NomadicLife.com.au

Live Life on the Road.........

News - Bits and Pieces of items which are relevant to Nomadic Travelers.

Heading South for the Summer?

Tasmania: Why not try - The Taste Festival and perhaps see the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race finish: From 28 December 2008 to 4 January 2009 we go deep into the heart of Taste. Hobart’s Waterfront will be filled with aromas, sights, and sounds as we celebrate contemporary Tasmanian produce through epicurean delights, artists and performers who test the boundaries of culinary and visual pleasure. The Taste Festival will launch on Wednesday 19 November with full programming details and tickets for Tasmania’s biggest New Year’s Eve . For more information email info@tastefestival.com.au or call (03) 6238 2100. The Taste Festival is an initiative of Hobart City Council.

Melbourne: Moomba Waterfest 2009: 6-9 March 2009

As Australia's largest free community festival, Moomba Waterfest 2009 is sure to provide fun and excitement for all the family. From the thrills of the Moomba Carnival and the Magical Moomba Parade to the crazy capers and toe-tapping entertainment on the main stage and the courageous bird men and women, there will be something that is sure to delight everyone.

The return of old favourites like the spectacular Moomba Fireshows which blanket the Yarra in a wash of colour and light and the gravity-defying Moomba Masters Waterskiing that sits alongside the vast array of children's entertainment will ensure that Moomba 2009 will not disappoint! More Info

Then go on to Meet The Penguins on

Phillip Island: which is the home to some of Victoria's most popular wildlife experiences. Enjoy watching hundreds of Little Penguins returning to their burrows at the famous Penguin Parade, come face-to-face with koalas dozing in their treetop homes at the Koala Conservation Centre or cruise past Australia's largest colony of fur seals. More Info

Sydney: The Rocks Weekend Market : The Rocks’ much loved weekend market. Be the first to discover new and emerging talent in the dedicated designers’ section or follow the cobblestone laneways where even more stalls offer a full range of artisan and handmade products. 10am – 5pm Saturdays and Sundays, Playfair and George streets, The Rocks. More Info

(This is a fabulous place to just wander at any time, there is so much history and atmosphere, so plan on spending a couple of days if possible)

Older Stories, which remain here for those who are new to the site

Harvest_hopes_hit_by_labour_shortage (Can you help?)
Lean_times_meanz_beanz
Extreme 4x4 repair (a must see for all 4x4 enthusiasts)
Older_Stories,_left_here_for_those_who_are_new_to_this_siteCan_you_afford_to_be_a_grey_nomad
Nomad_returns
Gash_Hits_the_Road_in_the_Interest_of_TourismOlder_Aussies_spending_their_kids_inheritance_(I_dont_think_so)_
The_Satellite_Phone_Subsidy_Scheme (Great News for serious travelers)
Barcaldine_council_asks_grey_nomads_to_volunteer_
Grey_Nomads_commemorated_with_new_postage_stamps
Cheaper_phone_calls
Telstra_remains_on_track with NextG network
NSW Change_of_Fishing_Bag_Limit
Centrelink_-_Temporary_Employment_Information
Story_about_a_couple_who_have_the_fuel_crisis_beaten
Big_cars_are_back
The_baby_boomers_are_back
Pet-friendly_holidays

Harvest hopes hit by labour shortage Tuesday, 02 September 2008 Journalist: Ros White

With the prospect of the best South Australian grain harvest in three years — at the end of July, PIRSA forecast it may be nearly six million tonnes — ABB Grain is seeking to fill an estimated 650 harvest casual positions.

This year, ABB Grain is taking an innovative approach to recruitment and is targeting mobile retirees (so-called “grey nomads”), baby boomers who are retiring and taking off on that long-dreamed of around-Australia adventure, hitting the road and leaving an empty nest behind.

Others on ABB’s radar are women, students and backpackers.

ABB Grain human resources manager Karen Ross said many of these may not have previously considered working as a harvest casual, or the opportunity for earning some extra cash to supplement their travels, add to the household budget or earn some extra spending money during the university break.

