notably, but rental yields have increased because there has been an exceptional increase in rents,” Hyde said.
Those looking for a smart investment might have to look outside of Sydney and New South Wales, with not a single local suburb making the top 10 list.
“One of the stand-out markets highlighted by this report is the Queensland town of Dalby, the key regional centre for the Western Downs region, west of Brisbane,” Hyde said.
“With vacancies near zero, rents have risen 24 per cent in the past 12 months, with the median rental yield increasing from 6.6 per cent to 7.2 per cent in the past three months. Property values have also soared, with the median house price up 15 per cent to $350,000 over the past year.”
Hyde said on top of stellar price, and yield growth in the top performing locations, investors were also benefiting from thousands of dollars of depreciation benefits each financial year.
“In Murray Bridge in South Australia, for example, investors could claim about $5,200 in depreciation benefits on the median-priced established house,” he said.
“The top industries in Murray Bridge include health care and social assistance – which employs about 15 per cent of its workforce – as well as retail trade, manufacturing and agriculture.”
This is your last oppor tunit y to secure a luxur y apar tment in the prestigious Metro precinct, centrally positioned in the hear t of the Oran Park community.
Generously sized, this 3-bedroom apar tment features ample floor space, sophisticated styl e and the finest finishes
Built in partnership with the award-winning Allen Jack + Cottier Architects and currently under construction with Richard Crookes Construction , the residence is completed to a high standard with:
• Miele oven, gas cook top, rangehood, buil t-in microwave oven and dishwasher plus striking Parisi tapware, tinted mirror splashback and Caesarstone benchtop centrepiece
• Ceramic tile floor throughout with carpet to bedroom s
• Ground floor entr y, two levels of secure parking and a communal roof top with barbeque faciliti es
•
Iupdate my mobile phone every two years, so I have started looking at what I might want as a replacement. Historically, I have been a Samsung Galaxy user. My primary phone use is for calls, email, web browsing, audiobooks, photos, and Multifactor authentication. Should I get a flagship phone that boasts the latest technology and premium design but comes with a price tag to match, or a mid-range phone that balances affordability with decent performance and handles all the tasks I have outlined? Let’s delve into the key differences.
Performance: A phone’s performance lies in its processor and memory. Flagships typically sport the most advanced processors, ensuring smooth multitasking, handling demanding games, and enabling faster app loading times. Mid-range processors provide enough power for most daily tasks and even lighter gaming.
Flagships often come with 12GB -16GB of RAM, while mid-range phones usually have 6GB to 8GB of RAM, which is adequate for regular use.
Security: Security is another area where flagship smartphones excel. They often include advanced biometric security features like facial recognition and in-display fingerprint sensors.
Display: Flagship phones often boast gorgeous displays with
Bhigh refresh rates that translate to smoother scrolling and a more responsive feel. They have higher resolution panels, like QHD+ or AMOLED, offering sharper visuals and richer colours. Mid-range phones typically have lower refresh rates and Full HD+ resolutions.
Camera: Flagships pack multilens systems with high megapixel counts, offering zoom capabilities, wide-angle options, and superior low-light performance. Mid-range phones might have fewer lenses and lower megapixel counts, but they can still capture decent photos and videos.
Design and durability: Flagship phones are designed to impress. They often use premium materials like glass and metal, giving them a luxurious feel. However, this can also make them more prone to scratches and breakage. Mid-range phones typically use plastic backs, which are lighter and more durable.
ell Partners Finance can assist if you are considering purchasing properties through a trust or self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF).
Purchasing properties in a trust can also be the way people are able to purchase multiple properties for a portfolio.
A big advantage of buying property in a trust is that the structure provides flexibility in distributing both income and capital gains to a group of people at the discretion of the trustee.
Battery life: Flagship phones often have larger batteries to power their powerful hardware and displays. However, their feature-rich nature can sometimes drain the battery faster. Mid-range phones might have slightly smaller batteries, but their less demanding processors can improve battery life.
Price: Flagship phones come with a premium price tag, often exceeding $2000. Mid-range phones, on the other hand, offer excellent value for money, typically ranging from $300 to $800.
So, which one? Mid-range phones are becoming increasingly powerful, and the gap between them and flagships is narrowing. Ultimately, the best phone for you is the one that strikes the perfect balance between your needs and your budget. For me, the deciding factor was the size of the phone. I like to work with bigger phones, so I upgraded to the Galaxy Ultra.
