Your Time Magazine Brisbane - April 2026

James BallProperty is his business

Community is WHO HE IS.

At HME Property Group, real estate is what we do — but community is who we are.

For many decades, James has proudly supported the people and organisations that make our regions stronger. From supporting/sponsoring National Seniors, Mater Hospital Neo-Natal unit, QLD RSPCA, Small Steps for Hannah (to help halt domestic and family violence), New Hope Care, Research into Gynaecological Cancer, Rotary and Merthyr Bowls Club. James believes it’s his responsibility to give back.

James is committed to helping the community. Selling property enables him to achieve this.

Please contact Merthyr Bowls Club for a chance to win a Jet Ski valued at $11,800 info@merthyrbowlsclub.com.au 07 33581291

Exceptional Results. Proven Experience.

For over 20 years, James and HME Property Group has sold homes as far north as the Sunshine Coast and as far south as the Gold Coast and across Brisbane delivering outstanding results.

WE’VE SOLD THEIRS; CAN WE SELL YOURS?

If you’re considering selling, now is the time to have a conversation about what your home is truly worth — and how we will position it to achieve an exceptional result.

CALL JAMES TODAY TO ARRANGE A MEETING AND DISCOVER THE HME DIFFERENCE.

“James has been extremely professional and courteous at all times in our dealings. He displays confidence and expertise in his communications with prospective buyers, has been helpful in sorting through the issues to achieve a sale. I have no hesitation in recommending James and would be happy to provide a verbal testimonial if required to anyone thinking of retaining James as their Agent.”

– Joanne

We sell real estate We help the community

James Ball Director - Sales and Marketing

It was about a decade ago ... the end of a season and the last time I stepped out on an indoor netball court to play competitively.

If someone with a crystal ball had told me that that might be my final game ever, I not only would have played harder, but I also would have signed up for the next season then and there.

Isn’t it funny how 10 years can pass you by in a blink? You take a season off, then another. And before you know it, you are too old to be chasing 16-year-olds around a court in C-Grade.

I had always been sporty. Not athletic enough for individual glory, but I was dogged in defence and cagey in attack and enjoyed the camaraderie of being in a team.

It was the same on a basketball court. At 155cm, I compensated for lack of height by becoming a three-point specialist and reliable on the fast break for a sneaky lay-up. The MVP trophy I won for the Maroochydore B Grade Women’s Grand Final now lies in a box filled with other family members’ surf lifesaving/football/ Aussie rules/golf accolades above the laundry cupboard.

I had given up basketball a few years earlier than netball after breaking the 5th metatarsal in my left foot. Now, I wish I had kept playing – any sport, really. I miss it.

So, it may be time to take the advice outlined by sport scientist Dr Liz Pressick and the everyday people and experts she interviewed for our cover story this month.

It’s easy for over-55s to get back in the swing of things and play sport. You just have to be motivated – and sensible.

It might mean doing some research on clubs and other exercise activities in your area beforehand, and speaking to your doctor and other health professionals such as your regular physiotherapist on what’s right for you. Taking up squash again after a 40-year absence may not be advisable.

Then, you can either put a call-out to your mates to join in or simply rock up to play and/or volunteer. You will be welcomed with open arms, I’m sure.

Perhaps that person with the crystal ball sees Friday night social barefoot bowls in my future.

I do know that my future has a place at the table at a Noosa Food and Wine Festival event from June 11-14. Turn to the travel pages to meet two of the local personalities who will be serving up outstanding culinary experiences over the four days for guests to savour. Enjoy!

Shirley Sinclair Editor

DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES distribution@yourtimemagazine.com.au or call 0419 746 894.

PUBLISHER Michelle Austin 5493 1368. EDITOR Shirley Sinclair, editor@yourtimemagazine.com.au

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES 0438 717 210, sales@yourtimemagazine.com.au

FOR DIGITAL EDITIONS AND MORE yourtimemagazine.com.au

Golf, netball or tennis, anyone? – tips on how over-55s can exercise safely

connections. At 57, Steph manages previous lumbar spine (low back) and rotator cuff (shoulder muscles) occupational injuries.

These days, she is slower taking off to the ball and has less power with shots above the shoulder, including serving.

Steph says being active helps her stay mobile and play sport safely. Her weekly routine includes Pilates, walking, strength training and physio exercises. With a family history of dementia, she is aware of the preventative health benefits of sport to manage an existing health condition and to maintain a healthy body weight.

Sport scientist and exercise physiologist Dr Liz Pressick examines the state of play for mature adults of all abilities who still want to be part of the action for regular social stimulation and improved fitness levels.

As a lifelong sporty person, I arrive for a social tennis morning. I hear laughter and see friendly competition wrapped up in diverse skills, techniques, tactics and physical function in men and women – some in their 80s.

So, what brings them here, week after week, year after year? What’s their secret to playing sport at ‘their’ age?

Let’s be clear: to these players, age just doesn’t matter.

We know chronological age increases every year.

It’s a done deal and we can’t change it.

When 55 comes and goes, you’ll slow down, have niggles and old injuries, not to mention health conditions and braces to secure joints that have seen better days.

After playing sport, you might ache like crazy later that day, and the next, and the day after that, but the benefits far outweigh all.

While you can’t change chronological age, you can change some things to play sport safely and potentially increase playing longevity, whether a long-term

participant or over-55 newcomer. Examples include modifying technique or equipment when having a game of golf, for example, playing sports with modified rules including wheelchair or walking basketball, and preparing the body to take the field/court and managing recovery.

Steph plays in an over-50s social tennis group. She was encouraged to play sport, starting in primary school, by her sporty parents. Then, Steph moved to the country where she worked, played sports, met her husband and established many social

Steph’s take-home message is: “Play sport because it’s a sneaky way to get exercise and health benefit without thinking about it”.

David played rugby league and baseball when young, sustaining soft tissue injuries. At 55, he plays baseball while living with dystonia: a neurological Parkinson’slike movement disorder, arthritis and scoliosis (joint and spinal conditions).

He now uses game smarts such as anticipation and body language, plays in less-demanding field positions and has a weekly preparation-and-recovery routine incorporating rest, sleep, RICER (icing), walking, swimming and stretching.

David also finds brain training –

Find-A-Word and Cribbage – aids mentally with on-field decision making and fatigue management.

The fourth-generation baseballer says playing with family and travelling with his wife to masters competitions has been a highlight.

In creating awareness of dystonia, David is emphatic: “Don’t listen to people who say you shouldn’t be playing. Use that as motivation to prove them wrong.”

“Sport is great in older age, especially if you are retired,” he says.

“Stay active. Never give up.”

Cathy has played sports, including swimming, tennis, netball, baseball, karate and surf lifesaving since the age of 6. As a cricketer at almost 55, Cathy aims to play on, enabled by the upsurge in Sunshine Coast women’s veterans cricket.

Like many of us, when younger, Cathy prioritised work and focused on her children’s sport rather than her own, not starting cricket until her mid-40s when her daughter’s team was short a player.

Cathy now jumps at playing opportunities in women’s and mixed teams in winter and summer competitions.

A recent highlight was playing in the same team as her husband and daughter, proudly admitting that both are better cricketers than herself.

Cathy continues to play despite a 2025 cruciate ligament and meniscus (knee stability structures) on-field injury.

She enjoys weekly on-field and nets skills training, game preparation and recovery.

“Find something you enjoy and remember: you’re not playing for sheep stations,” Cathy says.

“Be sensible regarding illness/injury to ensure maximum recovery and longevity.”

Sports physiotherapist Russell Smallwood pulled on the boots for Under-7s rugby league before progressing to representative cricket and both codes of rugby in Queensland’s footy heartland,

Ipswich, lining up alongside soon-to-be legends including Allan Langer.

At 25, he surprised many by swapping the footy field for a surfboard and snowboard – pursuits he still enjoys today.

For Russell, surfing and snowboarding became more than adrenaline sports: they created balance between work and life.

With more than 40 years’ experience in the physiotherapy field, he has worked with athletes at every level, including members of the Australian Olympic Swim Team, serving as team physiotherapist at the past two Games.

At Caloundra Sportscare, he also treats everyday athletes – particularly those rediscovering competition later in life.

A common issue, he finds, is tendon injuries. These are especially prevalent in post-menopausal women and over-55 athletes embracing sports such as tennis and pickleball.

The problem isn’t usually the sport, it’s enthusiasm.

“People love the social side, so they play several times a week,” Russell explains.

“But tendons can need up to three days to recover.”

Without adequate recovery, irritation

builds and injuries such as tennis elbow develop.

His advice: build strength before building volume. Muscles may adapt in six weeks; tendons often take six-12 months.

Ideally, commit to three-to-six months of progressive strength training before diving fully into a new sport. Then, manage frequency to allow recovery.

Importantly, a sports physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can assess your movement, identify weak links and tailor a strength program specific to your body and your sport. This reduces injury risk, as well as improving performance.

Now 60, Russell maintains fitness through gym work, swimming, running and group-based functional training.

“It’s never too late to start sport,” he says.

“Build strength early, seek expert guidance, respect recovery and think long term so you can keep playing for years to come.”

Scientific research backs up Russell’s advice on strength training benefits for over-55s. Research also tells us that playing sport can promote aspects of social and mental health and improve cognitive (brain) and physical function.

Playing sport can provide companionship, a sense of belonging and purpose, reduce social isolation and connect generations, providing an environment that supports and nurtures over-55s’ wellbeing.

Importantly, because playing sport can increase physical activity levels, it can be a game changer in reducing the risk of lifestyle-related health conditions and chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease and dementia. This can potentially prolong life and boost hip pockets by reducing medical costs.

All these factors are crucial for over-55s to play sport for as long as desired.

Playing sport and strength training also can support the ability to perform daily activities, including housework and

Farewells made simple

gardening, enabling independence in the long term.

Keep an eye out for come-and-try days for social, recreational and competitive sports. These are advertised by clubs on websites, social media and/or street signs. Over-55s can observe, sign-up to play or volunteer.

* Dr Elizabeth Pressick is affiliated with Healthy Ageing Research Cluster, University of the Sunshine Coast: unisc.edu.au/about/ structure/schools/school-of-health/ healthy-ageing-research-cluster

HELPFUL RESOURCES TO PREPARE AND PLAY SPORT SAFELY:

• Sports and exercise physiotherapy: sportscare.com.au

• Exercise physiology: essa.org.au/ Web/Web/Member-locationsearch.aspx

• Healthy Sunshine Coast: sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/livingand-community/communitysupport/healthy-and-active/ healthy-sunshine-coast

• Healthy and Active Moreton: moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/ Sport-Recreation/Healthy-AndActive-Lifestyles/Healthy-ActiveMoreton

• Brisbane City Council’s active and healthy activities: brisbane.qld.gov. au/parks-and-recreation/sportsand-leisure/active-and-healthyactivities#seniors

• Lively50 Plus Sunshine Coast: lively50plus.com.au/index. php?SelectedRegionID=1

• Sports Medicine Australia fact sheets on injuries, equipment, safety: sma.org.au/resources/ sport-fact-sheets/

What’s hip

No, not the replacement surgery type of ‘hip’. It’s a selection of on-trend snippets that could include places to dine, travel destinations, where to shop, what to see and visit, as well as what to watch, read and listen to, so you can stay up to date with family, friends and neighbours of all ages.

Where to visit

IF YOU feel in the mood for a road trip and immersing yourself in farm life for the day, the

Big Rosella Field Days are back on May 2 and 3. The weekend-long homage to the humble rosella is hosted by Petersen’s Farm: a fruit and vegetables grower in the rural township of Woolooga in the Gympie region. The event celebrates the annual harvest of tangy, crimson-coloured rosellas (also known as wild hibiscus), with the Petersen family among Australia’s largest commercial producers of the crop. Now in its second decade, the event blends food, farming, creativity and community in a relaxed country setting. This year’s program includes lively cook-offs between local personalities and chefs, rosella races, live music, farm tours and expanded farmers markets. For more, visit petersensfarm.com.au

Where to shop

Back in the day

HERE’S how to get the grandkids off their screens and help you relive the magic of childhoods spent on the lounge room floor ‘building stuff’. The latest Lego Certified Stores in Southeast Queensland has opened on the ground floor of Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore, joining others at Dreamworld and Robina on the Gold Coast, and Chermside. The new 216sqm LEGO Store features a custom-built mosaic with a popular Sunshine Coast vista, as well as large brick-built 3D model, in addition to the latest sets, exclusive and hard-to-find products. The interactive play tables offer brick fans of all ages the opportunity to connect, create and explore. It might be just the diversion you need while others in the family browse the boutiques or do the grocery shopping.

