VOL 06 Issue 6 April 1

You've got to have friends….

Welcome to the April 1 @boutSeniors enewsletter.

CoupleThis is the friendship issue. No matter how much research is done into Australians' retirement planning and financial wellbeing, the same answers keep coming back – most of us place the runaway highest priority upon our friendships, our loved ones, our neighbours and our community. This issue marks the launch of the @boutSeniors/match.com for those who are seeking new friendships or relationships. This is not just a facility for dating, or romance, but for the many mature Australians who have contacted us seeking a suggestion about finding a companion for dining, travelling, visiting the Easter Show, bushwalking, cycling… or just having fun. You can choose the type of friendship you want, including age range, gender and activity – maybe you're after a same-sex travelling companion with whom to go on a cruise, perhaps someone of the opposite sex with whom to enjoy some wine tasting? To launch this webpage, we are offering all @boutSeniors subscribers who register a ‘3-month for price of 1-month' trial. Try a free search here or learn more about making your online friendships secure here.

This newsletter there will be an extra 10 lucky winners. @boutSeniors has 10 double passes to the legendary Sir Anthony Hopkins latest movie, The World's Fastest Indian. Based on a true story, this riveting tale is about New Zealander, Burt Munro, who spent years re-building a 1920 Indian motorcycle and achieving his dream of setting the world land-speed record at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967. Winners will be selected from those who answer our quick, five question snapshot poll on financial planning. Enter now

And speaking of winners, four @boutSeniors subscribers (Elizabeth, Keith, Chris and Neil) are the owners of The Blitz DVD, and in April we have a new DVD set for four entrants. This time the prize is the fabulous…The Good Life, Series Two. Enter now

And the ultimate test of mateship? That which is remembered on Anzac Day. To celebrate the spirit of mateship, and the love of those left behind, this issue we share a recipe for the classic Australian biscuit – Definitely not cookies!

Don't you hate it when they call them cookies? In Australia on Anzac Day we eat biscuits – and that's what we bake – yet every time these tasty numbers are offered on Qantas flights, for some strange reason the flight attendants ask if you want a cookie. Find out the story behind the biscuits, and try this great recipe courtesy of CSR who make another Australian Icon, not maple syrup, but golden syrup or cocky's joy! Read more now

Keep Smiling
David & Kaye Fallick

Government News

Ministers reply
 Last week we asked the Federal Minister for Ageing, Senator Santo Santoro, some questions about the Aged Care Summit, as well as whether we should install an Older Persons' Ombudsman, if more could be done by the Federal Government with regard to financial/taxation incentives for retirement saving, and whether there is work available for older Australians who want it? And if so, how they can find it? These questions were follow-ons from recent online polling of @boutSeniors subscribers. Read the full questions, the polling results and the Minister's answers here

ASIC warns BankWest
 The Australian Securities and Investments Commission advises that BankWest will make changes to its advertising campaign for the BankWest Lite MasterCard in response to concerns raised by ASIC.
ASIC was concerned that the advertisements were misleading, or likely to mislead. Read more here. Find out more

Senior search
 Do you know someone who has made an outstanding community contribution in 2006? Nominations are being taken for this year's Victorian Senior of the Year, to be announced in Seniors' Week in October. Find out more

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World of Work

Online role
Looking for part-time work? If you enjoy technology and want to spread the word, you could be the perfect person to help develop an online community in Victoria. Find out more

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Taking care of the pennies

A 30% discount? Crikey!
If you like your politics, business, media and sport online and on a daily basis, Crikey.com.au's subscription email can arrive in your inbox every weekday at lunchtime. The idiosyncratic website realises just where the action is by offering a seniors' discount of 30%. Find out more

Franchising your great idea
Ever wondered if your fabulous business idea is the basis for a world-class franchise? Most franchises are extensions of existing businesses – but this is not always the case – some start-ups are designed to work as a franchise from the word go. Read these tips for creating a healthy franchise from Your Life magazine and see if your great idea is ready to grow….

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Wellbeing

Secure match
You've been getting to know someone online and have decided to take the plunge and meet face-to-face. You may be about to lay eyes on your perfect match, but it's still important to do everything possible to cover your safely and security when getting together with a ‘virtual' stranger. For a few simple precautions before a first date, click here

Volunteer knees, please
Free 8-week exercise program for persons with knee osteoarthritis
The Human Movement Department at the University of Western Australia is doing research on knee osteoarthritis and needs men and women aged 55 to 75 years of age who have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. The program is provided free of charge and participants will receive a full gait analysis and strength assessment showing the effects of the training program.
Find out more

Healthy bones
Those who live with the debilitating and frustrating pain of arthritis, osteoporosis or other musculoskeletal problems are aware of how little is known about them.
The Federal Government and state and territory ministers are in negotiations to create a national action plan to combat these chronic conditions. Find out more

Peace of mind at home
A new personal and home alert system sends SMS (text) messages direct to carers' mobile phones. Developed by Australian company PandahCare, the PANDAH
(P ersonal A lert N ight & D ay A t H ome) system can also alert carers about home power outages or a low battery, and includes a ‘wanderer' monitoring function. Find out more

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Getting out there

Who's a garden guru?
 Calling all experienced green thumbs! If you've ever wanted to be published in a book, now's your chance. ABC Radio is currently searching the country for the best backyard gardening tips. Everyone who submits a tip which is accepted into the book will receive a complimentary copy when it's published in August 2006. Find out more

Food and wine frenzy
 How Australia's food and wine palette has changed over the years. And our interest and appreciation of the culinary crafts is growing year-by-year. Celebrate the tastes, smells and sights of our finest produce at this year's Good Food & Wine Shows. Find out more

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For a good cause

A new best friend
Cordelia's Canine Rescue in Sydney saves dogs from death row and sets them up in happy homes. If you've got some time on your hands and would enjoy the comfort and fun of a new best friend by your side, consider adopting a pet. Find out more


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Travel Express
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NZ north and south
TOUR NEW ZEALAND IN GRAND STYLE Making the decision to go on a holiday is not that difficult. Most mature travellers want to ensure that the holiday they choose is relaxed, interesting and above all a great chance to learn about the different regions and culture of the destination, with a group of like minded Australians.

