Seniors Today Brisbane - 07 March 2022

Monday, 07 March, 2022

SeniorsToday.com.au

Seeing in a century of change

Thirty years in the ute

PAGE 2

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A true Darling destination PAGE 12

Absolutely trilling

Showbiz career with legs

The Queensland Symphony orchestra will celebrate 75 years this year with a packed program. It is a particularly special year for Brenda Sullivan, left, who has been there for more than 40 of those years.

STORY PAGE 5

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Picture: PETE WALLIS

Big future moves

By Tania Phillips Brisbane will need to look at creating more walking tracks to accommodate personal mobility devices in the future according to Queensland Walks board member Malcolm Middleton.

Mr Middleton, a former Queensland Government Architect, said the personal mobility devices are set to become more important as the city moves forward.

Mr Middleton, a keen walker, has not long joined the board of Queensland

Walks. The organisation advocates for more walkable places aimed at getting more Queenslanders walking.

Queensland Walks looks to improve the conditions and profile of walking in Queensland, support and encourage government, organisations and agencies to improve policy and funding priorities to enhance walking.

An incorporated organisation, Queensland Walks’ membership is open to individuals and organisations interested in promoting walking for all and advocates for better policy and

planning to make Qld neighbourhoods more walkable and livable for all ages.

“I’m relatively new onto the board, but I know for instance the current consultation is engaged with things like personal mobility devices which do run on footpaths,” he explained.

“It’s a very interesting challenge for the future, I think the future will include personal mobility devices for a lot of people, particularly as we go electric and we have battery power for bicycles - but not just bicycles, personal mobility devices can be all sorts of things,

scooters and motorized wheel chairs or seats or mini scooters whatever you want to call it.

“But ensuring them there space with pedestrians on footpaths is quite challenging because they’re different modes of transport and there are all sorts of issues of safety and sharing that need good policy. “However long term I think you will find as there is a move to many more people using personal mobility in some form or other.”

STORY PAGE 8

INSIDE

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VOLUNTEERING ............... pages 6-7 OUT AND ABOUT ........ pages 10-16 HEALTH ..................... pages 17-19 ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT pages 20-22 WHAT’S ON .......................page 22 GARDENING ......................page 23 ACTIVE OUTDOORS ............ page 24

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Alison lives through century of change Alison Woodroffe has seen Brisbane grow from a small town with 218,000 people to the sprawling and bustling city it is today.

To say that the new centenarian loves the neighbourhood she lives in is an understatement. Alison was born in her family home at Ascot and for all but 10 years of her 100-year life has lived within 4km of her current home, the Carinity Clifford House aged care community in Wooloowin.

The middle child of five, she was born Alison Ash on 1 December 1921 to Marion and Frederick Ash, who owned a drapery business.

Her early memories include climbing on the back of the maid while she was scrubbing the floor, and holidays at a beachside cottage at Scarborough.

Alison attended Ascot State School, ranking in the top five students in Queensland in the Scholarship Examination of 1934, and later studied at Somerville House.

After completing her schooling, Alison worked in a bank where she met her future husband, Norm Woodroffe.

The couple wed in 1943 and remained together until Norm’s passing 62 years later.

They had five children: Alison drove herself to hospital to give birth to the third child! World War II had a devastating impact on Alison’s family with her brother Ron, a Royal Air Force pilot, shot down over Germany in 1940. Norm enlisted in the infantry, and was posted to the Middle East, before serving two tours of duty in Papua New Guinea, at Kokoda and Milne Bay. During the war, Alison went to Wesley House in the city to serve breakfasts for soldiers on leave. She would then go to work before volunteering to make camouflage nets at Eagle Farm Racecourse in the evening, and also helped run concerts to support the war effort.

Alison recalls that as most household items and foodstuffs were in short supply, rationing was part of everyday living. She sewed all her children’s outfits,

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which she continued well into their adolescent years.

Alison maintains that her generation were the lucky ones. She explained that after marriage, women were not encouraged to stay in the workforce but were homemakers, allowing mothers and children much time together.

The Woodroffes travelled extensively overseas, visiting England, Ireland, Europe, Southeast Asia, North America, Japan and New Zealand. Alison volunteered for Meals on Wheels, delivering food to seniors in need. Working in a charity thrift shop and knitting rugs for communities overseas were some of her other altruistic contributions.

A proficient tennis player and sprinter in her youth, Alison took up lawn bowls when she was 50 and won many tournaments – including playing alongside her husband – until she retired from the sport at 85.

She twice served as president of Clayfield Bowls Club, did woodwork, and played competitive bridge until the age of 90.

Alison moved to the Carinity Clifford House aged care community this year, where she enjoys crosswords, Scrabble, reading books and chatting with new friends. Sharing a birthday with entertainer Bette Midler, rugby league legends Bob Fulton and Wally Lewis, and movie director and actor Woody Allen, Alison was inducted into Carinity’s 100 Club for centenarians on 1 December.

Two other centenarians at Carinity Clifford House – Ann Damen and Jean Clifford – celebrated their 102nd and 101st birthdays, respectively, later in December.

Welcome to a new year and a new edition of Seniors Today Brisbane.

While Omicron has sent a lot of us back to the doctors for a booster or back into our houses the borders are finally opening up again and our travel pages reflect that.

For the first time we have travel stories from NSW and Victoria.

Travel writer Kylie Mitchell-Smith (check out her blog Travelling Senorita if you get a chance) heads off to Melbourne for the first time in a long time and finds out what’s new while enjoying some old favourites. Proving there is more than just a dish in a sheep paddock, there is a story on the annual Elvis festival in Parkes, NSW. Closer to home Erle Levey takes a ride on the Mary River Rattler.

We also find out all about Masters Aussie Rules, volunteering with the Salvation Army and what it means to have diabetes.

Fingers crossed Omicron will settle down enough to allow us all to go out to see live music again with Rhonda Burchmore and Darren Coggans both on their way while the stage show of Mother And Son is also on. But if we can’t get out then there is a new album

by Lee Kernaghan to keep us going – celebrating his thirty years of recording while gardener Kevin Redd celebrates his favourite and most productive season - autumn.

Thanks for joining us for a new issue and year.

Tania Phillips Editorial Coordinator

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The cost of Alzheimer’s disease is expected to rise by more than 70 per cent to around $26.6 billion over the next 20 years according to a new report released earlier this month, The Economic and Societal Cost of Alzheimer’s Disease in Australia, 2021-2041, from the University of Canberra’s National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM).

The report, commissioned by Biogen Australia and New Zealand, builds on NATSEM and Dementia Australia’s Economic Cost of Dementia in Australia 2016-2056 Report, released in 2017.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said with almost half a million Australians living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease the most common form, this report reinforces that dementia will have a staggering future economic cost without urgent action.

“Dementia is the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of death of women in Australia. It is the major chronic disease of this century,” Ms McCabe said.

“We acknowledge the Australian Government’s significant 2021 five-year investment in dementia and aged care reforms and in order to reduce costs in the longer term, there needs to be a bi-partisan long-commitment to im-

proved services, research and increasing our understanding about dementia risk reduction.”

The report indicated costs could significantly be reduced if a disease modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s disease was to become available. The result would mean fewer people having moderate to severe symptoms which would in turn, over time, reduce the impact on the health, aged care and disability systems.

“The introduction of a disease modifying therapy has the potential to lower the economic impact but is only part of the solution.

“The time for a holistic, sustained and coordinated approach is now,” Ms McCabe said.

Dementia Australia was one of a number of stakeholders consulted by Biogen throughout the report’s development.

Ms McCabe said Dementia Australia was the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care.

For more information contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Call to recognise Nashos Labor is calling on the Morrison-Joyce Government to formally recognise thousands of National Servicemen who fought in Vietnam with a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (RVCM), which was originally awarded by the former government of South Vietnam.

The call came on National Servicemen’s Day on February 14 and ahead of Anzac Dayl.

Some 3,000 National Servicemen were not able to complete the qualifying period of 181 days that Australia requires for veterans to receive the RVCM, due solely to the conditions of their National Service.

These veterans sincerely believe they fought just as gallantly in defence of Australia’s national interests and our ally, the Republic of Vietnam, as those who completed 181 days of service, and deserve to be honoured in the same way.

The proposal to extend the RVCM to these former ‘Nashos’ has strong bipartisan and community support, including among Government MPs and Senators, veterans and ex-service organisations.

Labor has the Government to give these men the recognition they deserve and finally allow them to proudly wear the RVCM when they march alongside their mates on Anzac Day this year.

National Servicemen’s Day is held to remember more than 290,000 men who served Australia through compulsory military service between 1951 and 1972.

Australia’s National Servicemen, affectionately known as ‘Nashos’, played a unique and invaluable role in serving our country.

Shayne Neumann, Shadow Minister for Veterans’Affairs and Defence Personnel with the late Brian Hall, who served on the Ipswich and West Moreton National Servicemen’s Association for more than a decade and was a passionate advocate for his fellow Nashos in Qld. Each year, on the 14th of February, they are honoured on National Servicemen’s Day. Most Australian men who turned 20 years of age were required to register in the National Service scheme of 1964-72.

Twice a year, some of these men were called to serve through a random selection system depending on their birth date, known as the ‘birthday ballot’.

More than 804,000 men registered, with more than 63,000 called to serve.

More than 15,000 of them served in the Vietnam War, where some 200 lost their lives and more than 1,200 were wounded.

National Servicemen’s day is held to honour and thank all those National Servicemen who served and to especially remember those who lost their lives in conflict.

Artistic outlet pays off Art is giving a new lease of life to residents of a Brisbane aged care community who live with dementia. Seniors at Carinity Clifford House are reaping the therapeutic benefits of painting classes run by art student and volunteer chaplain, Jen Mundt.

Jen said she had witnessed a noted positive change in demeanour of residents who have been participating in the weekly art sessions.

“I’ve seen a gradual progression in everyone being at ease with each other and laughing. Attendees say they look forward to coming,” Jen said.

“The residents who attend enjoy creating with the colours, no matter what level of artistic ability they have. The families of the participants have given great feedback about the art lessons, especially how much their loved one is enjoying them.

“My hope is to align the therapeutic benefits of art to meet the spiritual standards for the aged – meaning, purpose and connection.

By being creative, connecting with like-minded others and having something they can achieve, it gives our residents real purpose.”

Art class participants have been painting everything from flowers and fruit, to bugs and birds, while calming music plays in the background.

“Once we’ve decided together what the next item to paint will be, they often ask if I can draw a rough outline for them to follow. I’m finding that brighter colours are favourites for the ladies living with dementia,” Jen said.

“I allow whatever time is needed for each person to assess the colours and choose what they will paint next.

At times, I remind a person of the parts of an item to help with what to do next, such as asking them, ‘What colour are you painting the flowerpot base?’

“Each resident has their own ability but all that attend regularly are progressing. For example, one lady just could not keep the colours for her flowers within the petals. A few weeks on this was easier for her.”

Some of the painters attended art classes or taught art in their earlier years and have relished putting a

Carinity Clifford House resident Joan Pond has been enjoying weekly art classes at the aged care community in Brisbane. paintbrush to canvas once again.

“One lady was quite an artist before moving into Clifford House and her drawings are a standout.

She’s drawn a beautiful garden with colourful flowers and is now on to drawing two owls,” Jen said.

Carinity Clifford House Residential Manager, Arati Shresta, notes the art sessions have had positive effects on residents’ mental and physical wellbeing.

“Studies have shown that enjoying and creating art is therapeutic for people, including older people who are living with dementia. We are so grateful that Jen volunteered to run an activity that is helping to improve the quality of life for our residents,” Arati said.

“Encouraging our residents to express themselves creatively helps them to relax while affirming their dignity, increasing self-esteem and nourishing their souls.”

Jen said the most enjoyable aspects of hosting her art classes are “seeing people living happy lives, laughing and joking” and the “unexpected” joys that sometimes arise.

“For example, one day one of the ladies started singing It Is Well with My Soul in her native Papua New Guinea tongue to the background music I was playing. It was so, so beautiful.”

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Filming on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).

Production has now finished on Darby and Joan.

Filming boost to coast A new Australian drama mystery series from Acorn TV, Darby and Joan, has recently wrapped filming on Redlands Coast and other south-east Queensland locations.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the series, produced by Australian production company CJZ, would showcase the rugged beauty and unique grandeur of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) to millions of viewers via one of the world’s leading streaming services Acorn TV in 2022.

“We were pleased to welcome 75 cast and crew members to Minjerribah for almost a week in September last year,” she said.

“With Darby and Joan injecting an estimated $6.6 million into the economy and generating approximately 95 jobs for Queensland cast and crew, it’s

great to see our local economy receiving a share of this through visitor nights and associated spending by the production.”

Division Two Councillor Peter Mitchell said it was fantastic to see Redlands Coast and Minjerribah forging a reputation as a location of choice for film production.

“Minjerribah is known for its iconic scenery and Darby and Joan will feature several of our naturally wonderful locations including Amity Point, South Gorge, Cylinder Beach and Home Beach,” Cr Mitchell said.

