Welcome to the AboutSeniors Food and Wine page. Enjoy our recipies, updated weekly and don’t forget to check out our Wine Search page!

The AboutSeniors travel pages provide you with extensive information and links to a variety of travel options. Plus there’s a page on travel insurance and answers to all our subscribers’ travel-related questions. 

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Your Quotes

Got some quotes you love and want to share with us?

Send an e-mail to with the quote and the author’s name, and we will endeavour to post it as soon as possible!

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Chef Andreas’ Life Choices

Chef Andreas’ Life Choices:

Name: Andreas Donnerbauer

Born: Munich, Germany, 1971

Memories: Cooking with Mum & Nana for special occasions when I was a kid.

School: I was good at maths

Turning Point: In Year Nine we started our career planning and I was told that hospitality would also be an avenue which could be good for me…

What Happened Next: I went home and asked my mum about her advice and she told me all the good and the bad, as she and my grandmother had their own little deli (take away shop)

Next Steps: After training I was apprenticed to a Munich Restaurant called Kreitmair, Kerferloh.

Career Path: Sheraton Hotels in Munich and London, Hilton Munich, Robinson Club, Canary Islands and Apuglia in Italy, next stop Zurich. In 1997: I arrived in Australia with dive equipment, a suitcase and a laptop …

Big Break: Becoming Senior Sous Chef at the Four Seasons (Then called the Regent) Hotel, Sydney. I stayed with the Four Seasons group for seven years – including stints in the Caribbean and Hawaii.

Right Now: I have just been appointed Executive Chef at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel in Circular Quay, where I am responsible for the day-to-day running of the whole kitchen operation which includes room service, banquets, conferences, and the Icons Brassiere.

How I will make my mark: These are early days, but I think it is time to reintroduce more “homestyle” food… this is what I think the customer enjoys most.

How I keep learning: I love reading the books of “elite” chefs such as Charlie Trotter, Marco Pierre White, Alain Ducasse and Gordon Ramsay.  When I came to Australia, I was inspired by chefs such as Serge Danserau, Kylie Kwong, Stefano Manfredi and Tetsuya Wakuda.

My Secret to successful cooking: Use fresh ingredients and keep it simple…

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Give footy the flick

There are only so many long winter afternoons that can be devoted to watching the big men fly in service of one football code or another.  So thank you, Network Video, for two inspired lists of movies to help pass those hours on the sofa, as featured in Your Life magazine, Winter 2008.  ‘We can’t believe this beat that’ features flicks where the Oscars got it wrong, e.g. in 1993, when Tommy Lee Jones (The Fugitive) stole Best Supporting Actor from Leonardo DiCaprio (What’s eating Gilbert Grape).  View and compare!  Or head for ‘From dork to diva’ and enjoy actors from Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady to Nikki Blonsky and John Travolta in Hairspray doing the Cinderella act on screen.

Post an advertisement on AboutSeniors, an established and highly respected website within the fastest growing demographic in Australia, 50+, and give your business the best chance of capturing your target market online.

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Go Green

While we are getting ready to welcome the colder winter months, spring is on its way in Europe, a great time to visit Ireland and trace your roots.

Maybe your ancestors came over on the convict ships a couple of hundred years ago, or were part of the more recent migration of Brits to head over to Australia.  Either way, it’s great to know where you came from and discover some of those amazing family stories along the way.

Tourism Ireland has developed a fun website that can help you trace the origin of your surname or give advice on how to start your genealogy search. Don’t worry of you’re technically not Irish, you can check your Irish personality, sure to give you a chuckle.

Go Green with Tourism Ireland for the chance to win a trip to the Emerald Isle or enjoy some of the special offers. For more information, click here.

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Discover Ireland

Whether it’s the hustle and bustle of the city, the eerie stillness of the mountains, the lush green of the countryside or the crashing of the waves on the cliffs that you crave in a holiday, Ireland has it all. 

As an island that can trace its history back thousands of years, culture and heritage are in abundance and you’ll not be disappointed by the famous hospitality that the Irish are known for.  Regardless of whether it’s a top class hotel, remote bed and breakfast or hostel accommodation that your budget stretches to, the charm of the Irish will win you over.

For more information, contact Tourism Ireland on 02 9299 6177 or click here to visit their website.

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Active Ireland

No matter what you enjoy doing on holiday, walking, golfing or fishing, Ireland offers all this and more, with scenery that is second to none!

How do you make the most of your trip to Ireland? Tourism Ireland should be your first port of call when planning any trip. They can arrange golfing, motoring and fishing tours and much more besides, making sure all members of the family are catered for.

Go Golf
Home of the Ryder Cup in 2006 and boasting 30% of the world’s natural links courses, Ireland is a golfer’s paradise. With an estimated 440 courses throughout the island, you’re never far from some of the most challenging and picturesque courses in the world, and with so much on offer for golfing widows and widowers, everyone’s happy.

For more information on golfing in Ireland, click here. 