The 19-Day Grand Tour of New Zealand is a comprehensive holiday through both the North and South Islands. It goes without saying that the variety of inclusions and little extras are what travellers are looking for. This tour provides a list of outstanding attractions that offer an informative look at the countryside, the people and how each of the regions is different.Don't miss this great opportunity to discover the best New Zealand has to offer with Grand Pacific Tours. For more information, plus an exclusive offer to @boutSeniors, click here
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Helen's China
NOBODY knows China like Helen Wong One of my most popular tours is the China Odyssey which starts with the vibrant streets of Shanghai, moving to the breathtaking scenic wonders of Guilin, the ancient treasures of Xian to the back alleys of old Beijing. Enjoy total comfort, security, local hand selected guides and premium hotels. This is a tour full of contrasts – and a few surprises – join us for our ( July 02, 09, 16, 30, August 06,13, 20, 27, or December 03,17 ) departures and experience MY China.
From A$4225 per person share twin ex. Australia + taxes

Or visit China's seven ancient cities and Shanghai with our 18 Day ANCIENT tour. More than 5,000 years of civilization has bequeathed China a wondrous legacy of man-made marvels. Along with the spectacle of the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army, this tour offers some of the finest examples of Buddhist grottoes, temples and monasteries in Asia. It is a journey that is as historically intriguing as it is scenically stunning.
From A$3430.00 share twin ex. Australia + Taxes

Read more now – www.helenwongstours.com

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Well trained gypsies
If you can remember the first time you tried to reverse a caravan or trailer, you'll know it's not as easy as it looks. Global Gypsies of WA and Getabout Adventures of NSW have produced a fun and educational DVD on caravan training called Caravanning with Confidence , to be launched in April. Find out more

Regional France by road and rail
If you're not keen on driving long distances, here's the perfect solution. Rail Plus has a 7-day car rental package in France which provides rail stopovers. You arrive at each destination by train, pick up your car, explore the local regions, leave the car at the station and take a train to the next preferred stop, where the car collection and exploring process is repeated. Brilliant! Find out more

Brisbane Ahoy
With explorer Matthew Flinders at the helm, a sloop called The Investigator holds the title of the first vessel to navigate Australia in 1803. In November 2007 Brisbane will be the starting point for the first ever round-Australia voyage of P&O Cruises' Pacific Star. Find out more

Solo travel deals
If you're tired of being charged a single supplement at a hotel because you're travelling alone, try some accommodation options from the website solotraveller. These hotels offer a single room rate, so you don't have to be slugged for two when one is good enough. Find out more

Outback celebration
The Flinders Ranges will be the centre of festivities for the Tastes of the Outback Weekend, 21 – 30 April 2006. Celebrate all the outback has to offer in food, wine and art, put on your boots for some country dancing, or enjoy the country music croonings of James Blundell. Find out more

Travel deals

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Book Shelf Online

This issue we explore the “how tos” – how to garden well, plan a wedding, or erase a stubborn stain.

All in the cards
 Green thumbs will dig deep for this portable garden guide. Gardening Cards is a box of 264 reference cards, colour-coded by the plant's group and how it can be used. The cards are the size of a greeting card, not a playing card, so it has a good amount of information, with a full description of the plant, a colour photograph and cultivation notes, including the plant's preferred climate and soil type, and flowering season, plus much more.
Handy gardening reference
ABC
RRP $39.95

Love and marriage
Unless you can afford an event-manager, or you are one, planning a wedding can be a daunting task. This pretty file folder is divided into sections which include everything a much-loved daughter or grand-daughter needs to know to not only take the sting out of planning her big day, but also to make the decision process pleasant. Full of tips, tricks and top ideas for combining the best of classic and modern approaches, as well as a timeline and budget, The Wedding Planner can help brides and bridegrooms create a stylish, well thought out wedding which reflects their personality, their dream and their financial planner's advice. Spending the money up front on The Wedding Planner could be the best investment a couple ever make!
Worthwhile aid for brides-to-be.
New Holland
RRP $49.95

Stain stoppers
 Spotless, the ultimate guide to making a stubborn stain disappear, is now a worldwide phenomenon. Shannon Lush is a domestic superhero, a bottomless pit of homespun knowledge. As her local radio spot became more and more popular, some smart person at the ABC figured it was worth putting the knowledge into one package. Now it's a case of never fear, Spotless is here. Give it to your granddaughter, or better yet, your grandson – now.
The ultimate household mate
ABC
RRP$19.95

These titles and many more can be purchased in @boutSeniors online discount bookstore. Go there now

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DVD Junction

Family values
The complete second series of the legendary BBC series, Steptoe and Son , blends the classical and the crude, reminding us of an era when British television was at the coalface of quality acting and writing. Read more now


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Comfort food

Definitely not cookies!
 In Australia on Anzac Day we bake and eat anzac biscuits. Find out the story behind the biscuits, and try this great recipe courtesy of CSR who make another Australian Icon, not maple syrup, but golden syrup or cocky's joy! Read more now

 

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Here to help

And don't forget the staff at @bout Seniors are here to help with all you queries, whatever the topic on help@aboutseniors.com.au

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