April | May 2016 50 SOMETHING Australia’s over-50s magazine

Paint, Dance, Write Nurturing Your Creative Self

Australia v England Cricket in a POW Camp

Lavender Blue Ice Cream Sally Wise’s Tasmanian Treat

Big Phish Spotting Dodgy Emails

Whistler’s Mum Michael O’Neill Pop Art to Cultural Icon “It’s time for a change” 50 SOMETHING Australia’s over-50s magazine

50 SOMETHING April | May 2016

Contents

20 Creative Play Uninhibited creative Let’s build expression is a vital part of our wellbeing, writes Eva Hoffman.

24 Song Bird At 52, is already considered a theatre matriarch. a nation for What! Rosemary Desmond has a chat. 26 War Games Fighter pilot Brian Walley 18 Fearless Leader Michael O’Neill recalls international sporting fixtures calls time on his role as chief all ages in a German POW camp. executive. By Sarah Saunders. 29 Agony Planner Struggling with superannuation, pensions or shares? Colin Lewis can help.

32 Paying for Aged Care Understanding aged care charges is confusing. Craig Hall deciphers the basics.

FIRST UP FIRST UP It’s time to build a nation that embraces every generation. We want to build a nation that recognises the positive contribution older Australians make in our lives, in our workplaces and in our communities. 9 Letters 12 News

Refer a friend and you’ll both be rewarded with 6 months free membership 14 Executive Diary

If you know family and friends who want to help us build a nation for all ages and would appreciate the benefits that 16 Campaigns membership offers – such as subscription to 50 something, access to independent financial information, exclusive offers from our Member Benefits program, discounted travel and affordable insurance products – suggest they join us. If they join before Letters News Executive Diary Campaigns EPICUREAN 31 May 2016 you’ll both receive 6 month extensions to your membership free*! 35 Books & Movies EPICUREAN To join, visit nationforallages.com.au, call us on 1300 76 50 50 and quote promo code NFAA2016 or complete the form below. 36 Top Shelf Whistler’s mum has taken the giant leap from pop art to cultural Referring member no. EXTRA 6 MONTHS FREE WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR MEMBERSHIP! icon, writes Isobel Crombie. 38 Out West For a weekend of tree- PERSONAL DETAILS 1 YEAR Single $40** 2 YEAR Single $65 3 YEAR Single $95 ripened apples and full bodied reds, try Mr Mrs Miss Ms Dr Date of birth / / Joint $50** Joint $80 Joint $120 Stanthorpe in South East Queensland. First name **includes a one-off $5 joining fee. 42 Country Kitchen From Tasmania’s Last name Cheque/money order payable to National Seniors Australia. Derwent Valley Sally Wise shares her hearty coq au vin Address Please charge my card: Visa MasterCard (1.5% Visa and MasterCard surcharge applies) Suburb State Postcode Books and Movies Top Shelf Food Travel Card no: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Phone Mobile 10 11

Email Expiry / TIME OUT TIME OUT 12 13 14 JOINT MEMBER DETAILS Cardholder’s Name NFAA2016 15 16 45 Tech Spec The Big Phish 8 1 17 18 Mr Mrs Miss Ms Dr Date of birth / / Cardholder’s Signature 6 7 48 Puzzles Crossword, Sudoku, Jumble 19 20 21 22 23 24 First name 5 7 8 9 Please return this coupon with payment to: 25 26 27 Last name 50 The Last Word 6 7 2 National Seniors Australia 28 29 30 31 2 9 7 5 Phone Mobile GPO Box 1450 32 33 34 35 1 6 8 Email Brisbane QLD 4001 2 365 37 38 Declaration and important Privacy Statement: National Seniors Australia respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal 4 3 8 5 39 40 41 information. You can view the full details of our privacy statement at nationalseniors.com.au. National Seniors Australia - ABN 89 050 523 003. Cover: Power Play Michael O’Neill stands in front of 42 43 44 former PM Paul Keating’s Parliament House portrait, 5 4 45 46 I would like my nearest National Seniors branch to contact me. I do not want to receive information about special offers from National Seniors. Canberra, Feb 2016 Photo: Mark Graham Tech Spec Puzzles Crossword The Last Word 47 48 *Offer ends 31 May 2016. Please ensure the referring membership number is quoted at the time of purchase to receive the additional 6 months membership. Not valid with any other offer. 49 50 5 50 SOMETHING Australia’s over-50s magazine

