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These are the top mistakes first-time cruise travellers should avoid, according to a cruise ship veteran

Cruise tips for the perfect trip For more than a decade, I have worked on some of the best cruise lines, and for the last six years, I’ve been a cruise director. It’s a dream job: I am the face and voice of a 3,600-person-capacity ship, organising entertainment around the clock for guests, creating the master schedules, coordinating excursions, hosting special events and so much more. I’ve been on hundreds of cruises and live on a ship for most of the year, so it’s safe to say that I know a few cruise tips you’ll find useful. I also know a thing or two about the mistakes people make when it comes to cruises, whether they’re first-time cruisers or regulars. From creating a smart cruise packing list to finding the best deals at sea, these insider cruise tips will ensure that you have the best trip possible. Booking too late It is true that if you’re very flexible with your travel plans and/or you live near a popular port-of-call, you can get some great bargains on cruises by booking at the last minute. But those opportunities are harder to come by these days, thanks to sophisticated computer algorithms that do a great job of adjusting prices to fill bookings earlier. What to do instead: If you’re sure you want to book a particular cruise or your travel plans aren’t flexible, book as early as possible – as in, the date bookings open. Prices will be at their lowest then, but if for some reason they do drop, you can ask customer service to match the new lower price. Just be aware that price adjustments need to be made before the “final booking window,” when all rates are locked in, usually one to three months before departure. Not asking for an upgrade Post-pandemic, a lot of ships are sailing at low capacity, so there are often plenty of open rooms. People are often nervous to ask for an upgrade, but those rooms will just be left empty if they’re not filled by departure time. We love making guests happy, and as long as you’re polite and phrase it as a question, not a demand, we’ll do our best! What to do instead: When you arrive, talk to any of the employees greeting guests about rooms available for upgrades. Different cruise lines have different policies, and the employees will know how to help you. And in case you were wondering, you can ask for an upgrade regardless of how you purchased your tickets. If you’re there for a special event, like a milestone anniversary or a honeymoon, definitely mention it – even if you can’t get an upgrade, they will find other ways to make your cruise special. Some cruises also allow you to “bid” for an upgrade, meaning that you can offer an extra amount of money for that nicer cabin. This is still a good deal, since even with the extra fee, it’s still cheaper than if you had paid the original rate for that room. Not packing a carry-on bag This is one of those cruise tips you’ll really be glad you know before your next trip. Many people overpack their main luggage and don’t give enough thought to what they’re toting in their carry-ons. Remember: It takes several hours minimum to get your luggage to you. Luggage times can range from a couple of hours to half a day, depending on staffing levels and your cabin location. This is why it’s essential to have a day pack with anything you’ll need right away – and don’t forget the fun stuff! What to do instead: Pack a roomy carry-on with medication, contact solution, a change of clothing, a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, sandals or other items you’ll want to have immediate access to. Being rude or cold to the crew We’re here to help you, but we’re not slaves. I’ve seen passengers have full meltdowns over everything from not being able to get prescription medication from the first-aid station, to the buffet not having a dish they ate on a different cruise line, to their towels being folded instead of shaped, like they saw on Instagram. Regardless of your demeanour with us, we’ll always do our best to help you, but we won’t be motivated to go above and beyond for you. Keep in mind that some events, such as dinner with the captain, are by invitation only or are not advertised, and having a crew member to help you get your name on the golden ticket could make your cruise experience something out of this world. What to do instead: Be polite and kind to the crew. To be clear: You’re allowed to complain, and we definitely want to know if something isn’t right or if it could be better, but just remember that we’re people too – often operating on very little sleep. Not taking advantage of flash deals During booking or before boarding, many cruises offer limited amounts of “flash deals” for things like entertainment shows or drink packages. Many people wait, thinking they can just decide once they’re on board, but you won’t find those same deals on the ship. And these deals are worth it: Purchasing a flash deal ahead of time could get you half-off discounts for food and alcoholic beverages, a VIP excursion or priority seating at shows. Talk about an easy way to get perks and save some serious money! What to do instead: If they’re offering something you know you’ll use, it’s almost always cheaper to purchase it through a flash deal. Flash deals are publicised through a cruise’s site and via email, but the fastest way to be alerted is by installing the app for your cruise line and registering your trip. And be sure to purchase quickly, since many deals are available only for a short time and/or in limited quantities. Using the internet a lot Internet on cruise ships can be overpriced and unreliable. This is because ocean-going ships have to use satellite systems for internet, and they are slower and tend to lose service more easily. And expect to pay for the privilege of slower service – older ships still sell internet by the minute (50 to 75 cents), while state-of-the-art ships offer day passes. Day passes average about $US25 per device, per day. This can add up faster than you realise. So while it’s technologically possible to stream a Netflix movie to your cabin, it may not be the best use of your time or money. What to do instead: See it as a gift! My advice would be to switch off completely while at sea and save your money. Cruise ships are equipped for maximum entertainment, and you should take advantage of all the fun we have on board. (Plus, in a cruise tip that doubles as a life tip, it’s good for you to do a mini digital detox and take a break from social media every once in a while.) If you do need to use the internet – say, to check your work emails or contact family – it will be cheapest and fastest to wait until you’re at port and find a Wi-Fi hot spot. Otherwise, just plan to use the ship’s internet strategically; have a plan before logging on rather than just surfing. Not signing up for the free loyalty program All major cruise lines have loyalty programs that offer real perks, including discounts on tickets, free meals, free internet, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and even free cruises. If you don’t sign up, you’re missing out. While the perks will depend on what “tier” of the loyalty program you sign up for, top-tier loyalty programs are the best deal for serious cruisers. That’s where you’ll be treated like royalty, with upgrades, special events, free or heavily discounted tickets, priority booking and lots of other extras. What to do instead: The base programs are free to sign up, and you’ll want to register for them as soon as possible because you can start earning points immediately. Higher-tier programs are fee-based, but they can be a great deal depending on what amenities you want and how often you plan to cruise. You will be offered the chance to sign up or upgrade during the booking process, but if you miss it, you can sign up at check-in or at any point during the cruise – even when disembarking. Depending on the package and loyalty tier, some of your points will be available immediately for use on your current cruise. Some major cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, have partnerships with major credit cards that allow you to use your card to rack up loyalty points throughout the year. Sticking to the buffets Yes, buffets are fantastic because they offer a wide variety of popular foods, and it’s all-you-can-eat around the clock. But if you’re only eating at the buffets, you’re missing some of the best food on the cruise! The restaurants are designed to give you a full dining experience and offer regional or specialty cuisines that can’t be found on the buffet. Plus, you can order according to your taste and special-order dishes if you have particular dietary concerns. Many restaurants offer extras like dining with the chef, watching the food be prepared or special entertainment events. What to do instead: Ask your host about special dining events, like the chef’s table, or to help you get reservations for a specialty meal – for instance, a Brazilian steakhouse meal or a five-course tasting with wine pairings. These dining experiences usually cost extra, but they’re totally worth it. Try to book two or three if you can. Not using room service enough When you’re staying at a hotel, you might forgo room service because it can get pricey – or because you can’t order whatever you want, whenever you want it. That’s not necessarily the case on a cruise. Post-pandemic, you can order anything off the menu through room service, 24/7… But not all the food is free. You may have to pay extra for that cheeseburger at 3am. What to do instead: While what’s included in room service varies from cruise line to cruise line, as well as what package you’ve booked, breakfast will likely be free – no matter what. Make the most of this cruise ship secret, and you never have to leave your room for breakfast again if you don’t want to! One etiquette-based cruise tip, though: While tipping isn’t necessary, if you do order room service in the middle of the night, consider tipping the staff a few dollars when they bring it. Not reading the ship's insurance policy If you enjoy doing adventurous activities like ziplining and surfing, make sure you know the risks and what you are covered for in case of an emergency. The ship’s insurance policy covers only the very basic things – those that are directly the cruise line’s responsibility, like cancelled cruises or lost luggage. But anything related to your health or other travel issues won’t be covered, so you’ll need to rely on personal policies. What to do instead: Make sure to read through the insurance policy and ask your cruise host or travel agent if you have questions. Check with your personal insurance provider to see exactly what they cover for cruises and/or out-of-country trips. And it’s never a bad idea to purchase separate travel insurance. Going to Medical for seasickness Cruises are required to have a certified doctor on the ship, but it costs money to get medical care onboard. Doctors bill an hourly rate – often around $US100 per hour – plus fees for any services or extra supplies. Cruise-ship medical bills can range from $US50 to thousands of dollars if you end up needing to be helicoptered out. However, many medical items are available for free through the customer concierge, so save those medical trips for illnesses or injuries that really require a doctor’s attention. What to do instead: Seasickness pills and other over-the-counter meds, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, are free through guest services, as well as things like adhesive bandages, heating pads and wraps. Stop by the host station, ask any staff member or call directly from your cabin. Pro tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, ask for a cabin on a low deck and mid-ship, since they pitch the least in relation to the rest of the ship. Taking sketchy DIY excursions This really depends on the location, but in lesser-known areas, it is generally wise to stick to the ship-sponsored excursions as opposed to relying on sales pitches from locals, taking internet advice or just winging it. After all, you want to make sure you don’t get taken advantage of, you’re safe and the ship doesn’t leave without you if the excursion runs late! What to do instead: Stick to reputable excursions. Your cruise director will have a list of ship-sponsored excursions and will also be able to advise you on local companies that the cruise line has worked with. It also never hurts to do research before setting sail, looking up your particular ports-of-call and seeing what excursions you might want to ask about. Going too far from the ship It’s fine to go ashore independently and find your own adventures, but I’ve seen too many guests end up losing track of time or distance, and then end up waving the ship goodbye from shore. If this happens, you’ll have to find your own travel to the cruise ship’s next port of call. What to do instead: Instead of driving yourself, find a local taxi driver who knows the area well. Just be sure to negotiate the price and time before hopping in. If you do decide to go it alone, stay fairly close to port, watch the clock and build in extra time for things like traffic jams. Make sure to get back to the boat at least 30 minutes before boarding time. Underestimating how windy it gets at sea Anytime you’re outside on the ship, make sure to secure all your belongings. Hold on tightly if you’re walking around, and if you’re putting your items down, place them in a zippered bag attached to a chair or table, or tether larger items (like blankets) to furniture. It doesn’t take much wind to launch your mobile phone, hat or glasses into the ocean. This happens far more often than you might think! What to do instead: I recommend that guests always bring towel clips for securing towels, clothing, thongs and other flighty items. Your ship may come equipped with some anti-wind protections like special shelters by the pool, lockers or wind breaks. Not honouring cruise traditions Ships, cruise lines and even cruising culture in general have their own traditions. The most popular one on all cruise lines is the “Cruising Duck.” Never heard of it? Guests bring a rubber duck and hide it around the ship to be discovered by others. But there are many more traditions based on individual cruise lines, travel routes or themes (say, a Disney cruise), and part of the fun is getting to discover them. You can read up about them on online forums or just wait to be surprised. What to do instead: Participating in these little traditions will make it more fun for you on your trip, and it’s a great way to integrate yourself into the cruising community. It’s especially fun if you’re doing a themed cruise. Not following current health protocols Health protocols change often, especially post-pandemic. For instance, most cruise ships now require proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Some are still doing rapid tests before boarding. Most prefer (but don’t require) you to wear a mask if you develop any symptoms of illness while aboard. If you test positive for an infectious illness, you’ll be quarantined. And remember, it’s not just COVID they’re concerned about: Outbreaks of norovirus and influenza are common in the close quarters of cruise ships. What to do instead: Stay up to date on the current rules, and do your best to follow them. This information should be given to you the week before your cruise, via email or your online portal. You can also check the website, call customer service or talk to a host during the boarding process. But please don’t argue with us – we don’t make the rules. If you need clarification or an exception, speak to the ship’s doctor. Not booking your next cruise while you're still on the ship This may sound crazy, but it’s one of the smartest cruise tips. Booking your next cruise while on your current cruise is a terrific way to make the most of free onboard credit and loyalty points. Once you leave the ship, the deals they’re offering will be gone. What to do instead: Ask your host about what deals they are offering before you disembark. This is the best time to get a great deal on your favourite cruises – and ones that won’t be available at a later date. Cruise lines really want you to book your next cruise while you’re still there and excited, so they may offer you a cheaper upgrade to a higher tier of the loyalty program and/or nicer perks on your next cruise. If you can book at this time, you definitely should. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/travel/cruising/ive-worked-on-cruise-ships-for-10-years-these-are-the-mistakes-every-traveller-should-avoid?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Cruising

