PUTTING THE DREAME H14 TO THE TEST!
After seven years of living in my tiled floor home, I finally chucked out my mop and bucket last week.
Nope, I didn’t opt for plush new carpet or hire a professional cleaner to do my dirty work, instead I managed to get my hands on a brand-new vacuum from Dreame Technology.
I must admit, like pretty much everyone out there, I hate mopping my floors. It’s a horrible chore that I only do once a month. Now before you judge me and my lack of enthusiasm when it comes to housecleaning, I do enjoy vacuuming and, for the past seven years, I have been using a very handy Dyson Animal stick vacuum to nip around the house.
However, when the opportunity arose to try something new, something that could not only suck up my dirt and dust but also clean my tiled floor at the same time, I couldn’t put my hand up quick enough.
Brush Wash. While there were a couple of drawbacks like the vacuum’s weight when lifting it up to take upstairs and the emptying of the used water tank (which is a little gross), there’s way more I liked than didn’t! Next time you’re in the market for a new
vacuum or just want to get rid of the old mop and bucket once and for all, consider a Dreame H14 Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner. For stockists or to purchase one online, visit www.dreame.com.au.
– Nathan Taylor “THE
The Dreame H14 Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner has changed my weekly cleaning regimen forever.
This awesome piece of technology is the future of cleaning – and I’m not just saying that because of the funky electronic display and female robot voice that speaks to you! Because the Dreame H14 hybrid vacuum-mop offers wet and dry cleaning, you’re able to streamline your household chores – making it your go-to appliance for keeping your floors spill, dirt and generally grime-free.
Another great aspect of the Dreame H14 is that you’re able to get into nearly every nook and cranny thanks to the Dreame H14’s 180° Lie-Flat Reach and Dual Edge Cleaning.
I was effortlessly able to manoeuvre through those tight and tough spots underneath my bed and lounge. But perhaps one of the Dreame H14’s best features is that it’s easy to maintain with Dual Rotation Self-Cleaning, Solid-Liquid Waste Separation and 60°C
$1,029,00 – $1,059,000
OPEN FOR INSPECTION: Saturday, March 22 10.30am – 11.00am CONTACT: PRD Real Estate
Jeremy Moss • 0477 773 838 jeremy@prd.net.au
Joe Masters • 0432 821 337 joe@prd.net.au
A SOUTH PENRITH DELIGHT
What is so great about this property? This gorgeous three bedroom family home offers a renovated kitchen and bathroom, spacious and light filled living areas, massive outdoor entertaining area plus an inground swimming pool surrounded by landscaped yards. Proudly sitting
on the high side of the street within the sought after suburb of South Penrith, this wonderful home is within walking distance to local schools, parks, public transports and shops. Who does this property suit? First home buyers, downsizers and investors
Tell us about the suburb the property is in? South Penrith is one of our region’s most sought after suburbs, known for being family friendly with many Child-
care, Primary and High School options available, while also offering ease of access to the M4, Great Western Highway, and the ever growing Penrith CBD.
Creating a beautiful home that can handle a busy family has never been easier The Genero luxury vinyl collection is stylish, durable and easy to maintain.
With over 50 styles to choose from, it really is the smart choice.
Flooring Penrith
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
55s Living – Greenhays, Springwood 3 2 1 1/2
A highly sought-after over-55s development has arrived—o ering an exceptional lifestyle for residents and a high-demand investment opportunity. With just five architecturally designed three bedroom homes. Greenhays sets a new standard for comfort, convenience and adaptability
The fully self-su cient ground floor level is designed for e ortless living, featuring a spacious living area, premium kitchen with stone benchtops, dedicated dining, oversized bathroom, separate laundry, and extensive storage. The open-plan design flows to a private courtyard, overlooking landscaped gardens and Buttenshaw Park. Ducted air conditioning ensures year-round comfort.
Upstairs, two oversized bedrooms with built-ins, open area study/rumpus, a second elegant bathroom. The main bedroom has a private balcony also overlooking the landscaped gardens and Buttenshaw Park. Providing additional space and flexibility. Residents enjoy beautifully maintained communal gardens, a BBQ area, with a true sense of community living.