“This is the latest production to film on Minjerribah, with other productions including the blockbuster Aquaman; showing the island is attracting more than just tourists and surfers, it is becoming a location of choice for filmmakers.”

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) was a location loved by the series director and producers.

CJZ Head of Drama Claire Tonkin said, “We’ve always talked about this series being a love letter to some of the most beautiful spots in Queensland and, when I first saw where we’d be filming, I literally gasped out loud at its beauty.

“Shooting there was a wonderful experience for the whole cast and crew, and I can’t wait for the audience in the rest of Australia and around the world to see it onscreen.”

Roger Paul, location manager for Darby and Joan, said: “I’ve spent years in Vancouver, Canada, which is renowned for being one of the biggest production hubs on the planet with excellent support infrastructure from the

local municipalities, and I can say with real confidence Redlands Coast is without a doubt on a par with them.”

Billed as a rollicking road trip with a mystery twist, Darby and Joan stars Bryan Brown as a retired Australian police officer with a dog as his only companion, and Greta Scacchi as a widowed English nurse. The pair meet and embark on an epic odyssey in the outback of northern Australia.

An Acorn Original production, Darby and Joan will have its world premiere exclusively on Acorn TV in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Latin America, Australia, Spain, and Portugal among others in 2022.

The series is produced by CJZ with major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen Queensland.

Tireless community worker honoured A woman who spent a lifetime supporting and helping her community is the latest person to join the City of Logan Wall of Acclaim.

Moya McKeon OAM who died in February 2021, has posthumously joined the company of other community service champions, veterans, celebrities and sports stars honoured by the Wall.

Moya was recognized for her lifelong service to the community of Beenleigh including being one of the founders of Quota International Beenleigh in 1973.

As a committee member, and later as president, Moya worked tirelessly to improve the lives of countless people in Beenleigh and beyond.

She was instrumental in the development of the Beenleigh and Districts Senior Citizens Centre and the Beenleigh PCYC. She also helped start the Beenleigh Netball Association in 1977 and advocated for the construction of its Coral Street netball courts, which are still in use.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power, who unveiled the new Wall of Acclaim plaque in late January, said Ms McKe4 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power and Division 12 councillor Karen Murphy with Moya McKeon’s brother Terry McKeon, and daughters Lynette McCauley and Frances White. on’s dedication to the Beenleigh community was second to none.

“Induction to the City of Logan Wall of Acclaim is an honour reserved for those who have achieved truly great things for our city and community,” Cr Power said.

“Moya McKeon was one of our city’s greatest champions and is so very deserving of her place among our heroes.”

Moya’s friend and former Quotarian, Division 12 Councillor Karen Murphy, nominated her for the honour.

Cr Murphy said Ms McKeon was passionate about helping the Been-

leigh community thrive.

“Moya lived a life that was full of giving to help others. Along the way she touched thousands of people’s lives and made this world a better place,” Cr Murphy said.

“Moya did more than just start things that were needed.

“She made sure that there was a solid governance structure in place to continue each of these projects, ensured that funding was available, and the right succession plan was in place before she would step away.

“This is a true testament of her vision.” Cr Murphy said the Quota Been-

Moya McKeon OAM, who passed away in 2021, has been honoured for her community service. leigh Eisteddfod, which Ms McKeon coordinated for 21 years, would be her enduring legacy.

“Encouraging the talents of youth was a major thrill for her,” Cr Murphy said.

“Many young students grew up being better able to achieve their dreams for seeing the kind and friendly face of Moya each year.”

The City of Logan Wall of Acclaim is on Democracy Way in Logan Central.

The profiles of the City of Logan Wall of Acclaim inductees are also listed on the Logan City Council website.

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She’s pulling the strings

By Tania Phillips At the height of the pandemic Queensland Symphony Orchestra popped up on youtube performing Crazy Frog.

It was a bright moment in a dark time and was the brainchild of the orchestra’s first violin Brenda Sullivan and a reaction to the things her grown-up youngest son was facing as a paramedic in the UK. It was also another highlight in the career and life of Brenda who is celebrating her 40th year with the orchestra which itself is turning 75 this year.

It’s a big number but for Brenda, music isn’t what she does it’s who she is, part of a wide interesting life of raising kids, mentoring, teaching and enjoying all the music and experiences that being a professional musician brings.

And it’s not bad for a girl from country Queensland who took up the violin almost by accident.

“I lived in a small country town, I lived in Atherton, I was brought up in Cairns and moved to Atherton on the tablelands,” she said. “It was a little country town and I was one of four girls. Around the corner from our house was the town hall and in there was a piano teacher down one end of the hall and a violin teacher up the other end.

“My older sister was learning the piano. I think it was somewhere that mum and dad could send the kids to be occupied and I used to go and sit on my sister’s lap while she was having a piano lesson. She got so annoyed with me doing that – she said mum you can’t let her do that all the time – she’s wrecking my lesson.

“So, mum said to me look go up the other end of the hall and just learn the violin.

“So, it kind of started just from that when I was five. I guess I liked it. I don’t remember liking it or not liking it I just did it. And then it becomes your crutch through life because then when ever you have to do talks at school or anything like that you’d go ooh I know what I can do.

“It was a bit of a novelty for everyone else – I brought my violin and I’d play it.

Celebration of 75 years

Then you’d get kudos from that which would make your esteem go up and then it would make you want to do it more – it’s a spiral up affect I suppose.”

Eventually the girls were sent to boarding school in Brisbane and Brenda continued to study the violin learning from Elizabeth Morgan, Brenda spent years travelling with the Queensland Youth Orchestra, Australian Youth Orchestra and International Festival Youth Orchestras until enrolling at the Conservatorium of Music to complete a in Bachelor of Music. There, she studied with Dr. Anthony Doheny and was fortunate enough to win a scholarship to the San Francisco Conservatory where she studied with Prof. Isadore Tinkleman.

“The end of schooling I remember my teacher saying what are you going to do next year and I remember thinking – what do you mean, I’m going to just keep playing the violin,” she said. “It was never a question of doing anything else.”

She met her husband at the conservatorium and said she just loved the combination of playing her violin, making music that is something for the deepest self, but also being able to combine that with the social side of music.

She said a job came up with the orchestra in her final year at the conservatorium “I thought I’d go for it and I was lucky enough to get it,” Brenda said.

“So I joined the QSO 40 years ago in December – I know crazy, crazy, crazy – who would have known that I’d still be there at this time. But you know it’s not the only thing you do in life – for me I guess it’s the trunk of my tree and it was my solid grounding. But there were lots of things I did along the way and life serves you different things. But it’s something I still enjoy to this day - getting up and thinking I’ve rehearsal today woohoo I love it. Life just sort of happens.”

She said it was so wonderful in the orchestra because it was such a positive environment of so many different ages.

“Kids just coming out of the Con now and graduating – playing right next to them and you know they say – how long have you been in the orchestra,” she laughed.

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Planning Timothy Matthies and the Artistic team, and the Artistic Committee on curating Season 2022, said the program traverses a diverse musical landscape, and was created to take audiences on a breathtaking journey powered by music.

“Along this musical journey our audiences will meet soloists and conductors who will serve as tour guides, pointing out musical sights and sounds. We believe in the power of live performance to create beautiful, life-affirming experiences and in 2022, we invite you to take your seat and experience the magic.”

There’s music from the great classical composers from Brahms and Beethoven, Mozart to the Strausses, Shostakovich, Schubert, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, and 20 works from Australian composers, half of whom are Queensland born, raised or resident.

Works by established composers, including Cathy Milliken, Brett Dean and Nigel Westlake, sit alongside works by the next generation including Melody Eotvos, Lachlan Skipworth, Harry Sdraulig and Andrew Howes.

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Epic symphonies from the classical canon, world premieres by Australian composers, and concerts that joyously celebrate modern music-makers headline Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s 2022 Season.

This is a season that is set to shine the spotlight on its own with spinetingling solos, and special moments for music lovers of all ages, across all of Queensland as the Orchestra celebrates 75 music-filled years.

The 2022 Season stars 10 Maestro concerts, five Morning Masterworks, five Music on Sunday concerts, six Studio Sessions, six Special Events and a full regional touring program and education series; a joyous, celebratory, breathtaking and awe-inspiring program; one that is also poignantly reflective of the challenges of the past 18 months.

This year is also the Orchestra’s 75th anniversary and this milestone will be marked with QSO’s refreshingly real Queensland music-making, and more concerts than ever before, from intimate chamber performances to iconic classics in the Concert Hall. This important occasion with allow the organisation to celebrate with a series of events throughout the year.

Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser Johannes Fritzsch, who worked collaboratively with QSO’s Concertmasters Warwick Adeney and Natsuko Yoshimoto, Director - Artistic

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Join the army of helpers The Salvation Army Australia is an international Christian movement, united by faith and giving hope where it’s needed most. Across Australia – in cities, country towns and rural communities – their work aims to touch every demographic and age group.

The group are involved in national issues while also bringing hope to people who may be experiencing hardship or injustice. At The Salvation Army Aged Care their purpose is to promote a unique experience of choice, lifestyle and belonging for all people as they age.

Their services span across Australia in twenty-one residential aged care centres, seven retirement villages, one respite centre and in-home care services.

The first Salvation Army meeting was held in Adelaide on September 5, 1880 with Edward Saunders and John Gore leading the meeting from the back of a greengrocer’s cart in Adelaide’s Botanic Park.

When Gore said, “If there’s a man here who hasn’t had a square meal today, let him come home to tea with me,” little did he realise that within a century, The Salvation Army would feed hundreds of thousands of Australians each year.

As of February 2022, they will have worked in Australia for more than 141 years. However, The Salvation Army has been providing aged care in Australia since 1899 so their services have been delivered for 123 years.

Their aim is to care for the well-being of each person and their family, and work to ensure they meet their specific needs. They believe the aged care they provide ensures people are healthy, comfortable and, above all, loved.

The Salvation Army believe it takes an army of volunteers to provide and enable practical care for Australians every year and that volunteers bring life to their values of integrity, compassion, respect, diversity, and collaboration.

So what do they look for in a volunteer? According to the group compassion is the the most important trait.

“People who share our mission and values, if you have the passion and drive to commit yourself to a challenging and

rewarding role; we invite people to review our current volunteer opportunities as well as offer their own ideas of how they can engage with us to deliver community connections,” a spokesperson said.

“We look for those who are willing to make a difference, passionate about supporting people as they age and willing to make new friends and have fun.”

For volunteer opportunities head to their website at salvationarmy.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Salvos Additionally, at each centre and service their teams are in contact with local individuals and groups who wish to participate in events and activities that support their residents.

Finding fresh purpose in something a little different The loss of her mother-in-law who she had been caring for, spurred Monica Duce into becoming a volunteer.

Monica has now been helping out at Aged Care Plus Riverview Gardens as a volunteer for the past five years.

“I worked with my husband and looked after my Mother-in-Law,” she said. “After she passed away, I found the need to do something different.

“I did some research on volunteer-

ing and Salvos name came up. I’ve always had a soft spot for them so rang up Aged Care Plus at Riverview and got an interview.”

It is clear she loves what she does at Riverview Gardens.

“I mainly chat with the residents and share their news, whether happy or sad, get to know their interests and their family,” Monica explained.

“The guys love to hear about my

husband’s fishing trips. The ladies are quick to admire a dress/top that you’ve got on. You get to know their favourite TV shows, what’s happening with grandchildren.

“A favourite topic. The guys love to chat about their working life, I find this topic very interesting. One of the residents was born in the Caribbean, so that’s a great topic and he loves to take about his life before coming to Australia.

“Every day is different, always something new. I’ve made so many new friends – residents, staff and other volunteers. It’s always sad when they pass away but I feel so much richer for having known them.”

So what would she say to someone wanting to become involved?

“Give it a go, you won’t regret it.

There’s so much to hear and learn from the residents. I enjoy it every day.”

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Monica and Pat.

VOLUNTEERING

Pat enjoys her role at Riverview.

Volunteering is central For 73-year-old Pat Johnstone, becoming a volunteer was the last thing on her mind but once she started she knew it had been the right choice.

“Once I started to me I was someone important,” she said of her decision to volunteer at Riverview Gardens 17 years ago.

“It gives you confidence to meet new people and try different things. I know that I am appreciated for everything I do. I have grown as a person and learnt so many different things like how to use a computer for my craft.

“Don’t be shy, give it a try and you will never look back and be rewarded in so many ways.”

Pat said she first heard about Riverview during her time at work.

“During my years as a canteen conveynor one of my lady helpers worked at Riverview Gardens, so when my time was up at school I asked her what could I do?” Pat explained. “She said I talk to the reisdents and at the time I had no idea how to volunteer, so thought I would give it a go.”

Pat has many different roles over the years since starting.

“Well when I stated at Riverview I was a member of the Hospice craft group learning how to do paper craft which I have never done before,” she said.

“During that time I was over at Riverview Gardens so after nine years at the Hospice I decided to devote all my

time at Rivervew doing craft and learning new things about the aged care side of things.

