NEW WEBSITE FOR DEMENTIA SUPPORT
PPARRAMATTA LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS
ARRAMATTA is now home to a new Return and Earn depot designed to make recycling eligible bottles, cans and cartons easier than ever before. Parramatta Return and Earn Depot – the 15th return point in the Parramatta council area – was opened last week attended by local community groups and charities, including Ronald McDonald House Charity, Feel the Magic and The Smith Family. More inside.
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PARRAMATTA is now home to a new Return and Earn depot designed to make recycling eligible bottles, cans and cartons easier than ever before.
Parramatta Return and Earn Depot – the 15th return point in the Parramatta council area – was opened last week attended by local community groups and charities, including Ronald McDonald House Charity, Feel the Magic and The Smith Family.
The staffed depot features the latest ‘tip and go’ technology, which can process up to 100 containers a minute, without the need to pre-sort containers.
The depot also has standard Return and Earn machines ideal for recyclers with smaller amounts of drink containers to get their container refunds.
Recyclers can print a voucher for the refund amount, which can be redeemed at Woolworths for a discount on their shopping or for cash, or opt for an e-voucher or payment directly into
their bank or PayPal account using the Return and Earn app.
Locals can also donate their refund to one of over 600 donation partners listed on the Return and Earn app, including Feel the Magic, which offers a range of support programs designed to help children cope with the loss of a loved one.
Alternatively, recyclers can donate to the current statewide donation
Tpartner, The Smith Family, who help provide young people experiencing disadvantage with an equal chance to learn, and create better futures through the power of education.
Parramatta Return and Earn Depot is located at 25 Argyle Street, Parramatta. Entry via car to the depot is via O’Connell Street.
NSW Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said: “City of Parramatta
residents are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over 172 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began in 2017.
“More than 16 billion containers have been returned for recycling through the network of over 660 return points across NSW since Return and Earn began, resulting in over $1.6 billion in container refunds back in people’s pockets.”
James Dorney, CEO, network operator TOMRA Cleanaway said the new depot is conveniently located in Parramatta’s central business district.
Danielle Smalley, CEO, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change said over $100M has been raised from donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme launched.
The depot is open daily between 7.00 am to 6.00 pm. For more information on Return and Earn visit: www.returnandearn.org.au
HE NSW Government has launched an Expression of Interest inviting local and international manufacturers to establish or expand NSW facilities producing prefabricated building components and modular housing using Modern
Methods of Construction (MMC). The initiative aims to accelerate the delivery of high-quality homes, boost local manufacturing, strengthen supply chains and create skilled jobs. Government support may include funding, land and procure-
A sacred place of rest for generations
For nearly 160 years, Rookwood Catholic Cemetery has served as a place of peace, remembrance, and tradition - welcoming people of all faiths.
With beautifully landscaped grounds, Rookwood Catholic Cemetery offers families a place to honour life with faith, dignity, and compassion.
ment opportunities. The program follows almost $4M in housing innovation funding and a $1.6M investment in a new regulatory framework for prefabricated housing, with applications closing on 29 July 2026.
› Dedicated Catholic lawns and historic chapels
› Selection of high-quality monument services and packages
› Sydney’s only Catholic crematorium
› Monthly and special Masses for All Souls, Mother’s Day, & more
› Grief Care support, workshops, and remembrance events
TWO migrants form Pendle Hill and Auburn have transformed their lives from new arrivals searching for work into successful transport business owners, thanks to opportunities created through community food network Box Divvy.
After arriving in Australia in 2013 as a refugee from Sri Lanka, Sugan faced the challenges common to many migrants.
Following time in detention centres on Christmas Island and in Weipa, he accepted whatever work he could find, including farm labour, tiling and rendering, before eventually moving into the transport industry.
His fortunes changed when he connected with Box Divvy, a community-based food network that delivers fresh produce and groceries to neighbourhood hubs across NSW, the ACT and Victoria.
After saving enough to buy his first truck, Sugan approached Box Divvy founder Anton van den Berg seeking regular delivery work. Within months, he had secured consistent contracts, but the relationship soon extended beyond employment.
"Anton always encouraged me to build something of my own," Sugan said. "He would talk to me about when it made sense to buy another truck, how to set
things up properly and what I needed to do if I wanted to grow."
Today, Sugan owns two trucks, works with three drivers and contractors, and supplements his income with additional weekend transport work.
The support also extended into his personal life. When applying for Australian citizenship, 11 local Box
Divvy Hub members provided character references, reflecting the strong community connections he had built.
A similar journey has been experienced by Auburn resident Sahil, who arrived in Australia on a student visa in 2014 to study information technology. After working in food delivery, trolley collection and transport, he joined Box Divvy in 2017 and spent several years learning the industry while saving for his own truck.
