An Australian entrepreneur and homeowner who experienced first-hand the challenges of building a pool has created a world-first marketplace for swimming pools to unite the disjointed pool industry, modernise an antiquated system using innovative technology and simplify the process of pool building.
Poolz was designed with the aim of simplifying the process of designing, building and owning a swimming pool by providing comprehensive resources and education, as well as quick and easy access to problem-solving, support and pool services, making the pool process easier for homeowners at every stage.
Like a Booking.com for pools, Poolz is also geared towards pool industry professionals, offering them a platform to grow their business and paving the way for smoother interactions with homeowners.
Founder and CEO of Poolz Tony Loxton (pictured) said the idea for a pool marketplace came from a frustrating, personal experience.
“The Great Australian Dream isn’t complete without a backyard and a pool but no one
tells you how hard it is to put a pool in and look after it. On average, homeowners have to make 130 decisions before they can swim in their pool, and then they have to learn how to stop it turning green,” Loxton said.
into a one-stop-shop for pools.”
At the core of Poolz’s innovative marketplace is a quoting system which, like Tinder, connects homeowners with local matches who can cater to their pool needs. Unlike Tinder, all matches are vetted.
“Poolz uses technology to simplify the pool building process, bringing together the most reputable pool professionals in Australia, offering price estimates, and compiling independent, unbiased information and inspiration for building and maintaining a swimming pool
“After my own pool problems, I wanted to ensure that Poolz only housed the most experienced professionals who are committed to service and quality. Before being allowed access to Poolz, pool professionals are vetted to ensure they are licensed, insured and fit for operation. Every business on the site has been given the tick of approval by Poolz’s team of pool professionals who have decades of industry experience between them and investigate any red flag, including good and bad reviews,” Loxton said.
Almost 400 pool builders have signed up to Poolz, and hundreds of homeowners have already used the marketplace to connect with local pool builders.
For more information visit poolz.com.au, for homeowner tips visit poolz.com.au/tools and pool professionals can get more information or sign up at poolz.com.au/poolz-for-pros.
With over 18 years of Conveyancing experience, Mark Kelada & Associates is the conveyancing team you can certainly trust. We can help you with all your property purchases, sales, leases and finances right across NSW. Our objective is not to just meet your conveyancing needs, but to greatly exceed your expectations to conveyancing excellence.
“HOMEOWNERS HAVE TO MAKE 130 DECISIONS BEFORE THEY CAN SWIM IN THEIR POOL”
Fantastic For First Home Buyer Or Investor!
• Fantastic top floor unit with high ceilings
• Spacious living with modern flooring throughout
• L arge galley-style kitchen
• 2 great-sized bedrooms with B / I robes
• Generous outdoor balcony with E astern aspect
• Single lock-up garage
This is your last opportunity to secure a luxury apartment in the prestigious Metro precinct, centrally positioned in the heart of the Oran Park community.
Generously sized, this 3-bedroom apartment features ample floor space, sophisticated style 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 cooktop, rangehood, built-in microwave oven and dishwasher plus striking Parisi tapware, tinted mirror splashback and Caesarstone benchtop centrepiece
• Ceramic tile floor throughout with carpet to bedrooms
• Ground floor entry, two levels of secure parking and a communal rooftop with barbeque facilities
Apartment G.03 3 2 2
Interior 111sqm
Exterior 33sqm
Total 144sqm
Price $829,500
9043 7500 metrocentral.oranparktown.com.au
The big four banks can be easy targets for criticism, and they haven’t helped their cause by continuing to close local bank branches around Australia, particularly in regional and rural areas.
The more banks back away from personalised customer services, the more it benefits the finance broking sector as we welcome face-to-face contact with our customers. The broker share of the new residential home loan market has grown to 70 per cent in recent years during this period of bank closures.
This month the bosses of the four major banks – the Commonwealth, Westpac, ANZ and NAB – appeared before the Senate rural and regional affairs and transport committee at Parliament House in Canberra to respond to accusations they are abandoning regional Australia.
Westpac Chief Executive Peter King rejected this suggestion, arguing Westpac was not “looking for
reasons to close branches”.
“We are there to service our customers, but there comes a point where not enough people are coming in to make that service viable,” he said.
