A MUST-SEE FAMILY HOME
What is so great about this property?
This exceptionally unique residence is ideal for large or extended families. With seven spacious bedrooms, four luxurious bathrooms, a beautiful inground pool, and versatile living areas, it ensures comfort and enjoyment for everyone. The self-contained accommodation on Level 3 is perfect for in-laws, teenagers, or guests, while the quiet cul-de-sac location offers a peaceful living environment.
Who does this property suit?
• Large families
• Multi-generational families
• Families merging into one residence
• Those who love spacious homes with ample living areas
Tell us about the suburb the property is in?
Cranebrook is conveniently located a few kilometres north of the middle of Penrith and offers a great local shopping centre with many
specialty shops. The suburb boasts plenty of open parklands and a range of public and private schools, making it ideal for families with kids, professionals, retirees, singles and more. The housing styles and prices are the most diverse in the Penrith region, offering everything from affordable options to larger premium homes on semi-rural blocks. Cranebrook excels in parks and recreation, schools, public transport, safety, and Internet access, though it is not known for its nightlife.
ANSWERING THE CALL: SOUTH COAST BOOMS!
If you haven’t started to think about where you want to spend the Christmas holidays or where you’d like to settle after you retire, why not take yourself down to the beautiful far South Coast of NSW and experience a more relaxed lifestyle, surrounded by spectacular beaches and abundant wildlife areas for you to enjoy.
Traditionally the holiday destination of Canberrans because of the close proximity, a very big
change in the local tourism has been experienced, with more and more Sydneysiders coming down to purchase affordable holiday homes within a four-hour drive from Sydney itself.
The pandemic, with people not being able to travel overseas and therefore investigating other areas of our own country, brought the original change in visitors, but it has continued from that time with a lot of people purchasing a place to get away to when they
can get the chance. From North Durras down to Bega and places in between such as Batemans Bay, Malua Bay, Broulee, Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui and many more spectacular areas, you can have the best of beach, bush and rivers.
The Eurobodalla Shire has 83 beaches, so you can literally find yourself on a beach by yourself, each district offers patrolled beaches in summer and the river sports and fishing
is out of this world, take a fishing charter or hire a houseboat! The whale migratory path comes in extremely close to the coast and you can also experience whale watching and seals like to mingle with the locals from Potato Point down to Bega.
There are quirky townships like Tilba Tilba, Mogo and Bodalla offering great shopping, and we mustn’t forget the foodies! Fresh local seafood is offered at eateries all the way down the coast. Maybe it’s time to put the kids in the car and book a holiday home or look at buying a getaway on the coast.
Remember the time when families holidayed in the same place every year, so much so, they grew up getting to know the local shop keeper, well let your kids experience the joy of looking forward to going away to the coast during the school holidays. Visit https://maluabay.ljhooker. com.au for details.
If you are considering selling your operty, please contact Gizzelle Powell today for a con dential
HOUS
HOUS
Ma rian’s Mana is a pre stig iou s maste r-plan ne d pre ci nct offer i ng prem iu m land lots and a rchite ct ural ly des ig ne d res idence s i n one of South-West S yd ney’s faste st-g rowi ng com mu nities.
PR ICES START FROM $554, 50 0
FE AT URES MANICURED GARDENS AND GREEN SPAC ES , ALL MAIN TA INED UNDER A CO MMUNIT Y TITLE SCHEME
WELL PO SITIONED NE AR THE RA PI DLY EX PA NDING OR AN PA RK TO WN CENTRE
Located near Oran Park ’s most popular amenities and shopping precinct, Marian’s Mana invites you to enjoy an addres s that blends nature with urban conveniences. It ’s a place you’ll want to call ho me.
*Artist impression
The Experts
UNDERSTANDING AND FIGHTING PET OBESITY
Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder seen in our dogs and cats. Recent figures show that up to 41 per cent of dogs and 32 per cent of cats are considered to be obese. Even more alarming is that, on average, an overweight pet will live two to five years less than a pet with an ideal body weight.
Like humans, pets become obese primarily due to overeating. Most obesity is simply caused when a pet consumes more calories than they expend.
calories are then stored as body fat. While some contributing factors like breed, sex, heritable traits, and age are beyond our control, pet owners can manage their pet’s diet and exercise to prevent obesity.
