On the grapevine

The event will focus on women’s general health, mental health and wellbeing.

The day commences at 10.30am until 1.30pm at the Cobram Civic Centre. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

The program includes interesting and motivational speakers, opportunities to gain nutrition and fitness information, participate in mindfulness, art/craft and self-care activities, undergo health checks and much more.

The program is open to all women and made available through Womens’ Health Goulburn NorthEast Flood Recovery Program together with Cobram Community House’s community connection and resilience program.

Women in the community are encouraged to come along this Friday, learn from the guest speakers, participate in the activities, connect with other women and leave feeling generally rejuvenated.

Featured speakers include: Natasha Laroo-Serene Psychology, Angela Peris-Heart 2 Heart Wellness Centre, NCN Promotion Team, Ashleigh Ladgrove-Wellways, Brooke McKenzie-Training with BJM, Cobram Barooga Therapeutic Centre and Moira Shire Maternal and Child Health, and Family Care.

Bookings for the event are essential so please call: 5872 2224 or go to the website: www.tryboking.com/CJJEB

DO YOU HAVE A HOME FOR LUNA?

Winter poses a horrendous problem for domestic cats and dogs that have been abandoned, dumped by the side of the road or left at an animal shelter or local council pound.

Princess ‘Luna’ is one lucky girl who has been in the care of Goulburn Valley Pet Adoption and Rehoming for two years, making her the longest-serving orphan.

She lives with her foster parents in Numurkah who just love this big girl.

Luna is a 7-year-old Greyhound X Staghound and has a beautiful gentle nature. Her foster parents would love to see her adopted by her forever family. However, because she’s not a fan of cats, her preference would be a canine-only home.

She regularly attends Doggy Day Care in Numurkah. All GVPAR animals are housed with foster families, ensuring that their new adoptive families gain a true indication of each animal's behavior in a home environment.

If you would like to learn more about beautiful gentle ‘Luna,’ log onto - www.Goulburnvalleypetadoption.com.au

LIVING THE DREAM!

‘High flying’ couple Geoffrey and Maureen Coates aged 77 and 82 are living the dream, heading off regularly in their four-seater light plane, a Grumman Cheetah, to explore various places across Australia.

There is no stopping the couple, despite their ages, as they strive to make the most of life every single day.

But before we continue with today's story, let's go back to the beginning when Geoffrey purchased his first aeroplane in the year 2000.

After running a roofing business in Sydney and then retiring, albeit semi-retired, there was a need to find something else to do.

His wife at the time, Kaye, suggested they both learn to fly.

Over the following two years, the couple travelled from their home in Tolme to Wangaratta to obtain their pilot's licenses before buying their first aircraft.

“Our first trip away was to 'Air Shows of the Outback,' taking turns controlling the plane as we visited Charters Towers, Longreach, and Charleville over two weeks,” Geoffrey said.

“We absolutely loved it.

“I am not bothered by heights, which probably goes back to my days in the roofing business, and I love that we have a bird's-eye view of everything.

“It's a photographer's dream up there.”

Kaye joined the Australian Women’s Pilots Association (AWPA).

"The members are all alpha women and definitely a force to be reckoned with,“ Geoffrey said.

“Generally about 20 blokes attend the conferences, including me and we have a great time.”

Several years ago, Kaye passed away, and Geoffrey, who had been her caregiver, felt completely lost, having been used to flying with a companion in his four-seater aircraft.

Previously living in Tolme near Mansfield, Geoffrey sold the property and in 2016 purchased 187 acres in Bearii, which was flat and large enough for a landing strip where he could take off and land comfortably.

A chance meeting brought immense brightness into Geoffrey's life when he met Maureen, who had also cared for her husband for many years until he passed away. The couple married just 2.5 years ago and are making the most of their wonderful relationship.

Despite their advancing ages, life continues to be an unbelievable adventure, with their next big trip planned for September to the outback of New South Wales and Queensland. They will also attend the 2024 AWPA Conference in Mildura.

The couple wholeheartedly agree, COVID fast-tracked their lives, and now they go wherever they wish while they still can.

In 2022, the Coates attended their first conference, which required them to fly over Bass Strait to Hobart.

Though a little apprehensive, they didn't wear life jackets.

“However, we did wear them the second time, and we took our little Papillon, 'Tiger,' with us then too,“ Geoffrey said.

With a plane the size of the Grumman Cheetah, the load limit is 328 kgs, which includes passengers, fuel, luggage and, of course, the dog.

When the couple land at their destination airport, they head for campsites close by and generally walk carrying 15 bags of luggage, a tent and bedding, cooking utensils and food.

On occasion, they are offered transport, but it’s not guaranteed.

“We have become something of a novelty at the camping sites, two oldies pitching our tent and setting up camp after flying in and landing our own aircraft,” Maureen said.

“People are getting to know that we’ve arrived and are looking out for us.”

“Flying is an absolute dream, taxing down the runway and lifting up, it gives an amazing adrenaline rush and the picturesque scenery of the Australian countryside is spectacular,” Geoffrey said.

Their longest trips have been to Horn Island at the tip of Cape York, Broome, Albany and Hobart. However, the Courier believes this pair has many more long adventures on the radar.