Why Greenhays is in High Demand:
Designed for e ortless, low-maintenance living
High-demand investment opportunity in the over-55s market
Fully self-su cient ground floor level—no need to use the stairs
Private courtyard with tranquil parkland views
Meticulously designed floorplans with abundant storage
Secure your place in this exclusive development today!
Ducted air conditioning & oversized garage with acoustic doors
Landscaped communal gardens & BBQ area
Direct private access to Park
Unbeatable location—bus stop at your doorstep, minutes from shopping, dining, and medical services
Opportunities like this are rare.
Disclaimer: We have obtained all information herein from sources we believe to be reliable; however, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Prospective purchasers are advised to carry out their own investigations.
The Experts
One Point Health 4732 5188
EXERCISE TO BOOST YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Three million Australians are living with anxiety or depression, and one in 16 people in Australia are affected by depression every year.
Physical symptoms of depression include headaches, backaches, constipation, changes in weight and difficulty sleeping.
Unfortunately, many people still seem to feel there is a stigma attached to depression and anxiety, viewing them as weaknesses or character flaws rather than a genuine health condition. Older people are also more hesitant to share their experiences of anxiety and depression with others, often ignoring symptoms over long periods of time and only seeking professional help when things reach a crisis point.
Everyone experiences pain at some point, but in people with depression or anxiety, pain can become particularly intense and hard to treat. People suffering from depression, for example, tend to experience more severe
people. How can a Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist help?
Depressed people experience low energy to the point that everyday tasks become overwhelming. Complaints of pain are also common. When you are depressed, the last thing you want to think of is exercise, however, a physiotherapist can help you begin moving gradually. Exercise releases endorphins and serotonin – the feel-good hormones – which stabilise your mood and help you feel better.
Stretching and breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and massage help relieve pain and muscle tension, improve circulation and promote flexibility. As you begin to feel more relaxed, the irritability goes away and your sleep pattern improves. With improved sleep comes more energy and having more energy makes exercising easier. All of this leads to decreased heart rate, lower blood pressure and a reduction of other medical condi-
tions associated with depression.
Following an individualised exercise program from your exercise physiologist or physiotherapist can enable you to come off your depression and anxiety medica tion in a shorter time. You don’t have to live with this disabling condition, nor exist on medicine for the rest of your life.
Exercise, diet and other health behaviours can support recovery from depression, so it is impor tant to:
• make sure you are eating well
• get regular exercise
• avoid using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs to cope when you are finding things difficult.
Make a plan. Start slowly and build up gradually, e.g. if you have not been exercising at all, start with a 10-15 minute walk each morning, and gradually increase this to 30 minutes per day. Set short-term realistic goals for exercising each week (e.g. 3 x 20-minute walks per week); plan
to exercise at specific times of the day that fit in with your lifestyle and write your plan down.
JUSTIN HANNA
WATER SAFETY SHOULD BE FUN FOR OUR KIDS
It’s all about safety for us, and it’s so important that children learn about water safety as soon and as consistently as possible. One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is to watch children taking on board the water safety lessons learnt in early swimming classes, graduate to preschool classes, then attend camps and intensive programs, becoming safer swimmers year on year.
In the school holidays we run a two-day ‘Paddles Super Swim Camp’, where water safety meets fun and children learn all about the basics of CPR and First Aid, the Kids Alive Do the Five pool safety rules, and get to practise in water rescue and lifeguarding skills, plus a pool party with the inflatable slide on the final day. We also offer a four-day discounted intensive swimming program in the school holidays to fast track swim skills, which is always popular and rewarding. Dates are on our website!
It’s never too early for water safety education, and the lessons should start very early, at home. Fear of the water is acquired, so make sure baby has regular baths and showers from newborn and becomes comfortable with the sensation of water being trickled and then poured
over their head. Swim Australia recommends starting swimming lessons from six months, but you can and should practice early water familiarisation before this. Your six-month-old will then accept the water more readily, and with less fear, when starting formal lessons. Water safety should also be regularly reinforced at home – never go near the pool without an adult, never climb the pool fence, shut the gate, let an adult know if another child goes near the pool alone, swim between the flags at the beach, reach to rescue, be careful in the bath, etc. Through repetition, these safety messages become embedded and form good habits in children that will last a lifetime.