"You've been bumped": Vietnam vet slams Qantas for booting him from business class

Qantas has come under fire for booting a Vietnam war veteran from his paid seat in business class so that a young Qantas "tech" – later revealed to be a pilot – could travel in the luxury seat in his place. Stephen Jones, 78, and his wife were travelling home to Adelaide after a holiday in Christchurch. Their flight was passing through Melbourne on its way to their home in Adelaide, and the pair were enjoying coffee in the Melbourne airport lounge – just 30 minutes before they were set to continue their journey – when they were given the bad news by Qantas staff. "I went up to the desk and the Qantas employee there said, 'I've got some bad news for you, you've been bumped'," Mr Jones told Melbourne’s <a href="https://www.3aw.com.au/vietnam-war-veteran-booted-from-business-class-for-younger-qantas-employee/">3AW</a> radio program with Ross & Russ. "It didn't register at first," continued Mr Jones. "I wasn't quite sure what 'bumped' meant... I said, 'What?', and she said, 'Yes, I'll have to re-issue your ticket for economy class. We have a tech who's flying to Adelaide and his contract states that he must fly Business Class." Mr Jones then explained that while he retreated to his economy seat, the Qantas employee was seated next to his wife up in business class, and that "he wouldn't even look at her". Mr Jones went on to explain that, after filing a letter of complaint, he was offered 5000 Frequent Flyer points in return for the downgrade and an apology. Mr Jones, who served in Vietnam in a combat unit in the 1960s, claimed he turned down the offer of 5000 points, saying, “I don’t think anything is going to change until there’s ramifications for Qantas, or costs for Qantas when they upset their customers.” Justin Lawrence, Partner at Henderson Ball Lawyers, later told the 3AW radio show hosts that there’s little customers can do about such a move by the airline and said it was “standard operating procedure”. “Unfortunately, their terms of carriage allow them to do this sort of thing – this happens so often they’ve actually got a term for it, buckle up, they call this 'involuntary downgrading,'” he said. “They’ll overprescribe business class or first class, they will need to bump someone out, and they’ll do it almost immediately prior to the flight – not just Qantas, they all do it." “Any time you go to a travel agent or online to Qantas to buy a seat, and we think we’re buying a seat in a particular class, there are no guarantees that when that plane takes off, you’ll be sitting in that class.” Mr Jones said he understood that Qantas pilots were entitled to rest comfortably on their way to another flight, but the ordeal was “unsettling and made me a little irritable”. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Trouble

