While 2025 is the year of the serpent in Chinese culture – the snake being the most enigmatic animal of the zodiac, it is also the year of the colour Future Dusk.
According to Kellie Richardson (pictured), Future Dusk is a deep, moody blend of blue and violet with undertones of grey that evokes a sense of both mystery and serenity. It’s a colour that bridges the gap between classic and contemporary, offering endless possibilities for interior transformations.
Richardson is a highly respected interior designer, Feng Shui expert and founder of Melbourne-based home design company Kurved by Design. Her company is a leading provider of interior design services and property staging, as well as Australia’s first online interior design academy.
“Colour theming is an incredibly important part of interior design and everyone loves to be on point when it comes to colour
of the year. The colour of the year for 2025 is Future Dusk and it is a rich, captivating shade that is set to redefine home interiors across the world,” Richardson said.
“Interior designers across the globe as well as property owners are already focused on ways to cleverly incorporate the luxu-
“THE COLOUR OF THE YEAR FOR 2025 IS FUTURE DUSK”
rious colour into living spaces. Adopting a new colour scheme can be daunting but there are simple ways to achieve this without spending a lot of time or money.
“Future Dusk is a timeless yet forward-thinking shade. It has an undeniable presence that can add both drama and tranquillity
to a room. Whether you use it as a bold statement or a subtle accent, it brings an air of sophistication that is perfect for modern homes.
“This colour is versatile enough to work across various design styles – from minimalist to maximalist – making it a must-have for 2025.”
Richardson is confident we’ll be seeing Future Dusk in many homes next year.
“Future Dusk is versatile and evokes a balance between the old and the new, the light and the dark,” she said.
“Its richness allows it to be a statement colour while still feeling grounded and calming. For homeowners seeking to refresh their space with a colour that inspires creativity and reflection, Future Dusk is the perfect choice.”
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.
RATES STAY STABLE AGAIN
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has left interest rates on hold, as the door remains ajar for a pre-Christmas rate cut next month.
The RBA left the official cash rate at 4.35 per cent at its meeting on Tuesday.
It will meet again in December in the final meeting of the year before Christmas, in what retailers hope could be an early gift and result in strong consumer spending to finish the year.
In a statement, the Reserve Bank Board said it remains resolute in its determination to return inflation to target.
“The Board will continue to rely upon the data and the evolving assessment of risks to guide its decisions. In doing so, it will pay close attention to developments in the global economy and financial markets, trends in domestic demand, and the outlook for inflation and the labour market,” it said.
RateCity.com.au money editor, Laine Gordon, said
while the cash rate has been stuck in neutral for almost a year, variable home loan rates have started to drop.
“In the past year, around 70 banks have lowered at least one variable home loan
rate, but not all customers will have had a rate cut,” she said.
“It’s a timely reminder to check your home loan rate and compare it to what your bank is currently offering
new customers. If you are being taken for a ride, then now is the time to do something about it.
“By all means haggle, but consider making the switch. The sharpest rates are typically reserved for new customers, no matter how good your negotiating skills are, so it’s worth considering refinancing.
“If you are thinking of switching lenders, firstly do a quick check of how much equity you have in your loan because this is often crucial in understanding your options. If you’re an owner-occupier and own at least 20 per cent of your home already, then you’re in the box seat when it comes to rates.”
IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce
Get ready for summer: Sunscreens to try as warmer weather arrives
Heading towards the warmer months, having your sunscreen routine down pat is imperative. There’s nothing healthy about a tan!
If you’re looking to invest in a new sunscreen for summer, it’s important to look to Australian brands. Here are my top picks:
Bondi Sands
Recently, they’ve also come out with their Sunny Daze Hydrating SPF 50+ Face Fluid Drops. It’s similar in the best way in that it also has an invisible finish, however it’s formulated specifically for the face, meaning it sits well under makeup and has a host of skincare benefits, including Vitamin E, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Fruit Extract and Aloe Vera.
ency and has a slight tint.
Though it’s a little bit trickier to blend out, once it is, it’s undetectable.
I like mixing this with my foundation in the morning for added sun protection throughout the day.
We Are Feel Good Inc
Bondi Sands has always been all about sun protection, encouraging a fake tan over a real one. But, their new sunscreens are taking it to the next level.
Their SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Body Sunscreen Lotion has been a favourite of mine for a while – it’s lightweight, blends out easily with no white cast, and is easy to store and travel with in its tube.
Ultra Violette
Ultra Violette is another brand focused entirely on creating products to protect against the harsh Aussie sun.
