2019 : simplebooklet.com

Foreword Welcome to our latest issue of Retirement Australia Living featuring as always great articles specifically targeting our dedicated over 50 s readership In this special edition be inspired with Charlotte Dodson Royalty and Celebrity yoga instructor at the beautiful Lord Howe Island Pinetrees Lodge yoga retreat See the breathtaking sights of Myanmar or visit India with Masterchef winner Shipra Khanna with Asia Vacation Group Go on safari in Africa with Gate 1 Travel more of the world for less Experience Beautiful Birdwatching in Sri Lanka with Aaurunya Vacations Travel in style with Vintage Rail Journeys experience superb destinations with China Travel Service enjoy 5 star luxury coach travel with Cowan s bus services on your travels don t forget to pack a Dentist in a box don t go sleepless in El Salvador In our lifestyle Villages section enjoy resort style living celebrate your retirement with freedom and flexibility with Catholic Health Care join a not for profit retirement community with Chomes Christadephian Aged Care Check out the exclusive limited land release in beautiful Bermagui at Sapphire Cove Find a perfect mix of comfort elegance and lifestyle at Bougainvillea Bay Club Resort find Retirement Living but not as you know it with RCA Villages at Martha Bay In Aged Care Meditech are promoting enablement and a new independence with home care packages In health and well being thank you to the Lung Foundation for a must read article urging those at risk to vaccinate against killer lung infection Why not explore Rookwood on a walking tour see the beautiful landscaped gardens and historic buildings A huge thank you to all our not for profit partners in Wills and Bequests The Sydney Children s Hospital the Cancer Council and many more A thank you to all our sponsors contributors and advertisers for your support and fantastic input without you we wouldn t be able to produce this landmark edition of Retirement Australia Living please check out our beautiful web site at www retirementaustralialiving com au for comprehensive up to date news and articles targeting our over 50 s audience it is continually being updated so remember to check in weekly for all the latest articles and browse through the different categories A special thank you to Luke Hanson from Pinetrees Lodge Lord Howe Island for his exceptional and inspiring photography for our front cover and within the Charlotte Dodson special article To receive the latest information please subscribe for our twice yearly glossy magazine and quarterly e news letters We strive to maintain our position as the number one over 50 s platform in Australia Thank you again to our readers our sponsors contributors advertisers and those not mention in this brief foreword Best wishes to all our readers please enjoy from everyone at Retirement Australia Living Retirement Australia David Hayes Executive Director 0450953619 david hayes onlinepublications com au National sales director georginathomas onlinepublications com au Graphics Department nina onlinepublications com au Online Publications Retirement Australia Living PO Box 372 Newport Beach NSW 2106 www onlinepublications com au www retirementaustralialiving com au ageless CLINICS As publishers and owners of Retirement Australia Living we are declaring that the information contained in the publication is for general information purpose only While we endeavour to provide correct information we make no representations or warranties and give no advice any kind expresser implied about the completeness accuracy reliability suitability effectiveness correctness or availability of any information text data chart image contact details articles announcements advertisements products claims services qualifications or related graphics contained in the publication for any purpose Any action by you or failure to act by you or reliance you place on any information in the publication or any of the content of the publication is therefore strictly at your own risk and we take no responsibility and accept no liability for any consequences direct or indirect The inclusion in this publication of any advertisement article advertorial announcement information contact details listing image design chart data mark or representation does not constitute and does not imply advice recommendation or endorsement by us or the associated practitioners service providers services products claims opinions or views

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The Hunter s Premier Over 55 s Lifestyle Village Situated on the doorstep to everything Walka Grange Over 55 s Lifestyle Village is just two hours north of Sydney and thirty minutes from Newcastle this lifestyle village ticks all the boxes Upmarket restaurants Shopping Complexes Modern Medical Centres Public Private Hospitals International Entertainment Sporting venues Vineyards Beaches Airport The team behind Walka Grange pride themselves on producing luxury villas and high end facilities for over 55 s The proof is the wide range of modern architecturally designed brick and tile villas that sit amid the lush gardens and well maintained lawns of this Hunter Valley Over 55 s Lifestyle Village What s more you can be sure their future projects will continue to over deliver on both style and value for money If you re thinking about downsizing your home maintenance and upsizing your lifestyle while possibly giving your super a boost then a chat with the Walka Grange Sales Team is a must Discover just how affordable and comfortable life can be in a secure gated community that offers luxury 2 and 3 bedroom villas in one of the Hunter s most sought after locations As these pictures show Walka Grange Over 55 s Village is glorious inside and out Galleries Contact Our Sales Team Today Phone 02 4933 0004 mob 0488 004 936 Email sales walkagrange com au Website www walkagrange com au Resale Notification List Available

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Courtland Village CHRISTADELPHIAN AGED CARE Courtlands Village has been an integral part of the North Parramatta community and a place resident s have called home for some years Here are just some of the special features Courtlands Village has to offer Location Nestled in quiet neighbourhood and just a 10 minute drive from the ever growing Parramatta CBD situates a beautiful large garden estate with 130 newly refurbished apartments With 2 or 3 bedrooms available and prices negotiable on each apartment You should be able to find your perfect apartment in no time Home Residents can treat their homes exactly how they like we want our residents to transition into our village seamlessly The Village also offer the little things that go a long way such a Koi ponds a library room tea coffee facilities lounge areas and a little corner kiosk run by residents All this adds to the ambience of making residents feel homely Activities Our Village offers weekly walking tours bingo bus trips trivia and much more We think it s important to stay engaged and active we always have a pre planned month schedule and often have spontaneous events happening A favourite recently was our day trip to Palm Beach Community Our thriving community is what keeps our village going Without the support of residents volunteers some things couldn t be possible We are so fortunate to have such a great people offering to lend a hand

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Maranatha Village CHRISTADELPHIAN AGED CARE 20 minutes to the beach 40 minutes to Brisbane Nestled in plenty of acreage and room to explore With a quiet and fun atmosphere it represents everything that is great about Queensland Find out what makes Maranatha Village special Location Maranatha Village situates itself in between the city and the surf Our Village offers plenty of acreage for exploration relaxing unwinding or keeping safe Maranatha Village also situates itself close by to a Westfield and medical services so you re never too far from anything Home With plenty of wonderful native birds ponds and even a model train track to keep you entertained Our 56 spacious homes surround the outskirts of our vast land Maranatha Village offers 2 to 3 bedroom homes and with prices negotiable we can have you here in no time Activities Our activities team are always looking for new ways to keep our residents active and entertained Some of the various activities for our residents include beach trips indoor bowling gardening billiards dancing crafts singing and helping conduct our garden train set Community Our community is something we pride ourselves on at Maranatha Village With over 100 volunteers helping our wonderful staff looking after our residents and helping wherever is necessary It s not an exaggeration to say we wouldn t be where we are without our volunteers For more information contact 1800 246 637 or go to www chomes com au

