Seniors Today Central Queensland - 30th September 2021

Thursday, 30 September, 2021

SeniorsToday.com.au

Students’ priceless study

Getting real in the garden

PAGE 7

PAGE 22

Kim’s brilliant career PAGE 15

Changing face of the country

Well seasoned The volunteers at Meals On Wheels make a colourful sight around Rockhampton.

Full story of what they do and how to volunteer, page 6

PAGES 20-21

An age-old issue we live and the way we fit in the community. As baby boomers and Generation X enter older adulthood, our expectations of how we are going to live in a community will change.

The Sunshine Coast Business Council’s Ageing in Place conference explored ageing trends and solutions that are providing people with greater choice about how they can approach and enjoy their older life.

The conference was held at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), which plays a major role in training

nurses and allied health care professionals for the future.

Guest speakers included Urbis director Kate Meyrick, University of Queensland Professor Laurie Buys, and USC vice chancellor and president, Professor Helen Bartlett.

Fittingly, Kate Meyrick was joined on stage by her mother Jan Meyrick who had a career teaching human development to young students going to work in the care field.

Jan was recognised for her work in

aged care during her retirement with an award to enable a personal world study tour to see what facilities were available.

Business council chair Sandy Zubrinich said people were not only living longer, their expectations of how they enjoyed their retirement years were changing.

“Whether they choose to stay in their own homes longer or are attracted to retirement living or similar environments, what is important is having a choice.”

STORY PAGES 4-5

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Australia’s population is ageing .. fast.

And it affects us all.

This century we will see the possibility of six generations living together at the same time.

Medical science and healthy, active lifestyles will play a big part in people living longer.

Reaching 100 years of age will no longer be extraordinary.

By 2030 there will be more of us aged 65 and over than 14 years and under.

That will impact how we live, where

INSIDE VOLUNTEERING ....................page 6 FASHION ........................ pages 8-9 HEALTH ..................... pages 11-14 IN PROFILE .......................page 15 COMMUNITY ..................... page 16 HISTORY ........................... page 17 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT .... page 19 OUT AND ABOUT ........ pages 20-21 GARDENING ......................page 22 SPORT .............................. page 23

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NEWS

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Welcome to your Seniors Today CQ Hello and welcome to the very first Seniors Today Central Queensland.

STCQ is dedicated to the stories, events and happenings that interest and affect the over-55s throughout Central Queensland. Every three months we will publish everything from sports and sports groups you might like to try to health tips, information on local service groups, big birthday celebrations and garden tips from our garden expert Kevin Redd.

The paper is a good way to find out

what’s happening in the area in the coming months as well as learning about interesting over-55s in the region.

A special feature is our volunteer page which highlights an organisation or program where those of us with a little more time on our hands after retirement can get out and meet new people and help out in the community.

This time around the focus is on Meals On Wheels Rockhampton – the Hawaiian-shirted unsung heroes who deliver fresh cooked food (that’s anything but

stodgy) around their area.

In our health section find about bowel cancer screening, what it’s like to be diagnosed and the things you can to do to protect yourself. In entertainment music legends Normie Rowe, Dinah Lee and Jade Hurley while in history we take a look at some of the old cinemas that existed in the region.

The team and I hope you enjoy our first edition.

Tania Phillips Editor

Telephone: 07 4863 5050

Website: SeniorsToday.com.au

Editorial: Email: editorial@CQToday.com.au

Advertising: Email: advertising@CQToday.com.au

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EDITORIAL Sean Fox Journalist E: sean.fox@CQToday.com.au Tania Phillips Journalist E: tania.phillips@starnewsgroup.com.au

ADVERTISING Cindy Unwin Advertising Manager E: cindy.unwin@CQToday.com.au Sherrie Ashton Circulation Manager E: sherrie.ashton@CQToday.com.au Peter Lynch Advertising Sales Executive E: peter.lynch@CQToday.com.au Cheryl Altouvas Advertising Sales Executive E: cheryl.altouvas@TodayGladstone.com.au Louisa Kneller Advertising Sales Executive E: louisa.kneller@starnewsgroup.com.au

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March 2022 Edition

Lorna’s love of Mt Morgan still burning Carinity Summit Cottages resident Lorna Craney is no stranger to big birthdays.

The Mt Morgan resident has just celebrated her 102nd birthday – though this milestone was a little quieter than the big 100 two years ago.

Turning 100 years old usually means a quiet party enjoying a birthday cake while reading a letter from the Queen.

However, for her 100th birthday Lorna decided to live life in the fast lane.

On the day she celebrated her century, Lorna fulfilled her dream of cruising around Mt Morgan in a sports car.

Lorna became a member of the very exclusive ‘100 Club’ on 11 July 2019. Reaching 100 years made Lorna one of only 4,250 centenarians in Australia at the time.

She celebrated the special milestone by seeing the sights of Mt Morgan as a passenger in a classic 1969 hot-red coloured Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible sports car.

Vehicle owner and Carinity Summit Cottages volunteer John Cole drove Lorna around the streets of her town, as well as Arthur Timms Lookout and Mt Morgan Dam. “It doesn’t matter where it is, I’m lucky to be wherever he takes me. He’s a very good driver,” Lorna said.

For Lorna, enjoying the pleasure ride in an iconic high-performance vehicle was about as far away as you can get from riding in a sulky as a young child.

Lorna Craney celebrated her 102nd birthday recently.

Horse-drawn carriages were a common form of transport when Lorna was born in the bush near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales on 11 July 1919.

She lived through the Great Depression, raised by her father and grandfather before moving into a convent until she was 10.

As a teenager Lorna moved to Brisbane where she met her future husband James Craney, a Mt Morgan boy. Together they had two children

and until the 1970s lived in Brisbane, where Lorna worked at the airport during the war years.

Lorna, who has six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, has lived in Mt Morgan for 32 years and moved to Carinity Summit Cottages seven years ago.

Mt Morgan and Rockhampton businesses helped Lorna celebrate her 100th birthday in style. She had her hair and make-up done by Mane Street Hair Studio while John Cole, as well driving Lorna around in his Corvette, provided free music and karaoke for her birthday party through his entertainment business Coleyoke.

Lorna’s birthday sports car ride and pampering is one of a number of purposeful living experiences being arranged for Summit Cottages residents by Carinity staff.

“We ask each resident what their one extra special wish is and we’re helping to make those wishes come true. Lorna wanted to go for a drive around town because she hadn’t been in a car since she moved to Summit Cottages,” Carinity Summit Cottages Activities Officer Leeann Rolfe says.

“Some residents say they would like to attend a Central Queensland Capras rugby league game in Rockhampton, one wants to play a round of golf and others want to go to the horse races. A few, like Lorna, just want to go for a drive around Mt Morgan to see how the town has changed.”

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Win: Something for the music lovers

June 2022 Edition

Are you a music fan?

We have two great MUSIC CD GIVEAWAYS for Seniors Today readers.

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5pm Wednesday 4th May Copy Deadline: 5pm Monday 9th May Distributed: Thursday 2nd June Published by Central Queensland Media Pty Ltd ACN 642 029 070.

Publisher Paul Thomas.

All material is copyright to Central Queensland Media Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit SeniorsToday.com.au/ terms-and-conditions/ 2 SENIORS TODAY SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021

CHECK THIS OUT! INSOLO is the second solo album by Spandau Ballet songwriter and Saucerful Of Secrets guitarist and co-lead vocalist, Gary Kemp.

As the songwriter & guitarist in one of the most iconic bands of the 80’s, Spandau Ballet, Gary became one of

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As a special for Seniors Today readers we have 10 copies of INSOLO CD to giveaway!

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John Mayer - GRAMMY award winning artist, celebrated songwriter and iconic guitar player - is back with his new album SOB ROCK. His eighth album features 10 tracks

including the stand-out classic single “Last Train Home” John Mayer has sold over 20 million albums and played to over 3.4 million fans worldwide.

As another special for Seniors Today readers we have 10 copies of John Mayer’s SOB ROCK CD to giveaway!

To enter simply go to - seniorstoday. com.au/competitions or scan the QR Code to go to our Competitions page and enter the competition.

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A new era for Shed

By Tania Phillips Rockhampton’s Men’s Shed is going on a membership drive as it prepares for the opening of it’s brand new sheds at CQ University in October.

The Men’s Shed, which first opened it’s doors in 2010, will be able to welcome more members – particularly women when the new facility opens group chairman Jim Lawler said.

“We started in an old building in Wandal and we were there for a few years and Cyclone Marcia put paid to that – the ceiling started to sag and it was full of asbestos so we took up an offer from the University up here from Scott Bowman who was the vice-chancellor at the time,” he said.

“He offered us a building there and we’ve been there since 2012 until now and we’re in the process of building our own sheds on the university campus.

“We built our first one about 12 months ago we’re trying to fund the sewage connection and the power, we’re connecting the sewage now with the help of a couple of volunteer plumbers and our own members.

“We hoping to be in there in October.

The next building, a third of it will be for our ladies auxiliary – they will have projects of their own, there will be a gym, first aid room, storeroom and office and a meeting room.”

