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Editor’s note

“O

h, I could never travel on my own. I’m not worldly enough. I’d get muddled up about where I’d need to be and when. It would cost too much. Besides, I’d be too lonely on my own.” We can be our own worst enemy sometimes, putting up walls and finding obstacles that stop us spreading our wings and flying solo. As a result, we may miss out on those cherished hugs from family members in another state or overseas. We may never see that wonder of the world we’ve dreamed of. The desire to return to the hometown of our childhood or walk in the footsteps of ancestors may remain unfulfilled. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Octogenarian, journalist and novelist Julie Lake offers her tips for solo travel in this month’s cover story. And she’s not alone in wanting to discover how to make the most of it. People find themselves as solo travellers for many reasons – not just because they are separated, divorced or widowed. Some simply enjoy their own company and have never needed a ‘plus one’ to have a good time. A wife may sign up for a

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women-only tour and leave hubbie at home, quite happy to enjoy his creature comforts. Perhaps there’s a great travel deal on offer to an exotic destination but no one else you know is available on those dates. Then there are those who enjoy the thrill of meeting strangers who become newfound friends on group tours – individuals they may never have become acquainted with if keeping to themselves as part of a couple. Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu said: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” And that’s how those who have never travelled solo should begin. That single step could be an appointment with a neighbourhood travel agent who will plan a complete itinerary. It could mean joining a travel group on Facebook or signing up for a solo supplement on a luxury river cruise. My most recent solo adventure to Bendigo (see our Travel section this month) was probably the ‘hardest’ – only because it involved two flights, via Sydney. I’m not as outgoing as you may think but do like to take a tentative step outside my comfort zone now and again and see where the journey takes me. With a little planning, research and advice, you can, too. Welcome to another big year of Your Time! Shirley Sinclair Editor

Contents 6 8 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 19 20 24 26 28 28 29 29 30 32 36 37 38

COVER STORY AGES AND STAGES HISTORY MUSINGS WITH GARRY WHAT’S HIP IN THE COMMUNITY PALLIATIVE CARE FEATURE ACTIVE LIVING MOTORING TECHNOLOGY HERVEY BAY FEATURE INSIGHT AGED CARE FEATURE RETIREMENT LIVING FLIPSIDE BRAIN MATTERS HEALTH WHAT’S ON TRAVEL BOOKS TRIVIA QUIZ PUZZLES

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 Your Time Magazine is locally owned and published by The Publishing Media Company Pty Ltd ATF The Media Trust (“the Publisher”). No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher. The Publisher does not assume responsibility for, endorse or adopt the content of any advertisements published in Your Time Magazine, either as written copy or inserts, given such content is provided by third parties and contains statements beyond the Publisher’s personal knowledge. The information contained in Your Time Magazine is intended as a guide only and does not represent the view or opinion of the Publisher or its editorial staff. Professional advice should be sought before applying any of the information to particular circumstances. Whilst every reasonable care is taken in the preparation of Your Time Magazine, the Publisher and its editorial staff do not accept liability for any errors or omissions it may contain.

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COVER STORY

grand overseas adventure JULIE LAKE aims to inspire us all as she offers first-hand advice on how to travel solo and return home (relatively) unscathed.

set out on my 80th birthday last year for a solo trip to Alaska and Canada – a mix of moderate adventure and luxury. The adventure was a tour of Denali National Park, a day walking in Anchorage alone and the shore expeditions included in the cruise – several of which involved long hikes over rough ground and whale watching in small craft. It was fun. It was exciting. It went without a hitch. But to achieve that, I spent a year planning every detail, watching YouTube videos of my chosen destinations and activities and employing a very good travel agent. It all took a great deal more money than the days when my husband and I used to grab a handful of travellers’ cheques, a passport and a visa or two and head out into the world uninsured and

confident in our youth and strength. Good organisation and self-awareness were essential to the success of this trip. My first step was to decide where to go. What was top of my bucket list? Not an easy decision, even for the well-travelled. Ruthless self-awareness told me that the things I used to enjoy doing, or aspired to do, are not the things that I want to do today. And though I am still fit and healthy, there were some things I could not (or should not) do. A tough reality check. So, I decided on Alaska and western Canada – the former because it is still a vast, barely-inhabited wilderness; the latter because I had long wanted to visit The Rockies and Lake Louise. My bucket list included fine dining, ziplining, breathtaking scenery and wildlife. With

these parameters, my travel agent curated a three-part trip that ticked all the boxes. The Denali section, with a small group, gave me a feeling of adventure but also the security of a guided tour and good accommodation and organised (or easily available) meals. I then cruised the Inside Passage from Anchorage to Vancouver on a luxurious ship small enough to sail easily alongside the small Alaskan fjord towns but large enough so I never felt crowded. Research showed me that expedition ships with their 100 or so passengers were just too small for space and privacy, while there was no way I’d be comfortable on one of those huge floating cities with thousands of party-loving passengers, lots of children, big casinos and lavish shows, waterslides, crowded buffets and fun-in-the-sun vibe.

So, my agent, a cruise veteran, chose just right for me: a ship with 680 passengers and almost as many crew, gorgeous suites with balconies, plenty of space and private nooks, delightful cocktail lounges, small specialty restaurants, modest entertainment and enrichment programs, lavish spa, cosy library and food to die for. Boarding was a breeze, getting on and off at the various ports fast and easy, and the service impeccable. And there were many included shore excursions tailored to suit all tastes and abilities. This was followed by a scenic trip on the Rocky Mountaineer train and a couple of days at the iconic Fairmont Chateau overlooking lovely Lake Louise. I travelled alone on the ship and on the train. But everything – and this is important – was arranged for me. I had pick-up vehicles at every airport and hotel connection. Many meals were included in my itinerary. The cost of the ship was prepaid, including all food, beverages, shore excursions and gratuities. Ditto the train. It all made travelling so much easier, and wherever I felt that connections were a little tight, in this age of cancellation and delays, I paid to stay in a comfortable hotel for an extra night. Even the best-planned trip is not entirely free from stress. I found the constant tipping in these countries expensive and annoying. You need to budget for at least $AUD200 a week in tips, even when some gratuities (ship, train, some expedition guides) are prepaid. Wait staff, hotel staff, porters, expedition guides, drivers and hosts, taxi drivers and docents all require a minimum 15 per cent (and often more) gratuity. Personally, I drew the line at tipping in shops and even supermarkets where there’s a tip jar or gratuity option on your bill, even though you’ve served yourself! I took cash expressly for tipping but never once needed it. A good travel card can be used for even the smallest purchase,

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Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise including the gratuity, and you don’t have to worry about the exchange rate. I’d still carry some real money, though, in case of card problems, loss or electronic failure. Three things that I found stressful were: • applying for ETAs (formerly visas) which has to be done online. A travel agent will do this at a cost but only you can really fill in the forms and the websites are a little unforgiving: if you make a mistake you have to start again • managing the locks fitted to suitcases today so that Transportation Security Administration personnel can open and inspect your luggage using a master key, without damaging the case. There is a knack to opening these coded locks and I had some worrying moments when mine didn’t open easily. Somebody else I know forgot their code – a major problem • with everything on your phone, losing it becomes a constant nagging worry. I travelled with a back-up iPad, which also had several books loaded, plus all my travel information. Cards, too, must be carefully stored and carried in a safe place on your person, backed up in your phone wallet. And not just credit cards but room/ cabin key cards, too. For me, the toughest parts of the trip were

the flights there and back. Firstly, you have to negotiate the airport – why is it that arrivals and departures always seem to be several kilometres apart? Secondly, being stuck in a large metal tube with hundreds of people for anything over eight hours becomes more of an ordeal with age. I couldn’t afford to fly business class on that route. So, after careful research, I chose an airline with well-reviewed premium economy. It was worth every penny: faster boarding and disembarkation, better food and service and, for an ageing bladder, dedicated toilets for only 24 passengers. Here are my tips for solo senior travellers: • use a travel agent: they know the best deals, have the best contacts, know what suits the needs and tastes of the individual client, can advise on everything you need for the trip, and are on the other end of a text or phone call if things go wrong. They exist to serve you (though I did organise my own insurance) • get digital: if you are not competent with a smart phone, learn how. Yes, I travel with paper backups but apart from your passport, it is harder to navigate the jungle of customs, immigration and baggage handling without having it all on your phone. There are apps for everything:

airline and cruise line check-in and information; car hire, taxis and public transport; restaurant menus; insurance; translation; wildlife identification; shopping; maps; and attractions. As just one example, I sat in my Vancouver hotel one morning and, using only my phone, plotted the day’s journeys, booked museum admission and a restaurant, organised tickets for a show and the Uber to take me there, checked the weather, reserved seats for a harbour tour and located the nearest pharmacy • review ‘stars’ are not necessarily the best guide to choosing a hotel. The difference between four and five stars often seems to be whether there is a free tube of moisturiser in the bathroom. Trust your travel agent and read the reviews. Even within the same chain, rooms can vary • singletons usually get the worst rooms in hotels and on ships, especially when booked as part of a group. Check beforehand that your room doesn’t have a view of the carpark or overlooks the motorway. Or make a fuss on arrival • pick your hand luggage to suit your trip. I carried a backpack small enough to fit comfortably under the seat in front of me on planes, small boats and tour buses. But it was heavy to lug around and there were times when I’d have much preferred a small, hard case on wheels to match my suitcase, especially when doing the airport marathon. I find it hard to stow cabin luggage in the overhead lockers, preferring to keep it close to my seat • pockets can be better than backpacks for day expeditions, especially when travelling on buses and small boats. There’s nothing to carry or accidentally leave behind. Light jackets with concealed inside pockets keep valuables safe. And now, here’s the big one for older travellers who, like me, prefer to travel alone: mobility. It’s encouraging to observe just how much help is available in airports for those

IMAGE: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR

COVER STORY

Lake Louise who can no longer move around easily on foot – from wheelchairs to staff assistance to large trolleys able to take passengers and their luggage from one part of an airport to the other. Many cruise ship ports offer mobility scooters for hire. I don’t need any of that yet, but I took a good look at what was on offer, for the future. Corridors in large hotels and on ships are long, so you need to make sure your room or cabin is near the lift and public areas. Even suites on the luxury ships don’t permit easy manoeuvrability, and getting into a lifeboat – or a zodiac on some ocean cruises – would be a challenge. The same goes for train journeys and public transport. If you have poor mobility and plan to travel solo on a cruise or tour, you’ll need to choose carefully to suit limitations. One good thing about my recent trip was that it restored my confidence in myself, which had begun to falter because, let’s face it, overseas travel can seem intimidating today. I learned that age, itself, is no barrier but that fitness is important to cope with long days, lack of sleep, airport wait times and constant physical exertion. Plus, you’re dealing with the unfamiliar – from automatic check-in to automated room-service ordering. So, I’m excited to be going on another overseas trip this year on my own. And maybe so can you.

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January 2026 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 7

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AGES & STAGES

Life in the slow lane By Mocco Wollert

THEY will be coming whether we want it or not. In fact, they are already here, even if we might not be aware of them. Robots were once mystical fantasy beings which only existed in the minds of mad professors. Science fiction was ‘peopled’ with robots, often taking over the world and making humans into slaves. I remember well the shudders running over me when engrossed in an Isaac Asimov or Thomas Huxley book. Robots and robotic works entered our life largely unnoticed. Nobody is very astounded to see a small, round vacuum cleaner whizzing over a lounge room carpet or a couch. ATMs are a classic example of how machines have taken over the role of a human. It is quite routine today that robotic arms fasten screws or whole-part assemblies in a factory. Big progress has been made with robots in the medical field. Artificial limbs are ‘printed’ by robotic computers. Already, replacements of human body

parts are being carried out by programmed machines. Japan is one of the countries which is very advanced in the invention and use of robots in everyday life. There, for example, you find robots used as waiters in restaurants. I wonder whether they always get the order right or whether they might mix up fried potatoes with fried chicken. It would be all the same to the robotic waiter. We cannot stop the advancement of robotisation (new word I made up), but it raises many questions. Would age care centres disappear because even the frailest old person could stay in their home, completely looked after by a friendly robot? I would not mind having my own personal robot to cook my meals for me and clean up afterwards, without even the slightest hint of disapproval if I eat the same thing four times in a row or leave behind the bits I don’t like.