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Special Edition Every yoga getaway has its own unique character and particular areas of focus goal setting Our wellness weeks at Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island include two yoga classes a day outdoor activities which take place around the island s incredible landscapes and a nutritional wholefood meal plan that s energising and delicious The week provides a balanced menu of adventure fun relaxation and enjoying what the island has to offer It s a happiness week not a detox grind Here are a few tips I ve picked up from assisting participants in making the most out of their Pinetrees Lodge Lord Howe experience over the past seven years BECOME FAMILIAR It s a good idea to become familiar with a yoga class setting to be aware of the main postures breathing techniques and overall benefits that come with participation Start bringing yoga postures and techniques into your weekly routine before the wellness week begins so as to ensure that your body is up for the daily practice scheduling To ensure you are confident in your yogaflow before your wellness week begins with Charlotte she is offering our readers a free month sign up to her online yoga studio which will provide all of the necessary insight guidance and motivation needed to make you feel prepared upon arrival at her yoga getaway You can find Charlotte s online classes at charlottedodson tv 12 Retirement Australia HEALTH WELLBEING

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BE PATIENT Remember to be patient with yourself during this preparation period and to commit to a class that s realistic for you fitnesswise scheduling wise etc If you can t practice as much as you want to or find yourself struggling through certain poses that s okay Charlotte is there via her online portal and in person at these getaway experiences in order to help you in your yoga journey whatever your circumstances may entail Your yoga week is meant to challenge you in some ways and take you to the next level on a variety of fronts Charlotte works with you towards developing your mental emotional and physical balance and is keen for her students to progress as practitioners and take something away from the experience whether it s improving a posture or feeling emotional clarity or simply through taking onboard some of the positivity she shares We are all at different points along our life s journey Embrace where you are at and look forward to the change that s coming your way The best thing about yoga is that it s not a competition At your retreat you will see that all yogis are simply individuals who currently express themselves at different levels within their personal practice Charlotte adjusts each class to suit everyone no matter how inexperienced or advanced they are GO TECHNOLOGY FREE To be able to fully relax and focus on your yoga week you need to practice being technology free Turn your phone off for a few hours and sit with nature watch the ocean waves or sit under the trees This is easy to achieve on Lord Howe Island as the area has no phone reception local phone only so it s a good idea not to promise your friends and family that you ll call them every night You need this space to disconnect and reconnect A perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle and remember how to be present in the moment NUTRITIONAL GOALS Nutrition is an essential part of every yoga practice At Pinetrees Lodge they consider all types of dietary needs and are happy to accommodate everyone s particular palette The wellness week is full of tantalising wholefood options that nourish the body and soul While you prepare for a yoga getaway take time to consider what type of dietary needs you have or if you have any specific dietary goals which you want to achieve during your yoga retreat If you have a special diet just make sure to communicate your needs beforehand so as to ensure that you get what your body needs With the Lord Howe retreat you ll walk away with their kitchen team s beautiful new cookbook which will definitely assist in ensuring that you stay healthy after the wellness week s completed HEALTH WELLBEING Retirement Australia 13

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pneumococcal pneumonia causing bacteria in their throat which can be complicated by pneumonia due to a weakened immune system Pneumonia is contracted by inhaling infected droplets from someone who has coughed or sneezed into the air 3 The infection results in more than 77 000 hospitalisations7 and 4 000 deaths8in Australia each year GPs offer free pneumococcal vaccines to those at highest risk of the infection including over 65s infants Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people those with impaired immunity chronic tobacco smokers and people with chronic medical illnesses such as heart lung kidney and liver disease and diabetes 9 10 Estimates suggest more than 10 million Australians will have their annual flu shot in the coming months 1 Flu and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccinations can be given together to offer atrisk adults the best protection against infection said Dr Rob Menzies Senior Lecturer UNSW VIRL School of Public Health and Community Medicine Sydney Doctors urging at risk adults to vaccinate against Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae The adult pneumococcal vaccination protects against the 23 variations of this bacteria responsible for 85 per cent of adult pneumococcal infections in Australia 11 killer lung infection One in 10 Australians aged over 65 years who are hospitalised with pneumonia die from the killer lung infection 1 2 This is according to an article just published in MJA Insight1 which is driving Lung Foundation Australia s urgent plea for all atrisk adults to vaccinate against pneumococcal pneumonia this Pneumonia Awareness Week May 28 June 2 2019 According to article author renowned Infectious Diseases Paediatrician and Immunisation Coalition Chairperson Professor Robert Booy Sydney most people carry the pneumococcal pneumonia causing bacteria in their throat which can be complicated by pneumonia due to a weakened immune system or viral infection 1 3 All it takes is a simple lung or flu infection particularly in those at risk people aged over 65 and those with medical and lifestyle risk factors to wake the sleeping dragon and develop into a life threatening case of pneumonia 1 We are experiencing a record flu season with more than 44 200 already confirmed cases of the virus this year 4 said Prof Booy Flu often develops into pneumonia 5 Although older Australians are increasingly having an annual flu shot only one in two are vaccinating against pneumococcal pneumonia 6leaving them vulnerable to the killer lung infection According to article author renowned Infectious Diseases Paediatrician and Immunisation Coalition Chairperson Professor Robert Booy Sydney most people carry the pneumococcal pneumonia causing bacteria in their throat which can be complicated by pneumonia due to a weakened immune system or viral infection 1 3 All it takes is a simple lung or flu infection particularly in those at risk people aged over 65 and those with medical and lifestyle risk factors to wake the sleeping dragon and develop into a life threatening case of pneumonia 1 The lung infection can hit anyone at any time So when you next visit your GP ask your doctor whether you qualify for a free pneumococcal vaccination Dr Menzies said or viral infection 1 3 All it takes is a simple lung or flu infection particularly in those at risk people aged over 65 and those with medical and lifestyle risk factors to wake the sleeping dragon and develop into a life threatening case of pneumonia 1 We are experiencing a record flu season with more than 44 200 already confirmed cases of the virus this year 4 said Prof Booy Flu often develops into pneumonia 5Although older Australians are increasingly having an annual flu shot only one in two are vaccinating against pneumococcal pneumonia 6 leaving them vulnerable to the killer lung infection We are experiencing a record flu season with more than 44 200 already confirmed cases of the virus this year 4 said Prof Booy Flu often develops into pneumonia 5Although older Australians are increasingly having an annual flu shot only one in two are vaccinating against pneumococcal pneumonia 6 leaving them vulnerable to the killer lung infection According to article author renowned Infectious Diseases Paediatrician and Immunisation Coalition Chairperson Professor Robert Booy Sydney most people carry the HEALTH WELLBEINGV Professor Robert Booy Retirement Australia 15

