SPRING 2025
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A true Ironman Frank Fesche credits keeping fit with saving his life — and as the 80-yearold trains for both the GemLife Games and Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast in September, he’s more than proving the notion age is just a number. The Sunshine Coast resident is among 740 athletes, volunteers and spectators in their 50s to 80s, including 470 from the Sunshine Coast alone, who will go head-to-head at the third annual GemLife Games, on September 11 and 12 September at GemLife Palmwoods. STORY PAGE 4
Bryan Webber chairman of the 127-year-old Cardiff Male Choir presented Buderim choir President, Barry Leigh, with a Welsh Love Spoon as a token of his visit and joined in some of the songs including a few Welsh favourites.
Welsh singer welcomed to Buderim At a recent rehearsal the Buderim Mail choir had a couple of welcome visitors from Wales. Bryan and Linda Webber were in Australia visiting family so decided to have a listen to a local choir. Bryan is Chairman of the 127-year-old Cardiff Male Choir and he presented choir President, Barry Leigh, with a Welsh Love Spoon as a token of his visit and joined in some of the songs which, of course, included a few Welsh favourites. The choir’s most recent public performance was at Arcare, Peregian Springs.
They were in top form and entertained an enthusiastic audience with a bracket of their favourite numbers. Their next performance will be joining the choir of Buderim Gardens Village in a joint concert there on Sunday 21 September. On Sunday 12 October the Choir will present their annual major concert “Songs of the British Isles” at the Buderim War Memorial Hall, where they will be joined by the Buderim Men’s Shed band Flashback. This will be a great concert and the program will consist of well
known songs from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The choir is always keen to welcome new members. You don’t have to be a good singer or to read music to join. All you need is an enjoyment of music and you will be singing in no time. Anyone is welcome to come down to the Buderim Men’s Shed on Mondays at 1.30pm and enjoy a rehearsal. For more information on concerts and membership, visit the web site https://www.buderimmalechoir.org. au/.
Mates reunite after 60 years A set of coincidences has led to two old school friends being re-united after more than 60 years. Noel Williams and Arthur Fry, both 83, were friends and in the same class at Cavendish Road Intermediate and High School in Brisbane in the 1950s but lost touch a few years later when Arthur joined the Air Force. Both Noel and Arthur have been married to their wives for 60 years in another coincidence. STORY PAGE 10
Elders in demand The Federal Government is seeking applications from older people with lived experience of the aged care system to join the Aged Care Council of Elders from January 2026. The Council of Elders is a diverse group of older people representing the make-up of modern Australia which delivers advice to government on how best to support older Australians in aged care. The Australian Government established the Council of Elders in 2021 following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which called for an advisory body on quality and safety of
care, and the rights and dignity of older people. Older people across Australia who want to listen to their peers about what’s important to them when it comes to living and ageing well, and how the quality of care can be improved, are encouraged to apply. Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae said Suitable applicants will demonstrate how they are active in their communities, engaging with people about key issues and bringing that feedback to Government. “The Council of Elders plays a crucial
role in bringing a range of diverse views and insights to Government when it comes to aged care,” the Minister said. “I encourage every older Australian with lived experience of aged care and active community networks to nominate as a member of the Council of Elders. “Membership of the Council is a unique opportunity to represent the community and work alongside the Government to build an aged care system that delivers world-class care for every older Australian.” He encouraged older Sunshine Coast residents to apply if their experience of
aged care included: receiving services at home or living in residential aged care; caring for an older person or having worked in aged care; living in rural or remote locations; Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities; Care for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or dementia care. Appointments will be for a term of up to two years, beginning from January 2026. Find details on how to apply by visiting www.health.gov.au/apply-to-council-ofelders-2026 Applications close 5pm, Friday 26 September 2025.