the Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

In this issue: •I love the lifestyle ... but not the food! •Take a seat •Rush to Bendigo

Allergies notan issue for most readers

Travelling Australia in a caravan or motorhome is an amazing adventure but, for some, it’s apparently not nearly adventurous enough.Most veteran grey nomads will have passed a long-dis-tance cyclist on some remote Outback road or other, but it seems not all of these riders can blame their ‘predicament’ on the foolishness of youth! Ken Pisichko is a 67-year-old insulin-dependent diabetic who is refusing to let the advancing years prevent him from living his pedal-powered dream.He has already made three major cycle journeys across this vast continent and it seems he’s just getting started.In 2006, Ken rode from Cairns to Darwin, mostly along the dirt roads. In 2011, he went from Adelaide to Sydney, via Broken Hill and Wagga. And last year, he cycled from Perth to Peterborough via Norse-man.A Canadian who began his love affair with Australia back in the early ’70s, Ken says he simply can’t stop coming back here to eat ‘fresh’ Vegemite, and to travel ... but why on a bike?“Because of the freedom, safe-

ty on the roads, and because I do not need much equipment and thus my costs are lower,” he told the GNT. “I carry a tent and sleeping bag, and only occasionally overnight at a roadhouse or campground.”Ken says he has never had any problems while wild camping, and he has nothing but kind words to say about all he has encountered on the road ... including road train drivers!“I wave to them all when I am past and some toot their horns and flash their lights,” he said. “If there is no oncoming traffic, the truckies give me a wide berth and, when there is traffic, I drive into the ditch to give them room.”And Ken says cycling gives him a unique up-close-and-personal appreciation of the Outback.“The plants keep changing every couple of hundred metres and the big anthills in the north are all different,” he

Most grey nomads don’t have an allergy that affects the way they travel but – for those that do – it’s a serious concern. While 90.2% of respond-ents to our recent poll on the issue were happy to declare themselves allergy-free, Annette F was among the minority who travels with the required medication at all times just ‘to be on the safe side’.She says that she doesn’t allow her bee and wasp al-lergy to dominate her trip, but she is ever mind- ful of where she sets up camp.“We have had need to camp in a free-camp loca-tion only to find that a nearby tree contained a full hive,” she said. “Hap-pily, they weren’t swarming – they’d just set up their new home in the hollow of the tree.”Nonetheless, it made for a nerve-wracking experience. “I stayed inside our screened vehicle until it was time to leave,” she said. “Thank goodness it was only an ‘over-nighter’ stay.”

Click to Comment

Ken P reckons that using pedal power is the best

way to see Australia

Issue 118: March 25, 2016

Page 1

said. “The wattles bloom at different times and they are not the same shape, and that’s the same for the wildflowers of WA, and even of campsites and people - all different and all very interesting.”As Ken - who is currently teaching in Qatar - plans for his next trip to Australia, he acknowledges that health is-sues will eventually mean his beloved bicycle might have to do most of its travelling on the back of a caravan.“I have met a ‘travelling companion’ from Victoria and there are some plans to eventually go caravanning,” he said. “It’s such a wonderful place to visit - if you just open your eyes!”

• Have you seen Ken on your travels? Could you be tempted to sell the van or motorhome and ‘hit the saddle’ for your next trip?

Click to comment

Want more adventure? Do the Big Lap on a bike

Well-earned rest ... Ken

stops to catch his breath at a WA rest stop

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‘The time has come for us to hit the road’

Derek and Janice (71 & 66) are getting ready to roll

What do you travel in?Nothing yet. We are very much newcomers to the whole grey nomad idea. We have recently bought a 20’ second-hand caravan and will soon be taking what they call a ‘shakedown’ trip in it.

What are your plans?Well, assuming we survive our first weekend away as official wannabe grey nomads, we will head north for the dry season. Derek hasn’t been fishing since he was a child but he has been fantasising about catch-ing a barramundi so we will eventually make it to the Gulf Country and spend a bit of time in Borroloola.

