GippslandSenior The AUTUMN 2024 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Yallambee Open Day and High Tea 2024 Henselite Victorian Open Enjoy a day out on the Walhalla Golfields Railway Moe Arts Society 80th Birthday Love is in the air View online: www.lvexpress.com.au
The Range Retirement Village is a retirement living community in Moe, boasting a live-in Manager and high-quality residential villas set inside a gated community. The Range offers elegant new and refurbished two and three-bedroom independent living villas, set in attractive and well-manicured surrounds. Each villa features an open-plan living area, well-appointed kitchen, private courtyard garden and single or double garage. 12 Range Way, Moe Sales and Inspections Phone: 1800 531 956 www.therangeretirementvillage.com.au Plan your social life with your new community You will have the flexibility and freedom to embrace life with a social calendar that includes, billiards, indoor bowls, craft, movie nights, trivia, bingo, cards and many more social activities and make use of our community bus to get around our local area. “NOW IS YOUR TIME TO EMBRACE LIFE AT THE RANGE” Features available for our residents to share at The Range Retirement Village include indoor pool, billiard room, cinema, dining area, craft room, library with internet access, outdoor barbeque and entertaining area. Resort-Style Clubhouse VILLAS NOW AVAILABLE
Once you see the impressive Querencia retirement village, and all it has to offer, you will realise that comfortable, enjoyable, secure retirement living in one of our serviced rental apartments is the right choice for your new lifestyle. That’s why we are inviting you, after a personal guided tour of Querencia, to join us for a complimentary delicious lunch in the dining room. Querencia is a first rate retirement village awarded Winner of the MBA National Housing for Senior Award for ‘Best Value for Money’ Category. • Affordable serviced apartments • Choice of designs and styles • All meals home cooked daily • 24/7 Friendly live in management • Pet friendly • Respite rooms available • Safe and secure with 24 hour emergency call system • Experienced and friendly staff to assist with your needs • Weekly activities • Hairdresser etc Aff d bl i d Come and enjoy a complimentary lunch and while you are here we can show you around. Please call Franca to book your personal guided tour and lunch today! 6-8 Mena Street Moe. Phone 5120 1800. WHERE YOU WANT TO BE! GP1667379 a f W S Most C affordable retirement living in Victoria Come and join the Querencia family at our rental retirement village
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR 4I AUTUMN 2024 Page 5 Yallambee Open Dayand High Tea Page 6-7 2024 Henselite Victorian Open Page 8-9 New comprehensive bulk-billing General Practice Service Page 10 Enjoya day out on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway Page 11 Moe Arts Society 80th Birthday Page 12-13 Elder Abuse: An often hidden issue Page 14-15 Volunteersarecrucial Page 16-18 Loveisin theair • It’s not finding theright partner, it’s being theright partner • Never too old for love • We worked together, westayed togetherand celebrate 60 years together Contents All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced in part or in full, by any means, withoutthe permission ofthe publishers. While the publishers have taken all reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy ofthe material contained in this publication,the publishers do not assume any responsibility for liability for any inaccuracy or omission, or from the use of the information contained herein and the publishers make no warranties, express or implied, with respectto any ofthe material contained herein. Acknowledgements ADVERTISING: Jenny Mann, Latrobe Valley Express, Phone 5135 4412 EDITORIAL: Latrobe Valley Express Journalists and local contributors Printed and Published by the Latrobe Valley Express Phone 5135 4444
