P: (07) 5527 0314 | M: 0411 134 507 info@localnewsletters.com | www.localnewsletters.com September 2025 - No. 124 Gold Coast FREE! Over Fifties WIN! CONCERT TICKETS, GIFT CARDS, Book Giveaway! CONNECTION CONFIDENCE COMMUNITY (07) 5593 7006 | www.varsitylakes.org.au VLCRC – Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre 20 Mattocks Rd, Varsity Lakes Follow us on Facebook & Instagram Discover... Looking for something meaningful, social and empowering? Everyone’s welcome – Come and say Hi! VLCRC is a welcoming place to learn, connect and feel supported Join us for: • Digital Literacy - one on one support • Cyber Security for Seniors & Vulnerable Groups • Help with your Energy Bills through the Charge Up Program • Become a Digital Mentor – Volunteer Training Now Open • Coffee & Chat Mornings (New theme each week!) • Qigong – Gentle movement for balance & wellbeing • Social Inclusion Programs that make you feel right at home VLCRC VARSITY LAKES COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE Step into the golden age of glamour at this year’s Mayor’s Seniors Concert. Prepare to be whisked away by Emcee Jerome and his sidekick La La to a lavish Hollywood party that’s exploding with sizzling dance, smoky vocals, and swing sensations! Step into the golden age of glamour with Putting on the Glitz where you’ll be dazzled with starlets, sequins and showstoppers, martinis and mambo where every number is a scene-stealer. Produced by Aerial Angels and their sister company The Pink Flamingo, don’t miss this swinging Hollywood soiree. There will be three, 60-minute sessions: 9:30am, 12pm and 2:30pm. Tickets are free and will be available from 9am on Monday 22 September from HOTA Box Office in person, by phoning 07 5588 4000 or online at hota.com.au | The Mayor’s Seniors Concert is presented by City of Gold Coast. Mayor’s Seniors Concert: Putting on the Glitz
2 Connection and Confidence in the Digital Age – It Starts at VLCRC The world’s changing fast, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre (VLCRC), we’re proud to offer programs that help you build confidence, stay safe online, and feel connected to your community. Our one-on-one digital literacy sessions are designed for all skill levels, whether you're just getting started with a device or want to brush up on your tech know-how. As part of these sessions, VLCRC is expanding the national Act Now, Stay Secure campaign by delivering practical, accessible cyber safety education. These tailored workshops empower older Australians, culturally diverse communities, and people experiencing digital exclusion to recognise scams, stay safe online, and feel more confident in the digital world. If you’re struggling with rising energy bills, our Charge Up program offers free, one-on-one support to help you understand your energy usage, identify rebates or concessions, and find practical ways to save. But it’s not just about digital skills, VLCRC is also about connection. Our Coffee & Chat sessions on Thursday mornings offer a warm, welcoming space to connect with others, with a rotating lineup of weekly themes from health and wellbeing to legal support. While you're here, grab a barista made drink from our on-site coffee cart, Bean Waiting for You, the perfect way to start your day. On Thursday afternoons, we also offer free Qigong, a gentle movement class that promotes balance, clarity, and relaxation. If you’re passionate about helping others, consider joining our Digital Mentor Volunteer Training, a rewarding way to support your community and grow your own skills. Whether you want to learn something new, stay active, or simply meet others in a friendly, inclusive space, VLCRC is here for you. To book a session or learn more, visit www.varsitylakes. org.au or call (07) 5593 7006. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated. see advert front page Swell Sculpture Festival Returns to Currumbin The iconic Swell Sculpture Festival returns to Currumbin Beach transforming the stunning coastal strip into a vibrant open-air gallery from 12 to 21 September. The festival will showcase more than 60 large-scale contemporary sculptures by artists from Australia and around the world. Now in its 23rd year, Swell has become one of Queensland’s most anticipated cultural events—and the best part is, it’s completely free to attend. Set against the backdrop of rolling surf and golden sand, Swell invites visitors to immerse themselves in thought-provoking and often playful artworks, each one telling its own story. Beyond the beach, the festival extends into Wallace Nicoll Park with a dynamic program of live music, comedy, artist talks, and creative workshops as part of the Swell Fringe. Throughout the week, twilight guided walks provide deeper insight into the meaning and craftsmanship behind each sculpture, while hands-on masterclasses—such as clay modelling and paint-and-sip sessions—offer the chance to get creative yourself. Families will also find plenty to enjoy, with a dedicated Swell Kids area offering interactive workshops and storytelling sessions designed to inspire young imaginations. The festival’s smaller-scale exhibitions, including the “Swell Smalls Gallery,” give visitors an opportunity to explore art in more intimate formats, and even purchase a piece to take home. Currumbin’s location makes it easy to access via public transport, with parking available at nearby Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and a convenient park-and-ride shuttle running during festival hours. The entire beachfront pathway is wheelchair and pram-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. From sunrise strolls to sunset viewings, the Swell Sculpture Festival offers a unique blend of creativity, community, and connection. It’s more than just an art event—it’s a celebration of the Gold Coast’s natural beauty and cultural heart. Whether you’re there to admire, reflect, learn, or simply wander, Swell invites you to see the world—and the beach—through a new lens. In 2025, don’t just go to the beach. Go to Swell. Let the art move you. | www.swellsculpture.com.au