EPICUREAN 50 SOMETHING April | May 2016

Editor My desk is one of legend. Home Considering the circumstances, to a constant stream of books, Brian’s tale on page 26, fortunately, submissions, trinkets and press is a positive one. To keep them releases, it’s only occasionally that out of trouble, the Commandant something on it will make me pause. allowed prisoners to play sport – international fixtures of rugby, In this instance it’s the yellowed cricket and soccer. The story pages of a matted album upon and photos are quite incredible. which sits carefully labelled black and white photographs. The album Something my desk will soon notice belongs to 94-year-old Brian gone is the regular morning delivery Walley, who, at 19, was shot down of photocopied news articles replete over Europe and incarcerated in with margin notes, underscores and a German prisoner-of-war camp. sweeping circles. Sources tell me The photos, bought from the prison the articles originate from the big guards with Red Cross rations office down the corridor. The man like soap, chocolate or cigarettes, who lives there, Michael O’Neill, is depict life in Stalag 383 at Hofenfels leaving. He is a mentor and a friend, in Bavaria. and I will miss him terribly. Sarah Saunders

CONTRIBUTORS

Dr Isobel Crombie began Eva Hoffman is an internationally Publisher her career at the National known writer and academic. National Seniors Australia Gallery of Australia in 1979. She has worked as a senior editor A.B.N. 89 050 523 003 From 1988 to 2012 she was at the New York Times and as a Senior Curator, Photography BBC presenter. Her books include ISSN 1835–5404 at the National Gallery of Lost in Translation, Shtetl, Time Victoria. She is now Assistant and How to Be Bored, which has Director, Curatorial and just been released. Editor Collection Management Dr Isobel Crombie Eva Hoffman at the NGV. Sarah Saunders s.saunders@ nationalseniors.com.au

Amanda Vanstone was a Craig Hall is manager of National Senator from 1984 to 2007, Seniors’ Financial Information National Advertising Manager and held several ministerial Desk. Craig has worked in the Mark Smith portfolios in the Howard financial services industry for [email protected] Government. She was the 25 years including 11 years Australian Ambassador with the respected but now to Italy until July 2010 and defunct consumer agency, on the 2014 Commission the National Information Centre National Office of Audit. She is now an ABC for Retirement Investments. Amanda Vanstone Craig Hall Level 18 Radio National presenter. 215 Adelaide Street

Brisbane Q 4000

Andrew Wallis specialises Colin Lewis is head of strategic in information security advice at Perpetual Private. Phone: 07 3233 9191 working at Content Security He provides financial strategies Fax: 07 3211 9339 as a Security Consultant. to advisers and clients. He enjoys teaching people Since 1987, he has held senior www.nationalseniors.com.au about information security regulatory, consulting and and providing the tools technical roles in financial they need to stay safe on services and is a SMSF the internet. Specialist Advisor. Andrew Wallis Colin Lewis Printed by Horizon Media

National Seniors Australia [NSA] accepts no responsibility for the form of endorsement by NSA of that person, organisation, product accuracy or completeness of any material herein and recommends or service. NSA disclaims to the extent permitted by law all liability readers exercise their own skill and care with respect to the for claims, losses, expenses, damages and costs the reader may contents of the magazine. The magazine contains views and or incur as a result of, or associated with, the use of the information recommendations which do not necessarily reflect the views of contained herein for any reason whatsoever. The publisher reserves NSA or its commitment to a particular course of action. A reference the right to accept or reject any advertising or editorial matter. to a particular person, product, organisation or service in an No part of this magazine may be reproduced, reprinted or advertisement or elsewhere in the magazine in no way implies any otherwise duplicated without written permission of the publisher. 6 FIRST UP April | May 2016

CAMPAIGNS

Inside politics But don’t plan your election sausage sizzle just yet. If you listen to these independents who may lose their seats under the recent By Amanda Vanstone senate reforms you realise it is all about them. Guest Columnist One stated that the Coalition and Greens wanted to get rid of them while Labor, Many people say the next election will be a on the other hand, wanted to protect them. double dissolution in early July. Why wouldn’t We know where the preferences of this the Prime Minister have a double dissolution independent would go. if the Senate refuses to pass important When the dust from the late night sitting legislation? With new Senate voting laws settles, it might just dawn on this group of we can all hope that the preference whisperers self-important senators that if they vote will lose out and our votes will go only where against the ABCC legislation they will probably we intend. lose their jobs. However, If there is a double dissolution, if they find a road to the legislation which would if they find a road to Damascus and support reinstate Building the legislation there will and Construction Commission Damascus and support be no trigger for a double (ABCC) to clean up the union the legislation there dissolution and they movement will be a key driver. can continue with the How can anyone defend letting will be no trigger for remaining four years the rot continue, so often at the a double dissolution of their Senate terms. expense of workers? There are two reasons Opposition leader Bill Shorten they may decide to will have his work cut out for him. support the legislation. The first is simply He’ll try to distance himself from union self-interest or survival. The second is a With new Senate connections but it will be hard. genuine desire to improve future legislation and ensure a voice for the people they represent. voting laws we can The election will not only be on the rejected bills. Turnbull will want to stamp his As a result the Prime Minister would be denied all hope that the vision for a stronger, smarter Australia all the double and have to work with these guys. Hmm, wonder what they’ll do... preference whisperers over the campaign. He will have some big picture thinking designed to dwarf that Amanda Vanstone, a former federal minister will lose out of his opponents. It will be about growing in the Howard government, is now a presenter opportunities for Australians. on ABC Radio National

