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NSW Residents Believe Their Neighbourhoods Are Safer: ABS

In 2008, more than half (55%) of people in NSW did not think there were crime or public nuisance problems in their neighbourhood according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This figure has risen from 47% to 55% between 1999 and 2008.

NSW Seniors Are Living Longer And Are Better Off

NSW seniors are living longer and are better off. The average life expectancy of people living in New South Wales has increased by nearly ten years from 1974 to 2006 according to a new report released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.

More Than A Third Of Brits (35 per cent) Are Likely to Consider Moving Abroad When They Retire

- Rising costs in Britain are also a factor for Brits considering moving abroad, as the new breed of retirees, dubbed 'emi-greys', worry that their pensions simply won't go far enough at home. Almost half of us (47 per cent) believe the UK is too expensive to live the life that we want to lead, and a worrying 28 per cent of people do not feel they can afford to stay in the UK when they retire.

The greyer, the better for rural towns Older residents seen as asset to smaller communities

A new study determined older Americans who retire to rural areas quickly become involved and are a tremendous asset to addressing both immediate and longer-term needs, such as public transportation and health care for older in-migrants.

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The 4WD Club That Is Not In A Rush!

Sally Thornton is a member of a 4WD Club that goes on leisurely trips around Australia. The Club is called 'The Idlers 4WD Club'. The photo at the right is taken at Arkaroola Water Hole in the Flinders Ranges in South Australia.

Name: Sally Thornton
Previous Occupation: Management Consultant
Current Occupation: President Idlers 4WD Club of Victoria

When and by whom was the Idlers 4WD Club established?
It was established in 1995 by a group of experienced 4WD drivers who had retired and who wanted to go ‘outback’ in off peak periods.

How many members does the Club have?
200 (approx)

Where did the name the ‘Idlers’ come from?
Original members who wanted to give it a “slower” flavour compared with the more time squeezed weekend type trips that most clubs can do due to their members' work commitments.

What attracted you to the ‘Idlers’?
…..being able to go on trips out of weekends and school holidays, and taking things a bit easier. We have all had experiences with other clubs of when things go wrong, (eg a vehicle gets bogged) you lose time and therefore there is no alternative other than to make up time to meet fixed deadlines, meaning long drives or missing seeing something you wanted to. In the Idlers if we have to come back a day later (if the unexpected occurs) we can do that.

In what sort of activities does the Club become involved?
We run the short trips: 4WD 3-15 day trips, but we also do long “up north” trips out of Melbourne over the winter, say 6-12 weeks, taking things very leisurely. We also have more trips base camping with trailers and caravans rather than move each night and put up a tent. We have at least one social activity per month – e.g. day trip, luncheon or local sight seeing. Whatever way (and where) you want to enjoy the outback, we will have a trip you could join up with.

Describe your role:
Typical presidential role in a volunteer organisation. Leading the Committee in policy type decisions and over seeing day to day administration.

What's the biggest trip you have done?
Biggest - in terms of distance/time?? – the Kimberleys and Cape York.

What's the best part of being a 4WD Idler Club member?
Safety and companionship: you can go to places you want to go, which you would not do on your own, in a smallish convoy and enjoy the people you are with.

Advice / tips for people who would like to buy a 4WD:

Think very carefully of what kind of places you want to visit.
Are the places very remote, with very rough terrain over long distances?
Will you be using a camper trailer or tent and moving each night? (Think medium to large 4WD).
Are they base camping with access via ‘back top’ (meaning caravan or camper trailer)?
Think about towing capacity and more road handling.

Contact Details for the 4WD Idlers:
Website: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~ifwdcvic/