Where will you stay?Caravan parks, caravan parks, and more caravan parks! Call me old fashioned if you like but I want to use a toilet that flushes, have a hot shower

when I want one, and to feel safe and secure when I turn in for the night. You’re looking forward to ...?Everything! Derek has been retired for nearly 10 years now and grey nomadding has never appeared on our radar before now, but suddenly I’m really excited. I can’t wait to meet new people every day, and to see some of the places that I’ve only really seen on TV. I almost feel like a kid at Christmas. Actually, I can’t believe we are actually going to do it, but we are!

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Couple are putting plans in place to become grey nomads

Free at lastJarrahdale, south-east of Perth, is hoping its new RV short stay area will attract more grey nomads to the historic town. The 72-hour free stop spot has a dump point, and space for 30 self-contained RVs.

How fast?A driver has been clocked speeding at almost 200km/h along a remote stretch of highway near Barcaldine, east of Long-reach in Queensland. Police say the 25-year-old man was travelling 192km/h in a 110km/h zone.

Runaway vanPolice are looking for the owner of a large caravan that became unhitched while being towed through Melbourne. The runaway van then careered 100 metres down the road before crashing through a garden fence and narrowly missing a family home. The van is believed to have been stolen. The towing vehicle didn’t stop.

Nomads in Brief

What are you nervous of?Can I say ‘everything’ again. I’m scared we won’t like be-ing stuck with each other’s company, I’m nervous that other travellers might dismiss us as silly beginners, and I’m worried that one of us will ab-solutely love the lifestyle and the other will absolutely hate it. I’ve heard about that hap-pening before.

Why now?It just felt like we might need something else before we slipped quietly into dotage.

Click to comment

Issue 118: March 25, 2016

Character of the road

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Page 3

Dear Editor,Re: rest stops (GNT:117). We got on the Pacific Highway expecting to find the very good wayside stops that are availa-ble around Victoria and South Australia. We were horrified we could find no rest stops to pull into safely because they were immediately adjacent to the dual-lane highway with no reasonable run-up lanes for picking up speed before re-joining traffic. There were small towns off the highway, but we couldn’t trust being able to safely navigate through the town with a 24’ caravan ... so we ended up going from Brisbane to Nambucca Heads without a stop!

Carol LDear Editor,On our way to Queensland we parked overnight because we were tired. We were ap-proached by a ranger next morning who told us we were not allowed to overnight there and then said that there had been a head-on further up the highway! So, we told her that was why we stopped ... we did not want that to happen to us!

Tony & LesleyDear Editor,When we were travelling up the NSW coast with our cara-van, we experienced these ‘No Camping’ signs, and didn’t know what the ramifications of staying the night were. It is so unclear. I was fatigued and started to get stressed as I

needed to stop and sleep. This was dangerous. There is noth-ing to say what is permitted.

MikePDear Editor,I carry a printed form saying I (ranger’s name with ID num-ber) hereby take full respon-sibility for moving on (your name) from (spot location) and accept all responsibility for all damage, injuries, and death caused by moving these people on when they are too tired to drive. Him or her to sign here. They tell me to be gone in the morning then!

RaMDear Editor,If we are too tired to continue our journey we stop regard-less of the sign. Better face the trouble of parking in ‘no camp zone’, than put other road us-ers or ourselves in danger.

Kaz HDear Editor,I pulled up at a rest area to have a rest and make a coffee. I popped the top on the cara-van, turned the gas on to boil the kettle and a council truck pulled up beside me with two orange lights flashing. “You cannot camp here, you better move on,” I was told. I never at any time planned to camp at the roadside stop. Can a council worker fine me, or can we just say: ‘bugger off’?

Rex DDear Editor,I have never been told to

move on and I would pull the safety card if I was. It is first and foremost a rest area and, if you’re tired, you’re tired. I always park where big rigs and others have room to get in and out without blocking me in.

Michael CDear Editor,Our philosophy is: ‘If the car’s attached, the awning’s still rolled up, and there’s no fold-up chairs out, then we’re resting’.

