The Comet

The Comet
Newsletter of the Australian Pensioners’ and Superannuants’ League, Qld Inc.
Volume 39 Issue 08 ISSN 0814-2211 October 2007
Australia Post Publication No PP444752/00055
APSL lobby for the inclusion of pensioners in
the Home Electricity Emergency Assistance
scheme
The Home Electricity Emergency Assistance (HEEA) is a Queensland
Government scheme designed to help people experiencing a crisis or
unforeseen emergency limiting their ability to pay their home electricity bill
and under threat of disconnection.
People may experience difficulty paying their home electricity bill with the
recent increases in electricity prices. The scheme administered by the
Department of Communities delivers through participating Non Government
Organisations, vouchers to assessed elegible households which can use
these to contribute to the payment of their electricity account with their
electricity retailer.
The scheme which will commence on the 1st of December had developed
criteria to assess the circumstances that a household should meet to receive
assistance. The set of criteria included that households
• must have received a disconnection notice
• have experienced a significant increase in electricity use because of
unforeseen events
• have a significant decrease in income or high unavoidable expenses i.e
medical bills
• have suffered a natural or family disaster where it is impossible to absorb
the resulting expenses.
Anti - Poverty Week
October 14-20
Pensioners and seniors were ineligible for this scheme
The original scheme had failed to include pension concession card and seniors
card holders due to the fact they already receive rebates and concessions.
The APSL was a strong voice in disputing the ineligibility status and lobbied
government to make a change.
Pink Ribbon Day
October 22
Following meetings with the department, eligible applicants to the scheme
now include:
• those who hold a current concession card
• those whose base income is no more equivalent to the Commonwealth
maximum income rate for part age pensions.
All applicants must be registered under their Electricity Retailer’s ‘hardship
program’ with a commitment to a payment plan to manage future payment of
electricity usage.
Another pat on the back for the league. Continuing to make better arrangements
Rememberance Day
November 11
The Comet
The Australian Pensioners’ and
Superannuants’ League Qld, Inc.
(APSL)
The APSL provides advocacy and
support services to pensioners and
superannuants in Queensland.
State Office:
Postal
Address:
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
Website:
The Comet
Editor:
Phone:
Mobile:
Fax:
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Advertising:
Subscriptions:
Printed by:
174 Boundary St
West End Qld 4101
PO Box 5141
West End Qld 4101
(07) 3844 5878
(07) 3846 4614
apsl@apsl.com.au
www.apsl.com.au
Natasha Anich
(07) 3844 5878
0416 236 255
(07) 3846 4614
comet@apsl.com.au
(07) 3844 5878
(07) 3844 5878
Moore Print
2/26 Bishop Street
Kelvin Grove Q 4059
DISCLAIMER
Views expressed in The Comet are
not necessarily those of the Australian
Pensioners’ and Superannuants’ League
Qld, Inc., and/or its affiliates.
No
responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of the information contained in the
text, illustrations or advertisements supplied by organisations, firms, and/or individuals or resulting from typographical
or layout errors.
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For more information visit:
In This Issue
From the Office
3
Editorial
3
Conference Wrap Up
4
Letter to the Editor
5
Management Committee 2008 6
Rent increases for people
who rent privately
8
Dance of the belly
9
Conference Memories
10
Featured Branch - Hervey Bay 11
Directory
11
Back Page
12
Cover:APSL lobbies for the inclusion of
pensioners in the Home Electricity Emergency
Assistance scheme
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html
The Comet is the official newsletter
of the Australian Pensioners’ and
Superannuants’ League.
ISSN 0814-2211
APSL PUBLICATIONS
Reports
Too busy, too tired - too hard!
Seniors & Supermarkets
Australian Post Publication No
What’s Food Got to do with it?
PP444752/00055
East, West, Home’s Best
Fair Go: The Rights of Older Australians
A Department of Communities Grant
Items
under the Older Peoples’ Action ProLife Membership Badge
gram pays the wages of a staff member
APSL Badge
to produce The Comet.
APSL Keyrings
Certificates
The Comet is published monthly from
Check Tickets
February to November each year. It is
Membership Cards (10 minimum order)
available through public libraries and/or
Rule Books (Affiliates)
by subscription ($12 for ten issues)
Rule Books (Incorporated)
from State Office and APSL Branches
Other
throughout Queensland.
Sing-Along Books
Under 10
10 or more
2007 APSL Diaries
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Vol 39-09
2.
The Comet
Dear Members
This is actually my first official contribution to The Comet, having been officially
elected as State Secretary at our last conference.