“We’ve a tremendous need for harvest casuals. If we don’t, there’s a danger the smooth flow of the harvest will be affected.

“We’ll have jobs for bulk handling staff to work at our silos and also need people on weighbridges or as grain classifiers.”

She said ABB Grain had already received some enquiries from caravanning seniors who had heard about the upcoming harvest vacancies.

“There is the ability for casual staff to ‘follow the harvest’ and work at different sites as the harvest progresses from early October to early January.

“But we are targeting others in the local community as well, from mums who can work during school hours to local retired or semi-retired farmers, the latter having valuable agricultural experience,” ABB Grain human resources consultant Breanna Rivers said.

“Our shifts are flexible; if someone can only do two or three days a week, that should not deter them from applying. And we can accommodate people who are travelling together and want to work the same shifts as their partner.

“We are really looking to hire from early October so training can start well before harvest does. No experience is necessary as ABB Grain provides full on-the-job training; casuals are fully supervised and work as part of a team. ABB supplies all safety wear and provides full safety inductions.”

See Full story
http://www.ypct.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3560&Itemid=66

Lean times meanz beanz

With the credit crunch in full swing, we're turning to the baked bean for sustenance:
To put it in TV newsreader speak: There are fears today that a surge in Britain's baked bean consumption will catapult the nation's greenhouse gas emissions to new heights.

Here on the guardian.co.uk news desk we're busy breaking the story that shoppers squeezed by the credit crunch are turning to the old tinned staple, boosting sales.

I do wonder whether this could be false economy - has the price of baked beans not gone up along with everything else in the pantry?

My favourite memory of baked beans is pulling my motorbike into a campsite at Carnarvon Gorge, Queensland, one evening and setting my can of beans next to a fire to heat up (yes, I took the lid off first). I was on a motorcycle odyssey with my mate Dave.

We fell into conversation with the group of grey nomads who owned the fire, and when we proposed eating our beans with screwdrivers from our tool roll, because we had nothing else, one old codger jumped up and exclaimed "Turn it up, youse jokers!" He ducked into his well-equipped caravan and emerged with proper utensils, and someone else volunteered some sausages. We bundled into our tents warmed by the food and the old blokes' tales of how "I know what it's like on a bike, I used to ride a BSA Bantam".

We were well looked after for breakfast and morning tea, too. Pretty good considering we turned up at the site with one can of beans, one of spaghetti (horrible), a packet of sugar-coated biscuits and a bottle of Benadryl. It was the beans that broke the ice with our fellow campers, as well as making us break ... (stop it!)

So what are your bean stories, and how do you have yours? Splodged on to toast? Swimming across the plate? In a bowl? Or straight from the can with a screwdriver?

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The following news items reinforce what has been said on this Website before, which is that planning is extremely important. The second article also says something about the way the Government understands the important part Grey Nomads play in tourism, and the economy. Lets us hope that something positive comes of  this exercise.

Can you afford to be a grey nomad? -By Tony Rigby June 29, 2008 12:00am News.com.au

THEY roam the highways in motorhomes and caravans with names like "Lingerlonger'' and "Goneroamin'' in search of that endless holiday lifestyle.

They are the famous (or infamous) grey nomads -- retirees living out the fantasy that sustains workers through their toughest days -- living an easy and economical life on the road touring this great country.

There is no end in sight for this interesting social phenomenon, with an estimated 17,000 caravans to be sold around Australia in the next 12 months -- and 80 per cent of those will be bought by people aged over 50.

So what can the next generation of grey nomads do to make sure they are financially fit for the
long road ahead?

Here are five simple tips to help make this dream a reality.
Know the costs before you go - First, a word of warning. Potential nomads are advised to rent a van for a week or two and see whether the dream actually fits reality and whether they are physically capable of unhitching, hitching, reversing and parking.