AFLW star's cause of death revealed

Content warning: This article includes discussion of mental health and suicide. The cause of the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/aflw-in-shock-after-star-dies-at-just-28">shock death of AFLW player and army medic Heather Anderson</a> has been confirmed, triggering a renewed conversation about the mental health of Australian troops. The 28-year-old was found after having taken her own life at an army barracks in Perth on Sunday morning, according to the Australian Veteran Community page. In a statement to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/aflw/military-mental-health-in-spotlight-after-28yo-former-aflw-star-heather-andersons-death/news-story/a288899a503e25822caaba89a5e570c7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> on Tuesday, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) confirmed Anderson’s death and said it was still under investigation. “It is with great sadness Defence can confirm the death of an Australian Army soldier Private Heather Mary Anderson on Sunday, in Perth,” a spokesperson told the outlet. “Anderson was a gifted athlete playing professional AFLW football with the Adelaide Crows and as part of the ARMY AFLW squad, and served her country for many years. “The death of any Defence member is a tragedy and deeply felt by the Defence family and community. “We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Private Anderson. We are providing welfare support in accordance with the wishes of her family. “As investigations by WA authorities are ongoing, it is not appropriate for Defence to comment on the matter further.” Anderson was best known on the footy field for her bright pink headgear, which she wore so that her vision-impaired mother could identify her. "[Mum] hated watching me get smashed and she couldn't really see me play in the field. I hated pink and anything girly, so she would joke, 'Maybe if you spray painted your helmet pink, I'd come and watch you play',” she told <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/heather-anderson-pink-helmet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mamamia</a> in 2017. "So I bought one in a sports shop as a joke and said, 'now I've got one you've gotta come watch me play'. It just sort of went from there." After playing for the Adelaide Crows in the 2017 season, including their victorious grand final match against Brisbane, Anderson was forced to retire before the 2018 season after suffering a shoulder injury. She was also a serving medic in the army, having joined in 2013 and helping to rebuild communities during the 2020 bushfires and the pandemic. In the wake of her death, hundreds of soldiers have taken to the Australian Veteran Community page to pay their respects and share their condolences for her family. “Your commitment, dedication and tireless efforts can often go unnoticed,” a fellow medic wrote. “We know it’s not the desire for recognition, it’s the deep responsibility and sometimes helplessness of the situation for the lonely Medic that makes the night so dark. We who have stood in your boots regret we could not reach you. Know this we remember and share the deepest respect, for you are so much more. You are the “Doc” The Medic! forever reliable. Always.” Northern Territory MP Luke Gosling, who served as an ADF member for 13 years, wrote: “Condolences to family and friends.” Footy fans also took to social media to pay their respects and tackle the subject of mental health support for army members and veterans. “This young lady is more than an AFLW star, she is a serving member of the Australian Defence Force, another who is no longer with us,” one fan wrote. “It is time the Government look after our Defence Force personnel, both current and former.” Over the past year, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has heard from more than 194 witnesses and received 1900 submissions, exposing the culture of institutional abuse and a lack of mental health support for veterans. The latest report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare into the mental health and rates of suicide among former ADF members were higher for both men and women. If you are experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lifeline.org.au</a> or <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websites" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beyondblue.org.au</a>. ADF members and their families can also access confidential online and telephone support through the <a href="https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/health-well-being" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Defence all-hours Support Line</a> on 1800 628 036 or 24-hour free counselling through <a href="https://www.openarms.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Open Arms</a> on 1800 011 046. Image: Instagram

Caring

Veteran newsreader reportedly fired for "going grey"

A veteran newsreader has reportedly been fired from one of Canada’s most-watched television news programs after "going grey". Lisa LaFlamme announced she would be leaving the CTV National News presenter said she was “blindsided” and left “shocked and saddened” by the allegedly sudden decision to end her contract. “At 58, I still thought I’d have a lot more time to tell more of the stories that impact our daily lives,” she said in the Twitter video. “It is crushing to be leaving CTV National News in a manner that is not my choice.” The news anchor said she was asked to keep the details of her termination confidential, as the company released a statement saying the decision had nothing to do with LaFlamme’s hair colour or age and was simply “a business decision”. LaFlamme, like many people around the world, stopped dying her previously brown hair throughout the pandemic, a decision she told viewers she wished she had made sooner. “I finally said, ‘Why bother? I’m going grey.’ Honestly, if I had known the lockdown could be so liberating on that front I would have done it a lot sooner,” she said during the network’s year-in-review special. LaFlamme has been in the anchor job since 2011 but has been with the news outlet for 35 years, and still had two years left on her contract at the time of the “blindside”. Bell Media, which owns CTV National News, said it knew many viewers would be disappointed LaFlamme “would be leaving her position”, and regretted the way the news had been revealed. It added it would launch an independent investigation into newsroom practices. “CTV regrets that the way in which the news of her departure has been communicated may have left viewers with the wrong impression about how CTV regards Lisa and her remarkable career,” Bell Media tweeted in a statement. “We have always taken matters regarding any discrimination very seriously and are committed to a safe, inclusive and respectful work environment for all our employees, devoid of any toxic behaviour." “Consistent with our policies, we are taking steps to initiate an independent third-party internal workplace review of our newsroom, which will take place over the following weeks.” Image credits: CTV News

One of Australia’s last surviving ‘Rats of Tobruk’ passes away aged 102

Dennis Davis, a World War II veteran and one of Australia’s last surviving ‘Rats of Tobruk’ has passed away aged 102. Mr Davis was one of 14,000 diggers who held out against German and Italian forces in the 241-day siege on Libya’s Tobruk port in 1941. The Aussie soldiers, along with another 5,000 allied soldiers, were dubbed the ‘Rats of Tobruk’ for their efforts over the eight-month campaign. After falling ill in the days before Anzac Day this year, Mr Davis secured a leave pass from the hospital so that he could still attend an Anzac ceremony at Sydney’s Town Hall, where he laid a wreath in honour of his fellow veterans. “It was harder to get out of the hospital than it was to get out of the army,” he joked to his family, according to the Australian Remembrance Foundation. During Channel 7’s ‘Lest We Forget’ concert tribute to the ANZACs earlier this year, Mr Davis was the subject of a Veteran’s Tribute, before he laid the wreath at the Town Hall Anzac Day service. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oaq3RS9Rffk?start=904&end=1174" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> On Monday, August 15, Mr Davis attended a ceremony at the cenotaph in Sydney’s Martin Place with fellow veterans to mark the 77th Victory in the Pacific Day. The foundation announced Mr Davis’ passing on Thursday, August 18, as reported by the AAP. <a href="https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/stories-service/veterans-stories/dennis-daviss-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener">His story</a> is also included in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs stories of service program, which shares the experiences of veterans to support education in Australia’s military history. After migrating from London to Australia, Mr Davis enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1940, serving in the Middle East, New Guinea and Borneo during WWII. Following his involvement in the Seige of Tobruk and battles at El Alamein, Mr Davis was sent to serve in a newly formed ski unit. On his return to Australia, he married his fiancé Margaret before departing again to serve in New Guinea and Borneo. Mr Davis was finally discharged in November 1945 and returned to his job at the tax office. He was married to Margaret for 61 years before she passed away in 2004, and they are both survived by two children, seven grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. Image: Veterans’ Foundation (Facebook)