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR AUTUMN 2024 I5 Come celebrate and tour our newly renovated one and two bedroom units! The Yallambee Customer Services Team warmly invite you to share an afternoon with us and take the opportunity to tour our newly renovated Independent Living Units. We currently have fully renovated one and two bedroom units available for purchase which will be open for viewing on the day. All units host a brand new kitchen, bathroom, laundry/butler’s pantry, new floor coverings, window furnishings and freshly painted throughout. Our new units are light, bright and airy with a warm homely feel. External gardens have been updated giving you a personal space to relax outdoors. Join us for a wonderful high tea experience of scones with jam and cream, canapes, a glass of champagne or a cup of tea or coffee. Yallambee is a long serving provider of Retirement Living and Residential Aged Care, supporting our local Community for over 50 years. A not-for-profit, stand alone organisation, we have grown in response to the culture and needs of our local community. Conveniently located near popular amenities and advanced health facilities, our spacious Village blends seamlessly into the local area. Residents are invited to immerse themselves within our Yallambee community to live well, and Live at Ease! Join us on Tuesday the 19th of March 2024 from 1pm to 3.30pm. Please RSVP with your name and contact details to reception on 5132 3500 Your Community, Your Retirement, Our Commitment! Yallambee Open Day and High Tea GP1667278
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR 6I AUTUMN 2024 Latrobe City is set to host the Henselite Victorian Open for the second year of a five year term, and the 2024 event is just around the corner. Thousands of bowlers of all ages and abilities will descend on the Latrobe City region from 19th – 28th March for ten days of bowls and social activities in the biggest bowls event in Victoria, and second Nationally to the Australian Open. Bowlers, their families & friends from all over Victoria, Interstate, and abroad will be rolling into Gippsland, hoping to win their piece of the $100,000 plus in prize money that is up for grabs. Bowls Victoria are particularly excited to welcome those traveling from New Zealand and Hong Kong, and even as far away at the United States! Close to twenty clubs throughout Latrobe City and Baw Baw will play host to events across multiple disciplines, with Morwell Bowling Club and Traralgon Bowls Club acting as the event’s two major partners and hub clubs. Competitors will battle it out across eight categories which includes; Men’s and Women’s Singles, Pairs & Triples, and Mixed Pairs (including Under-18 Mixed Pairs), for a chance to claim some of the largest prize pool in the State. The events commence with Sectional play, followed by Knockout play. The Vic Open will culminate with actionpacked Finals in each discipline, held over the final two days of the event. The Latrobe/Gippsland region offer bowlers a range of different surfaces to bowl on, at a time of year when the greens are at their best. The region has abundant accommodation options to suit all budgets and requirements, with many tourism options for participants and their families to immerse themselves in when not bowling. 2024 Henselite Victorian Open GP1667641
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR AUTUMN 2024 I7 52 Hazelwood Road Morwell 5134 3449 Website: www.morwellbowls.com.au New members and authorised visitors welcome - OPEN 7 DAYS - BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! Morwell Bowling Club Relax in the lounge Large parking area Large Bistro Great menu Ice Creamery Raffles and happy hours every Wednesday and Friday 5pm-7pm Fox Sport & Sky TAB and Keno Kids play room Social Bowls New Morwell Reception & Convention Centre GREAT Meal Deals SENIOR Meals Available
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR 8I AUTUMN 2024 MARYVALE Private Hospital is delighted to announce the introduction of a comprehensive bulk-billing General Practitioner (GP) service, set to commence in March 2024. Recognising the growing demand for increased access to primary healthcare in the region, this new addition represents a significant step towards providing enhanced medical services for the residents of Morwell and its surrounding communities. The need for accessible and quality healthcare has never been more critical, and Maryvale Private Hospital is committed to addressing this need by confirming it has been working with an external General Practice provider to bring the service to Maryvale’s site. The inclusion of these services will not only benefit the hospital but will also contribute significantly to the overall well-being of the community. The new GP services, led by Dr Ehab Mostokly, Dr Mark Abdo and Dr Awad William Ghattas will offer a wide range of healthcare solutions, catering to the diverse needs of the residents. From routine check-ups to specialised consultations, the team of experienced and compassionate General Practitioners at Maryvale General Practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalised care to every patient. “We understand the importance of having