Practical support and friendly faces to help you learn, connect and thrive. DIGITAL LITERACY SESSIONS Thursdays 12:00-1:00pm Practical, friendly sessions to help you build digital skills and confidence. ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT By appointment Get personalised help with your phone, tablet, computer & online essentials. PERSON CENTRED EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLANS Support to help you plan, prepare and feel more confident in an emergency. Build your digital confidence. Stay connected. ACT NOW. STAY SECURE. VARSITY LAKES COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE Stay Safe. 20 Mattocks Rd, Varsity Lakes varsitylakes.org.au 07 5593 7006 P: (07) 5527 0314 | M: 0411 134 507 info@localnewsletters.com | www.localnewsletters.com September 2026 - No. 136 Gold Coast FREE! Over Fifties WIN! CONCERT TICKETS, GIFT CARDS, Book Giveaway! BLEACH Festival is making a welcome move into spring this year, with 11 days of music, theatre, art, dance and creative experiences taking over the Gold Coast from 1–11 October. And while contemporary arts festivals can sometimes seem aimed at a younger crowd, BLEACH 2026 offers plenty for all ages to enjoy. For the first time, the festival will be centred around HOTA, Home of the Arts, with the precinct transformed into a lively hub of performances, installations, music and community activities. There are more than 50 free and ticketed events across the festival, providing plenty of opportunities to dip in and out without having to commit to a full day. One of the highlights is BEACON, a spectacular free installation in the HOTA parklands created by internationally renowned artist Morag Myerscough in collaboration with Gold Coast community arts organisation Everybody Now! More than 500 local people contributed ideas during workshops that explored what place and belonging mean to Gold Coasters. The installation will be accessible throughout the festival and takes on a different character as daylight fades. Music lovers are particularly well catered for. On 2 October, American soul singer Lady Blackbird joins Australian duo Electric Fields for a free outdoor concert. BLEACH Festival Brings a Spring Celebration of Arts to the GC Cont. P4
2 Three ‘Free’ Hours of Power Could Leave You Worse Off The Australian Government’s new Solar Sharer Offer sounds appealing: three hours of free electricity every day. But for households in South East Queensland, it is important to look beyond the word “free” before changing electricity plans. Introduced from 1 July 2026, the Solar Sharer Offer is available to eligible households in South East Queensland with a smart meter, whether they own or rent their home and whether they have rooftop solar or not. The free electricity period is 11am to 2pm every day. The idea is to encourage households to use more electricity when solar power is plentiful during the middle of the day. This could work well for people who are at home and can run their washing machine, dishwasher, dryer, pool pump, air-conditioning or other appliances during those three hours. However, there is a catch. The electricity is not free for the rest of the day. Solar Sharer plans have But if most of your electricity use happens in the evening - perhaps cooking dinner, watching television, using heating or cooling, or running appliances after work - the higher rates outside the free period could outweigh the benefit of those three free hours. The important message is don’t choose an electricity plan simply because it advertises free power. Look at the entire plan, including the daily supply charge and the rates charged at other times. Before switching, check your recent electricity bills and consider when your household actually uses the most power. Then compare the Solar Sharer Offer with other plans available in your area. Where to Find More Information The Australian Government’s Energy Made Easy service is a free, independent comparison service for Queensland households. Visit https://www. energymadeeasy.gov.au/ and enter your postcode to compare electricity plans. You can also contact your electricity retailer and ask whether the Solar Sharer Offer is available to you and whether it is likely to suit your household’s usage pattern. Remember: free electricity for three hours doesn’t necessarily mean a cheaper electricity bill. It’s the total cost of the plan that matters. different rates for electricity used outside the free period, and these can be higher than the rates on other electricity plans. You will also continue to pay the plan’s daily supply charge. There is also a daily limit of 24 kilowatt-hours of free electricity during the three-hour window. While this is a substantial amount for most households, electricity used outside the free period is charged at the applicable rates. For many people, particularly retirees and others who spend much of the day at home, the offer could be worth considering. If you can regularly shift a reasonable amount of your electricity use from the morning or evening into the 11am - 2pm window, there may be savings.
