Your Time Magazine Sunshine Coast - March 2026

Hurley able to hit the right notes again

A locally made natural supplement is giving people relief from arthritis pain.

He’s known as Australia’s King of Country Rock, and Jade Hurley – together with other octogenarian legends Digger Revell, Dinah Lee, Lucky Starr and 70-something youngster Little Pattie – are currently touring the country with the live stage show The Good Old Days of Rock ’n’ Roll.

Hurley is still putting on an energetic show, with one glowing review commenting that “it was ... impressive that, at age 81, he effortlessly managed to get that right boot up onto the keyboard”.

The show,which he’s written and produced, represents a triumphant return to form. After spending years “battling with the excruciating pain 24 hours a day” caused by arthritis in his hands, Hurley was facing the devastating consequence that his long and successful career was over.

“Playing the piano in my shows became almost impossible,” the OAM recipient says emphatically. Having visited doctors and prescribed medications, which he laments were “no good, made me depressed and really didn’t help all that much”, he felt he had nothing to lose when a friend suggested he try Arborvitae Joint Health.

That was three years ago and Hurley gratefully acknowledges Arborvitae, a family owned and Australian-made supplement business which has been operating for more than 10 years, as being a “life and career saver”.

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

Hurley was not alone in his pain. Data from Arthritis Australia shows that 3.6 million people (or one in seven of us) are living with arthritis, a leading cause of chronic pain and the second most common cause of disability and early retirement due to ill health.

Made in Australia from natural ingredients Aloe Vera, Papain enzyme and honey, plus a French pine bark extract, technically known as Pycnogenol, Arborvitae Joint Health is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplement that can enhance healthy joint function, supporting mobility and flexibility.

It can also provide relief from the symptoms of mild osteoarthritis, mild joint pain and stiffness.

The main ingredient, Pycnogenol, has been widely studied for decades, with more than 160 clinical trials. The results of a recent study on Arborvitae Joint Health, published in September 2020 in the journal Minerva of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, showed a 66 per cent decrease in pain test scores, a 50 per cent increase inwalking distance without pain and a 56 per cent decrease in inflammation in blood tests. All of which lead to an impressive 78 per cent reduction in use of on-demand medications and a 50

per cent improvement in quality of life scores.

Available in liquid form, stocked in over 2000 chemists and health food stores Australia wide, including Chemist Warehouse, Terry White Chemmart and Blooms The Chemist, Hurley says it took about a month to ‘‘really kick in” and he now has “absolutely no problems and almost no pain”.

“First thing in the morning I take it out of the fridge, take the top off the bottle and have three to four mouthfuls on an empty stomach,” he explains.

While arthritis affects many in older generations, it can begin causing trouble for people as young as 35. Regardless of your age, Hurley advises anyone suffering from the acute pain it causes to give Arborvitae a try. “You have absolutely nothing to lose,” he says.

For Hurley, who’s now back on stage where he belongs, he says Arborvitae has “given me a new life and given me my career back”.

The above information is general in nature. Please contact your GP or other healthcare professional for advice that is specific to your health needs.

The relief that I get isn’t usually met with any other treatments I’ve tried. It is worth every cent! I highly recommend it!” I couldn’t believe it!

sore hands for years due to repetitive injury’s from my work as a cake maker.

A friend suggested I try Arborvitae Joint Health. After the first bottle I wasn’t

And yes! I couldn’t believe it! The pain all but disappeared.

“A Clinical Study was completed and published in the journal Minerva Orthopedics. Key results from the Arborvitae Joint Health Study showed a:

66% DECREASE in pain test scores

50% INCREASE in walking distance without pain (100m increase)

56% DECREASE in inflammation in blood tests (CRP/C-reactive protein)

78% REDUCTION in use of on-demand medications

50% IMPROVEMENT in quality-of-life scores

"Running a forklift business and keeping up with my grandson requires mobility. Arborvitae Joint Health reduced my knee pain and swelling in two weeks — I take it before big days in the yard, and it keeps me moving!"

Gary from

Why should we give up doing what we love, just because of our age?

If we are physically and mentally able, we should allow ourselves to keep on doing whatever we enjoy.

Once upon a time, I loved nothing more than hitting the dancefloor at trendy Brisbane venues: Apples in the National Hotel, New York New York, City Plaza and Mayne or Windsor-Zillmere Aussie rules football clubs’ Sunday night cabarets.

By the time I stepped back in the shadows for a drink, I’d be sweaty, out of breath and with carefully coiffured hairstyle gone with the wind after bopping to The Knack’s My Sharona, Michael Jackson’s Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough or even Mike Brady’s Up There Cazaly Wedding dancefloors are few and far between these days. But, really, there’s nothing stopping me from putting on YouTube for video clips of ‘Eighties Rock Hits’ or turning up my Shazam playlist on Spotify ‘to 11’ and busting out my moves while doing the housework each week.

There’s even the occasional silent disco advertised where I could get lost in my own music world, surrounded by like-minded

fans of all ages. Let’s just say there’s nothing stopping me except me.

As we age, we tend to put limitations on our own pleasure and entertainment.

Maybe we’re embarrassed to do these things “at my age”. Perhaps we’ve slowed down a little and can’t do that Dancing Queen routine anymore. Or we might worry what the neighbours/grandchildren would think.

But not Pauline Clayton. For this month’s feature, the octogenarian has written from the heart about her love of scuba diving – something she has been doing for more than 60 years.

A breast cancer survivor, her body may be telling her to ‘act her age’, but she refuses to give in to a sedentary lifestyle. She tries to eat well and takes the necessary steps to ensure a good degree of movement, brain power and socialising for her physical and mental wellbeing. Pauline is an inspiration to us all. She reminds us we can make adjustments and find another path to keep doing what we love, living life to the full.

On the travel front, Marian McGuinness transports us to Ireland for a day trip along the Wild Atlantic Way on the Emerald Isle’s rugged west coast. There, she finds music and mirth, castles and history … and weather – lots of weather.

Enjoy this month’s edition!

Shirley Sinclair Editor

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Do not go gentle into that good night

which keep me strong, I’m still losing power. Recovery takes longer. In fact, everything takes longer.

My bridge game has levelled out and when I make a mistake, it is one that comes with mental fatigue.

At 85, PAULINE CLAYTON is a fine example of the Dylan Thomas poem urging defiance against death and celebrating the vitality of life: squeezing every drop of enjoyment out of her day and refusing to let age define her.

There I was, stepping cautiously in a gently rocking dive boat. It’s more a canoe because this is Gizo, in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands.

I’m 85 years old, a great-greatgrandmother and haven’t been scuba diving for a decade.

The big question is: will I be able to get back up the ladder into the boat?

But like riding a bicycle, it fell into place on the first dive.

A gentle drop down onto the infamous Toa Maru No.2 (the wreck of a sunken World War II Japanese patrol boat) and yes, slowly and cautiously, I could climb up the narrow, three-step ladder.

Raul Fernandes, the 23-year-old dive instructor, takes time during our first dives to take the photos I’ve asked for this article.

I look like any other diver ... until I see the pictures of me out of the water, and there is a little old, grey-haired lady.

Why return to the islands to go scuba diving?

Firstly, because my time is fast running out.

Secondly, because I’ve been diving with my hosts Danny and Kerry Kennedy for 40 years.

Finally, because I had to decide where to be and what to do on Christmas Day.

My daughter, granddaughters (and two

great-grandchildren), now living out of close range and busy with their own lives, meant Nan P had to do her own thing.

Kerrie suggested, “Why not come up to Gizo?”

But can I cope with the flight, carting luggage through endless airport corridors?

Kerrie replies, “Yes – you now fly into Munda and the new airconditioned terminal.”

Friends advised to pack light, take emergency medication, wear comfy shoes and drink a lot of water.

And, so I did.

Despite my twice-weekly gym sessions (myofascial, all-body workouts)

Same with the weekly backgammon group games.

My regime for staying upright includes an hour in a hyperbaric chamber every fortnight.

This became routine after I spent a year (2014) on chemotherapy/radiation after breast cancer surgery.

Plus I need some laser treatment on my ‘numbish’ feet: peripheral neuropathy, also caused by the chemo.

Walking is out, and as I am not a sporty person, I swim as body maintenance.

To avoid stacking on the pounds, I’ve been spending time with a friend who is teaching me how to make sauerkraut, pickled cucumbers and beetroot.

My morning cocktail is an ice cube (melting in a fine crystal glass) of mashed turmeric and ginger root with a touch of

apple cider vinegar. Life has changed lanes, and now is the time to make the most of what is left ... and what friends are still around.

In the nearby Solomon Islands, Danny and Kerry are long-time friends.

We met on my first visit in 1986, one year after they opened Dive Gizo.

We have aged together.

But there was a subtle difference from the last trip a decade ago.

Same local islander dive team, underwater sites, glorious clear and turquoise waters (with a temperature of 30 degrees Celcius), but everyone was treating me with a respect that was more than kindness: it was genuine caring.

I felt loved – like Old Deuteronomy in Cats the musical.

On the third day, I meet a family of teenagers, fresh out of dive school with just four logged dives.

Young, fit and fearless, they are none-the-less being guided by their parents and are far from reckless.

They are brilliant in the water.

Natural divers.

James Black, the 17- year-old, tells me the title of this story should be: ‘Diving not dying’.

Between dives and lunch on Njari Island, he takes photos of me with local children the same age as my great-grandkidlets Maya, 7, and Matthew, 4.

They make houses with grand floor plans from shells, coral, berries and driftwood.

Solomon time means no rush on any day, and I was also cautious and didn’t pretend to be otherwise.

At the risk of looking like someone away with the fairies, I took time to consider each stair, every handhold, or anything I could hit that would tear a piece of my skin (now like tissue paper) before I stepped up or down, in or out.

Deciding to dive one day and rest the

next meant lazing in a hammock, drinking bush-lime Fatboys in one of my favourite places in the world.

There’s no doubt going to the gym, twice a week, for the past 15 years has kept me upright.

I have not fallen, although recently came close. When standing on the loo seat to reach the top shelf of a cupboard, I slipped backwards and landed heavily, bruising my heel.

A lesson learnt. And now, no more ‘stuff’ on high shelves; no more standing on anything more than a one-step stool.

So how did I end up a scuba diver?

I learned to dive illegally.

In 1961, aged 21, I met two Australian Navy clearance divers.

Scuba was not yet a sport.

I’d read of Jacques Cousteau and Hans Hass and this was a world I wanted to explore.

(I later interviewed Hans Hass when he came to Cheviot Beach, Victoria, to the site where former prime minister Harold Holt vanished in the rocky surf.)

My Navy lieutenant clearance diver smuggled me aboard the boat he took out

into Port Phillip Bay to train reservists.

Years later, married with a daughter, I went back into the water doing the then necessary training course with the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) in December 1988.

I’d lied about my age throughout most of my working life.

With my NAUI card, I took off five years.

Doing several advanced courses with Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) in the Nineties, I dropped a good eight years.

Even when standing for local government in 2000, when I was asked if I had turned 50 years of age, I said “yes”, when in fact I had turned 60.

Obviously, I’ve always looked a little younger – probably due to genes, as my paternal grandmother was still living alone well into her nineties.

Why disguise age?

Because way back then, most women I worked with did, too.

Being even a moment older than the boss was to be avoided, and I always seem to be befriended by younger people.

I was relieved when the then prime minister John Howard moved legislation which no longer mandated having the year of birth on any application, with exceptions being passports and driver’s licences.

My only medication is Symbicort, the asthma preventative, caused by 50 years of smoking which, of course, I now regret.

Since breast cancer, I’ve worked consistently on rebuilding my immune system, reminding myself that you are what you eat, drink and breathe.

My GP is great.

He says: “Put turmeric on everything”, while ensuring I do regular blood tests.