The position is not an easy task, as I have no office background at all, so if I
need help and I call out, I would very much appreciate your assistance.
From
the
Office
Now to business, having just finished with the conference which at times got a bit loud and opinionated,
considering it was Francis our President, and my very first time in the “big chair” we learnt a lot. That not
everyone agrees on everything, but that will come as we progress.
Articles for The Comet must come from the branches as most just don’t care so long as they receive
theirs. Sometimes our minds have a burnout and thinking of things to say becomes harder to find.
Having said that, The Comet is your voice and we need to be heard, as the older we get, the less
notice is taken of us. We grey haired seniors have a lot of experience in life and it needs to be noted
by the younger generation, i.e. the “baby boomers” must carry the burden in making any organisation a
successful one.
In closing, I thank each of you that had the faith in me for
giving me this position.
Keep happy as no one wants an unhappy face.
Advertisers Wanted
Know someone that should be advertising in The
Comet?
As the official newsletter for the APSL Qld, Inc., The Comet
advertising enables you to actively target the senior and baby
boomer demographic, up to 10 times per year.
Thank you
With this our second last issue of
the year, we thought we would bring
you an update of happenings at the
State Conference and introduce you
to the 2008 Management Committee.
Editorial
State Conference was a great experience for me to meet
with many delegates. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and
was able to gain many ideas for stories and articles for
The Comet, so I thank you.
The Comet remains to be a non-glossy, no nonsense vehicle for
marketers, which adds to the kudos of the few advertisements
it carries. The low rates for Comet advertising provide a cost effective way to reach your target audience.
For more information, please phone the State Office on 07 3844
5878 or email comet@apsl.com.au.
Donations
Donations have been gratefully
accepted for the Fighting Fund from:
In this issue we have introduced a new section which
features an APSL branch. I would like to feature one or Beenleigh Branch
$50.00
two per issue, so I invite you to please send us a profile D & G Thomas (Beenleign Branch)$5.00
of your branch that includes where you meet, the number
of members you have, the types of activities you put on
and anything else of interest. Please remember to send in some photos of your branch in action. These
can be posted to the office, marked attention to the Editor of The Comet at PO Box 5141, West End Qld
4101 or email through to comet@apsl.com.au.
In this issue we identify another success for the League, lobbying to change proposed elegibility in the
Home Electricity Emergency Assistance Scheme. We also look into the art of belly dancing for older
women. I am very interested to find out from readers who takes part in belly dancing classes or perhaps
other dancing styles.
On a dissappointing note, The Comet received no response to the Boynton Beach Club competition. So
10 free passes were not given out to readers.
I look forward to receiving your feeback next month,
till then, Natasha Anich
3.
Vol 39-09
Conference Wrap Up
Day one of the conference commenced on a glorious day in
Hervey Bay. With 27 branches in attendance we welcomed
Stirling Hinchliffe MP, who represented the Minister for Seniors
and officially opened the 59th State Conference of the League.
Minister Hinchliffe congratulated the League for its ongoing
work, commitment and contribution to improving the wellbeing of
older people, and for the recent establishment of the new Logan
City branch. He commented on how gratifying it must be for
members to know of how the great work of the league has made
such a positive difference to so many people during the past 62
years.
The Minister spoke in detail of the
support for seniors affected by elder
abuse and the role of Seniors Legal
Support Services. A further report
on these two issues will be tabled
in the next issue of the Comet.
Historically Speaking
EARLY EDUCATION AT ‘THE NORMAL SCHOOL’
It was called The Normal School, a curious name for a distinguished
institution which was part of Brisbane’s educational landscape
from 1860 through to 1927, when it was demolished to make way
for the Edward Street buildings in the State Government’s Anzac
Square complex.
Keen historians walking up Edward Street today will spot a plaque
on the side of the building, now restored as gracious, upmarket
apartments. The plaque, surrounded by stones from the original
school, records the site of this place of learning and training as
teachers for many of its senior students.
The school was built to the design of architect, Christopher Porter, for
the Board of Queensland Education by Andrew Petrie, whose family
founded the business which today still operates as Alex Gow Funerals.
It’s been suggested The Normal School’s unusual name was a Scottish
affectation, relating to schools where teachers were trained. Records
show the school’s first headmaster was John Rendall. Mr. Rendall was
the head teacher of the Drayton National School near Toowoomba
before becoming the first head teacher of the Normal School.
