MELISSA IS ON TOP OF THE WORLD AFTER WIN
LJ Hooker Penrith’s Senior Property Manager Melissa Jerzyna has won the World Champion Property Investment Manager award at LJ Hooker’s 2023/2024 International Awards, previously winning this award in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019.
She has also won the prestigious state award Top Property Investment Manager NSW/ ACT for five of the past seven years including 2023/2024.
Jerzyna is a true professional and constantly outperforms her peers through her unwavering commitment, dedication to her customers and incredible leadership qualities that has enabled her to develop an incredibly talented team of like minded Property Management professionals.
“I HAVE A STRONG PASSION FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT”
Jerzyna is an active and highly respected member of LJ Hooker and is regularly called upon to represent the Franchise Group in relation to all things Property Management.
“I am so grateful to have been recognised once more as LJ Hooker’s World Champion in Property Management,” she said.
“I want to thank our business owners, my team at LJ Hooker Penrith and the LJ Hooker family for all their support, hard work and unwavering commitment.
“I have a strong passion for property management and believe that professionalism and creating ongoing relationships with both landlords and tenants is key to success.”
Jerzyna has worked in the real estate industry for more than 20 years, 14 of which have been at LJ Hooker Penrith and has developed strong relationships and a thorough knowledge of her local area.
The awards night took place during the three-day LJ Hooker International Conference in Auckland and recognises top performers across Australia and New Zealand.
Call LJ Hooker Penrith on 0414 373 347 for more info about the property management services.
Melissa Jerzyna (centre) accepts her award in Auckland.
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.
impression
This 3- bedroom home in Kendall o ers charm, comfort, and opportunity. Nestled on a leafy 1,026 sqm block, it features a modern kitchen, new air-conditioning, bright north-facing living areas, and a private outdoor entertaining space.
The real bonus? DA-approved double-story duplex and subdivision potential at the backyard—perfect for investors or those seeking multi-generational living. Enjoy the serenity of a close-knit community, just 10 minutes from stunning beaches and 30 minutes to Port Macquarie
And the best part is, that it is highly a ordable as it is in the $725000 price range
Contact us as we have only one of this gem available at the moment!
Agent declares interest
7 Raymond St, Kendall, Port Macquarie, NSW
Experts
WHY PRIORITISE LEARN TO
As we head towards the silly season I wanted to remind parents of all the benefits of Learn To Swim, and why it is important to swim all year round alongside any other sports and activities in our busy family schedules! Learning to swim is an activity that offers numerous benefits for children beyond simply staying safe in water. From physical health to mental wellbeing, swimming provides a holistic approach to a child’s development in a way that no other sport or activity can match.
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that engages the entire body, improving cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles, and enhancing flexibility. Swimming is low-impact, making it suitable for children of all ages and fitness levels, and regular swimming sessions can help combat childhood obesity and promote a healthy lifestyle from an early age.
The most obvious benefit of learning to swim is water safety. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death in children of all ages, and teaching kids how to swim reduces the risk significantly. Knowing how to float, tread water, and perform basic strokes can save lives in emergency situations. Moreover, understanding water safety rules instils confidence and promotes responsible
behaviour around water.
Learning to swim empowers children and boosts their self-confidence. Overcoming the initial fear of water and mastering new skills gives them a sense of achievement. As children progress in their swimming abilities, they gain confidence not only in the pool but also in other areas of their lives. This newfound confidence can translate into improved social interactions, academic
performance, and overall wellbeing! Learn to Swim lessons are often a child’s very first structured activity.
Swimming has therapeutic effects on children’s emotional wellbeing. The soothing nature of water calms their minds and reduces stress and anxiety. Swimming releases endorphins and also provides an outlet for pent-up energy and emotions, helping children regulate their emotions more effectively. Plus, swimming lessons provide opportunities for children to socialise and make new friends!
Swimming is a life skill that opens up a world of opportunities for children. It enables them to participate in water-based activities such as snorkelling, surfing, and kayaking. Strong swimming skills can lead to future endeavours such as lifeguarding, competitive swimming, or even careers in aquatic sports – we have lots of junior employees whose first job is with us!
By introducing children to swimming at an early age and allowing children to consistently swim all year round, parents provide their children with a foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life both in and out of the water. On the flip side, a break from lessons often leads to skill regression, undoing some of the progress made prior to time out of the water. See you soon at the pool!