This, my last dive trip to the islands of the Solomons, was amazing and remarkable in so many ways.

People cared and there was always someone there, holding out their hand, just in case.

Knowing what used to come naturally now doesn’t means prioritising and planning, which includes rest and recovery time.

Life is not only getting faster, I’m moving slower. But so are friends.

There are still so many things to see and do.

So, it pays to follow the ones with the grey hair.

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.

Back in the day …

WE MAY take it for granted, to some extent, but it’s impossible to look out from Circular Quay,

The Rocks or other parts of our most famous harbour and not feel a sense of pride in seeing the Sydney Opera House. A worldwide competition for the design of the project was won by Danish architect Jorn Utzon. His ingenious design envisaged soaring roofs reminiscent of the sails that dot the harbour, making the most of its prominent Bennelong Point position. On March 2, 1959, a crowd gathered under umbrellas in the rain for the ceremony marking the start of construction. After welldocumented problems, Sydney Opera House was completed in 1973 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II. It is among Australia’s top tourist drawcards – an architectural triumph of the 20th century.

What to watch

What to book

WE FIRST met the then Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe) and Scottish Highlander Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) in our lounge rooms in 2014. Now it is time to say goodbye to their epic love story, that has literally spanned centuries, when Outlander Season 8 launches this month. The historical fantasy romance series, based on the series of books by Diana Gabaldon, was brought to the small screen by Ronald D Moore. It began with the English former World War II military nurse being transported back in time to 1743 through standing stones near Inverness, Scotland, while visiting with her husband Frank. Since then, we’ve been on a roller-coaster of emotions, and have welcomed history lessons from Culloden, Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites to the American War of Independence. In the final season, Claire and Jamie are back in Fraser’s Ridge, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, amid a still raging Revolutionary War, with new issues to face and a future still to be determined. The first of 10 episodes will premiere on March 7 on Binge and Foxtel.

Where to play

IF YOU’VE ever camped under clear skies, you’ll appreciate how lucky we are in Southeast Queensland to enjoy minimal air and light pollution –especially in our hinterland and country areas. The more than 100 billion stars of our Milky Way Galaxy really know how to put on a show. Sunshine Coast Council has proposed a 900sqkm Dark Sky Reserve. And now Mystic Mountain Tours has a special astronomy tour that allows us to learn more about stargazing. The business recently launched a regular Night Sky Journeys (weather permitting) with local experts which takes guests to the best Sunshine Coast hinterland vantage points to soak up the shimmering skies, with included guided live viewing through state-of-theart telescopes. The Night Sky Journeys run from May to October – prime stargazing times in the region. Visit mysticmountaintours.com.au

THEY are four of Australia’s most popular artists, coming together on the one stage to present timeless classics from beloved musicals and opera. Marina Prior, David Hobson, Silvie Paladino and Michael Cormick have captured hearts with voices that have been heard from the Sydney Opera House, to the world’s most popular musicals and Carols by Candlelight. Their show, Ovation, will relive hits from The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Cats, Mamma Mia! and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, as well as operatic masterpieces including La bohème Ovation tour dates include: Saturday, March 28, at 3pm at The Events Centre, Caloundra; Saturday, May 9, at 2.30pm at QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane; and Sunday, May 10, at 2.30pm at Twin Towns, Gold Coast. For tickets, go to ovation.net.au

What to devour

IF YOU’RE a lover of oysters, here’s an unforgettable farm-to-plate experience on our doorsteps. In the spirit of the original Sydney oyster farm tours, Brisbane Oyster Farm Tours invites you to visit a newly established, working oyster farm on Moreton Island. For the 3.5-hour Immerse Yourself tour, the adventure begins with a scenic boat ride across Moreton Bay to the oyster farm leases. Take part in a behind-the-scenes look at how oysters are farmed before learning to shuck 18 fresh oysters per person. In waterproof waders, you’ll be guided to your own private, in-water tasting table to enjoy the freshly opened oysters. Book at brisbaneoystertours.com

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

SENIORS ARE DOWNSIZING AND SHARING THE LOVE

ONCE upon a time, the great Australian dream was a quarter-acre block, a Hills hoist and a house big enough to host Christmas lunch for three generations.

But older Australians are reinventing what ‘home’ looks like.

Downsizing once sounded like defeat. But I live in a one-bedroom villa and I don’t feel defeated. If anything, I’m free to broaden my life with new exploits.

I’m far from alone. Many seniors are swapping their four-bedder for a breezy unit near the beach. Nobody misses cleaning the spare room that only ever hosted the ironing board.

But the real revolution is happening in the shared housing space. Modern households, just like The Golden Girls TV series (pictured), are popping up, with friends pooling resources, sharing meals and keeping an eye on each other without sacrificing independence. Loneliness doesn’t stand a chance when someone’s down the hall, asking if you want a cuppa.

Adult children are moving back home, or parents are moving in with them, and suddenly the house is full of life, noise and the occasional debate about who used all the hot water. It’s reshaping family life in nostalgic and refreshingly modern ways.

What’s driving all this? Rising costs, shrinking super balances and the realisation that many of us simply don’t need as much space anymore.

There’s a shift toward connection, flexibility and living on our own terms.

Seniors are choosing community over isolation, sanity over stress, and lifestyle over lawn maintenance.

Southeast Queensland is the ideal place for this reinvention. With walkable towns, strong community networks and a culture that values living well rather than living large, locals are proving that ageing isn’t about shrinking your world: it’s about reshaping it so it fits better.

In the end, home isn’t defined by square metres. It’s defined by comfort, connection and the freedom to live the next chapter with confidence.

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Life in the slow lane

By Mocco Wollert

NOW autumn has arrived with its wonderful colours in the southern states, it is time to look at warmer clothes, jumpers, slacks and jackets.

It has been a while since I wore a woollen skirt.

It’s time to look in my wardrobe for more substantial garments to wear.

I greet them like long-lost friends.

I think I will start the cooler season with one of my favourites: a grey, light-woollen skirt, mid-calf length.

I put it on, look in the mirror and can’t believe my eyes. My mid-calf length skirt has grown to full length, finishing around my ankles.

My male readers might have found that their trouser legs have grown in length.

I hot-foot it back to the wardrobe. Maybe I have two grey skirts – I just forgot about the second one?

No, only one grey skirt. As it is an inane object, it could not have grown in length by itself. I have to face the fact: I have shrunk!

I have never been a short or tall

person, as my height of 163cm was regarded as average. Recently, as part of a general check-up by my GP, I found my height was down to 158cm. Where had those centimetres gone?

I did not see them fall off or out. They must have gone somewhere.

Alas, I think I know where they went. They gathered all around my stomach, which has expanded as mysteriously over the years as my height has shrunk ... probably at the same ratio.

I went back to my wardrobe and searched through my other skirts and dresses.

The once mid-calf ones had become full length. I stood in front of my mirror but could not spot where those centimetres (for we really old people, inches) had gone.

I looked again. Well, I did maybe

look just a bit shorter, even to the naked eye. Other strange things are happening. The top shelves in cupboards and wardrobes have grown in height. I can’t reach them anymore.

Even hanging up dresses has become difficult. I now stand on my toes to reach the rail.

And the washing line has somehow been raised.

The availability of facilities is also ‘shrinking’: post offices, bank branches, dressmakers. When buying goods packaged in boxes such as cereal, somehow the contents have shrunk, although the box might still look the same size.

Many things shrink in an older person’s life: appetite, sleep capacity, attention span – not to forget tolerance. I don’t put up with falseness or rude behaviour anymore.

Our desires to do, and to have, are shrinking, too.

Our world, in general, is shrinking.

The more we learn about the universe, the smaller and more insignificant appears this little blue planet called Earth.

Despite all those ‘shrinking’ negatives, I still have my zest for life and hopefully you have, too.

May you keep your adult height as long as possible.

Email mocco.wollert@bigpond.com

an adventure

By Cheryl Lockwood

YEARS ago, I remember hearing the term: “I’m all at sixes and sevens”.

My mother-in-law sometimes said it when feeling confused or just not feeling her usual self.

The origin of the saying is sketchy, but it most likely came from a medieval dice game called Hazard. The phrase: “To set on cinque and sice” was used and indicated that those particular numbers were risky to bet on.

Now, those numbers actually translate from Old French to ‘five and six’, but somehow shifted across to six and seven. As is often the case, language evolved and the term eventually referred to any state of havoc.

Trying to keep up with changes to the English language is enough to create confusion in itself.

The reason I was pondering this was the onslaught of young people using the words “six/ seven”. The term was so well-used on social media that it was announced as Dictionary.com’s word of the year for 2025. In my opinion, it’s two words (unless it’s hyphenated).

I’m not a fan of social media and avoid using it for several reasons – one being that I’m not interested in videos of a bunch of young people randomly chanting “six/seven” as though it’s the greatest joke in the world. I’m not alone. Other adults

have had enough, with some schools trying to ban its use.

Even more confusing is its meaning and origin. It appears to have originated from a 2024 rap song by some artist I’ve never heard of. But, to be fair, I don’t listen to much of that genre.

It spread, was used by a popular cartoon show and a very tall basketballer and is now classed as internet brain rot – meaning mindless, low-quality online content.

“Brain rot” was Oxford Dictionary’s 2024 word of the year. Again, two words. Can’t people count?

What really leaves me at sixes and sevens is that the individuals using the words – along with some sort of palms-up hand gesture – is that they also don’t know what it means.

It is believed that members of generation alpha are blindly following a

but even they are rolling their eyes at this numerical fad.

We were all young once and can probably recall something that was the in-thing to say in our day. Maybe you were proclaiming things to be cool in the ’50s and ’60s. Perhaps the 1970s was groovy or the ’80s radical and gnarly.

Whatever the era, at least we knew that these words were all generally slang for something good. Of course, the speaker was probably trying to fit in with peers and likely succeeded in annoying an adult somewhere.

There’s a good chance that as I have my little rant about this, the whipper-snappers involved will have seen sense and moved on to the next craze (does anyone even say whipper-snappers anymore?).

It’s hard to keep up with progress in the online world. I’ve barely wrapped my brain around all the acronyms that became popular a few years back: YOLO (You Only Live Once), LOL (Laugh Out Loud), BRB (Be Right Back).

I’m a granny who uses correct spelling and grammar, even in a message. I’m the classic one-finger texter who has never mastered the two-thumb style. I blame my fat thumbs.

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As technology and fads change, I can only hope my grandchildren will update me on the latest and keep my sixes and sevens at bay.

Visit lockwoodfreelance.com

Cottoning on to the pleasures of holidays by the seaside

AUDIENNE BLYTH reveals how Maroochydore’s charm has been drawing tourists to the area since the late 1800s.

The beauty of Maroochydore – its leisure-time activities, river, beaches and vegetation – is uppermost in attracting visitors today.

The abundance of black swans on the river can only be imagined when Andrew Petrie first saw them in the 1840s. He named the river ‘Maroochy’ (muru-kutchi-dha: ‘place of the red-billed swans’) from the language of his Brisbane companions.

Petrie was able to persuade Governor George Gipps to protect the area between the Maroochy and Pine rivers for the use of Aborigines.

The Bunya Proclamation existed from 1842 until 1860 when the Queensland government allowed in pastoralists and timber getters.

By 1864, Brisbane sawmiller William Pettigrew had established timber depots on the Mooloolah and Maroochy rivers. His sawmill upstream from Cotton Tree received logs rafted down the Maroochy River from the hinterland from 1891 until 1898, when sawmiller James Campbell took over until 1903.

Both sawmillers, like many of the early settlers, owned steamers which became a common sight on the river, carrying away timber and delivering supplies for the settlers. The river was the highway into the hinterland.

Thirty years passed before the first tourism began at Maroochydore, through the Salvation Army with Christmas camps in 1896. South Sea Islanders worked in the sugar industry and were given a reward: a Christmas holiday at Maroochydore.