While there are set up and ongoing fees associated with a trust, the tax benefits usually outweigh the costs in the long term.
Bell Partners Finance can assist your trust or SMSF with obtaining a property loan. The process is similar
Another advantage of a trust structure is that it can provide legal and financial protection. A trust structure increases the chances that the property will not form part of a person’s asset base in the event of legal or creditor action.
Trusts can enable great benefits for affordability if set up correctly and they are usually tax efficient for distributing profits, reduce land taxes and boost asset protection.
to a normal home loan although there are usually more documents required.
The SMSF can use its funds as a deposit to purchase a residential or commercial investment property and take out a loan for the remaining amount required
to fund the purchase. Strict conditions apply when using your SMSF to purchase property. Any rental income or capital gains from the property are reinvested into the fund. To apply for an SMSF loan, you will need to provide a certified copy of the SMSF Trust Deed, a certified copy of the Custodian Trust Deed, at least three years of the SMSF’s audited financial statements, 12 months of SMSF bank statements as well as rental estimates and a copy of the contract of sale for the property being purchased.
Talk to Bell Partners Finance for more information about purchasing property through a trust.
In a world where movement is often taken for granted, the restorative art of massage therapy emerges as a key player in reclaiming the fluidity of motion that life’s stresses and strains can erode. This ancient practise, with its roots deeply embedded in the annals of healing, is not merely a luxury but a necessity for those seeking to improve their mobility and quality of life.
Massage therapy, characterised by the manual manipulation of soft body tissues, has been shown to alleviate pain, enhance muscle flexibility, and improve joint movement. It’s a holistic approach that not only addresses the physical ailments but also promotes mental relaxation, which can indirectly contribute to better mobility.
stretching can improve balance, reduce the risk of falls, and encourage a more independent and engaged life.
Moreover, massage therapy serves as a preventive measure, safeguarding against the gradual loss of mobility that comes with sedentary lifestyles. It’s a proactive step towards ensuring longterm musculoskeletal health, particularly for those who spend hours in static positions, whether at a desk or in a vehicle. Regular massage can reawaken dormant muscles, fostering resilience against the rigours of daily life.
In essence, massage therapy is more than a mere indulgence; it’s a vital component of a proactive approach to health. It empowers individuals of all ages to lead a more dynamic and fulfilling life, free from constraints of limited mobility. As we embrace the healing power of touch, we unlock the potential for a more agile and resilient body, ready to navigate the twists and turns of life with grace and ease. ETHAN NEVES One Point Health
For individuals suffering from chronic conditions such as arthritis or lower back pain, massage therapy can be a gateway to greater freedom of movement. The targeted pressure and
strokes help to reduce inflammation, ease muscle tension, and increase blood circulation. This combination of effects can lead to a significant reduction in pain and stiffness, allowing for a more active and mobile lifestyle.
Athletes, too, find refuge in the skilled hands of massage therapists. Post-exercise soreness and potential injuries can be mitigated through techniques
that promote faster muscle recovery and prevent overuse syndromes. By incorporating regular massage sessions into their training regimen, athletes can maintain peak performance and flexibility.
The elderly population, often grappling with the limitations of age-related mobility issues, can also reap the rewards of massage therapy. Gentle kneading and
Whether you’re heading off on an interstate trip, a ski holiday, or a Euro Summer getaway this winter, the one thing you have to get right is your travel skincare routine. No, I don’t mean what you’re going to pack for the trip itself, I mean how you’re going to take care of your skin on the journey there.
Everyone knows that getting on a plane dries your skin up like a prune like nobody’s business. Though, personally, I’m not a fan of bringing everything on my bathroom counter with me to use in those tiny plane bathrooms, there are things you can do to keep your skin as hydrated and bouncy as possible.
Pre-Flight
Using a good moisturiser is key in ensuring that your skin
stays hydrated when travelling from A to B.
Wearing makeup on a longhaul flight isn’t comfortable for anyone, so I’d recommend starting with a blank canvas. Then, prior to the flight, apply a more intense moisturiser to ensure that moisture is locked in for as long as possible. On the more affordable side, I really like the Cerave Moisturising Cream. But, if you’re willing to splurge for a more luxurious experience, opt for something by FRESH – all of their face creams
smell like a spa, and keep your skin hydrated for hours.