Caring

"Prisoner in his own home": Veteran's battle for freedom

An Aussie veteran is battling for his freedom after being stuck in his apartment for over a year. Eric Bouvier, a 92-year-old veteran, wants nothing more than to sit outside in the sun without having to rely on others. Despite being in a wheelchair, Eric is capable of getting himself around. The only problem is, he lives on the third floor of an apartment block in the eastern Sydney suburb of Maroubra, which doesn't have lift access. After serving in World War II, the Department of Veteran Affairs stepped in and purchased him a chairlift, saying they would also pay for the installation in his home unit block. But well over a year after its approval, it still sits in a box waiting to be installed. "He is a prisoner in his own home," Jason, Eric's carer, told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/sydney-war-veterans-battle-with-body-corporate-over-chairlift-installation-inaction/dd3d3f4f-c54b-4859-bbab-ff578e48d977" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a>. "Eric and I have asked the body corporate to put the chairlift in, but discussions are still going on and meanwhile Eric is stuck inside." "I've been trapped inside my home now for nearly 18 months," Eric said. The problem is the building's 1960s internal hand-railing is not to standard and needs to be replaced at the body corporate's expense before the chairlift can be installed. The building's body corporate have been getting quotes and debating the price of the renovations for well over 12 months. "It's my home and I have no rights," said Bouvier, who has now engaged a lawyer to battle the body corporate and get freedom. "It's everyone's legal right to access their home and if a hand railing needs to be installed, it should be done immediately," Amanda Farmer, Bouvier's Strata property lawyer said. Eric is continuing to wait patiently inside his home until the day his chairlift gets installed. "I may have lost my freedom for now, but at least I can still smile," he said. Image credits: A Current Affair

Retirement Life

Special Forces veteran delivers heartfelt plea over stolen puppy

Special Forces veteran Luke Evans has launched an emotional appeal after his seven-week old puppy was stolen from his doggy daycare farm on Monday morningThe father-of-three set up the farm on NSW's Central Coast three years ago with the help of his wife following 11 years of service in the navy to help him cope with his PTSD. The farm offers daycare for pets and also works to rehabilitate and find forever homes for rescue dogs. The dogs, who were all secret inside at the time of the theft, began barking around 4am to alert the couple that something was wrong. The navy veteran got up to check out the commotion, but didn't find out of the ordinary. It wasn't the next morning that Luke realised one of their beautiful blue-eyed Australian Shepherd-husky cross litter pups was missing. The puppy was taken from a seperate room where the litter was being kept away from the larger dogs during the night. "This little male pup that has been taken is just 7 weeks old, incredibly cute, two bright blue eyes and perfect Blue Merle and White markings," the family wrote online."The little one is microchipped and the number has been reported as stolen.""We sincerely hope that someone might make the right decision to hand him in somewhere. Or perhaps someone might recognise him and let the police know.""We are heartbroken. Numb. Terribly deflated. So many emotions right now. Disappointed. Disbelief. Concerned. Upset. Angry. Lost," the post read. The 37-year-old navy veteran suspects the thief had been watching his daycare's YouTube channel, where he shares updates on his animals and an insight into their life on the farm, in order to plan the daring heist.Following the theft, the farm has been set up with extra security measures including multiple cameras and alarms to keep their animals safe.Image credits: Facebook - Doggy Daycare Farm Trips

Family & Pets

Tributes flow for one of our oldest WWII veterans

One of Australia's oldest surviving World War II veterans, Bert Collins has died. Aged 105, he was the oldest member of the Australian Labor Party.Albert "Bert" Collins was due to celebrate his 106th birthday in March.Tributes recognising and remembering the Bankstown local have been posted online following news of his death. "My friend Bert Collins passed away this morning," Blaxland MP Jason Clare said."Bert was the oldest member of the Australian Labor Party."He would have turned 106 next month. Rest in Peace old friend."<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sad news. My friend Bert Collins passed away this morning. Bert was the oldest member of the ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianLabor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustralianLabor</a>⁩ Party. He would have turned 106 next month. Rest In Peace old friend. <a href="https://t.co/kN0Td8I2wz">pic.twitter.com/kN0Td8I2wz</a>— Jason Clare MP (@JasonClareMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonClareMP/status/1492753650015703040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>The Labor Party also posted "Vale Bert Collins" on social media.Mr Collins rose to the rank of a sergeant in the 52nd Australian Composite Anti-Aircraft Regiment (AIF) based in Papua New Guinea.The veteran's Anzac spirit has never wavered and was a quality admired by many."When I was a boy, my Mum instilled in me a very important lesson, which I've lived by my entire life," he told the Canterbury-Bankstown Council last year."She said I must remember to never be rude to anyone, to never tell lies and to always show respect towards others … and I have every day of my life."Image: Nine News

Caring

Blue Wiggle's stunning gesture for late veteran's family

Blue Wiggle Anthony Field has donated all his latest album's royalties to the family of a war veteran who passed away from cancer at age 30. Afghanistan veteran Brendan Nikolajew <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/tragic-update-from-wife-of-terminally-ill-veteran" target="_blank">died</a> on July 29 this year after fighting testicular cancer on-and-off for the past three years. A few weeks prior, the Blue Wiggle <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/veteran-with-terminal-cancer-speechless-after-blue-wiggle-s-kind-act" target="_blank">promised</a> to donate the royalties from the group’s latest album, Lullabies With Love, and has lived up to his word. After giving Mr Nikolajew all of his songwriting credits, the royalties will now go to his wife Leah, and their two young children. “I took my name off all the songwriting and put Brendan’s name instead, and gave him all the royalties and credits,” the musician <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-16/blue-wiggle-donates-aria-nominated-album-to-veterans-family/100620444" target="_blank">said</a>. He said Mr Nikolajew found the situation to be quite amusing. “We had a good laugh about this, because it’s nominated for an ARIA award, so if we win the ARIA that ARIA is going straight to Leah and the family, and we’ll get Brendan’s name engraved on it,” Field explained. “It would be fantastic — I mean, he’s got so many medals from his service and now he might end up with an ARIA too. “He was hoping to still be around for the ARIAs. He was going to take his daughter and son.” Field, a fellow Army veteran, became acquainted with Mr Nikolajew two and half years ago, and described him as “one in a million”. “He’s one of those people you are very lucky to meet in your life,” the 58-year-old said. “I learnt so much from that young man. He taught me how to live and boy, did he teach me how to die.” Just before Mr Nikolajew passed away, Field said the pair spoke about the loss of his niece. “Brendan lost his niece in the lead-up to his death and we had a good talk about it,” Field recalled. “I said to Brendan, ‘What’s going to happen when you pass over?’ “He said, ‘I’m going straight to my little niece’ — that’s the sort of man he was and I know he would be there now, looking after her.” Mr Nikolajew’s status as an ARIA award winner is yet to be determined, with the winners to be announced on November 24. Images: @anthony_wiggle / @brendans.cancer.fight (Instagram)

Music

Tragic update from wife of terminally ill veteran

A Queensland man whose battle with terminal cancer saw Wiggles star Anthony Field commit <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/veteran-with-terminal-cancer-speechless-after-blue-wiggle-s-kind-act" target="_blank">an act of kindness</a> has died at the age of 30. Brendan Nikolajew, an army veteran who served in Afghanistan, had been fighting cancer on-and-off for more than three years after a small lump was discovered on one of his testicles. He was recently given the devastating news that he had weeks to live and on Tuesday, his wife Leah shared a tragic update. “To all our beautiful friends and family, it breaks my heart to let you all know that my beautiful husband passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon,” she wrote on Instagram. “I held him close and lay next to him until his last breath. I made sure he knew how loved he was by everyone who knew him. “The last few days of his life were extremely hard for him as he struggled to breathe and was quite confused, he fought right to the end and did not want to leave but eventually made the decision to finally be at peace and watch us from the stars.” <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRzjAkAhR1v/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRzjAkAhR1v/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Brendan Nikolajew (@brendans.cancer.fight)</a> </div> </blockquote> Leah said her “little family” were “absolutely broken” after his passing and “still can’t imagine how we are going to continue on in this life without our sun and moon and our rock”. “He lived life to the fullest and loved the people around so bloody hard and I am proud to be his wife,” Leah continued. “I hope we can all keep his memory alive by never giving up and living our life with Brendan’s ferocity and passion. “Thank you all for the beautiful kind messages of love.” Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, who previously pledged to donate the royalties from the group’s new album to Brendan’s wife and children, shared his own tribute to Brendan. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Rest In Peace Brendan. <a href="https://t.co/pak9Uf79dH">pic.twitter.com/pak9Uf79dH</a> — Anthony Field (@Anthony_Wiggle) <a href="https://twitter.com/Anthony_Wiggle/status/1419777483537215490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote> “Rest in Peace Brendan,” he wrote on Twitter, sharing a photo of the veteran with his family. Image: brendans.cancer.fight / Instagram

