Toowoomba & darling downs seniors newspaper august 2014

Toowoomba

& Darling Downs

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Your Local Seniors’ Newspaper - Written for Seniors by Seniors

Vol 2 - Issue No 7

August 2014

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1300 880 265

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Seniors Week - Celebrations!

IT’S official - older people who engage with the world around them are happier and healthier.

While physical activity and healthy eating are part of our good health, social connections are also vital for maximising health and happiness in older age.

Someone with high levels of social activity has 43 percent less disability than someone who has low levels of social activity, and about half the rate of cognitive decline.

Some of the greatest transitions in life occur in older age, including retiring, downsizing, or losing social ties. All of these changes have their effects but the secret to staying healthy as we age is having a good social life and staying active.

Queensland Seniors Week, our annual celebration of the contributions and achievements of seniors will be held this year from 16th to 24th August and a veritable smorgasbord of events is on offer. So dip into our calendar on pages 17 to 20 and find something you will enjoy or maybe even try something completely new.

Take your pick from croquet, computer tips, concerts, morning teas, lawn bowls, genealogy, writers’ groups – the list goes on and there’s something for everyone, including many free activities.

Our two local councils support and promote a range of events during Seniors Week, to encourage us to continue to participate in all aspects of community life.

Let’s end our winter hibernation, start sharing ourselves around and celebrating the things we can still do.

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Toowoomba Seniors Now Online

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

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

community news Give older workers a chance IF the federal government is serious about extending the working life of the average Australian, it must fund research that will identify the skills older workers lack, the characteristics employers are looking for, and other barriers that keep older people out of the workforce, says human resources expert, Dr Keri Spooner.

Dr Spooner, who is a senior academic in the management discipline group at the University of Tasmania (UTS), tells Wendy Frew from UTS that “we have always known we would face an ageing population and that any government would try to restrict access to the age pension”.

However, she adds, if older people end up “on the dole” or on disability pensions, all Australia would have achieved is a loss of dignity for older people.

“We can also be confident that older workers will cope better in the workforce if given half a chance,” says Dr Spooner.

“There is a huge amount of research to show that some employers do want to hire older workers,” she says, adding that they are attracted to their experience, maturity and reliability. Hardware chain

Bunnings and one of Australia’s biggest banks, Westpac, are reportedly among the companies seeking older workers.

“Who are these companies employing? Ex-bankers, accountants, lawyers, people with good communication skills. Ex-school teachers are working in call centres, former nurses are even selling medical goods.”

UTS Professor Susan Thorp, whose research focuses on retirement savings and long horizon wealth management, says that under existing rules, a person born in 1964 will have seven years between gaining access to their superannuation at the age of 60 and being eligible for the age pension at 67.

On average, people have only $200,000 in superannuation when they retire, she adds.

“Seven years is a long time in self funded retirement – enough to use up $200,000 if you withdraw annual income roughly equal to the full pension.

“If someone faces a gap between getting their super and getting the pension, they might move onto the disability pension. But what happens if the government tightens the eligibility for that pen-

sion? How the government sets the screening standards for the disability pension will make a big difference for many people.

“It is not difficult to imagine a range of jobs that people simply can’t keep doing when they are in their 60s or 70s – electricians, plumbers, even farmers – and that could mean you might have to go on to the unemployment benefit, which is very low.”

Professor Thorp claims many people overestimate the value of a retirement lump sum compared with a regular income and are unable to work out what a lump sum would mean in annual income. “A superannuation lump sum is likely the biggest amount of money most people have ever seen in one hit.

They have to decide what to do with it in that first year of retirement and what to do for the next 25 years. “The uncertainty multiplies because we don’t know how long we are going to live, we don’t know what the government will do to pensions and superannuation rules and we don’t know what the investment markets will do.”

Hello from the Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper team. My name is Jo Marsh and I am your local journalist covering stories that hold an interest for those of us over 50 and writing about ways we, as seniors, can help ourselves and our community, whether it is through volunteering, taking up a new hobby, a personal challenge or a health initiative. You can contact me by email at toowoombaseniorsnewspaper@gmail.com, Mobile 0408 858 849or through head office on 1300 880 265 or mail to, Jo Marsh, Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper, PO Box 1062, Tewantin QLD, 4565.

Source:agedcareguide.com.au

PIN only for your card from 1st August ON 1st August 2014, Australia phased out accepting signature as a valid form of authorisation on chip-enabled credit and debit cards. You will have

Page 2 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

to use a PIN (Personal Identification Number).So make sure you are prepared for this change. Without a valid form of authorisation, you could find yourself unable to pay for goods including petrol and groceries. To ensure successful transactions at the checkout after 1st August become PINwise today.”

The move to PIN is an overdue update to the nation’s payment technology that will make transacting the safest it’s ever been; however as with any behavioural change, for some the new practice may take some getting used to.

Choose a PIN that is memorable but not crackable. Don’t use the numbers on the card, your birthday, or choose repetitive or consecutive numbers that are easy to guess. Devise a system that works for you and choose something that is

memorable for you to recall but difficult for others to guess. And remember, don’t share your PIN with anyone else.

When it comes to preparing, allow at least two weeks to become PINwise. In some cases it can take as little as 10 seconds to update your PIN, for others it can take a couple of days. In any case, the more time you leave to practice and familiariseyourself with increased PIN use, the better. Starting with some of the nation’s largest merchants, the move will see all of Australia’s 800,000 merchant payment terminals undergo updates to no longer accept signature as the main form of card authorisation for most Australian cardholders. There will be no change to contactless or online transactions.

Signature will still be a valid form of payment authorisation for visitors from overseas.

Rauchle & Reichle family reunion DESCENDANTS of the Rauchle/Reichle families are invited to attend a reunion at the Pittsworth Showgrounds on the weekend of August 23 and 24.

The reunion will focus on the historical aspects of the family so please bring any memorabilia and your historical knowledge. Camping sites available. For more information contact Lyn or Gary Scott on 0423 196 747. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Sharing love of reading improves children’s futures

FOR many people a lifelong love of reading has resulted from access to books in their childhood.

The Pyjama Foundation endeavours to ensure that children in foster care have this same opportunity and is looking for people who love reading and books, who would like to share that love with these children.

Pyjama Angels are sharing their love of books throughout the country, and in this region alone about 90 active angels are spreading that joy with 100 foster children each week.

Retiring Toowoomba coordinator Helen Yeo knows firsthand the difference the Angels make to the lives of those in foster care. She started as a Pyjama Angel in 2006 and has been reading with the same family ever since.

“I started with a young boy in grade five,” she said. “We read together until he left school at 18 and started work.”

That’s a fantastic achievement considering 92% of children in foster care have below average readings skills by the time they are seven years old. Most of these children struggle to catch up, and then with poor literacy skills finding work becomes very difficult. Her involvement also provided a constant, posi-

Pyjama Angels (from left) Dean Donovan, Jeanette Hamilton, Zoe Lynch, Helen Yeo and Kerrie Barber-White are committed to working with foster children to improve their reading skills, self-confidence and social skills Photo: Tim Dunn, Toowoomba Photographic Society

tive presence in this young man’s life and the lives of his younger siblings, with whom she continues to read.

“You do become like extended family, though we are more like a mentor,” Mrs Yeo said.

The Pyjama Foundation was started in Queensland by Bronwyn Sheehan and is now spreading around Australia. In 2013, a Pyjama Foundation survey found that 95% of foster carers reported an improvement

in their children’s reading levels, and that Pyjama Angels were reading more than 60,000 books to children in care every week.

Toowoomba’s incoming Pyjama Angel coordinator Kerrie BarberWhite loves everything about being a Pyjama Angel and recognises that sometimes it’s not about spending an hour reading.

“Just being there is enough,” she said. “The children feel special that someone comes back

each week to see them.”

The positive benefitsof that one-to-one connection with a child in foster care has tangible and far reaching results.

“I’ve had a teacher comment that although one particular child’s reading hadn’t improved dramatically, they had gained enough confidence that they were able to stand up in front of the class and have a go,” Mrs Yeo said.

Kerrie agrees, having been informed through the foster carers that teachers were seeing improvements in grades and social skills.

Angels come from all walks of life, and Mrs Yeo said they don’t need to have had a teaching or educational background.

“We have angels who are young professional people, nurses, students and retired people,” Mrs Yeo said.”Our youngest angel is 18 and the oldest we had was an 86 yearold retired magistrate.

The waiting list of children definitely exceeds the number of angels we have.”

Pyjama Angels spend one hour a week with a child, and have access to books and educational games

which are stored at Toowoomba City Library, courtesy of Toowoomba Regional Council.Angels are paired with a child and

By Jo Marsh

given guidance and support throughout their involvement. If you would like to find out more about the Pyjama Foundation or

being a Pyjama Angel go to www.thepyjama foundation.com or contact Kerrie Barber-White on 0448 925 286.

Lifeline needs your help to help farming families SINCE the launch of the 2014 Lifeline Drought Appeal in Toowoomba, Lifeline has been flooded with applications for assistance, with many families struggling to provide basic services. While funds donated have been able to help some families, there are many more who are on the waiting list. Donations will ensure that Lifeline helps to keep electricity and gas connected, ensure there is food on the kitchen table, and give people fuel to get to town for personal needs. As well as this, Lifeline’s goal is to help keep spirits high by providing counselling and emotional support where possible and through the success of this appeal. Can you help us help the farmers? Donations can be made online at www.lifelinedarlingdowns.org.au by credit card or post to Lifeline, PO Box 2119, Toowoomba Qld 4350. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible. For more information on the appeal please phone 1300 991 443 or email droughtappeal@lifelinedarlingdowns.org.au.

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August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 3

community news NSA Toowoomba Christmas in July

NATIONAL Seniors Toowoomba Branch held a well-attended Christmas in July luncheon at the Drayton Bowling Club on Thursday July 17. We wore Christmas hats and had a delicious three-course Christmas luncheon at tables with lovely Christmas decorations. Santa’s Little Helpers (in the persons of some of our hardworking committee members) distributed Christmas presents to everyone and lucky door prizes to a lucky few. Our meal concluded with tea or coffee accompanied by a slice of Christmas cake baked by one of our members, Austin Corcoran. As they say in the classics, a great time was had by all.

Shirley and Lloyd Kroehn enjoy a piece of Austin Corcoran’s Christmas cake with their cup of tea at National Seniors Toowoomba’s Christmas in July luncheon

So who started this Christmas in July craze?

Apparently it all started at the Mountain Heritage Hotel in the Blue Mountains in July 1980.

A group of Irish Australians holidaying at the hotel was sitting by a

roaring fire in the lounge when they noticed snowflakes fluttering down outside the window and started reminiscing about Christmas back in Ireland. Their host - another Irishman, Garry Crockett - overheard and offered

Shopping centres offer free hire of wheelchairs, motorised scooter, pram & stroller Customers visiting Grand Central shopping centre can access free hire of wheelchairs, prams, strollers and a motorised scooter. To book any equipment, please phone the customer service desk on 4639 1378. Bookings can be made up to two weeks in advance. Upon arrival at the centre, visit the customer service desk and provide proof of identity to collect your scooter or wheelchair. Clifford Gardens offers free hire of both manual and motorised wheelchairs as well as strollers from the customer service desk, with approved identification. Bookings are recommended as numbers are limited. Phone the customer service desk 4634 1371.

Page 4 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

to recreate a special Irish Christmas feast for them at the hotel.

Preparations soon got under way and members of the local community soon wanted to join in.

Thus it came to pass that “Christmas in July” was born!

Today the tradition has become known as “Yulefest” and lives on throughout the Blue Mountains in the winter months of June, July and August.

Although other areas may not have the same cold and snow, the idea of Christmas in July has also spread throughout the country - including Toowoomba and the Darling Downs!

Diabetes - What’s your score?

At our morning tea meeting on July 4, Diabetes Queensland representative Colleeen Meddleton told us something of her personal battle with diabetes and gave us some heart-to-heart advice about why we should take steps to know our own risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease in Australia. More people die from diabetes and its complications than from breast and prostate cancer combined. People with unmanaged diabetes may die up to 15 years younger.

Diabetes Queensland has produced a “Know the Score” brochure containing a Risk Assessment Tool, with which you can assess your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in about 5 minutes.

It also distributes the NHMRC brochure “Healthy Eating for Adults.”

They can be accessed on the diabetes website www.diabetesqld.org.au or by telephoning 1300 136 588.

Coming Events Following our Annual General Meeting on August 7, our next activity will be a bus trip on August 21 we will visit Pohlman’s Nursery near Gatton for morning tea and a train ride around the nursery grounds before going on to the Gatton RSL for a leisurely lunch. The cost for the day is $50. Departure time is 9.00am and we should be home by 4.30pm.

We are looking forward to welcoming the Director of Nursing at the Toowoomba Hospice, Alicia Trimingham-Turl as guest speaker for our morning tea meeting on Thursday September 4.

Alicia will tell us about her work at the Hospice

as well as sharing some of the latest developments in the field of palliative care. Morning tea meetings commence at9.30am at Regents on the Lake, and the cost is $10. Enquiries and bookings for any of our activities may be made by telephoning June on 4635 9796 or Yvonne on 4638 5252.

Neville Fry, President NSA Toowoomba Branch

NSA Garden City Branch AT the July meeting, psychologist Steven Mayers spoke on happiness and gave us homework. Hopefully everyone has done this and remain happy.

August will be another busy month for Garden City-Toowoomba Branch of NSA, as it is annual meeting time. Members try to attend the AGMs of other branches within Zone 109 whenever possible. Our own annual General meeting will be held at Drayton Bowls Cub, 46 Gipps St,Drayton on August 18 commencing at 9.30am. Nominations have closed for positions on the committee.

It is hoped that as many members as possible will come along and support the incoming executive.

Guest speaker for the morning will be Professor Peter Swannell AM. Peter writes an interesting article each week in The Toowoomba Chronicle.

Among his many achievements, he was Vice Chancellor of the University of Southern Queensland and is Chairman of the Empire Theatre Board of Direc-

Guest speaker Steven Mayers accepts a certificate of appreciation, for his talk on happiness, from President Hazel Gillies

tors. We are looking forward to his address. Our branch will be represented with a stand at the Seniors Expo, which is held on September 20 during Senior’s Week. The Expo is conducted by U3A at Hume Ridge Church. Admission is free and morning tea and lunch can be purchased. Next bus trip is to the Gatton area on Wednesday August 27 After morning tea at Withcott we will travel to a aquaculture farm and then on to Pohlman’s nursery. Our guided tour of the nursery will be on a train with explanation of all their

work including the export business. Green Thumbs in the group will probably want to bring home a plant or two. Information Phone Hazel on 46 354519.

Hazel Gillies President, Garden City National Seniors

Resolving disputes without involving the police POLICE often attend ‘animated’ disputes, such as between neighbours, which if caught a bit sooner may have been resolved amicably. The Dispute Resolution Branch offers mediation and facilitation services to help resolve disputes. Mediation is a way of settling disputes without legal action. It is a free service (in most cases) and can assist with a variety of disputes, including family, spousal, neighbourhood and multi-party disputes. Benefits of mediation are that it allows parties to maintain ownership for disputes, addresses ongoing relationship issues, deals with emotional as well as substantive issues, and allows parties to contribute to an outcome. So reach for the phone and try the Resolution Branch early and maybe your challenge can be sorted out with less effort and angst. Dispute Resolution Branch and mediation services can be contacted by phoning 1800 017 288. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Toowoomba hosts biggest display of camellias in Queensland

CAMELLIA’S must be one of the hardiest flowering plants around. Most not only survived our dreadful droughts, then floods but more recently, just the day before the 2014 Camellia and Winter Market Festival, they withstood icy blasts of wind that whipped the city at nearly 70km an

hour. The beautiful blooms of these amazing plants not only brighten up our winter days but also add a sense of grace and elegance to our gardens so it’s no wonder that more than 1200 people turned out to see the best of these blooms at this year’s Toowoomba Hospice Camellia show.

