AUTUMN 2017 ◆ ISSUE 11 ◆ FREE
MARANOA
style
AUTUMN COLOURS PAGE 6
MEDITATE FOR HEALTH PAGE 9
THE GRANDEST OF ADVENTURES PAGE 10 YOUR PREMIERE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE COVERING ROMA, ST GEORGE & CHARLEVILLE www.westernstarnews.com.au
March 2017
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C O N T E N T S
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INSIDE 6
MUSTARDS Bring mustards into the home for a fresh autumn look
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MEDITATION Discover the many health benefits of meditation today
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A LIFE WELL LIVED Read the incredible travel tales of St George’s own Isabelle Devine
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SLEEP WELL Say goodbye to restless nights thanks the technology and comfort of a posturepedic mattress
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CONTACT US Cover: This month’s cover is graced by the adventurous Isabelle Devine. Isabelle is from St George and spends her time travelling the world and soaking up all life has to offer her. Writers: Carmen Miller Advertising: Stacey Hewlings, Tori Johnson, Greg Latta, Hineata Cash, Renae Hassall Enquiries: advertising@westernstarnews.com Publishers Indemnity: Maranoa Style magazine is published by Newscorp Australia in Roma. Those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to style magazine, undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title breach of confidence, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the trade practices act or other laws, regulations or statutes. Further to the above mentioned these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or it’s agents against any investigations, claims or judgements.
130 DUKE ST, SOUTHERN RD, ROMA PH: 07 4622 1155 M: 0427 120 394
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H O M E
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CARE FOR YOUR BLINDS L
ATELY we’ve had a number of people ask us how best to clean and maintain their blinds. So, to help, here are some tips on semi-regular cleaning that will help you prolong the life and look of your new blinds. For hard plastic blinds, regular dusting with a static dust glove or soft clean cloth is recommended – excluding real wood blinds. A citrus based or non-ammonia based cleaner diluted with water can also be used. For vinyl blinds, such as rollers or Roman blinds, alternative cleaning methods are needed to preserve the quality of the material. You can remove simple excess dirt by using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, or a microfiber cloth. For a more thorough clean for stains, use a sponge dipped in a solution of weak diluted soap or dish-washing detergent and water. Ensure that the sponge is well-wrung before applying to your blinds. Lightly wipe the affected areas and immediately follow with a towel to soak up excess moisture – continue until the stain is removed. Once the stain is removed, allow your blinds to air dry. Over time blinds may show signs of fading from sun exposure. Many ranges of Andersens blinds have a block out coating to help protect them from premature fading. Particular vertical and roller blinds also have anti-fade pigments that ensure no colour change. For any questions on how to care for and maintain your blinds, or help on choosing the right blinds for your home, come and have a chat to us in our showroom in McDowall St.
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March 2017
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H O M E
LOCAL TOUCH F
OR many of us — purchasing an appliance or piece of furniture outright is a luxury we simply cannot afford. However, getting by without a fridge or a television to entertain the kids seems near on impossible in this day and age. Thankfully — there is another option. Renting appliances or furniture allows you quicker and easier access to the latest and greatest models, without all of the extra upkeep on your end. “We take care of all the repairs for the life of the contract and you get the benefit of small weekly or fortnightly payments so that you can get what you need sooner rather than later,” said Megan of Roma’s own Local Appliance Rentals (LAR). Offering rental periods of 12, 24 and 36 months — Local Appliance Rentals can take the stress out of your everyday if something in your household unexpectedly breaks down. “The huge benefit to renting with Local Appliance Rentals is that we are not restricted to certain brands or stores so we have available all the latest items that you could need.” Best of all, the company is a locally-owned Roma business. When clients rent with LAR they are dealing with local people who, where possible, also shop locally to gain your rental products and are assured to deal with the same friendly faces throughout the life of their contract. Offering delivery, set-up and installation — Local Appliance Rentals allow you the time to sit back, relax and enjoy life with the latest and greatest technologies right at your fingertips.
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FURNITURE CLEARANCE! VERONA
3 Seater recliner and 2 single recliners in grey leather 657370 Also available in light grey, wine or black. Also available as single recliner $799 657374 DARWIN Coffee table $699 641225 Lamp table $399 641226
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NEVADA
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SOHO
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1999
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COLOUR CHOICES
29.55
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MIST GREY
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KODY
3 & 2 Seater sofa set in Portland cement or bark colours 654278
$
899 13.30
† Weekly $ rental Min. rental before upgrade $690.60
TIVOLI
2 Seater recliner & 2 single recliners with timber arms in avocado rhino fabric 640149
Products available for individual purchase. Lift chair also available. Coffee table and accessories not included.