Families from Buderim and the Blackall Range walked to Nambour and joined punts on Petrie Creek, towed by row boats and with the help of the tide.

Tents and all food for the camp were transported as well. Sometimes two days were taken to travel the distance.

Two hundred people reportedly attended that first camp.

By 1909, more than 1000 people were taking part in the camps.

The Salvation Army rented tents to all-comers and ran a shop which sold supplies. Fewer South Sea Islander

Day-trippers at Cotton Tree in the 1920s

families were present by that time, with the majority of families from the European settlers of the district.

By the 1920s, many social changes brought an end to the camps.

Thomas O’Connor had purchased the large areas of land owned by William Pettigrew and, by 1908, he had subdivided the land into blocks for sale.

Other development included Coulson’s Boat Service, delivering mail and supplies while transporting produce to the railhead at Yandina by 1909.

The first hotel was opened in 1912. It was a replica of the Royal George Hotel in Nambour. Both were built by Franz Nyman.

Day visitors from Brisbane came by train to Nambour and travelled by cane

tram along Petrie Creek to ‘Deep Water’ or ‘The Cedar Tree’ where, at different times, Thomas O’Connor, Charles Dean and Percy Evans transported passengers in their motorboats to a jetty at Cotton Tree.

The Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club, the oldest surf club on the Sunshine Coast, began in 1916. By 1920, bitumen roads were built. Boarding houses accommodated holidaymakers. People had begun to live permanently at Maroochydore and new businesses were settling in.

All this, of course, has never stopped.

Audienne Blyth is a member of the Nambour Historical Museum, open 1-4pm Wednesdays to Fridays, and 10am-3pm on Saturdays.

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DISCOVER MORE ON YOUR DOORSTEP WITH PLANNING GUIDE

THERE’S so much more to the Sunshine Coast than beaches and cafes.

And it’s all waiting to be uncovered in the Sunshine Coast Discovery Guide

This free guide brings together the region’s museums, heritage places, historic walks and cultural sites, making it easy to explore something new close to home.

From coastal landmarks and pioneer cottages to hinterland museums and First Nations places of significance, the guide unlocks stories that shape who we are today – often at little or no cost.

Among the highlights is the Queensland Air Museum in Caloundra, home to one of Australia’s largest collections of historic military and civilian aircraft.

The museum recently hosted its popular Helicopters Open Day, giving visitors the chance to get up close to rotorcraft, meet aviation experts and take part in immersive experiences.

The guide also encourages people to get active while learning about local history.

The walk to the Dularcha Railway Tunnel near Landsborough takes visitors through bushland to one of Queensland’s oldest surviving train tunnels, blending

light exercise with a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rail past.

For deeper cultural understanding, the guide highlights important First Nations sites, including bora rings and axe-grinding grooves, which provide insight into the long and continuing connection of Traditional Custodians to this land.

Whether you’re planning an educational outing, a relaxed weekend walk or a day discovering local stories, the Sunshine Coast Discovery Guide helps you reconnect with your region in healthy, interesting and meaningful ways.

Explore the guide on Sunshine Coast Council’s heritage website: heritage. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/museumsand-places/heritage-discover-guide

IMPORTANT STEP FOR DEMENTIA ACTION PLAN

THE release of the Collective Priority Framework for the National Dementia Action Plan has been welcomed by patients and carers alike.

But Dementia Australia says further investment is urgently needed to address the growing impact of cognitive decline in Australia.

The Commonwealth and all state and territory health ministers have agreed the urgent priorities for action are:

1. Empowering individuals and communities to minimise risk where they can, and delay onset and progression.

2. Improving dementia diagnosis and post-diagnostic care and support.

3. Improving dementia data, maximising the impact of dementia research and promoting innovation.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan says the release of the framework is a positive development and an important next step in addressing the growing impact of dementia now and into the future.

“We support the action areas that have been identified,” Professor Buchanan says.

“We are also pleased that all governments will report annually on their dementia-related activity and that people living with dementia will be involved in

implementation. However, the National Dementia Action Plan was released in 2024 after extensive consultation.

“Since then, dementia has become the leading cause of death in Australia and there are now an estimated 446,500 people living with dementia – a figure projected to more than double to more than one million people by 2065 without significant intervention.

“People living with dementia, their families and carers have been patient and were expecting to see firmer commitments and new investment to address the growing human and economic cost of dementia.

“Without that, there is a danger services will not keep pace with demand and we will go backwards.”

Professor Buchanan says urgent needs are:

• a brain health campaign to help people minimise their risk of developing dementia

• support to help people navigate the fragmented dementia service system

• improved access to diagnostic and post-diagnostic services, such as respite, particularly in rural and regional areas.

Read Dementia Australia’s 2026-27 Commonwealth pre-budget submission at dementia.org.au/pre-budget. Call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au

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Snap up this

four-door ute that’s capable and comfortable

Bruce McMahon says plenty of work was done in Australia in the lead-up to Kia’s first ute – and it shows, making a very tempting proposition.

Motor writing’s biggest danger –leaving aside errant autobahn drivers at 200kmh, desert sand traps and righteous, jealous tyre kickers – is falling for the test machine.

Some temptations can be soothed with second-hand vehicles – such as used Range Rovers. But through the years, test affairs have led to a new Jeep XJ Cherokee, Nissan D40, Mazda BT50, Yamaha Wolverine side-by-side and a John Deere tractor.

The latest deep attraction and purchase? A Kia Tasman X-Pro.

The Korean ute, heralded by that marketing campaign with a paddock of Australian sports stars, has polarised some with its chunky style.

Spend time with the X-Pro, top of the tree, and the Kia’s engineering, ergonomics, refinement and treats swamp any argument about exterior design.

This is a very capable, very comfortable, four-door ute, on or off the road. And it sits right handsome in Cityscape Green.

A deal of work on Kia’s first ute was done in Australia.

That shows in the four-wheel drive Tasman’s ride, handling and off-road ability.

It shows in the cabin – a tad wider than rivals – with window sills big enough to rest an arm, knurled control knobs and door handles good enough for Euro sedans.

There’s premium comfort and convenience features galore – from weather forecasts to wireless phone chargers, heated and ventilated front seats to Apple CarPlay to sensible air-conditioning controls and 240-volt power outlets.

Warning monitors for speed, lane drifting and driver attention are generally more polite than found elsewhere. A couple can be further turned down, or off, by steering wheel controls.

It’s not just the accoutrements (such as the Harman Kardon stereo). It’s the

Home delivery from your phone made easy for bargain hunters

EDIN READ shows how the convenient and safe ordering of items from groceries to gadgets is in your hands.

There was a time when online shopping felt like something other people did.

You can also choose Click & Collect, if you’d prefer to pick up the bags without walking the aisles.

spacious and quiet cabin. To make the most of space, X-Pro and X-Line Tasmans use a wand on the steering wheel for starting and gear selection.

The Kia, with generous cargo tub, is that little wider, taller and longer than some mid-sized utes, yet an excellent turning circle, plus fantastic cameras, make town parking and tree dodging easy.

The 2.2-litre diesel engine pushes 154kW and 440Nm through an eightspeed transmission with a default 4-Auto starting point. This allows the driveline to engage front wheels on sloppyslippy surfaces. It can be switched back to two-wheel drive or through to 4L and 4H for serious tracks.

Some believe the engine-transmission combination is under-done, yet there are no complaints here (though, we don’t tow).

Early days see highway drives costing around 8.5 litres per 100km, running to 10 litres for town, country and paddock work.

It’s quick and smooth for open-road overtaking, plus a sophisticated performer in four-wheel-drive.

Helping with four-wheeling are good ground clearance, off-road cruise control, paddle shifters and four terrain modes. This technology is well packaged for confident back track work.

On highway and country roads, the Kia turns in well (if not quite as sharply as a Ford Ranger) and can be pushed along with confidence.

Ford’s low-speed ride composure’s probably a tad better, too. But overall, the Kia – while there’s no disguising this is a body-on-frame vehicle – feels and drives more like an upmarket tourer than the Ranger.

At up to $80,000 (with lots of deals around), Kia’s Tasman X-Pro isn’t the cheapest of utes.

It is, however, a very good one with a premium outlook.

But now, it’s quietly becoming one of the easiest ways to lighten your week.

Whether it’s groceries, vitamins or toilet paper, you can now have what you need delivered right to your door, often for less than the cost of petrol or a cab.

And the best part? You can do it all from your phone or iPad, without leaving the house or carrying a single bag.

Let’s start with Amazon. It’s an enormous online shop that works with trusted brands and suppliers, selling just about everything from batteries and shampoo to bed linen and kitchen appliances.

The standout feature is how fast it is. Most orders arrive within a day or two.

If you sign up to Amazon Prime for $9.99/month (or $79 a year), you receive free express delivery on most items, access to its movie and TV streaming service (Prime Video), plus exclusive discounts on everyday goods.

The app is simple to use and keeps a record of your previous purchases. So, reordering your basics is as easy as tapping a button, and you can set up recurring orders.

Then there’s Coles and Woolies, which both offer full grocery delivery.

No need to worry about pushing a trolley, juggling a shopping list or carrying bags from the car.

Their mobile apps let you browse everything, just like you would in the shop: meat, milk, fresh produce and pantry staples.

Then, you can choose a delivery window that suits you.

Prices are the same as in store, and delivery usually costs between $2 and $15, depending on how much you spend and when you’d like it delivered.

For many, this means the weekly shop becomes a five-minute job from the couch. It’s especially helpful during hot weather, busy periods or if you’re not feeling 100 per cent.

Now here’s something not everyone knows: Priceline Pharmacy also offers home delivery through its mobile app. You can order vitamins, health essentials, skincare and even refill prescriptions (where eligible).

And it gets better: Priceline is part of a service called OnePass. This gives you free delivery and faster Click & Collect across several major retailers including Kmart, Target, Bunnings and Priceline itself.

OnePass costs $4/month or $40/year and, for regular shoppers, it pays for itself quickly.

You can link it to your Flybuys card, too, to earn rewards while you shop. It’s a great way to get all your essentials, including medications, delivered without paying a fortune for postage each time. If you’ve never tried home delivery before, it’s easier than you might expect.

The trick is to start with one app –Amazon, Coles, Woolies or Priceline – and give it a go with a small order.

Once your details are set up and your favourites saved, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

And if you need help getting started, Greyology can give you a hand setting it all up safely.

You don’t have to leave the house. You don’t have to carry a thing. And you don’t have to pay much to enjoy the convenience.

It’s one of the small joys of modern tech – and once it’s working for you, life gets just that little bit easier.

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

How to avoid 3 key risk factors for stroke

CAITLYN HUTH explains how modifying your lifestyle can reduce the likelihood of danger.

Stroke is a serious health concern, but the good news is that many of the risk factors are modifiable with lifestyle changes – especially when it comes to exercise.

Here is how you can help to mitigate them.

1. High blood pressure (hypertension)

High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke. It damages blood vessels over time, increasing the likelihood of a blockage or rupture in the brain. And uncontrolled hypertension puts significant strain on the heart and arteries, making a stroke more likely to occur.

Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercises such as walking, cycling and swimming, helps lower blood pressure by improving cardiovascular health. Studies show that moderate-intensity exercise can reduce systolic blood pressure (the top number) by 5 to 10 mmHg. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to see the benefits.

2. Physical inactivity

A sedentary lifestyle is closely linked to a variety of stroke risk factors, including obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes. Physical inactivity leads to poor circulation, muscle atrophy and inefficient heart function – all of which increase the risk of stroke. Regular exercise improves circulation, strengthens the heart and helps maintain healthy weight and cholesterol levels. It also reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes: a major risk factor for stroke. Resistance training (including weightlifting or bodyweight exercises), combined with aerobic activity, improves overall metabolic health. The goal is to aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or

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75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly, along with two days of strength training.

