Toowoomba & darling downs seniors newspaper june 2014

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Your Local Seniors’ Newspaper - Written for Seniors by Seniors

Vol 2 - Issue No 5

June 2014

1300 880 265

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Generous local businesses a blessing for Toowoomba Hospice

Talk to a real person

Betros Bros have been providing fruit and vegetables free to the Toowoomba Hospice for 11 years. Their employees, including (from left) Keith Jannusch, Veronica Walker, Julie Thomae and Murray Betros, support the Hospice by donating to wear their hot-pink shirts every Friday. Photo: Gerard Saide, Toowoomba Photographic Society See story Page 2

Get help to tackle your weight The Natural Way

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

Do you suffer from heartburn, bloating, weight gain, joint stiffness and/or a weakened immune system?

If you have any of these conditions there is a good chance your body is too acidic. Your body can be overacidic for a number of reasons, including dehydration, immune problems, the side-effect of certain medications or diet.

The main source of overacidity in the body is a result of eating too many acidic foods.

When our body consumes and breaks down food, energy is derived from foods by oxidation, which produces a residue or ash.

Some foods leave an ‘acid ash’ (from acid forming foods) and some leave an ‘alkaline ash’ (from alkaline forming foods). The types of foods that contain minerals that leave an acid ash are those foods containing sugars and saturated fats and red meats.

A diet high in acid-forming foods can also contribute to a range of conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, acceleration of free-radical damage, premature aging and osteoporosis, while acidic environments also encourage the growth of fungus, bacteria and viruses. Natural therapists advocate a higher intake of alkaline foods compared to acid-producing ones in your diet to ensure your best health, and foods that commonly contain alkaline minerals and leave alkaline ash are fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Easy Body Program has recently been launched by The Natural Way and is an easy to follow four-week plan based on the principle of decreasing acid foods in the diet and increasing alkaline foods in order to improve your health and accelerate your weight loss.

It is available now at your nearest… The Natural Way Clinic located at Suite 9, 610 Ruthven Street. Call 4632 7490 or mail your order to www.moniquesmantra.com

Get Into Shape The Natural Way! • Holistic weight loss based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Principles • Real food: no shakes or pre-packaged food • 100% natural formulations • Personalised weight loss programs • One-on –one private support and motivation

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Based on the principle of increasing alkalizing foods in the diet, you will find that you will not only lose weight but feel great due to the benefits this type of eating has on your overall health.

Call Monique NOW to make FREE appointment to find out more on 0439 622 500 *Conditions apply- must commence on minimum of 3 formulations.

Our wonderful program is also available online – www.moniquesmantra.com

community news Toowoomba & Darling Downs

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

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.

Generous local businesses a blessing for Toowoomba Hospice Continued from Page 1 NEXT time you are buying fruit and veg, have a look at the cost of a punnet of cherry tomatoes. While the individual cost may not seem very much, a punnet or two every week soon adds up.

Imagine the cost then, over 11 years. That’s how long, Betros Bros have been supplying, not just cherry tomatoes, but all the fruit and vegetable needs of the Toowoomba Hospice, for free.

On a week-to-week basis, the individual amounts may be small, as occupancy at the Hospice runs between one and six beds, but it’s the generosity of local businesses such as Betros Bros that make a world of difference to this community-based centre which provides a place of dignity and peace for our family members in the last stages of their lives.

Promotions and fundraising manager for Toowoomba Hospice Mark Munro said Toowoomba and the Darling Downs communities are very generous not only to the Toowoomba Hospice but to many other worthwhile causes.

“The support we get from local businesses is incredible,” Mr Munro said.

“If we had to raise that sort of money to cover what is donated, it would be a very hard task. We are extremely grateful for everyone’s support – it makes our task so much easier.”

In the 11 years the Hospice has been operating, other local companies

Friendly Country Style Care at BEAUARABA LIVING!

BEAUARABA LIVING is located on the Darling Downs, just 25 minutes south west of Toowoomba in the serene town of Pittsworth.

BEAUARABA LIVING offers residential aged and respite care with 44 low-care places with ageing in place, and 36 high-care places, including eight secure dementia beds.

• The facility encourages residents to become engaged in everyday life in a meaningful way.

• As we recognise every person is different, our care programs are designed to provide many lifestyle choices to satisfy unique residents’ needs, whereby residents experience a better quality of life.

• Features include single ensuite and furnished rooms with built-in wardrobes and reverse cycle air conditioning, TV and phone connections to rooms. Residents can bring their own small furniture and items to make their room feel like home.

• 24 hour emergency call system • Healthy menu with a chef on site • On site Medical Centre, hairdressing and laundry service, air-conditioned lounge, dining, TV rooms, library and internet and email access.

10 Weale St, Pittsworth. QLD. 4356 Phone: (07) 4619 8422 www.beauarabaliving.org.au Page 2 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

Homestyle Bake directors (from left) David Nicoll, Brett Pascoe and Lindsay Weber are committed to supporting worthwhile community initiatives.

Homestyle has been supplying the Hospice with bread since it opened

have been loyally behind this much needed facility.

From haircuts by Lucky Phil to bread supplies from Homestyle Bake, meat from Queensland Choice Meats to flowers from the Toowoomba Flower Market, Southerden’s Florists, Australian Flowers Direct and Rotary Club of Toowoomba City, and still water from Refresh Pure Water.

Mr Munro said among others which donate their services are Amalgamated Pest Control, Wormald, Forbes Batteries and Communications,

Hogan’s Batteries and Accessories, J & C Cleaning, and Knights Commercial Dry Cleaners. It’s an impressive list but it doesn’t stop there.

“There are numerous other businesses, groups, clubs and organisations that continue to support the Hospice by way of discounting and/or donating their time, services or items for us to raffle or auction off at fundraising events, which helps us to meet our budget requirements,” Mr Munro said.

The heart of our community is very generous and

that applies to individuals as well as businesses.

Every Friday, Betros Bros staff members have the

option of donating a gold coin to wear a special shirt showing their support for the Hospice.

“People like to support the Hospice,” Bevan Betros said. “The majority of staff choose to wear the shirts. Over the year the donations add up – they raise about $2500 this way.”

Julie Thomae is the office manager at Betros’ Annand Street distribution centre and supervises the orders for the Hospice.

“We’re privileged to be able to help out,” she said.

“It gives you a warm feeling and who knows, you never know when you’ll need it (the Hospice) for yourself or your family.”

Save money on postage AUSTRALIA Post has introduced a concession stamp available through the MyPost Concession Account, which entitles 5.7 million eligible Australians with access to 60 cent concession stamps for the next 3 years along with concession rates on other qualifying Australia Post services and a digital mailbox. The basic postage rate increased by 10 cents to 70 cents on 31st March.

“It is vital that Australia Post ensures we provide an affordable and accessible letters service for all Australians. We remain mindful of the impact to the cost of living of an increase to the stamp price, particularly for those groups who are more dependent on our traditional services,” said Managing Director and CEO Ahmed Fahour.

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

“Last year, our mail business lost $218 million and this increase to the domestic stamp price will go some way to off-setting this loss but it will not eliminate it. The establishment of a MyPost Concession Account ensures that our services remain affordable for low income groups while maintaining our essential services for all Australians.”

MyPost Concession Account holders will receive a MyPost concession card that entitles them to 5 free concession stamps, with the option to purchase a maximum of 50 concession stamps per year.

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

The MyPost Concession Account is available to holders of the following Federal Concession cards: Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card, Department of Veteran’s Affairs Card and Veteran’s Repatriation Health Card. Eligible customers can sign up now for MyPost Concession Account at their local Australia Post outlet, or download the application form from auspost.com.au/mypost. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Tough times ahead as Federal Government axes funding for pension discounts

“I already have to rely on friends or neighbours to give me a TUCKED away in the lift to things like medical Federal Government’s appointments. Train 2014 budget is a trips to visit relatives declaration that could will be unaffordable if seriously threaten the very lifestyle of many of we have to pay full fare.” this country’s seniors.

Federal Opposition The government has families and payments announced it is axing spokeswoman Jenny the National PartnerMacklin said the budget ship Agreement on Certain Concessions for is cutting $1.3 billion in Pensioners and Seniors support and concessions for vital services.

Card Holders, starting from July 1, 2014, which “The National Partnership Agreement on will directly affect Certain Concessions discounts on council for Pensioners and rates, water and sewerSeniors Card Holders age bills, energy bills, will be axed from 1 July car registration and this year,” Ms Macklin public transport fares. said. “Either the states Without the support of Commonwealth funding, will have to pick up the it will be the responsibil- bill, or pensioners will go without important ity of state and local governments to make up discounts for essential the shortfall, or pension- services.

“Tony Abbott unilaterers will lose some of ally abolished the their discounts.

This would be a serious agreement in last week’s blow to the standard of budget, without any warning to his Liberal living for many already struggling to make ends and Labor state and territory colleagues. meet.

“This is an additional For 87-year-old penblow to pensioners, who sioner Lil Beaumont, it are also going to have may mean the decision their pensions cut to suffer the cold of because of Tony winter rather than turn Abbott, as well as being on the heater. slugged with new taxes “Every little bit counts.

You start to worry about on fuel and GP visits.

“These cuts will hurt increases in costs and more than 600,000 whether you are going Queensland pensioners, to be able to pay your including more than bills,” she said.

400,000 full-rate pen“If you are used to sioners who currently being able to pay your have no income other bills on time, this is an than the $20,000 a year issue that makes it bad they receive from the on your nerves.”

Age Pension.”

On top of increases in Pensioner discounts are household bills, jointly funded by the reducing access to state and federal discounted public governments, and in the transport will leave case of council rates, by many seniors isolated. local government. The “I’ll be stuck in my exact impact on indihome,” a worried Mrs viduals is not yet Beaumont said.

from the floor, Mr O’Neill confirmed that the majority of concessions are federally funded. If you are concerned about

By Jo Marsh

the issue of cuts to pensioner concessions, then voice your opinion directly to both your local Federal MP and any

of the independent Senators as soon as possible, before the budget changes become law.

Pensioner Lil Beaumont is seriously concerned about rising costs of living due to the Federal Government’s removal of funding for discounts to concession card holders

known, although National Seniors Australia (NSA) figures show the average pensioner receives around $800 per annum in concessions.

The 2014-15 Budget Review document, available from the Federal Parliamentary Library website, states that “… it is likely that, without this financial assistance, many concessions currently available will be withdrawn or reduced. Any changes will raise the cost of living for pensioners and retirees, particularly in terms of energy bills and transport costs.”

Speaking at the NSA Zone Conference in Toowoomba on May 21, NSA president Michael O’Neill said he was

“concerned the concessions will be halted”.

Mr O’Neill said NSA staff are still working through the figures in an attempt to quantify the proposed cuts. In response to a question

Hockey’s nip tuck budget full of little nasties, seniors say JOE Hockey’s first budget is full of little nasties - immediate and deferred - largely realised through threshold shifts in health and social services.

In the health space, consumers will be hit by the cumulative effect of substantial increases in the PBS safety net thresholds and copayments; and the extension of the muchspeculated GP copayment to pathology and imaging services.

“The cumulative cost of these health changes will be keenly felt by older Australians on small, fixed incomes,” said

National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill. In the pension area, moves to rein in costs through indexation changes; eligibility threshold freezes; and the resetting of deeming thresholds are pushed out to 2017. “Pensioners won’t feel the full weight of Hockey’s first budget until 2017,” said O’Neill.

“The decision to defer pension changes for three years is important because older Australians can reject them at the ballot box,” he said.

On the bright side, the government has announced Restart, a $10,000 wage subsidy

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

paid over two years to businesses that hire mature age people, including pensioners.

“The wage subsidy is a first step. Raising the pension age can only produce dividends if job opportunities exist for older Australians”. “We need a suite of initiatives that tackle community attitudes, promote flexibility and remove agebased legal impediments to work,” he said.

The Coalition’s election commitment to index the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card income limits has also been honoured.

Media release: National Seniors June 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 3

community news Date Claimer Seniors Information Expo U3A in Toowoomba Inc. will be organizing a Seniors Information Expo. On Wednesday the 20th August, during Seniors Week. This activity is subsidised by the Toowoomba Regional Council which allows all the public to attend free of charge.

There will be the usual 80 Information Booths, informative guest speakers, Cafeteria where you can enjoy morning tea and light lunches while meeting with your friends. Please make a note of this date in your diary. 20th August. For further particulars contact Irene Bridgeman 4636 3316 or the U3A Office in Toowoomba Phone 4687 7659

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For More Information, Please Call Bud Manthey on 0413770272 memorialrocks.com.au

Vital role of volunteers recognised at health service luncheon DARLING Downs Hospital and Health Service (DDHHS) facilities celebrated Volunteers Week with a variety of events in May. DDHHS Manager for Volunteers and Consumer Participation Services Sam Savva said the week was a highlight of the volunteers’ calendar across the health service.

“We have more than 250 volunteers across the DDHHS and Volunteers Week gives us a chance to recognise their efforts and say a very welldeserved ‘thank you’,” he said.

“Our volunteers are involved in a range of activities, for example greeting visitors, providing entertainment and companionship to residents of our aged care facilities, delivering newspapers to patients, and helping with the courier service.

“No matter what they’re involved in each and every one of them helps to make a

Page 4 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

Volunteers Ralph Fraser (left) and Coral Bliss catch up with Sam Savva, DDHHS Manager for Volunteers and Consumer Participation Services

Attending the Volunteers Week luncheon organised by Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service were (from left) Sue Jerome, Shirley Bates and Gabrielle Bianchi

difference to the lives of patients and staff every day.”

Sam Savva said the thank-you luncheon was held and had been a great success.

“It was a terrific day and it was great to see around 100 of our volunteers and supporters in attendance,” he said. “Our volunteers are a wonderful asset to the health service and the way they give so generously of their own time is remarkable.

The luncheon was an excellent way to say thank you and let them know just how much they appreciated.”

Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO Peter Rookas said the foundation was always happy to be part of any celebrations recognising the work of volunteers.

“What our volunteers do is invaluable,” he said. “They play such a special role in many of the foundation’s activities and we really can’t thank them enough.”