My personal favourite from their line is the Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen. It’s a little bit thicker in consist-
We Are Feel Good Inc. is a Western Australian brand designed for adventurous types, with their products designed to stand up against heat, sweat and water.
They have a host of different products ranging from body and face sunscreens to tints and lip balms in all different scents and sizes. However, my favourite product of theirs is the Good Morning SPF 50 Fragrance Free sunscreen.
The product comes in a 50mL tube with a pump, making it perfect for travelling and reapplying on the go. It’s super thin and easy to blend, with no crazy sunscreen smell. It also has plenty of feel-good ingredients to help restore and hydrate your skin, whilst also protecting you from the damaging effects of sunlight.
Skinstitut
Unlike some of the other brands in this article, creating a good sunscreen isn’t on the top of Skinstitut’s to-do list, instead focusing on developing high performance ‘cosmeceuticals’ to target specific skin concerns. But, in my opinion, their Face The Day SPF 50 is a highlight of their line.
Like the others, this product is weightless and streak free. It has almost a watery texture,
making it easy to blend or mix with other products. It’s also extremely hydrating, whilst also having a matte finish.
Mecca Cosmetica
I couldn’t make this list without including my favourite To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen. The product is tinted, yet lightweight enough that you could wear it under makeup or alone. However, as it’s designed to be worn with makeup, this is my preference – it sits perfectly between moisturiser and foundation, or could be blended with either for a no-makeup makeup look.
Outside Beauty & Skincare
The SPF 50+ Face Mist is a personal favourite. The mister is super fine, meaning you’re safe to apply it directly to the face, however blending with your hands is recommended.
The Experts
THE FRIGHTENING GAP IN SWIM SAFETY EDUCATION
This term is flying by, probably because it is one of our busiest! In addition to our usual Learn To Swim lessons seven days a week we are very happy to provide primary and high school swimming programs for hundreds of local school children in Term 4 at Nepean Aquatic Centre. This is an incredibly important part of the work we do, especially considering that Royal Life Saving says it is deeply concerned that more than 40 per cent of all children now leaving primary school have not achieved the National Benchmarks for swimming and water safety education for 12-year-olds.
Royal Life Saving Chief Executive Officer, Justin Scarr, says the increased drowning rate in teenagers is a very worrying trend, clearly linked to gaps in education. He says many children are now missing out on lessons, receiving too few lessons or dropping out of swim programs altogether – particularly between the ages of eight and 10. Scarr says “for too many years, too many children have not been able to swim 50 metres and float for more than two minutes”. This is now having far reaching consequences.
The latest Royal Life Saving Australia National Drowning Report reveals the risk of drowning increases tenfold for youth and young adults aged 10 to 20 because of a clear
decline in swimming, water safety, and lifesaving skills and an increase in risk-taking activities in this age group. Tenfold! That is a statistic I find truly frightening.
Justin Scarr said, “Our new research shows the effects of insufficient swimming and water safety skills can be undoubtedly severe, ranging from an increased risk of drowning to a lack of confidence when participating in water-based activities, particularly as children move into their teenage years and early adulthood.”
“Many young adults are quite simply being left unprepared for the dangers they may
encounter in and around the water as they grow older. Without immediate action to address this skills gap, more lives could certainly be at risk. Parents and carers play a critical role in their children’s swimming and water safety education, and we strongly recommend they enrol them in lessons or a program such as Swim and Survive, that adheres to the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework and assesses progress against the National Benchmarks,” Scarr said.
The National Swimming and Water Safety Framework provides a nationally recognised, structured and consistent approach to swimming and water safety education, and by ages six, 12 and 17, children should have the minimum swimming and water safety skills and knowledge set out in the Framework. While these are the basic skills children need, exceeding them can boost their confidence, competency and overall safety in the water.
There are eight basic skills a child should have by the age of 17, which include being able to swim continually for 400 metres; float, scull or tread water for five minutes and signal for help; and rescue a person and apply emergency care.
Does your child meet or hopefully exceed the benchmarks?
The Ritchie Brace is a custom orthotic ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) designed to offer dynamic support for patients with various foot and ankle conditions.
Unlike rigid braces, the Ritchie Brace integrates a custom foot orthotic with semi-rigid struts that provide stability to the ankle without severely restricting motion, making it a more comfortable option for many patients.
One of the key features of the Ritchie Brace is its ability to address conditions such as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), chronic ankle instability, and drop foot. In cases of PTTD, where the tibialis posterior tendon is weakened or injured, patients often experience a collapse of the arch and pain
during walking. The Ritchie Brace helps by providing medial-lateral stability and arch support, preventing further deterioration of the tendon and helping to restore a more normal gait pattern. By supporting the foot and ankle, it helps alleviate strain on the tendon, allowing for improved function and pain relief.
