Maarthur Advocate - March 2024

COUNCILS SAY NO TO GOVT

CHILDREN FIRST

WORK is underway at several Macarthur primary schools which are among sites selected to be developed as public preschools. The program is designed to help families and their children get ready for kindergarten with less pressure. Thousands of families are expected to access public early childhood education in a $769M NSW education budget set aside to give children the best start at school, deputy premier and education and early learning minister Prue Car said.

Another $29.4M was also set aside to employ more early childhood education teachers as well as $17M for early childhood services in growth areas in need, including Macarthur. Full story page 9.

Low-cost public preschools roll out in Macarthur

NSW deputy premier and education and early learning minister Prue Car visiting a preschool in Western Sydney.

Photo supplied by the NSW Education Department.

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11 BILLION DRINK CONTAINERS RECYCLED

Return and Earn’s epic milestone

RETURN and Earn has reached a staggering new milestone, celebrating 11 billion bottles, cans and cartons returned through the return point network for recycling in NSW since the scheme began in 2017.

Thanks to the incredible support of communities across the state, Return and Earn has become a way of life in NSW. People’s enthusiasm for the scheme has resulted in $1.1 billion in container refunds back in people’s pockets and $54M raised for charities and community groups via donated refunds and return point hosting fees.

Over the past six years, the 10-cent container refunds have helped families and individuals with costof-living pressures, to reach their saving goals and, importantly, have given back to hundreds of charities and community groups.

Charities such as Little Wings have benefited from fundraising through the scheme which supports their work providing free flight and ground transport services for seriously ill children in regional areas.

Donating just 20 eligible bottles, cartons or cans funds one litre of fuel for their vital community service.

There are hundreds of charities across NSW who, like Little Wings, have made Return and Earn a key part of their fundraising activities, either as an official donation partner on the Return and Earn app, by partnering with a Return and Earn depot or running ‘bottle drives’ to redeem at their local return point.

Charities are also benefitting from hosting return points across the state – receiving income as either the landlord of a Return and Earn machine or oper-

ating a depot in partnership with network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

With all plastic and glass drink containers collected through the network being recycled in Australia, Return and Earn has become a leading contributor to our growing domestic circular economy.

Return and Earn is delivered in partnership between the NSW Government, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway, and is funded by the beverage industry.

For more information visit www.returnandearn.org.au.

Clare Pearson, CEO Little Wings said: “The Return and Earn campaign has allowed us to connect with schools and business throughout the community to

raise valuable funds in support of seriously ill children from across regional and remote NSW in need of access to life-saving medical treatment.”

The Statistics

• 11 billion bottles, cans and cartons have now been returned by NSW community via the statewide return point network since the scheme began in December 2017.

• $1.1 billion in container refunds back to the NSW community.

• More than 620 return points are available across NSW including machines, depots and over-thecounter style.

• An additional 3.1 billion containers have been returned via kerbside recycling using the yellow bin.

• 960,344 tonnes of materials recycled through the scheme.

• 2 in every 3 containers supplied in NSW redeemed through the scheme (67 per cent 12-month rolling redemption rate)

• 9 in 10 NSW adults support the scheme and 8 in 10 have participated.

• NSW has seen a 54 per cent reduction in drink container litter since pre-scheme levels.

• Environmental benefits of recycling 11 billion containers into new containers rather than using virgin materials equivalent to:

• 115,000 households’ average yearly energy consumption in energy savings.

• 490,000 cars off the road for a year in CO2 emissions avoided.

• 25,800 Olympic swimming pools in water savings.

THREE WESTERN SYDNEY COUNCILS SAY NO Housing reforms strike objection

„ ELIZABETH FRIAS

THREE councils in Western Sydney are declining to support the housing reforms the NSW government is implementing to address the state’s housing shortage of 377,000 over the next five years.

