News March 2015 Fifty~Plus News 1 62,000 copies monthly MARCH 2015 New Friendships Sealed with PARO Sitting in her favourite armchair in the sunshine at Aurrum Brunswick, an elderly lady gently stroked the fluffy white fur of the creature in her lap. She spoke softly to it and in return, the creature lifted its head and made friendly, almost lifelike sounds in return. A new friend had been made – in the form of PARO, a robotic baby harp seal. PARO is described by its inventor, Dr Takanori Shibata as “a therapeutic companion robot, designed to improve sociability and communication between patients and caregivers.” “A seal was chosen because no one has a preconceived idea of how a seal should behave – unlike cats and dogs” says Dr. Shibata. PARO is a robot seal covered in pure white synthetic fur with built-in intelligence providing psychological, physiological, and social effects through physical interaction with humans. Inside are two 23-bit CPUs (central processing units), which can process voice recognition and imitate animal behaviour, enabling PARO to develop its own character. PARO has five different types of sensors over the body that allows it to perceive people and the environment, and respond to touch, light, sound, temperature and posture. Weighing about the same as a newborn baby, PARO has the ability to learn new words and remember the voices different people. At Aurrum Brunswick alone, PARO is regularly spoken to in Greek and Italian as well as English. PARO has been proven as a stimulating and engaging tool for dementia sufferers all over the world. There are over 300’000 people in Australia living with dementia, with that number expected to rise significantly over the next decade, so the introduction of PARO to the Australian market is great news for family members and carers of dementia patients. John’s 65 year old mother (see photo below) is a resident at Aurrum Reservoir and he says since being introduced to PARO, his mother is happier than ever. “When I saw her this morning, I left the room for about five minutes and when I came back in to sit with her she said ‘Are you still here? I’ve got my PARO now – I don’t need you anymore!’” he says laughing. “Whenever PARO is around the smile on her face is just beautiful. She gets excited. She’s happy.” Aurrum is planning to make use of PARO across all of its sites in Victoria and New South Wales. “We wanted to take part in a good quality initiative,” says Area General Manager, Glenda Walker. Not only is PARO extremely practical and therapeutic for people with dementia, research has also shown that it alleviates the symptoms of people who suffer from depression and anxiety and in some cases even reduces the need for medication. PARO was developed in 1993 by Dr Takanori Shibata and officially released commercially in Japan in 2005. In 2009 PARO was introduced to Europe, with Denmark at the forefront of adopting this innovative technology. “I’ve been working on a few different kinds of PARO, each designed for specific purposes. For example, this PARO here is great therapy for elderly people, especially those suffering with dementia.” Dr. Shibata says. “In the cases for children with autism or Down Syndrome, I’ve been developing a PARO that can be used to train children in social skills. There are also ones in development to deal specifically with developmental problems and psychological problems.” Professor Peter Disler is an accomplished senior physician and academic at the University of Melbourne and has seen the positive effects of PARO first hand in his work with Aurrum. “I know as well as anyone how difficult it is to deal with the behavioural side of things with people with dementia.” He says. “There’s so many electronic devices nowadays, that memory is becoming largely irrelevant. But behaviour is a real challenge, and whatever we have to improve it, is good. Through my observations, I’ve found an improvement in behaviour and satisfaction amongst residents and a generally high acceptance of PARO. I think it’s a fantastic thing.” Photo above - Another Aurrum resident Leigh with PARO For more information: View source article: agedcareonline.com.au/2015/01/PARO-The-TherapeuticRobot-Helping-The-Elderly Or see the website www.parorobots.com SAVE with the over 50’s insurance specialist. At Australian Seniors we provide real value for money without compromising your protection – we make it our business to offer you benefits that really matter. 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Important Note: To decide if any of these products are right for you please carefully read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement which is available at seniors.com.au or by phoning the relevant customer service contact number. * Offer for 1st year only and valid for new car insurance policies. Discount is made up of 10% online discount, 5% discount if you exclude drivers under 25 years of age, and 5% discount for Seniors Card holders. † Conditions Apply. 2 News Fifty~Plus News March 2015 LIFE Activities Clubs with Robert Geary Brighton Bayside LAC Ready for the ride in 2014 Brighton Bayside LAC’s Cycling Group will gather for the third Autumn Cycling week at Bright at the end of April for five days of cycling and great evenings with a glass or two of your favourite tipple around the log fire. Superbly organized by Joan Petterson, one of the BBLAC cycling convenors and supported by a willing group of helpers in catering and ride planning, this has become one of the most sought after activities in the club. Most hills have become thrilling downhill runs by skilful use of the busbike system operating on the Bright Trail. The wineries, towns and glorious autumn colours and the more easy slopes of a rail trail make this and outstanding experience. Cycling is one of several activities that attract the younger and active retirees to our club. Contact us and fill your life with fun and challenges. Contact the club at [email protected] and get with the strength! MORNINGTON LAC A variety of bus and train trips are regularly convened and well attended by our members. Such was our delightful trip to Williamstown by train and ferry where we visited the market and the boutique shops. Our barbeques throughout the year are warmly attended as is our Happy Hour and Dinner on a Tuesday evening. Our Annual Committee Barbeque in March is to be held at the unique location of Seawinds, Arthurs Seat Dromana. During the summer months we make the best of the great outdoors and enjoy barefoot bowling, walks, minigolf, golf, race meets and picnic barbeques. Join the LACVI Interclub Bird watching group Birds! Fascinating creatures and so much to learn about them. Members of ANY Life Activities Club are welcome to join in our interclub birdwatching group. Maybe you might even wish to join a Club so you can participate in ALL their regular activities, as well as the birding. We don’t meet regularly, but if you contact Lindsay on [email protected] or phone him on 0414 733 930, he will invite you to be part of the group whenever they are having an excursion – perhaps 3 or 4 times a year. There are lots of great places to observe our feathered friends around Melbourne – and perhaps even further afield. Waverley LAC Inner Melbourne Life Activities Club Thirty IMLAC members welcomed in the New Year with our now traditional New Year’s Day lunch at ‘Berth Restaurant’ at Docklands. The weather was great and members had the opportunity to reminisce on the past year and look forward to a new and vibrant club year.A stand-out event for 2014 was the club hosting of a lunch as part of ‘Seniors’ Week’ celebrations when more that 150 seniors, mostly visitors,enjoyed a lunch on the balcony at ‘La Camera’ Southbank on a sunny, warm day. Our 325 members take part regularly in one or more of our 30 different interest groups. They range from Cycling, Golf (2 groups), table tennis, and walking (2 groups) to Patchwork Plus, Mah Jong, Rummikub, Cards (4 groups), Music Upcoming events include cinema, theatre and the free MSO Sydney Myer Music Bowl concerts. For information about IMLAC send an email to imlac@life. org.au Listening (2 groups), Armchair Travel, Exercises, Films, and 5 different Dining Out groups ranging. From Brunch to Coffee and Chat to International Lunches and Happy Hour and Eat Out. One of our popular groups is held on the First Sunday of each month where we travel free on the trains and buses to interesting destinations using our Myki. Added to our regular group meetings we have an extra special outing every month. In April we have an Anzac Day Commemoration Picnic at Jells Park and in May we are visiting the Costume Collection at Bulleen. Contact us on 9801 5797 or on our website www.life.org. au/Waverley Knox LAC An interesting day will be spent on March 30. With carpooling organized, we‘ll be on our way to Keilor to visit “Overnewton Castle” that was built by William Taylor in 1849 in the Victorian Tudor style. His inspiration came from 16th Century English and Scottish architecture. This homestead consists of 36 rooms, and remains much the same as when originally built. Cost is $25:00 and includes Devonshire Tea on arrival, and a tour of the castle. Please ring for more information, or for a copy of our latest newsletter. This is obligation free, and we are happy to answer any questions. You can also reach us at www.life. org.au/knox. Melva 9762 3764 or Helen 9729 1151 How to travel the world on a budget For retirees living on a fixed income, home swap is a great know exactly what you expect.” However both agree that way to travel the world on a budget. Australian retirees are being forced to seek alternative ways of pursuing their travels dreams, meaning sites like HomeExchange.com are becoming an attractive proposition. Managing a budget long term is a concern shared by many. Nevertheless, the appetite for travel, both domestic and abroad, remains high. In Australia, a 2014 study found that for a comfortable lifestyle in retirement men aged 65 need to have amassed $340,000 and women $370,000. However, the average account balance falls alarmingly short of what is needed — for males aged 60 to 65 the average account balance is $114,000 and females $94,000. A fixed low income and financial woes are preventing many retirees from realising their goals to travel the world. HomeExchange.com includes an active community of retirees around the world. For this fast growing sector, home swap is an alternative way to travel on a budget year-round. 77% of active retirees exchange their primary residence while 23% list a second home, which enables additional flexibility for non-simultaneous exchanges. I spoke to HomeExchange members Cherryl and Rudi Schmidt who have been exchanging their home on Russell Island, QLD for several years. Their experience began as Rudi, a very keen football (read round ball variety) fan wanted to travel to Germany for the World Cup and to visit relatives. Instead of staying in impersonal hotels for weeks or cramping relatives they decided to look into home exchanges and have not regretted it. Cherryl says “it is easy to use the site and you list all your criteria as to pets, children etc. so those viewing the site the biggest factor is trust. Rudi says that it is a case of working with the prospective exchanger and ensure there is understanding prior to the swap and obviously know the kind of people you want to swap with. For example they have decided that their own home would not be suitable for young children and have declared that on their listing. Both Rudi and Cherryl admit they would never have been able to travel so much if it wasn’t for home exchanging and have made friends with whom they have swapped homes more than once. Rudi suggests that if you find a home you think you would like to swap with you can do a Google earth check in conjunction with the photos on the listing. But when looking for a possible holiday destination be aware of what you want. Take into account travel infrastructure if you want to get around but they have found that many exchangers will allow the use of a car as well and your car insurance agency will assist. The travel opportunities for retirees are diverse: discover the world, explore one’s own country, or visit children who live faraway while enjoying the comfort of a real home. Home exchange also offers a way of testing a retirement destination in order to live “as a local” before moving permanently. As a result, what started as a smart way to save on accommodation has become a lifestyle for some avid travellers, who have a chance to travel out of school holidays and take advantage of “off season” plane tickets. “Except for getting there, a home exchange does not cost any more than staying home,” reminds Ed Kushins, CEO of HomeExchange. com, a baby boomer himself and enthusiastic user of the site he founded 22 years ago. Sociable Senior Singles Friends Getting Together Inc is a social group for singles age 55 plus. We have been based in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for 20 years. There are approximately 30 activities per month and low fees for members. Details: Janice 9888 2759 or Lee 0402 824 834 Check out our website too www. friendsgettingtogether.org.au garden RELEAF weekend is coming up on March 7-8, 2015 Independent Garden Centres around Australia running fun and informative events to encourage people to get into the garden and get planting. As gardening is good for both physical and mental health, the weekend will also be raising funds to support beyondblue, so it will be a weekend themed around ‘something blue’. To find a garden centre near you, simply go to www.gardenreleaf.com.au/events/ News March 2015 Fifty~Plus News 3 Self-funded retirees hit by falling interest rates The decision to cut the official interest rate will further erode the income of term deposit holders, especially self-funded retirees, says National Seniors Australia. The Reserve Bank of Australia cut interest rates for the first time in 17 months from 2.5 per cent to 2.25 per cent. National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill said seniors living off simple investments such as term deposits would be hit the worst. “Seniors aged over 65 own 45.3 per cent of bank and financial institution term deposits and most of them are on low, fixed incomes,’’ O’Neill said. He added that official deeming rates, used to determine age pension levels, have not kept pace with falling interest rates. “What’s probably most concerning is that the cash rate is now more than a percentage point lower than the highest deeming rate (3.5%) and is close to the lower deeming rate (2%), making it more difficult to earn decent returns. “It’s time to drop the deeming rates again,” O’Neill said. The news comes off the back of the RBA’s November 2014 Monetary Statement which highlighted that banks had reduced their term and at-call deposit rates leading to less competition. The report also said depositors were continuing to move away from term deposits as the interest rates on these products “continue to be less attractive in comparison to bonus saver accounts.” “Term deposits are a preferred investment for many pensioners and self-funded retirees in particular because of the security and peace of mind they provide,” O’Neill said. O’Neill urged older investors to shop around for the best rate, to be alert to maturing deposits, avoid automatic rollover of funds at a lesser rate and check that the term is right for their circumstances. Federal Government announces Severe Behaviour Response Teams Minister Fifield has committed to maintaining original funding levels but addressing this issue in the long term will require greater consultation.” Ms Hills said the aged and community care sector must now consider this proposal in detail and work constructively with government, peak bodies and the wider community. “A key component of the success or failure of this proposal going forward will be the Government’s willingness to engage, consult and address issues which arise over time. At present, there is a willingness from Government, the department and industry to work together which is pivotal to ongoing reform in aged and community care.” Benetas CEO, Sandra Hills, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of dementiarelated support for aged care residents as a step forward. “Since the cessation of the Dementia and Severe Behaviours Supplement, there has been a serious lack of support for dementia-related funding in aged care,” Ms Hills said. “The announcement represents a step forward in terms of providing support for those living with dementia however I would echo many of my colleagues’ comments in saying this did not necessarily solve all issues. Gorilla Rangers on Patrol 28 March – 31 May Calling all rangers! These school holidays take the grandkids on a guided gorilla patrol to help monitor, track and care for gorillas at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Lead by an experienced Head Ranger, the kids will head out into the grounds to look for gorillas, trekking through different kinds of habitat, using their tracking skills and learning more about these endangered animals. Entry to the Zoo is free for kids under 16 during the school holidays and kids can also explore the new Gorilla Ranger Hut and enjoy self-guided gorilla missions, storytelling and dress-ups. Bring your binoculars and pack light for this very special gorilla patrol! The adventure begins at the Zoo’s indoor play space Ranger Kids, which has been transformed into a gorilla sanctuary with ranger dress ups and lots of plush primate patients to look after. Climbing aboard the wooden helicopter, kids can look for injured gorillas and help transport them back to the field hospital for bandaging and treatment. Under the canvas roof of the hospital, complete with a surgery and research area, budding vets can diagnose, treat and care for their gorilla patients, before releasing them back into the wild. The littlies will also enjoy storytelling with new and much-loved stories all about gorillas. Throughout the day rangers can venture out on a self-guided gorilla mission, or report for duty at 13:30 hours for the daily Guided Gorilla Patrol. During the trek, kids will explore different kinds of habitat and use their tracking skills to find and learn more about gorillas. They’ll also learn about the important role that rangers and vets play in protecting gorillas in the wild. Finally the patrol will come face to face with gorillas Motaba, Yakini and Ganyeka as they forage for leafy greens. It concludes with a public Keeper Talk at 2pm. IN THIS ISSUE COTA (Vic) comment 4 National Seniors comment 4 Computer Tips 7 Genealogy7 Managing Money 9 Classifieds 14 Lifestyle 15 Virginia Hill 15 Ben Knight 15 Mindgames Puzzles 16 Body & Mind 17 Going Places 18 Arts & Entertainment 20 Arts & Events Digest 22 Let’s Go 23 Fifty-Plus News is published by Melril Pty Ltd. 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DISCLAIMER All original matter produced in this newspaper remains the property of the publisher and cannot be reproduced in any way without written authority from the publishers. No responsibility is accepted for incorrect information contained in advertisements or editorial. Fifty~Plus News Flying Doctor medical centre welcomes Outback travellers Birthplace of the Broken Hill Proprietary Company (BHP) and the Australian union movement, home to some splendid 19th century architecture and a wealth of galleries, museums and stunning natural landscapes, the newly Heritage Listed mining town of Broken Hill attracts thousands of tourists each year. Its spectacular Outback terrain offers great options for camping, fishing, hiking and off-road driving holidays. Situated 935 km north-west of Sydney, 725 km north-west of Melbourne, and 420 km northeast of Adelaide, the so-called “Silver City” is the last major population centre for travellers heading to Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory. With services at a premium in some remote areas, Broken Hill is also a gateway for accessing health services in Far Western New South Wales. It boasts the Royal Flying Doctor Service, South Eastern Section (RFDS SE) Base, a hospital and various other health services. Unfortunately, up to a quarter of RFDS emergency medical evacuations involve travellers who get into trouble during their Outback adventure. In many cases, preparation for the rigours of travelling in isolated areas can help prevent an emergency. Those travellers and visitors with nonemergency medical needs are now welcome to use the recently opened Clive Bishop Medical Centre, which also provides a range of medical services for visiting RFDS SE Section patients and staff. It offers state of the art facilities and is staffed by a GP, a registrar and a nurse. Services offered include: • family medicine • • • • • men’s health women’s health minor surgical procedures immunisations chronic disease and GP management care plans • children’s health checks • wound care management • skin checks • health assessments for over 75 yearolds • driver’s licence medicals While the Centre offers Medicare bulkbilling for Australian residents, not all services are included under Medicare guidelines. The Clive Bishop Medical Centre is situated at the RFDS Base on Airport Road, next to Broken Hill Airport. It is open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. For an appointment call (08) 8080 3780. The RFDS Base is also home to the Bruce Langford Visitor Centre and shop, voted No. 1 local tourist attraction on Trip Advisor’s Things to Do. A Base tour includes a look behind the scenes at the work in the aircraft hangar and a visit to the Visitor Centre museum, which explores the story and evolution of the RFDS through a series of: exhibits, artefacts, models, films and interactive displays. The Bruce Langford Visitor Centre is open 7 days a week, Monday-Friday 9- 5, Saturday-Sunday and public holidays 10- 3. 