What to book

IF YOU are guilty of being a Friends fan – right from the beginning when the series first aired in 1994, during the 10 seasons when it was catapulted to one of the most popular sitcoms in TV history, or over the decades of reruns since – you won’t want to miss this. Original X Productions, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and Fever, are bringing The Friends Experience immersive attraction to Uptown Queen Street Mall this month. Fans will be brought one step closer to their favourite characters as they take a look at the making of the show, replica costumes and props, and recreate the most memorable moments from the globally loved show. Featuring a variety of nostalgia-packed, interactive recreated sets including Monica’s kitchen and the fountain, The Friends Experience provides the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane. The show’s famed coffee house Central Perk will be fully recreated – complete with the legendary orange sofa. Visit brisbane.friendstheexperience.com

THE Apollo 13 spacecraft was launched on April 11, 1970, from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center and was to be the third planned Moon landing after the successful missions of Apollo 11 and Apollo 12. But 56 hours into the flight, disaster struck: an oxygen tank exploded in the service module. Tom Hanks (Apollo 13 commander James A. Lovell), Bill Paxton (Astronaut Fred Haise), Kevin Bacon (Astronaut Jack Swigert), Gary Sinise (Astronaut Ken Mattingly) and Ed Harris (Flight Director Gene Kranz) portray the behind-the-scenes drama (much of which played out in real time on TV sets around the world) in the 1995 film directed by Ron Howard. While ‘13’ is unlucky for some, Apollo 13’s mission is considered a ‘successful failure’.

What to listen to (and read)

MEL Robbins is a New York Times No.1 bestselling author and award-winning podcast host. With 40 million followers worldwide, she is a trusted expert in personal growth. You still may not recognise the name, but she might be just the person you are looking for. Her Let Them Theory, for example, will forever change the way you think about relationships, control and personal power. If you want to advance your career, motivate others to change, take creative risks, find deeper connections, build better habits, start a new chapter or create more happiness in your life, saying “let them” could be the start of something big. Visit melrobbins.com

Retiree GARRY REYNOLDS shares his thoughts on the world around us.

GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY IN A HOBBY – LIKE CHURCHILL

WINSTON Churchill declared that everybody should have a hobby. It really was a very Churchillian way of saying: “Find something to do before you drive yourself (and everyone around you) mad.”

One of the lesser-known facts about the great statesman is that he was obsessed with the hobby of bricklaying.

During the 1920s and ’30s, at his country home of Chartwell, Churchill joined the local branch of the Amalgamated Union of Building Trade Workers so he could legally lay bricks without being accused of undercutting the professionals.

Imagine the scene: the future wartime leader, mortar on his boots, union card in his pocket, sleeves rolled up, happily stacking bricks while muttering about the correct bond pattern. He built walls, garden terraces, ponds and even a small cottage for his daughter. Visitors would arrive expecting a statesman and instead find him clad in overalls with a trowel in hand.

Bricklaying, he said, gave him “a sense

of creation” – a way to steady his mind when politics became too loud, too bitter or too bleak.

Each brick was a small victory. Each wall was proof that something in the world could be made solid and orderly, even when everything else felt precarious.

It was also a form of therapy. Churchill battled what he called his ‘black dog’: bouts of depression that stalked him throughout his life. Bricklaying, like painting, was one of the hobbies that helped him keep that dog at bay.

The rhythm, the focus, the physicality all nudged him into what we now call ‘flow’. Flow is that glorious state where you’re so absorbed in what you’re doing that the rest of the world disappears.

No doomscrolling. No remembering that you forgot to defrost the chicken.

If anyone suggested he should be doing something more ‘important’, he ignored them and kept laying bricks. There’s something wonderfully human about that.

If Churchill could find solace in a trowel, surely the rest of us can find joy in quilting, choir practice, bonsai, belly dancing or building a model railway.

Proudly Australian owned & operated since 1970

At Algester Lodge, we provide to you high-quality residential & respite care, nestled in a bushland setting with landscaped gardens. Depending on your need we offer quality and security with 24/7 Registered Nurses on-site.

We offer Residential Care and Respite Care

Respite Care will be beneficial to you and your loved one to give you both peace of mind. If you require a break from your supportive role, please call our caring staff at either location.

“Everyonehasbeenverypoliteandextremely helpful,especiallyaswewereunawareofwhat todo.Mumisveryhappywithhertreatment.”

Resident’s Family Member

BUNDALEER LODGE NURSING HOME 114 Holdsworth Road North Ipswich, Queensland 4305

p: (07) 3201 8772

f: (07) 3201 7926

e: admissions@bundaleerlodge.com www.bundaleerlodge.com

ALGESTER LODGE 117 Dalmeny Street, Algester, Queensland 4115

p: (07) 3711 4711

f: (07) 3711 5699

e: admissions@algesterlodge.com www.algesterlodge.com

Slow, steady and consistent wins in recovery

CAITLYN HUTH reminds us that showing up, day after day, to do the work towards good health and rehabilitation is better than ‘going our hardest’ in piecemeal efforts.

Why does consistency beat intensity in rehabilitation and wellness? In the world of health and recovery, it’s not about how hard you go: it’s about how often you show up.

For people managing chronic health conditions or returning to activity after injury or illness, consistency is the key ingredient.

Here’s why consistency matters more than intensity.

Sustainable progress, not setbacks: high-intensity workouts may feel productive, but they often result in excess fatigue, pain flare-ups or even injury – especially for those managing chronic conditions.

A consistent, lower-intensity approach allows the body to gradually adapt and heal (when introducing new exercises and activities, especially). This reduces the risk of burnout and regression and creates a steady path forward.

Habit formation and confidence: regular movement

builds confidence and routine.

When exercise becomes part of your weekly rhythm – whether that’s a 15-minute walk or two guided sessions a week, it’s easier to maintain motivation and track progress.

If you’re struggling to stay accountable, find someone who will help you find a routine and pace that suits your body and lifestyle, so you don’t burn out or feel overwhelmed.

Flexibility supports the bigger picture: life can be unpredictable. Illness, fatigue, flare-ups, stress and emotional health all play a role in your ability to move.

A consistent mindset allows for flexibility without guilt. Instead of ‘all or nothing’, you’re supported to adapt your routine to what’s realistic each day. This approach promotes selfmanagement strategies that prioritise long-term wellbeing.

Along the way, you can identify barriers and make adjustments, so movement remains a helpful tool, not a pressure.

Consistency doesn’t mean perfection: it means showing up in a way that honours your health, capacity and goals.

Intensity looks attractive. It makes you believe it is the epitome of health and fitness.

But your body relies on consistency and sustainability –even more so when managing chronic conditions along the way. It’s not the shiny-excitable stuff, but it is absolutely more valuable.

Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au

FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law

SEDENTARY has one meaning with many examples.

Any prolonged period of inactivity can be called sedentary, and you can be sedentary for long periods of time doing virtually nothing. Okay, I was having a joke, because although being sedentary is not exactly doing nothing, it comes close.

Some examples of occupations that can be sedentary include taxi and truck drivers, office workers and the like. People who watch a lot of television while sitting or lying down are examples of someone being sedentary.

At one time, we thought it to be just adults and the elderly who were sedentary for long periods of time. But now we have a generation of children who game play on computers, not to mention the long periods of screen time many of all ages seem to manage these days.

If you are sedentary for long periods, excluding sleep and necessary daily activities, then you should look at being more active. To put it simply, you

need to move your body for all sorts of reasons.

Your cardiovascular system needs to be working at optimum, and one of the ways we do that is to move the body. Your respiratory system, circulatory and even digestive system benefit from moving more. In fact, the whole body appreciates some form of regular movement.

Modern medical procedures nearly always require the patient to get up and walk as soon as possible. Many of you will remember the practices of the past where patients stayed in the hospital for extended stays. Recovery starts a lot quicker in the modern era.

Remember the importance of movement. If you move regularly, your body will appreciate it.

My latest book Prime Movers, detailing exercise for seniors, is out now. Give me a call if you are keen to purchase a copy.

Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.

sides of human nature on the road

CHARLIE GRIFFITHS had quite an adventurous start to a caravanning trip.

In 2018, we bought a 20-foot caravan for our big adventure, wherever that may take us.

Our temporary base was in Murphys Creek in the Lockyer Valley while we set ourselves up and kitted out the van and ute.

One grey night it happened. Some filthy scumbag stole my toolbox that contained everything we needed – from emergency mechanical repairs to knife sharpening.

I was so enraged that I invented descriptors powerful enough to go where standard obscenities ran out of puff.

My faith in human nature was dented, only to be totally crushed when I later discovered another small, but essential item also had been thieved.

The big day arrived and, complete with improvised tools, we bade farewell to our generous hosts, traversed the now dry creek bed and ascended the precipitous gravel track toward the open highway.

Upon reaching level ground, we were relieved to have passed successfully under the ‘deep’ side of the bridge where the bitumen began.

The euphoria was short-lived. A blood-curdling crunch, followed by a

whiplashing lurch, brought us to a sudden halt. In the mirror, I could see that the caravan had parted company with the ute, tenuously clinging to the safety chains.

Instinctively, I dragged our delinquent home a few more metres to the left, to clear the road for other traffic.

I couldn’t believe I hadn’t attached the yoke securely to the tow ball, and when I checked the damage, I knew exactly what had happened. The dirtbag who nicked my knick-knacks couldn’t resist the chance to score a towbar while on a roll.

After removing the hitch pin, they couldn’t remove the towbar because of a tiny bolt that I had adjusted tight enough to stop the drawbar rattling in its housing.

Happy with the hitch pin as a trophy, they abandoned the heist, which they could have completed if they had had the intelligence to look in the newly acquired toolbox.

More obscenities and cursing ensued until I realised the fortuitousness of tightening that tiny bolt that held onto the van with all its might before letting go and allowing the van to settle on sound, level footing. The vision of hurtling backwards

down a steep, winding track and landing, not necessarily wheels down in Murphys Creek, was horrifying.

A scratchy mobile phone service hung in just long enough to call RACQ for assistance. While waiting for our rescuer to arrive, we were pleasantly surprised when every car that passed stopped to check on our welfare, with offers of a ride to drinking water and food.

Mr RACQ arrived and sympathised with us but not surprisingly didn’t have a hitch pin in his box of goodies, nor a trolley jack: the only weapon suitable for lifting the van (and still attached towbar) back onto the ute. Where to now?

Sometimes the truth is weirder than fiction.

Out of the scrub appeared a beat-up old Toyota 4WD from which emerged an equally weathered gentleman of the bush.

Sizing up the situation, he said, “Hmm. Someone pinched your hitch pin.”

He disappeared behind his ute and

reappeared a moment later with: “Here, take mine.”

Protesting was pointless. Old Mate even refused our offer of cold beer, just waving as he re-entered the scrub on his mysterious journey.

Still scratching our heads, a slightly better dressed fellow in a slightly cleaner ute stopped and examined the scene: “Looks like you need a trolley jack.”

Before I could say something funny like, “I don’t suppose you have one in your ute?”, he reached into the tray and produced, you guessed it, a bloody trolley jack. Minutes later, we were back in one piece, travelling safely in a sort of southerly direction.

Conversation was awkward for a while as we digested the afternoon’s events. The consensus was reached that you don’t have to be beautiful to shine beautifully.

Charlie Griffiths is a certified life coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner. Visit his website at charliegriffithscoaching.com

Life in the slow lane

By Mocco Wollert

PREPARING a meal was not something I learned from my mother.

Until I left Germany for Australia, I lived at home and my mother cooked the daily meals. I had no interest in food – apart from eating it.

It was a rude awakening when I became a wife, house cleaner, washer woman and, of course, cook.

It was bad enough what I concocted for my ‘starving’ husband, but the first time I invited new friends for a meal was a complete disaster.

I had thought of a very simple dish: macaroni cheese. There was not much that could go wrong.

I put the Pyrex bowl with the macaroni and milk mixture in the oven when our guests – thank God, only one couple – arrived.

I could see everybody was hungry but the liquid in my dish in the oven did not thicken. We ended up eating macaroni soup. I was so humiliated.

Another big disaster was our youngest daughter Kim’s birthday cake. It was her first birthday.

I thought I would be clever and bought a White Wings packet mix. Nothing could go wrong with it … unless I was involved!

On the day, I presented her with a round disk of cake, about 7cm flat, with one lonely, unadorned candle stuck in the middle.

She was, of course, happy. My friends just laughed.

I tried to learn from cooking shows, but they made it look all so easy. They knew what they were doing and which ingredients to use.

Of course, if their dish, roast, salad or cake did not turn out, they just threw it away and cooked a new one: that one was the version we saw on our TV screens.

Some people are born chefs. Some are not. Most people love preparing food, tossing salads and basting lumps of meat.

Something went wrong in my DNA: I don’t like any of this.