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Retired bookkeeper and regular gym goer Glenys 66 Sydney has long held a genuine zest for life and a love of adventure But when she was struck down by pneumonia during a holiday to New Zealand in June 2013 Glenys was left feeling depleted lethargic and unproductive for weeks on end All of those things are incredibly important but it is absolutely critical to remember that pneumococcal pneumonia is vaccine preventable Pneumonia symptoms include fever cough or difficulty breathing12 and they often come on quite rapidly or may develop over one to three days If you notice any of these symptoms it is important that you see your doctor straight away said Mr Brooke iagnosed with the potentially life threatening D but vaccine preventable lung infection after returning home to Australia Glenys was hospitalised for three days and spent a month mounting a recovery from the infection I knew something wasn t quite right So I decided to head to hospital immediately said Glenys Vaccination is your best defence against pneumococcal pneumonia Glenys I checked in at Accident and Emergency A E and it wasn t too long before I was ushered into an inspection room where I answered a number of questions I was put in a wheelchair and sent for an X ray which showed I had a shadow on my right lung Back in a treatment room at A E the duty doctor informed me that I probably had pneumonia When I contracted pneumonia at the end of the financial year it was an extremely busy time for my bookkeeping business said Glenys I felt extremely drained for at least a month after leaving hospital I had absolutely no energy I wasn t supposed to work or do household chores It s very important for those at risk of pneumococcal pneumonia to protect against the infection through vaccination 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said this year Pneumonia Awareness Weekaims to ignite conversation about the dangers of pneumonia for those at particular risk including Australians over the age of 65 and those living with chronic illness and immunocompromising conditions I wouldn t wish pneumonia on anybody Pneumonia really knocks you about which can be particularly difficult if you have others depending on you at home or at work Vaccination is your best defence against pneumococcal pneumonia Said Glenys Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalisation in Australia and vaccination is your best defence against contracting pneumococcal pneumonia It s also very important that people practice good hygiene so washing their hands maintaining clean surfaces and avoiding others including staying away from workplaces if they feel symptomatic Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke The vaccine is also available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme PBS and the NIP in some States for all adults aged 18 years or over who are smokers or medically at risk such as those with chronic lung heart or liver disease or diabetes 10 13 To learn more visit https knowplanact lungfoundation com au Like us on Facebook LungFoundation Follow us on Twitter Lungfoundation Booy R Vaccine preventable pneumococcal disease we can do better MJA Insight 2019 To be published Dirmesropian S Liu B Wood J G MacIntyre C R McIntyre P Karki S Jayasinghe S and Newall A T Pneumonia hospitalisation and case fatality rates in older Australians with and without risk factors for pneumo coccal disease implications for vaccine policy Epidemiol Infect 2019 147 p e118 Better Health Channel Pneumococcal disease Spread of pneumococcal disease April 2019 cited 2019 May Available from https www betterhealth vic gov au health conditionsandtreatments pneumococcal disease Health A G D o National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System 2019 Available from http www9 health gov au cda source rpt_3 cfm Better Health Channel Pneumonia June 2015 cited 2019 May Available from https www betterhealth vic gov au health conditionsandtreatments pneumonia Australian Institute of health and Welfare AIHW 2009 Adult Vaccination Survey summary results 2011 Poulos L M Correll P K Toelle B G Reddel H K and Marks G B Lung disease in Australia 2014 Woolcock Institute of Medical Research Australian Bureau of Statistics ABS 3303 0 Causes of Death Australia 2017 2018 World Health Organisation WHO Pneumonia fact sheet cited 2019 May Available from http www who int mediacentre factsheets fs331 en Australian Government National Immunisation Program Schedule 2019 Available from https beta health gov au health topics immunisation immunisation throughout life national immunisation program schedule Forrest J M McIntyre P B and Burgess M A Communicable Diseases Intelligence Pneumococcal disease in Australia D o Health Editor 2004 Australian Government Department of Health Conditions and diseases Pneumococcal disease 2017 cited 2019 May Available from https beta health gov au conditions and diseases pneumococcal disease Australian Government Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme PBS Available from http www pbs gov au pbs home About pneumonia pneumococcal pneumonia About Lung Foundation Australia Pneumonia is a broad term used to describe inflammatory lung infections that ung Foundation Australia is the only national charity dedicated to supporting can be caused by bacteria viruses or fungi 9 During normal respiration air travels through the lungs to the alveoli or air sacs Pneumonia results when air sacs in the lungs fill with secretions and fluids that obstruct normal air flow 9Pneumonia symptoms include fever cough and difficulty breathing and stiffness of the bones and joints 12 One of the most severe and potentially life threatening forms of pneumonia is pneumococcal pneumonia which is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and is the only bacterial pneumonia for which vaccination is available 7 9 16 The pneumococcal vaccine is provided free under the National Immunisation Program NIP Schedule for all Australians aged 65 and above Indigenous Australians aged 50 years and over Indigenous Australians aged 15 to 49 years who are medically at risk and infants under 12 months 10 A second dose of vaccine is also available to Australians withimmunocompromising conditions or chronic disease or smokers a minimum of five years following their first dose 10 Retirement Australia HEALTH WELLBEING anyone with a lung disease Since 1990 Lung Foundation Australia has been the first point of call for patients their families carers health professionals and the general community Lung Foundation Australia works across all areas of lung disease Our aim is to ensure lung health is a priority for all from promoting lung health and early diagnosis to supporting people with lung disease and championing equitable access to treatment and care

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Sleepless and sore in Salvador Travellers can now go to many exciting places providing memories which we can treasure for years to come However some of these places provide standards of medical and dental care which may be of concern While away many prefer to delay treatment until they return home to their trusted doctor or dentist Trying to speak a foreign language can be fun but not when you are in pain trying to access medical or dental care Some travellers now pack additional medication spare glasses and prescription just in case while away from home Currently available medical travel kits can deal with a range of medical problems but lack any effective means of dealing with dental problems apart from readily available pain killers Occasional toothache due to a lost filling or broken filling may initially cause only minor inconvenience Without prompt dental attention 20 Retirement Australia HEALTH WELLBEING this pain will become more severe causing problems throughout the day such as eating and at night disturbing sleep Could you imagine trying to find a dentist away from home minimal or no free time and unable to speak the language Blutack and chewing gum don t work so how long can you survive on pain killers Regular dental care and a routine dental visit with your dentist before you travel is good advice when travelling locally or overseas However dental problems may occur and are often unexpected despite regular dental visits Dental problems are unlikely to be fatal but for those affected it can be irritating extremely distressing or profoundly debilitating Be careful when buying painkillers bought overthe counter for relief from toothache as some should not be taken with some prescribed medicines this combination can cause major medical problems Some stronger pain killers can also cause drowsiness and dizziness Unexpected effects can involve any medication purchased be over the counter alternative or even with a prescribed medicine Don t rely on pain killers Minimise unexpected problems by regular dental care and make sure you have Dentist In A Box the no mess no fuss kit for common dental problems About the size of a CD case Dentist In A Box kits easily fit into the glove box hiking day pack or hand bag How many holidays have been spoilt by unexpected dental problems Whether you are travelling locally or overseas Dentist In A Box can temporarily care for a damaged tooth until you can see a dentist More information available at www dentistinabox com au or phone 1300 THE KIT 843 548