What a wonderful world is this new world of robots. No more work to do for humans. Just enjoy leisure time. But doing what? With what money? What will happen to all the human jobs? Would there be new jobs, such as repairmen for robots? The most important thing, and maybe the most worrisome one, is: when will robots make that step from machine to something human? Could we fall in love with a robot? Should mankind fear that future or should we happily adjust to having our babies rocked to sleep by ‘robot rockers’ as flesh-and-blood ‘rockers’ did in royal families? Would it be wonderful to have all your household chores done by a never-complaining and only oncepaid-for, human-looking machine? At this stage, the best thing is that we humans can still program them and they are still under our control. But for how long? Archaeologists in centuries to come might be able to tell when robots took over, like David Attenborough tells us now of the evolution of the species from amoeba to human. May you not fear the coming of robots but be ready for them. Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com

Life’s an adventure By Cheryl Lockwood

FOLLOWING the hype of Christmas and my investigation into Boxing Day, I felt inspired to look into other days that are recognised in Australia and/or overseas. It’s safe to say, I’ve discovered enough weird and wonderful days to keep us celebrating all-year through. We have plenty of public holidays and significant days scattered throughout the year, but there are others that I’d never heard of. Earth’s Rotation Day (January 8) commemorates French physicist Leon Foucault’s experiment in 1851, designed to prove that the Earth rotates on its axis. I admit I don’t give the Earth’s turning that much thought. I do assume it will continue to do so and I’m not sure how or why I should celebrate this information, though I expect Leon impressed science-minded people back in the day. The Americans have Bagel Day (January 15), which I assume involves eating those lovely, toasted treats. Donut Day must be their favourite because they have one in June and another in November. Australia’s answer to that might be Fairy Bread Day (November 24). The special day has been around since 2014, and it’s not just about the bread sprinkled with hundreds and thousands (a staple at

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AGES & STAGES

my childhood birthday parties). The day is also to raise money for charities such as The Pyjama Foundation and Reach Out. While on the food theme, there’s World Baking Day (May 17) for anyone keen on spending a day in the kitchen. World Pizza Day is either in January or February, depending on which country you’re in, but the biggest decision is usually pineapple or no pineapple. My Swedish daughter-in-law introduced me to Cinnamon Bun Day (Kanelbullar Dag) which is on October 4 in Sweden. I’m very glad she did: they are perfect when partnered with a coffee. There are days that focus on thoughtfulness, such as International Friendship Day (July 30): a great time to acknowledge the people you love. As Winnie the Pooh says, “It’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.” As for World Kindness Day (November 13), the name says it all. Just one small act of kindness can make a huge difference for the recipient. Sometimes those acts cost us

nothing but a moment of our time. Perhaps this should be every day? There are a couple of Odd Sock Days: one aimed at highlighting issues regarding discrimination and bullying and another to raise awareness about mental health. Either way, the idea behind wearing odd socks is to accept that it’s okay to be different. Mum always said it would be a boring world if we were all the same. Plus, it’s a great use for those socks that remain after their partners go missing in the wash. International Mermaid Day (March 29, pictured) is about celebrating anything related to the mythical sea creatures. I’m not sure exactly what is expected, but I doubt I’ll be donning a fishtail and flopping about on the beach. National Pet Day (April 11) is about showering our furry friends with lots of pats and cuddles. For those who keep snakes or lizards, just give them extra treats. The same goes for birds and fish (they might not be keen on cuddles). Overall, there might be more days to recognise than there are days in a year. Last, but not least, is National Nothing Day (January 16) – another one from the US –which is a day to not celebrate, observe or honour anything. They’ve had it since 1972, but before you think about taking a day off, we don’t recognise it here … yet. As we launch into 2026, may you find much to celebrate. Visit lockwoodfreelance.com

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January 2026 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 9

16/12/2025 12:41:49 PM

HISTORY

The roller-skating era saw leisure time simply glide by in Brisbane CHRIS CURRIE zooms into State Library of Queensland’s collections to find out more about an exciting (if rather dangerous) pastime.

With Melbourne’s Apollo Hall hosting many successful roller-skating events, members of the Brisbane public were soon calling for the establishment of their own skating rink. Alongside the benefits of exercise and recreation, another feature of “artificial skating” was the “opportunities it affords of a little quiet flirtation”. On May 12, 1876, “a meeting of gentlemen favourable to the formation of a skating rink” was held at Brisbane Town

hile the earliest forms of roller skates appeared in the 1760s (with wheels in a straight line to mirror ice skates), the earliest design that would be familiar to us (two parallel pairs of wheels) was made by American James Plimpton in 1863. “The roller skate,” declared an 1866 edition of The Brisbane Courier, “simple and unimportant as it may appear ... has furnished mankind ... with a new sensation.”

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Hall. By May 1877, a rink was advertised on Elizabeth Street. Curious locals were asked to pay in advance as subscribers for the chance to skate with 49 others at a time. By the next month, it was reportedly so popular that the organisers (Messrs JH Rylands and A Loewe) quickly extended the opening hours, and an official club of ‘rinkists’ was soon formed. Gas lights were installed and two evenings were set aside for “grand fashionable nights” for “the elite of Brisbane”. In April 1878, the rink moved to new “commodious premises” on Ann Street, boasting the “best floor in the Australian colonies”, a brass band and a tutor who claimed to be the “second-best skater in San Francisco”. The rink was listed for sale in July the same year and apparently taken over by a committee of subscribers, who held the first meeting of the Brisbane Private Skating Club on July 23. A licence to sell spirits at the rink was granted the next month, but not much further information appears after.Just 10 years later, however, you could hardly move for roller-skating rinks. A page of advertising from August 1888 shows packed schedules for New Farm Skating Rink (“the most select rink in Brisbane”), Columbia Skate Rink (“the only elite rink in Brisbane”) and South Brisbane Skating Rink (“the elite, largest and most popular skating resort in Queensland”). Among the half-dozen venues that had opened in and around the capital, none captured the public imagination quite like Brisbane Elite Skate Rink. Overseen by experienced rink manager KA Skinner, the Elite was opened on April 1, 1888, inside the enormous timber Exhibition Building on Gregory Terrace, which had housed the Queensland Intercolonial Exhibition (now known as the Ekka) since 1876. The whole floor of the building was

overlaid with level hard pine to accommodate up to 1500 skaters, electric lights installed and a brass and string band employed to accompany the skaters in their various states of uprightness (the opening night did not evidently feature any rules around which direction patrons should travel). The image pictured above, from The Boomerang newspaper, captures the action. Brisbane in the late 19th century had embraced this “fashionable, favourite and frolicsome pastime” with open (and occasionally broken) arms, and skate rinks were the scenes of thrilling races, extravagant balls and – in one memorable mention – a “wild boar hunt on roller skates”. Roller skating remained a popular activity in Brisbane well into the 20th century, carried by trends as diverse as wartime diversion, disco fever, a Covidsafe escape and now retro cool. While dedicated rinks are now thin on the ground in the River City, the feeling of strapping on the skates remains a fond memory for many.

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Neale advises parents to model behaviour, rather than just tell. He stresses that children learn more from what parents do than what they say. Modelling honesty, responsibility, kindness and resilience is key in his book. He believes in the power of choice. While we cannot choose our circumstances, we can always choose how we respond to them. Like in his footballing days, Neale is still choosing to have “a red-hot go”. He reflects that feeling sorry for yourself by saying, “Why me?” offers little hope for growth, but “What now?” offers a lot. He models and advocates learned optimism, focusing on what is right with us rather than what is wrong, in contributing to the community. In accepting his Australian of the Year award, he said, “I chose to fight because if I didn’t, how could I expect anyone else to? I chose to hope because I believe in the decency and generosity of Australians.” If we choose to be our best selves, we can combine to be those types of Aussies Neale believes in and exemplifies.

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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 EXPERIENCE the Sunshine Coast’s First Nations culture and region’s premium producers in the new Dreaming Trails Tour. Hosted by Mystic Mountain Tours, the first destination is QCamel Dairy where guests learn about the unexpected history of camels in Australia before enjoying tastings and exploring the ethical, organic products. The tour then continues to TribalLink Activity Centre in Mapleton to take part in ochre painting, learn about traditional tools and storytelling, enjoy a short rainforest walk through the bush tucker farm and share a bush-inspired lunch. The final stop is My Dilly Bag, where renowned Aboriginal chef Aunty Dale (pictured) and her team showcase native flavours and seasonal bush ingredients. Tours will be offered every Monday. The cost is $240 per person, via mysticmountaintours.com.au

12 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / January 2026

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What to listen to

Back in the day…

ANYONE who knows Powderfinger drummerturned journalist-turned filmmaker/ screenwriter/screen industry champion, the Sunshine Coast’s own Jon Coghill, knows that he likes to have a chat. So, it’s possibly no surprise that he’s teamed up with OG podcaster Tim Reid for What a Stranger Told Me – extraordinary conversations with everyday people. What A Stranger Told Me is a new Australian podcast celebrating the fact that everyone has a tale to tell. It’s been described as “storytelling meets human connection”. In the first 12 episodes, you’ll hear from a young girl who collects dead animals, a woman on a lolly hunt who just lost 40kg, an annoyed magician on holiday, a homeless granddad celebrating his granddaughter’s birthday with Bluey, and a humanitarian worker’s Haiti survival story. Jon says walking the streets, chatting to people, is daunting but hugely rewarding. Tim adds that the podcast is inspired by the classic 1990s SBS series Front Up. Season 1 is out now on all good podcasting apps. Visit WhataStrangerToldMe.com

Batman – featuring the crimefighting ‘dynamic duo’ from DC Comics – made Adam West and Burt Ward household names. The show, with 120 episodes across three seasons, reached Australian shores on June 28, 1967, and there was barely a schoolboy or schoolgirl in that era who didn’t rush home to watch it. The cult classic was intentionally campy and tongue-in-cheek, splashing words such as ‘bam’ and ‘kapowie’ in big, colourful letters with every punch that landed between the Gotham City caped crusaders and crazy costumed archvillains, including the Joker, the Penguin and the Riddler. Among Dick Grayson/ Robin’s 359 exclamations (yes, someone counted them) to billionaire Bruce Wayne/Batman, ‘Holy Guacamole’ entered our vernacular and remains there to this day.

What to book Save the date IT MAY be only the start of the new year but one thing is certain: by mid-year, we could all do with a laugh. So that’s why we should be booking tickets now for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow. Each year, Australia’s biggest comedy festival hits the road so regional centres don’t miss out on all the fun. With a curated line-up of comedy legends and fresh faces from Australia and beyond, the Roadshow has all your comedy bases covered (no joke) – all in one side-splitting show. For almost three decades, the tour has been bringing giggles, guffaws and good times across the country, in our own backyards. Head to the respective websites to book: The J, Noosa, June 9 at 7.30pm; The Events Centre, Caloundra, June 12 at 7.30pm; and Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland, June 13 at 8pm.

THE science nerds of the family will be in their element when Queensland Museum presents World Science Festival Brisbane (WSFB ) 2026. Now in its 11th year, WSFB explores “the delicate threads connecting life and the universe, from galaxies to mycelium networks”. The festival brings brilliant minds and big ideas to Brisbane for 10 days of science, discovery and wonder. Among this year’s program are: Dr Karl Live!, March 27, at 7.30pm – join Australia’s favourite science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki when he takes the stage live in conversation; and Brian Greene: Listening to the Big Bang, March 26, at 7.30pm – join a live stage experience that brings humanity’s dramatic quest to understand our cosmic origins to life. Visit qpac.com.au and search for ‘World Science Festival 2026’.

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BRENDALE EVENING VIEW MAKE it a new year’s resolution to meet like-minded women in your community and help disadvantaged children with their educational needs. VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) is a national volunteer organisation, supporting the education of children experiencing disadvantage through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. Brendale VIEW Club sponsors nine Aussie children with their educational needs through this program. Head along on the first Saturday of the month for Coffee and Chat at 10am: from October to March at Aspley Hornets; and April to September at White’s Coffee Co., Bracken Ridge Tavern. The next dinner meeting is on January 20 (also the club AGM). Dinner meetings are held at 6.30pm on the third Tuesday of the month at Aspley Hornets Football Club. Book with Suzanne on 0417 022 996.