I learned to cook, of course. With the help of recipe books, advice from friends and, yes, the odd cooking show. I had to.

We loved entertaining and that meant dinner parties and lunches.

It was the time when progressive dinner parties were in vogue. That meant just one dish for each hostess. No problem, except when I foolishly chose to make wonton fortune cookies when it was my turn for dessert.

I threw three lots away as uneatable, but I persevered – and my fortune cookies won high praise. It had taken me all day. I ditched that Chinese cookbook.

I am proud to say that I became quite a good cook.

So, when my daughter came home for boarders’ weekend, I baked – for the first time – her favourite cake: cheesecake. I managed a beautiful American baked cheesecake.

Presenting a slice to her, I waited for delighted cries of surprise.

She took a mouthful, then asked me: “Didn’t Woolies have any Sara Lee cheesecake?”

I just couldn’t win.

May you love cooking and produce magical meals.

Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com

By Cheryl Lockwood

WHAT does Easter mean to you?

Do you acknowledge the death and resurrection of Jesus or is it just another string of public holidays with extra traffic jams?

Is it arguments over what flavour of hot cross buns you’ll buy? Fruit, fruitless or choc chip?

Maybe you’ve been brave enough to sample the Vegemite, matcha tea or cheesy jalapeño varieties.

For me, it’s got to be the spicy, fruity originals, which bring back memories of Good Friday breakfast when their aroma would fill the kitchen as mum heated a batch in the oven.

Perhaps, it’s all about the chocolate eggs, bunnies and whatever other animals the manufacturers are spruiking.

Many moons ago, my sister and I would make a nest for the Easter Bunny to leave our choccy treats in. This was usually a shoe box filled with shredded paper and placed on our dressing table.

Without fail, we would wake on Easter Sunday to find the magical bunny had delivered the goods.

Mum continued this tradition long after we stopped believing in the sneaky rabbit. Nanna’s hard, sugar eggs lasted for ages, mainly because I preferred chocolate. So, I always left hers until last.

I enjoy organising an egg hunt for my grandchildren. They have health-conscious parents.

Some care reaches further.

So, it’s a mix of mini chocolate eggs and novelty stickers stuffed into plastic eggs.

Most Easter traditions relate to the Christian theme of resurrection and new life. Easter bonnets originated in Europe, as wearing new clothes and hats to church on Easter Sunday was a sign of a new start.

Next thing you know, parents are up to their elbows in paint, glue and tiny, fake chickens in an attempt to create a prize-winning hat for the school bonnet competition.

New York City’s Easter Parade was first held in the 1870s. Participants stroll down the street wearing fine clothes, with special attention paid to colourfully decorated hats. Some people even bring their fashionably attired pets.

Sweden and Finland have Easter witches. They once believed that witches flew away on the day before Good Friday and returned on Easter eve. There were several customs to protect against the scary, broomstick riders, including setting off fireworks, shooting guns and drawing crosses on doors.

Nowadays, children dress as cute,

colourful Easter witches and knock on the doors of friends and family to offer gifts of drawings or paintings in exchange for lollies.

In Bermuda, kites are flown to represent Christ’s ascent to heaven, with the Good Friday Kite Fest always held on the beach.

On the Greek island of Corfu, clay pots are tossed from balconies on Easter Saturday to smash in the street below. Some believe the noise represents the sound of the earthquake which followed Christ’s resurrection. It also symbolises throwing out old possessions to prepare for a new year. Sounds like a good time to avoid a morning walk over there.

Some customs seem to be far removed from the origin of Easter.

In Norway, it has become popular to settle in somewhere cosy and read a crime novel. Apparently, in 1923, a book publisher advertised a new crime novel on the front page of a newspaper. Norwegians must have thought this a good way to relax over the holiday period and a ritual was born.

In Poland, they like a good water fight and no one is really sure why. On Wet Monday, they douse each other with buckets of water. I hope the water is warm.

I’ll stick to indulging in too much chocolate while I ponder that other Easter question of why hollow Easter eggs are more expensive than regular chocolate. Visit lockwoodfreelance.com

Remembering Milton courts and champs who played there

CHRIS CURRIE serves up a trip down memory lane for Brisbane tennis fans.

For decades, the Milton Tennis Centre stood as the beating heart of tennis in Brisbane.

From its opening in 1915 to its final days in the late 1990s, generations of Queenslanders passed through its gates – whether to play, cheer from the grandstands or witness world-class athletes competing on its courts.

Today, the site lives on as Frew Park: a public space that retains the echoes of those remarkable tennis years.

Collection items and images held at State Library of Queensland reveal just how significant the Milton site once was.

The centre originally featured 19 hard courts and four grass courts: a scale that made it one of the most important tennis facilities in Australia.

Far beyond a suburban sports hub, it hosted eight Australian Championships and, most famously, the first Australian Open of the Open Era in 1969.

That was a milestone moment in the modernisation of international tennis.

Throughout the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, the grandstands filled with thousands

of spectators for Davis Cup ties, including three finals: 1958, 1962 and 1967. Many who grew up in Brisbane remember the energy of those matches ... and likely the baking sun that beat down on the uncovered stands.

The featured photo, from the 1958 Davis Cup, shows the extent of the crowds that packed the venue to see legendary players such as Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Tony Roche, Lindsay Davenport and John Newcombe gracing the courts.

But tennis wasn’t the only attraction. In the 1970s, Milton Tennis Centre broadened its use, welcoming visitors beyond the tennis faithful.

The venue – capable of seating up to 7000 spectators – hosted concerts by the Rolling Stones, Elton John and Johnny Cash.

By the 1990s, however, the centre’s condition had deteriorated.

The wooden grandstands were declared unsafe in 1994, Tennis Queensland faced mounting financial difficulties, and the facility finally closed in 1999.

Fires and structural decline

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY BRIDGE

JOHN Douglas Story was a public servant and one-time chancellor of the University of Queensland.

After several titles were considered, such as the Brisbane River Bridge and the Jubilee Bridge, the Story Bridge was the name eventually selected.

The six-lane road across the bridge was named the Bradfield Highway after designer John Bradfield.

Construction began in May 1935 with a cost expected to be £1.15 million. The contract had been let to Evans

Deakin/Hornibrook and was completed and officially opened on June 6, 1940, by the then governor Sir Leslie Orme Wilson.

The final costing was a modest £1.6 million.

During construction, 400 men were employed in what was extremely dangerous work undertaken some 30m above the river.

Arthur Warton saved two men from falling to their death but was unable to save himself.

followed, and demolition took place in 2002, leaving many Brisbane residents nostalgic for what had been a defining place in the city’s sporting life.

Yet the story didn’t end there. The Brisbane City Council redeveloped the site into Frew Park, opening in 2014.

Today, the park blends green space with tennis heritage: the six-court Roy Emerson Tennis Centre, the Wendy Turnbull Green, and imaginative play structures such as The Arena, named in honour of the original grandstand.

And in a beloved nod to the past, the

giant Stefan Racquet – once a towering symbol of Milton Tennis Centre – was restored and returned to the site.

Walking through Frew Park in 2026, it’s easy to feel the layers of history beneath your feet.

Where champions once fought five-set battles and crowds roared from timber stands, families now picnic, children climb and locals enjoy casual hits on the new courts.

The transformation ensures that while the old Milton Tennis Centre is gone, its spirit continues.

A toll of 6 pence (5 cents) per car was charged and it was expected that the cost of construction would take some years to recover.

The presence of the American military transporting men and weapons from South Brisbane station to Mayne during the war years saw the target reached shortly after peace was declared and the toll and the toll booth were removed by 1947.

WORDS: Diana Hacker, Enoggera & District Historical Society Inc.

A whole new life. Over-50s living redefined.

GemLife over-50s lifestyle resorts. Coming soon.

GemLife offers luxury resort-style living with premium lifestyle facilities on your doorstep.

No entry fees, exit fees or stamp duty

Friendly community

Pets welcome

Gated neighbourhood

Extensive premium facilities

Luxury homes

Caravan and boat storage*

Retain your capital gain

Ageing-in-place solutions

Ph: 1800 941 017 *Terms & conditions apply

In sickness and in health

KAILAS ROBERTS tries to unpack an overseas study that points to a relationship between marriage and dementia.

Marriage is, for many, a rite of passage in life. However, it may be that marriage is not the right passage – at least as far as your brain is concerned.

A study published last year suggests unexpected associations between marriage and the development of dementia.

Involving 24,000 participants, this US-based study followed adults aged 50 or older for up to 18 years.

It tracked different dementia types, including Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body and vascular dementia, to test whether marital status was associated with dementia risk.

It compared married participants with those who were widowed, divorced or never married and found that the incidence of dementia was highest among those who were married.

On the surface of things, you would imagine that marriage would protect those who share a marital bond. After all, loneliness is a known risk factor and having a partner should potentially guard against this.

Then, there is having someone else in your life who may encourage you to address health problems (for example,

cardiovascular disease) that you might otherwise neglect and which can increase the rate of dementia.

Other studies have shown that those who are married have better overall health than those who are not (more so for men than women).

At-hand emotional support can also reduce the impact of depression and anxiety which have been linked with poor brain health. Also, there is the sense of purpose that comes with being in a long-term relationship, and this is an important ingredient for health in general and for reducing early mortality.

Of course, many of these benefits only arise if the marriage is functional and there is mutual support, and perhaps this explains some of the findings, but the magnitude of the effects leads me to believe there is more to it than this.

The risk reduction in dementia for divorced individuals was 34 per cent. Those who had never been married had a 40 per cent reduction and even widowed individuals on average had a 27 per cent reduced chance of developing dementia.

Another explanation for the findings is that those who are married are more likely

to visit their doctors – due to the encouragement of their spouse – and therefore more likely to be diagnosed with dementia, consequently inflating the apparent risk. This is known as ascertainment bias: one of the many biases you need to pay attention to when interpreting data.

If it is a true finding, however, one possibility lies in the difference in social networks between married and nonmarried people. Those without a partner may have more need to speak with others on a regular basis and seek out more varied social contact.

We know that socialising is important for the brain – from its ability to buffer against loneliness, but also due to the cognitive ‘workout’ we get talking with others. Conversations are a great way of exercising the brain and the less predictable they are, the harder your brain must work.

This helps develop cognitive reserve:

a protective factor against dementia. If marriage removes the compulsion to socialise with others, and especially if the conversations with your spouse are perennially familiar, this potential for building reserve is missed.

Now, I am not for one moment suggesting this study should encourage you to divorce your partner! It should make us think, however, about the importance of those wider social connections.

We benefit from social variety, and it is perhaps unwise to put all our eggs in the marital basket.

Women tend to do a better job at maintaining these extra-marital friendships, but is equally important that men proactively foster their mateship.

Kailas Roberts is a psychogeriatrician and author ofMind Your Brain: The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia, available at bookstores and online. Visit yourbraininmind.com or uqp.com.au

FARE INCLUDES:

Motel Accommodation, All Breakfasts and Dinners, Admissions and Touring.

Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Hinkler Hall of Aviation, Bert Hinkler House, Fairymead House, Bundaberg Rum Distillery and Museum, Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise, Mary Valley Heritage Rattler, The Majestic Theatre with Silent Film Screening.

Home pickup and return: Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Caboolture and Bribie Island.

CANBERRA FLORIADE & BLUE MOUNTAINS

Hunter Valley, NSW Southern Highlands, Toowoomba, New England and Cowra.

FARE INCLUDES: Motel Accommodation, All Breakfasts and Dinners, All Admissions and Touring.

Canberra attractions, FLORIADE, Tulip Top Gardens, Cockington Green, Parliament House, Cowra Cherry Blossoms, Japanese Gardens, Bathurst, Blue Mountains, Katoomba, Scenic World, Leura Village, Hunter Valley Gardens (+ Winery and Chocolate Shop) and Toowoomba.

Home pickup and return: Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, Redcliffe, Brisbane suburbs, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Tweed Heads.

MUDGEE & LIGHTNING RIDGE

FARE INCLUDES:

Motel Accommodation, All Breakfasts and Dinners, Admissions.

Lightning Ridge, Walk in Mine, Chambers of The Black Hand, Abercrombie House / afternoon tea, Mount Panorama, Gooree Park Wines/horse stud, Thallon Silos, Nindigully Pub, Glen Innes Land of the Beardies, Tenterfield School of Arts and Stanthorpe Winery.

Home pickup and return: Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast and Caboolture.

GOSFORD, SYDNEY HARBOUR, NEWCASTLE AND GRAFTON JACARANDA FESTIVAL

Hawkesbury River, Hunter Valley, Nelson Bay, The Entrance, Lake Macquarie.

FARE INCLUDES: Motel Accommodation, All Breakfasts and Dinners, All Admissions and Touring.