Neville ODear Editor,If fatigue sets in after say 4pm, it seems reasonable that driv-ers should be permitted to rest until say 8am the next morn-ing before resuming their journey. Signage should reflect this in clear, concise words.

AndrewDear Editor,Unfortunately, there are a few who think that occupy-ing such rest areas for many days is ‘OK’. “No one comes to check” is one smug answer when asked how long they have been there. It’s a pity that this type of traveller gives the rest of us a bad name and will contribute to the eventual clo-sure of these sites. I hope not!

RBDear Editor,If signs simply said ‘24-hour stay limit’ and councils pro-vided facilities for a nominal amount (via an honesty box), or simply allowed 24-hour

stopping at least 15kms from a town, then everyone wins.

DanDear Editor,I find the comment by the RMS that ‘no camping’ signs are to deter people from stay-ing in a rest area for a couple of days to be nonsense. If that’s the case, why are rangers moving people on? Or haven’t the rangers been informed of the RMS comment.

Garry JDear Editor,I can’t, for the life of me, understand why people want to stay for extended periods in a rest area/truck stop. Most of them are adjacent to a main road or highway, are ultra noisy, a lot of the times dirty with poorly maintained (mowed) conditions, but they are FREE. They should be a last resort overnight stay only.

BretzyDear Editor,I think that there is a need for some test cases to go into court before a magistrate. I personally take no notice of such signs and if a pumped up official turns up jumping up and down showing off his uniform I simply say: “Take note of my registration num-ber and I’ll see you in court”. I have never got into court yet. I believe that the only people with the authority to move you are the police. Stand up for your rights. Grey Power!

David P

Issue 118: March 25, 2016

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Page 4

Dear Editor,Re: Unhappy grey nomad (Jaclyn & Heidi: GNT 117). Stop being so grumpy and help the poor bugger who can’t reverse, chat to the others that annoy you, and you’ll enjoy life on the road a whole lot more (or stay home).

Alison SDear Editor,Seriously? Take a chill pill. If little things like that wind you up so much I’d hate to think what you’re like behind the wheel. A bit of a wait at reception – you could check out the local tourism brochure stand. As for the poor person having trouble reversing. I’m assuming you’ve always been perfect at that job. The laundry incident – gosh what can I say? I’ve never encountered someone being slow to empty their machine. Most people just grab big handfuls and chuck it in their basket/bag. Take a magazine or paper and relax.

Di DDear Editor,Tommy, you need to go to relaxation or yoga and un-wind. If you keep getting this up tight over minor things like this, you will never enjoy travelling.

Gail Dear Editor,Some people take their time with washing and, if people are having trouble reversing, why not see if you can be a good camper and assist them

rather than sit and complain? Chill out and enjoy life ... it’s what you make it. The world is not perfect and neither are you or I.

JeffreyDear Editor,Stay at home, Tommy! You also annoy people.

Rob E

Dear Editor,Now I know where the term ‘cranky old bastard’ comes from!

ByronDear Editor,Re: The Pinnacles (Great Plac-es: GNT 117). Unfortunately, the local shire of Dandaragan does not allow any free camp-ing. The RAC has recently acquired one of the caravan parks but there are no cheap options for anyone wishing to visit the Pinnacles.

PLDear Editor,Gordon & Marilyn (Charac-ters: GNT 117). Good on you both for not sitting in front of the TV and deteriorating. We travelled around Australia for 2.5 years in 2008 and we are thinking of going again ... the Nullarbor Links Golf was fantastic (I don’t play golf nor-mally) and the crows pinched five of our golf balls. We met some great people, and I was really looking forward to get-ting to the next hole (my score was shocking but who cares). I would suggest you definitely do the course. It is about $60

but worth the laughs. Good on you both for doing volunteer work, as well!

Rose & AlexDear Editor,Re: wildlife survey (GNT: 117). I encountered a camel a few years ago - a big bugger, too. I came around corner on dirt road and there it was in the middle of the road and he wasn’t going to move. I slammed on brakes (as I do for any animal bigger than me!) and slid to a stop with my bonnet under his tummy. It calmly turned to face my car and spat the most enor-mous spit ball right onto the windscreen. The camel calmly departed the scene while I lost 10 years.