The group has 50 members but they have had to cap it due to the size of the building but are starting to open up their books now. Secretary-Treasurer Marian Lawler (Jim’s wife) said the second building was funded by the Bushfire Flexible Funding.

She said because the group is a member of Volunteer Organisations In Active Disaster they are eligible to apply for funding through the Rockhampton Regional Council.

“We applied for it and the idea is if the Disaster Management Group decide look for a hub in the Northside our building would be offered as that hub for any disasters that happen.

That’s the second building but the third one is our community centre,” Marian explained.

“We’ve got funding for the third one.

The Iwasaki Foundation have funded two of our buildings, they funded the first and third shed. The Community Benefits fund put down the slab.”

Desley Rail from Iwasaki Foundation turns the first sod.

The skeleton of the shed.

Barry Kajewski puts up the sign.

The group wanted three decent sized buildings to be operate property.

“Yes that was the whole idea,” Marian said. “The men have got building one – that has all our wood work and metal work in it and that’s we get our resources from to get going. The second shed the ladies have part of that and because we’re an aging membership we needed a first aid room, an office as well and the small gym – we used to have a gym at Wandal so we’re creating the gym for the men’s and ladies help.

“What happens is the ladies don’t go into the men’s shed, that’s where they have all their machinery and we respect the fact that men will talk to men when they won’t talk to clinicians. At the moment we have a tiny little room and if the men want to come in and talk to us and view some of our projects we don’t have a problem with but we decided we respect the men’s privacy and need to talk and we don’t go into their part

for morning tea. The idea of the community centre at the front means we all come together and we can have functions and things like that.”

Marian said they can now open the membership up and she was currently actively looking for ladies at the moment.

“We’ve only got four because of the space that we had but we will have room to take about 20 ladies,” she said.

“Our library will be active again and we will be teaching the men to cook again and things like that.

“We have a lot of diverse program, if somebody came to us and said what do you think of doing this we would all sit down and have a talk about it and if the majority ruled that project would go in.”

For more information head to their website rockhamptonmensshed.org. au.

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NEWS

No fear of FOGO trial There is about to be a new bin on the block in the Rockhampton Region in October when the Council’s Food Organics and Gardens Organic (FOGO) bin trial hits the kerb.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said participating households in Gracemere, The Range, Frenchville and Koongal had been notified.

Mayor Williams said the trial was a major step to becoming a zerowaste community.

“I really want to thank those 750 households that have been selected to take part – I hope this is something you’re equally excited about,” he said.

“The way you use your new bin during this trial will help us to decide the best waste services for our entire community, so if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

“We’re also running a survey at the moment that’s open to the whole community. Whether you’re in the trial or not, we would really encourage everyone to submit your feedback.”

Member for Keppel and Assistant Education Minister Brittany Lauga said the Palaszczuk Government was pleased to part-fund this trial.

“This trial, if successful, could see up to 83 per cent of food and garden waste diverted from landfill and instead create new opportunities for business, savings for council and more jobs in resource recovery.

Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham said he was very excited to see the trial get going.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to really test out the organics bins options that are available, so that if we introduce one in the future we know it’s the right option,” Cr Latcham said.

To complete the survey head to engage.rockhamptonregion.qld. gov.au. Find out more about the trial by heading to the website at rrc.qld.gov.au/fogo

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Old age in a new age

By Erle Levey Australia’s population is ageing ... fast.

And it affects us all.

This century we will see the possibility of six generations living together at the same time.

Medical science and healthy, active lifestyles will play a big part in people living longer.

Reaching 100 years of age will no longer be extraordinary.

By 2030 there will be more of us aged 65 and over than 14 years and under.

That will impact how we live, where we live and the way we fit in the community.

As baby boomers and Generation X enter older adulthood, our expectations of how we are going to live in a community will change.

The Sunshine Coast Business Council’s Ageing in Place conference explored ageing trends and solutions that are providing people with greater choice about how they can approach and enjoy their older life.

The conference was held at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), which plays a major role in training nurses and allied health care professionals for the future.

Guest speakers included Urbis director Kate Meyrick, University of Queensland Professor Laurie Buys, and USC vice chancellor and president,

Sunshine Coast Airport’s Andrew Brodie and Brett Adams with Dean Sherwell of TAFE Queensland. 245069 Professor Helen Bartlett.

Fittingly, Kate Meyrick was joined on stage by her mother Jan Meyrick who had a career teaching human development to young students going to work in the care field.

Jan was recognised for her work in aged care during her retirement with an award to enable a personal world study tour to see what facilities were available.

Business council chair Sandy Zubrinich said people were not only living longer, their expectations of how they enjoyed their retirement years were changing.

“Whether they choose to stay in their

own homes longer or are attracted to retirement living or similar environments, what is important is having a choice.

“And while there are pressures on service providers, medical services and the government, now is the time to rise above the current debate, question the fundamentals and find new ways to meet the challenges of ageing and keep people longer in place, in community, in health, in prosperity and importantly - in life.’’

Old Age In The New Age was the focus of Kate and Jan Meyrick’s presentation.

This was a first for mother and

daughter to be presenting on the same stage although they have been a part of each other’s lives for 55 years.

“She felt invisible yet she has such insight,’’ Kate said of her mother. “She is talking from experience.

“When talking about care in our own homes, and in retirement in our community, it’s a matter of challenging our perceptions ... not just society’s perceptions but our perceptions of ourselves, as older Australians.

“The important things is age does really matter. It’s such a binary thing you’re either young or you’re old - but some are born old and others die young at heart.

“Ultimately we are all people.

“The most important thing about designing a home, an experience, a neighbourhood or a city is we are designing for people.

“By 2060 there will be more than eight million aged people in Australia, so you really do need to get to know us.

“We need to consider how we move around, given we will not be car-driven.

“We will need lots more public transport and walkable solutions to make sure older people are able to remain active in their own community.

“They will be staying in their own homes longer, so it is very important to understand what types of homes they want to live in and recognise there won’t be a one size fits all solution.

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“Some will need a bit more care.

Some will like to remain independent, but perhaps need a smaller home.

“How we accommodate these needs, ultimately where we live and the kind of communities we live in are human centred ... and if we don’t understand that we cannot design for them.

“If we are designing things older people don’t like there’s a really easy answer, they will vote with their feet and won’t use it.

“As baby boomers and Gen X moving into retirement, we are not great at planning for it as we have put it off as long as possible.

“What we bring into retirement is a different way of life.

“Our aspirations for the next 35 years will be different from those of the previous generation.

“We are never too old to learn.’’

With this century likely to see six generations living at the same time instead of the four of the last century, the whole 100-year city needs to be friendly, Kate Meyrick said.

“When planning and designing cities and neighbourhoods for six generations to live in, we need to think differently.

“Think about how to activate the needs of those who will be living in it.

“This is not an option, not a passing phase.

“It is coming like the train down the line. It’s something we need to think about as they will be our cities we will grow old in.’’

Jan Meyrick was horrified by many of the aged care situations she encoun-

tered in her career and knew it was not the lifestyle she wanted when reaching that age.

So she set out to see what plans that could be made. One of the best models was in Deventer, Netherlands, which encouraged residents to use the skills you have or lose them.

It showed that happiness comes before care - that it was important to move away from medical and to an enabling model.

It was a different way of looking at aged care ... ordinary, not glamorous,’’ Jan Meyrick said. “I thought a couple of hours and I would be out but there.

“But I was there 7.5 hours. It was the most fantastic place.

“It had autonomy, joyful living, and the township was involved.’’

University students who were hard up for accommodation, were invited to live with the aged community and become neighbours.

They were given free accommodation as long as they gave 30 hours a month to caring - not hands-on care, apart from making a meal a week.

“They were brave and started with one student, now they have six living permanently.

“They could watch football together, cook with them, have parties.

“The footballers went in to use their gym, every person was respected.

“No-one was called darling, ducky or love … they all use their names.

“They have dignity, they have respect … they have joy.

“There are coffee mornings and wine evenings when the community come in

- a homework club for the young.

“Refugees can come in. Respite care is offered.

“It’s a centre for the community.

“Less physical support and more social engagement … it was the most fantastic experience, all because they dared to be different.’’

Other case studies Jan Meyrick saw included Switzerland, where a group of women looked at what they want in older life.

They bought an old embroidery factory and converted it into 17 rooms for independent living. You buy a space but there are outdoor and communal areas.

So they are living alone, but together.

In the USA there was a small community with easily-built, moveable houses to give independence to the aged or disabled.

The idea was to have clusters of small modules with a service centre at the heart.

In California they are using university grounds for successful retirement communities … you buy into life and learning.

Students find it stabilising while the elderly can help them adapt to living away from home.

In South Australia they have built residential care within school grounds where residents can participate in classes and some great relationships can be formed.

Mudgereeba in Queensland has a facility with a farm on site. It operates alongside Southport School where young and old work together on the land which proves to be very therapeutic.

SPECIAL REPORT

In Singapore, Kate Meyrick said, they are pioneering mixed generational living - whole family care communities with a market on the ground floor, then retail, professional, residential and care.