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4 GenesisCare is marking 30 years of cancer care at its Tugun centre, which offers personalised, evidence-based treatments to patients of the Gold Coast, Northern NSW and Northern Rivers communities. Patients can access radiation therapy, Theranostics, clinical trials, allied health partnerships and a complimentary bus service for eligible patients at GenesisCare in Tugun. Located within the John Flynn Private Hospital Campus, the centre also offers convenient access to comprehensive care options on the hospital campus including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and specialist cancer nurses. (L-R) GenesisCare Radiation Oncologist Dr David Christie, Radiation Oncology Registrar Jeremy Briggs, Radiation Oncologist Dr Sagar Ramani, Radiation Oncologist Dr Tulasi Ramanarasiah, State Member for Currumbin The Hon. Laura Gerber MP, Radiation Oncologist Dr Selena Young, Radiation Oncologist Associate Professor Sid Baxi. The team at GenesisCare Tugun. State Member for Currumbin The Hon. Laura Gerber MP who attended an event marking GenesisCare Tugun’s 30th anniversary said: “It’s heartening to see such longstanding commitment to bettering our community’s health at GenesisCare in Tugun. I applaud and thank the team on this impressive milestone.” Malissa Hayden, Centre Leader at GenesisCare in Tugun said: “We are proud to recognise our team who are committed to offering patient-centred, evidence-based cancer care,” said Ms Hayden. “Over the years our role has expanded into training the next generation of cancer care professionals who will be looking after patients for decades to come. GenesisCare in Tugun is a hands-on education hub for radiation oncology trainees and hosts weekly rotations for medical students, radiation therapists and nursing students from our southern Queensland region. “We are dedicated to advancing cancer treatment through clinical research and we’re lucky enough to employ a committed Clinical Research Coordinator at GenesisCare in Tugun, who identifies national research project options for suitable and consenting patients.” GenesisCare Radiation Oncologist Dr David Christie has offered cancer care at the Tugun site for 30 years and said: “I’ve witnessed many advancements in cancer care and changes in the local neighbourhood over 30 years of working here, but what has remained constant is our centre’s role in meeting an important local need for cancer care access. We know that long commutes can deter patients from seeking treatment and over the years, patients have had to travel to Brisbane or even Sydney to undertake some types of cancer treatment. We are proud to bring cancer care closer to home for our local community.” More than 30 healthcare professionals make up the team at GenesisCare in Tugun, including highly skilled doctors, radiation therapists, nurses, physicists, engineers, and support staff, who all live and work locally. For more information about GenesisCare in Tugun, Queensland, visit our website: https://www.genesiscare. com/au/our-centres/tugun-qld-gold-coast GenesisCare marks 30 years of cancer care in Tugun FREE, FIXED NO OBLIGATION QUOTES FREE, FIXED NO OBLIGATION QUOTES Need it done? Jim’s the one! 131 546 INSURANCE COVER Satisfaction Guaranteed! P Lawn Mowing P Gutter Cleaning P Rubbish Removal P General Maintenance P Irrigation Installation P New Lawn Laying P Yard Clean Ups P Tree Removal P Weed Control P Fertilizing P Pruning
5 Aging Eyes: Common Issues *Excludes Maui Jim, Zeal and Oakley Sun RX $150 OFF PARIS MIKI OPTICAL Shop 18, 12 Sir John Overall Drive Helensvale Plaza, Helensvale Phone 5580 5010 | www.paris-miki.com.au See the world with clarity! With stylish frames to suit everyone, we ensure your vision is crystal clear. Experience exceptional service and precise prescriptions at ParisMiki. Your eyes change as you age. Some problems become more common as you get older, although they can affect anyone at any age. Presbyopia is when you can’t clearly see close objects or small print. It’s a normal process that happens slowly over your lifetime. You may not notice any change until around age 40. It’s easy to correct with reading glasses and contacts. Floaters are tiny spots or specks that drift across your field of vision. You’ll probably notice them in well-lit rooms, when looking at a bright screen, or outdoors on a bright day. They’re mostly normal, but they can signal a more serious eye problem, especially if their onset is sudden and dramatic. If you see them along with flashes of light, your retina might be detached from the back of your eye. If you notice a sudden change in the type or number of spots or flashes you see, visit your eye doctor as soon as you can. Dry eyes happen when your tear glands can’t make enough tears or produce low-quality tears. Your eyes might itch, burn, or turn red. It’s rare, but if you don’t take care of it, you could lose some vision. Your eye doctor may suggest a humidifier in your home or special eye drops that simulate tears. Doctors treat severe cases with tear duct plugs, prescription eye drops, or surgery. Tearing, when your eyes make too many tears, or the tears aren't draining properly, can happen if you're sensitive to light, wind, or temperature changes, or if your tear duct drainage systems are blocked. Shield your eyes and wear sunglasses. If that doesn't help, you may have a more serious problem, like an eye infection or blocked tear duct. Your eye doctor can treat both. Cataracts are cloudy areas that cover all or part of the lens of your eye. In a healthy eye, the lens is clear like a camera lens; light passes right through it and hits tissue at the back of your eye. That’s the retina, and it processes images. Cataracts block the lens and make it hard for you to see. They often form slowly, without pain, redness, or tearing. Some stay small and don’t affect your sight. If they cause problems, your doctor can remove them with surgery and replace your lens with an artificial version. Glaucoma is a disease that affects the eye's optic nerve. It typically results from too much pressure inside your eye. If the normal flow of the watery fluid between your cornea and lens is blocked, the fluid and pressure from it build up. If you don’t catch it early, it can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. You may not have symptoms or pain early on, so get your eyes checked regularly. Treatment ranges from prescription eye drops and oral medications to surgery. Retinal disorders affect this thin lining on the back of the eye. It’s made up of cells that collect visual images and pass them on to your brain. Problems with your retina affect this image transfer. They include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vessel occlusions, and detached retina. Early diagnosis and treatment will help you keep your vision. Paris Miki Optical’s Store Manager Michael has over 31 year’s experience as a qualified Optical technician and has been working in the area for over 23 years. There is an onsite workshop for quicker spectacle making, so you don’t have to be without your own frames for weeks if we are using your own frame for new lenses; repairs can be done onsite and same day service is available on in store stock lenses. Call 5580 5010 to make an appointment. 3 Bulk Billed Eye Tests 3 Most Health Funds Accepted 3 External Prescriptions Welcome COMPLETE PAIR Book your appointment today!