convenient access to reliable healthcare services, and we are thrilled to be able to meet this demand with the introduction of the new General Practice,” acting Maryvale Chief Executive, Daniel Scholtes said. “This initiative is a great addition not only for our hospital but, more importantly, for the community we serve. We believe in fostering a healthier and happier community, and the new service align perfectly with this commitment.” The GP team at Maryvale General Practice brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of providing high quality healthcare services. Their presence in Maryvale will undoubtedly be a valuable asset, contributing to the overall well-being of residents and providing a convenient option for those seeking reliable primary healthcare. Maryvale Private Hospital looks forward to welcoming the community to experience the new GP services, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare solutions. an eye on the Maryvale General Practice Facebook page for updates. New comprehensive bulk-billing General Practice Service exceptional healthcare solutions. The clinic is due to open in March 2024. An online appointment platform will be ‘live’ at shortly for patients to make appointments, keep fi'fffl #(&fl fl (%%fl"' , ff)fl )fi fi fi'fifl& ffi#% $fl%!"fl"' " %fl&$fi'fl %fl fl # fifl flfl fifl ffl fifl$ fi$ flffifi fflfl!fiflff fl&fifl"'fi fflfl %fl - fi'fi)fl %fl-fl&$fi'fl %fl %, ' #%*fl + - %fl&$fl'#!( fflflflff flffl ff fiff "fi ffl !"ff fifflfifl ff ff flfl flfffi "ffl flffiffffflfi fl flffl fl ffl fflfffiff fl fffi fffl ffl GP1667369
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR AUTUMN 2024 I9 Maryvale GP Staff from left: Anne-Maree Thomson (Acting Director of Clinical Services – Maryvale Private Hospital), Dr Ehab Mostokly (GP – Maryvale General Practice) Rachael Hatzopoulos (Operations Manager – Maryvale General Practice), Bridget Scott (Nurse Manager – Maryvale General Practice) (((/!*'fi/ffl/% 34 34 fl %!*5!*'fi/ffl/% #ffl'! )fi$fflfl fi!'$ $! fl fffifi#fl/ 6* fflffl* $ffl %flfl##!* $!' ($ ffl%! fflfi!fl#' !fl ffl . #%!. fl fflfl#%$fl #fi$# %fl! fflfl !fflffl/ )fi!fl $ fflfl'flfl ffl ##fl $fflfi1flffl$ $! ffl#! $ffl ffl/ ffi!ffl !ffl%$fl 1%fi# $ffl #fi# $!$fl$#. $!%#$ +!*' 0!'$ &ffl#fi$ ffl! %$* fl fflfi##fflfl$ !/ ffl%! (1fl. *ffl%! fflfl'flfl. *ffl%! #$#$fflfl 2 # ffl%! fi!ffl!$*- ,%! $ $ fl#%!# fi!#fflfl# ! $ffl! $ffl *ffl%! fl#/ +!*' (ffl# fi$fl$# ($ fi!'$ $ ffl'!. ". " . ffl!6. fl ffl!# #1%fl fflfi$fflfl#/ GP1667207
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR 10I AUTUMN 2024 Enjoy a day out on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway You will marvel at the views as the train meanders across numerous bridges through the stunning Stringers Gorge then across the breathtaking Thomson River Bridge! Relax on board with our friendly, knowledgeable crew and immerse yourself in the beauty and history of this unique location. Upon your return to Walhalla Station visit our gift shop, have lunch in The Goods Shed Cafe, take a mine tour and wander through the historic town contemplating how it was when Walhalla was a bustling gold mining town in the 1800’s. Walhalla Goldfields Railway operates Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday with trains departing Walhalla Station at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Alternatively, if you would prefer a train exclusively for your group you can hire a special train. Bookings can be made online at www. walhallarail.com.au For further information on group bookings contact Walhalla Station on 5165 6267 or email: [email protected] GP1657888 Take a ride on Victorias Most Spectacular Railway!!! Relax and enjoy the scenery in this idyllic setting as you step back in time and travel through the spectacular Stringers Gorge. Enjoy lunch in our Goods Shed Cafe and wander through the township, taking in the historic sites. Individual and group bookings welcome. Why not become a volunteer? Utilise your existing skills, pass them on to the next generation or develop new ones in a supportive environment where everyone is appreciated and meet new friends along the way. For information and bookings visit www.walhallarail.com.au or phone 5165 6280