“In the early days I took residents to hospital appointments and many resident outings which everyone enjoyed.

Over time my friends Betty Stevenson and Pat Neilson joined me in creating projects for our craft group to which now I devote all my time learning new things and passing them on to the group.

“All my time has been spent in the Hostel with the guidance of Kerry Petley, Stacey Everding and Penny Palmer.

Kerry has helped us in every way possible to have supplies that we need to which I use a great deal of my papers wich I love doing. We are so lucky to be able to put our craft into the Ipswich Show and many a time we have been Champions which is a great boost.”

So what does she think she gets out of being a volunteer?

“I am 73 years old now and being a volunteer has given me the opportunity to mix with some wonderful people,” Pat said.

“Really I had no involvement with older people as a I lost my parents a long time ago. It is so satisfying to mix and talk to our older residents and they are so much fun to be with. The staff at Riverview are just wonderful and very welcoming and allow me to be flexible and help out on other projects they have on their agenda.”

Pat Johnstone.

Monica Duce.

Monica and Pat at Riverview.

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AUTUMN: MARCH 2022 SENIORS TODAY 7

NEWS

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Personal mobility crucial

By Tania Phillips Brisbane will need to look at creating more walking tracks to accommodate personal mobility devices in the future according to Queensland Walks board member Malcolm Middleton.

Mr Middleton, a former Queensland Government Architect, said the personal mobility devices are set to become more important as the city moves forward.

Mr Middleton, a keen walker, has not long joined the board of Queensland Walks. The organisation advocates for more walkable places aimed at getting more Queenslanders walking.

Queensland Walks looks to improve the conditions and profile of walking in Queensland, support and encourage government, organisations and agencies to improve policy and funding priorities to enhance walking.

An incorporated organisation, Queensland Walks’ membership is open to individuals and organizations interested in promoting walking for all and advocates for better policy and planning to make Qld neighbourhoods more walkable and livable for all ages.

“I’m relatively new onto the board, but I know for instance the current consultation is engaged with things like personal mobility devices which do run on footpaths,” he explained.

“It’s a very interesting challenge for the future, I think the future will include personal mobility devices for a lot of people, particularly as we go electric and we have battery power for bicycles – but not just bicycles, personal mobility devices can be all sorts of things, scooters and motorized wheel chairs or seats or mini scooters whatever you want to call it.

“But ensuring them there space with

Queensland walks boardmember Malcolm Middleton. pedestrians on footpaths is quite challenging because they’re different modes of transport and there are all sorts of issues of safety and sharing that need good policy. “However long term I think you will find as there is a move to many more people using personal mobility in some form or other.”

He said he sees that there will come a time when more of the road space will be devoted to personal mobility users.

“It gets cars off the road and is a low carbon and high health solution,” Mr Middleton said.

“There are a lot of good things that contemporary technology is able to open up for people who might just have gone for a walk but now days they have many options they didn’t have.”

Mr Middleton, who is an avid walker and tries to get in half an hour to an hour

in each day, said he was approached by another of the current board members who he has known for a long time to join the group. “I had been involved with writing a book 20 years ago called Great Brisbane Walks and that was an interesting experience and one that was very successful in some ways,” he said.

“But for the past 10 years I was also the Qld State Government architect and I’ve always been involved in Urban spacemaking and policy making about the healthy people, healthy place approach. It’s a logical fit to advocate good policy for good places.

“The Queensland Walks Organisation really, its about influencing policy more than anything. Its not a membership based thing, there’s not thousands of members. It’s really about drawing to attention at the right levels of government and local government about new and good quality walking spaces.

“It’s an advocacy organisation seeking to look after the interests of pedestrians affectively – people who do things on foot – which is all of us. And really reinforcing the value of walking as a health benefit, as a community benefit.

“When we plan and design our urban environments, quite often the pedestrian gets forgotten and the car always dominates. There is a need for stronger policy making for the majority of users of streets in particular of who are pedestrians.

“Brisbane is an excellent city for walking in, its challenging in the inner city because its quite hilly but I walk every single day. I live in Paddington and there are no flat walks in Paddington. But its an interesting city to walk through there are excellent parks. Really Brisbane has a lot of open space relatively close to the city.”

A walk in the park for Malcolm A good walk is a no brainer according to Malcolm Middleton and Brisbane is a very walkable city.

“I like to go really where there’s not a lot of traffic,” he said.

“My favourite walks in Brisbane? I often go up Mt Cootha and there are many, many tracks in and around Mt Cootha and I’ve spent years learning them.”

“The Botanic garden at Mt Cootha-Toowoong is a fantastic space with enormous variety.

“Its got a good hill in it but it’s got some flat bits too – it’s full of very interesting walks.”

He admits he also loves Brisbane’s other major asset – the river.

“One way I’ve learned to enjoy the city now as we’re getting more bridges, and we’ve got the ferry service, is going to the river where you can have a lovely walk, because all the river edges are pretty accessible in the city,” Mr Middleton said.

“But you can also walk somewhere and then catch a ferry somewhere else and then walk back.

Quite often if you allocate an hour or two for a good walk its remarkable how much of the city you can enjoy just by using the river transportation system that we’ve already got. It’s a pleasure to get on a ferry too.

“But the other walk that never fails to impress is UQ. “Just go out to UQ and follow the river around and then wander back through the buildings to perhaps where you’ve started. It’s a great walk and never crowded.”

The best of causes: Running for lifesaving research The cool calm of a May morning in Brisbane’s City Botancial Gardens will be disrupted on Mothers Day but it’s all in a very good cause.

Now in it’s 25th year the Mother’s Day Classic is held at various locations around the country raising money for game-changing breast cancer research.

The classic which attracts people of all ages to come to the event village in the Botanic Gardens to enjoy entertainment, food stalls and the run (or walk) has seen almost $40 million donated to research over the years.

With around 55 people diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each day the stroll or run along a 4.5km or 8km course from the Gardens along the Brisbane River (with the 8km course crossing the iconic Story Bridge and the 4km course crossing the Victoria Bridge) is a major fund raiser.

As well raising money the event raises awareness with those touched by breast cancer joining the “the Survivor Wave” or joining in with others at the front of their chosen walk, where everyone will take a moment to reflect on the strength of the MDC community.

For Nicole Statham one of the ambassadors of the event it has special significance. She won’t be on the ground in Brisbane but will be taking part in her 8 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

own home town of Myles in country Qld. “A friend of mine – Toni Brown – has been organising it in our small town for a number of years,” she said.

“I don’t’ live in the town, I live out of it so I’ve never actually been to the event and then in 2020 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. So last year Toni asked if I could become an ambassador for our town and I went sure. There’s a population 2000 but we hold a mother’s day classic there. So last year I became and ambassador and did radio interviews in Brisbane and stuff like that.”

Nicole believes that this is an important event for communities of all sizes.

“I think you don’t know something until you are actually touched by it,” she explained.

“My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was two – forty-six years prior to me and she died from it,” she said.

“Now it’s not a death sentence. The mother’s day classic raises so much money, it helps with research and it’s changing the lives of women who get diagnosed because it doesn’t necessarily mean a death sentence any more. I think research is so important and any money we can raise and raise awareness is critical.

“Me personally I’m doing superwell now but a friend of mine who was diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn’t have a mastectomy or chemo I just had a lumpectomy and radiation. Her and I went through radiation together, she’s nine years older that me and she’s up it Townsville. When we were going through radiation we were talking to each other – that the end of 2020. Last week she was told she had less than six months to live. Hers has come back and is in her spine and liver for me that’s a little – oh my goodness. Is that going to be me?”

Tens of thousands of people will unite on May 8 for the Mother’s Day Classic to celebrate and honour those affected by breast cancer and raise vital funds for research. There will be up to 70 event locations nationwide where supporters can walk, run or jog for the cause on Mother’s Day. Almost 1.5 million Australians have participated in the Mother’s Day Classic over the past 24 years, making it Australia’s largest fun run and walk for breast cancer research, according to event CEO Zara Lawless.

“The MDC community should be very proud of this important milestone which marks 25 years of impact,” she said.

“The MDC has grown quite literally from a walk in the park to an iconic event in the Australian calendar. Since it all began in 1998, the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation has donated nearly $40 million to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to fund life-saving breast cancer research.”

After two challenging years, the Mother’s Day Classic is ready to deliver a fun and inspiring event experience you won’t want to miss in 2022.

To keep participants and volunteers safe, MDC is implementing Covid-safe measures and will be guided by the vaccination requirements and health and safety guidelines as determined by each state’s government authority.

This year, in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Darwin, Hobart, Geelong and Western Sydney participants will experience the true magic of traditional MDC events. There will be the buzz of the event village, live entertainment, music, and food stalls to enjoy throughout the morning.

Participants staying local will receive a commemorative medallion at the finish line, have access to downloadable race bibs and tribute cards, as well as access to the online fundraising dashboard and fitness tracker.

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OUT AND ABOUT

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New era blooms for Kalbar There is a blooming new festival at Kalbar in the Scenic Rim just west of Brisbane.

The beautiful Kalbar Sunflower Festival is an event born out of necessity and drought with farmers Russell and Jenny Jenner pivoting their small farm from lucerne to sunflowers due to a lack of water.

Out of the adversity of the past few years came 200,000 glorious sunflowers in bloom an idea to share them with others.

This is the second year of the festival launched at the tail end of the drought and with Covid still prevalent around the world.

“We were struggling because of the drought and we couldn’t grow our normal crops, we didn’t have any water left, we were looking to do something to diversify and we came across sunflowers as an idea,” she said.

“They are quite a drought tolerant plant and chatted to our seed reps and got all the information on them. We knew people liked going out to visit them and we’re only an hour out from Brisbane so we thought why don’t we do it here? Kalbar is getting quite the reputation in the scenic destination.

We are in the top Eight in the world for Lonely Planet. Every one wants to come to the Scenic Rim and we thought that would give our little town and added boost because we were all running out

People from all over South East Queensland flocked to Kalbar to enjoy the Sunflower festival in 2021. of water and things were looking a bit grim for farmers around that time.

“So that’s how the event was born last year and we made it a really nice big community event and got all the schools, the Lions, The SES and everybody involved. It was great we sold out really quickly but as it was our first time we weren’t sure how many people we could cater for so it was a big learning curve and then we did another smaller event. We grew 12 acres the first time and in October/November we grew six acres and said lets just open up and do farm visits. We were inundated with people – they’re still coming. I don’t think people realise that they only flower about two weeks when they are at their peak and then they go to seed. So its not something you can have pretty much all year round unless that is just what you’re doing.”

The Jenners are planning more

changes to their farm over the next few years looking to create paddocks of meadow flowers where people can come and do “Pick your” own flowers, stay for a little visit and for a little while.

The couple have been farming in the area since 2006 – around 16 years. Both growing up on farms before taking on other jobs, running their own business.

“Then my husband said – oh let’s buy a farm and so we did that in 2006-2007,” she said.

“Now we’re just evolving that into sunflowers and tourism.

“The original step back into farming was scary but we’ve lived in this farming community all our lives so it wasn’t too bad and we like to take on a challenge- a new business. It was our second business and we’ve done really well with it.”

Jenny said as they have got older they have looked to evolve and do things that suits them and their lifestyle – though it’s not easy.

“Farming you’re at the mercy of mother nature, we’ve had droughts we’ve had lots of floods, we’ve had hail, lots of storms we’ve had it all in the past 15 years it’s not for the faint hearted put it that way,” she said.

“The worst of it has been in the past for years – 2018 we had big hail storms come through and we lost a lot of the crops so did all the farmers. We do live in a beautiful place and with all farming

you just have to pick yourself up and say ok, we still own the land. We can plow it all in and start again.”

For Jenny and Russell it has been all about resilience and thinking outside the square. Moving from the lucerne to sunflowers and tourism.

At the moment the duo are gearing up for their second festival.

“It’s getting closer now – we’re just about to plant – actually we were supposed to plant all the sunflowers today but we had a lot of rain a couple of days so its set it back by a couple of days – we hope to plant by Tuesday next week,” Jenny said when we first spoke back in January.

“It’s a bit tricky getting the sunflowers to come out. Last year when we first had the festival, they came out two weeks earlier than we anticipated and then in October/November when we had smaller patch and were just doing farm visits, because they were planted in winter they came out a little bit later.”

The Jenners have proved you are never too old to pivot and change direction.

The annual Sunflower Festival in Kalbar features sunrise yoga in the sunflowers, wanders through the sunflower fields, children’s sunflower art classes, sunflower cooking classes and in the evening, a spectacular Sunset Dinner in the sunflowers. For more information head to kalbarsunflowers.com.au

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Make choices about your future health care and quality-of-life.

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10 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

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OUT AND ABOUT

Elvises in the building The King may have left the building for a short while, but things are revving up in Central West NSW with borders opening and ever-popular Parkes Elvis Festival set to return 20-24 April 2022.

The King-sized program is filled with more than 200 Elvis and speedway inspired events, including muchloved festival favourites Northparkes Mines Street Parade, Renewal of Vows Ceremony, Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner, free Cooke Park Main Stage Entertainment and Elvis Gospel Service.