The Experts
KELLIE TICKNER
Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027
CAT HAIRBALLS AND HOW TO HELP YOUR FELINE
Hairballs are a common occurrence for cats, especially those that frequently groom themselves. As a cat grooms, it swallows loose hair, which doesn’t digest easily in the gastrointestinal tract.
Over time, the hair can accumulate, forming a hairball that the cat will eventually try to expel through vomiting. While this is a natural process, excessive hairballs can lead to discomfort or more serious issues, like blockages, that may even require surgical removal.
How hairballs develop
The hair that cats swallow passes slowly through the digestive tract. Since cats lack enzymes to break down hair, larger accumulations can’t move easily through the system, leading to partial blockages. When a hairball is too large or persistent, it stimulates a reflex, causing the cat to vomit. However, frequent vomiting could signal an underlying gastrointestinal disorder,
BENEFITS OF DRY NEEDLING
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by podiatrists to treat muscle pain, trigger points, and soft tissue dysfunction.
It involves inserting thin, solid needles (similar to acupuncture needles) into specific “trigger points” or areas of tight muscle fibres that are causing pain or discomfort. Despite its name, “dry needling” does not involve any medication or fluids being injected into the body; rather, it stimulates the muscle directly to alleviate pain and promote healing.
The primary purpose of dry needling is to target myofascial trigger points, which are tight knots or bands within muscle tissue that can cause localised pain and may refer pain to other parts of the body. These trigger points are often a result of muscle overuse, injury, stress, or poor posture, and can lead to chronic pain or limited mobility. The needle is inserted directly into the trigger point, and
the technique may cause a local twitch response, which is a brief, involuntary contraction of the muscle. This twitch response is often seen as a sign that the muscle is releasing tension and responding to the treatment.
Dry needling works by initiating neurological and biochemical responses. Inserting the needle into a trigger point is thought to stimulate the nervous system, leading to the release of muscle tension and the reduction of local inflammation. It may also
such as inflammatory bowel disease, so monitoring your cat’s behaviour is essential.
Remedies for hairballs
While hairballs are normal, there are several ways to manage or reduce their frequency. Lubricants, fibre supplements, and grooming are common approaches. Each of these remedies is meant to aid in the control of hairballs but is not a cure.
Lubricants and laxatives
Veterinary-recommended hairball lubricants, often petroleum-based, are designed to ease the passage of hair through the intestines. These are flavoured pastes that some cats will eagerly lick, while others might need coaxing. For effectiveness, these lubricants should be used two to three times weekly. However, avoid using mineral oil-based products, as they can be inhaled, leading to aspira-
HEALTH
BLAKE COSSOR One Point Health 4732 5188
promote blood flow to the area, which helps remove metabolic waste and deliver fresh nutrients to the tissues, facilitating healing. Additionally, dry needling is thought to disrupt the cycle of pain and muscle spasm, allowing for greater movement and reduced discomfort.
Dry needling is often used to treat conditions like myofascial pain syndrome, muscle strains etc. While it is generally considered safe, it may cause mild soreness or bruising at the needle insertion site. For best results, dry needling is typically combined with other physical therapy interventions, such as stretching, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy.
tion pneumonia.
Diet and fibre
Many feline-specific diets aim to reduce hairballs, often with added fibre. Fibre promotes regular bowel contractions, helping swallowed hair pass through the digestive tract more smoothly. Additionally, fibre supports water reabsorption during digestion and gently cleans the intestines, reducing the likelihood of hair accumulation.
Grooming
Increasing the frequency of grooming can minimise the amount of loose hair your cat swallows. Brushing or combing removes excess fur, particularly in longhaired breeds, which are prone to frequent hairballs. Some owners choose to have their cat’s hair trimmed by a professional groomer, signif-
icantly reducing the amount of hair available for ingestion.
When vomiting isn’t normal While it’s normal for cats to vomit hairballs occasionally, frequent vomiting may indicate other health issues.
If your cat vomits often or shows signs of distress, consult your veterinarian. Vomiting can signal a range of health problems, from food intolerance and gastrointestinal disease to more severe conditions like liver or kidney disease. To diagnose the cause, your vet may run tests, take X-rays, or, if necessary, conduct more advanced diagnostic procedures.