Fishing fun
If fishing is more your thing, The Great Fishing Houses are 20 of the finest fishing establishments in Ireland. The guide offers details of where you can fish for your fish of choice, stay and eat, while making the most of what fishing in Ireland has to offer. For more information, click here.

Cycling around
With its quiet country roads, small welcoming communities and glorious countryside, cycling in Ireland really is a pleasure.  You can take part in an organised tour, follow a pre-arranged route or head off under your own steam, whatever your preference, you won’t be disappointed.  If a full cycling tour of Ireland is more than you can manage, then maybe hiring a bike for a day or two is more your thing.  This can easily be done in most towns and cities.  For more information on routes and cycling holidays in Ireland, contact Cycling Ireland (www.cyclingireland.org) or click here.

Walking out
Untamed coastline, rolling countryside and wild mountains are just some of the temptations for walkers heading to Ireland on holiday. With daytime summer temperatures ranging between 150 and 260 in the summer, it’s pleasant enough for those heading off on their own two feet to enjoy the scenery and experience.  You can indulge in costal, mountain, historical and city walks, depending on what you hope to encounter on your way, and one thing’s for sure, you’ll never be disappointed.

For more information, click here.

Driving around
By far the easiest and most relaxing way to travel Ireland is by car.  With its quiet country roads, visitor attractions and welcoming accommodation, road rage won’t be a problem.  See Ireland at your leisure, visit anywhere you want and be amazed by this gorgeous country.  You can drive the costal route between Waterford and Wexford in the south-east, the Ring of Kerry or Londonderry and Sparrins region in the north.

For more information on routes, accommodation and car hire, click here.

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Foodie’s delight

Food features heavily in Ireland’s culture and history, with the emphasis on simple dishes, which rely on excellent local produce to highlight their brilliance.

For most of us food is very important and the availability of good food can make or break a holiday. Good Food Ireland aims to guide you through some of the best eateries in the country, make sure you sample the best food Ireland has to offer and that you experience the generous hospitality that make Ireland a foodie’s haven.

To order your touring map, book your foodie holiday or simply see what’s on offer, visit www.goodfoodireland.ie.

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Blarney blether

Would like to learn a language but don’t fancy Spanish or Italian? How about the charm of the blarney?

There is no changing the fact that Ireland is the other side of the world from Australia but for many, the pull of the heart strings is strong enough to encourage them to make the trip. While you’re there, make the most of your time by learning the language and more about the culture.

Oideas Gael offer courses in the Irish language and culture. Why not try learning to play the bodhran or harp, make celtic pottery souvenirs or trip the light fantastic with Donegal dances!

Courses are held in Donegal and can be tailored for groups travelling from overseas to ensure you enjoy all on offer.  For more information, visit www.oideas-gael.com.

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Follow St. Pat’s footsteps

Now the political unrest is over, discovering the beauty of Northern Ireland is a real treat.

Eire has long been considered the most popular part of the Emerald Isle to visit but Northern Ireland has lots to offer, including the trail of St. Patrick’s journey to martyrdom.

St. Patrick resided in Britain towards the end of Roman rule and was captured and sold into slavery by Irish marauders.  He worked as a shepherd for six years before escaping and travelling Ireland, preaching the Lord’s word and converting lost souls.

The heavenly countryside of Downpatrick and what is now the ecclesiastical city of Armagh, is where he carried out most of his spiritual duties.  Armagh is the oldest Ecclesiastical See in the world outside Rome and holds many attractions which include two St. Patrick’s cathedrals (Catholic and Church of Ireland), St. Patrick’s Trian visitor centre and Ofiaich Memorial Library and Archives, for those wanting to follow in St. Patrick’s footsteps.

Downpatrick, or St. Patrick’s Town is the final resting place of the great saint, the later seat of the High Kings of Ulster and the medieval capital of County Down and offers plenty for those interested in scholars, saints and Irish heritage.  You can travel on the only narrow gauge train in Ireland, visit Down Cathedral, where St. Patrick is buried, Down County museum and Struell Wells.

An area so rich in culture and history means many festivals and celebrations.  Time your trip correctly and your visit to Northern Ireland could be one long party!  Some of the festivals on offer are:

Armagh Comedy Festival
Armagh Festival of Traditional Song and Dance
St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Royal Ascot Downpatrick
William Kennedy Piping Festival
Feast of Fish, Kilkeel and Ardglass

For more information on festivals, attractions, food and accommodation, the following sites have an abundance of information, advice and ideas.

www.armaghanddown.com
www.discovernorthernireland.com
www.downdc.gov.uk
www.visitarmagh.com
www.www.culturenorthernireland.org
www.saintpatrickcentre.com
www.ntni.org.uk

This page is all about you, and how to help trace your family, write about in a way that will interest others and read the fantastic stories that other have to tell.