Adrian HDear Editor,Council crackdown (GNT: 117). Unlike some councils, police don’t have a vested interest in chasing people into overpriced van parks, and the safety of the travelling public is their overriding consideration. When will councils realise that in some areas grey nomads, backpackers etc. make a significant contribution to the economy and, instead of chasing us away, provide amenities to allow us to spread our spending throughout the entire retail community, not just the van parks.

Les TDear Editor,The trouble with travelling and sleeping in vehicles when

you’re young is it becomes addictive. I know, I’m still doing it ... only now I have an innerspring mattress, a shower and toilet, fridge and stove!

Michael CDear Editor,Too many councils going overboard. What next? Hi vis and hard hats when outside the van!

Ge Dear Editor,Not enough police as it is on the road to stop idiot racers and weavers, and this council wants them to patrol camping places and parking areas, as well?

Adrian HDear Editor,The right to have a rest for safety reasons is a legal one, as outlined by the police. I wonder how it will go when someone has an accident after being moved on by a council and they sue said council for not allowing a safety break?

Kevin BDear Editor,What’s the difference between a car parked on the street all night empty or occupied? Why is one legal and the other considered illegal? Nothing to do with the caravan park or motel owners missing out on a quid? No way. Ask any councillor and it would be a noise or environment matter. Manly Beach is far better than Bondi anyway!

Graeme P

Issue 118: March 25, 2016

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

This easy chair is athand when needed

You’re on your way to the van park laundry when you bump into that lovely lady from the site just across from you. The conversation crackles along and you just want to keep chatting ... but your poor tired legs start to feel like they’re about to give way.But fear not! Instead of po-tentially missing out on the directions to that wonderful free camping site, or on the gossip about how her hus-band has started drinking too much, or the story about how they nearly hit a camel on an Outback highway, you’ll soon be able to simply reach into your pocket and whip out your Sitpack.The ingenious twist on the ancient shooting stick uses telescopic technology and click-and-lock stability to ensure that, no matter how far you roam, a comfortable seat is just a heartbeat away.When folded away, the Sitback ‘capsule’ is a compact 16.8cm tall and has a diameter of 6.6cm, not dissimilar to a beer can. However, when the Sitpack’s sides are flipped, a seat is formed and an adjust-able leg is revealed. The leg is extended by pulling the lowest

Page 5

part to its extreme and ‘click-ing’ it securely into position. The leg can be locked in at anything from 17cm to 87cm in length, and the super handy ‘chair’ supports people weigh-ing anything up to 130 kg.As well as putting you in pole position for those unex-pected long chats, this Danish masterpiece will also come into its own when you’re on a bushwalk, waiting a little longer than you’d hoped for that barra to bite, or even when your partner is making a meal of reversing the van into site 27.While the first patent for a foldable seat was filed way back in the 17th century, the Sitpack catapults the concept

into the 21st century thanks to its miniature internal geom-etries. Made entirely from polycarbonate – just like notoriously tough Lego bricks – the device appears more than ready for the rigours of the open road. It even has a rubber foot, so it doesn’t slide around on slippery surfaces.The Danish designers have en-joyed a successful fundraising campaign, and the Sitpack is expected to be in full produc-tion very shortly. It will sell for approximately $50.

• When do you think you would find the Sitpack useful while on the open road?

Cllick to comment

Website highlights

Creek shockRecently our websitewww.thegreynomads.com.au reported that police warnings about the dangers of driving across rivers now carry much greater weight after two of-ficers demonstrated just how perilous a pursuit it can be. A police vehicle was swept into the crocodile-infested Victo-ria River in a remote area of the Northern Territory, forc-ing the occupants to scram-ble to safety. Both officers were uninjured in the drama although they were forced to walk almost 15 kilometres to get help.Click here for more

Other website must-reads:Get ready to fightTourists told to stand up to dingoes

Swan murder?‘Aggressive’ van park bird dead

Highway to hellBruce the most dangerous road

Rollover scareAccident underlines safety warnings

SURVEYHave you ever been scared

crossing a creek? YES NO

Issue 118: March 25, 2016

Compact, portable seat

provides a chair at your fingertips

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Ensuites are a knockout in the great loo showdownOur readers have spoken. The vast majority of GNT read-ers prefer to travel with a rig equipped with an ensuite. They said:

It’s always nice to step out of your shower in the van,

and get comfy for a night in front of the telly, especially when it’s bucketing with rain somewhere.