Caring

Veteran with terminal cancer speechless after Blue Wiggle’s kind act

A Queensland army veteran has been left lost for words after finding out about how one of Australia’s biggest music stars plans to set his young family up for life. Wiggles member Anthony Field has pledged to donate the royalties from the group’s new album, Lullabies With Love, to Brendan Nikolajew’s wife and children. Nikolajew is in palliative care as he combats late-stage terminal cancer at home in Moreton Bay. “I never thought that I’d be receiving support and admiration from such a legend,” Nikolajew said of Field’s kind act on Instagram on Tuesday. “Anthony has given so much and it’s too humbling. “For this to be put into words is the hardest part … Just a massive thanks to everyone involved!” The 30-year-old war veteran, who served in Afghanistan, has been battling cancer for more than three years after a small lump was found on one of his testicles. After treatment of the lump, his cancer returned in November last year and was found in other areas of his body. Despite undergoing immediate chemotherapy treatment, he was recently given the terminal diagnosis and is making himself as comfortable as possible at home. His friend, Matthew James, spoke to 7NEWS in July, describing Nikolajew as “a positive guy”. “He’s the guy in the group who would try to pick you up if you were feeling down,” James said. “He’s definitely the most genuine bloke you could meet. “For the past three or so years he’s been really going through it, it’s never really sunk in. “He’s always been a positive guy. It’s kind of really starting to hit home. It’s a really rough time.” Field, the blue Wiggle who started the beloved children’s group in the 1990s, also served in the military. His gesture will be set to benefit Nikolajew’s wife Leah, their four-year-old daughter Georgie, and their two-year-old son Roman. More than $12000 has also been raised through a GoFundMe for the family. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ9SMwzhuxc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ9SMwzhuxc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Brendan Nikolajew (@brendans.cancer.fight)</a> </div> </blockquote> “These two and my wife, are the reasons I fight/fought so hard, so long and gave whatever it took,” Nikolajew said on Instagram recently. “I also lived my bloody life, which I’m proud of.” Image: Brendan Nikolajew / Instagram

Caring

Veteran horsewoman honoured for exceptional achievement

Jane Dotchin, from Hexham in Northumberland, England, has been recognised for her efforts by the British Horse Society (BHS) and received an Exceptional Achievement Award. The 80-year-old became an online sensation during her 600-mile journey from Hexham to Augustus in Scotland’s north and back - which she takes each year - with her pony Diamond and disabled dog Dinky who travels in a saddlebag. For most of her life, Jane has operated a small riding school in Hexham where she has shared her love and knowledge of horses with thousands of local young people and adults. Jane lives off the grid, cares for her horses by hand, and uses her own intuition rather than high-tech riding gear. This also meant the news she had won came as quite a surprise. “I didn’t know what I’d won it for,” Jane said to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-tyne-57527584" target="_blank">the BBC</a>. “And of course I don’t have internet, no modern technology at all. So I had to get a friend to use hers to find out what it was about.” Having made the journey over so many years, Jane has become well-known along the route. “I’ve done the route so many times now and I know people all along the way and it’s nice to see everybody again, everybody’s very kind and generous,” she said. Jane was stopped and filmed by stunned resident Rab Black, who shared the clip on Facebook in September last year. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=316&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftyndrumlodges%2Fvideos%2F767297650720296%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="431" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe> “Well they always seem so surprised I’ve travelled so far, but I say well at one time when we didn’t have cars, everybody travelled by horse.” Images: Hexham Courant, Hyndshaw Stables

Retirement Income

Prince Charles rejects handshake from WW2 veteran

Prince Charles respectfully rejected a handshake from a World War II veteran at a VJ Day 75 event. The Prince of Wales, 71, and his wife Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall both attended a ceremony to commemorate all personnel who died during the war. The event was held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Sunday. Charles and Camilla had approached a group of veterans when one shakily stood from his seat to salute Prince Charles. He then extended his hand to the heir for a hearty shake. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837383/prince-charles-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/78b0e13e7bd7467f82ca7891e97966ae" /> However the royal did not take the extended invitation while briskly walking to the ceremony at the time and only said just a few words to the veteran. Prince Charles chatted to the veteran following the ceremony during which he chose to use a “namaste” gesture with the man. Charles laid down a wreath at the Burma Railway Memorial near Mornington Crescent train station in Camden High Street in London as part of the ceremony. Thousands of British civilian and military prisoners of war died of disease, starvation and maltreatment while they built the Burma Railway during the war. The Burma Railway in its entirety is a 415-kilometre railway that runs between Ban Pong, Thailand, and Thanbyuzayat, Burma. It was built by the Empire of Japan from 1940–1944 to supply troops and weapons in the Burma campaign of World War II. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CD6lvq8AS8E/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CD6lvq8AS8E/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Clarence House (@clarencehouse)</a> on Aug 15, 2020 at 8:47am PDT </div> </blockquote> The memorial to the deadly railway was unveiled on 21 September 2012. The royal family began finding alternate ways to greet people during official appearances in 2020. Among these royal members is Prince Charles who was diagnosed with the COVID-19 in March. Charles, for the most part, chooses to greet people with a namaste gesture - both hands together in a prayer position and a small bow. Prince Charles also led the UK in two minutes of silence to "remember the courage" of Commonwealth forces who fought during the war. He told the veterans that the UK would never forget the sacrifice they and their friends made, saying they are "respected and cherished". “All too often those who fought in the Far East have been labelled the forgotten army in the forgotten war," he said. "Many of the soldiers, nurses and other personnel felt angered and disappointed at how they were treated when they finally returned from a war which, from the public's point of view, had ended on May 8, 1945. "Today, in this hallowed place, and in the presence of all those gathered here or in their homes, or wherever they may be, let us affirm that they and the surviving veterans are not forgotten." He finished up his speech by saying: "Rather you are respected, thanked and cherished with all our hearts and for all time. "We salute all those who remain among us and offer our most heartfelt and undying gratitude for those who have gone before. "Your service and your sacrifice, will echo through the ages." He also honoured his father, Prince Philip, who witnessed the signing of Japan's surrender during the war when he was second-in-command on HMS Whelp docked in Tokyo Bay.

News

Prince Harry’s startling question to war widow

� Despite COVID-19, Prince Harry is still continuing his work to support veterans from home. The Duke of Sussex joined in on a broadcast of BBC’s The One Show via a Zoom livestream, and chatted with the family members of two WWII veterans to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. The 35-year-old Royal has one guest that particularly stood out, which was Maggie Wilson who is the widow of former GPC member Sandy Saunders. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> As the nation was celebrating <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VEDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VEDay</a>, the Duke of Sussex took part in a special film to commemorate the bravery of veterans in various conflicts.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheOneShow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheOneShow</a> <a href="https://t.co/BqbLnNjaOu">pic.twitter.com/BqbLnNjaOu</a> — BBC The One Show (@BBCTheOneShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCTheOneShow/status/1259912870743216135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a></blockquote> The Duke of Sussex began the clip by saying: "Hello everybody, The One Show got in touch to ask if I could shine a light on a group of veterans that lots of people might not know about." Maggies told Harry: "Sandy was a member of the Glider pilot regiment. One day he crashed and had 40 per cent burns to his face, hands and legs." "He was an amazing man. He was sent down to meet MckIndoe in East Winstead and when he met him that evening he said, 'you need new upper eyelids, lower eyelids, you need a proper nose and I'll give you a nose so you can kiss the girls' - and that's what happened." Prince Harry went on to ask"Wow that's unbelievable. So when you met him, can I ask you...he had a proper nose and good lips for kissing?" Maggie answered: "Oh definitely good lips for kissing." The video was organised by CASEVAC Club which helps support veterans and their families. After the video had aired, show host Alex Jones said he believes Prince Harry could have a promising career as a reporter. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior members of the British royal family, in January, and officially stepped down April 1.