6 Flexible care to fit your family’s needs At Home Care Assistance Gold Coast, our in-home care services are available on an hourly or around-the-clock basis to suit your needs. Our local Care workers support your loved one with the basics of everyday living, but also have the training and experience to support those living with specific health conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. We are also experienced in supporting successful transitions between home and other facilities such as hospitals, respite facilities and more. Home Care Assistance Gold Coast Carers are rigorously screened including full police checks for your peace of mind. Our Care workers are experienced and passionate locals and are monitored by our Client Care Managers who build trusted relationships with families to ensure the highest level of personalised care. What kind of care do you need? Home Care Assistance Gold Coast can provide the right type of care for your loved one, now and in the future. We understand and respond to changes in your care needs through our personalised approach. Hourly Home Care Sometimes the maintenance of daily routines just needs an hour here or there, and other times it’s longer. At Home Care Assistance Gold Coast, we can support you by the hour, or an as-needs basis, supporting your independence. 24 hour Home Care If full-time care is needed, our 24-hour care options support your loved one with around-the-clock care. 24hour care differs from Live-in care and can be long-term such as for those living with dementia, or short term such as post hospital recovery. 24-hour care ensures safety, support with all daily needs at any time and compassionate companionship, which brings peace of mind for families. Live-In Care Home Care Assistance Gold Coast can also assign a Live-in Carer for your loved one to provide 24-hour support. This may also be long or short term and ensures safety, on-hand support and consistent companionship. Hospital to Home Care Home Care Assistance Gold Coast offers support and can guide your loved one through a safe and successful recovery when transitioning home, after hospitalisation or moving through the care continuum via our hospital to home care services. In-Home Specialised Care When specialised knowledge and understanding is needed, our In-home specialised Care Workers can help. We can provide one-on-one care appropriate for individuals requiring various levels of special care, including care for those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions. For more information, get in touch with a Home Care Assistance Gold Coast today on 5528 1643. see advert page 7 > THE VILLAGE - HERITAGE B&B - The Village B&B is a 120-year-old heritage Queenslander in the heart of historic Mudgeeraba. Join us Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm for an indulgent High Tea or a Casual Lunch, all homemade on site. For more information and bookings please contact us Liz 0448 722 233 or Rich 0410 210 858 heritagehightea thevillagebnb www.thevillagebnb.com.au 65 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba We also cater for groups, baby showers & family events (available 7 days if pre booked). 7th Sept FATHERS DAY MENU Bookings Essential Fill him up with some proper Dad food, all homemade on site Shop 2, 71 Railway St MUDGEERABA P: 5651 6672 Specialising in • Remodelling • Tailoring • Zipping • Cushions • Curtains Genie Clothing Alterations Dry Cleaning Shop With a combined industry knowledge of well over 90 years experience, there’s not a lot this local company does not know about the fashion/textile industry. Genie Clothing Alterations are a tailoring and dry-cleaning business offering everything from buttons to bridal, beading to bedding, cushions to curtains and zippers to velcro. We offer a friendly, reliable range of tailoring, fashion design and remodelling service to suit all of your wardrobe requirements. We specialise in uniform wear from military to schools and vintage re-cycle / textile up-cycle. (New from old). We also offer a 24hour Turnaround Dry-Cleaning service. You can find us at Shop 2, 71 Railway Street….(between Mudgee Thai and A Gentle Touch Funerals). We look forward to welcoming you back! Genie’s Clothing Alterations
7 www.homecareassistancegoldcoast.com.au 30309/9 Lawson Street, Southport 4215 | (07) 5528 1643 www.homecareassistancegoldcoast.com.au APPROVED PROVIDER OF HOME CARE PACKAGES u 24/7 Live-In and Hourly Care from Coolangatta to Logan, The Scenic Rim, Redlands and parts of Ipswich u Consistency of care with carefully matched Carers u Cognitive TherapeuticsTM to boost brain health u Zero exit fees, zero start up fees - so more care hours for you • Social Support and Companionship Support/transport to go appointments, shopping and social functions. • Meal Preparation Nutrition, cooking and hydration needs. • Personal Assistance Grooming, bathing, dressing, continence and mobility • Respite Care Assisting family members to take a well-deserved break with needed. • Cleaning and Maintaining the Home Washing windows, clearing gutters & other services as needed. • Medication Prompting Ensuring the right medication is taken at the right time. • Laundry Washing, drying, ironing and organising. • Pet Care Walks, feeding and other care to keep your pet happy and well. • Gardening Keep your garden beautiful with weeding, lawn mowing, pruning. • Nursing, Allied Health and Therapy Services eg: speech therapy, podiatry, occupational or physiotherapy services and other clinical services such as hearing and vision services. • Mobility and dexterity, providing walking frames, bed rails, pressure-relieving mattresses, etc. What services can you access under home care packages? To get approved for services you need to register with the Government’s My Aged Care. Phone us on 07 5528 1643 after getting approved for your Home Care Package. Government Approved Provider We provide high level professional care, in the comfort of your own home. Our dedicated team of skilled healthcare professionals are able to support and assist you in keeping your dignity and comfort as you age well. We offer 24/7 personalised on-call support and care from our trained carers and nurses. Local Approved Government Homecare Package Provider Home Care Assistance champions the needs of seniors with a positive, empowering approach to ageing that celebrates independence, dignity and quality of life. Our carers receive exceptional training, support and resources to deliver an unmatched care experience. HELPING SENIORS LIVE WELL AT HOME Speak to a Care Partners to schedule your free consultation today! 07 5528 1643 DEDICATED TO AGEING WELL With the new ‘Support at Home’ Program approaching soon, we’re here to help you understand what to expect. If you need any information or have questions about the process, don’t hesitate to give us a call. .