Donna WYou come across some dis-gusting showers and toilets at some campsites and van parks, so it’s nice to have our own.

Mike PI bush camp and, with the numbers on the road these days, can’t just pop out behind a tree in the middle of the night. Porta loos and shower tents took up precious space and had to be secured in my old van, whereas the ensuite is part of the van.

Terry

Ensuites win hands down for those who want to free camp.

DavidSMuch nicer and healthier to use the ensuite toilet and shower when stopping along the track. Simply empty at the next con-venient ‘proper’ dump point.

Chris TAn ensuite is a must for us as I am unstable on the knees and the night walks can end in disaster. Cleaning takes no time at all and emptying the cartridge is still a social walk.

Mari N

Page 6

Wouldn’t be on the road (full-time 6.5 years) without toilet, shower, washing machine and oven!

Alison SI have installed a toilet/shower in our van and use it even in van parks but my partner uses the park facilities. Each to their own!

Bob PWe have a van with an ensuite and have used the shower once just to try it out, and we have never used the toilet. Our intention is always to use amenities in van parks or national parks but wanted the toilet for those times we camp in the bush.

Graeme AAlas, as one gets older, trips to the loo are often more fre-quent than one would like and you get to be a bit past the ‘go behind a bush’ solution.

Di DWe are in a 12-metre bus, so room isn’t an issue. I would say we have used public amen-ities approximately six times over 15 years. I am afraid I like to sit on my own throne

TulsterWe used to have a pop top with a shower tent and we now have a full van with shower, toilet and even a washing machine on board. I love our facilities and never use public

amenities, even when we are in a caravan park.

Caron & PeteI hope the people that free camp without loos don’t do what some do! When we were on the road, it was shocking to see how many free camper just used the scrub as a loo and did not even dig a hole.

Dreamcaster51We have travelled for five years with a separate toilet and shower. We only use the toilet for urine so cleaning is easy (and a boon at night!) and we only use our own shower when the van park ablution block is a long way away, or not particularly great.

Lesley B

Issue 118: March 25, 2016

TheTHE GREAT ‘GREY NOMAD’ DEBATE: ensuite vs. amenities block / see below for next topic

Readers cite convenience, cleanliness and being self-contained as main factors

Taking the genny?THE GREAT ‘GREY NOMAD’ DEBATE CONTINUES:

Ding, ding! It’s round four in our grey nomad ‘Great Debate’. And so, without further ado,

LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!

In the red corner, we have the nomads who travel with their trusty generator. They want a reliable power source in the bush and they are prepared to cope with a bit of noise and perhaps flak from other campers. But in the blue corner, we have nomads who reject the gennie in favour of power derived from natural sources. They prefer the si-lence of solar or the soft whir-ring of wind power. What do you think? Click to contribute

For years we had vans without an ensuite and had no trouble. Then as age got to us with hip replacements and arthritis. Now, we would now never be without an ensuite.

Dodg

How ensuite it is with your own toilet and shower We have not needed an onboard toilet or shower so far, but are

considering a Porta Potti now. Liz & Steve

We chose a van without an en-suite, because we’d rather have the space. We have plenty of room to move around, comfy lounges to lie on to watch TV, and have a Porta Potti for night-time.

RaineyB

We do not have a toilet and shower setup in our van and aren’t concerned about using the ablution block. Our van is 18’ and easy to tow. We feel if we had an ensuite in this size van, it would have been too restrictive in space.