3. Obesity and poor diet

Obesity contributes to a range of stroke risk factors, including high cholesterol, diabetes and elevated blood pressure. Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, can lead to insulin resistance and increased inflammation, which makes the blood vessels more prone to damage.

Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage weight and reduce abdominal fat. Cardiovascular exercises such as running or cycling help burn energy, while strength training boosts metabolism and builds muscle (which burns more energy at rest). Pairing exercise with a balanced, antiinflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats can further enhance stroke-prevention efforts.

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

FIT HAPPENS with Tom Law

IF YOU have ever stumbled, tripped or fallen, like I have, perhaps you, too, may benefit from the following advice.

Most Fridays at 5am at Redcliffe, a group of walking and jogging enthusiasts gather at Chemist Warehouse on Redcliffe Parade to enjoy a social outing.

The joggers do a gentle 4km and the walkers follow the same route, if not the same distance, and we meet back at the start location for a coffee under what we lightheartedly call ‘The Tree of Knowledge’.

We discuss all things at this shoreside location and recently we talked about how we noticed some of us are scuffing our feet as we walk and jog.

I mentioned how my parents would always tell me to lift my feet up as a child and I now find I have to give myself a reminder to do the same.

Paula, one of our attendees who is approaching retirement age, mentioned that she also is finding that she scuffs her feet more than she used to.

We both decided it was a combination of being tired and not concentrating on actually lifting our feet.

So, next time, I tried to take my own advice, as passed on by my parents. Firstly, I made sure that I had plenty of sleep. Then, I had an early start to my jog. I can report that I had a scuff-free journey.

Although I am in my 71st year, I can make adjustments to how I walk and run. Maybe you can, also. No doubt, if I am lucky enough to be able to enjoy some more birthdays, I will eventually stop jogging and my walk will turn to a shuffle and plenty of scuffing of the feet.

In the meantime, I will concentrate on lifting my feet when walking and jogging. Are you a scuffer? If you would like a copy of my new book, Prime Movers – exercisememorise-socialise, message me or give me a call.

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

YOUR LOCAL EYE DOCTOR

VOLUNTEERS TAKE ON LAOS SCHOOL UPGRADES

A SUNSHINE Coast-based charity is continuing to make a difference in Southeast Asia, with plans underway to upgrade facilities at a busy kindergarten and primary school in northern Laos.

Project Vietnam Inc, which provides humanitarian aid across Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, has identified a derelict building in the village of Pak Mong, about 400km north of the capital Vientiane, as its next priority.

Publicity officer Claire Simpson says the building is the original kindergarten for the area but was left abandoned after a new school complex was completed in 2024. The group plans to renovate the old kindergarten building and add fencing along the rear and side of the site to safely separate younger children from older students.

The project also includes modest upgrades to the primary school, where volunteers will install ceiling fans and improve lighting.

Project Vietnam Inc is encouraging new members and donors. Ms Simpson says donations of teaching resources and school books are also welcomed.

Email Claire at stoddaart1941@gmail. com or visit projectvietnam.com

BOOK AND PLANT SALE

THIS year marks 10 years of the St Vincent de Paul Book and Plant Sale. It will once again be held at the Kawana Catholic Community Centre (corner Undara Avenue and Nanyima Street, Buddina). The celebration will be held from Thursday, March 19, to Saturday, March 21, from 8am-3pm, and Sunday, March 22, from 9am-1pm.

On sale are a large selection of fiction books, as well as large print, classics, romance, fantasy, boxes of children’s books, baby to teens, non-fiction books for all ages, as well as jigsaw puzzles, games, DVDs, CDs and bric-a-brac. For the garden lovers, there will be a large variety of indoor and garden plants and a small collection of decorative pots.

THE Epic Walk for DV is taking place for the first time on the Sunshine Coast.

The event marks its fifth year of encouraging conversations about domestic and family violence, while fundraising for Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ). The Epic Walk for DV, founded by WLSQ ambassadors Brendon Mann, owner of Epic Hair Designs, and Brendan Smith, has united communities across Queensland.

The addition of the Sunshine Coast this year is because of local business owners Mary-Lou Condon and Ben Eshelby, of Formulae on The Esplanade at Maroochydore, signing up as Dancing CEOs. The local compounding pharmacists will dance on stage at the gala event this May and are calling on the Coast community to support their campaign and register to walk the low-impact, 5km beachside walk on Sunday, March 22.

Registration costs $24 (children free).

Head to epicwalkfordv.com.au/ sunshinecoastwalk

CHANGE BENTLEY’S WORLD FOREVER

AT FIVE years old, Bentley found himself in a bit of a pickle when he was surrendered as a stray to 4 Paws Animal Rescue.

While staff do not know exactly what his life looked like before, they do know he’s the smoochiest, most gentle and affectionate chap. Bentley is a purring machine that will happily accept all the pats and chin rubs on offer.

He’s the kind of cat who just wants to be where you are. He’ll curl up beside you at night and greet you when you walk through the door, ready to hear all about your day. He’s calm, well mannered and will fit seamlessly into your life.

Bentley does have FIV which is an auto immune condition generally spread through deep bite wounds. FIV cats can live long, healthy and happy lives. They just need routine vet care as you’d give any other cat.

The only requirement is that he must be a single cat and rehomed as an indoor-only companion.

For adoption applications for Bentley or any of 4 Paws’ cats and dogs, visit 4pawsanimalrescue.org.au

CALOUNDRA STAMP CLUB

CALOUNDRA Stamp Club holds meetings on the fourth Thursday of the month to trade through club exchange books, a bargain table where members sell surplus items, club mini-auction, raffle, and stamp of the month competition. Meetings are held at Bellvista Meeting Place, 18 Lomond Crescent, Bellvista. New members and visitors are welcome. For more information, call Catherine on 0406 018 456.

ART SHOW OVER EASTER

THE Coolum Art Collective is presenting its first exhibition for 2026 over the Easter long weekend from Friday, April 3, to Monday, April 6.

More than 200 original artworks by 20 local artists will be offered for sale at the Coolum Civic Centre.

There will be watercolours, pastels and oils on display, with many and varied subjects including local scenes of beaches and the hinterland.

Entry is free, with the opportunity to buy quality artworks and artisan items.

The opening will be at 3pm on the Saturday.

CHANCE TO JOIN OLDER WOMEN’S NETWORK

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

The Older Women’s Network Maroochydore Branch meets on the third Monday of each month at The Avenue Retirement Community at 32 Baden Powell Street, Maroochydore, at 1.30pm. Contact Lee on 0429 831 414.

MAJOR ORCHID SHOW

SPECIMENS from around the region will be on display at the annual Sunshine Coast Orchid Society show on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18.

Doors open at 9am at the Uniting Church Hall, corner Ulm and Queen streets, Caloundra.

Orchids of every variety will be on view and for sale.

Growers are happy to give advice. Morning, afternoon tea and lunch will be available, as well as raffles. Admission is $5.

CLUB’S 32ND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

AT BUDERIM VIEW Club’s 32nd anniversary, members dressed in blue.

The special occasion also marked the 65th anniversary of VIEW Clubs of Australia (with 65 being the colour of sapphire).

The next event is the monthly lunch and meeting on Wednesday, March 4, at Buderim Tavern.

RSVP to Gail on 0414 950 949 email gailjullian@gmail.com

LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE

NOOSA Bridge Club is inviting new members to discover the world’s most popular card game — and there’s no experience needed to get started.

The club in Wallace Park at 3 Wallace Drive, Noosaville, is running its beginners’ bridge course from March 16 for eight weeks, with day and night classes.

To register, call 5447 1341, email info@noosabridge.com or visit noosabridge.com

FRIENDSHIP FORCE MAINTAINS TRADITION

FRIENDSHIP Force Sunshine Coast celebrated Australia Day at the Mapleton Men’s Shed with lashings of Aussie food and much hilarity.

The second annual thong-throwing competition was fiercely contested.

Friendship Force is a hosting club and forthcoming journeys, in and out, were discussed and planned.

The club holds meetings bi-monthly. This year, the club will get together for a picnic meet-up on the alternate months at Double Bay Park at Parrearra.

Call Jenny on 0488 866 141 or Gillian on 042 815 829.

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Adult colouring books are bestsellers again in our anxious age

By Christine Lining Bulandus, lecturer, English/English Language, Torrens University

Two of Australia’s top 10 bestselling books in 2025 were adult colouring books: Cozy Corner and Cozy Cuties, both by Coco Wyo – an international group of artists, colourists, editors and marketers.

In the same year, Australian artist Cherry Lam sold a very healthy 50,000 copies of her book, Cosy Calm

‘Cozy coloring book’ is a trend on BookTok, where users share videos of their favourite finished pages, collections of markers, and luxuriate in colouring as a Saturday morning or Sunday evening activity.

Colouring books were originally designed for adults, hundreds of years ago. Their renewed popularity now is unsurprising: they appeal at times of prolonged uncertainty, cognitive overload and emotional fatigue.

The last time adult colouring books trended was 2020, during the Covid pandemic – after their initial burst of popularity in 2015. Those 2015 bestsellers, like Secret Garden , which sold an estimated 2.2 million copies worldwide in one year, typically contained intricate patterns.

Ten years later, the ‘cosy’ colouring bestsellers are much simpler, even

childlike. Even darker books on the colouring bestseller lists – like the parody Cutest Serial Killers –are characterised as ‘cute’, with simple illustrations.

These books favour simple, bold designs. Titles such as Cozy Corner focus on familiar domestic scenes — reading nooks, kitchens, cafes — while Cozy Cuties leans into playful animals, gardens and gentle, cheerful motifs. It’s all rendered in broad outlines and large

shapes that can be coloured with minimal effort. Though visually reminiscent of children’s colouring books, these titles are clearly pitched at adults. The emphasis is on comfort, relaxation and rest, rather than play or instruction.

Today’s ‘cosy’ colouring bestsellers reflect a broader shift toward lowpressure, offline activities in response to screen saturation: what occupational scientists Ann Wilcock and Clare

Hocking describe as the value of restorative, low-demand forms of ‘doing’.

Psychological benefits of colouring While some are concerned by the adult colouring trend, I’m not. In fact, I’ve gifted colouring books to my own parents, who are in their 70s.

At first, it was simply to keep them busy – but it gave them more than that. I watched their relaxation, satisfaction in completing pages and quiet pleasure in sharing their finished work. Sometimes, wellbeing is found in small choices.

Colouring supports positive emotion by offering immediate, low-demand pleasure. Research on nervous system regulation (outlined in Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score ) shows that rhythmic, repetitive activities can reduce stress and support emotional regulation – even when they are simple and non-verbal.

Research on structured colouring suggests it supports focused attention while reducing cognitive and emotional demand, allowing people to remain meaningfully occupied without sustained effort.

Colouring often functions as a parallel social activity, supporting

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relationships. It’s something you can do alongside others, allowing people to share time and space without the pressure to perform, supporting connection through quiet togetherness rather than emotional labour.

Meaning-making in colouring is intentional rather than incidental. It reflects self-kindness: a conscious shift away from productivity demands, toward inner attention and care.

Finally, colouring offers a sense of accomplishment.

Completing a page provides a contained, visible achievement. It’s a psychologically significant ‘small win’, at a time when larger goals may feel overwhelming. Originally for adults

In the 17th century, it became

fashionable to hand colour the black and white illustrations accompanying Michael Drayton’s 15,000-line poem, Poly-Olbion, according to art historian Anne Louise Avery. And in the 18th century, the 60 flower illustrations in Robert Sayer’s 1760 book The Florist came with detailed descriptions of how to accurately colour them. These books were aimed at aristocrats.

What’s considered the first colouring book for children, Kate Greenaway’s Little Folks Painting Book , was published in 1879.