10 May 2016

the old scheduled federal budget date on 20 March

3 May 2016

the new scheduled federal budget date on 21 March

(Following the Governor General’s prorogue of Parliament) 16 50 SOMETHING Australia’s over-50s magazine

50 SOMETHING April | May 2016

Parliament Sits

April May 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 28, 29, 30, 31

Both Houses

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull with CEO Michael O’Neill at Parliament House, Canberra, February 2016 As we go to print, sitting dates after 6 May have been superseded by the prorogue of Parliament

Defined benefit change

Over the last two budgets, the Government These differ from the more common Those who had a larger deductible amount has announced several changes to the account based ‘accumulation’ style funds now have more of their income assessed assessment of income and assets for where the member’s benefit is determined and so may have experienced a reduction government income support (GIS). by the contributions and performance or loss of age pension and associated These include the pension assets test taper of the financial markets the funds are benefits with the Pension Concession Card. rate change, effective from 1 January 2017, exposed to. While after tax contributions and and the deeming of new Account-Based For Defined Benefit pensions, the income accumulated earnings form part of the Income Streams from 1 January 2015. payment less a ‘deductible amount’ is tax-exempt component , not all tax free Another change that took effect from counted as income under the income test income from Defined Benefit pensions 1 January 2016 involves the way income for GIS. The deductible amount generally form the deductible amount. This may is assessed from ‘Defined Benefit represents the member’s after tax cause confusion determining the correct Pensions’ for GIS. contributions and accumulated earnings, deductible amount. If this is the case, and was in some cases in excess of clarification should be sought from the Defined Benefit Pensions are paid from 50% of the payment prior to the change. fund and/or the Department of Human superannuation schemes where the benefit This meant that only the remaining Services on 132300. is calculated by using certain factors such amount of the payment was assessed Members can use National Seniors’ as length of service, member contributions under the income test. FREE independent Financial Information and salary level on retirement. The change from 1 January 2016 capped the Desk (FID) by calling 1300 020 110 or These types of funds are typically available deductible amount to 10% of the income emailing [email protected] to government and certain company payment, so at least 90% of the income FID covers topics from super to income employees but are gradually being from a defined benefit pension is now streams, pensions, equity release, aged phased out. assessed under the income test. care and budgeting. 17 A member discusses policy issue Opposition leader Bill Shorten Treasurer Joe Hockey at asks for seniors’ priorities Bunnings research launch

Election forum with Member for Hasluck, Reform summit with Laura Tingle, Sydney, 2015 Tony Abbott as opposition leader, 2013 Ken Wyatt and chair David Carvosso

18 50 SOMETHING Australia’s over-50s magazine

COVER STORY 50 SOMETHING April | May 2016

Fearless Leader

In a few months Michael O’Neill will pass the National Seniors baton on to a new chief executive. At Parliament House, in a pause between meetings, he shares with Sarah Saunders the highs and lows of ten eventful years.

Magazine relaunch with Ageing Minister Justine Elliot and editor Sarah Saunders, 2010

