New South Wales residents over 60 are increasingly seeking a more active lifestyle enriched with fun, friendship and freedom. Purchasing a home in a Stockland Halcyon community enables them to unlock capital tied up in their homes and invest in a fulfilling lifestyle as they approach retirement.
“IT’S GREAT TO KNOW WE WILL BE LIVING IN A PLACE WHERE WE FEEL SUPPORTED AS PART OF A COMMUNITY”
Located in the charming Hills district, Halcyon Gables offers vibrant, resort-style living and features premium facilities like a cinema, pool, spa, fitness centre and clubhouse, as well as dining room, bar and community gardens.
Halcyon communities operate as a Land Lease Community model, meaning the buyer purchases their home, while Stockland maintains ownership of the land. No stamp duty is applied to the purchase, and unlike many retirement villages, there are no exit fees levied if the property is sold, so homeowners retain all their capital gains when they sell.
Three couples who have bought
in Halcyon Gables are Ian and Denise Arnott, Dominic and Pauline Vozzo, and Trevor and Beryl Aspin, for whom downsizing and affordability were key considerations.
Beryl and Trevor spent years looking before buying with Halcyon.
“We just couldn’t justify retirement village exit fees or give up the opportunity to possibly make money from our home longterm,” she said.
“We found Halcyon and said this is the winning formula.”
The six first became friends through their local Probus group but were surprised to discover
they would be neighbours.
“We didn’t realise we were all looking to buy in Halcyon Gables until we saw each other at the first meeting and couldn’t believe it,” Pauline said.
“We even realised that we bought plots on the same street, so we’ll already have friends as neighbours!”
The group is excited to embark on a fresh start.
“It’s great to know we will be living in a place where we feel supported as part of a community,” Dominic said.
“I am really looking forward to moving into my brand-new home and starting a new adventure.”
SENSATIONAL SILVERDALE
What is so great about this property?
This prime parcel offers immense potential for development and growth. Capitalise on Silverdale’s flourishing market – a smart choice for investors, builders, and first home buyers. Secure your place in Silverdale’s bright future. Who does this property suit? Family/Investor. Tell us about the suburb the property is in?
Silverdale is a thriving township, with a healthy mix of development ranging from 700sqm lots up to the larger 4000sqm lifestyle lots. There is a new Woolworths shopping centre almost ready to open with around 25 specialty shops/restaurants.
Ma rian’s Mana is a pre stig iou s maste r-plan ne d pre ci nct offer i ng prem iu m land lots and a rchite ct ural ly des ig ne d res idence s i n one of South-West S yd ney’s faste st-g rowi ng com mu nities.
PR ICES START FROM $554, 50 0
FE AT URES MANICURED GARDENS AND GREEN SPAC ES , ALL MAIN TA INED UNDER A CO MMUNIT Y TITLE SCHEME
WELL PO SITIONED NE AR THE RA PI DLY EX PA NDING OR AN PA RK TO WN CENTRE
Located near Oran Park ’s most popular amenities and shopping precinct, Marian’s Mana invites you to enjoy an addres s that blends nature with urban conveniences. It ’s a place you’ll want to call ho me
*Artist impression
ELBOW PAIN EXPLAINED
Elbow pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages and walks of life. Whether you’re an athlete, an office worker, or simply someone going about their daily activities, experiencing elbow pain can be both uncomfortable and disruptive.
Elbow pain is a broad term that encompasses various conditions, each with its unique causes and symptoms. Some common causes of elbow pain include:
–Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): This condition often results from repetitive gripping and twisting motions, causing pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow.
–Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Similar to tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inner side of the elbow, typically due to overuse and strain on the wrist flexor muscles.
–Olecranon Bursitis:
Inflammation of the bursa sac, located at the tip of the elbow, can lead to swelling, redness, and pain.
–Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: This condition occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs through the elbow’s cubital tunnel, becomes compressed, resulting in pain, numbness, and tingling in the forearm and hand.
–Fractures and dislocations: Trauma or accidents can cause fractures or dislocations of the bones in the elbow joint, leading to severe pain and limited mobility.
Recognising the symptoms
Some common symptoms include:
–Pain, which can be sharp, dull, or throbbing
–Swelling and inflammation
–Difficulty in fully extending or flexing the arm
–Weakness in the affected arm
The Experts
JUSTIN HANNA
One Point Health 4732 5188
–Numbness or tingling in the forearm or hand
–Difficulty gripping
How physio can help It’s crucial to address elbow pain promptly to prevent it from becoming chronic and affecting your daily life. The treatment for elbow pain depends on its cause and severity. Some common approaches include:
Education regarding rest and activity modification
Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain and allow the elbow to heal.
Targeted exercises and stretches can help improve strength and flexibility in the affected area.
Taping and bracing these devices can provide support and reduce strain.
WIRELESS ON THE ROAD
Do you fumble with USB cables when connecting your phone to your car? Does your phone drop out and disconnect you for no reason or when you move or bump it?
That’s where wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay adapters come in. These compact devices offer a liberating experience for drivers seeking seamless connectivity. They allow you to connect your smartphone to your car’s entertainment system without the need for cables.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay adapters are small devices that plug into your car’s USB port. They act as intermediaries between your smartphone and the car’s infotainment system, enabling wireless connectivity. These adapters eliminate the need for a physical connection, allowing you to enjoy the full functionality of your car’s display. Their most significant advantage is the conveni-
ence of not having to plug in your phone every time you enter the car. Your phone can be left in your bag or pocket and will connect to the adapter. The connection is usually fully compatible with the car steering wheel controls and voice assistants. The wireless adaptor completely changed things for me. I had a habit of leaving my phone in the car; now, it never leaves my pocket.
Its most significant disadvantage is battery drain on your phone.
The wireless connection drains your phone battery quickly. Unlike the wired connection, you don’t get the advantage of being able to charge your phone at the same time. Latency can also be a problem with a slightly delayed response from actions on your phone to your car screen.
Several companies have made a name for themselves in the wireless adapter market:
• AAWireless: An affordable option for adding wireless Android Auto capabilities to almost any vehicle.
• Carlinkit: A brand known for its relatively affordable and widely compatible adapters.
• Ottocast U2-Air: A dual-platform option with broad vehicle compatibility There are dozens of other brands, primarily from China. When choosing a wireless adapter, consider factors such as compatibility with your vehicle, ease of set-up, and wireless connection quality. Not all adapters work flawlessly.
• Motorola: A compact, Android Auto-exclusive adapter with a simple set-up.
JULIE SHELDRAKE
Nepean Aquatic Centre & Eva Bory’s Swim School 4730 8900
HOW TO ACCESS A FREE SWIMMING LESSON!
Nepean Aquatic Centre is 14 this week! Since 2011 we have taught thousands of local people to swim at Nepean Aquatic Centre! Whether you’re a child or an adult, mastering the art of swimming offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond the water’s edge. To mark this milestone, here are 14 compelling reasons why learning to swim should be on everyone’s to-do list:
Water safety: Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in Australia, especially in the 0-5 age group. Learning to swim significantly reduces the risk of drowning, equipping individuals with the skills needed to navigate water safely.
Confidence boost: Mastering swimming strokes and techniques instils confidence in individuals, both in the water and in daily life.
Physical fitness: Swimming is an excellent full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength, and enhances flexibility, all while being low-impact on the joints.
Stress relief: Being in the water has a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Social opportunities: Swimming opens doors to social activities such as water sports, swim clubs, and group fitness classes, providing opportunities to meet new people.
Life-long skill: Once learned, swimming is a skill that can be enjoyed throughout one’s lifetime, from childhood into old age.
Safety around water: Knowing how to swim enables individuals to enjoy water-based activities such as boating, snorkeling, and kayaking safely.
Improved coordination and balance: Swimming requires coordination between various muscle groups and helps improve balance and spatial awareness.
Burns calories: Swimming is an efficient calorie-burning exercise that aids in weight management and contributes to a healthy lifestyle.
Therapeutic benefits: Water therapy, including swimming, is used to rehabilitate injuries, alleviate chronic pain, and improve overall well-being.
Rescue skills: Learning to swim not only protects oneself but also enables individuals to potentially save others in water-related emergencies.
Boosts mental health: Swimming releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, which can help combat depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Summer enjoyment: Being proficient in all aquatic environments ensures enjoyment during our hot summer months, whether at the beach, pool, or water park.
And an incredibly important reason… it’s fun!
To celebrate our birthday, we are offering a Special Offer in March for Western Weekender readers – get your first lesson free upon enrolment!
The offer is applicable for all new enrolments and re-enrolments, at both Nepean Aquatic Centre and Eva Borys Swim School, and all enrolment T&C’s apply.
Just mention the Western Weekender to get your first lesson free and enrol with us today!
Love to Swim, Swim for Safety, Swim for Life!
ENSURING YOUR PET’S SAFETY AND SECURITY
Microchipping plays a vital role in keeping our pets safe and secure. This simple yet effective procedure involves inserting a tiny microchip, roughly the size of a grain of rice, beneath your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. Each microchip contains a unique identification number that is linked to your contact details via the NSW Pet Registry.
One of the most significant advantages of microchipping is its ability to reunite lost pets with their owners. There have been countless instances of pets being found and returned home after being missing for months or even years.
Animal Registry (AAR) ensures your pet’s identification remains valid nationwide.
tration, which is mandatory for all cats and dogs in NSW.
For more information or assistance with microchipping your pet, call us on 4736 2027. KELLIE
However, microchipping is only effective if your contact information is kept up to date. If you move or change your phone number, it’s crucial to update these details on the NSW Pet Registry to facilitate a smooth reunion if your pet goes missing. Even if you relocate to another state, updating your information with the Australian
In New South Wales, only veterinarians and authorised implanters are permitted to implant microchips and access pet identification databases. These trained professionals ensure the procedure is carried out safely and correctly. They also provide essential details for council regis-
For assistance with registration, ownership verification, or associated fees, Penrith City Council Animal Services can offer guidance and support. Adhering to registration requirements not only enhances your pet’s safety but also promotes responsible pet ownership within the community.
Microchipping is a responsible and proactive measure that offers pet owners peace of mind. By taking this straightforward step and keeping your contact details current, you greatly improve the chances of being reunited with your pet should they ever go missing.
Bradfield Bulletin is an online news website dedicated to the Bradfield City Centre and Western Sydney International Airport. Bradfield Bulletin was officially launched in 2024. If you’d like to advertise on Bradfield Bulletin, please email us at sales@bradfieldbulletin.com.au or call (02) 4722 2998. www. bradfieldbulletin.com.au
my name: Leo my proud owner: Maddie i live in: Penrith Email alison.hall@westernweekender.com.au with your favourite picture of your pet, and include your name, pet’s name, suburb and a blurb about your favourite furry friend.
Quirky Aquarians can be self-indulgent souls. However, over the next few weeks, you’ll gradually shift your focus further afield. Retro Mercury and retro Venus will remind you that family matters, plus local community connections and social responsibilities are just as important as individual priorities. Your motto for the week is from fellow Aquarian, music icon Bob Marley, “Live for yourself and you will live in vain; live for others, and you will live again.”
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
Expect professional problems or domestic dramas, as retro Mercury and retro Venus stir up old grievances. Use your diplomatic talents to help find solutions. If you just sit back and let others make decisions, you’ll feel powerless. So strive to be more self-sufficient, especially at home and work. Getting the ratio right between your public and private lives is challenging. But if anyone can juggle conflicting commitments during Equinox week, it’s a well-balanced Bull!
LEO
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
The Sun, Saturn and Neptune are visiting your sign, so strive to be more proactive about pursuing your creative and spiritual goals. No procrastination allowed Pisces! Then on Thursday it’s the Equinox (when day and night are of equal length) which favours meditation and contemplation, as you aim for more equilibrium and perspective. With Pluto transiting through your solitude and spirituality zone, peace-of-mind and strong self-esteem are highlighted.
GEMINI
22 TO JUNE 21
With Mercury (your boss planet) in retrograde mode until April 7, it’s time to ask yourself “Am I being too subjective and short-sighted about a current issue?” especially involving hopes and dreams. It’s the Equinox on Thursday when day and night are of equal length. So take a step back, adjust your focus, and review things from a much broader and wiser perspective. Balance is the key. Also, an old friend could boomerang back into your world.
VIRGO
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
The Sun shifts into Aries and it’s the Equinox on Thursday and then retrograde Venus (in your sign) links up with Pluto and the Sun. So this week’s astrology is all about maintaining your equilibrium, celebrating your individuality, and pursuing your dreams within a climate of transformation and reflection. Draw inspiration from birthday great Reese Witherspoon, “I believe ambition is not a dirty word. It’s just believing in yourself and your abilities.”