Some critics, like Janet Albrechtsen in The Australian , have suggested the popularity of colouring books reflects “a post-literate society”, pointing to documented declines in reading.

But as someone who teaches English language, I see the return of colouring books less as a retreat from literacy than a way adults are adapting to cognitive load. Activities that let attention rest often make it easier, not harder, to return to reading and language.

In that sense, colouring sits comfortably alongside reading in sustaining focus and creating meaning in everyday life.

*This article was first published in The Conversation on February 10 this year. See theconversation.com/adult-colouringbooks-are-bestsellers-again-it-makessense-in-our-anxious-age-275216

BLOOMIN’ GREAT SUCCESS

THE age barriers are coming down in Buderim, with gardens and friendships earning national recognition for an intergenerational project at Immanuel Gardens.

Lutheran Services’ Immanuel Gardens Intergenerational Gardening Program has been recognised as a finalist in the 2026 Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice Awards, in the category of Intergenerational Innovation and Contribution.

Launched in February 2024, the program connects Immanuel Gardens’ residents with local school students (pictured). Through shared gardening, participants – ranging in age from 10 to 98 – plant trust, share stories and build friendships that span generations.

“Seeing residents and students working side by side on shared projects — building gardens together, turning soil and clay, planting seeds and seedlings, and creating signage — is a beautiful reminder of what can be achieved across generations,” Lutheran Services creative lifestyle and volunteer coordinator Bhrett Baker says.

“Walking past our flourishing gardens now, we don’t just see plants growing: we see the magic created through collaboration, care and shared purpose.

“Knowing these gardens were made

by people ranging from 10 to 98 years of age is amazing.”

Beyond the garden, Bhrett says the program has fostered a strong sense of connection with the school community.

“Familiar faces greet us at the school café, we’re invited to musicals and Christmas concerts, and we proudly wave and cheer for the students we know,” she says.

“Some students have even visited residents during the school holidays, and one resident was invited to attend a student’s dance concert — moments that speak volumes about the depth of these bonds.”

We are grateful for small victories

CHARLIE GRIFFITHS is celebrating his wife’s journey towards a healthier body and savouring her new ‘nutritional mindset’.

My wife Barb is ‘on a diet’. I know what you’re thinking: “Poor bugger! How do you put up with her while she’s enduring this horrible torture?”

Here’s the thing: she’s enjoying a positive body transformation.

Up front, we ditched the term ‘diet’ for ‘nutritional mindset’. Diets conjure up tortuous self-discipline with punitive measures to arrive at a resented destination paved with regrets and fears.

Life’s too short. Why do that?

We are great believers in savouring simple pleasures. So, after eliminating and reducing certain foods, we focused on converting the surprisingly vast array of acceptable ingredients into pleasurable meals. We’re not chefs but we know a bit about enhancing flavours. Herbs and spices are superheroes in our pantry.

A little goes a long way, which is essentially what this journey is all about.

Fresh produce is key for the simple reason that we know what’s in it: no preservatives, flavour enhancers or those nasties that whet the appetite and make you want more.

As with any goal, the key to achieving a

BRAIN MATTERS

great outcome is to enjoy the journey. Every meal that meets the criteria of no culinary culprits and flurries of flavour is a treat.

We celebrate every positive aspect of Barb’s quest. We look forward to weigh-ins because we know there will be a gold nugget eager to reveal itself in the scales dial.

Some nuggets are bigger and brighter and generate raucous excitement. Specks summon smiles and veins embedded in quartz get the challenge juices flowing.

There’s a progress graph on the kitchen whiteboard with smiley faces all over it.

During the first stage of Barb’s nutritional mindset, we endured a prolonged heatwave that necessitated major fluid intake and very little exercise.

Despite the neutral scales speculation, her workmates complimented changes they had observed. Every compliment is a trophy and is celebrated accordingly.

I regularly commute across the Hay Plain between Balranald and Griffith – a pilgrimage with very little going for it in the way of visual relief.

My first trip was fine because everything was new. Subsequent treks became tedious.

Why we need to change the narrative on ageing

KAILAS ROBERTS has gained a better perspective on life and how to best enjoy it into our twilight years after a family holiday in Japan.

Iwrite this with the good fortune of being in a Japanese ski resort – the first time my family and I have visited the ‘Land of The Rising Sun’.

I have been aware of many cultural differences between our countries and contemplating how these may promote Japan’s status as one of the longest-lived populations on Earth.

For those interested in the numbers, Japan’s overall life expectancy is about 85 years, compared with Australia’s 83. Australia, itself, has impressive rates: the life expectancy in the US by comparison is between 75 and 78.

Then there is Okinawa, a famed ‘Blue Zone’, which boasts an extraordinary number of centenarians. There may be genetic underpinnings, but I suspect the way that the Japanese approach life also contributes to a healthy lifespan. So, what can we learn from our northern cousins? Firstly, there is a higher-than-average per capita consumption of fish, which we know often has considerable health benefits – with

Now, I look forward to tiny discoveries that evoke rhetorical commentary such as: “That burnt-out SUV wasn’t there last time”; “They’ve ploughed in their corn crop.

I wonder how the harvest went?”; “Here comes that bridge work that’s been slowing traffic down for six months. Still no perceptible progress”; “A brand new centre pivot! I hope it’s irrigating on my way back”.

Each wee wonder inspires just enough enthusiasm to get me to the next checkpoint and eventually arrive at my destination reasonably fresh.

If it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing.

I smile when I hear victorious athletes talking about the hard work they put in, because I know they actually love it.

Many professional footballers say that

the hardest part of retiring is stopping training. Some don’t stop: they’re just unavailable for selection.

Originally, we joked about the chocolate cake lathered in whipped cream and decorated with smarties that would be our celebration feast when the final goal is reached. Now, six weeks in, the thought of an over-the-top sweet is losing its appeal.

We’re living in the moment, toasting all our small gains or, in this case, losses, and greeting milestones as a matter of course. It’s not a challenge, it’s simply establishing a positive, fun mindset – health and happiness, without the heroics.

Charlie Griffiths is a certified life coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner. See charliegriffithscoaching.com

brain-protective omega 3 fatty acids, and acting as a great source of lean protein.

There is a heavy emphasis otherwise on plant-based diets, which have been consistently linked to good health outcomes – full of nutrients, polyphenols and antioxidants that dampen chronic inflammation: a process that accelerates biological ageing.

And perhaps it is not only what they eat, with an old Confucian teaching promoting the principle of Hara Hachi Bu: eating only until you are 80 per cent full.

Obesity rates tend to be lower in Japan, perhaps in part related to this approach (though these are rising, in tandem with most developed nations).

I have written previously of the benefits of sauna and heat therapy. Though the main research has been done on Scandinavian populations, the Japanese are also enthusiasts. One of my favourite ways to end my days snowboarding has been to use the local onsen: a natural hot spring.

I suspect part of the benefit is the relaxing and meditative nature of the

experience, but we do also know that heat confers benefits, creating among other things the heat-shock proteins that help with cellular maintenance and repair.

Then, there is something more fundamental: how the fabric of society in Japan (and many Eastern countries) does a better job at making the elderly feel more valued. Their annual Respect for the Aged Day exemplifies this.

Ageing poses many challenges, often interlinked and some unavoidable, but ageism and a (sometimes unconscious) sidelining of the individual after they reach a certain age is something that we have full control in avoiding.

The Western narrative of ageing is one of increasing obsolescence, and this is harmful not only to the psyche but also to the physical health of the individual.

By reframing ageing in such a way as to make those in their later years feel more included and valued, we can go a long way to slowing down its associated decline.

But what does this look like? Well, it may mean actively involving the elderly in our everyday lives, providing them with roles and a sense of purpose. It may also mean highlighting what only years of experience can provide: wisdom, and seeking and overtly appreciating the opinions of those who have them.

Encouraging autonomy and independence is also important because it focuses on strengths rather than weakness. 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

Comino, The Cove offers spacious, architect-designed apartments set directly on the Pelican Waters waterfront. The residences feature generous two and three bedroom layouts, expansive balconies, luxury finishes, secure parking, lift access, and beautifully maintained common areas designed for everyday comfort and ease. All within a private, gated precinct. Walking distance to local amenities.

Only a small number remain. This is a rare opportunity to secure northeast-facing luxury waterfront residences.

Here’s some vital considerations for retirement living options

By LESA MACPHERSON

Choosing retirement living options can be an onerous task. It can also be an exciting opportunity. Here’s a checklist many of our clients have found very helpful.

1. Lifestyle choices and financial costs are important in retirement village contracts. The emotional components of your decision need careful consideration, as well as the financial aspects.

2. Visit a variety of villages and picture yourself in each of them. Talk to residents, as well as your friends and family, when making your decision.

3. How will you continue to include your loved ones in your life at the village you choose? Will you be close to friends and family? Can they stay overnight for a short visit? Are pets allowed? Does the village include bus/transport services?

4. Just repeating – an engaging lifestyle is a very important consideration. Can you keep up your favourite hobbies or learn new ones? What clubs/social groups/activities are offered?

5. Can you afford the ongoing costs – not just entry costs? Understand what they are. If a couple, could you afford the

fees if one of you is no longer there?

6. What happens with capital gain (if any) on the unit? What are the refurbishment requirements?

7. Exit fees – what are they? When are they payable?

8. If you leave the retirement village, what are your entitlements? How soon would they be paid?

9. Do you have any right to transfer your entitlements to family? Can you put it in your will?

10. What sort of contract are you

entering into? Freehold? Lease? Licence to reside?

11. What arrangements are there for ill health/hospitalisation if needed?

12. Ongoing care: for higher-level care, can you stay in the village or do you have to move elsewhere? Consider the costs of transitioning.

13. Home help and aged care are vital considerations. Plan these sooner rather than later. What options are available?

14. Do you prefer new or established accommodation? High-rise? A garden? Take time to view a variety of options. If possible, look closely at floor plans and view lived-in areas, not just a display unit.

15. Ask about the demographics of each option. Does the age range of other occupants suit you?

16. If you are still partnered, would fees be manageable if you become single (through separation or death)?

17. Can you maintain your own garden? How would the area be modified for your pet?

18. What’s covered in the general service charges? Do you pay for electricity, gas, water, internet separately? Are these shared,

or are they individual costs?

19. Can you meet the on-site manager? Do you relate well? What involvement does the residents’ committee have? How are disputes resolved in the village?

20. Is the security in the village suitable for you?

21. What arrangements are in place for maintenance of units, community facilities and grounds/common areas?

22. Are meals or a dining area available?

23. When are village staff on duty? How often is there a nurse on duty? Who responds to emergency call buttons? Are these provided?

24. Review amenities and services: for example, wheelchair access, physio, exercise and relaxation classes, gym equipment, pool, spa, hairdresser, men’s shed and library. Consider financial advice on which option is best for your individual circumstances.

Sunshine Coast Elder Law staff are experts in the legal aspects of retirement village contracts and purchases, having done hundreds of contracts. Call 1800 961 622 or visit sunshinecoastelderlaw.com.au

INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE MUST BE GIVEN BEFORE A REVERSE MORTGAGE DECISION IS UNDERTAKEN

YOUR home is more than just a place of memories: for most Australians, it is their largest asset.

Upon retirement, many find themselves asset rich, but cash poor.

A reverse mortgage can seem like a sensible way to unlock equity and improve cash flow. It allows you to access funds from your home without making monthly repayments.

Instead, interest is added to the loan balance over time. While this can provide welcome financial flexibility, it also means the debt can grow significantly in

CHOOSING FINANCIAL FITNESS AMID PRICE HIKES

AS AUSTRALIANS head into the new year determined to get on top of their finances, new research has revealed how fragile many household budgets have become, particularly during times of inflation and interest rate hikes.