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR AUTUMN 2024 I11 Having a chat to our oldest member in the Moe Art Society, Coral McCulloch. They first began painting as a group in the old Moe Library Moe, where the RSL building is now and then moved to Old Gippstown. Coral and her husband painted with the early crews of 6, including Dick Bishop and Annette Bishop. Both families have handed down their skills. Coral’s daughter and granddaughter now paint. Alvina Edwards Bishop is a well-known current artist now living in Boolarra. What a great legacy to have in our town, portrait artists and water colour landscape artist like, Ken Downs and Bob Pelchen with oil artists and experimental artist, Helena Taig, Sharon Wooton, charcoal artist John Reeves and Ling Wang superb bird and wildlife artist. Each year new artists come to the area and join, it shows how this creative group welcomes new members and the history they depict of the area. If you areabudding or established artist or would like to rekindle some skills you developed, then we invite you to join our Art Group. We are a small friendly group who gather together on Thursdays to share our skills and knowledge, and our passion for art. Join us between 9am - 2pm on Thursdays at the Moe Library, 1/29 George Street, Moe. Moe Art Society 80th birthday Coral Mc Culloch, painted portraits of her family and beautiful still life’s, often with flowers. She has a unique style of soft flowing pastel work, with a great contemporary feel to colour, light and movement. 0)ffl )ffi ##ffffl ,) ,*+&$ffl) ffl#+ &%*fi ' &%*,#+%+ fiffl)) fflffl * - ##ffl +& %*.ffl) 0&,) (,ffl*+ &%* +"ffl 0&, &% +&,) &) fl&$$ffl%flffl 0&,) !&,)%ffl0 . +fi ,* + 0)ffl )ffi ##ffffl ffff %! !!ffl %!&# %!' #ffi !fi"$$ffi! % $% ffl* ffiffl%+ # fffflffi )ffl 1 ## + -ffl )ffl 1 ffl*' +ffl )ffl 1 ffl$ffl%+ )ffl fflffl) $ + )& ,% / 1 )ffl*'fflfl+fl&$, !% ffi %fl flffiffff$ ! &%ffi&ff $% ffi""$ff &%#ffi%ffi!&$ fiff$ !!ffl ! $ffi% &%ffi&ffff' %# $!#fi fi!#' &""!#% ffi% !&$% $!ffiff ff # GP1667376
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR 12I AUTUMN 2024 While it is often a subject not widely discussed, in recent years elder abuse has increasingly been recognised as a form of family violence and often presents a range of complex challenges for the community. Leading Lawyer, Nathan Pace of Pace & Associates Lawyers Traralgon, a Law Institute of Victoria Specialist Firm details the nature of elder abuse within the family and other relationships of trust, along with its interconnection with family violence legislation. Further, he suggests several strategies and safeguards, which can be implemented to best protect you or your loved one. An older person is often defined as being over the age of 65 years. Elder abuse is any form of violence or mistreatment that causes harm to an older person and occurs within a relationship of trust, whether that be a family member, domestic partner, friend or neighbour. This abuse can occur in many contexts, including the individuals’ home or in residential aged care. In many instances the elderly person may be dependent on the abuser, for example if they rely on the abuser for care. It is also common for the abuser to depend on the support of the older person, such as for accommodation. Sometimes, there may also be a co-dependent relationship present where both the older person and the abuser depend on each other. Elder abuse can include acts of psychological, financial, physical, social and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. Some older people may describe this type of behaviour as disrespect or mistreatment, rather than abuse or violence. Further, harm can also include emotional harm and financial loss including the loss of a home and belongings. Some examples of elder abuse include: threatening and coercive behaviour forcing an older person to hand over money or an asset, or misusing their funds physical assault preventing an older person from contacting their family and friends limiting a person’s choices or placing pressure on them regarding decisions they make neglecting to provide a person with appropriate health or personal care inheritance impatience - the sense of entitlement to an older person’s assets or resources Abuse and mistreatment of any kind can have a profound and detrimental effect on a person. As well as causing feelings of stress and anxiety, elder abuse has been shown to lead to an increased risk of depression and thoughts of suicide and can increase the risk of ill health and early death. It can also mean an increase in hospital visits or early admittance to residential care. When elder abuse results in homelessness and poverty, it can make it more difficult for the older person to Elder Abuse: An Often Hidden Issue Mobility And More Moe Stocking daily living needs and mobility aids 03 5127 2099 32 GEORGE ST. MOE, VIC. 3825 www.mobilityandmore.com.au OPEN SATURDAYS TILL 12PM FREE Exercise Classes focussed on: Mobility, Balance & Strength PLUS FREE Osteopathy Consultation Are you 65+ years old? Join us for our FREE Healthy Ageing Program Supported by HAP Services available at Traralgon & Trafalgar Ph. 4135 2516 www.healthlinksgippsland.com.au