Key factors contributing to pet obesity include:
• Excessive calorie intake: Overeating is the most direct cause of obesity in pets.
• Inappropriate use of human snacks and treats: For example, giving a dog a small plain biscuit is equivalent to a human consuming a hamburger. Such treats
Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle contributes significantly to weight gain. Certain medications, like cortisone, can stimulate appetite.
Decreased energy requirements: Spayed or neutered pets are more prone to obesity due to hormonal changes that slow metabolism. Adjusting their diet and exercise can help maintain a healthy weight.
Health problems start to appear when a pet’s body fat exceeds 15 per cent above its ideal weight.
These health issues include:
• Diabetes mellitus
• Cardiovascular disease: Heart disease becomes more prevalent.
• Joint problems and musculoskeletal pain: Conditions like arthritis become common.
• Increased surgical and anaesthetic complications
• Neurological disorders
• Respiratory problems
• Cancer and tumours
• Skin problems
• Reproductive disorders
• Decreased quality of life
If you’re trying to help your pet lose weight, start by evaluating their diet, including snacks.
For instance, the sausage you gave your pet last night is comparable to you eating six donuts! Instead, consider these healthier options such as carrots, cucumbers, apples and ice cubes.
If you have difficulty feeling your pet’s ribs, if they lack a visible ‘waist’, and if they waddle when they walk, your pet might be overweight. It’s crucial to address this issue promptly.
For tailored advice and support, you can reach out to the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027
EXERCISE FOR JOINT HEALTH
If you’ve been told you may need a total hip or knee replacement later in life, know that exercise can play a crucial role in managing joint health and potentially delaying or avoiding such surgeries. As a physiotherapist, I have seen how targeted exercise regimens can transform lives by alleviating pain and improving joint function.
The importance of exercise for joint health
Exercise is vital for maintaining joint health by improving strength, flexibility, and overall function. Strong muscles around the hip and knee joints provide better support, which helps maintain cartilage structure and function. Inactivity, on the other hand, can lead to cartilage degeneration, reinforcing the “use it or lose
Types of exercises to
– Strength training: Strengthening the muscles around the hip and knee joints is essential.
Focus on exercises like leg presses, hamstring curls, and quadriceps strengthening. These exercises enhance joint stability and reduce the burden on them.
– Flexibility and stretching: Regular stretching of the hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, and calf muscles can alleviate stiffness and improve the range of motion. Yoga and pilates are excellent for enhancing flexibility and overall joint function.
– Low-impact aerobic exercises: Activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking are gentle on the joints while providing cardiovascular benefits. These exercises help maintain a healthy weight, reducing stress on weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.
– Balance and stability exercises: Incorporating balance exercises can help prevent falls and improve joint stability. Getting started
Before starting any exercise routine, consult with a healthcare provider or physiotherapist to ensure the exercises are appropriate for your level of function. A tailored exercise program can address specific needs and limitations, maximising benefits and minimising the risk of injury.
To conclude, exercise is a powerful tool in maintaining joint health and potentially delaying or avoiding the need for total hip/ knee replacement surgery. Should surgery become necessary, prehabilitation can lead to better postoperative outcomes, including improved functional recovery, decreased pain, and shorter hospital stays. Speak to our team today!
KELLIE TICKNER
IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce
The best products to keep your skin feeling fresh during the cold winter
We’ve officially hit the middle of winter, and the temperatures right now are certainly proving it.
During the cooler months, it’s incredibly important to keep your skin hydrated with the use of creams, moisturisers, masks and serums – even if you have oily skin!
Here are some of my favourites:
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Starting on the more inexpensive side, the CeraVe Moisturising Cream retails for
$25.99 for 454g of product.
Advertised as being able to hydrate the skin, as well as strengthen and maintain the skin’s natural skin moisture barrier, this cream really is a one-stop-shop when it comes to hydration.
This moisturiser is on the thicker side, and I would recommend it for drier skin, particularly at nighttime. As a bonus, it can also be used on the body, and with its large size you don’t have to be too concerned about it running out.
The Jojoba Company Pure Jojoba Gel Mask
Jojoba is a natural, versatile, and effective ingredient which can easily elevate your skincare game.