The Festival will host new events, including a Speedway Exhibit of rare and classic race cars, meet-and-greet racing stars and virtual reality simulators.

A Pin-Up Pageant will be hosted over three days of the Festival for rockabilly and vintage fashion lovers. For the theatrical, Sons of Sun is a wild rock and roll play about Sun Records, Memphis, featuring songs from Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison.

For the first time, fans will enjoy four days of free entertainment from the impressive new performance stage at Cooke Park.

Starting as a small get together between like-minded Elvis fans in 1993, the Festival has grown today into an internationally renowned phenomenon, recognised as one of the top events in Australia and attracting 24,000 fans.

According to Festival Director Cathy Treasure this year’s Festival theme is

Speedway, dedicated to Elvis’ 1968 musical hit about a race car driver with a heart of gold. Festival attendees are encouraged to dress in theme. Think gogo dancing girls, overalls, racing suits and red, white and blue. Top Australian tribute artist Mark Anthony will also stage a one-off special Speedway Show to celebrate the Festival theme.

“The Festival is so excited to return next year, bigger and better than ever with a huge program of activities,” Cathy said.

“Although we can’t celebrate on Elvis’ birthday like we normally do, we’re planning a big party regardless and look forward to sharing this iconic festival experience with locals and visitors coming to Parkes.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Regional Events Acceleration Fund will help next year’s Parkes Elvis Festival deliver a bigger program of events.

“The multi-award-winning Parkes Elvis Festival will attract huge crowds of locals and visitors across five fabulous fun-filled days,” Mr Toole said.

Welcome

“The Parkes Elvis Festival is considered one of Australia’s most iconic events and with a global media reach of more than 400 million people, this all helps to put a big spotlight on the region and bring welcome tourism dollars to local businesses Tickets to all events are on sale now, including the Feature Concert Series which will see the USA’s 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion, Taylor Rodriguez, make his Australian debut with four shows performed across the Festival, backed by the dynamic ninepiece TIC band. Jeff Lewis host of the famous ‘Memphis After-Party’ at Graceland’s Elvis Week will MC. The Festival will welcome a host of other top American talent with links to Elvis and the Speedway movie, including a virtual Q&A appearance by Speedway child star Victoria Paige Meyerink, and a chance to meet in person Charles Stone, tour producer for the Elvis Presley Tours in the 1970s.

Australian music legend, and Platinum artist Brian Cadd will be inducted to the Wall of Fame. The singer, songwriter, keyboard player and producer will be honoured as not only Australian music industry icon for over 50 years, but a continued force that is sure to set next year’s Festival off to a rockin’ start.

Adam Harvey joins the Festival lineup for Elvis Country Special, performing a tribute to Elvis’ many country music hits.

The Festival isn’t just about all things Elvis, Australia’s colourful rockabilly and vintage communities are also celebrated. There will be a host of workshops held where fans can discover vintage styling, revel in burlesque performance and even take a masterclass in drawing The King himself.

The preliminary round of the international Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest also returns in 2022, with leading Elvis tribute artists from Australia and abroad battling it out at Parkes Leagues Club. Officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc, the winner will represent Parkes in the Semi-Final round of the 2022 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, USA, during Elvis Week in August.

Tickets to all Parkes Elvis Festival shows, across the many venues in the city, will be available to purchase online, making booking your entire fiveday Elvis extravaganza a breeze.

Accommodation options are available, including camping and caravanning, in Parkes and surrounding towns.

For all programming and ticketing information, visit parkeselvisfestival. com.au EVENT: Parkes Elvis Festival DATES: 20-24 April, 2022 THEME: Speedway WEBSITE: www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au LOCATION: Parkes, NSW, Australia

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OUT AND ABOUT

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The Darling River runs There’s something catchy about the phrase, “the Darling River Run”, evoking images of quintessential Australia; country that has inspired explorers, poets and artists and given life for millennia.

The country’s third longest river is fed by many tributaries as it flows 1472km from its source in northern New South Wales to join the mighty Murray. Add the tributaries that begin in Queensland, and it’s 1767km long, but for the traveller this is the Outback’s most famous waterway, and Australia’s most significant rural countryside.

And if it has been on the bucket list, then the time is right to get out and see it all for yourself this autumn.

After recent rain, the Darling is full to the brim, its 23 river valleys bursting with life and the landscape looking like a sea of green.

It’s a once in 20 or 30-year experience to see the Outback after the rain it has recorded in recent month. Rivers, lakes and dams are full and waterfalls are gushing, so it’s a very special time as it doesn’t happen that often.”

CT Travel’s 15-day luxury coach tour departing April 26, will follow the mighty river for more than 700km then swing across to Broken Hill, Australia’s first National Heritage City.

Along the way, see the artwork on Thallon’s towering grain silos, and the cotton town of Dirranbandi before

crossing the border to Lightning Ridge, home of the prized black opal.

Continue down the Darling to Brewarrina to see the fish traps, one of the oldest manmade structures on earth, and learn the stories of the 19th century river ports of Bourke and Louth.

Lunch at traditional Outback pub Shindy’s Inn on the banks of the Darling at Louth, where artefacts and memorabilia line the walls.

Discover country hospitality with a stay at Trilby Station and visit historic Dunlop Station. At the unusual opal town of White Cliffs residents live un-

derground – just like the hotel where you’ll stay.

Then “beyond the Darling River, on the edge of the sundown” is Broken Hill and Silverton with its famous gaol. Cobar, steeped in mining heritage, has a mineral belt that is clearly visible.

Return home via Dubbo and Dundullimal Homestead, the Pilliga Pottery and the artesian bore baths of Moree.

It’s 15 days packed with capturing the spirit of the Darling and its communities, and autumn is a great time to be going.

See the full itinerary at cttravel.com. au

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Join us on our “Darling River Run” tour and witness the Outback after the significant rain of the recent months.

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Then “beyond the Darling River, on the edge of the sundown” the tour swings across to Broken Hill, Australia’s first national heritage city and silverton with its famous gaol.

The 15 days are packed with capturing the spirit of the Darling and its communities and Autumn is really great time to be visiting

Our 15 day luxury coach tour departs on April 26, travelling 700 kilometres along the Darling - the Outback’s most famous waterway and For full itinerary see cttravel.com.au some of Australia’s most significant or give us a call on (07) 5391 1648 rural countryside.

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12 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

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OUT AND ABOUT

Gympie’s rich railway history a valuable asset for today, as well as into the future, as ERLE LEVEY discovered.

A journey through time

Engine driver Darrell McCulloch at Gympie.

259914

The river played an important part in the transportation of the timber down the river to where it could be used or exported. The river, today, reflects the land use changes that have occurred in its catchment.” back in time.

Once on the platform of the historic railway station there’s time to talk to some of the Valley Rattler crew, also to

enjoy breakfast or a tea, a coffee.

The Rattler is a not-for-profit organisation ensuring the public has access to a historic rail experience.

It operates with assistance from a large group of volunteers and is administered by a voluntary board.

Just recently the group was awarded gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group.

Officer in charge of the train on the day Tanis Fulcher’s involvement with the Rattler started a couple of years ago but he has “trained’’ since he was about four or five years old.

“It’s a great place to volunteer,’’ he said.

“You make a lot of good friends.

“I enjoy this chance of playing trains.

“My grandfather was in the Royal Australian Air Force and came through here by train in the Second World War. “Then in 1997 he took me on my first steam train trip. That was from Brisbane to Toowoomba.

“From then on I was hooked.

“This is good work and what you get out of it is just that sense of fulfilment.’’

Emma Allen, who was to be in charge of our carriage for the day, found it hard to contain her excitement about her role - providing information about the journey and ensuring the safety and welfare of those on board.

Continued on page 14

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I didn’t expect it to be such an interesting journey.

History is a matter of taking lessons from the past, telling them today, for the benefit of the future.

Gympie’s railway history is a valuable asset for today and the journey ahead.

It leads you through the rich history of the area, puts it into a modern context and gives clues to the shape of things to come.

That is why I was in the car park of the old Gympie Railway Station in Tozer St early last Saturday.

The Mary Valley Rattler is back on track ... and we had a ticket booked to experience again the charm of steam travel.

As the carriages are shunted into place at the platform the sense of excitement and expectation builds.

It took me back to train journeys of my childhood. To holidays with uncles and aunties at their farms.

To take the train into the city to see the Christmas lights and the department store windows - to hand your letter to Santa Claus.

Snapping back to the present, it’s important to remember that on an adventure such as this you don’t want to be rushing. Instead, relax, take it easy, step

AUTUMN: MARCH 2022 SENIORS TODAY 13

OUT AND ABOUT

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From page 13 “I like trains,’’ she said. “Trains and history.

“I think it’s a great social space and you get to meet a lot of great people.’’

Emma’s brother George started off with the Rattler right at the beginning.

“When I got home and got to hear more about what he did, it really piqued my interest.

“My whole family have loved to train.

“When George was on the train my family used to go chase the train from Gympie to the other stations.

“I just wanted to be a part of that and ended up becoming involved on Halloween.’’

And, yes, Emma agrees, it helps having been a huge Harry Potter fan and the way trains are involved in the book series.

Indeed, there is a sense of magic as the 80-tonne steam engine moves into place at the head of the train.

A living creature breathing fire and smoke as it prepares to pull the 290-tonne train through the Mary Valley, out to Amamoor and back.

The trees at the station are dropping their blossoms onto empty goods carriages - like a fall of golden snow.

I speak with another passenger for the day, Roger Pilling from the Brisbane suburb of Runcorn.

He had made the two-hours drive to have breakfast and catch the train.

For him, train travel means freedom.

“The freedom to go where you want to.

“You can go on a walk around on the train. Not just sit in one spot.

“You get to see the countryside at a sedate pace.’’

That reminded me of a journey I once took on the Ghan - the old Ghan that ran from Pt Augusta to Alice Springs on a narrow gauge railway line.

Then there was the rock and roll of the train as it heads from Emerald to Longreach.

“I’ve just come back from Longreach,’’ Roger said. “And from Cairns.

Just think, 24 hours on the train with that experience.’’

Gympie is regarded as the largest timber railway building in Queensland and one of the most stylish and elaborate.

Plans for the Maryborough to Gympie railway line started in the late 1860’s, after the discovery of gold.

Maryborough was the nearest port and there was no railway connection between Brisbane and Gympie until 1891.

History is right there in front of you.

Not only that, the Railway Hotel is opposite and I remember stories of the way the hotel staff used to drop food parcels from the footbridge into the open carriages below for the troops heading north in World War II. As the train eases out of the station you are reminded of the smell of the smoke and soot from the engine.

Then there is the meeting of time as the historic steam train passes the contemporary street art and graffiti on buildings and goods carriages.

You are also surprised at the lovely relaxed feel as the carriages glide through the old gold mining suburbs of Red Hill and Monkland.

Historic photos of the railway line being built adorn the walls of the car14 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

The Mary Valley Rattler prior to departure from the old Gympie Railway Station. 259914 riages, as well as copies of old newspaper clippings detailing the growth of the region - right from the time it was known as Nashville in honour of the founder of gold, James Nash.

Our carriage was built in 1910 and served on the Kuranda line, north of Cairns, for some time.

“No way!’’ a colleague exclaims. “I’ve probably been in it.

“I have been on that Kuranda train several times - as a child when I lived in Cairns and later as an adult.’’

We pass over Deep Creek, the bridge is 33m above the water where fossicking for gold is still carried out.

Then we are running near the main North Coast line from Brisbane to Cairns.

This stretch carries Australia’s fastest train, which travels at more than 200kmh, and here we are travelling at a very sedate pace.

There’s a carriage called Elvis ... because of the way it rocks and rolls. I suppose there could be another one ... Rattle and Hum, after the U2 album title.

Once out in the country you realise how much fresh air there is from the open windows.

You get the smoke and some specs of soot … but it’s the fresh air that gets you.

That and the beautiful timber work inside the carriages.

At Lagoon Pocket siding there is a staff change - not of the train staff but the one handed from one train to the station master to show the line is clear ahead.

It is then handed back to the next train going up the line. It’s a far cry from the electronic track and train management of today.

You cannot help but be taken by the exceptionally good scenery through Kybong, Lagoon Pocket, Dagun and Gilldora, which was known as Haystack Flats in the early days due to the amount of farming carried out there.

The Mary River stretches from the Bellthorpe-Maleny region in the south and flows north entering the Great Sandy Strait at River Heads, north-east of Maryborough.

Before Europeans ventured into the region a very large population of Aborigines occupied the area.

In May 1842, Andrew Petrie and a small crew sailed for three days up the Moonoboola, as it was then known, as

far as Tiaro.

Petrie named the stream the Wide Bay River and it was known by this name until 1847 when it was named the Mary after the wife of Governor Fitzroy.

By the late 1840’s both the upper and the lower Mary were under pastoral occupation.

The Mary Valley Catchment Committee describes the condition of the river at the time.

“The vegetation that covered the Mary River catchment before European settlement ranged from dense rainforest in the upper reaches to open eucalypt forest in the lower valley and to the north.