Riverboat Postman, Hawkesbury River, Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise, Historic Rocks Area, Grafton Jacaranda Festival Parade, Hunter Valley, The Pub with No Beer (Taylor’s Arms), The Lakes Region - Lake Macquarie and The Entrance, Gloucester, Yamba and Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

Home pickup and return: Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island and Caboolture.

Get revved up as classic cars sprint to the finish line – again

BRUCE McMAHON takes a spin around a tiny Queensland town that commemorates the year it was a big deal in motorsports.

The rip-roaring Leyburn Sprints fire up again this August with Queensland’s finest collection of classic race cars and motoring memories on show.

Annual sprints through the streets of the one-pub Darling Downs township were inaugurated to celebrate the anniversary of the 1949 Australian Grand Prix (AGP), held on the outskirts.

Today, Leyburn, about 200km from Brisbane, plays host each August to an eclectic grid of race cars – from Model T Fords to Austin Healeys and Holden Toranas – and the likes of motorsport legend Dick Johnson.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of this relaxed, old-fashioned weekend of mingling with stars and cars.

It’s grassroots motorsport at its best, with the sights and sounds and furies of cars and drivers trying to best times around the kilometre-long, temporary street circuit.

Along with competition cars from across the decades, there’s the Vintage Van Village with yesterday’s stylish caravans and tow vehicles, Show ’n’ Shine competition for all manner of cars, autographs to be collected, a swag of food and drink outlets, plus camping facilities.

Leyburn also boasts a wealth of white man’s history from a gold rush in the 1800s through to the Royal Hotel, built in 1863 and said to be the state’s oldest continuously licenced premises.

In World War II, the nearby airfield was a base for RAAF Liberator bombers and the secretive Z Force: commandos flown to behind-the-lines operations against the Japanese in South-East Asia.

And in August 1949, the now disused airfield was used for the AGP, won by John Crouch in a French Delahaye.

In the 21st century, the Leyburn Sprints weekend, organised by dedicated

Tips to avoid Google frustration when searching the internet

EDIN READ points out that patience and a healthy dose of scepticism go a long way when trawling the world wide web.

“Just Google it.” It’s one of those phrases we hear all the time now. Simple enough on the surface, but in reality, it can feel anything but.

You type something in and suddenly you’re faced with pages of results, ads, strange websites and answers that don’t quite make sense.

It’s no wonder many people feel more confused than when they started.

The good news is that Googling properly isn’t about being technical.

It’s about knowing a few simple habits that make the whole process easier and more reliable.

The first thing to understand is that Google works best when you treat it like a conversation, not a code.

locals and enthusiasts, has become a major tourist attraction and is acknowledged as one of the most enjoyable of motorsport weekends in Australia – often over-subscribed with would-be competitors.

Competing cars run as old as a 1924 Amilcar with drivers such as Bribie Island’s 85-year-old Justin McCarthy in his Austin Seven Sports.

Rare open-wheeler race machines line up behind Austin A40s, behind a full-throated AC Cobra, followed by a special Toyota Yaris and a rasping Mazda RX2.

It takes just over 40 seconds for the quickest of the cars to complete the circuit and there are a number of spectator spots around the sixcorner track.

Sprints committee president Tricia Chant says Leyburn is ‘The Little Town That Can’.

“We’ve got something special here: history, horsepower and heart, with a proud community, a pretty little rural town and a grassroots motorsport festival that’s the equal of anything else like it in the country,” Tricia says.

“History features strongly in our story. There’s the history of the 1860s gold rush and covert World War II operations, still evident at various locations, the grand prix history, our own proud history of 29 annual events and not least the histories of some of the older cars contesting the sprints.”

Australian racing champion John Bowe adds: “It’s the best motorsport event I think I’ve been to in my life. If I’d known it was this good, I would have come years ago.”

The 2026 Historic Leyburn Sprints will be held on the weekend of August 15-16. More info is available at leyburnmotorsprints.com.au

You don’t need to type in a string of keywords like a computer programmer. In fact, the opposite works better.

Try asking your question the way you would ask a person.

“How do I reset my iPhone?” or “Why is my internet slow?” will usually get you much better results than something vague like “iPhone problem” or “internet bad”.

If your first search doesn’t quite hit the mark, don’t give up.

This is completely normal.

Even experienced users will try a search, adjust a few words and try again.

Adding a little more detail can make a big difference. Including your device, brand or location often helps narrow things down quickly.

One thing that catches many people out is the first few results at the top of the page. These are often advertisements, even though they can look very convincing.

They’ll usually be marked as ‘Sponsored’ in small text. There’s nothing wrong with them, but they’re not always the best or most relevant answer.

It’s worth scrolling down just a little and looking for familiar, trustworthy sources. Government websites, major news outlets and official company pages are usually a safer bet.

You may also have noticed something new appearing at the top of Google recently called the ‘AI Overview’. This is a short summary generated by artificial intelligence, designed to give you a quick answer without needing to click through to a website.

On the surface, it can be quite helpful. It often reads clearly and pulls together information from different sources.

However, it’s important to treat it as a starting point, not the final answer.

These summaries can sometimes be incorrect, based on outdated information, or missing important details.

They can also sound more confident

than they should. My advice is simple: give it a quick sense check.

Does it actually answer your question? Does it sound reasonable?

And if it matters, such as with money, health or anything important, take a moment to open one of the links underneath and confirm it for yourself. Something else to keep in mind is that not every website you land on is trustworthy. If you see big, dramatic messages such as: “Your computer is infected” or “Call this number immediately”, close the page straight away. These are often designed to scare you into taking action. A good rule of thumb is that genuine websites don’t rush or pressure you.

Google also has a few helpful features built in that are worth using. The ‘People also ask’ section can guide you to related questions you might not have thought of. Images and videos can often explain things more clearly than text, especially for step-by-step instructions. There’s even a microphone button if you’d prefer to speak your question rather than type it. If you’re searching for something specific to Australia, it’s often worth adding ‘Australia’ to the end of your search. This helps filter out overseas results that might not apply to you – particularly for rules, services or pricing.

At its core, Googling well is less about getting the perfect answer instantly, and more about knowing how to look, compare and choose what feels right.

Some patience and a healthy level of scepticism go a long way.

And like anything with technology, confidence comes with practice. The more you use it, the more familiar it becomes. Before long, that phrase “just Google it” might actually start to feel helpful rather than frustrating.

Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au

BRUSHES OF BRIBIE

GROUNDED in the rhythms of island life, Brushes of Bribie showcases the work of artists living on Bribie Island.

The exhibition, on now until April 19, reflects a rich diversity of styles, perspectives and mediums, united by a shared sense of belonging and coastal influence, while celebrating each artist’s creative independence.

Artists exhibiting are in the Creative Arts Working Together Group: Diana Edmundson, Karen Ellis, Toni Ellis, Sandra Hoppe, Leonie Jones, Helen Kidwell, Noelene Mann, Raelene Marsh, Annette Millns, Barb O’Hagan, Annie Percival, Julie Reading, Ali Riddell and Ann Williamson.

The Bribie Community Arts Centre Matthew Flinders Gallery opens: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9am to 4pm; and Sundays, 9am to 1pm.

HOW TO JOIN OLDER WOMEN’S NETWORK

LOOKING to meet other women, enjoy guest speakers, social activities and stay active in your community?

Contact the Older Women’s Network (Qld) Inc. to find a branch near you. Call 3358 2301 or email admin@ ownqld.org.au

MOTHER’S DAY COMMUNITY MARKET

PLAN a sweet mum-and-me outing, hunt for a gift or treat yourself to something special at the Mother’s Day Community Market.

Spend the morning browsing personalised homewares, handmade accessories and thoughtful gifts you won’t find in the shops.

Take your time wandering the stalls, enjoy food, drinks and specialty coffee, and soak up the relaxed market atmosphere while you explore.

Whether you’re shopping for a gift or simply looking for a lovely way to spend your Saturday morning, there’s something for everyone and all ages are welcome.

WHERE: Burnie Brae Hall, 60 Kuran Street, Chermside.

WHEN: Saturday, April 18, 8am-noon.

TICKETS: Free entry. As the market is indoors, pets aren’t permitted (except for service animals).

Contact us for a no-obligation consultation to discuss your needs, ask questions, and explore solutions –all

THE SOLDIER’S DAUGHTER

By Fiona McIntosh

Historical fiction

Reviewed by Jan Kent

IT WON’T take the reader long to be immersed in another historical fiction gem from this writer.

If you loved her Champagne War, you’ll find some of the same characters in the sequel to Charlie Nash’s World War I life. Here, you will find him in Scotland with his daughter Violet, establishing his dream of distilling and blending his own whisky.

When this is not realised, with his hopes in tatters, Charlie and young Violet sail to the ends of the earth, Tasmania, to begin again.

Development of the characters in this book can only be described as masterful. Violet has an admirable strength, perseverance and a burgeoning talent for distilling. Then there’s Charlie, drawn back at the end of World War II to the battlefields of France where he had exhibited courage and experienced loss in equal measures.

As we are enmeshed in Violet’s passion to become the first successful woman creating her own brand of whisky, the details of this industry are dealt with in such a way that the reader can almost smell the delicious aromas of her blends.

This is a beautiful and moving book, with a strong, resilient and courageous female main character – always a winner for me.

THE

ARTIST

THE MINISTRY OF TIME

By Kaliene Bradley Science fiction/ romance

Reviewed by

John Kleinschmidt

THIS quirky time travel and romance novel is a debut book for author Kaliene Bradley.

The critics are divided on genre, but I feel its strongest element is science fiction.

The Ministry of Time is a near-future government department in the UK that has discovered the secret of time travel.

It has transported five historical figures from the jaws of death hundreds of years ago.

The main character is Commander Graham Gore, expatriated from the year 1847.

Each of the five refugees or expatriates is allocated a minder or ‘bridge’ to assist them to interpret and adapt to modern life: an interesting and engaging exercise.

Gore’s bridge falls in love with him. People from the future try to kill the expatriates and the Ministry turns on itself.

The story makes little sense at times but, overall, is a good (but very different) read.

By Lucy Steeds, Historical fiction

Reviewed by Rebecca Walker, of Annie’s Books on Peregian

SET in rural Provence, France, in 1920, The Artist is a beautifully told story that examines the unusual dynamic of three complex characters, whose lives overlap one sweltering summer.

Aspiring journalist Joseph is invited to the home of reclusive artist Edouard Tartuffe, where he hopes to ‘crack’ this mysterious enigma of the art world. Then enters Ettie – Tartuffe’s niece, who lives in the shadows of her uncle’s overbearing existence.

Through deeply nuanced prose, light is shed

on the inner worlds of Joseph and Ettie, who are wrestling with their own demons.

Exploring themes of control, grief, sacrifice, creation and destruction, ultimately The Artist questions what it means to truly live.

Penned by British author Lucy Steeds, this powerful debut is the kind of book that inspires a sense of contemplative longing that lingers for days after the final page is turned.

YOUR THIRD CHAPTER: HOW TO THRIVE IN YOUR 50S, 60S AND BEYOND AND WORK AS LONG AS YOU CHOOSE

By Robyn Greaves

We are living and working longer and navigating more complexity than ever, yet our ideas about ageing, retirement and late-career work are stuck in the past.

Many professionals in their 50s and 60s find themselves quietly sidelined just as their perspective and wisdom are most valuable. Others are jolted by redundancy or burnout, with no guide on what comes next.

This new book, Your Third Chapter (Publish Central $24.95) draws on more than 20 years of experience guiding hundreds of late-career professionals through successful transitions. Author Robyn Greaves shows how this ‘third chapter’ can become the most impactful phase of working life.

Your Third Chapter combines guided explorations and practical tools with The Third Chapter Companion: a private AI-powered thinking space that helps readers explore options and clarify their direction in late-career transition. Readers learn how to:

• challenge outdated assumptions about ageing, career stages and retirement

• make sense of restlessness, misalignment and the feeling of being ‘comfortable but uncomfortable’

• move beyond the advertised job market into portfolio, advisory, fractional and project-based work

• communicate their value with confidence

• rebuild clarity and momentum after disruption

• design work that offers autonomy, flexibility and purpose.

Your Third Chapter reframes the 50s, 60s and beyond not as a winding down, but as a time of clarity, creativity and possibility.

A FAR-FLUNG LIFE

By ML Stedman,

Historical fiction

Reviewed by Karen Weiber, of Books@Stones, Stones Corner

SET against the vast and timeless landscape of Western Australia, this is a mesmeric tale from the author of the award-winning bestseller The Light Between Oceans, which has sold five million copies globally. Western Australia, 1958. Here, for generations, the MacBrides have lived on a remote sheep station: Meredith Downs. A million acres, it’s an ocean of arid land.