Though it can be found in just about every form, whether it be a cleanser, moisturiser, or oil,
my favourite use is in a mask.
The Jojoba Company’s Pure Jojoba Gel Mask retails for $34.95. It’s advertised as being able to extend and lock in hydration, as well as repairing sensitive and problem skin, including acne. For me, face masks provide a more luxurious, ‘treat yourself’ feel to my skincare routine. I like this one because it feels hydrating immediately upon application, and can be left on either 20 minutes for a quick boost, or overnight.
DOWNSIZING AND SAVING MONEY MATTERS
The government has specific legislation to allow those downsizing their home to make an additional contribution to Superannuation.
The legislation allows for home owners aged 65 or over to contribute up to $300,000 into Superannuation from the proceeds of the sale of their home into Superannuation. To be eligible the house must be the family residential property and be owned for at least 10 years. The house must also be exempt from capital gains tax. It should be noted there is no requirement to buy a new home.
This contribution is in addition to other contribution caps and those making it do not have to meet the work test or age limits to make the contribution. The contribution must be made within 90 days of receiving the funds from the sale of the property. The $300,000 limit is for each member of the couple and the downsizing contribution has a one off life time limit.
This presents an opportunity as many older Australians have a significant portion of their wealth tied up in their residential property and many also live in properties much bigger than they need. This will allow those inclined to do so the opportunity to downsize their property and free up assets to provide for their ongoing needs in a tax-free environment.
There are a number of things of that need to be considered before implementing this strategy.
Funds unlocked by downsizing the property are assessable for both Centrelink asset and income tests. The family home is asset test exempt, so by downsizing you are effectively moving a portion of your assets from an exempt asset to an assessable asset. This may reduce any pensions that you may be receiving.
Although this contribution is exempt from the $1.6 million super balance contribution restriction (normally you are unable
to make non-concessional contributions if your Super balance exceeds $1.6 million), the transfer cap remains in place. This means you are still only able to move $1.6 million to pension phase, any additional funds must remain in accumulation phase.
Pension phase earnings are tax-free whereas accumulation fund is taxed at 15 per cent on income and capital gains are taxed at 10 per cent.
It should also be noted that there are significant transfer costs associated with downsizing. Sales cost, stamp duty and alike all reduce the funds available to contribute after downsizing.
Barni Skin Holiday Glow Serum
If you feel like your skin needs a bit of a boost in addition to moisturiser, I’d highly recommend picking up a serum like the Barni Skin Holiday Glow Serum.
I absolutely adore Barni Skin products, and this one is a stand out.
Retailing for $42, this serum contains plenty of hard-hitting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and encapsulated vitamin e to ensure that your skin not only looks plump on application, but stays that way.
It also works to even out your skin tone, minimise pores and balance excess oils.
Mecca Max Thirst Impression Priming Hydrating Moisturiser
This is a relatively new product which has quickly become one of my favourites.
The Mecca Max Thirst Impression Priming Hydrating Moisturiser retails for $24, and is a rich, dewy face moisturiser. My favourite thing about this product is that whilst it looks thick in the tub, it melts into the skin seamlessly and sits perfectly underneath makeup, making it the perfect addition to your morning skincare routine.
HOROSCOPES
Relax & Unwind
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19 JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
bohoastro.com
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024
This week family relationships or close friendships look rather complicated, as frustrated loved ones play power games. If you have a problem that’s bothering you, avoid making a rash decision. Slow down and let your intuition be your guide. Wisdom for the week is from birthday great, Swiss psychoanalyst Dr Carl Jung, “Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens.”
TAURUS
Monday is the best day for Bulls. Jupiter links up with Venus (your patron planet) which boosts luck, increases feelgood vibes and encourages family fun. The Sun also transits into your domestic zone, which is wonderful for activities involving home, housemates and children. But Tuesday looks tricky – when the Sun/Pluto opposition frustrates plans and encourages power struggles, especially at work. Tactful Taureans will tread carefully and plan accordingly.
