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

Older_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

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
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

^top of page

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 this page (copy the path and paste in you browser) http://www.dbcde.gov.au/communications_for_consumers/mobile_services/the_satellite_phone_subsidy_scheme). Information for phone purchasers.

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)

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

^top of page

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."

^top of page

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.

^top of page

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.

^top of page

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.

^top of page

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

^top of page

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.

^top of page

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.

^top of page

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.

^top of page

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

The 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]

^top of page

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.

^top of page