Community Notices NOTICE to community groups, service organisations, hobby clubs, charities and not-for-profit organisations: Did you know we will publish notices of your meetings or events in the Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper for FREE? All you have to do is send in details of your meeting or event in 150 words or less. Please make sure you add the name of your group, the date, time and place of the meeting, and a contact phone number that can be published.

Notices are not automatically run each month, so you need to submit new notices by the 28th of each month for publication in the following issue.

Send your community notices to editor@seniorsnewspaper.com.au with the words TWBA Community Notice in the subject line. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing your news.

HELLO, from the Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper team.

My name is Jo Marsh and I’ll be working as 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.

Although a relative newcomer to Toowoomba, having only lived here for 17 years, I have a long connection with the region, as my grandparents moved here in 1937. I have very happy memories of visiting in

school holidays and catching butterflies in Queens Park with home-made butterfly nets – such a simple pleasure.

I’m sure many of you have wonderful memories of growing up here, or working for one of the region’s long-established businesses.

If so, we’d love to hear from you.

To share your memories with our readers please contact me by email at toowoombaseniors newspaper@gmail.com, Mobile 0408 858 849 or through head office on 1300 880 265 or mail to, Jo Marsh, Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper, PO Box 1062, Tewantin Qld, 4565. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Garden City Branch of National Seniors

GARDEN City Branch of National Seniors Australia were pleased to make a donation of $1,000, at their Big Cuppa for Cancer, to St Andrew’s Hospital Cancer Care Unit, for patient support. In addition a donation will be made to Cancer Council as a result of a great morning of entertainment.

Two days later we were host to delegates and many members from six branches of National Seniors for the Zone 109 Conference. The conference was opened with a very informative address by TRC Mayor Paul Antonio. For the first time in many years

Hazel Gillies hands cheque to Mark Middleton

we were honoured to have National Seniors CEO Michael O’Neil present. The wide range

of subjects he covered in his keynote address was inspirational. Also present was Mark

Furness, Zone and Relationship Manager, who was able to bring us up to date on many aspects of the national organisation.

Bob Holden, Dalby Branch, was elected zone president for the next twelve months and Hazel Gillies, Garden City Branch, secretary.

Next meeting of Garden City Branch is on Monday June 16 at Drayton Bowls Club, 46 Gipps St. Drayton at 9.30am. There will be the usual bring and buy stall and raffle. Cost for the morning tea is $6.

Visitors welcome.

Guest speaker at next meeting will be Mary Sweeney of Mary’s

Family Pharmacy, Middle Ridge. Mary is well known to many of our members. She will speak on the things she deals with as a family pharmacist, and answer questions.

We always have a short bus trip in the cooler months. So we are going to Dalby Museum and Craft Centre. There is an amazing amount of old machinery in working order and the craft centre will be stocked with items for sale.

The date of the trip will be Thursday June 26.

Hazel Gillies, President National Seniors Australia Garden City Branch.

Quilters inspired by stories shared at Biggest Morning Tea

Guest speakers at the Toowoomba Quilters Club’s Biggest Morning Tea Sally Gardner (left) from Meals on Wheels Queensland and Danielle Crismani (centre) from Baked Relief are thanked by club president Janice Becker

WHEN life gets tough many people take to eating to get them through. When things went awry for Danielle Crismani, she took to baking and she hasn’t stopped since. Mrs Crismani is the founder of Baked Relief – an organisation which started up following the 2011 floods in Queensland. Separated from her boys by the floods, the Brisbane mum started baking for something to do and took to feeding SES volunteers who were sandbagging.

Mrs Crismani shared her story recently at the Toowoomba Quilters Club’s Biggest Morning Tea. Club members were fascinated to hear how Baked Relief has taken off around the state with hundreds of home bakers now providing baked relief to families affected by natural disasters.

Also speaking at the cuppa for cancer day was Sally Gardner from Meals on Wheels Queensland who shared stories of the good work the organisation does in the community. Club members have been inspired to take up Ms Gardner’s challenge to make placemats for Meals on Wheels clients and are looking forward to helping the community through this project.

Club president Janice Becker said, “It was a very informative morning.We raised upwards of $2000.We had a large table full of donated fabrics with all proceeds going to CancerResearch. Thank you to all the eager ladies who purchased fabric for their stash and helped the cause.” www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

June 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 5

community news Telstra trials world first wearable apps for hearing and vision impaired

TELSTRA recently trialled two world first wearable technology apps with a select group of employees with vision and hearing impairment to understand how they may assist enabling people with disability to become more independent in their work and home life.

The vision impaired app enables users who are blind or have vision impairment to receive audio descriptions of objects in front of them.

The hearing impaired app transcribes speech for those who are deaf or have hearing impairment, allowing them to follow a conversation, such as a meeting discussion or a speech at a conference.

Dr Hugh Bradlow, Telstra’s Chief Technology Officer said understanding the ways in which wearable technology can enhance the lives of people with disabilities is in its infancy but the future possibilities are exciting.

“Wearable technology will narrow the gap between people with and without disability to un-

dertake everyday tasks in a more efficient and comfortable way.

“For example, the vision impaired app can help a person identify the correct bathroom to use when in an unfamiliar environment.

The person wearing Google Glass simply focuses at the sign on the door, commands Google Glass to identify the object and then receives an audio description of the sign,” said DrBradlow.

The vision impaired app was trialled by Telstra employee, Kelly Schulz, who experienced the app both at work and at home.

“The vision impaired app made many every day activities so much easier, and hands free.

I was able to easily distinguish the decaf coffee tin from the full strength one in the kitchen at work, where normally I’d need to ask a colleague. And at home it made it easy to pair up matching socks, when normally near enough is good enough,” said Kelly.

Peter Miller, a Telstra employee with hearing im-

pairment was excited to learn the benefits of the hearing impaired app at work as he often finds it difficult to follow conversations in a meeting when there is more than one participant.

“The app translates what’s being said and is right in front of me on the Glass home screen so I am able to still look at people rather than having to look at my computer for a transcript of what’s been said, I feel like a more active participant at meetings now. And because you wear the Glass, there is no need to get to a meeting and set up other technology or request special services, I simply walk in and engage like the rest of the participants; it’s really exciting,” said Peter. Although there are no direct plans to offer this service to a wider group of participants at this stage, this is another step in Telstra’s journey of caring for customers and identifying emerging technologies that will provide a more brilliant connected future for everyone.

Page 6 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

National award recognises best of housing for seniors THE Department of Social Services is sponsoring the Master Builders Australia 2014 National Lifestyle Housing for Seniors Award.

The award recognises individual builders who are developing innovative housing options for older Australians and setting the pace in creating healthy, safe, comfortable, adaptable and ‘agefriendly’ housing.

The department acknowledge the importance of the link between the built environment and Australia’s ageing population. Good housing and urban design can play a major role in allowing older Australians to age

in place and remain active.

It is a fact that older people prefer to stay in their homes to maintain their independence or, if they must move, they want to stay in the same familiar locality.

It is also true that inappropriate housing or poorly designed communities are factors in people moving prematurely into residential aged care.

Master Builders CEO Wilhelm Harnisch said as Australia’s population aged, we needed to build housing that suited the changing needs of ageing residents.

“The award acknowledges best practice in design and construction,

and aims to foster a greater awareness of healthy ageing with the benefits of innovative and adaptable housing,” Mr Harnisch said.

“The continuing support for the award by the Department of Social Services highlights the importance of creating agefriendly environments that maintain and, indeed, improve the health and wellbeing of Australians of all ages.”

The award is divided into two categories – now-occupied purpose built detached dwellings and multi-unit developments.

The awards are limited to Class 1 and 2 buildings

William Harnisch . . . building housing to suit changing needs of ageing residents

yet may include dwellings that are set within a complex that provides complementary facilities to support the lifestyle of the residents.

Award winners will be recognised at a winner at Parliament House in Canberra in November.

Roma to Host Official Awards Launch THIS year Roma will host the Official Launch and Call for nominations in the Queensland Regional Achievement & Community Awards. The Awards encourage, acknowledge and reward valuable contributions and outstanding achievements of individuals, communities, networks and groups in regional and rural areas of

Queensland.

The Honourable Bruce Scott MP, Federal Member for Maranoa along with Mr Howard Hobbs, MP Member for Warrego and Cr Robert Loughnan, Mayor, Maranoa Regional Council will be welcoming the guests at the Roma Explorers Inn, on Thursday 12th June 2014.

The Regional Achievement & Community Awards will be calling for nominations in the following categories: • The Prime Super Community of the Year Award • The Peabody Environment and Landcare Award • Origin on behalf of Australia Pacific LNG Regional Service Award • The Reay Services Energy and Sustainability

Award • The Buzz Print Events and Tourism Award • The Safeguard Youth Leadership Award As the major prize patron, Commonwealth Bank will present each award winner with a $2,500 Visa Debit Mastercard Account and each winner will be put forward for the Commonwealth Bank Special Commendation Award, with the chance to win a further $2,500. Winners will be announced on the Sunshine Coast at the Gala Dinner Presentation at the Events Centre Caloundra, on Saturday 8th November 2014. Grab your nomination forms at the launch at the Roma Explorers Inn on Thursday 12th June 2014, doors

open at 9.15am, entry is free and the Launch will feature local entertainment and will be concluded with light refreshments. Please send your RSVP to info@awardaustralia.com or phone 1300 735 445 for more information .

We look forward to seeing you there.

The Queensland Regional Achievement and Community Awards are proudly supported by Queensland Country Life and Angove Family Winemakers.

Nominations close on Friday 22 nd August 2014.

For further information, please contact your local Awards Office on 1300 735 445.

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PHONE KATIE ON 4634 0471 16 STRADBROKE ST, TOOWOOMBA

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Opportunity knocks for older workers Gill MacDonald

AUSTRALIA’S younger workforce is on the decrease. The ‘baby boomers’ are heading towards retirement and there is no second ‘baby boom’ to replace them.

For the first time in Australian history, it is estimated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics that by 2056, one in every four Australians will be 65 or older. Times are changing, and many people will have to work well beyond the traditional age of retirement. Some need extra income, others are looking for personal satisfaction in doing something they enjoy, and some are simply bored and want something to do after retiring. Many mature aged workers have acquired a wide range of skills and knowledge gathered by years of practical experience.

More often than not these highly skilled workers lack formal

qualifications and are overlooked when seeking employment.

Age discrimination has been a very real problem for many Australians desperately trying to re-enter the workforce.

Fortunately, there are companies now who

prefer employing mature age people.

They know that older employees tend to stay longer, are loyal and more consistent in their work output.

Keeping older people in the workforce helps to reduce pressure on our health system and

with rich life experiences, they have a lot to offer an employer. They are also a cost effective pool of talent for employers as many only want to work part-time. In addition, the federal government has

promised increased subsidies of up to $10,000 over two years to employers who hire mature workers over 50.

Our group of four Queensland Seniors newspapers has always employed many older staff – the most mature being 86 years old.

They all bring their work ethic and valuable experience to the job. As our banner proclaims our pages are “written for seniors by seniors”.

Employers out there, pay attention! It’s time to ditch the negative stereotypes of ageing and stop age discrimination.

It’s against the law and as a society we have more to lose if we don’t utilise the services of people ages 50 onwards.

Skills and competence are what count, not age.

With local support the inaugural Foothills Festival is gaining momentum THE Foothills Festival on June 22nd will run from 9.00 am until 4.00 pm and is a showcase of what is on offer from the Withcott, Murphys Creek, Helidon, Blanchview and Flagstone Creek regions.

If you run a business, participate in a club, sporting organisation, or service group you can have a display site, interactive or otherwise, for free.

With many local groups already agreeing to be a part of this event, the community can look forward to a full day of activities.

The Art exhibition will open on the Saturday Night and promises to be a great night out with the opportunity to purchase that special piece of artwork for your home or business.

Sunday June 22nd will see sculpture workshops, children’s painting workshops, hot soups, Lions Club sausage sizzle, coffee van, face painting and a jumping castle just to name a few.

If you are interested in being a part of this community event please contact 0412 476 837 or get a Site Request form via email from artfoothillsfestival@gmail.com or from Withcott Gardens

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June 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 7

community news Country folk reconnect at annual meeting

Carer-friendly business awards nominations are now open

NOMINATIONS for the 2014 carer-friendly business awards are now open. The awards recognise Queensland employers, employees and businesses who go the extra mile to make a positive difference to the lives of carers. Carers who have experienced amazing customer service, or who work for a business that demonstrates their understanding of your role as a family carer, can fill in a nomination at www.carersqld.asn.au or call the Carer Advisory Service on 1800 242 636 to find out more. Nominations close Monday, August 18, 2014.

Mary and Ron Beahan enjoyed catching up with other former residents of Chinchilla region at the annual get-together

Ken Thorpe (left) and Geoff Bennett catch up on all the latest news at the reunion for former Chinchilla residents

FORMER residents of Chinchilla and district came together last month at the Philharmonic Complex in Toowoomba. About 45 people gathered to catch up and reminisce. Organiser Irene Bridgeman said the catch up has been a yearly event for a number of years. “It was great to see several new faces this year, as these folk have not long moved to Toowoomba,” she said. “There are hundreds of folk now calling Toowoomba home who used to reside in Chinchilla and district, so it is good to catch up with them at least once a year.”

Left: Former Chinchilla and district residents Irene Bridgeman, Tony Watson (centre) and Ron Hill had plenty to discuss at the reunion

Lifeline’s Duggan Street bookshop is moving

THE Lifeline bookshop on the Duggan Street side of the Australia Arcade in Toowoomba is on the move.

All your favourite books and familiar faces will be moving to bigger premises – upstairs in the Lifeline Emporium at 302 Ruthven Street (near Chalk Drive).

The Duggan Street store will close on Saturday June 14, and the new book section will open on June 23.

Warwick’s new Lifeline store offers affordability for the whole family

A NEW Lifeline store recently opened in Warwick.

The store will be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm, and Saturdays from 9.30am to 2pm. Pop in and say hello to the friendly staff at 30 King Street, Warwick (corner Albion Street). For more information contact 1300 991 443 or visit www.lifelinedarlingdowns.org.au.

Toowoomba Multi Service Centre

“Your home away from home” Nestled quietly on Buckland Street, in a regular suburb, is a unique home that provides a warm and welcoming place for people to gather.