There are lots of options, so let’s help our children by teaching them how to stay safer around the water!
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.
WHY IS MY PET SO ITCHY? COMMON CONDITIONS
Itchy skin is a common concern for dog owners and can indicate an underlying health issue. Your pet’s skin and coat reflect their overall wellbeing, and persistent scratching should not be ignored. While some allergies are seasonal, skin problems can occur year-round and often require veterinary attention.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the most common causes of itching in dogs. Some pets develop an allergic reaction to flea saliva, leading to intense irritation, especially near the base of the tail. Even a single flea bite can trigger FAD, making consistent flea prevention essential. It’s important to treat all pets in the household – whether they live indoors or outdoors – since fleas can be carried inside and multiply quickly. Left untreated, flea allergies can cause secondary skin infections, leading to further discomfort.
Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy)
Atopy occurs when a dog reacts to environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mould spores.
It often affects the belly, armpits, and paws. Many dogs with atopy have a genetic skin barrier defect, making them more susceptible to environmental irritants. Without treatment, mild itching can escalate to severe, widespread dermatitis.
Food Allergy Dermatitis
Food allergies usually develop after a dog is a year old, with common triggers including beef, chicken, and wheat.
If a food allergy is suspected, a food elimination trial is often necessary. This involves feeding a novel protein diet (such as kangaroo and pumpkin) for three months, then reintroducing previous foods to see if symptoms return.
If the itching subsides during the trial, a food allergy is likely the culprit.
Mange
Mange is caused by mites like Demodex or Scabies, leading to intense itching, hair loss, and secondary infections. Scabies, in particular, is highly contagious.
If you suspect mange, immediate veterinary treatment is necessary to prevent it from spreading to other pets.
Spots
Hot spots, or moist, inflamed skin lesions, develop from excessive licking, chewing, or scratching. They can arise from flea bites, minor wounds, or skin allergies and may quickly worsen,
leading to infection. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent further irritation and discomfort.
Signs your dog’s itching needs veterinary attention
Occasional scratching is normal, but persistent itching can indicate a deeper issue. Watch for:
• Constant licking, biting, or chewing at specific areas
• Redness, scabs, or sores
• Hair loss or bald spots
• Excessive rubbing of the face, belly, or paws
• Decreased playfulness or appetite due to discomfort
If your dog is showing these signs, schedule a vet visit. Early intervention can prevent skin issues from becoming chronic and ensure your pet stays happy and healthy.
For professional advice and treatment, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital at 02 4736 2027 to book an appointment. We’re here to help your pet feel comfortable again!
Hot
Relax & Unwind
JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
Venus and Mercury both reverse into your money zone, so you’ll need to be extra careful with financial matters. Avoid signing contracts or making major purchases until after April 13. Saturday’s partial Solar Eclipse is a good time to explore your neighbourhood or introduce yourself to some new members of your local community. Your motto for the week is from birthday great, feminist Gloria Steinem, “A good friendship is a conversation that never ends.”
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
This week – with Venus (your ruling planet) and Mercury both in retrograde mode – you could feel rather rushed, impatient and/or unsettled. Cool down and calm down Bulls! Aim to do plenty of physical activity, so you can channel your restless energy in pleasant and productive ways. But being overly proprietorial about a person or situation will only lead to a fraction too much friction. So strive to be less stubborn about people, possessions and work.