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Quingo 5 Wheel Scooters Mobility Scooter Evolution Originally you could only buy mobility scooters of the 3 wheel variety While they were mostly compact light and manoeuvrable in tight spaces their flaw was they were dangerously unstable putting users at risk of and often inflicting serious injury due to tipping as soon as they were used on un even surfaces The solution was of course to build scooters with 4 wheels and while this addressed the stability issues experienced with 3 wheeled scooters it created a new set of problems By adding the extra wheel the leg space available was severely restricted leading to poor posture and therefore discomfort on even relatively short journeys Scooters became larger and more cumbersome Turning circles expanded and poor weight distribution resulted in restricted manoeuvrability and a new source of instability Engineers and manufactures simply accepted 24 Retirement Australia 4 Wheeled Scooter Forcing a Poor Posture for Legs 4 Wheeled Scooter Forcing a Poor Posture for Legs Hips Spine these problems and you the users would have to choose what was more important agility or stability and safety However the manufactures of Quingo Advanced Vehicle Concepts AVC came up with an innovative solution in the world s first true 5 wheel scooters featuring Quintell technologies The 5 wheel concept brings genuine stability and safety benefits with Quingo scooters being able to mount kerbs at anything up to a 45 angle something other scooters just cannot do HEALTH CARE MOBILITY EQUIPMENT Quingo Providesm the Ideal Anatomical Driving Position All this while maintaining agility that is comparable to many three wheel scooters with a turning circle of as little as just 107cm With the addition of Quintell Kerbmaster Powered Anti Grounding and Anti Tipping we believe we offer a range of the very safest scooters on the market today Thanks to their 5 wheel design all Quingo s benefit from a staggering 80 more foot area than a comparable length four wheel vehicle and ergonomic posture control and Quintell adaptive footplates this combines to bring greater comfort even on longer outings

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Flyte Docking Station The Quingo Flyte the NEXT next generation of mobility scooter The Quingo Flyte really is quite unlike other mobility scooters This compact state of the art scooter gives users unrivalled portability and is compatible with a huge array of cars making it an incredibly versatile mobility solution Here we explore why the Quingo Flyte really is at the forefront of the next generation of mobility scooters Effortless Car Docking and Portability Traditional 4 wheel scooters are often cumbersome making them difficult to transport With the Quingo Flyte however car docking could not be easier Every Quingo Flyte comes with an accompanying docking station ramp and remote control which allows you to effortlessly load your scooter into your car boot in less than 60 seconds Put simply the Quingo Flyte s docking station does all the hard work so you don t have to Quingo Quality You ve Come to Expect Quingo are the only scooter range to provide customers with the benefit of the 5 wheel difference Unlike traditional 4 wheel scooters all Quingo products offer enhanced stability unequalled agility better comfort safer kerb handling and superior adaptability and the Quingo Flyte is no exception backed up by a 3 year warranty and a network of trained Quingo specialists Australia wide Quingo scooters will get you where you re going No Dismantling Required The Quingo Flyte s unique design enables you to transform your scooter into an incredibly compact shape which will fit inside most small hatchbacks and estates without issue Unlike other portable scooters the Flyte does not need to be dismantled before transportation Thanks to its simple elegant design the Quingo Flyte s seat and tiller fold down easily creating a sleek and compact version of the Flyte which can be docked with minimal effort A Compact Scooter Big on Performance Given the Quingo Flyte s highly portable nature you d be forgiven for thinking that it might pack less punch when it comes to performance In fact the Quingo Flyte s superior design specification means that it comes with a highly powerful motor capable of easily carrying weights of up to 25 stone Not only is the Flyte s motor very impressive but the scooter is also capable of travelling up to an incredible 37km on its 400 Watt engine Visit www quingo com au or Phone 1800 QUINGO 784 646 to find out more HEALTH CARE MOBILITY EQUIPMENT Retirement Australia 25

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The powerful portable you don t lift The powerful portable you don t lift Remotely loads and unloads in less than 60 seconds yet needs no car modifications or tools to install Remotely loads and unloads less than 60 secoin nd yet needs no ca s modifications orr tools to install Collapse Load The all new Quingo Flyte Docking Station offers portable big scooter performance and is compatible with most small hatchbacks station wagons SUV s 4x4 s Collapse Load The all new Quingo Flyte Docking Station offers portable big scooter performance and is compatible with most small hatchbacks station wagons SUV s 4x4 s SixSix x ininthe tSix he rarange nge one neone pperfect erfec for yyou ou theinrange one perfect for the range perfect foryou you available from Available from Pacific Quingo 5 wheel range featuring Quintell SaferTheby Design The Quingo 5 wheel range featuring Quintell Safer by Design Safer by Design Technology offers greater stability greater Technology offers great greater agility stability greater comfort greater safety agility greater comfort greater safety Call 1800 QUINGO 784 646 NOW No other air2 air2 classic yte plus classic vitess2 plus toura2vitess2 for a free no obligation demo Or view our product range at mobility offersscooter more stability more agility comfort No otheroffers mobilitymore scooter offers more stability more agility morecomfort comfort WWW QUINGO COM AU Noscooter other mobility stability moremore agility more yte toura2 Call 1800 QUINGO 784 646 NOW for a free no obligation demo Or view our product range at WWW QUINGO COM AU Your beautiful gift to the future A gift in your Will to Cancer Council Queensland provides you with peace of mind and hope for a cancer free future Through your Will you ll help fund life saving cancer

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ON SAFARI IN AFRICA TIPS FOR A ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE While on safari it is very important that you follow all directions provided by your guide in order to ensure the safety of the group Prior to the first safari your driver guide will review safari etiquette addressing amongst other issues off road driving and hazards and interaction with animals Wildlife listed in the itinerary are based upon optimal conditions and therefore subject to change While on tour you will be reminded by your guide of local safety and ecologic procedures to ensure your safety and the protection of the wildlife Normal precautions include remaining in close proximity to your driver guide and vehicle avoiding tall grass and keeping noise to a minimum to not attract extra attention Your driver guide will advise you not to turn over rocks or dead wood and to stay clear of ground holes and caves where scorpions snakes and other potentially dangerous animal life may be hidden Refrain from littering feeding any animals or leaving food waste behind in the parks as this can upset their natural diets and lead to a dependence upon people In addition please do not purchase collect or remove any animal products rocks seeds plants or nests from the wild Roadways to the game viewing sites are for the most part unpaved and will therefore be rough and dusty Gate 1 safari vehicles are fitted with large roof hatches or open sides to allow for easy viewing of wildlife from all angles Safari vehicles cannot be air conditioned and you will be provided bottled water while traveling Vehicles are equipped with seatbelts which should be worn on public roads 36 Retirement Australia HOLIDAY S TRAVEL