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Protect-A-Bed have recently trialed this product with several senior focus groups. The groups revealed that the double backed, super absorbent terry towelling cotton surface while being thin – is highly effective (1.2 litres!). One comment revealed “You hardly know it’s even there! It’s completely comfy and silent”. As the Protector is breathable it doesn’t overheat. The Drawsheet Linen Protector is ideal for the whole family too, with sizes for Single Beds and Partner Protector sizes for double to king beds. Protect-A-Bed mattress protectors offer a complete line of protective bedding products that help to create a dry, hygienic, bed-bug free, anti-allergy sleep zone, perfect for newborns to seniors. Protect-ABed® products are also endorsed by and partners with the National Asthma Council of Australia and New Zealand, the Eczema Association of Australasia and Sids and Kids. Developed 33 years ago by Australian resident David Kaplan, the products are now sold in 29 countries across the world with all of them being listed as a Class 1 Medical Device with the Food and Drug Administration as well as receiving the Good Housekeeping Seal.

Check out www.protectabed.com.au for more information.

Camellia lovers were invited to bring in their blooms to the Toowoomba Hospice Camellia and Winter Market Festival for a competition organised

by Rod and Maureen Hultgren

Queensland Camellia Society president and show committee member Lynette Shailer said the display was excellent.

“This is the biggest camellia display in Queensland,” she said.

“Nowhere else in Queensland can you see so many varieties in one place.”

Flowers ranged from button-hole sized to the large reticulatas, from pure white to deep, dark red, many shades of pink as well as stripes and variegated forms.

The displays were artfully designed using elegant swathes of fabrics and a variety of foliage which highlighted the uniqueness

of each flower.

Visitors took advantage of the sunny days to wander around TAFE’s horticulture centre, chat with garden experts, buy plants and taste gourmet products. There was an interesting line-up of guest speakers and local chefs competed in a Ready, Steady, Cook competition.

Toowoomba Hospice’s marketing manager Mark Munro said the day was a great success and thanked everyone involved.

“This kind of event could not happen without the support of many of our sponsors, supporters and helpers behind the scenes,” he said.

For your opportunity to WIN a Drawsheet Linen Protector RRP $50.00, send your entry to Linen Protector Comp, C/- Toowoomba and Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper, PO Box 1062, Tewantin, 4565 with your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope no later than 27th August, 2014.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 5

WANTED OLD WARES

Cash paid for badges, medals, military hats, Trench art, oil bottles, enamel & tin signs, Fountain pens, embroided & crotchet tablecloths, Railway items, lamps, nautical & fishing, anvils, old tools, dog traps, cowbells, Tin toys, china, glassware, books, Smoking pipes, tobacco tins, whisky jugs, Bundaberg rum bottles, ginger beer bottles, anything old Phone Damian

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community news Artist shares his skills to bring miniature worlds to life MANY years of painting and drawing have given Doug Clarkson a true artist’s eye. When he views a scene he automatically takes in the perspective, the shading, the colour and the composition. It’s a skill he uses to great effect when he creates realistic, scaled-down scenery for model train enthusiasts and business organisations requiring replica worksites. The attention to detail seen in

Page 6 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

First time McGregor Winter School tutor Doug Clarkson, 85, (left) shows the school’s youngest student Tom Provest, 13, and his father John, how to create a base for a model scene, at the Realistic Models in a Creative Setting course

Doug Clarkson’s miniature village in N scale (1:160) was used to teach students various forms of model making at the recent McGregor Winter School

Mr Clarkson’s models is a result of his keen eye and his patient and methodical work practices.

“A lot of appeal of a picture is in the design,” Mr Clarkson said. “It’s the same for models. I take time to design my scenes. I research the buildings and boats to get the correct colours and dimensions.”

This year, the 85-yearold tutored his first class at USQ’s McGregor Winter School – Realistic Models in a Creative Setting – and shared his talents with a group of enthusiastic miniature makers. The week-long course was an exciting and inspiring program that taught the students many new skills as they learnt to create a miniature landscape from scratch. John Provest and his son Tom, 13, were keen students, absorbing as much as they could from the master artist.

The novice modellers had to learn everything from how to mix paints for different colours, make silicone moulds and plaster casts, and work with different glues, as well as gaining a simple

understanding of scale, perspective and composition. Each day was a new challenge but one that saw the students eagerly hit the classroom early and reluctantly drag themselves away long after finish time.

“The course was extremely engaging,” Mr Provest said. “We didn’t want to leave; we wanted it to be longer.”

Mr Provest was equally impressed by Mr Clarkson’s teaching.

“Doug was fantastic.

He was there to help when needed but allowed the students the freedom to make whatever they wanted.

His delivery of teaching was very flexible.”

At the end of the week the students took home a scene they could be proud of, but more importantly they had gained a new set of skills and the enthusiasm to continue crafting tiny worlds in miniature. To view one of Mr Clarkson’s amazingly realistic miniature scenes, drop into the USQ book shop where you will see Conway Castle complete with castle and moat, local village and surrounds.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Vinnies volunteer still sorting and pricing at 90

FOR the past 25 years, Joan Bonner has been a regular volunteer at St Vincent de Paul. Last month, she turned 90 and can still be found on a Wednesday sorting and pricing clothes for the Ruthven Street store.

“I thoroughly enjoy working here,” Mrs Bonner said. “I like mixing with the other ladies and socialising. I have made so many friends here.

They are lovely people to work with, very supportive, like a family.”

Mrs Bonner has seen plenty of changes over the years.

“We had a lady here who used to take home the socks and darn them– we’d then sell them for 30c a pair,” she said. “At one time, we were down to five people (volun-

add it up in our head,” she said. These days she notices that there are more men coming into the store. “The men didn’t like to be seen coming in. We used to have to measure the men’s pants because men never knew what size they were. I never liked

doing that, it took up so much time,” she laughed.

She’s also seen the Vinnies shop grow in size and become more like a fashion store.

“One of the ladies come up with the idea to colour co-ordinate everything, so we did. We’ve had

people think it’s a boutique and ask if we had an item in a different size.”

To celebrate her 90th birthday, her Vinnies “family” treated Mrs Bonner to a special morning tea with a delicious cake, flowers and plenty of good wishes.

Joan Bonner (centre) celebrates her 90th birthday with Vinnies co-workers (from left) Dell Murray, Eunice Gibbens, Desley Rub and Joyce Dale

teers). We always had to have two people behind the counter and that left only three to do everything else. I didn’t know what we were going to do

until my friend said ‘you don’t ask people, you tell them and they say yes’.

So I did and some of them are still here today.”

Technology is another

area of change, with different types of cash registers coming and going.

“Nobody used to know how to use the cash register so we used to just

Original & unique items to be found at gallery shop

WHEN Cath Wright arrives at work she is surrounded by beautiful items crafted by local artists and artisans.

Ms Wright is a volunteer at the Toowoomba Gallery Shop, located at the front of Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery in Ruthven Street. The shop is run wholly by volunteers from the Toowoomba Gallery Society – a not-for-profit organisation that is independent from the art gallery.

“It’s a lovely, peaceful place to work,” Ms Wright said.

“The Gallery Society runs the shop, we are not council volunteers, but the shop needs to complement the art gallery so we meet regularly with gallery staff.”

Ms Wright puts in a lot of effort to find the right works to sell in the shop. She’s been known to scout for artists at markets and country exhibitions, and tap people on the shoulder in the street.

“We try to stock mostly local and Australian made products – it’s a combination of talented people,” she said. “We have a diversity of items – clothing, jewellery, cards, books, glass vases and dishes, fine ceramics and much more.” Much of the stock is sold on commission for the artist and new items are always being sourced. “We keep the stock turning over so there’s always something new for people to see,” she said.

The Society’s volunteers range in ages. Some are artists and others have an interest in some form of art.

Two of the talented volunteers Michelle Lawler and Jenny Burgess change the shop’s displays each month to keep it looking fresh and inviting. Ms Wright said they are always interested to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer. As well as running the shop, the Society also organises a major art competition in Toowoomba. “Every two years the Society runs the

Cath Wright sources high quality and unique works from talented local artists and artisans to stock the Gallery Shop in Ruthven Street

contemporary wearables competition and provides the prize money,” Ms Wright said. “The competition is well known throughout Australia and New Zealand, and attracts a lot of entries.”

The Gallery Shop has a fascinating range of interesting gifts and unique pieces. It is located in 531 Ruthven Street and entry is via the art gallery.

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August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 7

community news Oak Tree retirees have time to take it easy NATIONAL retirement village operators Oak Tree Group understand retirement should be a time to take it easy, a time to do the activities that make you smile…

Remember, as you headed towards 55, retirement was something you started to look forward to. You pictured time spent reading the classics on the porch, tinkering with the tools in the shed and taking the old cruiser out on road trips, but then you reached retirement and

you woke up as reality set in. Now you are standing on the back steps, looking at more household responsibilities than recreation.

Whether you have a farm, quarter acre block or 600 square metres, there is always yard work to be done; mowing, trimming trees, fixing fences, it takes its toll.

Then, there are the other tasks, daily chores, weekly upkeep and regular repair work; you have maintenance on the old weatherboard,

clearing the leaves from the gutters, and carrying the washing up and down stairs, it can be quite daunting and understandably this is not how you envisaged your retirement would be. Recognising that physically demanding maintenance can become overwhelming, Oak Tree have the solution. Oak Tree Retirement Village Toowoomba, a community lifestyle village for 55yrs and over with an on-site Village Manager to oversee all the service

maintenance projects from communal landscape gardening, external cleaning and pest control through to path clearing, community centre jet blasting and more.

“When a resident moves to Oak Tree, maintenance becomes a thing of the past,” says Oak Tree Regional Sales Manager Melissa Luck. “They no longer need to climb up a ladder to paint the house or clean the gutters, they don’t even need to be pushing a mower, our Village Manager looks after all of that.”

With less heavy gardening and maintenance, as an Oak Tree Village resident you have more time for

social activities. The village has easily accessible recreational facilities, such as bowling green, swimming pool, landscaped gardens and a function venue to entertain family and friends. There are a number of daily activities to keep the mind and body active, billiards, cards, movies and even a Friday afternoon happy hour. With their intentional regional focus Oak Tree is helping to keep seniors at home in the areas they’ve grown up in, lived in and loved.

For further information phone 1300 367 155 or visit www.oaktreegroup.com.au and make it your time to take it easy.

The QCWA Darling Downs Division held a fundraising lunch for Motor Neurone research which is the QCWA State external appeal for this year. Approximately 30 people attended to hear an informative talk by Cheryl Miller (left) from the Motor Neurone Association. QCWA Darling Downs Division president, Elaine Kieseker(right) presented a cheque for $500 to Cheryl being proceeds from the function.

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HOPE seeks active volunteers

HOUSEHOLDERS’ Options to Protect the Environment Inc. (HOPE) is looking for active volunteers, both local and remote (i.e. online), to help maintain its high levels of activity. HOPE is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation promoting sustainability at the householder level. President Frank Ondrus said the core idea of HOPE is that, while we have to think about the environment as a whole, on a planet-wide scale, we need to act locally, in our own communities in a way that’s effective and meaningful.

The organisation operates on national, state and local levels and is looking for volunteers to help with projects, events and display activities, as well as general administration duties and media/publications work. “We invite members and supporters to step up and volunteer some of their time and talents to help share the workload,” Mr Ondrus said. “A fair portion of the work would ideally be done by people in the Toowoomba area as the HOPE office is based in Toowoomba, however, quite a bit of the literature review, research, media and publications activity can be done via email. If you have a little bit of time to help us in any way, then please contact us.”

To find out more contact the HOPE office at office@hopeaustralia.org.au or phone (07) 4639 2135. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Soldier settlers in the Granite Belt A TURN to the west from the New England Highway at Cottonvale will take you to Stanthorpe eventually. Along the way you will pass through Fleurbaix, Pozieres, Passchendaele, Bapaume and Amiens. It sounds like the Western Front, but these areas were named by the residents – those who settled in “a land fit for heroes” following their return from the Great War. This was Soldier Settlement country.

The Soldier Settlementscheme commenced in Australia with the passing by the Federal Parliament of the Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement Act of 1917.

The act was designed to make it possible for returned servicemen to take up land holdings and become productive farmers.

Using mostly Crown Land, the state governments developed small landholdings and made them available at low cost to those wishing for a life on the land.

In the area north west of Stanthorpe, designated the Pikedale Settlement, around 12,000 acres were allocated to the scheme.

Settlers occupied their land on a permanent lease, and were advanced 500 pounds towards establishment costs. In return, they were required to reside on their selection for at least 5 years, and establish a viable farm. Initially, fruit trees were planted, but it was soon recognised that vegetables must also be grown, to provide income until the fruit trees started to bear.

The people of Stanthorpe welcomed the expansion of their local area. A school was established at Amiens in 1919, with another opening at Pozieres in 1921.

To transport the produce to the Brisbane market, a 12-mile spur line was built from the main railway at Cottonvale, running to Amiens. It opened in 1920, and while almost exclusively a freight line, it was used by the Royal Train carrying the Prince of Wales in 1920, when he visited Amiens. The line only ever operated as a feeder line, with goods taken to Cottonvale where the wagons were joined to the next passing train to Brisbane.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

were faced with the twin problems of being predominantly of urban background, but expected to be efficient at agriculture, and having little capital to expand and improve their holdings. As a result, many simply gave up and walked away.

By 1921, problems were beginning to surface. A deputation from the Pikedale Settlement to the State Government requesting a reduction in interest payments on the initial advances because of a general inability to pay was rebuffed, as was a request that landholdings be increased to make each farm more viable.

These problems continued to plague the settlers throughout the 1920s, with a 1924 report showing that almost 300,000 pounds was owed to the Queensland Government by the Pikedale settlers.

In January 1926, the first

Planting tomatoes near Stanthorpe, 1918 Photo courtesy Queensland State Archives

The Amiens Settlement in 1920 - Photo courtesy of John Oxley Library

The line, whose main claim to fame was the fact that the Pozieres Siding, at 3103 feet above sea level, was the highest rail-

way station in Queensland, was closed in 1974.

Like almost all soldier settlements around the

country, Pikedale suffered from the problem of unsuitability. While the land could provide a basic living, the soldier settlers

Agricultural Show was held at Amiens, and the Brisbane Courier of January 27 produced a glowing report of the success of the area, saying “While the settlers have had a hard struggle, the tide is beginning to turn, and although in the area there are quite a number of abandoned blocks, there is no question of the general suitability of the district for growing fruit and vegetables. Provided sympathetic consideration is given to the settlers, the settlement will be one of the richest districts in the Granite Belt.”

The remaining settlers still had to survive the Great Depression, but a look at the area today bears out the Courier’s assertion – the area is indeed “one of the richest districts in the Granite Belt.”

Contributed by John Graham

Do you have a collection you’d like to share with our readers? Why not send in a photo showing you with your collection and write a little bit about it for collector’s Corner. Don’t forget to tell us your contact details (not for publication). You can email toowoombaseniorsnewspaper.com.au or write to Jo Marsh P O Box 1062, Tewantin, Qld 4565.

August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 9

community news Toowoomba orchid wins coveted prize at Sydney show SPORTING 114 flower spikes holding 8400 tiny flowers, David Woolf’s Oncidium Twinkle, Fragrance Fantasy is a truly stunning orchid.

The 10-year-old plant recently won a coveted Award of Cultural Excellence from the Australian Orchid Council at the Sydney orchid show, prior to taking out champion specimen at the winter orchid show here in

Toowoomba in July.

Asked about transporting this magnificent plant, Mr Woolf was pretty matter of fact.

“We just put it in the back of the car and went,” he said. “The fragrance got a bit much on the way home though.”

What about the number of flowers? Well, there was no night out in the big smoke as his friend actually counted the

flowers the night before the Sydney show.

Mr Woolf is vice president of the Toowoomba Orchid Society and, along with his father, is well-known around Toowoomba for their orchid nursery. Mr Woolf said Twinkles, which are miniature orchids and come in a range of colours, are quite easy to grow.

“You might pay about $20 for one about 18

have been bred in Toowoomba so are suited to the climate,” he said.

“There is a small display of hothouse orchids, but the rest are easily grown here.”

Nine judges, both local and from Brisbane, spent a number of hours selecting winners from the entries. Grand Champion was awarded to Brian and Betty Klemm for their

Paphiopedilum Villosum, which is a species plant, originally found in the higher altitudes in Burma.

To see some of these rare beauties head to the Toowoomba Orchid Society’s spring show in September, from Friday 19 to Tuesday 23, at Centenary Heights School hall.

For more information go to www.toowoomba orchidsociety.org.au.

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David Woolf’s prize winning orchid (Oncidium Twinkle Fragrance Fantasy) has 114 flower spikes holding 8400 flowers

months old,” he said.