One ordinary day, on a lonely road, patriarch Phil MacBride swerves to avoid a kangaroo. In seconds, the lives of his entire

family are shattered. Then, fate comes back for them in a twist of consequences that will cause one of them to lose their life, and another to sacrifice theirs for the sake of an innocent child.

What a fabulous read – an epic story about forgiveness, compassion and hope, and doing the best you can. I became deeply connected to the characters in the book, riding their highs and lows. This will be another bestseller for this talented author and a book I will be keeping on my shelf to revisit in the future.

Mind

Gympie’s premier over 50s resort has arrived. No stamp duty

‘I’ll just do my own will – what could go wrong?’

By DON MACPHERSON

EVERY day, people make excuses as to why they don’t need to protect their most valuable assets by having a will.

Often, they decide they’ll do it themselves, with a will kit off the internet or from a newsagency.

Reasons commonly given include:

1. Aren’t wills for rich, old people?

2. I don’t have much to worry about, really.

3. Getting a will is too expensive and time consuming.

4. I’ll be dead anyway, so it’s not my problem.

5. If I talk about it too much, I’ll jinx myself.

6. My family all love each other – they won’t fight about my things.

7. I don’t need a will because my wife/ kids are going to inherit everything anyway. She/they’ll take care of it.

A recent Supreme Court decision demonstrates the fallacy of this approach.

A wealthy, older couple decided that instead of getting a lawyer to update their old wills, they’d do it themselves with some input from their accountant.

Unfortunately for them and their family, the documents produced weren’t clear, and Supreme Court procee dings

took place involving 10 parties: the executors, the children, some family companies and a family trust, all asking the court to decide what the wills actually meant.

A case of ‘penny wise, pound foolish’? Supreme Court procee dings – with 10 parties, involving numerous lawyers and barristers – certainly don’t come cheap. While not having a valid will may mean that assets eventually find their way to next of kin, the pathway without a valid will is longer, more expensive and usually means court involvement –overall a much slower and much more expensive way to achieve the outcome a

straightforward will could secure.

Of course, not having a will means that your intentions are irrelevant, and what you wanted to have happen may not occur.

When people die without a will (called an intestacy), the law sets out a formula that applies to distribute assets in different proportions between next of kin. That may mean a house has to be sold, even if the wife is living there, to satisfy the intestacy formula.

The absence of a will may also open the door to a contested estate.

A simple will prevents unintended consequences occurring.

Straightforward wills are not expensive (usually under $500).

Unless the estate is complex, there is no need for a testamentary trust or other complications to blow out the costs of a will.

In fact, lawyers make much more money when people don’t have a valid will, as the sorting out of people’s estates without one significantly increases the time and expense involved.

Brisbane Elder Law are experts in wills, estate disputes and estate management. Call 1800 961 622 or visit brisbaneelderlaw.com.au

OLDER AUSSIES

AUSTRALIA’S shrinking adviser workforce is creating increasing financial insecurity for Australians entering retirement with mortgage debt, limited superannuation and rising cost-of-living pressures.

Adviser numbers have fallen from almost 30,000 in 2019 to just over 15,000 today. And with the average cost of comprehensive advice rising to about $4700 annually, many retirees are being priced out of the support they need during the most financially complex phase of their lives.

Homesafe CEO Dianne Shepherd says the advice gap is emerging at the worst possible time.

Older Australians face a growing list of financial challenges: managing super drawdowns and tax strategies; navigating age pension eligibility; rising interest rates increasing mortgages repayments; and integrating home equity into long-term planning.

Professional financial advisers will play a critical role in supporting people navigating these challenges and the growing level of unmet financial advice needs is making it harder for older Australians to plan retirement and execute those plans with confidence. Visit homesafe.com.au

Free Will Service

JAMES Ball has a diverse background spanning industries from shipping, coal and not-for-profit groups to retirement and real estate sales over many decades.

He brings a unique blend of skills and a strong work ethic to the real estate market as part of the HME Group.

His leadership experience in middle and senior management has honed his communication, negotiation and problemsolving abilities, allowing him to navigate the complexities of real estate transactions with confidence and ease.

James’ focus has always been on delivering exceptional service. He strives to understand his client’s needs and goals, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction for sellers and buyers.

With more than 20 years of experience in real estate sales, he has a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes.

He uses innovative sales and marketing strategies and a deep understanding of the local market to maximise the value of his clients’ property.

Whether you’re a first-time seller or

home buyer or a seasoned property expert, James is committed to providing personalised guidance and support throughout his clients’ real estate journey.

He has been the proud supporter of numerous charities including the Mater Hospital’s Neo Natal Unit, New Hope Care (providing food and other support for the poor in Brisbane), Queensland RSPCA, Small Steps for Hannah (to help halt domestic and family violence) and research into genealogical cancer. He has actively participated in various fundraising events such as The May 50K challenge, raising funds for life-changing research into multiple sclerosis. He is a proud member of Rotary and a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award from the Rotary Foundation, of Rotary International “in appreciation for tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world”.

James supports National Seniors and is a member and sponsor of Merthyr Bowls Club. Contact the club for a chance to win a jet ski valued at $11,800: call 3358 1291 or email info@merthyrbowlsclub.com.au. Call James on 0422 618 556 or email james@hme.group

HOW TO AVOID PAYING ‘LOYALTY TAX’ IN THE AISLES

MORE than half of all Australians are missing out on savings by staying loyal to big brands at the supermarket.

That’s according to research by Compare the Market.

A nationally representative survey found 45 per cent of Aussies have switched to cheaper brands to manage financial stress, yet the majority is still sitting on potential savings at the checkout. Australians were most open to switching to a generic brand for medications, cleaning products and pantry staples.

Compare the Market looked at the top 10 products Aussies were most willing to switch and found shoppers could shave up to $41 off their trolley total by switching to cheaper alternatives – that’s a 60 per cent saving on the shop.

Compare the Market’s economic director David Koch says small savings of a

few dollars on each product could add up to hundreds over the year.

“It’s worth giving the home brands a try. Often, they provide similar quality without the fancy logo and higher price tag,” he says.

“Research from the comparison experts Compare the Market highlights just how much Aussies could reduce their spend by giving up brand loyalty.

“We found a saving of up to 60 per cent on a list of 10 popular products.

“By using this hack on your shop each week, it could amount to an annual saving of $2132 – that’s enough for a return airfare to London.

“Remember, the big brands pay a premium to be at ‘eye level’ in the aisles – the cheaper alternatives are often placed lower or higher on the shelf.”

Visit comparethemarket.com.au

STOP. CHECK. PROTECT.

AS SCAM activity continues to rise, Australians are increasingly being targeted by criminals using sophisticated tactics, fear and urgency to exploit trust.

Local bank Auswide Bank is urging the community and its customers to be wary, particularly as impersonation scams become more prevalent and convincing.

An impersonation scam occurs when a criminal pretends to be from a trusted organisation to trick someone into handing over money or personal information.

The scammer may claim to be from a telecommunications provider, tech company, government department or bank. In many cases, the scammer will claim there is a problem requiring urgent attention such as an unpaid bill, compromised account, suspicious transactions or a security issue that needs to be fixed immediately. Their goal is to create panic and pressure their victim into acting quickly, before they have time to stop and question the situation.

When it comes to banking, impersonation scams have become increasingly common, with fraudsters posing as members of a bank’s fraud or security team. Customers may receive a call warning of suspicious activity on their account and be instructed to transfer funds to a so-called ‘safe account’, share a one-time SMS security code, or download software to protect their device. In reality, these actions hand control directly to the scammer.

Auswide Bank general manager Damian Hearne says impersonation scams

are one of the fastest-growing threats facing customers.

“Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the way they mimic legitimate organisations,” Mr Hearne says.

“They often create a sense of urgency, telling customers their money is at immediate risk. It’s important to remember that a bank will never ask for passwords, PINs or one-time security codes. If something doesn’t feel right, hang up and call the official number listed on our website, or on the back of your bank card.”

Criminals often intensify the pressure by urging customers not to speak to anyone else or to act immediately.

To counter this, Auswide Bank promotes a simple message: ‘Stop. Check. Protect’. Stop and take a breath before responding. Check that the caller is genuine by ending the call and contacting the organisation directly using its official number. Protect yourself by never sharing personal or sensitive information, and by contacting your bank straight away if something feels wrong.

Mr Hearne says customers should feel confident seeking support if they are ever unsure about a call, email or message they’ve received from someone claiming to be from Auswide Bank.

“If there is ever any doubt, we encourage customers to give us a call or visit their local branch,” he says.

If you ever suspect you might be the victim of a scam, contact your bank immediately and report the scam to Scamwatch via scamwatch.gov.au/ report-a-scam

APRIL brings a welcome shift in pace.

With school holidays, long weekends and cooler nights settling in across Australia, it is the ideal time to plan a getaway or reconnect with family and friends.

Whether you are heading up the coast, flying interstate or escaping for a quiet weekend away, travel should leave you feeling refreshed, not run down.

For those living with sleep apnea, that starts with staying consistent with your CPAP therapy.

It might feel easier to leave your CPAP at home, but even one night without therapy can lead to poor sleep, snoring, headaches and daytime fatigue.

Bringing along your device ensures you stay rested, energised and ready to enjoy your trip.

The good news is that travelling with CPAP is easier than ever.

And, with a little preparation, it can fit seamlessly into your plans.

Many people choose to travel with their everyday device, while others opt for a smaller, more portable model that is easier to pack and carry.

Whichever you choose, keeping your therapy routine consistent will help you wake up energised and ready to make the most of your days away.

If you are flying, always keep your CPAP in your carry-on.

Most airlines recognise these devices as medical equipment. So, they are not counted as part of your baggage allowance.

For road trips or camping, planning ahead is key.

A reliable power source or compatible battery can ensure your therapy continues uninterrupted, even off the grid.

CPAP Direct staff believe your therapy should support your lifestyle, not limit it.

To get travel ready, visit cpap.com.au or call 1300 133 298.

TO PREVENT DELIRIUM

AN OLDER adult in hospital for a urinary tract infection suddenly becomes fearful, irritable and doesn’t recognise their lifelong spouse.

Their confusion and distress are frightening for loved ones, and hospital staff are concerned.

While this scenario looks like – and is often mistaken as –dementia, what’s unfolding is delirium. Delirium is one of the leading hospital-acquired health complications in Australia.

Southern Cross University, in conjunction with Northern NSW Local Health District, along with the University of Canberra and Canberra Health Services, is leading the development of an innovative, easy-to-use model of care, known as PREDICT: Prevention and Early Delirium Identification Carer Toolkit. PREDICT is a co-designed model of care that empowers carers and nurses to prevent and respond to early signs of delirium. Early recognition is crucial for better patient

outcomes and can potentially save the Australian healthcare system millions of dollars annually.

The multimedia PREDICT toolkit (web, smartphone or paper-based) will be trialled over the next 12 months in the hospital setting with adults aged over 65 years.

Partnering with Northern NSW Local Health District, older adults admitted to medical wards and some surgical wards in the Tweed Valley and Lismore Base hospitals will be invited to engage with PREDICT as part of the clinical trial.

The partnership in the ACT with Canberra Health Services will see older adults admitted to surgical and medical trial wards at Canberra Hospital, North Canberra Hospital and University of Canberra Hospital invited to participate in the trial.

Hospitals in Queensland, in partnership with MetroNorth and Gold Coast Hospital Health Services, will follow in the coming months.

PREDICT is designed to assist and support family members and carers to prevent, identify early and understand delirium.

It helps carers communicate changes in a patient’s behaviour to nurses and work as a team to manage delirium in hospital settings.

Southern Cross University’s Professor Christina Aggar is leading the project which has the backing of a $1.34 million, three-year grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

The study involves more than 2500 patients in hospitals in NSW, ACT and Queensland as part of the clinical trial.

See the video at youtu.be/0B3SPOm8F6o?si=lb VW6WQAqVSpaEGg and visit linkedin.com/company/ predictdelirium/

A CATARACT forms when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy.

This most often occurs through normal ageing, usually by your early 60s, though some medical and eye conditions can speed this up.

The lens sits just behind the coloured iris, and when it loses clarity, people may notice blurred or dulled vision, glare, light sensitivity or difficulty seeing in dim conditions.

Because cataracts develop slowly, many people don’t realise how much their sight has changed until their optometrist detects the issue — and they are amazed at how bright and crisp the world looks after surgery.

Modern cataract surgery is quick, low stress and minimally invasive, with a fast return to daily life.

The procedure involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) which also corrects short or long sightedness and astigmatism.

Some options restore near vision, too, reducing or eliminating reliance on reading glasses.

There is no single ‘best’ IOL. The right choice depends on your eye health and lifestyle needs.