Following the lunch break we
welcomed guest speaker Andrew
McNamara MP, Member for Hervey
Stuart Hinchliffe MP
Bay and newly elected Minister
to the portfolio of Sustainability,
Climate Change and Innovation. The minister spoke to delegates
Alex Gow Funerals
A Brisbane-owned family business, established in 1840.
about the impending crisis facing us all around the globe, the
concept of ‘peak oil’. This topic was quite an eye opener and
Phone 3852 1501
one that we should all take interest in for the preservation of our
and our children’s futures. Following the departure of Minister McNamara, it
GOW 0150 15x2 [M].indd 1
5/11/04
was down to business with the review of opening agenda items
and drawing
of the day’s raffle.
The evening saw delegates welcomed by the Mayor of Hervey Bay, Ted
Sorensen. The Mayor’s Civic reception was enjoyed by all as delegates were
able to interact with the Mayor, discussed the day’s events and caught up with
friends. The delegates were also very patient with my photography on the day,
and I’m sure were glad to see the back of me and my camera at the end of day
one.
GOW 0150
The Comet
2:57:53 PM
Andrew McNamara MP
On day two amongst visiting the agenda items, delegates listened to two
guest speakers. The first was Ann Garrahy , Professional Officer Queensland
Nurses Union. In her address to conference Ann spoke about the difficulties
that nurses are experiencing as a result of the Federal Government Work
Choice Legislation. She commented about the structure of aged care and
the lack of funding provided by the Federal Government. Ann informed
delegates of the effect the different wage levels that nurses are experiencing
in aged care as compared to nurses engaged in public hospital who receive Mayor Ted Sorensen (R) with
delegates
a higher income, this being part of the reason for the acute shortage of staff
in the aged care system.
Guest speaker, Andrew Dettmer, State Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union spoke
of the submissions that the AMWU has made to the Senate concerning the enquiry into the cost of living
pressures on older Australians. Andrew also made mention of the effect that Reverse Mortgages are
having on pensioners and the need for proper regulation to be introduced to protect pensioners if they
Vol 39-09
4.
The Comet
take out a reverse mortgage.
On the final day of conference, the delegates met with guest speaker Lyn Kelman, Chair of COTA
Queensland Policy Council, explained that under the HAAC Program, COTA is responsible for providing
services to the elderly and the disabled so that they may continue to live in their own homes. Lyn
explained the rights of users to HAAC services and the obligations that users have to HAAC volunteers.
Presently, Queensland is experiencing a 32% increase of population growth of people 65 years and
older which is placing even greater pressure on service providers. Something that is being addressed.
Jill White from the Office of Seniors along with Fiona Payne and Judica Cornelis from the Hervey Bay
Legal & Support Services also spoke with delegates and drew attention to the fact that the awareness
and recognition of elder abuse is now world wide with the United Nations giving recognition for World
Elder Abuse Day. Judica and Fiona spoke about the services that Seniors Legal & Support Services
provides.
They also put forward examples that should be adopted that may help in preventing elder abuse and
explained to conference the responsibility of being invested with enduring power of attorney and how
there are many cases of people abusing elders with this authority. This topic will be looked at more
closely in the coming issues of The Comet.
Francis Nord, President of the APSL presented the certificate to the branch with the most new members
to Jeanette Sheppard, the Secretary of the Logan City Branch. In accepting the certificate, Jeanette
spoke that the newly formed branch at Logan City would be honoured to receive the certificate and she
addressed conference about the most recent activities of the branch and membership growth.
The 59th Annual Conference was deemed a success, with conference delegates united and displaying a
vision for the future. As an outcome of conference, important policies were adopted for future activities.
These include lobbying for protection of pensioners in reverse mortgage situations and calling for more
hospice facilities.
The final day saw the election and installation of the 2008 Management Committee. Some new faces have
been elected onto Management Committee and all are confident for future growth in membership.
Conference ended on a celebratory note with the Conference dinner, delegates celebrated with style
with many feeling a little worse for wear the next day. All in good fun.
Goodluck to the Management Committee and branches in the next 12 months. We look forward to our
60th State Conference in Rockhampton in 2008.
We shouldn’t use the APSL conference to put
forward the views of one political party. If we go
Dear Natasha......
down that track we will divide our members to a
Now that the 2007 Conference is over, point where we could destroy our APSL.
congratulations must go to Mr Stan Ainge and Yours sincerely
his team at Hervey Bay for the wonderful job that Frank Gower, President, Caloundra Branch.
they did for our members. We had a great venue,
wonderful catering and as always nice to meet up Thanks for your feedback Frank. It is often hard from
a Comet perspective and for the APSL to provide
with old friends.
information and guest speakers that are neutral on
Congratulations to Frances Nord and her committee
subjects that affect pensioners. With members
we know that they will contune to ensure the future
from all over the state having varied political
success of our APSL.
preferences it is hard to cater to all.. What we aim
Sadly, I was, as were many other members at to do is look for the better deal or arrangement for
Conference dissapointed that some of our Guest pensioners in general. Sometimes this doesn’t
Speakers used their invitation to address us to put sit well with ones beliefs. We appreciate your
forward their own political agenda.
feedback and take this on board.
