President Christina Holmdahl Speaks

At the April meeting of our branch I notified you of the increase in membership fees that have been imposed on us by the National April 2017 Number 253

Executive without due and proper process of consultation with all the Working for Australians in branches of A.I.R. at a time when Retirement we continue to lose members. Association of Independent Retirees The Tasmanian Division of A.I.R. will meet on 11 May (A.I.R.) Limited 2017 and our branch representative at that meeting, Vice ACN 102 164 385

President Shane Dennington will raise the matter as well Newsletter as voicing our displeasure at the lack of proper process surrounding the increase, none of which will be retained by Northern Branch the branches. PO Box 332, Launceston, 7250 It is the view of many that the branches currently pay far E: [email protected] too much to the National Body as a percentage of the (03) 6330 3322 membership fee. We ask why the National Body thinks it is reasonable to raise subscription dues by $10 for singles DATES 2017 and couples without reference to the branches and National retaining 100% of the increase. General Meeting Friday 19 May

Specifically, a single will pay $56; the branch retains only IDG Meeting Friday 26 May $11.50, Division $2.50 and National $42.00. A couple will pay $82.00; branch retains $13.00, Division $5.00 and Committee Meeting Monday 15 May National $64.00. The retention rate for the branch for the second person of a couple is $1.50. This seems unfair as WINDSOR COMMUNITY PRECINCT already expressed by many of our members. RIVERSIDE, TAS 7250

What representation did the State Division President make MEETINGS COMMENCE AT 10AM on our behalf regarding this increase in subscriptions? Are the representations stated in the Board minutes? The loss of membership is not unique to our branch of A.I.R. This is happening to every branch in The organisation is a shadow of the once powerful advocacy body for independent retirees. This must change and change quickly.

Respectfully submitted to our Membership, Remember Lunch after General Meeting!! Christina Holmdahl, Riverside Hotel 19 May 2017 Northern Tasmania Branch President See Page 4 Bottom Column 1!!

1 April General and IDG Meetings in Pictures

PRESIDENT CHRISTINA HOLMDAHL SANDRA BELL HELEN MCLAUGHLIN NORMA BARWICK

ALAN BEST GLENN ROBINSON REG LEHNER MARY HUTTON EVELYN TURNER

DON CALVER LAURIE LAVER MARY CORNISH and visitor ALTHEA HARRISON SANDRA BELL BARBARA LAVER

CHRIS ELLIOTT HANS BOSMAN GAYE ROSE ISABEL DEJERSEY MARY DOYLE

2 Report on April General Meeting

It is difficult to comprehend that we live on an island that has a tree that is older than Christianity. The Huon pine grows only 1 mm per year, becoming 3 metres wide and 40 metres tall and living longer than 3,000 years! Those of you who were able to attend the April General meeting learned these facts from the movie shown about the early “piners” that risked their lives venturing into the Tasmania wilderness beginning in 1890’s logging until 1983 when the government declared the Gordon and Franklin River areas a reserve for the precious timber. The documentary, part dramatization along with real footage focused on interviews from a few men who survived living and working in remote Tasmania felling the Huon Pines. These men travelled through dangerous rapids and waterfalls up the Jane, Franklin and Gordon Rivers Some of the journeys would take ten(10) days in small boats known as punts to cover the seventy(70) to ninety(90) miles. The men would have to bring all their provisions of rice, flour, dried beef, and vegetables to last them the three months in the wilderness. They would also hunt wallabies for stews to supplement their food supplies. The men would return to Strahan after being in the bush for the 3 to 4 months and stay in town for 1 to 6 weeks before heading back to the wilderness. From the interviews of those men who worked as piners in the 1930’s, most were in their late teens at the time taking on these dangerous journeys into areas where no white men had preceded them. At the onset of WWII, most of the “piners” would join the army to fight and there was a decline in logging the trees which lasted until the 1980’s when it would cease completely. There are many logs that were felled 50 years ago available for salvage with a licence. The Huon pine is coveted for its characteristics of not rotting, being strong and solid. It is still used to make boats and by some artisans and craftsmen for furniture and decorative items. The scientific world also has an interest in the timber. By boring a small 5mm hole and extracting a core the rings may be counted for age and growth cycles and evidence of the greenhouse effect. The Bob Crane Weekend in Strahan celebrates the “piners” with a wood chopping contest and a stage play depicting the “piners” lives. After this viewing of The Oldest Living Tasmanian: The Huon Pine, Shane Dennington took us through the paces for “Rules of the Road”. This consisted of 35 questions, of which 15 are compulsory and must be answered correctly as required by the for a Driving Licence. I am PLEASED to announce that, through the group effort, we passed with 33 of 35 correct!!!!