“The tall rainforest cover of Maleny and the surrounding region grew many large trees including beech, maple, black bean, silky oak, both white and red cedar, and many other valuable timbers.

“Timber was a major industry in the region with mills being set up from the upper reaches of the Mary to the lower.

“The river played an important part in the transportation of the timber down the river to where it could be used or exported. The river, today, reflects the land use changes that have occurred in its catchment.

“In the words of historian Stan Tutt, ‘Trees went, sand came’.

“This statement simplifies, yet, to many, sums up the changes that have occurred in the river system.’’

The discovery of gold in 1867 had an enormous impact on the Mary Valley as well as Queensland.

It brought excitement, adventure and many settlers to the clear creeks and lonely bush of Gympie and the surrounding country-side.

The valley landscape and vegetation have changed through the years.

Towns have grown, connected by roads and railways.

According to the Mary Valley Catchment Committee, about 75,000 people now live in the 9595 square-kilometre area.

Many of those outside the catchment also rely on it for agricultural products, water supply and building materials - timber, sand and gravel and for recreational opportunities.

And farming has changed once again, away from the larger holdings of dairying to more sustainable methods for growing of exotic fruits and veg-

etables as well as the more common varieties.

Cattle and horse studs are flourishing among the fertile hills and valleys.

The river is home to the Mary River Cod, one of Australia’s most endangered fish.

The Australian lungfish is native only to the Mary and Burnett River systems in south-eastern Queensland, but has been successfully distributed to other, more southerly rivers.

At Brayer Park siding we are reminded of the importance of the dairying industry in the area.

The milk train would stop at all the cream boxes along the line, taking the cream and milk to the Wide Bay Cooperative Dairy Company which was located on Tozer Street.

In 1925 the co-op built one of Australia’s largest butter factories, a reflection of the region’s prominence in dairying.

The Mary Valley railway served the valley well through the years but in 1993 it was announced the Gympie Station would no longer function in that capacity.

A new railway line was built to bypass Gympie in 1989 and the last train arrived from the valley in mid 1995.

As the line itself was not closed it allowed an organisation known as the Mary Valley Heritage Railway to operate as a tourist steam train service.

Forming in 1996, the organisation became custodians of the line and on May 23, 1998, the Mary Valley again welcomed the Rattler which carried upwards of 33,000 guests annually.

At that time it ran to Kandanga and Imbil yet a restructuring has seen it cut back to Amamoor due to the condition of the line and the financial costs of maintaining it.

Amamoor is bordered by Amamoor State Forest which is home to more than 120 species of birds and also the annual Gympie Music Muster.

Here, the train engine is driven onto the restored turntable for the return journey to Gympie.

The town takes on a market atmosphere with musicians, a cafe and stalls.

Then it is time for the run back home.

“The day was so much better than expected. Absorbing “I feel the track itself contributed to the intrigue ... the clickety-clack instead of the grinding of steel against steel on the main line.

We cannot lose this train again. It is a benefit to the whole region, not just as a tourist train but a reminder of what we have here in the way of horticulture and agriculture.

The lifestyle and what we need to celebrate.

A friend writes: “The day we went on the Rattler it was the most magical spring day.

“Fresh crispness to the air and blue skies.

“We took some snacks and when the train got to the end of the line we all sat on a rug and had a magical little picnic.

“The train ride was like something out of one of the kids’ books.

“Thomas the Tank engine was big in our house.

“I still have so many train sets in the cupboards waiting for the grandkids one day.

“So when we got to go on a real train, it was very, very cool and special.’’

SENIORSTODAY.COM.AU

OUT AND ABOUT

New app showcases south A new tourism app with artificial intelligence technology unveiled by Southern Downs Regional Council this month aims to share the “good country life and encourage food and wine lovers to explore their stunning landscapes, wineries, attractions” according to Mayor Vic Pennisi.

Mayor Pennisi said the free digitally interactive travel guide is an exciting tool and resource to support the region’s tourism industry and enhance the visitor experience.

“Located just 90 minutes from Brisbane, we’ve seen a real upswing in fellow Aussies exploring our region,” he said.

“The new Southern Downs and Granite Belt tourism app provides an interactive platform for visitors to immerse themselves in the tourist experience and features an exciting artificial intelligence element, the new Dunny Dash Art Trail.

“Following on from the success of silo art trails across regional Australia, we thought we’d try something differ-

ent and transform our public toilet blocks with painted murals by local artists and create the Dunny Dash Art Trail.

“Using the app, you just need to hold your smart phone up to one of the 12 art murals dotted across the Southern Downs and unique information on the artwork and the artist will be at your fingertips.

“We welcome nearly a million visitors annually, which generates $177.4 million for our regional economy and

we see the app as an integral way to enhance the visitor experience both before and during a trip to the Southern Downs with interactive maps, selfguided walking tours, events calendars and of course the unique Dunny Dash Art Trail.

“By building on visitor engagement, we want travellers to experience everything the Southern Downs has to offer and increase the average length-of-stay for the region.

“The app supports our tourism in-

dustry, improves the region’s visibility to visitors and grows Council’s existing destination marketing channels.”

The app can be used 100% offline and features up-to-date information on attractions, accommodation, events, restaurants, wineries, travel tips and more.

The Southern Downs and Granite Belt visitor app is proudly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Delivering the best retirement living to the Bay in decades.

New app helps promote tourism on the Southern Downs.

The seventh Clarence Valley Camp Oven Festival will run over the June long weekend at Nymboida Camping and Canoeing in Nymboida NSW. The entertainment program officially starts on the afternoon of Friday 10 June and winds up with a farewell breakfast on the holiday Monday 13 June. For early-bird arrivals, a camp oven meal will be served along with some light entertainment on the Thursday evening.

Festival Creative Director Laena Stephenson said that the event is considered unmissable by both experienced and amateur camp oven cooks, who grasp the opportunity to share recipes.

The festival features several hotly contested competitions focussed on campfire cooking, including the Breads, Scones and Dampers section, the Evening Meal section and even a Billy Boiling contest.

NSW Discover vouchers are valid for weekend camping and festival pass bookings. Call 02 6649 4155 or head to www.clarencevalleycampovenfestival.com for further information.

Don’t miss out!

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AUTUMN: MARCH 2022 SENIORS TODAY 15

OUT AND ABOUT

SENIORSTODAY.COM.AU

Delight in the ‘deep south’

By Kylie Mitchell-Smith Melbourne has endured the longest consecutive lockdown across the globe, with a total of 52 weeks its basically lost a whole year of life.

We venture south to welcome back and show our support to the city renowned for culture, this time we explore a new gentrified end of town.

Spencer St adjacent to one of the city’s major train stations, has reinvented itself as a destination and with new hotel and restaurants opening it’s quickly becoming the place to stay, play and eat.

Ideally located next to the Docklands precinct, Marvel Stadium and Southbank, Spencer Street is the perfect place to base yourself for a weekend of wandering the hidden bars and laneways of Melbourne.

Classic hotels such as The Savoy have adorned this end of town for some time, but with contemporary new kids on the block like the W Hotel, Ink Hotel and the recently opened Movenpick (chocolate) Hotel the region is a hive of activity.

We choose to stay at the Movenpick Hotel opposite Spencer Street Station, the mere mention of a chocolate happy hour and we’re hooked. The hotel is tastefully decorated with soft mint hues, symmetrical black and white walls, parquetry floors, high ceilings and decadent furnishings.

There’s an inside, outside pool that draws inspiration from the laneway buildings and trams below that scoot past dinging their iconic bells. The rooms are bright and spacious with impeccable touches throughout. An affordable option, Movenpick suits the whole family and with a complimentary chocolate hour daily, we find it hard to leave the lobby bar.

Alas Melbourne is all about exploring the plethora of shops, bars, and restaurants. A short stroll across the bridge to Southbank we dine at the world renowned Nobu Japanese eatery, located riverside in the Crown Casino complex.

Captivated by dishes like Black Cod Miso and Lobster Tempura with Tamari Honey, the menu is threaded with fresh, regional flavours.

We wander back across the river on the recently opened pedestrian bridge that connects South Bank to the CBD, complete with festoon lighting and illuminated sculptures- city life is back.

We catch Patricia Piccinini’s exhibition that has tastefully popped up in the stunning disused ballroom located above Flinders Street station. In typical Melbourne style the derelict building compliments the ethereal, life size artworks that Melbourne based Piccinini is revered for.

Time for a nightcap, the balmy summer weather leads us down Hosier Lane, widely known as Graffiti Lane, where we spot a Banksy along the way.

The Spanish Tapas bar Movida and Movida Next Door are hidden amongst the graffiti, step inside and there’s a hive of activity that goes well into the night.

The colourful venues offer an array of authentic tapas to complement the extensive European wine list.

Waking up at Movenpick to an Asian inspired breakfast by Borneo Chef Esca 16 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

Khoo, we devour our fresh nasi goreng and take a tram to Richmond to scour the array of factory outlets the suburb is known for.

A visit to Melbourne town is not complete without a mid-morning espresso and pastry at the iconic Pelligrinis Espresso Bar. There has always been a European flavour to this city, inspired by the early Italian migration, from fashion designers to shoe shiners

to pasta makers.

A weekender well spent in Melbourne and it’s time to head to the airport, but there’s one more stop on our 48-hour itinerary and its conveniently located adjacent to the airport. Urban Surf has taken up residency at Tullamarine and is one of Australia’s first human made wave parks.

We watch endless waves and impressive barrels from the finest seat in the

house, Three Blue Ducks (hailing from Bronte and Byron Bay.) The Ducks have popped up beachside with their signature regional flavours, craft beers and natural wines.

Melbourne, the city where sport and art go seamlessly together, has a lot to offer from new precincts popping up to old favourites opening back up.

Follow Kylie on her blog - Travellingsenorita.com.au

SENIORSTODAY.COM.AU

Did you know that more Australians died from melanoma than road accidents in 2021?

A new, landmark report from Melanoma Institute Australia has found that melanoma rates are rising. It estimates that without critical action, by 2030 a further 205,000 Australians will be diagnosed with melanoma and 18,000 will die from the disease within five years of diagnosis.

The State of The Nation report predicts the economic cost to be $8.7 billion.

It provided a roadmap towards the Institute’s goal of zero deaths from melanoma – a vision shared by the National Skin Cancer Centres.

“When it comes to a disease as deadly as melanoma, early detection through regular full-body skin cancer checks is the best defence,” says Skin Cancer Doctor James Millsom of the National Skin Cancer Centres, with clinics in Coorparoo, Victoria Point, Lutwyche and Redcliffe.

“Our mission is to detect skin cancers in the early stages to minimise complex, invasive, and expensive treatments, and ultimately save lives.”

The report’s roadmap includes the implementation of a national melanoma prevention and awareness strategy, investment in research, improved sun safety in schools and on sporting fields, better access to trained professionals in skin cancer diagnosis, and improvements in early detection and targeted screening.

That’s why experts recommend an annual head-to-toe skin cancer check with a qualified Skin Cancer Doctor, through whom patients can access dedicated skin cancer care without a GP referral or waiting to see a specialist dermatologist who can often be very expensive.

Chances of successful treatment are greatly improved by picking up small skin changes early through regular skin cancer checks; in fact, 99 per cent of skin cancers are curable if detected and treated early.

“Skin cancer can grow very fast,

come in various shapes and colours, and sometimes show no symptoms until the advanced stage,” says Dr Millsom.

“The earlier we detect it, the higher the chances of successful treatment.

That’s where the latest total body photography technology helps.”

Using advanced imaging technology, total body photography allows the Skin Cancer Doctor to monitor patients’ skin for the tiniest changes over time and detect skin cancer at its earliest stage when chances of successful treatment are best.

The patient’s entire skin surface is photographed and these images are compared at follow-up appointments to identify changes which might indicate skin cancer.

The innovative software creates a map of your skin and highlights at-risk lesions to be investigated further. Every mole is checked head-to-toe with a dermatoscope by a qualified Skin Cancer Doctor which is required for a comprehensive skin assessment.

Early skin cancer detection and treatment is vital in south-east Queensland, where melanoma diagnoses reach up to 50 per cent above the national average.

“Using the newest technology in combination with our expertise, we can now spot the tiniest changes and identify early skin cancer risk,” says Dr Millsom.

“This helps us to deliver the best outcomes for our patients and brings us a step closer to realising our vision of a world where nobody dies from skin cancer.”

Find your nearest skin cancer centre at skincancercentres.com.au/qld

Fabulous facet joints When it comes to anatomical terms, there’s a good chance most people won’t have heard of facet joints even though there are 24 pairs of them, four facet joints on each vertebra, in a human spine.

Facet joints are a very important part of the spine, providing stability and also enabling the spine to bend forward, backward and twist.

You might say they are really quite fabulous!

As a person ages, they can suffer from a degenerative arthritis-like condition called facet joint syndrome.

It occurs in both men and women and is most common between the ages of 40 and 70. Between each vertebra is a rubbery disc that acts as a shock absorber and contributes to movement.