Letter to the Editor
5.
Vol 39-09
The Comet
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 2008
From the 59th State Conference the positions of the 2008 Management Committee were elected. We introduce you
to the members and organisers of the Committee that will take us through to Conference in 2008.
Frances Nord – State President
Raymond Ferguson - Acting Assistant Secretary
Frances was born in Nambour in 1934 and grew up in
Cooloolabin, a farming and forestry area in the Blackall
Ranges. She commenced her nursing training in Nambour
in 1951 and moved on to Rockhampton then to Kingaroy in
1953. She was married in 1955 and raised her family of five
and now has nine grandchildren and one great grandson.
Frances went back to nursing in 1970, then a doctor’s nurse
receptionist. In 1993 she retired and became interested in
the Senior Citizens Club and Kingaroy Pensioner’s League.
Of late she has volunteered as a cancer worker and in the
Kingaroy Garden Club. She is also a member of the Civilian
Widows.
Raymond was born in Sydney and worked as a Full Time
Official of the AMWU for twelve years. In 1980 he moved to
the sunny city of Brisbane and joined the Socialist Party as
the State Secretary, a position he held for fourteen years. In
2003 he retired and is currently the Secretary of the Retired
branch of the Rail Tram and Bus Union. In 1998 he received
the Lord Mayors Award for Excellence. Raymond is a
volunteer with the Queensland Conservation Council.
Norma Brinston – Senior Vice President
Norma has been volunteering for quite some time. She has
been with the league for 30 years and has held many positions
in the Rockhampton area from President to Secretary and
Treasurer. Norma is a recipient of the Premier’s Award. She
is the president of the Central Queensland Zone and is on
the Elder Abuse committee. A passionate charity worker,
Norma also comperes the pensioner’s concert and sings in
the choir in Mt Murgon each month.
Denise Backhouse - Junior Vice President
Denise was born in Pomona and moved to Brisbane in
1978 where she worked at the Myer Warehouse until 2003
when she left work. She has interests in music, pot plants,
reading and water aerobics. Denise has been involved in
fundraising to purchase equipment for the Burns Unit at the
Royal Brisbane Hospital.
Beryl Ball – Committee
Beryl was born and raised in Rockhampton before living
in Mackay and now in Babinda. Her life of volunteering
began when her own children were at school. She has been
involved with countless community groups and is currently
the Secretary of the Babinda APSL. A well know ‘raffle ticket’
lady, Beryl has always been busy ‘helping out’.
Dorothy McCullum - Committee
Dorothy was born in Rotorua NZ in 1939 and came to Australia
in 1941. Growing up in Newcastle and Coonabarabran after
leaving school she started psychiatric nursing and was
married. After five years the marriage dissolved. Dorothy
remarried and after her last child turned seven she trained
to become an enrolled nurse, a role she held for 15 years.
Dorothy’s husband passed away in 2004. She is a proud
mother and grandmother to 5 children, 1 step daughter, 11
grand children, 3 step grand children, 1 great grand son and
3 step grand children of whom she loves them all. Dorothy
has also worked for meals on wheels for five years.
Kathleen Moreno – Committee
Dawn Denman - Secretary/ Treasurer
Dawn started her career at Belmont Private Hospital as a
kitchen hand and worked her way up the ladder to become a
chef, a position held for eighteen years. Prior to her retirement,
Dawn raised six children in eight years, and spent many days
at the school and tuckshop before deciding to go back to paid
work. Dawn has had a very rewarding life, some bad, but
mostly good. She appreciates every day now, knowing she
is putting something back into the community.
Kathleen grew up in outback Queensland, born in Tara and
educated in Charleville and Warwick. A keen cook, she has
prepared meals at cattle stations, to hospitals and even at
the Westpac Bank Cafeteria when she moved to Brisbane.
After retiring from the restaurant business with her husband
in 1993 she joined the Goodna Pensioners League where
she has held several executive positions. Kathleen enjoys
donating to charities through making and selling craft items
for local Ipswich hospitals and charities.