When a diagnosis of alzheimers entered their life, Harold and Lori were faced with many challenges. “We’ve had a good marriage,” Lori said. “But this is the biggest challenge we’ve ever had.” Faced with the day-to-day responsibilities of looking after Harold, Lori was relieved to find out about the Toowoomba Multi-Service Centre in Buckland Street which is run by Alzheimer’s Queensland.

Housed in a beautiful, Queenslander home surrounded by peaceful gardens, the Centre is much more than a respite centre. With its comfortable furnishings and welcoming atmosphere it looks and feels like a family home. The friendly and caring staff, including respite assistants, occupational and leisure therapists, and support staff, are carefully selected and trained to be part of each person’s journey. For Harold, it is a place he can come to and feel comfortable that those around him are more than happy to see him, they understand his needs and are there to make his life as easy as possible.

Community Services Manager Theresa Buys said Buckland Street centre is an active community in its own right. It is a support and leisure centre which is about maintaining a useful lifestyle.

Activities are planned according to who will be visiting on a particular day.

“We make sure those visiting the centre have something meaningful and interesting to do,” she said. “People build new friendships and are actively involved in the community.”

Harold agrees. “We are contributing back to the community,” he said.

Not only does Harold help with Meals on Wheels deliveries, the former civil engineer enjoys visits to USQ where his knowledge of engineering is shared with students who are keen to hear from a master. He particularly values the social outings, which can include having a coffee downtown, visiting nearby towns and seeing their attractions, or playing a game of croquet at the West Toowoomba Croquet Club. If he prefers, he can watch television or movies, listen to his favourite music, help out with some handyman work, or even sleep the afternoon away - the choice is his. There is always someone to have a chat with or places he

Located at: 8 Buckland Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350, open 24hours/7days, encourages wellbeing of both the client and the carer in dementia care. We aim to improve the life of our members through supporting their dignity and independence by enabling opportunities for valued social roles within the centre and greater community.

Services offered through a specifically chosen Queenslander include: • Day and overnight respite • In-home respite • Emergency respite • Organized social and recreational activities in the community • Allied health services including: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech Pathology • 24hour helpline: 1 800 639 331 • Carer support groups • Case Management • Specialised information, support and education in dementia care • Nationally accredited courses for professionals • Community awareness program can sit in quiet contemplation. Support for carers is also paramount and Buckland Street gives them • Library Resources a place to meet regularly. “I have made good friends with some of the other carers,” Lori said. “They will often alert me to a service I didn’t know about.”

Both Harold and Lori agree that as soon as dementia diagnosis has been confirmed, the best thing to do for yourself and your loved ones is to plan ahead and register with the Centre to ensure you have expert guidance when needed.

“It’s best to come in the earlier stages, then it becomes part of our life,” Lori said. “It’s easier to develop trust by coming early and getting used to the place.” It’s this trust that makes it easy for Lori to leave Harold without worrying. “I think he has more fun coming here than I do on these days,” she said. “This place is special – they really, really care.”

Page 8 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

For further information please call

1800 639 331 or 07 4635 2966

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Charites Big Winners at Golf Day A near capacity field hit off on Friday 2nd May in the Annual Rotary Club of Toowoomba East Charity Golf Day. (at Toowoomba Golf Club Middle Ridge)..

Despite several rain storms the day was a great success with over $12,000 distributed to two worthy charities.

The beneficiaries this year were Life Education Darling Downs and Motor Neurone Disease.

These charities shared the net proceeds of the golf day $3,500 each. Also again this year the major sponsor was Heritage Bank who not only supported the day as golfers but were also sponsors of the putting green competition – a hotly contested end of day activity won by local golfer Justin Shine. Another major benefit to the selected charities this year was an

extra donation of $2,500 to each of the charities by the Count Charitable Foundation.” Count “ is the chari-

Left: John Littleproud (centre) - partner of Robertson Scannell presents a cheque from Count Charitable Foundation to Rotarian Gary Sugars representing Motor Neurone Disease Association , assisted by (right) Rotary golf day coordinator Cliff Hughes

Federal budget implications for seniors AGED pensioners will be hit with slower growth in their pension payments and tightened eligibility tests from 2017, under the Coalition’s first budget which seeks to curtail the rapidly expanding costs of the ageing population.

But the federal budget has seen the government dismiss one of the key recommendations of the Commission of Audit - to include the family home in the asset test for the aged pension. The Abbott government has confirmed the pension age will rise to 70 by 2035. In what may be an opportunity for the increasing army of older jobseekers, the government will pay subsidies of up to $10,000 over two years to

employers who hire mature workers - those over 50. From September 2017 onwards, the aged pension will no longer grow in line with average male weekly earnings - instead it will be indexed twice a year against inflation.

Mr Hockey said the move would ensure the government could “make pensions sustainable and affordable for decades to come”.

The changes to indexation for the aged pension, along with parenting payments, carers payments, Veteran Affairs pensions and the Disability Support Pensions, will save the government close to $400 million in 2017-18 alone.

Further savings of half a

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

table arm ofCount Financial through it’s local affiliate Robertson Scannell.

billion in 2017-18 will be made by freezing the eligibility thresholds for pension payments from 1 July 2017.

That means the amount pensioners can earn before their payments start being reduced, which is currently up to $156 a fortnight, will not increase year on year. The Coalition will also move to tighten the eligibility criteria for full- or part-pension payments, by determining that older Australians are earning a higher rate on investments over $30,000.

The Seniors Supplement, which provided annual payments of $876.20 for single adults who were eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health

Card, and $1320.80 for couples, has been scrapped. And the eligibility criteria around the health card has been tightened, now taking into account untaxed superannuation. But the income thresholds for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card will be indexed annually against the Consumer Price Index, which will mean about 27,000 more self-funded retirees will not lose out on the entitlement because of modest changes in their incomes.

The Seniors Health Care and Pension Concession Cards have also been hit, with the government axing a range of concessions which will save the

budget $1.3 billion over four years.

The Coalition has also scrapped the Mature Age Workers Tax Offset which provided tax concessions of up to $500 for people over 55 who had a net income from working.

Aged care has also been hit in the budget, with the government saving $1.7 billion over six years from 1 July 2018 by slowing the growth in the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

Another $652 million has been saved over the next four years by scrapping Payroll Tax Supplement payments to eligible aged care providers from 1 January 2015.

Source:news.com.au

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June 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 9

community news Former Harristown High staff renew friendships and remember the good old days A GROUP of exteachers and staff from Harristown State High School have been getting together regularly to rekindle friendships forged during their time at the school.

The Harristown Old Teachers Society, or HOTSHOTS as they are known, has been meeting up for lunch once a month at the City Golf Club.

When not travelling or helping with grandchildren, nearly 50 retired staff members have Reminiscing about the good old days at South Street are (from left) John Bestmann, Barbara Ford, attended the regular gatherings to Bill Ford, Linda Broadbent and Ian Corkill reminisce about the good old days in South Street. The group was started at the instigation of Brian and Marg Gilroy who both taught at Harristown for more than 20 years. All former staff members are welcome to come along.

Anyone interested in joining in should Brian Gilroy (left), Peter Nightingale and Marg contact Brian on Gilroy catch up at the monthly get-together for Norm and Ilene Cuples enjoy meeting up with old briangilroy58 former teachers and staff members of friends at the monthly HOTSHOT lunches @gmail.com.

Harristown State High School

Travel group share memories of European Christmas markets

Raising money for the Cancer Council are members of the U3A travel group (from left) Margaret Walker, Pearl Logan, Coralie McArthur and Dulcie McIntyre.

THE U3A travel group shared some wonderful travel memories recently and at the same time raised funds for the Cancer Council by hosting a Biggest Morning Tea. This year their morning tea brought in $252.50. Mick and Diann O’Mara showed a DVD of their trip to Europe for the winter Christmas markets which highlighted the interesting items for sale and the festive street entertainment. Of particular interest was the German food and the way it was presented. The U3A travel group meet every Tuesday at HumeRidge Church during term time. For more information on U3A classes go to www.u3atoowoomba.com.

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community news Deputy PM’s slur on retirees “insulting”

DEPUTY Prime Minister Warren Truss’s claim that older Australians are squandering their superannuation on extravagant cruises and later falling on the Age Pension is ill informed and a slur on the frugal money management of older Australians, says National Seniors Australia At the Conservative Breakfast Club in Brisbane, Mr Truss reportedly said: “Increasingly, the lifestyle and the savings for superannuation are being seen as an opportunity to enjoy a few cruises and the luxuries of life for a few years until it runs out and then people wish to fall back on the age pension.”

National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill said the Nationals leader’s comments were “insulting” for people who struggled on a daily basis to get by, balancing their budget and retaining their dignity.

“Retirees who work hard their whole life to save for retirement don’t go and throw it up against the wall just to get a pension, it makes no sense at all,” he said.

“Where is the evidence to suggest retirees are blowing their savings on extravagant cruises and then expecting to live off the Age Pension?

O’Neill pointed to recent evidence from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) which showed seniors who withdrew lump sum payments from their superannuation had used the money to better secure their future.

The majority of retirees (32 per cent) paid off their home, paid for home improvements or bought a new home; while 22 per cent invested their money.

“At the end of the day, it is their money and there comes a point where politicians need to respect the maturity and decision making of older Australians,’’ he said.

O’Neill cautioned that politicians supported by extravagant superannuation and other benefits should be very careful about criticising the spending habits of those with much lower entitlements.

Media release: National Seniors

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Expo creates opportunity for Darling Downs carers to gain valuable insights into available services

Representatives of support organisations for carers were keen to hear about government reforms into aged care

THE world of a carer is never more out of control than when the ruling government decides to make changes to the budget. Last month, in the midst of major budget decisions, carers were left wondering where they sat in relation to new reforms relating to tiers of income assessment for home and residential care.

As those in control sought to wrestle another dollar from another place, those on the ground in Toowoomba were given access to the meat and bones of services available at the Carers Queensland and Medicare Local seminar and market place held at the Toowoomba Golf Club.

Sally Hewesfrom Carers Queensland said there was a good attendance from support organisationswho turned up at the Darling Downs South West Queensland Home and Community Care Forumto hear about government reforms.

“This was the second event we’ve held,” she said. “We had about 50 people at the first one, and nearly 90 people at this

one. We hope to hold another event in October.”

The afternoon was open to carers and the general public who had access to 24 service providers who supplied information and advice on a range of topics including patient transport, meals on wheels, respite centres, the home and community care (HACC) program, and much more.

Peter Kinson from Carers Queensland said there are half a million carers in Queensland alone.

“Many Australians simply don’t realise but at some stage in our lives we are likely to become a carer for a family member, or require care ourselves,” he said. “Statistically, one in three people will become a carer in their lifetime. Life just totally changes. Your whole financial situation could change.”

For more information about Carers Queensland go to www.carersqld.asn.au or call 4632 8922.

June 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 11

community news NSA Toowoomba Branch - Mystery Trip

PASSENGERS on our Mystery Trip on May 15 were kept guessing right up to the last moment.

After heading out along the Cecil Plains Road past the airport construction site atWellcamp, through Biddeston and past the huge Beef City Feedlot, the bus suddenly swung

North along the narrow Jondaryan - Mt Tyson Rd to the Warrego Highway and then back down the JondaryanEvanslea Rd to our surprise destination the historic Jondaryan Woolshed.

Built in 1859 the Woolshed at Jondaryan was the largest and

by Neville Fry

grandest in the world. In its heyday it boasted 52 shearing stands and could handle 3,000 sheep at a time. It remains the largest most original of any woolshed left in Australia.

Other heritage buildings on the site include the Lagoon Creek Homestead, built in the 1880’s

Do you want to know how to store your vegetables in your fridge, so that they stay fresh for two to four weeks or more?

Mystery Solved! Destination - Jondaryan Woolshed

It’s so simple, and it will save you lots of money like I have!

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

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

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

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

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

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

with wide wrap-around verandas and detached kitchen, the Bank of NSW building fromOakey, the Flagstone Creek Public Hall and the Woodview State School and

school house. Our day at the woolshed included damper and billy tea, a shearing demonstration and a camp oven lunch in the Lagoon Creek Homestead.

Shearing Demonstration at Jondaryan Woolshed

Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea NATIONAL Seniors Toowoomba Branch’s Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea on Thursday May 2 was a most informative occasion. Mark Middleton, CEO of Radiation Oncology Queensland spoke about the capabilities of the latest linear accelerator installed at St Andrew’s Hospital last year. With the addition of

National Seniors Toowoomba Branch President Neville Fry presents a cheque to Cancer Council Queensland’s Joan Billingsley at the Branch’s Biggest Morning Tea

In their own homes

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Page 12 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

the new machine, the St tually all patients from Andrew’s Radiation Toowoomba and surTherapy Unit can treat vir- rounding areas at minimal

cost thereby removing the need for patients to travel to Brisbane. Cancer Council Queensland’s Joan Billingsley shared some of the latest statistics on the incidence of cancer and filled us in on the latest developments at Olive McMahon Lodge. The Lodge provides free accommodation to cancer patients and their carers, and now has its own bus which helps ferry patients to and from medical appointments, therapy sessions and shopping centres. The Branch was pleased to present Joan with a donation of $1000 to support the work of the Cancer Council.

Zone Conference AT the National Seniors Zone Conference held at the Drayton Bowls Club on May 21, representatives of branches in South West Queensland gathered to swap notes on their activities over the past year and to hear the latest on the federal budget from National Seniors Australia CEO, Michael O’Neill.

Mr O’Neill made it clear that seniors were being asked to bear the brunt of the Abbott Government’s National Seniors “heavy lifting”.

Australia CEO Along with many other addresses the NSA Zone Conference in commentators, Mr O’Neill believes low and Toowoomba on May 21

middle income earners will be hit hardest by the savings measures in the budget.

What becomes of many of the budget measures has yet to be finalised in the Commonwealth and State parliaments, and National Seniors is well placed through Michael O’Neill and his staff to monitor developments and to lobby all sides on behalf of seniors.

If you are over 50 and not already a member of National Seniors, now would be a good time to join by telephoning 1300 76 50 50.

Every voice counts!