In the southwest growth centre, the NSW government’s decision last December to rezone Appin and Wilton for 13,000 new homes has been met with concerns by Wollondilly Shire Council for they believed it is “premature” if roads and water supply infrastructure for the new housing estates are not addressed prior.

Leading the three-council charge is Hills Shire Council mayor Peter Gangemi, who said he had been door-knocking residents in Rouse Hill to ask for their views and many are “shocked and angered” by the reforms.

Clr Gangemi said the shire has identified 50,000 home sites to be built up over time, while 5,000 are already in the pipeline to help meet the housing shortfall, and the reforms announced by Premier Chris Minns would result in overcrowding their already populated town centres such as Rouse Hill.

“Our family-friendly suburbs are now at risk of being overrun by 2-to-6-storey apartment blocks, duplexes, terrace houses and manor homes,” Dr Gangemi said.

“The proposed changes will lead to increased traffic, fewer school places, less on-street parking, and overcrowding in our already struggling hospitals.

“It is of particular concern that there’s been no mention from the NSW Government on how it will support Council to provide more parks, better roads, and other services for everyone who will live here.”

Hills Shire’s neighbouring council, Hawkesbury has rejected the housing reforms mainly

due to flood risks, impacts on local heritage character and lack of sufficient infrastructure to support a population increase that will be triggered by low-to-medium density housing centrally located near public transport and shopping centres.

“The proposed reforms are at odds with the State-acknowledged risks that exist in the Hawkesbury in relation to natural disasters like floods and bushfires,” Mayor Sarah McMahon said.

“We saw particularly during the floods in recent years that large numbers of residents became cut off from Greater Sydney, and these were only relatively small floods compared to what can happen.”

The council has raised its formal objections with the NSW government stating the enormous risk they would face to evacuate at least 60,000 residents in town centres such as Windsor and Richmond where the new houses would be built as called for in the housing reforms.

“Adding more people to that mix is a disaster waiting to happen. Instead of talking about increasing our population, the government should be listening to this Council when we tell them that so much more needs to be done to provide better flood resilience and evacuation routes for the Hawkesbury,” Clr McMahon said.

Hawkesbury’s deputy mayor Barry Calvert said while “Council is sympathetic to the issue of housing undersupply in NSW, however more homes and higher densities in the Hawkesbury is not the answer.”

“This proposal would undermine the unique character of the Hawkesbury, put lives at risk, and supercharge road and public transport congestion, while barely making a dent in NSW’s housing shortfall.”

But despite their rejection of the housing reforms, Clr Calvert said the council be “willing and eager to work with the Department to advance housing supply” and will be “seeking further discussions to inform the government of current challenges.”

Clr Calvert is current president of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils which covers 13 council areas.

Wollondilly councillors has written to Premier Chris Minns, Western Sydney minister Prue Car, NSW planning minister Paul Scully and federal minister for water Tanya Plibersek to seek their commitments to build local infrastructure connecting the new housing estates.

“The demand for infrastructure is already stretched in Wollondilly with developers in Wilton struggling to access essential services such as water, waste water and roads so that houses can be built,” Wollondilly mayor Matt Gould said.

“Wollondilly acknowledges that there is a housing crisis, and we are doing our fair share when

it comes to housing supply. However, Council has never supported State-led rezoning without vital infrastructure in place.

“Local councils should always have input into development that will impact their communities, and ideally they should be the body that assesses proposals on behalf of their communities, not the State Government.”

But the NSW planning reforms that some councils are rejecting were needed to deliver on housing shortfall which would require 377,000 homes over the next five years because there was a backlog with only 48,000 built in 2022 under the previous Coalition government, planning minister Paul Scully said.

“We are reforming planning rules to support the delivery of thousands of new homes and a pipeline of housing supply into the future and are determined to meet our housing goals.

“I think most fair-minded people will recognise that our reforms are significant and need time to take effect. I think they also recognise that there are many factors that influence housing like interest rates, and access to finance and materials.