THERE’S still time to catch the Hot & Cold exhibition, running until January 11, at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre. As the membership of the Bribie Island Community Arts Society (BICAS ) grows, so, too, does the variety and extent of the creativity it attracts and shows across all media. Each year, the BICAS members’ exhibition serves to show the amazing range of talent and ideas forthcoming from local and nearby artists. This latest ‘Hot & Cold’ promises to stay on theme: a study of the ‘full steam ahead’ style of art, with ideas boiling over, mixed with chilled-out versions of life and ways of seeing and being. Art lovers are invited to see the imaginative minds of the clever members at work. The arts centre opens Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm, and Sundays, 9am to 1pm, at 191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach. Visit bribieartscentre.com.au

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SKILLED NURSES SUPPORT A PEACEFUL PASSING Palliative Care feature

‘A HUMAN RIGHT FOR EVERY AGE, EVERY STAGE’ By SHIRLEY SINCLAIR

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IT’S a conversation none of us want to have. But chances are, you and a loved one may have to talk about the need for palliative care at some stage. Palliative care is a specialised medical approach to ensuring quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, nearing end of life. It aims to alleviate pain and address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient. Physical pain management may include medication and therapies. Emotional and psychological assistance could involve counselling and support for patients and their families to help them cope, for example, with anxiety and other challenges of the illness. As well as dedicated centres such as hospices with on-site medical professionals, some palliative care programs offer home

visits to ensure patients receive care in a comfortable and familiar environment. An interdisciplinary team approach could see a team including doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists and counsellors providing holistic support. Palliative Care Queensland (palliativecareqld.org.au) says the way we care for our dying is “a meaningful indicator of our society’s values”. “Palliative care is a human right for every age and every stage,” the website says. “It promotes a community of care and embraces everybody as an individual. “For those with prolonged and advanced stages of an illness or those with a recent, life-limiting diagnosis, expert and empathetic palliative care is paramount.” While knowing someone is approaching the end of their life can create a roller-coaster of emotions for all concerned, palliative care can offer a professional, caring and steadying hand that can create a calm, loving atmosphere for those final goodbyes.

LUTHERAN Services’ palliative care specialist nurse Regina Huang discovered the profound impact of end-of-life care early in life. She was inspired by her family’s loving support for her grandmother. Now Regina supports aged care residents with comfort and dignity in their final days. “My grandmother passed peacefully where she wanted to be and that early experience has stayed with me,’’ she says. “Now, it’s my privilege to support our residents at the end of life where they are most comfortable and to make the experience as positive as possible for them and their loved ones.” Regina, a registered nurse with a Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care, is studying a masters degree to become a nurse practitioner, supported by Lutheran Services’ industry-leading program to place highly skilled nurses at its 11 aged care sites in Queensland. “As a palliative care nurse practitioner, I’ll have advanced clinical skills and the ability to prescribe medication, ensuring residents can receive the necessary care and comfort in their familiar surroundings, without the need for hospital transfers,” she says.

A key aspect of her role involves early conversations about advance care directives: “While death can be a difficult topic, preparing a directive with your loved ones helps everyone be proactive and provide the special care you desire. It tells us what’s important to you, what brings you joy, your spiritual needs, your dignity, and even what you don’t want.” Regina developed an interest in therapeutic communication during her palliative care studies: “Therapeutic communication establishes connections and encourages open dialogue with strategies that include active listening, compassion and even silence. Often, I find it’s difficult to have the right words, but I learned that sometimes all you need to do is listen and spend time with the person and their family.’’ Melanie Wagner, Lutheran Services’ chief clinician who oversees the nurse practitioner initiative, says positive changes in aged care have included the focus on personalised, family-centred palliative care. “Nurse practitioners play a crucial role in supporting complex clinical needs and providing guidance to the clinical team, while also supporting families on this emotional journey,” Melanie says. Call 1800 960 433 or visit lutheranservices.org.au

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January 2026 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 15

16/12/2025 1:44:10 PM

ACTIVE LIVING

The science of why pain is more than injury

FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law

CAITLYN HUTH explains why our body’s alarm system can be oversensitive and how to ‘reset the dial’.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS LISTENING

WE WOULD all like to think we can make a difference, even if in a small way. Recently, something happened to me that made me happy and gave an indication that someone was listening. A couple of weeks ago, a good friend of mine and one of the people who exercises with me asked if I would be like to speak to her corporate group about the importance of exercise. I do guest speaking for various social and weightreduction groups, so I agreed. Although slightly different from my normal audience (and by that, I mean a good bit younger), this group of about 50 people were very attentive and even asked some questions at the end. My theme was based around busy people and how they need exercise as much as anyone to maintain their often-hectic work and play life – with an emphasis on work. I thought the talk went well and the feedback initially was

ain is one of the body’s most important protective systems, designed to alert us to potential harm. But like any alarm, it can sometimes become oversensitive, going off even when there’s no real danger. Think of a smoke alarm: ideally, it warns you when there’s a fire. But if it’s set too sensitive, it might go off from burnt toast. Your body’s pain system can act the same way. This ‘alarm system’ is influenced by more than just physical injury. Past injuries, ongoing stress, lack of sleep, low mood and even old trauma can make the system more reactive. Over time, it can start signalling pain even after tissues have healed or in situations that wouldn’t normally cause discomfort. This doesn’t make the pain any less real. It simply means the system is responding to more triggers than necessary. Exercise physiologists help people understand and work with this sensitive system,

rather than against it. Through education, gentle movement, breathing practices and pacing strategies, they aim to gradually reset the ‘sensitivity dial’. Safe, progressive exercise is a key part of this process. Movement tells the body and nervous system that activity is safe, building trust in your own physical capacity again. By improving strength, mobility and endurance, you reduce the need for the alarm to sound in the first place.

A holistic approach also considers the many factors that influence pain: nutrition, stress management, sleep quality and meaningful daily activities. When these areas are supported alongside movement, the alarm system becomes less jumpy and more accurate at signalling true threats. Pain relief doesn’t have to mean pain-free. For many, the goal is to regain function, confidence and enjoyment in life, even if some discomfort remains. You don’t have to push through pain recklessly, but avoiding movement altogether can keep the alarm system hypersensitive. Learn how your body’s alarm system works and make small, consistent changes to turn down the volume, move with more confidence, and live well without letting pain control the whole story. Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au

positive. A few days later, when my friend who arranged the talk turned up at our programmed Saturday morning exercise session, she once again said the talk was well received. In fact, she had had some really positive feedback. Apparently, on the Friday after the talk on Thursday, one of her workmates emailed her to say that she had decided to go for a walk during the lunch hour as the ‘old bloke’ who spoke the day before had inspired her. I found that very funny and we both laughed about it. I was far from offended and, in fact, I was pleased. Even if only one person had taken notice of my guest appearance, then the discussion was successful. Let me wish you well in 2026 and hope that you enjoy a fantastic year and great health. Tom Law is the author of health and exercise-related books. Visit facebook.com/ tomslawtraining or call 0409 274 502.

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MOTORING

Jimny cricket! These 4WD-ers are an enthusiastic bunch BRUCE McMAHON uncovers an online community of Suzuki owners who have a passion for sharing life and travel adventures through a website and social media.

ueensland has a long and endearing history with pint-sized Suzukis, stretching from the late 1950s through to the days of influencers and world wide webs. The oldest Suzuki dealer outside Japan is in Atherton on the tablelands west of Cairns. And in 1959, Suzuki Auto Company – still the Queensland and Northern NSW vehicle distributor – became the first privately-owned Suzuki distributor out of Japan. Reliable and always value for dollar, the brand’s hero machines over the decades have become the compact Swift and the ever-capable four-wheel-drive that is today known as the Jimny. First seen here as the LJ50 model in the 1970s, these light and compact 4WDs were most confident vehicles in the rough. Early machines were appreciated by rural customers for robust paddock work. The original concept remained much the same for the Jimny in 2025: a

compact, steel body on chassis, small engine, two-speed transfer case for high and low four-wheel drive and basic comforts. It’s a little old-school in mechanicals and not the most comfortable or quietest for long-distance driving, yet forever charming and capable off the road. It is a fit-for-purpose machine and, in 2026, there’s little old fashioned about Suzuki’s loyal customers. This is evidenced by the colourful Jimniacs Hub, uniting Jimny owners through personal posts, information about gatherings, group adventures, driving tips and vehicle updates on a web page. Today, the Suzuki Jimny is as much the cult car as sensible option for fourwheelers looking to dive off the bitumen for bush or beach. In three or five-door style, the Jimmy is cuter than before, just as capable as ever and in high demand. Queensland sales are up 15 per cent on 2024. Suzuki Queensland marketing manager Jake Tobin explains that this

Jimniacs Hub was devised to foster an even greater sense of community among owners and enthusiasts. “We have such an inspiring group of ‘local legends’ across Queensland, who are madly passionate about the Suzuki Jimny and what it represents to them as an individual,” Jake says. “We wanted to really amplify the status of these owners and reward their dedication and fanaticism in a unique way.” The latest Jimnys have attracted a fresh crop of Suzuki owners, many of whom share life and travel adventures through social media. The Jimniacs Hub offers opportunities to share web content with a wider audience – from

Coolangatta to Cape York and beyond. “I guess it’s part of the Queensland lifestyle, but there just seems to be an abundance of part-time and full-time content creators that seem to be drawn to the Jimny,” Jake notes. Three-door Jimmy sales are skewed toward female buyers, while the five-door customers – many with young families – are split 50:50 male and female. Among those ‘Jimfluencers’ is Suzuki Queensland’s lead ambassador and solo adventurer Paris Recchi and her alter-ego HerJimny. Discover her at instagram.com/herjimny/ where her off-road expeditions and vehicle updates have found a wide audience. For the Jimniacs Hub, head to suzukiqld.com.au

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TECHNOLOGY

At least that’s the emails sorted EDIN READ helps us all begin the new year well by uncluttering the inbox for a fresh start.

ost of us never meant to end up with an overflowing email inbox. It just happens slowly, almost quietly, until one day the number in bold beside the word ‘Inbox’ looks less like a count of messages and more like a reminder that digital life can be a bit much. I hear this every week from clients. The good news is that tidying an inbox isn’t as technical or stressful as it seems. With a few simple habits, email can feel manageable again. A big part of the clutter comes from ‘grey mail’. These are messages that aren’t quite spam, because you may have signed up for them at some point, but they’re not personal or urgent, either. Retailers such as Woolworths or Myer might send sale alerts, and services such as Telstra or AGL often email promotional updates alongside legitimate bills. None of these are harmful, but they pile up quickly, especially when they arrive daily. True spam, on the other hand, is the unwanted junk that slips through filters. It’s good to know the difference, because most inbox overwhelm isn’t dangerous: it’s just noise. Some email services try to help by

sorting things automatically. In Gmail, for example, you might see your mail divided into Primary, Promotions and Social tabs. Outlook has its own version with Focused and Other. This can be helpful, but it can also hide things you actually want to see. I’ve lost count of how many clients have told me they didn’t receive an important email, only to find it quietly sitting in Promotions or their Spam box. So, it’s worth having a quick look in those other folders every now and then. One of the most effective ways to stay organised is by creating your own folders. Think of them as drawers in a filing cabinet. Many people find it useful to have a folder for Bills, one for Family, and others for Health, Travel or Receipts. The idea isn’t to create a complicated system: it’s to make it easy to find things later. When a bill from AGL arrives, you can read it, then pop it into the Bills folder. When a photo from a family member arrives, file it under Family. Over time, this reduces the feeling that everything is mixed together in one big digital pile. Unsubscribing is another simple but powerful tool.

If you no longer want marketing emails from a retailer, press unsubscribe – but do it safely. In Gmail and Outlook, the safest method is the built-in unsubscribe button that appears near the sender’s address. This works with well-known Australian companies such as Woolworths, Myer, Dan Murphy’s and Flight Centre. What you want to avoid is clicking ‘unsubscribe’ in an email that looks suspicious. If it has poor spelling, unusual formatting or asks for personal details, it may be a phishing attempt hidden under the ‘unsubscribe’ button. When in doubt, delete it. Search tools can be life savers. If you’re hunting for a myGov confirmation, try typing in ‘mygov’ or ‘code’. For medical appointments, searches including ‘GP’, ‘clinic’ or the provider’s name usually find what you need.