JEFF LOSH JANINE AND ROB PATRICK MICHAEL FENTON-JONES

3 May General Meeting Program May IDG Meeting Guest Speakers

Guy Barnett, currently Hon. Kerry Finch MLC is Minister for Resources currently a Member of the and Minister for Building Tasmanian Legislative and Construction is a Council for Rosevears first Liberal Party member of the being elected in May of 2002. Tasmanian House of Prior to 2002, Kerry worked in Assembly representing the the media including 7HT Division of Lyons and Parliamentary Secretary to , 2MW Murwillumbah, the Premier. Guy was born and raised in Lyons 2km Kempsey, 7LA Launceston, ABC Radio first attending Hagley Farm School before Tasmania and WIN Television. Prior to taking obtaining a Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws office, Kerry had his own media company, Kerry (World Heritage) from the University of Tasmania. Finch Media. He has worked in law firms in Melbourne and Kerry sees himself as a community representative Washington, D.C. At 26 years of age he was and has championed the environment of the Tamar appointed senior advisor to the former Tasmanian Valley and the health of the Tamar River. He was Premier and member for Lyons (Hon Robin Gray), the instigator and chairman of the select committee the youngest in Australia at the time. He has been which recommended that the Tamar and its Senator in the Howard Government advocating the catchments should be managed by a single needs of rural and regional Tasmanians, prior to statutory authority. being elected to State Parliament in 2014 as a Member for Lyons.

Guy is a champion for small business, a strong advocate for volunteerism and is an Ambassador Fred: What are we doing after Meeting today? I for Diabetes Australia and Motor Neurone Disease only hope it involves food! Australia. He established the annual Tasmanian Pollie Pedal charity bike ride to raise awareness Mabel: Yes, Fred, we are for Diabetes Tasmania and has spent 10 years as going across the road to a board member of St Ann’s Aged Care. Somehow the Riverside Hotel for he has also found time to write and edit political lunch with other Members and health publications. from A.I.R. Fred: Did you already AND sign up?

Mabel: No need. We will be asked by show of Chris Elliott, Managing hands at the beginning of the Meeting who would Partner of Crowe Horwath like to participate. Launceston will again be Fred: Can I order anything I want on the menu? with us to answer all those Mabel: Yes, everyone will order and pay for questions (or give us his their own. I may even shout your lunch Fred! educated view) you will Fred: Hard to turn down that offer and no undoubtedly have in regards to the Federal dishes for me to wash and dry. Count me in! Budget 2017-18 as it relates to investments. He Join your fellow Members Friday 19 May 2017 for lunch following the General Meeting will also relate the Key Highlights from the Monthly House View both globally and domestically. Riverside Hotel 407 West Tamar Road Riverside, Tas 7250

4 Report on the Investment Discussion Group (IDG) April

Richard Piesse, Senior Financial Planner, Camerons, Launceston spoke about Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF) detailing the pros and cons. The main pro was taking control of your funds, This encompassed many aspects like choosing your investments, lower fees and even in your estate planning. The word control occurred several times in his address. There is now an opportunity for limited recourse borrowing by the fund to allow gearing. But it has limitations, i.e. if your fund borrows for a house and you then live in the house loan must be repaid. Cons include time, costs, filing tax returns, audit cost, actuary advice and meeting the sole purpose test. The minimum sum recommended for a SMSF was $200k, personally I thought the amount to warrant the setting up and administering costs would be more. Even if specialist are employed for advice the buck stops with the trustee and a breach could attract a $360k fine To save complications if a trustee dies it was recommended that a corporate trustee would be the way to go. The talk was very informative and well received by members with several favourable comments during cuppa time. Graeme Barwick

Chris Elliott, Managing Partner of Crowe Horwath Launceston updated us on several domestic stocks and their performances for financial year to date and calendar year to date. A few of the notables are as follows: The indexes follow with domestic and international performances for the same periods: Stock Financial Year to Date Calendar March Crowe Horwath House Views

Domestic Equities are expected to perform better ANZ +35.4% +7.3% than global equities on a relative basis. The RBA NAB +33.25% +16.6% cited the slowing housing cycle as a headwind for the economy; offset by the recovery in commodity prices CBA +17.8% + 6.3% and improvements in terms of trade. WBC +19.5% + 7.8% International Developed Equities are positive BHP +28% - 4.75% overall for US, Europe and Asia Pacific. The outlook for Asia Pacific has marginally improved over the WPL +20% + 3.4% month. US trade protectionist policies could have TLS -24% -17.25% adverse effects across the region. WES +8% + 2.75% Global Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT’s) are positive. Market participants expect 3 interest rate WOW +29% +11.9% increases by US Federal Reserve during 2017. ASX 200 +13.1% + 4.5% Domestic Real Estate Investment Trusts(AREIT’s) ALL ORDS +12% + 3.9% remains positive. DOW JONES +14.5% +6.1% Global Government Bonds view is negative. S&P 500 +13.8% +6.7% Cash is in a neutral position. Recovery in NASDAQ +24.9% +12.3% commodity prices should provide support to the FTSE +11.2% + 1.3% economy.