During Using a face mask can be a great option to replenish lost water mid-flight. If you’re looking for something more low-key, opt for a mask that’s designed to help nourish and soothe skin, and that you don’t necessarily have to wash off. The fragrance-free Jet Lag Mask by Summer Fridays is famous for its flawless blend of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Or, go for a cult classic in the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask.
Masks can also be great for your lips on long haul flights. I’d recommend something like the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, or the Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm. But, if you’ve got a lip balm you love already, that will do just fine – just make sure you keep it on hand for easy reapplication.
During the flight, you can also use a facial mist to quickly get some hydration back in. Just about every skincare brand does a version of this, and I will say that their effects are hotly contested, but I do like the Mario Badescu Facial Mists for a quick refresh.
Post-Flight
Once you finally stumble out of the
airport and into your hotel, there are a few things you should focus on when it comes to your skin – cleansing, and replenishing moisture once again.
Use a more heavy-duty cleaner to get rid of accumulated dirt and bacteria. Gentle exfoliation or a purifying mask can also be great here if you’re prone to congestion or breakouts. I love the Eve Lom mask as a pricier mask option, and the Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser with the exfoliant as a cleanser.
Then, go back to step one with your moisturiser to replenish what was lost during travel, and get you ready for your trip!
As winter temperatures arrive, arthritis cases in both young and old pets often increase. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting dogs, with one in five dogs suffering from its pain and disability. Cats can also experience the debilitating effects of arthritis, struggling with grooming and using the toilet. Despite its prevalence, the early signs of arthritis in pets are often missed or attributed to old age, as pets cannot communicate their pain.
Arthritis is a chronic, painful, degenerative condition that develops gradually, affecting one or more joints – typically the hips, knees, and elbows – causing significant inflammation and pain. It can affect any pet, regardless of breed or age, severely impacting their quality of life and limiting their ability to enjoy daily activities such as walking, running, or playing.
Signs your pet may have arthritis
• Reluctance to walk or play
• Limping
• Joint stiffness in the morning or after sleep
• Licking or biting of joints
• Difficulty rising from a resting position
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Change in personality – less happy/playful, or sometimes aggressive/irritable.
Managing arthritis
While arthritis cannot be cured, its pain and progression can be managed effectively. The key is to control the inflammation within the joints, thereby slowing the condition’s progression.
Weight control: Managing your pet’s weight is crucial. Excess weight puts additional pressure on already affected joints, exacerbating pain and discomfort.
Exercise: Regular walking and swimming are excellent forms of exercise for dogs with arthritis. These activities help maintain joint mobility without putting undue stress on the joints.
Omega-3 fatty acids: These help block the inflammation around joints that causes pain and suppress the activity of an enzyme that damages cartilage, thus slowing arthritis progression.
Joint cartilage protective medications: Polysulfate injections have been proven to slow the progression of arthritis and help control pain. Anti-inflammatory medications can also be used to alleviate pain.
Medical breakthroughs: New treatments, including monoclonal antibody injections, have shown remarkable results in treating arthritis pain in dogs and cats. These injections target a protein that stimulates pain in arthritic patients, offering significant relief.
Nutraceuticals: Products like Green Lipped Mussel contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which are essential for cartilage health. They have shown good results in managing arthritis in dogs.
Prescription joint diets: Specialised diets for both dogs and cats can help alleviate discomfort and improve joint function.
Arthritis is a serious condition that requires proactive management to ensure your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
If you notice any signs of arthritis in your pet, it’s important to seek veterinary advice. For a thorough assessment and tailored treatment plan, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital at 4736 2027.
With the right care and treatment, your pet can continue to enjoy a happy, active life despite arthritis.
JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
bohoastro.com
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
Courtesy of the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter, it’s a wonderful week to express your creativity in exciting new ways. But consider the consequences of what you do and say. If you act with haste – without all the facts at hand – then you could find yourself deep in a disagreement or a messy misunderstanding (especially on Monday). Friday’s Full Moon is a good time to meditate, contemplate, relax and regenerate, as you connect with the wise Aquarian within.
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
Neptune squares your ruler Venus on Monday, so be aware that all is not as it seems (especially involving friends and/ or finances). Then the Full Moon activates your adventure and exploration zone. Plus Mars and Uranus push you to jump out of your comfort zone, shake off bad habits, embrace opportunities and fast track changes. As birthday great Nicole Kidman observes, “Life has got all those twists and turns. You’ve got to hold on tight and off you go.”