Exciting new IOL technologies now provide an extended range of vision without unwanted side effects such as haloes or reduced contrast, and they are suitable for most people. This means that after surgery, many patients no longer need glasses for everyday activities.

Cataracts cannot grow back once removed, and the new IOL should last a lifetime.

If you’re noticing changes in your vision, book an appointment with your optometrist or GP, who can assess your eyes and arrange a referral for further care.

WORDS: Dr Madeleine Adams, ophthalmologist, Insight Eye Surgery, Taringa. Call 3154 1515 or visit insighteyesurgery.com.au

NEW SMART BANDAGE COULD HEAL AND MONITOR WOUNDS

AUSTRALIAN researchers have unlocked the possibility of creating smart wound dressings.

These dressings enable real-time monitoring while also being able to deliver healing agents in one simple, scalable platform.

Chronic wounds cause significant burdens on healthcare systems due to the complexities of continuous and changing care required.

Smart wound dressings that monitor infection or deliver healing therapeutics have emerged as a solution, but combining monitoring and healing functions into one dressing has proven complex – until now.

Researchers at RMIT University created a method of embedding tiny, multi-functional nanomaterials, known as carbon dots, into hydrogel dressing that serve the dual functions of monitoring and treating wounds.

Carbon dots are biocompatible carbon-based nanoparticles that can be used to image and sense changes in a wound and combat wound inflammation as therapeutic artificial enzymes (nanozymes).

This new type of smart wound patch will change colour when there is pH

change in the wound caused by infection. The colour change can be easily read out by portable smart devices.

When these infection signals are detected, the system automatically releases therapeutic nanozymes into the wound to promote healing. The release of these therapeutic nanozymes can also be manually triggered by applying gentle pressure to the dressing, allowing clinicians or patients to provide additional treatment if required.

RMIT PhD candidate and study first author Nan Nan says the dual nature of this smart wound patch would support more timely and effective intervention from clinicians.

Researchers are looking to partner up with industry to refine and scale up the technology and bring smart wound patches to market.

How much do you really need to retire? Probably less than $1m

By Angel Zhong, Professor of Finance, RMIT University

Every few months, someone in the superannuation industry declares that Australians now “need” around A$1 million to retire comfortably. It’s a big, scary number.

But consumer advocates say most people can retire with far less.

Independent estimates suggest something closer to $322,000 is enough for many retirees who own their own home. So who’s right – and what assumptions drive these wildly different targets?

It’s easy to put off thinking about superannuation when retirement is years away.

WHAT THE TWO KEY BENCHMARKS

SAY: two key organisations publish retirement benchmarks in Australia, and they paint very different pictures.

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) – the lobby group for the super industry – publishes two lifestyle options in its 2026 Retirement Standard. This was recently updated to reflect a higher cost of living: Modest retirement: covers the basics – a budget car, basic private health insurance, one domestic holiday a year. This costs around $35,503 a year for a single homeowner, and the age pension (the regular government payment available to eligible retirees aged 67+) covers most of it. You’d only need around $110,000 in super.

Comfortable retirement: includes top-level private health insurance, a newer car, regular dining out, and overseas travel. ASFA puts this at around $54,240 a year for a single homeowner, requiring roughly $630,000 in super. For couples, it’s about $77,375 a year, needing around $730,000.

These are significant sums – but well below $1 million.

Then there’s Super Consumers Australia, an independent consumer group that recommends a substantially lower amount.

Rather than imagining a lifestyle, the

consumer group uses actual Australian Bureau of Statistics data on what retirees really spend. Its headline finding: a typical single retiree spending at the middle level out of three options needs just $322,000 in super.

Remember, retirees don’t have work-related expenses and they also enjoy a range of discounts on things such as council rates, electricity and medicines, which can really add up.

Part of the difference is the industry body, ASFA, has an interest in encouraging people to contribute more to their super. Its “comfortable” standard is higher than most Australians’ standard of living while working.

WHY THE NUMBERS DIFFER: the gap comes down to what each benchmark is measuring.

ASFA describes an aspirational lifestyle. Super Consumers describes what real retirees actually spend.

The age pension does a lot of the heavy lifting either way. At Super Consumers’ medium spending level, about 67% of retirement income comes from the age pension, and the remainder from your super balance.

But here’s a crucial new factor: the age pension isn’t keeping up with what retirees actually spend money on.

While the pension is indexed to inflation, retirees’ major expenses –insurance, rates, utilities, health care and food – have been rising faster than general consumer prices.

That means retirees who rely heavily on the pension are seeing more financial pressure than the headline inflation numbers suggest.

THERE’S A HOUSING CATCH: here’s the crucial fine print: every one of these benchmarks assumes you own your home outright when you retire.

That assumption is becoming shaky.

Research shows the share of Australians aged 55–64 still carrying mortgage debt has tripled since 1990, and the average debt for that age group now exceeds

$230,000. More than one in three Millennials expect to retire with a mortgage still running.

The ASFA budgets are built on the assumption of full home ownership.

That means they do not include rent, mortgage repayments or major housing costs.

If you’re renting or carrying a mortgage into retirement, the required super balance can rise dramatically.

ASFA estimates renters need $340,000–385,000 for a modest lifestyle – more than a homeowner needs for a comfortable one.

Super Consumers Australia presents a similar gap, estimating that a renter requires about $659,000 in superannuation, compared with only $322,000 for a homeowner.

With more people retiring with mortgage debt today than previous generations, both key benchmarks may underestimate housing-related stress for future retirees.

THE GENDER GAP IN RETIREMENT: retirement targets are often discussed as if everyone starts from the same

position. They don’t. Australian women retire with about 25% less super than men.

The gender pay gap (currently around 21%) compounds over a working life into a much larger retirement savings gap.

Women also live longer on average, meaning their money needs to stretch further.

The government began paying super on parental leave in July 2025 – a meaningful step forward. But the gap remains significant.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: there’s no single right number. But ask yourself these questions before chasing any benchmark:

• will you own your home outright?

• do you want to travel or are you a homebody?

• are you planning for one income or two?

The gap between ASFA comfortable and Super Consumers medium is $8,497 a year in spending – but nearly $308,000 in required super. That difference is almost entirely lifestyle choice.

For a personalised estimate, the free MoneySmart Retirement Planner is a good starting point, or call the government’s free Financial Information Service on 132 300.

The $1 million figure isn’t evidencebased for most Australians.

But the lower benchmarks all carry the same caveat: they assume you’re a homeowner.

As more people retire with debt or as renters, even those more modest numbers may understate what you actually need.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not intended as financial advice. The article first appeared in The Conversation on March 23, 2026. Read it in full at theconversation.com/how-much-do-youreally-need-to-retire-its-probably-a-lotless-than-1-million-276375

MORE AS WE AGE, DELIVERING THE ‘JOYSPAN’

WHEN we talk about healthy ageing, diet and exercise usually take centre stage.

But one of the strongest influences is often overlooked: social connection.

Increasingly, the conversation is shifting from lifespan to ‘joyspan’ – not just how long we live, but how much enjoyment, meaning and connection we experience.

Humans are wired for connection.

Over a lifetime, relationships formed through family, work, clubs and community groups shape our identity and sense of purpose.

As we age, those networks can change. Retirement, relocation or the loss of loved ones can quietly reduce everyday social contact.

The health effects of loneliness are well established.

In its 2025 report From Loneliness to Social Connection, the World Health Organization describes social isolation as a serious but under-recognised public health challenge, linked to higher risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, heart disease and early death.

The encouraging news is that people who feel connected are more likely to stay active, manage ongoing health conditions with confidence and seek

help early. Community spaces and shared activities play an important role here.

Bringing people together around shared interests, learning and everyday conversation can create routine, purpose and belonging, even without meeting face to face.

These regular moments of connection support not only health, but also joyspan.

Inclusee staff see this in action every day through the Virtual Community Centre, which connects people to explore interests, build skills and enjoy social connection from anywhere.

Because feeling connected helps us live not just longer lives, but joyful ones.

WORDS: Tatia Power, strategic partnerships manager, Inclusee.

Call 1800 287 687 or visit inclusee.org.au

STRESS FREE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Receive personalised service, tailored for you, with fixed rates and no hidden fees.

GRANDPARENTS BECOMING ‘THE SILENT VICTIMS OF DIVORCE’

GRANDPARENTS are bearing the fall-out as couple separations become more complex and high conflict.

That’s according to leading family law experts who warn that the emotional and psychological toll is growing, with grandparents increasingly being cut off from their grandchildren during family breakdowns.

Award-winning family lawyer and domestic violence advocate Joplin Higgins and leading Melbourne barrister Dr Darren Mort say they are seeing a sharp rise in cases where grandparents are unintentionally caught in the middle of disputes, often losing meaningful relationships with children they have helped raise.

“Grandparents are the forgotten victims of separation,” Ms Higgins says.

“They often provide emotional, financial and practical support to families, yet when relationships break down, they can be excluded overnight.”

The issue is becoming increasingly visible as financial pressures, housing affordability and childcare costs lead to more multi-generational involvement in family life.

“In many families today, grandparents are not just occasional

visitors,” Dr Mort says. “They are deeply embedded in children’s lives. When separation occurs, the loss of that connection can be harmful for both children and grandparents.”

Dr Mort and Ms Higgins say they are receiving many questions from grandparents who have been stopped from seeing their grandchildren and the impact is distressing. The pair are urging grandparents to be proactive, strategic and emotionally intelligent in how they navigate family conflict.

While Australian family law recognises the importance of children maintaining meaningful relationships with extended family, Ms Higgins says many grandparents are unaware they can seek orders in certain circumstances.

Dr Mort says early advice can prevent escalation.

More at youtube.com/@ DearDivorceDiary-withDazJop

● Fixed rate with no hidden fees

● Fully licenced Property Manager

● Regular routine inspections with photo reports

● Flexible owner payments, and same day statements

● Strict property application processes with thorough tenant checks

● Limited number of managed properties to ensure top quality service

FOR THE DIARY: April

HERE’S some dates to keep in mind this month:

• April 1 April Fools’ Day

• April 2 World Autism Awareness Day

• April 3 Good Friday

• April 4 Holy Saturday; International Pillow Fight Day; April 5 Easter Sunday

• April 5 Easter Monday

• April 6 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

• April 7 World Health Day; Metric System Day

• April 10 Golfer’s Day

• April 11 World Parkinson’s Day

• April 13 World Rock and Roll Day

• April 22 Earth Day

• April 23 Shakespeare Day

• April 25 Anzac Day; Global Healing Day; World Penguin Day; World Veterinary Day

• April 26 Hug an Australian Day

• April 28 World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

DREAMY CREAMY BRIE

Makes 4

Here’s a recipe from Kim McCosker, of 4 Ingredients, that’s a little bit rock’n’roll – in honour of World Rock and Roll Day on April 13. She says Dreamy Creamy Brie makes her happy every time she makes it. Visit 4ingredients.com.au for more recipes.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices wholemeal bread

• 125g wheel double-cream brie cheese

• 2 tbsp raspberry jam

• ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted.

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C. Remove the crusts from the bread slices (freeze the crusts for making breadcrumbs at a later date). Cut each piece of bread diagonally into quarters.

2. Place on a baking tray and bake until lightly golden and crisp – about 6 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, place the brie on a microwaveable serving plate, spread with the jam, and sprinkle with almonds over the top.

4. Cook on high for 30 seconds, wait 5 seconds, and then repeat this process twice to prevent overheating the cheese on the inside. Serve with the crispy Melba toast.

BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL

GET ready for a month-long tickling of the funny bone in a city-wide celebration of comedy.

Established in 2009, Brisbane Comedy Festival celebrates its 17th year in 2026 with a star-studded line-up of Australian and international comedians.

Following a record-breaking 2025 season that drew more than 90,000+ attendees across 420+ performances, the 2026 festival promises to be its biggest yet, packed with international stars, local legends and fresh talent.

Among the Aussie stars of the program is Denise Scott who makes a triumphant return to the stage with her new solo show Tickety Boo, blending her observational humour with her most personal work yet.

Dave Hughes returns with brutally

honest new show Cooked, and The Umbilical Brothers are bringing their cult-classic Speed mouse back to the stage with its high-octane blend of physical comedy, fast-forward absurdity, and frame-by-frame hilarity.

From special one-off shows and comedy specially for kids to free outdoor events, Brisbane Comedy Festival 2026 will bring one huge month of belly laughs to venues across the city, and that unique communal joy that only comedy can deliver.

WHERE: Various acts at the Brisbane Powerhouse, The Fortitude Music Hall, The Tivoli and The Princess Theatre.

WHEN: Various times, from April 24May 24.