Homes for older homeless adults in Victoria grew out of homeless shelters.

“They provide affordable independent housing with support to get back on track,’’ she said. “Full or medium care, assisted living for food and medication.

“An outreach service to get them out of homelessness.

“How many have thought of that?’’

In line with Brisbane being announced the host city for the 2032 Olympic Games, Kate Meyrick said it would be fantastic to also say it was an age-friendly community.

It would be possible through eight goals: Lives in a safe and pleasant environment; Has access to range of affordable, user-friendly transport services; Has housing options that are affordable, accessible and close to transport and community services; Is supported to be active in their community; Is being inclusive and promote diversity; Participates in employment, training, lifelong learning, volunteering and informing government policies; Stays informed and connected with communities, families and friends; Supported to stay healthy, active and independent.

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VOLUNTEERING

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Volunteers in colourful Hawaiian shirts ready to start the delivery run.

Dessert anyone?

All meals are prepared on site.

A colourful sight in Rocky They are a colourful and important part of the Rockhampton Community but for many of us Meals On Wheels are a group we have all heard of but know little about.

With volunteers delivering meals while dressed in Hawaiian shirts, all meals prepared on site and a plan to introduce smoothies during summer to accommodate the region’s weather, Rockhampton’s MOW is probably not what people would imagine the organization to look like.

Rockhampton Meals on Wheels Business and Operations Manager Margot Hacks, a former chef, said there are 10 full-time staff with the operation relying on volunteers.

“We run on a volunteer base, that is with our Governance Committee as well as our other volunteers so there are 160 people that keep the service going,” she said.

“We are delivering a delicious meal to the elderly, the frail and people living with disabilities in the Rockhampton and Gracemere region. Our main outcome is to try and provide a nutritious meal and try and help the clients stay in their homes. We are finding a lot of people want to stay in their homes, they don’t want to move into nursing homes. A lot of their families are living away and it’s just a comfort for the family knowing that we go five days a week and deliver a meal – part of that is we are doing a wellness check. We’re checking on them everyday to see how they are going.”

She says it’s that wellness check that sets the group aside from other food services.

“We know we have a huge number of competitors out there in the market now trying to deliver food to the elderly, but the drop it at the front door once a week,” she said.

“Our volunteers, and a lot of them do it five days a week, they can tell if someone isn’t well, is frail or not home. It is a great wellness check and a social interaction for both the client and volunteer.

“Today our meals are going out at 11am – our volunteers arrived at 9am – we call it the men’s shed out the back.

They love it they have a cup of tea we give them a sandwich, they have there chats outside, a lot of the others come it at 10am – it’s a very social gathering.

“Our volunteers all come in Hawaiian shirts, they love it, it’s a good community feeling here.”

She said there a lot of people who volunteer after they retire or move to the area.

“They have been working all their lives and they retire and don’t know a lot people because their workmates are all still working so they come here,” Margot explained.

The volunteers from the newbies to those who have been there for 45 years – five days a week, are able to socialize and make new friends.

“They find it very rewarding just from the feedback they get from the clients and the rapport it builds up,” she said.

If you are looking to get involved there is a big sign outside hanging in the trees – volunteers needed. Just give them a call and the volunteer co-ordinators can take potential volunteers through the steps to become involved.

There are kitchen volunteers and delivery driving positions available.

“We have three chefs in the kitchen and prepare about 250 meals a day and most of it is done by the volunteers- no skills needed, they are guided through by the three chefs,” she said.

“If we had to pay all of those people, the clients couldn’t afford to get the meals”.

Meals on Wheels also a chance to make new friends being part of the group?

“Catching up with other volunteers beforehand for a chat, then generally a nice chat and laughs with my regular delivery assistant and greeting our clients,” Ross said.

“I enjoy offering my services to such a wonderful organization and meeting a wide variety of really appreciative customers.

Have they met a lot of new people?

“Yes! I have met lots of generous,

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fun people who volunteer and work for meals On Wheels,” he said.

“Our clients are also very appreciative and friendly.”

Robin agreed – “Yes and especially all the volunteers who gather in the morning before the meals are loaded and delivered.”

So, what would they say to people looking at volunteering with Meals On Wheels?

“Please give it a go,” Ross said.

“You will definitely enjoy and get satisfaction from helping a good service and cause.”

“It is a very fulfilling role which allows me to offer a couple of hours every day to help others and make a small difference and contribution to someone’s daily life,” Robin explained.

“The whole experience is very enjoyable, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to volunteer.”

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Robin and Ross have been volunteering at Meals on Wheels Rockhampton for the past year or two.

The duo work as drivers and delivery assistants with the group now and both admit they love the camaraderie of being involved in the organization.

While Robin, who has been volunteering for two years, retired from fulltime work and always wanted to volunteer, Ross, involved for a year. was introduced by a friend So, what do they enjoy most about

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NEWS

Students’ priceless study

Neil and Inge McEachran. nificantly to the vitality of the region’s archive.”

Cr Burnett said after consolidating their notes, the students will work with their teachers, as well as history researcher and published author, Paulette Flint, who will offer a writing masterclass for the school.

The student’s stories will be accompanied by portrait images by Mike Richards of MGR Photography.

Picture: GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL The exhibition of stories and images will be shared with the wider community at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum (GRAGM) in celebration of Queensland’s October Seniors Month, continuing until 27 November.

GRAGM is a community cultural initiative of Gladstone Regional Council, open 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 2pm on Saturday, located on the corner of Goondoon &

Bramston Streets, Gladstone and admission is free.

Please note that GRAGM will be closed for the installation of The 46th Rio Tinto & QAL Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards from 2pm on Saturday 2 October, reopening on Saturday 16 October.

Visit gragm.qld.gov.au for more information.

12510424-SG40-21

Students from Toolooa State High School have been hard at work recently honing their inquisitive interviewing skills with some of the region’s seniors for the Our Priceless Past initiative.

Our Priceless Past, initiated in 1999 in conjunction with the Year of the Older Person, brings together two very different generations to celebrate the unique character of the Gladstone Region to help build material for the community’s social history collection.

It involves local students interviewing seniors aged 70 years or over who have lived in the area for 30 or more years.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said the Our Priceless Past initiative remains one of the most anticipated cultural projects each year.

“This year local seniors are working with Year 8 students of Toolooa State High School with the use of modern technology to take a glimpse into the past, sharing stories of these longerterm residents of the region,” Councillor Burnett said.

“Stories of those who have helped shaped the place in which we live are written by the interviewing students.

“As friendships are forged between seniors and students, the community has watched Our Priceless Past with a great sense of shared achievement – from nomination to presentation, participants and audiences contribute sig-

SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021 SENIORS TODAY 7

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SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021 SENIORS TODAY 9

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

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Kits a good chance

By Tania Phillips The moment someone turns 50 a bowel cancer screening test turns up in the mail (and for every two years after that) but how many people actually complete it?

According to Rockhampton Catchment Bowel Cancer Screening Program Education and Program Officer Corey Dern – not enough.

It’s Corey’s job to spread the word about the test – its an important message that older Australian’s need to hear but it’s not a pleasant one to talk about.

He also has a big area to cover so an event like the recent Quilton Australian Dunny Derby at Winton is heaven sent for the Education Officer – fun and right on topic.

“The risk rises sharply after 50 so it’s very important, its such a preventable disease,” he explained before heading out to Winton to talk at the Derby, an even which the program sponsors.

“Bowel cancer can be successfully treated but unfortunately a lot aren’t found early enough.

“Unfortunately, it’s not until something happens within the family that everyone gets going with it. Only about 45 per cent nationally of people do the kits that get sent out in the mail. The kits get sent out every two years from your 50th birthday now.

“It was a staged implementation pro-

The Dunny Derby in Winton. gram and for the past 12 or so years but from last year it’s every two years so it’s easy to say when you turn 50 and every even numbered birthday there after you are going to get a kit in the mail so, please do it.”

He said polyps take five to 10 years to grow normally so if they are doing that regular screening the chance of finding them are a lot higher.

It is Corey’s job to promote the kit

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and try to encourage people complete them and send them back.

“I do things like go to Winton for the outback festival with the Australian Dunny Derby which we are a part sponsor of, it’s a brilliant avenue to promote bowel cancer screening along with Quilton the toilet paper company,” he said.

“Just to get that message out there – whatever way we can.”

Make your No. 2’s a first priority Bowel Cancer can affect men and women, young and old and is Australia’s second deadliest cancer. Bowel Cancer risk rises sharply from the age of 50 but can occur in younger people, so know the symptoms, and see your GP if concerned.

The home test kit sent in the mail to 50-74-year olds is free, easy to do and can detect early signs of bowel cancer. When detect early more than 90 per cent of bowel cancers can be successfully treated.

The test kit looks for hidden amounts of blood in your poo that could indicate there is a problem which can be discussed with your GP. The best part is you get to do it in the privacy of your own Throne room.

Don’t think this relates to you?

Why not ask your parents, friends, relatives, or co-workers about their ‘poo’ test? It’s not easy talking about ‘poo’ but it could save their life.