“But they grow quite quickly after about three years.”

Toowoomba Orchid Society president John Terry agrees and says orchids are not as difficult to grow as some people think, though they are hungry feeders so regular fertilizing is essential.

The entries in this year’s winter orchid show were proof that many people in this region love growing these exotic flowers. The hall at St Paul’s Lutheran Church was a vision of rich colour and dramatic blooms which ranged from tiny, fingernailsized flowers to individuals nearly as big as a hand. Mr Terry said many orchids originally came from cool climates

which is what makes them so suitable for our climate.

“The majority of the orchids here at the show

John Terry’s Cymbidium Lancashire Khan Debonair took out reserve champion at Toowoomba Orchid Society’s winter orchid show

Mick Petrie, Coral Chapman (front) and Janelle Petrie represented the Toowoomba Floral Art Group whose members created stunning displays with fresh flowers and foliage for the Camellia Show

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Page 10 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

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community news Talented quilters create stunning prize to raffle for Aussie Helpers ON TUESDAY, July 22, more than 50 members of the Toowoomba Quilters Club gathered together to launch ticket sales in their annual Charity Quilt Art Union. The selected charity for 2014 is Aussie Helpers. Prior to the launch a video presentation about Aussie Helpers was shown. Members agreed that Aussie Helpers founder, Brian Egan’s story is inspirational – a former serviceman and farmer he set up Aussie Helpers to ‘help someone worse off than he’ after losing his own farm.

Aussie Helpers is based in Charleville and all donations go towards helping farmers who are battling disastrous droughts, floods or fires, with depression now emerging as a major issue for farming families. A box of groceries delivered with a smile, and a chat over a cuppa are gratefully received and often make all the difference to a struggling farming family. Aussie Helpers have also assisted farmers near Oakey and Dalby with rebuilding fences after

Bramptons Bramptons are known across the Darling Downs for their stunning range of mother of the Bride & Groom • New styles arriving weekly • Hats, shoes and accessories available to complement your outfit

Toowoomba Quilters Club member Joan Rollason (left) and club president Janice Becker display the beautiful quilt which will be raffled in aid of Aussie Helpers

floods. Toowoomba Quilters Club members, Joan Rollason and Sally Dowling took charge of the quilt making process and with the help of many other members a beautiful quilt was completed and quilted by member Betty Fawcett. Art Union tickets are $2 each and tickets are available from TQ Club members or at their annual exhibition at the Salo Centre, Rome Street, during Carnival of Flowers week.

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This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Toowoomba Quilters Club. Former members are encouraged to make contact and join in celebrations during (and after) the exhibition.

Please help support our needy farming families by purchasing a ticket – you could win a beautifully crafted quilt. See you at Toowoomba Quilters Club exhibition between September 20 and 27.

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August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 11

community news Quality of life makes Toowoomba a great place to live DIANNE Spanswick of U3A Rainbow Writers writes about living in Toowoomba: I have been a resident in Toowoomba nearly fourteen years, and while not officially a local, I feel very much at home here. Our ‘Garden City’ is the prettiest city I know with numerous parks, gardens, sanctuaries and native forests to enjoy at any time of the year. The climate is perfect, unpolluted

and with sufficient rainfall to keep our gardens looking good. Most of all, I love the friendliness of people wherever I go.

There is a real sense of community, a genuine caring for others, particularly during a crisis such as a natural disaster. I can go shopping and meet someone I know and enjoy a chat, sometimes a coffee as well. I love the local fresh produce and the op-

portunity to explore numerous weekend markets.

There is an abundantly wide variety of activities for young and old; no reason to be a ‘couch potato’. Our schools offer a superior education for students and our university attracts people far and wide for a wide selection of tertiary studies. Our hospitals provide high quality medical care both publicly and privately, a

comfort and reassurance for families needing health care. Entertainment is vast with a selection of live theatre and movie shows, visual art displays, sporting activities, community functions, excellent restaurants and cafes, museums and numerous clubs that cater for almost anything.

Then there is U3A that caters for retired citizens.

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Page 12 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

learning a language to arts and crafts, games, physical activities and discussion groups, all provided by professional tutors on a volunteer basis. Getting anywhere is relatively

easy and quick, either by car or public transport. Car parking is free in most places. Anyone would think that I am a tourist promotional officer, but I am not. I am a retired se-

nior. While my daughters and grandchildren live in Brisbane, I choose to live here. It is the quality of life that I enjoy so much and as such, do not want to live anywhere else.

Local family business proud to offer new range of services FOR many seniors, finding a good tradesman can be a stressful experience.

We tend to look in the local paper or the phone book but often worry about who we are contacting. Word of mouth can be an excellent way to find out who does a good job and equally, who doesn’t.

For Robert Jordan, good word of mouth literally changed his business direction.

A painter for more than 25 years, Robert was noticing more and more seniors needing help with general repairs and maintenance. As word got around about his willingness to help and his high standards of work, Robert decided to expand his business to meet this need.

Robert has enlisted the help of his wife Susan, a qualified interior designer, and his sons, Nathan and Christopher, both qualified tradesmen, to form Jordan Painting, Maintenance and Repairs.

Nathan and Christopher Jordan bring to the business their skills as tilers – Nathan has been tiling for more than 10 years and running his own successful business, Jordan Tiling, for the last five years. The company also employs a number of qualified tradesmen which enables them to provide a one-stopshop for everyone, from home renova-

tors to real estates, rentals, body corporates and commercial companies.

Mrs Jordan said the family-owned business can provide interior and exterior painting, all aspects of floor and wall tiling, the pull-up and disposal of existing floor products, concrete floor grinding, plaster work, blind repairs and replacement, and joinery repairs.

“We now also offer services in carpentry, electrical, interior design, window tinting for homes and offices, and shower screen replacement,” she said.

Along with impressive combined experience in a range of industries, the business and its staff members are also family-oriented and community minded, with a focus on customer service.

“We are experienced, reliable and tradequalified for your peace of mind,” Mrs Jordan said. “We are very proud to be able to offer quality work to the local residents.” Currently, Jordan Painting, Maintenance and Repairs are offering a free interior design consult for clients who accept quotes from them. To find out how Jordan Painting, Maintenance and Repairs can help you phone 4634 0190 or 0418 260 263, or email jordanpainting@hotmail.com.

Community invited to celebrate Seniors Week

WITH a collection of talented local musicians, guest speakers and other activities on the agenda, Burstows is proving that Seniors Week is not just for those over the age of 60. Burstows is proud to be associated with Seniors Week and is holding a Seniors Week service at the T.S Burstow Chapel, Monday, August 18, and all are welcome. A complimentary morning tea, to continue the celebrations of Seniors Week 2014, will follow the service. Burstows co-director, Don Burstow is encouraging people of all ages to join in the celebration. “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Toowoomba community to connect with our wonderful seniors and help celebrate their valuable contributions,” Mr Burstow said. “They are the foundation of our community - our mums, our dads, our grandmothers, our grandfathers, our great grandmothers and our great grandfathers. We’re very excited to have some great entertainers and inspirational young speakers taking part and would love for people to join us for what is sure to be a fantastic event.” Established in Toowoomba more than 110 years ago, Mr Burstow said community involvement is at the centre of their philosophy at Burstows, which has had a proud association with Seniors Week for many years. “We have a long-standing commitment to supporting and interacting with our local communities,” he said. “For us, it’s very rewarding to be able to support and encourage people, not only in their times of need but by providing them with an avenue to connect with each other.” The 2014 Seniors Week Service will be held on Monday, August 18 at 10am at the T.S Burstow Chapel, 1020 Ruthven Street Toowoomba. Information on the event or to register your attendance contact Burstows on 4636 9680 by Thursday, 14 August.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Red Cross continues to provide vital services 100 years after its formation ONE hundred years ago, on August 13, 1914, the Australian branch of the British Red Cross Society was formed in direct response to the outbreak of the First World War. While much has changed in the last century, Red Cross still provides vital services right across our country.

Among the services provided in Toowoomba, Red Cross operates a blood donation centre, emer- As Red Cross celebrates its centenary, it still relies gency services, medical on the goodwill of volunteers like Betty Patch (left) and Joan Woolcock who help the organisation accommodation, telechat provide vital services to the community and telecross (telephone

services to those in need) as well as health and wellbeing education for new Australians and the socially isolated.

Betty Patch and Joan Woolcock have been volunteering with Red Cross for 10 years and five

years, respectively. The pair currently work at the medical accommodation centre at Toowoomba Hospital where they are part of a team who keep the office going and the bookings organised. “We have six units here

By Jo Marsh

and we are nearly always full,� Mrs Patch said. “We get a lot of mothers with premature babies here, so while the baby is in hospital, the mother can stay here, close by. We could do with another six units, it’s that busy.�

As well as more accommodation, the service could certainly do with the help of more volunteers in the office. To find out more about the accommodation or how you can help phone 4632 2664.

-4PM N 8AM E - OPE L B A IL AVA COUNT RS DIS SENIO

Calling for Women’s Weekly Cookbooks RED Cross Shops around Australia have come up with a fabulous way to mark the 100th birthday of Australian Red Cross in August this year, and support the Red Cross Big Cake Bake as well.

More than 150 Red Cross Shops from Bowen to Burnie, and Broken Hill to Broome want us to rifle through our kitchens this month to look for any unwanted Women’s Weekly cookbooks in good condition, and 50’s Australian kitchen kitsch.

Donate your books and 50’s kitchen kitsch to your nearest Red Cross Shop, and not only will you be helping to create an eye catching centenary window display for your local Red Cross Shop during August, but they will also be able to re-sell the books and kitchen kitsch afterwards, to raise money for the everyday work of Red Cross.

For more information about the Red Cross Big Cake Bake go online to bigcakebake.org.au, email bigcakebake@redcross.org.au, call 1800 652 635 or join the Big Cake Bake online community at facebook.com/BigCakeBake.

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community news Quality care being delivered by quality people TO be a leader in today’s competitive market environment, it is important for businesses to recognise, recruit and retain “good people”.

The best business model in the world is worthless if it doesn’t have a team of skilled, dedicated and passionate people to deliver its requirements. This is no different in the Aged Care Industry, particularly in Australia. With new government legislation recently introduced, the boundaries have been moved and many people are confused about their Aged Care options and what the new rules will mean to them, as an individual or as a couple.

Seasons Private Age Care understand this concern and have put in extra measures to work closely with residents and their families to support them through every step of the process, from initial inquiry right through to the final farewell.

Founded on a philosophy of ‘life and ability, not age and disability’, it

is no surprise that Seasons is one of Queensland’s fastest growing Private Aged Care providers. Five years ago Seasons operated just one village, today Seasons offers a choice of seven residential care options across South East Queensland - each in a unique location with its own distinct character and feel. The team of people who provide specialised care services within each facility play a key role in its success.

One example is Registered Nurse and member of the Seasons team for 4 years, Kylee Cousins.

Kylee is an energetic mother of two who loves nothing more than to bring happiness into people’s lives, right through to the very end.

Her work at Seasons involves supporting clinical care residents.

“I work with people in the last chapter of their lives and my main focus is to make sure they are as happy and pain free as possible. I treat everyone here as if they were my own parents, and if there’s something

that needs to be done or organised for someone, I like to ensure that it is done as quickly as possible – often it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference”, Kylee says.

Kylee has a challenging job, not only working closely with Seasons residents, but also communicating regularly with their families and preparing them also for the final goodbye.

“When people are dying I like to make sure that they have their family around them and feel love and comfort, without pain. Naturally there will be tears and I let people know that it’s ok to cry, it’s ok to say goodbye. I talk to people about the things other people don’t like to talk about, in the end its better to be prepared and supported through this process than live with regrets later on.

Every family is totally different and people like to deal with things in their own way, I respect that, and there are always lots of surprises which keep my job interesting too”.

Page 14 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

Compassion and strength are the hallmarks of Kylee’s personality, she also has a very down-to-earth approach to life which makes her friendly and enjoyable to be around.

“In this job the good comes with the bad, but the opportunity to walk with people through the final stage of their life is amazing, I find it incredibly rewarding and couldn’t imagine doing anything else”, she says with a warm and genuine smile.

There are many more people just like Kylee on the Seasons team. You’ll find them within every facet of the business, from the meal planners and carers, right through to the cleaners and garden maintenance staff.

To experience this for yourself, we invite you to visit any one of Seasons wonderful Private Aged Care facilities across South East Queensland. Please contact our friendly reception team on 1300 506 116 or check out seasonscare.com.au for more information.

GP clinics open in aged care

Dr David Bilbrough and resident Lisabeth Willadsen

A VISIT to the doctor will only involve a short stroll down the hallway for residents at one of Toowoomba’s most established aged care services.

New on-site medical consultation rooms, staffed by local GPs, have opened at Salem Northridge aged care service, thanks to an innovative partnership between service operators Lutheran Community Care and the Darling Downs – South West Queensland Medicare Local. Medicare Local provided $20,000 to assist with the capital costs of refurbishing the rooms and buying state-of-theart medical equipment.

The clinic operates up to two days a week. Currently, residents needing assessment by a doctor rely on inroom visits from their usual GP or transport to a hospital Accident and Emergency Department. Northridge Salem Director of Nursing Maxine Noone said it was expected the new model would not only improve resident care, but it would also avoid premature hospital admissions for nonlife threatening conditions. “In the

past, if a resident needed to see a doctor and their usual GP was unavailable, it would often involve transfer to hospital, which is not only timeconsuming … but also very stressful for residents,’’ Ms Noone said. “Having a GP on site conducting regular clinics will allow any medical concerns to be investigated promptly [and] the examination can be performed more thoroughly as the examination table is specifically for this purpose.

The GPs will now also be able to perform minor medical procedures on site, eradicating the need for the resident to organise transport to a surgery.’’ Under the initiative, the visiting GPs will also deliver medical training to nursing staff to increase their skills, with the flow-on effect of reducing the number of admissions to hospital. Ms Noone said residents, staff, and GPs were excited about the new venture as it allowed residents to maintain independence by enabling them to attend GP appointments within the facility.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Helen, 103, might have married a survivor of the Glenrowan siege

STEADY and sure, Hazel Swanwick took the microphone and spoke above the cool autumn breeze as the crowd edged forward to listen: “I find it quite remarkable that it’s 103 years since Wallumbilla became my town and that I’m here to talk to you today.” Hazel, supported by family members, was in the southwest Queensland town, 440 km from her retirement village at Kenmore Hills – where she now lives with her younger sister Vero, 98 – to officiate at the opening on May 3 of the Harry Thompson Walk.

Thompson, who died outside the town at the age of 84, carried a mystery to his grave. He was believed to be Steve Hart, the surviving member of the Kelly outlaw gang, who escaped the Glenrowan siege in northeast Victoria in 1880 – and the hangman’s noose – to settle at Devil’s Pulpit, a property north of Wallumbilla.

Hazel Swanwick’s grandfather James Richardson arrived at Wallumbilla from the Hunter River region of NSW in 1878 to manage Clifford Station, first travelling to Brisbane by paddle steamer.

“My dad Ted Richardson was then a small boy,” Hazel recalled. “He married the girl next door, Helen Turner of Dangarfield Station, and moved into a cottage called The Pines near the homestead at Clifford.

“By then James was the owner of Clifford Station and my father became station manager. Later the land was resumed and

sold and in 1914 we moved to Pine Hills, part of the original Clifford holding. I was three years old and my brother, Alan was five.

“So it’s 100 years since I left my first home on Clifford station.”

Hazel’s brother Alan died in 1918 and Lionel was born later that year. By then there were two more girls in the family, Merle and Vero.

Pine Hills was Hazel’s home until 1941 when, aged 30, she married Wallumbilla banker Val Swanwick. When her father died Lionel became owner of Pine Hills and Hazel and her sisters inherited the Sugarloaf portion. Hazel is probably the only person alive who met the survivor of that violent confrontation at Glenrowan on June 28, 1880, that led to the hanging of Ned Kelly.

“We all grew up with the belief that Harry Thompson was Steve Hart. He was certainly well acquainted with the Kelly gang,” Hazel remembered.

“He was a wild man living in wild country, suspicious of strangers and al-

Club, the only one of its kind in the world, which met for a high tea at City Hall last month, hosted by Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.

The club was formed by the Queensland Community Care Network and aims to enhance the social lives of its members and promote healthy aging.