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EXPLORE SOUTH AFRICA S DIVERSE RESERVES It s not only Kenya that lures those seeking big game and bigger memories More than 4 000 miles away South Africa offers up its own rich rewards for nature lovers and Kruger National Park might just be the most epic of them all Sprawling across more than 7 000 square miles the park alone is larger than the entire state of Connecticut and quite unlike the New England state this landscape is chock full of wildlife 147 mammal species more than 500 bird species and a combined 150 varieties of amphibians and reptiles And that s just the fauna The flora is stunning as well with 336 different types of trees Whether you re spying leopards in the bushveld or sipping sundowners by a water hole as night falls finding the next scene of wonder is as simple as keeping your eyes open Less famous but no less memorable is the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve The oldest nature reserve in Africa it is home to the world s largest population of white rhino thanks to years of efforts by conservationists Hluhluwe Imfolozi boasts the complete Big Five elephant Cape buffalo lion leopard and rhino The same can be said of the privateMabula Game Reserve where the Big Five are joined in the rolling hills and plains by red hartebeests and elegant blesbok 38 Retirement Australia HOLIDAY S TRAVEL A completely different sort of wildlife experience awaits at St Lucia Estuary With Lake Lucia to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east the estuary is home to hippopotamus sea turtles Nile crocodiles and even sharks In 1999 its precious marine environment earned it a designation as UNESCO s first South African World Heritage Site part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park No matter where you re exploring from big name game parks to small less known reserves you ll be quick to agree with Rudyard Kipling s assertion that One cannot resist the lure of Africa Experience Africa with Gate 1 Travel and you ll not only experience one of the most soul stirring adventures on Earth you ll revel in quality accommodations expert Tour Managers and personal attention worth writing home about And no matter which journey you choose you re sure to discover as Pliny the Elder did nearly 2 000 years ago There is always something new out of Africa For more info visit https www gate1travel com au

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Aurora Australis on track for launch April 2020 A new rail experience aboard a vintage sleeping train through regional NSW is set to launch next April Over five days and four nights the Aurora Australis will take you from the heart of Sydney to some of your favourite places as well as places previously unexplored by train After painstakingly restoring these carriages back to their original first class styling condition Vintage Rail Journeys CEO Mr Simon Mitchell is convinced you will enjoy the little details that made it an icon back in its day We have named the train the Aurora Australis after the 1960 s Southern Aurora sleeping carriages that make up the train he said and anyone on board this trip will be among the first to travel in them post restoration Vintage Rail Journeys has designed an itinerary of exciting contrasts over some 1 500 kilometres We have great stops and off train excursions every day explains Mr Mitchell The train s first stop is a lunchtime cruise on the always popular Riverboat Postman he said We are also pleased to announce that we will have a special function as part of the Orange F O O D Week and will spend some time with the locals in regional towns such as Werris Creek and Kandos In keeping with true train travel a major part of the adventure will be sleeping on the train To get the best night s sleep on board Vintage Rail Journeys has scoured the rail network to find quiet places to stay for the night said Mr Mitchell I m really excited to be able to take the train along a private railway goods only rail lines and a railway branch that s normally closed You only need to unpack once in your private single or twin cabin and meals will be provided in the Dining Cars You can also relax with a drink in the Lounge Cars he said Heritage trains are not designed to accommodate wheelchair bound all walker reliant passengers however we understand that some of our guests may find it hard to climb to the top bunk so limited off train accommodation in 3 4 star hotels is available Mr Mitchell explained The tour showcases the best of regional NSW take a cruise up the Hawkesbury River view the spectacular Hunter Valley and Mayfield Gardens taste the wines of the Hunter Valley and Orange regions Experience Railway History at Werris Creek and Industrial History at Kandos Lastly visit the gorgeous Blue Mountains Villages with our partners on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus To book go to www vintagerailjourneys com au or call 1300 421 422 For further information and a full copy of the itinerary go to www vintagerailjourneys com au

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Detailed Itinerary Day 3 Werris Creek Orange Departing from Sydney Central Station you will travel through sandstone gorges to the spectacular Hawkesbury River Enjoy lunch while taking a cruise with the Riverboat Postman Re join the train and travel at sea level alongside Brisbane Water Neath Station on the private South Maitland Railway hosts your first night on board the train Experience all that the Aurora Australis has to offer with a morning on the train Sit in your own cabin for privacy or join other guests in the lounge or dining car to experience the scenery The train stops in the afternoon at Orange where you can experience the history of the city by taking a heritage walking tour or sample the cool climate wines at Ferment The Orange Wine Centre The night is spent in Orange Day 2 Hunter Valley Werris Creek Day 4 Orange to Kandos Today you step off the train and into the Hunter Valley region Walk through the stunning Hunter Valley Gardens and some of Australia s best cellar doors before re boarding the train to Werris Creek At Werris Creek visit the Australian Rail Monument and Railway Journeys Museum The train will remain at Werris Creek Station for the night Enjoy breakfast on the train as you travel to Bathurst where you will visit the renowned Mayfield Gardens You might also like to visit the National Racing Museum or the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum Then you have a rare opportunity to ride the closed Gwabegar line to Kandos where you will stay for the night Day 1 Sydney Newcastle Day 5 Katoomba Sydney Cross the Great Dividing Range and travel through the ten tunnels that replaced the Lithgow Zig Zag rail line Stopping at Mount Victoria you will depart the train and HopOn a Blue Mountains Explorer Bus which provides an excellent opportunity to see as much or as little of the Blue Mountains as you choose Walk to the edge at Echo Point see the majestic Three Sisters or find a spot in a local caf and enjoy the ambience Re board the train to return back to Sydney Central Station in the early evening You will have had a truly unforgettable Vintage Rail Journey www vintagerail com au Retirement Australia 45

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5 Breathtaking Sights Myanmar is a beautiful country and you ll be hard pressed to find a sight that isn t breathtaking while you re there It s also a country of contrasts with a new democratic government elected in 2015 inducing a range of modernisation across big cities and towns but leaving the traditional monastic life enjoyed by many untouched Yes you can get multi city flights but you can also saunter along on old steamer boats Yes there are bustling cities but there are also carefree passionate locals who will welcome you with a smile With us you ll be sure to experience everything Myanmar has to offer Chaukhtagyi Buddha Temple Buddishm is the most practiced religion in Myanmar by over 90 of its inhabitants It s not surprising then that much of the countries great artistic output is dominated by Buddhist thought That includes this 65 meter Reclining Buddha statue one of the first destinations on our itinerary Completed in 1907 it lay at a paltry 60 meters for about as many years until it grew by 5 meters during renovations Pay special attention to the soles of the feet which contain 108 red and gold segments and represent the 108 characteristics of the Buddha In Buddhism it s important to know the day of the week you were born and there are multiple shrines at the foot of this statue split by days of the week it s worth finding your own shrine Where else could you realistically describe a giant pair of feet as breathtaking We re not sure there s anywhere