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
This week’s tricky planetary patterns could unsettle a close relationship, especially if there are secret agreements, trust issues or joint finances involved. Then Saturday’s partial Solar Eclipse activates your adventure zone, so you’re in the mood to organise a weekend getaway or an overdue holiday. But remember Mercury and Venus are both retrograde (until April 7 and 13 respectively) so clever Lions will plan and book any trips from mid-April onwards.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
This week Pluto (your power planet) links up with the Sun and retrograde Mercury, plus there’s also a partial Solar Eclipse in your wellbeing zone. So step back and take a close look at your diet and fitness levels. Can you introduce healthier food choices, stop bad habits (like smoking) or reboot your exercise program? Avoid the temptation to operate on autopilot. If you shake up your daily domestic routine, it will put an extra spring in your Scorpio step.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
By the end of the week, you’ll have four planets in your sign – Saturn and Neptune, plus Venus and Mercury (which both retrograde back into Pisces). So perceptive Pisceans will start dreaming and planning a bigger and better life now! Your quote is from entertainer extraordinaire Elton John, “I’ve always been, and still am, a dreamer.” Saturday’s partial Solar Eclipse fires up your money zone, so it’s time to devise a smart new financial plan.
GEMINI
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
Mercury and Venus are both reversing through your aspirations and career zones, so this week is a suitable time for dreaming, researching and planning. Action (in the form of ambitious work projects and exciting new collaborations) will come later (when Mercury and Venus are both moving forward from mid-April). Be inspired by birthday great, feminist Gloria Steinem, “Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities.”
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Mercury and Venus are both reversing through your research and partnership zones. So it’s a good week to investigate something thoroughly (with your Virgo x-ray vision), read a detective story, uncover a secret, solve a puzzling problem, or get to the bottom of an intriguing mystery. But the more you try to control others, the more they are likely to resist. So, if you want to avoid ongoing power struggles, learn to diplomatically let go and move on.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
With Mercury and Venus both moving backwards, be extra careful how you give and receive information. If in doubt, then don’t hesitate to double-check. Plus avoid starting major ventures or signing important contracts until after April 13. Instead, be patient and focus your attention on revising, researching or reworking current projects. Under the influence of Saturday’s partial Solar Eclipse, a close relationship could suddenly veer off in an unexpected direction.
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
The week starts with Mercury and Venus reversing through your sign, which could amp up your impatient, argumentative side. And relationships look challenging, as loved ones are more unpredictable than usual. With the Sun and Pluto activating your friendship and peer group zone, strive to be more strategic. If you can temporarily morph from a raging ram to a gentle lamb, then life will be less bumpy. Saturday’s partial Solar Eclipse in Aries signals a fresh approach.
CANCER
JUNE 22 TO JULY 22
Mighty Mars has now got plenty of forward momentum in your sign, so you’ll feel compelled to zoom towards your preferred future. But Mercury and Venus are both retrograde, so pace yourself and don’t rush. A cautious and confident approach is the best way for Crabs to proceed. Be inspired by birthday great, soul singer Aretha Franklin (who was born on March 25, 1942), “Be your own person, and always be confident in what you’re doing.”
LIBRA
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
Retro Mercury, retro Venus and the partial Solar Eclipse stir up your relationship zone. So a loved one could unsettle you by bringing up a grievance from the past or by making a surprise move. Is your love life stuck on autopilot? The planets push you to blast away the cobwebs and look at things from a fresh angle. Attached Librans – get talking (really talking) with your partner. Singles – love has been delayed until after Venus moves forward on April 13.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
When it comes to your domestic life, a dash of disruption may be just what the doctor ordered! So shake things up on the home front as you redesign, redecorate, renovate or entertain unexpected guests. But retrograde Mercury and retrograde Venus caution you to be very clear when you’re communicating with others. What they say and what you hear may be two different things. So keep them up-to-date with your plans, otherwise misunderstandings are likely.
Relax & Unwind
WHY CANBERRA SHOULD
When I think about the people that visit Canberra, I think of Year 6 students going on camp, people visiting museums and politicians.
I can now proudly include myself in that list.
I recently got the chance to visit Canberra, and it really changed my perception of the nation’s capital.
Sitting just a three-hour drive from Sydney is the Australian Capital Territory, is what I can now describe as a utopic version of Sydney.
The hotel
I stayed at the boutique hotel Ovolo Nishi. This stylish and quirky hotel is a must stay when you are in Canberra. The décor is vintage and gives a high-class experience to anyone who walks in.