Joy Ferguson - Assistant Secretary
Betty Baldwin – Organiser
Joy was born in Kingaroy and lived most of her life at
Lower Wronga and the Dawn and went to high school in
Gympie. She has worked in many roles from a governess,
a laundress, in a fish and chip shop and national companies
such as Golden Circle and Telstra. Joy enjoys dancing and
teaches dance on the weekend.She has been a member of
the league for four years and is the Secretary of the Bald Hills
branch. Joy has four sons and ten grandchildren. Sadly, she
lost her husband Allan of forty years, three years ago.
Betty is the surviving foundation member of the Pinkenba
Pensioner League which was formed in 1968. Betty has
been associated with APSL for 15 years having started as an
organiser, Assistant Secretary and Treasurer and back in an
organiser role. She is involved with many other community
and neighbourhood watch groups and has been the recipient
of many medals for her contribution to community.
Vol 39-09
6.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 2008
The Comet
Janette Barrett - Organiser
Lucy Sarafov - Organiser
Janette is the President of the Gracemere branch and has
been a member of the league for eleven years, five of which
were spent being involved on the management committee.
Prior to her marriage she went into nursing and then went on
to managing cattle properties in the Northern Territory and
WA. A keen fundraiser for the Capricornia Helicopter Rescue
Service, she volunteers for the Central Queensland Allied
Health and the Gracemere library. Janette enjoys the work
she does for the different organisations and hopes she is
able to continue to do so.
Lucy came to the ‘lucky’ country in 1949 from war torn
Europe. She loves her full and happy life with her grand and
great grand children and one of her passions is craft which
she attends every week. Lucy is glad to help older people at
the Kedron Wavell Pensioner Leagues Club.
Jeanette Shepherd
Margaret was born, bred and married in Sarina. She has been
involved and has owned various businesses including a motel,
service station, a hair salon and a wrecking yard and towing
business. Retiring in 1999, Margaret moved to Salonika
Beach. She joined the APSL in 2005 after a recommendation
by her cousin to help her keep busy. Margaret has particularly
enjoyed the bus trips and get togethers.
Jeanette is the mother of three, and foster mother to 84
children over a 33 year period. She spent almost 20 years in
Western Australia caring for predominantly Aboriginal children
in outback and desert communities. Having always been
interested in children and community affairs, Jeanette has
worked for many years in child protection and to obtain greater
reform to foster care laws. She returned to Queensland after
being widowed 5 years ago. Jeanette is a keen motorcyclist
and has held positions with various Motorcycle Associations.
Having always been a fighter for the little people, Jeanette
joined the APSL when she recognized the need for a voice
for pensioners within the Logan area.
Len Morris - Organiser
Tom Slatyer - Organiser
Len spent most of his younger years in country Victoria,
working at a dairy factory as a butter and cheese maker,
before becoming a school cleaner. In 1977 he saw the sun
and decided to make the move to Queensland. Retiring
in 1994, he became interested in the Pensioners League
becoming President in 1999 and was elected to the State
Management Committee soon after.
Tom Slatyer has spent most of his life working as a cabinet
maker, estimating materials and organising quotations for
the positions he has held in North Queensland. In 1980 he
assisted with the inception of the Cairns Hardware Co. and
helped move many shipments off shore. Later this company
was to expand to several branches. Tom retired in 2001.
Margaret Franklin - Organiser
Len Sly
Pearl Russell
Pearl grew up in Bowen and has worked in various jobs
since the age of 12 in the region. Pearl was involved with
the Merinda Meatworks for twenty two years and for its
last four years was the Women’s Union Delegate until the
meatworks closed. Pearl joined the league in 1998 and
has been Secretary and Secretary Treasurer of the Bowen
branch. She is also on the committee for the Bowen Shire
Road Safety Committee. She strives to better the life for
pensioners and will do her best to fulfil her position. Pearl
has three children and one grandson.
Len resides at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast and has
been active with the University of Third Age; as Director on
the Board of Council on the Ageing (Qld) for eight years. He
is a past Vice-Chairman of the Queensland Senior Citizens
Week Planning Committee and helped established the
Committee of the Ageing on the Gold Coast. Len has been a
member of the Southport Branch of the APSL and since 2006
has been zone organiser. Len believes that regular physical
activity and the correct nutrition ensures a healthy happy and
prosperous life.
Rent increases for people who rent privately.
According to Noeline Pitt, General Manager of Image Property Management Brisbane
‘there is no capping on a rental increase as long as you can show it is at the market
price, you can increase the rent at the end of any lease by giving notice 30 days
that the rent will increase.’ If you feel it is unjust you can seek advice from the RTA
(Residential Tenancies Authority) but once again the rent can be increased to the
right market value. This is regardless of whether it is through a Real Estate or private
owner but even with a private agreement the tenant should have a lease.