With encouragement and practical business advice from van den Berg, Sahil established Ivaan Transport, which now operates five trucks and employs six drivers.
Van den Berg said helping people establish their own businesses has always been part of Box Divvy's philosophy.
"We've always believed business success should create opportunities for the people around us as well," he said.
Now operating more than 360 neighbourhood Hubs and supporting over 14,000 households, Box Divvy says its success is not only delivering affordable fresh food but also helping people build businesses, create jobs and strengthen their local communities.
NEW analysis has found replacing the NSW Emergency Services Levy (ESL) with a broadbased property levy would save households and businesses money while improving insurance affordability. Commissioned by the Insurance Coun-
cil of Australia, the report estimates more than two million households would benefit, delivering $460M in annual welfare gains and reducing economic costs by $500M. Most households would save at least $55 a year, while disaster-prone regional homeowners, pen-
sioners, strata residents and small businesses would see even greater savings. The reform could also enable an additional 82,000 households to take out building insurance and 320,000 to obtain contents insurance, boosting the state's resilience to natural disasters.
Enjoy seasonal food and wine, live entertainment, conversations with residents of The Cambridge and guided tours of our beautifully designed shared spaces, apartments and amenities.
When: Saturday 11 July | 9 am, 11.30 am, 2 pm
Location: 8 Cambridge Street, Epping, 2121, Sydney
RSVP: Please call our friendly team on 02 9072 4939
Bookings are essential, secure your spot today.
Levande The Cambridge
PARRAMATTA is a step closer to bringing its vision for a vibrant, 24-hour CBD to life after securing a $195,000 Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) Kickstart Grant to develop and deliver a trial SEP in the heart of the City.
The grant supports NSW councils to establish SEPs, including planning processes, acoustic guidelines and community engagement for sustainable night-time precincts.
The trial will enable extended trading hours, support live music and
performance, later opening shops, food and drink premises, businesses, creative spaces and community facilities, and offer a range of incentives including reduced liquor licence fees and access to extra hours for music venues.
Building on Parramatta’s Late Night Trading Development Control Plan and the City’s long-term Parramatta 2050 vision, the trial precinct will support extended trading, live entertainment, and a more diverse night-time economy and activated city centre.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the funding sup-
ports Parramatta’s continued transformation into a leading destination for culture, entertainment and nightlife in Western Sydney.
“This is a big win for Parramatta and a major step towards becoming a truly vibrant, 24-hour CBD for everyone to enjoy,” Cr Zaiter said.
“We’re already on the map for food, culture and entertainment, and this funding will help unlock even more opportunities for live music, entertainment and local businesses after dark.
“We’re focused on creating a City that people can enjoy day and night,
supporting jobs, culture and a safe, exciting night-time economy.”
The SEP trial will focus on Parramatta CBD, bringing together businesses, artists and the community while supporting a well-managed night-time environment.
The initiative is supported by the NSW Government’s Special Entertainment Precinct Kickstart Grant Program Round 2, delivered by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.
For more information, visit Participate Parramatta.
NOMINATIONS for this year’s Parramatta Local Business Awards have now closed, and an outstanding number of votes have been placed by the local community.
Our team has tallied the votes and are busy notifying finalists of their success and sending out finalist packs in the mail.
Precedent Productions Managing Director and Awards Founder Steve Loe would like to congratulate each finalist and thank them for the exceptional goods and services they provide for the Parramatta community.
Mr Loe said: “Being selected as a finalist in the Local Business Awards is a phenomenal achievement and can provide a huge psychological and practical boost for local businesses owners and their staff”.
Business finalists are now able to complete their online finalist questions and submit any additional information they feel may be relevant to judges.
Mystery shoppers will be sent out to each business to assess goods and services from a customer’s point of view, evaluating product range, value for money, and quality of service.
This information is judged by a panel of anonymous, impartial representatives who will select category winners.
The winners will be announced live at the Awards Presentation Evening held on Tuesday, 4 August 2026 at The Epping Club.
The Presentation Evening grants a night of celebration for business owners, their staff, and their loved ones, as well as an exceptional networking opportunity for all businesses, partners, and dignitaries involved.
Mr Loe thanked this year’s Presenting Partner: Commonwealth Bank, Major Partner: NOVA Employment, and Support Partners: The Epping Club and Bx Networking who have thrown their support behind the local business community and the Parramatta awards program.
He also thanksed long standing media partner, The Parramatta Times. The Times produces the finalists and winners editions each year.
hello@agilityprint.com.au
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Bollywood Dance Company (BDC) is an organisation operating in Australia with centres in Melbourne and Sydney. We work with the motto of “Celebrating Dance, Arts, and Culture” and have an expert faculty. BDC’s Founder Directors and Principal Instructors Vihang Nikalje, Darshan Pawar and Sohini Banerjee started their careers in Mumbai and have worked In the Indian Film Industry aka Bollywood. They bring in their extensive global travel and performance experiences of over 22 years to their teaching.