I got there on a Friday afternoon, a little bit tired after a day’s work and a three-hour drive to Canberra, ready to head to my hotel room and crash for the night but my plans were changed very quickly. I instead decided to head down to the bar area to sip on a glass of prosecco and listen to the live music. It felt like a classic hotel experience, with low lighting and lovely music all coming together to create an inviting atmosphere.
“LOW LIGHTING AND LOVELY MUSIC ALL CAME TOGETHER TO CREATE AN INVITING ATMOSPHERE”
I got to stay in the Creative Sun room, which was so spacious and felt really decadent. It was a unique wedge shape design with incredible art, a sunlit bathroom and a beautiful bed. One of the best parts of the room was the blinds that went up and down via a button you could reach while in bed, that's not something I have at home! I have truly never felt so comfortable and at home in a hotel room before.
I cannot recommend this hotel enough for those visiting Canberra. Not only is the actual hotel amazing, but the location is enough to get me to come back. It is just a five-minute drive to Australian Parliament House and the National Museum. Everything else is just a short drive from the CBD including the Australian War Memorial.
The food
I ate exclusively at Ovolo Nishi’s in house restaurant Monster. It focuses on fresh and quality ingredients giving exploding flavour and so many options.
It has so many options for all meals of the day, and I truly can’t make any complaints about the food options at Ovolo Nishi. Make sure you eat here.
My favourite was definitely the pesto pasta paired with a cool glass of prosecco.
What to do
There is so much to do in Canberra. In fact, I found myself having too much to do in too little time.
I started by heading to the National Museum of Australia to check out the Pompeii exhibition. This is a must experience in Canberra right now. It is a multi-sensory immersive experience that combines a 360-degree recreation of the volcanic eruption with over 90 items from the ancient city. As a self-proclaimed history buff, this was such an amazing experience. Seeing casts of those who perished in the eruption to mosaics and items that are over 2,000 years old was so incredible. This exhibit is on until May 4.
The other highlight on my tour of Canberra was visiting the Australian War Memorial. This was a special experience for me for a few reasons, my father served many years in the Air Force and now, my older brother is serving
The room at Ovolo Nishi.
The sunlit bathroom at Ovolo Nishi.
The unique decor in the room at Ovolo Nishi.
BE BACK ON YOUR TRAVEL LIST
in the Army. It is always really important to me to recognise and pay respects to our country’s military history. Again, this is a must visit when you next find yourself in the nation’s capital.
I spent a few hours walking around the exhibit visiting the World War One and World War Two galleries, The Hall of Valour, The Holocaust exhibit as well as the new Cold War Gallery and Afghanistan exhibit. There is so much detail put into these exhibits, and it really reflects the experience of the men and women who fought for our country. I found myself in tears reading the stories of
Australians who had died in prisoner of war camps during World War Two. This is open year-round and free to enter but I do recommend donating whatever you can on entry so the memorial can continue on.
Overall
Canberra was a sneaky highlight to the start of my year. I never thought to visit Canberra before but now I can’t stop recommending it to any who will listen. From the ease of navigating the city to the food and drink scene to the experiences you can have. Put it back on your list.
The Australian War Memorial.
The multi-sensory experience of the volcanic eruption at the Pompeii exhibit.
The cast of those who perished in the volcanic eruption at the Pompeii exhibit.
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Apps and much more on our store.
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: LIBRARIES
ACCESS
ACQUISITIONS
ARCHITECTURE
BODLEIAN
CARDS
CIRCULATION
CLASSIFICATION
INDEX
INFORMATION
INSTITUTION
INTERNET
LENDING
LIBRARIANS
MAPS
MOBILE
PERIODICALS
READING ROOM
REFERENCE
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TECHNICAL
THEOLOGICAL
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about Radio 2GB in this week’s special trivia quiz...
1. Who presents the breakfast program on 2GB?
2. Which long-time broadcaster who topped the ratings for some two decades retired from 2GB at the end of last year?
3. What is the name of the popular rugby league program that 2GB has produced on weekends for decades?
4. Which Panthers legend appears daily on Clinton Maynard’s Sydney Now program?
5. Who is 2GB’s Drive news reader?
6. Recently making the switch from FM to AM is which presenter who now hosts mid-dawns on 2GB?
Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or
But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These
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.