TICKETS: Various prices, via brisbanecomedyfestival. com/?section=whats-on

LATE NIGHT VICE CABARET

DIRECT from sold-out seasons in Melbourne and Sydney, Strut and Fret, the masterminds behind Blanc de Blanc Encore, are bringing Late Night Vice back to Brisbane.

Audiences who attended the show’s sold-out Brisbane Festival debut were warned Late Night Vice has a much sharper bite than previous Strut & Fret productions and embraced the hilariously risqué show with open arms and minds.

The show’s success means it will this time return as a stand-alone headline show outside of festival season, with a line-up of world class cabaret, burlesque and circus talent from the US and Australia.

Straight from a Vegas residency as the opening act for Kylie Minogue and Christina Aguilera, Jake DuPree (RuPaul’s Drag Race) stars alongside: Spencer Novich (Cirque du Soleil’s KA, FX’s American Horror Story); leading vocalist Em Mylott (Les Misérables, We Will Rock You); Melanie Hawkins (Saturday Night Fever, Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom musical); Brett Rosengreen (The Voice, X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent) and Brisbane’s seductive cirque performer Katrina Louise, who has toured across five continents.

Content warning: the show contains nudity, profanity, strobe effects and pyrotechnics.

WHERE: The West End Electric, 125 Boundary Street, West End.

WHEN: Until April 19: Thursday to Saturday at 9.45pm; and Sundays at 8pm.

TICKETS: from $69 (ticket types General, Premium, Moët & Chandon Tables), via latenightviceshow.com/brisbane/

A HERITAGE-RICH EASTER

THIS Easter, the Sunshine Coast is set to come alive with three vibrant heritage events that celebrate culture, community and the stories that shape our region.

From high-energy family fun to deep cultural learning and historical discovery, the program offers something for every generation.

Kicking off the holiday period is the Easter School Holiday Program at Bankfoot House and Landsborough Museum, running from April 8-18.

Families can enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt on Wednesday, April 8, amid the historic grounds of Bankfoot House, where children can explore the lawns and gardens while learning about early pioneer life.

At Landsborough Museum on Friday, April 10, visitors can test their speed at the exhilarating Bungee Run Inflatable Challenge: a free event celebrating the new museum exhibition.

Running alongside these festivities is the Around the Track: A Grassroots to Glory Exhibition, open from April 10 to August 30 at Landsborough Museum.

This engaging showcase dives into the evolution of athletics in the region, featuring stories of local sporting clubs, coaches and competitors who helped build our sporting identity.

On Saturday, April 18, the community is invited to gather at the Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct for the powerful and

culturally significant First Nations Family Fun Day, run in partnership with GATHAA First Nations Markets.

This free, interactive celebration brings the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples together to share culture, stories, traditional craft, food, workshops and a powerful corroboree featuring dance, didgeridoo and a smoking ceremony.

With market stalls, music, kids’ activities and guided tours of historic Bankfoot House, the day promises to be a rich expression of connection and Country.

Together, these events offer a reminder that heritage is not just history – it is lived, shared and celebrated. This Easter, the Sunshine Coast invites everyone to step into that story.

For event details and bookings, visit heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/about/ programs-and-events

QLD’S LARGEST DISPLAY OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND DAILY LIVING AIDS

THE ATSA Independent Living Expo at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on the May 20-21 is the state’s largest display of assistive technology and daily living aids all under one roof.

Are you looking for the latest in assistive technology for you or a family member? Need a compact power wheelchair or scooter? Looking for daily living aids or mobility devices? Need to update your lift chair, bed or commode? Don’t know what is available to make daily life easier?

This free expo has the solutions to all those challenges and more.

More than 125 exhibitors will be displaying products and offering services to cover many needs.

If you haven’t attended before, take a look at some feedback from previous events:

• “Thanks for an absolutely fabulous two days. As a consumer, I learnt lots and now have some great new pieces of AT on order. I was also able to gain wonderful information that I’m now going to collate and share.”

• “I first attended in 2019! I am almost certain I will be back to attend many more expos in the future. Thank you again to all involved in making these expos happen.”

• “Loved it all as usual. Good variety of stands. Easy to navigate in three-wheel (small) electric scooter.”

• “Thank you for continuing to provide this expo. I thoroughly enjoy attending.”

• “It was a great event. Loved every minute I was there.”

Visit expo.atsa.org.au for all the details and to register (receive a free coffee for registering). For any questions, email events@atsa.org.au or call (02) 8006 7357.

ANZAC DAY PARADE BRISBANE

THE annual Anzac Day Parade Brisbane brings our community together to honour Australia and New Zealand’s proud service history.

In 2026, the parade marks 125 years of the Royal Australian Navy, 111 years since the Gallipoli landings and 110 years since Australia’s first Anzac Day Parade.

Visit anzacdayparade.org.au

WHERE: The parade will be held on Adelaide Street, between George Street and Creek Street. A limited view of the parade can also be enjoyed from George Street between Adelaide and Elizabeth streets, and Creek Street between Adelaide and Queen streets.

WHEN: Saturday, April 25: beginning at

AFFORDABLE ART FAIR

PICK out a great artwork for your home at the Affordable Art Fair.

The global art phenomenon will once again connect thousands of art lovers with living artists through a curated, welcoming and inspiring fair experience.

Brisbane will lead the national calendar, transforming the Exhibition Building at the Brisbane Showgrounds into a vibrant four-day hub of creativity.

Over 55 independent galleries and artist collectives are expected to exhibit in Brisbane, showcasing thousands of original artworks priced between $100 and

9.45am with the Governor of Queensland’s arrival at King George Square; finishing at 12.25pm with the last marching participants.

TICKETS: Free.

$10,000, reinforcing the fair’s mission to make collecting art approachable and attainable.

WHERE: Exhibition Building, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills.

WHEN: Thursday, May 7, noon-5pm (VIP preview), 5-9pm (open to the public); Friday, May 8, 10am-8pm; Saturday, May 9, 10am-5pm; Sunday, May 10, 10am-5pm.

TICKETS: Opening night $45 (+bf), with access from 5pm. Ticket includes unlimited access across all four days; general entry –$28 (+bf) for single-day entry. Visit affordableartfair.com/fairs/brisbane/

roadFestival trip NOOSA

So, while we’re being entertained by the skills and banter of the PorkStar Live Cooking Battles in the Festival Village, or floating on the Noosa River aboard MV Catalina with a Florcita Tequila in one hand and Latin-inspired canape in the other, these food stars are trying to keep a lid on their own excitement.

“Working with all the chefs –that’s the fun part,” enthuses Italianborn Andrea, who has worked in leading restaurants in Varese, Florence and Milan, and has spent the past 16 years immersed in the Noosa restaurant scene.

“It’s Schoolies for us,” he adds, with a hearty laugh.

“The thing for us is more collaborating with the other chefs – to see what people outside Noosa are doing different to us.

“And working with ‘big’ chefs is always challenging. You are working with top chefs from Australia, like Ben Williamson, who’s got seven restaurants.”

Dining out on a ‘celebrity feast’

SHIRLEY SINCLAIR chats with two of the personalities of the Noosa Food and Wine Festival for a sneak preview of what guests can expect to indulge in throughout this year’s program.

It’s not just your average epicures counting down the days to the 2026 Noosa Food and Wine Festival, to be held from June 11-14.

Restaurateurs, chefs and winemakers from around Australia and closer to home can’t wait for the line-up of Signature Events, Restaurant Series experiences and the ever-popular Festival Village – all plated up against glorious coastal and hinterland backdrops.

ANDREA RAVEZZANI

“It’s like Schoolies for chefs.”

Andrea Ravezzani, head chef at Park&Cove in Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas, is describing the electric atmosphere on stage and behind the scenes at Noosa Food and Wine Festival (NF&W). Just like annual graduation celebrations for Year 12s on ‘that other coast to the south’, NF&W brings together the crème de la crème of Australian celebrity chefs, restaurateurs and food influencers for one massive, four-day party we’re all invited to.

This is their playground, on the cutting edge of hospitality.

At NF&W’s Le Bistro, La Plage: French Beachside Lunch on Sunday, June 14, Andrea will be working shoulder to shoulder with Ben, the Anyday hospitality group founding director, who is culinary maestro at celebrated Brisbane venues – the Parisian-style bistro The French Exit, Biànca Italian restaurant,

Japanese eatery hôntô, and the SouthEast Asian cuisine of sAme sAme. Joining them will be co-founder and culinary director of the Masonry Group, Ben Cross, who was mentored by acclaimed chefs Janni Kyritsis (MG Garage) and Neil Perry (Rockpool Dining Group), and has worked in kitchens from Byron Bay to New York and Spain. Ben and the Masonry Group have spent the past eight years reshaping Bali’s dining scene, including Bar Vera, and more recently opened MASONRY. Japan: a ski-in, ski-out restaurant in the Niseko Kyo hotel, Hirafu.

Andrea, a Federation of Italian Cooks member, has his own impressive kitchen credentials, including a bronze medal in the Italian Cup culinary competition and silver medal at the Gastronomia Expo regional contest.

His passion and respect for the culinary arts and championing seasonal ingredients have seen him make his mark at other beloved Noosa eateries, including Lindoni’s, Berardo’s and his own Noosa Waterfront Restaurant and Bar (which he sold in the lead-up to the 2025 NF&W).

continued over >

Andrea has a fair bit on his plate for this edition of NF&W, overseeing the smooth workings of the Noosa Main Beach kitchen for Signature Events.

As well as Le Bistro, La Plage: French Beachside Lunch, he will have all hands on deck for the Official Opening Party on the Friday afternoon, June 12, and for The Italian Long Lunch on Saturday, June 13, where he teams up with Guy Grossi –legendary Melbourne chef and owner of Garum Perth and Settimo Brisbane, and master pâtissier Adriano Zumbo.

Andrea takes the lead when he hosts the Restaurant Series’ Park & Cove: Global Pairings lunch on Friday, June 12: billed as “Five Chefs. Five Countries. Five Perfect Pairings”.

He says guests will be taken for a gastronomic tour “around the world”, with each course matched with a wine

that reflects its regional influence.

After a classic Aperol aperitivo on the terrazza, guests will savour five courses, each created by Andrea and four other distinguished chefs:

• Spencer Patrick, of Harrisons in Port Douglas

• Louis Tikaram, of Brisbane’s

Stanley Restaurant

• Telina Menzies, of Hotel Esplanade, and Australian Venue Co executive chef

• Darren Purchese, of Love Studio Kitchen, and The Great Australian Bake Off TV show judge.

And you can be sure each culinary master will be vying to out-do the other with their designated course.

The 2026 NF&W marks Andrea’s 16 years of involvement with the event.

“As per usual, five days and no sleep but, you know …” he chuckles.

NATHAN RAMSAY

It is such a small gesture, but one from the heart.

Every night at his Somedays Pizza restaurant in Noosa Junction, Nathan Ramsay and business partner Shane Newton light a candle in an empty Ochota Barrels wine bottle.

The candle illuminates the space around it – in honour of a man who shone brightly through his passion for winemaking, zest for life and generosity of spirit.

Since Nathan and Shane opened Somedays in January 2022, Ochota Barrels – Taras and Amber Ochota’s Adelaide Hills wine label – has always featured, showcasing their cult-status, minimal-intervention organic wines.

Wine Business Magazine described Taras as “a much-loved member of the Australian and international wine community” and one of the first winemakers, along with Amber, to pursue low-intervention winemaking in Australia.

The Somedays crew never knew him: he passed at the age of 49 in October 2020, after battling an illness for several years.

But their working relationship with Amber and the label soon led to collaborations, trips between Noosa and Adelaide, friendship and a deep respect for the husband she lost nearly six years ago.

Amber will again make the trip north from Basket Range for the Somedays x Ochota Barrels special collaboration dinner – part of the NF&W Restaurant Series – on Saturday night, June 13.

Nathan reveals that instead of the very capable Somedays staff making the usual “250 pizzas for the night”, the festival event promises a generous wood-fired banquet menu, bringing bold flavours and seasonal produce together in a shared feast.

After speaking at an intimate media lunch at Sabrosa Dim Sum House, his other Noosa Junction venue, Nathan tells Your Time: “At Somedays … we are going to do an Italian wood-fired banquet, antipasti and traditional porchetta and

WHERE in the world

THIS row of townhouses may look familiar, even if you’ve never been to Bath in the City of Somerset, England.

The distinctive Georgian architecture –part of what is called The Circus, for its circular/ring appearance – appears in just about every movie or TV series that requires an outdoor period setting (the commercial and residential properties were actually built between 1754 and 1768).

fish, rather than pizzas. I’ve actually got my hands on a lot of (Amber’s) premium wines which are very small batch –I’m talking a few hundred bottles made each year.