By Jim Bowden

Eight centenarians attended the event from the suburbs of Albion, Marsden, Broadbeach, Auchenflower and Strathpine. When Hazel was a “younger girl aged 98” she completed a round trip of the Kimberley region in Western Australia.

She also flew over the sandstone towers of the

Bungle Bungles in a helicopter and road a camel on a 22 km stretch of Cable Beach, near Broome.

“A stoic champion of the bush and the city,” was one of many praise-worthy comments uttered among the 50 people who gathered at Calico Cottage in Wallumbilla to listen to and meet Helen Swanwick.

Centenarian Helen Swanwick . . . a stoic champion of the bush and city

ways carrying a loaded gun.

“When our friend Vinton Scott took up Echo Hills, he became a trusted friend of Harry. Vinton persuaded him that the young Richardsons would like to meet him and we rode over to Devil’s Pulpit.”

Hazel recalled that Thompson drove a small herd of scrubbers to the Wallumbilla sale and used the yards at Pine Hill to spell the cattle.

Remembering the Kelly Gang ... Helen Swanwick officiates at the opening of the Harry Thompson Walk at Wallumbilla, assisted by Maranoa Mayor Robert Loughnan

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“We girls would ride out to meet him and help with the cattle, which no doubt prompted Thompson’s remark: ‘The Richardson girls would make good wives. They can jump on a horse and help a man yard a bullock’.

“Just think, if I had played my cards differently, you could be listening to Mrs Harry Thompson today!”

During her visit to Wallumbilla, Hazel visited Pine Hills, Dangarfield and Clifford station where her childhood cottage once stood a century ago.

This remarkable woman is also a member of the 100+

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August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 15

community news Group Travel Specialists over the moon helloworld Toowoomba City (formerly Harvey World Travel Toowoomba) is pleased

and proud to be a part of this new and dynamic travel brand helloworld.

We have been locally owned and operated by Bernie & Brenda Freyling since 2002 and

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

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

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

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

Page 16 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

Team members Toowoomba City

managed by Lindsay Goward throughout this period.

With a total office staff of 6 and a further 3 consultants who work from home we have a

staggering total of 120 year’s experience between our current staff members.

Our office also specialises in group travel which feature

school, sporting, business and special interest groups. Our office also services a number of large corporate accounts.

With these years of

experience comes an enormous range of travel destinations visited and the following are just a few examples:European river cruising, Canada & USA , Europe, ocean cruises , Egypt & Africa and all parts of beautiful Australia. helloworld Toowoomba city prides itself on a very high level of care and professionalism to ensure that our clients receive the travel experience they deserve.

Come instore and say hello today. helloworld Toowoomba City, 434 Ruthven St. 07 4632 8933 toowoombacity @helloworld.com.au

Bequests are gifts that keep on giving DOREEN Bengston has been donating to Blue Care for almost 60 years, and now plans to leave a bequest to the not-for-profit organisation in her Will.

Ms Bengston’s parents and brother received Blue Care services, and Ms Bengston herself will shortly move into the new Azure Blue Carina complex.

“I have loved the feeling of supporting Blue Care during my life,” Ms Bengston said. “Leaving a bequest that keeps giving when I am no longer here gives me a great feeling.”

The generosity of people who remember Blue Care in their Will lives on every day in our services.

Planned Giving Officer Heather Rhead said the sup-

port of bequests is crucial in replacing and upgrading Blue Care’s current facilities.

“More than 97 per cent of bequests go towards upgrading existing facilities and managing increased service demand,” Ms Rhead said.

“Blue Care is moving forward towards its 62nd year, and our donors can be proud to contribute making a fundamental difference to the lives of many for years to come.

“Their compassion and concern for the community becomes their legacy.”

For more information please visit Blue Care’s website, www.bluecare.org.au or phone 1800 001 953.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

GET LOCKED UP

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Calendar of Events

CELEBRATING SENIORS WEEK 2014 Special calendar highlights Seniors Week celebration

THIS month, Seniors Week is a great reason to celebrate life in our senior years. To help you do this, we’ve put together a calendar of events showing what’s happening around the region during Seniors Week, August 16 to 24. There are plenty of fun, interesting and rewarding things to do. Drop in to the U3A Seniors Information Expo in Toowoomba on Wednesday, August 20, where you will find 80 stalls showcasing lifestyle and leisure options for seniors including travel, health and wellbeing, finance and law, hobbies, U3A classes and much more. The Expo will have interesting guest speakers, free health checks and a café. While you are there, make sure you stop by the Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors

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

Newspaper stand – we’d love to meet you. Do you love dancing? Then put on your dancing shoes and twirl into the Toowoomba Senior Citizen’s Spring Ball on Friday, August 22. This year, Seniors Week events include concerts, bus trips, markets, belly dancing and book launches in Warwick, luncheon at Laidley, games at Gatton, and free Devonshire teas at QCWA in Toowoomba. Seniors and community members of all ages are invited to come together to celebrate the valuable contributions seniors make to our community at the free chapel service and morning tea at Burstows on Monday, August 18. So grab your copy of the free Seniors Week calendar and celebrate Seniors Week – it’s our special week!

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TOOWOOMBA PRE-SENIORS WEEK

Thursday 14 August 10.30am-1pm ‘LOVE HEARTS FOR SENIORS’AT MACLAGAN You are invited to attend Maclagan Public Hall, 23-25 Margaret Street, Maclagan to celebrate Seniors Week. Senior Ambassador, Del Krautz, shares the memories.

There will be music and dance with Greg Bird. Pop Up Shopping – affordable gifts/ fashion or just a browse! Brunch supplied.

This is a free event provided by Toowoomba Regional Council. RSVP by 12 August to 131 872.

Transport enquiries or further information contact Bronwyn Holland on 0427 574 056 or Nikki Gallatly on 0487 007 337.

Friday 15 August 9.30am-12noon WRITERS GROUP Come along and meet like minded people who share a love for writing. Informal structure, outings, guest speakers, morning tea. Held at East Creek Community Centre, 43 Kitchener Street, Toowoomba. For those interested in writing, call the centre on (07) 4639 2755.

Friday 15 August EATING WITH FRIENDS - OPAC 12noon The Stock Exchange Hotel, 162 Anzac Avenue, Toowoomba. Organised by East Creek Older Person’s Action Program (OPAC). Ph 4634 1422 for further information

Wednesday 20 August

U3A Seniors Expo Stallholders Rainbow Writers, The Outrageous Red Hatters of Toowoomba, DD District Crime Prevention Unit, ReesLaw, Margaret Middleton, St John Ambulance Social Services, Di Turner, National Broadband Network Company, Carers Qld, Burstows Funerals, Church of Christ Community Care, Vitalcall, Relicare, QLD Bowel Cancer Screening, Val Dodds Fitness, Ihear Hearing Aids, Toowoomba Regional Council, Aust. Heritage Funerals, Quota Int., Travel Masters, East Creek Community Centre, USQ Student Guild, Alzheimer’s QLD, Toowoomba Friendly Society Disp., Oaktree Retirement Village, Crown Currency Exchange, Stonestreets Coaches, Tomnet, Assert Services, Tower Fruit Shop, Niagara Therapy, Freedom Aged Care, Hope Inc, Alzheimers Australia, 3A Computers, Toowoomba Garden City Probus, Nipro Australia, RSL Care, Ozcare, McConachie Stedman, Mental Illness Fellowship Qld, The Advocacy & Support Centre (TASC), USQ Bookshop Lifeline Darling Downs (Gambling Help), Uplift Tours & Travel, Garden City Twmba Branch National Seniors, Middle Ridge Uniting Church (Xmas Tree Festival), Gentle Soul Mobile Foot Care, Diabetes Aust Qld, Blue Care Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre, Leafmore Garden Society Inc, Toowoomba Lapidary Club Inc, Toowoomba Jazz Society Inc, Toowoomba Body Talk, Toowoomba Photographic Society Inc, Toowoomba City Bowls Club, Integrated Living, Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper, Feros Care, National Hearing Care, QADA, MetawebIT, Cancer Council Qld, Lifeline Darling Downs, Nutrimetics (Toni Campbell), Gray Lawyers, The Public Trustee of Qld and Toowoomba Trefoil Guild.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 17

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Calendar of Events Sunshine Coast Calendar of Events

CELEBRATING SENIORS WEEK 2014 TOOWOOMBA SENIORS WEEK 16-24 August

Saturday 16 August to Sunday, 24 August 9am-5pm 26TH HERITAGE PHOTOGRAPHIC AWARDS An exhibition of the top 50 images entered in the annual Heritage Bank Photographic Awards. This year’s theme was People First, plus there was an open category where any subject could be captured. The exhibition runs until 4 September.

SATURDAY 16 AUGUST Saturday 16 August 9.30am GATTON GAMES AND ACTIVITIES MORNING Head to Gatton COTA Seniors Centre and try some new activities or play some favourites. Choose from indoor bowls, Scrabble, card games and more. Morning tea at 9.30am, games start at 10am. Free event. Phone Margee on 0439 621 798 for further information.

Saturday 16 August 2pm-4pm DRAYTON ANGLICAN PARISH GUILD FASHION PARADE Drayton Anglican Parish Guild will hold a fashion parade and afternoon tea at St Mary’s Hall, Buckland Street, Harristown. Cost: $10.

Phone Helen on 4635 0573 to book.

Saturday 16 August 8pm MIKE McCLELLAN IN THE CHURCH THEATRE Empire Theatre event, 56 Neil Street, Toowoomba Mike McClellan - one of Australia’s finest singer-songwriters returns with stunning new album Dancing in the Rain. Box office - 1300 655 299.

SUNDAY 17 AUGUST Sunday 17 August 9am-3pm BESPOKE BOUTIQUE MARKETS Come along and enjoy the boutique market with items by inventive and creative designers for sale. Venue: Culliford House, 1 Godsall Street, Toowoomba. Free. Phone Alex 0407 000 808.

Sunday 17 August 2pm GATTON COMBINED CHURCHES GOSPEL SERVICE An afternoon service with Gospel music and the Peace Lutheran School choir. Afternoon tea provided after the service. Free event.

Gatton COTA Seniors Centre, Gatton. Doors open 1.45pm, Service 2pm-3pm. Phone Margee on 0439 621 798 for further information.

MONDAY 18 AUGUST Monday 18 August 9am-3.15pm GATTON MYSTERY BUS TOUR Join us for a day of surprises on the Mystery Bus Tour, with pick up points at Laidley and Gatton. Morning tea and lunch supplied. Cost: $5. Tickets available from Friday 1 August, Lake Apex Visitor Information Centre, Monday-Sunday. Pick up at Laidley Cultural Centre at 9am, Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, Gatton at 9.30am, returning 2.45pm and 3.15pm. Bookings essential. Phone: 5466 3426.

Monday 18 August 9.30am-11.30am TOOWOOMBA GARDEN CITY NATIONAL SENIORS Toowoomba Garden City National Seniors will hold their Annual General Meeting on 18 August. Their Guest Speaker is Peter Swannell (AO), Retired Vice Chancellor of the University, currently President of the Empire Theatre. Morning tea provided. Contact President, Hazel on 4635 4519 for further information.

If getting around is getting you down . . .

Monday 18 August 10am SENIORS WEEK SERVICE – BURSTOWS Burstows Chapel at 1020 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba. Seniors Week Service includes guest speakers, complimentary morning tea, local young musicians and photo presentation. RSVP phone 4636 9680 by 14 August.

Monday 18 August 10am-12noon CROCHET GROUP Morning Tea provided. Bring your own wool, hooks and patterns. Volunteer coordinator Glenda is experienced at crocheting and is looking forward to meeting other people who crochet. All welcome from beginners to experienced. Held at East Creek Community Centre, 43 Kitchener Street, Toowoomba.

Phone 4639 2755 for further information.

Monday 18 August 10am-3pm DARLING DOWNS QCWA – FREE DEVONSHIRE TEA Darling Downs Division of QCWA are joining in the celebration of Seniors week by inviting seniors to come along to the QCWA Centre, 263 Margaret St and enjoy free devonshire teas and two lucky draws each day on August 18,19,20,21,22. Senior visitors only need to show their seniors card. Families and friends are warmly invited to come along with their senior folk and enjoy other delicious items available from the Country Way Tea Rooms menu. The Devonshire tea is free to seniors only. Phone Elaine on 4696 9972 for further information.

TUESDAY 19 AUGUST Tuesday 19 August 9.30am-1.30pm GATTON COTA SENIORS SOCIAL DAY Gatton COTA Seniors extend an open invitation to their Social Day. Enjoy morning tea, entertainment

by Johnny Greenwood and lunch. Cost $10. Gatton COTA Seniors Centre, Gatton. Doors open 9.30am.

Phone Margee 0439 621 798 for further information.

Tuesday 12 August TUESDAY TALKS 10am for 10.30am start Come along a join with others for wellness of body, mind and spirit information and discussion. Meeting place is Café Forte, 201 Margaret Street, Toowoomba (back room). Contact Barb on 0414 999 714.

Tuesday 19August 12noon-3pm DARLING DOWNS QCWA – FREE DEVONSHIRE TEA Darling Downs Division of QCWA are joining in the celebration of Seniors week by inviting seniors to come along to the QCWA Centre, 263 Margaret St and enjoy free devonshire teas and two lucky draws each day. Senior visitors only need to show their seniors card. Families and friends are warmly invited to come along with their senior folk and enjoy other delicious items available from the Country Way Tea Rooms menu. The Devonshire tea is free to seniors only; a minimal charge to others. Phone Elaine on 4696 9972 for further information.

WEDNESDAY 20 AUGUST

Fold-up scooters from $1395

Power Chairs from $2495

Eureka “Rumba” $2590 Eureka “Jive” $3190 PH: 4634 6112 - 16 Eyers St, Toowoomba, Qld, 4350. getscootered@yahoo.com.au I www.getscootered.com.au I www.facebook.com/getscootered

PLEASE PHONE FOR A FREE BROCHURE OF THE ENTIRE RANGE!

Page 18 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

Wednesday 20 August 8.30am SENIORS INFORMATION EXPO The U3A Toowoomba invites you to explore 80 booths covering all things connected with seniors.

Government Departments, local and state, service clubs, aids to aging, entertainment, social clubs, information on fitness and health, travel, legal support, financial advisors and plenty of general interest groups. Venue: Hume Ridge Church of Christ, 461 Hume Street, Toowoomba. On Wednesday 20th there will be display of handicraft and handicraft classes will be taking place. If you are left handed and have always wanted to learn to knit or crochet come along and one of our skilled handicraft members will be there to help you. Anyone wishing to know more about the Seniors Week handicraft can call Ruby on 4630 3522. For enquiries regarding these celebrations call Elaine on 4696 9972.

Wednesday 20 August 9.30am-1.30am LAIDLEY LUNCHEON Held at Laidley Cultural Centre. Celebrate with us at the first ever Laidley Luncheon! Head on down to the Laidley Cultural Centre and start the day with

Toowoomba

& Darling Downs

Newspaper

morning tea, enjoy entertainment, raffles, lucky door prizes and lunch with dessert. Special guests: The Great Dames and Clayton Lee-Travis. Free event.

Tickets essential. Limited numbers. Doors open 9.30am. Phone Margee on 0439 621 798 .

Wednesday 20 August 10am-3pm DARLING DOWNS QCWA – FREE DEVONSHIRE TEA Darling Downs Division of QCWA are joining in the celebration of Seniors week by inviting seniors to come along to the QCWA Centre, 263 Margaret St and enjoy free Devonshire tea and two lucky draws.

There will be a display of handicrafts as well as a class. If you are left handed and have always wanted to learn to knit or crochet come along and one of our skilled handicraft members will be waiting happily to help you. Senior visitors only need to show their seniors card. Families and friends are warmly invited to come along with their senior folk and enjoy other delicious items available from the Country Way Tea Rooms menu. The Devonshire tea is free to seniors only; a minimal charge to others. Phone Ruby on 4630 3522 for handicraft information or Elaine on 4696 9972.

Wednesday 20 August 1pm-3pm SOCIAL TIME WITH CLIFTON SENIORS CITIZENS Clifton Seniors Citizens welcome seniors to join with them during their social time each Wednesday where they play games e.g. cards, scrabble. Enjoy an afternoon chat and cuppa with other seniors. Cost $2.

Phone President, Beryl on 4612 3472 or 0428 645 504 for further information. Venue: Senior Citizens Rooms, Meara Place, Clifton (next to Library).