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
Monday’s Sun/Neptune trine boosts imagination but intensity levels ratchet up on Tuesday, courtesy of the Sun/ Pluto opposition. Problems involving partners (of the romantic, platonic or business variety) are likely, plus jealous thoughts and possessive behaviour are also a danger. If you’re not careful, you could find yourself embroiled in a fiery argument or a frustrating power struggle. Clever Lions will step back and gain some much-needed perspective.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
This week Pluto boosts your personal magnetism – and your manipulative side. An energy surge increases your desire to be in charge, but (if you want to avoid unnecessary power struggles and unpleasant dramas) stop trying to control others. You can be powerful and passionate – or compulsive and controlling. If you’re a smart Scorpio, then you’ll choose the path of least resistance, as you channel your energy in positive and proactive ways!
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
Avoid getting drawn into pointless disputes with family, friends or colleagues. This week will work best if you keep your nose out of other people’s business and concentrate on pursuing personal projects. Monday’s Sun/ Neptune trine encourages fiery bursts of inspiration. However – with Saturn still sauntering through your sign – good ideas on their own won’t get you far. You must combine creativity with plenty of hard work and practical productivity.
GEMINI
22 TO JUNE 21
Mars and Jupiter are moving through your sign and unpredictable Uranus squares Mercury (your ruling planet) so expect a tricky week when you’ll feel restless and impatient. Weigh up the pros and cons of any big choices you make. And – if you can – delay making important decisions until next week, when you’ll be thinking more clearly. As actress (and birthday great) Helen Mirren reminds us, “We write our life story by the choices we make.”
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Some reflective Virgos will reminisce about an old love or experience a disappointment, as you discover you’ve over-committed energy and enthusiasm to a project (or relationship) that’s going nowhere. Monday is the day to reformulate your goals for the future. But – with Uranus squaring Mercury – steer clear of unreliable dreamers and unpredictable schemers. Surround yourself with positive people who promote your talents and support your dreams.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
Monday looks fabulous (when your ruler Jupiter makes a lovely link with lucky Venus) but the rest of the week looks rather shambolic. Uranus disrupts your daily routine, and your patience could wear thin with a stressed work colleague, an unpredictable friend or an annoying neighbour. For some Sagittarians, a rushed romance could see you jump from the frying pan straight into the fire. So slow down, calm down and think before you speak and act!
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Mars (the ruling planet for Rams) makes positive links with Pluto and the Sun, so the potential is there to have a fabulous week. As long as you don’t try to control others or boss them around. “I’m not a bossy Aries!” I hear you say? Just remember – you can seem bossy and controlling, even when you think you’re being a meek and mild Lamb. The Sun shifts into fellow fire sign Leo which favours activities involving children, teenagers and creativity.
It will be difficult to balance head and heart this week Crabs. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! Loved ones or work colleagues will attempt to throw you off balance, scramble your sense of certainty, or press your emotional buttons. But it’s up to you to deflect their efforts with plenty of grace and good humour. Your motto for the moment is from Nelson Mandela (a fellow Cancerian), “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”
Monday is fabulous for travelling and socialising. But later in the week – if you’re involved with a group, class, club or organisation – expect power plays or personality clashes. A friendship could also be placed under temporary strain. When it comes to your social circle, aim to be much more discriminating. Don’t waste precious time on negative people who undermine your confidence. Surround yourself with stimulating new friends as well as trusted old mates.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
Pluto stirs up your intrigue zone, so no secret is safe as you uncover clues and pick up on cues that other people may miss. But be careful what you unearth because you could stir up problems from the past. Lust and loot also loom large, as you work through matters involving trust, intimacy, shared possessions or joint finances. It’s not a good time to lend cash, borrow money or initiate a joint financial partnership. Be patient and wait for a more auspicious week.
SYDNEY’S NEWEST HOTEL
One of the biggest hotel chains in Asia is now calling Sydney home –and I was lucky enough to be one of the first guests to enjoy the spoils of this new, 370-room city gem.
Located smack bang in the middle of Sydney’s bustling Chinatown precinct, Furama Darling Harbour offers unparalleled accessibility to the city’s premier dining, shopping and entertainment destinations.
On July 1, the 11-floor hotel – located on Harbour Street, Haymarket – was rebranded from Holiday Inn Darling Harbour to Furama Darling Harbour.