1999
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29.55
COLOUR CHOICES
Weekly $ rental Min. rental before upgrade $1535.40 †
AVOCADO
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ROMA BETTA HOME LIVING 52 McDowall St, ROMA Ph: 4622 4631
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BALONNE BETTA HOME LIVING
21 Henry St, ST GEORGE Ph: 4625 5249
CHARLEVILLE BETTA HOME LIVING
26 Wills St, Charleville Ph: 4654 1366 March 2017
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I N T E RI O R S
IT WAS ALL YELLOW Inviting yellow and mustard tones into your home in autumn can work wonders
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HE trick to refreshing your home is all things in moderation. Not only is replacing all your home decor expensive, but impractical as well. The transition into autumn from spring isn’t always easy in weather, but it can be very easy in home dÊcor. Incorporate accents of colour into an otherwise subdued room and give that pop of colour to mimic spring flowers doing the same in nature. Patterns are another great way to inject a dose of energy to a space without requiring an extravagant makeover. Mustards are a great colour palette to use in autumn as it freshens the space whilst giving a cosy, homely feel for when the cooler days start to set in. New cushions, a throw and some fresh wall art with mustard tones will work an absolute treat in bringing the space to life and creating the perfect autumn sanctuary.
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P RO F I L E
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PAVING THE WAY THROUGH LEADERSHIP
Jean Benham is committed to giving back to her community through Vital Health. HARD AT WORK: Jean practicing at the Roma Rugby 7's Tournament at Gallas Fox Park in February.
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HEN it comes to leadership and empowering people, Michael McKinney summed it up perfectly when he stated that “leadership is intentional influence”. Inspiring people through your own passion and drive and leading by example are traits which can’t help but leave an impression and one woman who embodies these in spades is Jean Benham of Vital Health in Roma. Jean began with the noble purpose of wanting to ensure people in remote communities weren’t disadvantaged when it came to accessing health services and through her multi-disciplinary practice she has achieved just that. “We consider ourselves ‘rural generalists’,” Jean said. “We are a broad business covering things from wellness preservation through to rehabilitation programs, diabetes management and heart disease.” What began as a private physiotherapy practice in 1990 has grown to include massage therapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, podiatry and exercise physiology and dietetics, with nine centres across Queensland and New South Wales which, combined, employ 50 extremely dedicated people. And while this achievement alone is incredibly impressive; Jean’s passion for her profession and community means for her, this is only half the battle. “I have a personal goal to support and facilitate natural leadership within the communities themselves,” she said. “I believe to have a truly healthy community you need the people in key positions to have deep links themselves to the people and the town.
CARMEN MILLER
“Leadership grown from within helps to ensure the success of the community itself and that is something I would love to help drive.” Such growth and facilitation is already well under-way thanks to a team of young leaders Jean now has supporting her at Vital Health. One such young leaders is Jean’s eldest daughter, Harriet. Harriet, is a speech pathologist, and works within Vital Health based in Roma. Harriet has an inspiring story of her own. Harbouring an unwavering passion for Paediatric care, Harriet drives a program within Vital Health called Vital Paediatrics where the speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists develop programs and events and work as a team to better service the client. Harriet has delivered services all over Australia, notably to indigenous communities, including Halls Creek in Western Australia. She also travels to Brisbane weekly as she is a vocal coach and conductor with the Australian Girls Choir. Building this leadership team, with impressive young people such as her own daughter, has given Jean a sense of longevity and sustainability for the business. She is excited for the future and is pleased to bring others into the vision. With the ever-changing landscape of the health services sector, advances in technology and access to these people whom Jean has dubbed ‘brilliant, natural leaders,’ you can’t help but think her influence will be felt in the communities in which she serves for years to come.
EULO QUEEN HOTEL
Caring For the Community
& CARAVAN PARK
4625 5450
Community Development Drought Support Family Support www.westernstarnews.com.au
4655 4867 | LEO STREET, EULO euloqueenhotel1@bigpond.com
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FAS H I O N
FOOTWEAR SPECIALISTS When only the very best will do, see the team at Brenorrs.
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E ALL know the saying that you can’t talk the talk unless you are prepared to walk the walk. However, without the right footwear — this is a very hard task to master. Thankfully that’s where Brennors comes in. Brennors first started in 1973 and was purchased by the current owners, the Garvie family, in 2001. With business attributes based heavily around giving back to the community, the team at Brenorrs sees themselves more than just a family department store. " Over the years we’ve made considerable donations to the local community sports clubs and events held because we believe service within a regional sector needs to be provided at all times," Nathan Garvie of Brenorrs said. "We work hard in continuing service whether it be in work-wear departments, local businesses and multinational businesses."