Regular grooming, the right diet, and occasional use of hairball remedies can help manage hairballs, keeping your cat comfortable and reducing the risk of complications. Observing your cat’s habits and seeking veterinary guidance as needed will ensure your feline friend stays happy and healthy.
us! Phone 4736 2027 49 Wentwor th Road,Orchard Hills Monday - Friday: 8am-7pm | Saturday: 8am-2pm Sunday: Open for emergencies for existing clients 9am-3pm ills Veterinar y Hospital, d that your pet is a ily member. That’s t care ser vices to s district
At Orchard Hills V we understand that your pet is a cherished family member why we offer comprehensive and affordable pet care ser animals across the Penrith district. We offer:
• Vaccinations
• Radiography
• Microchipping
• Surger y
• Dental care
• Ultrasound
COLOUR E-READERS ARE
GAME
In the world of e-readers, black-and-white has long been the norm. While colour e-readers have been around for some time, Amazon’s announcement of a new colour e-reader will bring them into the mainstream. I travel a lot for work, and as someone who likes to read tech magazines, this will allow me to read them on a Kindle rather than on my iPad – one less device to carry with me. I will drop a few hints to my family as a potential Christmas gift.
Traditional e-readers primarily display text in grayscale. This is ideal for reading novels and other text-heavy content. However, colour e-readers offer a more comprehensive range of possibilities, allowing you to enjoy full-colour images, comics, and even magazines.
Some of the key features of colour e-readers:
• Colour e ink displays: These displays use a unique technology that mimics the appearance of paper, reducing eye strain and providing a comfortable reading experience, even in bright sunlight.
• Colour e ink: Supports 4096 colours, but they appear softer and more subdued than on LCD screens. Colour accuracy varies, and the overall look resembles a printed newspaper.
• Enhanced image quality: Colour e-readers offer vibrant and detailed colour
reproduction, making them perfect for reading comics, graphic novels, magazines and illustrated books.
• Longer battery life: Despite the added complexity of colour displays, many
colour e-readers still boast impressive battery life, often lasting weeks on a single charge. Amazon claims a single charge will last up to eight weeks
• Versatile functionality: Many colour e-readers offer additional features like notetaking, PDF reading and audiobook playback.
Several manufacturers have embraced colour e-ink technology; here are some notable brands and models:
• Kobo: Is known for its sleek design and user-friendly interface.
• Onyx Boox: This brand caters to more advanced readers, offering high-end colour e-readers with features like stylus support and customisable software.
• PocketBook: Offers a variety of colour e-readers at different price points, making them accessible to a wide range of readers.
• Amazon Kindle Coloursoft: Amazon is the market leader in eBooks, magazines, and comics.
While colour e-readers offer a more immersive reading experience, they typically cost more than traditional grayscale e-readers. However, as technology advances and production costs decrease, I expect more affordable options will become available.
Relax & Unwind
JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
bohoastro.com
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
Pluto transits into your sign, so curious, quirky Aquarians are keen to ricochet off in transformative new directions. And don’t worry about making messy, complicated (or embarrassing) mistakes along the way. Keep stretching your wings, trying new things and being the authentic you. Draw inspiration from actress Goldie Hawn (who celebrates her 79th birthday on Thursday), “I want to dig deep and ask – Who am I? What do I have to offer? What do I have to learn?”
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
Powerful Pluto transits into your career zone mid-week (where it stays until 2043) so there are ambitious goals to set and lofty heights to reach over the next few years. Which will require hard work, passion and plenty of persistence. No procrastinating or snoozing on the sideline, Bulls! Then Friday’s Venus/ Saturn link is fabulous for planning a heavenly holiday, networking with work colleagues or nurturing a long-term personal relationship.
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
It’s a lovely week for Lions! On Tuesday, there’s a terrific Sun/Neptune trine which boosts creativity and compassion, so you’ll feel like painting, writing, performing or helping someone in need. The Sun (your patron planet) shimmies into fellow fire sign Sagittarius (on Friday) when you’re fired up and ready to socialise, fraternise, travel and explore! Then the Sun links up with Pluto, which will help you take a deep dive into a special close relationship.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Your power planet Pluto transits into Aquarius and makes a positive link with the Sun, which is fabulous for boosting personal charisma and generating creative ideas. Don’t be stubborn and unimaginative about your current plans and choices though. As birthday great, singer-songwriter Bjork observes, “I sometimes fall into the trap of doing what I think I should be doing, rather than what I want to be doing”. Keep your mind flexible and your options open.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
Tuesday’s Sun/Neptune trine favours compassionate, creative and spiritual pursuits. But are your aspirations for the future ambitious enough? The current stars favour ruminating over big-picture ideas. And there’s no room for false modesty or passive Piscean procrastination as you enjoy talking, texting, posting, promoting and socialising, and then come up with a cracking plan and pursue it. Powerful Pluto also encourages you to dream big and dig deep.