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Inle Lake Inle Lake is beautiful and a gateway region to many iconic landmarks It s a vast lake which functions as a life source for many of the locals who live upon it s shores but the real beauty of the place lies within the traditional ways of life on the lake particularly the style of fishing Everything s done a little differently here gardens houses and walkways float precariously and the leg paddling technique has to be seen to be believed The area is populated by the Intha people or Sons of the Lake in their dialect Most of these people live self sufficient Buddhist lives living in simple houses of woven bamboo and wood On the north shores of the lake you ll stop off at the Jumping Cat Monastery and no prizes for guessing what that s renowned for Yes trained cats which jump through hoops Rumour has it this newer generation millennial cats are more lazy and less likely to jump around hopefully you ll meet some of the hardworking older generation Indein Village A short canal ride from Inle lake and a microcosm of modern Myanmar Indein blends both the old and new masterfully The old quarter of Indein is home to numerous Stupas which have been neglected in the most beautiful way imaginable allowed to grow and intwine with nature This gives the entire area a mythological aura where every footstep feels like a journey into the past Not just that but it feels like Indiana Jones could pop up at any moment In stark contrast to this is the newer side of the village which has a market sourcing local food with everything from meat fish vegetables and spices It s a fantastic place to absorb some local culture and get talking to villagers who like always are gentle passionate engaging and funny Indein like Myanmar is a place of beautiful diversity where the natural world and spirituality are held in high regard You can t help but be changed by visiting Myanmar and everything beautiful that it holds For more information email support asiavacationgroup com au phone 1800 22 93 39 61 3 9988 3029 International www asiavacationgroup com au Asia Vacation Group Australia Suite 902 11 Queens Road Melbourne VIC 3004 Australia HOLIDAY S TRAVEL Retirement Australia 49

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Yes Sri Lanka is a birders paradise Though it is a small tropical island approximately of the size of Tasmania it hosts around 450 species of birds of which around 240 are resident As hunting or harming birds is culturally discouraged it is quite possible to see many birds at close quarters Different species are spread around the country depending on the climate zone they love to live in therefore we can loosely categorise them as home garden birds wet zone birds dry zone birds rainforest birds cloud forest birds etc During the period from August to April many migratory birds also add variety and colour to the already fascinating bird world here But my heart beats faster for exclusively Sri Lankan specialities Despite being separated from Indian sub continent by the narrow Polk strait Sri Lanka has been ecologically isolated from the mainland India for quite a long period resulting in many endemic flora and fauna including 33 endemic bird species Being a compact place with a central mountainous area surrounded by larger plains fed by many waterways any threehour drive in Sri Lanka takes you to a different ecosystem Horton plains is a good bet for encountering cloud forest and range restricted birds Nuwara Eliya and Hakgala too are good birding sites for such species Many dry zone birds could be easily seen in lowland national parks such as Udawalawa Yala and Wilpattu along with many other famous wildlife in Sri Lanka Bundala Kumana Mannar and Ruhunu National Parks are ideal for observing wetland and shore birds Kitulgala Kandy and Haputale areas are famous for mid elevation birds of which some are endemics The favourite place for wet zone birds is the Sinharaja Rainforest in the south western part of Sri Lanka With an annual rainfall ranging between 3 000 6 000 mm Sinharaja the last tract of Gondwanan rainforest in the country presents a high degree of endemism in both flora and fauna Therefore if you are new to birding in Sri Lanka you are guaranteed of seeing a few lifers over there It was fascinating to hear how birds of twelve to twenty five species comprising of 25 to 125 individuals on average forming one flock and moving from one place to the other foraging During our last visit to Sri Lanka my hubby wanted to see the mixed species foraging flock at Sinharaja or the Bird Wave in tourism parlance after hearing a talk delivered by one of our colleagues Rahula Perera In fact the research on mixed species flocks in Sinharaja rainforest is one of the longest running research projects of its kind It has started in early 1980s Rahula a veteran birder ecologist and a nature photographer had been part of the research team back in the day and still in touch with many of its activities It was fascinating to hear how birds of twelve to twenty five species comprising of 25 to 125 individuals on average forming one flock and moving from one place to the other foraging They vary from ground dwelling ones to the canopy birds and are distributed both vertically and horizontally How they form the group in the morning minimize inter and intra species competition and how some species take up the role of sentinels was fascinating to listen to But believe me seeing one such flock on ground was enthralling First we heard the cacophony Then a large number of birds came foraging together through the woods and crossed the path in front of us There were many wet zone endemic birds including the Red faced Malkoha All the babblers in the rainforest were in the flock With an expert at hand it was just a day excursion for us whereas some groups take 2 3 days to locate and see the Bird Wave

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It cannot be over emphasised the importance of having an experienced knowledgeable guide at hand all the time when travelling in a place like Sri Lanka The country is brimmed with biodiversity natural beauty and cultural heritage but lacks good interpretation centres or related material Without local knowledge many important places species stories may go unnoticed Especially in birding a guide knowledgeable in bird distribution skilled in spotting and identification is an invaluable resource Interestingly after being immersed in the industry I came to know that guides are trained to let guests have the thrill of spotting birds therefore they just indicate the general area where the birds are In a foreign environment guide s knowledge would come in handy for identification Carrying and skimming through thick unfamiliar field guides is certainly not fun while chasing a living thing that is haphazardly moving around Birding is an acquired skill My then teenage son who loves exceptional natural capital in the country of his birth said birds are lovely but it was not fun to watch them as most of the time you would not be able to see and identify them properly But the day he watched them through a pair of binoculars with an expert to guide him a new world dawned He started to notice and explain details of their beak and feet and patterns in their plumage A proper environment proper equipment and a knowledgeable guide could open up an entirely different world for you too With expert birders in its top management Aarunya Vacations specialises in bird watching tours However as a responsible conservation oriented company we respect the fact that we are watching birds in their natural habitat Therefore our guests understand and appreciate that we do not do anything to disturb the birds from their normal routine for their viewing pleasure 52 Retirement Australia HOLIDAY S TRAVEL

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We have experts to show our guests a good number of birds but we do not do any tape luring etc just to add up numbers and tick lists At the forefront of the company is a team of well experienced knowledgeable and caring guides They are the people who deliver the value we create for our valuable guests Therefore the company provides them with continuous training and knowledge upgrades Through the guest feedback we are seeing they put that to best use Two senior ladies veteran bird watchers from South Carolina USA once said they saw close to 200 birds many of them life birds all this is in an atmosphere of kindness safety and care No detail was left undone The best planning the best guides the best care we ve ever had anywhere and that s a lot of wheres The careful blend of subject knowledge excellent interpretation skills and caring service is the unique value proposition Aarunya Vacations is offering Aarunya meaning dawn in Sanskrit dawns a new dimension in touring Sri Lanka providing tailor made small group tours to knowledge seeking guests interested in nature culture wildlife birdwatching and photography All the itineraries are developed after a careful consideration of and matching with the interests and expectations of the guests in consultation with them Sometimes it takes several iterations but we love doing it Now it is the time for morning tea It is heartening to see my feathery friends around the birdbath singing at their best These sights make my visits to Sri Lanka something to look forward to I know the official purpose is to meet up with my Sri Lankan colleagues at least once a year to ensure top notch service and seek continuous improvements for our guests My life is kind of easy as all ground services for all our tours are managed by our own sister company in Sri Lanka It is run by the same core team Therefore you are assured of a seamless service as there is no third party We maintain service levels to the highest standards and always strive to emulate international best practices That is why one of our directors has now got his Australian Eco Guide certification Happy Birding in Sri Lanka By Ramani Nissanka Ramani is a director of the Aarunya Vacations Pty Ltd based in Canberra and its sister company Aarunya Vacations Pvt Ltd in Sri Lanka For more information please email to ramani aarunyavacations com www aarunyavacations com https www facebook com AarunayaVacations HOLIDAY S TRAVEL Retirement Australia 53