“The NSW Government is starting from a long way back but has taken immediate action to turn around housing comple-

Grants for suicide prevention

COMMUNITY groups undertaking activities which reduce stigma and enhance help seeking to reduce the risk of suicide are encouraged to apply for Southwestern Sydney PHN’s current round of Suicide Prevention Grants.

Grants of between $50,000 and $200,000 are being offered under the Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention program to eligible groups across Southwestern Sydney.

Initiatives delivered through the grants will engage with individuals and/or groups from priority populations to reduce their risk of suicide through early interventions which improve mental health, give a better understanding of suicide, reduce stigma surrounding suicide and build community resilience.

Target populations include men, First Nations peoples, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, recent refugees, people culturally and/or linguisti-

tions of the incredibly low base of only 48,000 homes delivered in 2022.”

The new planning reforms called for changes to low to midrise housing projects in major metropolitan centres and transport hubs which will see 110,000 new homes in well-serviced areas by the end of 2029.

The reforms also specified infrastructure contributions from the NSW government to where the houses would be built which Mr Scully said was meant to address local infrastructure concerns and “so we don’t end up with suburbs having no schools or sewage systems to support growing communities.”

The planning reforms on housing in NSW, many to be built near transport hubs in town centres earlier announced by Mr Minns and Mr Scully, were part of the Albanese government’s national housing accord targeting 1.2 million new homes across states and territories by 2029 funded with $10B from the Commonwealth budget.

cally diverse backgrounds, veterans, people living in semi-rural and rural areas and those experiencing financial hardship.

The funding period of the grants is 1 June 2024 to 31 December 2025.

Applications are open now and close 5pm on March 25. Detailed guidelines and the Expression of Interest form are available on SWSPHN’s website.

Wollondilly Shire councillor and mayor Matt Gould. Photo supplied.

Hills Shire mayor Dr Peter Gangemi speaks with a Rouse Hill resident during a door-knock last week. Photo supplied by Dr Gangemi.

Hills Shire Council’s councillors. Photo supplied by Dr Gangemi.

Hawkesbury Council’s councillors. Photo supplied by Hawkesbury Council media.

Reducing wait times in EDs

LAST week marked the inaugural meeting of NSW’s Emergency Department (ED) Taskforce, uniting clinical experts to address lengthy wait times in the state’s bustling EDs. With over three million attendances annually and rising serious cases, the Taskforce aims to ensure timely, quality care for NSW residents. Priorities include refining care models, optimizing workforce strategies, and reducing avoidable ED visits. The Taskforce, chaired by Dr. Trevor Chan and Professor Matthew Daly, will engage regularly with stakeholders to drive improvements.

Theory about conspiracy theories

MANY individuals embrace conspiracy theories, but a study led by Dr. Mathew Marques from La Trobe University dispels notions

of a growing ‘pandemic of misinformation.’ Surveying nearly 500 Australians and New Zealanders over six months, researchers found beliefs remained relatively stable over time. Participants

considered theories ranging from 9/11 to COVID-19, revealing some rare converts and apostates. Despite occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic, belief in microchip-laden vaccines remained low. The study underscores the nuanced nature of conspiracy belief formation, challenging the notion of a rapid descent into conspiratorial thinking.

Doctors back anti-smoking drug

THE Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) backs a new smoking cessation drug, Cytisine, as it awaits approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration. RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins emphasizes its potential impact amid upcoming removals of nicotine replacement therapy options from public schemes. Highlighting Cytisine’s proven efficacy and minimal side effects, she urges support for its scheduling. With concerns over rising nicotine use, especially among youth, Dr Higgins advocates for expanded cessation tools while encouraging individuals to consult their GPs for tailored support in quitting.

Defibrillator access on country trains

REGIONAL passengers now have easier access to potentially life-saving healthcare with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) available on all NSW TrainLink coach services. Following a successful trial, the NSW Labor Government completed the rollout in partnership with St John Ambulance NSW. These devices, accessible to all without prior

training, significantly improve survival chances during emergencies, particularly in remote areas with longer response times. This initiative aims to save lives and offers peace of mind to passengers.