But did you know, people who rent privately and receive a benefit from Centrelink may be eligible to
claim rent assistance. For more information contact Centrelink on1800 050 004.
7.
Vol 39-09
The Comet
Something To Get Your Teeth Into
According to research recently released by ‘Australia Fair’ access to
dental care throughout Australia is out of reach for millions. We all know
teeth are an important asset that we need to take care of but obviously
there is a crisis for low income and disadvantaged Australians to get
access to the services available. I know myself that if I put my name
down on the public dental waiting list my teeth would decay before I
managed to see anyone.
The survey shows that 1 in 4 Australians has not seen a dentist in over
two years…hands up anyone?
•
•
•
46% of people stated that the cost of dental care influences their decision to see a dentist regularly.
90% think regular visits are important to maintain healthy teeth and mouths
46% reported it would be difficult for them to pay for basic preventative treatment.
This truly is a sad state of affairs for most Australians but you can do something; Australia Fair has
released a quality clip on You Tube, an online letter which Australians can e-mail their Federal MPs
asking for support when it comes to dental care. It appears that over half a million Australians are on
waiting lists for dental care and the average waiting time is 27 months.
Consumers actually contributed nearly $3.4 billion of funding for dental services in 2004-05 compared to
$953 million from Government and $701 million from private health insurance funds.
However according to Queensland Health; despite spending more on public dental care than any other
state Queenslanders continue to have the worst teeth in the nation.
•
•
•
One quarter of Queensland children have decay in their permanent teeth
10% above the national average.
2000 children under four have teeth removed under a general anaesthetic due to the decay.
Throughout Australia’s water supply 75% is fluoridated compared to only 5% of Queensland’s water
supply. Obviously the lack of fluoride in our water supply is one of the sole reasons why we have the
worst rate of decay in Australia. Water fluoridation has its benefits for all ages, is safe, effective and most
importantly reduces decay by 20% to 40%. Everyone needs to encourage the Government to introduce
fluoridation of the entire state’s water supply. Not only are we putting our children’s teeth at risk but we
are caught in a cycle where without it we become a burden on an already stretched public dental system.
It’s time to bite the bullet and let the Government step up to the plate and all Queenslanders should push
for this. I for one do not want my children’s mouths filled with rotting, decaying teeth or gum disease.
ALERT on ALLERGIES
If you’re like me you probably don’t have a clue
what to look out for if your child or grandchildren
are having an allergic reaction to food, medicines
or practically anything and time is the factor in
some of these cases.
The signs to watch for are;
•
Tingling of the mouth
•
Hives, welts or body redness
•
Swollen face, tongue or throat
•
Vomiting or abdominal pain
•
Difficulty in breathing
•
Wheezing or persistent cough
•
Loss of consciousness and /or collapse.
Recent research by Anaphylaxis Australia has
found that almost half of Australian mothers are If any of the above symptoms occur seek medical
unsure of the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
attention immediately. For more information visit.
www.allergyfacts.org.au
Vol 39-09
8.
Dance of the belly
The Comet
‘Belly Dancing’ evokes visions of harem girls dancing in very skimpy
costumes for the entertainment and titillation of the Sheik. The fabled ‘Dance
of the Seven Veils’ always springs from the lips of the uninitiated. ....this is
pure Hollywood hype… everything the Western world thinks it knows about
harems is pure fantasy.
Belly Dancing - Baladi (pronounced Beh-leh-dee) is a healthy regime which
has evolved over the centuries. There is a book that exists called “Zaida:
Belly Dancing for Older Women” written by Phoebe K. Carter. Taking a look
at this book you will realise that women of any age can master the art of this
dance.
Belly dancing classes for all
ages are available across
Queensland. If you have
access to the web, go to
http://www.annabella.net/
bellydance/teachers-qld.
html, here you will find a
list of locations and contact
details for your nearest belly
dance school. Belly dance
lessons are available at
Kurilpa Hall, bookings are
essential, call 0402 327 334.
Zaida: Belly Dancing for
Older Women by Phoebe K.
Carter can be purchased for
$13.95 online at
http://www.iuniverse.com/
bookstore/book_detail.asp?is
bn=0%2D595%2D20948%2
D3.
Carter writes “You will find yourself moving more fluidly when you walk,
and the stiffness which was hampering your life, will be gone. All the
movements used in Belly Dancing are designed to strengthen the muscles
and improve flexibility. In doing these movements, the muscles work on the
internal organs of the body and improve their performance. The spine is
given greater flexibility as strengthening the abdominal and side muscles
protects the back, where the muscles in the small of the back are particularly
thin and weak.”