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30 YEARS OF CANCER TREATMENT RESEARCH IMPROVES OUTCOMES FOR PATIENTS GLOBALLY Over three decades TROG Cancer Research has facilitated hundreds of clinical trials that have helped improve the outcomes and quality of life for more than 14 500 cancer patients globally Over that time the prognosis for cancer patients has improved considerably in the 1980s the cancer survival rate was less than 50 per cent Today for some cancers the survival rate is as high as 90 per cent TROG Cancer Research was established in 1989 with the hope of accelerating and amplifying the power of cancer research through collaboration Today this collaborative approach has been highly successful with medical professionals from around the world approaching TROG Cancer Research with new ideas on how to use radiation therapy to improve the quality of life of patients and cure cancer One in two cancer patients will benefit from radiation therapy so the research we conduct is vital By collaborating and bringing to life these concepts in a managed environment we ve been able to achieve great advancements in cancer patient care and outcomes that have changed the way patients are treated worldwide Susan said However Susan said there s still a lot of work to be done Radiation therapy remains an important curative treatment option however ongoing research is still needed to ensure we can progress the ways we use this advanced technology to outsmart the many strains of the disease Susan said Delivering world class cancer research is expensive and there is a significant gap between the cost of our clinical trials and the government funding available to them TROG Cancer Research relies on the support of the community to bring their vital research to life Leaving a bequest in your Will or providing a donation can help make life changing and life saving cancer research possible Please visit our website trog com au leave a gift in will TROG Cancer Research s CEO Susan Goode said that over the last 30 years TROG Cancer Research has provided hope to people with all cancers through one treatment radiation therapy ONE in TWO cancer patients will benefit from radiation therapy ONE in SIX people will need radiation therapy in their lives ALL CANCERS ONE TREATMENT TROG COM AU

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Retired financial planners Michele and Mario Topcic were planning an overseas trip a few years ago and knew the importance of putting their estate plans in order before travelling They decided to update their Wills and chose a few charities to include one of them being Sydney Children s Hospitals Foundation We considered children s charities that had a strong presence and good reputation within the community that directed funds to areas that needed it the most says Mario We knew of the incredible work the Hospital were doing to care for sick children and we wanted to help this continue says Michele Not a lot of charities get the support they need says Mario so it gives you a sense of satisfaction knowing that your contribution is going on to help others Our hope is that our gift along with other legacies will have a role in ensuring the Hospital is always there to provide the best care by investing in research technology and medical equipment that changes and saves children s lives When we told the Foundation we had left a gift in our Will they asked us to become Sunshine Guardians so now we re part of the Foundation family says Michele It s lovely to receive Hospital updates and invites to special events Mario and Michele feel so positive about their choice they now encourage friends to consider including Sydney Children s Hospitals Foundation in their Wills We can t think of a better legacy to leave than supporting future generations says Michele It gives so many children the best possible chance to lead a happy and healthy life We feel incredibly happy knowing we ll make a difference and proud that we can play our part in the Hospital s ongoing success Why leave a legacy Delivering world class paediatric care is expensive and there will always be a gap between the need for investment and the resources governments can make available Philanthropy is the key to ensuring that every child who needs the Hospital receives the best possible care A gift from supporters like Mario and Michele play a vital role in helping the Foundation support the Hospital and helps provide sustainable funding for the future The Foundation empowers your wish to make a difference aligning it with the Hospital s funding needs to help deliver the greatest impact More than 69 000 children a year from all over NSW are cared for at Sydney Children s Hospital Randwick The Foundation supports new equipment technology innovation and training that gives our health professionals the leading edge It also supports a holistic approach through providing art music and play education activities to distract children from their illness This is invaluable for our young patients wellbeing We improve physical spaces within the Hospital by funding refurbishments and new buildings to create a positive healing environment and increase the Hospital s capacity The Sydney Children s Hospitals Foundation is proud to support funding for ground breaking research and the positive transformation of clinical care to treat and ultimately cure many childhood diseases No matter how great or small your gift it will be a lasting legacy for generations of children For a confidential obligation free conversation about leaving a gift in your Will please contact Amanda Craze Philanthropy Manager on Phone number 02 9382 1161 Email amanda craze schf org au Website sunshineguardians org au

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Adventurous Women Share Stories of Australian Outback Motorhome Travels The best way to see the wide open spaces of Australia is to hit the road in a motorhome There s nothing quite like the experience of driving along with a great song on the radio and the long straight roads stretching out before you At Explorer Motorhomes 22 of owners are solo women and we asked some of these women owners to write about their experiences Their stories were all inspiring amazing heartwarming and funny These intrepid adventurers have driven their motorhomes all over Australia and have so many fascinating tales to tell Making Connections with other Travellers Kathryn from Adelaide named her Explorer Motorhome Dirty Dora and here she recounts her first big trip I decided that the first big trip would be to drive up to the Explorers Motorhomes Annual 64 Retirement Australia Get Together in Queensland to get some tips and meet the others very excited Had made no plans other than I would take 10 days off work to do Adelaide to Nambour return As luck would have it my brother and nephew were driving up to the Birdsville Races with a group and invited me along Yes I could follow their plans So after lessons on how to let tyres up and down Mum s corned beef and sultana cake to keep us sustained we left Adelaide one morning to get to Maree that night Long 8 hour drive for my first day but it was great to get out of town drive through the Flinders Ranges and get onto the dirt It felt so good By the end of the day me Dora were mates we understood each other Onto Mungarannie the next day Shorter trip rougher road lots of I met some fabulous people including solo travellers who gave me such good advice Solo motorhome travel is becoming a popular choice for Australian women travellers to explore their own country Touring Australia in a motorhome offers convenience freedom flexibility and endless adventure You can venture anywhere in this vast and diverse country and no matter where you go you ll have your bed and everything you need right there with you There really are no limits on what you can do and see particularly in a 4WD Explorer Motorhome corrugation lots of animals Next lesson how to operate the two way it was very handy sending warnings of animals on the road vehicles coming in opposite direction Mungarannie is a great spot to camp alongside a creek cold beers at the pub SECTION MOTORHOMES CARAVANS excellent showers and an eclectic mix of other campers on their way to Birdsville Some I don t think actually made it to the races Birdsville Races what an experience I had never been before and it was astounding the amount of people and variety of camping setups The Explorer Motorhome got lots of admiring looks as she handled the deep ruts in the ground left from last year s mud as well as the big butch 4WDs towing camper trailers As they spent hours it seemed scratching their heads setting up poles and such I parked and put out the table and chair poured a G T and watched Nothing more for me to do in Dora It was a great few days of camping campfires and sausages From Birdsville I was on my own towards Nambour while the others headed back to Adelaide The dirt road from Birdsville to Windorah was rough and long about 8 hours I was passed by idiots ripping along at stupid speeds only to come across them later on the side of the road with blown or flat tyres The trip across to Nambour took me 3 long driving days there I joined the 40 Explorer motorhomes gathered for the three day rally I met some fabulous people including solo travellers who gave me such good advice made me envious of their trips and shared many laughs Was the best what a club to belong to Out of that I am planning a couple of big trips together with other solos over the next year