3 30K 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, Ray White Real Estate & Australia Post are exempt for this competition. T&C’s apply, promotion starts 1/9/2026 and ends 28/11/2026. $5,000 draw dates 30/9/2026, 30/10/2026 & 28/11/2026. Find out more
4 To make an appointment to view our apartments, please call Shelly on 5578 3433 or visit www.ehrv.com.au Earle Haven Independent Living Units Our one bedroom units include: •Courtesy shopping daily bus •Doctor’s surgery and 24 hour emergency care on site • Licenced restaurant and coffee shop open 7 days a week • Shopping centres and railway station close by •Swimming pool, lawn and indoor bowls, mini golf, croquet • Library and craft room •Maintenance and gardening incl. in fees • Optional Extra’s include- Three meals per day in dining room, weekly clean and heavy laundry service Prices Start from $120,000 (Studio) $140,000 (1 bedroom) The following evening, New Zealand favourites SIX60 headline the HOTA Outdoor Stage alongside Sub-Tribe. For those who enjoy discovering new music while still appreciating a great live performance, these concerts could be a real highlight. For something a little different, THAW by Legs On The Wall combines aerial performance, engineering and environmental themes. The spectacular work features a giant block of ice suspended above the performers and will be presented at Surfers Paradise and HOTA Lake. There are also plenty of options for those who prefer thought-provoking experiences. VOICES, a talks and ideas program running throughout the festival, provides an opportunity to hear different perspectives, while theatre lovers can look forward to productions including Awake and Gold Coast company The Farm's No One Gets Out Of Here Alive, which combines dance, voice, music, humour and pathos. And don't overlook the simple pleasure of making a day of it. HOTA's restaurants, café, bars and festival food offerings provide plenty of places to stop for lunch, dinner or a coffee between events. BLEACH is a reminder that contemporary art doesn't have to be something you simply look at in a gallery This October, it spills into the parklands, theatre, outdoor spaces and waterfront — offering Gold Coast locals of all ages a chance to see, hear and experience something a little different. With many free events alongside the ticketed program, it is well worth checking the program, picking a few favourites and enjoying a spring day out at HOTA. www.hota.com.au BOOK GIVEAWAY 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 THE DYING LIGHT - PO Box 3302, Burleigh Town 4220 OR EMAIL: info@localnewsletters.com with THE DYING LIGHT in the SUBJECT LINE. Please include your name, address and phone number in the email • Entries close 30.09.2026 THE DYING LIGHT by Ann Cleeves The deadliest truths are those in the shadows . . . Detective Matthew Venn is called in to investigate a puzzling death. The body of a young woman has been found in the swimming pool of Tide House, a luxurious holiday home in North Devon, and her best friend is missing. The property belongs to rising political star Paul Armstrong and the case quickly draws intense media scrutiny. As a scorching heat wave rages and further tragedy strikes, Venn and his team begin questioning a community brimming with secrets. The dead woman and her friend had been spotted at a nearby music festival the day before, an event which brought locals and outsiders together - some of whom may have been more connected with the Armstrongs than first thought. Caught between a powerful family’s secrets and a powder keg of local tensions, Venn must navigate a treacherous path. Knowing that the real answers lie not in what people say, but in the silence that they keep . . . ISBN: 9781529077803 | Format: Trade Paperback | Pub Date: 29/09/2026 | Category: Crime & Mystery, FICTION / Crime, Crime and mystery: police procedural | Imprint: Macmillan | Price: $34.99 | Pages: 384
5 Metro Coach is looking for some wonderful people to join their team. Metro Coach provides quality and reliable school transport services for children with special needs and offers a dedicated door to door service. â Metro Coach has been servicing the Gold Coast from Coomera to Mudgeeraba and surrounding areas for 14 years providing daily school bus transport for students with a disability and has become an important partner with schools and families. â Metro Coach is proud of its wonderful and passionate employees who work effectively as a team and are friendly, reliable, timely and professional. â Metro Coach Management provides great office support to its employees and the community. â Metro Coach provides modern air-conditioned buses that are modified to be accessible for students travelling in wheelchairs. â All Metro Coach buses have a passenger assistant on the bus to supervise the students. â Every day Metro Coach brings passion and commitment to its important role in the Community. Metro Coach Needs You! To enquire about working with Metro Coach, see advert below or call (07) 5528 9166 or email admin@metrocoach.com.au - NOW HIRING - School Bus Drivers & Passenger Assistants School Hours only - No weekends or holidays Rewarding Work in your local community Supportive, friendly team environment POSITION REQUIREMENTS: • Excellent customer service skills and enjoy working with the community. • Must be courteous, reliable and have a strong focus to provide a safe journey for our passengers. COOMERA, PIMPAMA, ORMEAU, OXENFORD, HELENSVALE, SOUTHPORT, MUDGEERABA & SURROUNDING AREAS To apply contact Metro Coach Pty Ltd - Email: admin@metrocoach.com.au or Phone: 07 5528 9166 Metro Coach PTY LTD 3:00pm Saturday 10 October 2026 th www.gcpo.org.au legends, myth & music that inspires wonder Robina Auditorium BOOK NOW Gold Coast Philharmonic Society Inc Masterpieces presents Monsters, Magic &
6 GOLD COAST FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY So Many Versions of a Name! People frequently changed names or used aliases in the past. Before the 20th century, names were not fixed. Spelling was not standardised, so clerks wrote names phonetically, producing multiple versions of the same surname. A single individual might appear under several spellings across different records without ever formally changing their name. In many cultures, people adopted aliases for practical reasons. Immigrants often modified names to fit a new language, while others translated surnames into the local equivalent. Patronymic systems, used in places like Scotland, Scandinavia, Wales, Russia and parts of Ireland, meant paternal names passed to every generation but rather than simplifying searches, looking for example, John Smith across three hundred years can take time to establish which one is family and is he from the right timeline. In rural Europe, individuals frequently used farm names, clan names, or occupational names, switching between them depending on context. Women’s names changed routinely at marriage, and widows who remarried might appear under multiple surnames. Soldiers, sailors, and labourers sometimes used aliases to avoid debts, desertion charges or simply to start fresh. In some regions, officials assigned new surnames to families for taxation or administrative purposes. Due to this fluidity, genealogists must track nicknames, translations, phonetic spelling and follow an ancestor’s trail across different records to make a combination of events, connect. 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. Get ready to turn up the glitter and unleash your inner disco star! Disco! Disco! is a high-energy celebration of everything you love about the ’70s, packed with infectious beats, chart-topping hits, dazzling costumes and jawdropping acrobatics. Hosted by Jerome and La La, this high-energy production brings the vibrant world of the ’70s to life with fabulous music, dance, fun audience interaction and plenty of feelgood moments. Slip on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove, sing along and be swept away by a dazzling celebration that will have you dancing in your seat as the disco fever takes over! Tickets are free and will be available from 9am on Monday 21 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: Disco! Disco! Tuesday 13 October 2026 | 09:30 AM Queensland Seniors Month is celebrated from 1 to 31 October each year. During Seniors Month we celebrate the valuable contributions that seniors make to our city and we encourage community connections and participation. Significant days include the United Nations International Day of Older Persons on 1st October and National Grandparents Day on last Sunday in October. During this month-long celebration we encourage everyone to connect through free or low-cost activities offered by local groups and organisations across the city. Throughout Seniors Month, various community groups and organisations host inclusive events and activities to promote positive attitudes towards older people and enhance community connection. To find an event, visit – www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au and whatsongoldcoast.au
7 Homeworld Helensvale 5502 7227 | Runaway Bay Mall 0491 923 693 Tweed Mall 0414 570 839 | Logan Hyperdome 0438 997 250 Also MacGregor - Browns Plains - Noosa BRISBANE - GOLD COAST SLEEP DESTINATION Come in! Try the Best! Feel the Difference!
