TOMNET Telegraph ‘older men supporting older men’ May 2017

223 Hume St Toowoomba QLD 4350 | (07) 4638 9080 | [email protected] | www.tomnet.org.au

Pittsworth Health & Wellbeing Expo

Thanks Rick, Greg, Ken and Peter for manning our stand at the Pittsworth Health & Wellbeing Expo - our Volunteers did a great job promoting TOMNET, and networking with 65 participating organisations.

Congratulations to the organisers, the place was buzzing!

TOMNET Open Day A big thank you to the following Members who manned our stand at Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre on 27 April. Greg S, Ken, Peter, Bevin, Jim, Paul, Greg J and Stan.

TOMNET Men handed out invitations for the Open Day at the TOMNET Centre. Members talked to people about why they joined TOMNET, what they do at TOMNET, and what they get out of participating. As a result, a number of men attended an Open Day held on 2 May at the TOMNET Centre. Page 2 Aged Care Visiting: Nubeena | Salem | Symes Thorpe | Brodribb Home I BUPA Rangeville

Your Toowoomba Second Range Crossing

questions answered... The Older Mens Network has invited Nexus Infrastructure to present an overview of the current works in progress on the Second Range crossing.

When: 24th May, 2017 Where: Gold Park, 341 Hume St

Time: 1.00 p.m.

bout the Toowoomba Benefits

Second Range Crossing The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing

will deliver the following key benefits to the A The $1.6 billion Toowoomba region: Second Range Crossing is a 41km heavy vehicle route jointly funded by the  improved road and driver safety Australian and Queensland Governments  reduced travel time across the on an 80:20 funding split arrangement. Toowoomba Range by up to 40 minutes for heavy commercial vehicles The route is designed to increase freight  up to 18 sets of traffic lights avoided efficiency and significantly improve driver  relieved pressure on local roads by safety and community amenity by removing redirecting trucks away from heavy vehicles from Toowoomba’s CBD. Toowoomba’s CBD  increased freight efficiency When finished, the Toowoomba Second  enhanced liveability in the Toowoomba Range Crossing will connect the Warrego and Lockyer Valley areas. Highway at Helidon Spa in the east to the Gore Highway at Athol in the west via Charlton.

See the latest drone fly–over video of the bypass Who is Nexus Infrastructure? Nexus Infrastructure was awarded the contract to design, construct, operate and maintain the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing in August 2015. Nexus Infrastructure comprises a consortium of global leaders with extensive experience in road construction and social infrastructure, plus a track record of successful local project delivery.

Date claimer: 24th May, 1.00 p.m. at Gold Park Page 3 Home Visiting: Join other TOMNET Volunteers visiting lonely and isolated men.

o you need help filling in forms such as Superannuation, QCAT Applications forms, Freedom of Information forms, Work Cover forms, Criminal History and D Yellow Card forms, Centrelink, Electricity rebates, Public Trustee and Disability Support Pension Application forms.

The forms clinic operates every Thursday between 9.00 a.m. and noon at the TASC office 223 Hume Street (adjacent to TOMNET) Toowoomba. Appointments are compulsory, call TASC reception on 4616 9700 or drop in to the TASC office.

When you attend the appointment, make sure you bring the relevant forms and items like identification.

Each week, TOMNET Members gather together and share stories, catch up with a mate, and for some, help each other deal with life’s issues. Why not come along and join in - you are most welcome. TOMNET ON WEDNESDAYS Thursday - Chew the Fat

Wednesdays at Thursdays at the Gold Park, TOMNET Centre, 341 Hume St 223 Hume St 1.00 p.m. until 3.00 p.m. 9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.

Light Afternoon Tea provided. Light Morning Tea provided.

ALL WELCOME ALL WELCOME Gold Park from 1 p.m. TOMNET Centre from 9 a.m.

A big thanks to supporters of TOMNET West Toowoomba Bowls Club

in Northlands Shopping Centre

Local businesses show their support to TOMNET by donating prizes and goods for our Members. Support businesses that support TOMNET. Page 4 Taxi Subsidy Scheme explained

What is the Taxi Subsidy Scheme?

The Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) is a Queensland Government initiative designed to improve the mobility and quality of life for Queenslanders with a disability by providing access to affordable taxi travel. Specific benefits of the scheme are: • A subsidy of half the total taxi fare, up to a maximum subsidy of $25, paid by the Queensland Government. • Access to subsidised taxi travel in other Australian states and territories, paid by the Queensland Government.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, you must fully meet at least one of the eligibility criteria listed below:

 physical disability requiring dependance on a wheelchair for all mobility outside the home  severe ambulatory problem that cannot functionally be improved and restricts walking to an extremely limited distance  total loss of vision or severe visual impairment (both eyes)  severe and uncontrollable epilepsy with seizures involving loss of consciousness  intellectual impairment or dementia resulting in the need to be accompanied by another person at all times for travel on public transport.  severe emotional and/or behaviour disorders with a level of disorganisation resulting in the need to be accompanied by another person at all times for travel on public transport.

Once approved, your smartcard will be valid for a maximum of 5 years. You must reapply before your current smartcard expires.

If your disability is of a temporary nature, temporary membership may be granted for a period of 12 months to 2 years after which you must reapply.

Conditions of use

 You must have your smartcard with you and must travel in the taxi for the full journey for the subsidy to apply.  The Taxi Subsidy Scheme smartcard cannot be given to someone else to use.  Other people may travel in the taxi with the member.  Members can use their smartcard for any taxi service in cities, towns and country areas throughout Queensland.  The Taxi Subsidy Scheme smartcard will not work after the expiry date on the card.  All journeys must be travelled via the shortest route.  Keep your Taxi Subsidy Scheme smartcard in a safe place, such as your wallet or purse. Page 5 Taxi Subsidy Scheme explained

The Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) provides an affordable and accessible transport option for people with a disability who experience profound difficulties using other modes of public passenger transport. Apply for a TSS smartcard

Complete Part A of the Taxi Subsidy Application Form and visit your doctor or specialist to have them complete parts B and C of the application.

Post the completed application and 2 passport-sized photographs to:

Taxi Subsidy Scheme Department of Transport and Main Roads PO Box 13347 Brisbane Qld 4003

Please allow 3 to 6 weeks to process your application. If approved, you'll receive your TSS smartcard in the mail.

To access the relevant Taxi Subsidy Form type this web address into your web browser: http://tomnet.org.au/TSScheme Form Link

If the form is not accessible via the link, please call 1300 134 755 for assistance.

More information

To find out more about the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, call the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 1300 134 755.

All information sourced from www.qld.gov.au - Taxi Subsidy Scheme website. Page 6

The Aged Care visit older men in residential aged - care facilities and retirement villages.

TOMNET Volunteers visit the following Aged Care facilities in May/June 2017.

Nubeena Tuesday 9th May 10 a.m. - 11.30 a.m.

BUPA Wednesday 17th May 10 a.m. - 11.30 a.m.

Symes Thorpe Friday 19th May 10 a.m. - 11.30 a.m.

Lourdes Home Thursday 25th May 11.30 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.

Brodribb Home Friday 26th May 10 a.m. - 11.30 a.m.

Yukana Monday 29th May 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Westhaven Thursday 1st June 1.30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Salem Tuesday 6th June 10 a.m. - 11.30 a.m.

If interested in attending these meetings contact Anthony at the TOMNET Centre on 4638 9080.

Aged Care visits are a worthwhile opportunity to provide friendship and conversation with men living in aged care facilities.

Consider donating two hours of your time each month; your visit will be appreciated.

Call the TOMNET Centre to join a team. Home Visiting: Join fellow TOMNET Volunteers visiting lonely and isolated men. Page 7 Men at Work Group Sessions 2017 Helping you deal with life’s issues 2017 10.00 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. St Barts Church, Stenner St

Most people seem to agree that men are not very good at sharing their feelings, particularly when it comes to very personal issues.

The Men at Work group has been set up to assist men to deal with some of the issues of life that for some have remained unresolved. This will also provide an opportunity to share with others who may have similar issues.