For individuals with chronic ankle instability, particularly after repeated ankle sprains, the brace stabilises the ankle joint, reducing the risk of further sprains and helping with rehabilitation. Its design maintains ankle flexibility while providing lateral and medial support, crucial for preventing inversion injuries.
In the case of drop foot, which is characterised by the inability to lift the
front part of the foot, the Ritchie Brace assists with foot clearance during walking, allowing for a more natural gait and preventing tripping. It provides dorsiflexion assistance while allowing for a degree of plantarflexion.
The Ritchie Brace is often favoured for its customisable nature, being moulded to the patient’s foot for an optimal fit. This customisation makes it a versatile option for treating a variety of foot and ankle pathologies, improving comfort, function, and quality of life for patients with conditions that impair their mobility. In clinical practice, the brace is a non-surgical option that can significantly improve outcomes when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
The Experts
DIABETES IN PETS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition that can impact both dogs and cats, resulting in high blood sugar due to issues with insulin – a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose. When insulin isn’t produced or used effectively, pets can’t utilise glucose for energy, leading to a condition known as hyperglycemia. While diabetes can develop in various ways, such as through genetic predisposition, infection, obesity, and pancreatitis, it’s almost exclusively insulin-dependent in dogs, requiring regular insulin injections for effective management. In cats, however, dietary control and insulin treatment can sometimes lead to remission.
Recognising diabetes symptoms
Early detection is vital. Key signs of diabetes in pets include increased thirst, frequent urination, an increase in appetite, and unexplained weight loss. You may
find yourself refilling the water bowl more frequently, or your pet might need bathroom breaks more often than usual. Dogs, especially, may develop cataracts as a result of diabetes, and both
dogs and cats are at a higher risk for urinary tract infections due to glucose-rich urine.
These symptoms can be subtle initially, so it’s helpful to monitor your pet’s eating, drinking, and
bathroom habits. An increase in appetite without weight gain or noticeable weight loss can be early indicators of diabetes, as your pet’s body attempts to compensate for low energy by eating more.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diabetes is typically diagnosed in dogs between the ages of four and 14 years, with female dogs being more prone to the disease. Certain breeds, such as Schnauzers, Labradors, and Poodles, are more susceptible. A diagnosis involves a combination of clinical symptoms, blood tests, and urine analysis. Elevated glucose in the blood and urine are classic indicators. In some cases, a vet might conduct a fructosamine test to understand average blood glucose over recent weeks, along with additional imaging if pancreatitis is suspected. For diabetic pets, treatment often includes insulin injections. Though the idea may seem daunting, many pet owners quickly
adapt to the routine. Injections like Caninsulin are administered under the skin, typically every 12 hours after meals. Your veterinarian will provide the precise dosage and guidance for giving these injections at home.
Additional tips for managing diabetes
In addition to regular insulin, maintaining a consistent feeding schedule and providing a high-fibre diet can help stabilise blood sugar. Regular, moderate exercise at the same time each day is also beneficial, helping to improve insulin effectiveness and maintain a healthy weight.
Routine and consistency are key to successfully managing diabetes in pets. Following a regular schedule and adhering to your veterinarian’s treatment plan will allow your pet to lead a happy and healthy life despite their diagnosis. For more information, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.
The Supermoon and Sun/Uranus opposition could stir up your restless and reckless side, as you unleash your Inner Rebel. But try to do so in appropriate ways that don’t upset loved ones, antagonise authority figures, or endanger your personal safety! A professional or domestic challenge could also test your mettle. Aim to approach problems with a brand-new perspective. Be inspired by birthday great, Neil Young, “One fresh take can change everything.”
TAURUS
This week the Supermoon (in your sign) emphasises your practical side. So do your best to handle current situations in a suitably sensible and pragmatic fashion. When it comes to a romance, work partnership or joint venture, avoid getting stuck in a boring rut. The planets push you to find creative ways to express yourself personally and within relationships. But don’t believe everything you hear! Keep your Bulldust Detector switched onto high.
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
There’s a Supermoon and a Sun/ Uranus opposition, so expect some disruptions and/or surprises that could stir up friction between family needs and work responsibilities. With dynamic Mars marching through your sign, it’s time to be bold and courageous! Inspiration for the week comes from painter (and birthday great) Georgia O’Keeffe, “I’ve been terrified every moment of my life – and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.”
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
What an unpredictable week Scorpio!