THURSDAY 21 AUGUST

Thursday 21 August 9am TOOWOOMBA NATIONAL SENIORS ASSOC. BUS TRIP Join in our regular monthly bus trip. This month we are going to Pohlman’s Nursery for morning tea and a train tour of the grounds followed by lunch at the Gatton RSL. Cost: $50 includes morning tea and lunch. Departure 9am, pick up from Peter’s Coaches, Wilsonton; Clifford Gardens and Rangeville Shopping Centres. Book early with June on 4635 9796 or 4638 5252. Seats are limited.

Thursday 21 August 9am-11am STROKE SUPPORT GROUP The Stroke Support Group is at East Creek Community Centre, 43 Kitchener Street, Toowoomba.

The group supports both those who have had a stroke and their carers, all welcome. For further information call Nancy Hardwick on 4635 5853 or contact the centre on 4639 2755.

Thursday 21 August 9.30am-1.30pm GATTON LUNCHEON The Gatton luncheon is one of the highlights of the Seniors Week program. This is a ticketed event, however tickets are free, but bookings fill very quickly. Start the day with morning tea, enjoy entertainment, raffles, lucky door prizes and lunch with dessert at the Gatton Shire Hall, North Street, Gatton.

Special guest, Travis Lee-Clayton. Free event, tickets essential. Limited numbers. Doors open 9.30am. Phone 5466 3426 to book.

THURSDAY 21 AUGUST CONTINUED PAGE 19

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Calendar of Events Sunshine Coast Calendar of Events

Toowoomba

CELEBRATING SENIORS WEEK 2014 Thursday 21 August 9.30am SENIORS WEEK CONCERT – OAKEY To be held at the Oakey Cultural Centre, Cnr McDonald and Campbell Streets, Oakey. Morning tea at 9.30am-10.30am followed by a Concert featuring Zedd PM until 12.30pm. RSVP 131 872.

Thursday 21 August 10am-3pm DARLING DOWNS QCWA – FREE DEVONSHIRE TEA Darling Downs Division of QCWA are joining in the celebration of Seniors week by inviting seniors to come along to the QCWA Centre, 263 Margaret St and enjoy free Devonshire tea and two lucky draws.

Senior visitors only need to show their seniors card. Families and friends are warmly invited to come along with their senior folk and enjoy other delicious items available from the Country Way Tea Rooms menu. Phone Elaine on 4696 9972 for further information.

Thursday 21 August 11am MORNING MELODIES: SIMON GALLAHER – WITH A SONG IN MY HEART Empire Theatre, 56 Neil Street, Toowoomba. Simon Gallaher returns to the Empire Theatre stage in 2014 for a new performance packed with song and good humour. Simon’s pure and smooth tenor voice is better than ever and his unique approach to performance will delight as never before. Simon returns with melodies that have all endured the test of time. Enjoy complimentary morning tea from 10am before every performance, plus there are fantastic lucky door prizes to be won!

Tickets are $18 per performance. To book: 1300 655 299.

Thursday 21 August 7.30pm ANTONY PEEBLES SHOW Empire Theatre, 56 Neil Street, Toowoomba Concert Pianist, Antony Peebles will be at the Empire Theatre for one night only for a performance that will include works by Chopin, Liszt, Schubert and Brahms. At home in the United Kingdom he has played as a concerto soloist with the following orchestras: London Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, Halle, City of Birmingham Symphony, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, BBC Welsh Symphony and City of London Sinfonia. To book: 1300 655 299.

& Darling Downs

Newspaper

POST SENIORS WEEK EVENTS

Monday 25 August 9.30am-1pm SENIORS WEEK CELEBRATION AT PITTSWORTH Seniors are invited to a free morning tea, lunch & entertainment to celebrate Seniors Week. Entertainment by Travis LeeClayton. Free buses leaving from Cambooya Bowls Club, 5 Lucy Street, Cambooya at 8am; FE Logan Hall, Meara Place, Clifton at 8.45am; Cecil Plains Community Hall at 9am and Millmerran Cultural Centre at 8.30am. Limited places available on the bus. RSVP and book your seat, 131 872.

FRIDAY 22 AUGUST Friday 22 August 9.30am-12.30pm GATTON & LAIDLEY VINTAGE CARS & SAUSAGE SIZZLE Head to either Gatton & District Historical Society or Laidley Pioneer Village & Museum and enjoy a vintage car ride, morning tea and BBQ lunch. Free event. Gates open 9.30am. Bookings essential, RSVP before Wednesday 20 August on 5466 3426.

Friday 22 August 10am-3pm DARLING DOWNS QCWA – FREE DEVONSHIRE TEA Darling Downs Division of QCWA are joining in the celebration of Seniors week by inviting seniors to come along to the QCWA Centre, 263 Margaret St and enjoy free devonshire tea and two lucky draws each day. Senior visitors only need to show their seniors card. Families and friends are warmly invited to come along with their senior folk and enjoy other delicious items available from the Country Way Tea Rooms menu. The Devonshire tea is free to seniors only; a minimal charge to others. Phone Elaine on 4696 9972 for further information.

Friday 22 August 7.30pm-11pm SPRING BALL IN TOOWOOMBA Join the Toowoomba Senior Citizens in celebrating Seniors Week by attending their Spring Ball. Admission is $10 which includes a light supper, lucky door prize and Lucky Spots. Prizes will be awarded for the best male and female spring outfits and all are welcome to attend.

Venue is at Senior Citizens Hall, 39 Victoria Street, Toowoomba.

Phone 4632 7157 for further information.

SATURDAY 23 AUGUST

Saturday 23 August 7.30am-9am COMMUNITY BREAKFAST AT GATTON A warm welcome and breakfast await you at the Anglican Church, Gatton. Donations to local school chaplaincy program are welcome.

Saturday 23 August 1pm-4.30pm GATTON COUNTRY MUSIC CONCERT Join the Gatton Committee of the Ageing in celebrating Seniors Week with a free afternoon of entertainment with popular country music, competitions, raffles and prizes. Home made afternoon tea and fun for all. Venue: Gatton Seniors Citizens Centre, 13 North Street, Gatton.

Bookings preferred, RSVP before Wednesday 20 August 5466 3426.

SUNDAY 24 AUGUST Sunday 24 August 8am TAI CHI & BREAKFAST BY THE LAKE Start your Sunday with a relaxing and energizing Tai Chi class by Lake Apex, followed by a BBQ breakfast. Tai Chi class is free. BBQ breakfast $5. Tai Chi commences at 8am, breakfast from 9am. Phone 5466 3426 for further information.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 19

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Calendar of Events Sunshine Coast Calendar of Events

CELEBRATING SENIORS WEEK 2014 WARWICK SENIORS WEEK 16-24 August Saturday 16 August & Sunday 17 August 8am CUNNINGHAM POLOCROSSE CLUB CARNIVAL Open Comp, Under 16 & Mini Juniors. Full canteen/bar and entertainment Saturday night. 1239 Upper Wheatvale Rd, Bony Mountain. Phone Robyn Cooper on 0427 674 718 or email: niccoo1@bigpond.com. Adults $20/under 16 free.

SATURDAY 16 AUGUST

Saturday 16 August 9am-3pm WARWICK & DISTRICT LAPIDARY CLUB OPEN DAY See members work with semi and precious stones. Faceting, jewellery making, copper enameling, display specimens and items for sale. Clubhouse, Cnr Horsman Rd& Matthews St, Warwick.

Phone Syd on 4661 2427 or Cheri Bate on 4661 2502. Free.

Saturday 16 August 10am-4pm WARWICK POTTERS ASSN OPEN DAYS View Potters Gallery and workshop in action. Join potters for a cuppa. Clay activity. Potters Place, 63 Horsman Rd, Warwick Raye Batham 0402 307 637 or email: info@potters.org.au. Entry free. Clay activity $5.

Saturday 16 August 1pm-4.30pm COME AND TRY LAWN BOWLS Warwick Bowls Club ‘Come and Try Lawn Bowls’. Bowls supplied. Wear flat soled shoes. RSVP by 12.30pm each Saturday to 4661 1516.Leslie Park, opp. Police Station Fitzroy St, Warwick.

RSVP to Les Meiklejohn on 4661 1163. $10 includes afternoon tea.

SUNDAY 17 AUGUST Sunday 17 August 9am-4pm WARWICK AERO MODELLERS ‘COME & TRY TO FLY’ DAY Try a risk-free fly of radio controlled model aircraft, or just view the action. Warwick Drag Strip, Morgan Park Race Complex, Old Stanthorpe Rd, Warwick. Marcel Cazaly 0419 309 868. Email: secretary.wam@gmail.com. Free event.

Sunday 17 August 11am–5pm TRAVELLING COUNTRY MUSIC ASSN COUNTRY MUSIC EVENT Hot lunch and afternoon tea at Warwick Cowboys Clubhouse, Alice St. Phone 4661 3930 or 0419 710 828. Email: marlene.wilkins@bigpond.com. Cost: $8 adults or $4 kids.

TUESDAY 19 AUGUST Tuesday 19 August 9.30am-3pm WARWICK SENIOR CITIZENS ‘EUCHRE TOURNAMENT’ Teams of three required, raffles and prizes. RSVP names/teams by 12 August. Warwick Senior Citizens, Cnr Albert & Guy Sts, Warwick. Phone June Owens 4661 9996. $5 including lunch.

Tuesday 19 August 10am-12noon MORNING TEA, DANCE AND SING-A-LONG Warwick Community Options complimentary morning tea at St Mary’s Hall, Cnr Wood St & Acacia Ave, Warwick. Phone Sue White on 4660 3867. Gold coin entry.

WEDNESDAY 20 AUGUST Wednesday 20 August 10am-4pm WARWICK POTTERS ASSN OPEN DAYS View Potters Gallery and workshop in action. Join potters for a

Page 20 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

cuppa. Clay activity. Potters Place, 63 Horsman Rd, Warwick Raye Batham 0402 307 637 or email: info@potters.org.au. Entry free. Clay activity $5.

Wednesday 20 August 11am-12noon INFO TECHNOLOGY TRAINING Online Communication, your guideto Social Networking – Intro to Facebook, Skype & Twitter.

Stanthorpe Library, 56 Lock St, Stanthorpe. Phone Kerry Marsden on 1300 69 7372 or email:Kerry.marsden@sdrc.qld.gov.au. Free.

Wednesday 20 August 12noon-5pm WARWICK & DISTRICT LAPIDARY CLUB OPEN DAY See members work with semi and precious stones.

Faceting, jewellery making, copper enameling, display specimens and items for sale. Includes afternoon tea at Clubhouse, Cnr Horsman Rd & Matthews St, Warwick. Phone Syd on 4661 2427 or Cheri Bate on 4661 2502. Free.

Wednesday 20 August 2pm-3pm & 5.30pm-6.30 pm INFO TECHNOLOGY TRAINING Online Communication, your guide to Social Networking – Intro to Facebook, Skype & Twitter.

Warwick Library, 49 Albion Street, Warwick. Free.

Phone Kerry Marsden on 1300 69 7372.

THURSDAY 21 AUGUST Thursday 21 August 10am-2pm 8TH ANNUAL SOUTHERN DOWNS LEISURE & LIFESTYLE EXPO More than 50 stalls covering seniors’ lifestyle and leisure options. The Expo will include demonstrations, food, entertainment, cyber safety, book launch, fitness, bellydancing and much more. Come along to the Warwick Indoor Recreation and Aquatic Centre, corner Palmerin and Albert Streets, Warwick, enjoy a free cuppa and find out what is available for seniors in the Southern Downs region. Entry is free. For information 1300 697 372 or 4661 7955.

Thursday 21 August 10am-3pm COME & TRY CROQUET DAY All equipment provided. Warwick Croquet Club, Albert St. Phone Dorothy Gartery on 4661 9967.

Free event.

Thursday 21 August 1pm-4pm WARWICK ART EXHIBITION Warwick Artist Group Art Exhibition ‘The Journey thus far’ by Ann Fogarty. Art, Fashion Parade, afternoon tea with homemade treats. Venue: Warwick Artist Studio, Willi Street. Phone Sue on 0402 460 919 for further information.

Toowoomba

& Darling Downs

Newspaper

SATURDAY 23 AUGUST

Saturday 23 August 10am– 4pm WARWICK POTTERS ASSN OPEN DAYS View Potters Gallery and workshop in action.

Join potters for a cuppa. Clay activity. Potters Place, 63 Horsman Rd, Warwick. Phone Raye Batham on 0402 307 637 or email: info@potters.org.au. Entry free. Clay activity $5.

Saturday 23 August 1pm-4.30pm COME AND TRY LAWN BOWLS Warwick Bowls Club ‘Come and Try Lawn Bowls’. Bowls supplied. Wear flat soled shoes.

RSVP by 12.30pm each Saturday to 4661 1516.Leslie Park, opp. Police Station Fitzroy St, Warwick. RSVP to Les Meiklejohn on 4661 1163. $10 includes afternoon tea.

Saturday 23 August & Sunday 24 August 9.30am-3.30pm MARYVALE ART & CRAFT EXPO Maryvale Art & Craft Group invites you to an Art & Craft Expo, celebrating 100 years of Maryvale Hall. Sidewalk art byschool children. Tea, coffee, light lunch available. Community Hall, Taylor St, Maryvale. Lil Henricks on 4666 1028. Entry free.

SUNDAY 24 AUGUST Sunday 24 August 12noon-4pm ARCHERY COME & TRY DAY All fitness levels catered for. Billy tea and damper supplied. Warwick Archery Club, 212 Ford Rd, Warwick. Vance Sinden 0437 636 788 or email: warwickarchers@gmail.com. Free.

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

community news Probus in South Pacific turns forty!

RECENTLY the Rose City Warwick Probus Club celebrated the Fortieth Birthday of the founding of the Probus Organisation in the South Pacific, at a meeting and celebratory dinner, held at the TAFE College during the Warwick ‘Jumpers and Jazz’ Festival.

The first South Pacific Club was formed in 1974 in New Zealand. The first Australian Probus Club was formed at Hunter’s Hill, NSW in 1976.

Probus Clubs are formed to foster an active retirement for community members, through the ideals of fun, fellowship and friendship. They are sponsored by Rotary Clubs as a community service, and the name PROBUS was chosen for the club, as a contraction of the words ‘professional and business’.

Thirteen members of the Stanthorpe Probus Club attended the Warwick celebration, dressed in theme for ‘Jumpers and Jazz’, as guests of the Rose City Club. Two Stanthorpe members

In their own homes

were awarded prizes for the best dressed!

A decorated cake, which featured icing with a large Probus logo, was cut by two former Presidents of the Club (June Sawyer and Trevor Sheeran), to mark the special occasion.

All retired or semiretired members of the community are encouraged to enjoy the company of like-minded people at Probus Clubs.

Meetings are arranged with a minimum of business and feature interesting Guest Speakers, (the August

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Guest Speaker will be Warwick’s own Dr Louise Clark, addressing the ‘Seven Deadly Sins of Old Age’) followed by an extended Morning Tea, allowing for fellowship with members. Activities planned by the Management Committee including excursions, luncheons, dinners and theatre trips, at affordable costs.

For more information about membership of the Rose City Warwick Probus Club please phone Don on 4661 3151 or email Brian at barbri@people.net.au.

Trained bilingual Home Care Workers assist clients with basic and complex care needs to remain independent in their own homes Diversicare provides:

• Home Care Packages (HCPs) • Home & Community Care Packages (HACC) • HACC Multicultural Advisory Service

• Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) • Multicultural Healthy Lifestyle Project (MHLP) • Community Visitors Scheme (CVS)

Contact us today

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

August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 21

community news Removal of consumer protections under FOFA THE government’s deci- mine trust in financial ad- port base. Finance Minission to unwind consumer visers and banks, and ter, Mathias Cormann, has protections is set to under- erode the Coalition’s sup- announced the government will proceed with plans to scrap key consumer protections embedded in financial advice reforms implemented in the wake of the Storm and Opes Prime collapses. National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill said the government had clearly put big business ahead of consumers.

“This refusal to budge will undermine trust in financial advisers and strike at the heart of the Coalition’s support base,” he said.

“As the system grows increasingly complex Australians are forced to seek professional help. Instead they’re finding themselves either weighed down by hidden fees or, on the back of shoddy, commission-driven advice, destitute in retire-

ment”. “Australians should not be paying commissions for advice they do not receive; every investor should see full fee disclosures annually; and we all should know that the nice lady at the bank is being well-rewarded for that product she’s just encouraged us to buy”.