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Maui Lyn

On 12 June, lucky winner Lynn O’Connor and her twin sister, Jennie, collected the keys to a Maui motorhome in Brisbane and hit the road for their month-long nomad adventure. Their blog and images from the journey are be featured now on the BigPond Bigblog site and below, so visit regularly to enjoy your vicarious journey through Australia’s outback.
To find a BIG4 holiday park near you, click here now
And to learn about Maui motorhomes visit the web page here

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Retirement Income Streams

What are retirement income streams?
When we retire we all have a common issue – how are we going to produce an income for the rest of our lives? The main thing we lose in retirement is the ability to earn wages and salaries.
Whether you’ve built up savings from superannuation, investment property, equity in your home, money in the bank, inheritance etc., you will need to turn this capital into an income stream which is convenient, secure and tax effective.
You may also have other objectives in retirement such as gaining the most out of Centrelink and the Age Pension or the Veterans’ Affairs Pension, in addition to estate planning issues.
For an ever-increasing number of people the answer lies in the form of income streams and, in particular, superannuation allocated pensions, term allocated pensions and other complying annuities.

Where do you go to get one?
Most life insurance companies and financial services organisations provide these different types of income stream products. You can approach these organisations directly, at which point they will usually direct you to one of their financial planning groups, or you can seek the advice of an independent financial planner. You should always seek professional advice. It is very dangerous to attempt to set yourself up with an income stream without professional consultation, particularly professional tax advice.

How do you set one up?
1. Decide on your retirement date or year.
2. Ensure you have a clear and defined set of goals and objectives.
(e.g. required income per year, investment objectives, access to capital, Centrelink etc).
3. Do your research! Most providers’ websites have additional information on their income streams.
4. Arrange an interview with a retirement specialist, preferably an independent one.
5. Work together to use your retirement savings to the best effect.
Remember, you do not need to review all possible income stream products in order to choose the one best suited to your circumstances. Pre-qualify your needs by checking the table [here] for those points which do or do not relate to your priorities.
Richard Sheargold

Table supplied by Louise Biti, Asteron.

For more information on Retirement Income from the FACS website,
click here

InvestSMART, a discount broker of allocated pension investments, have provided the following table which shows a number of the top performing funds based on 12 month’s performance.

If you wish to look at any of the funds in the table below you will be taken to InvestSMART’s website where you can research these products more, compare it with other investment options and most importantly request or download a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Top Performing Retirement Funds

Managed Fund data is supplied by Morningstar Research and Standard & Poor’s Information Services and is subject to the following disclaimer.
Managed fund unit prices are indicative only.

Sourcing and comparing fixed term or Life Annuity style products from Life Insurance companies is not available online. Please call InvestSMART on 1300 880 160 for some comparable rates based on your timeframe. There is little doubt that by choosing wisely, a good retirement income stream will contribute to the basis for a comfortable lifestyle in retirement.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER : This information has been prepared for distribution over the internet and without taking into account the investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any particular person. Neither InvestSMART Financial Services Pty Ltd nor www.aboutseniors.com.au make any recommendations as to the merits of any investment opportunity referred to on www.aboutseniors.com.au or any related websites. All indications of performance returns are historical and can not be relied upon as an indicator for future performance.

© 2007 Morningstar Research Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. To the extent that the above constitutes general advice by Morningstar, this advice has been prepared by Morningstar Research Pty Ltd ABN: 83 062 096 342, AFSL: 243 161 and does not take account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Please refer to Morningstar’s Financial Service Guide (FSG) for more information at www.morningstar.com.au/fsg.asp and consider the product disclosure statement before making a decision to acquire the financial product.

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Timeless Stories in 60 seconds

Our generation were often taught in ‘scripture’ at school. If you didn’t get them there, they were part of our folklore anyway: The Good Samaritan, The Prodigal Son, The Lost Sheep, all attributed to a wandering Jewish carpenter turned teacher/philosopher/messiah.

The Parables are remarkable for their brevity and their deep insight into the human condition. But their teacher – a man called Jesus – often claimed more about them when he said, “The kingdom of God is like…”.
That they - so simple in form - reflect a glimpse of some other reality makes them worth a second look. Consider, for instance, this:

“The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew13)

My daughters are shoppers. And how. GraysOnline, eBay are a more than routine part of their purchasing patterns. What are they buying? Anything that they perceive will make their lives happier, easier, richer. Have they got to the point in their lives of shopping for meaning? Not so sure. But when they do, they will shop! And then, watch out the bishops, new-agers and gurus. They’ll shop hard till they get the answers they want.

The pearl merchant shopped and searched for excellence. He wanted to posses the ultimate prize. He was prepared to dispose of everything else in order to achieve that magic joyous moment of exchange of the less valued for the ultimate prize. Is this what the kingdom of heaven is? The most valued sought after purchase of our existence? The thing in the light of which, everything else fades into insignificance? In our shopping experience, often the ultimate prize seems hidden from us. But once we see it, our focus can go nowhere else. I suspect that this was what Jesus hoped for all of us.

But there may be more. The parables about the Kingdom of Heaven to me often are about this Jewish teacher and how he saw himself. In telling this story was he talking about himself searching out the great and most valued thing to him in the universe? Each person. You. Me. That our value was beyond price? Was he prepared to make whatever spiritual transaction was required, no matter what the cost, to open the Kingdom of Heaven in all its happiness to us who are searching for meaning?