The Sun (transiting through your sign) opposes disruptive Uranus, and there’s a dramatic Supermoon in your relationship and joint ventures zone. So start flexing your adaptability muscles, and expect some thrills and spills along the way. Your motto for the moment is from singer-songwriter-musician Neil Young (who turns 79 on Tuesday), “As you go through life, you’ve got to see the valleys as well as the peaks.”
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
You’re in the mood to book an adventurous holiday or plan a new course of study. However – on the weekend – hidden tensions could bubble to the surface with a family member, neighbour or work colleague. Be extra diplomatic and try not to take criticism personally. Social media is also a potential minefield, as the planets stir up your communication zone. So be careful you don’t send the wrong message to the wrong person at the wrong time!
GEMINI
With the help of the Supermoon, use the power of your fertile imagination and trusty intuition to get to the bottom of a problem that’s been bothering you. If you listen to the wisdom of your inner voice (and pay attention to the symbolism in your dreams) it will point you in the right direction. You’re also keen to work constructively with a colleague or communicate creatively with a friend. But don’t get carried away and promise more than you can deliver.
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Saturn squares Mercury (your patron planet) which can make you even more self-critical than usual. Don’t be too hard on yourself Virgo! Sometimes it’s a good idea to look at things from a totally different perspective. As poet (and birthday great) Marianne Moore observed (and Morticia Addams would agree), “Your thorns are the best part of you.” Saturday morning’s Supermoon shines a bright spotlight on travel, adventure, education and aspirations.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
This week’s earthy Supermoon highlights your health, daily routine and work zone. But expect some surprising developments and stressful moments along the way. Resist the urge to be argumentative, extravagant and super self-indulgent. On the weekend you need to slow down before you blow a fuse! Try to ground your fiery energy and calm your busy mind. Some meditation, contemplation, yoga, chanting or Tai Chi could be just what the doctor ordered.
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Finances, joint ventures, secret deals and trust issues are on the table as the Supermoon (on Saturday at 8.28 am Sydney time) highlights hiccups involving self-esteem and/or financial management. Strive to be less impulsive and extravagant, and more cautious with cash and credit. Don’t spoil a potentially productive week by being physically reckless or making inappropriate comments. Slow down and consult with loved ones along the way.
The silvery, ever-changeable Moon is your power planet. And many sensitive Crabs feel emotionally volatile and vulnerable around the time of the Full Moon. This week’s Supermoon is in earthy Taurus, so you’ll probably feel more grounded (and less moody) than usual. But you still need to be extra careful and consistent in the way you communicate with other people (especially children, teenagers, work colleagues and close friends).
Stylish Librans appreciate quality and luxury, but don’t overdo it or you’ll end up being the most beautiful bankrupt on the block! This week the Sun, Supermoon and Uranus stir up your money and self-esteem zones, so it’s time to get your finances in order, work out a new budget, and plan to live in a more sustainable way. With Venus in your home zone (from Tuesday until December 7) you’re in the mood to cook up a storm with family and friends at Villa Libra.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
Fault-finding Saturn could exacerbate a problem with a relative, neighbour or student. But hopefully Venus (moving into your sign) will come to the rescue and teach you an important celestial lesson. If you look for the best in the person involved, and work hard on improving your communication skills, then the relationship will gradually improve and have a good chance of longevity. It’s important to take baby steps, with a heart full of love and forgiveness.
Relax & Unwind
THE PERFECT CITY SPOT
Heading into the city soon and don't know where to stay? Don’t worry, I’ve just found the perfect hotel. I recently got the chance to stay in the newly refurbished Novotel Sydney City Centre and it well exceeded my expectations. The 22-storey building is perfectly located in the Sydney CBD, is less than 100 metres from Wynyard Station and is a short walk to the Wynyard Metro Station, making getting around the city easy.
I got to the hotel on a sunny Friday afternoon and was greeted by friendly staff who checked to make sure my room was ready, all in all it took less then five minutes to get checked in. While the building is a true skyscraper, I was on level three, but this was for a good reason. The first three levels of the hotel have rooms with the option of a balcony. I stayed in the hotel's Superior King Room with a Balcony. I was so impressed with the luxury of the room, which hits you as soon as you open the door.
“THERE IS SO MUCH AVAILABLE AROUND THE HOTEL FROM SHOPS, RESTAURANTS AND THINGS TO DO”
The room went beyond a standard room as it had a lounge with a large TV, large bathroom and a massive closet space but the balcony was really the highlight. It was so spacious, definitely enough room to hold multiple people to enjoy a drink in the afternoon sun. Sometimes when you go on holiday you hear people say ‘The room doesn’t matter, we won’t be there for long’ but the room can be part of the experience itself, and this room really delivers. It almost makes you want to spend more time in the room than out!