Caring

Captain Tom Moore's 100th birthday sealed with special postmark from Royal Mail

A special postmark has been made in order to celebrate the 100th birthday of NHS fundraiser Captain Tom Moore. He’s set to celebrate his birthday on the 30th of April, and the special postmark will be used on all mail sent from Monday until May 1. The postmark reads: "Happy 100th Birthday Captain Thomas Moore NHS fundraising hero 30th April 2020.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Today we launch a very special postmark to celebrate Captain Thomas Moore's 100th Birthday! The postmark will pay tribute to the work of the inspiring NHS fundraiser who has captured the hearts and minds of the nation in the midst of the ongoing crisis.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CaptainTomMoore?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CaptainTomMoore</a> 👏 <a href="https://t.co/EGC9f8nfTw">pic.twitter.com/EGC9f8nfTw</a> — Royal Mail (@RoyalMail) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalMail/status/1254665226341023744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2020</a></blockquote> The World War II veteran has touched the hearts of people worldwide, as thousands of cards continue to be sent in to celebrate his birthday. Captain Tom set out to complete 100 laps of his yard before his 100th birthday in order to raise much needed funds for the NHS and completed his final laps on the 17th of April surrounded by a military guard in honour of his achievements. His initial aim was to raise £1,000 ($NZD 2,047) but his goal was completed in around 24 hours and he extended his challenge to 200 laps after completing the challenge two weeks ahead of schedule. More than 1.3 million people around the world have donated an incredible £29,353,122 ($NZD 60,100,810). There are calls for Tom to be knighted and he was even part of a chart-topping hit and became the oldest person in the UK to reach number 1. “What wonderful news to receive today, a number one single and a record breaker too – my grandchildren can’t believe I am a chart-topper,” he said. “I have to thank Michael Ball, the NHS Voices of Care Choir and everyone behind the scenes, who shared their talents and expertise in order to raise money for the NHS, to whom we owe so much.” Many around the world have also sent Captain Tom cards ahead of his birthday, with more than 100,000 cards being processed and many more being expected as his birthday draws closer. Royal mail has adapted its sorting machines in the South Midlands Mail Centre to re-route all of his post to a dedicated collection box. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Happy birthday, <a href="https://twitter.com/captaintommoore?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@captaintommoore</a>!🎉 The WWII veteran has received over 120,000 cards for his 100th birthday after raising over £29 million for Britain’s NHS. <a href="https://t.co/a6tXpq1iew">https://t.co/a6tXpq1iew</a> <a href="https://t.co/s0ICZiF23Y">pic.twitter.com/s0ICZiF23Y</a> — Cheddar🧀 (@cheddar) <a href="https://twitter.com/cheddar/status/1254857682340610048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2020</a></blockquote> David Gold, director of public affairs and policy at Royal Mail says that Captain Tom’s achievements are “truly phenomenal”. “What Captain Thomas Moore has achieved is truly phenomenal, and this is reflected in the affection shown for him across the world. "As Royal Mail works to keep the country connected during these challenging times, we are honoured to issue a special postmark in celebration of his 100th birthday. "We continued to deliver the many tens of thousands of birthday cards from well-wishers across the UK and abroad as people look to show their gratitude for all he has achieved on a more personal level."

Retirement Life

WWII veteran granted his own Anzac day parade

A 100-year-old World War II veteran has gone some way towards receiving the honour that he and his comrades deserve this year, despite the global coronavirus pandemic. Henry “Corky” Caldwell, who has not missed an Anzac Day parade in 75 years, told ABCNews that his family and an online community supported him through his journey to make sure he didn’t miss out on this year’s procession in spite of cancellations due to coronavirus restrictions. The decision to cancel gatherings around the country this year shocked this centenarian Digger from the New South Wales north coast, but his family and an online community rallied around him to make sure he didn't miss out. "It's very important. I've been going to it ever since the war finished," Corky said. Suzanne Lofts, Mr Caldwell's daughter, says Anzac Day means much more than just a parade for her father. "He does get very emotional about Anzac Day, he often has a tear when he lays his wreath because it reminds him of all his mates who have passed," Ms Lofts explained. "All his granddaughters and grandsons come from Sydney, Newcastle, and Brisbane to celebrate with him. "So, he was fairly gutted when Anzac Day wasn't going to happen this year." Ms Lofts took to Facebook to voice her father’s disappointment about the Anzac Day procession being cancelled – and the reaction she received was something she could not have imagined. Thousands of people took to the comments to thank the veteran for his service to his country and asked his family if there was anything that they could do to make the day more special for him. The online community sent in cards and paintings to Mr Caldwell. Phil Heesch from Grafton was made aware of the post from a friend who told him "that there was a very disappointed World War II Digger in Grafton who wanted a ride in a jeep because Anzac Day was cancelled. "Turns out that it's the same guy — Corky — who I take every year in our parade in Grafton," explained Mr Heesch. Mr Heesch offered to take Mr Caldwell on his own private, socially distanced parade through the streets of Grafton two weeks prior to Anzac Day, so the veteran could safely lay a wreath at the cenotaph. Ms Lofts says she grew up with an endless amount of war memorabilia and photographs of her father during the war. "He talks a lot about his war years, never the serious side of it but the funny, exciting side of it," Ms Lofts said. Mr Caldwell was just 21 when he enlisted in the war and was assigned to a unit of engineers who works in an Ordnance workshop near Cairo, Egypt. Before he shipped out, he armed himself with a then state-of-the-art Kodak pocket camera. The veteran worked long, tireless hours where he repaired tanks damaged in battle and ambulance. In 2008, Mr Caldwell was given the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the community of the Clarence Valley region. In his 100 years of living, the war veteran admits he has lived through some difficult times, and as a child growing up through the Great Depression, his family was forced to live off rabbits and ducks. Food was scarce and “rationed”. Mr Caldwell says his mother "used to talk about how hard it was to buy food in the shops." Watching people panic-buy through the coronavirus pandemic has been a surprise for the veteran who believes “people are panicking too much.” "I think if they look after themselves, live quietly do the right thing, it [the virus] won't spread."