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR AUTUMN 2024 I13 cope with illness and disability. People who experience elder abuse often require health, legal and social support services, as well as short and long-term housing options. As elder abuse most often occurs within the family or a domestic setting, it is also recognised as a form of family violence under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic). This allows victims to apply to their local Magistrates’ Court for a Family Violence Intervention Order to impose conditions against the perpetrator and prevent further abuse. If there are then breaches of this Intervention Order, Victoria Police can charge the abuser with breaching the Order, which is a criminal offence and can be punishable by a term of imprisonment in more serious cases. Often clients we see who are suffering from this type of abuse seek to maintain relationships with the perpetrators of abuse (whether it be their adult children or intimate partners) and some do not wish to take legal action against them at that time but want to know what their options are. This is often consistent with the broader cycle of family violence, where a victim/survivor may or may not take action over a long period. There are preventative measures which can be implemented to both empower victims and assist in protecting their rights. These measures include encouraging the use of written agreements such as Enduring Powers of Attorney documents which lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions about personal matters (such as where you live) or financial matters (such as paying bills) or both. Further, family agreements or meetings between family members as well as the use of mediation services. When attending an experienced solicitors office, special care should be taken to identify your circumstances and determine if an Enduring Power of Attorney is right for you or what else can be done to assist. If you believe you are victim of elder abuse, the first step is to confide in someone you trust such as a trusted member of your family, your treating doctor, care provider or other advocate who can protect your rights. Further, once you have made someone aware, a safety plan can be developed to reduce the risk of further abuse. You may also seek to engage an experienced advocate such as the staff at Pace & Associates Lawyers Traralgon to draft an appropriate written agreement or apply for an Intervention Order on your behalf for your immediate protection. ffl flff6fl * GP1667378 444-"#%"+$"//,#("0%/#,*"1 fl',- %2%) ,0'"* fl0.%%0 ffi.".")&,+ ffiffi fflfl ffi .(*% ffi."!# 5%+#%/ 3 6+0%.2%+0(,+ .$%./ fi())/ 3 /0"0%/ 1/(+%// 3 .,-%.07 (/-10%/ fl1-%."++1"0(,+ 3 6+/1."+#% )"(*/ %+%.") (0(&"0(,+
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR 14I AUTUMN 2024 Volunteers are crucial in communities worldwide, and Gippsland is no exception. Latrobe’s Zelma Mildenhall is part of the volunteer grouping, starting at the Morwell United Church and moving on to much more work within the community. In 1961, Zelma’s husband bought a farm in Hazelwood North, where they built a house and married. Now, Zelma’s daughter runs the farm while she helps out. “My daughter mainly runs the farm. I don’t do so much anymore. I just help as much as I can. We have cows and calves. We also have chickens and hens. I look after those as well as the garden. I mow the lawns and look after the garden and orchids as best as I can,” she said. The orchids and flowers that Zelma grows go into the Church op-shop, where she is currently the coordinator. Two days a week, she is the friendly face who greets everyone and is up for a chat. “People occasionally come in asking for a particular plant. I grow the plants at home to bring into the shop, and one of the plants is quite popular. I try to grow them as they ask. We are quite good friends. “Lots of people come regularly. I think a few people come, but sometimes I think they just need someone to talk to. If all you can do is spend 5 minutes of your day talking to somebody,Ithink that is something we should do.” Zelma told the Express that people have been very generous with their donations and that she finds that most of them are quite suitable for donating. Very rarely, she says that she gets some that aren’t. Her favourite part of the op-shop is meeting people who come in to present or browse. “Some of the people who donate say things like, ‘If you need to give something away to someone who really needs it, this family would be happy for you to do that.’ Those people are just so lovely.” For 18 years, Zelma has worked at the op-shop and says that it is always looking for more people to help out. She said anyone who can do two hours or longer and is available from Wednesday to Friday is welcome to do a trial run with the group. The volunteers do lots of different stuff, such as sorting the donations down at a separate shed before going to the shop and helping assist in the sales of the products. Zelma always enjoys her chats at the shop and talks about all the nice things that happen during the week at the church. “People come in, admire things and say it looks good, or tell us little stories. I think that they just enjoy coming and they know us quite well. Some come every week or two. We become good friends,” she said. Her role at the church is president of the church council and does the newsletter and board messages that you see passing the church. At 88, she can no longer climb the ladder to change the board but has another volunteer help her. The church does a fortnightly newspaper with the church information for the members. She has been there for 26 years and calls on for fortnightly chit-chat that helps create the paper. Like the op-shop, she immensely enjoys the church. She told the Express that the church tries to be welcoming and inclusive, makes everybody feel at home, and enjoys singing and music. “Come to the service; you will be made to feel more than welcome, and we will look after you.” In earlier years, Zelma also taught at the Hazelwood North Sunday School for 44 or 45 years. Zelma also became a Girl Guide leader in Hazelwood and Traralgon for almost 50 years. “I did the girl guides in Hazelwood for almost 50 years. Most of it is in Hazelwood, and about 10 years are in Traralgon. I did about 50 years of guiding. I only retired at 85,” she said. “I just like to be involved in the community.
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR AUTUMN 2024 I15 If you live in a community, you need to know something about it and put some time and effort into making it a better community.” When she first came to Hazelwood North, the Jeeralang North Hall ran some events, one of the first few things she had attended in the local area. “I quickly became involved in the Jeeralang North Hall committee and the Hazelwood North Church School.” “When the church at Hazelwood North closed, I went into Morwell.” Activities like the Sunday school and the girl guides were some of the reasons why Zelma achieved Australia Day Citizen of the Year twice, in 2010 with Latrobe City and in 1992 with the Shire of Traralgon. Zelma told the Express that she was very honoured to receive both. She said that she heard rumours about the Shire of Traralgon award but didn’t know about the Latrobe City award. “I was humbled, especially when many other worthy people worked hard. I was surprised,” said Zelma. Zelma also volunteered with the West Gippsland Healthcare Group, where she worked in the archives for 23 years. Working on the first Saturday of the month, Zelma enjoys her time there and is still involved but needs to do archives. She said, “I am still involved, but don’t do the archives anymore. We also hope to have a new hospital.” While she isn’t originally from the Latrobe area, Zelma has completed exceptional work around the area since 1956. She said that if she were to give advice to anyone, it would be, “Don’t waste your time. Make every minute count.” www.latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au Bowling w as his f avourite thing t o d o... Expressions Coffins create stunning personalised image-covered coffins. Families can choose from a range of existing designs or create their own unique design: natured themes, floral, football teams, favourite photos, hobbies or pastimes etc. can be produced. Almost any design is possible. CONTACT ONE OF OUR CONSULTANTS OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS. Latrobe Valley Funeral Services has introduced to the community a new range of coffins called “Expressions” , as an alternative to traditional coffin or casket design. Latrobe Valley F uneralServices MOE 5126 1111 MORWELL 5134 4937 TRARALGON 5174 2258