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Most people are surprised at how quickly they can find what they’re looking for once they get the hang of using the search bar. Finally, it helps to keep a simple routine. Checking email once or twice a day is enough for most people. Read what matters, file what’s useful, unsubscribe from what you don’t need and delete the rest. Small, steady habits beat a big clean-up every six months. A tidy inbox isn’t just about organisation, it’s about feeling calm and in control of your digital world. And, as I always tell clients, you don’t have to master everything at once. A few small changes can make email feel friendlier, lighter and far less overwhelming. Edin Read is founder and chief technician at Greyology Tech Support for Seniors. Visit greyology.com.au

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HERVEY BAY FEATURE

Create your space but with bigger possibilities

The view from Bayswater Hotel

IMAGES: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR

Discover a whole new world of connection By SHIRLEY SINCLAIR

or a long time, Hervey Bay was one of Queensland’s best-kept secrets. Sure, residents of nearby Maryborough, fishermen and farmers growing sugar cane, citrus and pineapples and raising beef cattle knew about its calm turquoise waters gently lapping golden foreshores. With picturesque beaches – including Point Vernon, Pialba, Scarness, Torquay and Urangan – that stretch along a 16km sandy bay, they had their pick of charming, relaxing seaside enclaves to take the family, give the boat a spin or fish from the beach and pier. It was their escape. It was a time long before most travellers realised that Hervey Bay is indeed the ‘whale-watching capital of the world’ from about June to November – the place where mothers and their calves

World’s ‘whale-watching capital’ take a detour off the ‘humpback highway’ to rest and socialise in Platypus Bay, nurse and teach their young before heading back to their home in Antarctica. It was a time long before the world knew about K’gari, formerly Fraser Island – the world’s largest sand island – with its rich Indigenous heritage, extraordinary beauty and unique, fragile ecosystems.

It was a time long before anyone other than ‘grey nomads’, truckies and travelling salesmen braved the potholes and slow going on the Bruce Highway on any trip from Brisbane. And it was a time long before road infrastructure and modern vehicles combined to ensure the three-and-a-half-hour drive and almost 300km just fly by. But it had to happen. Hervey Bay had to be ‘discovered’. And with that has come technology, infrastructure and all the conveniences, services and businesses that 21st century residents and tourists demand. More importantly, a sense of community has developed. Charity and sporting organisations, social groups, community activities, market days – even esplanade coffee shops and neighbourhood cafes – all have helped to create connection and a feeling of belonging for residents. It’s no wonder, then, that over-55s feel so at home there and are making the move permanently to a place that’s a little quieter, with a slower pace but where neighbours know each other, offer a helping hand and become friends. If that sounds inviting, it might be time to consider finding your own slice of paradise, Hervey Bay-style.

AT REFLECTIONS on the Bay, part of Retirement Living by Ozcare, design and detail come together to create homes that feel right from day one. The new and modern one- and two-bedroom retirement apartments in Hervey Bay are designed for the way people live now: open, light-filled and connected to a welcoming community. Each home features a full-size kitchen, spacious bathroom with walk-in shower, and private balcony that captures the coastal breeze. The layout is practical, the atmosphere relaxed and the quality clear in every detail. Step outside and the sense of space continues. The clubhouse, wellness centre, covered pool, cinema and gardens all bring people together in ways that feel easy and natural. Beaches, cafés and local shops are close by, adding to the convenience that makes daily life flow.

As part of Retirement Living by Ozcare, residents also enjoy priority access to Ozcare’s home care and support services — flexible, reliable help provided by familiar faces. It’s thoughtful support in your new home that lets you keep living life your way, every day. Reflections on the Bay offers more than a new address. It’s retirement living in Hervey Bay shaped by connection, design and care that simply fits around you. Apartments are now selling. Call 1800 692 273 or visit reflectionsonthebay.org.au

Over-50s communities deliver the lifestyle you want in retirement MORE Australians are discovering the benefits of downsizing or retiring in over-50s communities and it’s easy to see why. Neighbours become genuine friends. Shared smiles, morning chats over coffee or an afternoon stroll by the lake turn ordinary moments into fulfilling days. There’s also comfort in knowing your home is protected. In gated communities, you’re free to lock up and head off, confident everything is 20 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / January 2026

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secure while you’re away. And perhaps the greatest luxury? Time that’s truly yours to spend on the things you love, at a pace that suits you perfectly. At Thyme Hervey Bay and Thyme Lakeview Springs, Nikenbah (also part of the Fraser Coast), everyday life feels richer, thanks to facilities designed to genuinely support how you want to live. At Hervey Bay, start the morning with gentle laps in the 25-metre heated magnesium pool, unwind in the spa, or catch

a movie in the luxury cinema. Afternoons might mean a friendly game of tenpin bowling, relaxing by the lakeside firepit, sharing a drink at the wine bar or spending time on the outdoor terrace with your furry friend.

At Lakeview Springs, the options are just as inviting. Enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, wander by the almost 5ha lake, or recharge in the sauna. Golf simulators, bowling and putting greens and a fully equipped gym with lake views make staying active easy. Across both communities, these spaces are thoughtfully designed to support real moments of leisure, wellness, and connection, shaping a lifestyle that feels good every single day. Retiring in a

location surrounded by coastal reserves, waterways and open green spaces might feel like a dream, but in Hervey Bay, it’s everyday life. With 30 communities nationwide and more than 7000 residents, the Thyme experience makes it one of Australia’s leading land lease operators. Contact Thyme Hervey Bay: call 1300 585 882 or visit herveybay.thyme.com.au or Thyme Lakeview Springs: call 1800 587 587 or visit lakeviewsprings.thyme.com.au Brisbane

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LIFESTYLE RESORTS

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INSIGHT

Consider a lifestyle change among NY resolutions By DON MACPHERSON

APPY New Year! The end of one year and the start of another becomes a time of reflection. People start off a fresh new year resolving to do many things – most of which don’t last as long as we would like. Common resolutions involve losing weight, getting healthy, being more financially astute and generally doing things better in the year ahead. One thing of relevance to over-50s is whether current accommodation is suitable. Consideration of whether to downsize is often prompted by family discussions over the Christmas period. Elder Law staff spend plenty of time assisting people into retirement villages. People do, and should, buy for lifestyle rather than investment. However, they need to understand that buying into a retirement village is very different to buying and selling a house in the way they have been used to throughout their lives. Retirement villages provide different ways of creating rights to reside in their properties. There are a number of ways that a retirement village can offer tenure to an incoming resident: 1. Leasehold – this is the most common

way that retirement villages offer their properties to incoming residents. The lease contract creates a right to reside for an extended period (usually 99 years – though we are yet to see someone outlive their lease). A lease is registered in the Titles Office. There is no stamp duty. Sometimes there is capital gain, but not always. 2. Licence – less common than leasehold (at least in Queensland), a licence creates a right to reside but is not registered against the title deed. However, there are additional

protections under The Retirement Villages Act. Usually there is no capital gain. There is no stamp duty. 3. Manufactured/relocatable homes – this model involves owning the house, but not the land. The resident pays a site rental to have a house on the land owned by the operator. Because you own the home, there is usually capital gain available. There is no stamp duty. Whatever the ownership model, all retirement village contracts set out extensive rules in relation to occupation of the home in which you live. There are always ongoing fees while you are in the village. With retirement villages, there are usually significant fees payable at the end of the ownership period – called various names including exit fees or deferred management fees. Retirement village contracts are always very long and complex. Specialist advice should be sought before entering into a contract for any type of retirement village arrangement. Brisbane Elder Law staff are experts in all forms of retirement village contracts. Call 1800 961 622 or visit brisbaneelderlaw.com.au

AGED CARE EXPECTATIONS EXCEED SENIORS’ SAVINGS NEW research shows that Queensland seniors want high-quality, personalised care, but many may not have the savings to match their expectations. A survey of 1000 Australians aged 55+ by Just Better Care found that more than half (54.5 per cent) of Queensland seniors are saving or planning to save for aged care, yet the average nest egg of $324,928 may not cover the type of care they value most. Among the key findings, 75.6 per cent of Queensland residents say being able to stay in their own home is important, which often requires tailored, home-based support or in-home care packages. A total of 72.7 per cent rate the quality of care as a top priority, which can increase costs through higher staffing ratios or premium services. About 47.4 per cent want flexible support that can change as their needs evolve, which can add complexity and cost to their care plans. Personalised care tailored to individual needs is important for 46.4 per cent of respondents. About 43.1 per cent want consistency of carers, but having familiar, regular staff often requires more specialised scheduling and resources. View the full study at justbettercare. com/melbourne-mornington/the-2025retirement-report

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INSIGHT

STUDY CALLS FOR MORE FLEXIBLE RETIREMENT PLANNING TO SUPPORT WOMEN WOMEN are at higher risk of exhausting retirement savings than men when relying on the traditional 60/40 investment mix of equities and bonds for a comfortable lifestyle. That’s according to a new Monash University study. The report, titled The Future of the 60/40 Allocation: Modelling the Performance of the 60/40 Portfolio in Retirement, used computer simulations to examine retirement outcomes in Australia and the US. The study tested how well the classic 60/40 strategy, which allocates 60 per cent of savings to equities for growth and 40 per

cent to bonds for stability, could support retirees over a 25-year period, either at a comfortable lifestyle of $53,289 a year or a modest lifestyle of $34,522 a year for single retirees, as defined by standard benchmarks in Australia. The research was led by experts from the Monash Centre for Financial Studies (MCFS) at Monash Business School in collaboration with the US-based CFA Institute. The researchers found that women, who typically retire with lower superannuation balances in Australia and lower Social Security benefits in the US,

faced greater financial strain under the traditional 60/40 approach. MCFS Senior Research Fellow and lead author of the study Dr Bei Cui says since women have fewer external income streams, they were more likely to run down their savings earlier, especially if aiming for a comfortable lifestyle. The study called for more flexible retirement planning. It recommended withdrawal strategies that adjust to market conditions and greater financial literacy to help retirees, particularly women, understand the risks and trade-offs.

SAFETY FIRST WITH CARAVAN REVERSING CAMERA SAFETY FIRST IN REVERSE THE rearview170 story began in 1989 when Judy and Ian Hall started a business fitting out caravans and motor homes with solar equipment to enable ‘grey nomads’ to camp away from caravan parks. The Halls spent 32 years in the industry, learning as they went along. The result is their unique reversing camera system … In our retirement, after I turned 82, we travelled around looking at the beautiful ‘Lucky Country’ in an older motor home. Far too frequently, we saw ‘happy couples’ reversing into often-narrow van sites, with the female usually guiding the other partner. Many times it did not end well. So, when we returned, we spent 20 months back and forwards with prototype reversing systems between us and a manufacturer. At last, the rearview170

was completed. Our initial criteria was: low cost (pensioners/retirees with limited income); super quick and easy to install; no wires to connect; a really wide horizontal view behind and ability for the motorist to see behind – even while driving forward. This was to let the driver (some 9m or 30 feet in front of the rear of the van) know if any ‘loony’ driver has come up behind and maybe planning to rip out and tear past, irrespective of the safety of the situation. Before you purchase a system, call in for a demonstration, phone or email to discuss your questions. We only want happy customers, and we have more than 1000 of them in Australia and New Zealand. WORDS: Ian Hall, founder and owner, rearview170. Visit rearview170.com.au or call 5438 7750.

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AGED CARE FEATURE

HOW OLDER LOVED ONES CAN THRIVE By SHIRLEY SINCLAIR LIKE many older people, a close relative wanted to live the rest of her life independently in the Brisbane house she first moved into on her wedding night nearly 70 years ago. There, she was surrounded by the familiar trinkets, treasures, photos and furniture built up over 93 years of a life well lived. Coping well with a ‘walker’ for mobility and stability and with a still-sharp mind for sudoku, plus a wide group of friends and family members to check in on her, she used to joke that we’d be taking her out of her home “in a box”.

That certainly seemed the case … until one terrible night changed everything. A fall out of bed in the dark led to her spending what we believe was six hours lying frightened and in pain on the carpet, unable to move or pull herself up. On hearing the knock of a scheduled in-home services worker in the morning, she desperately called out for help and crawled towards her front door. A stay in hospital followed, along with various conversations with family members and advice from medical staff. She finally accepted that 24-hour aged care was the only way forward. With most of her adult children living on the Sunshine Coast, the scramble began to find an available aged care facility placement that was suitable. Many hands make light work. So, family members did their research, made phone calls, contacted friends with parents who had made the transition to aged care, toured facilities, and kept their

mother in the loop about the process and what to expect. When the right ‘fit’ was found, the arrangements were made and the move completed, bringing along some of her favourite and familiar things from home. After several months there, she is thriving. She no longer has to think about cooking, shopping, washing clothes or cleaning. Her every need is met. Her social life is well catered for with the facility’s daily planner that might include activities as diverse as chair yoga, a shopping excursion and ‘happy hour’ entertainer. She has made friends with other residents, while a fairly steady stream of family members (and even a pet dog) ensure she has visitors throughout the week. She has even returned to playing the facility’s baby grand piano, using her sheet music. Best of all, she and her family have peace of mind because there’s plenty of sets of eyes on her and we know she is in good hands. And that feeling is priceless.