Action to reduce harm from gaming

AS concerns over late-night gaming and its associated harm rise, the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) has revised Guideline 16 on late-night gaming applications. With a focus on minimizing gaming-related harm, ILGA assesses applications under the Gaming Machines Act 2001. Evidence highlights risks, especially after 2 am. ILGA Chairperson Caroline Lamb emphasises the need for effective measures by venues and ILGA’s authority to impose conditions to mitigate harm.

Railway crossings set for improvement

NSW railway crossings are set for improvements through the Australian Government’s Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF). With a focus on enhancing safety and reducing crashes, the $160 million commitment aims to fund upgrades across regional areas. The NSW Government’s allocation of $28 million will support projects such as retro-reflective boom gates and updated signage. Detailed information on the fund and project guidelines is available on the Department of Infrastructure’s website.

NEW PUBLIC PRESCHOOLS IN MACARTHUR Getting kindergarten ready

„ ELIZABETH FRIAS

WORK is underway at several Macarthur primary schools which are among sites selected to be developed as public preschools.

The program is designed to help families and their children get ready for kindergarten with less pressure.

Thousands of families are expected to access public early childhood education in a $769M NSW education budget set aside to give many children the best start at school, deputy premier and education and early learning minister Prue Car said.

Another $29.4M was also set aside to employ more early childhood education teachers as well as $17M for early childhood services in growth areas in need, including the Macarthur region, Ms Car said.

The low-cost public preschools at Wilton, Leppington and Liverpool built within the selected 100 existing primary school sites are expected to be completed over the next three years.

Since last month for instance, enrolments have started at Liverpool’s newest primary school Gulyangarri, its name derived from the Darug language which means children, and when it opens its doors, the little ones are coming in, too.

The Gulyangarri Public School on Forbes Street is among the new schools being established in Macarthur as the Liverpool suburb is fast growing with many families demanding more schools within their reach.

Construction of these preschools is expected to be completed in the next three years at Wilton, Leppington and Liverpool as part of the 100 selected sites within existing public schools across the state.

“I am delighted the NSW Labor

Government will deliver 100 new public preschools over the next three years, a key election commitment made to the people of NSW,” Ms Car said.

“This investment in public preschools is the largest made by any government in NSW’s history.

“This significant investment reflects the NSW Labor Government’s commitment to high quality public education, and our belief that access to early childhood education before school should not be defined by your postcode.”

The selected preschools announced last month will be “co-located” on the sites of public primary schools and sizes of each preschool to depend on the supply and demand in each community, the NSW education department said.

Families can enroll their children in public preschools from the beginning of the school year if they turn four years old on or before 31 July that year.

All the new 100 preschools located across NSW are scheduled to open by 2027.

More onsite public preschools will ensure schools are ready for children when they begin kindergarten and the transition to school is as seamless as possible for children, families and teachers, the department said.

Aside from the Macarthur region schools, the other low-cost public preschools are located in the Western, Southwest, and North West suburbs in Greater Sydney and regions such as South Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, Midnorth Coast, New England, Southern NSW, Northern Rivers, Riverina, South West Slopes and Central West.

For a complete list of the locations of the 100 preschools, visit https://education.nsw.gov. au/news/latest-news/families-to-benefit-aslocations-of-100-new-public-preschools-re

2024 VIRTUAL PROPERTY EXPO IS COMING All things property ONLINE

TIME is our most valuable commodity and in our busy lives virtual EXPOS emerge as a game changer offering unique benefits for exhibitors and visitors alike.

The virtual expo format has been around for years but is only now making an impact in the business world.

Online marketplaces have become increasingly popular among Australian consumers in recent years, offering a wide range of goods and convenience.