In other words, you must try before you buy. First on the shopping list is the caravan or campervan, known on the road as a "rig''. This can cost anything from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand. A lot of retirees buy new, live the dream, don't like it or don't want to do it a second time. So it may pay to research the used van and RV market and compare. Depreciation has to be factored in. Buying a near new or relatively new van can save you quite a bit by avoiding the GST and dealer profit. But remember to have it inspected.

The next biggest expenses are accommodation, food and fuel. Food is fairly constant and comes in at about a $100 a week for a couple. Accommodation for a caravan park is generally $20-$30 a night but can vary depending on the facilities offered.  Accommodation costs can also be reduced by staying in National Parks or by camping in the bush for free.

It stands to reason that petrol costs are totally variable, depending on how far and how quickly you travel. There is also variation in fuel prices across states, and the further nomads get from the big cities the more expensive the fuel will generally be. In the bush, be prepared to pay 30-40 per cent more for fuel than in the city. The size of your campervan or trailer should also be factored in -- do rough calculations based on the known fuel consumption of towing your rig.

Budgeting - The next question is how to fund the new lifestyle? Once the traveller has costed out their rig for the next three months to five years, how's the budget looking?

A tip here is to speak with some grey nomads who have actually done some touring and get an indication of what it really costs.

It may pay to rent out the empty home and use some of the income to fund the tour. The rent will obviously need to be declared as income but rates, insurance and other related expenses can then be claimed as tax deductions for the period the property is rented.

A smart budget should also include a reasonable allowance for making the most of the time away.

Inevitably, travellers will want to do extra activities such as day cruises, but these can end up costing quite a lot of money unless the nomads remain very disciplined in their spending.

A budget should also allow for maintaining the vehicle on the road. If the van breaks down, it will more than likely happen somewhere where the costs of getting it fixed are horrendous, so plans need to be made for regular servicing and maintenance.

Working holiday - Research commissioned by the Department of Education and Training on the "potential'' for grey nomads to close the skills gap found nearly 60 per cent of those surveyed were interested in taking up paid work while on tour.

While the big trip is often taken in the early years of retirement, more baby boomers are looking at it as part of scaling down their involvement in the workforce.

With more older Australians wanting to maintain some type of working life, people are naturally asking what can they do while on the road and if they can easily re-enter the workforce after such an extended break.

Insurance - A big trip is also as good a reason as any to review insurance.

Is the potential nomad's life, trauma and health insurance up to date and appropriate for their needs? Do they have interstate ambulance cover? Is their home adequately insured -- and will the cover still apply if they are leaving the property unoccupied?

Some insurance policies have conditions where the insurance is voided if the house is uninhabited for an extended period.

Hit the road - Older travellers are encouraged to take precautions. They should plan well, take their time and be prepared. Even if the nomad has a set-and-forget investment portfolio, it's a good idea to leave some contact details with their investment adviser and make time to review their investments before they go.

The review should focus on whether there is anything on the horizon that may affect their investments and, if so, what actions or plans can be put in place to deal with them.

Once the new nomad has covered all these bases, then it's time to hit the road and start experiencing all that this great lifestyle has to offer. 

http://www.news.com.au/business/money/story/0,25479,23941086-5013954,00.html

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Nomad returns (see previous story below for more info) BY ADAM WRIGHT - 21/07/2008 8:48:00 AM

MEMBER for Gilmore Joanna Gash spent the last two weeks as a grey nomad, living out of a caravan.

And while to many of us it might sound like a holiday, for Mrs Gash, in her role as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, it was a fact-finding mission.

The trip from Nowra to Renmark in South Australia and back, taking in parts of Victoria, was aimed at discovering the needs of communities that rely on road-based tourism for their existence.

Her recommendations from this trip and others to come in Queensland and Western Australia will help form the Coalition’s policy on road tourism for the next election. (Editors Note: Lets hope good things come of this trip, and it was not just a "Holiday"

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Gash Hits the Road in the Interest of Tourism - BY ALEX ARNOLD 7/07/2008 4:00:00 AM Illawara Mercury
On Saturday morning, Dr Nelson farewelled his Gilmore MP Joanna Gash - well, for two weeks anyway.  Mrs Gash, who is the Opposition parliamentary secretary for tourism, hit the road on the weekend as part of her road testing tourism campaign.