The new survey, conducted by national insurance provider Youi, shows more than two-in-five Australians (42 per cent) say their financial situation has worsened in the past two years. Two-thirds (66 per cent) admit they are only just scraping by, struggling with debt, and would struggle even more if hit with an unexpected cost.

Despite the pressure, the data also reveals a shift in mindset.

Nearly one-third of Aussies (30 per cent) say their finances have actually improved, largely due to tighter budgeting and cutting back on non-essentials such as dining out and entertainment.

Economic futurist and behavioural economist Evan Lucas says financial pressure is reshaping how Australians think about money and wellbeing.

“Households are under strain, but they’re becoming more deliberate and vigilant with their money to protect what matters most. The key to staying on top of your money is to know where it’s going. Turn your reviews of fixed costs like phone, energy and internet into a regular habit.”

To help alleviate the pressure, Youi has

the long term. While a reverse mortgage can be an effective solution, it is a significant financial commitment and one that shouldn’t be entered into lightly.

Because of this, lenders require borrowers to obtain independent legal advice before any funds are released. This process is designed to ensure you fully understand what you are signing and the consequences of that decision.

During your independent legal advice appointment, your solicitor will confirm that you are entering the arrangement voluntarily. They will review the

launched a Financial Fitness Calculator, designed to help Australians build their financial knowledge and track their spending during challenging times.

Practical steps Mr Lucas says Australians can take now:

1. Schedule regular reviews of bills, subscriptions, services and credit cards to avoid ‘set and forget’ spending.

2. Automate savings so a portion of every pay goes straight into a dedicated account.

3. Prioritise paying down debt to reduce interest costs and lower financial stress.

4. Use tools such as Youi’s Financial Fitness Calculator and resources to calculate spending, identify savings opportunities and stay focused on goals.

Visit youi.com.au/you-connect/gettingfinancially-fit

agreement in full, explaining how it may affect your future, such as downsizing or moving into aged care, and ensure you understand the key protections and risks that apply to reverse mortgages.

Once they are satisfied that you fully understand the terms and wish to proceed, they will provide the Solicitor’s Certificate required by your bank to progress the loan.

Ryans Solicitors and Attorneys use extensive experience to provide clear, comprehensive advice tailored to your circumstances.

Fixed-fee consultations are offered, so you know your costs up front.

The experienced team will guide you through the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on making an informed decision, so you can move forward with confidence.

WORDS: Johanne Viavattene, Ryans Solicitors and Attorneys. Visit ryansolicitors.com.au

This article is for general information only and is not intended as legal advice. Call 5443 9911 to schedule a consultation. Mention this article when you call to receive 10 per cent off your fixed-fee consultation.

Trust Law aims to avoid cost, delays

Queensland has recently passed new trust laws designed to solve the surprisingly common problem of what happens when the person managing a family trust loses capacity.

Many families use trusts to hold assets such as investments and property.

Currently, if a person is a sole trustee and becomes unable to act due to losing capacity, the trust could effectively become ‘stuck’.

Even where someone has been appointed to act under an Enduring Power of Attorney, the definition of ‘personal representative’ in legislation often prevents the attorney from appointing a ‘replacement’ trustee –meaning families sometimes need to apply to the Supreme Court just to keep everyday financial matters running.

The new Trusts Act 2025 aims to fix this gap.

Once commenced, an attorney acting under a valid Enduring Power of Attorney may be able to appoint a replacement trustee in certain situations where no other appointment mechanism exists.

In practical terms, this reform is intended to keep trusts operating smoothly during difficult times, reducing delays, stress and legal costs for families.

Hopefully, the small change will have a big effect in helping to ensure the trust’s financial arrangements can continue to function when they are needed most.

DIRECTOR, WAKERLEY LEGAL. LEVEL 3, OCEAN CENTRAL, 2 OCEAN STREET, MAROOCHYDORE, 5443 9600, WAKERLEYLEGAL.COM.AU

MOST people think memory is created while they are awake and studying or learning new skills.

But the real magic happens after you fall asleep.

Sleep is when your brain organises, strengthens and stores everything you experienced during the day, turning short-term information into lasting memories.

Your brain relies on two key areas for memory. The hippocampus temporarily holds new information throughout the day, but its capacity is limited. So, during sleep, your brain transfers that information to the cortex, where it is stabilised and stored for the long term.

This process, known as memory consolidation, is essential for learning, focus and mental clarity. Even a short nap can improve memory retention.

However, without enough uninterrupted sleep, this transfer is incomplete, leaving you feeling forgetful or mentally sluggish.

One often-overlooked cause of disrupted sleep is obstructive sleep apnoea: a condition where

the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. These pauses in breathing can occur dozens of times per hour, briefly waking the brain to restore normal breathing. Over time, this leads to reduced concentration, memory difficulties, mood changes and ongoing fatigue, while also increasing the risk of other health issues, including high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Protecting sleep quality and addressing conditions that disrupt it are essential for maintaining mental clarity and long-term wellbeing.

It is an active biological reset that organises information, strengthens memories and restores the brain so you can think clearly and function at your best the next day.

Visit CPAP Direct at cpap.com.au

HEARING Awareness Week in Australia from March 1-7 is a reminder that hearing health is not a niche issue or something that only affects older adults.

It is a whole-of-life concern, shaping how we learn, work, connect and participate in our communities. From children navigating the classroom to adults juggling busy workplaces and older Australians wanting to stay socially engaged, hearing well is central to living well.

This year’s campaign highlights a growing truth: Australians deserve hearing care that puts their needs first.

That is where independent clinics such as Hear4Good stand apart. While much of the industry has shifted toward retail-driven models focused on selling devices, independent practices remain anchored in clinical care, evidence-based assessment and long-term support.

At Hear4Good, the starting point is never “Which hearing aid should you buy?” but rather “What’s happening with your hearing, and how can we help?” That difference matters.

Carpal tunnel pain

Hearing difficulties can stem from many causes: medical issues, noise exposure, communication challenges, tinnitus or gradual age-related change. A thorough, personalised assessment ensures the right solution that may involve technology, rehabilitation strategies, communication coaching or monitoring over time.

For many people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, the best first step isn’t rushing into the smallest or most heavily advertised device. It’s understanding the nature of the problem, exploring practical strategies and choosing technology to improve daily life.

Hearing Awareness Week encourages Australians of all ages to take hearing seriously, seek trustworthy advice and prioritise early assessment.

Mark Paton is one of Queensland’s most experienced audiometrists and part of the team at Hear4Good: an independent hearing clinic in Caloundra and Golden Beach. Call 54770144 or visit hear4good.com.au

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HOME EXERCISE STUDY

IT IS known that strengthening exercises are effective for knee osteoarthritis. But we don’t know what the optimal content and dosage of an exercise program is to maximise clinical benefits, or what the ideal amount of exercise is.

Researchers from the Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine at The University of Melbourne are seeking volunteers for a nation-wide study which may involve taking part in three video-conferencing consultations with a physiotherapist for the prescription of an individualised strengthening exercise program. This study aims to improve healthcare knowledge and may help improve future physiotherapy care for people with knee osteoarthritis. If you are over 45, have had knee pain most days of the past three months and aren’t doing regular leg-strengthening exercise, you may be eligible.

Visit redcap.link/ multionestudy

Detecting the hidden signs of reflux with bulk billed & non-invasive medical imaging technique

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition. Silent reflux affects approximately 40 to 50% of patients who have GORD. It is referred to as ‘silent reflux’ because it does not present with the classic symptoms of reflux such as: heartburn; lump in the throat and regurgitation. Symptoms of silent reflux range from chronic cough, recurrent sore throats, loss of voice, persistent throat clearing, chest pain, choking, wheezing and shortness of breath.

When diagnosis and treatment are delayed, chronic GORD can increase the risk for serious health complications.

In recent years, Sunshine Coast Radiology partnered with Professor Hans Van der Wall and introduced the Gastroesophageal Reflux Test, which is available at its Caloundra clinic.

The first of its kind, this patented nuclear medicine imaging technique precisely identifies reflux fluid contamination throughout the head, throat, and chest.

“Many patients do not present with classic symptoms of GORD but are suffering from typical upper respiratory tract symptoms such as chronic cough, dysphonia and globus. This is due to reflux fluid contaminating the maxillary sinuses, throat, middle ears and laryngopharynx. It may also contaminate the airways and lungs causing asthma-like symptoms, breathing difficulties, chronic

cough and recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia. We frequently see patients with a diagnosis of “atypical asthma”, which often turns out to be GORD with entry of reflux into the airways”, says Professor Van der Wall.

Historically, GORD has been diagnosed using pH monitoring, fluoroscopy, or endoscopy. So how does the Gastroesophageal Reflux Test differ to these tests?

Although PH Monitoring is 50-80% sensitive and 77–100% specific in the presence of heartburn & regurgitation, it is limited to oesophageal disease only, particularly the lower oesophagus.

Endoscopy is effective as an anatomical diagnostic tool but has a poor sensitivity for GORD (less than 30%) and is limited to detecting reflux disease that is severe enough to damage the oesophagus.

Fluoroscopy or Barium Swallow is insensitive and has a high radiation burden and only demonstrates oesophageal disease.

The Gastroesophageal Reflux Test is 90% sensitive and provides an effective, inexpensive, simple, and noninvasive screening tool for reflux and lung aspiration, detecting contamination throughout the maxillary sinuses, throat, middle ears, laryngopharynx, airways and lungs. If you suspect the symptoms you are suffering from correspond with reflux, you might benefit from undergoing a Gastroesophageal Reflux Test. Ask your GP for a referral to Sunshine Coast Radiology at your next visit.

For more information visit: www.scradiology.com.au/reflux-testing

SMART, ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIVING IN TRANQUILLITY

FOR Australians seeking freedom and financial peace of mind in retirement, one vibrant over-50s community in Moreton Bay offers the ideal balance.

KILCOY SHINES AS AN AFFORDABLE OVER-50S HIDDEN GEM

FOR over-50s seeking an affordable, low-maintenance lifestyle without compromising on quality, Kilcoy is quietly emerging as one of Southeast Queensland’s best-kept secrets.

And GemLife Kilcoy Greens is leading the way.

Set beneath wide-open skies and framed by rolling green hills in the Somerset Region, GemLife Kilcoy Greens is nestled within a welcoming country town known for its genuine community spirit and everyday convenience – all without Sunshine Coast price tags.

Here, downsizers can unlock equity and embrace a relaxed, regional lifestyle while remaining within comfortable reach of Brisbane and the coast.

“Many people are surprised when they discover just how affordable Kilcoy is compared to coastal areas,” sales consultant Vicki Sweedman says.

“It truly is a hidden gem. You have the space, the scenery and the sense of belonging, all at exceptional value.”

A stroll through the historic town centre reveals heritage charm and friendly cafés.

Lake Somerset is just 15 minutes away for fishing, boating and waterside picnics.

Golfers can tee off only minutes from the resort, and the neighbouring Kilcoy Race Club adds a touch of classic country spirit.

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail attracts walkers and cyclists eager to explore the region’s natural beauty.

At GemLife Kilcoy Greens, the 18ha gated community will comprise 286 homesites, with more than half the land dedicated to open green space, walking trails and a tranquil lake.

Resort-style facilities – including a heated indoor pool, gym, pickleball courts, cinema and Country Club – foster an active, connected lifestyle, while secure on-site RV parking makes travelling easy.

Architecturally designed homes start at $725,000 and feature premium inclusions for effortless, energy-efficient living.

Call the sales team on 1800 941 564.

Living Gems Moreton Bay combines stylish, low-maintenance living with a transparent approach to home ownership.

Forget complex contracts and heavy fees.

At Living Gems, you own your home outright and simply lease the land with a clear weekly site fee.

No deferred management fees or tricky contracts: just simplicity, security and control over your future.