It is early autumn, and one of the last He’s ready again for a new, still unknown Highlights? sitting weeks of the federal parliament professional chapter and the promise, MO: Again, the pension increase and before the annual May budget. at least in the interim, of more time getting a reasonably positive result in the Michael O’Neill and I are between meetings with wife Rosemary, their two sons and FoFA debate. But I think being present in the Senate courtyard – scattered tables, three grandchildren. at the National Apology to Indigenous sandstone paving, lush green grass, Why are you leaving? Australians by Prime Minister Rudd magpies and tall oak trees that will blaze MO: I’m leaving because after 10 years was a particularly significant time to be in Parliament. red as the season deepens. I think it’s time for a change for the Around us other lobbyists, journalists and organisation, and time for change for me Do you have any regrets? politicians conduct whispered conversations, as well. So the challenges for me will be MO: No regrets. speculating on voting reform, impending elsewhere and I’m looking forward to What will you miss most? tax changes and, of course, the chances exploring other things. The organisation MO: Certainly the people I’ve worked with of a double dissolution election. is well-placed to go forward at this time. I will miss enormously. I think we’ve got Michael arrived at National Seniors a decade What do you consider your biggest a really good board so I’ll miss working ago after first heading up Queensland’s achievement at National Seniors? with them. Thirdly, members generally. agricultural lobby AgForce and, for a shorter MO: I was given a legacy after 30 years We’ve got a great group of people. time, the Gold Council. and I think I’m leaving a good legacy after Being able to hear their concerns and share His first year with this very real, heaving 40 years. That’s important in terms of their views going forward will be missed. movement of individual, passionate people handing the organisation on in a state that I’ll particularly miss going to Western was a baptism of fire. continues to enable it to grow and develop. Australia and enjoying the excitement of the membership over there. The issues of older Australians – from I think the biggest achievements have been pensions to nursing homes and work around the pension increase of 2009. That What advice would you have for the discrimination – couldn’t have been more was a very substantial outcome. Probably new CEO? different from farm subsidies and the price add to that the FoFA debate and the MO: I don’t provide advice to incomers. of wheat. significant role as an organisation we played I think the best way is for people to But in a fearless style that has come to in achieving a better result there than would start with a clean slate and find their define him, Michael took that shift in have been the case had we not been active. way through. his stride. What have you enjoyed most about the job? How would you like to be remembered? Under his watch National Seniors has MO: I’ve enjoyed the diversity of the MO: People will remember as they wish. waged spectacular battles. Most notable job: dealing with members from all What next for Michael O’Neill? was the Rudd Government’s OECD- backgrounds and federal governments of MO: We don’t know. We’re in an exciting trend-defying pension increase in 2009. various persuasions. That has certainly kept and innovative time. So we’ll see where A campaign with Choice and Industry us on our toes. And I’ve enjoyed particularly that takes us. Certainly my intention Super that required the support of the working with great staff who’ve actively is to continue to work, to contribute Senate crossbench, to preserve protections partnered with me in that regard. productively, and where that might land for consumers of financial advice ranks a What have you found most challenging? me, we’ll just have to wait and see. close second. MO: The biggest challenge for the kind of You’ve got three grandkids now, These ten years have also seen the role the organisation plays is to encourage were you hoping to spend more time organisation grappling with staying relevant governments and oppositions to move with them? in a world evolving by the nanosecond and a away from acting just in their own interests MO: Certainly I’m hoping to spend more new generation of over-50s not redefining and acting in the interests of the nation time with the family. I’ve travelled a lot ageing but refusing to be defined at all. generally including, in the case of older over the past ten years and particularly Later this year, Michael leaves National Australians, in providing a certainty now with little people it’s nice to spend Seniors on sustainable footings and with for them to prepare for and plan their time with them... and I’m a pretty good no regrets. later years. baby sitter. n 19 Colour Gittoes teaches painting to Ashid at the Yellow House, Afghanistan 24 50 SOMETHING Australia’s over-50s magazine

PROFILE 50 SOMETHING April | May 2016

if you drop your energy or you sing the wrong song, they just walk away

Songbird

At 52 soprano Marina Prior is already considered a “matriarch” in performing arts circles. But, as Rosemary Desmond discovers, it’s a title she enjoys. Niceties Marina with Cameron Daddo