Over the next two weeks Mrs Gash, with a modest caravan and one staff member in-tow, will travel across NSW to Renmark in South Australia before returning to Nowra via Victoria and the Far South Coast.

Also wishing Mrs Gash a safe journey was Opposition Minister for Tourism Steven Chiobo, on hand to officially welcome Mrs Gash to the grey-nomad brigade. Road tourism is the fastest growing segment of the Australian domestic market worth tens of millions of dollars.

Mr Chiobo said that at the end of her tour Mrs Gash would no doubt be across the industry. He said the price of fuel was affecting grey nomads, many of whom were on fixed incomes. As a result, they spent less time on the road. Mr Chiobo said that was why it was crucial to see downward pressure on fuel prices, which was not happening at the moment.

Mrs Gash said her trip was not about keeping cars on the road, but about finding better ways to use existing infrastructure to bolster the road tourism industry. She urged that greater consideration be given to the way we use our roads, the way we use our vehicles and the way we utilise public transport.

Road tourism could benefit from this as much as the environment and the economy. Mrs Gash said meeting tourists and businesses on the road was the most effective way to find out the needs of communities that relied on the tourism industry for their existence. "As a former tourism officer and guesthouse owner, I bring a grassroots perspective to the tourism portfolio and I believe true innovation comes from the grassroots," she said.

Dr Nelson, who attended a Liberal party fundraiser in Nowra on Friday night, described Mrs Gash's campaign as a great initiative. "Road tourism is something Australians don't think enough about," he said. "For many of the places Jo will visit, road tourism is their lifeblood." Road travel also proved a reliable method of transport for Dr Nelson on Saturday. On a previous visit to Nowra, before the federal election, the then-defence minister was left stranded on the HMAS Albatross runway for more than an hour. His Air Force plane was taken as an emergency replacement for prime minister John Howard's own aircraft that had broken down. Dr Nelson joked there were no plans for retribution now he was at the helm of the party.

http://illawarra.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/gash-hits-the-road-in-the-interests-of-tourism/805119.aspx

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Changes to Call Signs: For those of you who are 4x4 drivers and who may not have heard about changes to Call signs which come into effect next year. For more information check out this document Important Changes to VKS737 call signs  also see more on our site about Mobile Communications

 For more about VKS737's go to their site to get all the information.

Older Aussies spending their kids' inheritance (I don't think so- see Nomadic Life's response below) July 24, 2008 - 12:30PM

For the full story copy & past the link http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/older-aussies-spending-their-kids-inheritance/2008/07/24/1216492606846.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2

Two-thirds of Aussies over 55 years of age are eager to hit the road for an extended trip around Australia.

It is a ritual which many have been following for many years. They're known as "grey nomads" and they are out on Australia's roads in their tens of thousands.

Largely Baby Boomers - those born between 1946 and the early 1960s - they're the age group most likely to plan a long journey around Australia.

According to new research from insurer Apia, almost half (49 per cent) would like to spend more than four months on the road, with one in five saying they will ideally travel for longer than six months.

The research shows that older Australians with children are twice as likely as those without to spend their kids' inheritance on a much-deserved Aussie adventure for themselves.

"Baby Boomers in particular look at their retirement years as a time to live life to the full and experience new things," Apia says.

Eighty per cent are likely to spend their kids' inheritance - the SKIN principle, Spending Kids' Inheritance Now - on travel.

After a life spent working and earning they are realising the great Australian dream of a driving holiday around the country even if it means leaving little for their children to inherit. (Editors Note: This statement offended us, so if it also offends you then, write to the Herald as we did see below )

25th July 2008 - newsdesk@smh.com.au (re above story)
Dear Sir/Madam,

I feel obliged to make a comment about this latest story (see excerpt above), which seems to imply that “Grey Nomads” are being selfish. If as this article says, these Grey Nomads worked hard for their money, then surely it is theirs to spend as they choose. To suggest they do not have that right, is a concept I am offended by.