4 News Fifty~Plus News March 2015 A new season but the same focus Comment with Sue Hendy, CEO, COTA Victoria The mellow season of autumn is with us and we have survived another summer. Fortunately this summer was not as hot as expected compared to the previous summer heatwaves but still it may not be over yet. Over the last few years, COTA Victoria’s information service has organised a public awareness program by holding seminars on how to deal with the heat and publicising prevention measures on our website and Facebook. In the January 2014 heat waves, 139 people died from heat stroke and many of these deaths could have been prevented. Others suffered serious health setbacks. Along with the Victorian Department of Health initiatives, our public awareness program is an important way to inform the community so that we can protect older people from the risks of heat. The CSIRO tells us that we can expect more heatwaves and at greater intensity in the future and this is a major consequence of climate change. Also 2014 was our hottest year on record. We have a group of concerned seniors in COTA, the Green Sages, who organise a range of activities to increase awareness of climate change and its consequences. You can find out more about their activities on our website: www.cotavic.org.au Autumn is also the time of the year when we draw attention to our submission for the Victorian Budget which comes down in May. After months of speaking with and listening to older people we submitted our brief to Government and all politicians so that they know what older Victorians want from the Budget. From this extensive consultation with older Victorians, our short list is prepared and our proposals are sensible and cost effective, aimed at making life better for older Victorians particularly for those who are doing it tough. This year our key concern is the issue of suitable and affordable housing. We recognise that quality housing is the key determinant of health and wellbeing. House prices and rents have escalated over recent years and there are limited options for older people with many at the risk of homelessness. The focus has been on private sector investment with high revenue retirement villages that many cannot afford. The lack of social and public housing, skyrocketing private rentals and insecure tenure are critical issues. This scarcity of public and social housing is causing stress for an increasing number of older people. We are asking the Government to hold an urgent inquiry into this. At the moment we are supporting HAAG (Housing for the Aged Action Group) whose funding for their successful support service will run out this March. A Tough Dcision Probably the toughest choice that most of us will have to make as we age is when to stop driving – after all, how does anyone manage without a car. Victoria has a system of voluntary licence surrender, unless VicRoads asks you to undertake a competency driving test and you fail. Victoria has a “dob in” system whereby another person can contact the police or VicRoads and say that they think you are unfit to drive. Or the police can refer you to VicRoads if they observe a perceived driving problem. Vic Roads will arrange a driving test. If you have the misfortune to suffer a medical episode that gives you a physical disability, the hospital or your GP will ask VicRoads to arrange a driving test with a specially trained occupational therapist. This testing must be fair. We had one elderly member who had driven stick shifts all his life and the VicRoads tester turned up with an automatic, insisting that our member could not use his own car. Of course he failed. But we helped to get him a retest with a stick shift and he passed. He’s still looking for the family member who dobbed him in. Unfortunately the topic of ’Older Drivers’ hits the news regularly and we have to try to defend our reputation. Here in Victoria we have one of the world’s premier research organisations into road accidents, the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC). They are currently doing a 5 year driver study in partnership with a similar Canadian research organisation. Local journalists only have to contact MUARC to get the facts. Often statistics will state that the over-65s feature highly in road deaths. MUARC studies tell us that: 1. We are more fragile as we age and less able to withstand trauma. 2. As a general rule we drive older cars, especially rurally. They do not have multiple air bags and all the other latest safety gadgets. Other research findings are: 1. Our cognitive ability reduces. We take longer to process information in a strange road environment. This is why VicRoads has a conditional licence restricting the driver to a certain distance from home. 2. Our night driving ability diminishes as we find glare difficult. This is why VicRoads has a daytime licence option. 3. By and large we obey speed limits. We are not time challenged. Unfortunately that makes us a target for tailgating. 4. Our reactions are slower, but we factor that in and try to leave more time and space for emergencies. 5. Provided we are medically fit we are not a danger. 6. Age-based testing does not give any better accident statistics and wastes resources. All the other states have abandoned compulsory age-based testing, except NSW which requires a practical test every 2 years when drivers reach 85. All except Victoria have moved to requiring an annual medical “Fitness to Drive” report from a GP generally from 75 except for South Australia (70) and Western Australia (80), meaning annual licences. South Australia also requires an annual eyesight test. Victoria has a 3 year licence from 75. If you reach 75 with more than 3 years left on your 10 year licence, you can use the 10 year licence until it expires. However we expect Victoria to come into line with the other states and require medical certificates. Who carries the cost will be an interesting debate. Some states have pensioner concessions but some don’t. For a copy of VicRoads’ excellent booklet The Victorian Older Drivers Handbook, call 13 11 71. Arnie Bates National Seniors Victorian Policy Chair Their service has helped over 800 people in the last year to relocate from precarious housing to long term affordable accommodation. They will have to close shop on March 31 unless the State government provides funding. Of course the transport needs of older Victorians, particularly for those in country regions where there is limited access is central to our concerns. Our budget submission has a number of recommendations that would help alleviate transport difficulties and at little cost. At a time when living costs go up year by year, the issue of concessions is vital. COTA wants concessions reviewed and extended to include a concession for internet connection as the internet plays an increasingly vital role in the lives of older people. We do not want to see Commonwealth cuts lessen the value of concessions and we need the State Government to maintain and increase concessions in accordance with the cost of living index. You can read the Budget submission on our website: www.cotavic.org.au Finally, COTA urges the State Government to continue its support of our work and that of local councils in creating age friendly communities. Do you want to see an age friendly Victoria? If so write to your local MP and let them know you support COTA Victoria’s budget submission. Inaugural Graduating Class for Jewish Care and Selmar Partnership The inaugural graduation of students who have completed Certificate III in Aged Care/ Home and Community Care took place this week at Jewish Care, with ten graduates receiving their qualification. The nationally-accredited aged care course was delivered on a part-time basis, over a six month period, which included a combined 140 hours of work placement in one of Jewish Care’s residential aged care facilities. Jewish Care, together with preferred Registered Training Organisation (RTO) partner Selmar Aged Care Education Institute, offered this Dual Certificate III in Aged Care/Home and Community Care in-house for the first time. The course prepared the students for work as a Personal Care Worker. It is designed to teach the skills and provide the knowledge to enable graduates to assist elderly people in maintaining their personal care and daily activities in their own homes or in a residential setting. Work placement at one of Jewish Care’s aged care residences was offered to complement the studies, with the prospects of a long-term job placement now that their course is completed. “The course not only gave me the confidence to help the elderly, but made me understand Jewish heritage and cultural values”, says graduate Pawanpreet Kaur, who now has secured herself a full time job at Smorgon Family Nursing Home. The blended learning approach included classroom based workshops and practical work placement in a supportive environment with access to a range of resources and services to assist participants during studies. The course is designed to explain the ethics and culturally-sensitive values of the Jewish community and policies and procedures of Jewish Care. Five of the graduates have already commenced work at Jewish Care, two in residential and three in community care. The next intake commences on 3rd of March 2015. For further information please contact jewishcare@ selmarcourses.com.au or Education Coordinator Yael Bayer on (03) 8517 5986. Caption: Some of the proud graduates of the Jewish Care/Selmar Certificate III in Aged Care/ Home and Community Care course with Selmar trainer Jenny Astorino (left), Jewish Care CEO Bill Appleby(back) and Selmar CEO Marcus Sellen (right) Caption: Bill Appleby, Jewish Care CEO (left) and Marcus Sellen, Selmar CEO, present graduate Pawanpreet Kaur with her certificate. March 2015 Fifty~Plus News 5 News VICTORIAN ORGAN DONORS SAVE EVEN MORE LIVES IN 2014 Last year the number of Victorians who donated their organs at death reached 117, exceeding the previous record outcome of 110 deceased organ donors in 2013, according to the latest national data released recently. This is the highest ever annual outcome for any state and territory in Australia. DonateLife Victoria State Medical Director and National Medical Director of the Organ and Tissue Authority, Dr Helen Opdam commended the generosity of organ donors and their families. “Their generous decisions to say ‘yes’ to donation have transformed the lives of 352 Australians and their families – that’s 66 more people than the year before,“ she said. “Thousands of Australians are alive today because of the decisions families made at a time of loss for their loved one to be an organ donor. On behalf of the Victorian community I thank each and every one of these families for their generosity,” Dr Opdam said. Dr Opdam acknowledged the important contribution made by Victoria’s donation and transplantation sector, “I thank our dedicated DonateLife Victoria and hospital transplantation staff across Victoria for their extraordinary commitment and determination to continue to increase our donation rates in order to save and transform more lives.” “We cannot stop here - over 1600 Australians are on organ transplant waiting lists at any time and organ donation is only possible in less than 1% of all hospital deaths’, Dr Opdam said. “So to save even more lives, I ask that we all do our part today by discovering the facts about organ and tissue donation, deciding and registering that decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register and discussing it with our loved ones,” Dr Opdam said. Families who have discussed and know the donation decision of their loved ones almost always say ‘yes’ to donation proceeding. One organ and tissue donor can transform 10 or more lives – and your conversation with your family today could one day save lives. Visit www. donatelife.gov.au for m The No.1 Benign Tumour in Men If you know someone or a loved one who is suffering from poor prostate health, you’re not alone, it’s a common problem and help is available. The Prostate The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that wraps around the urethra at the point of the bladder. Prostate gland enlargement can be caused by prostate cancer, but 80% of the time it is attributable to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). As men age, the prostate gland increases in size, making BPH one of the most common age-related conditions in men. The enlarged gland puts pressure on the urethra, acting like a partial clamp and thus causing numerous urinary symptoms. BPH affects more than 50% of Australian men in their sixties and 90% of men above the age of seventy. How Magnus Shield® Helps The Prostate Magnus Shield® is an extract created from the pollen (the male seeds that enable flowering plants to reproduce) of various plants, including rye grass. Magnus Shield® has anti-inflammatory properties which decreases swelling and improves urine flow. Magnus Shield also works on the urinary tract by relaxing the smooth muscle tone of the urethra, thus improving urine flow, increasing bladder muscle contraction to push the urine out, and relaxing the sphincter muscles, which help hold the urine in the bladder. Together, these actions would improve the urine flow rate and reduce the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination, thereby decreasing urinary frequency. Research Validates Magnus Shield’s® Effects A number of impressive trials conducted have concluded that Magnus Shield® has a beneficial effect in the management of BPH. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 men suffering from BPH were treated with Magnus Shield® or placebo for six months. Nocturia (frequent urination at night time) was improved or eliminated in 60% of the patients treated with Magnus Shield® compared to 30% of the patients treated with placebo. In addition, 57% of patients treated with Magnus Shield® showed improvement in bladder emptying compared to only 10% in the placebo group. Residual urine volume and prostate gland size also decreased significantly in the patients receiving Magnus Shield®. Safe and Non-allergenic Magnus Shield® is safe and well tolerated. No adverse reactions to its use have been reported. Magnus Shield® taken orally did not cause allergies in patients who are usually allergic to pollen. Testimonials According to Mike B from NSW “9 Months ago, I have tried Magnus Shield for prostate medication made by Graminex Australia, I can say that it helps me mainly in reducing my night time urination, a year ago, I used to wake up 6-7 times a night, and now I only wake up once or twice, and during last Christmas, I had 1 beer during the party, and I got up 3 times. Thank You for Graminex and I definitely will recommend this product” - from Johns Park, NSW David Norton from Victoria Market Pharmacy said that at Victoria Market Pharmacy, we have been selling Magnus Shield for five and a half years, many of own customers are regulars who have benefited greatly, especially in the reduction of night time urinary frequency. Summary Magnus Shield® is available direct from Graminex Australia Pty Ltd or at your good pharmacies or health food shops. For more information about nearby stockists, please call 1300 360 289. Visit our website at www. magnusprime.com or call 1300 360 289 (Toll Free) for more information. Our boutique retirement village has it all! • Spacious Apartments • State of the art security system & 24 hour emergency call service • Short walk to the railway station, shops, cafes or even The Glen Shopping Centre • Adjoining beautiful parklands AVAILABLE NOW EXTRA LARGE 1 BED APARTMENT • $290,000 Grace Gardens Retirement Village 1 Grace Street, Glen Waverley Ph for appointment 9562 5814 or Mobile 0412 337 243 DanceRetro – Do you love Retro Music and dancing to music of the 70s, 80s, 90s and today? Join us for fun sessions on Tuesdays at The Exclusive Beats Boutique Studio, 192 Canterbury Rd, Canterbury 6.30-7.30pm or Wednesdays at The Breslin Gallery, 254 Neerim Rd, Carnegie 7.45-8.45pm. No need for a partner. Dance for the health of it!! Contact Kate 0417 545 024 www.danceretro.com Enlarged Prostate? Call 1300 360 289 Do you suffer from these symptoms? • Frequent urination • Painful urination • A weak stream • Constantly feeling that your bladder isn’t empty Seek advice from your doctor if you suffer from these symptoms. 1 in 3 Australian men above 50 will suffer from an enlarged prostate. Magnus ShieldTM contains CernitinTM, the Swedish pollen extract proven in extensive clinical trials to support a healthy prostate and treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. “Thank you for sending out Magnus Shield. I really believe they have been a great benefit to me. Before Magnus Shield, I was going to the toilet 3 or 4 times a night, now using Magnus Shield I’ve been going once a night, sometimes not at all.” John W, Benalla VIC, 18 Jan 2010. “I found these tablets Magnus Shield from a magazine. I found it helps me to empty my bladder in night time, relief the pain while passing water. It really works for me. I’m feeling better now. Thank You.” Paul E, Ormond VIC, 22 April, 2008. Visit www.magnusprime.com for clinical studies. Now Available Magnus ShieldTM is available at good pharmacies and health food stores. Ask your pharmacist or call 1300 360 289 for more information, if our lines are busy please call again. Featured Stockists in Victoria Victoria Market Pharmacy 523 Elizabeth St, Melbourne 3000 Evelyn Faye Nutrition Lower Mezzanine, 360 Bourke St, Melb 3000 Pyman Pharmacy 84 Wellington Pde, East Melbourne 3002 The Second Blessing Health & Nutrition Product 73 Anderson St., Yarraville 3013 Greenbrook Guardian Pharmacy Shop 6 Greenbrook Shopping Centre, 53 McDonalds Rd, Epping 3076 Harp Village Pharmacy 637 High St, Kew East 3102 Macedon Plaza Pharmacy Shop 14 Macedon Plaza, 325 Manningham Rd, Lower Templestowe 3107 M A Johnson Pharmacy 1 Macedon Rd, Lower Templestowe 3107 Chirnside Park Health Shop Shop 501A, Chirnside Park Shopping Centre Chirnside Park 3116 Sophie Tanaghow Pharmacy 283 Waverley Rd, Malvern East 3145 National Pharmacy 190 Jells Rd, Wheelers Hill 3150 Mountain Gate Health Foods Shop 16, Mountain Gate Shopping Centre Ferntree Gully Rd, Ferntree Gully 3156 Glo Health 358 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick 3185 Customer hotline: 1300 360 289 Approval No: CHC36636-04/07 Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist seek the advice of a healthcare practitioner. AUST L: 123642 6 Fifty~Plus News March 2015 News VIEW Clubs of Australia Around the Clubs with Carole Smith NEW CLUB Last month a group of ladies had an interesting meeting and voted to form a new club to be named “The Village VIEW Morning Tea club.” A second meeting will be held on Tuesday March 10 at the Dingley Community Centre, Marcus Road, Dingley at 10am. If you live in the Dingley area and are looking to become involved in your local community and develop warm friendships, you will be made to be most welcome. Contact Mary 87746133 or Shirley 95801186. BENDIGO After a fun-filled 2014 our club recommenced this year’s first meeting holding our AGM where our 2015 committee was successfully formed with some of our newer members taking on positions. Our Area’s Zone Conference will be held at The Bendigo Club on May 2 at 9.30am. A great day has been planned with group discussions with a speaker from The Smith Family. Lunch will be served, followed by a fashion parade of Blue Illusion clothing. The next meeting of our club will be held on the 4th Wednesday of the month also at The Bendigo Club, Park Street, Strathdale at 6.30pm for 7pm commencement. For details phone Jenny 0448261143. BERWICK EVENING Our club is calling on women who are community minded and would like to join a happy group of women for fun, fellowship and fundraising. We meet the third Monday of the month at The Central Hotel in Beaconsfield at 7pm. Phone Kaye 97697762 for further details. BERWICK SPRINGS We recently held our annual Chicken and Champagne lunch where funds were raised on the day going toward our Learning for Life students. We meet on the third Monday of each month followed by a two-course luncheon. The next general meeting is on March 16 at Café Luca, 264 Clyde Road, Berwick commencing at 11.30am. New members are always welcome. Phone Patricia on 87865557 for further details. CRANBOURNE To date, we have enjoyed two coffee mornings, and have trips already planned to Cloudhill gardens at Olinda, a coach trip to Philip Island and a visit to Block Arcade including a visit to the Hopetoun Tea Rooms. One very important function coming up is on the 13th March is the International Women’s Day Luncheon at Amstel Golf Club, one of many luncheons held at various venues around Melbourne. Our guest speaker will be Rose Batty. Our next meeting will be will be held at the Amstel Golf Club, Sladen Street, Cranbourne on March 4. For details phone Lorraine 97828797 or Jean 59969618. Big congratulations go to our member Rita who became Senior Citizen of the Year for the City of Casey. Well done Rita – we are very proud of you. DANDENONG We are celebrating our 29th birthday this month. We have planned a Bavarian Night and will be entertained by The Austrian Dancing Group. Our speaker will be Don Cross who will talk about the Victoria Cross. We meet on the first Tuesday of every month at the Dandenong RSL, 4450 Clow Street, Dandenong at 7pm. For further details contact 97951222. RINGWOOD Our next meeting will be on March 11 at 11am at Natalie’s, 669 Maroondah Highway, Mitcham, followed by a twocourse lunch with tea or coffee. Our speaker will be a representative from Ambulance Victoria. VIEW supports the Learning for Life program. Contact Glenys 97331888. TEMPLESTOWE Wednesday March 4 is our next meeting at our new venue “The Yarra Valley Country Club”, 9 Templestowe Road, Bulleen 6.45pm for 7pm commencement. This month we are