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IN THIS SECTION

Mobilise your team with Telstra Connected Seniors
Senior friendly phone
Lyn and Jennie hit the road
How to blog
Don’t be left behind
Discounts and Rewards
Home Phone Plans
Internet Services
Frequently Asked Questions
More information

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Life begins at 50….

Meet new friends on RSVP today! After years of being married or in a committed relationship, maybe you have found yourself on your own. Or maybe, you have just found yourself at a stage in life where you are free and open to new life experiences, friendships and possibilities.

Over 115,000 Australians over the age of 50 have turned to RSVP, Australia ‘s largest online singles site. You will be surprised at just how easy it is to connect online with others who share your interests. It’s the new way to meet people – whatever your age or lifestage – and it’s a lot of fun. Log on to www.RSVP.com.au and investigate the possibilities for yourself. 

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Seniors Week

Here are the dates and links for Seniors Weeks across Australia.

New South Wales
6-13 April 2008. For more information click here

Victoria
To be advised. To check for latest information click here

Queensland
23-31 August 2008. For more information click here

Tasmania
1–7 October 2008. For more information click here

Western Australia
To be advised.

South Australia – Every Generation
Month of October 2008. For more information click here.
Northern Territory
To be advised.

Personal advertisements are just that – a quick and easy way to advertise online to make contact with a like-minded individual for friendship, wining and dining, travel, reunions – or good old-fashioned companionship. You can use the AboutSeniors personal classifieds space to post your message (100 word limit) – ads will be listed for three months, with most recent up top.

Companies wishing to advertise goods and services with seniors discounts need to click here

For techno types and those who’d like to be more techno-savvy, the @boutSeniors computer pages are here to assist. On the basics page there’s an extensive glossary of techno-terminology, plus loads of information on everything from broadband to spyware. On the Q&A page you’ll find answers to all your techno questions, plus there’s a page listing specific sites for seniors as well as the software downloads and games page.

Enjoy stories straight from the imaginations of the AboutSeniors online community. Read their experiences, ideas and histories or find some fun in the writings of Mr Eric Shackle.

Whether you’re an indoors or outdoors person, there’s articles and links to organisations for all kinds of interests here. From calligraphy to birdwatching, you’ll find something to inspire a new hobby, or encourage and nurture an old favourite.

Here you’ll find extensive information, resources and news updates on the latest in the world of wellbeing – with specific information on issues such as arthritis, diabetes and heart health, as well as general tips and guides to feeling fitter and healthier.

Many seniors’ services and resources are provided by the Australian Government through the departments of FACS, Health and Ageing and Veterans’ Affairs. Centrelink also delivers services and is a source of information on matters financial. Here we feature the ‘need to know’ shortcuts to government departments and what they can offer you or your family.

If you’re looking for great deals or discounts, you’ve come to the right page. From here you can find plenty of bargains as well as information and advice about online shopping. Or you can post your own classified ad right now.

Welcome to the AboutSeniors Your Parents page, where you’ll find the links and information you need to assist your parents. Whether you’re looking for advice on reverse mortgages, hearing aids or accommodation options, these resources can simplify your search and give the direct answers you are seeking, as well as further useful links.

Feel a holiday coming on? The AboutSeniors travel pages provide you with extensive information and links to a variety of travel options: cruises, house swaps, housesitting, road trips, train travel and international travel. Plus there’s a page on travel insurance and answers to all our subscribers’ travel-related questions.

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Personal Porter

Your Personal Porter is a new service aiming to reduce the long queues at check-in, move passengers quicker through airports and make travel easier. The
New global door-to-door luggage delivery service offers travellers an online and seamless global door-to-door luggage delivery service with tracking via SMS. Your luggage is collected from your home, and arrives at your destination.

The service bypasses traditional check-in by picking up your luggage at your home or office and delivering it to the destination of your choice, ahead of your own arrival.

With more than 204,000 pieces of luggage are lost or stolen every year, and over 30 million bags mishandled annually this could be the solution for hassle-free travel. It holds particular appeal for those with limited mobility, young children, and bulky items such as surfboards and golf clubs.
For conditions of transit and prices, find out more at the Personal Porter website.

Whether you’re a beginner or technologically advanced, here you’ll find what you need to understand and make the most of your computer. There’s also a page to help with buying a mobile phone and informative guides to digital technology such as digital cameras, MP3s, or podcasting. 

Welcome to the AboutSeniors finance pages. Find out about insurance and legal matters, retirement income issues, reverse mortgages and much more.

What do you enjoy in your leisure time? Whether it’s books, DVDs, crosswords, card and board games, food and wine, clubs, literature, gardening or genealogy, it’s all here. Plus, of course, our ever popular Sudoku page!

If you’re a grandparent raising grandchildren, there’s a special AboutSeniors page for you here. Or perhaps you are looking for something for your parents or want to cut through and get to the important aspects of aged care housing or issues such as elder abuse. On the Health, Wellbeing and Family page, you’ll find all the relevant resources and news about aged care, health or even sport and exercise.