For more information visit cancerscreening.gov.au/bowel or phone 1800 118 868.

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SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021 SENIORS TODAY 11

Your choice for aged care

local Nhulundu Health Service has been delivering cost-effective aged care services for 20 years. Our experienced and professional team assist the elderly and/or those living with disability in the Gladstone Region to live independently in their own home.

We will work with you, your family and/or carer to develop a personalised care plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle goals.

Live at home longer Our Aged Care Programs include four service delivery options for aged people or those living with disability, or their carers.

1

Assistance is also available for frail older people or prematurely aged people on a low income who are experiencing difficulties accessing secure and affordable housing, care services and other related agencies.

Call the Aged Care Program on 1800 468 000 or visit www.nhulundu.com.au . Once you have contacted us we will arrange a meeting to assess your individual needs and discuss the care support we can provide.

Commonwealth Home Support Program Providing assistance with daily tasks for people living independently in their own home. Services include: • • • • •

Community Transport Program Helping clients maintain their independence by providing access to their community for social and recreational activities including shopping, access to various medical and specialists’ services, essential services, or access to work.

Home Care Package Providing comprehensive support and assistance to people who live independently in their own home.

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Assistance with Care & Housing for the Aged Assistance for elderly or prematurely aged people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, on a low income, frail or at risk, to access long-term secure and affordable housing.

• In-home meal preparation • Wellness Programs • Domestic assistance • Yard maintenance

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Friendly faces, food & fun ... Nhulundu Health Service Social Support Group covers it all Age is no barrier to fun and friendship at the Nhulundu Health Service Social Support Group. The ever-increasing numbers of Aged Care clients attending each week are testament to the group’s growing popularity.

The Social Support Group is an extremely important form of social contact for clients – it enriches their lives and allows them the opportunity to try different things and make new friends. Rosemary Bennett, who joined the Social Support Group earlier this year, said she enjoyed all the activities.

“But mostly it’s the company of other people that I really look forward to,” she said.

Well aware that older people can be at increased risk of loneliness and social isolation, Senior Support Worker, Leanne Kennedy plans a monthly program carefully tailored to meet clients’ needs. Research indicates that people who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose This is the framework the semi-weekly calendar is structured around with a program that includes arts and craft and cooking as well as shopping trips and outdoor excursions within the Gladstone Region.

The second weekly activity involves an excursion to places of interest in the Gladstone Region. Previous outings have included trips to Tannum Sands Beach, Gladstone Maritime Museum, the Calliope Historical Village and others. Clients are encouraged to put forward their own suggestions for places to visit. Delphine (Aunty Del) Parter said she loved the outings. “We have so much fun. I always tell other people to come and join us,” she said.

The Social Support Group is for existing Nhulundu Health Service Aged Care clients. New members are welcome however a Social Support Group Code and a Transport Code issued via MyAged Care is required.

Phone the Aged Care Programme on 1800 468 000 for more information.

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HeArt workshops are run by Diversional Therapist, Lindy FryMitchell, once a week. Very popular with clients, activities

range from pottery and soap making, to oil spot painting, bark and sand painting, terrariums, water plant bottles and more. Transport is provided to and from the venue and the program concludes with a noonday meal. “I joined the group six months ago and each time I come I learn something new; I really enjoy the arts and crafts,” said Karen Munro, Social Support Group member.

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1800 4680 00 G L A D S T O N E R E G I O N A B O R I G I N A L A N D I S L A N D E R C O M M U N I T Y C O N T R O L L E D H E A LT H S E R V I C E LT D .

SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021 SENIORS TODAY 13

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

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John and Andrea took the bowel cancer test but while Andrea’s came back negative, John’s didn’t and started him on a cancer journey.

John and Andrea enjoy time with their grand children after John’s cancer battle.

Bowel cancer awareness One in 13 Australians will develop bowel cancer. Knowing the signs, and regular screening are key to tackling the disease according to a respected colorectal surgeon.

Dr Graham Newstead, AM said more than 15,000 Australians were diagnosed with bowel cancer each year. Claiming more than 100 lives each week, it is Australia’s second deadliest cancer.

He said because bowel cancer often develops without any warning signs, participation in screening can help reduce bowel cancer incidence by detecting blood in the stool often invisible to the naked eye, which could indicate a precancerous lesion or existing cancer.

In between screenings, it’s important to stay bowel cancer aware and to speak to a GP immediately if possible symptoms are experienced for two weeks or more.

Causes of concern include rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, changes in bowel habit, weight loss you can’t explain, extreme tiredness for no reason, and/or a lump or swelling in your abdomen.

“Unfortunately, many people only act after they notice significant changes in their bowel habits, stool consistency or colour, or see blood on toilet paper or

Townsville man John Playford. in the bowl. By this stage, it’s sometimes too late, which is why regular screening every one to two years from age 50 is vital,” Dr Newstead said.

Bowel cancer in seniors remains one of the most preventable cancers if detected early enough.

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pharmacy, online or by calling Bowel Cancer Australia.

Dr Newstead said while certain risk factors can’t be changed, some diet and lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk.

These include: Quit smoking Avoid processed meats and limit red meat consumption Avoid weight gain and/or increases in waist circumference If you drink alcohol, limit the amount Eat naturally high-fibre foods Be physically active as part of your everyday life Participate in bowel cancer screening If you carry an increased risk, speak to your GP about ongoing monitoring For John, catching bowel cancer while it was still treatable made the difference between life and death.

“My experience is why I am keen to promote awareness of bowel cancer to my friends, their families, and all others,” he said.

For more information about bowel cancer and how you can reduce your risk, visit bowelcanceraustralia.org or call the free Helpline on 1800-555-494.

· · ·

· · · · ·

Diet key to bowel health

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“When followed up by timely colonoscopy, cases of bowel cancer can be effectively treated 99% of the time,” he said.

Queenslander John Playford, or Townsville, was diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer at age 60.

“My wife and I had received the home screening test in the mail in the past, but because we were too busy at the time, or so we thought, we put the kits aside,” said John.

“When we both turned 60 in early 2019, we decided that we would do the tests.”

“My wife Andrea’s results were negative, but mine was positive and I was encouraged to visit my GP,” John said.

Following surgery and chemotherapy, John received good reports and he is recovering well.

“It seems I was fortunate to take the home screen test when I did,” John said.

Screening is easy and can be done at home using a faecal immunochemical test (FIT). People aged 50 – 74 are eligible to receive a free test every two years through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Those ineligible for the NBCSP can purchase a Bowelscreen Australia kit in

While there’s no specific diet that can cure bowel cancer, a well-rounded diet can reduce risks associated with the disease, says Professor Teresa Mitchell-Paterson, a qualified Nutritionist who holds a Master of Health Science in Human Nutrition.

A bowel cancer survivor herself, Teresa works as a member of Bowel Cancer Australia’s patient services team and credits switching to a plant-based diet, heavy in fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains for helping her recover, survive and thrive following her diagnosis.

Teresa recommends eating three serves of wholegrains, five serves of

vegetables, two serves of brightly coloured fruits and two to three serves of dairy daily. She also suggests swapping out meat for plant-based options wherever you can.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can reduce your bowel cancer risk bowelcanceraustralia.org/ modifiable-risk-factors For delicious and bowel friendly recipes visit bowelcanceraustralia. org/recipes To speak with a Bowel Cancer Australia Telenutritionist call 1800 555 494 during business hours or visit bowelcanceraustralia.org/nutritionist

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IN PROFILE

Fresh from brilliant career As a little girl pretending to teach her siblings on the front verandah of the family’s house at Allora on the Southern Downs, Kim Fredericks could only have imagined where teaching dreams would take her.

Kim retired earlier this year as Regional Director for the Central Queensland Education Region ending just under 40 years in education – a career that saw her teach or administer schools all over the state.

“It was wonderful,” she said of her career.

“I started as a secondary teacher in Hughenden in North West Queensland and then I worked my way, by accident more than intent, into administration positions so I was a senior mistress first, then a deputy principal, then principal and then assistant regional director and then regional director.”

An avid traveller and bushwalker her career took her all over the state and allowed her to experience many of the State’s regions as a local.

“I worked in the north west, I had a couple of stints as a senior mistress and then a few years later as a principal in South West I worked at Injune, Roma and St George,” Kim said.

“I had a couple of stints in Brisbane as a teacher and a deputy principal and then I became an ARD in North Queensland and was based in Townsville, then I finished in Central Qld which was an absolute delight.

Retirement doesn’t mean standing still for Kim Fredericks.

“I always take it as a blessing that I had the chance to work from preschool, as it was in the old days now prep through to senior. I guess my favourite bits – I loved teaching senior English, particularly to the Year 11s and 12s. I loved it all I wasn’t a person who thought I’d had enough and I was desperate to retire – I had family commitment that had to meet and I couldn’t do

that with the fulsome job that I had.

“I really enjoyed my last job – I started in 2015 and finished earlier this year so I had a few years. It was a great joy because it wasn’t just about influencing one school or one class, it was about influencing all of the young people right across Central Queensland which is a huge region.”