celebrating our 27th birthday. We welcome new ladies to join us. Contact Jan on 98468378. MORNINGTON Our next luncheon meeting is on the Friday 27th March. Our first meeting for the year was our Annual General Meeting where a 2015 committee was formed, followed by the presentation of badges of office. (see photo) We are looking forward to a variety of planned activities throughout the coming year. For details on our club phone Pam 59753846. Material to reach me by the second Thursday of the month, for publishing in the following month’s column. [email protected] The Waverley Retirement Activities Group (WRAG) began in April 1974 and is the ‘umbrella organisation’ for over 30 leisure activity Groups for the ‘over 50s’ living in and around the Monash / Glen Waverley area in Melbourne. We are a non-profit, community-based organisation with over 350 members run by volunteers with support from the Monash City Council. Our activity Groups meet in Council halls, public places and private homes. We assist in you meeting new friends and making retirement more enjoyable. Recent Activities February Golden Club Lunch: Thursday February 12 saw some 20 WRAG members partake in a most enjoyable lunch at the Mulgrave country club. The reason they were there? They are all members of a special group i.e. they have been married for fifty years or more. Bill L. has been the convenor for the group for some time and he can be reached on 9795 0078. (The Golden Club is open to members who are or were married to the one person for 50 years or more. If you are eligible please contact the Convenor. You are assured of a warm welcome. We meet for lunch 4 times a year (Feb, May, Aug & Nov) on the second Thursday of the month at 12 noon.) Caravan and Cabin Group: On Monday February 9 the six monthly picnic of the Caravan and Cabin Group was held at Jells Park. Apart from enjoying the day with friends, the purpose is to ‘map out’ the next 6 monthly trip. The consensus this time was to stay at the Mornington Gardens Holiday Village from April 8 to April 15. The convenor for this group is Morrie W. who can be reached on 95600794 We enjoy 2 holidays a year in autumn and spring, picnics and reunion evenings. Each holiday is usually 7 nights away and locations are usually within a 4 hour drive of Melbourne. This is one of the most popular activity groups. You need to book early for the holidays as they fill fast. New members are welcome. (You do not have to own a caravan as most parks have cabins.) Some routine WRAG Inc. activities: Badminton: (Thursday) Mulgrave Badminton Club Convenor: Liz 9795-8843 We play from 10am to 12noon every Thursday at the Southern Community Centre, Rupert Drive, Mulgrave. (Melways 80 F5) and enjoy a “cuppa” and chat afterwards. This group is for more senior social players. New members welcome. Card Making: Convenor: Margaret 9561-8991 We make greeting cards and meet at 12noon on the third Friday of every second month in member’s homes,i.e. January, March, May, July, September & November. BYO paper and tools. Cards – Samba: Convenor: Gwen 9560-2128 We play in member’s homes at 7.15pm on the second Wednesday of the month. A light supper is provided by the host. New members are welcome. CONTACT US Post: WRAG, PO Box 1015, GLEN WAVERLEY, Vic 3150 Please contact any of our committee members if you live in the Monash/Glen Waverley area and wish to find out more about the satisfaction of being a member of WRAG. Members of local senior citizens clubs and social clubs most welcome. Membership is only $10 per year and enables you to participate in all WRAG Activity Groups. More details are available on our updated website: http://www.wrag.org.au/ President: Helmut M Ph. 9574-8090 Secretary: Bill S Ph. 9560-6350 New Members Officer: Erica J Ph. 9878-1627 Speaker Organiser: Morrie W: 9560-0794 Committee member: Lawrie S: 9807-3995 March 2015 Fifty~Plus News 7 News Desperately Seeking Uncle Stan Genealogy It was almost as if this Uncle’s ghost did not want to reveal his history to me: the doors that I tried to prise open, seemed bolted. After many years of research I had only three documents – his certified English death certificate, the probate of his will and a photo of his grave site. In total, it amounted to just three pages! So in frustration, I laid Uncle to rest in a yellow manila folder marked: Schlosser, Stanisław Galicia, Austria-Hungary 31.01.1908 – Yorkshire, England 17.09.1973 The Uncle in question was my father’s brother-in-law. At Hitler’s invasion of Poland on 1 September, 1939, both he and my father were conscripted into the Polish Army. Unlike my father, who was captured by the Nazis and became a Prisoner of War (POW), Uncle faced a different fate. When Stalin invaded eastern Poland on 17 September, 1939, it became clear to the Polish leadership that the situation was grim. Stalin and Hitler had agreed to divide Poland between them, so the Poles were now fighting on two fronts - against Hitler and against Stalin. Polish land and air forces east of the river Bug were commanded to retreat. This involved approximately 100,000 military personnel. According to family stories, my Uncle was one of them. They were transported by truck to ports on the Black Sea from which they sailed to the Middle East. There the Polish forces reformed under Allied command. Last year I dug up Uncle’s folder out of a niggling curiosity. His death certificate had described him as a retired radio mechanic. According to family folklore he had been a driver during WWII. I was desperate to prove our family’s oral history. When I joined the Melbourne based Museum and Polish Archives (MAPA), I was asked whether the UK Ministry of Defence had Uncle’s file. Within a month of writing away to Middlesex, I had confirmation that indeed they had and, after forwarding the Ministry a cheque, I received a wad of documents on Uncle’s military service. These indicated that Stanisław Schlosser was born in the eastern European city of Lemberg, then in Austria-Hungary. It became Lwow, Poland again, between the World Wars, and is now L’viv, Ukraine. From 1 September until 20 September, 1939 Uncle served as a Corporal in the Polish 10th Artillery Battalion. On 20 September his battalion was evacuated via Hungary to Beirut, Lebanon, where he served under French command. He made his way to England and on 29 December, 1940, joined Polish Forces under British Command. After the 1944 D-Day landing in Normandy, and as MISSED OUT ON THE FAT DUCK? HAVE A SECOND QUACK. Anglicare Victoria launched Second Quack, a foodie fundraiser, the same day that The Fat Duck one of only four restaurants in the UK to hold three Michelin stars, opened at Crown. Second Quack encourages Victorians to invite one or more people to dine at their home on Saturday, March 21st and for them to raise a minimum $525 for Anglicare Victoria’s homeless program. Paul McDonald, the organisation’s CEO, said: “We’re not known for our culinary excellence but we do make 25,000 breakfasts each year for the homeless. Today we launch Second Quack, the perfect antidote to those foodies who missed their chance to dine at The Fat Duck.” More than 89,000 people were prepared to part with $525 each for the chance to experience the iconic cooking of Heston Blumenthal but only 14,000 were rewarded with that chance in the global ballot. Mr McDonald said: “The idea behind Second Quack is simple. It is about bringing people together to enjoy a meal while raising money to support Victoria’s most vulnerable.” There is no set way to taking part in Second Quack. A host can organise a street party of 525 people, an intimate gathering for two or a boisterous evening with ten people – as long as each hosted dinner raises $525 for Anglicare Victoria’s Homeless Services program. Restaurants and pubs are also taking part in the Second Quack, hosting meals for diners on Wednesday 18 March. Beyond the initial $525, the highest fundraiser will be in the running to win a table for 10 at Gastronomique, valued at $3,000. Gastronomique is a fundraising feast for the senses supported by some of Victoria’s finest restaurants. In 2014 Pei Modern, Estelle, Cumulus Inc., Bottega and Chateau Yering were involved. Anglicare Victoria has been behind Gastronomique (formerly known as Dinner with the Angels) for 11 years. Fact File - Second Quack Date: Wednesday 18 & Saturday 21 March 2015 Venue: At your home or a restaurant or pub Cost: $525 per dinner Public enquiries: http://www. secondquack.org.au Phone: (03) 9412 6157 part of the 1st Polish Armoured Division, Uncle saw action at Falaise in France, Ypres in Belgium and on the river Maas in Holland. He was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. After so many years hidden in that yellow manila folder, my uncle ‘Stan’ was finally coming back to life! Importantly, I was able to confirm the family folklore. My uncle’s trade on enlistment was driver. One document explained how he came to have this role: he was in fact, an auto mechanic. Another document asked the question: ‘If you had the opportunity to retrain, what civilian career would you choose? Uncle wrote: radio mechanic. So now I could put one chapter of my uncle ‘Stan’s’ life to rest. There are now new mysteries to solve: for example, what became of the Polish Army Medal, British and French Star and Defence Medal he was awarded? I now have many new leads, so my uncle ‘Stan’ won’t be relegated to that old, fading yellow manila folder for many years to come! Maria Irene Picyk© At the Genealogical Society of Victoria we help members plan their family history search. This month’s author is a member of the GSV Writer’s Discussion Circle. See www.gsv.org.au for more information, or email [email protected] or phone (03) 9662 4455 for information about the Society. FREE SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES ARE HELD EVERY THURSDAYS (EX SCHOOL HOLIDAYS) @ GLEN HALL, Cnr. GLENGALA RD. & SIMMIE ST. SUNSHINE, MELWAYS 40 –D 2. 7-30 TO 8-30 PM. OR RING NOEL 9331 6580 ALL HOURS. START BACK DATE:THURS. 5th. FEB. 2015 @7-30 pm LEARN FROM THE FORMER VICTORIAN, AUSTRALASIAN & COMMONWEALTH CHAMPIONS FOR GROUPS (MINIMUM 20 HEAD) THAT WOULD LIKE FREE TUITION IN A SPECIFIC STYLE PLEASE EMAIL YOUR DETAILS, CLASSES WOULD BE FROM 8-30 PM TO 9-30 PM @ THE ABOVE VENUE. Computer Tips with Barry Coaker Cookies - Yes or No? Cookies can be spyware. Some cookies are dangerous. Cookies invade your privacy. Those are the statements that circulate amongst the people who don’t understand them or even want to stamp them out What is a cookie? A cookie is a tiny record consisting of a domain that set the cookie, an expiration date and the name/value pair. The value of the name/value pair could contain any type of text information. Cookies are highly restricted by the browser and can’t be made to compromise your computer. Cookies are simply text and nothing more. They can’t execute like a program, neither can they be used to spy on you. Do cookies invade your privacy without your consent? It’s true that cookies can possibly contain private information. However the information can only be put into a cookie if YOU intentionally enter (type in with your keyboard) your private information into a Web site via a Web form and the Web form sets a cookie with your information tied to it. Even still, no other Web site is going to be able to get to that information other than the site that set it, the very site you submitted that information to. Browsers are very restrictive and do NOT allow other sites to read cookies not belonging to that specific Web site. If you trusted that Web site, such as your Bank and the organisation behind it with your personal information, the cookie is no more dangerous than your trusted Web site. Cookies are very useful. Cookies are very helpful. They enable you to have automatic login to most online forums. They help you recall user names and passwords for logging into various other places that utilise user names and passwords. If you delete all your cookies you will notice when trying to access certain websites that you have joined or belong to then it will be necessary and annoying to enter your username and password each time. As a general rule allow those cookies onto your computer. They are your friend—not your enemy. 8 News Fifty~Plus News March 2015 Age Management Toolkit for Employers The National Stroke Foundation’s StrokeSafe Ambassadors deliver professional and engaging talks about stroke to help all Australians understand how they can reduce their risk of having a stroke and also recognise a stroke. This talk is free and available for any groups interested in becoming StrokeSafe. As discussed, we recommend you book your StrokeSafe talk in before June 30 this year to ensure we can provide a speaker. The talk takes approximately 30 minutes and covers: What stroke is How to prevent stroke How to recognise the signs of stroke What to do if someone is having a stroke. If you and your group is interested in becoming StrokeSafe, you can fill out the online form at www. strokefoundation.com.au/invitea-speaker-form or call 03 9918 7206. National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre is pleased to announce the launch of our Age Management Toolkit for Employers. Governments are increasingly encouraging greater involvement of mature age people in the labour force to ensure the skills and experience of this cohort are fully utilised and to assist the economy to adapt to demographic change. For employers, implementation of strategies that attract and retain mature age workers can ensure the utilisation of valuable skills and experience of the over 50s. The Toolkit provides a ‘one-stopshop’ of comprehensive and practical information for employers, supervisors, managers and HR professionals to successfully initiate, implement and evaluate effective age management strategies. Importantly, the Toolkit is designed for employers to tailor the best age management initiatives according to unique strategic goals, size of organisation and workforce age profile. The Age Management Toolkit also provides links to reputable resources, guidelines and good practice examples sourced from a wide range of leading national and international agencies and expert bodies specialising in the fields of employment, management and workforce ageing. Overall, the Toolkit assists employers to break down barriers and strengthen enablers to mature age employment in a proactive and engaging way. To access the Toolkit, please check out the website: http://www.nationalseniors.com.au/amt If you have any enquiries please contact the National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre on (03) 9650 6144 or email [email protected]. Contact U3A for details of your nearest Club. Postal Address 8/341 Queen Street Melbourne PH: (03) 9670 3659 Email: [email protected] Web: u3avictoria.com.au Many Happy Returns to U3A Moreland. After a three year interlude, a local committee is working hard to re-establish U3A activities throughout the Moreland municipality. Committee members have been in discussion with Council Officers, Neighbourhood House Coordinators, and local Librarians in an endeavour to secure volunteer class leaders and venues across Brunswick, Coburg and Glenroy. When this U3A is welcomed at the quarterly Network Victoria Council meeting on 18 March, it will be the 107th U3A formation in Victoria. Its first classes will start after Easter. For more information contact Jan Angus on 0406-031-057 or Harry Dobson on 0413-079-394. U3A Horsham have been touring the eastern Grampians reservoir system. Led by knowledgeable Bob Mc Ilvena, the group followed in the footsteps of explorer Major Mitchell, first visiting the Horsham Livestock Exchange, next stop was Green Lake the first of the 12 man-made lakes in the area. Lake Green was built in 1933 from a series of swamps. The tour included the Drung Soldier Settlement area where 28 World War II soldiers took up land after they were de-mobbed in 1945. Dairying was the main farming practised. Salt pans formed by seepage from the lakes provide a stopping off point for migratory birds to de-louse their feathers. U3A Lakes Entrance has added Playalong to their musical offerings. Using a mixture of instruments – guitars, piano accordion, flute, banjo, harp, recorder, piano, clappers as well as voices, the group now has a repertoire of 35 songs. All participants reap a benefit from making music together. U3A Kilmore & District members will be getting to know their bodies at the owners and trainers room at Kilmore racecourse and/or researching People from History. All members of the class are encouraged to research a designated person e.g., Winston Churchill one week, perhaps Elvis Presley the next. U3A Benalla has been clever to secure a community grant to enable them to offer an e-reader book group. While U3A Latrobe valley is running their own Open Garden scheme. The garden group exchanges plants, produce and ideas as well as setting out “convoy-style” to visit as many gardens as possible. Members of U3A Bright are cycling along the old rails lines in the Buckland and Wandiligong valleys whilst others tap dance to success or discover “fun and friendship” playing Life Ball games at Mount Beauty. At U3A Kyneton photography students are getting the most out of their cameras, investing in the Stock Market or metaphorically digging up their ancestors in the Genealogy class. Lucky horseshows may abound at U3A Upper Yarra where blacksmithing is part of the curriculum. Completing projects that require a heavy hammer and a lot of elbow grease, students will produce tongs, hooks, pokers, fire rakes and bottle openers. Whilst U3A Middleborough students have been visiting Fountain’s Abbey and Ripon, U3A Werribee have rambled through history from Roman times via the Anglo-Saxon and Viking raids to life in the middle Ages. Other students have enjoyed “Music You Like to Hear” experiencing overtures, interludes, intermezzos and waltzes as well as macabre music by Grieg, Dvorak, Berlioz as well as movie sound tracks. Wyndham Council has been especially helpful, enabling a bus to provide door to door pick up so that the new Hogan’s Road venue could be used. In line with U3As role as the major provider of technology skills for Seniors, Werribee students are able to access a comprehensive range of computer courses. Using Word, Excel, Power Point as well as mastering their iPad or Tablet. This year’s group will learn how to make and upload their own YouTube videos. At U3A Ballarat students are introduced to Blogging and at U3A Kilmore, Technology for Dummies is popular. Whilst other Kilmore members study Women’s Business or Get to Know Your Body. In 2015 U3A Ballarat members have the chance to help secure a more peaceful world by participating in the world wide Weave Your Own Stars project. Other Ballarat students are investigating the contribution of the Cornish people to the city’s heritage. U3A Croydon Bushwalkers U3A Croydon is very fortunate to have the Dandenong Ranges close by and the bushwalking group makes good use of the many tracks that criss-cross the hills. Spoilt for choice there is also the Christmas Hills area close by; the Warburton Trail; Lysterfield Park and Warramate Hills. U3A involvement in ASPIRING research project. A study of the Ageing Services and Supports in Rural Environments, (ASPIRE) is currently being conducted by La Trobe University and the University of Queensland, with the support of both State Governments. They are investigating the relationship between rural living and wellness, to determine what services and supports older people need in their country towns. Because the study is investigating the links between the provision of community services and the degree of wellbeing for those over 65, both U3A Network Vic and U3A Network Queensland see this research as an opportunity to promote the U3A movement. Participation in such research ventures highlights the important contribution that U3As make to community wellbeing and their value as a resource for government when communicating with seniors. U3As involved in the three selected research areas are U3A Dunmunkle (Minyip, Murtoa and Rupanyup), U3A Bright and U3A Alpine (Mt Beauty), and U3A Yarram. For more information about this project contact Ms Turi Berg on 1800-664-731. Asia Pacific U3A Conference in Kathmandu, Nepal in October 2014 Geoff Steventon, U3A Croydon President, was one of 250 delegates to attend the Asia Pacific U3A Conference in Kathmandu, Nepal in October 2014. The theme of the conference was “Active Life for Social Change: Promoting Multi-generational Learning and Sharing Patal Hiun Chuli 6441m a Nepalese giant News March 2015 Fifty~Plus News 9 Managing Money The Four Aged Care Fundamentals with Thabojan Rasiah Private client advisor Shadforth Financial Group. With the ever-changing landscape in the area of Aged Care, it is important to remember the key areas on which to focus when structuring your financial affairs. In recent times there has been an evolution in the way the Aged Care system is structured. This has only increased complexity and made it harder to understand. However, the four fundamentals to be considered remain constant. These four fundamentals need to be the focus of making any financial decisions in relation to aged care planning. They are all linked and impact on each other, so all needed to be considered in conjunction. The first fundamental is aged care fees. Without going into the detail of the different kinds of fees and how they are calculated, we need to manage the cost of aged care. There are a number of strategies that can be used to manage costs, so they should be explored. Not only for 2015 BLACK HARMONY GATHERING ANNOUNCED Gather in harmony on the banks of the Yarra The 2015 Black Harmony Gathering will present an exciting program of live music, dance, food and activities on Sunday 15 March, 1pm-5.30pm, FREE at Fairfield Amphitheatre that will bring together the diverse