King said 96 per cent of transactions from Westpac customers are now digital, and customers who only use a branch represent around three per cent of the bank’s 13 million customers.
At Bell Partners Finance (BPF), we welcome dealing face-to-face and providing a highly personal service with all our clients. We do utilise the latest online platforms as tools to make the process as efficient and simple as possible for our clients, but we don’t see that as a substitute for human inter -
Bell Partners Finance bellpartnersfinance.com.au
action. We also welcome referrals from customers and are currently running a rewards program for both referrers and the referred individual with a $100 pre-paid credit card referral bonus. Help your friends secure the financing they need while you both earn $100 for every settled loan referral. It’s a win-win! The referred individual can be a new or existing BPF customer. The referral must be submitted through the online form on our website. For details check out www.bellpartnersfinance. com.au.
The positive effects of physical activity and exercise on cognition and brain function has been well documented over recent years. Dementia describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain. It is not one specific disease. Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Brain function is affected enough to interfere with the person’s normal social or working life. The hallmark of dementia is the inability to carry out everyday activities as a consequence of diminished cognitive ability. In addition, affected patients have memory loss and lack of insight into their problems. Dementia is generally associated with age, but early onset dementia also occurs. There is around 500,000 Australians living with dementia and almost 1.6 million Australians involved in their care. Of all the lifestyle changes that have been studied, partaking in
regular exercise appears to be one of the best things that you can do to reduce your risk of getting dementia. Research has shown positive effects that exercise can prevent or delay the onset of dementia, by slowing down the cognitive decline. Exercise can help to improve the thinking and mood of people with dementia, which in turn can reduce the need for medication and encourage social interaction. Exercise may in some patients have a positive impact on the behavioural and psychological symptoms of the condition.
People with dementia are at higher risks of falls. A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can help reduce the risk of falls through advice/education as well as through strength training and balance exercises. They can also advise carers or family members on strategies to prevent falls.
Physiotherapists are trained in providing care to clients at all stages of the dementia journey to enable
Spring has sprung, and with the change of season, our thoughts turn to spring cleaning and much-needed home improvements in the garden. Before you embark on your seasonal chores or outdoor festivities, take note of potential springtime hazards for your furry friends.
Tree or plant stone fruits –
Dogs may eat fruit stones, berries and seeds, and this can lead to serious intestinal blockages and obstructions, which can be fatal. Some fruit stones, berries or seeds may also contain toxic compounds which can be poisonous to your pets too. Avoid mango and avocado seeds as well as other fruits such as grapes and sultanas.
Cocoa bean/shell mulch
KELLIE TICKNEROrchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027
toxins can have serious side effects if ingested.
Snail and slug baits – This is a relatively common form of poisoning seen in pets and is both distressing and dangerous. Dogs especially can be attracted to baits in pellet form as they look similar to dry dog food.
Poisonous plants – Many indoor and outdoor plants are toxic including lilies, sago palm, and Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow plants (especially the berries).
Although cocoa mulch is generally not available in Australia, it is possible that some small domestic chocolate manufacturers could sell cocoa shell mulch as a waste product from their manufacturing process. If so, this product is highly toxic to dogs.
Fertilisers and Insecticides – Fertilisers may be in liquid, granular or solid form and can include additives such as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, iron, zinc and copper. Some fertilisers that contain bacterial or fungal
Foods, pollens and plants – Like us, pets can be allergic to foods, dust, plants and pollens. Allergic reactions in dogs and cats can cause itching, minor sniffling and sneezing, or life-threatening anaphylactic shock to insect bites and stings.
Out and about – Warmer weather means more trips to the park, longer walks and more chances for your pet to wander off! Make sure your dog or cat has a microchip for identification and wears a collar and identification tag.
Concerns? Call your vet.
independent living for as long as possible, prevent hospital admissions and reduce the burden on carers.
Home visit physiotherapy is particularly useful for this client group to enabling safe, familiar surroundings and the ability to practice activities that are used every day at home.
Types of exercise a physiotherapist might use with a dementia patient include:
1) Strength training
2) Pool-based therapy where they’ll not only exercise but also practice doing multiple tasks at once
3) Group exercise classes to improve balance and mobility
4) Virtual reality systems like the Nintendo Wii.