They have a right to “live their life” and no matter how they live it, they will spend money. Travelling around this great country is a better option than just sitting at home waiting for God. Even at home they need to spend money on just living, for food, Rent/mortgage/or home maintenance, insurance, medicines etc etc etc. If they just sit there feeling sorry for themselves, they are more likely to get sick. They are then more likely to need Nursing care (or worse these same deprived children will need to look after them) which will cost even more money.

So why not “live life”? The kids can earn their own money, and should not expect to inherit Mum and Dad’s. I love my children very much, and helped give them a great start to life. I support them any way I can, but they are independent adults now, and capable of taking care of themselves. I am happy for them to get what is left, but when I have finished with it. In turn they should not (and nor do they)expect to get it until I no longer need it. So please do not try to make us feel guilty by implying we are being selfish to want to enjoy what is left of our life.

Our motto is:
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways Chardonnay (or a beer) in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming
Woo Hoo! What a Ride!"
Happy Travels
Tricia

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The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme - this is fantastic news for the serious traveller
The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme (the Scheme) is an Australian Government initiative to help people living or working in the most remote parts of Australia purchase satellite mobile phones.

The following points summarise its features.

  • The Scheme provides support to people who live or work in areas beyond 3G or GSM terrestrial mobile coverage.
  • The Scheme applies to terrestrial, maritime and aviation users who meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Eligible consumers include individuals, small businesses, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, Indigenous Corporations, volunteer emergency services and educational institutions.
  • There is a limit of one subsidy per person or a maximum of two subsidies per organisation or business. Indigenous Corporations that demonstrate a need to adequately service a number of remote communities may apply for more than two subsidies.
  • The Scheme provides eligible consumers a one-off subsidy of up to $1000 towards the purchase of a mobile satellite phone (conditions apply).
  • The subsidy is for the purchase of a satellite mobile phone through a
  • The subsidy is paid to dealers, who deduct it from the retail price of the phone to consumers.
  • The application must be approved before the phone is purchased—the subsidy will not be paid for a satellite mobile phone purchased before the application for the subsidy is approved.
  • The subsidy is for the purchase of a satellite mobile phone and does not cover any ongoing bills, charges or the ongoing service of the service provider.

The Government enhanced the Scheme as part of the Connect Australia (http://archive.dcita.gov.au/2007/11/connect_australia) package and extended the closing date from June 2007 to June 2009.

An independent mid-term evaluation of the Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme was undertaken in 2005–06 to assess its appropriateness, efficiency and effectiveness against its strategic and operational objectives (a link to this document is on the right of the linked page (copy the path and paste in your browser) (http://www.dbcde.gov.au/communications_for_consumers/mobile_services/the_satellite_phone_subsidy_scheme). Information for phone purchasers.

It says: Purchasers must use the form below.

Note: Original applications must be signed and returned by mail (NOT by email or fax).
Guidelines and application form (File size: 90KB)

It also says: Please answer ALL questions and sign and date where asked. Businesses MUST use their entity name and NOT trading name.

For more information click on our page about Mobile Communications

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Barcaldine council asks grey nomads to volunteer  Posted December 20, 2007 15:15:00 Map: Barcaldine use Post Code 4725
An outback Queensland council is using grey nomads and semi-retired caravan travellers to help with community work, as the skills shortage in the bush worsens.

Barcaldine Shire Council has been granted $100,000 in state funding to coordinate projects for the thousands of visitors who pass through the town each year.

Queensland Local Government Minister Warren Pitt visited the town yesterday to make the announcement.
Shire chief executive officer Alan Dwyer says the money will be used to employ a local coordinator, because the grey nomads are a vital part of the town's economy.

"It virtually doubles our population through that peak season," he said.
"We get probably 40,000 to 50,000 through each year, but the long-termers, there's probably a couple of thousand that stop here through the winter period, so it's certainly a big boost to our economy.