Coming Events OUR next bus trip will be a Toowoomba tour on Thursday June 19 departing at 9.00am and featuring morning tea at Picnic Point, a visit to the fascinating Main Roads Museum and lunch at Crazy Gallagher’s in the Wilsonton Hotel. The cost will be $45. At our morning tea meeting at Regents on the Lake on July 3, Colleen Middleton from Diabetes Australia will take us through some important information about Type 2 Diabetes and how it can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle. Our morning teas cost $10. Enquiries and bookings for any of our activities may be made by phoning June on 4635 9796 or Yvonne on 4638 5252.

Neville Fry, president NSA Toowoomba Branch www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Delicious recipes win the taste test at book launch A NEW recipe book, Friendship Food – Delicious Feelgood Food was launched in Toowoomba, after more than seven years in the making.

The unique self-help recipe book is the first for self-published coauthors Felicity Philp of Allora, Kate Owen of North Star, NSW, and Julie Reardon from Goondiwindi, and promises to have something for everyone wanting a healthier lifestyle. “We are so thrilled to finally present our book and we hope that our creation helps put people on a path to a healthier life by giving them a simple, easy-tofollow resource,�

Felicity Philpsaid.

The idea behind the recipe book was born from Felicity’s desperate search for a healthy option to deal with the autoimmune disease Scleroderma. “I was inspired to change my diet and I found since creating my own recipes, my health

Supporting the book launch were the author’s parents and friends (back, from left) Ellen Allan and SachiSakaguchi, (front, from left) GuchiSakaguchi and Graeme Allen

Kate Owen (left), Felicity Philp (centre) and Julie Reardon launched their book of healthy recipes at the Downs Club

improved immeasurably and my life changed in so many ways. Friendship Food is a result of this positive path I found myself on with Julie and Kate,�Mrs Philp said.

Warwick General Practitioner, Dr Louise Clarke, spoke at the

launch and said Felicity’s story reinforces the fact that for some, good health is not a given. “Poor lifestyle choices drive so much of our 21st century disease burden, and I hope that Felicity’s book can enlighten those who

need encouragement to make better choices,�

Dr Clarke said.

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio joined author Jane Grieve to officially launch the new book at The Down’s Club in Toowoomba, where more than 250 guests

sampled food from this unique recipe book.

While the book boasts more than 70 unique recipes, Friendship Food – Delicious Feelgood Food also tells the story of the friendship between three rural women and their love for food.

Dell Mayne (seated) and Ann Strahley agreed that the food from the Friendship Food cook book tasted “too gorgeous to be healthy�

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community news Comfortable, efficient low-cost stairlifts a giant step for freedom and independence TO paraphrase Neil Armstrong’s words on first setting foot on the moon: ‘That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for freedom and independence for the elderly”. Sydney-based Acorn Stairlifts has certainly taken a giant step in low-cost efficiency to overcome the problem that steps create for the disabled or those in advancing years.

General manager Doug Jack, who introduced the UK company to Australia eight years ago, says the recurring comment from the many thousands of customers worldwide is: “I wish I had installed my stairlift earlier. Now I can get about my home without becoming exhausted or fearful of falling”.

Mr Jack says a stairlift from Acorn is surprisingly affordable, installed quickly and efficiently, and can give back the freedom and indepen-

dence once enjoyed by our loved ones.

“It’s often difficult to face up to decreased mobility caused by ageing or failing health, and the tendency is to battle on,” he said. “But now there’s a solution at the best price for the problem of stairs both inside and out, straight or with corners.”

Many people want to continue living in their own home, but loss of mobility can make it increasingly difficult to climb up and down stairs.

Acorn, which has been manufacturing and installing stairlifts for more than 18 years, has ‘kept in step’ with new technology which has improved reliability, efficiency, comfort – and cost.

“Back in 2005 a stairlift system would have cost over $7500; today a far better system is available for up to $5000,” Mr Jack said. “And a payment plant to be introduced in

June will provide a quicker, low-cost option to have a stairlift installed.”

Acorn is the only manufacturing company as a group to be set up in Australia. The basic components for its stairlifts are built at Acorn’s headquarters in West Yorkshire and the electronic technology is installed at a factory south of Edinburgh in Scotland.

“So the stairlifts are provided direct from the manufacturer to the end user, which streamlines the service and, importantly, saves money for consumers,” Mr Jack said.

“Simplicity of use is also a feature,” he says. “Just push a button and up you go – in comfort and safety.”

The Acorn stairlifts are designed also for going round corners inside the home and for outside use in a straight lift up stairs,

What are the proposed changes in relation to high and low care?

CURRENT legislation will be amended after 1st July 2014 to remove the distinction between care recipients approved for high level residential care or low level residential care. Care recipients will continue to be approved as recipients of residential care based on an assessment of their care needs; however, the approval will be for residential care without any distinction between whether the person requires a low level of residential care or a high level of residential care.

The effect of this is that care recipients will be able to access the level of care Acorn Stairlifts – that they need at their time of entry into giving back freedom residential care rather than being limand independence for ited by their approval; and there will no the elderly longer be different rules for providers so often a feature of the of high care versus low care. This will

‘old Queenslander’ style homes.

Acorn’s experienced consultants will assess individual situations sensitively and professionally, and will offer practical advice and the best solution at the best price for any difficulties with stairs.

Contact Acorn Stairlifts on (02) 9986 1567 or email d j a c k @ a c o r n stairlifts.com.au

streamline the system for providers.

As at 30th June 2014, there will be care recipients who have been approved for residential care and had their approval limited to low care but have not yet entered care, and also care recipients who have been approved for residential care and had their approval limited to low care and are currently receiving low level residential care.

Provisions will be included in the legislation to ensure that, from July this year all approvals for residential care that were given before 1 July 2014 (and were limited to low level residential care) are no longer limited to low care; and residential care approvals (that were in force on 30 June 2014) will not lapse but may expire if they were explicitly time limited.

The toilet seat that changed my life TREVOR Brown was reading this paper the other day and came across a story about a toilet seat that would wash and dry you clean, it just replaces an existing toilet seat and installation is simple!

Having suffered from a medical condition for years Mr Brown decided to investigate further. He called THE BIDET

SHOP® Sunshine Coast on 1800 140 900, and Michael explained that the seat worked by “pressing the wash button on the remote control and a stream of aerated warm water cleans you, and then an in-built fan dries you with warm air.”

Trevor purchased the Bidet and had it delivered to his home a few days

later. Mr Brown said the Bidet was the best investment he had made for his personal health and hygiene, “After years of toileting problems I don’t find going to the loo is an issue.”

To Change Your Life, for more information or to Purchase, please call Michael or Annette on Freecall 1800 140 900.

M-4PM PEN 8A BLE - O A IL A V A COUNT RS DIS SENIO

Page 14 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

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community news Gardenfest Visitors Choose their favourite Garden Sculpture evolves into a story, I need to tell through my art,” said Dawn.

Dawn’s sculptures are whimsical expressive figures with endearing characteristics which charmed many visitors at Gardenfest.

DESPITE the weather, thousands of diehard visitors came to vote for their favourite sculpture displayed at the Toowoomba Gardenfest on 2-4 May at the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE, Toowoomba.

After all the votes were counted, the overwhelming winner of the Gardenfest Art & Sculpture Competition was Remember Days Like this?, by sculptor Dawn Conn of Brisbane.

Dawn acquired her inspiration from her Grandfather‘s fishing stories – a time of tranquil peace and reflection. This delightful sculpture was made from recycled industrial steel, timber post from Dawn Conn’s winning entry – “Remember Days Brisbane’s Botanical Like This? Inspired by her Grandfather’s fishing Gardens boardwalk, stories recycled jeans and Photograph courtesy of Lucy RC Photography materials, plus a fishing by hand and each one is net from the 1930s. visitor to Toowoomba Dawn who is a regular creates all her sculptures an original and labour of love. “I draw great inspiration from childhood memories and love The winners of last month’s competition for bringing vintage items passes to the 2014 Toowoomba Model Train back to life. I work Exhibition were: through these memories Peter Hatch, Nev Mills, Bevan Edwards to identify a thread, Mrs J Melton, Archer Lorenz emotion or energy that Thank you to all who entered. exists, which then

“We were delighted with the quality of exhibits which came through this year,” said Gardenfest Organiser Jenny Marsden. “We look forward to building on this momentum and showcasing works from

more artists and sculptors at Gardenfest 2015.”

Toowoomba residents can see more of Dawn Conn’s delightful sculptures on display at Mrs Marjorie Martin’s exhibition garden during the Toowoomba Carnival

of Flowers 19-29 September. Dawn is participating in several exhibitions in Brisbane including the Fine Art Sculpture exhibit at the Royal Queensland Show in August. For details go to rubyandiris.com.au.

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June 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 15

community news Model train exhibition captures the imagination of railway enthusiasts

TRAIN buffs turned out in their hundreds to this year’s Toowoomba model train exhibition held at the showgrounds.

Organised by the Darling Downs Model Railway Club, the exhibition had something for all ages. Full working displays in a variety of scales captured life in miniature from farm lands and sugar cane plantations, to harbour cities, mining towns and an amazingly detailed reproduction of London streets and underground railway.

The Coffs Harbour Railway Modellers mounted an enormous exhibit which included a working drive-in theatre showing a real black and white movie current to the era of the display.

Among the seasoned exhibitors were a few first-timers including Darling Downs club member Ross Stower, who entered his display of the village “Rossmoor”, which captured the essence of the hobby. Ross and his partner Rosalie Loring

Representing DownsSteam (from left) Bob Pezet, Clyde Baker, Malcolm Martin and Benjamin Martin

Members of Coffs Harbour Railway Modellers Mike Clayton and Charles Reid show a small part of the vast display their group assembled at the Toowoomba model train exhibition

were thrilled with their recent win in the Seniors Newspaper of tickets to the Brisbane model train

exhibition. “We had a great day,” Rosalie said.

“Thank you to the Seniors for the tickets.”

Darling Downs Model Railway Club members Anne Dodds and Liam Turnbull, 15, sell train magazines at the model train exhibition. Liam has been a member since he was five years old

Toowoomba’s natural attractions and diverse community just waiting to be enjoyed GLENDA Tolley of U3A Rainbow Writers group shares her thoughts on living in Toowoomba. She writes: Coming from the city of Adelaide, Toowoomba was like an oasis with its treelined streets and perfectly kept parks. I often wish that I could paint them in their true glory but sadly my skills are lacking and my amateurish attempts to capture the serenity and beauty of them would not do them justice.

Where else could you shop in a centre and as you emerge the vista of some of Toowoomba is before your eyes. How many of the locals look around as they exit Toowoomba Plaza to see kilometres of trees and buildings typifying this wonderful country city. I wouldn’t swap Toowoomba for anywhere else. It is an idyllic spot to raise families and educate

Toowoomba’s trees and beautiful parks provide solace for the jaded eye

children, and the number of sports and activities available would put some major cities to shame. There is no reason for anyone to be lonely as there are various clubs to suit all tastes. If you are lonely in Toowoomba it is because you are not making an effort to join in such an engaging community. Don’t be shy – come on out and play. There are lots of

people in various age groups that you can associate with in whichever endeavour you choose. If it all seems a little overwhelming at first, try volunteering or be an active member of a club instead of a wall flower.

No-one knows where you live it is up to the individual to make their own conscious decision to join a group and become involved.

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

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

Page 16 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

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community news Hundreds of dogs and their humans take to the streets for RSPCA

By Jo Marsh

THE great thing about dogs is that they don’t care if they are pedigreed pooches or mixedheritage mutts. Give them something interesting to sniff, chase or eat and they are happy. The hundreds of dogs that descended on Queens Park for this year’s RSPCA Million Paws Walk had plenty to keep them happy.

To start the day, most took their humans for a walk around the block, followed by some well-earned time out on the grass. A good round of sniffing and new friendships were made, and a lucky few scored some doggy treats and even a barbecued sausage or two.

The energetic ones showed off their skills at the lure coursing provided by the Warwick Lure Coursing Club.

While the Coolies and working dogs strained at their leashes to have a go and the tough little Jack Russells were ready for the thrill of the kill, it

was the less enthusiastic ones that entertained the crowds as they watched their humans running the course trying to encourage them to join in the “fun”.

The Million Paws Walk is the RSPCA’s biggest annual fundraising event and Maree Fenton, assistant shelter manager at RSPCA in Toowoomba, said the day was a great success.

“It was a really great day,” she said. “Around 1000 people came with about 500 dogs and the weather really turned it on for our three walks. We raised $17,000, just in Toowoomba.

I’d like to thank the Friends of the RSPCA who did a great job organising the day.”

Right: Jake Naumann (13) caught up with his neighbour Pat DeVoss, and her rescuedogs Molly and Zac, and Russ Layton, and his Old English Sheepdogs, Shadow and Bentley, at the RSPCA Million Paws Walk

Right: Joining in the fun at Queens Park, Gordon Lawes said he keeps fit walking his daughter’s Siberian Huskies, Tilly and Storm

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.

Above: Jessie Gould and Mayham, a Rhodesian Ridgeback x Bull Mastiff, joined hundreds of others at the Million Paws Walk to raise money for the RSPCA’s biggest fundraiser of the year

Above: Kym Hogan and Pebbles the Pomeranian find a quiet spot in Queens Park during the RSPCA Million Paws Walk

Right: Supporting the Million Paws Walk fundraising day at Queens Park were (from left) Wacol RSPCA volunteer Nicole White, Toowoomba volunteer Trish Haddan, Gabrielle Adams and David McGuinness

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 www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

June 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 17

LAW, FINANCE and YOU A reminder about the importance of ensuring your estate planning documents reflect your wishes IN the recent Queensland case of McIntosh v McIntosh the Court was asked to deal with the question of whether an executor has a duty to seek to have superannuation death benefits paid to the estate. At stake was $450,000 in superannuation proceeds.

Briefly James McIntosh was not married, had no children and was

survived by his separated parents.

James died without a Will with assets of approximately $80,000 in his personal estate and $450,000 in superannuation funds.

He had made nonbinding death benefit nominations in favour of his mother.

Under the intestacy rules because there was no will, James’ parents were entitled to share equally in the

estate.

His mother applied to be appointed as the administrator of the estate and after her appointment she claimed the super benefits directly and in doing so bypassed the estate.