8 Brain Foods: The Science-Backed Guide to Sharper Memory Picture this: your brain never switches off. Even as you sleep tonight, this incredible organ is working harder than your heart, consuming energy at a rate that would make a Formula 1 car jealous. Despite weighing less than a bag of sugar, your brain demands one-fifth of everything you eat. This hungry organ teaches us something remarkable about nutrition. The connection between what lands on your plate and what happens in your head isn’t just fascinating— it’s the key to unlocking your mental potential. Here’s what makes your brain unique: it never rests. While your muscles can take a break, your brain maintains constant activity. Every thought, every memory, every moment of focus requires glucose flowing through your bloodstream. Think of complex problem-solving or learning something new. Your brain’s energy consumption shoots up dramatically during these moments. Yet unlike muscles that store energy reserves, your brain depends entirely on fresh supplies from your meals. This creates a direct link between your food and your mind. Poor nutrition? Your thinking becomes sluggish. Memory falters. Focus drifts away like morning mist. What started as curiosity about brain foods has revealed something remarkable: every bite you take either supports or sabotages your cognitive future. The research doesn’t lie—your brain thrives on quality nutrition just like the rest of your body. Think about it. Omega-3s keep your brain cells talking efficiently. Antioxidants shield them from daily wear and tear. B vitamins fuel the production of neurotransmitters. Flavonoids help your brain grow new connections. Each nutrient plays its part in keeping your mind sharp and resilient. The beautiful truth about brain function is that improvement can start immediately. Many people report clearer thinking and better focus within days of eating brain-friendly foods. At Gourmet Meals, we believe busy lives shouldn’t mean compromising brain health. That’s why our kitchen team crafts meals that pack cognitive benefits into every bite. No guesswork, no meal-planning stress—just convenient, science-backed nutrition that fits your lifestyle. Order online today at https://gourmetmeals.com.au or call our office on 1300 112 112 HEALTHY EATING MADE EASY Call now 1300 112 112 www.gourmetmeals.com.au HOME DELIVERY OF READY MADE MEALS New Customers use the code word INTRO and receive a FREE MEAL Minimum order applies, one per customer l3 Gluten Free l3 Wholesome and nutritious l3 Convenient ready-made frozen meals l3 Australian owned and operated l3 Tastes like home cooking l3 Home delivered or available in stores Minimum order $49.00 (excl delivery of $7.50) Full range of meals available at Booval Newsagency, 38 South Station Road, Booval Advertorial Meals snap frozen to retain all freshness, nutrients and flavours WHEN compared with their fresh alternatives, frozen meals are still wrongly misconceived to be the unhealthier option, says Gourmet Meals owner Daniel Wuthrich. “However, research continuously suggests that it’s quite the opposite,” he said. “A common misconception is that frozen foods lack the same levels of nutrition, but in actual fact, frozen meals can retain even more nutrients than fresh food.” Mr Wuthrich said that with every day that fruit and vegetables sat at the shops or in a fridge, more and more nutrients were lost, while freezing those foods kept their valuable vitamins and nutrients intact. “If you’re after a calorie-controlled diet that’s not only convenient but also maintains its nutritional integrity, why not try some of our frozen ready-made meals?” he said. “Gourmet Meals provides a wide range of healthy and portion-controlled meals that are high in fibre and protein, and reduced in salt and fat. “Our meals are snap frozen in order to retain all their freshness, nutrients and flavours. “They go straight from the pot to the blast freezer in order to stay fresh without the need for any added preservatives, flavours or colours.” Mr Wuthrich said all Gourmet Meals were free from gluten and additives, and the act of freezing simply left the goodness intact ready for people to take advantage of once they were heated up to eat.“ Gourmet Meals has a varied menu filled with great tasting meals that are just like home cooking and remind you of the delicious meals mum used to cook when you were growing up,” he said. “Some of our all-time favourites are cottage pie, curry prawns and honey soy chicken as well as all our roasts and casseroles, not to forget our yummy soups and scrumptious desserts. “Ordering ready-made frozen meals is extremely convenient for busy parents and time-poor professionals; they also minimise food wastage, which is not only good for the hip pocket, but also reduces the environmental footprint. “It gives the possibility of having a varied menu throughout the week, every day something different. “Check out our menu today to discover our wide range of healthy meals that can be delivered straight to your door at a competitive price.” Ordering ready-made frozen meals is extremely convenient for busy parents and time-poor professionals; they also minimise food wastage, which is not only good for the hip pocket, but also reduces the environmental footprint. – Owner Daniel Wuthrich Full range of meals available at 46/215 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters | Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm. Minimum order $59 (excl delivery of $9.00) 4 Large Gluten Free Variety 4 Convenient ready-made frozen meals 4 Tastes like home cooking New Customers use the code word INTRO and receive a FREE MEAL Minimum order applies, one per customer 4 4 4 HEALTHY EATING MADE EASY Every Ancestor Has a Story— History Helps Tell It When we begin exploring family history, it’s easy to focus only on names, dates, and places. But to truly understand our ancestors, we need to look at the world they lived in. Historical context adds depth and meaning to genealogy, transforming a list of facts into a living story. For example, discovering that an ancestor immigrated in the late 1800s becomes far richer when we consider what was happening at the time. Was there famine, political unrest, or an industrial boom? These details help explain why a family left one country and built a life