22 TO JULY 22
Do your best to avoid being a snappy Crab, as Mars (in your sign) plus Mercury and Venus (both retrograde) magnify mood swings and heighten emotional sensitivities. If you’ve been burying your head in the sand, then a problem could come to a head and demand to be addressed. The planets encourage you to be extra diplomatic when dealing with challenges, especially involving work, finances, intimacy and trust. No sulky side-stepping allowed!
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23 LIBRA
On Thursday the Sun (your ruling planet) transits into fellow fire sign Aries and then links up with Venus on Sunday. So you’ll be at your feisty, fabulous best – and your belligerent, bossy worst! It’s Equinox week, so try to find an outlet for your fiery energy, and a way to bring more balance into your busy world. With Mercury and Venus both retrograde, double-check all arrangements involving local travel, business trips, holidays, and weekend getaways.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
You’re a capricious creature, constantly buffeted by intense emotions and deep desires. On Thursday it’s the Equinox (when day and night are of equal length) which will help to stabilise your temperamental moods and balance your brooding nature. Attached Scorpio – remember there’s a fine line between ardent affection and clingy obsession. Are you unhappily single? You could find yourself magnetically drawn to someone with a powerful personality.
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
You’re impatient about making things happen according to your strict timetable but Mercury and Venus are retrograde, so avoid taking shortcuts and relying on others. Don’t expect family, friends or colleagues to drop everything and hand you your dream. There is just no substitute for hard work and thorough preparation. It’s also Equinox week so stop overcommitting! Smart Virgos will calm down and recalibrate to a slower, steadier and more sustainable pace.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
Spontaneous, impulsive, fiery Sagittarius … this week try to tread carefully, as Mercury and Venus are both in retrograde mode. A child could feel misunderstood, a sporting event could be delayed, a creative project could backfire, or a so-called friend could talk about you behind your back. Avoid the temptation to jump in, overreact, and burn a few bridges along the way. Keep your eyes peeled, your ears open, and think (carefully) before you speak!
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
Is a close relationship stuck in a stultifying rut? And how well do you really know your nearest and dearest? Mercury and Venus are reversing through your relationship zone, plus retro Venus links up with powerful Pluto (which is visiting your romance, children and friendship zone). So it’s time to dig deeper and gain valuable insights into the inner motivations of a lover, friend or family member as you blast away the cobwebs and look at things from a different angle.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
Cool down and calm down Capricorn! Don’t make major mountains out of minor molehills and waste time worrying about annoying problems (especially at home) as Mercury and Venus reverse through your domestic zone. Things won’t run according to plan and, if there are complications, then clever communication will help you through any temporary turbulence. With Mars in your partnership zone, be proactive about improving a troubled relationship.
Relax & Unwind
A PARADISE-LIKE ESCAPE
Iwas lost down the aisles of a pharmacy in Westfield Penrith when a worker asked if I needed help.
“Yes,” I said. “Where are the sea sickness tablets?”
The next day, I was aboard a ferry from Queensland’s Hamilton Island to Daydream Island, then on a private vessel to Long Island, where I stayed at Elysian Luxury Eco Island Resort.
When I say Elysian, it sounds like a made-up place – a heaven, a paradise – and that’s not an exaggeration.
From the boat I could see a bright green rainforest charging towards the crystal Whitsunday water, only separated by a row of 10 villas, each with a thatched roof, a front porch with a swing and sun beds.
A short walk from the villas was a common area consisting of a cosy restaurant, an outdoor seating zone, and a mineral infinity pool overlooking the sea – also doing it’s best to keep the rainforest at bay.
When the boat docked, not too far from the helicopter landing zone, I was greeted by the friendly faces of two staff members, welcoming my partner, Dave, and I to the island and
retrieving our bags.
While the bags were carried off to Villa 4, we were shown the communal area, which included a lounge, a dining area, a games cupboard, a small library, and a bar – all amenities that we would use extensively over the next three days.
After a quick tour, we were shown our home for the next four nights. We crossed two small bridges and followed a paved pathway to our 33 square-metre oceanfront hut with views of Conway National Park to the west and Long Island National Park to the east.