Training staff is one area in which the company feels strongly, and no expense is spared to ensure the best possible service is offered each and every time. "When it comes to footwear, all our staff are professionally trained by both the companies in which we’ve purchased the footwear from, as well as the local podiatrist. "We utilise the local podiatrist in making sure we provide the right footwear for the right feet. "We are the footwear specialists here in town, we know our product and we stand behind what we sell. "We don’t provide shoes just for the sake of selling." Stocking nationally recognised brands such as Asics, R.M Williams, Havianas and Oliver, just to name a few, Brenorrs live up to the name of the footwear specialists. "People come here to be correctly fitted for footwear, they can’t get that anywhere else in town. "We know what we’re doing when we fit people for shoes."
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$4 4622 1699 sales@brenorrs.com.au 83 McDowall Street Roma QLD 4455
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H E A LT H
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MEDITATE TO BETTER HEALTH Heal through meditation exercises and discover their many benefits
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EDITATION dates backs to ancient times, and throughout the years several different methodologies have been practised across the world. Fast forward a few centuries and what do you get when an ancient practice meets modern science? Cold hard facts! How many times have we heard, “meditation is good for you”? Which subconsciously makes us wonder what are the exact benefits and do we even care? Practicing mediation helps affect our moods by decreasing depression, stress, anxiety and symptoms of panic attacks, which we all have become fairly familiar with, but it can also be a great tool to help treat depression in mothers-to-be, as well as increase grey matter concentration in the brain.
The benefits continue on for mind and performance by improving our attention, focus, and ability to work under stress. Giving the individual resilience, emotional intelligence and mental strength. An experimental study conducted at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Centre suggested that not only will meditation improve your pain threshold but can also relieve pain more effectively than morphine. Lastly, the benefits for our body and health range widely from lowering blood pressure, improved immunity, reduced risk of heart diseases and stroke. Mediation can also help ease regular discomfort from asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and even help treat premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms.
10am – 2pm Explorers Function Centre Complimentary glass of champagne on arrival & complimentary canapes Phone: (07) 4620 1400 Email: functions@romaexplorersinn.com.au www.romaexplorersinn.com.au https://www.facebook.com/romaexplorersinn/
Live Entertainment www.westernstarnews.com.au
Live bridal hair & make up demonstrations
Prize giveaways March 2017
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F E AT U R E
MARANOA TO MOROCCO AND St George’s own Isabelle Devine is breaking the mould by grabbing life by the horns. CARMEN MILLER
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N AN age driven by materialism and a society bound by the grind of the ‘9 to 5’ lifestyle — it is incredibly refreshing when you meet someone who completely breaks this mould, and isn’t defined by what they are, but who they are. Someone whose life goals aren’t constructed around things but around enriching experiences. Someone whose energy is palpable and thirst for adventure infectious. Someone like St George’s own Isabelle Devine. Spurred on by her the words of Ibn Battuta when he stated “travel leaves you speechless and turns you into a storyteller,” the 22-year-old has made a promise to herself to explore and experience everything life can throw at her. Isabelle credits her free spirited nature to the wonderful upbringing St George offered her and her two brothers and still considers the Maranoa home and her own private sanctuary she can always return to. “Being able to waterski and swim with friends and family wherever we pleased isn’t something I think you can do in the city,” Isabelle says. “It was hard to say goodbye to St George when I went to boarding school. “Every school holidays I’d be so excited to be back. “It was a breath of fresh air.” It was upon attending boarding school at Stuartholme in Brisbane when Isabelle’s free spirit found its purpose. “Having girls from around the world at school telling me about where they lived always inspired me to go places,” she says. “My mum did a lot of backpacking and I remember going through her massive boxes full of photos. “I always dreamt about going to Africa and seeing the big five, and I knew if I put my mind to it I would go. “I have never really had a plan of where I'm going next — I just go with the flow and take what's in front of me. “Meeting people and hearing their stories makes me just jump
WONDERFUL WORLD: Isabelle in the Sahara Desert while travelling through Morocco.
PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED
and go for it. “When you do it the first time the possibilities just fall in front of you.” Since her feet first became itchy Isabelle has travelled to places and experienced adventures most people can only dream of. Her first — and what she believes to be her greatest adventure to date — consisted of visiting Southern Africa when she was 17 years of age and fresh out of school. She spent her summer in St George bug checking saving enough money to go. Volunteering in NCPs (Neighbour Care Point) in Swaziland to work with young children teaching English, Isabelle met many young people from around the world, with whom she still keeps in contact. From there she travelled to Mozambique and lived on the beach in Tofo, where she experience local life first hand. “I loved being by the beach there and I saw so much beautiful marine life, even the most beautiful whale shark,” Isabelle says. “Then I made my way down the east coast of South Africa, stopping by Kruger national park, where I saw the big five – the rhino, buffalo, lion, elephant and leopard.
We are committed to stocking high quality organic and certified organic products designed to promote health and wellness ● Food ● Cleaning products ● Baby needs ● Cosmetics KEFIR STARTER & YOGHURT CULTURE STARTER KITSS
Plenty y of discounts in store! 10
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Treatments provided by our Qualified Beauty Therapist include: ● Waxing ● Tinting ● Manicure and Pedicure ● Shellac and bio sculpture ● Facials ● Tanning
Call and book an appointment C today! 4622 7154 Shop 4, 104 McDowall Street, Roma Can’t find what you are looking for? Please let us know and we will do our best to source for you. Jenny Hays & Heidi Hays
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EVERYWHERE IN-BETWEEN I
sabelle was volunteering in music festivals, surf competitions and stopping in at little towns, all the while making her way down the coast of South Africa to Cape Town, where she spent three weeks volunteering with kids. “I did a lot of hiking and market stops,” Isabelle says. “It was an eye opener for me to see how underprivileged African people live, yet they are so happy and have so much love. “I will never forget the gorgeous faces of those kids!” And since that first adventure, the travels and enriching experiences have only continued for Isabelle. Living, working and travelling in a vast collection of places, Isabelle has both briefly seen and stayed in the US, Canada, Mexico, Africa, extremely isolated Australia (Gulf Country), far north Queensland, Africa, Bali, Europe, Iceland and more recently, Morocco. “I’ve also just finished living in north-west of London for eight months,” Isabelle says.
ALL SMILES: ISABELLE WITH HER BROTHERS WILLIAM AND HENRY, WHO VISITED HER IN PORT DOUGLAS, DIVING ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF.
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I realised that not all classrooms have four walls.
— ISABELLE DEVINE
,
“That came to be when I was working as a lifeguard on a boat on the Great Barrier Reef in Port Douglas and I met an English family on holidays. “I was keeping a close eye on the children in the water to make sure that they were okay — I got along with the children well and got chatting to their parents about my travels. “That very day they asked to discuss further if I’d like to come and nanny for the kids in England, and after a few meals together, I decided I would, then a few weeks later I left.” Isabelle worked as a dental assistant in Brisbane for eight months when she returned from the US because her host parents were dentists, so her interest in dentistry grew from her. Nevertheless, her sense of adventure returned, and after this she moved to a cattle station in the Gulf Country called Rutland Plains to be a jillaroo. “I also tried studying Social Work at QUT in 2013 but I couldn’t sit still in a classroom,” Isabelle says. “I realised that not all classrooms have four walls.” When hearing Isabelle’s stories and getting an insight into her
life, it is hard to believe so much has been packed into her 22 years but as she puts it, “is the purpose of life not to live it?” “I just crave new adventures and seeing how other people live. “I want to see every continent. “I thrive off other people so I think that’s where my career will take me one day. “I suppose I’m still finding out where I belong.” Whether it is taking up a position on a remote station in the Gulf Country after merely a few horse lessons, to trying her hand as a field assistant for a geologist near Doomadgee because it’s simply something she has never done before, Isabelle’s thirst for adventure knows no bounds. “Travel has never frightened me,” she said. “All I want to do is live a happy and joyful life and fill it with adventures and stories, not things – money doesn’t always give you happiness. “We live in such a beautiful world and some people don’t even recognise it, it’s incredible.” Speaking with wisdom well beyond her 22 years, it is impossible not to marvel at the path Isabelle has carved for herself and if the past five years are anything to go by, in a nodding sentiment to her favourite quote from Ibn Battuta, her travels may very well leave her speechless, but oh what a storyteller she will be!
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Call us on 4622 1900
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PROTECT YOUR
HOME
Inside & Out! Professional, quality service General Pest Control Locally Owned and Operated
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March 2017
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L E G A L
OFFERING A FRESH PERSPECTIVE Somers Law is a made up of a team of people who care about the communities in which they work and strive to achieve the very best reults for each and every client.