The father brought a claim that the mother was in breach of her duty as administrator of the estate to call in

the assets of the estate and the Court agreed.

Clearly, the situation in this case could have been avoided if James McIntosh had attended adequately to his estate planning. So while it seems James intended to pass his entire superannuation payout to his mother the Court decision meant it had to be split evenly between both

his parents.

A Will and binding nominations in favour of his mother would have achieved the outcome he seemingly desired.

This decision is likely to make trustees of externally managed superannuation funds nervous about their decision making processes, which may lead to delays in

distributing death benefits.

In the context of an SMSF, this case could potentially lead to the implication that an executor who also assumes control of a deceased party’s SMSF is bound to distribute the death benefits to the estate.

This decision highlights the unintended consequences of

failing to have a Will prepared and also the need to ensure an experience estate planning lawyer gives you the right advice to ensure ALL your estate planning documents will achieve your desired outcome.

For further information contact Sheelagh Gray, Gray Lawyers, 07 4613 5794. www.gray lawyers.com.au

Seniors and the myth of 3% inflation MOST readers will remember the inflationary spiral in the mid 1970s. Many will also remember similar times in the early 1950s.

During those periods, it seemed as if prices were being adjusted weekly – and always upwards.

But for the past few years, the Reserve Bank (RBA) has been telling us that inflation in Australia is sitting comfortably within the 2% - 3% band that the RBA thinks is the best rate for our economy.

While this may be true on average, someone with their head in the fridge and their feet in the oven is also, on average, feeling

comfortable. In terms of inflation, seniors are more likely to be entirely in the fridge, or the oven, and not feeling comfortable at all.

The problem with a national measure of inflation is that one size does not fit all.

Seniors don’t, in most cases, care if mortgage rates change, or the price of new cars changes – but we do care if our medical insurance goes up, or our council rates go up, or electricity prices go up. For that reason, the ABS has, since June 1998, calculated Living Cost Indexes (LCIs) for different categories of people.

These don’t receive the same media publicity as the CPI, maybe because they couldn’t be explained in a 30-second news grab, but probably because they result in values which are very similar to the headline CPI. For example, the March 2014 quarter showed: LCI (aged pensioners) 3.0% pa; LCI (selffunded retirees) 2.9% pa; CPI 2.9% pa.

But just how relevant are the published figures to seniors? For one retired couple, actual household expenditure on key items – generally the non-discretionary items – in the years to

April 2012, 2013 and 2014 proves that the inflation rate as experienced by seniors is well in excess of the published rate of around 3%.

Some of the actual expenditures recorded were medical insurance (2012- $2,733; 2013$2,918; 2014- $3,164) and house insurance (2012- $382; 2013- $562; 2014- $708).

In this real-life example, the total costs for this retired couple in the categories listed were: year to April 2012 $23,001; year to April 2013 - $25,539; year to April 2014 - $27,441.

These figures show an increase of 11.03% for the year to April 2013,

and 7.45% for the year to April 2014, on nondiscretionary items – a far cry from the annual 3% inflation figure the ABS tells us we are experiencing.

A further complication for seniors comes with the reduction in interest rates over the past few years, especially since the GFC. A reduction in income has the same net effect as an increase in prices, but because the LCI calculations are based solely on outlays, the reduction in income is not included.

That, however, is a subject for another day.

Contributed by John Graham.

Electricity costs blow out for older Queenslanders SENIORS in Queensland can expect to see their electricity bills rise by approximately $200 a year after the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) announced significant price

increases today.

Average electricity charges for smaller senior households will increase by 16 per cent from 1 July 2014 meaning an approximate $200 annual increase on the

average bill for seniors.

This is much more than the typical residential customer which will face an average 13.6 per cent increase.

National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill said the charges would hit the hip-pocket of all

seniors, especially struggling pensioners.

“These increases are again punishing pensioners and other seniors who are low energy users,’’ O’Neill said.

“Many will go without their heaters in winters and their fans/air conditioning in

summer because they simply can’t afford the escalating prices.

“Older Queenslanders entitled to electricity concessions will be watching next week’s state budget with great interest to see if the concessions keep in line with these latest increases.”

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

MOBILE SERVICE - WE COME TO YOU Page 18 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

• Senior Living Arrangements

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

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

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

LAW, FINANCE and YOU Tougher tests for self-funded retirees THE federal government has confirmed its intention to impose a tougher income test for self-funded retirees to receive the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. The Budget targets well-off retirees by making it harder for them to access the card.

Finance and risk management group Deloitte explained that the government will reset the deeming thresholds from $46,600 to $30,000 for singles, and from $77,400 to $50,000 for couples. “Aligning with the incomes test for pension eligibility, an individual’s superannuation pension will be included in the incomes test for the health card.

But the government will not include the family home in the means test,” Deloitte stated.

The government has confirmed its intentions to increase the age pension to 70 starting in 2035. This move has been welcomed by the chief executive of the Financial Services Coun-

John Brogden . . . increasing the age pension to 70 a reasonable reform

cil John Brogden. “Raising the pension age to 70 years by 2035 is an important, necessary and reasonable reform given the increasing life expectancy of Australians,” Mr Brogden said.

“Many Australians starting work today will live for more than one century. It is critical that the increased life expectancy of Australians is the driver for age pension and superannuation policy, so future generations of taxpayers are not burdened with the cost of an ageing population.

“The government needs to match the age pension increase with an increase in preservation age to 65,” he added.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

Not so super: Australian retirees are struggling as twilight beckons AUSTRALIA’S $1.7 trillion ‘super industry’ – bigger than the country’s annual economic output – provides more than $72 billion a year in retirement funds, double the regular federal pension.

And it’s held up as a model for other developed countries.

But the industry is plagued by high fees and a narrow range of products for retirees in which to invest their savings. Coupled with poor spending decisions by retirees – who often cash in their ‘super’ and splash out on holidays and cars – it has meant more Australians are outliving their investments. Faced with an ageing population, as the baby boom generation heads into retirement, the government acknowledges the system is inadequate, with federal pensions – the so-called age pension – now soaking up a bigger chunk of national revenue. The government plans to

raise the retirement age for the standard pension to 70 by 2035.

A report by Reuters says the superannuation system, which has grown rapidly since its 1992 launch, is likely to be a focus of the Financial System Inquiry, a governmentnominated panel that will make recommendations to reform the financial services sector over the next decade. The panel’s first observation is due by mid-year. Not having enough money saved in their ‘super’ accounts for retirement will make retirees more dependent on government pensions, and poses fiscal risks as most superannuation savings are currently channelled into the housing market, according to the Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR).

In an example, Reuters said when Sydney woman Christine Leaves quit full-time work in her late-50s, she spent most of her small retirement savings on a new car.

Super casts shadow .. seniors have narrow range of products in which to invest their savings

Now 67, and relying on a government pension, she’s back at work as a part-time publicist to make ends meet.

Leaves, who says she had to sell all her investments to afford to move to the quiet retirement village where she now lives on the outskirts of Sydney, is among hundreds of thousands of Australian retirees who outlive their superannuation – mandatory retirement

funds – highlighting shortcomings in the world’s fourth-biggest retirement savings industry.

Leaves says her ‘super’ didn’t really help her plan her retirement.

“The amount was really insignificant,” she said, adding she could never afford to retire completely.

“We didn’t have any education (about super), employers never spoke about it, we were

never encouraged (to save),” she said.

Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey has flagged possible changes to superannuation rules before the next election.

He said he is looking at areas such as superannuation to better prepare Australians for the change, saying the government would have “more to say about retirement incomes further down the track”.

June 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 19

community news Quality hair and beauty services at affordable prices – it doesn’t get better than that!

THE cost of having your hair done regularly can make quite a dent in your budget these days. As for beauty treatments, many of us only dream about enjoying a luxurious facial, pampering pedicure or relaxing massage. Well, here’s a little secret. You can get top quality hair and beauty treatments at really affordable prices right here on the Darling Downs. Where? At TAFE Queensland South West in Toowoomba.

Just ask Cathy Beckman and Margaret Beaufoy – they have known about this little secret and enjoyed its services for more than 13 years.

“I come twice a week for a treatment and set,” Mrs Beckman said. “I highly recommend it. It’s very relaxing here and the prices are very reasonable.”

The pair have become good friends and enjoy the social occasion as much as the treatments they receive.

TAFE team leader Paula Hughes said that all the services are provided by students or apprentices and are carried out under close supervision.

“It’s very important for the students to be able to work on real clients as everyone’s hair is different,” she said.

“All their work is closely supervised.”

Ms Hughes said that customers should allow a little longer for their appointments as the students were still learning however they were under the supervision of industry experienced

Cathy Beckman (seated, left) and Margaret Beaufoy (seated, right) love being pampered at the hair and beauty salons at TAFE Queensland South Westin Toowoomba. They are seen here with Victoria Witley (left) and Jamee Farquharson who are completing Certificate III in hairdressing through the apprenticeship pathway, while working at The Hair Shop

QCWA handcraft mornings THE QCWA handcraft mornings are held on the first Monday and third Wednesday of each month at the centre at 263 Margaret Street at 9am.

Anyone interested in a morning of friendship while learning new handcraft skills, including knitting and crochet for left handers, is most welcome and invited to call Ruby on 4630 3522 for further information.

Vanessa Laverty photo exhibition at Crows Nest Art Gallery EVOCATIVE landscape images feature in a June photographic exhibition at Crows Nest Regional Art Gallery. Reflections by Vanessa Laverty will be shown at the Gallery from June 4 to 29. The exhibition presents an abstract and unique perspective of the landscape captured by the contemporary photographer. Vanessa was born and raised in western Queensland and Toowoomba and has refined an individual approach to capture landscapes using various techniques.

professionals. Clients could also expect the same high quality products they were likely find in any commercial salon. With two fully-equipped hair dressing salons, a beauty parlour and massage centre, the students receive industry current training and finish their courses “job ready”.

While the majority of clients are women, Ms Hughes said that men are particularly welcome to attend as it gave the students a chance to learn to cut men’s hair, and experience beard and moustache trims. A full range of hairdressing services is available including cuts, styling, foils, perms, colour and trims. Beauty services include facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and makeup application plus much more. Clients can also enjoy massage and aromatherapy services and day spa-style treatments.

All services are available to the public by appointment. The salons are located on the first floor of TAFE at 100 Bridge Street, and there is a lift and wheelchair access, and disabled parking at the front. For more information or to book an appointment phone 4694 1660. If the phone is busy, leave your name and number and your call will be returned.

Mrs Beaufoy’s face lights up when she talks of her experiences at the TAFE salons. “I have never gone away dissatisfied,” she said. Now, that’s a recommendation.

Toowoomba Day VIEW Club COME along to our Luncheon on Tuesday 10th June 2014, 11am for 11:30am start. The venue is Regents on the Lake and our Guest Speaker Senior Sgt of Police.

The topic for this date is The Mature Drive.

Lunch is two course meal $20.00 plus Raffle and Lucky Door. Booking by Sunday 8th June to Marlene on 4636 1311.

Garden City Ladies model fashions at Big Cuppa for Cancer

Irene Earsman Page 20 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

Janne Home

Raelene Packer

Deniece Dean www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

community news Residents get behind biggest morning tea at Kingfisher Gardens IT IS no small order to produce a morning tea for more than 100 people but that’s exactly what the dedicated residents at Kingfisher Gardens Lifestyle Village did last month to support the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea. Not only did they put on a tasty spread but their fundraising efforts were amazing.

Organiser Betty McDonald said the morning tea has been very well supported since she started it a few years back. “We normally get

about 120 people each year,” she said. “We have raised nearly $30,000 over the last four years.” Kingfisher Gardens resident Max Mills was compere for the morning and called the winning numbers for more than 100 raffle prizes – the major prize being a beautiful quilt made by Mrs Betty Fawcett. Mr Mills said this year’s morning tea raised more than $4600 and Mrs McDonald and her helpers had done a magnificent job.

Betty Goody (left), Biggest Morning Tea organiser Betty McDonald (centre) and helper Janice Mills take time out to enjoy a cuppa at the Kingfisher Gardens Lifestyle Village

Supporting the Kingfisher Village’s Biggest Morning Tea are (from left) Betty Fawcett, Nancy Lawrence and Ellen Green Sisters Kathy Costello (left) and Marie Genoich enjoy the tasty treats at the Biggest Morning Tea

Smile with confidence Prof Matthias Bickel Dr med dent (berne, Switzerland), Phd, Specialist SSRD Stephanie Broadbent (left) and Glenda Walter welcomed guests to the morning tea at Kingfisher Gardens Lifestyle Village

Cousins Margaret Kerlin (left) and Sue McNelley had fun trying to guess the number of beans in the coffee jar

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June 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 21

FEELING GOOD

dent n e p e d In g in y a t S and New app tips the scales for Queenslanders

A NEW app launched in May is the latest weapon in the fight against overweight and obesity, with figures showing only 12 per cent of Queensland adults are a healthy weight and lead healthy lifestyles.

The Health & Fitness Age Challenge app was launched by the State Government to help residents get healthier and happier – an initiative backed by Cancer Council Queensland.

The obesity epidemic has grown to uncontrollable proportions in

Page 22 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

Queensland. We have the highest rate of obesity in the country – more needs to be done to help people get healthy. Having a poor diet and inactive lifestyle can lead to overweight or obesity, which increases the risk of a range of chronic diseases – including some cancers.

Getting your health back on track doesn’t necessarily mean overhauling your whole lifestyle – it can be a few small

changes to your meals or physical activity habits that can make a big difference. Queenslanders are invited to join the QUEST to live a healthier life at quest.org.au. The Health & Fitness Age Challenge app is available for download at healthier.qld. gov.au. More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.