BDC aims to bring Indian culture & heritage to all the dance lovers in Australia by delivering & incorporating the best training methods for its students. We stand in solidarity with the Traditional owners of the unceded lands on which we practice and perform (known as ‘Australia’) and advocate for greater South Asian representation, cultural and linguistic diversity, racial equity, and intersectional inclusion.
Jacine M is the founder and lead artist of Madame DaVinci, an internationally awardrecognised fine art studio specialising in bespoke freehand hyper-realistic artwork. Renowned for exceptional attention to detail and artistic precision, Jacine creates photorealistic, museum-quality portraiture, memorial commissions, faith-based artworks, wildlife, architecture, and bespoke fine art that preserves life's most meaningful moments. Every piece is meticulously handcrafted to honour legacy, capture emotion, and become a timeless heirloom treasured for generations.
madamedavinci@yahoo.com
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok: @jacine_m www.madamedavinci.com.au Madame DaVinci – Fine Art Studio
Preserving memories. Celebrating legacy. Creating timeless works of art.
Everyone thinks you're coping so well. That's exactly the problem.
Snapping at the people you love? Lying awake at 3am? Quietly exhausted from holding it all together? Whatever you're carrying, it doesn't have to stay this way — and you don't have to work it out alone.
REVOLUTION PSYCHOLOGY · Boutique psychology in North Parramatta
We're Cassie and Clint — the psychologists you'd actually be talking to. Over 40 years of combined experience, in a small practice built on purpose: you see the same familiar face each time, and you're treated like a person, not a diagnosis.
Trauma · anxiety & depression · eating disorders · men's mental health · couples therapy · veterans & first responders · sport & performance · adult ADHD · personal growth
This month, book online for a free 15-min phone call to see if we're the right fit. No referral needed. No pressure. Services offered in person and telehealth, Australia-wide.
52 Sorrell Street, North Parramatta 0402 041 323 www.revolutionpsychology.com.au Instagram: @revolution.psychology Facebook: Revolution Psychology
Reaching out can feel like the hardest part. We try to make it the easiest.
AUSTRALIA Post is inviting eligible not-for-profit organisations across New South Wales to apply for Community Grants of up to $10,000 to support locally led projects that strengthen social connection and improve mental health and wellbeing. An additional $250,000 has been set aside for disaster-impacted communities. Since 2019, more than 530 grants have been awarded nationwide. Applications close at 11.59pm (AEST) on Monday, 6 July 2026, with successful applicants announced in September. Guidelines and applications are available via Australia Post Community Grants Program.
THE Australian Medical Association is calling for urgent reforms and increased funding to improve healthcare for Australians living in residential aged care. The AMA says funding shortfalls, regulatory barriers and poor digital integration are preventing GPs from providing regular care, leading to avoidable hospital admissions and poorer health outcomes. AMA President Danielle McMullen said a GP-led collaborative model, better funding, stronger digital systems and improved workforce support are needed to ensure aged care residents receive timely, coordinated healthcare.
INDIGENOUS Business Australia (IBA) has strengthened First Nations and female representation on its board with the appointments of Bronwyn Dodd,
EMMA Heming Willis (pictured) has shared the emotional toll of Bruce Willis’s diagnosis with Frontotemporal dementia, telling the International Dementia Conference 2026 that her family received little guidance after the diagnosis, leaving them feeling isolated and uncertain. She launched the Australian support website www.raredementia.com.au, developed by HammondCare, to provide information and support for families living with rare dementias. The initiative also aims to raise awareness that dementia includes many conditions beyond Alzheimer’s disease, including FTD, which affects behaviour, personality and language rather than memory in its early stages.
Jessica Bulger and Krista Dunstan. The appointments bring the board to nine directors, including eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and a female majority. The new directors bring expertise in banking, governance, Indigenous leadership, corporate affairs and international trade. IBA Chair Darren Godwell said the appointments reflect the organisation’s commitment to Indigenous economic empowerment, while Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy welcomed their leadership and experience.
RESEARCH from Adelaide University has found that rising jet fuel prices do not automatically lead to higher airfares. Published in
nary recruits are assessed based on gender identity for fitness testing, Mr Shelton argued the military should prioritise combat readiness, merit and national security over gender ideology. He also claimed current policies could affect interoperability with the United States under the AUKUS defence partnership.
TResearch in Transportation Economics, the study shows airfare changes depend on the type of fuel price shock, airline pricing strategies, passenger demand and market competition. While fuel supply disruptions often have little immediate impact on domestic fares, economic growth and oil market uncertainty can affect different ticket classes in different ways. The findings could help shape airline pricing, fuel policy and sustainable aviation planning.