The exciting rebrand marks Furama Hotels’ inaugural launch into the Aussie market, setting a new benchmark for luxury and comfort in what I think is the most vibrant and diverse area the Sydney CBD has to offer.
Having stayed at the old Holiday Inn Darling Harbour several times in the past, I was looking forward to seeing what upgrades the hotel possessed now that it was a Furama Hotels property.
bathtub and walk-in shower. It honestly felt like we were staying in our very own luxe CBD apartment, and we couldn’t have been more excited!
While I always stress the location of a hotel is incredibly important to a memorable stay, a hotel room should also always give you a buzz and massive smile when first entering – and our room at Furama Darling Harbour certainly achieved that!
After an incredible night’s sleep in our amazing king bed, my wife and I made our way down to Shipley’s Restaurant for breakfast. Shipley’s is situated on the ground floor of Furama Darling Harbour near the entrance and serves up everything you could possibly want for a hearty brekkie, including pancakes, bacon and eggs, fresh fruit and of course, hokkien noodles!
Yes, that’s right! Like most hotels in Asia, Furama Darling Harbour
& Exhibition Centre, Paddy’s Markets, Tumbalong Park, Cockle Bay Wharf and Merlin attractions like SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and Madame Tussauds are also a walkable distance from the property.
To sum up, it’s hard to go past Sydney’s newest hotel, Furama
Darling Harbour. Not only are the meticulously designed rooms tailored to both business travellers and families alike, but it is its location – in the heart of glorious Haymarket – that gives it the edge over its competitors. I can’t wait to go back! For bookings, visit www. furama.com/darlingharbour.
The first thing I noticed was all the exterior signage and interior branding had been converted, while a new lobby was promised to be “coming soon”.
The check-in process was swift and without hassle, and the friendly staff that I met at reception were able to drop me and my wife some handy restaurant recommendations for our upcoming stay.
Our Executive Suite was located on the 10th floor of this historic heritage building and, upon opening the door, we were blown away by the sheer size (55sqm).
The recently renovated room had not one but two large television screens; three decent-sized windows to gaze out at the incredible view; a separate living and bedroom area, as well an impressive modern bathroom complete with a free-standing
has a selection of Asian dishes for breakfast to cater to its clientele. We thought it was a great touch and definitely fit the bill for the area the property was located in. Speaking of the area, we couldn’t have been more in love with what was on our very doorstep. Across the road was the incredible Darling Quarter, home to dozens of restaurants and eateries, and behind the property was Chinatown’s famous Dixon Street. It was literally foodie heaven!
As well as the sensational dining options close by, Furama Darling Harbour has unbelievable access to public transport, with the Light Rail less than 200m away. The ICC International Convention
25. Onto terra firma
26. Nevertheless (4,2)
29.
32. It is (2’1)
35. Tastier
37. Magnified map section
38. Unprepared
44. Say “cheese”
51. Surgical thread
52. Slightest
53. Abseil
54. Gambol
58. Surpass
59. Drink like dog
61. Director, Woody ...
63. Celebrity detox unit, ... Ford Clinic
64. Stratagem
65. Level (2,1,3)
66. Ground (electrical circuit)
68. Similar
71. Rough paper
72. Jam pastry
74. Large deer
76. Arranged, ... up
78. Inflated promotion
80. Army commando regiment (1,1,1)
83. Moray ...
uniquely.
For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org
If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our
Word Search
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.
THEME: CIRCUS
BIG TOP CLOWNS
ELEPHANT
FIRE EATER
FLYING TRAPEZE
HORSE
KNIFE THROWER
LIONS
MONKEYS
RINGMASTER
SIDE SHOWS
STRONGMAN
TAMER
TENTS
TIGERS
TIGHT-ROPE
TUMBLERS
WHIP CRACKERS
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about Presidential assassinations in our special trivia quiz this week...
1. Who was the first United States President to be assassinated while in office?
2. James Garfield was shot in 1881. How long did he live after being shot before passing away?
3. What concealed the gun of Leon Czolgosz, who killed William McKinley in 1901?
4. John F Kennedy was famously assassinated in 1963. What State was he in?
5. Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt in 1981. Which actress did shooter John Hinckley Jr claim he was trying to impress?
6. Who did Francisco Duran plot to assassinate?
Bill Clinton
compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.