"They like to get involved in the local community in having a lasting impact."

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Grey Nomads commemorated with new postage stamps -Oct 2007

The "Spending Kids Inheritance Now" phenomenon is important enough to be featured on a new series of stamps tracing the history of the caravan in Australia. "Although still a popular and affordable holiday for families, 'grey nomads' comprise the growth demographic of caravanners," says Australia Post. The stamps are released this week.

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BlackPhone
News Flash regarding cheaper phone calls A Queensland-based internet telephone (IP) supply company, has introduced a coin-operated, stand-alone Internet payphone that operates on a broadband Internet connection. Any business with a broadband connection can connect the phone for immediate use.

It will offer calls at $1 for 10 minutes nationally, $2 for 10 minutes overseas and $3 for 10 minutes to mobiles.
The company, who spent more than a year developing the Internet payphone, says traditional payphones have been made redundant by mobile phones and offer very little return to the payphone owner. The company are specifically targeting the backpacker and travel market as well as Grey Nomads, promoting the payphones to youth hostels, backpacker accommodation, caravan parks and campgrounds.

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Telstra remains on track to achieve the same or better coverage on the Next G™ network as on CDMA by mid-October 2007, and plans to close the CDMA network on 28 January 2008.

This means that your CDMA phone will not work after this date. If you have a CDMA phone then the time is right to move now to the Next G™ network. The Next G™ network covers most Australians.  Visit Telstra's coverage maps to see if you are covered. Or for Broadband coverage see Map

See more information on our website under heading of: Mobile Communications for more information about what to choose.

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NSW Change of Fishing Bag Limit [more]

A number of changes to size limits, bag limits and fishing methods are being introduced to recreational fishing rules. These changes are summarised below and will apply from 3 September 2007. NSW DPI will be undertaking an extensive public advisory campaign over three months to promote the changes.

Updated information will be available from recreational fishing fee agents (most tackle shops) and DPI fisheries offices from 3 September 2007or check out Dept of Primary Industry or phone 1300 550 474.

For more see Fishing page on this website

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Centrelink - Temporary Employment Information National Media Release Friday, 11 August 2006 (as but you may not have seen it at that time it is repeated here) 
For full story see Centrelink Mr Jongen said 'Grey Nomads' – Age Pensioners who were travelling around Australia – often see opportunities to take advantage of these flexible rules to enhance their holiday.

"If a customer has employment income that is variable to predict, Centrelink may use an average amount projected over 12 months," Mr Jongen explained.

"If the period of employment is short but the income earnings are generous, a customer can decide to suspend their Age Pension altogether. It's possible to suspend a payment for up to three months, and then restore it when employment ends without having to restart the whole pension claim process.

"This is especially useful for seasonal work that retirees might pick up while travelling around regional and rural Australia."The Income Test includes all income, not just income from earnings. It's important you understand how any income earned from superannuation, deemed income from financial investments, foreign pensions and income from real estate might also affect your payment."

Mr Jongen urged Age Pensioners to discuss their individual circumstances with Centrelink if in doubt by calling on Ph: 13 2300 or by visiting Centrelink  For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.

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Story about a couple who have the fuel crisis beaten

Grenfell Record - Madlines - 30 November 2007 - 8:57AM

Things you see:  As in the past I have met some very interesting people down at the bus stop. Last Monday morning was no exception: when I ran into Bob and Dawn Sargeant. This couple aren’t your typical “Grey Nomads”, as their caravan is pulled by camels. Bubbles, Zelma, Ooma and their spare tyre Titch.

These trusty camels pull their home on wheels complete with vegie pots, 1 rooster, 4 hens and did I mention the 4 dogs. They have been living this way for over 20 years. They have travelled all over and have no set plans, if they like the look of that mountain or horizon they head in that direction.

They manage to get to town once every 2 to 3 weeks. They can snub their noses at soaring fuel prices, mowing lawns and mortgage repayments and aren’t restricted by EI. They love the freedom of their lifestyle. Bob has written a book, “How far can you go in a day” which gives an account of their travels and hopes to get it published one day.

