder: Repel, Elope, Reply, Slope, Peers, Strop, Prose, Repose, Pester, Sleepy, Petrol, Osprey, Portly, Poster, Retypes, Leprosy, Steeply, Polyester www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

October 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 35

The buyers have already purchased a number of properties and these have settled already. The group is now looking for properties in all suburbs and they are qualified to go straight to contract.

The group can arrange settlement to suit the needs of the seller.

So if you would like to sell, but would like time to move or would like a quick or a long settlement, no problems.

We can accommodate all situations.

We recently sold a property to them and the owners got to keep and stay in their own home as they were on an extra-large lot

and the group just sub divided the portion they purchased leaving the house on a separate title.

We have sold them a home where the owners stayed in the house after settlement for a period of 3 months.

As you can see, no matter what your needs may be we can usually get what you need in order to make the sale as stress free as possible. If you are selling and want the best possible price and pay no commission call me straight away.

Call Lynn today.

You can even trade your existing property on a brand new unit.

NEW 2 & 3 BRM UNITS IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN TOOWOOMBA NOW FROM $310,000 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 You can buy any of be completely TURN KEY and will include blinds, screens, landscaping and fencing. Buy and rent or move in immediatelly. these units subject to the sale of your home

Page 36 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - October 2014

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