So what does some who was so ac-

tive and moved around a lot do in retirement?

“I do like to visit my daughters I’ve got one in Gympie and one in Warwick but I suppose my passion is native gardening, I collect seeds and propagate native trees – I love my gardening,” she said.

“I haven’t done as much as I would like – but I’ve ordered myself a little hybrid camper and once I get that I will get back into camping and bush walking – they are another two of my great loves.

“I love National Parks, I love exploring natural bush and untouched areas would have to be some of my favourite places. Bush walks from Yeppoon a long the beach.”

She loves photography and loves to photograph birds and animals.

Kim has got to see a lot of Queensland through her job already particularly in her last position.

“How lucky was I to travel right across this area and to some rural and remote places in Queensland from the desert and back to the ocean so I got to see – funnily enough the one big trip I’ve done has been out west to Winton and Longreach to places that I obviously couldn’t see when I was working,” she said.

“I made a bit of a list and said I’m going to go back there and have a good look at that- it’s been great.”

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SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021 SENIORS TODAY 15

COMMUNITY

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Sewing a fine legacy

By Tania Phillips Rockhampton’s Beth Johnson and her husband Alan have owned a lot of different businesses over the years but she believes sewing is her true calling.

Which is just as well because she has been sewing since her teens and now at 72, she is showing no sign of slowing down – working for not one but two charitable organisations – Angel Gowns Australia Inc and the Christmas Shoebox appeal, making hundreds of garments a year.

All this is done from her back shed in Rockhampton which is now converted into a sewing room with a purposebuilt cutting out table made by her very Alan.

“I started off in a workroom in Brisbane when I was 15 for my first boss and I was there nearly five years and I left to get married,” she said.

“I got married and had a few years when I didn’t sew for too many people - just a few.

“Many year’s later we moved out to Mundubbera. I had a little cottage built and I used to make wedding gowns for many years for all the local girls. We were in a hardware shop at the same time.”

When they moved to Bundaberg seven years ago a segment on the news alerted her to Angel Gowns Australia and after making a couple of trial gowns to be assessed, she was selected.

Angel Gowns Australia is a 100% volunteer organisation. Through the dedication, love, and compassion of more than 350 volunteers Angel Gowns Australia has been very successful in it’s mission to offer an angel gown garment to anyone around Australia who needs it when their baby or child passes away.

Volunteer dressmakers re-purpose donated wedding dresses to create small Angel Gown garments for babies who are born prematurely, are stillborn or don’t come home from hospital.

These gowns are then donated free of charge to hospitals, funeral homes or directly to families.

Some of Beth’s work for Angel Gowns Australia.

She said she suddenly went from making wedding gowns to deconstructing them.

“At that stage of my life, we had lost an adult daughter with Ovarian cancer so I know what grief feels like and I just thought I can do this,” Beth said.

“If I can help one mum cope with the loss of a baby, I know what it was like to lose a daughter.

“I have had people say to me – isn’t that sad doing that. Yes it is sad, it’s a sad job but it’s very peaceful and very rewarding to be helping someone else.

“So since 2015 I’ve been making Angel Gowns and at the moment I’m making a lot of little baby boy gowns because there is a big demand from the hospital and funeral homes for Angel Gowns for little baby boys.”

Beth has now made hundreds of the gowns which are then collected by Toll Transport and taken back to Brisbane.

The wedding gowns are collected in Sydney and Brisbane with members who don’t sew, deconstructing them to be sent out to sewers like Beth.

She said they usually accept Wedding Gown donations around this time of year however donations are currently closed with a backlog of gowns in storage.

As well as the Angel Gowns she has sewn a couple hundred shorts, little girls skirts and shoulder bags every year since 2007 for underprivileged children overseas for the Christmas Shoe Box charity.

“I do hundreds of these every year – I

Beth Johnson at home on her sewing machine. don’t need any fabric for them this year as a friend has given me 12 big plastic storage boxes full of fabric and they are sitting in my loungeroom as we speak,” Beth laughed.

“They came in from a very dear friend from Roma – she came in for the bull sales and dropped them off last night.

“I’m 72 – I’ve been sewing a long time. I really think I’m the happiest in my own self when I’m sewing. We’ve been in and out of businesses all our lives, we had a newsagency and I had a drapery and a hardware store with my husband but I always had time to sew.

“I just feel that this is something I can do, at home in my own time.”

Search for our heroes The Central Highland’s Regional Council is searching for local heroes who have stood-out in the community over the past year.

The call is out to get in early and nominate someone for a 2022 Central Highlands Australia Day Awards, with submissions open until 5pm 30 November 2021.

With a sense of normalcy returning to the region, Mayor Kerry Hayes said this year’s awards were a chance to formally recognise, celebrate, and reward the unsung heroes who have championed their community in good times and bad.

“Australia Day Awards are always about thanking those people who make our communities a better place – by the work they do, the encouragement they offer or simply the passion they show,” Mayor Hayes said.

“It’s been inspiring watching our community band together this year, even in the face of lockdowns and restrictions, and continue to thrive.”

“I am looking forward to recognising those who have gone above and beyond for our community over this time, and encourage everyone to nominate someone you would like to thank for making a significant contribution to the Central Highlands.”

2022 Central Highlands Australia Day Award categories are: Citizen of the Year Young Citizen of the Year Community Event of the Year Senior Sportsperson/ Administrator of the Year Junior Sportsperson of the Year Cultural Award For more information visit the council customer service centre, call 1300 242 686, nominate online or visit the council website.

· · · · · ·

Decades devoted to keeping our seniors connected The North Rockhampton Senior Citizens Club Inc is set to celebrate it’s 40th anniversary at Bauhinia House on 9 December and has a packed program leading up to the celebration.

Club Secretary Annette Bleney said the club was looking forward to the big birthday but also had plenty of things coming up in the meantime during seniors week as well as all of their regular activities.

She said activities include weekly social bowls on Monday mornings at 10am, a weekly game of hoy on Tuesdays at 10am as well as Seniors Lunchs on Fridays from 9.30am to 1pm.

“These activities are held at low cost to the participants that attend. Carers are Free. Visitors are most welcome,” she said.

“The club is also looking for volunteers that would like to give back to their community so either come into Bauhinia House and talk to our volun16 SENIORS TODAY SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021

North Rockhampton Senior Citizens Club. teers or contact the club on 4928 2320.”

Annette said the club would be host three Senior Lunches during Seniors Month in October.

“We will be celebrating the International Day of the Older Person on Friday

1 October commencing from 9.30am and concluding at 1pm,” she explained.

“Our seniors/pensioners will be served morning tea by our great band of volunteers, provided with great entertainment by the group “Sing Australia

Gracemere Group”, and a two-course lunch.

“There will be lucky door prizes + raffles. Cost is $8 per person and carers are free for each individual event.”

Then on Friday 15 October, they will hold their annual Octoberfest celebrations with morning tea, great entertainment by Capricorn Dance Exchange, and a two-course lunch and prizes for the best dressed. On Friday 29 October the group will mark Grandparents Day with morning tea and entertainment by The Crescent Lagoon State School Musical Students and a two course lunch.

“Seniors and pensioners can be picked up by our volunteer bus driver and returned by bus if they have not got the means to get to Bauhinia House privately,” Annette said.

For bookings or more information, please contact the club at Bauhinia House on 4928 2320 or Annette on 04992 65992.

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HISTORY

All the magic of the movies

By Queensland Deco Project Along with dances, cinemas were the social and cultural heart of Queensland regional towns in the Art Deco era and people would travel long distances to be part of the spectacle. Birch Carroll and Coyle, a pioneering consortium of film exhibitors, was attuned to this demand for high quality cinema experiences outside the capital city and over several decades established a popular network of regional theatres in centres including Ipswich, Toowoomba, Maryborough, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mt Morgan, Townsville and Charters Towers. While many of these cinemas were purposebuilt for Birch Carroll and Coyle in the 1920s as part of the lavish Wintergarden chain, the consortium also managed competition in each town by integrating more modest, existing theatres into its portfolio, such as Earl’s Court in Rockhampton.

Earl’s Court was of special significance to George H. (“Geo”) Birch, one of the founders of the original Birch Carroll partnership in 1911, to which Virgil Coyle later added his network of North Queensland cinemas in 1923. Geo was born in England but lived his last 30 years in Rockhampton as a prominent

business owner of hotels and theatres.

He was lauded for his generosity and remembered fondly for his immaculate white suits and straw hat. In 1910, a year before going into partnership with the Carroll brothers, Geo purchased the Goodsons’ Promenade Concert Ground on the corner of Denham and Alma Streets and established the Earl’s Court open-air cinema in its place. These were the days of silent movies, with a stage built at the back of the 1500-seat theatre for Foresters’ Brass Band to play its musical accompaniments.

Geo died unexpectedly in 1917, leaving his wife Mary, who was also a partner in the Birch Carroll company, to realise his ambition for the building of a modern theatre on the Earl’s Court site.