TAKING A RELATIONSHIP-FIRST APPROACH OLDER Australians need places that offer dignity, independence and genuine connection, not just a bed and clinical oversight. Arcare is responding by continuing to build quality residences that meet demand with purpose and raise expectations for what residential aged care can be. Arcare’s relationship-first approach is central to that difference. Consistent teams care for the same residents each day, taking time to understand their routines, backgrounds, beliefs and preferences. That continuity builds trust, reduces anxiety and creates a sense of belonging – qualities families prize alongside clinical excellence. After 45 years in the sector, Arcare now operates 60

residences nationally. And the pipeline is accelerating, with seven new residences opened in 2025 alone. A hallmark of Arcare’s newer builds is how they are designed for real living: private suites open to either a courtyard or balcony. It’s a simple feature, but one that supports wellbeing, autonomy and a home-like feel. One of the most anticipated additions in 2025 was the expanded Arcare Springwood, featuring extralarge private suites. Arcare residents benefit from boutique amenities in residences such as cinemas, cafés, hair salons and private dining rooms for family celebrations. To learn more or book a tour, visit arcare.com.au

Living with purpose At Carinity “living with purpose” goes beyond just physical care or support. From retirement living to home care or residential aged care, our vibrant communities provide opportunities to connect and achieve a true sense of belonging.

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AGED CARE FEATURE

AWARD-WINNING CARE WHEN it comes to winning awards, once is good, but winning a second time is twice as nice. The team at Carinity is delighted to have been recognised as the winner of ProductReview.com.au’s annual awards in the Health Services category for 2025. It’s the second year in a row that Carinity has taken out the award. ProductReview is an independent review site where customers can share their honest feedback about Carinity’s services, based on their real-life experiences. Carinity was recognised for having a high number of reviews over the 12-month period, with the majority of reviews achieving a consistently high standard. More than 130 clients submitted their personal review of Carinity’s services. One of those reviews was submitted by Janelle Dyer, daughter of Brownesholme aged care resident Daphne. For Janelle, the prospect of moving her beloved mum was tinged with anxiety. “Our family was anxious about mum moving to higher care,” Janelle says. In early November 2023, Daphne suffered a bad fall and found herself dependent on daily support from her family. With Daphne facing the prospect of a move to aged care, Janelle

Your aged care support service Your side, your say Janelle Dyer and her mum Daphne researched reviews from other families. “I don’t do it often, but before major decisions, I read product reviews and consider recommendations from other trusted sources,” she says. The family, particularly Daphne, felt emotionally unprepared for the prospect of leaving her cosy home to move to aged care, where ‘strangers’ would be responsible for her care. However, when Janelle and Daphne joined the Brownesholme community, the staff weren’t strangers for long. Having been part of the community for over a year, Daphne now feels right at home. “Mum enjoys watching the rural scenery, working on a puzzle or reading by her window,” Janelle says. “Her daily interactions with staff, visitors and residents are important to her for staying socially connected.” Visit carinity.org.au

Do you get or do you need government aged care services, either in your own home Žƌ ŝŶ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƟĂů ĐĂƌĞ͍ We support you to access or get the most from your aged care services, understand service charges and fees and have a say in the things that impact you. Our service is free, and our focus is on a ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ŽƵƚĐŽŵĞ ĨŽƌ ǇŽƵ͘

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Extraordinary people Extraordinary places You deserve to experience quality aged care at Arcare. Book a private tour at one of our beautiful Queensland residences. Call 1300 ARCARE or us at visit arcare.com.au Brisbane

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RETIREMENT LIVING

Ipswich ‘faces growing undersupply’ of retirement living dwellings THE property market in Southeast Queensland has experienced substantial growth in the past 12 months – a factor driven by systemic undersupply. The Ipswich Region, a high-growth corridor, is in desperate need of stock, for first-home buyers and downsizers as prices continue to escalate and with little new development forecasted for the area. More importantly, stock positioned close to infrastructure, transport and medical facilities is needed.

Research undertaken by O’Hara Wells, a respected retirement specialist firm, found there are only ~1000 new retirement living dwellings in the pipeline for all of the Ipswich Region, including the development of Abadi Gaia Adult Residential Village, Halcyon White Rock and some older village extensions. An anticipated shortfall is growing to well over 4000 dwellings by 2046. Demographic pressure is extreme. In Ipswich, the 65-plus population is forecast

to grow 145 per cent by 2046, the 75-plus population more than triples (the core user of assisted living and care-integrated models) and the 85-plus cohort grows by 321 per cent. The region faces a deep structural undersupply. With ongoing constraints in land availability, approvals and construction costs, the competitive pipeline will remain thin, meaning high demand will face limited supply for Ipswich and Southeast Queensland.

Anticipating growing demand and low stock availability, retirees should consider planning for the future, securing retirement homes sooner, to ensure they are not searching in a market of rapidly escalating prices and a worsening housing crisis. WORDS: Tyler O’Brien, sales director, PGS Invest. Call 0432 602 770 or visit pgsinvest.com.au

chain is only as strong as its weakest link. All things being equal, at the end of the day, it is what it is. Focus, give it 110 per cent and smash it out of the park. Enjoy the sweet smell of success. Hard work pays off. So, when your horse comes in, stand tall and proud and crack the champagne as you reap what you sow. The prime directive of this article is not to bury clichés because they are essentially bite-sized metaphors – little nuggets of gold and small lights that illuminate big ideas. Used judiciously, the humble cliché can be a powerful tool for emphasising the virtues of a key course of action in

an immediately recognisable prompt. A well-oiled machine runs smoothly, so take care of your tools and they’ll look after you. Polish your armour and don’t let your tools gather dust. Whether you’re writing articles for seniors’ magazines, prospecting for gold or being the best version of yourself that you can be, don’t let familiarity breed contempt. It is possible to have too much of a good thing. Charlie Griffiths is a certified life coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner at charliegriffithscoaching.com

FLIPSIDE

You’ve gotta love 50 shades of cliché CHARLIE GRIFFITHS uses words to seduce us into being the best version of ourselves we can be in 2026.

elcome to the first day of the rest of your life. You’re here for a good time, not a long time. So, trust your intuition, listen to your inner voice and step out of your comfort zone. Start with a plan. None of us plan to fail but many fail to plan. Visualise the big picture, chunk it down and remember that the only way to eat a giraffe is one bite at a time. Know your limitations but dream big anyway. You are the creator of your reality: follow your passion, believe in yourself and keep showing up. Take massive action. There’s no time like the present and if you stay true to yourself, your actions will speak louder than words. Let go of what no longer serves you, focus on the goal and know that clarity is power. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. A balanced approach is essential to realising your goals when life throws curve balls at you. Be flexible, you may have to change your plan but not your goal. Roll with the punches and be prepared to bend, but

don’t break. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Challenges are opportunities in disguise and they don’t knock twice. Clear your mind and don’t be afraid to risk success. If you’re given lemons, make lemonade. Turn challenges into opportunities and problems into possibilities. It’s your dream, so make it grand, knowing anything is possible and that resilience is your super power. Keep your head in the clouds but keep your feet on the ground. You’ve planned your work, now work your plan but remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Make every step a winner by doing something today that your future self will thank you for. Stay in your lane and monitor your progress because you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Timing is everything. A goal without a deadline is just a wish. The time is always now: seizing the moment will ensure the early bird catches the worm. No man is an island, so get with the strength. Team work makes the dream work and while there’s no ‘I’ in team, a

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HEALTH

Why we all should be brain ‘reddy’

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THESE HOLIDAYS BEFORE TRAVELLING WITH CPAP

KAILAS ROBERTS reports on how red-light therapy studies are showing benefits for those with early Alzheimer’s disease.

umphry Davy invented the first electric light more than 200 years ago. Prior to this, there was no way of experiencing significant amounts of blue light once the sun set for the day. Oil lamps, the invention of which dates to 4500 BCE, had very low blue-light content, and fire and candles are very red-light dominant. Nature provided sources of blue light after dark, in the form of the moon and stars, but at very low levels. The only other way to see it was in lightning – but too brief to have meaningful effects. The advent of artificial blue light in the past two centuries has been very helpful for progress. But it has been a doubleedged sword: we are increasingly realising that creating an artificial day after sundown is problematic for our physiology. The most obvious example of this is the disruption to our circadian (daily) rhythm, with all the attendant impacts on sleep. Blue light interferes with melatonin

production. This hormone needs to accumulate to prepare our body for sleep. Its suppression is not the best situation, including for our brain, which needs the healing powers of sleep to be healthy short and long term. How about red light, though? This wavelength has negligible effects on melatonin. Sitting around a fire at night, as we have done for millennia, shouldn’t impact sleep. So, the absence of effect is a positive thing. Increasing research supports the notion that red light boosts mitochondrial function. These tiny little organelles are colloquially known as the powerhouses of the cell. Without them, we simply would not survive. The theory goes that the red light can pass through the skull and enter the cells in the outer cortex of the brain, stimulating the mitochondria within. Research is preliminary, but encouraging, with small studies showing benefits for cognitive function in healthy

Red-light therapy for facial rejuvenation has also shown encouraging results with clinical Alzheimer’s disease brains and those with early clinical Alzheimer’s disease. It also appears very safe. Photobiomodulation is one of a number of neurostimulation techniques that show promise for improving cognitive function, with the others involving stimulation through magnets or small electrical currents. Kailas Roberts is a psychogeriatrician and author of Mind Your Brain: The Essential Australian Guide to Dementia, available at bookstores and online. Visit yourbraininmind. com or uqp.com.au

IF YOU are going away these summer holidays, travelling with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine shouldn’t add to the stress. Whether you are checking into a hotel, cruising the coastline or camping miles from anywhere, modern CPAP devices make it easier than ever to keep your therapy on track. With the right preparation, good sleep can travel with you. Portable CPAP batteries are one of the best tools for holiday travellers. They provide reliable power for up to two nights and can be recharged through a wall outlet, USB port or even solar panels. This makes them great for camping, staying with relatives or navigating power shortages during summer storms. Turning off heated tubing and humidification can help your battery last even longer. Hotels and cruise ships are generally CPAP friendly, but holiday crowds mean preparation is key. Pack an extension cord in case the outlet

is tucked behind a bed or nightstand. If you rely on humidification, check whether the cruise line supplies distilled water. Travellers who want a simpler setup can choose a machine designed for waterless humidification. If you’re flying, travelling with your CPAP is easier than most expect. Most machines are dual voltage, so they work worldwide without a power converter. They are also considered medical devices, which means they do not count toward your carry-on limit. If you plan to use your CPAP in the air, airlines such as Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia allow it, although you may need battery power rather than in-seat outlets. Travel should feel fun and relaxing, not stressful. If you need a hand choosing the right travel machine, battery or accessories, the CPAP Direct team can help. Visit cpap.com.au or call 1300 133 298.

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WHAT’S ON

FOR THE DIARY: January

THE TWO OF US PLUS THE GREAT BRITISH SONGBOOK

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

TWO of Australia’s most celebrated performers, Darren Coggan and Damien Leith, take to the Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) stage on Friday, February 13, at 7.30pm, for Two Of Us – The Songs of Lennon & McCartney. With hits such as Hey Jude, Yesterday, Imagine, All You Need Is Love, Eleanor Rigby and Let It Be, accompanied by The Strawberry Fields Stringed Quartet, this two-hour performance promises an evening of nostalgia and timeless artistry. Then, don’t miss The Great British Songbook, Volume II on Wednesday, February 18, at 11am. After multiple sell-out performances, Craig Martin returns by popular demand with a new celebration of British pop history.

• January 1 New Year’s Day; World Day of Peace

VEGEMITE & CHEESE SCROLLS Makes 24

HAPPY Australia Day. Here’s a true-blue recipe to ensure all ‘Little Vegemites’ stay happy.

• January 4 World Spaghetti Day • January 13 Rubber Duckie Day • January 14 International Kite Day • January 20 Penguin Awareness Day • January 24 International Day of Education • January 26 Australia Day/ Invasion Day • January 27 Chocolate Cake Day; International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Martin delivers crowd-pleasing classics from beloved British bands and artists including The Rolling Stones, Dire Straits, The Beatles, The Searchers, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Rod Stewart, Tom Jones, Elton John, Helen Shapiro and Cliff Richard to open the Musical Melodies Concert Series. Visit rpac.com.au or call the Box Office on 3829 8131.