However, these discs shrink as we get older, reducing the cushioning effect and increasing pressure through the facet joints.

This can lead to pain particularly through the lower or lumbar area of the back. Pain may also be felt through the arms and legs while movement may be restricted.

Some people suffer from chronic pain while others deal with periodic flare-ups.

Facet joint syndrome is diagnosed following a thorough examination

which includes taking a medical history and physical exam.

Imaging, including X-ray, CT or MRI may also be conducted to help confirm the diagnosis and to check for other conditions that also cause spinal pain.

Often, a diagnostic facet joint injection will be performed to confirm the source of the pain. Treatment for facet joint syndrome includes lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, medications or steroid injections.

In severe cases, spinal surgery may be recommended. Briz Brain and Spine specialists can diagnose and treat facet joint syndrome.

Visit Briz Brain and Spine at brizbrain.com.au to find out more.

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Help to spot trouble spots

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

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AUTUMN: MARCH 2022 SENIORS TODAY 17

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

SENIORSTODAY.COM.AU

On the road to good health

By Tania Phillips Former electrical engineer Greg Packer got the shock of his life when he was diagnosed with diabetes at just 54.

While he had cholesterol problems more than a decade earlier, he did not any way expect his diagnosis.

However, straight away he decided he wasn’t going to just sit and let his health deteriorate. Already a keen cyclist, he threw himself into his riding.

Two decades later he still rides his bike every day and at almost 75 he is enjoying good health and fitness and his blood glucose levels are in a healthy range.

“I didn’t realise at the time there was a family history, the doctor asked me did I have any and I said no,” he said.

However he went home and made a few phone calls only too discover he wasn’t the first member of his family to be diagnosed.

“I don’t ever really remember being told it was type two – the doctor kind of said it was a little of both – type one and a half,” he laughed.

“I haven’t got it from being overweight or anything like that.

“It was a bit of a shock I was only 5354 at the time,” he said.

As well as checking in with family, he looked for any information he could find on it.

“I had a good read about it – they give you the diabetes book and so I had a big read,” Greg explained.

“One of the things they suggest is exercising. I was already riding about a hundred kilometres every week – mainly on the weekend with my friends.

“So what I decided to do was double that and start riding a lot more during the week.”

Living in a Western Brisbane suburb with nice quiet roads, he started getting up early – leaving home at 5.30am and going for long rides – coming back after 7am to get ready for work.

“I started doing that every day – I decided to do 200 a week and I’ve been doing that now for 21 years,” Greg explained.

“After I got my diagnosis, the specialists said to me in about two years you’ll be on tablets and on insulin in about eight,” Greg said.

“That really made me double-down

and say well that’s not going to be me – I didn’t say that to him only to myself.

And now after 21 years I’m not on insulin. I am on tablets that help your body use its own insulin, make insulin.”

Greg said he had changed his eating about 15 years before that after test revealed high cholesterol.

“I changed my eating habits then,” he said.

“I cut down on cholesterol and then when I was diagnosed with diabetes low glycemic foods were coming out.

Twenty-one years ago there was quite a bit being written about it so a friend of mine gave me a book on it. Then I went low glycemic. When you change your eating habits you soon get very use to it. After changing bread I thought – how can I ever eat white bread again, but they have sourdough now,” he laughed

adding it was his experience that when you change your eating habits and you are strong about it then it becomes very easy to keep doing it.

So what’s his advice to someone who has just been diagnosed?

“I think the key thing I say to people – it’s a shock to everyone when they are diagnosed – but do a bit of reading on it, there are diabetic books out there,” he explained.

“There is quite a bit of stuff out there, if you read between the lines I believe, you should be eating low glycemic food and you should be doing a bit of exercise.

“What I’m positive about is that you’ve got to get your body into a rhythm of exercising every day at the same time.

“What happens when you don’t do it, you feel really bad. Like today I went for a ride but I didn’t get out until about 9 am because it had been raining a little bit earlier. But I don’t use that as an excuse not to ride – I look at the radar and wait for a period when I can get out and not get wet. I’m lucky now I live up on the Sunshine Coast and all the roads have cycle areas – there’s also a bike path all the way down the coast. But I like riding on the road, its got edges all the way and you can ride form Noosa to Caloundra. I don’t go far but I’m out every day doing 30 to 40 kilometres. You’ve got to get your body into a rhythm.”

E M O C L E W TO OUR N O I T I D E N M U T U A IORS TODAY BRISBANE SEN

Seniors Today Brisbane is your free local newspaper filled with valuable information relevant to your lifestyle. Printed four times per year, this is your go-to publication designed especially for the 50+ population.

We love feedback! Tell us what you think: newsdesk@seniorstoday.com.au Look out for the Winter issue available from May 30th, 2022.

Pick up a copy from your local Seniors Today distribution outlet.

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Watch for diabetes signs

By Tania Phillips There are 1.43 million people in Australia living with diabetes it’s a scary statistic particularly since many may not even notice that they are developing it.

By the far the highest number of those living with diabetes have Type Two - 1.24 million to be exact which is about 86% of people diagnosed with diabetes.

And the majority of those? Well they are people over 60-years- old.

They are scary facts, sobering even, but how can we tell if we are at risk and what can we do about it?

Diabetes Queensland dietitian Dale Cooke said many of the early symptoms of diabetes can often be brushed off as old age, but it is worth having blood tests and asking questions about the results.

Dale is also an exponent of being fit at every size, though she said there were currently trials in the UK that are seeing people who lose weight when they are in pre-diabetes range, going into remission.

Dale Cooke.

“The symptoms of diabetes, if they haven’t got it but its developing, can start very slowly and fairly insidiously,” Dale explained.

“Because we’re older we start to see things like feeling just a bit more tired, going to the toilet a lot more to wee, when really it’s the start of insulin resistance. That’s where the body isn’t allow-

Friendly recipes for eating well, without the sweets Ingredients:

Fancy Fig, Mozzarella and Ham Entre

· 100g

This recipe is similar to one you see in fancy magazines and restaurants, just a bit healthier. It’s dead easy to make, arrange everything on the plates so they look pretty, for example curl the long cucumber slices around the wedge of cheese. – Dale Cooke Nutrition per serve: Energy 422.5kJ Protein 5.8g Total fat 5.0g Saturated fat 3.0g Carbohydrate 6.9g Fibre 2.2g Sodium 203.1mg

round mozzarella you’ll see in the cheese section of the supermarket), cut into wedges, one for each plate

· 6 slices of shaved fresh leg ham · 6 ripe figs, washed and dried, cut in half · 2 teaspoons of honey (optional) · A few basil leaves, as many as you fancy, washed and shaken dry

·1

medium Lebanese cucumber, washed

and sliced lengthwise with a potato peeler

Method: 1. Arrange the mozzarella wedge, shaved ham, fig halves and cucumber on each

Smoked Salmon and Chicken Salad Platter

entree (small sized) plate.

2. Sprinkle with basil leaves and drizzle with a little honey (optional).

“They just wait for the inevitable diagnosis of – oh you’ve got diabetes.

“A lot of people tell us that the Doctor never mentioned diabetes, or it’s been mentioned but the Doctor never prompted them to do any action.”

She said before you are diagnosed is when you can prevent it from occurring.

“Once you are newly diagnosed you can work really hard for example there is a bit of research in the UK which they are replicating in Australia just to see if it comes up with the same results,” Dale explained. “The research says that if you lose about 15 kilos in the first six or so years of diagnosis you might be able to go into remission.”

She said when someone is diagnosed with diabetes, they can get a care plan from the doctor, and it means that Medicare will subsidize a set number of appointments with allied health professionals every calendar year including a exercise physiologist and dietician.

· 200g cooked chicken breast, no skin, cut or ·

This is so easy to put together on the day! It’s fresh and light and full of zing. If you aren’t keen on smoked salmon you could use all chicken or replace with a baked salmon fillet, cooled and cut up – Dale Cooke.

·

Nutrition per serve: Energy 1087kJ Protein 19.8g Total fat 11.8g Saturated fat 2.8g Carbohydrate 15.1g Fibre 5.6g Sodium 423.3mg

· · · ·

buffalo mozzarella (that’s the big

lengthwise

· · · · · · ·

ing the insulin that the body is naturally producing to work properly so the body is ramping up insulin production. But to get rid of the excess glucose in the bloodstream the body puts it into the urine.

“So then there’s a lot more urine passing through, so someone gets thirsty.

They are dehydrated they might have a headache. Their eyeballs - because there is excess glucose in the fluid in the eyeball, it might swell to try and dilute it. So, you think, my vision is going, I need to go the optometrist.

“There is a cascade of symptoms that they have but because they’re older they attribute it all to getting older.”

She said Doctors will often say “your glucose is fine, or your bloods are fine”, where they’re really, they’re starting to creep up into the pre-diabetes range.

“Some doctors will flag that with someone but won’t say this is the time you need to do something to prevent Type Two diabetes from occurring,” she said

· · · · · · ·

Ingredients: 125g smoked salmon, cut or torn into pieces

·

Method: 1. Arrange endive or spinach and rocket on a platter.

2. Top with avocado and orange sweet potato cubes, then slices of red onion.

3. Toast the sourdough and allow to cool.

Spread with the extra light spreadable cream cheese. Cut into 2cm squares and sprinkle over the salad.

· · ·

· · ·

torn into pieces 300g baked and cooked orange sweet potato, cut into 2 cm cubes 1 medium endive (witlof) or 100g baby spinach, washed and drained 60g rocket, washed and drained 60g sourdough bread 2 tablespoon extra light spreadable cream cheese 1 large avocado, cut into cubes or slices ½ small red (Spanish) onion, sliced 3 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar 1 ½ tablespoon reduced fat plain Greek style yoghurt 3 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon baby capers 1 lemon, cut into wedges

4. Arrange the smoked salmon and chicken on top.

5. Whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, reduced fat plain Greek style yoghurt and lemon juice in a small bowl. Drizzle over the salad.

6. Sprinkle the capers over the salad.

7. Serve with the lemon wedges

Did you know?

Now is the time to engage with a demographic your products or service appeal to.

12506919-DL35-21

The population aged 45 and over account for 72% of Australia’s wealth.

Connect with your preferred audience today Contact Louisa Kneller • P: (07) 5292 5302 • M: 0413 380 545 • E: louisa.kneller@starnewsgroup.com.au AUTUMN: MARCH 2022 SENIORS TODAY 19

ENTERTAINMENT

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Old friends do it for laughs

By Tania Phillips Back in the mid ’80s to ’90s the Geoffrey Atherden penned Mother & Son ruled the airwaves on the ABC. Funny and touching Mother & Son told the story of long-suffering second son Athur Beare who lives with his mother Maggie who is taking the trip down “loss-of-memory lane”.

The roles were made famous back then by the legendary Ruth Cracknell and Garry McDonald.

Meanwhile at the same time over on Channel Seven another duo were making their names on a sitcom – as the ditsy secretary Betty and everybody’s best friend Nudge – Julie McGregor and Christopher Truswell were the unofficial stars of Hey Dad and easily the shows most popular characters.

Fast forward several decades and when Sunshine Coast-based touring production company Jally Entertainment decided to tour the stage-play version (adapted by Atherden himself) McGregor (who turned 72 last month) was at the top of producer Alli Pope’s wish list.

“Julie is actually a good friend of Christophers anyway, they have stayed in touch – really good friends all these years and they live near each other in the Blue Mountains,” Alli, who runs the touring company with husband John Bailey, explained.

“So when I was down there doing the photo shoot it was easy to coordinate them because they have this beautiful rapport – they just get on it’s so obvious. When we saw her we thought what about him and her agent said yes they’re really good friends, we thought this was meant.”

Sunshine Coast actor John Rush will play older son Robert while Alli is very obviously excited to be playing Robert’s venomous wife Liz! This freshened version of the beloved

Nudge and Betty - aka Christopher Truswell and Julie McGregor take on new roles, iconic roles as Arthur and Maggie Beare.

Logie Award-winning show finds longsuffering second son Arthur hoping for the chance to finally take his new flame Anita away on a little holiday.

His only chance for a break however involves recruiting help from his successful but selfish brother Robert – but the firstborn favourite has enough on his hands. The philandering dentist has been doing distinctly unhygienic things with his hygienist – and when his wife finds out, Arthur’s troubles double as Robert lands on the doorstep. It doesn’t help that manipulative Maggie is in fine form and sabotaging Arthur’s chances

of romance at every turn.

“We are opening here on the Coast on a matinee – which is different,” she said.

“But Its ‘perfect for our target audience, it’s an older demographic for this one and matinee’s on the weekend go really well, people like the idea of seeing a show at two or three in the afternoon and then having the evening off.”

From the creator of the hit TV series, Mother & Son, comes a delightful stage comedy featuring Maggie, Arthur, Robert and Liz at Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) on Friday 11 March at 7.30pm.

Sunshine Coast duo John Rush and Alli Pope are the deliciously wicked Robert and Liz.

A performer: Rhonda’s show business career has legs

By Tania Phillips For 40 years Rhonda Burchmore has been entertaining audiences around the country and around the world.