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Hit the road discounts

Avis is delighted to have been appointed as the Preferred Car Rental Company to @boutSeniors website…..and this means great savings for you! Avis is Australia’s Leading Car Rental Company, with over 240 locations around Australia and over 4500 around the world - so there’s sure to be a location that’s convenient, no matter where you’re travelling. And of course you’ll always get that famous ‘We try harder’ service wherever you go.

Avis is delighted to offer @boutSeniors 30% off standard rates or 2.5% off selected promotional rates, whichever offers the best discount, simply by quoting the @boutSeniors special Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number P725600 when calling to make a reservation anywhere in Australia on 136 333 or simply Click here, to make a booking online - the appropriate discount will automatically apply. Plus you’ll be delighted to know that each month Avis will have a new special offer just for you, check the website for more details.

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Cruising

A cruise can take you to places you never dreamt you’d visit: Antarctica, the Bahamas, or Australia’s top end, amongst many others. Cruising is also relaxing – you only need to unpack once – and yet you will see many different destinations.

Welcome to the @boutSeniors cruising page, where you can find the latest cruise information plus deals that will make you want to scream, “All aboard”. Or subscribe to our enewsletter for the most up-to-date deals. Whether you jump on a Russian ice-breaker, cruise the Rhine or take a cargo ship in Mexico, a cruise is a stress-free holiday suitable for all ages.

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Seniors Travel Q&A

Got a question about travel? In Australia, overseas, anywhere? Perhaps you’d like to learn more about a particluar topic or destination. Here’s your chance to ask @boutSeniors.

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Questions & Answers

Opinions in the questions and answers are those of the correspondents and do not necessarily reflect those of @boutSeniors or its owners or management.

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Readers’ Stories

Here's where you can contribute your own short story by and/or about Seniors. There is no prize but we will publicise stories on @boutSeniors and in our regular newsletters. Please keep the stories under 1000 words and email them to .

In 2002, there was a short story competition on @boutSeniors. The winning story was Moving in with the Kids by Bonnie Travers.

Click on the title to see the story.

Latest contributions

2007 ASCCA Creative Writing Competition

Adventurous Ian

Ilona’s story – My two cats

Zoe’s story

The Eucumbene Storm

The coffee shop in Kings Cross

Gena’s joke

Cancer survivor

Ilona’s tales

Don’s thoughts on Prairie Home Companion

My Diagnosis

Plight of the Desert Horses

Stories from the 2002 competition

• Moving in with the Kids - Winning story
  
• I Hated My Name
• The Optimist

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Green Thumbed Sites

• Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants (ASGAP). For those interested in the cultivation, propagation, conservation and appreciation of Australia's native flora.
  Go there
  
• Australian Water Gardener. Comprehensive free gardening information site for garden pond owners.
  Go there
  
• Flora for Fauna. Attract birds, butterflies and other fauna to your garden. Find out what native plants will attract what wildlife in your part of Australia.
  Go there
  
• Gardening Australia. The ABC's gardening program website.
  Go there
  
• Garden Clubs of Australia Inc. Find your local club, seasonal tips and more.
  Go there
  
• Garden Web Australia. Hosts forums, garden exchanges, articles, contests, a plant database, a garden-related glossary and online catalogues.
  Go there
  
• Global Garden. National monthly online gardening magazine and resource.
  Go there
  
• Organic Gardening. Aims to encourage organic vegetable growing.
  Go there

What defines a senior? There is no one answer but you can check whether you might qualify under different circumstances.

To get an age pension you need to be of Age Pension Age which for social security purposes is 65 years for men. Women qualify at different ages depending on their date of birth in accordance with the table below so by 2014 the minimum qualifying age for women will also be 65 years.

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What is a Senior?

Age Pension Age for Women

Date of Birth	Qualification Age
1 July 1938 to 31 December 1939	61.5
1 Jan 1940 to 30 June 1941	62
1 July 1941 to 31 December 1942	62.5
1 January 1943 to 30 June 1944	63
1 July 1944 to 31 December 1945	63.5
1 January 1946 to 30 June 1947	64
1 July 1947 to 31 December 1948	64.5
1 January 1949 and later	65

The qualifing age for veterans with qualifying service and a service pension is 60 for men. For female veterans the pension age is being raised by six months every two years so that by 1 July 2013, female and male pension ages will be the same; see the table on our Veterans' Affairs page.
Go there

Our Centrelink page has more information on pensions.
Go there

How about the seniors card? Australians aged 60 and over who are not working full time may obtain a Seniors Card.

There is also the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) which gives older Australians access to concessions on prescription medicines and to the Telephone Allowance. Many self-funded retirees will be eligible for the CSHC. Also war widows who do not hold a Pensioner Concession Card might be eligible for a CSHC.
Go there

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QLD

Associations for senior citizens are given below. Where there is a seniors national association with state branches, details of state contacts will be with the national association.