Seniors Celebrate the Health & Fitness Age Challenge App

You are never too old to lose weight

Overweight and unhappy, Vera weighed 110kg

Vera lost an amazing 30 kilos with The Natural Way

MANY people feel resigned to a lifetime of being ‘big’, simply because they have been overweight for so long. Well, 91-year-old Vera Bartlett will tell you to “think again”. Vera had never been a ‘big’ person, however a combination of giving up smoking, and the inability to walk around the golf course, meant that the kilograms began to creep on later in life. In addition to the excess kilograms she was gaining, Vera felt that as she was no longer golfing she was becoming lazy. By the time she was 89, her weight had crept up to 110 kilograms and Vera wasn’t happy with the way she looked or felt. After looking at a number of weight loss programs, Vera decided to call The Natural Way to see what they could offer. Vera was determined to succeed and lost an amazing 30kg in 36 weeks. What’s more, Vera has just turned 91 and still is maintaining her weight beautifully. “I feel so much better now,” she said. “I get my own groceries, go out socially – all things that were difficult or impossible for me to do before. Best of all, my health has improved out of sight and my doctors are very happy. I’m on top of the world.”

As Vera found out, it’s never too late to lose weight.

For more than 35 years the all-Australian The Natural Way has literally helped thousands of people to lose weight – and we know we can help you too! Call The Natural Way on 4632 7490.

Look on the Bright Side of Ageing OLDER adults with a bright outlook on the future live longer than those who have a dimmer view. A nine-year long study conducted by Netherlands researchers found that men and women with the highest levels of optimism at the start of the study had the lowest death rates than those in the most pessimistic group. Considering all factors in-total, the risk of death was 29% lower among highly optimistic men and women. In addition, the most optimistic study participants experienced 77% less likelihood of dying of a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular cause (as compared to the most pessimistic group). www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

FEELING GOOD

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

New health and wellbeing centre caters for all ages and fitness levels

TOOWOOMBA’S newest health and wellbeing centre is up and running just in time to keep the winter blues away. Setup and run by Jodie and Troy Chandler of TJ’s Swim, the Baillie Splash Lifestyle Centre is ready to change the way we think about our overall health and wellness. With a long history of running swimming centres, in Toowoomba, Texas and Oakey, the pair are committed to getting people moving.

“It’s about movement for

the mind, not just your body, to promote all over wellness,” Jodie said.

“Water fitness is so good for seniors because there is no impact. Walking in water is eight times more beneficial than walking on land.”

There’s no need to be frightened of the water, no matter what your fitness level.

Non-swimmers, the nervous and those with balance problems will be comforted by a solid rail setup around the inside of the pool. Those with

Baillie Henderson.

As well as providing swimming classes and individual tuition for beginners through to competition level, the Centre runs fun fitness classes such as aqua zumba and box fit sessions. Less strenuous sessions are also on offer and include water walking in shallow water and stretch sessions. Private

The new Baillie Splash Lifestyle Centre offers low-impact water fitness for seniors

wheelchair needs are catered for with a ramp for easy wheelchair access.

Filled with natural light and inviting water tem-

and corporate group sessions are catered for, and there are fitness classes for pregnant women, mums and bubs, water safety classes and exercise classes for stroke rehabilitation groups.

Physiotherapists and their clients are invited to drop by and check out the hydrotherapy pool which is ready to use.

While the pool is the Centre’s main focus, there is also a full-size recreation room ready for group fitness sessions, yoga classes or private hire.

So don’t hibernate this winter, get moving and head out to the Baillie Splash Lifestyle Centre– it really is a place for all ages and fitness levels.

peratures, the Baillie Splash Lifestyle Centre is open to the public in the totally refurbished swim centre in the grounds of

Message of early detection shared during Bowel Cancer Awareness month

DARLING Downs Hospital and Health Service health promotion officer Claire Condon is encouraging community members to get involved in this month’s Bowel Cancer Awareness campaign.

During the month of June, Claire will host a variety of community events and presentations to raise the awareness of bowel cancer which affects 14,000 people each year.

“Bowel Cancer Awareness Month has a positive message: saving lives through early detection,” Claire said.

“Bowel cancer is one of the most curable types of cancer if found early.

Screening for bowel cancer involves testing people who have no obvious symptoms of the disease.”

Australians turning 50, 55, 60 or 65 years are currently invited to

participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Eligible residents receive an invitation to participate in the screening, as well as a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) which can be completed at home and sent to screening facilities.

People who are not yet eligible for the National Program are able to source FOBTs from some pharmacies, or through the Bowel

Cancer Australia website www.bowelcancer australia.org/bca.

Local community groups or organisations are encouraged to contact Claire who can conduct free education sessions and seminars about bowel cancer and the national screening program.

For more information about hosting a presentation contact Claire on 4616 6848 or 0447 155 530.

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June 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 23

FEELING GOOD A UNIT, especially created for patients experiencing delirium, has been officially launched at the Toowoomba Hospital.

The unit features aroundthe-clock, continuous nursing care, a homely atmosphere and four beds specifically designed for delirious patients. Delirium commonly occurs in elderly patients, particularly those who have undergone surgery or have experienced an infection, electrolyte imbalance, depression or dementia.

THE Aged Care Assessment Service is a Commonwealth funded program which assists frail older people and their carers identify what kind of care will best meet their needs. ACAS teams provide information on suitable care options and can help arrange access or referral to appropriate residential or community care options. ACAS teams can also assess and approve older people for Australian Government subsidised care, commu-

dent n e p e d In g in y a t S and Unique unit welcomes patients experiencing delirium

Heather Hoey, Toowoomba Hospital

Symptoms can include confusion, hallucinations and disorientation.

For six months Toowoomba Hospital nurse Heather Hoey has worked on bringing the concept of the Safe Haven unit for delirium patients to fruition.

“Delirium is an acute cognitive impairment,” Ms Hoey said. “And we still don’t quite understand why it occurs. But up to 80 per cent of patients in intensive care will experience delirium.”

The new unit provides a space for families and friends of the patients to be accommodated, as well as security provisions, diversional therapies like craft and music and specialised beds. Other features include handcrocheted rugs, ‘Tree-ofLife’ posters for each patient that detail their individual needs and personality traits, and non-confronting photographic images. Ms Hoey said it was exciting, and humbling, to see the Safe Ha-

ven welcoming patients.

“The Safe Haven has been generously resourced by the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation which has donated a number of chairs and a bed,” she said.

“We have also received the support of the Toowoomba Hospital executive and wider community, especially from the photographic exhibitors at the Toowoomba Royal Show who have donated beautiful photographs for

us to mount on the walls.”

Ms Hoey hosted an education session at the hospital for staff members, explaining the role of the Safe Haven unit at the hospital, and the importance of properly diagnosing and treating delirium. She also put together a display in the foyer of the Toowoomba Hospital.

“Because our staff understand delirium better, they have the skills to better care for their patients,” Ms Hoey said.

“This has also resulted in less staff ‘burn-out’. Families of patients are also appreciative of the care that can be provided to their loved ones.”

Ms Hoey leads a multidisciplinary research team who is undertaking further study into the field of delirium and conducting staff education.

Their research has been funded by the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation through the generosity of the Pure Land Learning College.

assessment of your needs. The ACAT will talk with you about what services you may need and what is available in your area.

They will discuss the result of their assessment with you, and arrange referrals to community care services or a place in aged care, if this is appropriate. Your doctor or local hospital can refer you to an

ACAT. What does the Aged Care Assessment Team service cost?

There is no cost associated with the ACAT assessment - it is totally subsidised by the Commonwealth government. For further details please contact Prince Charles Hospital ACAT, Chermside Community Health Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital,Chermside.

Phone 07 3139 4365.

The Aged Care Assessment Service nity aged care packages or flexible care such as extended aged care at home or transition care.A multi-disciplinary team assisting the elderly, their families and carers to make informed decisions about the level of care required and accommodation, whether at home with community support, in a supported residential service, an aged hostel or nursing home. People with disabilities also eligible for assessment services in some circumstances. Interpret-

ers can be arranged, if required. A network of Aged Care Assessment teams (ACATs) has been established to assist older people and their carers work out the most appropriate level of care that will best meet their needs, when they are no longer able to manage at home without assistance.

All Australian States use the same structure of assessment, however in Victoria each team is known as the Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS). ACATs provide

Page 24 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

information on suitable care options and can help arrange access or referral to appropriate residential or community care services such as Home and Community Care (HACC). An ACAT assessment and approval is a mandatory requirement before you can request government subsidised residential aged care, Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs) or Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) Packages. The family or care receiver

should talk to your own doctor first to see if you need to be referred to an ACAT. The ACAT is usually based at a hospital or community centre and may include a doctor, nurse, social worker, physiotherapist or occupational therapist. Once you have made an appointment, a member of your local ACAT team will visit you in your home or in hospital to make an

13 HEALTH reaches two million calls

QUEENSLAND Health’s telephone support service, 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), received its two millionth recently. 13 HEALTH clinical nurse, Antoinette Filius, said the call was a major milestone for the service.

“We are here for Queenslanders 24-hours a day, seven days a week, but reaching two million is certainly something special,” she said.

The registered nurses at 13 HEALTH have been providing health advice to Queenslanders since 2006. The most common reasons people call are for abdominal pain, chest pain, fever, head injury, or after ingesting a toxic substance or foreign object. “We get calls from all around the state, but most of our calls come from the greater Brisbane area and around one-third relate to questions about children younger than five years of age,” Antoinette said.

Antoinette has been with 13 HEALTH for seven years and has had many memorable calls.

Chronic, or persistent, pain has been described as the hidden epidemic.

One in five people in Australia suffer with persistent pain. In the over-65’s, the prevalence rises to one in three!

Why allow pain to impact upon your ability to feel good and stay independent? ✓ ✓ ✓

Have you been told to live with your pain but are not sure how to do this?

Does your pain stop you from doing your everyday activities?

Are there things you like to do but now you can’t do them?

Suite 5, 16-18 Mylne Street, Toowoomba 4350 Phone 07 4638 0506 Fax: 07 4638 0336 Email: help@downspainclinic.com.au Website: www.downspainclinic.com.au Downs Pain Clinic also offers “slow-stream” rehabilitation which can substantially help people achieve the best possible long-term outcome after stroke. Rehab does not reverse brain damage, but the brain has capacity to repair itself. Long-term continuing rehabilitation is crucial in order to become as independent as possible and to attain the best possible quality of life. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

WHAT’S ON Withcott holds inaugural Foothills Festival

this month

Popular winter art exhibition attracts talent from around the region

TALENTED artists, including many seniors, will THE inaugural Withcott Progress Association’s once again be exhibiting Foothills Festival will take place on Sunday, June their work at the annual 22, from 9am to 4pm in the Withcott Gardens art@st.mark’s exhibition Nursery precinct, 8616 Warrego Highway, and sale.art@st.mark’s is Withcott. Come along and find out what’s an official event of available in the foothills region. There will be art Warwick’s Jumpers and exhibits, sporting clubs, church and service Jazz in July Festival and groups, market stalls, interactive displays, will be held from Friday, jumping castle, food, craft, children’s activities July 18 to Sunday, July 20, and much more. For more information contact 2014 in St. Mark’s Parish 0412 476 837 or email Hall, Grafton Street, artfoothillsfestival@gmail.com.

Warwick. Parishioner Sue Nalder said the event is organised and run mainly by senior members of St. Mark’s Parish.

“The art@st.mark’s committee has been thrilled COME along to the Uniting Church Hall, Main Street, Meringandan and find an old fashioned, with the growing success country-style market offering homemade and of the now third annual mailto:art@st.mark home-created items, organic products and produce, reiki healings, seated massage, natural ’sart@st.mark’s,” she said. therapies, handmade jewellery, hot food and “Last year, 43 artists, a good half of whom were drink, Organo gold coffee and so much more.

The hall is heated and fully accessible for the talented seniors, diselderly, disabled and families. Markets will be played 177 pieces of art work. For several artists, it held on June 7, June 21 and July 5, from 4pm to 8pm. For more information contact Gabrielle (07) was the first time they had 4637 0622 or offered their work for sale.

Happily, many pieces are eventsmanagementwesternqld@outlook.com. now displayed around the region and beyond, with 20% of the exhibited pieces sold during the three days of the Festival.”

Visitors will be able to view the artwork while enjoying soft background jazz muA STUNNING night of world music, food and sic, and then take a break dance. More than 20 acts starring some of in the onsite Art Café. The Australia’s finest cultural dance performers.

Art Café will be serving Middle Eastern cuisine on sale along with some home-baked goodies, hot exotic bargains at our international market. An incredible night that is sure to delight the senses. soup, sandwiches, wine and cheese plates, and hot Sunday, June 8, doors open 6pm, starts 7pm at and cold beverages.

Gatton Shire Hall, North Street, Gatton. Tickets The popular Meet the Art$27 adult, $10 pensioners, available by phoning ist function will be held 0448 326 246 or book online at from 4-6pm on Saturday, www.muncom.com/bdbandsoul.

Mix and match markets at Meringandan

Stars of the Saffron Shores bring belly dancing, Bollywood and burlesque to Gatton

Parishioners Noelene Black (left) and Peter and Lucy Crowley look forward to the meet the artist evening at the annual art@st.mark’sexhibition

Artist Joy Softley and her husband John Softely are keen supporters of art@st.mark’s – an official event of Warwick’s Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival

July 19. Priced at an affordable $10, the function incorporates the official opening by the Chair of Warwick Tourism and Events, Mr Ron Bellingham. Wine, juice, and hot and cold savouries will be served, accompanied by live jazz from Nobby’s Sunrise Road.

Exhibiting artists receive a complimentary ticket to this event allowing them to chat to fellow artists as well

as buyers of the art. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Sue Nalder or at the door during the weekend.

Artists may submit up to four pieces of original artwork. The only stipulations for display are that the work is the artist’s original work, is able to be hung and is available for sale. A 25% commission is payable to St. Mark’s with funds raised being used for the

ongoing maintenance of the heritage sandstone church. Entry forms are available from St. Mark’s office, from the back of the church or via email from sue.nalder@gmail.com.

Artists wishing to enter their work must submit a completed entry form by Monday, July 7 for catalogue preparation.

The art@st.mark’s committee looks forward to welcoming local artists to display their artwork and invites everyone to come along to view and find that special piece. There will

also be pickles and preserves (cooking art), handicrafts including oneoff greeting cards for sale and a silent auction of six autographed Hugh Lunn books. The venue is wheelchair accessible with toilet facilities. Free entry to view and purchase art works will be from 2pm to 6pm on Friday, July 18; 9:30am to 3:30pm on Saturday 19; and from 9:30am to 2:30pm on Sunday 20.