5 Letter from National President to A.I.R. Divisions, Branches and Members

ACN 102 164 385

…. Working for Australians in retirement 31 March 2017 A.I.R. Membership Subscriptions 2017-18 I am writing to advise of the outcome of the Board discussions at its meeting on 29 March 2017 of the Company’s financial position and the 2017-18 A.I.R membership fees. It must be acknowledged that the Board is keenly aware of the ongoing financial pressures facing the Association as a whole and some Branches in particular. Recognizing the general opinion that increases in membership fees have an adverse impact on retaining members, Directors did not recommend a fee increase in the 2016-17 mem- bership year. Unfortunately this has not assisted in either retaining or recruiting members and numbers have con- tinued the downward trend in membership across Australia of 12 to 15 percent per annum over the recent years. The inability of Branches to retain members and attract new members means that it has not been possible to turn around the continuing annual membership loss to date. The Board continues to scrutinise the national accounts for opportunities to cut its expenses while not impacting on the services provided to members. Considerable savings have been made in the past couple of years and we have been able to achieve a reduction in the total national expenses from $197,264 in 2012/13 to $147,317 in 2015/16 but this on its own is not enough. The Board’s focus at the national level is aiming to always deliver a small surplus annual result and we budget accordingly. We have been able to achieve positive results for the national accounts over the past four years with the exception of the small a loss of $465 in 2015/16. However, as was noted at the 2016 Annual General Meet- ing, the Board is predicting a significant deficit in this financial year result at the National level and we must ad- dress this now by raising the 2017/18 fees. It should be noted that A.I.R. as a whole has significant financial re- serves however the majority of these reserves are held collectively in Branch and Division accounts and the Board is endeavoring not to have to drawdown on the reserves held by Branches and Division to achieve a break even situation for 2017/18. Good governance dictates that the Company has sufficient income and hold adequate reserves to ensure the company is not in danger of trading insolvent. A.I.R.’s volunteer Board members are fully cognizant of their fiduci- ary responsibilities and liabilities as Company Directors in this regard, and this rightly governs the Board’s finan- cial considerations. Given the current financial position, the Board has taken a decision to increase subscriptions for the 2017-18 membership year by $10 for single membership and $10 for couple membership. It must be stressed that this decision has not been taken lightly however it would have been irresponsible for Directors not to increase the fees by this amount. In 2017-18 the member subscription will be single $56.00 and couple $82.00. This decision comes at a time when the future of A.I.R. is being considered on a number of fronts and I would ask that members continue to support A.I.R. and the work of the Board at a national level to protect and promote the interests of partly and fully self-funded retirees. There are no other seniors’ peak bodies which advocate on behalf of our members and constituency. Each Divi- sion and the Board want to see A.I.R. develop and be financially sound. It is the overwhelming desire of the Board and Divisions to ensure that the good work of A.I.R. continues well into the future. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or your Division Representative on the A.I.R. Board if you wish to discuss this necessary fee increase. Charles O’Donnell A.I.R. National President National Secretariat PO Box 329 Deakin West ACT 2600 Tel: 02 6290 2599 Fax: 02 6290 1580 Email: [email protected] www.independentretirees.com