This happened incrementally, and in many ways, the history of Earl’s Court is the history of cinema architecture in Queensland between the turn of the century and the beginning of World War Two: after starting life as an openair enclosure, it was converted into a large barn-like shed with the addition of a hard top roof, and finally, in 1939, completely rebuilt in the Art Deco style; fronted in Denham St. The new Earl’s Court embodied the

Tropical Theatre concept for which Birch Carroll and Coyle were famed. To ensure the venue was suited to Rockhampton’s sub-tropical climate, roller blinds and shutters were installed so that the walls of the theatre could be opened in warm weather and closed in the cold and rain. Bougainvillea planted along the Alma Street side of the cinema, and a palm court designed by the curator of the Botanic Gardens, added to the tropical setting. The showcasing of local flora was a strategy used by Birch Carroll and Coyle to counter the “Americanisation” of Australian cinema culture.

Earl’s Court was among the biggest one-floor cinemas in Australia, seating 2500 people. The theatre’s wooden floor gradually sloped upwards, with the back seats raised four feet above ground level. While ticket prices varied – centre stalls being most expensive, followed by back stalls and front stalls – Birch Carroll and Coyle marketed the egalitarianism of its seating arrangements, with all patrons offered the same sponge rubber tip-up chairs. The cinema interior was decorated in pastel shades of pink, turquoise and cream popular in the Art Deco era, with accents of gold. This colour scheme carried through to the light

fittings, which were integrated into the lattice and fibreboard ceiling. The cinema was equipped with the latest sound technology from Birch Carroll and Coyle’s preferred supplier, Western Electric.When Rockhampton’s Mayor, Alderman R.W. Evans opened the new Earl’s Court Theatre on 19 July 1939 – only six weeks before the outbreak of World War Two – he celebrated it as a symbol of the town’s prosperity and the faith of businesses such as Birch Carroll and Coyle in the region’s future. Although modified substantially, the site of the Earl’s Court Theatre continued to be used as a cinema complex until 2000. The building remains standing today – occupied by St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church – however its Art Deco features are a shadow of their past. The structural bones of the facade are discernable, but it’s decorative vertical fins have been excised, its brickwork plastered over and much of the exterior concealed by corrugated awnings.

By contrast, the restored (former) Swan Hotel stands two doors up, its turquoise piers and horizontal accents a celebration of its interwar heritage, and a reminder that this part of Denham Street was once a thriving Art Deco precinct.

Theatre realised: A slice of town’s cinematic past The landscape of public entertainment at Mount Morgan after the turn of the 20th century had evolved with the introduction of the cinema.

The Olympia Theatre which was located in East Street in the historic town’s central business district was a major venue for watching films and performances.

Different programs were held every Wednesday and Saturday at 8pm.

Originally known as the Foresters Hall, the venue changed hands on several occasions before it became the Olympia Theatre in the era of silent films when entrance prices started at sixpence.

In 1911, the Irish theatre manager A.M. Welsh promoted the ‘show with the largest public audience’ and frequently filled the standing room only. In addition to the showing of films, there were other shows and a variety of entertainment.

Even one night there was a charity concert hosted at the venue which had been organised by the Australian Workers Union to aid striking sugar workers. There were venues which operated in competition with the Olympia Theatre which included the Red Hill Moving Picture Show which catered for residents in southern suburbs of the town; Tipperary Point, Red Hill and Horse Creek.

It’s been said the press had once ‘sneered’ at the scenes of flying furniture and bad language which were “apt entertainment for a suburb with the social character of Red Hill”.

The Olympia Theatre in East Street, Mount Morgan. Pictured in the 1970s.

The cinema burnt down in 1976.

SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021 SENIORS TODAY 17

READING

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Writer’s visit turns virtual Former journalist turned crime-fiction writer Chris Hammer is coming to Central Queensland just not in person – well not this year.

Hammer, who has just released his fourth book Treasure and Dirt through Allen & Unwin, was hoping to come up for a promotional tour – talking at Rockhampton Library in October. But for the second year in a row, border closures have put paid to his country tour.

However this time around he is still going to be coming to selected local libraries – virtually.

The former SBS and Age journalist said details were still being finalised with interested readers advised to check in with their library.

“Yes this is the second year in a row,” a disappointed Hammer said of the cancellation.

“The publicist at Allen & Unwin had a created a tour for me through regional Queensland. With my first two books I was able to tour – it was pretty typical, you go to Sydney and Melbourne, you get out a bit. “But we were really looking forward to getting to a lot of regional Queensland this time, spending a couple of weeks travelling around which is really unusual.

“So look I’m so frustrated and disappointed but there will be a number of virtual events through libraries as I understand it and fingers crossed in the next year or so I’ll actually be able to get

Author and journalist Chris Hammer’s fourth book Treasure & Dirt is hitting book stores now.

Chris Hammer. up there in person. “But there will be a lot virtual events.”

He said Queensland has been supportive particularly QBD. “I know they are a nationwide chain but they are Brisbane based but I think it would foolish to concentrate on Sydney-Melbourne when there are so many good readers and really good book stores. I think book stores in country towns are brilliant and deserve all the support that we can give them,” he said.

“I’ve noticed it much more since I’ve

become and author, those towns that have a books store seem to just thrive and there’s a greater sense of inclusion than those who don’t have book stores I think they are a really important part of the community.”

This time around Hammer has set his novel Treasure & Dirt in the country – the fictional Finnigans Gap (a Lightning Ridge like town).

In Finnigans Gap, police struggle to maintain law and order. Thieves pillage opal mines, religious fanatics recruit

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18 SENIORS TODAY SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021

vulnerable young people and billionaires do as they please.

An opal miner is found crucified in his mine. Nothing about the death is straightforward, not even who found the body. Sydney homicide detective Ivan Lucic is sent to investigate, assisted by inexperienced young investigator Nell Buchanan.

Treasure & Dirt was released on 28 September, check with your local library about Hammer’s virtual tour.

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Power moves When grand illusionist Cosentino took his spellbinding show out on the road to regional areas in 2019, the houses were packed.

It was a rare opportunity for audiences to experience the escapologist in the live arena and now he will be back by popular demand and with an exciting new show and coming to Rockhampton on 3 November and Gladstone 16 November.

The 90-minute show – Deception – sees Cosentino perform death-defying escapes to thrill the senses, mind-boggling stage illusions, and cutting-edge street magic that twists the view of reality.

Combined with his trademark blend of dance and magic, and that touch of hilarious audience participation, Cosentino promises to take fans on a journey that will not only captivate those who have long followed his career, but also the curious who are attending their first ever show, until the very last mind-bending moment.

Cosentino is recognised across the globe as Australia’s most successful magician and has spent years playing to packed houses and rave reviews around the world.

His prime-time television shows have been viewed by more than 100 million people across the globe, and broadcast in more than 40 countries.

He became a household name when he appeared on Australia’s Got Talent in 2011. Viewers around the country were blown away by his skill and showmanship.

But he was no overnight success story. Cosentino had been working away at his craft for years before making his debut on television. He toured steadily

Cosentino - illusionist. through regional Australia, garnering a solid fanbase and demonstrating his deft skill. His experience was recognised by judges and audiences alike, taking the magician, illusionist and escape artist through to the runners-up position.

Fast forward to now and Cosentino has written, produced and starred in no less than nine prime-time television specials. In fact, he was the first Australian magician to have his own television show. He has not only toured throughout Australia, but also New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Macau and South East Asia, filling theatres as audiences flock to experience his powerful and riveting productions.

Cosentino: 3 November Rockhampton - Pilbeam Theatre, 16 November Gladstone - Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Legends on the road Billed as three Legends In Concert, ‘60s stars Normie Rowe, Dinah Lee and Jade Hurley are on their way to Rockhampton and Gladstone in October.

The trio will play the Pilbeam Theatre on 15 October and Gladstone Entertainment Centre on 16 October.

The group’s line-up includes Australia’s first King of Pop Normie Rowe, the Queen of the Mods Dinah Lee and Australia’s King of Country Rock Jade Hurley.

The trio bring back the energy and excitement from the Wonder Years of the Sixties aim to perfectly reflect the era.

Promoters Bob McKinnon and Brian Fogarty say the audience is guaranteed a sensational show of great music and wonderful memories.

Normie Rowe AM, was Australia’s first King of Pop with hits including “Shakin’ All Over”, “Ohh La La” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So” and starred in a myriad of stage shows including “Annie”, “Chess”, “Evita” and as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables.

Dinah Lee (who was considered the one and only Queen of the Mods) is a New Zealand born star with International Number One Hits including “Don’t You Know Yockomo”, “Reet Petite” and “Do the Blue Beat” and is acknowledged as New Zealand’s

Three legends one stage Dinah, Normie and Jade. greatest musical import to Australia.

Jade Hurley OAM, dubbed by Johnny O’Keefe as “Australia’s King of Country Rock” is Australia’s very own “Piano Man” with the unique “record” that every record he has released has achieved gold, platinum or double status in Australia and New Zealand.

Who: Three Legends Friday 15 October Pilbeam Theatre Rockhampton, 8pm bookings 0749274111.

Saturday 16 October, Gladstone Entertainment Centre, 8pm bookings 07 4972 2822.