So with a career of that length and that varied -from I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here to London’s West End (and everywhere in between) she’s collected some amazing stories and sung some amazing songs.

And all that has been in inspiration for her latest show – Glamazonia where Rhonda – takes centre stage to share songs, stories and secrets about surviving four decades in one of the world’s most formidable industries.

“This show well last year – I mean gosh lets pretend the last two years didn’t happen – but last year I was celebrating 40 years which is a bit a of a major milestone in the entertainment industry from when I did my very, very, very first show back with John Waters and Jackie Weaver in 1981 to now,” she said.

“So this show is loosely biographic, with all those shows, television, 20 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

Rhonda Burchmore. recording and stories that I’ve done over the years I kind of top and tail the show. There is a flow with the songs.

So we revisit everything from my first performance on the Don Lane Show, The Bert Newton Show Hey, Hey It’s Saturday – all of that through to Lon-

don’s West End through to even my time in the Jungle. I think I was in the last lot that went to South Africa and was the last woman standing there – I was very very proud of that achievement.

“In the show, it’s a story of survival of the business, the ups and downs of it. There’s a lot of laughs, a lot of high octane song and dance numbers and there’s also a very personal side too when I talk about the loss of my sister. There’s something for everyone, I think its very engaging – not just doing, songs for the sake of doing my favourite songs, they’re all linked with dialogue and the message at the end is survival.

“In these hideous times that we’ve all been through I think the message is even stronger, getting through this and still going out with a smile on your face.”

Featuring icons of pop music, Rhonda will interpret hits including Katy’s Perry Roar, Helen Reddy’s I Am Woman, Cher’s If I Could Turn Back Time and Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Sur-

vive for a musical extravaganza unlike any other.

Rhonda’s humour and spirit shines through as she recounts hilarious anecdotes and belts out show stopping renditions.

To delight audiences, Rhonda will be backed by a sizzling hot band plus tantalising toy boys to help her burn up the dance floor. There will be no shortage of glamour, with glittering ensembles and gowns galore, giving audiences everything they’ve come to love and expect from Ms B. Throughout her career Rhonda has made a distinctive impression on audiences with her dazzling dance steps, superb comic timing, effervescent personality and impressive voice; all of which will come to fruition in this latest show.

In Glamazonia, the beloved star of stage and screen sings and dances her way through tales of her illustrious career; proving why she is one of the fiercest survivors of the Australian entertainment industry.

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A great story to tell

By Tania Phillips There is life and love and adventure after retirement as Perth writer Margaret Cameron discovered.

An ardent traveller Margaret fell in love twice, first with Venice and then with a Venetian called Rossano.

But in the process of journeying to discover the quirky stories and the real Venice off the tourist track, she made a lot of self discovery – which led to her first book Under A Venice Moon due out through Hachette this month.

Like many Australians, travel headed Margaret’s post retirement agenda, but what she never imagined was that one particular holiday would prompt a reassessment of life’s pathway.

Under A Venice Moon is the story of one woman’s journey to step outside her comfort zone to discover a new life in an old country but also to rediscover that her old life and her home country was something special too. It’s a story that showcases Margaret’s post retirement travel adventures which led to her next adventure of writing her first book.

In good health and now in her 70s, chatting with Margaret leaves you wondering just what is next on her horizon.

“I’ve been to Venice several times, the time when the book is based I was 66-years old from memory – it’s a few years in the past and I’m now 73,” she said.

“I was well into retirement when I went to Venice. I went for a friend for a months holiday around Italy, we went to Venice and like so many people before me I fell under it’s spell and decided I would like to go back – I wanted to know more about the city. I was fascinated by it’s history. It just struck me as unique, I guess. That from marshy swamplands that were desolated, uninhabited, this mighty city developed, which at one stage in the early middle ages, the most prosperous, affluent and powerful city state in the world. And it started from nothing.

“And now when you go down the grand canal and you look at the palazzi and so forth it just blew me away. I came home determined to go back and

Margaret Cameron. determined also to find out more about Venice and the quirky stories that are more likely to appear in the footnotes of references rather than the main text.

“I always had the feeling that I wanted to go back and explore behind the tourist façade. I wanted to see how real Venetians lived their lives, what there lives were like, their living circumstances – if at all possible to get to know some of them. I decided the best way to do that was to go back for a months holiday by myself. I always knew I would be going by myself – and rent an apartment away from the main tourist mecca.”

Stepping out from her comfort zone, Margaret found that friendships - unexpected and spontaneous - blossom

Picture: DAVID BROADWAY within palazzi walls and she made a discovery: life can lead you along rewarding paths, if you let it.

As each day passes, Margaret said her time in Venice became more than just an interlude; soon, the city begins to feel like home and Margret she considered the prospect leaving Perth and starting anew in Venice.

While you have to read the book to find out what happens – Margaret’s book proves that life doesn’t end when you retire for some it is just the beginning and being in your late 60s doesn’t mean you can’t have adventure, love and lovers in your life.

Under a Venice Moon is released by Hachette this month.

Trivia Time: Know your facts and figures 1. What music did Torvill and Dean use for their gold-medal performance at the 1984 Olympics?

2. What state of the USA has the lowest average temperatures?

3. In what century did explorers Burke and Wills attempt to cross Australia?

4. What is Saudi Arabia’s most valuable export?

5. In a rowing eight, who sets the pace?

6. In which Australian state or territory is Nudey Beach?

7. What punctuation mark is a dot over a comma?

8. In what TV series did Hot Lips Houlihan appear?

9. What nationality was the winner of the 2021 US Masters golf?

10. Still life, landscape and portrait are all types of what?

11. What two colours feature on the national flag of Sweden?

12. What branch of Australia’s armed forces celebrated its centenary in March 2021?

13. What is Elle Macpherson’s real first name?

14. Which member of the Royal Family attended Timbertop campus in 1966?

15. What headwear is traditionally worn by university graduates?

16. What chemical is absorbed by a hygroscopic substance?

17. What company, founded by Cecil Rhodes in 1888, is a major diamond miner?

18. What common tool can be needlenosed?

19. What is the correct spelling: vaccinne, vaccine, vacine?

20. In the nursery rhyme, Hickory Dickory Dock, what time did the mouse run down?

Answers: 1. Bolero (by Ravel) 2. Alaska 3. 19th Century 4. Oil 5. The stroke 6. Queensland (Fitzroy Island) 7. Semicolon 8. M*A*S*H 9. Japanese 10. Paintings 11. Blue and yellow 12. RAAF 13. Eleanor 14. Prince Charles 15. Mortar board 16. Water 17. De Beers 18. Pliers 19. Vaccine 20. One o’clock

By Allan Blackburn

ENTERTAINMENT

Thank God for country song boys They are both country boys at heart and both storytellers in their own right so it is hardly surprising that Darren Coggan has looked to John Denver for his latest show.

“The very first songs I learned to play on the guitar at age six were John Denver songs,” accomplished country music star Darren, who hails from Wagga Wagga in NSW’s Riverina, said.

“The first big concert my parents took me to at age 13 was John Denver in Canberra, and after that night, the whole world started to spin in a different way for me.

“It was just John on stage, with his guitars and a voice full of sunshine. He completely filled the room with love and seemed to have a personal connection with every single person in the audience.

“I thought, that’s what I want to do. He was the reason I wanted to become a country singer-songwriter.”

Now considered one of Australia’s most masterful storytellers, Darren Coggan takes audiences on a journey through the poems, prayers and promises of the life of John Denver in his new show.

While he is still travelling with his highly lauded Cat Stevens show, the new one “Darren Coggan’s The Poems, Prayers & Promises of John Denver” allows Darren to revisit other songs so important to his youth -universal anthems, from Take Me Home Country Roads, Rocky Mountain High, Annie’s Song, and Perhaps Love, to Thank God I’m A Country Boy, Calypso and Leaving On A Jet Plane, to name a few.

A revered country artist and multi-award winner in his own right, Darren tries to delivers each performance with an authenticity and level of respect for songs that shaped generations.

“The show celebrates the close relationship and fondness that John Denver had for Australia, which I think helped inspire much of his work,” Darren explained.

“I hope that I can deliver the same sense of joy and yearning that John Denver had for performing and indeed living life to the fullest. I hope that the audiences emerge from the theatres feeling uplifted and inspired by the songs, taking with them a sense of moral concern to strive for a better world for our children.”

Darren is currently touring through NSW and Queensland including dates in Redcliff and Noosa’s J. Check out his Darren Coggan website for more details.

AUTUMN: MARCH 2022 SENIORS TODAY 21

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Thirty years in the ute

By Tania Phillips Lee Kernaghan may be in his late 50s now but he is still a “Boy From the Bush” and still one of Australia’s best-known country music stars.

Despite that, it is still kind of hard to believe that it’s thirty years since he released his debut album Outback Club, an album that went on to become a classic. An album recorded, after he learned his trade in the pubs and the clubs along the Murrumbidgee and Murray Rivers.

To mark the occasion, Gold Coastbased Kernaghan has released a milestone album, “The Very Best of Lee Kernaghan – Three Decades of Hits”.

Curated by Lee himself, it marks the 30th anniversary of his 1992 classic debut album, “Outback Club”.

“There’s been quite a bit of water under the bridge, so to speak, since I stepped into the studio as a 27-yearold kid from Albury, from the Riverina and made that first album The Outback Club,” he said when we sat down for a phone chat. It was strange experience for both of us – two Riverina kids who both moved north to the Tweed in our teens and first spoke more than 30 years ago.

“I don’t think I really ever stopped and smelt the roses all the way along, and there were some times when I probably should have. But looking back

WHAT’S ON

Lee Kernaghan - still a boy from the bush. it’s been a heck of a ride – three decades of touring and making records. I feel so grateful to everybody who helped make that possible. I’m talking about songwriters, musicians, record producers and record companies and that type of thing but ultimately it’s the people who came out to the shows and supported me from the early days all the way through to the Back Road Nations Tour, I owe a huge debt of gratitude.”

Packed full of hits, fan favourites and some special treats, this 3-CD, 62 song set documents three decades of dedication to his craft - a decade per CD - a

journey which has ensured Lee remains one of the biggest names in Australian country music.

But through all that Lee hasn’t lost sight of his country roots, of playing early gigs out west and driving in his ute.

“My inspiration for songs definitely comes from the people that I meet, often randomly and usually out West – there’s some incredible characters and it’s that odd turn of phrase – like “what do you do for a living – oh I milk cows”.

When those words are spoken to you, you just know it’s gotta be a song,” he laughed.

band – with a guest Saxophonist and a vocalist that emulates John Fogerty’s distinct vocals – to capture the unique CCR sound. Saturday 9 April.

Monuments, masterpieces and more

“So lots of inspiration from the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met.

“There’s been many circumnavigations of Australia and criss-crossing my way through a lot of it as well. I’ve got a ’79 series Landcruiser ute which is my pride and joy. I love it. I just give it’s head and let it take me and you just never know where the next song is coming from.”

Though he doesn’t do circle work down the back paddock any more does he?

“No,” he laughed. “But if there’s a saltpan and a rush of blood...........the burnouts and circle work – I’m a little more conservative than I used to be, once you put a Landcruiser up on two wheels, you learn restraint.”

With 14 studio albums under his belt, Kernaghan has sold more than two million albums in Australia and had 40 number one hits on the Australian Country Charts. He has won 37 Golden Guitar Awards, four ARIA Awards and was a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement ARIA Award in 2015. In 2004 Lee received the Order of Australia Medal and in 2008 he was named Australian of the Year. Kernaghan has been nominated for Best Vocal Collaboration at the 2022 Toyota 50th Golden Guitar Awards, taking place in Tamworth on Wednesday, 20 April.

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The Wider Earth for Redlands The international smash-hit, The Wider Earth by David Morton, will sail into Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) on Thursday 24 March.

A reimagined tale of Charles Darwin’s global voyage of scientific discovery, The Wider Earth famously enjoyed a fivemonth residency at London’s Natural History Museum and was nominated for an Olivier Award in the process.

Join the twenty-two year old Darwin on HMS Beagle’s daring voyage to the far side of the world and discover the gripping story behind one of the most important discoveries in history.

An ensemble cast, remarkable puppetry, cinematic projections and an original score by Lior and Tony Buchen all combine to bring to life uncharted landscapes and incredible creatures in this highly ambitious theatrical event.

This stunning theatre piece will be loved by people of all ages. So whether your passion is for great theatre, nature or intrepid adventure, make sure you don’t miss this exceptional performance at RPAC on Thursday 24 March at 10.30am and 7pm. Ticketss are $25-$45 and can be booked by calling the RPAC Box Office on 3829 8131 or visiting www.rpac.com. au (booking fees are $5 by phone and $6 online per transaction).

Creedence Clearwater Collective - Ipswich Civic Centre From their album debut in 1968 to their last album in 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival was a juggernaut of phenomenal proportions. Not many bands have created such an impact in such a short time. The Creedence Clearwater Collective brings to the stage a six-piece 22 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

World of Science in Brisbane Follow your curiosity at World Science Festival Brisbane from 9 to 13 March 2022 and see science and art come alive around Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct.