SILVER SERIES 2026

Ingredients: • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (slightly defrosted) • 3 tbsp Vegemite • 2 cups Tasty shredded cheese. Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper. 2. Spread each sheet of pastry with Vegemite and sprinkle 1 cup of cheese evenly over each. 3. Roll each sheet tightly into a scroll and slice the scroll evenly into 12 pieces. 4. Lie on the tray and bake for 15 minutes or until golden and puffed. This recipe is from 4 Ingredients. For more, visit 4ingredients.com.au

celebration to end the year on a high note. Start your day in style with a free morning tea for every table ticket. Then, keep the celebration going with a lunch with friends after the show. It’s the ideal way to make every outing special through great entertainment, good company and unforgettable moments. Book your tickets through loganarts.com.au and search for ‘Silver Series 2026’.

STEP into a world of music, memories and magic with Logan Entertainment Centre’s Silver Series: a season designed especially for seniors who love great entertainment. Enjoy daytime performances at affordable prices, with easy accessibility and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. This year’s Silver Series promises an exciting mix of musical favourites: classic hits from decades past, powerful rock anthems, soulful melodies, iconic tributes and a festive Christmas

Silver Series 2026 GREAT DISCOUNTS GREATER FLEXIBILITY MAKE YOUR OWN SUBSCRIPTION* Choose from 6 exciting performances, and receive discounts when you purchase tickets to 4 or more shows in the series. Why not just see them all!

4 Show discount

5 Show discount

6 Show discount

10%

15%

Treat yourself or give your loved ones the perfect gift this Christmas!

$130pp Early Bird Offer

Book by 23/12/2025

* discount applies to single entry and group entry tickets only. * tickets must be purchased in a single transaction

$115pp

Get your tickets now!

Logan Entertainment Centre Box Office: 07 3412 5626 170 Wembley Road, Logan Central, QLD 4114 loganarts.com.au entertainment@logan.qld.gov.au Silver Series is proudly presented by

30 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / January 2026

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THE MARQUEE - VICTORIA PARK 309 Herston Road, Herston QLD 4006

“Balance the Scales” Book now to avoid missing out call 3624 6100 or visit coasit.asn.au/IWD2026

Brisbane

16/12/2025 2:52:06 PM

WHAT’S ON

BALLET PLUS 360 ALLSTARS REDLAND Performing Arts Centre is kicking off the year with two spectacular productions that promise to captivate audiences of all ages. The excitement begins on Saturday, January 10, with Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty. This dazzling production from Fever brings the classic fairytale to life through classical ballet, exquisite choreography and glow-in-the-dark costumes. Featuring six remarkable local dancers, every twirl and leap is transformed into a radiant display of colour and light, creating a magical experience. Then, from Thursday, January 15, to Saturday, January 17, the RPAC stage is

taken over by the high-energy spectacle 360 ALLSTARS. This international, smash-hit urban circus combines BMX, basketball, breakdancing, acrobatics, drumming and more, performed by a stellar cast of World Champion and World Recordholding artists. With live music, stunning video projections and extraordinary physical performance, 360 ALLSTARS is a vibrant celebration of street culture and modern circus, promising an immersive, exhilarating experience for audiences young and old. Both productions offer daytime and evening performances. Visit rpac.com.au or call the Box Office on 3829 8131.

DISCOVER A RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE OVER SUMMER THE Sunshine Coast is home to a wonderful mix of heritage places and spaces and during summer, there are plenty of reasons to explore. The Discovery Guide (heritage. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/museumsand-places/heritage-discover-guide ) is available online and at museums, libraries, council offices and visitor information centres. Discover the region’s incredible cultural heritage, from First Nations sites to heritage precincts. Plus, when you pay for your next entry to a Sunshine Coast museum or give a donation, you will receive a Museum VIP card that will give discounts at other museums (only available at participating museums). The Helicopters Open Day at the Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra, on January 24 is a chance for the whole family to get up close and personal with helicopters. There will be food trucks, coffee vans and ice cream available. Helicopter experts will be on site, and you can book chopper rides on the day for a discounted rate. Find out what else is on offer in the Summer at Museums guide (heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/

Museums open Wed - Sun, 10am - 3pm FREE ENTRY

Cultural Heritage

What’s On Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct 1998 Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains On Now

Landsborough Museum 4 Maleny Street, Landsborough

Free Exhibition: On The Heights Explore climbing in the Glass House Mountains. Curated by Michael Meadows. Landsborough Museum

7-23 Jan

School Holiday program Photography, Pioneer Play and free rock climbing wall. Various dates and times. Bankfoot House

about/programs-and-events/summerat-museums). If you’re entertaining the grandkids over the holidays, the Summer School Holiday Program (heritage. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/about/ programs-and-events/summer-schoolholiday-program) at Bankfoot House and Landsborough Museum is sure to have something to keep them all amused. Visit heritage.sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au

6 Feb 10am

Free Heritage Talk: Climbing in the Glass House Mountains Presented by Neil Halpin. Landsborough Museum

ARTS AND H HERITAGE ERITA T GE LEVY FUNDED

heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au l 07 5420 8600

STA R R I N G

II VOLUME

Musical Melodies Concert

Craig M Martin artin and nd dh his is band is band perform all your favourite British hits, from Cliff Richard to Elton John

FRI 13 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM Brisbane

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Classic hits take centre stage at Redland Performing Arts Centre BOOK NOW! 3829 8131 rpac.com.au

WED 18 FEBRUARY, 11AM January 2026 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 31

17/12/2025 9:16:53 AM

TRAVEL

IMAGES: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR

tastings of several popular, new and limited-release styles. Among them are: the easy-drinking NonVintage Sparkling Shiraz; the Bendi 2013 limited-release, Frenchgo Trains oaked Heathcote Shiraz (a planes , classic representation of a a automo nd shiraz from the area); and 2015 biles Pressings Heathcote Shiraz that is all about big flavours with heavier tannin structures and complex fruit. Graham enthusiastically explains the characteristics of each as he pours, like a proud father introducing his children. Each is unique in their own way, but all possess the DNA produced from solely estategrown fruit at an elevation of 250-290m above sea level, in a terroir of deep, 600 million-year-old red Cambrian soils, and handcrafted on site using organic and traditional winemaking practices. The wines are matured in French or American oak, with some gaining added depth in flavour, aroma and tannin structure after extended bottle fermentation. No wonder the winery has received a 5-star rating from James Halliday in the Australian Wine Companion. Peregrine Ridge exemplifies the fact that, just like those roos, the City of Greater Bendigo’s food and wine credentials are moving ahead in leaps and bounds. SHIRLEY SINCLAIR makes the most of a golden opportunity to explore This meet-the-maker tasting experience complements a culinary history on the Victorian Goldfields and uncover some present-day ‘gems’. triumph the previous night in the private dining room of The Woodhouse, Bendigo. as much as seeing these unexpected locals ’m drinking in the splendour of Owner and chef Paul Pitcher, the – sends them bounding away up the hill, to 180-degree views at one of Victoria’s in-house sommelier and staff were on be camouflaged in the denser grassland highest-elevated wineries when a hand to explain every nuance of the and bush. feeling of being watched comes over me. five-course degustation (with wine pairing) Their untimely departure sends us Below lies row upon row, block upon championing Central Victoria’s best local back inside the cavernous Peregrine Ridge block, paddock upon paddock of shiraz vegetables, dairy, poultry, wagyu steak cellar door space, designed by architect grapevines, creating a funky green-andand lamb. Nick Marino, on the eastern slopes of the brown patchwork quilt. But I sense slight Deserving special mention: the Sher Mt Camel Range, about 40km southeast of movement near the top of that ‘quilt’. wagyu beef tartare, Giaveri Oscietra caviar Bendigo. Qualified engineer-turnedA mob of Eastern Grey kangaroos has and potato pave snack; Maremma freewinery owner Graham Quigley has laid been lounging in the shade of acacia trees range duck breast, dry aged, with cherry, out front-row seats to the same grand view on this warm spring day in Heathcote. apple, cavolo nero and orange gastric over the Goulburn Valley (as far as Mt But now, they remain still like starter; and Sher wagyu porterhouse (dry Buller on a clear day) behind the floor-tocommandos in survival mode, keeping aged 28 days #7) with mushroom, leek, ceiling windows. beady eyes and attentive ears on the black garlic, pomme puree and red wine As we snack on curated platters of newcomers to their territory. jus main course. charcuterie and cheese, smoked salmon Our group’s gasps of delight – at the And in the wine department, the and relishes, Graham guides us through transformation of this former sheep station

Strike it rich in rural hospitality while digging for great adventures

8 Day Norfolk Island TUESDAY 10 MARCH TO TUESDAY 17 MARCH, 2026 Twin / Double

$4,560 pp

Be immersed in the warm embrace of local living and discover the rich heritage of the landscape from steep ocean cliff-tops and patches of sub-tropical rainforest set amongst convict ruins and the famous Norfolk Pines.

$5,180 pp

Single

The 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder Chalmers Pecoriono 2023, Lyons Will 2023 Pinot Noir and Pondalowie 2020 Shiraz shine. As a casual observer, Greater Bendigo appears to be punching above its weight in the culinary stakes – until I learn that it is Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy. I witness the signs of a passionate foodie-sphere everywhere – from a morning coffee at El Gordo in the CBD’s Chancery Lane; to smashed avocado or chilli scramble on sourdough at Omari, dining waterside amid 18ha of historic Bendigo Botanic Gardens in White Hills; and 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder served on creamy mash potato with dutch carrots, sauteed green beans and red wine jus in the convivial atmosphere of the Bridgewater Hotel beer garden on the banks of the Loddon River. But I soon discover that this part of what is known as the Victorian Goldfields is no one-trick pony. Adventure in the great outdoors – with a side of history, culture and scenic beauty – is also well catered for. In fact, the experiences are, well, pure gold. While staying across the road at Julie-Anna Inn on Napier Street, I venture to Lake Weeroona – part of the 4.4km, multi-stage Bendigo Low Line providing a safe, accessible, off-road transport corridor in and out of the city centre. On a 30-minute circuit stroll, I join walkers, cyclists and picnickers in a world of Insta-worthy reflections, varied birdlife including ducklings, heritage pavilions, contemplative nooks, fitness classes, plus rowing, kayaking and dragonboat activities.

Progressive Dinners, Peaceful Pine Trees and Perfect Sunsets – you will wish you were a Local!

DEPOSIT $500 pp Includes: Airfares – Brisbane > Brisbane Home pick-up & return* * Sunshine Coast Regions & Brisbane

CONTACT: (07) 5391 1648 OR 0409 278 971 32 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / January 2026

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cttravel.com.au

For more details and bookings go to: cttravel.com.au/tasmania Brisbane

16/12/2025 1:55:35 PM

TRAVEL

Lake Weeroona The ornamental lake and reserve was established in 1878, designed by William Guilfoyle, then director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, who was tasked with transforming a dusty old mining site into a welcome reprieve for miners’ families during the gold rush of the late 1800s. If modern-day visitors feel the urge to search for their own ‘buried treasure’, passionate prospectors Shane and Jackie, of Gold Nugget Hunters, can recreate the thrill of the golden era. Their Gold Hunter Tour is a hands-on, no-fuss experience that supplies the licences and highly sensitive Minelab metal detectors to make prospecting a little easier than the backbreaking work of the past in an area of ancient river beds that has been dry for millions of years.