Both shows were set to be held on these dates at time of press but due to the Covid situation, check with the venues.

· ·

Rockhampton Regional Council & Bolsover Radiology present

Spring Trivia Time Seniors Today Trivia 1 1. The island of Shikoku is part of what nation?

2. In chess, what colour moves first?

3. How many pockets does a standard billiard table have?

4. What is the past tense of the word “creep”?

5. What is 4% of 600?

6. What is the only day of the week with an “o” in its spelling?

7. In which Century did the Spanish Civil War occur?

8. What is the most common gas in a human’s expired breath?

9. What is the subject of an artists’ selfportrait?

10. What is the most common sedimentary rock in caves?

11. What does the French phrase “merci beaucoup” mean?

12. What large muscle is found at the front of the thigh?

13. What major line of latitude crosses the Coral Sea? 14. In the old Imperial System, how many pounds were in a stone?

15. In the Boy Scout movement, what section is intended for boys and girls from 8 to 10 years of age?

16. What kind of living thing is a bandy bandy?

17. What song by Roger Miller begins, “Trailer for sale or rent, rooms to let fifty cents”?

18. What free-to-air TV network shows Anh Do’s Brush With Fame?

19. Who became the UK Prime Minister in July 2019?

20. In the children’s nursery rhyme, who “kissed the girls and made them cry”?

Answers: 1. Japan 2. White 3. Six 4. Crept 5. 24 6. Monday 7. 20th 8. Nitrogen 9. The artist 10. Limestone 11. Thank you very much 12. Quadriceps 13. Tropic of Capricorn 14. 14 15. Cubs 16. Snake 17. King of the Road 18. ABC 19. Boris Johnson 20. Georgie Porgie

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Allenstown Gracemere, Parkhurst

SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021 SENIORS TODAY 19

OUT AND ABOUT

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A sense of history in Channon St. 240721

Heritage facades along Mary St. 240721

Changing face of Gympie

By Erle Levey The smell of freshly toasted coffee mixes with the sounds of the historic steam train pulling into the railway station.

The whimsy of antique and secondhand shops are side-by-side with those selling street wear for skateboard or bmx bike riders.

There’s the charm of stopping and catching up with long-time friends or chatting with new acquaintances.

I’m at the top of Caledonian Hill after walking up Mary St and taking a look at Gympie as it unfolds around me.

We are almost 18 months into the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet it has been a time when Gympie’s values have shone through.

The Covid-19 pandemic has turned the world on its head. Then again, it has also reminded us of the benefits in learning from the past.

There is a country town feel to Gympie of helping each other in tough times.

It seems to shine through in mining towns, when they had to rely on each other.

Even today, cars will slow to let you cross the street. People come first.

The climate, as well as the quality of the soil in the Gympie region, enables a huge range of fruits and vegetables and produce to be grown.

When people say that you can grow most things around Gympie they are not kidding.

Although having grown up in a farming community there are fruit and vegetable types I never knew existed.

My father used to tell me that while growing up in the shadow of Mt Tamborine he loved to eat persimmons straight off the tree. Now we have seen the fruit make a comeback and ideally suited to the Gympie region, along with cape gooseberries which was another of his favourites.

It’s a similar story with the more exotic varieties such as dragonfruit, sapota or sapodilla.

The Mary Valley as well as the Cooloola region have really stood up in recent times with the way produce is grown. There is a cleaner, greener im20 SENIORS TODAY SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021

Caledonian Hill with St Patrick’s Cathedral dominating the skyline. 240721

The Lady Mary statue in Mary St. 240721

Nash St, Gympie. 240721

Street art on Mary St, Gympie. 240721

Fish and chips on Caledonian Hill. 240721

age being created following much more use is being made of biodynamic farming practices.

In many cases the produce is being packaged and marketed locally.

Always pick a town with a river to live in, I have been told. A town with a river has a life … flowing water has life.

The Mary River is a vital artery for the Gympie region. Known as Mooraboocoola, Moocooboola and Monoboola by the indigenous people of the region, the river was named Wide Bay River by early European explorers Andrew Petrie and Henry Stuart Russell in 1842.

It was officially renamed in 1847 after Lady Mary Lennox Fitzroy, months

before she was tragically killed in a carriage accident.

Lady Mary Lennox was married to Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy who became Governor of New South Wales.

The largest flood on record for Gympie was in February 1893, which peaked at 25.45 metres and covered most of Mary Street with the waterline reaching the vicinity of where the Lady Mary Statue stands today.

It’s an old town, with some deeply rooted connections. If you are in the street people will say hello.

There is a courtesy, no matter who you or where you are from. A joy of living here.

People have become aware of the importance of locally grown produce and it is leading to a better lifestyle.

There’s a collective energy - a whole lot of people and businesses are doing bits and pieces.

So what is it in this community that makes it so resilient?

I’m told that when the pioneers came here it was a microcosm of the world.

People came from all over in search of gold but they then learnt about the great soil … Britains, Irish, Germans, Italians, Chinese.

It was a catchment for really interesting people. And that has continued today.

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OUT AND ABOUT

The Mary Valley Rattler at the old Gympie Railway Station.

240721

Commemorating miners who lost their lives in the Gympie and Kilkivan gold mines, Calton Hill Park and Zig-Zag Gardens, off Reef St. 240721 Gympie is creating an image of integrity, innovation, and hard-working people.

It provides the foundations to help people be their best. That attitude has always been here.

The region has gone through a number of valuable development stages through the past 150 years.

Gold, timber, farming and agriculture have all played their part in adding to Queensland’s economy.

Being a mining town has left a legacy of a community that has had to care for each other.

The memorial to miners at the steps of Calton Hill Park remind us of that.

Soon after gold was discovered by James Nash in 1867, Gympie’s timber history began in earnest.

Then in 1926 the Wide Bay Cooperative Dairy Company, which was located on Tozer St, built one of Australia’s largest butter factories as a reflection of the region’s prominence in dairying.

Through the golden years of mining Gympie had a reputation for a pub on every corner.

Between 1867 and 1900, there were 157 licensed premises, with one map showed more than 70 pubs in Mary St alone, from the foot of Calton Hill to the top of Commissioner’s Hill.

Today we are seeing the transformation of Gympie - from a pub culture to coffee society.

It reflects the fact that through time people have all come from somewhere else to make the region their home.

That hasn’t changed the character of the people.

There are families with deep connections.

People have manners and courtesy.

No matter who you are, you are classed as someone.

They are respectful of privacy yet there when you need them.

You can walk to the corner shops, the schools, the parks.

One of the businesses to lead the way with quality food and coffee was Emilia’s in Mary St, run by the Giorno family.

Customers would come from far and wide for their coffee.

Gympie Town Hall with Gympie Fire Station in the distance.

240721

Hatch Specialty Coffee on Reef St. 240721

SoMa SoMa Espresso in Mellor St, Gympie. 240721

Gympie’s Memorial Park. 240721

The business is now trading next door as Vespa Espresso Bar and is part of a significant shift in Gympie’s lifestyle.

Then there’s the enthusiasm and creativity of John O’Brien and Sandra Phoenix at Soma Soma Espresso Cafe.

At the top of the hill in Mellor St and across from the old Gympie Railway Station, it’s a good example of how ingredients are often being sourced fresh and local.

Former Gympie Region food ambassador Matt Golinski remarks how over the past 10-15 years there has been the emergence of farmers markets that give direct access to some of the great seasonal produce from the Mary Valley and Cooloola area.

Landcare has become a prime initiative as people recognise the beauty of the region.

About town there is a new emphasis on sharing those natural attributes with visitors and new arrivals.

At the old railway station, Platform No. 1 Cafe draws its menu from the Mary Valley food bowl.

The station is a mix of nostalgia and street art meets graffiti.

A walk along Mary St opens up many delights such as The Keen Bean, Panini’s Bakery and Cafe, and the distinctive Hamptons & Harlow coffee cart near the Five Ways intersection.

Then there is the retro feel of The Brown Jug and several hole-in-the-wall outlets attached to pubs or retail outlets.

Recently opened is The Hatch - a shopfront coffee spot with sit-up bench window and a view across Memorial Park.

Not far from that is the old Gympie Swimming Pool with its retro facade, now the home of the Gympie Youth Precinct and Skater Park.

Sitting at Andrew Fisher Memorial Park off Tozer Park Road, you are so far from the crush of suburbia.

It’s a time and a place for self-reflection.

Here, at this tranquil park on the site of Gympie’s first cemetery and to commemorate Australia’s fifth prime minister, I realise Gympie is a community where the newcomers can brush shoulders with the ghosts of its colourful past. Little wonder it is appealing to so many in this ever-changing world.

It’s where you catch the restored Mary Valley Rattler, which travels through the rolling hills to Amamoor and return.

There’s the Railway Hotel on the other side of the tracks - and stories from the Second World War of staff dropping food parcels from the overhead footbridge to the carriages filled with troops.

The Australian Hotel is at the top Caledonian Hill, and the Phoenix a little further along Apollonian Vale.