8 In the competitive world of home care assistance on the Gold Coast, compassion and excellence are not just aspirations, they are essential commitments. Home Care Assistance exemplifies this dedication, continuously setting new standards for in-home care with a focus on client-centred service. This commitment is reflected in the overwhelmingly positive feedback from their clients, showcasing the profound impact of their care. A Voice of Satisfaction With a remarkable 90% client satisfaction rate, Home Care Assistance Gold Coast proves that exceptional care is more than an ideal, it’s a reality. Their approach is grounded in respect, dignity, and personalised support. The care workers embody these values, ensuring every client feels valued and heard. Feedback highlights this, with 35 clients affirming that their care workers are consistently caring and respectful, while 29 clients express that they feel their voices are always heard. Redefining Quality Care The mission of Home Care Assistance Gold Coast is clear: to enhance the quality of life for their clients. The results speak for themselves: 87% of clients not only express satisfaction but would also recommend the service to others. This high level of endorsement highlights the lifechanging impact of their care. Quality isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lived reality. An impressive 80% of clients rate the overall quality of service as four or above, a testament to the organisation’s relentless pursuit of excellence. These figures reflect a team that consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the best possible care. Surpassing Expectations Home Care Assistance Gold Coast delivers more than just home care - they provide an experience defined by genuine care, open communication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Client feedback paints a picture of an organisation that listens, empowers, and exceeds expectations at every turn. From the moment a client engages with a support worker to the seamless access to care and high-quality services, every aspect of their operations speaks to a deep commitment to enhancing lives. A Leader in Home Care In an ever-evolving industry, Home Care Assistance Gold Coast stands as a leader, not just through impressive statistics or glowing feedback, but through the lives they touch and the positive changes they inspire. They are more than a service provider - they are a trusted partner and a model for what the highest standards of care should be. Community Support Home Care Assistance goes beyond standard in-home care, offering specialised services like palliative care. Their tailored home care packages meet the diverse needs of the Gold Coast community, cementing their position as a preferred choice for personalised, high-quality care. see advert page 9 > You may have noticed we’re looking a little different! Our new logo represents an exciting new chapter for Home Care Assistance Gold Coast, but the heart behind what we do remains exactly the same. Tweed Sustainable Living Festival emergency preparedness and ways to reduce environmental impact. Activities include backyard chicken keeping for adults and children, native bees, vegan cooking, soil health, native gardening and block fabric printing. Visitors can also take part in an e-bike safety workshop, bring a clothing item for mending advice, explore electric vehicles, discover Tweed’s Big Map and meet local community resilience groups. Representatives from the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) will provide information about preparing for emergencies and extreme weather. The Kingscliff Men’s Shed will demonstrate practical skills and offer advice for tackling tricky household projects, while local The Tweed Sustainable Living Festival will return on Saturday 12 September 2026, bringing together free workshops, expert speakers and family-friendly activities at Kingscliff High School. This year’s theme, Resilience and Repair, focuses on reducing waste, repairing and reusing everyday items, and strengthening community resilience in response to a changing climate. Director Sustainable Communities and Environment Naomi Searle said the festival gives residents an opportunity to learn practical skills, connect with local groups and discover sustainable solutions for the home and community. The program includes handson workshops, demonstrations, live entertainment and displays covering sustainable living, Coastal Academy of STEM schools will showcase sustainability and environmental projects. Expert speakers and panel discussions will explore managing health and energy during heatwaves, household electrification and saving energy, along with practical ways to prepare for a changing climate. Saturday 12 September 2026 10am to 3pm Kingscliff High School, 33 Oxford St, Kingscliff NSW 2487
9 Southport Central, Tower 3 30308/9, 9 Lawson St, Southport, QLD 4215. WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE US 07 5528 1643 info@hcagoldcoast.org www.homecareassistancegoldcoast.com.au Book your complimentary in-home consultation with us today! NEW TO SUPPORT AT HOME? Carefully matched carers Consistent, familiar faces Locally owned & operated Care that works around you Experienced & trusted team Personal Care Domestic Assistance Transport & Shopping Dementia Care Nursing Respite Care Social Support Overnight & 24/7 Care Allied Health OUR SERVICES Not sure where to start? We make Support at Home simple. We'll explain your funding, answer your questions and guide you every step of the way. WHERE MEETS Compassion Excellence! GOVERNMENT APPROVED PROVIDER Private Care & Government-Funded Support at Home Welcome find out more here! Helping you live independently, safely, and confidently at home. From Tweed Heads to Logan, we provide personalised one-on-one care at home. We carefully match you with a familiar carer who takes the time to get to know you, your routine and what matters to you. Private Care & GovernmentFunded Support at Home Welcome! No start-up fees | No exit fees | No basic daily fees Trusted by families across the Gold Coast and beyond!