So come along and dip your toe into a very meaningful approach to the support that we can give you, through TOMNET.

For more information please contact the TOMNET Centre on 4638 9080

There is no cost to attend Men at Work Dates for 2017

Friday 12th Friday 9th Friday 14th May June July

Friday 11th Friday 9th Friday 8th Friday 10th August September October November

All discussions at our sessions are Confidential

Laurie’s Larfs

Great truths about growing old 1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. 2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get. 3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there. 4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster. 5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions. 6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician. 7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone. Page 8 Aged Care Visiting: Lourdes Home | Yukana | Westhaven | BUPA Rangeville

Safe, practical health information and advice

24 hour health advice and information you can count on healthdirect is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You 1800 022 222 can speak to a registered nurse for health advice by calling 1800 022 222. You can also find trusted health information, check your Services available online symptoms and find local health www.healthdirect.gov.au services by visiting the website. SYMPTON CHECKER

www.healthdirect.gov.au FIND A HEALTH SERVICE

24 hours a day, 7 days a week HEALTH INFORMATION

After Hours Consultations with a GP Page 9 Aged Care Visiting: Nubeena | Salem | Symes Thorpe | Brodribb Home Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre trip

On Tuesday 4th April, 8 happy travelers set off for All too soon it was lunch time and Chris regaled Gatton. Peter soon completed the journey and we us with 5-wheeler stories and Alan played up a bit, paid $6 to join the guided tour of the auto probably something to do with Peter sneaking in a museum. It was very soon evident that Bill was dessert order with his main meal. much more knowledgeable than our young guide nd Chris. In fact we are expecting to see Bill as a When we stopped to view the 2 Range crossing guide on our next trip to Gatton. on the Murphy’s Creek road, Paul kindly loaned Ian his Bushman’s hat. Crossing a swollen river proved no problem to the Western Transport Mack trucks which forded the We are all looking forward to the next trip. channel country of Western Qld during heavy floods. Perry’s father rode motorcycles with Cyril Ian Yeates Anderson and later Perry worked for Mr. M. J. R. and J. C. Anderson at Great Western Holdings sites as a water driller.

Ian took the opportunity to secure the Great Western Group newspaper which outlines the genesis of the company in Toowoomba in 1934 when Cyril Anderson purchased a 2 ton Studebaker truck to carry goods from Brisbane to Toowoomba for his garage and general store.

TOMNET Minstrals Tour Dates

The Minstrals are playing at the following Venues and would love Members to come along and support them. We have listed dates from April to July. Interesting Fact: The Minstrals played to over 1250 people in 2016! Further information, please contact Perry Goebel at either the Wednesday or Thursday meetings.

Day Date Time Venue Address

885 Ruthven St, Monday 08/05/2017 9.30 a.m. Nubeena Kearney Spring 55 Arabian St, Monday 22/05/2017 9.30 a.m. Westhaven Harristown 256 Stenner St, Monday 5/06/2017 9.30 a.m. Bluecare Centenary Heights 13 Goggs St Monday 19/06/2017 9.30 a.m. Brodribb Toowoomba 885 Ruthven St, Monday 03/07/2017 9.30 a.m. Nubeena Kearney Spring 55 Arabian St, Monday 17/07/2017 9.30 a.m. Westhaven Harristown PRINT POSTAGE Postal Address: POST PAID PO Box 7801 PP100004/877 AUSTRALIA Toowoomba South Qld, 4350 Phone: 07 4638 9080 Fax: 07 4646 2489 E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: www.tomnet.org.au www.oldermenhiddenhardships.com

The 28 min DVD features the lives of six older blokes sharing their stories of hardship and personal struggles in an effort to highlight older men’s issues. To order your copy of the DVD, please contact the TOMNET Centre on (07) 4638 9080. Price: Members $5; Non-Members $10 Winner, Best Documentary, Qld Multimedia Awards

223 Hume St Toowoomba QLD 4350 | (07) 4638 9080 | [email protected] | www.tomnet.org.au

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