Dance sessions start with gentle breathing from the abdomen and stretching
the body upwards to improve flexibility. You will find that, as you progress
into the intricacies of the dance, you will understand that you are NOT
flaunting your body – you are expressing your inner self. The self you have
always been instructed to suppress.
Carter says that women “will find a newborn sense of ‘me’…. You will learn
to ‘FLY’ and release your soul. You will learn to be WOMAN”.
Many older women, when first experiencing belly dancing, find that they
cannot make LARGE movements with their arms. Their torsos are rigid and
unyielding and they cannot raise their eyes to look at anyone else in the
class. She suggests that you try to allow yourself six months’ trial, before deciding that belly dancing is
not for you. You will never look back. Your friends will see a new person. Your husband will discover he
has a new and exciting wife. You will feel much calmer and ‘laid back’ and let minor hassles just wash
over you.
Once you are more relaxed with yourself and can accept that your body movements are an expression
of the music; you will find a whole new world, which you did not know existed. Think of yourself as the
music. Think of yourself as a musical note dancing to the tune. Think of yourself as anything other than
an ‘older woman’. You could have at least 30 years of dancing ahead of you. Enjoy yourself.
There is only one requirement for a woman to be able to belly dance.....she must be able to have FUN
Visiting the
doctor
A senior citizen goes in for his yearly physical with his wife tagging along.
When the doctor enters the examination room he says, “I will need a urine
sample, a stool sample, and a sperm sample.”
The man, being hard of hearing, turns to his wife and asks, “What did he
say?”
The wife yells back to him, “GIVE HIM YOUR UNDERWEAR!”
9.
Vol 39-09
The Comet
Snapshots
from the
59th State
Conference
Senior’s Week - Multicultural Concert & Lunch at Kurilpa Hall
200 guests, members and children were gathered together
in Kurilpa Hall to witness a wonderful morning of song and
dance. All entertainers were in costume or uniforms.
The older members of the audience loved the young
voices of the grade 4 MacGregor State School choir and
the grade 4 Greek Dancers.
Lucky door prizes were drawn before before 105 guests
were seated to a well presented meal and sweets.
We are hoping we will be able to do a similar concert in
Senior’s Week 2008
Vol 39-09
10.
The Comet
Featured Branch –
Hervey Bay
Services Directory
Commonwealth Government Directory
61 Hunter Street, Pialba
Hervey Bay branch welcomed delegates to their region
in September for State Conference, now we invite you
to take a look at what they get up to.
The branch was fortunate enough thanks to some forward
thinking of earlier members to have purchased premises
for their branch rooms. These rooms enable members
to be quite busy enjoying activities such as table tennis,
painting and art classes, gentle exercises and playing
cards. Members also participate in many other activities
such as BBQ picnics, shows and dinners. Activities are
available every day except for Sunday.
If ever you are up in Hervey Bay, pay a visit to the branch.
For $1.50 you get to join in on the activities and have a
wonderful conversation with the locals with a hot tea,
coffee and biscuits.
Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Aust. Competition & Consumer Commission
Australian Hearing
Aust. Securities & Investment Commission
Aust. Taxation Office
Centrelink
Child Support Agency
Commonwealth Carelink Centres
Commonwealth Rehabilitation Services Families, Communities & Indigenous Affairs
Family Court of Australia
Health & Aged Care (Medicare)
Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Comm.
Immigration & Multicultural Department
Migration Review Tribunal
National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
Legal Services
Pharmaceutical Benefit’s Scheme
Private Health Insurance Complaints
Private Health Insurance Ombudsman
Translating & Interpreting Service
Veteran’s Affairs Department
07 3361 3000
1300 302 502
131 797
07 3867 4700
132 869
131 021
131 272
1800 052 222
1300 653 227
1300 352 000
1800 020 613
1300 369 711
1800 837 891
1300 361 969
07 3211 3522
132 290
1800 077 308
1800 640 695
131 045
133 254
Queensland State Government Directory
Anti-Discrimmination Commission
Commission for Children, Child Guardian
Department of Communities
Energy Consumer Protection Office
Health Quality & Complaint’s Commision
Home & Community Care
Legal Aid Qld
Public Trustee
Qld Competition Authority
Qld Ombudsman’s Office
Residential Tenancies Authority
Safe Food Queensland
Senior’s Advocacy Information
& Legal Services (SAILS)
Senior’s Card
13 13 04
Senior’s Enquiry
Senior’s Legal & Support Service
Brisbane
Cairns
Hervey Bay
Toowoomba
Townsville
State Emergency Service Office
Tenancy Advice
Youth & Family Support Service
1300 130 670
1800 688 275
131 304
1300 300 993
07 3234 0272
07 3131 6802
1300 651 188
07 3213 9288
07 3222 0555
1800 068 908
1300 366 311
1800 300 815
07 3254 1811
/ 1800 175 500
1300 135 500
07 3254 1811
07 4031 7179
07 4124 6863
07 4616 9700
07 4721 5511
07 3247 8400
07 3257 1108
07 3239 3292
Community Support Services Service Directory
Domestic Violence Crisis Line
Immigrant Women’s Support Service
Kurilpa Kitchen
Qld Aged & Disability Advocacy
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
South Brisbane Immigration
& Community Legal Service
The Incapacitated Servicemen
& Women’s Assoc. of Aust
Women’s Legal Service
1800 811 811
07 3846 5400
07 3255 1420
07 3637 6000
07 3636 5206
07 3846 3189
07 3844 4555
07 3392 0670
Department of Health Service Directory
Ageline Service for Pensioner’s
Community Mental Health
Department of Health
Health & Community Services
Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme
Queensland Police
Crime Stoppers
11.