I managed to convince myself to exit the roam, and decided to go for a walk and do some shopping. It took me less than 10 minutes to get to Pitt Street but if you don't want to walk, it is just one stop away on the Metro. There is so much available around the hotel from shops, restaurants and things to do.
After getting back from my impromptu shopping trip, I rested in the hotel room before heading down to the hotel restaurant, Birde Bar & Brasserie. This restaurant is one of the better hotel restaurants I've experienced. The design exudes luxury and the food is
truly decadent. My guest and I got to try the ‘Canary in a coal mine’ share menu. This is $70 per person and includes six plates of the chef’s selection to share. What is so interesting about this is that the chefs’ selections can change daily, meaning what I got might be completely different from what someone got the night after. It makes it quite exciting! To start we received some olives as well as duck liver parfait with brioche. For mains we got a tomato risotto and wagyu brisket, and for dessert we got the almond panna cotta and sticky davidson plum pudding, all paired with some sparkling wine. This was one of my first experiences of fine dining and I have to say it was really nice! I definitely recommend checking out the restaurant when you stay.
One of my favourite things about hotel stays is how dark the rooms are, I could have slept in all morning! But I got up and had the hotel’s buffet breakfast, which was another win! There was a lot of variety in food and drink, so there was definitely something for everyone to start their day.
When I was leaving the hotel, I was able to use the self-checkout machine, this took me less than a minute and all I had to do was drop my room key into a slot and I was off! It was so convenient and made the checkout process so streamlined. Make sure to keep the Novotel Sydney City in mind for your next city stay. The writer stayed as a guest of Novotel Sydney City.
One of the rooms at Novotel Sydney City Centre.
The tomato risotto and the wagyu brisket. Photo: Emily Chate.
The balcony is one of the most impressive parts of the room.
9. Geography reference volume
10. Bank cash dispensers (1,1,2)
12. Greek fable writer
14. Felt sick
16. Up-at-dawn person, early ...
19. For a specifi c purpose (2,3)
22. Disgusts
23. Flings
25. Aromas
26. Canopy
29. Alfresco
32. Psychedelic drug (1,1,1)
35. Sideboard
37. Strict
38. On R and R (3,4)
40. Unhitch
41. Scrapes (leaves)
42. Large tree
43. Wrecked
44. Lavished aff ection (on)
47. Foams
51. Loose cloak
52. Trounced
53. Announce
54. Heedless
58. Phrase
59. Deplete
61. Arose (3,2)
63. Effl uent pipe
64. Banner
65. Wedding speeches
66. Perfume, ... toilette (3,2)
68. Timid rodent
71. Gallows loop
72. Catch breath
74. Old school, ... mater
76. So-so
78. Invitation footnote (1,1,1,1)
80. Use needle & thread
83. Unfair (deal)
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Last week’s solution
1. If you were checking out the restaurants, pubs and shops of Macrossan Street, where would you be?
2. If you were swimming under waterfalls at Litchfield National Park, where would you be?
3. Where could you meet dolphins at Monkey Mia?
4. A two hour car trip from Cairns, where could you hike through the rainforest of Dunk Island?
5. If you were diving in the clear blue waters of Rowley Shoals Marine Park, where would you be?
6. Where is the Hellenic Museum located?
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
ALFAKODO
Fill in 1 to 6, in each row across and down, and in each rectangle.
Each number equals an alphabet letter, e.g. A=1, B=2, C=3 etc. By finding out which numbers (and consequently letters) are NOT shown, find a jumbled word related to the cartoon drawing.
Letters A to Z have a number value, some are shown in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value Some are shown in the right hand cells Create remaining values using clues in centre cells
A Z+S N V+P B G-S 17 O V+Q
C W-T P C×C
D H+V Q B-Z 12
E T×S 16 R H×R 20
F Q÷S S K-S 2
G B+S T W-C
H S-H 1 U Q×S
I O-Z V T+F
J P×S W F+Z
K D-W X H×X 10
L P+E Y N-X M Q+X Z H+K 5
Find fifteen words beginning with ‘s’ from these jumbled letters.
JUNIOR PUZZLERS: 1. Chile. 2. The Pacific Ocean. 3. O.
MINI-SUDOKU:
Special word: Stern - means to be firm, strict or uncompromising.
HIDDEN WORDS: Serpent, set, spent, see, sent, seer, seen, seep, steer, steep, stern, strep, spree, step and sneer.
Flash the pony can smell apples and he’s excited! Can you help him find them?