With affordable homes, no stamp duty and zero exit fees, many residents unlock equity from their previous property and are able to simply live

mortgage-free. It’s a lifestyle designed to make your retirement years richer and more flexible.

Located in Burpengary East, the community enjoys easy access to beaches, shops, dining and transport.

Behind the gates, 186 beautifully designed homes offer comfort, tranquility and quality finishes such as solar panels and energy-efficient features.

Resort-inspired facilities – an indoor pool, private cinema and bowling green –add to the appeal. The Country Club helps to create a welcoming space to stay active and social.

Every day feels like a holiday, with friendly neighbours, as well as a close-knit atmosphere.

Visit livinggems.com.au or call 1800 957 981.

FIRST PASSIVE HOUSE IN A RETIREMENT VILLAGE OPENS

ONE of Australia’s leading retirement living operator-developers has showcased Australia’s first Passive House built in a retirement village.

“The Passive House at The Grove is the first of its kind in an Australian retirement village and we are excited to bring it to market. For Keyton, the project has been, first and foremost, a learning exercise,” Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill says.

“We wanted to understand how Passive House principles can enhance the efficiency, comfort and overall performance of future retirement homes.”

The newly completed Passive House villa at The Grove, Ngunnawal in the ACT,

attracted strong interest from industry specialists, builders, academics, residents and prospective residents during the open home event. The Passive House incorporates airtight construction, high-performance insulation, triple glazing and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.

“Visitors were most struck by the practical benefits: cleaner air, consistent indoor temperatures and reduced energy use,” Mr Cockerill says. “These are features that can meaningfully improve how older Australians live, and we’re exploring how elements of this design can be applied in future developments.”

Downsize and upgrade your life.

Ready to rightsize the way you live and upsize the joy of life? Make the move to a Living Choice community and swap the chores for choices – your choice of location, choice of activities, and choice of ways to feel young again.

$10,000* LIFESTYLE PACKAGE

BOB CARR IN CONVERSATION

OUTSPOKEN opens its 2026 series of conversations with an event featuring former journalist and NSW state premier Bob Carr, speaking about his new memoir, Bring Back Yesterday

In October 2023, Mr Carr’s wife of more than 50 years, Helena, died suddenly. In this memoir, he records his attempt to deal with his grief, switching between the present time, with him pacing the night-time streets of Sydney, and reflections on his shared past with Helena, including ruminations on travel, conversations and cultural curiosity.

Books & Publishing puts it this way: “These memories form a mosaic of a relationship rather than a linear account of grief … shifting from first to thirdperson narration, offering an almost observational distance, as though he is watching himself from afar, his grief rendered universal. There is a gentle melancholy running through Bring Back

NOOSA FESTIVAL OF SURFING

ALL swells lead to Noosa from March 13-22 for the 35th instalment of the Noosa Festival of Surfing.

Starting out as the Noosa Malibu Classic in 1992, the Noosa Malibu Club’s annual longboarding contest has grown and thrived to become an important event on the world surfing calendar.

Yesterday, but it is never indulgent … rather it is … comparable in tone and subject to Geraldine Brooks’s Memorial Days and Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking. Bring Back Yesterday is a memoir that feels possible only after a full life that has been well lived.”

Mr Carr was the longest-serving premier of NSW. A committed conservationist, he used his term in power to create hundreds of national parks. He later was foreign minister under Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd.

WHERE: Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple Street, Maleny.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 31, 6 for 6.30pm.

TICKETS: $30 adults, students $20, via outspokenmaleny.com

It attracts record competitors and thousands of spectators from around the globe each year to see the legends of the sport, as well as the ever-popular surfing dogs, and festival events on the sand, in the community and on the waves.

The family-friendly, sustainable festival attracts surfers of all ages. Visit noosafestivalofsurfing.com

ORIANA CHOIR: POP ROYALTY

GET ready for an unforgettable musical experience as the Sunshine Coast’s acclaimed Oriana Choir brings its Pop Royalty to the stage.

Pop Royalty is set to bring the house down in a spectacular tribute to the kings, queens, princes and princesses of popular music, celebrating eight decades of global hits that shaped generations.

Journey through the sounds of Nat King Cole, Whitney Houston, Elvis, Michael Jackson, John Farnham, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and many more. Vibrant, nostalgic and bursting with hits, Pop Royalty is a show that honours the music that is the soundtrack of our lives.

These well-loved songs will come to life through the Oriana Choir’s rich harmonies, the vibrant, energetic

direction of conductor Elisabeth Wallis Gaedtke, and the accompaniment of the talented Oriana Band.

This dazzling concert event will showcase the unforgettable music of superstars.

The Sunshine Coast Youth Choir, conducted by Sarah Laws, will join the stage, bringing fresh energy and youthful enthusiasm to this spectacular event. WHEN and WHERE: March 22 at 2pm at the Matthew Flinders Performance Centre, 46 Stringybark Road, Buderim; and March 28 at 1.30pm and 7.30pm at The J, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads. TICKETS: Various prices. Visit oriana.org.au. For inquiries, call 0431 542 343. For the Noosa events, tickets are available from the venue (thej.com.au and on 5329 6560).

CHOOSING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY WITH CONFIDENCE

FOR many, buying mobility equipment or daily living aids is unfamiliar territory. The right product can support independence for years, but the wrong choice can be frustrating and costly. Before making a purchase, it helps to slow down and ask practical questions. Will the equipment suit your home layout? Is it easy to transport? What happens if your needs change? Is local servicing available? Technology has evolved rapidly in recent years. Today’s mobility scooters are

lighter and more compact. Lift chairs offer improved support and positioning options. Adjustable beds and pressure care products are more tailored than ever before. Comparing options side by side and speaking directly with suppliers can help clarify what will work best for you.

Explore a wide range of assistive technology at the ATSA Independent Living Expo on May 20-21 at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Visit expo.atsa.org.au

The Burren

road trip

This undulating moonscape seems inhospitable, yet it sustains more arctic, alpine and Mediterranean plant species per square kilometre than anywhere else on Earth.

Its wildflowers, that were Ice Age hitchhikers, bloom among crevices in the rock. This diverse ecosystem earned the Burren recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark and a Special Area of Conservation under the EU.

Unable to resist, I pull the car over, slip off my shoes and, even though it’s freezing, I walk barefoot across the stone.

It’s a sensuous thrill of skin against an ancient seabed. Fissures known as grikes and raised slabs called clints criss-cross the surface. I walk on fossils of coral, crinoids and sea urchins.

Porcelain-dainty dwarf roses and tiny purple orchids sprout from the cracks, while bees hum and grasshoppers crackle around me.

Meet Ireland’s scenic rock star

MARIAN McGUINNESS finds herself on a roller-coaster ride of emotions and a journey into history as she conquers the Emerald Isle’s rugged west coast.

The Wild Atlantic Way scribbles Ireland’s rugged west coast for 2500km – from Kinsale in the south’s County Cork to Malin Head in the north’s County Donegal.

With so many coves, hamlets and towns to explore, one standout landscape midway is the Burren.

With its name taken from the Irish ‘boíreann’, meaning ‘place of stone’, this rugged karst landscape is otherworldly, haunting and steeped in legend.

Oliver Cromwell’s lieutenant once described it as “a country where there is not enough water to drown a man, wood enough to hang one, nor earth enough to bury him”.

Formed 350 million years ago beneath tropical seas and sculpted by the Ice Age, this extraordinary limestone geopark stretches across 350 square kilometres of County Clare – a region that also boasts the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands and

the eccentric charm of Bunratty Castle.

I’ve anchored myself for a few nights in the tiny coastal nick called Doolin: a village known for its vibrant pubs and foot-tapping, traditional Irish music.

I’m off for a day trip. Driving on the same side of the road as in Australia, I begin my 66km scenic loop by heading northeast to Lisdoonvarna, the gateway to the Burren.

Famed for its Victorian-era spas, Lisdoonvarna is better known for its matchmaking festival: a 165-year-old celebration of music, dance and speeddating romance that draws 40,000 hopefuls each September.

Driving deeper into the limestone folds, along narrow, serpentine lanes bordered by brambles, I’m struck by the paradox of the place. Though it appears barren, the Burren has been settled since the Mesolithic era, with its stone-walled fields still tracing human inhabitancy.

I head southeast to the village of Kilfenora, known in ancient manuscripts as the City of Crosses. I wander its 12th-century cathedral, now partly covered by glass to protect six high Celtic crosses, with their own stories carved in stone.

Further on stands Leamaneh Castle: once a proud, four-storey mansion with mullioned windows.

Its owner was descended from Brian Boru, one of Ireland’s last High Kings. But it’s remembered less for lineage than for

its 17th century, notorious, fiery-haired mistress: Red Mary.

After her second husband died, she remarried but allegedly killed her new husband by pushing him from a thirdfloor window. Legend claims she cycled through 25 husbands.

She met her own grim end, buried alive in a hollowed tree by her enemies. Standing by the roadside, gazing at the castle’s dour, grey remnants, it’s not hard to imagine Red Mary’s midnight strolls.

A few kilometres on, I turn toward Carran and The Burren Perfumery. The road winds through limestone swales, passing cyclists and hikers on their own exploratory missions.

Ireland’s oldest perfumery is an oasis of stone cottages with eggshell-blue doors and slate roofs.

A path meanders through mossy gardens studded with snowdrops.

I wander into the herb gardens, bordered by braided vines and brimming with thyme, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, bergamot, wild marjoram and lungwort.

I stop for lunch in its rose-covered tea room.

continued over >

The perfumery’s organic ingredients are drawn from the Burren’s landscape. Its fragrant scent families have evocative names: Woodland, Atlantic Coast, Herb Garden, Irish Limestone.

Shelves are filled with lotions, soaps, scents, organic skincare and teas and I relieve my credit card of many euros. By mid-afternoon, I’m bound for my next port of call, or perhaps portal of call: The Poulnabrone Dolmen –Ireland’s oldest-dated megalithic monument –awaits.

Set on a slight rise, its twin portal stones hold aloft a massive 3.6m capstone that slopes gently backward.

From afar, it rises from the limestone like an ancient torii: a gateway between

worlds. ‘Poulnabrone’ translates as ‘Hole of the Sorrows’ and as I circle the monument, sleet needles my face. As the temperature dips to 5°C, I think of those who once stood here in ceremony and grief as they buried their dead.

When archaeologists excavated the tomb in the 1980s, along with beads, pottery shards, an axe and a carved bone pendant, they found the remains of 36 men, women and children. None were older than 30.

It’s humbling to stand where Neolithic hands once laid their loved ones, though not everyone shares the reverence as one nearby tourist mutters, “Kinda anticlimactic, don’t you think?”

I wince. Some places demand silence.

As the weather closes in, I drive toward the coast to Ballyvaughan, where the Tea and Garden Rooms beckon me.

Overlooking a blustery Galway Bay, I settle into the glass patio room with lemon cake and a pot of Irish tea and think of my day’s journey.

From here, it’s an hour’s drive south along the coast.

On my left, the Burren’s razor-sharp limestone terraces shelve into the sea –their glacial, granite erratics scattered like marbles along the shore.

It’s late when I roll back into Doolin, my little nick in the coast.

Gus O’Connor’s pub is pumping with fiddle, flute and bodhrán. A regular

named Matty pulls two spoons from his tweed pocket and joins in, while One-Leg Ted rises to sing a love song. The peat fire roars, the wind rattles the windows and rain lashes in wild rhythm against the glass.

I raise my dewy pint of Guinness to the musicians and the craic, and to the Burren and its haunting beauty.

* The writer travelled at her own expense.