The luminaries of the science world will present the beauty, complexity, and importance of science through diverse, multidisciplinary programming and conversations. Engage in hands-on science at the City of Science where a variety of free activities and performances will be available. There is something for everyone to enjoy. From 9 to 20 March 2022, explore a packed program of interactive installations and events located across the Brisbane CBD. Visit the World Science Festival Brisbane website for more information and regional event dates.

The Long Sunset As Queensland’s summer starts to mellow towards Autumn, the Scenic Rim will roar to life with The Long Sunset, Australia’s newest boutique regional music event. Set in the lush surrounds of Elysian Fields, Canungra – home of the Wangerriburra people - The Long Sunset will bring you a sweet program of Australia’s top acts and a basket-full of local gourmet food and art fare. Heading up the main stage is Australian indie-folk royalty Angus and Julia Stone, appearing together in Queensland for the first time in almost three years. Supported by Brisbane joy-machines Ball Park Music, psychedelic throw-back kids Babe Rainbow, Jack Gray and Clea. The event will be held 30 April. For more information head to qldmusictrails.com.

From March 4, join Museum of Brisbane on a guided walking tour of the city’s plethora of public art and examine the representations, controversies, risks and dynamic additions to Brisbane’s squares, lanes, foyers and streetscapes.

Be challenged by the changing meanings and dialogues that these works provoke, and discuss what they might mean now and into the future. Go on a tour a tour of familiar favourites and hidden gems that adorn the city. Duration of tour: 90 mins

Big Band and dinner at Cloudland The Big Band Cabaret Dinner and Show pays homage to the speakeasy, grand music halls of a bygone era and is fittingly set within Cloudland’s newly renovated Rose Room. Each show features a swinging stage performance by one of our resident big bands and vocal supremes, with show-stopping performances from our burlesque ensemble and some special guests! Sit back, savour and enjoy what is a celebration of the golden-age of music. During the show, be delighted with a three-course menu and a three hour drinks package of beers, wines and French sparkling. Tickets: All shows feature alluring burlesque performances throughout the evening – hosted by Lulu Lemans. Dinner and Show package $119 per person + booking fee. From 6:30pm – 9:30pm. 8 Apr, 13 May and 17 June more information at cloudland.tv.

Between the veil - samhain witches masquerade ball Come to The Princess Theatre on 30 April for a night of magic, music and a powerful ritual to honour the dead. Samhain is

a sacred holiday when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest, they will be honouring the dearly departed, celebrating life and creating magic.

What to expect: - Elemental Show, Live Acts, DJ, - Each guest will receive a Samhain Tag to honour their loved ones on our Samhain Sacred Tree, - Witch Stalls, Pagan Artist and Magical Supplies, Prizes, Giveaways, Witchy Shake your Fat Dance more information at mysticalrealmsaustralia.com.au.

Bloom sings After sold-out performances across Australia in 2021, acclaimed singer/songwriter, Bloom, returns in 2022 to present the second chapter of her popular Stevie Nicks, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt Songbook. This new show features some of the fan favourites from the 2021 tour PLUS a bunch of new hits from the three Grammy Award-winning artists and vocal powerhouses see her at Jindalee Hotel on March 18.

The babushka book club Three unlikely bibliophiles deconstruct the classics, try to look smarter than they are and drink a lot of pinot at the Judith Wright Art Centre on 26 March. After performing to rapturous applause at Queensland Cabaret Festival, Melbourne Cabaret Festival and Adelaide Fringe Festival, the three girls of Babushka want to discuss some serious literature and expand the membership of their bawdy book club. Be entertained by a wickedly funny cabaret that features the iconic music of Fleetwood Mac and Lana del Rey through to David Bowie and Bananarama, as Babushka turns best-loved novels inside-out and colours them various shades of grey, for more information: queenslandcabaretfestival.com.au.

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A good time for both edible plants and beautiful ornamentals.

Chillies.

GARDENING

Mmmm warm pasta with home made pesto, gorgeous basil last longer in Autumn without bolting to seed.

A most bountiful season

By Kevin Redd Hello gardeners- we find ourselves on the verge of what is often the best season of all for our warm climate gardens!

This time of year we can pretty much grow anything and set ourselves up for a wonderfully productive time of year and beyond- as the hottest time of the summer is passing and we enter the autumn.

So what should we be doing in the garden now?

First and foremost if you want to have a bountiful edible harvest through the

autumn and winter, we still have warm soil and, after the excellent rains, most locations have perfectly moist soil conditions for planting new things and germinating seeds for the next ‘crops’ of edibles and annuals.

What should we be planting now?

This is a great question and it depends upon what you like to have you your ‘patch’. For everyone north of Coffs Harbour, this is a brilliant time to put in things like tomatoes, basil, corn, beans, capsicums and those sorts of things.

More adventurous kitchen gardeners

should try the ‘Asian’ greens like Bok Choi and Tatsoi which germinate quickly from seed or grow fast from seedlings at this time of year. The warm soil and sunshine will also kick start things like cucumbers, zucchini and pumpkins if you have space for these sprawling plants.

You might even want to add some fruit trees to your collection and this is a perfect time to put them in to the warm and moist soil at your place!

If you are more of an ‘ornamental’ gardener, there is a huge range of lovely plants that can go in now- and what

a perfect time to check out your local nursery- their stock will be looking lush from the warm summer conditions and you can get inspiration from the staff and ideas for looking around at their plant displays. It is still possible to plant bigger tropical ornamentals like Heliconias and ornamental gingers which should be looking amazing at your local nursery.

So make the most of the perfect days at this time of year and get out into the garden!

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ACTIVE OUTDOORS

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Masters of Aussie Rules Master’s AFL has a long history in Brisbane beginning back in the early ’80s when several retired first grade players were looking for something after their careers and tapped into Superules which had been formed in Victoria.

AFL Masters Qld president Steve Burchill said the first meeting in QLD was held in 1983 at Morningside AFC, where it was decided that players 35 years and over would meet every second Sunday to train and play amongst themselves at various grounds including Morningside, Windsor Zillmere, Mayne and Coorparoo.

He said after growing interest and participation, the first formal QLD Superules Executive Committee along with four geographical teams, North, South, East and West was formed with games played every second Sunday.

“Both games were always played at the same ground, and a BBQ, beer and raffle always followed,” he said.

“Hence our motto of ‘Footy for Fun’.

In 1987 North Coast joined and in 1991 the Gold Coast became the sixth team.

Because of their passion and love of footy, AFL Masters QLD is where it is today, with more than 1500 play-

level. Last year was Perth and the 2022 Carnival is to be hosted in Adelaide.

“Our rules are basically the same as the AFL , with emphasis placed on player safety, protection of the player with the ball and fun and fitness.”

He said Mental Health was an issue especially with the Pandemic.

“We have found that Masters has provided a safe haven and a social outlet for those who have been isolated,” Steve explained.

“Community sport has not been impacted to the extent the general public has been.

With the current explosion of Women’s AFL, we are looking at establishing a Women’s Masters Competition. Interest is high and we hope to build on the success of our Women’s Masters team at the National Carnivals.

“We encourage anybody to come down and play and due to the large numbers of Junior Boys and Girls now playing AFL, a lot of new members are the fathers of these young kids.”

He said all of the Clubs and contacts could be found on the website, aflmastersqld.com.au

The Queensland Masters representative team. ers and 25 Clubs currently throughout Queensland alone.

The majority of Clubs are in the South East Corner and regional Clubs are in Townsville, Cairns, Charters Towers and the Whitsundays.

“Our Competition runs from March

to September with typically 12 rounds played fortnightly,” Steve said.

“Age divisions are Over 35 , Over 45 and Over 53. Once the domestic season has concluded, a National Masters Carnival is held at a venue around Australia which is contested at State and Territory

Rural splendour on show: Garden expo goes on Garden lovers looking to go on a bit of a trip west can check out the Wondai Autumn Garden Expo from April 16-17.

After recording the second best-ever attendance at the 2021 Spring Expo, the Committee feels justified in proceeding with its regular events in the face of trying and disappointing times as event after event was postponed or cancelled because of the restrictions due to the Covid virus retiring president Helen Young said.

“Yes, we know it is a famously convenient and trusted venue for the sale of plants and other exciting items but the team at Wondai Garden Expo believe it is much more than that,” Helen said.

“The curtailment of community events has a negative financial effect on commercial ventures especially those involved with tourism, but of real concern is the depressing effect on the mental health and well- being to many people, necessary as the rules may be.

“The team at Wondai Garden Expo Inc believes that our events have an increasingly important role to play in helping to ease a lot of this distress.

“Working in the soil among plants is proven to be one of the great healers we can utilise in our lives, and yes, you SHOULD talk to your plants – they are always glad to see you, will keep secrets, and never answer back!”

Helen said the Garden Expo was perfectly situated to help people indulge in many aspects of this pastime.

“Whether you are meeting with friends, having a family day out or just enjoying some well-earned solitude, time spent at the Expo may be just the ticket to feeling much happier about the world in general,” she said.

“Because we operate in a controlled outdoor venue with our Covid Safe precautions in place we are able to of24 SENIORS TODAY AUTUMN: MARCH 2022

fer a safe place for you to spend a few enjoyable hours.

“If you want to become more personally involved, we invite you to bring some entries in to the Hanging Basket Competition, the Horticultural Show or the Photography section.”

She said flyers and entry forms were available at many local outlets or they can be downloaded from the Garden Expo web site or phone secretary Jodi on 0413 115 495.

There has been a change to the executive committee for Garden Expo.

Treasurer Carol Mitchell and husband Bob have stepped back from having an active role and retiring President Helen Young saw this as an ideal opportunity to pass on the reins to a new representative in Damion Biltoft.

Helen has taken on the Treasury and will still be part of Expo management.

The small town of Wondai, population 2,000, in the South Burnett region of Queensland, is known for its character-filled streetscapes, well-tended parks, and authentic country charm.

It is also home to the Wondai Garden Expo, which is one of the largest and most successful events of its kind in regional Queensland.

What started as a small market run by the local Lions Club in 1993, has transformed over time to become a high quality biannual expo attracting almost 200 exhibitors and 6000 visitors per annum. It is now a gardening, home and outdoor living event featuring plants, tools, garden furniture, household products, crafts, clothing, health and wellbeing products, and produce.

According to Helen Young, it is no ‘tin pot’ market and can now keep up with the ‘big boys’, recording its second largest attendance on record in

Spring 2021 when a marketing campaign sold Garden expo as having positive beneficial benefits for mental and financial health of the community.

Helen has been involved with Expo since its inception, initially as a stallholder, and later as a member of the committee. She attributes the event’s longevity to its professional approach, quality garden experiences, and its location in the South Burnett.

“The Wondai Garden Expo came about to fill a gap in the market,” Helen said.

“Back in the early 90s, there were some good, established local markets and the market stall business was becoming stronger throughout the region. It became evident that the region could justify a dedicated garden market, and the local Lions Club were pivotal in getting it off the ground.

“At the time, I was doing some horticulture from my home nursery and selling plants at the markets. Gardening has always been a passion of mine, and I think that living in the South Burnett certainly helps fuel that passion. There isn’t much that doesn’t grow here!

“I attended the first Wondai Garden Festival in Spring of 1993 as a stallholder, selling mainly geraniums, ferns, begonias and chrysanthemums. I have grown these varieties for many years, so not only did I sell the plants at the expo, but I was also able to part some of my wisdom onto others and teach them how to look after their plants.

“I think this was a big selling point of the dedicated garden market – people had a ‘one stop shop’ for plants, products and expert advice from the growers themselves,” she said.

Helen said it became clear early on that if the expo was going to compete with some of the larger garden shows

and attract people out to Wondai, that it needed to step up to the plate and meet the quality and expectations that these visitors were accustomed to.

“We started being more selective in what we wanted in stallholders and provided suggestions as to how they should present their products in order to attract visitors to their stands.

“The professionalism and quality of the stalls started to improve. People put in a lot of effort to decorate and present their products in line with the season. This helped to enhance the reputation of the event, and soon we had commercial nurseries getting involved as well as some well known garden brands. We now have over 50 nurseries represented.

“The event became so popular that we decided to do a second expo, which took place in Spring. We have now successfully run the Autumn and Spring events for over 10 years. We don’t receive any grants or funding for the events and are entirely self-sustainable. This is a huge achievement for a small committee in a small town, with a limited population from which to draw volunteers.

“We have stallholders come from as far as Brisbane and Bundaberg, and visitors from all over Queensland and northern NSW,” she said.

Event details: What: Wondai Autumn Garden Expo When: 16-17 April 2022. 8 am – 4.30 pm Saturday, 8 am – 1.00 pm Sunday Location: Wondai Sportsground & Lions Pavilion, Bunya Highway, Wondai Tickets: Available at the gate.

Adults: $5/one day or $8/2 days Tour groups of 10 or more $4.00 per adult, pre-paid. Children U15 free Details: wondaigardenexpo.com

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