For further information email Sue Nalder at sue.nalder@gmail.com or phone 0427 962281.

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.

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Snap up a bargain at Allora’s giant community auction IF YOU are a collector or bargain hunter the Allora auction is for you. With a whole showground of sale items to choose from you might just find what you didn’t know you had been looking for or the perfect piece you have been looking for. Head to Allora showgrounds on Monday, June 9 from 8am. For more information go to www.allorashow.org.au/auction.htm.

Dance the night away at Jondaryan Woolshed ENJOY an old time dance in the beautiful Flagstone Creek Public Hall, now at The Woolshed at Jondaryan on Saturday, June 14, from 8pm to 11pm. Take a step back in time and enjoy a live band with a lucky spot and Monte Carlo, lucky door raffle and supper. Accommodation and camping facilities are available on site – reservations required. Jondaryan Woolshed is at 264 Jondaryan-Evanslea Road, Jondaryan. For more information phone 4692 2229 or go to www.jondaryanwoolshed.com.au.

Twilight jazz at USQ

VISITING Sydney-based jazz ensemble, the Tim Clarkson Trio present a program of original and rearranged jazz standards with acclaimed songstress, Kristin Berardi on Wednesday, June 18 at 6pm, at USQ Artsworx, West Street, Toowoomba.

Tim Clarkson (tenor saxophone), Alex Boneham (bass), Cameron Reid (drums/ percussion) perform original works from their latest CD, Land of Free Men, and compositions and rearranged jazz standards with acclaimed songstress, Kristin Berardi. There will be a reception in the Arts Gallery following the recital where refreshments will be served. Tickets are available by phoning 4631 1111 of book online at www.usq.edu.au/artsworx.

Sportsman’s lunch with Allan Border and Rodney Hogg

JOIN Rodney Hogg and Allan Border on June 27 at City Golf Club, to discuss life in the fast bowling lane. A delicious three course meal will be served to complement stories from two of Australia’s best cricketers. Prepare to laugh yourself silly as Rodney and Allan bound from one hilarious story to the next – even noncricketers will love them. Call the City Golf Club on 4636 9000 to book your tickets. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

June 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 25

HOLIDAY & Leisure You might lose some sleep after you pay for a ride on this Japanese sleeper train!

A LUXURY sleeper train service that a Japanese rail company will introduce in spring 2017 has an open-air deck for passengers to take in the sights and even one car set aside for just a single person or family.

The target customers for JR West’s new sleeper train are recently retired people with money and time on their hands.

“We hope to use this train as a catalyst to promote tourism in the areas it will serve,” the president of JR West Seiji Manabe told reporters. “We will keep the fares as reasonable as possible.”

The sleek sleeper train, which is still in the design phase, will provide passengers with the chance to savor western Japan’s traditional arts, food and scenery. As with Kyushu Railway Co.’s luxury sleeper train, the Nanatsuboshi (Seven Stars), the 10-car train can accommodate 30 pas-

Japan’s luxury train designed for wealthy retirees

sengers. Six of the cars are designated sleeper cars, five of which have three compartments each.

The most expensive car is given over to a luxury suite comprising a bedroom, sitting room, closets and bathing area.

The remaining cars will serve as a dining car, a lounge car and two viewing cars, located at both ends of the train.

On the rear viewing car, an open-air deck will allow passengers to

Tokyo - Japan

Tips for driving in other countries Sushi - Fish Food

breathe in the fresh air.

JR West say the train will be painted green so that it blends in with the surrounding scenery. The company envisions it operating from the

Page 26 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

Keihanshin region, an area that covers Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe to the Sea of Japan side, and around the Setouchi region of the main island of Honshu.

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

$5980

AUSTRALIANS should learn about their destination’s road conditions and traffic culture before getting behind the wheel. It is important to be aware of local laws and security conditions when driving overseas.

Driving under the influence of alcohol can have severe criminal penalties in many countries. In some countries drivers must have no quantity of alcohol in their system. The penalties for traffic infringements in some countries can be severe by Australian standards. They can include hefty on-the-spot fines, immediate confiscation of drivers licence, immediate impounding of vehicle, detention, deportation or imprisonment. For more detailed information, the Association for Safe International Road Travel offers regularly updated road reports for approximately 150 countries. Available via e-mail or download (fees apply), each report covers general road conditions, local driving style and the realities of dealing with the police, public transportation and emergency situations. Other useful features include summaries of especially dangerous roads and phonetic translations for use in unsafe or emergency situations. Motorcycle accidents involving Australians are very common in SouthEast Asia, particularly in areas such as Bali, resort areas of Thailand and in Vietnam. Australian travellers should ensure they wear helmets, preferably fullface helmets, and other protective clothing when riding motorcycles, scooters and mopeds overseas in order to minimise the risk of serious injury.

If you’re renting a car, before you start driving, make sure it’s equipped with appropriate safety features (including seat belts, air bags, and if required child restraints), and check the tyres, head-

lights, seatbelts and wipers before you leave the lot. In some countries it is compulsory to carry a break down kit in your car - check with the hire company.

Many countries require Australians to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to a valid Australian driving licence to legally drive a car, or ride a motorbike.

An IDP is a widely recognised document that can be issued by associated members of the Australian Automobile Association. Before driving overseas, Australians should contact the appropriate foreign mission in Australia for information on drivers licence requirements. Ensure the IDP allows you to drive or ride the vehicles you intend to use. Some insurance policies will not cover you if you have an accident using a vehicle you are not licensed to drive. IDPs are issued through state and territory motoring clubs such as RACQ. Always insure yourself to drive a vehicle overseas and carry the insurance papers with you. Check your vehicle insurance to see if you are covered for breakdown recovery, accidental damage and medical expenses for injuries suffered in an accident. If driving a friend’s vehicle overseas, check first that you are appropriately covered by their insurance policy to drive their car.

When hiring a car carefully read the insurance document to determine your level of cover. In some countries, the legal minimum for insurance cover may be low, leaving you responsible for claims over this limit. In some countries it is an offence to drive a vehicle if you are not named on the insurance policy as the driver.

For more information go to www.smartraveller.gov.au.

English as an international language

In a Bucharest hotel lobby: The lift is being fixed for the next day.

During that time, we regret that you will be unbearable.

In a Paris hotel elevator: Please leave your values at the front door.

In an Athens hotel: Visitors are expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 and

11 daily.

In a Japanese hotel: You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.

On a menu of a Swiss restaurant: Our wines leave you nothing to hope for.

In an office: Toilet out of order.. please use the floor below. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

HOLIDAY & Leisure Coach Tour with a difference

‘COBB & Co. Coaching in Queensland’, reminds us that the legendry coaching company, Cobb & Co., was closely identified with the pioneering spirit of Australia’s early European settlers. For more than 70 years, Cobb & Co. Coaches and horses travelled over millions of kilometres of unmade outback roads to provide vital communication links for many isolated communities.

Nowhere was its influence as widespread as in Queensland, where the company operated horse-drawn coaches from 1866 until succumbing to the motor vehicle in 1924.

The 90th Anniversary of the very last service by the Cobb & Co Coach between Surat and its last stop in Yuleba on the 14th August 1924 will be commemorated on the weekend of 22-24th August 2014.

This service was Service 177 and became Cobb & Co.’s most famous route, running from Yuleba, though Surat, and on into St. George. With a total of 203Km, there were changing stations situated approximately every 25Km. At each Changing Station there would be

meal breaks for the driver and passengers, and a fresh team of horses for the next stage of the journey.

Come join our modern day Cobb & Co. - Stonestreets Coach, and relive an important part of Queensland’s history around the campfire at Lorrelle Downs as we retrace Cobb & Co.’s Service 177 route from Surat to Yuleba on Friday 22nd August. Highlights will include breakfast and morning teas at some of the historic Changing Stations like ‘Frogmore’ Homestead, ‘Bainbilla, ‘Wallabella Stock Route Rest Area and Gaemond (formally the Changing Station and State School called ‘Pleasant Fields’).

Participants will be encouraged to dress in period costume and there will be a variety of prizes awarded for different categories of costume.

Seats are limited, so at only $749 per person to join Stonestreets Coaches on this historic occasion, DON’T MISS OUT – Contact Stonestreets Coaches Tour Office today on (07) 4687 5555 for a detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat.

Winter dreams of Australian sunshine

Orpheus lives again in Queensland

by Phil Hawkes THERE’S been a resort on Orpheus Island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for years…since 1931, in fact. It’s flown largely under the radar, perhaps overwhelmed by more developed and better promoted islands in the Whitsundays and around the Cairns/Port Douglas area. But Orpheus, 80 kms north of Townsville, now has a new lease of life thanks to entrepreneur Chris Morris and his Colonial Leisure Group with a $20 million investment to create, as he puts it, a special destination of “laid back luxury”.

With only 14 rooms and suites, it’s hardly crowded. In fact, at any given time it seems as if there are more staff than guests…ideal for that “getting away from it all” feeling.

The accommodation is Aussie-style, not pretentiously Balinese or anything else, but everything including the aircon and flat-screen TV works, and the fluffy towels, the fittings and the bathrooms are

spotlessly clean. All rooms have private porches where you can contemplate the sea, the sky, the sunsets and your libation of choice.

The real joy of Orpheus, however, is its food and beverage. The highly regarded chef, Arie Prabowo, cooks up a storm in the modern kitchen and menus are personalised when you meet with him on arrival, over a glass of bubbly. There’s an emphasis on fresh seafood [often from guests’ fishing trips], prime meats, vegetables and herbs from his garden, and spices

from his native Indonesia.

The cuisine is a fusion of flavours and textures that’s mouth watering, and has that knack of leaving you wanting more. The wine list, naturally, is formidable.

Activities range from doing nothing at all to kayaking, fishing, snorkelling and swimming in the 25 metre horizon pool. There are some great walks across the island or if that’s too strenuous you can take a motorised dinghy to explore the bays, with a picnic lunch on a deserted beach where clothes and inhibitions are

superfluous. The coup de grace, however, is getting to and from Orpheus. It’s a helicopter ride from Townsville or Cairns so the adventure starts when you step into the Nautilus Aviation chopper, swoop low over the reefs and adjoining islands, and land at “Orpheus Island International Heliport”.

No passport required!

It’s time Orpheus emerged from the shadows of its larger neighbours, and its new standard of luxury will no doubt help make that a reality. www.orpheus.com.au

WITH many of us sweltering in Queensland’s summer heat and humidity, it’s difficult to imagine the cold, ice and snow with which residents of Canada have had to contend over the last few months during one of the worst winters in living memory.

Looking for food, this skittish deer looks startled as it has its photo taken through a screened window at the home of Linda and Arthur Beatty in Uxbridge, Ontario. The outdoor temperature was -20C, ‘with more days in that range this past winter than I can ever remember,’ says Linda. The Beattys, both retirees and with friends throughout Australia, dream of spending a Canadian winter in the warmth of the Australian sunshine and hope that sharing this photo with Seniors Newspaper readers will bring them one step closer. Thank you Linda and Arthur. We look forward to seeing you in Australia.

Archchaeologic Excavation at Eagle Farm

SATURDAY 21st June will be an interesting day for anyone interested in the history of Queensland. The Royal Historical Society of Queensland will hold its annual seminar commencing at 8.30am at the Commissariat Store Museum at 115 William Street Brisbane.

Ludwig Leichhardt’s disappearance 170 years ago will be the subject of the morning session. www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

The Afternoon session will be held at Eagle Farm near the site of the archaeological excavation of the 1830s building which housed the female convicts of the Moreton Bay Penal Colony.

Prior bookings are recommended and more details are available on the website www.queenslandhistory.org.au or phone 07 3221 4198.

June 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 27

HOLIDAY & Leisure Gear up for a Canadian adventure of a lifetime FOR a boy from sunny Queensland in Australia which is the flattest continent on earth, the snowcapped mountains of Western Canada never cease to amaze me. I was in Canada in early April and it was still cold, with snow on the mountains tops even around Vancouver and snow all over in the Rockies. April is very early to visit Canada but I loved it. It was not just the snow and the mountains though that impressed me so much, I know I will be going back. The huge pine forests, waterfalls that run all year round unless frozen, the turquoise lakes, some still frozen and the wildlife all captivated me.

No I did not see a bear, a little bit early for many of them to be out. Some of the guides had seen one but no luck for us. We did however see elk, deer and coyotes. In fact we literally almost ran into the deer at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. As our

thoroughly knowledgeable guide Linda informed us, this is due to the reintroduction of wolves. The wolves were virtually extinct but were bought back to control the explosion of other animals in the parks. The deer and elk actually come into the resort as they know the wolves will not. I think everyone goes to Canada hoping to see a bear but like all wild animals they run to their own agenda.

Our bus driver Steve was fun and friendly. He played John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High as we turned towards the mountains. The ranges make The Great Divide look like a pimple. The ski fields were nice to visit, especially when it snowed and then turned into a small blizzard at Whistler/ Blackcomb but the national parks were my favourite. The forests seemed endless and the mountains stretch forever. Most of the lakes were still frozen but again something we do not see

Deer at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

in Australia. At Lake Louise our guide took us out onto the lake past the signs saying beware thin ice and started jumping up and down. Aussies were heading for the bank much to his amusement.

Still a meter of ice here he said, you could land a 747. A visit to the Athabasca Glacier is a must. In a specially designed vehicle you go right up on the glacier. It was not just the mountains either. The coast is very pretty with the ferry ride to Vancouver Island

and the city of Victoria another highlight. Victoria itself is postcard pretty.

Our accommodation was stunning, from modern greats like the Westin in Whistler (50m from the cable car entrance!) to the classical Fairmont properties throughout the Rockies. These hotels were built a long time ago and have tons of character. No floor after floor of the same size and shape rooms. As Linda explained it does mean however you cannot compare rooms without someone

feeling upset as most are different. Every one of these hotels are different.

Jasper is a Canadian lodge experience, Lake Louise nestles around the lake and Banff is the” Castle in the Rockies”.

Another attraction are the people, so open and friendly. Locals would stop and chat all the time and everything was so clean and free of graffiti.

We stopped at the small town of Hope and used the public toilets in the park. You could have eaten off the floor and

Blizzard at Blackcomb

there were no vandal proof cisterns, toilet roll holders etc. and the soap dispenser sitting on the bench was full and clean.