1800 017 766
07 3240 5606
131 304
07 3837 5986
07 3250 8555
07 3364 6464
1800 333 000
Vol 39-09
The Comet
Back Page
Book Review
‘Cheeky Little
Cats.’
Reviewed By Vicki Griffin
appointments, telephone support, home-visits
or outreach to other safe locations. Contact the
service centres using the phone numbers below.
Brisbane: (07) 3254 1811
Hervey Bay: (07) 4124 6863
Townsville: (07) 4721 5511
A big thanks to the Hervey Bay Branch for hosting
a fantastic 59th State Conference. Whilst most
arrangements including accommodation were
made successfully, one arrangement almost got
through in error. Stan Ainge visited Brisbane and
reviewed the accommodation requirements with
the Head office and Ray Ferguson. When he got
to Ray’s accommodation he mentioned that he had
roomed him with Joy Ferguson and asked if that
was ok?
This adorable book is a must for cat lovers around
Australia. It is full of the most exquisite pictures of
kittens and cats getting into all sorts of mischief.
Over 1000 of Australia’s cutest cats are featured
in this little book. Adorned with high class glossy
photographs it would make a perfect Christmas
gift or just a little book to keep with you to remind
one of the simple things in life. Moppy, one of the Ray said that would
cats states ‘lets put this nine lives theory to the test’ be fine, the only
problem is that it
whilst balancing on a tree branch.
might not be with Joy.
This is a quaint collection of adorable cats, whether Stan asked why. Ray
‘because
a cat lover or not one can’t resist taking a peep. replied,
she
isn’t
my
wife’.
A worthwhile purchase and accolades to Harper
The accommodation
Collins for putting this little gem together.
arrangements
were
RRP $14.95 available November 2007.
changed.
Seniors Legal and Support
Services
The Department of Communities’ Seniors Legal and
Support Services provides free legal and support
services for seniors concerned about elder abuse,
mistreatment or financial exploitation. The services
are staffed by solicitors and social workers.
Cairns: (07) 4031 7179
Toowoomba:(07)4616 9700
Joy Ferguson and Ray Ferguson
The informal bus tour
Special thanks must go to tour operator Ray
Ferguson who chartered the bus and took
passengers on a tour of Hervey Bay on the Sunday
afternoon before Conference. In the hour tour, the
passengers didn’t see too much, you see they were
lost trying to find the Hervey Bay Branch which was
around the corner from where they were staying.
After the hour, the back seat drivers who were quite
impressed were relieved that the tour had ended.
The Seniors Legal and Support Service, a $1.9
million pilot initiative, supports the department’s
aims of strengthening the safety and security of
seniors.
My friend had a mother who was getting on a bit.
Five new Seniors Legal and Support Services Her son thought that it might be time to move his
have been established to provide free assistance mother from her provide home into an independent
for seniors. The services are located at Brisbane, unit.
Cairns, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba and Townsville.
The mother at 94 years of age replied when hearing
The Seniors Legal and Support Services provide:
this suggestion, “I’m not going there! Its full of old
• legal information and advice
people.”
• short-term counselling
•
•
•
•
individual advocacy
referral to other legal, consumer and support
services
representation in court or before tribunals (in
certain circumstances)
community education.
Thanks to Stan Franklin for this one
If you would like to review a recipe, book, movie, music,
theatre performance or perhaps a holiday destination,
please write to the Editor of the Comet.
Clients can access assistance via centre-based
Vol 39-09
We look forward to hearing from you.
12.