in another. Similarly, military records are more powerful when we connect them to the broader conflicts that shaped entire generations. Even local history—such as the development of railroads, factories, or farming communities—can shed light on why ancestors moved, changed professions, or lived the way they did. By weaving historical events into family research, we see our ancestors not just as individuals, but as people shaped by the times they lived in. Genealogy, after all, isn’t only about discovering where we come from— it’s about understanding the journeys that brought us here. For help with producing your family tree, you may like to join the Gold Coast Family History Society. For a modest yearly fee, you will have access to a comprehensive library, many worldwide subscription websites, and fellow researchers prepared to help you get started or break down any brick walls you may encounter. For further information visit http:// www.goldcoastfhs.org.au or attend our rooms at the Bicentennial Building, 833 Nerang-Southport Road, Nerang. GOLD COAST FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
9 How Seachange Estate Agents Makes Downsizing Easy For many Gold Coast homeowners, downsizing promises less upkeep, more lifestyle, and the freedom to enjoy the Coast. Yet when the moment arrives, three big concerns often emerge—emotional attachment, financial uncertainty, and finding the right next home. That’s where Seachange Estate Agents makes a difference. We specialise in guiding mature-age downsizers with confidence and care. Letting Go of the Family Home The hardest part isn’t the moving boxes—it’s the memories. After years of milestones, saying goodbye can feel daunting. At Seachange, we take the process gently. We help plan, declutter at your pace, and ensure your next home feels right—whether that’s a sunny villa in Robina or a lock-up-and-leave apartment in Broadbeach. Making the Numbers Add Up Worries about selling costs, transfer duty, or how the move impacts pensions are common. Seachange removes the guesswork by outlining true costs upfront, working alongside your advisers, and creating a strategy that maximises your result. We also match you with modern, efficient homes so your equity works for you. Finding the Right Fit From single-level villas in Robina to beachfront apartments in Burleigh or lifestyle estates in Hope Island, we know the market and source homes that suit your needs—including off-market opportunities. With Seachange, downsizing isn’t just a sale—it’s a seamless transition. Imagine trading chores for morning walks by the sea. Ready to right-size? Call Peter on 0438 892 373. CASH PAID FOR YOUR CAR - TRADE INS WELCOME ~ Patricia James (DL 4720780) 0417 888 845 David Grau 0401 622 230 sellyourcarezygc@gmail.com Take the hassle out of selling Same day payment | We can come to you SELL YOUR CAR EZY
10 0417 294 778 A Touch of Grass Garden Care GARDEN CLEANUPS / REJUVENATION & MAKEOVERS A SPECIALTY We offer an experienced, professional and reliable service Call Jeremy on ... Est. Gold Coast since 2001 Let us create your new and rejuvenated garden where you can sit back, relax and enjoy your tranquil surroundings ... Specialising Garden Makeovers & Rejuvenation * Garden Care * Plant Selection * Soft Landscaping It’s spring! Garden lovers will be spoiled with two wonderful events on one weekend, and with spring flowering all day every day at Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. This year’s Springtime on the Mountain has six fabulous private gardens open to visitors, including four open to the public for the first time. Expect contrast from a century-old garden and a young garden just two years old. Explore expansive gardens on acreage, as well as gardens on compact blocks, and both formal and informal styles. Organised by Tamborine Mountain Garden Club, and now in its 40th year, Springtime on the Mountain is open from 10am to 4pm on Friday 26th September to Sunday 28th. Visitors are invited to see gardens celebrating the arrival of spring with exuberant bursts of colour, while some gardens welcome you with their serenity. All will delight. The six open gardens provide an opportunity to wander along garden pathways, explore planting choices, and see garden solutions. Be inspired and discover how to brighten a narrow walkway, deal with a slope, or create play areas. Perhaps get ideas for a quiet spot to gather under the shade of a tree in summer or an open space around but drop into the Friends centre between 10am and 2pm for maps or information. For more information, map & prepurchased tickets ( $5.00 per garden or $25 entry to all) www.tamborinemountaingardenclub.org. au/springtimeonthemountain For more information goldcoastrosesociety.org.au/events/ $5.00 entry Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens - entry free Garden Glider small charge Information on events www.facebook.com/friendsgcrbg.org Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens - Rosser Park, 230 Ashmore Rd, Benowa It’s Spring! by Kate Heffernan Honorary Life Member Friends of GCRBG, Botanic Garden Consultant a fire pit in winter. Learn ways to help mitigate the flow of water during heavy rain or harvest water in dry times. See some of your garden favourites that might not be so easy to grow without the cool mountain climate of Tamborine Mountain. That extra open day at Springtime on the Mountain might leave time for another wonderful springtime event. The 25th Annual Gold Coast Rose Society Rose Show, held at Robina Community Centre starts on Saturday 27th September at 11.30am and is open until 4pm. On Sunday 28th, the show is open from 9am until 4pm. Breathe in the fragrance as you enter the auditorium and marvel at the flower quality and variety. There are quality potted roses for sale as well. September is a great time for discovering the various plant collections across the whole Botanic Gardens. Perhaps discover botanical stories along the trail in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Avenue and Woodland Walk, or check out the Display Gardens, join a Guided Walk or a ride on the Gardens Glider. The Botanic Gardens are open all day, North QLD Lilli Pilli at the Botanic Gardens Chancellor Cottage