News

99-year-old war veteran raises millions for healthcare workers

A 99-year-old war veteran has raised nearly more than 4 million pounds ($NZD 8.4 million) for British healthcare workers by attempting to walk the length of his garden one hundred times before his 100th birthday later this month. Captain Tom Moore has used a walking frame to move around since breaking his hip and said that he was incredibly grateful to the National Health Service (NHS) for the treatment he received. He wanted to do something in return to say thank you, and the aim is to do 10 laps a day before the end of the month. <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zVFCwjZqzoo"></iframe></div> Britain’s state-funded NHS is under intense strain as it treats large numbers of people suffering from COVID-19. Moore turns 100 on April 30 and had hoped to raise 500,000 pounds. He has since quadrupled that figure and more already thanks to the generosity of 205,326 supporters. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 99 year old Captain Tom Moore <a href="https://twitter.com/captaintommoore?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@captaintommoore</a> is celebrating his birthday by walking 100 lengths of his garden for <a href="https://twitter.com/NHSCharities?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHSCharities</a> So far he has raised £3,676,361.91 ⬆️735% ! You can support him here: <a href="https://t.co/mmZMpHJpsl">https://t.co/mmZMpHJpsl</a> <a href="https://t.co/hsE3ZvTMNT">pic.twitter.com/hsE3ZvTMNT</a> — Bev Matthews RN ↔️ 🧍🏼‍♂️↔️🧍🏼↔️🧍🏽‍♀️↔️🧍🏿 (@BevMatthewsRN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BevMatthewsRN/status/1250168744074149898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2020</a></blockquote> NHS Charities Together, who will benefit from the funds, said that it was “truly inspired and humbled”. Ellie Orton, chief executive of the charity, had nothing but praise for Tom Moore. "I think I absolutely join the rest of the country in being truly inspired and profoundly humbled by Captain Tom and what he has achieved. "Thank you for being an inspiration and a role model." Moore couldn’t believe his eyes as funds went over the 4 million pound mark and said that it was “almost unbelievable”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> WOW - 4 million pound for our NHS! We cannot wait to tell the news to Tom in the morning, he will not believe his ears! Thanks each and every one of you - we are in awe of you, but especially our frontline staff who need this now more than ever. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TomorrowWillBeAGoodDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TomorrowWillBeAGoodDay</a> — Captain Tom Moore (@captaintommoore) <a href="https://twitter.com/captaintommoore/status/1250186487095873536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2020</a></blockquote> "When you think of who it is all for - all those brave and super doctors and nurses we have got - I think they deserve every penny, and I hope we get some more for them too,” he said to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-52278746" target="_blank">BBC</a>. The veteran who served in Asia during World War II had a message of hope. "That's the way I think I've always looked at things: tomorrow will be a good day," he said. Photo credits: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tomswalkforthenhs" target="_blank">Just Giving</a>

Retirement Life

Veterans have poorer mental health than Australians overall

A career in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), or the armed forces in any country, can be rewarding, but also demanding. Challenges include the rigorous training, frequent moves, and maintaining social connections. Beyond this, military personnel may be exposed to trauma during combat, peace-keeping missions, border protection, disaster and humanitarian relief, and training accidents. They may be confronted not only with threats to their own lives or safety, but also with the suffering or death of others, which can have a significant emotional and <a href="http://www.defence.gov.au/Health/DMH/Docs/MHPWSReport-FullReport.pdf">psychological impact</a>. So it’s not surprising we see <a href="https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/research-and-development/health-studies/mental-health-prevalence-report">higher rates of mental illness</a> among veterans compared to the overall Australian population. The rates of suicide are also concerning, particularly among younger veterans. Between 2001 and 2016, <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/veterans/national-veteran-suicide-monitoring/contents/summary">373 Australian veterans</a> took their lives. Male veterans under 30 had a suicide rate more than twice the national average for men the same age. These figures have led to considerable community concern, including <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/drive/plea-to-pm-for-royal-commission-into-veterans-suicide/11678984">calls for a royal commission</a> into veteran suicide. Whether or not this eventuates, we should be targeting veterans with a high level of care that better reflects their unique set of needs. Transitioning back into civilian life Recent research has highlighted <a href="https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/research-and-development/social-research/transition-and-wellbeing-research">one of the most challenging periods for military personnel</a> can be transitioning back to civilian life. Major lifestyle changes can be stressful for anyone, but leaving the ADF can feel like more than leaving a job. It will likely represent a change in a person’s way of life across the board. While many transitioning personnel may initially experience some uncertainty and a sense of losing some part of themselves, most make the adjustment successfully. For others, the problems may not go away and for some, may become worse, unless they receive help. A comprehensive study commissioned by the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and Defence in 2015 found ADF members who had discharged or transitioned to the Reserves were <a href="https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/research-and-development/social-research/transition-and-wellbeing-research">at greater risk</a> of experiencing mental health issues compared to both those who were still serving and the broader Australian community. For example, in the previous 12 months, 17.7% of transitioned ADF personnel had experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to 8.7% still serving in the ADF full-time, and 5.2% in the Australian community. Other common mental health conditions in transitioned ADF personnel include depression (11.2%), and anxiety disorders such as panic disorder (5.4%), agoraphobia (11.9%) and social phobia (11%), all estimated to be higher than <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4326.0Main+Features32007?OpenDocument">rates in the general population</a>. Rates of suicidality (thinking about, planning or attempting suicide) were more than double for those who had transitioned out of full-time ADF service compared to those still serving in the ADF full-time (21.7% versus 8.8%), and <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4326.0Main+Features32007?OpenDocument">ten times greater</a> than the Australian community. Seeking and receiving help About 75% of veterans who reported they had mental health concerns in the DVA study had sought and received assistance at some point from a GP or mental health professional. These rates are much higher than in the general community and auger well for the <a href="https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/research-and-development/health-studies/pathways-care-report">preparedness of veterans to seek care</a>. However, as is the case in the Australian community and internationally, there is an under-engagement with evidence-based treatment and practice. Only <a href="https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/research-and-development/social-research/transition-and-wellbeing-research">about 25%</a> of help-seeking veterans were estimated to be receiving evidence-based care, such as cognitive behavioural therapy. This may be because veterans don’t stay engaged in health services for long enough to receive evidence-based treatments. So while the help-seeking and care delivery for veterans is on par with, and in some ways exceeds, that of the general community, there’s room for improvement to ensure veterans remain engaged with services and receive the treatment they need. What could we be doing better? Coming from a health system in the armed forces where health care is organised for them, veterans may have heightened expectations about the level of coordinated and integrated practice. So first, we need improved integration and coordination of services, including development of outreach capabilities which more proactively engage with veterans and their families and connect them to appropriate services. Outreach can be led by health professionals or intersect with existing peer support networks. Second, we need to enhance the knowledge and skills among health professionals in the various services to which veterans are reaching out. Importantly, services and treatments should be delivered with appropriate “military cultural awareness”. This means practitioners demonstrating they understand the types of experiences veterans may have been exposed to, and the potential lasting impacts of these experiences. Veterans are likely to be more engaged in services if they feel well understood. Parallel to this, we need to be aware of the needs of, and actively support, the families who often bear the brunt of the mental health problems experienced by the veterans. <a href="https://www.openarms.gov.au/">Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling</a>, a free national counselling service, plays a large role in provision of this support. Ultimately we need to continue to focus on innovations in the prevention of and early interventions for mental health problems among veterans, including suicidality. In doing so we must maintain a focus on well-being outcomes more broadly and not just on symptoms and conditions, ensuring our goal remains assisting veterans in living a meaningful and satisfying life in all its domains. If this article has raised issues for you or you’re concerned about someone you know, call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Written by Nicole Sadler. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/veterans-have-poorer-mental-health-than-australians-overall-we-could-be-serving-them-better-119525">The Conversation.</a>

Retirement Life

‘Life just went to crap’: why army veterans are twice as likely to end up in prison in Australia