10 Garden lovers are spoiled for choice through SEPTEMBER. Some of the loveliest private gardens and landscapes are opening on successive weekends in Currumbin Valley and on Tamborine Mountain. The first OPEN GARDEN on September 19th and 20th is the popular Tani Tai En, 519 Currumbin Valley Rd, Currumbin Valley, open to raise funds for two local charities. Eleven creekfront acres have provided space for different garden styles, melding into one of the finest garden experiences, including a spectacular Japanese Garden and Teahouse, rainforest walks, an orchard and various themed gardens – all sheltered by magnificent trees. OPEN GARDENS September 2026 by Kate Heffernan Honorary Life Member Friends of GCRBG, Botanic Garden Consultant • Cherry Blossoms in bloom at Tani Tai En Gardeners and nature lovers also won’t resist a visit to Springtime on the Mountain at Tamborine Mountain and the opportunity to wander through six wonderful OPEN GARDENS September 25th, 26th, and 27th. Imagine 110 Camellias in one garden, along with swathes of Azaleas, Maples and an understorey of annual flowers and bulbs. Naturally, it’s called Camellia House! Wander through a reborn rainforest, where the owners have restored the mountain’s biodiversity in the shelter of 97 gums, and encouraged birds and other wildlife. Over 1800 rainforest species, planted across a hectare, now thrive where once there was privet. Five of the six gardens are new to opening, reminding us of the diversity of garden styles, mixture of plants and features in the gardens of Tamborine Mountain. The climate and the soils enable plants from a wide breadth of environments and climates. OPEN GARDENS are a reward for visitors and a gift from the gardeners willingly sharing the experience of their beautiful and bountiful gardens. There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase plants at Tani Tai En and at the Open Gardens. TANI TAI EN 19th 20th September Visit - Facebook Tani Tai En $10 OVER 18, Kids free SPRINGTIME ON THE MOUNTAIN $5 at any garden gate or $25 for 6 gardens. Cash Only. https://www.tamborinemountaingardenclub.org.au/ springtimeonthemountain 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 We’ll bring your garden back to life - creating a refreshed space where you can relax and enjoy your tranquil surroundings * Garden Care * Plant Selection * Soft Landscaping
11 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 • Shop 40/1 Mudgeeraba Rd, Worongary Town Centre • 5/26-28 Commerce Drive, Robina • nobledenturedesign.com.au Need New Dentures? TWO LOCATIONS Worongary & Robina CUSTOM MADE, AESTHETICALLY DESIGNED natural looking dentures that you can wear with a confident smile. Registered with the Dental Board of Australia & Australian Dental Prosthetist Assoc. Ltd • Implant Dentures • Health Funds & Veterans Affairs • Precision Dentures • Mouthguards • Same Day Repairs & Relines Someone who cares! Dentures Direct to the Public NO COMPROMISE ON QUALITY CALL NOW 5525 2899
12 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 30.09.2026 Winner notified by post. Win a $50 GIFT Card CROSSWORD 136 by Mona Elliott ACROSS 1. WIFE 8. PUBLIC 9. COVERING WITH STONES 10. AIM 11. ATTEMPTING 12. OTHERWISE 13. HINDER 16. LOVED EXCESSIVELY 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 20 21 23 19. BIRDS 21. ENMITY 22. REHEARSE 23. BAKES 24. A JOINT 25. CEDES DOWN 2. OPEN PLAIN 3. USE 4. EMPLOY 5. FINITE 6. OLD 7. DIVED 13. DISDAIN 14. SUBVERSION 15. SNAKE 17. ABUSE 18. CHOSEN 20. A DRINK Answer next month 1 8 10 14 19 22 24 25 Twelve Commandments for Seniors: 1. Talk to yourself. There are times you need expert advice. 2. "In style" means the clothes that still fit. 3. You don't need anger management; you need people to stop pissing you off. 4. Your people skills are just fine; it's your tolerance for idiots that needs work. 5. The biggest lie you tell yourself is, "I don't need to write that down. I'll remember it." 6. "On time" is when you get there. 7. Even duct tape can't fix stupid, but it sure does muffle the sound. 8. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes, then come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller? 9. Lately, you've noticed people your age are so much older than you. Growing old should have taken longer. 10. Aging has slowed you down, but it hasn't shut you up. 11. You still haven't learned to act your age, and you hope you never will. 12. And one more: "One for the road" means peeing before you leave the house! H H H H H H H H An elderly lady stood at the cruise ship railing, holding her hat so it wouldn’t blow away. A gentleman politely said, “Excuse me, ma’am… did you know your dress is blowing up in the wind?” “Yes, I know,” she replied. “I need both hands to hold my hat!” He looked rather embarrassed and said, “Well, ma’am… you might want to be a little more careful.” She looked down, then back at him and said, “Sir… anything you might see down there is 75 years old. I just bought this hat yesterday!” Just Joking 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. 136 9 4 5 3 8 7 9 5 1 4 2 9 9 5 1 7 6 1 6 3 2 3 1 Answer next month
13 Peter had his hearing tested twice, and twice been told it was normal. Both times he left with the same quiet frustration - if everything is fine, why is a busy café such hard work, and why won’t the ringing settle? The test that stops at 8,000 Hz When he came to us, we tested a little further up the scale. And there it was. Here’s something most people are never told: a standard hearing test measures pitches up to 8,000 Hz. Human hearing goes considerably higher. Everything above that line simply isn’t part of the usual test. It’s a bit like an eye chart where you only ever read the top few lines. Nothing about the test is wrong. It just doesn’t go all the way down the page. Those higher pitches matter, because they are often where change shows up first - after years of noise exposure, after certain medications, or simply with time. Research has found that people with a perfectly normal audiogram but poorer hearing in this extended range have measurably more difficulty following speech when there is background noise. It can be the missing link between how someone feels and what their test shows. We should be honest about one thing, though. Hearing in these very high frequencies declines naturally as we age, and past 40 a raised result is often simply age-typical. Finding a change up there does not mean something was missed. What it gives us is a fuller picture - and sometimes a genuinely reassuring one. “This is what we would expect, and here is why the café is hard for you” is an answer too. It is a far better place to start than “everything’s normal.” Because we are independent, nobody outside this clinic decides which tests we run, or how long we spend with you. That is exactly why we can keep looking when a result does not match what someone is living with. If you have been told your hearing is fine but you know something isn’t, it is worth a longer conversation. Book online or call 07 5619 3007 - no pressure, just a clearer picture.