FAMILY First National Director Lyle Shelton has called on the Australian Defence Force to assess personnel according to biological sex rather than affirmed gender. Responding to reports that transgender and non-bi-
HE Pharmacy Guild of Australia says community pharmacies can play a vital role in improving men’s health by providing accessible, early intervention and ongoing care. Australians visit pharmacies every three weeks on average, creating opportunities to identify health issues before they worsen. With three in five men living with a chronic condition, the Guild says pharmacists can help manage physical and mental health concerns. New Movember training will equip pharmacists with the skills to better support men through trusted, community-based care.
RESEARCH by AMPC and CQUniversity has highlighted the wider social value red meat processors deliver to regional communities through jobs, training, school partnerships and career pathways. The study found these contributions are often undermeasured, despite growing consumer interest in industry transparency and positive impact. Examples include Australian Country Choice’s viewing platforms, which allow visitors to observe operations firsthand, and NH Foods Australia’s paid Schoolies Skills Starter program at Oakey, which has helped 172 students gain workplace skills and launch careers since 2006.
Telling stories, celebrating success, inspiring all WISB is about progress. The stories that stem from the rich ecosystem of women growing in and succeeding in businesses across all sectors and all levels.
WWW.WOMNENINSMALLBUSINESS.AU
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/WOMENINSMALLBUSINESS
MICHAEL MOON
If your business runs on tight cashflow, July will test it harder than any month in recent memory.
Payday super went live on 1 July. Super is now due every time you run payroll, landing in your employees' fund within seven business days, and there's no transition period.
Here's the part catching people out: if you were paying super quarterly and timing it to the deadline, your June quarter super is still due by 28 July under the old rules.
So this month you're paying both, close to double the usual super outlay. The June quarter BAS is due 28 July as well.
And from 1 July, the general interest charge on unpaid tax debt rose to 11.43% per annum, compounding daily. It stopped being tax deductible a year ago. On a $100,000 debt, that's roughly $12,000 a year with nothing to claim back.
I know what happens next, because we're already seeing it. A business hits a month like this and someone quietly does triage. Wages get paid. Super gets paid, because the ATO now sees it through payroll reporting almost as it happens. And the BAS slides. Just this once.
I understand the logic. For a long time it genuinely made sense, and plenty of businesses used it deliberately, often with their accountant's blessing. The ATO was the slowest creditor to chase and the interest was deductible, so the tax account became the informal overdraft of Australian small business.
That era is over, and it's worth being fair about why. Collectable debt across the tax system sits at $54.6 billion at the last official count, around twothirds of it owed by small business.
The ATO has been open that pulling that figure down is the priority, and every change of the past two years serves that one goal: stopping debt building up unseen. In the long run, most businesses will be better for it, with no quarter-end shocks, cleaner books and no ugly surprise when you refinance or sell.
But right now we're in the transition, and transitions are hardest on businesses that entered them already
stretched.
You can see the strain in the numbers: complaints to the Tax Ombudsman jumped 127% this financial year, mostly about debt collection, penalties and interest. The long-term benefit doesn't pay this month's bills.
Meanwhile, the practical reality is that the ATO now moves like a commercial creditor. Follow-up that once took months arrives in weeks, Director Penalty Notices are issued earlier, and
once one lands, the company's debt can become yours personally.
Letting the BAS slide in July means borrowing at the worst rate available, from the creditor most likely to escalate.
So what should you do if July's numbers genuinely don't work?
Treat it as a negotiation. The ATO still does deals with businesses that come early with a credible position, and a properly negotiated payment plan built around your actual cash cycle can run as long as three years.
Timing matters most: get in before a payment is missed, not after, because that's when there's real room to move. In many of the tax debt positions we see, interest and penalties make up 20 to 70% of the total owing, and that portion can often be wound back where the case supports it.
And don't go it alone. The moment tax debt enters the conversation is the moment to talk to someone who deals with the ATO every day. That first conversation often costs nothing. Most specialists, ours included, will talk through your position obligation free, and having it early can change how the next six months go.
What catches too many good businesses is assuming the stakes are lower than they are while the consequences quietly stack: a missed payment becomes a default, a default becomes a notice, a notice becomes a personal liability. That snowball rolls over thousands of businesses every year.
Don't let yours be one of them. Deal with it while it's still a cashflow problem.
CATCH the Parramatta River Ferry (F3) from Parramatta Wharf to Circular Quay, a scenic journey of approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. At Circular Quay, transfer to the Manly Ferry from Wharf 2 or 3 for the 20–30 minutecrossing to Manly Wharf. Services operate regularly throughout the day, and the total journey takes around two hours, depending on your connection. Use an Opal card or contactless credit/debit card to tap on and off for both ferry services, making it a simple, car-free way to reach Manly.