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
Lions can appear to be brazenly bold but sometimes (on the inside) you feel like a much less confident kitten. Especially this week, when confusing Neptune squares the Sun. However, proactive Mars is charging through your career zone (and there’s a Full Moon) so it’s time to ditch the doubts and talk up your talents, promote your accomplishments and tackle life with plenty of charm and chutzpah. If you don’t believe in yourself, why should anyone else?
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Neighbourhood activities and local connections are favoured, as the Full Moon urges you to be more community minded. Courtesy of the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter, you’ll be given the chance to heal an old emotional wound or patch up a relationship problem. Don’t let false pride and silly misunderstandings stop you from taking a giant leap forward when it comes to love and forgiveness. Accept the opportunity with outstretched hands and an open heart.
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
Piscean plans could be turned upside down as nebulous Neptune (your patron planet) squares Venus, Mercury and the Sun, and throws unrealistic expectations and confusing misunderstandings into the mix. Especially involving relationships, communication and confidence. Don’t let other people lead you astray, and don’t let self-doubt stymie your confidence and derail your dreams. There are lessons to be learned, so learn them quickly and then move on.
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
Are you impatient for adventure, excitement and success? Awesome opportunities are circling around you, but they’re not immediately obvious. They are hidden in unexpected places, waiting for you to discover them. Gung-ho Geminis love to spring into immediate action but – at the moment – some of your best work will be done quietly, behind the scenes. Others may not notice what you’re currently doing but your efforts will be rewarded in the months ahead.
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Adventurous Virgo – this week Uranus, Mars and Mercury encourage educational matters, travel arrangements, proactive communication and international connections. But don’t let yourself be deceived by fake news, sidetracked by dubious friends, or distracted by empty promises. Keep your eyes wide open and your feet firmly planted on the ground! Friday’s Full Moon favours socialising, entertaining and creating, as you tap into your inner child.
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
The focus is on financial matters, as the Full Moon fires up your money zone and your spontaneous spending gene. Which is OK – as long as you have the cash flow to fund a shopping spree. If you don’t, then you’ll have to entertain yourself in more frugal ways. Family and finances are a particularly messy mix, so strive to keep the two well separated. The Mercury/Mars link favours proactive communication and dynamic ideas, especially at work.
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Don’t barge in with Full Moon guns blazing! If you do, then you could end up smack bang in the middle of a fiery argument – especially at work. The Sun transits into your home zone on Thursday night/Friday morning, so it’s a good time to focus on home and hearth, domestic matters, your blood family or your family of choice. Whether you tackle domestic or professional projects, make sure you finish details properly before you embark on exciting new ventures.
JUNE 22 TO JULY 22
This week don’t let your Crab curiosity (and fertile imagination) cloud your better judgment. Step back and view a complex situation from a wider perspective, and a more realistic angle. If something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is! It’s Full Moon week, so strive to get the balance right between personal needs and relationship responsibilities. Some quiet time for rest and relaxation is just as important as being at the beck and call of loved ones.
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
On Monday your deft diplomatic skills are required to sort out a messy misunderstanding. Then Friday’s Full Moon highlights home and family, so it’s a good time to network and socialise with family and friends, as you mix business with plenty of pleasure. Librans are clever and capable but are you confident enough for big time success? This week Venus, Mercury and the Sun shift into your career zone, so step up and assume a leadership role ASAP.
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
Even though the Full Moon is in your sign, it’s not all about you this week Capricorn! Venus, Mercury and the Sun shift into your partnership zone, so the focus is firmly on relationships of the romantic, platonic and business variety. It’s time to walk around in the shoes of others for a while. Be inspired by birthday great, actress Meryl Streep, “The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.” Friday night favours creative conversations.
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58. Unnerve
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68. Nudges
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Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.
Last week’s solution
Test your knowledge about defunct newspapers in our special trivia quiz this week...
1. What was the name of the free tabloid newspaper published by News Corp between 2001 and 2015?
2. The Daily Mirror was a popular Sydney newspaper published since 1941. In what year did it close?
3. What is accepted as the first newspaper printed in
Australia, first launching in March 1803?
4. Who founded Empire, which was published from 1850 to 1875?
5. Banjo Paterson edited which newspaper from 1903 to 1908?
6. Which famous afternoon daily newspaper ceased publication in 1988?