“It’s a really nice opportunity for me as well to try those wines with the guests and Amber.

“It will be a celebration of food, wine and the people that make this industry so special.”

Amber will guide guests through the curated progression of estate wines thoughtfully paired with each course.

Nathan says Gareth and Rainbo Belton – the winemakers behind Amber’s Adelaide Hills ‘neighbour’, Gentle Folk – has become another firm friend, brought about through their working relationship.

The Beltons will bring their estate wine pairings to life through stories behind the scenes at the Sabrosa Dim Sum House x Gentle Folk lunch on Friday, June 12. The NF&W Restaurant Series event aims to elevate the humble dim sum to rock-star status.

Guests can expect 13-courses on the dim sum journey, including Sabrosa diners’ favourites and new taste treats developed specially for the festival.

For remaining festival tickets, head to noosafoodandwine.com.au

The golden hue is from the Bath Stone: a limestone that came from the Combe Down and Bathampton Down mines. Architect John Wood, the Elder, put his stamp on history with the design.

Look for it in Bridgerton on Netflix, Jane Austen-penned films including Persuasion, as well as The Duchess, Vanity Fair and Les Misérables.

CHOOSING the right tour company can be the difference between a pleasant holiday and an unforgettable one.

While destination and price often draw attention first, the true indicators of a quality operator come down to their equipment, expertise and commitment to comfort and safety.

Newer vehicles offer more than good looks: they provide smoother suspension, quieter travel, modern safety systems and cleaner, more efficient engines.

But even the best coach relies on the people behind it. An experienced driver –especially one who is also a qualified mechanic – adds confidence and peace of mind by keeping the journey running smoothly when unexpected issues arise.

A friendly, knowledgeable tour host enhances the experience with storytelling,

personal support and well-managed logistics, helping every traveller feel genuinely welcomed and looked after.

Coach configuration also plays a big role. While full-size vehicles can seat 46 to 50 passengers, choosing a coach fitted with only 30 seats changes everything: more legroom, easier movement, quicker boarding and a relaxed, small-group atmosphere.

Modern comfort features matter, too.

USB-A and USB-C charging ports at every seat keep devices powered, while Starlink internet provides reliable connectivity, even in remote regions.

Accessibility is essential, and the best operators invest in accessible vehicles and itineraries that genuinely accommodate all travellers. Safety should never be overlooked. Onboard equipment such as a defibrillator shows real commitment to passenger wellbeing.

Ultimately, the best tour company is the one that prioritises people, safety, comfort and care, because great travel isn’t just about where you go, but how you get there.

Visit bluebustours.com.au

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH AVIATION HISTORY

RESIDENTS will be familiar with the collection of vintage ex-military aircraft operated by Warplanes Pty Ltd from the Caboolture Airfield for more than 20 years.

Chief pilot Ross Parker, a former RAAF and commercial pilot, flies a 1945 World War II RAAF Wirraway and a powerful 1954 T-28 Trojan from the US Navy in a range of roles including passenger adventure flights, commemorative flypasts for special occasions such as Anzac Day and Queensland country festivals, and aerial displays at air shows.

The Wirraway is known to most Australians as the primary training aircraft for World War II pilots heading off to war. Some Wirraways saw combat as a stop-gap fighter early in the Pacific War.

The aircraft is a real favourite among aviation fans, and warbird enthusiasts from around the world come to fly in the Wirraway as there are now only three airworthy examples left in the country.

The US Navy T-28 Trojan aircraft is a high-performance trainer and groundattack aircraft used by military forces around the world.

Named ‘Miss Stress’ when she arrived in Australia, this aircraft saw 30 years of service at US Naval stations in Texas before retirement into civilian ownership.

Now, her service is of a different kind: thrilling passengers with her manoeuvrability and grace in aerobatics and high-speed flight across the beautiful beaches and landscape of the Sunshine Coast.

Adventure flights enable passengers to step back in time and combine the excitement of military flight from a bygone era with the beauty of the coast and hinterland.

Take-off and landing can be viewed by family and friends from vantage points on the airfield and, after more than 20 years, there’s still a 100 per cent passenger satisfaction rate.

So, if you need a piece of aviation history to be part of your event, or you or your loved ones want to actually fly in a warbird pilot’s seat, then contact Warplanes Pty Ltd to make that booking. Call 0401493 999 or visit warplanes.com.au

MAY 2026

O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days)

Wallaroo Outback Retreat (7 Days)

JUNE 2026

Darling River Run (15 Days)

Red Centre & Top End (18 Days)

JULY 2026

Broome to Darwin (12 Days)

AUGUST 2026

North Queensland Savannah (11 Days)

Tropical North Queensland (12 Days)

SEPTEMBER 2026

Fraser Island (5 days)

Wallaroo Outback Retreat (7 Days)

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4Days)

Spring Gardens & Floriade (11 Days)

OCTOBER 2026

Wild Wild West of WA (13 Days)

Fraser Coast & Lady Musgrave Island (5 Days)

NOVEMBER 2026

Tasmania (15 Days)

DECEMBER 2026

O’Reillys (4 Days)

NSW Central Coast & Blue Mountains (11 Days)

www.cttravel.com.au

PREMIUM Hunter Valley accommodation

destination The Lane Retreat, Bimbadgen, has released a value-packed Signature Stay Package, inviting guests to slow down and savour the beauty of wine country this autumn and winter.

Set among 15ha of vineyards and natural bushland in the heart of the Hunter Valley, The Lane Retreat offers a peaceful escape paired with food and wine experiences. The new package is available for stays until August 31.

The Lane Retreat Signature Stay Package, priced from $319 per night (minimum two-night stay), includes:

• two nights in a Premium King or Twin Studio

• continental breakfast provisions supplied for your stay

• a $100 restaurant and beverage credit available to use at Bimbadgen Cellar Door, Bimbadgen Pizzeria, Esca Bimbadgen,

Alter Wines at Emma’s Cottage or The Lane Retreat’s Pantry

• a signature wine tasting of five wines with paired Cocoa Nib chocolates at Alter Wines Cellar Door, Emma’s Cottage

• a curated gourmet picnic featuring artisan crackers, premium cured meats, locally crafted cheeses, marinated olives, mixed roasted nuts, sparkling water and a bottle from the Growers Range collection.

• late checkout.

Developed by property and hospitality group Mulpha Australia in the grounds of Bimbadgen’s 50-year-old vineyards, The Lane Retreat has been designed to provide a unique accommodation offering to complement the brands Palmer Lane wedding and events venue and the winery and restaurants at Bimbadgen’s home vineyard on McDonald Road. Guests also have access to the Mulpha-owned Emma’s Cottage Vineyard boutique winery nearby.

The Lane Retreat offers 60 luxurious studio retreats with outdoor decks offering panoramic views of the Broken Back Range or Bimbadgen vineyards. Cocooned in comfort, guests will enjoy a rare combination of privacy, curated luxury and connection to wine country.

Guests will enjoy VIP access to Bimbadgen’s flagship restaurant Esca, its Woodfired Pizzeria and Cellar Door, and Emma’s Cottage Vineyard boutique winery nearby.

Book at thelaneretreat.com.au

DAZZLING GEMS ADDED TO ARANOA ITINERARIES

ARANUI Cruises has updated its 2027 program, with some exciting new island destinations added to Aranoa’s maiden season.

New-build Aranoa, which is due to start sailing for the boutique cruise line in early 2027, will now visit Society Islands gems Maupiti, with its Bora Bora-like blue lagoon, and lush ‘Garden of Eden’ Huahine as part of her Austral Islands voyages without Rapa Iti.

Aranoa’s new 13-day itinerary will offer a call to Maupiti or Huahine as well as Raiatea and Bora Bora – all in the Society Islands – and four picturesque Austral Islands in the south of French Polynesia.

The 198-guest Aranoa has eight departures of the revamped Austral Island cruises throughout 2027: four featuring a call to Maupiti and four with Huahine.

To launch the new itinerary, Aranui is offering 15 per cent off Aranoa’s Austral

Islands cruises with Maupiti or Huahine, with the discounted voyages priced from A$7768 per person, twin share: a saving of A$1262.

The 116-metre-long mixed passengerfreighter vessel will also offer six Austral Islands cruises to all five inhabited islands, including Rapa. Aranoa’s 13-day Austral Islands voyages with Rapa are currently 15 per cent off, priced from A$8049 per person twin share: a saving of A$1311. The discounted crises are on sale until May 31.

Aranoa will have a total of 18 cruises in her maiden season, mostly delivering cargo to the southern Austral Islands, as well as a series of cruises without freight delivery, including a five-day cruise to Makatea, Mataiva and Anaa in the Tuamotus, a trip to the Marquesas Islands for the biennial Arts Festival, plus two 12-day voyages to Pitcairn and the Gambiers.

Visit aranuicruises.com.au

Kakadu and Litchfield NP!

6DayCarnarvonGorge 21-26June2026

Twin Share Price $2,695.00 Single Supplement $615.00 Travel to the lush outback oasis of Carnarvon Gorge. Enjoy walks in the gorges or just relax in the stunning natural wonder of ecological and cultural significance.

13DayWildflowersinWA

1-13September2026

Twin Share Price $7,850.00

Single Supplement $1,260.00 Discover the breathtaking beauty of southwest Western Australia on our tour featuring colourful wildflower displays, coastal wonders and rich heritage towns.

7DayLordHoweIsland 16-22November2026

Twin Share Price $6,695.00

Single Supplement $1,360.00

Discover the world’s most exclusive island resort with pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and spectacular landscapes. With limited visitors allowed on the island paradise at any one time, come join us to experience Lord Howe Island’s incredible natural attractions.

With Quizmaster Garry Reynolds

1. What is the main dam in the Snowy Mountains Scheme?

2. Which NSW premier fathered 17 children?

3. Name a capital city in Europe beginning with S.

4. In the animal kingdom, what is a gnu?

5. What is the name for the Maori ceremonial war dance?

6. What is the most abundant gas in the Earth’s atmosphere?

7. What is an Indonesian kris?

8. What is Britain’s longest river?

9. In which Australian capital was Expo 88 held?

10. What is the term for a novel based on the collapse of society?

11. What is the name of the Rogers and Hammerstein’s musical set in World War II?

12. What is a neonate?

13. Of Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian architecture, which has the widest columns?

14. What shape is a tetragon?

15. Who played ‘Mr Big’ in Sex and the City?

16. What is the medical term for bad breath?

17. Who was the suffragette killed after throwing herself under the king’s racehorse?

18. In which US state is the San Andreas Fault?

19. Which singer had the hit Man! I Feel Like a Woman!?

20. What type of insect lives in a formicary?

7. Emily Wilding Davison. 18. California. 19. Shania Twain. 20. An ant.

Pacific. 12. A newborn baby (four weeks old or younger). 13. Doric. 14. Quadrilateral or four-sided polygon.

Lake Eucumbene. 2. Sir Henry Parkes. 3. Sofia, Stockholm, Sarajevo, Skopje and San Marino. 4. African antelope, also called wildebeest. 5. The haka. 6. Nitrogen. 7. A traditional dagger. 8. The Severn. 9. Brisbane. 10. Dystopian fiction.

QUICK CROSSWORD

17 words: Good

25 words: Very good 36 words: Excellent

under nut(6)

Muddy(6)

Ape(5) 11 Not examined(9)

Oslo resident(9)

Pessimist(5)

Spectacles(6)

Nigh(4)

Pallid(4) 20 Drug(6)

Gastric woe(5)

Breed(9) 27 Profanity(9)

28 Common bacterium(1.4)

29 Slows(6)

German city(6)

Effeminate(8)

2 English county(8)

3 Defecate(7)

5 Second-hand vehicle(4,3)

6 Beachgoer’s two-piece(6)

7 Subtract(6)

8 German automobile manufacturer(4)

9 Examined(7)

16 Broke off a small piece(7)

17 Tubular pasta(8)

18 Book of the Hebrew Bible(8)

19 Wither(7) 21 Tableland(7)

22 Restrained(6)

23 Bad writing(6)

26 Ornamental quartz(4)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of

colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

WORD STEP

Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. One possible answer shown below.

BLINK

For more than 30 years, Carinity Home Care has been delivering high-quality, genuine care and support to seniors - making a real difference so you can get the most out of life.

Because we’re locally based, you’ll enjoy having experts right on your doorstep, along with the comfort and trust that comes from seeing familiar faces.

Discover the lifestyle

Halcyon Coves has officially unveiled six stunning new display homes and the Sales & Information Centre. All homes have been thoughtfully designed for over-50s, featuring state-of-the-art fittings with luxury and premier inclusions.

Be among the first to experience the lifestyle that awaits. Private appointments available now.

Call 1800 050 050 or scan the QR code to find out more