Check the ‘Age Page’ of the Community Services section of your local telephone directory for many useful contact phone numbers for Commonwealth and State Government departments in your area plus listings for community groups, Home and Community Care (HACC), Aged Care Assessment Teams and other organisations.

Also check your local council’s web site for community information, community centres and contacts. See the list of councils here:
Go there

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‘ACT

Associations for senior citizens are given below. Where there is a seniors national association with state branches, details of state contacts will be with the national association.

Check the ‘Age Page’ of the Community Services section of your local telephone directory for many useful contact phone numbers for Commonwealth, State and Territory Government departments in your area plus listings for community groups, Home and Community Care (HACC), Aged Care Assessment Teams and other organisations.

Also check the ACT Government’s web site for community information, community centres and contacts.
Go there

Check this list for government and community organisations relevant to older people in ACT.
Go there 

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NSW

Associations for senior citizens are given below. Where there is a seniors national association with state branches, details of state contacts will be with the national association.

Check the ‘Age Page’ of the Community Services section of your local telephone directory for many useful contact phone numbers for Commonwealth and State Government departments in your area plus listings for community groups, Home and Community Care (HACC), Aged Care Assessment Teams and other organisations.

Also check your local council’s web site for community information, community centres and contacts. See the list of councils here:
Go there

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NT

Associations for senior citizens are given below. Where there is a seniors national association with state branches, details of state contacts will be with the national association.

Check the ‘Age Page’ of the Community Services section of your local telephone directory for many useful contact phone numbers for Commonwealth, State and Territory Government departments in your area plus listings for community groups, Home and Community Care (HACC), Aged Care Assessment Teams and other organisations.

Also check the Northern Territory Government’s web site for community information, community centres and contacts.
Go there

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SA

Associations for senior citizens are given below. Where there is a seniors national association with state branches, details of state contacts will be with the national association.

Check the ‘Age Page’ of the Community Services section of your local telephone directory for many useful contact phone numbers for Commonwealth and State Government departments in your area plus listings for community groups, Home and Community Care (HACC), Aged Care Assessment Teams and other organisations.

Also check your local council’s web site for community information, community centres and contacts. See the list of councils here:
Go there 

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TAS

Associations for senior citizens are given below. Where there is a seniors national association with state branches, details of state contacts will be with the national association.

Check the ‘Age Page’ of the Community Services section of your local telephone directory for many useful contact phone numbers for Commonwealth and State Government departments in your area plus listings for community groups, Home and Community Care (HACC), Aged Care Assessment Teams and other organisations.

Also check your local council’s web site for community information, community centres and contacts. See the list of councils here:
Go there

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VIC

Associations for senior citizens are given below. Where there is a seniors national association with state branches, details of state contacts will be with the national association.

Check the ‘Age Page’ of the Community Services section of your local telephone directory for many useful contact phone numbers for Commonwealth and State Government departments in your area plus listings for community groups, Home and Community Care (HACC), Aged Care Assessment Teams and other organisations.

Also check your local council’s web site for community information, community centres and contacts. See the list of councils here:
Go there

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WA

Associations for senior citizens are given below. Where there is a seniors national association with state branches, details of state contacts will be with the national association.

Check the ‘Age Page’ of the Community Services section of your local telephone directory for many useful contact phone numbers for Commonwealth and State Government departments in your area plus listings for community groups, Home and Community Care (HACC), Aged Care Assessment Teams and other organisations.

Also check your local council’s web site for community information, community centres and contacts. See the list of councils.
Go there

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Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency

This agency accredits and supervises all commonwealth-funded residential aged care homes. A list of all accredited homes, reports on homes and information about aged care standards is available from their website.
Go there

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Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)

Assessment Teams (Aged Care Assessment Service [ACAS] in Victoria) can help people obtain a range of Commonwealth funded services to help them to continue living in their own home, or enter a residential care facility such as a nursing home or hostel. An ACAT is normally based at a hospital, geriatric centre or community centre. You can be seen at a hospital or at home. An ACAT might include a doctor, nurse, social worker, occupational therapist or physiotherapist. For more information on ACATs, a list of ACATs by state/territory and related matters:
Go There
or Freecall the Aged Care National Information Line 1800 500 853

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Aged and Community Care

Aims to enhance the quality of life for older Australians through support for positive and healthy ageing and the provision of a cohesive framework for high quality and cost effective care services for frail older people and their carers. The site has detailed information on residential care, community care, fees and charges for users of aged and community care services, plus booklets, brochures and fact sheets for download.
For information on:

• Aged Care Reform
• Aged Care Facilities
• Committees/Working Groups
• Grant Applications
• Legislation
• Manuals
• Policy Statements
• Press Releases
• Publications
• Useful ACC data

Go There
Aged and Community Care Information Line Freecall Ph 1800 500 853
Translating and Interpreting Service Ph 13 14 50

For information on the Aged Care Complaints Resolution Scheme, click here or phone the Aged Care Complaints Resolution Line Freecall 1800 550 552

If you are concerned about the way your complaint is being handled you can contact the Office of the Commissioner for Complaints.
Freecall 1800 500 294

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Health and Ageing Home Page

Previously known as the Department of Health And Aged Care (HAAC), check the Department of Health and Ageing for information on the following services:

• Aged care facilities (formerly hostels and nursing homes).
• Carer assistance including the Domiciliary Nursing Care Benefit (DNCB)
• Private health insurance rebate.
• Hearing services.
• Multi purpose services.
• Quality use of medicines.
• Rural health.
• Health information for overseas visitors.