More than 80 per cent of Australians shop and source goods and services online and 3 out every 4 Australians spend an average of 4 – 5 hours per week online shopping and searching. That includes men and women.

he Virtual Property EXPO (VPE) run by WEXPO is the first of its kind in Australia and is being managed in partnership with The Disrupter Virtual EXPO.

Scheduled for March 27 and 29, the VPE is designed to showcase property businesses to thousands of potential clients. Businesses like real estate

agents, lenders, consultants, and many more will host their virtual exhibitor space.

What’s a virtual exhibitor space?

A virtual exhibiter space or stall is a digital replica of a real physical exhibitor space at an expo that you might drive to and walk around exhibitor halls.

Virtual exhibitors can upload brochures, a video, business logos, contact details, set appointments, list social channels and more – much like a physical stall. The expo organiser will assist in building your virtual exhibitor space.

In the digital expo environment visitors use their computer mouse to do the walking. You get a drone view of 22 stalls in each virtual hall and can click on the one you want to visit.

Upon signing in, visitors receive a virtual briefcase which they can use to download information from stalls and upload later to their computer for viewing in their own time.

Stall holders receive a notification

on their phone every time someone visits their stall and after the event each exhibitor receives a spreadsheet with contact details of every visitor to their stall – ideal for follow-up.

Exhibiting at the VPE puts your business face to face with potential clients who are seeking convenient access to information about all things property.

Exhibitors can also network virtually with other exhibitors.

Confirmed exhibitors at the 2024 VPE include real estate agents, property consultants, boutique builders, data experts and more.

A comprehensive social media and email marketing campaign commence from March 1st to promote the event.

Two speakers have been confirmed the VPE, and these are:

Kahla Gerard: Common mistakes people make when investing in property and how to avoid them.

Kahla is director of Visionworks Property Consultants. With training in financial planning and lending and

a family background in development

Kahla provides a road map for investing in property including understanding the three grades of residential property, real value of location, importance of goal setting and the things to do before investing in property.

Joseph Rossi: Techniques to using data to make good property buying decisions.

Joseph is National Sales & GTM Director of the National property Group. He has over 25 years’ experience in the real estate industry around property data systems refining products and their uses within the real estate, finance, and investor industries. Joe provides insights to using data for making property buying decisions; around valuations, accessing the best data and applications for mum and dad investors.

Kahla Gerard - 2pm March 27 |

Joseph Rossi - 11am March 28

REGISTER FREE at www.wexpo.com.au

To exhibit contact us here: events@wexpo.com.au

Joe Rossi.

Kahla Gerard.

New State-of-the-Art Neighbourhood Health Hub

Healthicare is a new health service located at the Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology hub (BEST) that aims to help people in Western Sydney. It is supported by WentWest in partnership with the Mt Druitt Medical Practitioners Association

Healthicare uses a new way of working together called a “neighbourhood-based model of care”. This means that GPs and other health professionals work together to provide better care for people who need it most. This includes people who are very unwell and have many health problems.

What services are available?

In addition to general GP services, Healthicare provides patient-activated services to help you navigate problems with your health from a new perspective and empower you to improve your wellbeing.

These services include:

• Minor injury management and referral to radiology and allied health

• Referrals to service providers and social services such as housing, welfare, employment services, addiction support and domestic violence support

• Shared antenatal care with Westmead and Blacktown Public Hospitals

• In-house podiatry

• Psychologist support

• Childhood, adult, and travel vaccinations

• Skin checks

• Comprehensive chronic health management

• Exercise plans and nutritional guidance

• Diabetes education

• Minor surgery

• Clinical pharmacist in-house medication reviews and education

• On-site pathology

Healthy Western Sydney is delivered by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.

Healthicare’s core team consists of:

GPS

PRACTICE NURSES

PRACTICE SUPPORT TEAM

SOCIAL WORKERS

Who

• Adults, children and families who require health care services

• Community members who don’t have a regular GP

• Neighbouring GPs who may wish to refer their patients

All eligible services at Healthicare are bulk-billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. How

Call 1800 828 828 (free call) or visit healthicare.org.au to book an appointment. No referral is required. Healthicare is open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm.