From busking on the streets of Melbourne “It became my night job. It was a fantastic Aside from their obvious talent, both men to taking a bow before tens of thousands training for me, because people haven’t had a common trait. at Carols by Candlelight, Marina Prior has paid for a ticket, so if they don’t like what “I’ve found that often when you work with done it all. you do, if you drop your energy or you sing people who are very successful at what they But after a career spanning more than the wrong song, they just walk away. do, they tend to be incredibly generous 30 years, the Australian soprano is still She did not remain an unknown busker and warm and open, probably because surprised at her success. for long. they don’t have anything to prove.” “It seems to have snuck up on me... While still at university, she auditioned And although she is best known for her All of a sudden I’m in a show and I am for ’s production of musical theatre roles, Prior also enjoys regarded as the matriarch. and landed the acting – in fact, she enjoys anything she female lead role of Mabel, an experience is currently working on. “I’m really proud of that because I she described as being ‘dropped in the remember being in companies with Prior believes evolving as a performer is deep end’ of what became a hit show. Nancye Hayes and June Bronhill. the key to success. They were the matriarchs who had such That success was followed by many others “We do live in a youth-obsessed society a body of work behind them and I really including , , Les Misérables, but I try not to buy into that because I am in awe of them. The Witches of Eastwick and . would rather be pro-active and constantly “Then I just blinked and I am now that Asking what is her favourite role is like evolving as an artist and as a person. person and I take that role seriously. asking a mother to name her favourite It’s a great opportunity to be a flag bearer I love imparting what I’ve learned to the child. Best front-runner would be Christine for older women to show that we’re younger performers I’m working with... Daaé, opposite and later relevant, we have a voice. I have a wealth that is a joy.” , in the Australian premier of of experience behind me that I didn’t have The Phantom of the Opera (1990 to 1993). 30 years ago.” Prior’s roots in the world of musical One role she would love to play is Mrs theatre go back to Port Moresby, Papua Lovett, business partner and accomplice New Guinea, where her father worked of barber and serial killer Sweeney Todd. in the shipping industry and both We do live in a parents were members of the local “You’ve got to be older to play it and Gilbert and Sullivan society. youth-obsessed I’m very keen to do that one day. You can only play the romantic heroine The family moved to society but I try for so long.” Melbourne when Prior was a not to buy into that young child and her interest in Juggling work commitments with a the performing arts blossomed. blended family of five keeps her busy. She took singing lessons from Prior has three children from her first marriage to Peter Lowrey. She is now of 12 and learned piano, “Phantom of the Opera was a married to actor Grant Piro, who is a flute and guitar. very special one for me because father of two. Later, as a University of it gave me a launch platform. “He (Piro) does a lot of film and television Melbourne music student “I got into recording and my and when he is doing that I don’t work struggling to make ends meet, public profile was elevated during and when I’m working he does less of that Prior turned to busking. that show which gave me the ...and so we tag team.” n “I used to work as a waitress but opportunity to do more things.” continues its Australian I was hopeless – I kept getting Prior has also worked with some tour in Brisbane until 1 May, before moving the sack. Then one Christmas of the biggest names in the to Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. I stood on a street corner in business, including acclaimed Bourke Street and started singing British actor Paul Eddington Christmas carols and before I knew (James Hacker in Yes, Minister) it, I had a big crowd around me. and opera great Jose Carreras. Colour Gittoes teaches painting to Ashid at the Yellow House, Afghanistan 25 50 SOMETHING Australia’s over-50s magazine