11 • Implant Dentures • Health Funds & Veterans Affairs • Precision Dentures • Mouthguards/Splints • Same Day Repairs & Relines Shop 40/1 Mudgeeraba Rd, Worongary Town Centre 5/26-28 Commerce Drive, Robina TWO LOCATIONS Worongary & Robina NEED NEW DENTURES? CALL SOMEONE WHO CARES! Custom made aesthetically designed natural looking dentures that you can wear with a confident smile. DENTURES DIRECT TO PUBLIC Registered with the Dental Board of Australia & Australian Dental Prosthetist Assoc. Ltd If you have lost some or all of your natural teeth, you may be using dentures: complete dentures if you’re missing all of your natural teeth or partial dentures if you’re missing just one tooth or a few teeth. Both types need special care. Here are some guidelines for looking after your dentures. Handle them with care Chances are your dentures didn’t come cheap. And since they can break easily, you’ll want to be careful with them. Clean them over a folded towel or bowl of water in case they drop. Don’t use toothpicks when you’re wearing them, and don’t use strong cleaners or hard brushes to clean them. All of these can cause damage to your dentures. And never leave them where young children or pets can reach them. Clean them daily Just because these aren’t your real teeth doesn’t mean they don’t need regular cleaning. If your dentures are plagued with plaque, it can lead to problems in the tissues underneath, such as infection and irritation. Brush your dentures with a regular soft-bristled special denture cleaning brush to ensure a proper clean. Or a soft bristle toothbrush so it is not too abrasive. Regular hand soap, non-abrasive toothpaste and denture paste are all good choices for cleaning dentures. • NOBLE DENTURE DESIGN Denture Care Look after your whole mouth Even if you have complete dentures, you still need to care for your gums. Whenever you take out your dentures, give your mouth a good rinse and then massage your gums with a soft toothbrush. If you have partial dentures, you still need to properly brush and floss your natural teeth every day. Watch for changes in fit If your dentures aren’t fitting properly or have become ill fitting that’s another reason to check in with your Dental Prosthetist. The bones in our mouth shrink and change over time, which can lead to an improper denture fit. Poorly fitting dentures can cause problems like sores, pain and burning. They can even cause abdominal gas from swallowing air. Your Dental Prosthetist can adjust your dentures or reline them if necessary. Dentures that don’t fit can also be a sign of periodontal disease, so it’s important to get checked. See your Denture Professional on a regular basis Making a regular appointment to see your Dental Prosthetist is the single most important aspect of caring for your dentures. If you haven’t seen your Dental Prosthetist lately why not book an appointment today with NOBLE DENTURE DESIGN on 5525 2899. TWO LOCATIONS ON THE GOLD COAST WORONGARY (Town Centre) Shop 40/1 Mudgeeraba Rd EXIT 77 Off M1 PH: 5525 2899 ROBINA Suite 5/26-28 Commerce Drive (Just Off Ron Penhaligon Way) PH: 5562 2288
12 Antique Buyers in the Area In today's trend of downsizing and decluttering our homes, it's the perfect time to go through those drawers and cupboards and turn those unwanted items into cash. Antique Buyers, and father-son duo, Mike and Nate, will be travelling the Gold Coast from September 22nd to 27th. See back page for full details. "We are enthusiastic buyers, particularly interested in gold jewellery, whether broken or intact, antique jewellery, gold and silver coins, collectibles including military medals, and banknotes, as well as mechanical watches.” “Everyone has something we want to buy, and nothing is too small for our consideration. We are just as happy to buy one item, as we are buying 10,000!" says Mike Cornish, the company's chief buyer. If you are in doubt about any items you wish to sell, take them in for an instant appraisal. No appointment is needed. Gold and Silver still at high prices With the gold price still at higher than traditional levels, right now is an opportune time to explore your jewellery box and dig out those old gold chains, rings, and brooches, to turn them into cash. Mike emphasizes, "This is an ideal time to sell. We will buy anything made o f gold – old jewellery, coins, virtually anything, even gold teeth! We also need silver in any form, including coins, and bars of any size." Old coins can toss up a rarity Check those drawers and cupboards, you may have a rarity lurking amongst your coins. “We want to see any old foreign coin accumulations. Bags, tins, folders, however they come, we will be quite happy to go through your coins on the spot and give you an idea of what we can pay. You just never know what can turn up!” Rolex and mechanical watches wanted Mechanical watches are needed urgently by the buyers. “Collectors at this stage want brands such as Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, Longines, and Seiko, just to mention some. These brands can command good prices depending on the model and condition.” Mike explains. "If you are unsure, bring your watches in for an appraisal." Home visits are offered for those unable to make it to a venue, or those with too much to carry. For more details, please see the advertisement on the back page, and for the full schedule, please see www. heritageint.nz. NO NEED TO REPLACE YOUR KITCHEN Kitchen Rescue ENJOY THE LOOK & FEEL OF MARBLE prestigebenchtopcoatings.com.au 0422 757 163 ABN 453 739 803 48 FREE QUOTE MarbleCoteTM Benchtop Restoration: Repairs & Resurfacing Stain, Heat & Scratch Resistant 1/5 of the replacement cost Splashbacks: MarbleCote TM to match benchtops Cabinet doors & panels: Repairs & Satin or gloss finish The first question people ask when enquiring about the MarblecoteTM benchtop restoration system is “how does it compare to a brand new factory produced laminate or socalled ‘stone’ benchtop?” The MarblecoteTM system first developed here on the Gold Coast over 10 year ago, has been refined and improved to where we are today. MarblecoteTM is completely seamless (there are no joints). A brand new factory made ‘stone’ or laminated benchtop will have joins sometimes only one or two, often three or four. Does this difference really matter? Well, yes, it does, especially if you want your benchtop to be hygienically superior. A quick question... how many bacteria