For more information visit healthicare.org.au

TRAVENGERS - EXPLORE THE WORLD Travel for 15-35 year olds

AGNES knows how much young people love to connect, have a good time and travel, despite any hidden disability they may have so she founded group travel company, ‘Travengers’.

Travengers is for 15- to 35-year-olds who want to get out and explore the world. “They see other young people sightseeing and having a good time and they want to do it as well. Travengers is like Contiki but with support”, Agnes says.

So far Travengers has 36 trips under its belt, including New Zealand, Japan, Europe, New York, London, Paris and Florida.

Trips are well-thought out and include a meet and greet zoom call pre-trip to iron out any pre-trip issues and nerves. “We have support guides specialising in PTSD and anxiety, we sort out who needs a single room and who needs someone to share a room with, who needs more space in the transport”. This is the future of accessible travel and what a wonderful gift to young travellers. Get in touch at www. travengers.com.au to find out more.

Rooftop Bars of Sydney

What an incredible city to enjoy the weather. Have a staycation this March and visit some of the city’s fun rooftop bars.

Cabana Bar

Part of the 25 Martin Place precinct, the Cabana Bar feels like a holiday in Bali and is the perfect place for a margarita on a Saturday or a pre-theatre dinner. With it’s green hanging baskets and wicker nooks and crannies it’s a great spot for a fun date. Every Saturday Cabana bar has a bottomless brunch at 11.45am and 2pm for 2 hours. $89 includes

a 2-hour seating with margaritas, spritzes, selters, mimosas and a shared style menu.

The Astor, Intercontinental, 117 Macquarie St

A stylish bar open from 4pm to midnight with a minimum $60 spend. The perfect spot to look out over the cityscape on a special occasion.

Dean and Nancy’s, Level 22, 2 Hunter St Sydney

With a very 1950s New york feel, this bar is a great choice when it’s cool outside. If you love the sound of the piano playing as you sip on a wine, come Thursday nights 5 -8pm. For DJ beats come Thursday to Sturday from 9pm. The location is next to some significant construction happening in the CBD, so finding the entry is part of the fun.

IT’S time to start thinking about your snow travel because accommodation, in particular, gets booked up in advance. Snow travel is not a last minute thing because there are many moving parts that can make or break a trip. This snow travel section will be your monthly go-to so watch this space, it will have tips on snow play, driving in snow conditions and buying and hiring gear. If you have a question you’d like answered please email travelwellwithemma@gmail. com. In the meantime check out the accompanying Snow Holiday Master Planner’ graphic and start planning your attack. Perisher and Thredbo are

SNOW TRAVEL 2024 Start planning NOW

NOT the only resorts for skiing, snowboarding and snow play and in next month’s travel column I will delve into these more cost-effective and beginner- friendly alternatives.

Snow Action Magazine

Head to www.snowaction.com.

au for snow updates, amazing competitions, features on overseas and Australian resorts, tips on travelling to Japan and Canada and more.

Warren Miller Ski Movie

Every year the famous USA ski film tours Australia and New Zealand from May. For tour dates and loca-

tions head to www.warrenmiller.com.

au “Warren Miller’s ALL TIME is bringing 74 years of filmmaking reimagined to a theatre near you this May. And this season, it’s all about good turns and good snow on good hills with good people. Narrated by Jonny Moseley, ALL TIME dives deep into elements that Warren himself first identified as the stuff of which snowy dreams are made”.

Snow podcast

If you love listening on-the-go as you fold laundry, drive or you’re out in the garden check out Loving the Snowlife on iTunes or Spotify. It’s a

podcast that helps families get ready for their next snowtrip, where to go and what to do when you get there.