“We call it dirt fishing. We just don’t throw the little fish back,” Shane quips. Shane confesses he was hooked after finding his first one-gram nugget in Grade 6 after three months’ effort. Now, he has the patience to spend one hour per square metre, working three or four hours “until it gets too hot”. As well as giving nuggets of wisdom (such as: “Don’t step backwards in the goldfields: there’s mine shafts everywhere”), Shane teaches us to listen intently for changes in the machine’s tone and check the detector screen for confirmation (a 50-cent coin, for example, will appear on the screen as No.48). “When you find your first bit of gold, you fall in love with it and you (want to) go and find another. I can’t describe it,” he

says. Individuals, couples and groups (even the occasional 16th birthday party) join the hunt for ‘a big one’, hovering the metal detectors as close to the ground as possible without touching it. “We’re all out here standing on gold nuggets,” Shane adds, acknowledging that anyone can go over old ground 100 times and strike it lucky on the 101st pass. It was the early gold-mining activities near Heathcote that helped create a colourful phenomenon and one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions today. Sluicing work (a process used to separate the gold from lighter materials) on a former gold mining site in the 1880s produced a ‘fairy floss’ tinge to the hills. The striking mounds and mini gorges of fine pink clay now make up the Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve that attracts hikers and photographers by the thousands each year. Also in Heathcote is one end of the O’Keefe Rail Trail. Friends of the BendigoKilmore Rail Trail president Adrian Cummins tells us that pet owners and even the occasional horse rider are among those covering all or sections of the 49km path that meanders through native eucalypt forests, farmland and across waterways such as the Campaspe River at Axedale (the halfway point, where we meet). The rail trail, named after rail pioneer Andrew O’Keefe, was forged more than a century ago in 1888 to connect the burgeoning Bendigo and Heathcote

SENIOR COACH TOURS

communities and boost commerce, especially in timber, wool and sheep. But trains stopped running in 1956, with the connection laying largely unused until 1993 when the first section of the O’Keefe Rail Trail opened. Restaurants and pubs, wineries, accommodation, attractions and bike repair stations are along the route. An even ‘cooler’ adventure is the Loddon River Canoe Trail: a new tour operated by Bendigo Water Sports. Exhilarating yet peaceful, energetic but relaxing, single and double paddlers glide their craft through the emerald-green waters of River Redgum country at Bridgewater on Loddon. continued over >

Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve

coastalvarietytours.com.au

HOME PICK-UP AND RETURN ON ALL TOURS

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER ADELAIDE EXPLORER TOUR & GARDEN SHOW - GREAT OCEAN ROAD FARE INCLUDES: FARE INCLUDES: • MCG Tour • Bendigo Vintage Talking Tram • Ballarat Botanic Gardens Bergonia Display • International Flower & Garden Show • Melbourne City Free Time • Pufﬁng Billy Train • Crown Entertainment Centre • Port of Echuca • Canberra Tour, Newcastle

• • • • • • • • • •

Pickup and Return: Brisbane, Redcliffe, Redlands, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island, Caboolture.

14 DAYS TOUR: 19th March to 1st April, 2026

$4,250 Per Person twin share (inc. GST)

Great Ocean Road Kangaroo Island Barossa Valley - Maggie Beer Farm Shop Winery Tour Hahndorf Historic German Village Mt Lofty, Adelaide City, Central Markets Haigh’s Chocolate Factory Visitor Centre Glenelg, Victor Harbour Port of Echuca Mt Gambier, Mildura, Grifﬁth

17 DAYS TOUR: 18th April to 4th May, 2026

$5,250 Per Person twin share (inc. GST)

CALL FOR A FREE TOUR BROCHURE

COASTAL VARIETY TOURS

HOME PICK-UP AND RETURN ON ALL TOURS

PH: 07 5530 2363 OR 0419 668 311

Brisbane

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January 2026 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 33

16/12/2025 1:56:40 PM

TRAVEL

GETTING THERE Bendigo is about 150km northwest of Melbourne. Try a leisurely road trip over several days. By air, fly to Sydney and take a direct Qantaslink flight to Bendigo on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Or fly to Melbourne and take a two-hour train from Southern Cross Station. Bendigo trains run hourly.

STAY Julie-Anna Inn, Bendigo 268 Napier Street, Bendigo. Call (03) 5442 5855 or visit julieanna.com.au Quality Hotel Lakeside 286 Napier Street, Bendigo. Call (03) 5445 5300 or visit lakesidehotel.com.au The Hotel Shamrock Corner Pall Mall and Williamson Street, Bendigo. Call (03) 5443 0333 or visit hotelshamrock.com.au Larni Yirrip ‘Home of the Ironbark’ Campground This is a new campground in the Bendigo Regional Park, designed and built by Djaara – the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and its enterprise Djandak, in partnership with Parks Victoria. Visit parks.vic.gov.au/places-tosee/parks/bendigo-regional-park/ where-to-stay/larni-yirrip-campground HANDY WEBSITES Peregrine Ridge: peregrineridge.com.au The Woodhouse: thewoodhouse.com.au Gold Hunter Tour: bendigoregion.com.au/ visit-loddon-valley/tours/goldnugget-hunter Loddon River Canoe Trail: bendigowatersports.com.au Omari Bendigo: omaribendigo.com.au Bridgewater Hotel: bridgewaterhotelloddonriver.com O’Keefe Rail Trail: heathcote.org.au/ things-to-do/outdoors-nature/okeeferail-trail

HIT THE ROAD WITH THE ‘BLUE BUS FAMILY’ FOR Geoff and Sandra Jacob, running Blue Bus Tours is more than just getting people from A to B. It’s about creating a community – a place where strangers become friends, and travel feels like family. After decades in the coach industry, Geoff and Sandra knew travel could be more personal. They launched Blue Bus Tours to do things differently: smaller groups, luxury, comfort and a focus on connection. Today, their boutique tour company has built a loyal following of retirees and solo travellers — many of whom proudly call themselves part of the ‘Blue Bus family’. “Our passengers aren’t just numbers on a booking list,” Geoff says. “We know their names, their stories and we’ve celebrated milestones with them on the road. The best part is watching friendships blossom that last long after the tour is over.” That personal touch is matched with some of the safest and most inclusive travel experiences in the industry. Their luxury coach features bespoke seating, wheelchair access and advanced technology such as Guardian Seeing Machine (monitoring driver fatigue) and Starlink, keeping everyone connected – even in Australia’s most remote corners. “We want people to feel safe, cared

IMAGE: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR

< from previous page Our late-afternoon ‘golden hour’ sees us pass white hyacinth lily pads, dodge the occasional low branch or log debris and navigate under two bridges. My only hiccup comes when the line of an unsuspecting fisherman on one of those bridges catches my paddle – but I pull up after hearing the second ‘whoah’, apologising profusely and untangling myself without too much embarrassment. While in the area, businesses such as Bridgewater Bakery can provide all the fuel needed to take an easy river walk, make a splash in the swimming hole that has been a fun retreat for generations, try the designated 3.2km general waterskiing zone with 950m slalom and ski jump area (home to the Australian Masters each January) or even conquer Grade 3 standard whitewater kayaking in the right conditions. I may not have struck gold over six days in Greater Bendigo, but I feel all the more richer for uncovering this precious part of the Victorian Goldfields.

for and excited to travel again, especially those who are newly solo or hesitant to join a group,” Sandra says. “Our coach is designed so that anyone can feel at home on board.” Beyond the comfort of the ride, the heart of Blue Bus Tours lies in showcasing Australia itself. From coastal getaways to hidden inland gems, they delight in taking guests down back roads, into small communities and to places many have never discovered before. The destinations in 2026 range from the Red Centre, the Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island to the Flinders Ranges and Lord Howe Island (above), and festivities such as Lightning Ridge Easter Festival and Opera in the Outback. Visit bluebustours.com.au/blue-bustours-upcoming/ or call 3820 7815.

2025

Experience THE BEST THIS COUNTRY has to Offer

2026 Tours wi seats available

FEBRUARY 2026 Brisbane Tattoo (3 Days) Brisbane Star (3 Days) MARCH 2026 Norfolk Island (8 Days)

APRIL 2026 Easter in Port Stephens (8 Days) Alpine High Country to the Murray Delta (11 Days) MAY 2026 Murray Princess & Kangaroo Island (11 Days) O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days) Wallaroo Outback Retreat (7 Days)

Explore wi us

JUNE 2026 Darling River Run (15 Days) Red Centre & Top End (18 Days) JULY 2026 Lightning Ridge (7 Days) Broome to Darwin (12 Days) AUGUST 2026 North Queensland Savannah (11 Days) Tropical North Queensland (12 Days)

34 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / January 2026

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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)

CALL FOR MORE INFO (07) 5391 1648 OR 0409 278 971 Ask to join our travel club for up to date listings of our tours.

For more detailed itinerary information on any of our tours, please visit our website:

www.cttravel.com.au

Brisbane

16/12/2025 1:57:21 PM

ted

60 a br

SIGNATURE DAY TOURS 2026 Tuesday 10th February, 2026 MONTVILLE AND THE GINGER FACTORY AT YANDINA Morning Tea included. Lunch is at own expense.

Thursday 12th March, 2026 MOOLOOLABA CANAL CRUISE & FREE TIME Return via a scenic drive of Caloundra. Morning Tea included. Lunch is at own expense.

Tuesday 21st April, 2026 GALLERY WALK AND CEDAR CREEK WINERY, MOUNT TAMBORINE Lunch included. Morning Tea is at own expense.

Thursday 14th May, 2026 SUMMERLAND CAMEL FARM & DUGANDAN HOTEL Boonah and Scenic Rim Morning Tea and Lunch included.

Tuesday 16th June, 2026 CROWS NEST AND COBB & CO MUSEUM TOOWOOMBA Scenic drive via Esk and Perserverance Dam Morning Tea and Lunch included.

Tuesday 14th July, 2026 CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT MOUNT MEE Birches Restaurant, Mount Mee. Travel via Dayboro on the return to Brisbane. Morning Tea and Lunch included.

Saturday 18th July, 2026 JUMPERS AND JAZZ FESTIVAL IN WARWICK Join us for a memorable day at the quirkiest festival, which has been an annual winter tradition since 2004. Morning Tea included, Lunch is at own expense.

per person

Red and White Coaches R

Thursday Th d 27th A August, t 2026 BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

HINZE DAM, CHILLINGHAM & MURWILLUMBAH NORTHERN NSW

per person

Morning Tea and Lunch included.

110

per person

100

per person

110

per person

Mon. 21st to Fri. 25th September, 2026 TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS Choice of 5 Day Tours to see the colours of this Annual Spring Festival on the Great Dividing Range. Morning Tea and Lunch included.

Thursday 22nd October, 2026 PEACHESTER, MALENY, KENILWORTH HOTEL AND BAKERY A scenic drive up to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Morning Tea and Lunch included.

Wednesday 18th November, 2026 EUMUNDI MARKETS, SUNSHINE COAST A straight-through journey to have maximum free time at these ever-popular markets. Morning Tea and Lunch are not included.

100

per person

In conjunction with Dalroy Tours

19 DAY NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND ACCOMMODATED COACH TOUR Departs Brisbane Wednesday 8th April, 2026

120

per person

110

per person

8 DAY MURRAY RIVER CRUISE Departs Brisbane Sunday 14th June, 2026 PLEASE CONTACT US FOR AN ITINERARY OF THESE TOURS For convenience, we oﬀer a variety of pick-up locations primarily on the northside of Brisbane, specifically the Redcliﬀe and Sandgate areas. We also serve Taigum and Aspley Hypermarket Shopping Centres, making it easier for our passengers to access our services. Additionally, we provide pick-ups at the Eternal Flame in Ann Street, City, and, on tours heading south, we include Palmdale Shopping Centre for added convenience. Dates and itineraries are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances that are out of our control.

Red and White Coaches PH: 3269 6466 e: admin@rwcoaches.com.au | w: redandwhitecoaches.com.au

35.indd 3

16/12/2025 2:03:06 PM

BOOKS

THE TRIALS OF BROWID By Stephanie Bosshard, Fantasy adventure

IDENTITY By Nora Roberts Romantic suspense novel Reviewed by John Kleinschmidt

A MILLION THINGS By Emily Spurr Contemporary fiction Reviewed by Jan Kent THIS book had me captivated from the beginning as the compelling, yet simple, story of 10-year-old Rae, managing on her own to cover her mother’s absence. Quite subtly, the hints of the reasons for this are woven in, so the reader can make assumptions relating to mental illness, even as Rae speaks to her mother as though she is merely in the other room. So adept is Rae at managing the routine of sorting meals, getting to school and walking Splinters the trusty dog that outsiders are seemingly unaware of the situation. Well, almost. Always watching from her front veranda is Lettie, a nosy neighbour with her own set of secrets. After her cry for help brings Rae into the house, a tenuous relationship between these two develops, along with a realisation that they need each other. As their friendship blooms out of tragic circumstances, the many tender and emotional moments drew me to laughs and tears in almost equal measure. With tension spiking due to outsider interference, I could not put this book down until its heartbreaking, yet uplifting, conclusion. Immerse yourself in this tale of grief, resilience and friendship.

WHEN I chose this book, I was unaware that it was a romantic suspense novel. I expected it to be more about a serial killer. Morgan, a young woman seeking independence, has established her own home, has a tenant and friend to help with costs and has a good job. That’s until it is all taken from her by a killer and identity thief who mistakenly murders her friend. Morgan returns home to live with her mother and grandmother: two successful and delightful women. She gets a job at a holiday resort and finds romance, despite a continuing threat from the serial killer who is obsessed by his unfinished business with her. The author shows her mastery by making the story mostly about the romance without over-dramatising the threat to her life. The ending is neither over the top nor underdone. A great balance between love and crime.