local Indigenous and newly arrived cultures in Victoria. The day will feature: one of BHG founders Kutcha Edwards and Friends, the sensational Alt-Latin band Funkalleros, eminent guitarist and singer Dave Arden, The Burundian Drummers, Sounds of Polynesia, young soul star Lawrence Austin Jnr, a special Koorie BBQ featuring kangaroo and emu from Warburton, dance workshops, kids’ activities and more. The first gathering in 2004 held in Melbourne’s northern suburbs saw a small group of local Koories, those entering aged care, but also for those already in the system. The second fundamental is social security. When structuring the financial position of a resident, it is important to factor in the impact on social security benefits. Whether it is Centrelink or DVA, the wrong financial structure can lead to a negative impact. This in turn can affect the ability to pay for aged care fees and cover other personal expenses. The third fundamental is tax. Holding assets in various structures will lead to different tax outcomes. It is important to ensure that both annual income tax and future capital gains tax is considered. Managing annual income tax will provide flexibility in cash flow. Managing future capital gains tax will lead to a greater estate that can be passed to beneficiaries. South Africans and Somalis come together at a neighbourhood BBQ to share ideas about how to help each other overcome discrimination. Over time the BBQ has evolved to become a staple gathering for the community and a popular and important feature of Melbourne’s cultural calendar, showcasing hundreds of established and emerging Indigenous and multicultural artists and craftspeople. Black Harmony Gathering promotes reconciliation, diversity, social inclusion, respect and the breaking down of racism. Now in its 12th year, the annual Black Harmony Gathering continues to coincide with Victoria’s Cultural Diversity Week celebrations and embraces the principals of reconciliation with a commitment to respect the beliefs and customs of Australia’s First People and newly arrived cultures. Celebrate Victoria’s Indigenous and newly arrived exceptional talent on this significant day with a picnic rug, cushion and your dancing shoes for a fun afternoon This brings us to the fourth fundamental, which is cash flow. Without sufficient cash flow, one cannot cover the costs of aged care and personal expenses. This is a critical factor that is often overlooked and if not addressed from the beginning, can force residents into unfortunate positions. This can include being forced to sell assets that would ideally be retained. So they are the four fundamentals in planning for aged care. None can be ignored, nor should any be considered in isolation. They all impact each other and are inextricably linked. Considering all four fundamentals will lead to a successful aged care strategy outcome. Thabojan Rasiah is a highly regarded financial adviser and commentator. If you would like to clarify your position, get a second opinion or review opportunities available to you, we offer an obligation free private discussion. To arrange, contact Thabojan on 03 9649 2400 or send an email to [email protected] on the gorgeous banks of the Yarra! BLACK HARMONY GATHERING Sunday 15 March 1pm–5:30pm F a i r f i e l d Amphitheatre, Fairfield Park Drive (off Heidelberg Road), Fairfield FREE Walk or ride the Main Yarra Trail or catch the train to Fairfield Station, just 16min from Melbourne’s CBD. BLACK HARMONY FORUM Friday 20 March, 6.30pm–8.30pm Reading Room, Fitzroy Town Hall, 201 Napier St, Fitzroy FREE Can you help these researchers find the answers? Together with an enthusiastic research team, Associate Professor Allison McKendrick from the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at The University of Melbourne is trying to improve understanding of how healthy normal ageing affects vision, how older adults use vision in natural environments, and how vision is affected in common eye-diseases in the elderly. Current clinical tests for vision (for example, the familiar letter chart) only test a subset of visual functions and do not fully represent the ways that vision is typically used. The research team also studies other key aspects of visual processing, such as how we perceive objects and motion in both central and peripheral vision, as well as how visual information is combined with information from other senses like hearing. Through the study of visual processing, the researchers hope to gain insight to how the brain compensates for reduced visual clarity with age, with the end goal of improving clinical tests for age-related eye diseases. A particular interest of the group is the agerelated eye-disease glaucoma. Glaucoma is a progressive disease of the optic-nerve (which sends visual signals from the eye to the brain) and increases markedly in prevalence over the age of 60. These projects are funded by government (Australian Research Council) and industrial grants to the research team. We are always looking for healthy older adults to participate in our research. More information can be obtained by contacting the researchers on 9035 9979, or email [email protected]. Volunteers Wanted Vision Research Project People with normal, healthy vision between the ages of 60-77 are wanted for a research study assessing changes in vision with ageing. Up to three test sessions of approximately 2 hours are involved which will include an abbreviated eye examination and computer based testing of vision. Volunteers will be reimbursed $20 per session to assist with any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending. Enquiries: Contact the study team on 03 9035 9979 or email: A/Prof Allison McKendrick [email protected] Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne. HREC 1441571.2 Do your set of stairs feel like Everest? Have a seat... And let Master Lifts take care of the journey from here. Call us today, and arrange a FREE in home demonstration and quote. 1300 454 387 www.masterlifts.com.au 10 Fifty~Plus News James Boon: Keeping an Eye on his Diabetes James Boon knows all about diabetes and the damage this disease can cause the body, including the eyes. He is just one of over 1.1 million Australians diagnosed with diabetes (1) and all of them are at risk of losing their sight due to diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes and the leading cause of blindness among working age adults in Australia. The retired police officer and keen motorcyclist from Sydney was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes over 10 years ago. These days he says managing his diabetes, which includes a healthy lifestyle and regular eye tests, is vital to maintaining good health and sight. “I follow a healthy diet, I try to exercise regularly and I am absolutely committed to having regular eye tests – to me that’s most important, and it’s so easy to do.” Julie Heraghty, CEO of the Macular Disease Foundation Australia, says early diagnosis, management and treatment of diabetic eye disease can prevent over 90 per cent of vision loss. “There may be no symptoms initially, and damage can occur before there is any change to vision. Sometimes disease progression can be rapid, so early diagnosis and, if necessary, treatment, is critical to saving sight.” Importantly, Julie said, just one eye test is News not enough. “Many people with diabetes have their eyes tested by an eye health professional once, maybe twice and get the all clear. Then they think they are in ‘safe mode’ – they don’t think they are at risk of diabetic retinopathy any more. But in fact, their eyes are in ‘unsafe mode’ because for every year a person has diabetes, the greater their risk of developing this blinding eye disease. I cannot stress enough how important it is for all those living with diabetes to have a comprehensive eye examination at least every two years, or more often if recommended, and to follow your optometrist or ophthalmologist’s advice to reduce the risks of vision loss from diabetic eye disease,” says Julie. A free information booklet, ‘Diabetic Eye Disease’, is available from the Macular Disease Foundation Australia. Visit www.mdfoundation. com.au or freecall 1800 111 709. Three simple rules to follow: If you have diabetes, visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist at least every two years for a comprehensive eye exam. If you have existing diabetic eye disease, more regular checks may be required, even if vision appears to be perfect. Be guided by your optometrist or ophthalmologist and do not cancel or delay appointments. References:1.diabetesaustralia.com.au/UnderstandingDiabetes Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic (Sunday May 10, 2015) It’s pink, it’s fun, it’s helping make breast cancer history: register now for Australia’s largest Mother’s Day event The Mother’s Day Classic fun run/walk has become a calendar must-do for thousands of families, friends and community groups, who revel in a festive event that supports a serious cause - funding research into breast cancer, Australia’s most common female cancer. Registrations are open now, to take part in a national event that last year involved 130,000 Australians in 98 locations, including 87 regional towns and every capital city. “It doesn’t matter how you walk or run, or even how fast, it just matters why,” Ms Davidson said. “Money raised supports research into new treatments, diagnostic techniques and of course the end goal of finding a cure. The more we raise, the faster a cure can be found,” she said. Bring the family, set a fitness goal, the 2015 Mother’s Day Classic provides discounted family tickets nationally and is planning more family activities and entertainment at the large events. “Each year we see growing numbers of fitness groups, and groups of friends, who are using the event to motivate themselves and their friends to achieve health and fitness goals,” Ms Davidson said. We think that’s fantastic and we’d encourage everyone to set a fitness goal, gather your friends and register for Mother’s Day Classic 2015.” To register, fundraise or volunteer go to www. mothersdayclassic.com.au For more information regarding the National Breast Cancer Foundation and its work, visit www.nbcf.org.au March 2015 Be Brave & Shave this March! The Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave is back March 12-15 and we’re asking you to take part. Decide to shave or colour your hair, then ask family and friends to sponsor you. Money raised will be used to find life-saving treatments and provide free, emotional and practical support such as accommodation for regional families who need to move to the city for treatment. Every day, 31 Australians will be given the devastating news that they have leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma. Do something amazing to help beat blood cancer. Be brave and shave. Sign up now at www.worldsgreatestshave.com or call 1800 500 088. 70 and 74-year-olds added to National Bowel Cancer Screening Program From this year, 70 and 74-year- two years. Research** shows that olds will receive at-home bowel cancer screening kits as the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program continues to widen screening to include additional age groups. The risk of bowel cancer increases with age from 50 and is asymptomatic in its early stages. Bowel cancer is the most common cancer affecting both men and women but has a very high cure rate if found early. Approximately 80 Australians die each week from bowel cancer.* Minister for Health Jill Hennessy encourages Victorians to participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. “Early detection can be key to surviving cancer and I encourage everyone who receives the free kit to complete the test. It’s simple, it can be done in the privacy of your own home, and it’s so important. It could save your life.” The faecal occult blood test (FOBT) looks for the early signs of bowel cancer and involves taking a minuscule sample from two separate bowel motions using a test kit. Samples are then sent to a laboratory for testing. Participants with positive results are advised to discuss their result with their doctor and undergo further testing. Cancer Council Victoria Screening Manager Kate Broun said that while currently the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is restricted to certain age groups, the Cancer Council recommends more frequent screening. “Cancer Council Victoria is invested in not only making 70 and 74 year-olds aware of the program’s extension and its significance, but also in reminding all Australians between the ages of 50 and 74 that they should be screening for bowel cancer every biennial screening can save up to 500 lives a year and will take pressure off the health system.” FOBTs are designed for women and men aged 50 and over without symptoms or a strong family history of bowel cancer. Those with a strong family history of bowel cancer or any symptoms should see a doctor. FOBTs can be purchased from the Cancer Council online or by calling 13 11 20. Frank Clarke, 77, of Vermont South says he has the FOBT kit to thank for the early detection of his bowel cancer in 2007. “I had absolutely no symptoms when I was diagnosed and I was lucky the kit picked up my cancer early. I got the ‘all clear’ from my specialist in August and now the only reminder I have of my battle with bowel cancer is my abdominal scar. “I plead to my fellow Australians to do the bowel screening test before it’s too late,” Mr Clarke said. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program began in 2006 and has been progressively expanding the age groups invited to participate. With the addition of 70 and 74 year olds in 2015, the age groups currently invited to participate are people aged 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 and 74. By 2020, all Australians aged 50 to 74 will be invited to participate every two years. *Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare & Australasian Association of Cancer Registries 2012. Cancer in Australia - an overview 2012. Cancer series no. 74 Cat. No. CAN 70. Canberra: AIHW **Source: Pignone P.P, Flitcroft K.L et al: Costs and cost-effectiveness of full implementation of a biennial faecal occult blood test screening program for bowel cancer in Australia. MJA 2011. March 2015 Community LearnTen Pin Bowling Blind Sports Victoria and the Victorian Ten Pin Bowling Association partner to bring the Bowling 101 program to people with a vision impairment. What is Bowling 101? The Bowling 101 Program is designed to introduce the sport to new participants as well as develop the fundamental skills of current bowlers. Bowling 101 consists of eight sessions that steadily introduce new skills each week. The emphasis of the program is for participants to have fun, learn new skills and improve their bowling. Who can participate? The Blind Sports Victorian Ten Pin Bowling Association program is open people who are blind or vision impaired, and their family and friends. When: Every Thursday from 12th March 2015 for 8 weeks. Time: 11am Cost: $5 per session (Each participant will receive a welcome pack that includes a backpack, drink bottle and much more!) Where: AMF Moorabbin, 938 Nepean Highway, Moorabbin, Vic, 3189 How to get there:: AMF Moorabbin is a short 100 metre walk from Moorabbin Train Station and directly opposite the Moorabbin Police Station. Registration and further information: To register or further information contact Blind Sports Victoria on 03 9822 8876 or Ten Pin Bowling Victoria on 03 9532 2219. Are you retired or working part time and thinking about a Volunteer role within your Community? Do you have an interest in local history, architecture or both? If so you may like to consider joining the friendly team of volunteers who manage on behalf of the National Trust, the Portable Iron Houses at South Melbourne. If you think you might be interested in finding out more about what is involved and visiting the property you can email [email protected]. Altona community choir is looking for a permanent parttime piano accompanist. The position would require 2 Monday night choir practices per month and a 1 hour concert time on either a Wednesday or a Friday afternoon throughout the year. News Fifty~Plus News 11 This is our Community page bringing you information on smaller organisations and / or services within the community you may not be aware of. The listings here are free. Advertisers on this page are ‘Champions’ for the page. Please support them where possible and in doing so help listed organisations and those they assist. To enquire if your organisation qualifies for a free listing on this page or to become a “Champion for the page’ email [email protected] or send details to PO Box 473, Hastings Vic 3915 by the 15th of each month. I welcome all enquiries for this community service. Interested? Call Paula on 0409 215 352 for further details. Berwick Evening View Club With a Government subsidy to some families to be cut I feel the start to the school year of 2015 may see the need for student support greater than in the past .Funds to meet the demands of modern education may well strain household budgets to the extreme. I’m calling to any women in our area who needs variety in their lives and like to be useful. Start by coming along to our monthly dinner meetings on 3rd Monday of the month at Central Hotel, Beaconsfield at 7pm. Join us for fun, fellowship, & fund raising. We’re the Berwick Evening VIEW (Vision, Interest, Education for Women) Club who, under the umbrella of the Smith Family, help sponsor educational needs of some local children. These students may otherwise not have all that they need to reach their full potential at school. While doing this we have fun together, and in turn learn as well. You’d be most welcome. Bookings can be made by phoning Kaye on 97697762 Blackburn TOWN club meets every Monday at 0930am Venue, Eley Park Community Centre, Eley Road, Blackburn South. No pills or diets just sensible eating, encouragement, rewards & incentives. Details, Judith 98789914. Rene 98744043 Mount Waverley Ladies Probus. Join our club for friendship & activities. Meetings take place on 2nd Wednesday of the month 10am to 12noon. Venue, Youth Centre Mount Waverley next to the library. Activities include, Outings, Cinema, Walks, Lunch, Speakers, Morning Melodies. Details Judith 98789914. Barbara 98850471 The Sunbury Library Chess club meets on Tuesdays Location : 44 Macedon St Sunbury Meeting times are from 4 pm until 8 pm Telephone : (03) 9356 6970 Website : www.humechess.webs.com The Melton Library Chess Club is looking for players who would like to join in and play on a weekly basis The Melton Library Chess Club meets on Thursdays Location 31 Mckenzie St Melton Meetings times are from 4 pm until 8 pm Telephone : (03) 97475300 Website : www.meltonchess.weebly.com Greensborough Probus Club has vacancies at the moment. We meet on the first Monday of each month at 10.am at Greensborough RSL. We have special interest groups including craft, theatre, dining out, trips, music, computers, writing and walking. Please contact 9434 1511 if you would like to come and visit. HEATHMONT MENS PROBUS CLUB. A limited number of vacancies currently exist for semi-retired or retired men to join Heathmont Probus. This is a great opportunity to expand your interest and meet new friends. The Club meets on the first Monday of each month at the Heathmont Bowls Club, 9 The Greenway, Heathmont. Contact Bill Horman on 9729 4342 for details. Are you retired or working part time and thinking about a Volunteer role within your Community? Do you have an interest in local history, architecture or both? If so you may like to consider joining the friendly team of volunteers who manage on behalf of the National Trust, the Portable Iron Houses at South Melbourne. If you think you might be interested in finding out more about what is involved and visiting the property you can email [email protected]. Impact Volunteering provides services & resources to boost volunteering opportunities for organisations and individuals. We register and refer 100’s of volunteers each month and we aim to put you in touch with opportunities you feel are the best match for your interests and goals. Visit our new website WWW.IMPACTVOLUNTEERING.ORG.AU 12 News Fifty~Plus News March 2015 Acting on Age Discrimination - Your Options Many reports of age discrimination relate to work opportunities. However, age discrimination occurs in a wide variety of situations. require the making of reasonable adjustments and … the taking of special measures’. The federal Age Discrimination Commission offers a complaint and conciliation process. What is age discrimination? If a person uses your age or apparent age as a reason to treat you unfavourably or to create extra hurdles, their behaviour is discriminatory. Such behaviour can occur when you pursue opportunities for training or promotion or, for example, when seeking access to a venue normally open to the public. Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against people based on their age. There are lawful exceptions. It is permissible, for example, to provide ageappropriate services in response to a person’s particular needs. In the employment context, the law is clear that work entry, training and promotion should be based on people’s abilities relative to the requirements of the job, not on their age. Why is protection from age discrimination important? Where there is age discrimination, the opportunities for older people to have satisfying work, participate fully in the community, act independently and enjoy life are likely to be restricted. The two Acts aim to promote equality before the law and recognition that people of all ages have the same fundamental rights. What should you do if you face age discrimination? If you experience age discrimination, you may refer the issue to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. Usually the Commission will seek to resolve the matter between you and the other party, which may be an organisation, a person acting on its behalf, or both. Matters that are not settled through dispute resolution may be referred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). If the discrimination is serious or systemic, the Commission has powers to conduct an investigation and make a report to the attorney-general or to parliament. If your complaint is about discriminatory advertising, the Commission may bring proceedings against those responsible. Commonwealth Law The Age Discrimination Act makes age discrimination unlawful in the areas of work, education, access to premises, provision of goods, services and facilities, accommodation, disposal of land and requests for information. Some important exceptions are made for positive discrimination in age-related programs and in the conditions of membership of voluntary bodies. Allowance is also made for the customs of religious bodies and for differences in various financial services that are based on actuarial and statistical information. There are similar exceptions in the Equal Opportunity Act, which states: ‘the achievement of substantive equality may NEW LAWS FOR POWERS OF ATTORNEY The new Powers of Attorney Act will commence by 1 September 2015. It introduces substantial changes to enduring powers of financial attorney and enduring powers of guardianship. However, your existing enduring powers will remain valid. It is prudent to have such powers in place. I will give a detailed outline of the new legislation closer to the commencement date. In the meantime, readers may wish to note that the Act creates an additional ‘supportive attorney’ role, whereby the ‘principal’ makes his or her own decisions with assistance from the supportive attorney. The supportive attorney might assist, for instance, by obtaining information that the principal needs before making a decision. If you appoint a supportive attorney, you may authorise your appointee to put your decisions into effect, excepting those that involve ‘significant financial transactions’. When the new legislation commences, you will still have the opportunity to appoint someone to act on your behalf rather than merely to assist by supporting your decisionmaking. Rosamund Krivanek’s legal practice includes wills, powers of attorney, estates, planning & environmental matters, and property and accommodation options for older people. You may contact her on (03) 9815 1218 or at [email protected] Advertorial Relieve the Stress of Downsizing and Create the Lifestyle you Want Are You Downsizing? If you’re downsizing then you’re probably confused and excited at the same time. Happy to be moving into a new home but stressed about what pieces of furniture and other homewares to take with you. Pieces you’ve loved and cherished for many years. Will they fit? Are they too old and worn? Grace Interior Designs will design your perfect new home by understanding your needs, your interior design preferences and then helping you decide what to keep, sell or donate. Downsizing is a great opportunity and with the help of Grace Interior Designs you can realise your ideal lifestyle with the perfect combination of new and existing pieces. Call Trish Khoury, Interior Designer on 0499 656 737 or email trish@ graceinteriordesigns.com.au for a free initial chat to discuss your circumstances. Servicing suburbs within 30kms from Melbourne. Are you downsizing into an apartment or smaller home? Recently Grace Interior Designs worked with a client who was downsizing from a big family home in Templestowe to a much smaller property in Balwyn. Adding to the stress of moving this client was unsure about what furniture to take, would it fit, would it work in the new home? Most importantly the client wanted to create a new interior design that truly reflected her personality and new empty nest lifestyle but wasn’t sure if her existing furniture was suitable. Grace Interior Designs created an interior design that suited the client and her new home. We then carefully selected which existing pieces she should keep as well as chose fantastic new pieces to achieve the client’s ideal lifestyle. A CBRE Sales Executive with many downsizing clients says; “What people downsizing need to remember is their old furniture doesn’t work in a new modern apartment setting.” Downsizing is an exciting fresh start, get it right by working with Grace Interior Designs (www.graceinteriordesigns.com.au) to create an interior design that suits your new lifestyle and your new home. Call Trish Khoury, Interior Designer on 0499 656 737 or email trish@graceinteriordesigns. com.au for a free initial chat to discuss your circumstances. Servicing suburbs within 30kms from Melbourne. Combined facilities make the COUNTRY & WESTERN ROUND UP ON WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2014 a huge success! The dedicated team from Celebration of Life Events staged another fantastic event, at the Collingwood Town Hall. The theme for this event was “Country and Western”, with many guests dressing in appropriate attire. eighteen facilities were in attendance with some 280 people present. The entertainment was provided by the “Huffers and Puffers”. The 27 piece retired musicians big band were outstanding. Father Bob McGuire opened the event with Paul “Slim” Brophy as MC. The event was an outstanding success due to the collaborative effort of the organising group. Trish Quinn from Mary McKillop Aged Care and her team of wonderful volunteers were instrumental in setting up the event. The next event is planned for Wednesday 27th May 2015 titled “A Winter Wonderland.” If your group wants to find out more contact Paul Brophy via email [email protected] Lifestyle March 2015 Fifty~Plus News 13 FOR WRITERS AND READERS Take your Partners by Ruby King “Why is Granny so sad?” asked Tom as Jean drove away from the nursing home. Like her grandson, Jean was worried about her mother. “Granny is quite old now and has lots of pain in her arms and legs. Most of all; she misses Grandpa. You remember he died last year and Granny can’t live by herself anymore.” The nursing home staff were kind and caring but Dorothy just couldn’t adjust to her new life. Jean visited when she could and today she had brought Tom, Dorothy’s only great grandchild. Even he could not cheer up the old lady. “Hello Jean, it’s Angie from Lavender Lodge. I know you’re worried about Dorothy. Doctor has suggested that an infusion of a new drug might ease the pain of her arthritis. Would you agree to that?” “If Doctor thinks it might be helpful then by all means go ahead. I may not visit next week but will definitely be in the following weekend.” “Dorothy, it’s Angie, can I come in? How are you feeling?” “I don’t seem to have so much pain through the night so that’s good.” “Would you like to come to the day room? A musical group is playing. No? Well I’ll leave your door open so you can hear the tunes.” Dorothy settled in her chair, closed her eyes and listening to the music fell into a doze. Suddenly she woke up. What was that tune she could hear? ‘Night and Day’? Yes it was. Could she remember the words? “Night and day, you are the one. You just you beneath the moon and under the sun..” A slow foxtrot. How she loved to dance with Ray when they were courting. She enjoyed many of the dance tunes but ‘Night and Day’ was their song. Rising from the chair Dorothy picked up her stick and made her way slowly to the day room. Some residents were dancing and fro the first time in ages Dorothy smiled. “How lovely to see you up and about,” said Mavis, another resident. “Come sit with me and have some afternoon tea.” “Hello Mum, just a quick call to see how you are. I’m sorry but I can’t come this weekend. Young Tom has his first footy match and I promised to go and watch.” “Maybe one day I could come and see him play. I’m feeling much better with the new medicine.” “Oh mum I’m so pleased! I could pick you up, we’ll watch the footy and then you can stay for tea.” Jean hung up the phone and felt less anxious about her mum. Maybe everything would be better now. Jean and Tom arrived at Lavender Lodge and Tom went racing down to see his granny. “Nan, she isn’t there. Is granny sick again?” Jean paused at reception and was told maybe she should go down to the day room. Music echoed along the corridor as she and Tom approached. “Look there’s granny.” And there indeed was Dorothy, dancing, albeit slowly, with Mavis. Her hair was freshly waved and she was wearing a dress that Jean had not seen for a long time. Catching sight of Jean and Tom, Dorothy came over and sat down. “Hello young Tom, how’s the footy going? Have you scored many goals?” Tom smiled and gave his gran a big hug. Dorothy’s eyes shone and with tears Jean felt her own eyes prickle. “Lovely to see you looking so well Mum. Next week I’ll come and pick you up on Sunday to watch Tom’s footy. What would you like for tea?” “Yes, Sunday will be fine but not Saturdays from now on. I don’t want to miss the dancing.” A DIFFERENT EARTH BY MAX C. S BECK Based on a True Story. Arriving from Cornwall at the Burra copper mines in South Australia in 1851 Jane Dunstan and her family faced dramatic times with floods, a new baby born underground and the tragic loss of her husband and two daughters. When gold was discovered in Victoria this resilient pioneering lady, who refused to be deterred by adversity, hired a bullock driver and dray to carry her meagre belongings and undertook a courageous six week, 550 mile overland trek with her six children to Castlemaine. Her epic tale is told in A Different Earth. The book is the first to provide a comprehensive narrative of the amazing, almost unknown, historical overland journey undertaken by many gold diggers from South Australia to Forest Creek. After arriving at the diggings Jane married Thomas Rodda and had three more children, bringing her total issue to 11. She eventually had 59 grandchildren. Author Max Beck, a great grandson of Jane is a retired magistrate and coroner. Published by Palmer Higgs Pty Ltd. It is available online and at all good bookshops including www.angusrobertson.com.au www.bookdepository.com.au www.booktopia.com.au www.bookworld.com.au www.readings.com.au Paperback RRP $36.99 ISBN 978 0 992 5494 5 9 eBook RRP $9.95 ISBN 978 0 992 5494 6 6 A Time of Secrets by Deborah Burrows I love a good mystery especially when I can learn about times past along the way. In wartime Melbourne loose lips sink ships, so when Australian’s Women’s Army sergeant Stella Aldridge overhears soldiers whispering about a revenge killing. She follows her instincts to investigate, despite finding herself drawn to one of the soldiers. I’m not going to tell you anymore. This is a fantastic read. Published by Macmillan. RRP $29.99 ISBN 9781743532997 How To Get A Good Job After 50 by Rupert French Although this book is targeted for those over 50 the truth is this is a great guide for anyone searching for a job or a way to change direction in careers. It provides a positive approach and is set out clearly with tools and strategies to put the odds in your favour. A great guide and a must if you are feeling as though the job market is passing you by, Also check out Rupert’s website for free support materials http://www.jobwinnersguides.com/. Published by Exisle Publishing RRP $29.99 ISBN 9781921966644 Also available as an eBook. See www.exislepublishing.com.au Attorney Sabre Orin Brown’s job is to protect her minor client. Her obsession is to solve the mysterious disappearance of her brother. When Sabre’s search for her brother and her career as a juvenile court attorney collide, her own life is threatened. As Sabre’s passion to find the answers intensifies, she discovers a twisted history of desperation, deceit, and revenge. Will she be able to protect herself and the child she represents from the obscure and treacherous truth? The Advocate by Teresa Burrell is available on Amazon in Paperback, on Kindle in digital form, and on Audible in audio. Available on Kindle right now for only $2.99. Are you a self published author? Need assistance in marketing your book? This space could be yours! Call Genine on 0418 383 152 or email [email protected] We can help! 14 Fifty~Plus News New supporters of Seniors Card “TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH NEW SENIORS CARD SPECIAL OFFERS AND DISCOUNTS, VISIT www.seniorsonline.vic. gov.au Pharmacies Sable Pharmacy Brunswick Brunswick, 362-366 Sydney Rd 03 9380 4619 10% off ticketed item at normal RRP, excl, prescriptions & sale items. Health & Wellbeing True Hearing Camberwell, 1345 Toorak Rd 1300 878 343 10% off all hearing services for Senior Card holders. www.truehearing.com.au Sporting Goods Dolomiti Ivanhoe, 1075-1087 Heidelberg Rd 03 9982 1440 10% off all advertised rates. www.dolomiti.net.au Classes & Courses, Education & Training ishowU Technology Instructors 0428 614 413 10% disc, one on one instruction, in your own home. www.ishowu.com.au Food & Drink, Restaurant PizzaHut Shepparton Shepparton, 525-535 Wyndham St 03 5822 2378 $9.95 all you can eat, lunch only. Excl drinks & juices, weekends & public holidays. Vivere Restaurant Café Bar Point Cook, Shop 129 Pt Cook Town Centre 03 9395 0520 10% off total bill, including drinks food, for lunch, dinner & Sat/Sun breakfast. Excl public holidays. www.vivererestaurant.com.au Lets Do Coffee Echuca, 234 Pakenham St 03 5482 4488 10% off all food & beverages Michel’s Patisserie Sunshine Sunshine, Shop 9, Sushine Market Place, 80 Harvester Rd 03 9311 0121 10% disc, for any coffee,cakes or any meal purchase, excl, cold drinks & bottled drinks. Gardening Products & Services Healesville Supersoil Healesville, 82 Maroondah Hwy 03 5962 5054 10% off all fully priced products, nursery, bulk garden & building supplies. Excl discounted/ multi buy products. www.supersoil.com.au/ healesville Health & Beauty/Health Foods & Products The Happy Herb Company 02 6679 5227 10% off full priced items, some exclusions may apply www.happyherbcompany.com Lifestyle FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT, 1300 797 210 OR EMAIL [email protected]. gov.au Home Building & Renovations Kitchen Kiosk Mitcham, 2/39 Deep Creek Rd 03 9872 4140 25% discount on placement order for new kitchen cabinets. Excl bench tops, trades or splashbacks. www.kitchenkiosk.com.au Leisure & Recreation/Racing Hearts Racing Malvern, Suite 215, 19 Milton Pde 03 9822 0559 10% discount on all online services www.heartsracing.com.au Music & Musical Instrument Bilarm Music St Kilda, 21 Fawkner St 03 9646 3083 10% off CD’s + free postage. Barry Humphries favourite gramophone records. Smacka, Graeme Bell, Don Burrows, plus many more. View the full catalogue at: www.bilarm.com.au Sam Green St Kilda East, 17 McHenry St 0412 564 404 20% discount performance, if not overbooked. www.mrmusicman.com Health & Beauty/Natural Therapies Enosis Medi-Spa & Wellness Centres Ringwood, 3-5 Loughnan Rd 1800 Enosis 10% off all purchases at Enosis Medi-Spa & Wellness Centres. Services include: massage, naturopathy, weight loss and more. www.enosis.com.au You Relax Massage Caulfield, 211 Hawthorn Rd 0414 344 239 50% off all relaxation, therapeutic or remedial massage services. Book online selecting the concession rate. www.yourelaxmassage.com.au Arts & Handcrafts JM Embroideries & Collectibles Morwell, 236 Commercial Rd 0417 670 160 10% off all items store wide, excl. marked down items, stitch –out & repair services. www.embroideries.com.au Tourist Attractions & Activities, History & Heritage Narre Warren & District Family History Group Narre Warren, Overland Dve 03 9704 7372 10% discount on all publications of Narre Warren & District Family History Group. www.nwfhg.org.au March 2015 Fifty~Plus News Classifieds BUY, SWAP, SELL...OR FIND A TRADESMAN! Wanted to Buy Collector seeks Enamel signs Oil bottles Rabbit traps Old fishing gear Rock ‘n roll records Australian Military items (WW1/WW2) Old toys Cast iron items Top Cash Paid Call 5428 2848 or 0417 415 336 Piano Lessons Introductory piano workshops. Learn with others in a group of four or five. Begin from scratch (or return to learning). Introduction Free. Ongoing workshops $20. (Individual lessons also available) Studio4Music, Glen Waverley. 9561 2414. 0428 903 827 Slides and Movies to Disc and DVD Garden Services Photos and Music to Disc 35mm slides + photos + negatives to DVD. Now with FREE background music. 3” x 8mm film roll to DVD. VHS Video cassette . Mini and Standard to DVD. Music Records and Cassettes to C.D. U.S.B. For the price of a local call Thomas on 03 87746868 or 0452210229 for a quote or further information Pickup and Delivery Available. JAMES GARDENING SERVICES Seeking Employment Mature lady seeking employment. Experienced in home help, personal care, assistance with shopping, outings, and hospital visits. Excellent references, police check and first aid cert. Please contact Kerry 0408578873. Handyman Service I & A Handyman Services All carpentry jobs, Decking, Fencing Floating floors, Doors hung, Pergolas, Property Maintenace, Tiling, Painting, Brickwork re-pointed, Gutters cleaned and much more! Discounts to Seniors Servicing all suburbs within 20 mins drive of Epping. For a free no obligation quote call 0458 345 282 [email protected] www.iahandymanservices.com.au All Garden Maintenance and Odd Jobs Lawns Hedges Weeding Gutters Branches lopped Rubbish removed (6x4 Trailer) Small landscaping jobs And more Reliable Friendly Local Service Public Liability Insured Call James 0452 423 989 COMPUTER REPAIR/ TRAINING If you are like most people out there your computer is a mystery to you. Let Me help demystify it for you. With over twenty years as a computer Technician there is not much I have not seen, repaired or rectified. Let a Senior help you understand your computer better. We come to you. We avoid computer jargon and make using your computer simple. Contact Richard 0419386433 You are reading 50+ News Want to advertise in our Classified section? Contact Genine on 0418 383 152 or email [email protected] Make your business stand out. Lifestyle March 2015 Fifty~Plus News 15 A Ticket to Dine in 2015 Pastiche with Virginia Hill If you’re fifty plus chances are you have been eating out over the last three decades whilst Australia has become a foodie nation with almost 80,000 restaurants, cafes and takeaway outlets in the land, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman. The supply of restaurants have increased by over 400% since the 1990’s whilst the population has increased only 20% so it’s fair to assume that we have an oversupply of restaurants especially in Metropolitan Melbourne (and Sydney), cities currently oversupplied by around 30% of eateries. As a casual diner or someone that eats out in the evenings towards the end of a week when the restaurants are usually full you could be excused for thinking that restaurants are generally full, especially if you are unable to make a booking and asked to queue, or forced to dine at the inconvenient sitting times of either 6.30 or 8.45 p.m., policies which lead to a general perception that restaurants are making a lot of money. The reality is with an oversupply of restaurants there are just not enough customers to go round, thus most outlets’ profits are slim and whilst accurate figures are hard to come by according to the Taxation Office and the Restaurant and Caterers Association, restaurants make between 4-5% profit, in other words, not a lot. Meantime the costs of running restaurants are higher than the rate of inflation particularly in the areas of wages and food purchases, whilst menu pricing remains stagnant and customer expectations high, driven by the media pushing views that contemporary lifestyle rotates around the art of food. And then there is the behavior of present day tech savvy mobile phone customers to contend with – diners who linger at tables sharing a bowl of soup or sipping a babycino for hours to use the free wi-fi; three mothers with prams taking up a table for six and leaving without tipping and these days anyone with taste buds becoming a critic on Urban Spoon or a food blogger who can resort to intimidation when airing their gripes. So as margins have eroded restaurateurs have responded in different ways such as the no bookings policy aimed at protecting against groups of diners booking 3 restaurants for weekend dining and then choosing one at the eleventh hour without cancelling the alternative bookings. This year you will find a la carte menus being displaced by fixed price menus so customers know exactly what to expect thus won’t be able to sit on a couple of entrees in opulent dining rooms for hours. Otherwise, diners can opt for a set minimum spend of two courses for $50 or three for$60, and two sittings, to ensure the viability and longevity of restaurants. New technology for bookings via the United States is making its way here to fine dining restaurants who have always been plagued by no shows and last minute cancellations. This is a ticketing system of pre-payment, upfront, to reserve and print out your seats, by selecting a time and the number of diners and then paying by credit card. Prices vary depending on the time of the week and do not include wine. Like entertainment events there are no refunds for non-attenders but of course you can always pass your reservation on if you can find someone to pick it up, and this is one way of avoiding queuing! Food trends to watch out for this year are a vogue for vegies with golden oldies such as cauliflower, sweet potatoes and broccoli becoming the main ingredient providing a meat free day. Burgers are back, with fine dining chefs turning to fast food. Ancient grains like Peruvian quinoa are increasingly popular whilst the foods of Chile, Peru and Argentina are now emerging interestingly on a recent trip to Buenos Aires I found their simple and speedy way of cooking fresh water trout