EPICUREAN 50 SOMETHING April | May 2016

TOP SHELF Few paintings can claim cultural icon status. But this portrait of a stoic mum does. Dr Isobel Crombie explains why.

The work then travelled to Paris before being shown in Philadelphia and New York. It was exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1883, and was also displayed in Dublin, Amsterdam, Glasgow and Munich. Wherever the painting went it polarised opinions: some critics thought it was painted as if in a fog, others appreciated its subtle tones. When Whistler sold Portrait of the artist’s mother to the Musée du Luxembourg, Paris, in 1891 it became the first painting by an American artist to enter a French gallery’s collection. In 1933 the Louvre, Paris – then-owner of Portrait of the artist’s mother – loaned Whistler’s signature work to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), New York. It proved an enormous drawcard and, as a result, subsequently went on a record-breaking tour around the United States, making headlines wherever it was shown. At this time, when the nation was in the grips of the economic horrors of the Great Depression, Whistler’s painting of a James McNeill Whistler’s Portrait of the ‘Puritan’ mother stoically bearing the trials artist’s mother, 1871, is among a select of her life touched a profound emotional group of artworks that have transcended chord with many viewers. their times to become universally known. WINTERWINTER ININ Iconic artworks have an undeniable United States President Franklin D. charisma that sees them admired, Roosevelt visited Whistler’s painting copied and even parodied. with his own mother when it was shown QUEENSLANDQUEENSLAND They are touchstones at MOMA. Soon after, of what art means he suggested that the QUEENSLAND TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND INLAND EXPLORER to many, and often Roosevelt’s enthusiasm painting be used as a 12 days | departs Jul 9, Aug 15 13 days | departs Jun 10 Mother’s Day stamp, connect the viewer to was critical in taking and even sketched SAVE $250 Interesting Sarina Sugar Shed SAVE $250 basic human qualities. ■ Kuranda Scenic Railway per person* ■ per person* the painting from how it should appear. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ■ Enchanting Whitsundays Cruise As recently described ■ Book & pay by Apr 22 Book & pay by Apr 22 by Peter Schjeldahl, the ranks of popular Roosevelt’s enthusiasm ■ Historic Cooktown ■ Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary Portrait of the artist’s was critical in taking the ■ Port Douglas River Cruise ■ Reef HQ Aquarium Stockman’s Hall of Fame mother is ‘instantly to iconic painting from the ranks ■ Amazing Paronella Park ■ QANTAS Founders Museum recognised and forever of popular to iconic. ■ Reef HQ Aquarium ■ The addition of a cheery Interesting Sarina Sugar Shed Thomson River Cruise inexhaustible’. ■ ■ pot of flowers to the ■ Amazing Cosmos Centre When Whistler painted this work at age stamp design was the start of many often Prices (per person twin share) 37, it had been a decade since his debut Prices (per person twin share) humorous parodies of the portrait in which Adelaide $4,305 Adelaide $4,415 as an artist and he found himself in a the mother, or the object of her gaze, has Brisbane $3,925 Brisbane $4,085 difficult phase of his career.Portrait of Canberra $4,155 Canberra $4,515 been altered. n Hobart/Laun $4,455 Hobart/Laun $4,665 the artist’s mother came at a moment of Melbourne $4,175 Melbourne $4,435 artistic doubts, and its resolution marked On loan from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, Perth $4,580 Perth** $4,840 a breakthrough in Whistler’s creative life. Sydney $4,025 Sydney $4,365 Whistler’s Mother is on display at NGV Single Supp $ 615 Single Supp $ 765 *New bookings only At a time when storytelling dominated International from 25 March – 19 June 2016. Fares shown include savings. **Includes overnight Brisbane British art, its uncompromising aestheticism Tickets on sale from ngv.vic.gov.au was confronting. Arrangement in grey and black no. 1 (as it was Dr Isobel Crombie is Assistant Director, first titled) was rather grudgingly accepted Curatorial and Collection Management, into London’s 1872 Royal Academy exhibition. National Gallery of Victoria 36 EPICUREAN April | May 2016