14 Answer to Crossword No. 135 from last issue Answer to Cryptic Xword No. 135 from last issue Answer to Sudoku No. 135 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 entry drawn will win. Entries close 30.09.2026 Winner notified by post. Win a $50 GIFT Card 2 3 4 9 11 12 13 15 16 20 21 23 1 8 10 14 22 5 6 7 17 18 19 A C T U A L E C E U N E N T E R I N G G L U T E N N A T M I G U A R D I A N E X T E N T L I N S H E A V E N L Y T E R A S T R A I N E R O S H M O A F I S H ‘GR I EV I NG F M E B R A G E N D A V A C A T I O N N K T S S T I D I E S 1 8 11 13 17 21 26 28 9 10 12 14 15 16 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 27 29 2 3 4 5 6 7 C A E S A R S A L A D D I D A N U E E I R U T T E R S L A M B A S T E S R I M D A H A T H A T C H E R S T A Y E D I N S A E C A C T I H O M E B A S E D E R L P D I S P R O V E S E L A N D E A E G A B E S I D E D R A U G H T Y R A I A F S E L I N S T A N C E G A S T R O E S T I G T N F E Y E N D A N G E R I N G CRYPTIC 136 Answer next issue 1 8 11 13 17 21 26 28 9 10 12 14 15 16 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 27 29 2 3 4 5 6 7 ACROSS 1. Hard work needed to oil behind the joint. (5,6) 6. Awful to press reverse. (3) 8. Pamphlets on large area of land. (6) 9. A pig surrounded by lots of wood. (8) 11. Ten relax cavorting outside. (8) 12. Being unsociable the oversized were held to a greater extent. (6) 13. Dwarf like were found in the Spanish marsh. (5) 15. Swirling its rinsed to get out grubbiness. (9) 17. Heaps put straight the worker being nasty. (9) 19. Sounds like the place to see. (5) 21. Messenger at the French barrier. (6) 23. Broken kerbs are like big waves. (8) 26. Going through again circle around bad back. (8) 27. Acumen talked inside in the brain. (6) 28. Some found in caravan yesterday. (3) 29. Killed while stupidly relaxed around a prank. (11) DOWN 1. Farthest away meet Rex. (7) 2. Fetching a tub I fuel mixture. (9) 3. Distressed rat we find wet. (5) 4. First man to find a barrier. (4) 5. A social science to find time amongst illustrated books. (9) 6. Good on you to find fruit on British Rail. (5) 7. Bas dyed faded lounges. (3,4) 10. Many help the servant. (4) 14. Wipes out the four inside the unprocessed films. (9) 16. A kitchen appliance used for example on a Great British diner. 17. Bad air caused the illness. (7) 18. Somehow rate the unladen weight. (4) 20. Fought and let suds swirl. (7) 22. Why follow the bird into the ditch. (5) 24. A man acts as representative. (5) 25. Ran naked inside to find the girl. (4) Congratulations July Winners! Sudoku 134 - U. Marciniak, Robina Crossword 134 - E. Baker, Labrador Cryptic 134 - S. Borten, Helensvale THE PICASSO RANSOM BOOK COMPETITION W. Havers, Bilinga | S. Johannsen, Currumbin R. Kimberley, Runaway Bay | N. Wicks, Bundall R. Hills, Southport THE EVERLY BROTHERS CONCERT D. Rigg, Coombabah www.localnewsletters.com READ ONLINE! 2 1 3 9 5 6 4 8 7 4 5 7 1 2 8 3 9 6 6 8 9 3 7 4 5 1 2 7 3 1 4 8 9 6 2 5 5 4 8 2 6 1 7 3 9 9 2 6 7 3 5 1 4 8 1 6 2 5 9 3 8 7 4 8 7 4 6 1 2 9 5 3 3 9 5 8 4 7 2 6 1
15 It happens when you use your eyes to concentrate on something for a long time. Lots of things can cause eye strain. If you have eye strain, you may get tired, sore or itchy eyes. You may notice that your eyes are watery or dry. You may have trouble adjusting your eyes to focus on a far object after spending a long time on near tasks. Eye strain can also cause: • a burning sensation in your eyes • blurred eyesight, or double vision • difficulty concentrating • sensitivity to light • headache • sore neck, shoulders or back due to muscle tension Eye strain is not a disease. You can get eye strain from: • using computers, smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles for a long time • driving for a long time • reading for a long time • straining to see things when the light is bad • being tired or stressed • bright or dazzling lights • not wearing your glasses or contact lenses, or wearing unsuitable glasses or contact lenses • medical problems with your eyes If you are concentrating for long periods of time on a printed page or digital screen you tend not to blink as often. This can lead to dryness of the surface of your eyes and make your eyes feel tired. When you focus on a near object or screen for a long time, your eye muscles are working hard. As with other muscles in your body, eye muscles can tire out if you don’t give them a chance to rest and relax. If you think you might have eye strain, think about what you were doing before you began to experience the symptoms. You can make notes on when it happens so that you can tell your optometrist. An optometrist will examine your eyes and might test your vision. They might also ask you questions about what is causing your eye strain. The best treatment for eye strain is rest. Resting your eyes will usually ease the discomfort, at least in the short term. Your doctor or optometrist might also talk to you about: • eye exercises to make your eye muscles stronger • glasses or contact lenses, perhaps with coatings and tints There are several things you can do to help prevent eye strain. It’s very important to take breaks if you are concentrating on something for a long time, including: • when you read • when you use devices like computers and phones • when you drive Try the 20/20/20 approach: rest every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. You could set an alarm to remind you. Adults and children should spend time outside regularly. Relax your eye muscles by looking at something far away. If you use a computer a lot, try adjusting the contrast, the brightness and the size of the words on the screen. Adjust your monitor so that the top of the screen is just below eye level. Keep your screen clean to avoid glare and reflection problems caused by dust and dirt. Eye Strain is common Book your appointment today! Phone 5580 5010 Shop 18, 12 Sir John Overall Drive, Helensvale Plaza www.paris-miki.com.au $150 OFF COMPLETE PAIR *Excludes Maui Jim, Zeal. Oakley Sun RX & Meta Range 3 Bulk Billed Eye Tests 3 Most Health Funds Accepted 3 External Prescriptions Welcome