Jac

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Eureka! A town with history, scenery, nature ... and gold

It was gold that put Bendigo on the map back in the 1850s, and it is still helping to keep it on the grey nomad map today.But it’s not just the hopeful travellers with metal detectors who are beating a path to this elegant Victorian town. The ornate colonial-style buildings dating back to the glory days of the gold rush and the over-arching sense of history are what draw most to these wide, heritage-drenched streets.With a population of some 100,000, Bendigo has evolved, and Australia’s fourth largest inland city boasts a full range of services, shops and facilities. Nevertheless, the gold boom legacy is still there for all to see in the magnificent buildings such as the Town Hall, the old Post Office, the Shamrock Hotel, the law courts, and the sandstone Sacred Heart Cathe-dral. The Chinese influence in Bendigo’s past is evidenced by the historic Joss House Tem-ple, Golden Dragon Museum, and Chinese Gardens.Bendigo is blessed with many other beautiful gardens, with the most prominent being Rosalind Park near the city centre. The park is home to the famed Alexandra Fountain, complete with granite dol-phins, unicorns, and nymphs.Out to the west near the

Botanical Gardens is Lake Weeroona, a haven for birdlife.Both trains and trams played a key role in Bendigo’s develop-ment and an appreciation of both is what draws many here. An authentic steam herit-age train linking the historic gold mining towns of nearby Castlemaine and Maldon is still run by the Victorian Gold-fields Railway and is a popular attraction. So, too, is the Ben-digo Tramway Museum, or a trip around the city aboard a heritage tram that allows you to hop on and off at destina-tions including the Alexandra Fountain, the Joss House Tem-ple, Lake Weeroona, and the Central Deborah Gold Mine.The Central Deborah Gold Mine offfers you the chance to don a hard hat and miner’s lamp, and descend more than 60 metres beneath the surface. There are several tours available but each includes ac-cess to the mine’s surface with its treasure trove of vintage

mining machinery. Appar-ently, a climb to the mine’s poppet head will be rewarded with a fantastic view. Bendigo’s expanding events calendar – including the long-running Bendigo Easter Festival – reflects the city’s on-going vibrancy. Word is also spreading about the burgeon-ing local food and wine scene, spearheaded by the popular Farmers’ Market and a host of other foodie trail innovations.As you would expect, there are a variety of van parks here, and there is camping at the Greater Bendigo National Park on the city’s doorstep. The Notley campsite has pull-through sites suitable for caravans.The park itself boasts a superb Box-Ironbark forest, and it’s a great spot for birdwatch-ing and bushwalking. And, between August and October, the wildflowers are normally amazing.Bendigo ... pure gold!.Click to comment

Page 7

QUIZ CORNERLast week’s picture puzzle solution: The winning entrywas sent by Ted D.

Chinchilla

Win 2 grey nomad bumper stickers!

Email us the solution to this pic-ture puzzle. Winner will be drawn from entries and announced in Issue 119. CLUE: Not a good sign for many grey nomads.

Do You Know 1. I’m travelling directly between then NSW towns of Gunnedah and Coonabarabran. Which highway shall I take?

2. If you look hard enough, in which remote Barkly Highway town can you always find a ‘camel’ or a ‘cow’?

3. Shortest road distance from Katherine to Alice? a) 1181km b) 1295km c) 1382km

4. Aknaratam is a very backwards Australian town. Where is it?

5. Shaker Cell (anagram)Historic East Kimberley town on the Great Northern Highway.

(Answers on p. 8)

Email your entries here

Issue 118: March 25, 2016

The landscape in the Pinnacles seems almost other-worldly

The Alexandra Fountain ... one of Bendigo’s landmarksPhoto: Tourism Victoria

the Times Your news and views? Email us at thetimes@thegreynomads.com.au

Page 8

Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,I miss my roasts ... a lot! Despite all of the planning we did before we set off on ‘the big one’ about six weeks ago, I’m realising that I still managed to miss the elephant in the camper trailer ... food! I talked my wife, Susan, out of more expensive rigs in favour of a fold-out campervan with very basic (compared to what we are used to) kitchen facilities. I’ve realised now that it was a big, big mistake. Susan has gone from being a Mas-terchef-watching culinary wiz-ard to a canned food fanatic. Last night, she served up tinned tuna mixed up with pasta and mayonnaise, and that was it? Oh, how are the mighty fallen! She reckons there’s now far too many more interesting things to do than slave over a hot stove for hours. I know she’s right, but boy am I hungry!