I am co-host and co-founder and over 4 years our podcast topics include:

Solo travel, first time snow holiday DO’s and DON’Ts, kids snow holiday logistics, how to choose a season pass, weather forecasting, skincare and makeup at the snow, getting your body ready to stay injury-free, plus size snow clothing, travelling with babies and toddlers, sustainable ski brands and more. Head to Spotify or iTunes and search ‘Loving the Snowlife’ to download episodes.

POWERFUL HYBRID ARTURA SPIDER JOINS

McLaren range, Coupe variants

„ MATT BROGAN

MCLAREN has revealed its Artura Spider this week, the model joining the three-year-old Coupe in the British supercar marque’s range.

McLaren’s first hybridised convertible packs an additional 15kW – for a total of 515kW and 720Nm – matching the Coupe’s uprated 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and electric motor combination in being capable of accelerating to 100km/h in just 3.0 seconds.

McLaren says the model can accelerate from standstill to 200km/h in 8.4 seconds and 0-300km/h in an astonishing 21.6 seconds.

Existing MY24 owners will be offered the 15kW uptick in power at no extra cost.

As a challenger to the likes of the now-defunct Ferrari F8 Spider and the Lamborghini Huracan Evo, the 1560kg Artura Spider boasts an electronically limited top speed of 330km/h and a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 353kW per tonne.

Joining the power increase the Artura range includes a newly revised eight-speed SSG transmission (with shift speeds now 25 per cent faster), updated driveline mounts, faster acting dampers, newly styled alloy wheels, and a re-engineered exhaust system.

It also boasts a stronger carbon-ceramic braking system with improved

cooling, an increased electric-only driving range of 33km (+3km), and an “extended palette of exterior colours”.

McLaren says the Artura Spider’s single-piece retractable roof may be deployed in as little as 11 seconds and at speeds up to 50km/h. Optionally, the roof is available with the electrochro mic panel.

Inside the cabin, the Artura range now includes Clubsport seats, an inductive mobile phone charging pad while the Spider scores a Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system.

Safety equipment includes a lengthy inventory of driver assistance technologies, with lane-departure warning and traffic sign recognition joining those features offered previously.

Further, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now available optionally.

“The new Artura is absolutely the complete next-generation supercar, whichever model you choose,” said McLaren Automotive CEO Michael Leiters.

“We have upgraded the powertrain and the chassis systems to deliver more power, more dynamic performance, and even higher levels of connection with the driver, without any compro-

the Artura Coupe, we have the Artura Spider, a new convertible that has all these improvements, and brings another dimension of open-air McLaren supercar exhilaration to our range.”

The 2025 McLaren Artura Coupe and Spider are due in Australian showrooms in the third quarter of this year. Pricing is listed below.

2025 McLaren Artura pricing*: Coupe (a) $477,210 (+$27,810)

Spider (a) $525,010 New variant

Fitness benefits of gardening

IN a world where modern conveniences often lead to sedentary lifestyles, finding enjoyable ways to stay active is paramount for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Gardening, often seen as a leisurely pastime, offers a multitude of fitness benefits that can contribute to

levels, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental well-being.

Whether planting flowers, cultivating vegetables, or simply enjoying the beauty of a well-maintained garden, individuals can experience a sense of tranquility and inner peace while engaging in gardening activities.

puzzles

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Follow (7)