Minister Cormann’s FOFA amendments will: Remove the requirement that every two years finan-

cial advisers confirm with their clients that they wish to keep paying commissions and fees for services they may no longer be receiving; Remove the catch-all aspect of the duty to put the client’s interests first and, in doing so, provide a safe harbour for advisers against investors claiming for their losses; Remove the requirement for fee-disclosure state-

ments to be sent to pre-1 July 2013 clients, denying already committed investors levels of transparency afforded to others; Allow for the provision of ‘scaled advice’ which will circumvent the ‘best interests’ duty requirement and allow advisers to push a particular product without considering the consumer’s overall position.

Media release: National Seniors

Estate planning HAVING a comprehensive estate plan will help you to distribute the assets and money you’ve worked so hard for throughout your life to those you wish to receive them after you die.

“Thinking about your estate plan now and putting something in place before you die will save your family of lot of time and stress” says Celeste Sutton “as well as giving you peace of mind that they will be looked after financially.” Does your current estate plan have: An up-to-date Will A Will is a vital part of every estate plan, as it’s the legal document that records how you would like your assets and money passed to your beneficiaries. “Not having a current Will that clearly sets out how you’d like your estate distributed could cause your family considerable heartache” says Celeste “as it opens it up to potential legal disputes, the cost of which could decrease the value of your estate significantly. Once you have a legal Will in place, you should then look to review and update it as your personal and financial circumstances change to avoid the possibility of it being ruled invalid.”

Adequate life insurance Having life insurance in place is a cash payment to your estate that can be used to support your family, pay off your mortgage, pre-pay your children’s school fees or invest for your family’s future. “Taking out life insurance, whether in your own name or through your super fund, can be a relatively inexpensive way to protect your family’s future” says Celeste. “If you have shares in a business, Key Person Insurance is an important consideration for business owners as it can

help to protect the value of your business and its key people. One thing people tend to forget about is reviewing their level of cover. It is a good idea to check that the sum you’re insured for reflects your current financial situation.” adds Celeste. “People often don’t update their insurance as their mortgage and expenses increase, which can often leave their family with a shortfall after they die.”

A death benefit nomination for your super We also find that many people don’t realise that their super doesn’t form part of their estate, which is why many don’t nominate who should receive their super when they die. They also do not realise that a beneficiary must be a spouse or a child.

“This can be a huge problem, given super is often the biggest asset that many people have” says Celeste. “Not having a nomination in place means the trustee of your super fund, not you, determines who receives your super benefit after you die.”

“While providing your fund with a binding nomination removes any uncertainty over who receives your super, it only lasts for three years, so you should check to make sure it is current” adds Celeste.

To find out more, please contact Celeste from RI Toowoomba on 07 4639 3733 or at enquiries@ritoowoomba.com.au *Celeste Sutton 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.

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 22 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

LAW, FINANCE and YOU Super system is letting retirees down: not enough workers to fund pensions

AUSTRALIA’S superannuation system needs a revamp after new data shows today’s average worker retires with just one-third of what they need to live modestly.

A sensitive recommendation in a new Deloitte report recommends taking unused super away from a dead retiree’s dependants and putting it into a pension pool for other Australians who need it.

With the ratio of working Australians for retirees forecast to drop from five

to 2.9 in the next 20 years, there won’t be enough workers to fund pensions for everyone.

The report says governments and super funds have to better serve and empower retiring Australians, but that workers must be engaged and take responsibility too.

To live modestly in retirement today, an Australian man needs a lump sum of $340,000 and a woman $370,000 and to live comfortably $610,000 and $680,000 respectively, the report calculates.

But the average balance for a man aged 60-65 is just $114,000 and $94,000 for a woman.

Australians should contribute at least 17-19% of their salary to super for 40 years while working if they wanted to live comfortably in retirement, report author and Deloitte special superannuation adviser Wayne Walker says.

That means topping up the superannuation guarantee – which currently has 9.5% paid by employers and is rising to 12% –

with their own salary.

One inefficiency was that7-10% of super contributions flowed out of the system when a person died early and went to their dependants.

Mr Walker recommended lump sums be replaced with an annuity annual income, so leftover money went to others who outlived their super as a pension.

“It is not an easy matter for a government to introduce pensions but the financial case is very powerful,” Mr Walker said.

The report also supported people working well beyond 65 years, but the government had to back up policies in the recent budget plan to raise the retirement age to 70.

A generation of people that retired around the time of the GFC had much of their super wiped out after stock markets slumped.

Mr Walker said about 80

per cent of members did not actively choose the default fund they were a member of and up to 95 per cent held the default investment option.

“As individual Australians you can’t just rely on other people to make decisions and then at end of the day say, `I didn’t know, I didn’t care and I left it too late,” he said.

Wayne Walker . . . topping up the superannuation guarantee

Police issue warning over abusive email THE Queensland Police Service Fraud and Cyber Crime Group (FCCG) are warning members of the public about an abusive email currently circulating. The email contains obscene abuse directed to the recipient and alleges they have posted private photographs onto the internet. A link is embedded into the email designed to be activated by the reader. It is believed this email contains malicious software executed once the link is clicked.

“As disgusting and offensive as this email is, it is a clever and manipulative way to garner an emotional response, piquing the curiosity of the reader into clicking the link which will ultimately infect your computer. It is imperative people delete this email as soon as it is received and always remember to never click on links embedded in emails,” Detective Superintendent Brian Hay said. “A worst case scenario and one that we have seen happen, is your computer becomes

part of an international network of compromised computers and your identity and financial information is compromised. Any person who has received this email and has clicked on it should immediately scan their computer for malware and change all their passwords. It is imperative people maintain a modern operating system and up-to-date ant-virus software.”

Contact the Fraud and Cyber Crime Group if you wish to discuss your circumstances on 3364 6622.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24 hours a day. Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service. For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24 hours a day.

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.

Start planning- the clock is ticking!

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

RI Advice Group Pty Ltd

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 Authorised Representative,

RI Advice Group Pty Ltd

Call us on 07 4639 3733 and speak to Jeff or Celeste to see how this change will impact your current or future Centrelink entitlements...

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

August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 23

ntthh moon this m

WHAT’S ON 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.

Languages and Cultures Festival celebrates talents and traditions from around the world

TOOWOOMBA Languages and Cultures Festival celebrates our diverse community by showcasing talents and traditions from around the world. The festival brings together different organisations within the Toowoomba region to support and encourage a sense of belonging and community harmony in our area. There are performances from schools, professional artists and community groups, static displays of cultural interest and information from major service providers as well as diverse food stalls, and activities for the young and young-at-heart. The festival will be held at Queens Park on the Sunday, August 10. Entry is $5 for adults, children are free.

Health and Wellness Expo showcases diverse therapies

THE annual Health and Wellness Expo will showcase services and products from natural and mainstream therapies. The expo is held at Queens Park on Sunday, August 10 as part of the Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival. For more information contact Daphne Fung on 0411 549 337.

Services offered at our charming, specifically chosen Queenslander include:

Winter hot pot luncheon at Killarney

• Day and overnight respite • In-home respite • Emergency respite • Recreational activities & outings • 24hour helpline: 1 800 639 331 • Carer support groups • Case Management • Dementia education • Library Resources • Physiotherapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Pathology • Private Nursing

ENJOY a winter ‘hot pot luncheon’ with the Killarney and District Senior Citizens on Wednesday, August 13 at Senior Citizens Hall, 1 Ailanthus Street, Killarney. Music

by Gary Tuinis. Cost is $2 per person. Information phone Ken Volk on 4664 1208

Fashion parade and afternoon tea

THE Drayton Anglican Parish Guild is holding a fashion parade and afternoon tea on Saturday, August 16 at St Mary’s Hall, Buckland Street, Harristown from 2pm to 4pm. Women’s fashions will be from Bramptons and children’s clothes from Target. After the parade an afternoon tea of delicious homemade goodies will be served. There will be lucky spot prizes, a multi-draw raffle and a lucky door prize. Bramptons give a percentage discount for purchases at their store for all attendees. The hall has disabled access and toilets. Contact Helen Moloney on 4635 0573. Cost is $10 adults, $5 high school students.

Unique designs at new boutique market

For further information please call 1 800 639 331 or 07 4635 2966

Managing Medication is Easy

BESPOKE is a new boutique market situated in Culliford House at 1 Godsall Street, adjoining picturesque Queens Park in Toowoomba. Bespoke provides a unique opportunity for the Darling Downs to engage with inventive and exciting creative designers from south east Queensland. Stall holders are unique, creative and designer focussed providing the highest quality, original pieces. Bespoke Markets will be held on Sunday, August 17 from 9am to 3pm. Entry is free. For more information contact Alex Stalling on 0407 000 808.

Country music event comes to Warwick

THE Travelling Country Music Association is holding a country music event at Warwick Cowboys Clubhouse, Alice Street, Warwick on Sunday, August 17 from 11am to 5pm. Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children, with hot lunch and afternoon tea. Contact Marlene 4661 3930 or 0419 710 828 or Ruby 4664 4163 or 0438 674 803.

Toowoomba VIEW Club

TUESDAY 12th August - 11am for 11.30am start Regents on the Lake. Guest speaker Letisha Sheldon. $20 for 2 course meal and raffle and lucky door prizes. Bookings by 10th August to Marlene 4636 1311

Toowoomba Stamp Club monthly meeting

THE August meeting of the Toowoomba Stamp Club will be held on Saturday, August 9, starting at 1pm, at the Salvation Army Hall, cnr West Street and Anzac Ave. There will be a guest speaker from PSQ, and the visiting dealer will be Craig Chappell. A stamp auction will be held, with approximately 100 lots available.

Come along to the largest stamp club meeting in Queensland. The September meeting will be on Saturday September 13, with Lockyer Valley as the visiting club, and Stewart Robbins the visiting dealer.

Toowoomba Bowls Club providing quality of life & peace of mind

Ask Us How

8 Mylne St, Toowoomba PH: 07 4637 1801

Page 24 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

OUR playing days are Tuesday Mixed pairs, Wednesday is Mens Triples, Friday is Ladies day . Saturday come along to Social bowls. We have barefoot bowls and cater for parties and functions with barbecue and salads or we can do to your requirements. New members and visiting players are very welcome. Phone 4632 3174. You can contact us via internet toowoombabowlsclub.weebly .com or email toowoombabowlsclub@bigpond.com

Date Claimer

MISSIONARY Sisters of St. Peter Claver Rare & Beautiful sale, 11th October. If anyone has goods they would like to donate -monies raised go direct to missionaries - they can be left at 71 Margaret St. or contact Sr. Miriam on 4632 1818 for more information.

Cent Sale

MISSIONARY Sisters of St. Peter Claver cent sale is on Wednesday 10th September at All Seasons Function Hall cnr. North & Tor Sts. Toowoomba. Entry $5 will give you free sheet tickets, entry lucky door and buffet morning tea. Doors open 8:30 for 9:30 start. For more information contact Sr. Miriam on 4632 1818. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

FEELING GOOD

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

Don’t just sit there - It might be killing you!

GETTING off the couch and moving more might lengthen your life, as well as decrease your risk of dementia, physical disabilities and other serious medical problems.

For several years, health experts have been sounding the alarm about the dangers of ‘sitting disease’ – sitting too long or too much.

The term captures how many people are glued to their seats for hours in front of the TV, in cars and at the office.

Sitting disease has been linked to increased risks of Type 2 diabetes, cognitive decline, disability in people over 60, and death from cancer, heart disease and stroke. One study showed that sitting less may lead to a longer life.

A recent analysis suggests there are 34 chronic diseases and conditions associated with excess sitting.

Leading endocrinologist James Levine, co-director of Obesity Solutions at the Arizona State University’s Mayo Clinic in the US, has researched sitting disease for three decades and is author of a new book, Get Up! Why Your Chair Is Killing You and What You Can Do About It. “We hope that getting up more reduces the risk of all of those things, but

the prospective studies on several of those conditions have not been conducted,” Levine says.

If you take a brisk walk, jog, swim or do other physical activities for at least 30 minutes daily, it’s great for your health, but not enough to offset being sedentary the rest of the day, he says. You still need to move for at least 10 minutes every hour, Levine says. This is especially true for retirees who want to “lead a zestful, purposeful existence after a life of hard work”.

He says an international study showed most people spend 10 and 15 hours a day sitting.

“It sounds kind of irksome, but most people sit most of the time. We have to search our souls pretty deeply to find a time when we are not sitting, and sitting is contrary to what our bodies are meant to do,” he said.

A recent time-use survey showed that people spend an average of 2.8 hours a day in front of their TV. Levine says TV sitting time can be converted in to active TV time quite easily.

“I have patients who stroll around their living room during the advertisements. I advise people to walk on the

treadmill at a comfortable pace while watching TV,” he said.

“The rule of thumb in retirement is the same as during your work years: if you’ve been sitting for an hour, it’s too long. For 10 minutes of every hour you need to be up and moving in what’s called non-exercise movement, because it’s not intentional exercise.”

Irvine says: “We don’t know the ideal way to break up sitting time. We

don’t know if doing 10 consecutive minutes every hour is better than doing five minutes of activity every half hour, but we do know people need to get up and move more.

“It could be a short walk around the house or mall, pacing while on the phone, gardening, cooking. Data show that getting up intermittently throughout the day might reduce the ill effects of prolonged

sitting. Levine suggests we take a quick walk around the block before a morning shower; take a 15-minute catch-up walk with a partner; walk with grandchildren; walk around the living room during the TV ads; pace while folding laundry; march in place whenever possible; garden; work on a home repair project; decorate your home; go dancing; shop in the mall instead of on the Internet.

What about physical disabilities?

“One person I work with who is wheelchair-bound does a whole routine every hour of arm pressups and arm dances to music. People who are wobbly on their legs or have had hip replacements need to check their homes to eliminate trip zones.

“For them, being active reduces their risk of falling. If they are physically active, their

muscles are stronger, so they can steady themselves better. Plus, being active strengthens the bones.”

Irvine finished with some words of encouragement: “A: Get up. Once you get up, you’re more likely to move. Once you start being active, you become more active.”

But remember, it’s sound advice to check with your physician before undertaking any new exercise program.

Let’s get physical

YOUR health is in your hands - take control of your well-being. Undertaking regular physical activity has many important health benefits that can increase your quality of life when you’re over 50.

• It improves strength, balance and for the frail and elderly can reduce the risk of falls.

• It can increase cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

• It can also contribute to independent living by helping to maintain, or increase, the ability to undertake the activities of daily living.

• The more physical activity you do the better for your health and well-being. Choose an activity that you enjoy. This might be walking, dancing, swimming, bowls, Tai-chi, bicycling, a group activity class, a gentle exercise class, strength training - anything that gets you moving.

• Talk to your medical practitioner to help you choose the most appropriate form of physical activity for you.

• There are also plenty of clubs and associations devoted to sports and indoor/outdoor activities that feature physical activity in a social way. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 25

FEELING GOOD

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

Sitting Killed 5.3 Million Worldwide last year – Report from America “DON’T be surprised (or is for nothing but an exer- “Globally, 20% of early And for the first time last insulted) if the next pre- cise regimen”, says one deaths are preventable year, sitting killed 5.3 milwith moderate exercise. lion people worldwide – scription from your doctor writer from America. more than smoking. Inactivity is now considered a full-on pandemic by health officials. Many U.S. doctors are pushing to make “lack of exercise” a mainstream medical diagnosis”. “U.S. adults sit on average 8-10 hours every day.” Australians average 9 hours daily in front of a screen. We sit at comput-

Page 26 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

ers, in the car, in cafes and we do love our TV! We all know that inactivity contributes to lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart disease but now Australian researchers tell us that Inactivity affects our mood too. Prolonged sitting may contribute to the risk of depression. Getting enough exercise is a lot easier than most of us think. Our government recommends 30

minutes on most days and walking is an easy way to do this. The good news is, whether we are required to sit or just love to sit, we can learn to move while we sit. Seated exercise classes are available in many communities and can be most beneficial in keeping blood circulating and joints and muscles moving.

And you can move while you sit in front of TV. A

variety of equipment is available to help, one of which is the affordable Aircycle circulation booster - a self management tool for arthritis and diabetes, providing gentle exercise to relieve pain and swollen ankles and strengthen leg muscles. It is now available here by calling 0412 329 450, online: www.aircycle.co.nz or by mail order.