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omers Law is not a typical law firm. We pride ourselves upon being open, approachable, sympathetic and compassionate when required but unyielding in the defence of our clients. Founded in 2015, Somers Law set out to offer something different. Our doors are always open and we are always available to help whatever the matter involves. Ann’s expertise covers a range of legal issues, she came to the Maranoa to deal with CSG matters but now spends the majority of her time on family law, Wills & estates, employment law and property matters. The office deals with both the purchase and sale of houses, land and rural properties and business sales of going concerns. Ann is very passionate about family law, she has an understanding of the legal issues that impact on the emotional
wellbeing of the parties and has achieved some success in dealing with these matters for her clients. Her success is based upon a strong ability to disseminate information, provide clear advice together with her compassionate approach to dealing with clients. As for CSG matters, Ann can draw on her experience of working in the industry and her understanding of the issues which can help land owners to identify the impacts on their land. So, we are here in Roma and also in Miles. We will give you the best possible service we can. Our team comprises of Ann Somers, Sherrill Stivano, Maddie Taylor and Michael Somers. We are all dedicated to assisting our clients with their legal need and we trust that your experience with Somers Law will be rewarding.
4622 2167 Somers Law can assist with: Property matters and conveyancing Family law including Consent Orders Wills, Enduring Power of Attorneys and Advanced Health Directives Estates Employment Litigation CSG and resource negotiations Other legal matters
Main Office: 106 McDowall Street, Roma Visited Office: 41 Murilla Street, Miles 12
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UNMATCHED EXPERTISE Halls Carpet Court have been delivering impeccable service for over two decades.
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S anyone in business knows — you do not survive 25 years without possessing an unmatched level of service and expert knowledge. One such business who has achieved this and more over that time frame is Halls Carpet Court. With a company constructed around the philosophy that sees customer service sit atop their list, it isn’t any wonder they have remained in business for over two decades. Employing up to 10 locals at any given time, Halls Carpet Court is more than just a business in the Roma region, it is an integral part to the overall community’s success. And while 25 years is a great accolade upon which Mark Hall and his team can hang their hats, they are showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Laurel Dorrough 38 Bowen Street, Roma Qld 4455 Mobile: 0400 380 242 www.westernstarnews.com.au
“Our 5 years plan is to continue servicing the Maranoa area with all of their needs to ensure they do not have to go out of town to find what they are looking for, if we don’t have it — we can certainly do our best to get it,” Mr Hall said. With autumn setting in, now is the time to call on the expertise and impeccable service of Roma’s own Halls Carpet Court. “Our friendly staff are willing to give suggestions and opinions on how to get the most out of certain areas in the home and from just chatting with you can gather some information as to what may best suit your needs. ”Why not add a nice rug to the lounge area, a crock pot for the kitchen to come home to that enticing dinner smell wafting through the house?”
Washing, Drying & Ironing Service We also do: Bed Linen BIG Blankets Curtains
Washing &Drying $15.00 per load Ironing $20 per hour March 2017
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REST ASSURED IN QUALITY
T
here is no denying that in today’s time-poor society, being well-rested has never been more important. Whether you are juggling a busy work schedule or needing your energy to run around after the kids, the demands of life in the 21st century do not couple well with someone who isn’t getting enough quality sleep. And when it comes to this quality sleep, your mattress plays a key role. According to Paul Anderson of Rex Furnishers, Posturepedic mattresses are designed for ultimate comfort. “Posturepedic is designed to provide both comfort and support which are both important to a good night sleep,” Mr Anderson said. “Since we all come in different shapes and sizes our needs in a mattress varies. “Sealy posturepedic come with their patented spring system and comfort zoning to conform to your shape and offer the required level of support. “Sealy has long been recognised as a leader in the bedding
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industry. “Innovative ideas and testing means the Posturepedic range has at least 9 different models spread over three ranges and comfort levels. “This means the customers can find a model to suit their needs and budget.” According to Mr Anderson, many customers in the market for a new mattress fail to consider a few key aspects which can have a drastic effect on the comfortability of their bed. “A quality base is most overlooked, but also things such as edge support and none slip fabrics to prevent the mattress moving off the base. “I think a high spring count in a mattress is also important.” Having been in business for over 70 years, there is no denying the quality of the Rex Furnishers brand and luckily for all clientele, this translates to unparalleled knowledge and expertise. Stocking other major brands such as Sleepmaker, Ah Beard, Slumber Comfort and more, Rex Furnishers can help ensure the good night’s sleep we all so desperately need.
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FURNITURE COURT
SLEEPZONE SUMMER STOCKTAKE SALE PostureLux Renew
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REX FURNISHERS 82 McDowall St, Roma PH: 4622 1999
NOW $1,299
NOW $999