can fit on a pinhead? Answer... (fun fact) six million. Bacteria includes e-coli, salmonella, Covid and many more. The second most popular place for bacteria to dwell and thrive in the home - after doorknobs - is the kitchen benchtop. And no matter how tight those joins appear to be, to bacteria they are like the Grand Canyon... party central! MarblecoteTM is stain, heat and scratch resistant. Whilst very resilient (finished with ceramic coating), it is not bulletproof. So if someone drops a brick on it (yes, we’ve had that happen!) damage will occur. Unlike other benchtops, damage like that can be repaired in around one hour and the repair won’t be visible. MarblecoteTM is handcrafted so that each benchtop is unique and there’s a three year warranty. Cost comparison - the MarblecoteTM System if one quarter to one fifth the cost of a new replacement bench. For contact details and website, please refer to the advertisement below. KITCHEN MAKEOVER MAGIC Introducing MarblecoteTM – Your Durable, Handcrafted Benchtop Solution BEFORE AFTER
13 30K 2025 GIVEAWAY win one of six $5000 Q Gift Cards. 2 winners per month over 3 months. Simply spend $20 or more in participating speciality retailers or $100 or more in Coles, Aldi or Woolworths for your chance to win 1 in 6 $5,000 Q Gift Cards. WHAT A FIND - Over 80 Specialty Stores. 14 Dining Choices. 3 Supermarkets plus Bunnings & Petbarn. Open 7 days a week. Q Super Centre, Cnr Bermuda and Markeri Streets, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218. T: 07 5563 4888 www.qsupercentre.com.au ** Please note banks & all financial services, Medical Centre, TAB & Australia Post are exempt for this competition. T&C’s apply, promotion starts 1/9/2025 and ends 29/11/2025. $5,000 draw dates 30/9/2025, 31/10/2025 & 29/11/2025
14 Answer to Crossword No. 123 from last issue Answer to Cryptic Xword No. 123 from last issue Answer to Sudoku No. 123 from last issue TO ENTER SEND YOUR COMPLETED CRYPTIC CROSSWORD TO: “Over 50s Cryptic Crossword Competition” PO Box 3302, Burleigh Town City Q. 4220 Write your name and address on the back of an envelope. First correct 30.09.2025. Winner notified by mail. Coles Supermarkets, Coles Central, Coles Express, Myer, including Myer.com.au, Target, Kmart, Officeworks, Liquorland, Vintage Cellars and First Choice Liquor. Win a $50 GIFT Card 7 6 1 5 3 9 2 4 8 9 2 8 1 7 4 5 3 6 3 4 5 2 6 8 7 1 9 8 9 6 3 1 7 4 5 2 5 1 4 6 9 2 3 8 7 2 7 3 8 4 5 6 9 1 6 3 9 7 5 1 8 2 4 1 5 2 4 8 6 9 7 3 4 8 7 9 2 3 1 6 5 ACROSS 1. The informer in the bizarre cur case. (7) 5. I hear a select group of people had the beer. (7) 9. Could sell us any fashion sexually. (9) 10. He comes in a sleigh the artisan tacked inside. (5) 11. Protest angrily at the bar. (4) 12. Former place for large public show. (10) 14. Postponed and fitted the cupboard. (7) 15. Informed that they had laid the turf. (7) 17. Colour around the cassette and have it rerecorded. (7) 19. Preserved the lost blood around the injured child. (7) 21. Absolute double for late station worker. (4,6) 23. Lazy essentially bid less. (4) 25. Notice likely to adjust. (5) 26. Princess’s father to rant and belittle. (9) 27. Inclined to tend red for a change. (7) 28. Clothed keeping padres sedated. (7) DOWN 1. Takes in sailors spheres. (7) 2. Rip off ten cents from the Northern Territory for seasoning. (9) 3. Shock most unlikely within. (4) 4. At ease lead Rex out. (7) 5. Time at length forever. (3,4) 6. Fool to fall ill before workers attackers. (10) 7. I was twice behind the info to find spirits. (5) 8. Prepared for dire ant problem. (7) 13. Peron quietly made a speech and disappeared. (10) 16. Diet time when young and inexperienced. (5,4) 17. Rewrite because it embarrassed quite a bit. (7) 18. Stripped and act around colour coming back. (7) 19. Sacred to lose blood around the ship. (7) 20. Does one get angry in the pool. (4,3) 22. The cactus was contained in the bag average. (5) 24. Search the deviate. (4) CRYPTIC 124 - Answer next issue 1 8 11 13 12 17 21 26 9 10 12 14 15 16 18 19 20 23 22 24 25 27 28 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 8 10 14 22 19 S U B M I T S S E T O R E T I C E N T E V O L V E O R S N E A C A D E M I C C R I S I S E G H T U P E N D I N G E R S L S W E E T E S T S I E N I M P O S T F A C T O T U M O E I O T C K N R E I E A R A B L E R E V E R E N T R K S R N E R E N S U E S 2 3 4 9 11 12 13 15 16 20 21 23 5 6 7 17 18 1 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 2 3 4 5 6 7 25 C C D E N T R A N C E P O L A R O I D I U A U S V I M M I N E N T F R I T T E R S E T I A A R O P P O S I N G G S N I E S E M I I E A L S O D E N O U N C E S I S L E T E S O S O A R R U A B L O W H O L E P A U L H V D E R O G A T E F O R E H E A D I I E W R R E N D A N G E R A S S E N T E R E G D A father passing by his son’s bedroom, was astonished to see the bed was nicely made, and everything was picked up. Then, he saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow. It was addressed, “Dad.” With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter, with trembling hands... “Dear, Dad. It is with great regret and sorrow that I’m writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend, because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mum and you. I’ve been finding real passion with Stacy, and she is so nice, but I knew you would not approve of her because of her piercings, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes, and because she is so much older than I am. But it’s not only the passion, Dad. She’s pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods, and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children. Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn’t really hurt anyone. We’ll be growing it for ourselves, and trading it with the other people in the commune, for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want. Don’t worry, Dad. I’m 15, and I know how to take care of myself. Someday, I’m sure we’ll be back to visit, so you can get to know your many grandchildren. Love, your son, Joshua. P.S. Dad, none of the above is true. I’m over at Jason’s house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the school report that’s on the kitchen table. Call when it is safe for me to come home! Just Joking