16 FREE for not-for-profit community & sporting groups •COMMUNITY NOTICES• If you would like to let readers know what is happening with your group/event, please email to info@localnewsletters.com for September issue by 15 September Book now 5539 4255 or online www.spotlighttheatre.com.au 185 - 187 Ashmore Road, Benowa • NORTHERN • CHAIR YOGA with Marcella is every Tuesday at 9 30 am and every Friday at 10 am. At Banksia Hall, Hope Island. Cost $10 just bring a yoga mat. No need to book, just come as you are and enjoy stretching, strengthening, improve your balance and make new friends. Marcella 0419161246. THE NATIONAL SENIORS AUSTRALIA Paradise Point Branch is a friendly, mixed social club and part of National Seniors Australia. We meet every second Monday at Dublin Docks Tavern, Biggera Waters, with arrivals from 10.15 am for a 10.40 am start. Guest speakers, morning tea and coffee, raffles, games, and the option to stay for lunch afterwards at your own cost. On the fourth Monday of each month, members enjoy outings such as lunches at local restaurants, barbecues, bus trips, and river cruises. Everyone is welcome. PH: Membership Delegate: Diana Prendergast Mobile: 0428225233. Email: paradisepointnationalsseniors@bigpond.com NEIGHBOURHOOD OP SHOP & COFFEE SHOP, 1 Griffith Way, Southport. Come join us for a delicious and affordable cuppa and enjoy our seating deck overlooking the neighbouring bushland. Find a bargain and say hi to our friendly team at the Op shop. Plenty of parking available. Coffee Shop Mon - Thurs 7-11. Op shop Mon - Fri 9-4, Sat 9-12. P: 07 5564 6222. scc.org.au | @southportcofc BLUECARE Compassion Companion Volunteers sought to provide friendship to frail-aged people living in aged care facilities at Arundel and Labrador who may be at risk of social isolation. We are seeking kind-hearted people 18+yrs to visit residents and provide some conversation, reading, puzzles, or a walk around the garden. Hours flexible Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm. For as little as 2 hours a fortnight you can make a positive and meaningful difference to someone else’s life as well as your own. Contact: Wayne Churchill w.churchill@bluecare.org.au, PH: 0408 336 857 FOOTBALL (SOCCER) GOLD COAST LEGENDS OVER 55’S - we are looking for players for Tuesday night over 55’s (over 50 if a goalkeeper), fitness, fun and a beer after the game. Football at Legends Football Club Keith Hunt Park Musgrave Ave Labrador, contact Adrian 0438782208 for further details https://legendsfootball.com.au/about/ A.R.A.G.C. CAR CLUB New members welcome to our very friendly light minded and small group of classic car lovers. Monthly weekend runs to various points of interest, monthly mid-week lunch runs at different venues. Also meet most Saturdays 7am at Espresso 25 at 1 Boatworks Drive Coomera. Also mid year weekend away and end of year Christmas Party. We attend as a group to various Vintage and Classic car events. General meeting held Bimonthly. Phone Peter 0493092341 NORTHSIDE EUCHRE CLUB playing at Club Musgrave Bowling Club Monday nights at 5.45, all players welcome to join. Contact Steve 0408443299 LABRADOR PROBUS CLUB meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Labrador Community Centre, 57 Billington St, Labrador at 11.00 am. We enjoy morning tea and different guest speaker each month. Outings include coffee mornings, bus trips wine and cheese nights etc. PH: Jan on 0413540182 Membership Officer. LABRADOR MEMORIAL SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION - Friendship, Fun & New Experiences Await! Looking for a welcoming place to stay active, learn new skills, make friends, and enjoy great company? A wide variety of activities for adults aged 50 and over. Health & Fitness: Yoga, Chair Fitness, Tai Chi, Line dancing, Salsa dancing, Dance with Teiko, Chair Yoga Creative & Craft Groups; Knitting, Crochet & Quilting, China Painting, Art Class, Scrapbooking Music & Entertainment: Ukulele, The Jam Club, Variety Concerts Games & Social Activities: Mahjong, Indoor bowls, Table Tennis, Bridge, Scrabble, Canasta, 500, Hand and Foot and Rummy, monthly bus trips. New members welcome! Come along, make new friends, and enjoy all the benefits of an active and connected community. PH: 07 5537 1433 or email: labsen@bigpond.net.au. SOUTHPORT SENIOR CITIZENS ASSN. INC. – come along & find Friends, Fun & Fitness. Activities – Line, New Vogue & Tap dancing. Air conditioned hall – 2 Whitby Street, Southport, parking Owen Park. Cost per activity $5 per member, membership fees $10per year. See www. southportseniorcitizens.com & Facebook page or PH Pamia Little 0439 718 674 for more info. FOR LOVERS of THE ARTS: ARTSNATIONAL GOLD COAST invites you to join our monthly Saturday morning lectures on a wide variety of arts-related subjects presented by national and international specialist speakers. Be entertained and informed then join us for morning tea. Bookings essential. https://www.artsnational. au/societies/gold-coast-bundall/ For lecture and membership details call Peter Simmonds, Secretary 0438 892373, E: secretaryadfasgc@gmail.com NORTH GOLD COAST PROBUS CLUB is a mixed club that meets at 10am at the Dublin Docks Function Room, HarbourTown Drive Biggera Waters on the first Monday of each month. Members enjoy a variety of guest speakers, morning tea coffee, and door prizes at the meeting. Regular club activities conducted each month include: Picnic/BBQ, Lunch, Morning Tea, Walks, BookClub. Other outings include Theatre, Putt Putt golf and Bus Trips. Contact Paul 0424 243005 or Michael 0431 521303. PARADISE POINT SENIORS SOCIAL CLUB. (50 Yr and over). Community Halls, Paradise Point. Come and join our friendly club in our activities. Carpet bowls and cards on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, 12-3pm, afternoon tea/coffee provided. Wednesday painting class plus cards 11.30-3pm. Monthly Bus trips last Friday of the month. ALL WELCOME. Contact Kay 0418906031, Noreen 0410875763, Painting Contact Steph 0415171798. Ross, Club President 0417925855 ORMEAU_PIMPAMA ART GROUP - Your Community Art Hub are a fun friendly group who would like to welcome everyone of all skill levels, so whether you are just starting your art journey or looking to brush up on existing skills or just wanting to try something new pop in and see us on Wednesdays 9am till 11am at 3 Cuthbert Dr, Ormeau. Cost $5. UPPER COOMERA SCHOOL OF ARTS MONTHLY DANCES. (Old Time and New Vogue) You are invited to come dance, the night away the second Saturday of every month with live music from 7pm to 10.30 pm at the Upper Coomera School of Arts Hall, 641 Reserve Road, Upper Coomera. Cost is $10 with tea, coffee and biscuits for your enjoyment. Lucky door and multiple raffle prizes. Contact - Nik 0439 390 469 COMBINED PROBUS CLUB OF PARADISE POINT INC. Membership 120, with a healthy Visitor list. The Club offers a wide range of 17 activity and interest groups to members and is renowned for its friendliness and sense of fun. We meet first Tuesday of the month, Runaway Bay Seagulls Leagues Club, 9.30am for 10am start. PH Michele 0438 028 050 (Membership) or Tony 0413 559 902 (Secretary) or Geoff 0412 238 895 (President). You’re most welcome. iSPEAK KIDNEY SUPPORT GROUP - We are an informal group for people with kidney disease that meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month between 9.15am - 11.30am. 15 Sept, 20 Oct, 17 Nov. Guest speaker that presents on a topic of interest. Venue: GCUH, Pathology & Education Building (PEd), location E on map, Option to join online meetings as well. Contact CKD Nurses Cheri & Steph on 0436673433/0436861222, email: gch_ckd_service@ health.qld.gov.au RUNAWAY BAY PROBUS meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at the Seagulls Club, 225 Morala Ave, Runaway Bay at 10am. We offer Breakfasts, Morning Tea, Lunches, Movies, Ten Pin Bowling, Bi Monthly Coach trips. Fun and Friendship in retirement, anyone welcome to come to a meeting as a visitor from our local area. Ph Anita (membership officer) 0499 966 685. Come and join us . UPPER COOMERA LIONS CLUB. Meet 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at Cafe 63, by Spotlight, (corner Old Coach Rd and Days Rd) 6.30pm for 7pm. Friendly members supporting the local community. Visitors are very welcome to join us for a Dinner Meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of the month to meet members. Contact: email uppercoomera.qld@lions.org.au or phone 0416 939 804. QCWA - COOMERA BRANCH - The Queensland Country Women’s Association (qcwa.org.au) is for women of all ages, from all walks of life and with different life experiences. We enjoy getting together monthly on the 2nd Wednesday for friendship, sharing and developing skills in healthy cookery, knitting & crochet, public speaking, photography, floral art as well as fundraising for local community, state and international causes. Check FB (qcwa Coomera), come to our Craft day on the 3rd Wednesday monthly, or call 0456625776. Children Welcome. “SING SING SING” (PARADISE POINT) If you love to sing join us every Wednesday fortnight 9.30am-11am at 126 Paradise Parade, Paradise Point Uniting Church building for a fun morning of song and friendship in aircon comfort. No fees or auditions. Wordbooks supplied. Singing is amazing for your overall heath and happiness, and your voice will blend in with many others. More info on Facebook Community Groups “SING SING SING “or ph. Yvonne on 0408 771 201 . ORMEAU PROBUS CLUB - Meet at the Ormeau Community Centre, Cuthbert Drive, first Monday of each month. (except if a public holiday then the 2nd Monday). 