5 Tiny fish (7)

9 Social exclusion (9)

10 Doesn’t pass (5)

11 Gradually (6)

12 Categorise (8)

14 Put in (6)

15 Devoted followers (4)

19 Gem (4)

20 Patch of water (6)

24 Leaping (8)

25 Self-absorption (6)

27 Prohibited (5)

28 Made clear (9)

29 Ingredient (7)

30 Ratify (7)

DOWN

1 Partner (6)

2 Natural fibre used in clothing (6)

3 Allowing (8)

4 Platform (4)

5 Likeness (10)

6 Deny (6)

7 Hostile (8)

8 Author of short pieces (8)

13 Defendant (10)

16 Small warship (8)

17 Worth a lot of money (8)

No. 039

QUIZ

1 Who is the presumed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey?

2 The Indian Pacific train journey goes through which three Australian cities?

3 True or false: all worker bees are male?

4x4

18 Lazy person (8)

21 Blow (6)

22 Victor (6)

23 Soil (6)

26 Vaulted recess (4)

4 Who released the 2020 album Batflowers?

5 Rafael, Xiomara and Petra are characters on which US drama/comedy?

6 How many wives did Henry VIII have?

7 And how many were called Catherine?

8 In what year was The Sims 4 released?

9 Which university did Victorian premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) attend?

Which university did former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) attend?

10 On what date did Queensland become the first Australian state to ban conversion therapy?

ACROSS

1 Crust of blood (4)

5 Infinitesimal amount (4)

6 Hebrew prophet (4)

7 Representations of an area (4)

DOWN

1 Former name of Thailand (4)

2 Extended unconsciousness (4)

3 At the top (4)

4 Low pitch (4)

WORD FIND

The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

No. 039

Secret message:

puzzles

3

WORD FILL

ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD

No. 048

15 Clark Kent’s alter ego (8)

17 Directed the 2019 film Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Quentin – (9)

ACROSS

4

2 Kids’ series about a girl and her successful web show (6)

4 Studio behind classics like The Little Mermaid and Cinderella (6)

8 Actor who plays president Bartlet in The West Wing (6,5)

9 Thespian (5)

26 Animated penguin (5)

27 Macaulay Culkin’s family classic, Home – (5)

28 4-across’ Hamlet adaptation (3,4,4)

29 Law & Order: SVU detective Olivia – (6)

30 Lead in Grey’s Anatomy, Ellen – (pictured) (6)

19 Eighties heartthrob known for Parks and Recreation and The Outsiders (3,4)

20 2015 comedy starring Amy Poehler and Tina Fey (7)

22 American playwright, Preston – (7)

23 Actor who plays the ringmaster in Dumbo, Danny – (6)

25 Late Star Trek film actor, – Yelchin (5)

HIDDEN WORD

DOWN

10 Acting sisters Elizabeth, Mary-Kate and Ashley (5)

11 Cold country in which Trapped is set (6)

12 – Bonham Carter played Queen Elizabeth in The King’s Speech (6)

14 French actor who played Philippe in The Intouchables, François – (6)

CROSS MATH 5x5

15 — Osbourne, panelist on The Talk (6)

16 Animated series, –: The Last Airbender (6)

18 Game show, Catch– (6)

21 Ricky Gervais comedy series (6)

24 Setting for Frasier (7)

No. 015

1 English actor who plays Chief Worth in Tin Star (3,4)

2 Star of Luther and The Wire (5,4)

3 Ygritte in Game of Thrones, Rose – (6)

4 Sarah Rafferty’s character in Suits, – Paulsen (5)

No. 014

5 Kerry Washington plays a fixer in this (7)

6 8-across’ birth name, Ramón – (7)

7 Criminal Minds and Grandfathered actress, Paget – (8)

13 Alison Brie in Community (5)

14 Quiz show, The – (5)

1 Edge of a pizza

2 Late mum of William and Harry

3 Impoverished

4 Small broken piece of cookie

5 Mistake

6 Thing to sit on

7 Save for a — day

8 Stadium

Ki RSte N Du NSt

1. In which year was Dunst born?

A. 1979

B. 1982

C. 1985

D. 1988

2. Which film made her a childhood star?

A. The Piano

B. Romeo + Juliet

C. Cool Runnings

D. Interview with the Vampire

3. How many Sofia Coppoladirected movies has she starred in?

A. Three

B. Two

C. None

D. Four

4. Dunst starred in a music video for which Aussie band?

A. Savage Garden

B. Powderfinger

C. Jet

D. None of the above

From the moment you walk through the door of your brand new apartment at St Hedwig Retirement Village,