By now, most makeup wearers are familiar with face primers – they make your foundation go on smoother, and last longer. But, would you do the same for your mascara?
If you’re currently rolling your eyes and asking how it could be so important to add another step to your makeup routine, let me explain.
Usually coming in a whitish colour, mascara primers are meant to be layered under your favourite mascara. They add that initial length and volume to your lashes to take the weight off your mascara and give it that extra level of impact, as well as giving the mascara something to grab onto once applied, preventing it from flaking or smudging. Many mascara primers also come with additional benefits which condition the eyelashes
for growth, and stop them from breaking.
If you’ve been looking for something to upgrade your lash game, keep reading for some of my personal recommendations of the best mascara primers on the market right now.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Primer
In 2021, Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara became TikTok’s cult favourite mascara for its lengthening and separating properties. Now, it’s the primer that’s making waves, and for good reason. Released at the end of last year, the Maybelline
Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Primer is the brand’s first mascara primer, and is described as being able to lengthen, thicken and care for lashes, formulated with ceramide and vitamin B5.
THE VERDICT: Despite being the most inexpensive option on this list, Maybelline’s mascara primer definitely packs a punch. Given that it has a black tint, it can definitely be worn alone, holding its own in terms of length and volume. However, like the Sky High Mascara, it could be better at holding a curl.
Benefit They're Real! Tinted
Eyelash Primer
Also containing vitamin B5, Benefit’s They're Real! Tinted Eyelash Primer is a mink brown product aiming to tint, define and prime eyelashes.
The younger sister of the iconic They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara, the primer is advertised as being able to be worn alone, or under mascara for more significant results.
THE VERDICT: I have purchased and repurchased this mascara primer probably 20 times over the years. Whilst it doesn’t have the most intense impact alone, the brown colour makes it perfect to wear alone for a more natural look, or on the lower lashes. It also performs beautifully under mascara, providing extra length and volume to make your eyes pop. Too Faced
Foreplay Mascara Primer
Too Faced’s response to the mascara primer hype is a big one. Created with the extreme volume of the Better Than Sex Mascara in mind, the primer version aims to primarily add curl, and is formulated with a blend of argan and grape seed oils to keep the lashes nourished during wear.
THE VERDICT: I almost didn’t buy this one in fear of cheating on my beloved Benefit mascara primer – but I’m so glad I did. Initially, this mascara primer did such a good job on its own that I was scared to layer anything on top of it. It lengthens, separates, and holds a curl until I take it off over 12 hours later. Under another product, though, this one can’t be beat if you want a high-impact look.
JANUARY
Flirt alert! With Venus in your partnership zone (and three planets powering through Libra) you’re at your flirtatious best as you charm the cynics and dazzle the doubters. (When amorous Aquarians are in full-on charm mode, you’re hard to resist.) Already attached? It’s time to reboot a tired relationship with some good old-fashioned romance. Singles –are you searching for your soul mate? Be on the lookout for a gregarious Gemini or a lusty Leo.
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
Boho Astro bohoastro.com
@JoMadelineMoore
Remember that Jupiter (planet of expansion) and Uranus (planet of change) are both transiting through your sign. Between now and May 25 (when Jupiter moves into Gemini) it will be easier to initiate changes than at other times. So make the most of the opportunities that are around! Your mantra for the moment is from peace activist Mohandas Gandhi, “Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.”
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
Languid Lions love to be pampered and preened but it’s time to jump out of your comfort zone and shake up your usual routine! Jupiter and Uranus are both jumping through your public reputation zone, which encourages you to do things differently, as you banish boredom and initiate positive changes. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great, political and peace activist Mohandas Gandhi, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Scorpios are drawn to extreme views, black and white thinking, and intense communication. Compulsive thoughts and bossy behaviour are certainly a danger this week, as Pluto links up with Mercury. But there are three planets in Libra, which encourages a more balanced approach as you contemplate
It’s a good time to expand your world via new local friendships and peer group connections. If you link up with like-minded people, it will open doors of opportunity, professionally and personally. But Neptune (your ruler) opposes Mercury on Monday and Tuesday. So be careful what you say in person and post online, as a casual comment could lead to confusion and controversy. Commitments you make this week may not look so appealing next week!