See advert Page 3

The proposed $7 Medicare co-contribution not yet in place THERE is anxiety and confusion for some pensioners who wrongly believe co-payments announced in the budget are already in place. Some GPs have even reported patients not showing up for appointments over concerns they’d have to pay a $7 copayment, flagged to be introduced in July 2015.

These patients may mistakenly believe the co-payment has already been introduced and some doctors are concerned it will mean that people with diabetes, who need regular review, are not going to show up to GP appointments. There is also confusion about co-

payments for PBS-listed medication with some pharmacists saying that they have had anxious enquiries, particularly from pensioners, who think the cost of their medication has increased. Currently, pensioners pay the first $6 of PBS-listed medication and

the general public pays the first $36.90. However the budget has flagged future increases for both pensioners and the general public.

Pharmacists have concerns that if the GP copayment goes through there would be much more

pressure on their services as people use them as a first point of call for serious illness. Any co-payment for Medicare services and for PBS-listed prescriptions is at least a year away – if the budget is passed it will not take place until July 2015.

Juicing and – YOU “OFTEN in this technological age where computers diagnose diseases and perform surgery, we tend to minimise natural therapies. It seems incredulous that the simple act of drinking raw juices could turn around severe diseases, however I have seen it work in otherwise hopeless cases.” Dr. Sandra Cabot – Author of “Raw Juices Can Save Your Life!” Raw juicing is of paramount importance to cancer patients, as it can

provide concentrated amounts of antioxidants and phyto-nuitrients to strengthen the immune system.

Without raw juicing it is usually impossible to provide enough nutrients to support the immune system.

Give your immune system a boost...Zap those autumn and winter flue bugs, improve your energy and vitality.

Crush 4 cloves of garlic.

Juice of 4 lemons – slice up some of the skin and add to the juice.

1 teaspoon of grated

ginger Pinch of chilli powder and honey to taste Add 1 litre of boiling water and stand on bench top until cool Cover and place in the fridge until required For use, strain a cupful, then heat up before drinking, you probably would want to sweeten it with extra honey.

Drink often...especially last thing at night.

No one knows your body better than Mother Nature.

Courtesy of Cansurvive Vol 54.

Get to know your skin CANCER Council is urging Queenslanders to get to know their own skin and stay vigilant about early detection, with reports of misdiagnosis for some types of melanoma in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology.

The research focused on some of the less common subtypes of melanoma, such as nodular melanoma – which accounts for about eight per cent of all melanomas diagnosed in Queensland each year. The five-year relative survival rate for Queenslanders diagnosed with nodular melanoma is 79 per cent.

Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said it was crucial that Queenslanders practiced best sun protection when outdoors, and got to know their own skin.

“Early detection is vital in improving survival rates,” Ms Clift said. “It is imperative that Queenslanders get to know their own skin – if you notice a new spot or lesion, or a spot or lesion change in shape, colour or size – visit your GP immediately. Queenslanders should also get in the habit of asking a partner or a mate to check their back, and anywhere they can’t see themselves, for any skin changes.”

Queensland has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Around 3,000 melanoma and 133,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed across the state each year.

Some changes to look for in the skin include: • New moles; Moles that increases in size;

An outline of a mole that becomes notched; A spot that changes colour from brown to black or is varied; A spot that becomes raised or develops a lump within it; The surface of a mole becoming rough, scaly or ulcerated; Moles that itch or tingle; Moles that bleed or weep; or Spots that look different from the others.

“Although Queenslanders may notice some of these changes, it does not necessarily mean they have skin cancer, however it is important all Queenslanders see a health professional to have any changes investigated further,” Ms Clift said. “We recommend Queenslanders contact their GP for a skin check, and if they require a second opinion, to obtain a referral to a dermatologist.”

Cancer Council Queensland provides free resources about skin checks at www.cancerqld.org.au, via the ‘Early Detection’ tab.

More than 40,000 Queenslanders are alive today after a melanoma diagnosis.

The five-year relative survival rate is nearly 93 per cent. Cancer Council recommends all Queenslanders abide by all five recommended sun protective behaviours – Slip on protective clothing, Slop on minimum SPF30 broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, Slap on a broad-brimmed hat, Seek shade and Slide on wrap-around sunnies when out and about. More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

FEELING GOOD

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

Being Social really does make your life better SOCIAL wellness refers to the ability to interact with people around you. It involves using good communication skills, having meaningful relationships, respecting yourself and others and creating a support system that includes family members and friends. The social dimension of wellness involves developing, nourishing and encouraging satisfying relationships.

Social wellness is one of the eight dimensions of wellness, which also include emotional, financial, physical, and spiritual wellness.

Social wellness is an important aspect of good mental health, although each aspect of wellness can affect overall quality of life.

July is considered Social Wellness Month, so it’s a good time to take a step back and look at the connections you’ve made in your life. For seniors, staying socially active can be just as effective as exercise for improving your mood and quality of life. Use this month to develop some new friendships and get reacquainted with those you may have lost touch with. Research shows that socially isolated people are more susceptible to illness and have a death rate two to three times higher than those who maintain good social relationships.

Some good ways to improve your own social wellness this month include: Talk to a friend. Call or visit someone you may not have spoken to in a while and have a positive interaction.

Really listen and find out what is important or what issues the person has been facing.

Practice empathy by putting yourself in the person’s shoes.

Know your needs. Get to know your own personal needs, and find people who can help nurture those needs. While pursuing your own needs, help others with theirs. Talk to people who are supportive of your needs.

Allow others to care for you. Sometimes it can be difficult to admit when there’s something you can no longer accomplish on your own. When you need assistance with something, even if it’s just

others. 7. I am able to communicate with and get along with a wide variety of people. 8. I obey the laws and rules of our society. 9. I am a compassionate person and try to help others when I can. 10. I support and help with family, neighborhood, and work social gatherings. Total for Social Wellness Dimension Score: 15 to 20 Points Excellent strength in this dimension. going to the grocery store or household chores, allow the people who care about you to help you. There’s no shame in admitting you can’t do it all on your own.

Develop a new friendship. You’re never too old to make a new friend, so don’t be afraid to go up and talk to a peer. Enjoy being with others. Social interactions help improve your mood and enhance your selfesteem. Remember, sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.

Relax and find inner peace. Relaxation is a great way to clear your mind and find inner happiness. Rest and get a good night’s sleepsleep is just as important as leading an active life to keep you alert and healthy.

Social wellness helps create an overall feeling of good health and wellness in mind, body and soul. If you’re curious about your own social wellness, this quiz provided by Definition of Wellness assesses your current situation. Read each statement slowing and respond honestly. Use your score as a guide as to how your current social situation can be improved, if necessary.

Almost always = 2 points , Sometimes/ occasionally = 1 point,Very seldom = 0 points.

1. I contribute time and/ or money to social and community projects. 2. I am committed to a lifetime of volunteerism.

3. I exhibit fairness and justice in dealing with people. 4. I have a network of close friends and/or family. 5. I am interested in others, including those from different backgrounds than my own. 6. I am able to balance my own needs with the needs of

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Score: 9 to 14 Points – There is room for improvement. Look again at the items in which you scored 1 or 0. What changes can you make to improve your score?

Score: 0 to 8 Points – This dimension needs a lot of work. Look again at this dimension and challenge yourself to begin making small steps toward growth here. Remember: The goal is balanced wellness.

JAMES STREET DISCOUNT DRUG STORE

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

Near Toowoomba Base Hospital

Trading Hours: Mon to Fri: 9.00am - 7:30pm I Sat: 9.00am - 3:00pm August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 27

Let’s Get

Fresh Jumpers and Jazz luncheon

JUMPERS and Jazz luncheon Wednesday, 23rd July at the Warwick TAFE College 63 Probus members and visitors were in attendance including 13 from the Stanthorpe Probus Club lead by their Vice President, Helen McMenimum.

Our club supports Warwick’s Jumpers & Jazz in July Festival each year.

Following the Luncheon, the Stanthorpe visitors were taken on a conducted tour of the dressed up trees in the Warwick CBD by the Festival’s Organiser, Karina Devine and our club’s Social Coordinator, Shirley Owens.

This year it was important to also show support for our Warwick TAFE College, which appears to be under threat of a major down size by the State Government. The hospitality section was so cooperative with respect to the organisation of our event and the luncheon would have done any restaurant in the land proud. The food quality and choice was magnificient. A bonus for the day was the acceptance of 3 new member applications for our club.

Rose City Warwick and Stanthorpe Probus Ladies dressed for Jumpers and Jazz luncheon

Entries now open for Laidley Spring Festival Street Parade

Awards “Certificates of Appreciation” to two of our club stallwarts, Foundation President (June Sawyer) and Newsletter Editor (Margaret McKinnon) Margaret on the left, Don McKechnie and June Sawyer on the right. June has the jazz hat on.

Don McKechnie, President, Rose City Warwick Probus Club

Page 28 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

THIS year the theme for the 2014 Laidley Spring Festival is Four Seasons.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Steve Jones said the festival provided a great opportunity to showcase the region and its beauty.

“What better way to celebrate our agricultural region than with a Four Seasons theme where we can highlight our ever changing scenery through the seasons,” he said. “Street parade entries opened on August 1, and I would encourage community groups and businesses to put forward an entry and wow the crowd. Last year we had some of the best floats I’ve ever seen. I really look forward to seeing what comes out of this year’s theme.

This festival is certainly one that stops the region – it’s an experience everyone enjoys.”

Four Seasons events planned throughout the festival include an orchid show, garden and flowers show, and various art exhibitions. Street parade entries are open from August 1 to 31. The Laidley Spring Festival runs from September 11 to 13. For further information contact Council on 1300 005 872 or visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au.

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

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

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

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

AUSSIE ANODES www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

HOLIDAY & Leisure Wildly exciting safaris

CLIVE & Anne Arnold are wildlife photographers, cinematographers & African travel specialists who run Safaris Into Africa and are your personal tour leaders on each of their up market safaris. Due to demand they have now made available their 2015 safari booking selection for Southern Africa and East Africa. During their years in filming, photographing and guiding Clive & Anne have chosen what they believe to be the best of Africa specializing in it’s wildlife, tribes, history and scenic experiences.

For most of their lives they have worked with African wildlife and this is precisely what allows them to give you hands on encounters with the animals such as walks with the lions, elephant

back safaris, interacting with cheetah, rehabilitated animals and birds and so on. They also enable you to meet and learn from the local tribes like the Bushman (San), the Himba and the Masai and using their local guides and excellent customized vehicles are able to give you an authentic African adventure. To give you a more personalised safari the groups are between 6-10 people and are only larger if a customized safari is requested.

These customized safaris include creating specialised safaris for farm groups, families, religious groups, educational tours, rotary clubs, etc. for groups of 10 or more.

The only exception for this, is their unique filming safari where Clive

allows only 6 people to join him during his filming of the Great wildebeest migration birthing. This intensive and exciting once in a lifetime safari goes off road, getting close to the wildlife, behind the scenes and teaches you about documentary making, photography and what ‘Wild’ really means. Have a look at the website to see their new safaris and join the newsletter mailing list to get up to date information on travelling, specials and what Safaris Into Africa have been up to. Contact us now for your free brochure & DVD.Website: www.safarisintoafrica.com Call: (07) 4632 6515 or 0428 965 108 Email: info@safarisintoafrica.com Facebook: Safaris Into Africa

QLD drivers urged to roo-main aware on the roads With NRMA Insurance claims data showing that kangaroos account for over 75 per cent of all animal related collisions on QLD roads, the insurer is urging drivers to be alert while at the wheel*. The insurer’s data also showed that dogs, cattle, cats and emus are the other animals most likely to be involved in a collision in QLD. NRMA Insurance Head of Research Robert McDonald said kangaroo collisions generally peak in the winter months, posing a hopping hazard to drivers. “We encourage drivers to slow down when driving, particularly at sunrise and sunset as this is when kangaroos are often most active and looking for food and an increased number of collisions occur,” said Mr McDonald. Mr McDonald said that although most animal collisions occur on

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country roads, city drivers should also be mindful when dogs and cats are near cars. “We want to urge all drivers to be aware when at the wheel. How you react when you see a kangaroo on the road can potentially save lives. “If you hit a kangaroo and it is critically injured, you can call your local wildlife group or the Police,” Mr McDonald said. NRMA Insurance offers some advice for QLD drivers: If you see an animal on or near the road, you should try and brake, but not swerve to avoid a collision; Reduce your speed inside sign posted wildlife areas; If you hit the animal and safety permits, you should try to help by moving it to the side of the road to prevent further crashes; Don’t force the animal to eat or drink; and Contact a local veterinarian or a wildlife rescue centre.

CASH TO BE WON $400 CASH TO BE WON for your travel tales, tips, photos and anecdotes!

Here at Toowoomba and Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper, we want to hear about all those funny, interesting or unusual travel tales that you’ve experienced over the years.

You might have an interesting photograph of a sign you saw in Australia or another country.

Your travel tips might be as simple as telling us about the dining places you’d recommend other travellers eat at.

The best accommodation places you have stayed at, or tips for packing light. In next issue, our September newspaper we will print your entries,

and announce our winners. So come on, share your travel tips and experiences with our readers and you may win one of four $100 cash prizes.

To enter: Send your entries to editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au or post to P O Box 1062, Tewantin Q. 4565, being sure to mark your email subject or envelope with “Travel Tales Competition- Toowoomba and Darling Downs Seniors” , along with your name, address and daytime contact phone number. If you post us a photograph and want it returned, please include a stamped, self addressed envelope so we can return it. Entries close on Friday 29th August, so hurry and send your travel tales in as soon as possible.

JAPAN CHERRY BLOSSOM & GARDEN 2015 Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Hiroshima, Osaka

$5980

August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 29

HOLIDAY & Leisure Consider an epic Australian holiday GREAT Southern Rail’s board The Ghan and ply no better way to ex- ticket aboard one of 2015/16 schedule of the Indian Pacific is on plore this wide land these legendary Ausamazing holidays on sale now. There is sim- than by securing your tralian trains.

Inspiring and captivating travellers since its inaugural journey in 1929, The Ghan is the ultimate adventure into the heart of Australia.

Across three days, you’ll experience the spectacular and everchanging Outback landscape between Darwin and Adelaide.

The Ghan features key stops at Alice Springs and Katherine, where you’re invited to come up close with A u s t r a l i a ’s u n i q u e fauna, take in the Red Centre views from ANZAC Hill or take a leisurely cruise along the stunning Nitmiluk Gorge.

Alternatively, the Indian Pacific journey stretches east to west across Australia, taking in no less than 16 diverse landscapes. From the majestic Blue Mountains to the vast Nullarbor Plain, this is a true journey of contrasts. Across four days, you will experience the big (the

The Ghan

n a t i o n ’s l a rg e s t goldmine in Kalgoorlie and its largest fresh produce market in Adelaide) to the very small (Outback ghost town, Cook – population four).

Guests choosing to travel in Platinum and Gold Service aboard The Ghan and Indian Pacific now enjoy even more value for money with the recent introduction of all-inclusive f a r e s . Yo u r f a r e i n cludes all onboard restaurant quality dining and the exclusive Off Train Excursions at key locations along your journey. The onboard dining menu focuses on regional produce and tastes inspired by the places through which the trains pass.

By booking six months before you travel, enjoy a 25 per cent discount off your adult Gold Service fare.

Contact your local Travellers Choice consultant on 1300 78 78 58 or visit www.travellers choice.com.au to book your Great Southern Rail journey today.

BOOK NOW TO RECEIVE YOUR LIMITED EARLY BIRD OFFER: Receive a Partner FLY FREE#, including taxes when you book and deposit by 30th September 2014!

Page 30 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

HOLIDAY & Leisure helloworld Toowoomba Range

Team members Toowoomba Range

helloworld Toowoomba Range is conveniently positioned at The Range Shopping Centre, your local neighbourhood one stop destination that offers ample covered parking.

Formerly Harvey World Travel, we announced a change to helloworld. We are excited to be an independently owned and operated Franchise that is a part of over 1000 outlets throughout Australia.

We understand and serve customers better than anyone else because the essence of the helloworld customer experience is that “your holiday has already begun” when you choose helloworld.

We’ll go the extra mile, to create your ideal holiday within your budget. No hassle, no stress. We’ll also tailor your travel planning experience to how you like to book, whether it’s online, over the phone or in store. helloworld Toowoomba Range will be with you the whole way too.