GEMINI
22 TO JUNE 21
It’s time for a well-organised pivot Gemini! Smart Twins will examine all possibilities, especially ones that come from left field. With powerful Pluto transiting into your aspirations zone, it’s important to have ambitious longterm goals that you’re steadily working towards. You’ll have to be patient though, as you focus on bringing your dreams down to earth via a practical plan. Thenwhen everything is in place – you’ll know the perfect time to pounce.
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Many Virgos will feel very unsettled on Monday, when the Mercury/Jupiter opposition stirs up your restless side. Then Pluto powers into your work and wellbeing zone, where it stays until 2043! So your job and your health will be under the microscope for many years to come. It’s a good time to reorganise your daily routine and work schedule, plus make your diet healthier and your fitness routine more regular. Your motto for the moment? Health is wealth.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
There’s an impulsive Mercury/Jupiter opposition on Monday, which boosts your blunt and tactless side. So slow down Sagittarius and think (carefully) before you speak, especially when dealing with family and friends. Pluto powers into your communication and education zone mid-week, which could signal a learning renaissance as you consider studying a topic that has always fascinated you. Then the Sun shimmies into your sign, and it’s your turn to shine!
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Joint ventures and trust issues are on the table but don’t spoil a potentially productive week by being a verbally blunt and/or physically reckless Ram. Slow down, think before you speak and consult with loved ones and colleagues before you make any important moves. Pluto shifts into your hopes and wishes zone mid-week (where it stays until 2043) so it’s a wonderful week to set transformative goals and dream powerful dreams for the years ahead.
This week the planetary focus is on your daily routine and work zone but expect some challenging developments and stressful moments. Resist the urge to be a bossy, moody and cantankerous Crab. Try to ground your emotional energy and calm your restless mind. Your motto for the moment is from actress Goldie Hawn (who turns 79 on Thursday), “The ability to remain calm and focused in stressful situations is central to making positive decisions.”
With Pluto transiting into your leisure and friendship zone, you’ll be drawn to exploring hobbies, people and places. A child’s talent blossoms, a new friendship flourishes or a burgeoning romance progresses to a deeper level. So expect a busy week full of pleasing partnerships, convivial conversations and colourful creativity. The weekend looks wonderful courtesy of a work opportunity, an outdoor adventure or a favourite four-legged companion.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
After 16 years, Pluto finally transits out of your sign and into your inner/outer security zone. Hopefully you’ve learnt some important, transformative lessons along the way. Now you’re set for a major transformation involving self-esteem or financial matters over the next few years. Clever Capricorns will concentrate on personal development and growing your nest egg for the future. Friday will be fantastic for strategic, long-term planning.
ESCAPE TO THE CITY IN
For 50 years, well-known hotel brand ibis has led the way in making travel accessible to everyone. With more than 2500 hotels in 79 countries around the world, ibis declare they put the most into your stay, so you can get the most out of it.
To celebrate half a century in the hospitality business, ibis recently launched its new global brand campaign ‘Go get it’, and I was fortunate to spend a couple of nights at their newly-refurbished ibis Styles Sydney Central.
The last time I had stayed at an ibis property was in historic Edinburgh a couple of years ago, so I was really keen to see how an ibis Styles hotel differed.
From doing some research prior, I discovered that every ibis Styles hotel offers an immersive experience inspired by a unique theme.
“I STILL FIND MYSELF THINKING ABOUT THEIR SIGNATURE COCKTAIL LIST”
When I stepped foot inside the all-new ibis Styles Sydney Central, I quickly realised that this hotel’s theme was inspired by the trendy – and somewhat cheeky – part of town it was situated in.
Conveniently located on Wentworth Avenue on the doorstep of vibrant Surry Hills and Oxford Street, this 413-room hotel is the premier destination for experiencing all Sydney has to offer with sought-after restaurants like Chin Chin across the street, hidden cocktails bars like The Soda Factory 100 metres up the road, and the best shopping, theatre and live music venues all just a stone’s throw away.
This was an area of the Sydney CBD I’ve never stayed overnight in before, and somewhere I was eager to immerse myself in.
Following a smooth check-in process, my wife and I made our way to the elevator bound for the 18th floor where our Deluxe King Room awaited us.