You could hardly sit down at a bar without someone asking where you were from and then offering to guide you through the local beers.

Beers with odd names like Rutting Elk Red. The entire experience was one to treasure and APT ensured it was as close to perfect as possible. The team of Steve and Linda worked together well and were super organised.

Bags were off and on the bus so quickly. No requests seemed to faze them. On the last day we were free in Banff and one of our tour members wanted to go dog sledding but the season had finished about a week ago. Linda managed to get us dog sledding which was probably the ultimate highlight of my time in Canada.

To find out more about Canada, Alaska, USA, South America and Antarctica register for a free info night on Wed 11 June on 46362622 where special deals only on the night are on offer.

Craig Mathieson is a consultant at Experience Travel & Cruise in Southtown and was a guest of APT in Canada.

Daily ritual of parking a van is just part of the adventure

by Johnny Damn Van shuffling off to the amenities blocks, grandchildren stealing AT 6AM, well before most caravanners have out to have their first pulled on their first pair run on birthday-given of thongs for the day or skateboards, and weary campers ever so quietly tripped over their first clearing away the tent pegs, camping evidence of the previgrounds are alive with ous night’s wine critters. At many of drinking session. them, bunnies bounce Seldom is heard a around on the grass between the vans, little discouraging word and apparently all that’s dogs are quietly missing are the deer and released by their the antelope at play. owners for their, er, ablutions, and lorikeets Emotions run low, not high, in caravan parks; and galahs screech in the trees. By 7am, other domestic arguments Tomorrow, hopefully, parking the van will be easier seem to be conducted creatures emerge, The mid-afternoon the slightly carnival that keeps most mostly at a low whisper atmosphere in these including older men in disagreements in check. parking of vans by new or not at all. Perhaps it’s aluminium mini-cities horrifying T-shirts arrivals in allotted But a note of caution.

spaces can bring forth a sharp rise in tension, if only for a few minutes.

It goes a little like this: “Left hand down, no, right hand down, a bit further, not so fast . . . aw strewth Darryl, you’ve hit the tap!”

At the steering wheel is Darryl: “For gawsake, Beryl, I can’t see you and when I can you’re waving your arms about like Peter Garrett in the middle of a song!”

Back and forth goes the vehicle, more waving of arms, more muffled grumbles from within the vehicle cabin, until finally the Jayco or the

Windsor slots into its resting place for the night. The tension is relieved during the next half hour by the activities of erecting the annex, the connection of power and water pipes, and the preparation of a picnic table, complete with a bottle of wine and two glasses. All is calm again. The frosty parking episode is soon forgotten and the galahs, bless their little voice boxes, reclaim the supremacy of noise.

Tomorrow, hopefully, parking the van will be easier.

Specialising in

Travel Arrangements with a Personal Touch

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

(07) 4637 8235

Page 28 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

email: enquiries@mypersonaltravelplanner.com.au

www.mypersonaltravelplanner.com.au

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

HOLIDAY & Leisure Check the tyres ... but check your health first before you drive north with the grey nomads

HOSPITALS in North Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia’s north are being put under strain by travelling retirees who require treatment as they head north for the winter, doctors say.

Thousands of southerners hit the highways in caravans and campers at this time of year in search of winter sun, earning themselves the nickname ‘grey nomads’.

Most are from southern states, but many hundreds of Brisbane and regional Queenslanders make the trek north.

However, doctors say many of them are heading off without adequate health checks and medication, and end up clogging up the health system in small northern towns.

Popular areas such as Queensland’s Sunshine Coast say the influx of heat-seeking visitors from the south is putting a strain on emergency departments.

A Nambour General Hospital spokesman, for example, said winter meant patients came with different diseases, the most common being respiratory illnesses.

He says patient-stays in the colder months were typically longer than during summer, because people took longer to recover.

“We notice a lot of people who have a lot of medical conditions move up from the southern states because they can’t handle their winter,” he said. “We get that load of people, which adds to our number of people to deal with here.”

Rob Whitehead, a representative of the

Rural Doctors Association, says the annual migration north by older travellers increases demand for doctor and hospital services each winter.

“I think it’s great that people can get to see a very special part of Australia, but it does put an added strain on health services that are already over-stretched at times,” he said.

“Making sure that your health has been checked over by your GP before you leave, is probably a really useful thing to do.”

Grey nomad David Cummins says he has been travelling to Broome in Western Australia each dry season for more than a decade. He said he and his wife Lynn made sure they were fully prepared for the trip.

“It’s fair to say a lot of people in caravan parks are of an aging category, and I’ve known people who, for different reasons, have had to go to the hospital or whatever,” he said.

“Before we come away, we make sure we have our annual check-ups, we go to our GPs and make sure everything’s done, and we fill our scripts if we need to.”

Leslie Parker is the manager of the Broome Doctors Practice and an attendant at the surgery’s reception, putting her at the frontline of the retiree influx. She says the majority are older people who’ve got the time and are travelling at their own pace and end up staying longer than planned in some places and they run out of their medications Ms Parker says the most-common problem is retirees hitting the road without getting a

long enough supply of prescription medication.

“The majority are older people who’ve got the time and are travelling at their own pace, so they end up staying longer than planned in some places and they run out of their medica-

Travelling is fun and rewarding for ‘grey nomads’, but make sure your health is up to par before you hit the highway

Townsville & Magnetic Island

7 Days $799*

*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare.

Single supp $250

Best of Coastal Qld

10 Days $1,399*

*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare.

Single supp $250

8 Days $979*

*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare.

Single supp $250

Stars & Saddles Charleville

5 Days $739*

*Per person twin share plus applicable rail fare.

Single supp $150

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

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

Pioneer & Prehistoric Trails

Cairns, Daintree & Cassowary Coast

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

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

Tour Date: 7th September

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

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

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

*Per person twin share Single supp $590

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

Plus much, much more on this magnificent deluxe tour.

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

Bells Gorge www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

tions,” she said.

Health authorities are urging people to have a thorough health check before hitting the road, fill prescriptions ahead of time and ensure their medication is stored appropriately to remain effective in the warmer temperatures.

Tasmania - The Great Escape

Tour Dates: 2nd September

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

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

Canberra Floriade with Bowral Tulips & Spring in the Highlands

Tour Date: 26th September

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

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

June 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 29

community news Seniors Twospeed Crossword Cryptic Clues

Straight Clues ACROSS 5 Increased 7 Salesman (abb) 8 Witches’ group 10 Money earned 12 Imperils 14 Acted in place of 20 A couple 21 Extreme risk 22 Form of address 23 Rites DOWN 1 Plant bulb

ACROSS 5 Worked busily after many grew in number 7 Material for a small salesman 8 Common chap first notices group of uncommon women 10 Carry on with payment for work 12 Puts at risk finishes holding vexed feelings 14 Took the place of another when set-up died out 20 A couple put aid into rebel leaders 21 Each one I left in danger . . .

22 . . . has irritated schoolmaster inside 23 Formal celebrations seem nicer with nothing changed

2 A devil 3 Funnyman 4 Margin 5 Satirised 6 An animal 9 Boredom 11 Concur 13 Head parts 15 Long story 16 Removed skin 17 Attempted 18 Eating tool 19 Gutter

Word Trivia Words (found in major English dictionaries) consisting entirely of vowels include a, aa ( a type of lava), ae, ai, aieee, iao, oii, eau, euouae, oe, oo, I, o, a, io and uoiauai, the last being the longest vowel-only word (7 letters).

DOWN Auspac Media - Answers on Page 31

1 Many adore such a dried flower bud 2 If reversed, finish off

the evil spirit 3 Left replacing right in garland for the head of a buffoon 4 Margin of something in river getting bigger 5 Derided imitation reporter 6 Animal sounds quite expensive 9 Lack of interest in women, nuisance really 11 Feel the same from peagreen soup 13 Skinheads reverse syllables for tokens of victory 15 Some depicted in tale of adventure 16 Removed outer covering people first read about 17 Had a go when tired out 18 Use kitchen utensil to hit the ball in the air 19 Gradually draw off continual outflow

Busker shares passion for music while raising money for charity in busking for money for himself so he decided to busk for charity.

His aim is to raise $5000 for charity this year and he is well on the way.

Backed up by an electric keyboard, Dick can be heard strumming out some great tunes at the PCYC markets in Toowoomba where he raises money for the Children’s Hospital

Appeal, and at Queens Park markets where the money goes to St Vincent’s Hospital Cancer Care.

He has a great repertoire of music and instrumentals, including plenty nostalgic tunes, so if you’d like

a rollicking rendition of songs by The Shadows, he’s more than happy to oblige.

Keep an eye out for Dick at the markets, enjoy the music and put your hand in your pocket to share his good will.

Our next edition of Toowoomba Darling Downs Seniors Newspaper is July 10 Deadline is July 2

Fabulous Bonus Morning or Afternoon Tea

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

Dick Dangerfield shares his love of music at local markets and busks for charity

by Jo Marsh LIKE many people when they retire, Dick Dangerfield started

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

Page 30 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

thinking about how to spend his time. A lover of music, Dick had taught himself to play guitar when he was just 16 and has continued to play ever since. Having had a busy life with a career in the air force, Dick was not one to sit around doing nothing. He decided to share his love of music and in the process help others.

“One of the things on my bucket list was to try busking,” he said.

“I wanted to try and turn something I like into something useful.”

He wasn’t interested www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

‘Let Us Entertain You’ . . .

June 5: 7pm Camerata of St John’s – French Twist – Camerata welcomes Maurice Bourgue, arguably the greatest living exponent of the French oboe tradition, to appear as soloist and guest director.

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

June 10-12: 5.45pm Sing Out 2014 June 15: 7.30pm Share House presented by Topology Music – Inimitable Brisbane music group Topology are celebrating the release of their 11th album Share House this month with a series of unique, ground breaking, performances ahead of a landmark Australian tour.

June 16: 1pm & 3.30pm Peppa Pig LIVE!- Treasure Hunt – Extra show now on sale. Australia’s favourite family show, Peppa Pig Live!

Treasure Hunt features true-to-life puppets and some of Australia’s most talented musical theatre performers.

June 20: 8pm Josh Pyke, Lone Wolf Tour – Josh Pyke brings his solo tour to the Empire Theatre on the back of the release of his fourth album, The Beginning and The End of Everything. Known for selling out tours, Josh’s ability to actively engage with his audience drives fans to return year after year to witness his onstage presence.

June 21: 8pm One Night of Queen – Performed by Gary Mullen and The Works has an uncanny vocal resemblance to the late Freddie Mercury has enthralled hundreds.

June 23-24: The 13-Storey Treehouse – Andy Griffiths’ and Terry Denton’s best-selling book comes to life on stage for children 6-12 (and their adults) in this

world premiere season.

June 24: 7pm Play Reading ClubReading - A Midsummer Night’s Dream June 26: 8pm Peace Train: The Cat Stevens Story – “Intimate & Acoustic”, starring Darren Coggan, is a night of music and story-telling which will strike a chord deep inside the heart of anyone who longs for something more.

June 27: 8pm Mother Africa – The show seen by more than two million people worldwide is a delight for the senses featuring astonishing acrobatics and performers, percussionists beating up a storm of sound and traditional dancers telling their own stories.

June 28: 8pm An Evening With Groucho – Award-winning actor/ director/playwright Frank Ferrante recreates his PBS, New York and London acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast paced 90 minutes of hilarity.

June 29: 2.30pm The Glenn Miller Orchestra – Announcing the welcome return of the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, direct from the USA! July 1-4: Winter Youth Arts Challenge – Over four days in the winter holidays the Winter Youth Arts Challenge will test and push students to their theatrical limits.

July 3: 11am Morning Melodies: Little Pattie’s Memories of Bandstand.

July 5: 8pm Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase - The Sydney Comedy Festival is back on the road with an awesome line-up of the hottest international and local comedians from the 2014 Festival.

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

Pet of the month

Crossword Answers from Page 30

A BIG thank you to the caring families who adopted last month’s gorgeous pets Mike and Sophia. Both found loving, forever homes.

Beau is an 11year-old, male, miniature fox terrier. Beau is desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and flea treated and only $199 to adopt.

Please consider that he is an older dog and may need a bit of extra TLC to keep him healthy and happy.

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

Visit them at 43 Vanity Street, Rockville or phone 4634 1304.

Brain Training Answers from this page StepRiddle: Flake, Slake, Stake, Stoke, Store, Story Add Up: 33 Pattern Maker: Square 2 (Number of lines)

What’s on at the Empire Theatre in the next month

RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre The RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre, housed in former F111 aircraft maintenance hangers, showcases RAAF Base Amberley’s contribution to the nation’s aviation history, and features include a World War ll Boston Bomber, a Vietnam-era Canberra bomber, Caribou airlifter, Sabre and Mirage fighter jets, F-111s, Sioux and Iroquois helicopters, and a WWll jeep.

From time to time we have RAAF Amberley’s operational aircraft and fire trucks on display and special guest appearances from brass bands, vintage car clubs and restored war birds.

The Heritage Centre is managed and supported by dedicated RAAF Reservists and local volunteers from the Ipswich and Brisbane communities. When you visit our Centre, the same enthusiastic people will tell you the stories and historical significance behind the displays from generation to generation to preserve our military aviation history.

Gifts and souvenirs are available at the Heritage Centre’s gift shop. As the Centre does not have EFTPOS or Credit Card facilities, please remember to bring cash if you wish to purchase items. A small variety of snacks and beverages are available for purchase on our public open days.

To download a Group Booking Requests visit our website www.raafamberleyheritage.gov.au and post, fax or email completed forms for your proposed visit. Public Day Registrations and direction maps can also be found on our website.

Freecall 1800 623 306, Fax 07 5361 2640, Email RAAF.AAHC@defence.gov.au Facebook www.facebook.com/raaf.museum

What is this?

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

May What is this? photo result: Thanks to Yvonne Voorthuizen, John Munachen, Kevin Mansell, Rob Connolly and Fay Huhse who correctly identified May’s mystery object as a bean slicer.

Answers on page 31

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au

June 2014 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - Page 31

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.

Page 32 - Toowoomba & Darling Downs Seniors - June 2014

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au