To maintain the integrity and goodwill of our Franchise all clients are covered by our Customer Protection Policy. This compensates affected clients in the event of agent failure.

Hello to seven reasons why we’re here to help 40 years in the Travel Industry; Independently owned and operated; Right travel choices; Peace of mind; We listen; Go that extra mile; When and where you want your trip Services - Experts in everywhere Flights; Specialist holidays; Ski; Car hire; Day tours; Group travel; Travel insurance; Sim cards; Package holidays; Cruise; Accommodation; Gift vouchers; Worldwide rail; Business travel; Travelex money; Points redemption. helloworld Toowoomba Range is proud to offer our ongoing commitment to our clients travel requirements. We have a wealth of knowledge and depth of experience, collectively having visited over 60 countries around the world.

Our team of professional consultants are dedicated to unbiased advice to match the right products and services to your needs. We will ensure travelling for either business or leisure is seamless and more cost-effective. helloworld Toowoomba Range is delighted to be part of Toowoomba’s helloworld family.

Come instore and say hello today! helloworld Toowoomba Range, The Range Shopping Centre, 07 4639 2241 toowoombarange@helloworld.com.au

Family History workshop SATURDAY August 9, 2014.Session times and subjects are 10-11am: Housing for all, 11.15am12.15pm: British newspaper archive. 1-2pm: They went to Australia and now can’t be found. 2.153.15pm: How DNA can be used to Solve Genealogical Puzzles. Come along to the Toowoomba City Library Meeting Room, 618 Ruthven St Toowoomba. Presented by prominent Family Historian Helen Smith. Bookings essential, free entry phone 4688 6150. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 31

HOLIDAY & Leisure Cherry Blossom Festival .. the most exciting time to visit Japan and all its great wonders

ONE of the most exciting and colourful ‘must-visit’ spectacles is the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan, a traditional celebration that goes back thousands of years.

References to sakura hanami (flower viewing) parties appear in literature as early as 894, during the Heian era, which has influenced Japanese culture – including art, food, fashion and theatre – to this day.

The anticipation of the blossoms’ arrival is celebrated in early March at the country’s major museums, where precious 17thcentury screens are taken from storage and displayed, generating excitement that the blossoms are on their way; that the harsh winter is almost over; and that spring is just around the corner.

Mandarin World Tours is

offering two special itineraries that capture all the excitement and wonder of the festival. “I recommend two packages – the 11-day Cherry Blossom Tour, departing March 25 next year, fully inclusive from $4680, and the ‘most-wanted’ 14day garden tour from $5780 that brings you to Tokyo, Hakone, Mount. Fuji, Toyohashi, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima and Osaka, letting you discover Japan from all aspects,” says Navy Wang, managing director of Mandarin World Tours, based at Springwood.

The 11-day Sakura trip explores Japan at its best season with spectacular views of the cities covered by the symbol flower of Japan – Mount Fuji and the ancient city of Kyoto, where you can immerse yourself in a traditional Kimono show, a

tour to the strongest castle in Japan as well as ancient temples and shrines, and the chance to explore famous Japanese style architectures. The trip ends with a tour of the beautiful southern capital city of Osaka.

In Tokyo, the Blossom starts around the end of March or the beginning of April. The starting point can change by as much as two weeks from year to year. If the weather during the months before is relatively mild, cherry blossom trees will open early, around the end of March. If it was a cold winter, the blossom will bloom later, in April. Not all cherry blossom trees bloom on the same day; a cherry blossom tree in a shadowy place will bloom several days later than a tree in a sunny place. The very end of the blossom is fantastic too, with cherry

Let’s cruise MY Personal Travel Planner is delighted to advise it is now a Worldwide Cruise Centres affiliate, bringing major benefits to all of our present and future cruising clients. Worldwide Cruise Centres provide access to almost any ship, anywhere, at any time. Worldwide Cruise Centres are distinguished by their expert knowledge on cruising, high levels of customer service and their “can do” attitude. If they do not have the answer to any question they simply ask the “Concierge” who will source the information and deliver an answer as soon as practicable. Consumers can be confident they are dealing with the best and most passionate cruise sellers in the land.

A real strength of being a Worldwide Cruise Centres affiliate is having access to and being able to offer many exclusive packages which may include flights, hotels, local or extended tours, rental cars and/or multiple cruises linked together by the expert product team backing the Centres. The scope of these inclusive packages are too numerous to mention but can be seen on the website www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au.

blossom flower petals covering the ground and looking like pink snowflakes.

“I am always passionate about travelling to Asia which holds a special place in my heart,” says Navy Wang. “I have travelled extensively over the past year to our major destinations including China, Japan, Korea and southeast Asia inspecting hotels, meeting local travel experts and attending travel marts and negotiating better deals.

“I am so excited to keep exploring new destinations for our future products and find something new to add to our existing tours. Contact Mandarin World Tours at Suite 4, 3368 Pacific Highway, Springwood, or phone Navy on (07) 3808 9918.

Email:sales @mwtravel.com.au IF you haven’t yet visited Norfolk Island, now is the time. Or if you have, you may like to return to do all the activities you did not have time to enjoy. There is so much more to Norfolk than you can imagine! Less than 3 hours flying from Brisbane or Sydney, the island boasts a pristine environment with beautiful beaches, a rugged coastline, World Heritage convict site and National Parks and Reserves dotted with the iconic Norfolk Island pines. It is a place where history, culture, friendship and community abound. Offering a myriad of sights and activities, culinary delights with food bursting with flavour, friendly local people and a sub-tropical climate, Norfolk Island is the perfect holiday choice for visitors of all ages. A third of Norfolk Island is within national parks and reserves making bushwalking, mountain biking and bird watching around the spectacular coastline popular activities. Other activities include history, heritage and cultural pursuits such as a visit to the museums, convict ruins tours, island cultural tour and shows such as the Mutiny on the Bounty show. For those who prefer outdoor activities, go for a horse ride, snorkel among coral reefs, trekking, fishing,

The website is the perfect way to explore the options and start planning your next cruise or cruise tour holiday.

It is very easy to navigate so will provide assistance to first time cruise guests as well as seasoned travellers.

Ainsley Hardie, the owner of this locally owned and operated agency is convinced that by having all of the product and cruise information at our fingertips will ensure the best possible service to any client who may be considering a cruise or cruise tour experience.

Worldwide Cruise Centres are a value conscious organisation, we may not always be the cheapest but we will always provide the best value to our clients.

Buying the cheapest may not provide you with the experience you desire, thereby wasting the opportunity.

Choose from one of the many packages or have our staff customise a program specifically to suit your needs, use our expertise to make your trip memorable.

When you want the best experience that suits all of your needs start by going to www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au or call 07 4637 8235.

The world of Norfolk

golf, tennis, swimming or try paintball!

Norfolk Island’s heritage is so extraordinary it reads like fiction. An enthralling legacy of Polynesian explorers, convicts, mutineers, South Pacific islanders and whalers can be experienced through the architecture, exhibitions, interpretive tours, shows and museums that bring the island history to life. The site of Kingston is World Heritage Listed, and include the ruins of the penal colony, Government House, the Golf Club, the Research Centre at No.9 Quality Row and of course the cemetery. This is one of the most fascinating areas of the Island to explore.

Captain Cook described Norfolk Island as ‘paradise’ and we couldn’t agree more.

Go See Touring has a fully escorted 8 day “Norfolk Our Way” Tour departing 11 October 2014 from $2,650 per person share twin, including return airfare from Brisbane, daily breakfast, a host of tours and dinners, plus you will get to visit the Norfolk Agricultural and Horticultural Show. Whether you wish to travel as part of an escorted group tour or independently, Go See Touring can assist with all your travel needs. Please contact us on 1300 551 997 or check our website www.goseetouring.com

CRUISE WEEK 2014 Exciting Cruise Specials all week long + Bonus Booking Specials

Come instore to find out more about cruising: • Be informed at our hourly film information session • Learn about what different cruise experiences have to offer you • Enjoy great specials available during cruise week and additional booking bonuses http://www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au/mypersonal-travel-planner My Personal Travel Planner is proudly the Toowoomba affiliate.

CRUISE EXPO SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6 8AM to 4PM

Locally owned and operated Travel Agency 23 Bridge Street Toowoomba Q 4350

(07) 4637 8235

Page 32 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

email: enquiries@mypersonaltravelplanner.com.au

www.mypersonaltravelplanner.com.au

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

30

10,999*

$ 7 August 2015

29

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 33

community news Our next edition of Toowooma & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper is 4th September Deadline for copy is 27th Sugust

Seniors Twospeed Crossword

Cryptic Clues ACROSS 1 Attends to safety of guards 7 Cut short and neat 8 Give out specified amount at iron construction 10 Olden periods in former aspects 11 Get arm activated with area in airport 13 Herd sleep in different way given fresh fuel 16 Bullet sounds to be twice mute 18 Static without time in piece of window support 20 Course in centre easily found 21 Betting money starts as notes to each 22 Was seated before upper class to thoroughly soak

Available Sunday to Thursday this AUGUST

DOWN 2 Bull’s sound crowd’s sound 3 The one here is after half that 4 Extent males take first for happiness 5 Rages about heavy weather patterns 6 Distinguished lady singer eager to return 8 Raised complication for reader 9 Canvas cover - or part somehow 12 Show tenderness in a way to cook eggs 14 That’s boys around the women 15 Possibly hire another legatee 17 An arm bone girl left inside 18 Top player first seen to act rashly . . .

19 . . . didn’t stay in port

Auspac Media - Answers on Page 35

Straight Clues

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!

ACROSS 1 Guards 7 Cut shorter 8 Certain portion 10 Historic times 11 Part of airport 13 Filled again 16 Type of bullet 18 Window frame 20 Meal course 21 Betting pool 22 Drench

DOWN 2 Bellow 3 The one here 4 Happiness 5 Rages 6 Top singer 8 Brought up 9 Canvas cover 12 Pamper 14 Good women 15 One inheriting 17 A bone 18 Heavenly body 19 Went away

Word Trivia

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

Page 34 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - August 2014

NSA Book THE book, ‘Nasho National service experience 1951-1972’ is now printed and the Toowoomba branches order has arrived.

I am sure everyone who sees and reads this book will be more than pleased with it.

Branches should order direct from the publisher- email publish@boola rongpress.com.au .

There is no postage on books of 5 or more. If you want less than that then you would be better to buy them in the bookstores for $24.95.

The cost of books direct from the publisher for branches is $17.47 each or if you are buying from the Toowoomba branch they will be $20 + postage, if applicable, or you can collect them from the secretary.

Postage is rather expensive so for the local members I would suggest you collect them from the secretary or purchase from Dymocks.

Beatles 1964 Australian tour exhibition GO back in time to 1964 with photos, footage of the Melbourne Festival Hall concert, original Brisbane Festival Hall seats and some rare and unusual memorabilia. The items featured in the exhibition belong to

local Beatles researcher and collector Jeff Black who describes this 1964 tour as an important turning point in Australia’s youth culture. This exhibition is currently held at Cobb & Co Museum until 20 October, 2014.

Tombstone Tours TOMBSTONE Tours will be presented by the Local History Library and the Toowoomba Historical Society’s Peter Cullen the Theme 2014 Journeys. The tours will be held Sunday September 21st at 10am and Saturday September 27th at 10am at Drayton & Toowoomba Cemetery, Anzac Avenue. Enter by South

Street. Bookings are essential. The cost is $5 per person and payable in advance at Local History Library 476 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba opening hours Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am to 4pm, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9.30am to 1pm. Call the Toowoomba Local History Library on 4688 6150

Answers on Page 35

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community news What’s on at the Empire Theatre in the next month Aug 15: Opera Queensland’s La boheme - The most romantic opera of all time, La boheme appeals to devotees and newcomers alike.

Aug 16: Mike McClellan

in the Church Theatre One of Australia’s finest singer-songwriters returns with stunning new album Dancing in the Rain.

Aug 16: Soweto Gospel Choir - Africa’s most

heavenly voices - a celebration of life and in honour of Nelson Mandela.

Aug 17: Take Me Home – Music and Life of John Denver - takes you on a musical journey of

Silvie Paladino appearing in Brisbane SILVIE Paladino will sing in the Queensland Pops Orchestra’s next concert: Broadway Spectacular on 16th August with fellow Melbournian Kane Alexander. Silvie Paladino has one of the greatest female voices in Australia.

Her remarkable vocal range enables her to sing a vast repertoire including jazz, contemporary, musical theatre and light opera. Silvie is well known to audiences through her stage and screen appearances. Her first theatri-

cal role was Eponine in the Australasian tour of Les Miserables.

She was then invited to perform the same role on the West End in the London production. In 1997, Silvie returned to London and performed the role of Fantine in Les Miserables for a successful two-year season.

She has also performed lead roles in shows such as Cats, Miss Saigon, Mamma Mia and Chess, as well as a regular favourite at Carols by Candlelight.

What was life really like in ‘Boggo’

OVER the past 12 months more than 70 seniors groups have been ïnside” Boggo Road Gaol taking advantage of the special rate that we have on offer which includes a 1 hour guided tour plus complimentary quality tea and coffee.

The stories we share with visitors on tours of Boggo Road Gaol come from a variety of research sources including archives, libraries and newspapers but most importantly from the recollections of former prisoners and prison officers. These men and women have contributed

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greatly to the scripts we have written and have provided us with a personal insight into what life was really like in “Boggo”.

A great day trip is to combine a visit to the prison with a visit to the Boggo Road markets held every Sunday.

A group of 20 is all that is required to book a group tour.

We look forward to locking up more seniors in the next 12 months.

Boggo Road Gaol, Annerley Road, Dutton Park. Bookings phone 3844 0059.

one of the world’s most captivating and celebrated men.

Aug 19-20: Wombat Stew The Musical -From Garry Ginivan Attractions, Australia’s leading producer of musical

Brain Training Answers From page 34 Splits: 1. Magnifier 2. Solitaire 3. Hollyhock 4. Dictionary Vowel Play: 1. Leek 2. Kale 3. Chard 4. Onion 5. Swede 6. Pea 7. Tomato 8. Savoy Wild Words: 1. Well read 2. Rebel Without a Cause 3. The pen is mightier than the sword 4. Forty-Second Street 5. London Eye 6. Power boat

Crossword Solution From page 34

theatre for children and following the highly acclaimed national tour of Possum Magic in 2013 comes another tour of a highly acclaimed Aussie musical for families and kids.

Aug 21: Morning Melodies: Simon Gallaher With a song in my heart - Simon Gallaher returns to the Empire Theatre stage in 2014 for a new performance packed with song and good humour.

Aug 21: Antony Peebles - Concert pianist, Antony Peebles will be at the Empire Theatre for one night only for a performance that will include works by

Chopin, Liszt, Schubert and Brahms.

Aug 29-30: Darling Downs Scout Revue – Inside Wonka’s Chocolate Factory - Darling Downs Scout Revue in the tradition of the “Scout Gang Show” presents “Inside Wonka’s Chocolate Factory”. Your Golden Ticket to a variety show with two hours of entertainment for all the family.

Aug 29: QPAC Simulcast Swan Lake - Experience American Ballet Theatre perform arguably the world’s most beloved ballet, Swan Lake.

Aug 29-31: The Sound of Music - One of the

most popular musicals of all time, The Sound of Music, will be presented by the Toowoomba Choral Society in 2014.

Aug 30: Cool Nights Big Band Swing into SpringChase those winter blues away with Cool Nights Big Band, Swing into Spring at the Empire Church Theatre. Grab your dancing partner and come along for an evening of fabulous entertainment featuring everything from rock, jazz, funk, latin, and all your swing favourites.

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

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

August 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 35

Our agency has a buyer looking for a number of properties in the region and we have been commissioned to find these properties for them.

Realpoint Property is a locally owned and operated real estate agency with 22 years of experience in the industry and a wealth of local knowledge. This group are paying our commission to find the properties for them and they will look at all properties no matter what condition they are in. This means there is no commission to pay when you sell. The group are interested in all property, house and land and vacant land.

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

LD O S SOUTH TOOWOOMBA 34 Stephen Street (unit 2 available)

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

2 BR unit all built in, spacious with single remote garages. Now finished, brilliant location and price $295,000 each.

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

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

HIGHFIELDS - Close to Shopping Centre and Sporting Fields.

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

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

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