Home & Lifestyle October 6 2023

WIN FOR FAMILIES AS RATES STAY ON HOLD

Families were breathing a sigh of relief this week after the official cash rate was left unchanged at 4.10 per cent.

It is the fourth straight month that rates have been left on hold.

“Inflation in Australia has

passed its peak but is still too high and will remain so for some time yet,” Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock said in a statement.

“Timely indicators on inflation suggest that goods price inflation has eased further, but the prices

of many services are continuing to rise briskly and fuel prices have risen noticeably of late. Rent inflation also remains elevated. The central forecast is for CPI inflation to continue to decline and to be back within the 2–3 per cent target range in late 2025.”

Bullock warned that future interest rate rises may still be on the cards.

“Some further tightening of monetary policy may be required to ensure that inflation returns to target in a reasonable timeframe, but that will continue to depend upon the data and the evolving assessment of risks,” she said.

“In making its decisions, the Board will continue to pay close attention to developments in the global economy, trends in household spending, and the outlook for inflation and the labour market. The Board remains resolute in its determination to return inflation to target and will do what is necessary to achieve that outcome.”

Graham Cooke, Head of Consumer Research at Finder, said anyone with a home loan should remain vigilant.

“A fourth consecutive rate hold from the RBA will be welcome news to mortgage holders, many of whom are struggling with higher repayments,” he said.

“While homeowners have been given a break, stubborn inflation means we could still see another rate hike before Christmas.” RateCity.com.au Research

Director Sally Tindall, said the RBA might be on pause for the fourth consecutive month, but that doesn’t mean families will be shifting into cruise control.

“The cash rate might be on hold, but major expenses such as electricity, petrol and insurances are still on the rise, putting extra pressure on household budgets at a time when many are already at breaking point,” she said.

“The RBA has bought itself yet another month to assess how households are holding up under the weight of the previous 12 cash rate increases. It has said more hikes could be necessary but it’s not going to lift the cash rate again unless it is absolutely necessary.”

Western Property

What is so great about this property?

This spacious home offers the perfect option for the growing or larger family looking to settle in a quaint and quiet cul-de-sac location.

Description:

For those working from home, one of the living rooms could be used as a home office, or let the kids enjoy this space as their own breakout area.

The benefits of buying this property are enormous, and include:

• Six generous sized bedrooms, all fitted with built-in robes

• Three bedrooms downstairs and three bedrooms upstairs

• Study or sitting area upstairs

• Multiple living and entertaining areas all filled with natural light

• Contemporary kitchen with breakfast bar

• Separate dining area

• Main bathroom and separate toilet

• Separate laundry with extra toilet

• Sparkling swimming pool perfect for upcoming summer

• Spacious backyard, perfect with cubby house and green grass for the children/pet to enjoy

• Oversized undercover carport

• Concreted driveway for extra car spaces

• Located in a quiet cul-de-sac

• Nestled on a 705.5 square metre block of land

Who does this property suit?

This property is for everyone who is buying to live in an ideal lifestyle location as the property is close to the M4 Motorway, shops, schools, cafes and eateries as well as a variety of nearby transport options plus it is only a short drive to Nepean Hospital and Penrith CBD.

SOLD

Simply The Best!!

Litsa helped us through the selling process from start to nish. She is diligent, es about the outcome and goes above and beyond to get the best results. d she works she donned the gloves and helped us clean ell me who does that? She was a nish and kept us informed . In the end even in a downtur n of the market we exceeded our expectations in terms of sales price.

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

$339,950 INSPECT

We will most certainly be using Shannon again!

“Shannon is the most honest and reliable real estate agent out there! He was always on time, very reliable and was always accommodating for us! He was always punctual and always willing to work around our schedule. He never once pushed us into a decision and was always ready to answer any questions that we had regarding the property we were wanting to purchase. We will most certainly be using Shannon to purchase our next property within the same area and surrounds.”