9.30 am for a 10am start. Interesting speakers and morning tea. Come along, meet and share your interests. Ideas for activities and social activities welcome to be added to our other social outings and groups. Any enquiries please contact Linda 0403567998 or Laurie 0402615349. E/ probusormeau@gmail.com BROADWATER BRANCH ALP invites you to attend the Branch meeting held on the last Monday of each month. For further information, look us up on our Facebook page and DM us for details. JIGSAW PUZZLES FREE to Over 50s. PH: 55329866. Southport. GOLD COAST CARAVAN CLUB INC. - Discover friendship, freedom, and fun. We are a friendly group of mature travellers enjoying monthly rallies, shared meals, day trips and great company. Own a caravan, motorhome, or camper trailer and over 18? Come explore with us. Please note - domestic pets and children under 18 years are not permitted at rallies. Call Lyn on 0409 645 888 - goldcoastcaravanclub@gmail.com U3A SOUTHPORT is a friendly association for Over 50’s providing informal educational classes and a range of lifestyle activities with around 70 classes a week e.g. learn a language, play an instrument, paint, play cards, or join an exercise or dance class, short computer and technology courses and bus day-trips. See www.u3asouthport.au, ph. 5591 6671 or drop into our office 9am-1pm Mon-Fri, Australia Fair Shopping Centre, Level 1 (Shop 1074). GOLD COAST STAMP AND COIN CLUB INC meets he second Saturday of each month, noon to 4pm, at Helensvale Community Centre (South Hall), 31 Discovery Drive, Helensvale. Everyone is welcome - including experienced and new collectors. Each month we have dealers, bargain tables, sales by tender, exchange books and some exhibits or talks, finishing with afternoon tea. Enquiries please phone 0409 765 060 or 0417 987 441. HELENSVALE PROBUS CLUB is a mixed club of friendly retirees. We meet at Helensvale Seniors Club, 37 Discovery Drive, Helensvale, at 10am on the second Friday of each month (except Dec and Jan). Visitors are welcome to join us at our meetings or on our outings and activities. Contact email: helensvaleprobusclub@gmail.com or Kay 0478 095 802. Check our website at www.probussouthpacific.org/ microsites/helensvale
17 Bookings: www.javeenbah.org.au Phone 0417 004 466 • Email info@javeenbah.org.au CNR STEVENS & FERRY STREETS, NERANG Rocky Road Slice • 125g butter • 1½ tblsp cocoa • ½ cup caster sugar • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 1 cup coconut • ½ cup chopped walnuts • 2 cups (250g) sweet biscuit crumbs • 100g packet pink marshmallows, roughly chopped • 2 x 100g packet white marshmallows, roughly chopped • 400g packet milk chocolate, chopped • 1/3 cup flaked almonds • 1 cup halved glace cherries Grease a 19cm x 29cm lamington pan. Combine butter, cocoa and sugar in saucepan, constantly stirring over heat without boiling until sugar is dissolved, transfer to large bowl. Stir in egg, coconut, walnuts and biscuits. Press mixture evenly over base of pan. Refrigerate 30 mins or until firm. Melt half the chocolate over hot water, remove from heat. Stir in marshmallows and almonds, spread over base, sprinkle with cherries. Melt remaining chocolate over hot water, drizzle over cherries. Refrigerate until set before cutting. Lemon Date Bubble Bars • 1½ cups (250g) chopped dates • 60g butter • ½ cup sugar • 1 tblsp lemon juice • ½ cup coconut • 3 cups Rice Bubbles • ½ cup chopped roasted unsalted peanuts • 40g butter, extra, melted LEMON GLACE ICING • 1½ cups icing sugar • 1 tsp soft butter • 2 tblsp lemon juice, approx. Grease a 19cm x 29cm lamington tin, line base and sides with paper, grease paper well. Combine dates, butter and sugar in large saucepan, stirring constantly over heat without boiling for 5 minutes or until smooth and pulpy. Remove pan from heat, stir in lemon juice, coconut, rice bubbles, peanuts, extra butter. Press mixture firmly into prepared pan, spread with icing, refrigerate until set before cutting. Lemon Glace Icing: Combine sifted icing sugar and butter in bowl, stir in enough juice to give a stiff paste. Stir over hot water until spreadable. Aunty Shirl’s Favourite Unbaked Slices Caramel nut crunch • 250g soft caramels • 100g packet marshmallows • 125g butter • 3 cups Rice Bubbles • ¼ cup chopped roasted unsalted cashew nuts • ¼ cup chopped Brazil nuts • ¼ cup roasted hazelnuts • ¼ cup chopped macadamia nuts • 30g dark chocolate Grease a 25cm x 30cm swiss roll pan. Combine caramels, marshmallows and butter in saucepan, stirring constantly over hot water until mixture is smooth. Place rice bubbles and nuts in baking dish, bake in moderate oven for about 5 mins or until lightly toasted. Combine caramel mixture with nut mixture, mix well. Press mixture quickly and evenly into prepared tin. Refrigerate until firm before cutting into triangles. Melt chocolate over hot water, cool, drizzle over triangles. Honey Muesli Bars • ¼ cup sesame seeds • 1 cup toasted muesli • 3 cups Rice Bubbles • ½ cup coconut • ¼ cup sunflower seed kernels • 125g butter • 1/3 cup honey • 1/3 cup peanut butter • ½ cup raw sugar Grease a 19cm x 29cm lamington tin. Toast sesame seeds on oven tray in moderate oven for about 5 minutes, cool to room temperature. Combine muesli, rice bubbles, coconut, sunflower and sesame seeds in bowl. Combine butter, honey, peanut butter and sugar in sauce pan, stirring constantly over heat without boiling until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Bring to the boil, reduce heat, simmer uncovered without stirring 5 minutes, stir into dry ingredients. Press into prepared tin, refrigerate until set before cutting.
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