GETTING THERE

If you don’t want to drive yourself around the Burren, day coach tours are offered from Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Doolin. Visit ireland.com/en-au/ destinations/regions/the-burren/

APRIL 2026

Alpine High Country to the Murray Delta (11 Days)

MAY 2026

O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (4 Days)

Wallaroo Outback Retreat (7 Days)

JUNE 2026

Darling River Run (15 Days) Red Centre & Top End (18 Days)

JULY 2026

Broome to Darwin (12 Days)

AUGUST 2026

North Queensland Savannah (11 Days)

Tropical North Queensland (12 Days)

SEPTEMBER 2026

Fraser Island (5 days)

Wallaroo Outback Retreat (7 Days)

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (4Days) Spring Gardens & Floriade (11 Days)

OCTOBER 2026

NOVEMBER 2026

(15 Days)

DECEMBER 2026

(4 Days)

(5 Days)

Central Coast & Blue Mountains (11 Days)

STEP into a world where centuries-old palaces sit alongside busy markets, and the scent of spices drifts through the air.

Every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.

The Himalayas, India’s Golden Triangle and Ultra-Luxury Silversea Voyage is a 30-night journey brought to you by Imagine Cruising. It blends the colours of India with the serene waters of Southeast Asia – all wrapped in the comfort of ultraluxury travel.

Delhi greets you with a rush of colour, sound and aroma.

Wander through Old Delhi’s narrow lanes, marvel at the Mughal architecture of Humayun’s Tomb and explore markets overflowing with silk, spices and jewellery.

The journey continues aboard Himalayan Queen, winding through verdant valleys and tunnels into Shiml: a charming hill station nestled in the

Himalayas. Trail walks, historic lodges and sweeping mountain views make every moment memorable.

Agra dazzles with the Taj Mahal, with its ivory walls glowing in the morning light, while Ranthambore invites you to experience the thrill of a tiger safari through its ancient forests.

Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’, closes the Golden Triangle with opulent forts, latticed balconies and streets painted in shades of rose and gold.

From there, the adventure sails into Southeast Asia. Singapore sparkles with modern skylines, lush gardens and delicious cuisine before boarding Silver Muse for 14 nights of indulgence.

Discover Bangkok’s gilded temples, Ho Chi Minh City’s markets, Chan May’s cultural treasures and the striking limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay.

On board, Silversea’s all-suite luxury, personalised service and in-suite indulgences create the ideal balance of exploration and relaxation.

With Imagine Cruising, the best of the best is at your fingertips.

These holidays go beyond standard tours, immersing you in local culture and placing you in the heart of a destination. Plus, enjoy the added bonus of included flights.

Contact your local Travellers Choice agent via travellerschoice.com.au to book with Imagine Cruising.

Journey from Malaysia to Mongolia

HAVE you ever travelled through the great Australian Outback? Or is it one of those journeys you’ve always meant to take, just waiting for ‘the right time’?

For many, the Outback has been quietly calling for years.

It’s the Australia we grew up hearing about: vast horizons, red earth, country towns with character, and stories that stretch back thousands of years. The beauty of travelling there now is that you can experience it in comfort, at a pace that feels right.

CT Travel (Coolum Tours & Travel) has several great tours exploring the Outback this year.

Stay at the Wallaroo Outback Retreat as you escape in the Carnarvon Ranges. Visit Carnarvon Gorge, walking beneath the towering sandstone cliffs, with ancient ferns brushing the path and soft light filtering through the trees. You can’t help but slow your step.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the vast and aweinspiring Outback and discover the remote towns of NSW dotted along the Darling River.

As you traverse expansive open plains, let yourself be captivated by landscapes that stretch endlessly, fading

into the distant horizon. Each day promises new discoveries as you delve into the region’s rich pioneering history, explore towns (Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs) famed for their precious opals and experience the vibrant spirit of industrious communities that define this remarkable part of the world.

There’s Kununurra, perched on the edge of the Kimberley. It’s the sort of place where the landscape feels bold and untamed, yet the welcome is warm and relaxed. You might find yourself cruising along Lake Argyle, spotting freshwater crocodiles from a safe distance, or simply enjoying a sunset that turns the sky every shade of orange and pink.

And then there is The Red Centre, the spiritual heart of the country. Watching the colours shift across the desert landscape as the sun rises or sets is something that stays with you long after you return home.

The beauty of travelling through the Outback when over-55 is that you appreciate it differently. You’re not trying to cram everything into a few hurried days. You travel comfortably.

You take the time to really see the landscapes, hear the stories and enjoy the company of like-minded travellers who, like you, have decided that ‘one day’ has finally arrived.

Full details of upcoming tours are at cttravel.com.au

THE REMARKABLE TRUTHS OF ALFIE BAINS

By Sarah Clutton

Contemporary fiction

Reviewed by Jan

Kent

IS IT too late to add a book to my ‘Favourites for 2025’?

If not, this one tops the list. This delightful book will charm you, move you and amuse you in equal measures.

When nine-year-old Alfie and his mum Emilia land on Penny’s doorstep in a tiny Tasmanian town, after moving back from Ireland, they are swiftly enmeshed in long-held family secrets.

With his delightful curiosity and precociousness, Alfie is the star of this collection of eclectic characters. Concocting a plan to discover his father’s identity when he questions the veracity of his mother’s explanation of his inception by sperm donor, Alfie finds his new-found family reluctant to tell him the truth.

A subtle development of the intricacies of family life and its varied members is a mark of an excellent writer. Dealing sensitively with issues such as sisterly loyalty, resilience, family sacrifices and small-town judgmentalism brands Sarah Clutton as an outstanding and award-winning young Australian author.

Hopefully, like me, you will be filled with joy, laugh out loud and shed a tear along the way.

CLEOPATRA

By Saara

AUSTRALIA: A HISTORY

By Tony Abbott

Political history

Reviewed by John

Kleinschmidt

AUTHOR and former prime minister Tony Abbott argues that Australia has an Indigenous heritage, a British foundation and an immigrant character.

This mantra provides the setting for a well-researched history that explores Aboriginal occupation at the time of settlement, the convict years and the impact free settlers and convicts who served their time had on our growth.

Abbott traces our history through the colonies, development of our Constitution and Federation, providing a good understanding as to why Australia is different from other countries. The Great Wars, the Depression, gold rushes and migration are all examined with an emphasis on how these events contributed to our development and character.

Today’s and tomorrow’s Australians need a good understanding of our past, which this book provides, to make sound decisions for our future.

El-Arifi, Historical fiction

Reviewed by Annie Grossman, of Annie’s Books on Peregian

THIS is a book for lovers of the Greek mythological novels.

We all know a little about Cleopatra, but much of our knowledge comes from Hollywood.

In fact, she was a queen of the Ptolemaic dynasty, ruling over Egypt from 51 BCE to 30 BCE, beside her brothers and then her son.

Although this new book is fictional, it is based on extensive research about one of the more mysterious women in history.

The author has chosen to use the first person, which gives the story credibility and

HOW TO MANIFEST SUCCESS: 50 LESSONS IN LIFE, LEADERSHIP AND LOVE

By Hilton Misso, Self-help

HILTON Misso is a name many Southeast Queenslanders will be familiar with.

He built Trilby Misso Lawyers, one of Australia’s fastest-growing law firms. Misso is an entrepreneur, lawyer and philanthropist and can now add ‘author’ to the mix after publishing his first book.

In this self-help book, he reveals 50 practical, proven lessons for turning ambition into achievement. Part-memoir, part-masterclass, this is a blueprint for anyone who wants to transform fear into fuel, hardship into momentum, and vision into reality in the real world.

“At the age of now about to turn 80, I tell my story of how –through adversity and challenge – I was able to build an amazing life of multiple success in law, property, childcare, technology and philanthropy, having being engaged in business for over 60 years,” Misso tells Your Time

“It’s a story to inspire and empower all ages in lifetime growth for a better future through mindfulness mindset and mind power.”

Readers will learn how to:

• turn big ideas into tangible results

• create sustainable wealth through discipline, focus and smart decision making

• rewire your mindset to eliminate self-doubt and limiting beliefs

• spot and seize rare opportunities with courage and clarity

• use adversity as a springboard for reinvention and growth.

These are lessons Misso has learned over the decades of his extraordinary life – a foundation to inspire others.

impact. Cleopatra was romantically involved with Julius Caesar and with Marc Antony – two heroes of Rome.

She has been historically labelled a prostitute, witch and murderer – due to her having two children by two fathers, her knowledge and passion for herbs and healing, and her great success in battle.

This is an entertaining and compelling reimagining of Cleopatra’s story. And who knows? It may be true.

IN A COMMON HOUR

By Sita Walker, Contemporary Australian fiction

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

PARKS State High is a melting pot of misfits.

There is Oliver Fish, the teen philosopher hiding a secret relationship; Dev Desai, hopelessly in love with the brilliant Maryam Fadel; and a staffroom thick with gossip, camaraderie and burnt-out teachers. At the centre of it all is well-loved teacher Paul Bush. But when a disgruntled student makes a devastating move, one lunchtime is all it takes for Bushie’s life to change forever.

With a cast of unforgettable characters,

Security, Independence & Peace of Mind

this is a smart, funny and wise novel that shows us all the ways we are connected.

Sita Walker’s description of the neighbouring bushland (where much of the story is centred) elicits a sense of foreboding. I wanted to keep reading, despite feeling on edge about the ending. Walker is a high school literature teacher, freelance writer and awardwinning author whose first book, The God of No Good, won People’s Choice at the Queensland Literary Awards and the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards.

With Quizmaster Garry Reynolds

1. Which Aboriginal singer made a hit with Royal Telephone?

2. What is the term for a sea-filled, glaciated valley?

3. What is the term for an English garden feature acting as a sunk fence?

4. What is the telephone code for Australia?

5. Shane Warne was engaged to which British celebrity?

6. In TV, what does SBS stand for?

7. What three countries start with the letter J?

8. What is the term for an allegation of constitutional misconduct against a US president?

9. How many continents are there?

10. Which Australian swimmer has won most Olympic gold medals?

11. Which English city did Black Sabbath come from?

12. Which two Australians won the F1 championship?

13. What is a species that eats plants and animals called?

14. Who was deputy PM and then ambassador to the Holy See?

15. Which female tennis player was stabbed on court?

16. What is the name of the estate in Lady Chatterley’s Lover?

17. What is a long-handed tool used to reap crops?

18. What is the slang for Speedos or a swimming costume for males?

19. In cooking, what is a balsamic liquid?

20. What is the medical term for stomach and midriff?

EDITOR’S NOTE: Errors occurred in the February 2026 edition of the Trivia Quiz. In Question 1. What is the capital of Tanzania? The correct answer is Dodoma (since 1996, when it was moved from Dar es Salaam). In Question 2. Who was birth father to Peaches Geldof? The correct answer is Bob Geldof. Tiger Lily is the daughter of Michael Hutchence. Hope you picked up some extra points!

Tim Fischer. 15. Monica Seles. 16. Wragby Hall. 17. Scythe. 18. Budgie smugglers. 19. A type of vinegar. 20. Abdomen.

8. Impeachment. 9. Seven. 10. Emma McKeon (six gold). 11. Birmingham. 12. Jack Brabham and Alan Jones. 13. Omnivore.

1. Jimmy Little. 2. Fiord. 3. Ha-ha. 4. 61. 5. Liz Hurley. 6. Special Broadcasting Service. 7. Jamaica, Japan and Jordan.

QUICK CROSSWORD

WORD STEP

Slows (6)

German city (6)

Effeminate (8)

English county (8) 3 Defecate (7) 5 Second hand vehicle (4,3) 6 Beachgoer’s two-piece (6)

Tubular pasta (8)

Book of the Hebrew Bible (8)

Wither (7)

Tableland (7)

Restrained (6) 23 Bad writing (6) 26 Ornamental quartz (4)

7 Subtract (6) 8 German automobile manufacturer (4) 9 Examined (7) 16 Broke off a small piece (7)