He has also written a collection of short stories, some of which he has illustrated, featuring the characters he and Dawn have met.

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Big cars are back - Thursday, 6 December 2007

Sales of big cars are booming despite growing community concern about climate change and rising fuel prices. The grey nomads are buying new sports utility vehicles, V8s and four-wheel drives to hitch to their caravan and take out on the road.

Sales for the year are likely to exceed one million vehicles for the first time and over the year to November sales of SUVs are up 15.6% and sales of four wheel drives are up 22.9%, according to figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

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The baby boomers are back - Thursday, 6 December 2007 By Mike Preston

BabyboomersThe pool of available workers is drying up – and employers are finding that there are very real benefits in adapting recruitment practices to appeal to the ranks of the over-50s baby boomer workforce.

Baby boomers are taking back control of the executive suite, thanks in part to the worsening skills shortage. 

A recent survey by The Executive Connection of 220 members found that 40% of management teams are weighted to baby boomers, up from 27% last year. Although Gen-Xers still have the strongest hold, dominating 54% of management teams, this is down from 69% last year.

The battle to find and keep staff is not going to end anytime soon. Demographic change means the skills shortage is going to get much, much worse.

Around 170,000 new workers currently join the Australian workforce each year, but modelling shows that by 2020 that number is likely to shrink to just 12,500 a year.  In other words, there will be fewer new workers each year by 2020 than there were jobs created last month.

The average age of the workforce will increase dramatically as the population ages, with the proportion of the population aged over 65 set to rise from its current 12% to 25%, or more than six million people, by 2050.

This stark equation is a wake-up call that Australian businesses are only now starting to hear.

Increasingly, business owners are coming to understand that the preference for recruiting young staff, a convention formed in the days when a new employee was likely to stay with the company for life, is unsustainable.  For those who are adapting their employment practices to where the workers are – in the ranks of the over 50s – the benefits are already becoming clear. [more]

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Pet-friendly holidays 3:28p.m. 10 December 2007

Taking a holiday? Chances are if you are a baby boomer, you just may be taking the family pet along for the ride.

Research from Tourism Australia shows the number of mature-aged Australians travelling increased at a faster rate than younger travellers between 2000 and 2004, and a Newspoll report showed older travellers were more likely to take their pet with them.

Self confessed “grey nomads” Joe and Anne Moharich of Taringa, often take their cocker spaniel with them when they travel to Peregian Beach.

“He really helps us fit in wherever we are and our travels would feel incomplete without him,” they said.

The Petcare Information and Advisory Service (PIAS) agrees it can be beneficial for both pets and people to enjoy a holiday together – particularly if it is for a longer period.

“Pets are very much a part of the Australian family, with over 53% of households having a dog and or a cat,” Susie Chaseling from PIAS said. “Pets provide companionship and are a way of getting to meet other people so – for older people – it is particularly important to maintain these benefits.”

Our advice is to do your research before you leave home. There are many websites that have information on pet-friendly accommodation, with everything from caravan parks to luxury hotels.”

PIAS recommends that before taking to the road with your pet, you should consider these tips:

1. Make sure your pet is wearing identification that will allow you to be contacted wherever you are. A mobile number on your pet’s tag is a good option.

2. Remember to pack for your pet. It’s a good idea to bring a portable bowl, your pet’s favourite toys or blankets for familiarity and a supply of special treats.

3. Many places welcome pets and you can research the options on websites before you embark on your journey.

4. Take a harness or carrier box as there may be times on your travels when you need to secure your pet within the vehicle. Some cats enjoy travel but they should be confined whenever travelling to avoid any mishaps.

5. Dogs love the open air from a moving car’s window but it can be unsafe. It is better to keep the dog inside the car and let it enjoy the fresh air when you get to your destination.

6. Take a simple pet first-aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic cream, tweezers (to remove foreign objects from fur) and pet travel medication.

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