The room was modern, earthy and minimalistic, with every decorative element added to induce peace. Ethical wooden furniture from Uniqwa stood throughout the room, accentuated by rattan lamps, dry coral ornaments, and an abstract painting above the bed with blue swirls and curves mimicking the motion of the ocean.
Included in the room rate was three gourmet meals daily, pre-dinner canapes, unlimited barista-style coffee, tea, juice and soft drinks, daily yoga classes, and unlimited use of all water sport equipment including snorkelling gear, paddleboards and kayaks.
After settling in to our quarters, Dave and I followed the path back to the dining room for our first Elysian dinner.
I’m not sure what I expected the clientele for this resort to look like, but there were all sorts of guests! There was a mother-daughter duo from Texas, a senior couple, honeymooners, an Austrian couple, a gentleman flying solo, and two friends from America on a life-changing trip to Australia.
Dave and I sat at a candle-lit table by the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the waves and speaking to our neighbours in between feasting on the mind-blowing entrée, main and dessert. DESTINATION Elysian
Elysian feels like a world of luxury.
An incredible place to relax.
A little slice of luxury, not too far from home.
The delicious food just kept coming.
THAT WILL LEAVE YOU REFRESHED
Whenever conversation lulled, I could hear a symphony of cutlery scraping against porcelain as guests tried to savour every last crumb on their dish.
With taste buds satisfied and a full day of travel under my belt, I slept soundly in the king-sized bed eagerly awaiting the next morning when we would embark on a rainforest walk.
“THE LONGER YOU LOOK AT THE STARS, THE MORE THEY APPEAR”
I woke up to the tide lapping at the rocks along the shore, ate my breakfast, downed my coffee, and requested an adventure pack from staff including water, fruit, sunscreen and a first-aid kit.
I was optimistic that the American friends we’d spoken to the night before had exaggerated the size of the spiders in the shrubbery, but that enthusiasm was replaced with utter dread in less than five minutes.
I’m going to be real with you – if you’re acutely afraid of spiders, this is an activity to skip. I’m ashamed to admit I cried in the rainforest when I had to walk past an orb spider
the size of my head; however, I couldn’t stand the idea of turning back so soon, so I soldiered on through the tears.
The rainforest was dense and the path was marked with pink ribbons. Butterflies flittered around in the sections that had the most sunlight, and if we were quiet and observant, we could have spotted wallabies, a variety of bird species, and goannas – but we’re not that graceful.
We only spotted a goanna when we left the
rainforest and Dave tried to crack open a coconut on the beach without realising the large lizard was lounging under a palm frond right beside him; like I said, not graceful.
We wound down after our walk with a glass of prosecco and a dip in the pool before raiding the games cupboard.
We became Battleship, Connect Four, and chess aficionados, and Dave taught me how to play Blackjack using coasters.
That’s how we spent most of our time on the
island – a glass of bubbles in hand, a game underway, togs on, a stint on the massage table, and the kind of satisfied facial expression that only comes with total relaxation. At night, we would lay down on our sun beds to look at the sky, untouched by metropolitan light. The longer you look at the stars, the more they appear, forming a galaxy right before your eyes.
From the aisles of a chemist to the isles of the Whitsundays, this is a trip I’ll never forget.
Peaceful, different, exciting.
It’ll feel like a little slice of Heaven when you stay at Elysian.
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Word Search
Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.
THEME: GENEALOGY
ADOPTION
ANCESTORS
CERTIFICATES
CHURCH RECORDS
COURT
DATES
DEATH
FAMILIES
FAMILY BIBLE
FATHER
GENEALOGIST
GENERATIONS
GIVEN NAMES
MOTHER
OBITUARIES
OFFSPRING
ORAL TRADITION
PASSENGER LISTS
PATERNAL
STUDY
SURNAME
TOMBSTONES
TOWN
TRACE
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about the original ‘Lost In Space’ series in this week’s special trivia quiz...
1. In what year did ‘Lost In Space’ make its television debut on CBS in the United States?
2. What was the name of the spaceship the Robinson family headed to space on?
3. As iconic as the show became, it only ran for a short period. How many seasons were there in total?
4. Who played Judy Robinson in the show?
5. Who composed the iconic ‘Lost In Space’ theme music?
6. Which iconic character was voiced by Dick Tufeld, and became known for his famous catch phrase ‘Danger, Will Robinson!’, forever held in the show’s legacy?