Don

Food, glorious food It’s still early days, Don. As the months roll by, you will slowly find the right balance with food and everything else. I’m sure Susan is busy enjoy-ing all the new things about life on the road – such as putting her feet up with a good book and/or chatting to fellow travellers, or all man-ner of other things. It’s only natural that cooking and fine dining won’t be as high on her priority list as it once was. Talk to each other about what is working, and what isn’t. You will both slowly find your feet in what is a very different environment to the one you are used to. Have another look at your kitchen set-up, as well, and see if there is anything you can do to improve it. And why not get a book on campfire cuisine? Embrace the new possibilities Don!

Jaclyn

Okay. Let me get this right, Don. It seems that the Lord and Master is no longer satis-fied with the service provided by poor little ‘wifey’ who has belatedly discovered there are more interesting things in life than running around after you. Instead of sitting in your campchair with your pipe and slippers and waiting for the dinner gong to sound, why don’t you get off your behind and get cooking, Don! Get yourself a camp oven and make one of your precious roasts over the campfire. It’s not rocket science. In fact, it’s so simple that even a man can do it ... even an old dinosaur like you. Why don’t you em-brace all the new opportunities like Susan is. Broaden your horizons, Don. And you can start with a bit of washing and drying up!

HeidiClick to comment

Bilby birth is a boost for programThe battle to protect one of Australia’s most beloved endangered species has been given a boost with the birth of a Greater Bilby at the National Trust’s Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.The joey is the product of successful breeding between two of the Sanctuary’s resi-dent bilbies, and brings the bilby population to seven.Captive breeding allows the

Roo horrorTwo cyclists were seriously injured when a group of nine riders collided with a dead kangaroo on the Goulburn Valley Highway near Shep-parton, Victoria. A ute trav-elling behind the group then ran into one of the cyclists.

Wicked responseTravellers who have hired Wicked camper vans with controversial slogans on are apparently taking matters into their town hands. A van load of Australian tourists in New Zeraland covered a slogan on their van with tape, saying it was offensive and they did not want to be associated with it or for children to see it.

Sanctuary to select geneti-cally valuable individuals to breed, which promotes healthy Bilby joeys, and by extension, healthy bloodlines for future release back to the wild.The Greater Bilby is native to central-western Queensland and the Northern Territory, but predation by feral cats and foxes has hit numbers hard.According Save the Bilby Fund, the Queensland popula-

tion has surpassed the criti-cally endangered threshold.Currumbin Wildlife Sanctu-ary partners with Save the Bilby Fund, to help spread the conservation awareness message and to manage captive breeding projects to protect this distinctive marsupial from extinction.Wildlife Curator, Saskia Lafebre, said other native spe-cies also reap the benefits.

Issue 118: March 25, 2016

“The bilby is really the flag-ship species for that envi-ronment,” Ms Lafebre said. “Everything that helps protect the bilby also has a positive impact on the security of oth-er native species, particularly the smaller ones that people might not know about, which are susceptible to similar threats like cats and foxes.”

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CLASSIFIEDS

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FOR SALE HELP WANTED HOUSESITTINGNIMBIN, NSWHouse sitters wanted, preferably with their own van for 5 days in April (14th-18th)Only chores are feeding two Kelpie dogs, one 10 months old that will also need to be walked and an 18 year old who just does his own thing. Two ducks to feed once a day and two horses to just check on daily. Click here.

***HUMPTY DOO, NTWe would like a block minder for April and possibly May. We will be in and out of town randomly. Light garden duties and 2 small old dogs to walk/feed. Own van site and bathroom available. Suit grey nomad couple. click here.