They told her she was ordinary. They lied. Hidden deep in the forests of Maine, Selena Bell has spent her life keeping to the edges – quiet, invisible, unremarkable. Or so she thought. Selena learns the truth from three mysterious strangers: she’s a Semper – magic woven into human form – and the world has been waiting for her to awaken. At her side is Gabriel, a fierce and magnetic ally whose loyalty is as dangerous as his allure. The greatest danger may not be what she is, but what she is becoming. In her debut fantasy novel The Trials of Browid, Sunshine Coast born-and-bred actress and production company owner Stephanie Bosshard (pictured) weaves a thrilling, sensual journey through a hidden world of power, prophecy and desire. The sweeping romantic fantasy plunges readers into a world as immersive as it is intoxicating – one built on courage, resilience and the yearning for freedom. Written during Melbourne’s long pandemic lockdowns, the novel began at a time when Bosshard’s acting work had come to a halt and she was isolated from her family in Queensland. Channelling her instinct for performance and her craft of inhabiting other lives, she turned to writing, creating a world where love, endurance and defiance became powerful acts of survival. Working as an actor since age 15, Bosshard is no stranger to worlds of fantasy. She has written, directed and produced her own medieval fantasy mini-series, Keys to the Keep. Bosshard hopes her novel offers readers a world to escape into when times are tough – one filled with magic, passion and a heroine who discovers the extraordinary within herself.

THE LIGHTNING RIDGE LADIES By Fiona McArthur, Romance and mystery Reviewed by Shirley Sinclair

APPOINTMENT IN PARIS By Jane Thynne, Espionage thriller Reviewed by Rachel Burgoine, of Annie’s Books on Peregian A BODY, wearing the uniform of a Luftwaffe captain, is found in the grounds of Trent Park: a stately home and now a prison for high-level German POWs. Trent Park’s true purpose, however, is intelligence, gathered covertly from prisoners by secret listeners. The morning after the discovery of the body, one of the listeners goes missing, along with a gun from the firing range. Cue Harry Fox, a former MI5 Watcher, now suspended. His former boss wants him to track down the missing man. But, he stipulates, it

must also involve Harry’s former associate, Stella Fry. Stella returns home from work in the blackout to find a crowd outside her flat. A young woman in the building has had a fatal accident. The dead woman is called Stella Fry. Stella suspects that this is the work of Fox. But why would he go to such lengths to contact her? This novel is set mostly in London with a foray into Paris, pre-occupation. I thoroughly enjoyed this espionage thriller, the setting and the characters.

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“FOR Lightning Ridge – an outback town built on dreams and filled with characters.” The dedication at the start of this love letter to small-town NSW by rural midwifeturned-prolific romance novelist Fiona McArthur is a hint at the grand tale to come. It starts with Dr Bella Grey moving to Lightning Ridge – ‘Black Opal Country’ – for a fresh start. The relocation also offers Bella the chance to unlock the mystery surrounding the tragic death of her much-loved twin

brother William. She will need to endear herself to the town, make friends and elicit help if she is to find any answers to the many unresolved questions – and his body that has never been recovered. William’s friend and ruggedly handsome opal miner TJ may be the key, but will their sexual tension be a help or hindrance? This roller-coaster ride of criminal intrigue, sizzling attraction and dear friendships makes for a great holiday read – as warm and colourful as an outback sunset.

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17/12/2025 8:34:26 AM

TRIVIA

With Quizmaster Garry Reynolds

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS QUICK CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD B I S H O P B I O P S Y O E V S A N T C O A R S E L A N G U A G E K P N H A R M U S H E R S A R T H O U S E T N R E L O N T H E N A I L L I M P R M L I S E A M P O S S E S S E D A O U E P C L A S S W A R C A N N O N Y O E E H A I C E N T R A L H E A T I N G R I E Y S O T L A N C E D U T E R U S

SUDOKU (MEDIUM)

SUDOKU (EASY)

3 6 1 5 4 7 8 9 2 4 2 9 3 8 1 7 6 5 5 8 7 9 2 6 1 3 4 6 3 2 7 9 4 5 1 8 9 7 8 1 3 5 2 4 6 1 5 4 8 6 2 3 7 9 2 9 5 6 1 3 4 8 7 7 1 6 4 5 8 9 2 3 8 4 3 2 7 9 6 5 1

6 8 2 4 3 5 9 1 7 7 4 1 9 6 2 8 5 3 3 9 5 7 1 8 2 4 6 4 6 8 5 7 1 3 2 9 5 2 7 3 4 9 6 8 1 9 1 3 2 8 6 4 7 5 2 7 4 1 9 3 5 6 8 8 5 9 6 2 7 1 3 4 1 3 6 8 5 4 7 9 2

CODEWORD X V S G F T C U PW L J N 15

WORDFIND

Getting the job done

R I OH K D Z E YMB AQ 3

WORD STEP DRAIN, DRAWN, DROWN, BROWN, BLOWN, BLOWS

adieu, audit, aunt, daunt, duet, dune, dupe, ennui, etui, indue, input, inundate, nude, peanut, petunia, pundit, punned, punnet, punt, punted, taupe, tuna, tune, tuned, unapt, unit, unite, united, unpaid, UNPAINTED, unpin, untie, untied, update, upend

IMAGE: AAP

9-LETTER WORD

1. Who is the gamekeeper in Lady Chatterley’s Lover? 2. Who directed the film Moulin Rouge? 3. What is the name of the Australian women’s rugby team? 4. What is the name of the rod for spinning wool? 5. Who are called ‘twitchers’? 6. Who is the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare? 7. Which Queensland seaside centre was known as Elston until 1973? 8. What novel focused on the March sisters? 9. Who won the Academy Award for Best Actor in Cat Balou? 10. Which federal minister had the middle name ‘Christmas’? 11. Who was the New Zealand batsman bowled by Trevor Chappell’s underarm delivery? 12. What is the term for having a second job? 13. Who was the Norse god of thunder and lightning? 14. What is the name of Russian alcohol made from cereal and stale bread? 15. What is the name of the Cadbury UK factory in a garden? 16. What rocks are formed from ancient coral reefs? 17. Which Sydney suburb had the first Australian McDonald’s outlet? 18. What is the term for a guerilla militia subverting an occupying force? 19. Aside from Lisa Camplin, which other Australian won a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics? 20. Who was the biblical leader of the Israelites?

There may be other correct answers

1. Oliver Mellors. 2. Baz Luhrmann. 3. Wallaroos. 4. Distaff. 5. Birdwatchers. 6. Athena. 7. Surfers Paradise. 8. Little Women. 9. Lee Marvin. 10. Sir Earle Page. 11. Brian McKechnie. 12. Moonlighting. 13. Thor. 14. Kvass. 15. Bourneville. 16. Limestone and marble. 17. Yagoona. 18. Partisans. 19. Steven Bradbury. 20. Moses.

RESPITE CARE GIVES EVERYONE

A WELL EARNED BREAK HELPING INDIVIDUALS AND CARERS G MAINTAIN THEIR HEALTH AND WELL BEING Access 63 Days of Government Subsidised Respite Care (subject to eligibility) lit ) lity)

ENQUIRE TODAY

RESPITE CARE AVAILABLE OVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD R D Bookings over the holiday period are in high demand BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL For more information or to find out if you are eligible please contact our Resident Liason Officer by phone or email.

5495 4233 caron@sunnymeadepark.com.au 362 King Street, Caboolture sunnymeadepark.com.au

Brisbane

37.indd 3

January 2026 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 37

16/12/2025 2:03:53 PM

PUZZLES

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

No. 3055

24 Clean infected end of wound opened with a surgical knife (6)

CODEWORD

No. 102

25 Reliable trade union backed development centre (6)

DOWN

1 Novel retailer’s boy mostly approves rent (9) 2 Malicious person is ready to drop around heart of alderman (7) 3 Cooked venison not keeping in heated units (5)

4 #RITICISE A DElCIENT narrator’s short musical composition (9)

5 List of distinguished people reportedly having continued success (2,1,4)

6 Plant supports checks (5)

ACROSS 1 Man with a position on board downsized large store (6) 4 Boy is upset about soft tissue examination (6) 8 Swearing encourages a gal going off the rails (6,8) 9 American belonging to the Girl Guides (6) 10 Authors mishandled closing of the trendy cinema (3,5) 11 Number secured by a hotline changed without delay (2,3,4)

13 Walk unevenly without stiffness (4)

7 Dry land has Arab greatly upset (6)

15 Bowling crease a mediumpacer used partly (4)

12 Half of them were in school with the ability to act (9)

leftover letters will WORDFIND The spell out a secret message.

17 Law enforcers passed, ignoring father in a demonic state (9)

14 Makes money outside new iPod centres (9)

ADZE

PLIERS

AXE

RASP

CALIPERS

ROUTER

CHISEL

SANDPAPER

CROWBAR

SCREWDRIVER

DRILL

SHOVEL

HAMMER

TROWEL

KNIFE

VICE

LATHE

WRENCH

20 Troubled rascal, running around, saw heartless CONmICT CAUSED BY SOCIAL division? (5,3) 22 Big shot, smart, not totally active (6) 23 Rental rigged in dishonest system employed in chilly places (7,7)

16 Academic misinterpreted icons of stoneworkers (7) 18 Rules broken by day’s end without a doubt (6) 19 Treason implicated politician (7) 21 )TEMS FASHIONED IN lNELY crafted stretchy material (5) 22 He is in court with a strong case (5)

THE GREAT WESTERN PLAY & STAY MUSICAL TOUR 2026…

MALLET

Tamwor Music F Trip

WHO’S FOR TAMWORTH 2027? JOIN THE FUN...

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11 Day Musical Tour with 12 Country/Western, Rock n Roll Artists onboard.

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No. 102

TAMWORTH CMF 2021!

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For more information or enquiries please contact GREG & DONNA ROSS. PH: (07) 4129 7132 OR 0427 297 132 greganddonna@ganddrossbuscharters.com.au ganddrossbuscharters.com.au 38 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / January 2026

38.indd 2

Brisbane

16/12/2025 2:04:37 PM

PUZZLES

QUICK CROSSWORD

No. 3730

9-LETTER WORD

T D

Today’s Aim:

A U

No. 102

17 words: Good

35 words: Excellent

Vain man (3) !RTIlCIAL body part (10) 10 %XCEL 11 (UB FOR MILITARY PLANES 12 4HOSE WHO SUPPORT ANOTHER 13 7ILD OR UNCULTIVATED COUNTRY 15 %DIBLE SEAWEED 17 ,ARGEST CONTINENT 19 "IBLICAL GARDEN 20 4EENAGE

23 2ED -UPPET 25 &ORMER COINS OF "RITAIN 27 3MALL BASKETS 28 /NES WHO MAKE AMENDS 29 -OTIONLESS WITH WONDER 30 $EJECTED

DOWN 1

2 4 5 6

4HICK EDIBLE SEAFOOD PUREES 2ECTORY %STEEMED "REAKS SUDDENLY !S A RESULT OF THIS

7 "ATS 8 3LEIGH 9 /CEANIC 14 $AYDREAMED ABOUT A DESIRE 16 %ND 18 !USTERITY 21 *AUNDICED 22 4HINGS THAT RESEMBLE CURRENCY 24 %XORCIST ACTRESS n "LAIR 25 3EAWEED WRAPPED RICE 26 3PECK

No. 983

4 3 1 5 7 2 6 3 2 7 9 8 7 3 4 1 6 2 3 7 9 1 4 7 4 8 3 4 5

WORD STEP

Level: Easy

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

1 3

Every row, column and 3x3 outlined square must contain the numbers 1 to 9 once each.

26 words: Very good

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

ACROSS

SUDOKU

Level: Medium No. 102

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

DRAIN

_____ _____ _____ _____ BLOWS

No. 984

8 5 7

5 7

9 3 6

8 6 4 5

2 January 2026

The Brisbane Retirement Village & Resort Expo Sunday 22nd & Monday 23rd February 2026 Broncos Leag Leagues Club, 98 Fulcher Road, Red Hill 10am-3 10am-3pm both days | Free Admission Learn More

9 1 8 8 4

Wonderful opportunity to ask questions and gather information

On display will be the latest resort style developments, as well as established villages from many different o organisations. All offering a wide range of services & facilities, sizes, prices & locations, a all under one roof with free admission. Don’t miss this wonderful event!

retirementexpo.com.au Brisbane

39.indd 3

January 2026 / YOUR TIME MAGAZINE 39

16/12/2025 2:05:06 PM

THE RETIREMENT YOU IMAGINED Display suite viewings available by appointment.

40.indd 2

0493 989 268

1/41 Queen St, Goodna 4300

16/12/2025 2:05:29 PM