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
Expect your home life to be busy and bamboozling, as Pluto and Neptune link up with your patron planet Mercury. Aim to be very clear in the way you communicate on Monday and Tuesday, otherwise misunderstandings are likely. Wednesday is wonderful for looking beneath the surface gloss and gaining some deeper insights. Then Mercury moves into peaceful and harmonious Libra on Thursday, which will calm your nerves and re-balance your brain.
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
The buzz words this week are confusion and obsession. On Monday, nebulous Neptune opposes Mercury (your boss planet) and life becomes confusing as a family member, work colleague or close friend stuffs up your perfectly planned schedule. Then – on Tuesday and Wednesday – you could become totally fixated on answering a question or solving a problem. With the help of passionate and persistent Pluto, there’s a good chance you’ll be successful!
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
This week, expect mental confusion and communication problems at home or work. The Sun, Mars and Mercury are moving through peace-loving Libra, in your friendship and networking zone. If you practice the gentle arts of patience and persuasion, then you’ll be surprised how much easier life can be. Draw inspiration from birthday great, peace activist Mohandas Gandhi, “Leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.”
This week the Sun, Mars and Mercury are all revving up your relationship and joint ventures zone. So harmonious partnerships and creative projects are highlighted. If you combine diplomacy with dynamism (and Ram charm with a sense of adventure) then you’ll sail through any challenges. Balance is the key. Your motto is from actress Claire Danes (who has Sun in Aries and Moon in Libra), “Relationships are a constant negotiation and balance.”
JUNE 22 TO JULY 22
Calling all Crabs – are you making the most of your clever mind? This week Pluto and Mercury activate your communication and education zone. So conversation, passionate debate, informal study, detailed research and strategic thinking will take you far. But –in order to avoid misunderstandings – do your best to convey your ideas in a clear and precise way. It’s also a good time to dig deeper into a relationship problem – the answer is waiting for you to find it.
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
Courtesy of your patron planet Venus, a situation involving a class, club or friendship group should start to improve. With the Sun, Mars and Mercury visiting your sign this week, make sure your thoughts, words, actions and aspirations are all compatible and consistent. Your mantra for the moment is from birthday great, politician and peace activist Mohandas Gandhi, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
The Sun, Mars and Mercury are visiting your career zone, boosting your creativity, confidence and communication skills. So make the most of this celestial gift and show other people what you are truly capable of as you write that report, chair that meeting or clinch that deal. Wednesday is wonderful for doing research about an upcoming trip. Draw inspiration from birthday great, writer Anne Rice, “I’m always looking, and I’m always asking questions.”
Previous solution - Tough
How to beat Str8ts –
Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into 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.
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number 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 store. The solutions will be published here in the next issue.
Find all the words below in the grid - they can go in any direction, but always in a straight line. The leftover letters spell a hidden word!
Find all the words below in the grid - they can go in any direction, but always in a straight line. The leftover letters spell a hidden word!
Find all the words below in the grid - they can go in any direction, but always in a straight line. The leftover letters spell a hidden word!
MAUVE OCHRE ORANGE PINK PRIMROSE PURPLE SAGE SCARLET SEPIA TURQUOISE ULTRAMARINE VIRIDIAN WHITE YELLOW
The hidden word is :
The hidden word is :
The hidden word is :
Test
1. In what year did the Penrith Panthers enter the first grade NSWRL competition?
2. Did the Panthers play in the ARL or Super League competition in 1997?
3. Who captained Penrith to their 2003 Grand Final win?
4. In what year did Penrith win their first Premiership?
5. How many Wooden Spoons have Penrith claimed in their history?
6. In what year did Penrith win the Minor Premiership, but go on to lose the Grand Final to Melbourne?
7. In what year did Bob Boland take over as head coach of the Panthers?
TEST YOUR BRAIN
- Tough SUDOKU
You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com No. 665
Previous solution: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN
“This round of songs, I have to say, is the best round of songs I have
Country Corner
ever recorded, and I feel like that’s the way it should be,” Johnson said. “Each album should outdo the last one.”
Kane Brown’s new track Kane Brown has just released a brand new song, ‘I Can Feel It’, which is available to stream now on all the usual services.
Lady A loves us back Country band Lady A has just dropped a new song, ‘Love You Back’.
The tear-jerker has been getting some very special reactions and is available now on all your usual streaming services.