Go There

Health and Ageing State/Territory Offices:

If you live in a metropolitan area use the first number below. If you live in country areas use the 1800 Freecall number:

Central Office - Canberra	(02) 6289 1555	1800 020 103
A.C.T	(02) 6274 5111	1800 020 102
New South Wales	(02) 9263 3555	1800 048 998
Northern Territory	(08) 8946 3444
Queensland	(07) 3360 2555	1800 177 099
North Queensland	(07) 4727 2289
South Australia	(08) 8237 8111	1800 188 098
Tasmania	(03) 6221 1411	1800 005 119
Victoria	(03) 9665 8888	1800 020 103
Western Australia	(08) 9346 5111	1800 198 008

The Community Portal helps Australians find relevant, up-to-date community information and services. There are more than 250 community topics and links to thousands of resources provided by all levels of government and the non-government sector. The Community Portal is for individuals and communities, and includes special sections for community groups and for community developers.
Go There

Also, check the ‘Age Page’ of the Community Services section of your local telephone directory for many useful contact phone numbers. Your local council’s web site may have information on community centres and contacts. See the list of councils here:
Go There

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Department of Veterans’ Affairs

The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) provides information on pension types and rates, health care, housing, counselling services and other veterans' information including Military Compensation and Rehabilitation Service and Veterans' Affairs Network (VAN).
Go There

Phone numbers:
General Inquiry line 133 254 - connects callers to their nearest DVA state office.
1800 555 254 - connects non-metropolitan callers to their nearest DVA state office.
1300 13 1945 - connects interstate callers to any DVA state office using voice prompts.
VAN 1300 55 1918 - connects callers to their nearest VAN office.

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Monthly Roadshow video/DVD giveaway

June 2008 Winners

The Spy in the… Collection

Dianne R, QLD
Terry N, NSW
Ronald C, VIC
Sharon R, SA

Tell a friend

Beth J, QLD
Caroline A, NSW
Marlene S, NSW

May 2008 Winners

Two Ronnies: Series Two DVD

Sharon D, NSW
Mary M, VIC
Sam S, QLD
Peter B, WA

Tell a Friend

Mick G, SA
Maureen H, VIC
Cheryl M, SA
Kurt J, NSW

April 2008 Winners

Ballykissangel DVD

Keith I, NSW
Lyn A, VIC
Dorothy F, NSW
Harvey D, QLD

Paris Movie Tickets

Tania P, WA
Tony V, QLD
Barry R, QLD
Josef K, VIC
Wayne W, VIC
Yvonne L, SA
Jenny W, SA
William B, NSW
John S, NSW
Ted F, SA

Tell a Friend

Bob P, QLD
Tom M, VIC
Eady B, NSW
Jean E, WA

March 2008 Winners

Are you being served? Series 7, DVD

Michael M, VIC
John W, NSW
Mary P, QLD
Doug F, NSW

Tell a friend

Carol L, NSW
Kerrie W
Caroline O, NSW

February 2008 Winners

Who do you think you are? book

Carol L, NSW
Bob M,
Sue M,
Mareen M, VIC
Ros M, QLD

Tell a Friend

Anne P, QLD
Janine F, NSW
Gayle J, VIC
Ronald N, NSW

The First Eden DVD

Bob F, SA
Margaret B, NSW
Verna R, WA
Arthur H, VIC

12 x double passes to Closing the Ring

Gerald B, NSW
Margaret P, QLD
Rod J, SA
Peter W, VIC
Yvette S, SA
Maria H, NSW
Judy E, QLD
Margaret F, NSW
Pail S, VIC
Mae B, VIC
Nigel W, NSW
Karen L, SA

Winners of 10 x 5 DVD packs

Pam D, QLD
Ernest H, NSW
Tony van T, VIC
Shirl K, SA
David K, NSW
Ann L, WA
Kevin D, QLD
Colin L, SA
Hermine H, VIC
Michael S, WA

Tell a Friend for January are:

Peter W, SA
Helen W, QLD
Eleanor H, VIC

Winners of the Human Mind DVDs are:

Les H, WA
Mary P, QLD
Leanne B, QLD
Rosemary G, SA

Winners of the Dan in Real Life tickets are:

Richard L, VIC
Doug E, QLD
Judy R, WA
Dianne S, VIC
Cathie M, WA
Loretta S, VIC
Lyn E, VIC
Janet M, QLD
Nola D, QLD
Les T, VIC
Merryl D, WA
Ashley G, SA

January 2008 Winners

Tell a Friend winners for December are:

Peter W, SA
Helen W, QLD
Eleanor H, VIC

The winners of our December competition to win a Pocket Peeper are:

Mavis B, QLD
Christine B, NSW
Art S, NSW
Megan C, QLD
Heather T, VIC

December 2007 Winners

The winners of our November competition to win double passes to see I served the King of England are:

Barbara F, VIC
Colin L, SA
Robert B, NSW
Katharine W, NSW
Paul S, VIC
Christine B, NSW
Judy D, NSW
Mary P, QLD
Ron H, VIC
June H, VIC

The winners of a 12-month subscrition to Your Life magazine for telling a friend about @boutSeniors are:
Brenda N QLD
June M NSW
Edna B NSW
Judith M NSW

November 2007

The winners of our November competition to win ‘Allo ‘Allo DVD are:

Damian Martin, VIC
Nancy Lai, SA
Elaine Kosh, NSW
Belinda Yaxley, TAS

The winners of double passes to see the movie Death at a Funeral are:
Paul S, VIC
Alicia B, VIC
Chritsine B, SA
Cheryl M, SA
Anya F, NSW
Anne C, QLD
Brett G, SA
Keith S, WA
Malcolm B, QLD
Allan H, NSW

October 2007
The winners of a 12-month subscrition to Your Life magazine for telling a friend about @boutSeniors are:
Bob B, SA
Thelma W, NSW
Peter A, NSW
Annette P, NSW

October 2007
Winners of Ballykissangel Series Three
Robert B, NSW
Ian T, NSW
Alan B, VIC
Gerald T, VIC

September 2007
Winners of Elizabeth R
Hank V, NSW
Zita F, VIC
Joan C, WA
James H, QLD

September 2007
Winners of The White Planet Tickets
Denise J, QLD
Graeme S, VIC
Trevor B, QLD
Esther S, WA
Ellie H, VIC
Denise F, NSW
Mary C, NSW
Mary H, QLD
Margaret J, SA
Erika J, VIC

September 2007
The winners of a 12-month subscrition to Your Life magazine for telling a friend about @boutSeniors are:
Clarice B, VIC
Allan T, QLD
Eileen C, NSW
Peter C, VIC

September 2007
Winners of the Royal Melbourne Show passes are:
Valmai H, Altona north
James M, Northcote
Cheryl H, Vermont South
Brenda J, Ferntree Gully
Bill C, Noble Park
Lawrence W, Scoresby
Leonie S, Hampton
Graeme W, Patterson Lakes
Roy S, Langwarrin
Ann P, Chirnside Park

August 2007
Winners of Boynton Beach Club tickets are:
Frank S, QLD, Margaret W, NSW, John W, NSW, Erin S, NT, Janet C, QLD, Merlie C, VIC, Christine M, QLD, Damien M, VIC, June L, VIC, Bev D, NSW, Ron M, VIC, Betty T, WA, Peter B, WA, Christina B, SA, Garry B, NSW, Laticia C, SA, Meri M, SA, Dianne G, NSW, Pam P, NSW, Colleen L, QLD, Maria P, QLD, Ken B, NSW, Joy A, SA, Barbara B, NSW, Annette H, QLD, Graeme H, VIC, Lynne H, TAS, Brandy W, TAS, Ray M, WA, Robyn C, QLD, Cecil H, VIC, Evelyn H, WA, Elizabeth L, VIC, Geoff R, NSW, Kay L, SA, Jennifer C, NSW, Edna T, NSW, Lyn E, VIC, Ronald C, VIC, Judy E, QLD, Mary H, QLD, Liliana, VIC
Marianne K, NSW, Melinda M, NSW, Faye H, VIC, Anne C, QLD, Ray H, VIC, Anthony L, SA
Leo B, NSW, Maurice D, VIC

August 2007
Winners of tickets to The Flying Sctosman are:
Terence W, VIC
Mike B, NSW
John W, QLD
Annette H, QLD
Andrew H, SA
Christine M, SA
Beryl R, QLD
Sparky B, NSW
Val H, VIC
Liz F, NT

August 2007
Winners of Faulty Towers are:
Elizabeth L, NSW
Aurthur C-J, QLD
Jan M, VIC
Stanley O, WA

July 2007
Winners of the 10 double passes to Amazing Grace are:
Ann A, WA
Marianne C, NSW
June H, NSW
Merryl D, WA
Delroy O, QLD
Trish K, QLD
Karen T, WA
Dione C, SA
Andrew SJ, VIC

July 2007
The winners of the July DVD prizes, the Two Ronnies , are:
Brett G, SA
Judy D, NSW
Ann L, WA
Catherine S, VIC

July 2007
The winners of tickets to see the new movie about Edith Piaf, La Vie en rose, are:
Don W Toormina NSW
Fiona G Hillcrest NSW
Fred N Vermont Sth VIC
Lorraine T Toogoom Qld
Diana J Harbord NSW
Frank D Appin NSW
Barbara S Mt Eliza VIC
Elsie T Yatala QLD
Trish K Peregian Springs QLD