Right in town is the Queensland Hotel with its coffee window servery to the street, then the Royal Hotel on the corner.

The Empire Hotel is another reflection of the past.

Look up at the intricate detail of some of the old buildings - what changes they have been silent sentinels to.

At the top end of town is The Bunker smokehouse and bar. It’s in the cellar of what was formerly the Chambers Hotel and which has been home to The Korner cafe as well as The Decks.

The Bunker is in a location you would not expect, under the old storehouses with oak beams and brick walls.

SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021 SENIORS TODAY 21

GARDENING

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Has spring sprung yet?

By Kevin Redd Hello Queensland gardeners- here we are in that time after our mild winter and the the onset of our brief subtropical spring. This can be a challenging time in the garden where temperatures are fluctuating between quite cool and genuinely warm and there are plenty of drying winds and relatively low rainfall to help our soil and plants to thrive.

So what should we be doing in the garden now?

First and foremost- now is a great time to get out to apply a fresh layer of mulch to both the ornamental garden as well as the food producing patch. This will supress those weeds and hold in the precious soil moisture. It’s not too hot to get out and do this job and besidesit’s ‘lockdown’ time for many of us- so do your plants a favour and give them some mulch!

What sort of mulch is best?

This is a great question and it depends upon what you are growing and how easy it is to access your garden.

At our site on the Sunshine Coast with lots of edibles and lush tropical foliage plants, we are big fans of sugarcane mulch- as it is light and easy to apply. Cane mulch is produced locally in our region and many long term cane farmers in SEQ have kept their properties going by shifting to the production of this valuable material. Ask around and we’re sure you will find a local farmer who sells the big wheels or smaller bales in your area. Many of these farmers will deliver for a small fee and it’s a wonderful way to meet some primary producers and to know the person who produces your mulch.

Alternatively there are some great bagged sugarcane mulch products (check out Rocky Point) available for

Time to mulch but which is the way to go? Kevin Redd chats about just what we need in this season’s column. those with smaller gardens or for gardeners who cannot easily bring in the bigger quantities.

Sugarcane mulch breaks down rela-

tively quickly and does a great job of supressing weeds and feeding the soil, but it’s not always the best for pathways and where neatness is important.

Fellow volunteers become green-thumb friends They started out as a bunch of strangers, but the Nursery Natives volunteer team members have more in common than just a love of gardening.

The volunteer group based at the Livingstone Shire Community Nursery is one of seven Council volunteer groups who give their time to a range of services across the community.

These volunteers, along with the many other groups and clubs throughout the region, were acknowledged and celebrated earlier this year as part of National Volunteer Week.

Nursery Native volunteer and Yeppoon local of 35 years Karen Duncan, said it was the social connection and sense of belonging that made volunteering such an enjoyable and gratifying experience.

“We all love gardening and helping out here at the nursery but we’ve also all become good friends and we enjoy catching up and having a laugh together every week,” Karen said.

Graham Soloman said he was also part of Capricorn Coast Landcare Group and enjoyed learning new things about gardening while giving back to the community.

“I like meeting new people and this is a great way to do that while also contributing to your local community,” Graham said.

Mayor Andy Ireland said although COVID-19 did prevented events from taking place over the past year and a half, the Shire had been pleased to celebrate the social, economic and cultural contributions volunteers make to communities, making up an important part of what makes our Shire so special.

“While our volunteers generously donate their free time expecting little in return, it is so important to recognise their generosity, whether it be big or small, which helps to shape our 22 SENIORS TODAY SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021

The volunteers. wonderful community,” Mayor Ireland said.

“Council is incredibly grateful for the time and energy these residents put in to many different causes, which not only keep our community running efficiently, but also enhance our Shire’s lifestyle and welcoming atmosphere.

Councillor Pat Eastwood, portfolio holder of Healthy and Inclusive Community, said each volunteer plays an important role in improving our Shire and its services to our community.

“From Livingstone Libraries, the Community Centre, the Community Nursery, the Event Avengers, environmental groups like Capricorn Coast Landcare and Lammermoor Native Gardens, as well as those contributing to the Shire’s shared spaces, our region is incredibly fortunate to have

Karen Duncan.

Volunteer Graham Soloman.

so many residents who give their time to help make our Shire a better place,” Cr Eastwood.

For more information on Living-

stone Council’s volunteering programs visit Council website livingstone.qld. gov.au/1511/Community-VolunteerProgramme

SENIORSTODAY.COM.AU

ACTIVE OUTDOORS

Golfer Ken a living legend

By Liam Emerton Kenny Gillespie isn’t your average golfer, he’s a character, a gentleman and the oldest player in our local vets’ competition.

At 93 years young Gillespie, a father of three and a grandfather of six, is still swinging his clubs with the best of them.

He began playing golf in the 1980s when his workmates introduced him to the game he now loves.

For about 50 years Gillespie has been competing, enjoying himself on some of Central Queensland’s best courses.

He has settled in brilliantly with the North Rockhampton Veterans Club where he loves the mateship of his fellow golfers.

And he’s not just out there having a good time, good ol’ Gillespie is a winner, recently taking out day two of the third division 2021 North Rocky Vets closed championship with a nett score of 72. Gillespie sat down and had a chat with the paper, talking about his hobby.

“They won’t let me retire,” Gillespie said, chuckling.

“I play once a week, if we have an away game I might go. “You have your days, good and bad, but sometimes you’re lucky enough to win.

“North Rocky is the home course but I like other courses.

“Everyone is friendly in the game so it’s great to go everywhere. “But this is a lovely club and it’s great to be here.

“I love the companionship, the friendship and the veterans who made a difference. We have a joke or two and we all get on.”

North Rockhampton Veterans Golf president Mike Vidler said Gillespie was an inspiration for many players in the club.

“I think the best thing is that people like Kenny inspire you to keep playing,” Vidler said.

“I just hope I can do what Ken does and our other 10 per cent of members who are over 80. It’s what we all aspire to, to keep going and get some exercise.

“Like Kenny said, the great part is the comradeship and catching up with everyone. “At the end of the day, we all get together, have a meal together and a beer and a chat.

“And our club has a few trips a year so we get about 30 or 40 come to those.”

Gillespie will turn 94 in December and doesn’t know when he will put the clubs down. And for Vidler, he said he hoped that Gillespie will still be playing when he reaches the century mark.

Club president Mike Vidler with the club’s oldest member Ken Gillespie.

Athelstane tennis is a Laver of love for Alan

By Tania Phillips Laver is a name synonymous with tennis in Rockhampton and while Rocket Rod Laver is probably the most famous he is in no way the only one.

The big family has produced tennis and tennis and cricket players galore so it’s not a surprise to find a Laver involved with the Athelstane Tennis club even now.

Alan Laver, cousin to Rod, has had a long association with tennis in the region and despite being well and truly into the masters age group he still continues to play, along with a large contingent of over-50s who meet at the club to play.

Tennis keeps him fit Alan, who is pushing towards 82, says and it is also a chance to catch up with friends and to carry on traditions.

And there is a lot of tradition in the Athelstane club according to Alan.

“It goes way back, I’m involved with the Athelstane tennis club now but originally it was the Rockhampton tennis club and it was located down where the current town hall is now,” he said.

“When they decided to build the current town hall, I think it was just after the war, they relocated up to the gardens and built three clay courts.

When I retired and came to Rockhampton, a mate said come have a game of tennis and we couldn’t handle the hardcourts out at Victoria Park. Too hard on our knees and hips and things. So we went up to where

The veteran’s tennis players of Athelstane.

Alan Laver in action.

we used to play as kids to the Rockhampton tennis courts, we put in a bit of time, the courts were worn and needed a bit of work but the council wouldn’t allow us to get the clay off the flood plain to repair the courts.

“We decided we’d incorporate and put in a synthetic grass court – there were none on the Southern side of the river in those days, we incorporated and that resulted in a name change – we had to change the name from Rockhampton Tennis Club to Athelstane Tennis Club.”

He said they hounded the politicians for a clay court and between

courts so then we had three and we were going well.”

They now have four courts and are going from strength to strength. Alan said they were now basically catering for the older players.

“Our membership now is 150 paid up members and a 145 kids learning to play tennis,” he said.

“We have a photo of dozen of veteran players over 80 taken about 10-12 months ago – we probably have close to 20 now.

“It’s good fun, it keeps you young.”

He said it’s all word of mouth to join and everything is voluntary.

money from raffles, the council and local member we built our first grass court and it just sort of went from there – back in 1998-99.

“It was very popular this grass court, the Rocky veterans were on-board with this and were very interested,” Alan explained.

“I went and hounded (local member) again and I had him that way that he was avoiding me at the airport. Any way we got $30k out of the State Government – Community Benefit gambling fund.

“We had a bit of money ourselves and I took the hat around – three of us threw in and we had two more grass

SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021 SENIORS TODAY 23

What’s on at the Frenchville Sports Club

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Book at least ½hr prior to pick-up time

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F RE N C H VI L L ESP O RTSC LU B.C O M. AU 24 SENIORS TODAY SPRING: SEPTEMBER 2021