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I am a GP who came to Australia from the Old South Wales in 1988 in my late twenties on a working holiday I fell in love with the outback camping experience with my own Crocodile Dundee in a twice rolled Mitsubishi Sigma Wagon swag and a box of camp gear We settled in Perth Western Australia Many wonderful family camping adventures followed kids grew up and left home I was looking for a new challenge and I needed to find the right vehicle for my future years of adventures had to be 4WD and comfortable In August 2017 after a bit of research and a lot of soul searching I proudly drove my brand new gorgeous Explorer Spirit from her factory birthing unit in Brisbane to Perth I had an open map wikki camps downloaded on my phone and I followed any road in the approximate right direction which led to a National Park That also included the Australian Alpine Parks via the snow fields to pamper my other passion skiing I proudly carried my skis hanging safely and silently where the boys in the factory had custom made a rack in my shower recess Perfect I was nervous at first Big vehicle compared to my other car strange mirrors and so many manuals to read The learning curve was exhilarating the scenery and wildlife sublime and I just enjoy the travelling always something new around the corner Time frame was my own in every aspect of the travels I was never lonely and I felt very free It s hard to know what the highlight of this maiden voyage was probably the strange natural rock formations in the middle of nowhere I renewed my appreciation of the vastness of this country and its weather patterns and the birdsong in the morning after the best sleeps ever back because I hadn t dropped the curtain Those poor people would have been looking straight at me hope it didn t put them off their cheese bikkies This is the advantage of traveling on your own via motorhome compared to going on a group tour You will be able to have complete control over your schedule and you can choose the bucket list experiences throughout Australia that you want to have Kathryn plans to make a couple of big trips with some of the other travellers she met while on her motorhome adventure Making Connections with Other Travelers Another one of the most powerful aspects of motorhome travel is the connections you make with other travelers while on the road At the end of a long day of exploring there s nothing better than sitting around a campfire with the new friends you have made sharing food and stories Kathryn fondly remembers the wonderful people she met on the road while travelling in Dirty Dora She says I met some fabulous people including solo travellers who gave me such great advice made me envious of their trips and shared many laughs Also she unwittingly provided some entertainment herself on one occasion after travelling the 8 hours from Birdsville to Windorah I was hot tired thirsty and hungry Pulled into a caravan park a couple were parked in front sitting outside having a drink as the sun set I got in the back put the lights on and stripped to have a shower Then remembered it was a straight through view from the front cab to the Driving around Australia in a motorhome means that you have complete freedom So by the time Dirty Dora got back to Adelaide I had driven 5 000 Kms over gibber and dust through some big storms overflowed the toilet twice met some real characters never once felt any fear only exhilaration that I can go travelling on my own and enjoy it all Another solo owner Hilary still works as a doctor in Perth but often takes her motorhome Hils Spirit on solo adventures all over the country She explains her experiences as a solo traveller Driving a Motorhome One of the concerning aspects of this form of travel can be managing the motorhome itself especially for someone who doesn t have any experience of motorhomes and off road driving However an Explorer Motorhome is designed to be as easy to set up and take down as possible and is built to handle the toughest of roads in comfort Plus they can hold a lot of travel luxurious Kathryn travels with a bar equipped with gin vodka champagne wine and more plus a variety of cheeses dips and olives The Explorer Motorhome Vision and Spirit models will fit into a normal car park space which means that they are versatile and easy to park Kathryn tells the tale of when she confided to the receptionists at Kingston Park Caravan Park that it would be her first time parking the motorhome They watched her from the window and gave her a standing ovation when she smoothly maneuvered into the parking space Travel Brings Freedom and Joy Driving around Australia in a motorhome means that you have complete freedom you are the one who gets to create your itinerary and plan your trip All it takes to fall in love with this style of travel is a little sense of adventure and a willingness to hit the road and see what happens When Kathryn returned from her trip after having driven 5 000 kms over the vast dusty terrain she explained that she never once felt any fear only exhilaration that I can go travelling on my own and enjoy it all 4WD Explorer Motorhomes are built to be easy travellers Driving the vehicle is like driving a car the same controls and feel The reversing cameras give you a complete view of the rear so no worries about backing into the car park of the supermarket for your supply shopping Buyers of a motorhome get a two hour induction handover to explain the operations of the motorhome for water power and bathroom facilities etc Nothing daunting about the workings every aspect is simple and nothing physically requiring a strong arm Although Australia must be one of the safest countries to travel through it is still reassuring for our solo women owners to know they have access to the drive cab from the motorhome so at any time they can drive off without going outside Also the 4WD ability of the vehicle ensures you will not get stuck or bogged down if you go off road or in a wet park Nothing to stop you from making your own Dirty Dora holiday home and hitting the highway For more nformation go to www explorermotorhomes com au SECTION MOTORHOMES CARAVANS Retirement Australia 65

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Useful Numbers Fire Police Ambulance 000 Police Assistance line 13 14 44 Lifeline 13 11 14 Department of Human Services Medicare General Enquiries My Gov Centerlink Retirement Disabilities Sickness Cares My aged Care 13 20 11 13 23 07 13 23 00 13 27 17 1800 200 422 Electricity Gas Energy Australia AGL Ausgrid 13 15 25 13 12 45 13 13 88 Transport NRMA Translink Traffic Trave info Premier Cabs Taxis Combined 13 11 22 13 22 32 13 27 01 13 10 17 13 33 00 ACT NSW QLD Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Department of Health Disability Advocacy ACT Seniors Card Cota ACT Legal Aid Career ACT Veterans Affairs 1800 020 103 02 6242 5060 02 6282 3777 02 6282 3777 1300 654 314 1800 555 254 133 254 Department of Health Disability Advocacy NSW Seniors Card Cota NSW Legal Aid Career NSW Veterans Affairs 02 9391 9000 1300 365 085 13 77 88 1800 449 102 1300 888 529 1800 052 222 133 254 Department of Health Disability Advocacy QLD Seniors Card Cota QLD Legal Aid Career QLD Veterans Affairs TAS NT WA Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Department of Health Disability Advocacy TAS Seniors Card Cota TAS Legal Aid Career TAS Veterans Affairs 1300 135 513 1800 005 131 1300 135 513 03 6231 3265 1300 366 611 1300 659 247 133 254 USEFUL NUMBERS Department of Health Disability Advocacy NT Seniors Card Cota NT Legal Aid Career NT Veterans Affairs 08 8999 2400 08 8953 1422 1800 441 489 08 8941 1004 08 8951 5377 1300 659 247 133 254 Department of Health Disability Advocacy WA Seniors Card Cota ACT Legal Aid Career ACT Veterans Affairs SECTION 1343 2584 1800 818 338 13 74 68 07 3316 2999 1300 651 188 1300 659 247 133 254 08 9222 4222 08 9721 6444 02 6282 3777 02 6282 3777 1300 654 314 1800 555 254 133 254 Retirement Australia 63

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