6 Wendy’s Winter Words of Wisdom

Keeping warm and safe during colder months of the year also means being alert to indoor health hazards .Winter products such as hot water bottles, electric blankets and heaters can cause burns and other injuries. About half of all the fires in the home start in the kitchen and more than 40% of all deaths from fire happen during winter. FIRE SAFETY: Here are a few tips to keep you and your home fire safe. Make sure that your smoke alarms are checked monthly. Where possible, make sure you know more than one safe way out of every room in your home. Keep curtains, tablecloths and bedding away from portable heaters. Keep wet clothes at least one metre from heaters or fireplaces and never place clothes or towels on your heater. Clean the lint filter every time you use a clothes dryer since lint that has built up can catch fire. Never use your gas oven or stove as a room heater. Always keep a good torch with working batteries in an easy accessible place for power blackouts. FIREPLACES: If you have a fireplace in your home then make sure the chimney is cleaned out and not blocked. If the heater has a flue ensure that it is regularly cleaned out and check for rust/corrosion. HEATERS: Whatever type of heater you have, check every winter that it is safe to use. Check the power cord on an electric heater for damage. Keep the air filters clean in your reverse cycle heaters/coolers. These appliances should be regularly serviced. ELECTRIC BLANKETS: Must be in good condition. When storing it, always roll it up as folding can damage the element wires inside. Ensure that it is turned off when not in use. HOT WATER BOTTLES: Use warm but not boiling water and examine it for leaks. Replace it as soon as it starts to look cracked. They should be wrapped in a towel or fabric cover when in use. FLOOR COVERINGS: If you have a timber floor, perhaps a heavy rug (one which won’t slip) be used in the room which is used the most for extra warmth. SPOUTING: These should be regularly cleaned out and free from the Autumn leaves to avoid water overflow. CAR: Have your car checked for good tread on the tyres and make sure brakes are in A1 condition. OUTDOOR FOOTPATHS: Keep leaves swept off your most used paths as wet weather can cause many falls. ROOF TILES: Have checked for cracks or any movement of the tiles themselves.

WE HOPE THAT YOU KEEP SAFE AND WARM DURING OUR COLDER MONTHS.

Wendy Robinson

7 DICK’S DOMAIN CLIMATE

CLIMATE CHANGE Brain Aerobics Cognitive exercise is just The Arctic Ocean is as important as physical warming up, icebergs are growing scarcer exercise. Too often we and in some places become lazy in using the seals are finding our brain which we could the water too hot according to a report to the Commerce Department yesterday from think of as a machine Consulate at Bergen Norway. needing to be used regularly and to be well serviced. The Reports from fishermen, seal hunters and SERVICING comes about through sensible explorers all point to a radical change in climate conditions and hitherto unheard-of diet, adequate sleep and levels of mental temperatures in the Arctic zone. activity and the USING involves thinking, reading, problem solving and being involved Exploration expeditions report that scarcely any ice has been met as far north as 81 degrees 29 in social interactions. Remembering names, minutes. following instructions, completing puzzles and number calculations are all good Soundings to a depth of 3,100 meters showed the gulf stream still very warm. cognitive activities. Taking on long-term activities such as writing one's memoirs, Great masses of ice have been replaced by researching family history or writing a moraines of earth and stones, the report research paper are excellent ways to keep continued, while at many points well known glaciers have entirely disappeared. your brain active and the more active our brains are the less likely the onset of Very few seals and no white fish are found in dementia. the eastern Arctic, while vast shoals of herring and smelts which have never before ventured Also regarding the new sign in so far north, are being encountered in the old procedures for the A.I.R. National seal fishing grounds. website…. Within a few years it is predicted that due to the ice melt the sea will rise and make most coast I have one query: Why do we need cities uninhabitable. password access? All this does is deny * * ** * * * * * those of us with deficient memories I must apologize. I neglected to mention that access. I haven’t looked at a national this report was from November 2, 1922, as reported by the AP and published in The newsletter in years because it is just too Washington Post 95 years ago. involved to do so. What is so private about This must have been caused by the Model T what is written that it must be restricted in Ford's emissions or possibly from horse and cattle flatulence. delivery to all across Australia with interest in events affecting the older community members. I think we are far too precious! I don’t suppose there is much we can do about this except point out its ridiculousness.

Dick James

8 Editor’s Announcements and Info On The Lighter Side of Things….

Morning Tea Roster for May

Roslyn Guy Kath Tole Gary Atkinson

TAILRACE FRIDAY 15 DECEMBER 2017 MARK YOUR DIARIES

Once again, Sam McCullough from Worrall Lawyers will be drawing a Grand Prize Winner at the November IDG meeting. Each month April through October, three lucky draws are chosen which go into the final draw. Just another reason to come along every 4th Friday to the IDG meeting! Lucky draw winners for April are:

Butch MacKenzie, John Symons and Pam Taylor.

Easter Hamper—1st Prize Winner: Rob Dowling Delicacy Voucher $15 Winner: Kay Mallett Voucher $10 Tower Cafe Winner: Laurie Leaver

9 If undeliverable return to: PRINT POSTAGE Association of Independent Retirees (Northern Tasmania Branch) POST PAID PO Box 332, Launceston, 7250 100000591 AUSTRALIA

AIRWAVES newsletter

Printed as a community service by the office of Senator the Hon Stephen Parry 33 George Street Launceston

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