The question of whether Australia does enough to support its ex-service personnel is growing in urgency, with Labor leader Anthony Albanese this week <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/we-must-do-better-labor-backs-royal-commission-into-veteran-deaths">adding his voice</a> to those calling for a royal commission into veteran suicides. The numbers are alarming – between 2001 and 2017, <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/veterans/national-veteran-suicide-monitoring/contents/summary">419 serving and ex-serving</a>Australian Defence Force personnel died by suicide. But while the suicide rate for men still serving was 48% lower than in the equivalent general population, the rate is 18% higher for those who had left the military. For women it’s a similar story, where the suicide rate for ex-serving women is higher than Australian women generally. However, the small numbers of ex-service women who have been studied means the data are limited. But there’s another issue afflicting ex-military men that’s not often discussed: they are imprisoned twice as often as men in the general Australian population. This is according to the first known Australian prison audit to identify incarcerated ex-service members, conducted in South Australia last year. In fact, these findings support <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/342/bmj.d3898.extract">research from England</a>, which identifies ex-service men as the largest incarcerated occupational group. The high rate of imprisonment, along with the spike in the suicide rate of ex-members, reflects the challenges some service people face transitioning from military service back to civilian life, and the critical lack of available transition planning and support. Why do some veterans turn to crime? When a United States ex-Marine fatally shot 12 people in California in 2018, President Donald Trump promoted a widespread, oversimplified connection between military service and criminal offending. He <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trump-rankles-veterans-with-comments-about-ptsd-and-california-shooter/2018/11/09/2c4ab5ba-e463-11e8-a1c9-6afe99dddd92_story.html">said</a> the shooter was in the war. He saw some pretty bad things […] they come back, they’re never the same. We have so far interviewed 13 former service men for our ongoing research, trying to explain the findings of the South Australia audit. And we found the connection between military service and criminal offending is more complex than Trump suggests. The combination of childhood trauma, military training, social exclusion and mental health issues on discharge created the perfect cocktail of risk factors leading to crime. For many, joining the service was a way to find respect, discipline and camaraderie. In fact, most interviewees found military service effective at controlling the effects of childhood trauma. One man we interviewed said he “could see me life going to the shit, that’s when I went and signed up for the army […] The discipline appealed to me. To me I was like yearning for it because I was going down the bad road real quick.” Another explained that joining the military was the: “BEST thing I ever did. LOVED it. Well they gave me discipline, they showed me true friendships and it let me work my issues out […] I loved putting my uniform on and the respect that I could show other people, whereas before I’d rather hit them.” Leaving the military can aggravate past trauma However, all men complained military discharge was a complete, “sudden cut”. This sudden departure from the service, combined with the rigorous military training, can aggravate previous trauma. As one ex-service member put it: “The military is a fantastic thing […] but the moment that you’re not there […] it magnifies everything else and it’s just like a ticking time bomb. “I mean you’re trained to shoot people.” Another reflected that when he left the army, he lost the routine that kept his past traumas at bay. “I was working myself to the bone just to stop thinking about it. Then when I got out issues were coming back, coming back. I’ve lost my structure […] and life just went to crap.” Every man we interviewed had been diagnosed with some combination of post traumatic stress, multiple personality disorder, anti-social personality disorder, bipolar, depression, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder or alcohol and other drug dependence. They arose from various combinations of pre-service and service-related trauma. All interviewees lacked support from the Australian Defence Force or government veteran services. One explained how he found it difficult to manage post traumatic stress since his usual strategies were “getting very thin”. And the lack of support for their mental health issues worsened when they were incarcerated because they said the Department of Veterans Affairs cut ties, and “no-one inside the prison system is going to pay for psychological help”. Maintaining identity For some men, joining criminal organisations was a deliberate way to find a sense of belonging and the “brotherhood” they missed from the defence force. One man reflected: “I found a lot of Australian soldiers that are lost. You think you’re a civilian but you’re not, you never will be […] even three years’ service in the army will change you forever. “And the Australian government doesn’t do enough.” Ex-service men in prison are a significant, vulnerable part of that community. The Australian Defence Force and government veteran agencies need to urgently reform transition support services because current discharge processes are costing lives. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638237.2017.1370640">English research</a> has found peer support helps service men transition into civilian life, but the men we interviewed did not receive peer support until they were in prison. Then, it was through a <a href="https://xmrc.com.au/">welfare organisation</a> and Correctional Services, not defence agencies. One man told us that after his discharge I actually went back and asked if I could mow the lawns for free, just so I could be around them still. They wouldn’t allow it. If ex-service men could maintain contact with the Australian Defence Force through peer support and informal networks, their identity and sense of purpose could be maintained to reduce the risk factors for offending and re-offending. If you or anyone you know needs help or is having suicidal thoughts, contact Lifeline on 131 114 or beyondblue on 1300 22 46 36. Written by Kellie Toole and Elaine Waddell. Republished with <a href="/For%20women%20it’s%20a%20similar%20story,%20where%20the%20suicide%20rate%20for%20ex-serving%20women%20is%20higher%20than%20Australian%20women%20generally.%20However,%20the%20small%20numbers%20of%20ex-service%20women%20who%20have%20been%20studied%20means%20the%20data%20are%20limited.">The Conversation.</a>

Retirement Life

“I am a liar. I stole valour”: Judge's creative sentencing for two criminals who posed as war veterans

A judge in Montana has laid down the law and ordered two men to be publicly shamed to learn a lesson after they pretended to be war veterans to attempt to get a lesser sentence for their crimes. Ryan Morris, 28, and Troy Nelson, 33, both pretended to be veterans in a bid to get their cases moved to a Veterans Court, where they would receive a lighter sentence for their crimes. This plot backfired and the two men now have other tasks to complete as well as serving their sentences. Judge Greg Pinski gave Morris 10 years for violating his felony burglary probation and gave Nelson 5 years for drug possession. Three years of both of their sentences were suspended. However, before each man is eligible for parole, Pinski ordered that they must hand write each name of the 6,756 Americans killed in Afghanistan and Iraq. The men must also write out the obituaries of the 40 Montanans killed in these conflicts and send handwritten letters to a number of veterans’ groups apologising for their actions. <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A8aPzrlN7VA"></iframe></div> On top of that, during every Memorial and Veterans Day, the two must stand at the Montana Veterans Memorial in Great Falls for eight hours wearing a sign that reads: “I am a liar. I am not a veteran. I stole valour. I have dishonoured all veterans.” The men also have to perform 441 hours of community service, which is equal to the number of Montanans killed during the Korean war.

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These are the top mistakes first-time cruise travellers should avoid, according to a cruise ship veteran

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Veteran newsreader reportedly fired for "going grey"

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Veteran horsewoman honoured for exceptional achievement

Prince Charles rejects handshake from WW2 veteran

Prince Harry’s startling question to war widow

Captain Tom Moore's 100th birthday sealed with special postmark from Royal Mail

WWII veteran granted his own Anzac day parade

99-year-old war veteran raises millions for healthcare workers

Veterans have poorer mental health than Australians overall

‘Life just went to crap’: why army veterans are twice as likely to end up in prison in Australia

“I am a liar. I stole valour”: Judge's creative sentencing for two criminals who posed as war veterans

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Travel

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Entertainment

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These are the top mistakes first-time cruise travellers should avoid, according to a cruise ship veteran

"You've been bumped": Vietnam vet slams Qantas for booting him from business class

AFLW star's cause of death revealed

Veteran newsreader reportedly fired for "going grey"

One of Australia’s last surviving ‘Rats of Tobruk’ passes away aged 102

"Prisoner in his own home": Veteran's battle for freedom

Special Forces veteran delivers heartfelt plea over stolen puppy

Tributes flow for one of our oldest WWII veterans

Blue Wiggle's stunning gesture for late veteran's family

Tragic update from wife of terminally ill veteran

Veteran with terminal cancer speechless after Blue Wiggle’s kind act

Veteran horsewoman honoured for exceptional achievement

Prince Charles rejects handshake from WW2 veteran

​Prince Harry’s startling question to war widow

Captain Tom Moore's 100th birthday sealed with special postmark from Royal Mail

WWII veteran granted his own Anzac day parade

99-year-old war veteran raises millions for healthcare workers

Veterans have poorer mental health than Australians overall

‘Life just went to crap’: why army veterans are twice as likely to end up in prison in Australia

“I am a liar. I stole valour”: Judge's creative sentencing for two criminals who posed as war veterans

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Prince Harry’s startling question to war widow