my most memorable meal. www.virginiahill.com.au BUTTERFLIED TROUT WITH HERBED BUTTER Serves 2 Grape Expectations with Ben Knight 2014 Hither and Yon Young Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Sth Australia The grape Shiraz won’t be new to any of you; it’s the workhorse grape of Australia and at the same time the flagship grape. With Penfolds Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace at the forefront in peoples mind when thinking of the biggest and the best, these iconic wines have borne a tsunami of replicas and wannabees. While most of the Shiraz you will have tasted will be built in the same mould as these wines - big, bigger, best - there are more and more new comers making fruitier and livelier expressions of Shiraz. The Hither and Yon Young Shiraz from McLaren Vale in South Australia, is just this type of wine. The simplest way to make more juicy examples is to use less oak in the ageing process. The greater use of stainless steel for ageing allows wine to retain bright fruity aromas and flavours; whereas wood not only adds a deeper baking spice element it also knocks back fruit expression. This Shiraz is also released as a very young wine, again allowing the juicy, supple fruit to be at its zenith. As the wine pours out, the glass is stained with a vibrant purple splash. The nose smells of ripe berries and cream, with a little spice too. This wine does see a little oak, but only for two months. In essence this is unwooded; certainly its fruit expression is all about freshness and slurpability. This would work perfectly with a simple antipasto with a little chill on the wine, or equally well with classic roast lamb or beef. Don’t expect to be weighed down by this wine; its beauty is its simplicity, vibrancy and ridiculous value for money. Available online or in independent retail for around $22. www.hitherandyon.com.au 2 x 300g butterflied whole Rainbow trout, bones & heads removed Salt and pepper 2 tbs. oil 2 tbs. unsalted butter infused with 1 tbs. mixed fresh herbs, finely chopped 1 lemon’s zest Preheat the oven to a hot 250 C Brush lightly with oil, place on prepared tray skin side down Cook on the top rack of the oven 7-8 minutes until the flesh is opaque. Top each fish with a tablespoon of herbed butter Cover a baking sheet with foil lightly oiled Season the prepared fish well with salt and pepper, Tip: Butterflied trout barbeques well HIP PAIN RELIEF by Frank Ford Garnish with lemon zest and serve with a crisp green salad. HIP PAIN After fourteen years of trial and error I discovered the cause of my hip pain. I first noticed that as my work boots s got old and ragged my hips, knees and ankles became sore. Not enough to affect my mobility If your hip is as painful as mine was but uncomfortable. After wearing a you will love this message new pair the pain slowly subsided. Then I started modifying the old boots by grinding the lower surface https://faford.wordpress.com level with a large metal grinder. This ph (03)9819 3946 worked for a while but made the mb 0419 165 983 boots generally uncomfortable. em [email protected] To cut a fourteen year story short I went from heel inserts to studying the heel shape of boots and shoes. properly shaped heels was a slow cure. Just as well because my hip pain had Instead of only being able to take four steps dramatically increased and spoilt the latter without severe pain I can now walk for four part of an overseas holiday. hours. The ad in this issue of Fifty Plus News However I was hot on the heels of a refers to a blog I recommend you to read. solution (no pun intended). I had measured Hopefully any reader with a painful hip will a worn boot quite accurately and found have the same success as I have. the forces generated by a poorly shaped or The blog sounds very technical but have worn out boot heel were enormous. Every been assured it delivers the message. time my right foot touched the ground it Reading is free unless you have your sent my leg bone into a small painful area mobility returned and would like to reward of my hip with a force of 2000 pounds per my fourteen year effort. square inch. Wearing shoes and boots with RELIEF 16 Body & Mind Fifty~Plus News Solution to December/January chess puzzle 1.Nxe5 BxQ 2.Bxf7# Ke7 3. Nd5 ## Checkmate Mindgames W March 2015 ELCOME to the Fifty-Plus News Mindgames page. In each issue, we bring you a crossword and a Wheel Words or Sudoku in alternating issues. Good luck and happy puzzling! Chess Tactics (Part 4) Overload. Employ multiple attacks on a selected piece or pawn preferably a “pinned” piece and keep attacking it until there is no defending pieces being able to defend it or mobilize effectively towards it. Two attacking versus two defending holds fast, three attacking pieces versus two defending pieces wins the piece or pawn and position. Always count the defenders and the attackers and compare figures which have to be greater to win it. Author : Roye Burgess works at being a freelance Chess Coach Solutions are on page 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 March Chess Puzzle White to move and mate in 6 moves 19 20 21 22 23 WHEEL WORDS 24 25 ACROSS 1. Arm joint 7. Supplied funds for 8. Too sentimental 10. Consecrates 12.Beer-lemonade beverages 14. Inhale sharply 16. Swing to & fro 17. Public disturbance 20. Freehold land (4,6) 23. Father Christmas 24.Romania’s neighbour 25. Rudely ignores T DOWN 1. Predatory birds 2. Delighted cries 3. Brass metal 4. Eiffel Tower city 5. Mobilises 6. Tots up (4,2) 9. 3-foot units 11. Pleasant tasting 13. Ostrich relative 15. Illegally helps 16. Scours 18. Inuit boats 19. Untamed 21. Snip 22. Make (profit) L D I A E Q 15 GOOD _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ U I Your aim is to create as many words of 4 letters or more using the given letters once only but always including the centre letter. Do not use proper names, plurals or foreign words. See if you can find the 9-letter word using up all letters. 9-LETTER WORD 20 VERY GOOD _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ 25+ EXCELLENT _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ © Lovatts Puzzles Solution: Adit, Aide, Dale, Date, Deal, Dial, Dual, Idea, Lade, Laid, Late, Laud, Lead, Quad, Tail, Tale, Teal, Adieu, Adult, Ailed, Audit, Dealt, Delta, Equal, Ideal, Quail, Tidal, Detail, Dilate, Tailed, Liquate, Quailed, Tequila, Liquated. Be online, browsing the web and sending emails in under an hour Nine-letter word: LIQUIDATE Simple to operate Windows computer software allows seniors to embrace the technological age with confidence and enjoy its many benefits. Wheel Words 555 Do you look on in awe at your children and grandchildren as they use their computers to get information, chat with family and friends, share photos and shop online? Well, you don’t have to be left behind! With the Simplicity ‘ENVELOPE’® there’s no need to feel daunted - you can be online, browsing the web and sending emails in under an hour. The Simplicity system, is exactly as the name implies, it’s simplicity itself! The software can be installed on your existing Windows computer (as long as it’s not too old) or pre-installed on new equipment. The Simplicity screen automatically opens up when you start the computer; it contains everything you need to browse the web, email, manage photos, create documents and Skype but hides all the fiddly icons and confusing toolbars that are often small and difficult to see. David Lumb of SilverSurf Technology, reseller of Simplicity ‘ENVELOPE’® system understands that, as simple as it is, many new users still want someone to show them how to use the software and offer support. ‘Friends and family are often too busy or don’t have the patience to be of much help,’ David explained. ‘As an established computer training and support organisation working specifically with seniors, SilverSurf can install the software or set up your new computer, teach you how to use it at a pace that suits you, and provide that ongoing support – and all in the comfort and privacy of your own home’. For further details contact SilverSurf Technology on 1300 725 855 Body & Mind March 2015 Fifty~Plus News 17 The Blinding Reality of Diabetic Retinopathy It’s a little known fact: People living with diabetes are at significant risk of going blind – even if they have their diabetes under control and have been given the ‘all clear’ in the past by their optometrist. That’s the new message being communicated by Paul Mitchell, Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Sydney and an internationally respected expert on diabetic eye disease. “Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and the leading cause of blindness among working age adults in Australia.” He said many people with diabetes have their eyes tested by an eye health professional once, maybe twice and get the all clear. “Psychologically they move into ‘safe mode’ – they don’t think they are at risk of diabetic retinopathy any more. But in fact, their eyes are in ‘unsafe mode’ because for every year a person has diabetes, the greater their risk of developing this blinding eye disease.” Professor Mitchell said “almost everyone with type 1 diabetes will develop some form of diabetic eye disease within 20 years of diagnosis. Of particular concern however is that many people with the more common type 2 diabetes will have already had the disease for many years by the time they are diagnosed. A large proportion of these people will develop potentially blinding diabetic retinopathy within 5 to 10 years of their diabetes diagnosis. Since everyone with diabetes is at risk of retinopathy, it is essential to have regular eye tests. Julie Heraghty, CEO of Macular Disease Foundation Australia, said almost all cases of sight-threatening diabetic eye disease can be avoided. “Careful management of diabetes risk factors (especially blood glucose, weight, blood pressure, lipids and cessation of smoking), as well as a healthy diet and lifestyle; supported by regular eye examinations and specific treatment when required are essential to preventing vision loss from diabetic eye disease,” she said. Diabetic eye disease can progress to advanced stages without any effects on vision and so it can easily go unnoticed. Detecting early evidence of diabetic retinopathy with regular eye tests is essential. Some people need treatment which is highly effective if delivered early. Once symptoms develop, vision loss can occur rapidly and can be permanent. “If any changes in vision occur such as dark areas, blurred, distorted, dim or double vision or difficulty seeing at night, people should make an appointment with an eye specialist immediately, through a GP or optometrist referral” said Julie. Want a better night’s sleep? We all know that when you sleep better all night, you feel better all day. Superior Therapy’s simple solution is to give you a better quality of life through our adjustable therapeutic massage beds and lift & recline chairs. Superior Therapy has been operating in Brisbane since 2008, helping our customers maintain their quality of life and independence in comfort. With our wealth of experience we now bring our proven sleep system to Victoria. The secret of our success is the way our Superior Therapy beds and chairs raise and lower to support the whole body from head to toe. You can use the remote control to incline and elevate both the head and foot of the bed to achieve the most comfortable and supporting position that is just right for you. Our Memory Foam mattresses relieve pressure, by molding to your body and distributing weight evenly which simply feels great. Superior Therapy adjustable massage beds are available in a range of sizes from Single to Queen and we have Dual Queen & King Systems for couples who want to sleep side-by-side but be in control of their own bed. Additionally our beds and recliners feature relaxing massage functions. To take advantage of our special introductory offer for Fifty-Plus News readers to Win a Bamboo Pillow -see our puzzle competition below. For more information call 1300 825 931 or visit our website www.superiortherapy.com.au For a free information publication on diabetic eye disease contact the Macular Disease Foundation Australia on 1800 111 709 or visit www.mdfoundation.com.au. References 1. “Out of Sight” A Report into Diabetic Eye Disease in Australia. Baker IDI & Centre for Eye Research Q M E T S Y S P E E L S M S U P R R L N T F N A T A Y L A U O L I F E E D R S O T O L T T G E I E J O S S O I R I F S E L U U F A L E P B B T L M T I T N I Y E L E R Q B S T M O G E K I N G A B O S L E A C A E E T E A B O C L T B T L D O U B L E H M L E L E L S R E N I L C E R A E R D M E M O R Y F O A M U P A ADJUSTABLE KING QUEEN BAMBOO LIFTUP RECLINERS CIRCULATION MASSAGE RELIEF COMFORT MEMORYFOAM RESTORE DOUBLE MOBILITY SLEEPSYSTEM DUALCONTROLS QUALITYSLEEP C I R C U L A T I O N D Y S __ __ __ __ B __ __ __ __ __ A __ __ N __ __ __ __ F __ __ __ B__ __ __ __ __ A __ __ D __ __ NAME __ __ __ __ ____ __ __ __ ____ __ __ __ ____ __ ADDRESS __ __ __ __ ____ __ __ __ ____ __ __ __ ____ __ SUBURB __ __ __ __ ____ __ __ __ ____ __ __ __ ____ __ PHONE __ __ __ __ ____ _MOB __ __ __ __ __ __ _ __ Mail Entry to: FGPO reepost 234, Melbourne, Mount Waverley, Box 15485, 3001 3149 ENTRIES CLOSE 31ST MARCH The Phone Shop 02 7560 8800 By submitting this Coupon to Superior Therapy you agree to a Free In-‐Home Health Consultation when we will deliver your free pillow. * While stocks last. Must be over 18 years of age to enter 18 Going Places Fifty~Plus News March 2015 2015 Equine & Wild Art Exhibition Old Post Office Seymour 50 Emily St, Seymour Opening Sunday 1st March 11am to 4pm An exhibition of more than 200 traditional, contemporary, experimental and interpretative original works of Art by over 30 Australian Artists. Feature artists include Amanda Hyatt, Fiona Anderson, Paul Margocsy, Linda Weil, Elizabeth Cogley, Janet Flinn, Kris Peter, Brett Jarrett, Robyn Koiker, Julie Stephens, Lynette Orzlowski, Agnes Szetey, Karen Gingell, Vida Pearson, Lyn Mellady, Yelena Kolotusha, Antje Collis,Craig Penny, Alison Clark, Rodger Scott, Ross Paterson, Carole Foster, Helen Cottle, Kate Jenvey, Laurel Foenander, Lesley Barrett & sculptors. Continues Wed to Sun 11-4 & Wed to Sat evenings from 6pm Until 12th April. Free Entry at all times – browsing welcome. Women of Empire 1914 – 1918 The costumes of an era and the personal experiences of Australian and New Zealand women during the First World War. 23 February – 17 May 2015 National Wool Museum Geelong 2015 Entries Open Coastlines are all at once comforting and terrifying, they are memories, the epicentre of environmental issues and landscapes unto themselves; like C OA S T L I N E S National Wool Museum 5 June - 2 August 2015 A little bird told me – scratch board by Lesley Barrett On the bit – graphite by Kate Jenvey a scarf each with its own inherent personality and its own story to tell. What direction will you take? To participate visit: www.nwm.vic.gov.au Entries close 5pm Friday 8 May 2015 Dude so not a pillow – Pastel by Fiona Anderson 26 Moorabool Street, Geelong T 03 5272 4701 www.nwm.vic.gov.au KILMORE ART EXPO 2015 Since its inception in 2008, the Kilmore Art Expo has evolved as a ‘must enter’ event on the regional arts calendar, and is held annually; the exhibition is open to both Regional and Melbourne artists. With almost $6000 in art awards, the Expo encourages high quality entries from established artists, as well as from young and emerging artists. The Expo focuses on exhibiting high quality paintings, photographic works, woodwork, ceramics and jewellery all work being for sale. There are over 500 paintings exhibited each year and demonstrations are given on painting techniques by well-known and respected professional artists throughout the weekend. The overall aim of the Kilmore Art Expo is to encourage artistic development and appreciation of the arts. The Expo is presented by the Kilmore Art Society Inc and the Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell and all proceeds from the Expo go to charitable projects and programs, both locally and internationally. Kilmore is a 55 minute drive from Melbourne so why not make a day (or weekend) of it? We have great B&Bs as well as motel accommodation for anyone wanting to make a weekend of it. The Expo will be held on Saturday April 11 from 10-5 and Sunday April 12 from 10-4 at the Memorial Hall, 14 Sydney St, Kilmore. Admission $6 Concession $3 Admission includes catalogue and door prize ticket.For further information please email enquiries@kilmoreexpo. com or phone 03 5782 1272 or checkout the website www. k i l m o re a r t e x p o. com Left Little Kilmore Creek - Margaret Morgan Right Rear of Hudson Park Margaret Morgan Welcome to our ‘Art & Roses Tours’ Saturday 11 April or Sunday 12th April, 2015 We are inviting you and your Community Organisation or Club to enjoy ‘A Day in the Country’ with an Art & Roses Tour , includes a visit to the Kilmore Art Expo and to Silkies Rose Farm in Clonbinane, along with morning or afternoon tea at Hidden Valley Estate in Wallan. Tours are available for group bookings only - all types of community organisations, interest groups, societies or clubs are welcome. For more information please call: DIANA SARGEANT Silkies Rose Farm – Clonbinane 0418 337 765 ANDREA WILLIS Southern Mitchell Rotary Club 0428 410 041 We provide $10 per head subsidy towards your transport. The Tour includes free of charge: •Entry, catalogue and gallery guide at the Kilmore Art Expo – Kilmore •Entry and gardening demonstrations at Silkies Rose Farm – Clonbinane •Guided short walks, history and entertainment at Hidden Valley – Wallan Light Lunches will be available at the Kilmore Art Expo Café, main course is approx $10. Morning or afternoon tea / coffee + cake at Hidden Valley Restaurant, Wallan is approx $8. At Silkies Rose Farm, you’ll enjoy the splendour of mid-Autumn in the gardens when the roses are at their absolute best. Diana & Graham Sargeant will share their organic and biodynamic gardening principles and show you rose pruning, composting, organic weed, insect and black-spot management as well as a little bit of animal husbandry with the chooks in the garden. Very entertaining learning when you take a walk with Graham around the Rose Farm. At Hidden Valley Estate, you’ll have morning or afternoon tea at the Restaurant and also enjoy a walk around the gardens and lake, play Petanque (Boule) or learn of the history of this property.. Years Ahead road safety for seniors Arts Digest March 2015 Songs ofPraise Fifty~Plus News 19 YOU ARE INVITED! PLEASE BRING A FRIEND! FREE EE ENTRY AUTUMN SPECIAL GUEST ITEMS: Waverley Community Learning Centre Diamond mon m ond nd n d Va Valley V Valley Inc. A0006997P Baptist Church Sunday, 22 March 2015 2.00 pm to 4.45pm ( pre-program at 1.30 pm) Diamond Valley Baptist Auditorium COMMUNITY EVENTS - 2015 FREE - RACV: Personal Home Safety NEW This presentation discusses simple steps you can take to ensure the safety of yourselves, your vehicles and your home. You will gain an overview of personal safety, vehicle security, home security, home emergencies, falls in the home. To be held in the Tennis Club rooms behind our Centre. 9:30-10:30am Friday 1hr Term 1: 20/3 Free 309 Diamond Creek Road, Plenty (Melway 11 D7) Phone: 9435 9377 Sing your favourite Hymns & Songs Enjoy complimentary Afternoon Tea! CARTER & CARTER have so many runs on the board during d the past 10 years that there should be no argument about describing them as Australian Independent Country Music Artists of the Decade — Country Music Capital News. With songs from the heart and borne of their amazing life experiences, Carter & Carter continue to make music that makes a difference – telling their story and the stories of those around them as only ly Carter & Carter can. BRUCE BENNETT Easy Listening / Light Contemporary Trumpet style – Trumpet et is his passion… Especially the Classics from the last half century as well as some contemporary mporary pieces, either for the King of Kings or at a PM dinner. LEENA GARANDAN – singing in part with the trumpet in Italian. She sings in 6 languages and has completed a 4 year study in Classical Voice and Choral Conducting. Leena and her husband Joel who plays Bass Guitar, are in the process of recording her debut album. IAN ELLIS & LEIGH WALLACE – VOCAL DUET us From 2012 to 2014, IAN ELLIS’ 60 year musical world, came crashing down with a serious illness resulting in him being discharged from hospital in June 2013 as a high care whole saga is a miraculous story testifying quadriplegic with only two months to live. The w ying to God’s continuing grace and faithfulness. ess. We are thrilled that Ian is now well enough ugh to sing a duet with Leigh Wallace, thanks ks to our amazing God. LEIGH WALLACE IAN ELLIS LEIGH WALLACE comes from a musical LE family and has been involved in music all of his life life. As a boy soprano fam he was a member of television’s Brian and the Juniors and later, as a light baritone, was a member of The Young Australians led by Athol Guy lig of The Seekers fame. As an adult Leigh has sung predominantly Gospel music and was a member of the Country Gospel groups Parable and mu the Kookaborough Creek Bush Band – both groups originating from the Diamond Valley Baptist Church. Dia Regulars: R l DALE PHILIP our own popular SOP Baritone and RON ELLIS Compere/Tenor will sing. SONGS OF PRAISE IS A DVBC WOMEN IN FOCUS INITIATIVE FREE - Older and Wiser - Avoiding Scams NEW Protect yourself from becoming a scam victim, how to report a scam, how to spot and report travelling con men, protecting yourself, common scams, how to get help presented by Consumer Affairs Victoria. Tuesday 9-12noon Semester 1: 3hrs 31/3 Free Community Wills Day Wills Days allow you to make or update a simple Will from $75. You can bookanappointment with a member of the Bequest team by email: [email protected] or calling 1800811700. A confirmation letter will be posted with a checklist for you to complete. A solicitor will discuss your wishes and take your instructions. The solicitor will contact you once your Will is drafted and ready for signing. Wednesday,1stApril,2015 10amto4pm Waverley Community Learning Centre 5 Fleet Street, Mt Waverley FREE - Seniors Forum on Retirement Lifestyle NEW RetirementLiving-HousingOptions-AgedCareStay Where You Are OR Move? Presented by: RRVV, Consumer Affairs Vic., City of Monash - HACC, Seniors Info. Vic & Vendor Advocacy Aust. Monday 9:15-12:30pm 3hrs Term 2: 29/6 Free BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL PH: 9807 6011 www.waverleyclc.org.au WCLC acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government. ™ Neighbourhood Houses The heart of our community Bridge road brewers are excited to announce the inaugural High Country Hops Festival. A celebration of Victoria’s high country brewers and the 2015 Hop Harvest. This is a new event for Beechworth and the surrounding region and is one that brings together like minded craft brewers and the growers of the all important ingredient – HOPS! The festival will be held outdoors as a carpark festival directly behind the brewery next to our new warehouse and bottling facility. The festival will also feature local food producers, musicians, performers, children’s activities and even a chance to try your hand at some archery. For those wanting to travel from Melbourne the High Country Brewers have partnered with Melbourne’s Gertrude Hotel who will be running a weekend tour to the region to coincide with the event. Those keen to be ferried between hop gardens and breweries should contact Leo from the Gertrude Hotel on 0427 800 0361 or email [email protected]. For more information regarding the festival please contact Ben at infor@ bridgeroadbrewers.com.au The festival begins at 11am. C O L L E C T O R S POP UP EXHIBITION CaSTLEmaINE STaTE & FRINgE FESTIvaL maRCH 2015 SUN 8th - SUN 22nd OPENINg SUNday 8TH maRCH Exhibition Open daily 11am - 4pm LOUISE SmITH FINE aRT DAVID DALLWITZ, Nelson, Acrylic on Board, 120x180cm HOUGHTON PARK, 43 Odgers Road Castlemaine VIC 3450 Mobile: 0418 519 747 Email: [email protected] Web: www.louisesmithfineart.com The Singers return Maroondah Singers, the celebrated mixed-voice community choir, is back rehearsing for 2015 and it warmly invites prospective new members among all voices. Sight reading an advantage but not essential; a love of singing and keenness to learn are the most important attributes. Rehearsals at Mountview Uniting Church, 559-561 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham, at 7.30pm. Inquiries: 9725 7649. 