15 Service & Product Warranty 10 YEARS Australian Standards Tested 25 YEARS Proven Track Record 30+ YEARS GOT LOOSE, PEAKING OR CRACKED TILES? BEFORE AFTER 0414 446 579 CALL DAN FOR A FREE QUOTE GOLD COAST OFFICE 07 5646 6344 FIXLOOSETILES.COM.AU INTERNAL TILES EXTERNAL TILES PATIO FLOOR SPLASHBACK POOL COPING BATHROOM WALL & FLOOR WE CAN FIX TWO WAYS TO ENTER ... EITHER POST OR EMAIL... POST: Write your name, address & phone on the back of an envelope and post to: Winners book prize will be couriered so please provide a phone number. You may put phone number inside envelope if you are worried about scams... thankyou! Enter To Win LAST ONE OUT PO Box 3302, Burleigh Town 4220 OR EMAIL: info@localnewsletters.com with LAST ONE OUT in the SUBJECT LINE. Please include your name, address and phone number in the email • Entries close 30.09.2025 LAST ONE OUT by Jane Harper THE DAZZLING NEW NOVEL FROM THE MASTER OF CRIME He had been here, that was clear from the marks in the dust. And he had been alone. In a dying town, Ro Crowley waits for her son on the evening of his 21st birthday. But Sam never comes home. His footprints in the dust of three abandoned houses offer the only clue to his final movements. One set in. One set out. Five long years later, Ro returns to Carralon Ridge for the annual memorial of Sam’s disappearance. The skeletal community is now an echo of itself, having fractured under the pressure of the coal mine operating on its outskirts. But Ro still wants answers. Only a few people remain. If the truth is to be found in that town, does it lie among them? Author Information Jane Harper is the author of the international bestsellers The Dry, Force of Nature, The Lost Man, The Survivors and Exiles. Her books are published in forty territories worldwide, and The Dry and Force of Nature have been adapted into major motion pictures starring Eric Bana. The Survivors has been adapted into a Netflix TV series. Jane has won numerous top awards including the Australian Book Industry Awards Book of the Year, the Australian Indie Awards Book of the Year, the CWA Gold Dagger Award for Best Crime Novel, and the British Book Awards Crime and Thriller Book of the Year. Jane worked as a print journalist for thirteen years both in Australia and the UK, and now lives in Melbourne with her husband, two children, and two cats. ISBN: 9781760783969 | Format: Trade Paperback | Pub Date: 14/10/2025 Category: Modern & Contemporary Fiction (Post C 1945), Thriller / Suspense, Crime & Mystery, FICTION / General, FICTION / Crime, FICTION / Mystery & Detective / General, FICTION / Thrillers / Suspense | Imprint: Macmillan Australia | Price: $34.99 | Pages: 384 BOOK GIVEAWAY Common Words 124 WATER + AIR + = 6 LETTERS + CLOTH _ _ _ _ _ _ + MINE + LOTTO = 4 LETTERS SOLID + _ _ _ _ SUPER + + OVER = 4 LETTERS PUDDING + _ _ _ _ + 6 LETTERS + 4 LETTERS + 4 LETTERS _ _ _ _ 4 LETTERS Find the word held in common by the three words. Then using the three words find a word that is common to them. Answer Next issue Answer to 122 - NUMBER, PAGE, BALL = ODD Word Puzzle 124 Find a four letter word that will fit in all of these to complete another word. Answer next issue. Answer to Word Puzzle 122 LAND Word Wheel The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel. Answers P 25 A__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __DROP __ __ __ __HAND __ __ __ __PEDAL COME__ __ __ __ HORSE__ __ __ __ PAY__ __ __ __ GREEN__ __ __ __ s e p r h u o e r
16 Coles Supermarkets, Coles Central, Coles Express, Myer, including Myer.com.au, Target, Kmart, Officeworks, Liquorland, Vintage Cellars and First Choice Liquor. We have 2 x $50 Gift Cards to give away! Simply complete the CROSSWORD and/or the SUDOKU puzzle and post to GC OVER 50s CROSSWORD COMPETITION and/or GC OVER 50s SUDOKU COMPETITION PO Box 3302, Burleigh Town City Q. 4220 Write your name and address on the back of an envelope. First correct crossword and first correct sudoku entry drawn will win. Entries close 30.09.2025 Winner notified by post. Just Joking! HHHHHHHHHH SU DO KU Instructions: The numbers 1 to 9 must appear in each row, column and 3 x 3 box. Numbers can not be duplicated. No. 124 8 9 3 2 3 4 2 1 2 7 9 3 1 8 5 6 9 3 3 9 4 8 4 8 1 6 6 2 4 8 1 8 4 Answer next month CROSSWORD 124 by Mona Elliott ACROSS 1. FOOL WITH 8. FORLORN 9. BLOT OUT 10. CHAT 11. CONSECRATE 12. TWIRL 13. CUTTING TOOLS 16. PORTALS 19. FISH 21. RASP 22. TUNES 23. CREATE 24. DISORDER 25. SLANTED DOWN 2. CULTURED 3. DELICATE 4. CHOOSES 5. DIGGING answer next month 6. WORST 7. PICKS 13. FIRM 14. EARNEST 15. ATELIERS 17. COMING 18. ROOM 20. HELP 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 20 21 23 1 8 10 14 19 22 24 25 During the service, the pastor asked if anyone in the congregation would like to express thanks for prayers which had been answered. A lady stood up and came forward. She said, “I have a reason to thank the Lord. Two months ago, my husband, Jim, had a terrible bicycle wreck and his scrotum was completely crushed. The pain was excruciating and the doctors didn’t know if they could help him.” There was an audible gasp from the men in the congregation as they imagined the pain that poor Jim experienced. She continued, “Jim was unable to hold me or the children and every move caused him terrible pain. We prayed as the doctors performed a delicate operation. They were able to piece together the crushed remnants of Jim’s scrotum and wrap wire around it to hold it in place.” Again, the men in the congregation squirmed uncomfortably as they imagined the horrible surgery performed on Jim. She continued, “Now, Jim is out of the hospital and the doctors say, with time, his scrotum should recover completely.” All the men sighed with relief. The pastor rose and tentatively asked if any one else had anything to say. A man stood up and walked slowly to the podium. He said, “Hi, I’m Jim and I would like to tell my wife, the word is sternum”. Congrats July Winners! $50 GIFT CARD SUDOKU: A. Lanz, Helensvale | CROSSWORD: S. Jones, Runaway Bay CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: J. Cleary, Coombabah DIE BY THE SWORD BOOK COMPETITION | D. Beasley, Tugun | D. Parkes, Carrara | J. Reynolds, Highland Park M. Collins, Mermaid Waters | V. Stone, Pacific Pines THE ROBERTSON BROTHERS CONCERT D. Rigg, Coombabah Win a $50 GIFT Card
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