Out West Detour a little west and you’ll not only escape South East Queensland’s infamous crowds but also discover a foodie’s paradise. Rosemary Desmond samples Stanthorpe’s tree-ripened apples and full-bodied reds.

38 50 SOMETHING Australia’s over-50s magazine

TRAVEL 50 SOMETHING April | May 2016 if you fancy burning off some of your indulgence, the Girraween National Park is just is 26km south of Stanthorpe

After sweltering through a long, hot and humid usual offerings such as Cabernet Sauvignon However passionate the locals are about their Brisbane summer , the chance of a weekend and Chardonnay. produce, there is more to do in the area than on the Granite Belt seemed like a breath of Stanthorpe has its own alternative wine trail just eat and drink. fresh air. known as ‘Strangebird’ – featuring varieties The area is home to around 120 local artists And so it was. representing less than one per cent of the total who exhibit and hope to sell their work at the About two-and-a-half hours south-west of bearing vines in Australia. Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery where there the Queensland capital, the tidy little town of We tried Fiano, a fresh white variety, originally are 253 pieces, including paintings, sculpture Stanthorpe has for years laid claim to being from Campania, Italy, then after lunch, decided and pottery, on a three week rotation with a wine and food lovers’ destination – with to take home a bottle of a ‘big’ full-bodied red many more exhibits kept in the basement. an added bonus of a cooler climate due its with an alcohol content of 14.8 per cent called And if you fancy burning off some of your altitude around 1,000 metres above sea level. Saperavi, which originates in the former Soviet indulgence, the Girraween National Park is just is 26kms south of Stanthorpe – and a world Having made the journey, we woke the next republic of Georgia. way in terms of peace morning to a tapping sound on a glass side It was made for drinking and quiet. door of our villa at Alure, a 50 acre luxury with roast meats such as The rare roast venison, retreat just south of the town. beef or lamb. Girraween is a curious fig and walnut chutney, mix of eucalypts and There was no-one at the door, except a Dinner that night was at granite boulders – startled magpie who may have wanted the Granite Belt Brewery paired with Irish red ale some the size of cars to share our breakfast basket of locally- and Happy Valley Retreat’s – perched precariously made bread, cereals and jams. restaurant where brewer on top of one another. He didn’t wait around. Geoff Davenport has There are 17kms of walking tracks and matched craft beers with a mixed platter Alure has two modern villas and a tented waterholes where the local wildlife comes of local produce, followed by dessert construction for those who like ‘glamping’. to drink. The silence is only broken by the (with a beer, of course!) But the term ‘tent’ does not do justice to the occasional bird call. villa built from the floor upwards, with canvas The rare roast venison, fig and walnut chutney, A visit to Stanthorpe can be a little pricey, framing it from the roof down. paired with Irish red ale, was memorable. depending on where you eat and sleep, but For dessert, there was Pozieres Porter, Alure is a place for couples only – no children for a special occasion, such as an anniversary matched with a rich, dark chocolate allowed – but you can bring your dog. or birthday, it’s a delightful change from the tart with mascarpone and fresh berries. The owners’ Maremma sheepdog zealously hotter and more crowded coast. n Bliss for chocolate lovers. guards her half dozen charges from behind The writer was a guest of Southern And you cannot leave Stanthorpe without one of the few fences on the property. Queensland Country Tourism calling in at Sutton’s Farm, a family-run apple There are plenty of other cosy and quirky orchard 13kms north of the town (opposite accommodation options in Stanthorpe but the Big Apple – where else?) for most visitors, it’s all There you can pick apples which about the food and wine. you can pick apples have never seen a cold room One of the region’s oldest and taste-test a variety of apple wineries is Ballandean which have never products, including cider, cider Estate, home to the seen a cold room vinegar, juice, syrup and brandy. Opera in the Vineyard In a large tin shed, a part of black tie charity event, which is furnished with old slated this year for 1 May. timber desks and chairs sourced from schools, Ballandean’s Barrelroom Restaurant late last you can order lunch from a changing menu. year welcomed young chefs (and partners) But leave room for the apple pie with cider ice Travis Crane and Arabella Chambers who cream and cream, highly recommended and source the vast majority of their produce well worth the wait. locally, with seafood from the nearest fishing Former sheep farmer turned prawn trawlerman port at Ballina on the NSW north coast. and now orchardist, David Sutton, cooks Travis also forages for fresh greens such as 300kg of apples a week for the pies alone. wild fennel and asparagus growing nearby. The pastry is made from scratch every day. “We did have a beautiful patch of watercress Just don’t ask David or his wife Ros for a but someone let their cows onto it,” he told us. pie to take home. They are not interested in Naturally, the wines take centre stage at ‘expanding’ their business into takeaways. Ballandean Estate, and it’s not just the more They like things just as they are. 39 National Seniors Travel | Evergreen Tours