20 Fifty~Plus News Cruden Farm Open Garden & Family Day fundraiser in support of heart and diabetes research Sunday 15th March 2015 marks the 10th year that notfor-profit medical research organisation, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, will host its annual fundraiser in the magnificent gardens of the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s Cruden Farm. Come celebrate! Cruden Farm is one of Australia’s finest examples of landscape gardening, initially designed by influential Australian landscape designer Edna Walling. The property includes historic buildings, a lake and working farm. Guests are invited to pack a picnic, prepurchase a Phillippa’s picnic box (when purchasing tickets online or via calling 1300 728 900) or enjoy the available refreshments on the day. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment, hear from gardening experts and learn more about healthy living from Baker IDI’s heart and diabetes staff. LESS TRASHY…MORE TREASURE A huge new vintage market about to kick off at Mornington Racecourse – Saturday 14th March. Welcome to Revival Market Mornington, A brand new market full of old and wonderful things. From pre-loved, vintage, antiques and old wares, to bric-a-brac, up-cycled and collectables, free from anything new! At Revival Market we admit we love the old stuff better than the new stuff, things that have a story to tell and have stood the test of time. Come and discover your treasures, that oneof-a-kind leather jacket worn in just the right places, a groovy red planet lamp just waiting to funk up your home. A classic novel, a fab tin toy for the kids or that vintage watch that still keeps precision time. Meet the curators of these unique and magnificent vendibles, rummage through Car Boot Alley and soak up the atmosphere at our renowned venue Mornington Racecourse. Enjoy live entertainment and kid’s activities DIRTSONG Music of the Australian Indigenous experience from Black Arm Band Darebin Arts is pleased to present dirtsong as it alights at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre in 2015. This extraordinary musical performance will play one evening only, Thursday 26 March. An unforgettable show to move the heart and lift the spirit, dirtsong is inspired by the words of Miles Franklin Award winner Alexis Wright. A production by the highly respected music and theatre company Black Arm Band, the show features an impressive line-up of artists for its Melbourne performance, including new generation Indigenous Australian artist Yirrmal. A powerful musical journey through Australia’s cultural heartland, dirtsong is set against a backdrop of stunning moving imagery and text, featuring memorable songs performed in 11 different Aboriginal languages from some of the most extraordinary performers in the land. Showcasing and celebrating the very best of Australian Aboriginal music, experience and identity, Black Arm Band is a collective of renowned Indigenous singers, musicians, performers and actors. FEATURED ARTISTS: Emma Donovan, Deline Briscoe, Ursula Yovich, Trevor Jamieson, Yirrmal and Mark Atkins Date: Thursday 26 March 2015 Time: 7:30pm Duration: 90mins (no interval) March 2015 Arts & Entertainment From face painting to vintage cars, the line up of activities offers something for people of all ages, including: · Special guest speaker Anne Latreille, gardening author · Jaguar Club Victoria vintage car display · Live chamber music and bush ballads · Children’s entertainers · Healthy cooking demonstrations · Sausage sizzle and refreshments · Devonshire tea · Premium Victorian wine · Fresh produce and homemade jams and relishes · Plant stalls · Baby farmyard animals · Face-painting and other children’s activities · A raffle and silent auction Baker IDI researchers will be on hand to discuss the latest advances in medical research in diabetes and heart disease. Proceeds will help support Baker IDI’s researchers and their mission to improve the quality of health for all Australians. LOCATION:CRUDEN FARM (enter from Cranhaven Rd, Langwarrin). Melways Ref: 103 G6 No pets allowed PARKING: Free ENTRY COST: Children under 18 free; Adults $25; Groups of 10 or more - $20 / person TICKETS: Available on the day or pre-purchase Phone1300 728 900 (during business hours) or book online http://www.bakeridi.edu.au/crudenfarm2015 DATE:SUNDAY 15th MARCH, 2015 TIME:10am - 3pm throughout the day, delicious food and drinks plus plenty of free on-site parking. Revival Market is a place for all people who appreciate the good things of the past. Where - Mornington Racecourse. 320 Racecourse Road Mornington Date - Saturday 14th March Time - 9:30 - 2pm $2 entry, free visitor parking Location: Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre, Cnr Bell St & St Georges Rd, Preston Prices: Adult $35, Conc $30, Group 4+ $30 TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT http://darebinarts.com.au Photo above Emma Donovan Photo below Yirrmal Following the hugely successful 2013/2014 Australian tour of EMPIRE by Spiegelworld, it was announced that Spiegelworld will be bringing its smash-hit Las Vegas show ABSINTHE to Australia in 2015. The Melbourne season will open on March 21 2015 under the spiegeltent on the Rooftop at Crown Melbourne. Inspired by the absinthedrenched cabarets of late 19th century Europe, ABSINTHE is an adult themed cocktail of circus, burlesque and vaudeville for a 21st century audience, hosted by the outrageous Gazillionaire and his side-kick Penny. ABSINTHE will be presented in a 700-seat antique spiegeltent, furnished with beveled mirrors, plush velvet seating booths and a well stocked bar. Audience members will get up close and personal as the artists present their jaw-dropping acts on the most intimate stage in town. The Australian tour of ABSINTHE will feature several of the outstanding acts currently featured in the Las Vegas production with some additional new surprises. Spiegelworld’s Impresario, Australian Ross Mollison, says of the impending Australian tour, “ABSINTHE is now considered a must see for visitors to Las Vegas. I am thrilled to be bringing our biggest ever hit production home before we head off to tour the rest of the world.” Tickets for ABSINTHE in Melbourne are on sale now. For information on the ABSINTHE Australian tour please visit www. absintheaustralia.com ABSINTHE by Spiegelworld Melbourne : March 21 – April 5 2015 under the spiegeltent on the Rooftop at Crown Melbourne Performance Schedule: Tuesday / Wednesday - 8:00pm Thursday / Friday / Saturday 7:30pm and 9:30pm Sunday - 5:00pm & 7:00pm Tickets: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday: $54.00 - $134.00** Friday/Saturday/Sunday: $64.00 $154.00** *VIP Ringside Tickets are available and include a seat in the front 2 rows, priority entry and a complimentary beverage. **transaction fees and charges may apply Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au Group Bookings are available to groups of 6 or more. Contact the Ticketek Group Bookings Department on 1300 364 001 or email [email protected] Show duration: 90 minutes with no interval ABSINTHE is recommended for ages 15 and above. The performance features some nudity and strong language. For more information about Spiegelworld please visit www. spiegelworld.com Photo Las Vegas cast of Absinthe by Tom Donoghue March 2015 Fifty~Plus News 21 Arts & Entertainment PATRICK ROBERTS AUSTRALIA’S GLOBAL VIOLIN SENSATION John Wolseley – Heartlands and Headwaters ZIMRAH BRILLIANT VOCAL GROUP ALLY PATERSON LIZ AND SIMON NYGAARD AMANDA TUOHY SOPRANO, ARTIST & SPEAKER Spectacular Fundraising Concert MATTHEW FIELD OUTSTANDING CONCERT PIANIST A ith The Sta W t h g rs! Ni FE RIN AT U ANDREW KITCHEN OF ‘RIDLEY’ INTERNATIONAL ROCK PERFORMER MUSICIAN – SONGWRITER t O utstanding Christian Pe G Eigh r for Saturday, 18 April 2015 mer s FREEO TO YORKE TRIO ANDREW (Soprano Saxophone) & ELIZABETH FREEMANTLE (Violin), ASHTON WYNN-YORKE (Pianist, Singer, Songwriter) 7:30pm (sharp) Diamond Valley Baptist Auditorium RICHARD THOMAS OUTSTANDING MUSIC THEATRE PERFORMER/WEDDING SINGER TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE Buy your tickets online at trybooking.com/GUOF or from the church office. ALL ADULTS $30 (GENERAL ADMISSION) • CHILDREN $10 (15 years and under) Drinks & Snack will be on sale as well as Performer’s CDs & DVDs 10023004-01-a25Feb©MMP TIM ELLIS INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED, AWARD WINNING ILLUSIONIST 309 Diamond Creek Road, Plenty (Melway 11 D7) For four years, artist John Wolseley has roamed the coastal floodplains of the Northern Territory through to the glacial lakes of Tasmania, exploring and recording in exquisite detail the diverse wetlands of Australia. The works he has created will be revealed at NGV Australia, 11 April 2015. This series of eighteen evocative works on paper, many of them monumental in scale (up to 10 metres in size), detail the geographical features and unique plants and animals of these wetlands in works characterised by minutely-observed drawing and rich watercolour washes. Many works combine collage and unusual markings made through burying works or hoisting large sheets of paper across the charred remains of burnt tree trunks and branches. Through this ‘collaboration’ with the natural environment, Wolseley subverts traditional approaches to the depiction of landscape and seeking to give the natural world a more active presence in the work of art ‘Heartlands and Headwaters celebrates A u s t r a l i a ’s unique and diverse natural environment,’ said Tony Ellwood, Director, NGV. ‘Wolseley’s work is not only of great beauty, but also demonstrates how depicting the landscape has become an important form of activism’. The mangrove swamps of Roebuck Bay in Western Australia, the flood plains of the Gulf of Carpentaria in the Northern Territory, the Finke River in the Simpson Desert and the sphagnum swamps of Skullbone Plains in central Tasmania are just some of the sites detailed in these impressive works. The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square | 11 April – 16 August, 2015 Free Entry Image caption: John Wolseley Cycles of fire and water – Lake Tyrrell, Victoria 2011–12 Private collection © John Wolseley/Licensed by VISCOPY, Australia Want to advertise in our The Golden Age of China: Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736–1795) NGV International 27 March – 21 June, 2015 Admission Fees Apply Hidden treasures from Beijing’s Palace Museum in the Forbidden City will come to Melbourne for the first time, in an Australian exclusive exhibition. The Golden Age of China: Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736–1795) tells the story of China’s foremost art collector Qianlong Emperor, one of China’s most successful rulers and longest living emperor of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). This exhibition provides an unprecedented opportunity to explore a rich concentration of more than 120 works from the Palace Museum’s art collection, which is built on the imperial collection of the Ming and Qing dynasties and holds some of China’s most rare and valuable works of art in its collection. Tony Ellwood, Director, NGV, said, “This exhibitions tells the fascinating narrative of one of China’s most influential rulers and a great champion of the arts, whose passion saw him become one of China’s foremost collectors and conservators of art. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see exquisite works from Beijing’s Palace Museum in Australia and visitors will be able to see stunning ink on silk paintings, dragonembroidered silk court robes, precious objet d’art in gold and jade, as well as Qianlong’s own paintings and calligraphy,” Mr Ellwood said. The Qianlong emperor’s long 60-year reign (1736-1795) was a particularly fascinating time in China’s history. During his reign, China was the wealthiest and most populous nation in the world. Qianlong’s ability to preserve and foster his Manchu warrior-huntsman traditions whilst adopting the Confucian principles of political and cultural leadership, resulted in the successfully governing of 150 million Chinese people. It was his ability to adopt Chinese ways, yet honour his Manchu traditions that made him one of the most successful emperors of the Qing dynasty. The Qianlong Emperor studied Chinese painting, loved to paint and particularly loved to practice calligraphy. The Emperor was also a passionate poet and essayist and over 40,000 poems and 1300 pieces of prose are recorded in his collected writings. Qianlong wrote more poetry in his lifetime than all the poets in the Tang dynasty (618-906) combined, a dynasty known for its Golden age of poetry. Aside from his own art practice, Qianlong combined his passion for collecting art with his role as preserver and restorer of the Chinese cultural heritage. He also embraced the arts of other cultures, European, Japanese and Indian. The exhibition will also show paintings and calligraphy by the emperor himself as well as classical paintings in his collection. There will also be a sumptuous display of ceremonial weapons of swords, bows and arrow, a chair made of antlers’ horns; silk court robes and ceremonial hats, amongst other ceremonial and palace treasures. There will be a sensory element within the exhibition, complete with music and Forbidden City-like interiors, immersing visitors in a day in the life of Qianlong, to evoke the experience of the imperial court. The Golden Age of China: Qianlong Emperor (1736–1795) will be at NGV International from March 27 – June 15, 2015. Please visit ngv.vic.gov.au for details. Image caption: Qianlong Emperor in ceremonial armour on horseback 清人画弘历戎装骑马像轴 Qing dynasty, Qianlong period 1736–1795 coloured inks on silk The Palace Museum, Beijing Arts and Events pages? Email Genine at contact@ fiftyplusnews.com Mindgames solutions E L B O W O A G U S L E S H C R B S Y N S A N C R A N D L S Y E U A N T I E L E R L G A E L A A N C R T I F B T A R R I R M D E T E A S P E A K A Y N T N U B Wonderwords Solution: Adit, Aide, Dale, Date, Deal, Dial, Dual, Idea, Lade, Laid, Late, Laud, Lead, Quad, Tail, Tale, Teal, Adieu, Adult, Ailed, Audit, Dealt, Delta, Equal, Ideal, Quail, Tidal, Detail, Dilate, Tailed, Liquate, Quailed, Tequila, Liquated. Nine-letter word: LIQUIDATE A K R S S U S S A D T E S A E V A T I G A S M O U B P S F T U I H P S W A Z F S 22 Fifty~Plus News Review: film by Julian Lewis STILL ALICE **** This powerful and moving portrayal of an otherwise bright and healthy 50-yearold professor who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s will deeply touch anyone who has ever had any connection with this dreadful, degenerative disease, with Julianne Moore superb as the wife and mother trying desperately to fight the reality of her failing memory and to maintain some semblance of her former life and personality in a battle she knows she is destined to lose. One of those rare American ‘issue’ films that vividly bring home in a manner that is both engrossing and dignified the ramifications of such tragic situations not only for those directly involved but also educating those whose lives have as yet been spared the impact of such devastation. See it with someone you love, or for someone you love, but whatever you do go see it. PLEASE JOIN US AND SUPPORT THE “MAKEA-WISH-FOUNDATION” Marinda’s Ballroom Dancing Want to lose weight? Make new friends? Have fun in a friendly environment? Come and learn how to shake and groove! We will Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, Quickstep, Samba, learn Progressives and basic Rock and Roll. Not to mention Jiving and a bit of line dancing thrown in for fun. Where? KILMORE – Tuesday’s –Social Ballroom 7.30-10pm beginners/intermediates - Lessons KILMORE MEMORIAL HALL NORTHERN HWY KILMORE LALOR – Wednesday’s – Social Ballroom 6.30-7.30pm - Beginners Lessons 7-8pm - Lessons Intermediate/Advanced 8-10.30pm – Social Dance FRENCH ST HALL, 47A FRENCH ST LALOR GLEN WAVERLEY – Sunday’s – Social Ballroom 12pm-4pm - Beginners/Intermediate – (including social dance) SCOUTS HALL, WHITES LANE GLEN WAVERLEY MONTHLY SOCIAL DANCE NIGHTS - 2015 1st Saturday month – FRENCH ST HALL, 47A FRENCH ST, LALOR 3rd Saturday month – EPPING MEMORIAL HALL, 827 HIGH ST EPPING 5th Saturday month – EPPING MEMORIAL HALL, 827 HIGHT ST EPPING 4th Friday month – SCOUTS HALL, WHITES LANE, GLEN WAVERLEY NEW YEAR’S EVE SOCIAL - THURSDAY 31ST DECEMBER CHARITY GALA’S - DINNER DANCE BALLS – 2015 BLACK & WHITE GALA BALL- DINNER DANCE SATURDAY 21st FEBRUARY MASQUERADE GALA BALL DINNER DANCE SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST XMAS DINNER DANCE- SATURDAY 19TH DECEMBER CONTACT: MARINDA 0425861109 [email protected] www.marindasdancing.com Arts & Entertainment March 2015 Arts & Events Digest Embroidery & Craft Exhibition Wonderful creations created by CWA Ladies On exhibit & Sales 7th to 22nd March 2015 10am to 4pm Sponsored by “Yarra Valley CWA Craft Group” Wandin: 03 9735 3732 At Warratina Lavender Farm 105 Quayle Rd, Wandin ENTRY: $2 Donation CONTACT: Warratina Lavender Farm Ph: 03 5964 4650 Email: [email protected] TURKISH PAZAR FESTIVAL Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Sunday March 15 commencing @ 10.30 am. The Turkish Pazar Festival is a day of traditional Turkish music and colourful folklore performances. See arts and crafts and learn new skills. Buy a magic Turkish carpet, sit in the Turkish tea garden, enjoy tasty and economical foods including gozleme (savoury pancakes), even plan a trip to Turkey. Sing along with visiting Turkish performers, see the authentic Ottoman style marching band and have your fortune told. A fun filled day for all ages. Entry is Free. ARJ BARKER - GET IN MY HEAD What are you waiting for? Hop on in and let’s ride. There’s plenty of room in here. Join me and together we’ll contemplate everything from the social evolution of humanity, to the intriguing and elusive nature of non-sexually derived boners. I’ll even mention fondue at some point, and that’s a promise. So take a load off your mind and get into mine already! Melbourne International Comedy Festival Main Hall, Melbourne Town Hall 26 Mar to 19 April 2015, various times (see to Festival website for details) www.comedyfesival.com.au or www.ticketmaster. com.au www.arjbarker.com WOMANz is the rule-breakin’ show that made Melbourne Fringe history by taking out three awards for the first time, including the prestigious Most Outstanding Comedy. Partshow, part-party, it shines the spotlight on ridiculous gender stereotypes and dances them out of the door under the spinning disco ball. Venue: Melbourne Town Hall - Lunch Room Dates: Thurs 26 March - Sun 19 April (not Mondays), Previews 26 and 27 March Tickets: Full $27, Concession $24, Laugh Pack $22, Preview and Tightarse Tuesdays $20 Times: 9:45pm (8:45pm on Sundays) Bookings: http://www.comedyfestival.com.au JOHN MAWURNDJUL AND GULUMBU YUNUPINGU: EARTH AND SKY TARRAWARRA MUSEUM OF ART, 28 MARCH – 8 JUNE 2015 Bark paintings by two of the most outstanding Indigenous artists of our time will be featured at TarraWarra Museum of Art, 28 March – 8 June 2015. The works of John Mawurndjul and Gulumbu Yunupingu will feature in an exhibition curated by Hetti Perkins titled Earth and Sky. The title of the exhibition refers to the respective subjects of the two artists’ practice. The curator of Earth and Sky, Hetti Perkins states: ‘In bringing the work of these two artists together, the exhibition will offer a panoptic view of ‘country’ from an Indigenous perspective. Both artists engage with and represent the natural world in a highly sophisticated and conceptual aesthetic form. Their work distils the spiritual nature of this engagement in work that resonates with a power that is both ceremonial and celebratory’ Don’t Stop Me Now! Melbourne has never, ever seen a fashion show quite like this one. It proves that flair and fun can go on forever. Called Don’t Stop Me Now!, it’s just one of U3A Melbourne City’s year long celebrations to mark its 30th birthday. On Sunday 15 March 2015 at 1.00pm in the ANZ Pavilion at Arts Centre Melbourne, all will be revealed. Melbourne Fashion Festival Stars of the show are U3A Melbourne City members brilliantly transformed into breathtakingly cheer worthy runway models.’ ‘The models, with one exception, are all new to the catwalk and have been training hard. Their combined age is 1054 years. Date: Sunday 15 March 2015 Time:1.00pm Venue: ANZ Pavilion, Level 8, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne Tickets: $30 each, available only through Ticketek. For a limited time, Melbourne residents have the opportunity to get up-close to a selection of the stunning costumes from TOTEM, the awe-inspiring Cirque du Soleil production now playing under the Big Top at Flemington Racecourse. The exhibition of six costumes from TOTEM will be on display at Southgate Centre on the Level 1 Mezzanine from March 5 to 23 2015. These costumes represent the wonderful work of Australia’s own Kym Barrett, the TOTEM costume designer who is best known around the world for her work in films including Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, and the The Matrix. BREAST BEATERS a health and music program for Yarra Ranges women living with breast cancer Breast Beaters (BB) is an innovative outreach program aiming to improve health and social outcomes for women living with breast cancer in the Yarra Ranges region, through combining singing, music and lymphoedema-management exercises. The program aims to add some fun to the exercises, encouraging higher levels of participation in this important health activity. Musician in Residence Jeannie Marsh is creating a medley of songs to accompany upper-body exercises for the daily use of women living with breast cancer. A DVD of the music and exercises will be produced for women to use at home, and in monthly group sessions at local community centres. The music is varied in style (including Latin, classical, R and B, Celtic), and includes opportunities for easy singing. Lymphoedema Therapist Maria Stirling is the health professional consultant in the project. The exercises are slow and simple, and are suitable for women of all ages and fitness levels. Following the completion of the Pilot Study, results will be collated, the program will be refined in response to feedback, and final BB materials will be prepared for the official launch of the program in May 2015. If you know someone who is interested in being part of the Pilot Study the registration form and information can be found at www.drmc.org.au For more information about the Breast beaters program contact Musician in Residence Jeannie Marsh at jeannie. [email protected] or Mobile: 0432 088 284 M¡longa 1-5 April 2015, State Theatre The art of tango has captivated the world with its sexuality, power and beauty for centuries, and M¡longa is a fascinating exploration of this traditional dance from a contemporary perspective. With an incredibly talented cast of fifteen Argentinean dancers and live musicians, M¡longa draws on Argentinian influences whilst also infusing aspects of the 21st century into the movement. 1-5 April 2015 State Theatre Arts Centre Melbourne To book visit www.artscentremelbourne.com.au or phone 1300 182 183 Let’s Go ! March 2015 June 2013 Fifty~Plus News 23 The Romance of Rail and Sail Travel TOURFifty~Plus SPECIALS News 17 Arts & Entertainment 5 DAY NSW SAPPHIRE COAST and its region Modern classic returns A portrait of Geelong to Melbourne stage few days checking out the wonders of our Northern capital and surrounding highlight destinations, including Kakadu and Litchfield National Park. AN exhibition now at Geelong Gallery preEnjoy the beautiful Darwin sunsets sents a fascinating view of the port city and its with a refreshing beverage or two.region through artistic representations rangThen board the mighty Ghaningtoacross 150 years. WIDELY recognised as a modern Through almost 70 paintings, drawings, prints classic and one of the great artistic and photographs drawn from the gallery’s achievements of the 20th century, Two on holidays most returns travellersto have nationally significant collection, Impressions of Einstein the Beach, on theirfor list an is aexclusive cruise andseason a great rail Geelong surveys the development of the city Australia Call Trevor or Claire right now on journey. Imagine having them both in from the period soon after European settlement at Arts Centre Melbourne from 31 9782 0367 or email grouptravel@ the same tour package! to more contemporary times. The exhibition also July until 4 August. bigpond.com to request your copy. Fly direct to opera Sydney to board highlights the natural beauty and geographical Described as an in four acts, the Book early, don’t miss out! Princess andofwhile away the theDiamond collaborative work director This new production by the original diversity of the surrounding region. days Wilson travelling the East Philip coast with A focal point of the exhibition is Eugene von Robert andupcomposer creative team, including choreograa port call in picturesque Port Douglas Guerard’s famous View of Geelong (1856), along Glass encompasses dance, visual arts, pher Lucinda Childs is a chance for before arriving in Darwin. Spend a with another work by von Guerard. Rarely seen opera, theatre and music and was a new generation to come to know historical works by artists John Skinner Prout, an immediate international success Einstein on the Beach and thoseof our travel through the for heart ST Gill, William Duke, Walter Withers and Arthur from its first production in Avignon who continent. Enjoy choosing your off have experienced its power to Streeton will also be on display, along with a in 1976. Although there have been be enthralled train experiences on the way to again. selection of modern and contemporary landmany performances in Europe and Adelaideabefore a final flight of home to Comprising touring company scapes by Lina Bryans, Marion Manifold, Mahgo New York and a production was part 62 members, Melbourne. Einstein on the Beach Smith-Armstrong and Jan Senbergs. of the 1992 Melbourne Festival, its runs for This tourhours package fourfantastic and-a-half with- has so epic scale means that it is a rare treat out interval. many inclusions you isreally needThe to recently acquired, and rare, Robert Hoddle The audience able to watercolour Near Melbourne — Station Peak and for Melbourne theatregoers. brochure to appreciate leavesee andthe re-enter the auditorium if them. Anakie Youang (sic) in the distance (1847) appears Inspired by Einstein’s numerical they The wish.romance of a rail and sail once in a alongside specially commissioned photographs theorems and mathematical breaklifetime awaits you. Einstein on holiday the Beach is at State by John Gollings. Both works, which will be on throughs the work breaks all of the Theatre, Don’tArts forget to enquire about the free Centre Melbourne, display for the first time, feature the zigzag profile rules of conventional opera, using at 7pm home return service. 31pick Julyuptoand 3 August with of the You Yangs, an ancient site of spiritual sigpowerful images in juxtaposition a 1pm matinee Sunday 4 August. nificance for the original indigenous peoples of with abstract dance sequences www.artscentremelbourne.com. value of $200. the district and a landmark that has long been an choreographed by Lucinda Childs. au, 1300 182 183. From Africa to Alaska, Collette has unique options to suit all travellers.. For more information, call 1300 792 195 or visit www. Collette, one of the world’s major and most prestigious gocollette.com multi award-winning travel companies with offices in the Leading US Travel Company launches in Australia Departure Monday 4th May Accommodation Coachmans Rest in Eden All inclusive Cost $895.00 p/p T/share Single Supplement $180.00 extra Early bookings are essential. 14 DAY QUEENSLAND OUTBACK Departure Thursday 14th May, 2015 Featuring visits to the Stockman’s Hal of Fame, QANTAS Founders Museum, Cattle Station Visit, Kurandah Sky Rail, Palm Cove & Port Douglas and much more. Cost $4895 pp t/share *Single supplement $690 extra Robert Hoddle: Near Melbourne—Station Peak and Anakie Youang (sic) in the distance 1847, 11 DAY EASTERN watercolour Collection: Geelong COASTAL Gallery. Purchased through TOUR donations, 2012. Departure Thursday 28th May inspiration for painters and Kuranda, photographers alike. Includes Cairns, Pt Douglas, Airlie Beach, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay, Coast & Pt on “Impressions of Geelong willGold take visitors to Sydney. Air fareGeelong’s to Cairns & waterfront, Sydney to a Macquarie journey that embraces Melbourne. the popular coastal rivers, parks and streetscapes, $3995 pp t/share destinations ofCost Queenscliff and the Surf Coast, *Single supplement $652 extra as well as the unmistakable landmark of the You Yangs,” says curator Lisa Sullivan. Impressions of Geelong — a portrait of TOP the city 10 DAY RED CENTRE & THE and its region is at Geelong Gallery, Little Malop END Street, Geelong, until 25 August. Open daily 10am Departure Friday 19th June, to 5pm. Free entry. Enquiries 52292015 3645, www. Featuring visits to Uluru, Alice Springs, Standley geelonggallery.org.au Chasm, Legendary Ghan, Kakadu and more. Cost Pensioner $4985 pp t/share Cost Non Pensioner $5269 pp t/share *Single supplement $730 extra Exhibition shines light on Monet’s art and life United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, has now THE opportunity the NGV’s Winter Masterpiece exhibi- Australia and is at the National Gallery of Victoria, St Kilda opened offices in Australia. tion, Monet’s Garden, offers to gain real insights into the Road, until 8 September. Tickets $26/$22.50. With a proud history of nearly 100 years’ experience way the French Impressionist used colour, light and an specialising only in guided travel, Collette offers 160 Monet and the Plants Men evocative use of the surface of his canvasses to record escorted tours to destinations on all seven continents and Among the many events scheduled to coincide with the ever-changing beauty of the garden he created boasts a 98% worldwide customer satisfaction rating from at Giverny, is probably just one of the reasons why Monet’s Garden, including a comprehensive program its tour survey returns for the past five years. presented by the NGV, the Friends of the Royal Botanic Melburnians will love this exhibition. Collette’s Vice President of Service & International Business, Once known as ‘The Garden City’, Melbourne is still home Gardens have several linked events from botanical Christian Leibl-Cote, was in Australia for the launch and will to a huge number of garden lovers who will relish the illustration workshops to illustrated talks. Sophie lead Collette’s new team in Australia. Alison Mead, Business Matthiesson, curator of international art at the NGV, chance to experience more of thissays, famous gardencaters through Manager of Collette Australia ”Collette well to will give an illustrated talk, Monet and the Plants Men Monet’s eyes. the over 45+ market and offers small groups with well paced on Wednesday 26 June at 6 for 6.30pm, at Mueller Hall, “Through these paintings, visitors will experience every tours.” National Herbarium, RBG Melbourne. Ms Matthiesson aspect of Monet’s garden; the iconic Japanese footbridge, To celebrate Collette’s grand opening in Australia, Collette will talk about the plants men behind Monet’s famous theiswaterlilies othercredit flowers irises, agapanoffering anand on-tour forincluding all new bookings from now garden, examining the international web of hortithus, wisteria, the weeping willow and the alley of roses,” to 31 May 2015, for travel to 31 December 2015. By booking cultural expertise into which Monet tapped for the says Director, Tonyand Ellwood. a NGV Collette holiday selecting the preferred on-tour creation of his living masterpiece. Bookings: www. Monet’s Garden is organised by the Musee Marmottan optional sightseeing activities, they will be included to the Monet, Paris, in association with the NGV and Art Exhibitions rbgfriendsmelbourne or 9650 6398. 5 DAY PORT STEPHENS & HUNTER VALLEY Departure Tuesday 21st July, 2015 Cost $1495 pp t/share *Single supplement $280 extra 8 DAY FLINDERS RANGES Departure Friday 18th September, 2015 Including Arkaarola and Wilpena Pound Cost $2495 pp t/share *Single supplement $475 extra 5 DAY CANBERRA FLORIADE Departure Monday 28th September All incl Cost $1195.00 pp t/share *Single supplement $320 extra Claude Monet, Waterlilies, evening effect (Nymphéas, effet du soir) (1897), Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris 16ofDAY SAIL Gift MichelRAIL Monet,-1966 (inv.PACKAGE 5167) Departure Thursday 22nd October, 2015 includes the Diamond Princess Cruise from Sydney to Darwin with six nights accommodation in Darwin followed by two nights aboard the Ghan to Adelaide includes air fares Melbourne to Sydney and Adelaide to Melbourne Price to be advised. Dreaming of the Sunshine Coast? Autumn/Winter SPECIALS 16 DAY NEW ZEALAND Departure Saturday November 14th includes both North & South Islands Cost $4399.00 p/p t/share Single supplement $1070.00 extra Plus taxes. 26 Day stays 2 bedroom apartment with sea views at $500 per week Impressions ofupGeelong— Free home pick and return available a portrait of service the city and its region Group Travel Marketing Pandanus Coolum Beach Resort Email or call us today: [email protected] Web: www.pandanuscoolumbeach.com • Phone: 07 5446 3905 Licensed Tour Operators until 25 August Over 150 years of artistic interpretations of the historic port city of Geelong and its surrounding districts. 14 day stays 2 bedroom apartment with sea views at $560 per week Ph 9782 0367 all hours or email: [email protected] www.grouptravelmarketing.com Eugene von Guérard View of Geelong 1856 oil on canvas Collection: Geelong Gallery Geelong Gallery Little Malop Street Geelong 3220 T +61 3 5229 3645 Free entry Open daily 10 am – 5pm Guided tours of the permanent collection Saturday from 2pm i e n d s tNews o travel F 2 4 rFifty~Plus with.... March 2015 Join O’Shannessy’s for a holiday you’ll never forget! Prices Include: All meals (including morning teas and most lunches) quality ensuite motel and resort accommodation, all entry fees to interest venues and cruises, travel by O’Shannessy’s new 5 star coaches equipped with 2 doors, seat belts and rest room. Patrons are not expected to handle luggage. All prices are per person twin share and include GST. All coach tours hostess escorted. Prices include Flights where applicable. WINNER Australian Achievers Awards for Excellence in Customer Service Repeat Clientele and Group Discounts Apply Easter in Gippsland Apr 3-7, 2015 • 5 Days $1,665 Easter in Broken Hill Apr 3-8, 2015 • 6 Days $1,845 Highlights: Broken Hill, Royal Flying Doctor Base, Silver City Mine and Art Gallery, Silverton, Pro Harts Gallery, Jack Absolom’s Gallery, Living Desert Sclupture Symposium, Australian Inland Botanic Garden – Mildura and Donald. Southern Highlands Scottish Festival Apr 9-14, 2015 • 6 Days $1,895 Highlights: ABC Cheese Factory – Bega, Batemans Bay, Fitzroy Falls, Brigadoon – Scottish Festival, Red Cow Farm, International Cricket Hall of Fame, Bowral, Joadja Ghost Town, Cooma Cottage – Yass, Crisps Artglass Studio, Bandiana Base Military Museum. High Country to the Murray Delta Includes The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival April 10-20, 2015 • 11 Days $3,395 Highlights: Man from Snowy River Museum, Corryong, MV Paradise Queen Cruise – Lake Mulwala, Byramine Homestead, Port of Echuca tour, Sharps Magic Movie House, Pride of the Murray cruise, Flying Boat Museum, Lake Boga, Pioneer Settlement Museum – Swan Hill, PS Pyap Cruise, Woodsies Gem Shop, PS Rothbury cruise, Trentham Estate Winery, Missy cruise – Berri, Loxton Historic village, Mannum, Victor Harbor, WA Whale Centre, Coorong Discovery Cruise, Keith, Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre – Halls Gap and Ararat. Flinders Ranges Outback Apr 15 -23, 2015 •9 Days $3,195 Lord Howe Island Apr 18-24, 2015 •7 Days $4,295 Sydney Blue Mountains Apr 21-29, 2015 • 9 Days $3,075 Highlights: Weary Dunlop Memorial, Benalla, Humes Cooma Cottage, Goulburn, Hawkesbury River Cruise, Sydney, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Bondi Beach, Vaucluse House, Rushcutters Bay, Rocks area, Dinner Cruise on the Harbour, Olympic Village, Richmond, Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, Govetts Leap Lookout, Three Sisters, Scenic World – Railway, Cable car, Skyway. Grose Valley, Everglades House & Gardens, Jenolan Caves, Hartley Historic Village, Bathurst Mount Panorama, P.O.W. breakout – Cowra, Japanese Gardens, Wagga Wagga and Albury. Murray River Run – Wellington to Border Cliffs Apr 25 – May 2, 2015 •8 Days $2,995 Highlights: The Grampians National Park, Mannum Dock Museum, Aboriginal Tour at Kroehn’s Landing, Historic River Port of Morgan, Redgum Forests, Banrock Station, Barmera, Renmark, Waikerie, Mannum, Kamakazi Flats, Chowilla Station, Customs House at SA/Vic Border, Pass through 6 river locks, Wimmera Plains/Mallee, Mildura. Bright Autumn Colours Apr 30 – May 4, 2015 •5 Days $1,485 Pumpkin Festival – Collector NSW Apr 30 – May 6, 2015 •7 Days $2,185 Highlights: Benalla, EV Olives, Albury, Rusconi’s Marble Masterpiece, Cooma Cottage, Goulburn, St Saviours Cathedral, Old Goulburn Brewery, Garroorigang Homestead, Pumpkin Festival - Collector NSW, Crookwell Wind Farm, Lindner Sock Factory, Crystal Brook Lavender Farm, Crisps Artglass Gallery, Monte Cristo Historical Homestead, Wagga Wagga, Corowa Chocolate Factory. Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas May 6 – 15, 2015 •10 Days $3,095 Port Stephens & The Hunter Valley May 8 – 17, 2015 •10 Days $3,475 Highlights: Darnum Musical Village, Lakes Entrance, Orbost Exhibition Centre, Bega Heritage Centre, Batemans Bay, Kiama - Blow Hole, Shoal Bay - Port Stephens, Moonshadow Dolphin Cruise, Tailor Made Fish Farm, Nelson Bay, Hunter Valley Gardens, Newcastle - Talking Tram Tour, Fighter World - RAAF Williamtown, Upper Hunter Valley, Darley Stud, Denman, Meet the Locals - Hawkesbury River Cruise, Bathurst - Crago Fountain, Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum, Japanese Gardens – Cowra, Junee - Liquorice & Chocolate Factory, NEW FOR Botanical Gardens – Albury. 2014 Murray Princess May 10 – 16, 2015 •7 Days $3,095 Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour May 18 – 26, 2015 •7 Days $2,745 Highlights: Benalla, Tumut, Southern Highlands, Red Cow Farm, Sydney, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, St Thomas Church, Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries, Hastings River, Koala Hospital, South West Rocks - Trial Bay Gaol, Coffs Harbour - Bruxner Park, Forest Sky Pier, Big Banana, Bunker Cartoon Gallery, Carobana Confectionery, Bellinger Valley – Bellingen, Dorrigo Plateau - Dangar Falls, Skywalk, Rainforest Centre, Honey Place, The Clog Barn For enquiries or bookings call Chris O’Shannessy and the team on FREE CALL 1800 354 352 Visit us on the web at www.oshannessys.com.au Nagambie and Swan Hill Whitsunday Experience May 20 – 24, 2015 •5 Days $1,795 Jul 16 – 23, 2015 •8 Days $ 3,545 Outback QLD – Longreach May 28 – Jun 9, 2015 •13 Days $3,995 Sydney – Vivid Lights Overseas Tours LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT Jun 2 – 9, 2015 • 8 Days $2,685 (Coach only) Jun 3 – 7, 2015 •5 Days $2,345 (Fly in – Fly out) Vietnam April 8-20, 2015 • 13Days $5,215 Includes an overnight cruise on Halong Bay Norfolk Island – Bounty Day Jun 5 – 13, 2015 •9 Days $4,445 Tropical Far North Queensland NEW FOR Jun 17 – Jul 4, 2015 •18 Days $6,395 2014 Winter Wonderland – Creswick Jun 19 – 22, 2015 • 4 Days $1,485 Red Centre and Top End Jun 22 – Jul 8, 2015 •17 Days $6,395 (Flight Option) Jun22 – Jul 10, 2015 •19 Days $7,495 (Ghan Option) Central Australia European Mediterranean Cruise Barcelona to Venice Sept 14-Oct 9, 2015 • 26 Days From $14,095 (Includes airfares) On board the Norwegian Spirit for 12 nights. Then we enjoy a coach tour of Italy Includes stopovers both ways in Singapore. Jun 22 – Jul1, 2015 •10 Days $3,795 Lake Eyre in Flood Jun 22 – 26, 2015 •4 days $TBA Mississippi Cruise The Top End Jun 28 – Jul 8, 2015 •11 Days $5,195 (Flight Option) Jun 28 – Jul 10, 2015 •13 Days $6,195 (Ghan Option) October 5-21, 2015 •17 Days $TBA New Orleans to Memphis on the American Eagle Paddle Wheeler Includes stopovers both ways in Dallas. (pic not actual boat) Port Douglas / Cairns – Tropical Escape Jul 6 – 13, 2015 •8 Days $3,595 New Zealand Garden Tour Head of the Bight – Whale Watching Jul 8 – 15, 2015 •8 Days $ 2,415 (coach) Jul 8 – 13, 2015 •6 Days $ 2,165 (fly in – fly out) Oct 29 - Nov 14, 2015 • 17 Days $6,995 Featuring Taranaki and Marlborough Garden Festivals Free Chauffeured Home Pick-up and Return All suburbs of Greater Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelong, the Bellarine & Mornington Peninsulas, Bendigo & some areas of Gippsland, including Warragul. O’Shannessy’s Sorrento Travel Pty Ltd trading as 2121 Point Nepean Rd, Rye, Victoria 3941
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