Top Bloke 10 out of 10 – Full Marks

Seller of a townhouse in Glenmore Park, NSW

“Shannon displayed comprehensive knowledge of the market within the suburb, backed up with detailed sales data to develop a proven sales plan. Shannon went the extra mile, offering top tier promotion, video, photos. Even as far to assist our sale by giving multiple trades access prior to the sale of the property (painters/carpetlayers). This enabled us to stress less and have the property in good hands as we are now living far down south.

In conclusion, top bloke 10/10 - Full marks.”

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

9043 7500

ORAN P ARK

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As cost-of-living pressures continue to bite, particularly from rising fuel prices, a survey has found a majority of Australians want early access to their superannuation to help ease their current financial situation.

During the height of COVID19 in 2020, the then Coalition Federal Government allowed those hit by the financial impact of the pandemic to withdraw up to $20,000 from their super in two tranches. The program approved 3.5 million initial and 1.4 million repeat applications, averaging $7,638 per withdrawal and totalling $36.4 billion.

But according to a University of NSW study using Commonwealth Bank data, while withdrawers spent seven per cent more on groceries and 12 per cent more on utilities on average, they also spent 16 per cent more on discretionary shopping, and 20

per cent more on entertainment compared to age and incomematched non-withdrawers.

Cost-of-living pressures now are hurting some consumers more in the hip pocket than the impact of lockdowns and other measures during the COVID era.

A survey of 1,090 respondents by

financial comparison site Finder found 56 per cent would access their retirement nest egg early if they could, with 17 per cent citing rising costs as the main reason, while 15 per cent would use funds to help buy a home. Eight per cent would put it towards an investment property and four per cent

said help buy a home for their children.

While 44 per cent of respondents would not touch their super before retirement, eight per cent said they would use funds to pay for a holiday!

This year is the 30th anniversary of the Superannuation Guarantee levy, which mandated employers pay a three per cent contribution to employees’ super funds. This levy will rise to 12 per cent from 2025.

Alison Banney, superannuation expert at Finder, said the prospect of early access to super is increasingly up for debate.

“Currently, there are a limited number of circumstances where you can access your super early such as financial hardship, compassion grounds and the First Home Super Save Scheme, but just because you can doesn’t mean you should,” she said. All food for thought.

BIG WIN?

It’s great to be back – and with a bang! The sun is shining (it’s felt like summer is here already over the past couple of weeks), and the mighty Panthers got their three-peat last weekend – what more can we wish for?

This spring / summer I am wishing for a community focus on water safety to prevent any tragedies from occurring in our area this season. For that to happen I believe we can learn from our sporting heroes and take a leaf out of the Panthers’ playbook by focusing on consistency, persistence, determination and working together to achieve our goals!

Learning to swim is a marathon, not a sprint. Whatever your age or stage of development, attending your swimming lessons every week is the key to success, regardless of whatever else is happening in your world. Of course, we understand that sometimes life happens – which is why we have an extremely flexible make up lesson policy, with no limit on

the amount of makeup’s allowed per year – however coming to the same lesson every week, with the same instructor at the same centre will really set your child up for success, reinforcing the skills they are learning in a familiar environment. Consistency is key. Persistence is equally important. I am sometimes asked, “How long will it take for my child to learn to swim?” The answer is actually in the question and there is no one size fits all answer – your child is unique, and all children,

indeed all people, learn at their own pace, with some skills taking longer than others to master and confidently execute. Please do not become frustrated or give up if a particular stroke is challenging to you or your child, because with persistence and determination, you will definitely get there (just as the Panthers did last weekend). As a community, there are so many ways we can work together to achieve the goal of water safety. Please check your fences and gates, always supervise your

children when swimming or near any body of water and encourage other adults to do the same. Take advantage of our free community water safety roadshow and encourage your child’s school or daycare centre to reach out to us to book a visit.

Book your children in for a discounted second weekly lesson, for our school holiday intensive lessons, or for our school holiday

Paddles Super Swim Camp, where children learn all about water safety and lifeguarding skills. Can’t swim yourself and would not be able to help your child if in trouble – come and learn to swim in our adult classes, it’s never too late. Looking for work? Apply to train with us as a Swimming Teacher.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but I believe it takes a community to keep children safer around water. Swim skills save lives. What are you going to do this spring / summer to contribute to this cause? See you next week.

THE TECHNOLOGY USED IN THE NRL GRAND FINAL

This year’s NRL Grand Final must be one of the best. Congratulations to Penrith. You might be surprised at the amount of technology used by sporting codes, including rugby league. Here’s just some of them...

Sportable: This technology tracks the position, speed, spin, and angle of the rugby league ball using a microchip implanted in the ball. It can detect forward passes (although the NRL doesn’t utilise this) by analysing the angle of the player’s hand as the ball leaves them. It uses an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer to measure the ball’s acceleration, rotation, and orientation. It also uses flight-tracking radar and radio chips to communicate with pitchside sensors up to 20 times per second. It has a claimed accuracy of 99.9 per cent.

Hawk-Eye: This is a computer vision system that tracks the ball’s

trajectory and assists the referees and the Bunker in making decisions on contentious calls, such as tries, knock-ons, forward passes, and offside. The technology uses multiple cameras and angles to provide a clear view of the action. The referees can request a review from the Bunker, which uses Hawk-Eye to analyse the footage and communicate the decision to the on-field referee.

Telstra Tracker: This wearable technology tracks the speed, distance, and intensity of NRL players during the game. The technology uses GPS and accelerometers to measure metrics such as top speed, total distance, highspeed efforts, and work rate. The data is displayed on the broadcast and online platforms for fans to see how their favourite players perform. It works by attaching a small device to the back of the player’s jersey, which collects and transmits the data to a cloud server. This data is also available to NRL coaches and staff.

Skycam: The wired camera is a computer-controlled, stabilised, cable-suspended camera system that can move through three dimensions in the open space over the playing area of the stadium. The system is responsible for bringing video game–like camera angles to television sports.

Fox Sports Lab: This data analysis platform provides live statistics and insights on NRL games. The platform uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to generate predictive models, trends, and ratings for NRL teams

and players. The platform also provides historical data and records for comparison and context.

Reaction Wall: At half-time, this tests the reaction time of a fan against the speed of an NRL player.

The fan is usually given a 20m head start over the 100m.

These technologies make it more exciting and engaging for fans and players alike. They show how technology can enhance the sport and create a better experience for everyone involved.

HEALTH

The Experts

WHY IS PREHAB SO IMPORTANT?

Any major surgery can induce functional decline and pain, which can also have negative implications on health care utilisation and quality of life. Prehabilitation is the first stage in the rehabilitation pathway. ‘Prehab’ prepares you both physically and mentally for the surgery and the rehabilitation that follows. It can be applied to people who are anticipating upcoming surgery or are participating in demanding physical activity. Many studies have shown that those who undergo ‘prehab’ have much better recovery following their surgery, with less pain, a shorter hospital admission and more function. It can also

reduce post operative complications. For patients considering orthopaedic surgery, it’s important to understand that the condition of your overall health and fitness can impact your post-surgery recovery. For example, being overweight increases stress on the joints and can increase in-surgery risks. Patients requiring a joint replacement, who maintain or work towards becoming as fit and healthy as possible, build a strong foundation for a better recovery.

Prehab is paramount to a successful joint replacement and should be started ideally at least six weeks prior to your surgery. There was a 38 per cent rise in the rate of total knee replacements for osteoarthritis from 2005–06 to 2017–18!

During the initial assessment, your physiotherapist will assess you to identify common impairments such as poor muscle activation, mobility limitations and balance issues. You will then begin to address these

JUSTIN HANNA One Point Health 4732 5188

issues prior to surgery which allows you to recover quicker with better outcomes. Prehabilitation training can be a combination of aerobic exercises, strength training, and functional training – all of which are used based upon the needs of the individual.

So why should I do prehab before my surgery?

1) Decrease your pain levels prior to your surgery

2) Prepares you physically and mentally for your rehabilitation

3) Familiarise yourself with the exercises you will need to do after your surgery

4) Improve general fitness, balance, and conditioning for your surgery.

IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce

The best sunscreens to keep you safe as the weather warms up

Here in Australia, we understand the value of sunscreen more than most, with the UV index even in winter enough to warrant slip, slop, slapping. If you haven’t been wearing sunscreen all year round (which you should be), the warm weather this week should be enough to tell you it’s time to start.

Luckily, the days of leaving the house with a greasy, ghostly white cast are over –and you don’t have to sacri fice protection.

Mecca Cosmetica

To Save Face SPF50+ Super screen

This Mecca

Cosmetica sunscreen is a cult classic for good reason.

Retailing for $44, the Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen is built with makeup wearers in mind. It has natural matte, non-greasy finish, and a tint that means the skin isn’t left with a white cast.

The formula is cruelty free and vegan, and also contains Vitamin E and Sodium PCA to promote elasticity and hydration.

Consistency-wise, it feels just like a moisturiser – making it one of my personal favourites for daily wear. Just make sure you get it when it’s in stock!

Ultra Violette Lean Screen

Mineral Mattifying SPF 50+

Though not quite as popular as Ultra Violette’s Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+, those with

oily skin can’t look past the Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying SPF 50+.

Similar to the Mecca Cosmetica option, this sunscreen offers high UV protection with a light tint to prevent the dreaded white cast.

However, it comes with the addition of a soft matte finish, making it ideal for oily to combination skin, or those prone to sensitivity or eczema. I like to wear this one under my makeup, or mix it with my foundation for an everyday look. However, it’s important to

note that this does decrease the level of sun protection it can provide, so if you’re going out in the sun, be sure to layer another sunscreen product underneath.

Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Fluid

A long-time fan of Bondi Sands’ self-tanning products, I will say I was pretty excited when they expanded into sunscreens – and they don’t disappoint.

For the face, you can’t go past the Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Fluid. The formula, though lacking a tint, is light enough that it works perfectly under makeup – especially if you’re fair like me – and it comes in a small, convenient tube that makes it perfect for travelling, or bringing along to a beach trip or festival.

Plus, it can be paired

perfectly with the brand’s SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Body Sunscreen Lotion, which has seen me through many days out in the sun, with no redness to be found.

Since 1975 Pancakes On The Rocks has been a Sydney favourite with restaurants at The Rocks, Northmead, Darling Harbour, Beverly Hills & Darling Square. With something for everyone from Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert we have a wide range of meals including Ribs, Steak, Pizzas, Salad, Crepes & of course our Pancakes. www.pancakesontherocks.com.au

Pyometra is the term used to describe a pus-filled infected uterus. Sounds serious, doesn’t it? That’s because it is serious and can be a life-threatening disease if not addressed quickly. Animals that are most at risk of developing a pyometra are female dogs who are not desexed and that have already had a few heat cycles.

Pyometras can become life threatening especially if the uterus ruptures inside the body. Untreated pyometra can cause dehydration, kidney failure and eventual death from infection and toxin accumulation.

What causes a pyometra?

Each time a dog has a season (generally twice a year), she undergoes hormonal changes. These changes affect the uterus and cervix and make infection more likely. Infection is usually caused by a very common organism called E. Coli. The disease usually becomes apparent several weeks or months following heat.

What are the signs of pyometra?

Pyometra is obviously only seen in females and can occur at any age but more commonly occurs in dogs over the age of six. Early signs can be subtle and could just include increased licking around the back end or just being a bit tired and not as hungry as usual. In the advanced stages you may notice that she drinks lots of water and sometimes you may even find a reddish-brown discharge coming from the back end. Some dogs will have a distended abdomen and become very depressed and tired.

How is pyometra diagnosed?

A good history is generally suggestive of pyometra but x-rays/ultrasound and blood tests are generally needed to confirm the diagnosis and assess how sick the dog is.

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, the best treatment option is surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus as soon as

possible. Some animals are too sick for an anaesthetic and need to be stabilised prior to surgery.

Can it be prevented?

Yes! The only way to prevent this condition is by having your dog desexed.

If you are not intending to breed your dog, then she should be desexed at any time from six months of age.

Not only does desexing prevent

pyometra and cancers of the reproductive tract, but if you get your female dog desexed before her first season then this reduces the chance of breast cancer developing later in life by 90 per cent.

If you have any questions about desexing your pet, please contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027 to discuss options.

Relax & Unwind

With Mars visiting your professional/ life direction zone, be more proactive about where you are heading. Don’t just hope that things will magically change. Saturday night’s Solar Eclipse is the ideal time to set intentions and make wishes involving holidays, education and aspirations. Most of all … be yourself! Draw inspiration from birthday great Eleanor Roosevelt, “You not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.”

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Boho

Does it feel as if your dreams are on hold or a relationship is going backwards? This week Saturn slows things down and increases frustrations. But then lucky Venus and proactive Mars encourage you to pair up with a loved one and make your combined dreams come true. You’ll need to be patient though! Your motto for the moment is from birthday great John Lennon, “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

You’re determined to complete a project with creative panache and loads of Leo style. But there are some frustrating planetary patterns so expect power plays, disruptions and delays. Patience and compromise are required, otherwise it will be a long and challenging week. When it comes to your daily routine, the big lesson to learn is how to delegate. No one (not even a super capable Leo) is indispensable! The Solar Eclipse signals a fresh start in your neighbourhood.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Venus transits into your networking zone on Monday, which bodes well for connecting with friends, colleagues and your extended peer group in beneficial ways. Then the Solar Eclipse lights up your solitude/soul zone. So it’s time to slow down and look within as you contemplate, ruminate and meditate about where you’re going and where you’ve been. Your motto is from birthday great, John Lennon, “Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream.”

PISCES

Tuesday’s Venus/Saturn opposition revs up your relationship zone. So be very careful what you say to a loved one who is tired, sick, stressed or just plain grumpy!

Saturday night’s Solar Eclipse spotlights close partnerships and trust issues. And have you been feeling frustrated about a dream or goal? It’s time to minimise your disappointment and maximise your motivation. With hard work and a positive, proactive attitude, you can turn things around.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Mercury (your patron planet), Mars and the Solar Eclipse are all energising your creativity and peer group zone. So it’s a wonderful week to create, inspire, socialise and fraternise. An exciting new romance or friendship could be just around the corner! Are you single and looking for love? You could be introduced to your future partner via a housemate, relative or family friend. Friday is the best day to tick the to-do list and get things done at work.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Long term partnerships – of the romantic, platonic and business variety – are highlighted this week. Saturn tests dedication and loyalty, Venus – calm cooperation, and Neptune – emotional maturity. But don’t get bogged down in gossip and criticism – keep the conversation inspiring and uplifting! Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Eleanor Roosevelt, “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Lucky Venus is transiting through your exploration and education zone (from Monday until November 8) so it’s a fortuitous time to travel, start a course of study or make some new interstate or international friends. Then the weekend Solar Eclipse is the perfect time to revise, reassess and reboot your goals and dreams for the future. Think of creative ways you can navigate the unpredictable economic landscape, adapt profession ally and pivot personally.

Saturday night’s Libran Solar Eclipse (in your relationship zone) is all about love, harmony and compromise. But this week – with Mars square Pluto and Venus opposite Saturn – balance, moderation and cooperation could be difficult to find. So do your best to calm down and keep the peace. Friday’s terrific Mars/Saturn trine increases your enthusiasm, motivation and capacity to get things done. Passion and patience are a winning combination!

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

If you are crabby with friends and family members this week, then they will be in the mood to fight back! So do your best to be more compassionate and generous towards loved ones. Plus try to view a troubled close relationship from a much more philosophical perspective. As birthday great John Lennon observed, “We’ve got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You’ve got to keep watering it. You’ve got to really look after it and nurture it.”

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Saturn and Pluto stymie motivation and slow progress (especially involving a close relationship, joint venture, domestic project or work matter). You could also disappoint yourself, as you find it difficult to stick to your chosen diet, daily exercise program or usual beauty routine. Perhaps it would be better to moderate your perfectionist streak and learn to accept your perceived imperfections? Saturday night’s Solar Eclipse emphasises self-awareness and self-love.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Mars, Mercury and the Solar Eclipse light up your career zone, so utilise your ambition, communication skills and natural charisma to attract opportunities into your world. Then use your can-do Capricorn attitude to take action. The terrific Mars/Saturn trine reminds you to be proactive and practical. Preparation is the key. As Libran singer/actress Julie Andrews observes, “Work hard,

ALPINE CHIC MEETS EPIC ADVENTURE IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

Tucked away among one million hectares of national parkland, Chalets at Blackheath is a secret spot of solace in Austr anged across freestanding chalets and spread over expansiv ounds, this is alpine bliss at its peak.

Modern and well-proportioned, the chalets are a celebration of luxury with an eco-sensitive edge. Floor-to-ceiling windows framing breathtaking bush views, oversized bathrooms, and twin rainfall showers that cascade UV-filtered mountain water. Light, bright and spacious, it’s the perfect setting for a cosy couples retreat.

Need To Know:

• Onsite Library

• Yoga Deck

• Champagne Picnics

• Indigenous edible garden

• Firepit

Key Activities by local operators:

• Fly Fishing

• Tru e Hunting

• Guided walks

• Breakfast with the Kangaroos

Treatments offered:

• In-room massage

• Private Yoga

• Private Meditation

• In-room facials

machine

Crossword

52 Excuse (3,3)

53 Concurs

1 Poor work (5-2)

2 Drifts

3 Using

5 Copied

6 Speak slowly

7 Artist’s equipment

8 Cheap

9 Pins

10 Speculated

11 Hiker

14 Eat hastily

20 Impetuously 22 Confined

25 Purveyor

27 Amazing (3-9)

28 Relocated

29 Go to bed

30 Impressive

33 Near the back

34 Retainer

38 Racers

39 Shooting star

42 Misty

44 First showing

46 Incensed

48 Gold-bearing vein

How

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. www.str8ts.com

Previous solution - Medium

No. 666

Tough Previous solution - Medium

Word Search

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!

AMBER AQUA BLUE BROWN CHARTREUSE CRIMSON CYAN

EBONY FAWN GOLD GREEN GREY HELIOTROPE INDIGO KHAKI LEMON

ACACIA BAMBOO BANKSIA BOTTLEBRUSH BRIAR CACTI CAMELLIA COMFREY COTTON DAHLIA EUCALYPTUS FRANGIPANI GORSE HEMP JUTE

The hidden word is :

The hidden word is :

MAUVE OCHRE ORANGE PINK

LILY ORCHID PANSY POPPY REED

PRIMROSE PURPLE SAGE

SCARLET SEPIA TURQUOISE ULTRAMARINE VIRIDIAN WHITE YELLOW

RUSHES SHRUBBERY SNAPDRAGON

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! is the mystery 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!

Last week’s solution

is

Trivia Quiz

Test

1. Who scored the first try of the Grand Final?

2. Who was the referee for the Grand Final?

3. Nathan Cleary joins how many other players as two-time winners of the Clive Churchill Medal?

4. How many tries did Brisbane star Ezra Mam score?

5. Adam Reynolds has now lost two Grand Finals against the Panthers. Who was he playing for in the first?

6. What was the crowd figure at the Grand Final?

7. Before Penrith’s three-peat efforts of 2021, 2022 and 2023, which team last won three straight Premierships?