The Gopher Brings Old-World Glamour To Manly. Jo and Ro tell us about the transformed iconic late night venue from Old Manly Boatshed site to the Gopher.
There is something delicious about walking down a dark timber staircase and not being entirely sure what you are about to find.
We left the lights of Manly Corso behind, descended past dark brown timber panelling and arrived in a room that felt like a friendly gentleman’s club with a pint of Guinness in hand and margaritas to boot.
Heavy exposed iron beams run across the ceiling. Inviting leather bench seats. Wool flannel stool covers and dark carpet alongside timber floors. The fit-out is old-world cigar-bar feel, it is warm and full of character.
At 6pm on a Friday night, the room was lively, a few football fans still enjoying themselves. Bob Marley playing in the background. Classic margarita in hand.
A couple of hours later, the crowd transitions into a good mix of ages, locals, groups, couples and people settling in for the evening.
The atmosphere is one of The Gopher’s strongest cards. It has energy without feeling chaotic. The acoustic solo session on stage leans into
Think U2, INXS, Elton John. The kind of soundtrack that keeps the room humming. Some of the crowd swayed. Most didn’t miss a belted-out version of Blister in the Sun
Thanks to a lovely maître d’ whose watchful eye scanned the room constantly, we were served some of the menu’s favourite dishes and after a couple of rounds of food, our bellies were elegantly full.
There was a Snowy Mountain trout dip with crisp bread that was an instant hit to a hungry mouth: smoky, salty, moreish and exactly the sort of thing you want in the middle of a table.
The spicy sausage roll was a standout - a little curry warmth running through it and pepper seeds scattered over the top. Rich, comforting and unapologetically tasty.
An Irish favourite, scotched egg in deep fried bread, fisherman’s pie with mash that felt properly hearty and the dish that lingered, the slow-cooked lamb medallions on mash. It fell apart on the fork and again in the mouth, soft, generous and deeply satisfying.
The Gopher is not trying to be a polished fine-diner or another airy coastal venue. Its appeal is in the descent, the darkness, the leather, the noise, the nostalgia and the feeling that you have stumbled into somewhere with a bit of pulse. We left with full bellies, music ringing in our ears, and the sense that Manly has gained something it needed, a lively late-night room with grit, charm and proper personality.
The Gopher is known for its live music program, with performances on most evenings and later sessions on Fridays and Saturdays. So if you're planning a weekend visit from Parramatta, it's an ideal stop for dinner and drinks before catching an evening ferry back to Circular Quay (and then a train to Parramatta if you're staying later than the last Parramatta River ferry).
• Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection - Overlooking Manly Beach, this premium beachfront hotel offers stylish rooms, a rooftop pool and easy access to The Corso and coastal walks.
• Peppers Manly Beach - Spacious apartment-style accommodation just moments from the sand, ideal for families and longer beach escapes.
• The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach –Contemporary studios and apartments opposite the beach, with pools and an unbeatable location near cafés, restaurants and Manly Wharf.
• Stay at Hotel Steyne - Boutique rooms above one of Manly's most iconic pubs, perfect for travellers wanting to stay in the heart of the action.
Shelly Beach Walk. The Shelly Beach Walk begins at Manly Surf Club, at the southern end of Manly Beach, and wraps gently around the coastline to Shelly Beach. Flat, easy and suitable for all ages, this popular 15-minute stroll delivers rock pools, glistening ocean views and plenty of salty air. While it can get busy, there is room for all. When you reach Shelly Beach, climb the headland for a beautiful lookout across the Northern Beaches, or settle in for coffee by the water. It is stunning at sunrise, golden in the afternoon and always full of life. Catch the Manly ferry from Circular Quay and make it a perfect half-day coastal escape. This is a
wheelchair friendly walk.
The Spit to Manly Walk. Beginning beneath Spit Bridge, this iconic 10km harbour walk winds through bushland, secluded beaches and Sydney Harbour National Park before finishing at vibrant Manly Wharf. Along the way you'll discover Aboriginal rock engravings, tranquil coves, native wildlife and spectacular harbour lookouts, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim or picnic. Allow around three to four hours to complete the walk at a relaxed pace, making it one of Sydney's most rewarding coastal experiences. It follows natural and manmade stairs and hills and is not wheelchair friendly. Manly to Freshwater Beach Walk Starting at Manly Surf Club, this 2km coastal walk follows the oceanfront north along Manly Beach before continuing to Freshwater Beach, where Australian surfing history began. The paved pathway offers uninterrupted ocean views, ocean pools, cafés and grassy picnic spots, making it ideal for families, casual walkers and anyone wanting a shorter seaside escape. Allow around 30-40 minutes one way, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee, swim or simply soak up the relaxed Northern Beaches atmosphere. Please note the Manly to Freshwater section of the walk is uphill and follows paved stairs. It is not good for wheelchair access.