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National Seniors Travel will host its first member-only European river cruise in May 2017. Experience the wonders of river cruising through Portugal over 8 days on the brand new Evergreen Tours Secrets of the Douro cruise from just $3,895pp, travelling exclusively with fellow National Seniors members! Save $800pp when you book and pay in full by 15 June 2016. Hurry, only 60 cabins available.

Portugal is a corner of Europe cherished by those lucky enough to visit its curving landscapes, gorgeous family-run wine estates and cities fashioned by the architects of foregone eras. You’ll create Travel along the beautiful Douro River on a new Emerald Star Ship, including luxuries such life long as drop down glass balconies, indulgent one memories and bedroom suites, a serenity pool on the Sun Deck, extensive dining choices and included excursions make new for your enjoyment. You’ll create life long friends along memories and make new friends along the way! the way! Your Evergreen Cruise Director will be available to assist in local sightseeing and answer any queries. And as always, all tipping, gratuities, port Call 1300 88 37 50 or visit our charges and porterage are included, as well as website nationalseniorstravel.com.au beer and wine with lunch and dinner!

*All prices are per person, twin share in AUD. Flights not included. Tour and Cruise price based on Category E Staterooms. Limited cabins available at the published price. The tour prices listed include the per person discount. Please enquire for all single pricing. Tour maps: Any maps or route depictions are intended as an indication only and should not be relied upon. Itinerary, hotels and inclusions are subject to change. For full terms and conditions please visit nationalseniorstravel.com.au National Seniors Travel | Evergreen Tours Advertorial 8 Day Secrets of the Douro of the Douro, which were uncovered Departs: 20 May 2017 during the construction of the nearby Members from: $3,895pp twin share dam. Return to your ship for lunch and Save: $800 per person when you Douro afternoon sailing towards Regua. River book and pay in full by 15 June 2016 Porto Regua 7 Pocinho Day 6: Thursday 25 May 2017 Regua Pinhào Vega de Terron FB Full breakfast L Lunch D Dinner Salamanca ( FB L D ) PORTUGAL Wake up in the former roman settlement Day 1: Saturday 20 May 2017 Porto ( D ) SPAIN Madrid Welcome to Porto. You will be met at the of Regua. Visit the Douro Museum for a airport and transferred to the ship where look at wine making in the region. you will be welcomed by your Captain Day 7: Friday 26 May 2017 Porto and crew. Enjoy dinner on board. Day 4: Tuesday 23 May 2017 ( FB L D ) Day 2: Sunday 21 May 2017 Porto – Pinhao Salamanca ( FB D ) Located at the mouth of the Douro ( FB L D ) Founded in Roman times, Salamanca River, Porto is a fascinating eclectic mix You’re invited to join our A full day sailing the windy turns and is home to one of the oldest universities of modern and ancient architecture. Its twists of the Douro Valley. A UNESCO in Europe and the seat of the Spanish most famous export is fortified wine, and language. With its grand squares and world heritage site this area is sparsely the hillside across from the city centre EXCLUSIVE 2017 medieval structures, a walking tour here is populated by small quaint villages, features numerous wine caves and like stepping back in time. Enjoy a full day working vineyards and small farms. tasting boutiques in the area of Vila Nova Later this afternoon arrive in the including tapas tasting and plenty of free member cruise de Gaia. Sample the local fare and learn village of Pinhao. time to explore. about the craft of creating port. National Seniors Travel will host its first member-only Day 5: Wednesday 24 May 2017 Pocinho Day 3: Monday 22 May 2017 Pinhao – Day 8: Saturday 27 May 2017 European river cruise in May 2017. Experience the Vega Teron ( FB L D ) ( FB L D ) Disembarkation ( FB ) wonders of river cruising through Portugal over 8 days Today visit the village of Lamego including Arrive in the picturesque village of Pocinho After breakfast disembark your river cruise Roman ruins. Return to your ship for and join your excursion to the Coa Valley on the brand new Evergreen Tours Secrets of the Douro ship and transfer to the airport. lunch and an afternoon sailing to Vega Museum. This impressive concrete cruise from just $3,895pp, travelling exclusively with fellow Teron, your gateway into Spain, complete structure details pre-historic stone Contact us for the full itinerary National Seniors members! Save $800pp when you book and with Portuguese cooking demonstration. carvings made by the early inhabitants and inclusions! pay in full by 15 June 2016. Hurry, only 60 cabins available. Normandy See more of Europe by combining your river cruise Beaches Portugal is a corner of Europe cherished by those 11 Day combined Lisbon & 15 Day combined Douro & lucky enough to visit its curving landscapes, gorgeous family-run wine estates and cities Secrets of the Douro Southern France River Cruise fashioned by the architects of foregone eras. Departs: 17 May 2017 Departs: 20 May 2017 You’ll create Douro River Regua Porto 7 Pocinho Beaune Travel along the beautiful Douro River on a Douro Members from: $4,995 (total) River Members from: $8,195 (total) Pinhào Vega de Terron Chalon-sur-Saône Porto Regua Salamanca life long 7 Pocinho PORTUGAL Saône River new Emerald Star Ship, including luxuries such per person twin share Pinhào Vega de Terron per person twin share Macon Salamanca SPAIN Madrid Lyon as drop down glass balconies, indulgent one Save: $800 per person PORTUGAL Save: $900 per person Tournon memories and Madrid 7 Rhône River LISBON 3 SPAIN FRANCE bedroom suites, a serenity pool on the Sun Deck, when you book and pay when you book and pay Avignon Arles Nice extensive dining choices and included excursions make new in full by 15 June 2016 in full by 15 June 2016 for your enjoyment. You’ll create life long friends along Save 15% on travel insurance when you book your holiday with memories and make new friends along the way! the way! National Seniors Travel during April and May^. Ask us how. Your Evergreen Cruise Director will be available ^Offer available for National Seniors members who book their travel requirements with National Seniors Travel and purchase a new SAVE 15% travel insurance policy between 1 April and 31 May 2016 and is not available in conjunction with any other offer. Applies to base to assist in local sightseeing and answer any premium only. This offer has been provided by National Seniors Insurance and is valid on Cerberus Special Risks policies only. queries. And as always, all tipping, gratuities, port Call 1300 88 37 50 or visit our charges and porterage are included, as well as Call 1300 88 37 50 or visit our website nationalseniorstravel.com.au beer and wine with lunch and dinner! website nationalseniorstravel.com.au

*All prices are per person, twin share in AUD. Flights not included. Tour and Cruise price based on Category E Staterooms. Limited cabins available at the published price. The tour prices listed *All prices are per person, twin share in AUD. Flights not included. Tour and Cruise price based on Category E Staterooms. Limited cabins available at the published price. The tour prices listed include the per person discount. Please enquire for all single pricing. Tour maps: Any maps or route depictions are intended as an indication only and should not be relied upon. Itinerary, hotels include the per person discount. Please enquire for all single pricing. Tour maps: Any maps or route depictions are intended as an indication only and should not be relied upon. Itinerary, hotels and inclusions are subject to change. For full terms and conditions please visit nationalseniorstravel.com.au and inclusions are subject to change. For full terms and conditions please visit nationalseniorstravel.com.au