***MENA CREEK, QLDHousesitters wanted on 30acre Property at Mena Creek (We are between Tully and Innisfail). Dates:- 8/9 August till 26 August. Cows, Chickens and Dogs to care for, all animals are easy to look after. Cows need water and moved from pad-dock to paddock,the cows are very well trained. Chickens need eggs collected and watered and fed. Dogs need to be watered fed and lots of human company! Click here.

***MARYBOROUGH, QLDSmall rural block close to Maryborough Qld. prefer own Caravan, but not essen-tial. Main task look after 2 dogs and water gardens. Free power, phone and internet. No outlay. Dates Friday 2nd Sept 2016 through to Monday 3rd Oct 2016. Come earlier if you wish. Click here.

***BAROSSA VALLEY, SALooking for a farm sitter for approx 3 month June July August small 40 acre horse property located Barossa Valley area. Couple preferred with horse knowl-edge. Property within walking distance to township hospital school post office pharmacy and general store. Modern elevated home. Some general gardening and some horse feeding would be neces-sary. Click here.

***SHEPPARTON, VICWe are requiring a farm sitter in the Tatura /Shepparton Area. A beautiful home/farm from about 15.4.16 for approx 6 weeks. Click here.

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NULLARBOR AREAMy name is Peta and I created the Trek Series in 2013. I’m embarking on my third charity trek. This time I’m raising money for groups in WA, SA and NT and these are Blaze Aid, Project Numbat, Foodbank and the Tiwi Bombers. I aim to leave Norseman at the beginning June and trek across the Nullarbor to Ceduna for a month, doing about 35-50km a day. I’m carrying my own food/water/tent and replenishing supplies at roadhouses. I’d welcome a couple heading along this route to be a support for me and can as-sist with some fuel costs. Please call me on 0419 818 700. Thank you.

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COOBER PEDY, SABIG4 STUART RANGE OUTBACK RESORT, An energetic and well presented couple are required to help in our holiday park this season. Must start just before Easter. Job 1,- Bus Driver Tour guide- full train-ing is given by owner, must be licensed and accredited to carry passengers in SA. Must care for the buses and have a good rapport with guests.2011 Mitsubishi Rosa’s (25 seater)Job 2, Casual Cleaner in our new 4 star apartments, laundry and grounds. Hours depend on room occupancy. Must have own caravan and are required to stay until mid October. If this sounds like you, please contact us. Ph: 08 8672 5179Email: felicity78@gmail.com

***TOOWOOMBA, QLDWe have been Grey Nomads ourselves for over a decade. We are now looking for a someone or a couple to assist us with the care of my wife. This arrangement would be part of a larger health care plan, however would be an incredibly critical el-ement. While nursing experience would be desirable it is by no means a requirement.The offer would include: the best on site accommodation for a caravan or a motor home, water, power, sullage connection, and remuneration to be negotiated. Click here.

***CHILDERS, QLDWanted handy man/builder for a variety of light projects. 2-3 hours work a day in exchange for free camping, food, fuel and/or cash based on how much work is completed. Click here.***FLINDERS RANGES, SABeltana Station Flinders Ranges are look-ing for a couple to be hosts and cooks for our tourism and station business.Communicating with guests booking them in and out, overseeing our backpackers that help clean and maintain the place and general cooking. We have a little home-style restaurant and we cook home-style food for staff and guests nothing to hard just roasts veg salads. etc. Looking for a couple that can work together and be team leaders.Own van would be good. Immediate start needed. All food and remuneration on offer. Click here.

***NORTH QLD CATTLE STATION, QLDPainter/ tradesperson required for North Queensland Cattle Station. Paid position, van site provided with access to own bathroom and kitchen. Range of work available. Click here.

***KENILWORTH, QLDWe are looking for a couple to stay at our property in Kenilworth to care-take this property and a second property 7 min away. Quality accommodation is available – the residence is a 2 bedroom, cosy , fully self contained and private, air con + fire place cabin with a small vege garden. Time frame is late June to end October/early November…. the best time of year in the region. Click here.

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Issue 118: March 25, 2016

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