BY RHYLLA MORGAN, PHOTOS BY TONY HARRINGTON
IF you’ve dreamed of escaping to the alps for fresh snow, indulgent hot chocolate and the tinkle of sleigh bells on huskies – the good news is you can experience all of this with a one hour flight to Melbourne and a beautiful 3-hour drive through wine country.
Mt Buller is the most accessible alpine resort in Australia, and you don’t need a visa or jetlag to feel like you’ve had an international holiday.
There are also some savvy ways to get a mountain of value from your snow dollar – with a little planning and know-how.
Embrace off-peak. The snow season starts in June and stretches into early October, so look for deals in early winter and savings in Spring – which also has the added bonus of longer and sunnier days. Hello Aperol spritz on the balcony and getting a goggle tan!
Don’t forget mid-week which is consistently less busy and when you can find accommodation and lift passes significantly less expensive than weekends. At Mt Buller many accommodation venues offer Kids Stay Free deals in June and September.
Go online, and get in early. Like everything nowadays, it pays to plan ahead to snap up lift passes, accommodation and lock in lessons before you travel. Mt Buller has skiing for adults available from just $121 and kids (that’s all the way up to 18 years old at Mt Buller) can ski from just $73 a day.
Never skied before? Check out a First Timer lesson for adults from just $130. Planning to ski for a week? Check out the 6 Day Any Day pass which is terrific value and valid any day of the season.
Getting there. Mt Buller is a 3-hour easy drive from Melbourne and if you’d rather skip the driving there are even coach connections direct from the airport to the slopes. Travelling with friends? Jump in a minivan and car-pool to keep the fuel down and give you someone to play ‘I Spy’ with on the drive up.
Ways to stay. Mt Buller has over 8,000 beds all right up in a pretty alpine village. Most are just a short stroll to the ski slopes and the accessible village has free shuttle buses rolling around to make getting to and fro easy on sometimes weary ski legs!
You’ll find something for different budgets with luxe apartments, cosy hotels and affordable lodge accommodation options with shared facilities and usually a games room for the kids.
Australian skiing was built on the lodge culture which is still going strong – there is something great about sharing a huge pot of spaghetti around a long table, open fires and wild rounds of Uno before piling into bunk beds. Nights to remember. One of the magic parts of winter on Mt Buller are the Twilight sessionsv when dress ups
and glow sticks are encouraged and you can slide on Bourke Street run into the village from 5 – 8.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday nights in July and August for just $37.
All the other things. Skiing and snowboarding is just part of a snow holiday so you’ll want to make time to fit in all the other activities on offer. Catch a movie at the cinema (yes, they have a popcorn machine), meet the huskies and go on a sled dog ride, bounce in the AirZone and scramble up the indoor climbing walls, book in a spa day at Breathtaker on High, look out for winter Olympians training in the resort, book in your own professional photo shoot, hit the shops with everything from ski stuff, fashion, souvenirs, art and even a fully stocked supermarket and discover the adventure of a snowshoe tour to catch the sunrise.
Eat a mountain of delicious food. Mt Buller has around 30+ places to warm up and savour delicious winter fare. You’ll be ready for a piping hot pasta, a crisp schnitzel or a mouthwatering degustation menu at one of the fine dining spots
after a day on the slopes. There are also great spots on and off the slopes for long lunches and a drink with a (seriously stunning) view.
Other tips. if you are not a regular snow traveller ask around and borrow some gear from friends for the first trip
and then buy if you get the bug. Borrow outerwear for your little ones, they’ll be out of it next year. Marketplace is your friend for finding bargains and support your local shops who often have great gear on sale.
Watch the forecast in late season. Spring savings and deals are a thing and if there is late season snowfall you could score a last-minute trip with fresh snow for a serious saving.
Research, research, research. Book direct and bundle it all so there are no surprises. Only buy lift passes direct from Mt Buller as there are online scams. If it’s a lot cheaper it’s probably not real.
Don’t skimp on lessons – one of the best investments for beginners to start safely and enjoy the experience.
FLY – Tullamarine Airport has the best connections with coach services available although Avalon is not much further if you self-drive.
DRIVE – just 3 hours will have you seeing snow from Melbourne, although allow longer if you want to stop for coffees, chocolate tasting and more along the way.
with Emma Wilson
SINCE opening, the new Voco Gosford has attracted plenty of attention. Kerri and husband Brett recently checked in for a night to experience it for themselves.
Rooms With a View
One of the first things we noticed from our room on the ninth floor was the outlook towards the waterfront and nearby Polytec Stadium. Wrap-around windows and a private balcony provided a unique perspective of Gosford.
The room itself felt warm and inviting, with modern furnishings, a comfortable king-sized bed and contemporary bathroom. A stylish tea and coffee station and calming colour palette created a space that was easy to settle in.
Key features
• Waterfront views.
• Private balcony.
• King-sized bed.
• Contemporary bathroom.
• Tea and coffee station.
Rooftop Dining at Astra
Just before sunset, we made our way to Astra on the 28th floor. The Japanese-inspired rooftop venue is one of the hotel’s standout features, with floor-toceiling windows overlooking Brisbane Water and the surrounding coastline.
Among the highlights from the menu was the Ora King Salmon, while the Fleur De Lotus was a standout from the signature cocktail list. For something a little different, The Gulf of Brisbane — Astra’s vibrant blue take on a margarita—pays tribute to the region and was as visually striking as it was enjoyable to drink.
Italian comfort at Paolo’s Dinner followed at Paolo’s Pizzeria on the ground floor. In contrast to Astra’s rooftop atmosphere, Paolo’s offers a relaxed, casual dining experience.
We started with Mushroom Arancini before moving on to Squid Ink Fettuccine with king prawns and Pappardelle with slow-cooked Wagyu brisket, porcini ragu and gremolata. Weekly specials included the Negroni
While exploring the property, we also discovered additional dining venues, including Archies, giving guests several options without needing to leave the hotel.
Breakfast done well
Breakfast at Saltfire Buffet featured an impressive selection of cold items, including prosciutto, smoked
salmon, cheeses, fresh fruit and continental favourites. There was also a generous selection of pastries, cereals and hot breakfast dishes, with eggs cooked to order.
Relax and recharge
Before checking out, we spent time at the fifthfloor pool, heated to 23 degrees and overlooking the Gosford waterfront. With in-pool seating, a beachstyle entry and plenty of lounge chairs, it’s an inviting space to unwind. The fifth floor is also home to the hotel’s gym and sauna.
Key features
• Heated outdoor pool.
• Sauna.
• Gym.
• Multiple dining venues.
• Rooftop bar.
• Waterfront location.
The verdict
What remained most memorable about our stay was not just the quality of the facilities, but the consistency of the service.
From check-in to breakfast, every staff member we encountered was friendly, professional and genuinely focused on making guests feel welcome. Combined with excellent dining, comfortable accommodation and impressive views, voco Gosford delivers an enjoyable stay that we’d happily recommend.
Visit: www.thearchibald.com.au
EMMA WILSON, CBN TRAVEL EDITOR
ITHOUGHT Bondi had no surprises left for me. I’m a Sydneysider, I’ve visited Bondi many times in my life and did a 6 month stint living in Bondi's backstreets back in my twenties.
Staying at Adina Bondi confirmed to me that you can think you know a place, but you can get to know it differently. Tucked discreetly among locals’ haunts in Hall Street, think yoga studios, surf art, and cozy eateries, this was Bondi through a resident’s lens. Adina’s pastel exterior gave way to a warm, timber-toned foyer, with a lap pool and jacuzzi beyond and a lovely garden, ready to laze the afternoon away. The two bedroom suite for my family felt like a home for beach-dwellers and I was bummed I wasn’t throwing a barbecue out on the roomy verandah, because it was ripe for it with the space, the outdoor table and the settee and cushions. The bedrooms are delightful with modern ensuites, living up to Adina’s vision for
stylish relaxed living.
A holiday at Bondi deserves a week, the closest holiday style I've experienced is previous trips to Noosa, in that you could duck and weave into dozens of little boutiques, grab an ice cream, browse for books or jump on a bicycle. This is without even hitting the
iconic main strip facing the ocean.
We enjoyed Sicilian fare for dinner, but the dining choices are endless. Dotted in this local area are local bars full of residents socialising, swapping stories and making life plans.
In the morning, we donned running shoes with our daughter and ran to Tamarama and back, stopping constantly to point out dolphins and take photos of the ocean, moody and beautiful.
Breakfast called for a full Aussie breakfast at Bills, with fresh orange juices and coffees. An unhurried casual breakfast, post-exercise is one of life’s finest pleasures.
Had we known the blueberry pancakes had a reputation of their own, we would have tried them, but we already promised ourselves to return to Bondi again, so Blueberries it will be.
For eClub members please go here www.tfehotels.com/en/ for some amazing winter deals.
JACOB RICHARDSON
MOODY, compelling and absolutely gorgeous to watch (and pretty brutal in equal measure), Sarnoski has crafted a deeply absorbing film that needs to be seen on the big screen.
Robin Hood (Hugh Jackman) is grappling with the inner scars of his past life - the scars of crime, murder and more. But when he agrees to help Little John (Bill Skarsgard) rescue his daughter, he winds up gravely injured in a battle he thought would be his last.
While much of him longed for that glorious death in battle, he instead finds himself in the hands of Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer) who nurses him back to health, and perhaps gives him another chance at finding a death befitting the great Robin Hood.
Michael Sarnoski’s The Death of Robin Hood isn’t going to be for everyone. It’s a subtle, sometimes wordless piece, that dives in on the visuals and introspection more so than the blood, guts and swashbuckling gore of legend. But it’s all the better for it.
The film opens on a desolate scene. A young woman, traipsing across an inhospitable landscape, in search of a man who murdered her kin.
Around the only fire for miles, she
and Robin have a double meaning laden back and forth, and it leads to a brutal murder.
The screen itself seems cold with the depiction of the frosty landscape; the music slim but pulsating. I
t’s a perfect encapsulation of everything this movie is. It doesn’t take the time to baby you through the brutality of its action, or the inner monologue of its lead character. It shows you what
it can, what it wants to, and lets you figure out the rest.
Across the board, the cast is nothing short of spectacular. Bill Skarsgard is unrecognizable as Little John. Jodie Comer plays a saintly healer with a broken heart with nuance and humanity that never leaves her even in anger.
Murray Bartlett brings a wealth of pain, understanding and hope to his performance as a Leper - even with
only his eyes visible. But they all pale in comparison to Hugh Jackman, who has never been better.
The incomparable lined face of the man reveals deep wells of thought and emotion, alongside the occasional flick of his eyes, that do more to make this story work than any additional dialogue ever could.
But that’s not to say this is a soft film. This is a lot more brutal than you might be expecting. The action in the first half of this film is completely devastating; Sarnoski doesn’t shy away from what an actual fight to the death looks like.
And it will have you wincing and wanting more in equal measure. And its visual aplomb is matched by the incredible cinematography, and the gorgeous costume and set design.
Ultimately, the film ends with a whimper more than bang, but in that way it perfectly mirrors Robin’s own journey. Complex, nuanced, heart pumping and breaking in equal measure, this is a feast for the eyes and soul.
The Death of Robin Hood won’t be for everybody. But if you’re a fan of this sort of introspective period piece with stunning cinematography and a compelling lead performance, give it a chance in the dark of a cinema where it can envelope you as it should. FIVE STARS
15 Clark Kent’s alter ego (8)
17 Directed the 2019 film Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Quentin – (9)
2 Kids’ series about a girl and her successful web show (6)
4 Studio behind classics like The Little Mermaid and Cinderella (6)
8 Actor who plays president Bartlet in The West Wing (6,5)
9 Thespian (5)
10 Acting sisters Elizabeth, Mary-Kate and Ashley (5)
11 Cold country in which Trapped is set (6)
Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.
12 – Bonham Carter played Queen Elizabeth in The King’s Speech (6)
14 French actor who played Philippe in The Intouchables, François – (6)
15 — Osbourne, panelist on The Talk (6)
16 Animated series, –: The Last Airbender (6)
18 Game show, Catch– (6)
21 Ricky Gervais comedy series (6)
24 Setting for Frasier (7)
26 Animated penguin (5)
27 Macaulay Culkin’s family classic, Home – (5)
28 4-across’ Hamlet adaptation (3,4,4)
29 Law & Order: SVU detective Olivia – (6)
30 Lead in Grey’s Anatomy, Ellen – (pictured) (6) DOWN
1 English actor who plays Chief Worth in Tin Star (3,4)
2 Star of Luther and The Wire (5,4)
3 Ygritte in Game of Thrones, Rose – (6)
4 Sarah Rafferty’s character in Suits, – Paulsen (5)
5 Kerry Washington plays a fixer in this (7)
6 8-across’ birth name, Ramón – (7)
7 Criminal Minds and Grandfathered actress, Paget – (8)
13 Alison Brie in Community (5)
14 Quiz show, The – (5)
19 Eighties heartthrob known for Parks and Recreation and The Outsiders (3,4)
20 2015 comedy starring Amy Poehler and Tina Fey (7)
22 American playwright, Preston – (7)
23 Actor who plays the ringmaster in Dumbo, Danny – (6)
25 Late Star Trek film actor, – Yelchin (5)
1. In which year was Dunst born?
A. 1979 B. 1982
1985
1988
2. Which film made her a childhood star?
The Piano
Romeo + Juliet
Cool Runnings D. Interview with the Vampire
3. How
A. Three B. Two
C. None
D. Four
4. Dunst starred in a music video for which Aussie band?
A. Savage Garden
B. Powderfinger
C. Jet
D. None of the above