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR 16I AUTUMN 2024 “It’s not finding the right partner,it’s being the right partner” On Sunday the 10th December 2023, at the Baptist Heritage Manor in Maryvale Road Morwell, Henry and Beverly were married in the small and intimate Chapel at Heritage Manor. The Staff, Management and the Lifestyles Team moved mountains to make the day as perfect as it was Heather Wilson, a Civil Marriage Celebrant from Moe, but services the whole of Gippsland, officiated on the day which went off splendidly. The wedding guests consisted mainly by close family and friends which made the event most intimate, family orientated and with a dash of fun thrown in for good measure. Many of the friends who were present on the day spanned back to 30 – 60 years. The Bride woreafull length white and champagne coloured lace and organza gown complete with a matching headpiece all of which were made by the very talented and long time friend, Chrissy Little, who also organised the whole wedding and included making the wedding cake along with making the dresses for the Bridesmaid and Flower girl. The Bride carried a bouquet of roses, babies breath and orchids. The Brides closest friends, Chrissy and Norma were the Flower Girl and Bridesmaid respectively. The Bride stated that she couldn’t wished for better support girls. The Ceremony space was decorated by Joslyn Edebohls, who is a well known Event Organiser and the wedding /ceremony space looked beautiful. Karen Dyer styled the Brides hair, and coincidentally The Bride conducted a Naming Ceremony for the Beautician 18 years ago when she was only a few months old. The Brides son, had the pleasure of giving his mum away to The Groom. The Groom, woreablack suit whilst the Best Man wore blue. Overall the day was a great success and what started as a great friendship 20 years ended up in a marriage where each married their best friend. Love is in the air
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR AUTUMN 2024 I17 Never too old for love. Ross Jeffrey Bosanquet and Lois Elizabeth Tipple were married on Wednesday 29 November at the Newborough Bowling Club. Lois arrived in a 1948 Ford Super Deluxe owned by Norm and Fay Holyoak. Ross was born and raised in Springvale, and he moved to Moe approximately 6 years ago. He has never married but he decided to propose to the lovely Lois and after today he can say to everyone who asks, ‘yes I am a happily married man’. Ross has been involved in the hospitality industry, working as an apprentice chef. He also worked and qualified in horticulture, and he is an all-round handyman, as he has taught himself to work in all types of trades. Epilepsy held him back from doing a lot that he would have loved to do but with the help of Lois his life has immeasurably improved. They both have started renovating the house that he recently purchased and it is a credit to them both to see what they have done so far. Lois was born in Yarram, and she is from a fishing and butcher’s background. She moved to San Remo in 1956, then lived for many years on the Mornington Peninsula. Lois has been married and had two children but it was not a happy time for her. She has had a varied history over the years which included major weight loss around about 2004. Lois became ‘slimmer of the year’ and ended up doing motivational talks for approximately two and a half years to help others to lose weight, she then discovered to her surprise how much she enjoyed doing this and how good she was at talking to groups of people. She moved to Moe seven years ago after leaving a relationship of close to forty years. Lois met Ross about five years ago where she donated her time working at an ‘op’ shop in Newborough. She would talk to Ross at the bus stops as they both used public transport, this led to a friendship developing. Then they both moved from Newborough to Moe and contact was lost for approximately eighteen months. When she came back to Moe, in no time at all, they then ran into each other, where else but the bus stop, the bus stop opposite ‘Coles’ supermarket to be specific. It was a Tuesday and they started talking and Ross thought she had a partner but found out she was single, by Saturday he was on her doorstep with chocolates, wine and roses and they have been together ever since. This is a traditional love story, and it began by being friends first and then falling in love and how lucky are they to have found that special someone, and anyone who meets them can tell straight away how much they love each other. Both Ross and Lois expressed their appreciation for the lovely marriage ceremony that their celebrant, Heather Wilson provided for them. Most of their guests, their family, Probus club and Lions Club groups, who attended commented on what a beautiful service it was.
THE GIPPSLAND SENIOR 18I AUTUMN 2024 We worked together, we stayed together and celebrate 60 years together According toJohnand NellieFoster, there isnosecrettoa long marriage.Theyare celebrating their60thanniversary this Easter. “Secrets? I don’t think there is any,” John said. “You will learn thatas you goalong inlife. You justhaveto giveit your best shot.” Nelliesaid, “It’s noteasy. We havehad someupsand downs, buteverybody does. Wehavealways stuck together. We worked together, we stayed together, and I think thatisoneofits secrets.” Having grownup coupleof streetsaway, Nellieand Johnhavealways known eachother but didn’t know they would be married together for60years.They spent yearsclosetogether, whetherat school,in the MoeFire Brigade,or just running into eachother. Nellieand her mum volunteeratthe brigade while,over many years, Johnand a friend ofhis begged tojoinand one day gotaccepted asa junior fire class.The MoeFire Brigade becameoneofthefirst brigades tointroducejuniors intotheteam. Johnsaid, “That wasa greatexperience asa kid. We would getoutand hear the fire siren go,and riding our push bikes, openthe doors tothestationand beready for whenthe big blokescamethrough. We would getonthefire truck,and they would tellus whatto do when we got there.” Nellieleft schoolat14, working ina shoe factory until it shut down. Johnstarted asa Billy Milk delivery boyand wenton to manyother jobsafterwards,including dry cleaning, pressing,and being a mechanic. Nelliejoined inatthe dry cleaners, working theearly shift,and later on,they left Moetoopena servicestation restaurantinInverlochfor twelve months whenthekids were little. Johnsaid, “We opened the door, and the damnthing wentlikeyou wouldn’t believe. Weopened up therestaurantand service station, which would just slow downand give people good service, but12 months later, it was so busy wecouldn’t.” John was born in Warraguland cameto Moe whenhe was five, while Nellie was born in theold Moe Hospital,now gone. Thecouple got married on Easter1964. Later inlife, Johnand Nellie becamethe localtow truck inthearea,helping with road incidentsand broken-downvehicles. Theyused to work withthe police,ambulance,and fire stationon manyoccasions, working asa team. Inoneinstance,he would gotoan accidentinthetow truckand drivethe ambulancetothehospital becausethere wasonlyoneambulance driver inthose days,and ifit wasa severe accident,he couldn’t be withthe peopleand drivethe ambulance. So, Johnora policeofficer would haveto drivefor them,and another would drivethetow truck back for John later. Johnsincerelyenjoyed those days,even iftheroads wereamessand thatthe community, in one wayoranother, was close-knit,and everybody knew him as Fossie. Johnand Nellie were part of theTrafalgar Car Club or Moe Speedway fora few yearsand ended up running it. While Nellietalked tosponsors, John was in the pitshelping tow carsoff thetrack. One day,asponsorcameinand ended up being friends withthecoupleuntilhe passed. Heencouraged them toruntheir own businessand boughtthem theold Ford showroom whenFord builta new one. Johnsaid, “Heasked us why we weren’t running ourown business,and wesaid wecouldn’t afford it, sohekeptat meeven thoughI said wecouldn’t. So,ashekept asking,I was running around looking for a littlechook shed for$2a week.I was working for theFord dealership then,and theyhad builta new showroom and were selling theirold one. Herang meup and said that youcan buy the dealership,and he boughtitforusand said there is your shed. Weowehim. Hehas passed away, butcometoalltherace meetingsand loved it.” After60yearsof marriage, Nellieand John Fostercouldn’t be happier. Bothhaveno regretsand are thankfulfor thecommunity around them or their “adopted”children whonow havetheirownfamilies.The secrettoa long-lasting relationship may benothing but work,thecommunity, and experiences. Love is in ther air
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