Upon entering, I was thrilled with the
modern and spacious room that we were given. There was a fully equipped kitchenette, large bathroom with walk-in shower, comfortable bed and pillows, working temperature air control, a large flat screen TV and the most amazing windows that had sweeping views of all the fun that was awaiting us down below.
You could immediately tell that this property had a multi-million-dollar upgrade because the entire floor as well as the décor inside the room appeared fresh, clean and colourful.
As the sun began to set and the lights of the CBD started flicking on outside, we got changed and made our way down to the restaurant on the ground floor.
Open to hotel guests and to the public, Mee So is ibis Styles Sydney Central’s new Korean and Japanese fusion bar and restaurant.
Inspired by the streets of Seoul and Tokyo, diners at Mee So can discover an immersive foodie experience as they dive through a diverse menu, expertly prepared with high-quality ingredients.
With thanks to the incredible team at Mee So, my wife and I were treated to the $65 per person Mee So Tasty Menu.
With a strong emphasis on a fusion approach, combining traditional Korean and Japanese techniques to create innovate flavour combinations, we were served six uniquely tasting and plated dishes that
Mee So, located at ibis Styles, is a great place for a bite to eat and something to drink.
The modern and stylish foyer at ibis Styles Sydney Central.
One of the cocktails at Mee So.
CLASSY STYLE
included Japanese Style Tuna Tartare, Miso Eggplant, Prawn Wonton, Peking Duck Bao, Spicy Pork Taco and the absolutely to-die-for Airy Cheesecake.
This dessert, which came in a cocktail glass, was like no other! It was airy-fairy and fluffy with berry tuile, toasted soybean flour & 100 per cent pure maple syrup.
On top of Mee So’s incredible food and dessert menu, I still catch myself thinking about their signature cocktail list, which the bar says is inspired by Japanese and Korean artists and their masterpieces.
From the classics with a twist to their
signature potions, each concoction that Mee So’s mixologists crafted me dead-set blew my mind and were downright Instagram worthy!
Seriously, if you’re just after a couple of cheeky beverages with some friends before hopping off somewhere else for the night, this is the place! Plus Mee So’s resident DJs do a great job in getting you in the party mood as well – a cool touch!
Along with everything I wrote about earlier, ibis Styles Sydney Central also has the bells and whistles you’d expect from a three-star Sydney property and more, including 24-hour reception, complimentary Wi-Fi, luggage
storage, access to secure off-site parking, express check-in and check-out kiosks, in-room dining, buffet breakfast and a guest laundry and dry cleaning service. So, with summer – and the party season – fast approaching, you won’t find many better options in this part of the city than the newly-refurbished ibis Styles Sydney Central. The writer stayed as a guest of ibis Styles Sydney Central.
The ibis Styles Sydney Central is located on Wentworth Avenue and Goulburn Street.
The Deluxe King room at the ibis Styles Sydney Central. Photo: Nathan Taylor.
Word Search
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BOOTLACE
BRACELET
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COALFACE
CRUSTACEAN FACE
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Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
in 1981, but what company
Starting at the selected white letter, move in any direction (but use each letter only once) to find a three-word phrase (4, 3, 9) related to the cartoon.
ALFAKODO
Letters A to Z have a number value, some are shown in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Fill in 1 to 6, in each row across and down, and in each rectangle.
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 U+H N F-L B N-U O Y+E C J+N P Q×Q D V-B 2 Q Y-S E N-Q 8 R R×Z F D×U S O-N G D+V T N+H H L+E U Z+E 9 I R+J 21 V Z×V 5 J J×Z 10 W D+Y K B×E 24 X X×Z L F÷B Y X-B 17 M B×V Z B-D 1
Egan -
Find twelve words beginning with ‘f’ from these jumbled letters.
These two soldiers are ready for a play battle. Can you help the foot soldier find the knight?
MINI-SUDOKU:
PIC PUZZLE: A watched pot never boils.
Special word: Fallow - land plowed and left unseeded for a season or more.
WORD TRAIL: “Stop oil pollution” HIDDEN WORDS: Foot, fall, fat, fool, fob, foal, flab, flat, fallow, flow, follow, float and football.
1. The magician’s coat is longer, 2. A star is missing from the tablecloth, 3. One of the rabbit’s teeth is shorter, 4. The rabbit’s ear is straight, 5. The mouse’s nose is in a different position.
ALFAKODO: PUZZLE PLAY: SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: