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FIND YOUR SPRING DELIGHT NEW LISTINGS FROM OUR FAVOURITE LOCAL AGENTS INSIDE
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äěěĆĢú͡ ÙŖűĆĢú ĩŅ ŅäĢőĆĢúͧ 9623 4033 | 200 QUEEN STREET, ST MARYS 9834 1044 | SHOP 1/46-52 MELVILLE ROAD, ST CLAIR
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FEATURE STORY Western Property
GOING THE EXTRA MILE (OR TWO) FOR HIS CLIENT W
hat do you do when the seller asks can you fly to Ankara, Turkey, to complete the sale? Say yes and jump on a plane. That was the response from Morris Short, broker owner of RE/MAX Xtra in Parramatta. Short had a Sydney client wishing to sell a commercial property in Turkey. He reached out to ‘sister’ agency, RE/MAX Lot in Ankara, to provide all resources necessary to enable the successful transaction. With a sale agreement in place, the physical title deed needed to be taken to Turkey to finalise the transaction. “This all began around three years ago,” Short explained, “when the seller’s daughter walked into our Paramatta office and asked whether we were the same RE/MAX that sells in Turkey.” For one reason or another, mostly relating to pandemic restrictions, nothing progressed back then.
“In June this year, she returned to our office with her elderly mother, and I got things underway with RE/MAX Lot,” Short said. “In less than eight weeks a sale price had been agreed on and all the paperwork was in order… all except the fact that the original title has to be sighted by the Title Office in Turkey.” With neither of the ladies in the position to be able to travel with the document, they asked Short could he do so on their behalf, covering the airfare cost. “It was then straight to the Turkish Consulate in Woollahra, I was given Power of Attorney, and left for Ankara on Saturday, September 16 after a morning of open inspections,” he said. “When I arrived, my counterpart at RE/ MAX Lot, broker owner Can Alisbah, ensured everything was lined up and ready to roll. “Monday the 18th was a whirlwind of meetings – with the tax department, with the Notaries Office, with a government authorised passport translator and other offices and
officials. By Tuesday lunch time it was done. I flew back to Australia on Thursday the 21st.” Short said it was a huge team effort from the seven of them involved in the transaction. “The language barrier was significant but fortunately one of the RE/MAX Lot agents spoke excellent English as did the broker owner’s wife,” he said.
“IT IS ALL ABOUT PEOPLE AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP THEM”
“RE/MAX Lot also has a compliance officer on its team and that person resides in the Titles Office and effectively walks through the transfer of title with each agent who brings their seller and buyer to him. “Once the original title was sighted in the Titles Office, I signed some paperwork and a new title was handed to the buyer. We organised the transfer of monies to the seller in Parramatta.” The empty office space sold for around $190,000 AUD. Short said he wasn’t doing it for the commission. “It is all about people and what you can do to help them. Though flying from one side of the world to another isn’t insignificant – and I did ask myself about 12 hours into the first leg of around 18.5 hours total flight time just what was I thinking – it really is ‘little’ things that mean the most!” he said. The unusual sale proceeding has given Short a personal experience of the power of the global RE/MAX network. “It is hard to put into words what it felt like walking into RE/MAX Lot, in a completely different country, but feeling like you still had your own team around you,” he said. “Walking into Lot felt immediately like home. I was greeted with open arms, quite literally.” If you had a private jet and flew in the fastest possible straight line, the flight distance between Sydney and Ankara is 9,070 miles or 14,596 kilometres. You might say Morris Short went more than the extra mile for his client!
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the western weekender » Friday, November 3, 2023
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5HTXHVW $ 4XRWH 7RGD\
1 / 3 PULLMAN PLACE, EMU PLAINS
BUY OF THE WEEK Western Property
EXCELLENT COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY BECKONS What is so great about this property? This front unit offers excellent access via three roller doors. This also allows the flexibility to split into two tenancies.
Who does this property suit? This unit suits a wide range of users under the E4 General Industrial zoning including manufacturing, warehousing and storage.
Where is the property located? This property is located in the Emu Plains industrial precinct only 1.5km from the M4 motorway.
$1,450,000 EXC GST BUILD SIZE 356sqm (approx.) OPEN FOR INSPECTION Contact Agent CONTACT: InFocus Commercial Real Estate Paul Harvey • 0413 502 014 paul@infocus.sydney
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BEFORE
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Friday, November 3, 2023 « the western weekender
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APARTME
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ORAN PARK
This is your last opportunity to secure a luxury apartment in the prestigious Metro precinct, centrally positioned in the heart of the Oran Park community. Generously sized, this 3-bedroom apartment features ample floor space, sophisticated style and the finest finishes. Built in partnership with the award-winning Allen Jack + Cottier Architects and currently under construction with Richard Crookes Construction, the residence is completed to a high standard with: •
Miele oven, gas cooktop, rangehood, built-in microwave oven and dishwasher plus striking Parisi tapware, tinted mirror splashback and Caesarstone benchtop centrepiece
•
Ceramic tile floor throughout with carpet to bedrooms
•
Ground floor entry, two levels of secure parking and a communal rooftop with barbeque facilities
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Interior
111sqm
Exterior
33sqm
Total
144sqm
Price
$829,500
9043 7500 metrocentral.oranparktown.com.au
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the western weekender » Friday, November 3, 2023
View the Display Apartment by appointment Open 9am – 5pm | Cnr Oran Park Dr & Peter Brock Dr, Oran Park
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2-STOREY HOME WITH A RANGE OF AMENITIES • 6 generous-sized BRs, all fitted with BIRs • 3 BRs down & 3 up • Study or sitting area upstairs • Multiple living & entertaining areas all filled with natural light • Contemporary kitchen with breakfast bar • Separate dining area • Main bathroom with separate toilet • Separate laundry • Fireplace • Sauna/steam room • Pool • Oversized under cover carport • Spacious backyard • Concreted driveway • Located in a quiet cul-de-sac • Nestled on a 705.5sqm block
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Honest, Tenacious and Caring
An excellent agent that deserves a high recommendation
“ Our sale was a long process. Properties around us on much smaller
blocks were selling well but Gizzelle never suggested that we drop our expectations for a quick sale. We had time to get the right buyer at the right price. Many of the people who viewed the property commented on Gizzelle’s friendly and professional demeanor and at all times she had our interests in the foreground. At no time did I ever consider changing agents. Unlike other agents, Gizzelle doesn’t criticise other agents’ methods and keeps a very professional attitute toward her competitors. I will be recommending Gizzelle to anyone who is looking for an agent who will do her utmost to get the best sale possible. – LYNNE & MARIO, LEONAY
”
– Verified by RateMyAgent
Thinking of Selling, Buying or Investing? Call or SMS Gizzelle on 0428 934 618
She was highly recommended by a very close friend. From the first day that I met her I noticed that she was very upfront and honest, no speculations but just stating the facts of what the market looks like. She was very keen to give her honest opinion in appraising the property and did not hesitate to give me some pointers as to how I could increase the value to a certain level of which I gladly followed without any hesitations. She is not too pushy in order to achieve their percentage. – Verified by RateMyAgent Thinking of Selling or Investing? Please give me a call or SMS Litsa on 0466 969 164
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Professional Cleaning Services Regular or one-off Cleaning FULLY ORGANISED TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR CLEANING
Spring Cleaning Move in / Move out Cleans
OrganisedCleaning.com.au 52
the western weekender » Friday, November 3, 2023
0404 554 247
WW51409
Call Organised Cleaning to do your domestic or commercial cleaning
Penrith Greater Region and Blue Mountains FOR SALE
LI NEW ST IN G
69 Second Avenue, Kingswood
Dual Income – House & Granny Flat • Dual income investment opportunity • Spacious 3 bedroom house • Updated kitchen & bathroom • 2 bedroom granny flat
5
• Modern & spacious design • Good-size backyard • Directly opposite Western Sydney University • 5-min drive to hospital, Kingswood Station, local shops & schools
2
3
$1,069,950 INSPECT By Appointment ADDRESS 69 Second Avenue, Kingswood CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100
penrithprofessionals.com.au 02 4725 3100 253 High Street, Penrith Friday, November 3, 2023 « the western weekender
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Our ‘Floors by design’ sale features savings on over 20 hard flooring styles and designs. Visit us in-store or view at choicesflooring.com Choices Flooring Penrith
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131 Coreen Ave, Penrith (02) 4731 4242
S P A• S E R V I C E S
For all your spa service needs
Matt: 0407 700 981 • Electronic Control • Spa Filters Panels • Chemicals • Spa Heaters • Spa Pumps • Maintenance • Air & Water Jets / • Friendly Advice Blowers • Service & Repair
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E: platinumspaservice@gmail.com | www.platinumspaservices.com.au
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the western weekender » Friday, November 3, 2023
Penrith Finalist
SYDNEY METRO, NSW $220K LESS THAN ASKING $1.8M ASKING PRICE $1.58 PURCHASE PRICE
AT GET FAIR PROPERTY, WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON BEING PROPERTY BUYING SPECIALISTS Would you like to save: • Save Time & Money – Spend it on what matters most • Avoid Stress – Live a healthy life • Avoid costly mistakes – Go forward, not backwards
Reach out to us for an obligation-free chat!
$1.72M CURRENT VALUATION | MADE $140K IN 6 MONTHS STATS Comparables- $1.7M | Lot size- 700 sqm | Walk to train stations & local school BENEFITS -Saved most important commodity, TIME + Money -Purchased in 5 weeks since getting onboard -Saved client from purchasing a Dud
Property Buying Expert, assisting you to purchase a Fair property at a Fair price We are an experienced Buyer’s Agency helping people who are: -Looking to invest in a property Australia wide -Looking to purchase your family home in Sydney We will work with the Buyer to provide a best deal, by securing them a property on or off market! Nish Reddy
Director Principal Buyer’s Agent
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Scan me!
CONTACT US TO BEGIN YOUR PROPERTY JOURNEY
95B Station Street, Penrith | 0422 99 1234 | getfairproperty.com.au Friday, November 3, 2023 « the western weekender
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BROKING BREAKDOWN The Experts
PLAY SCROOGE WITH THOSE CREDIT CARDS A
MARK STEVENSON Bell Partners Finance bellpartnersfinance.com.au
s it looks like we are facing another Christmas weighed down by cost-of-living increases and even a further hike in official interest rates, it will be tempting for many people to dive into more credit card debt to make ends meet. According to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), total credit card debt in Australia currently stands at around $40.57 billion, based on the total balance of all cards. While this is down considerably from the peak of more than $52 billion in 2018, credit card usage in Australia has never been higher. Following a relatively brief lull during the COVID-19 pandemic, spending has
surged to almost $35 billion per month. That’s almost 20 per cent higher than it was pre-pandemic. With no let up in increases to fuel prices and many other essentials, it seems there will again be less Christmas cheer for many people struggling to pay their bills. In previous Broking Breakdown columns, I have stressed I am not anti-credit cards. They have their place, although according to RBA data the average credit card interest rate is almost 18 per cent. This looks extravagant when compared to just under eight per cent for a fixed term personal loan. Credit cards need to be handled with care. If
you are disciplined, only use them for purchases and not cash advances. If you can, pay off the balance in full during the interest free period, and then there can be great benefits from using the cards through rewards and points programs.
If you have overspent on a credit card, there is the option to reduce the debt into a home loan or personal loan at a lower rate, and also a loan that will be repaid over time. If you do end up getting into strife with a credit card, do not to hesitate to
call your bank and say you need hardship support, or do so through a brokerage such as Bell Partners. There are a range of options to get you out of trouble such as deferring payments, reducing payments or lowering your interest rate.
VIEW MARK’S COLUMNS ONLINE AT WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU/AUTHOR/MARKSTEVENSON/
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0415 312 294
• Plastering • High Pressure Driveway Cleans
# >@== >>? @BB
• Concrete Sealing & Painting • Hedging and Tree Maintenance • Concrete Cutting (up to 100mm deep)
• General Handyman Services
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the western weekender » Friday, November 3, 2023
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yardley1804@gmail.com
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Contact David 0415 312 294
SWIM SAFETY The Experts
SAFETY IS A BIG PRIORITY AT SWIMMING LESSONS C
JULIE SHELDRAKE Nepean Aquatic Centre & Eva Bory’s Swim School 4730 8900
hild safety is in the news this week with the launch of a new Government campaign encouraging adult carers to talk to children about the dangers that can face children. The statistics show that educational facilities including schools are an extremely low risk environment – 79 per cent of children who are based in Australia were abused by a relative, friend, acquaintance or neighbour, and only 11 per cent of cases of sexual abuse in children under 15 are perpetrated by a stranger – however one child experiencing such a thing is one child too many, and we take child safety seriously – both in and out of the water. Within the water, swimming lessons are the absolute best way to ensure the safety of your child around water, along with other layers of protection including supervision, barriers such as fences and gates, and learning resuscitation techniques in case they are ever needed. Our babies and early swim levels are focused on safety skills such as being able to turn around, get to the side and exit the pool should a child fall in. Additionally, we maintain low instructor to student ratios in all of our programs, have on deck showers for parents who would prefer to give their children a quick rinse off in their swimming costume if unable to accompany
them into the change rooms, and have strict policies regarding parental supervision in and around the centre, and especially in the water when not participating in a lesson. We also do all within our power to guarantee the personal safety of children within our centres. All of our employees, at all levels of the company, must have a Working with Chil-
dren check before commencing employment with us. Our change room policies are such that there is zero tolerance for cameras, recording devices or even mobile phones to be used in our change rooms, and we ask that school age children use the gender appropriate change room, and provide a family change room at Nepean Aquatic Centre for families with children of both genders. Whilst we encourage that parents capture their own child’s progress on camera, our policies state that no other child is to be included in the image or recording unless express permission has been given by the other child’s parent or guardian – the same applies for sharing pictures of other people’s children on social media, and for our use of students’ images in any promotion or marketing of our centres. As an industry, we also take this issue seriously, with the Australian Swim Schools Association recently engaging leading Child Protection experts, Child Safeguard, to further assist all Member Swim Schools with its child protection policies and procedures. Protecting our children and upholding their safety, is of the highest of importance when working with children, and this most certainly extends to swim teaching, so you know you are in safe hands at our centres.
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FOR ALL AGES McDelivery® is available in select locations.
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Friday, November 3, 2023 « the western weekender
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TALKING TECH The Experts
SHOP SMART AND SAVE BIG FOR CHRISTMAS B
DAVID NORRIS Nortec IT 9894 9514
etween Friday, November 24 and Monday, November 27, one of the most significant sales periods of the year occurs. It is known as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This is a perfect time to snag a bargain for Christmas. Many vendors offer deep discounts and specials throughout the whole weekend. The best deals are released on Friday and again on Monday. It is becoming common for early release specials from mid-November as a teaser to the sales period. You will benefit from between 50-80 per cent off at the following stores: Amazon, eBay, Big W, Myer, The Good Guys, Kogan, David Jones, JB HiFi, BCF, Koala, Rebel, The Iconic, Nike and Chemist Warehouse. You won’t want to miss the biggest and best sale event of the year in Australia. Whether you’re looking for fashion, beauty, tech, homewares, toys or anything else, you’ll find fantastic deals and discounts
from hundreds of online and offline retailers nationwide. Research the items you want to buy well in advance to identify a bargain and move quickly. Check the vendor and retail websites for the product you want, as often retailers make the vendor throw in a gift card or extra warranty. Remember to check the return policies in case you have warranty issues. How to shop smart and save big
on Black Friday 2023 in Australia? You need to be smart and savvy to avoid scams and overspending. Here are some tips to help you get the best deals: • Compare prices across different retailers and websites to find the lowest offer. • Check the product reviews and ratings to ensure the quality and reliability of the item. • Read the terms and condi-
tions of the sale, such as delivery fees, return policies and warranty information. • Set a budget and stick to it. Don’t buy things you don’t need or can’t afford. • Use a secure payment method and avoid sharing your personal or financial details with unknown sellers. • Subscribe to newsletters and follow the social media accounts of your favourite retailers to get notified of their latest deals and promotions. • Use websites that track deals and offer coupons and cashback rewards, such as OzBargain. • A lso, be suspicious of links posted on social media or in SMS or emails with deals too good to be true, as this is a period when scammers are also hard at work. Black Friday in Australia is a shopping event you don’t want to miss. With these tips, you can shop smart and save big on your favourite products.
HEALTH
A RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD
H Fundraising with Entertainment 20% of every Membership we sell, does directly to our fundraising
More ways to enjoy every day From dining to shopping, to travel, get more of what you love & give back to our cause. Share in the good, with up to 50% off & 2 for 1 deals in your city and across Australia and New Zealand.
Support us. Buy your Entertainment Membership today! Western Weekender Order your Memberships online today! www.entbook.com.au/948q083 *Member offers are subject T&Cs. Check individual offers on the Entertainment Membership App or www.entertainment.com.au
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the western weekender » Friday, November 3, 2023
aving a positive and healthy relationship with food is key to long-term change for consuming a nutritious and well balanced diet. Many people overlook this and believe they can make choices in the short-term to have results in the long term. For example, have you or someone you know undertaken a “shake diet” to lose weight, and after a month or even a few months they see great weight loss? They then go back to some of their old eating habits and expect the weight loss to remain, only for the weight to start creeping back on, and more of their old bad eating habits start to creep back in, as they lose motivation, resulting in being of more weight than what they were before they started the “shake diet”? If this is you, you’re not alone, many people try these types of diets, sometimes known as “fad diets” in the hopes that they will reach their health and fitness goals. However, the key to reaching these goals is
to change how you think and feel about food and nutrition. This change will allow you to have long-term success because you’re changing your lifestyle and food choices for good. How to build a better relationship: 1. Find foods that you enjoy in all the important food groups, like the proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vegetables, fruits. It’s so important that we love what we eat, so find the foods you enjoy and consume those. Start investing time in finding these foods by researching recipes on Google or looking on Pinterest for foods that excite you! This will greatly improve food enjoyment which is key to staying on track. 2. Make small changes to your current diet and lifestyle, and avoid making huge changes as this can be overwhelming and hinder your success. 3. Be more aware of how you feel when consum-
The Experts
CANDACE SCIBERRAS One Point Health 4732 5188 ing certain food choices. For example, take note of how you feel after eating a heavy fast food choice vs how you feel after eating a home made meal. You may think that the fast food choice is what you want but how do you feel after eating this type of meal... bloated? Lethargic? Unsatisfied? 4. Let the people around you or close friends know what you’re trying to achieve so they can support you and keep you accountable when you need it. 5. Celebrate the wins, but don’t reward yourself with food. See you next week.
IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce The business of brows: Testing the best brow gels on the market
A
s far as beauty trends are concerned, eyebrows are a surefire way to date a photo. Just looking back at the past few decades, we have the ‘Instagram brows’ of the 2010s – thick, bold and ultra-defined – and the pencil-thin brows of the ‘90s and early 2000s. Currently, fluffy brows are all the rage, with products all aiming to help users replicate the look of eyebrow lamination at home. If this is your goal, there are a few key players in the game – it’s all about working out just which brow gel works best for you. Benefit Cosmetics 24-Hr Brow Setter Invisible Brow Gel When it comes to brows, Benefit Cosmetics is widely known as
the go-to brand. Famous for their variety, which includes cult classic products like Precisely, My Brow Eyebrow Pencil and Gimme Brow+ Brow-Volumising Gel, Benefit can help you create almost any look. For natural-looking, fluffy brows, the 24-Hr Brow Setter Invisible Brow Gel is an obvious choice. The product, which aims to shape and tame brow hairs, whilst also locking in makeup so that your brows don’t ‘pull a disappearing act’, retails for $48 from Sephora, and also comes in a travel size option. THE VERDICT: There’s no denying that this is a good product! The wand really helps to coat the brow hairs evenly, and it leaves your eyebrows shaped yet soft – though this can be a pro or a con,
depending on what you’re after. In saying this, it is definitely on the more expensive side, and I believe there are more cost-effective options out there. ONE/SIZE BrowKiki Clear Nourishing Brow Gel If you haven’t heard of ONE/ SIZE, where have you been for the last few years? ONE/SIZE is a relatively new brand founded by digital creator Patrick Starrr. It has a real focus on artistry, and embodies the message that makeup is a ONE/SIZE fits all. Their clear eyebrow gel, the BrowKiki Clear Nourishing Brow Gel, retails for $34 from Sephora, and is described as a 12-hour waterproof and smudge-proof clear brow gel with coconut oil and castor seed oil to nourish, lift, and feather brows. THE VERDICT: If you’re someone who needs your
eyebrows to stay put all day long, you cannot beat this option! The ONE/SIZE BrowKiki Clear Nourishing Brow Gel does an excellent job at keeping your brows styled, making it perfect not only for long wear, but also for workouts and warm weather. MECCA MAX Brow Guru Power Brow Strong Hold Gel MECCA MAX has just launched their new Brow Guru Power Brow Strong Hold Eyebrow Gel – a classic product with a revolutionary twist. The product is 100 per cent vegan and cruelty-free, with a super-setting glycerin and flax seed oil-spiked formula for brow strength and conditioning. But, what makes it even more special is the innovative dual-ended brush. With this, users are able to saturate their brows with product using the smoothing
doe foot, before brushing them up with the flexi comb. THE VERDICT: Though it may seem like a gimmick at first, I have been pleasantly surprised by the difference the doe foot makes to brow styling. The wand makes it easy to achieve your desired look, and the formula does well to keep your brows set all day. It retails for an affordable $26 at Mecca.
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PET HEALTH The Experts
CAT VACCINE SHORTAGE: HOW IT IMPACTS YOU D
ue to complicated supply problems post-COVID, there is currently a shortage of feline vaccines in Australia, and this is expected to continue until early 2024. This has already had a major impact on shelters, with some having to close their doors to new cat and kitten admissions.
KELLIE TICKNER Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027
What are vets doing? We have been working hard to acquire as many doses of the core F3 vaccines as possible but with a shortage of F5 vaccines also, this has proven difficult. We anticipate that the current low quantities will be insufficient to vaccinate all our feline patients who are due over the expected shortage period. In order to ensure the greatest community benefit from the limited vaccine supply available, we have sought the advice of the Australian Veterinary Association and vaccine manufacturers. This has resulted in a temporary change to our feline vaccination
protocols. Our focus will be ensuring that previously unvaccinated kittens and adult cats deemed to be at higher risk, are prioritised. What should cat owners do? We encourage all cat families to arrange their pet’s annual health check as normal. Your cat’s risk profile and specific vaccination needs can be discussed with your vet, and an individual plan tailored. If the decision is made to delay your cat’s vaccination, you may want to keep your cats indoors as much as possible, away from other cats. It is crucial to remember that vaccination represents just one component of your cat’s annual health checks. Our veterinarians will still be conducting an important physical examination and health assessment, and providing you with advice and tools to maintain your cat’s wellbeing. This check-up is also an important opportunity for you to discuss your cat’s nutrition,
lifestyle needs, and strategies for disease prevention.
for the most appropriate advice for your individual cat.
What if my cat is going into a boarding facility? Cat families who are planning travel over the Christmas holiday period may have already made plans to house their pet in a boarding facility. Given the requirement for pets to be currently vaccinated prior to entering a cattery, this shortage may create challenges. If your cat is unvaccinated or due for an annual vaccination, we encourage you to contact the boarding facility ahead of time, to discuss what measures have been put in place. You may need to consider making alternative arrangements such as a pet-sitter, so please do this sooner rather than later. We look forward to helping you and your feline family members. If you have any questions or concerns about this vaccination shortage, please contact our friendly staff at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027
Get the care your pet deserves at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital! At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we understand that your pet is a cherished family member. That’s why we offer comprehensive and affordable pet care services to animals across the Penrith district. We offer: • Vaccinations • Radiography • Microchipping • Surgery • Dental care • Ultrasound
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the western weekender » Friday, November 3, 2023
HOROSCOPES Relax & Unwind
JOANNE MADELINE MOORE Boho Astro bohoastro.com @JoMadelineMoore © Joanne Madeline Moore 2023
AQUARIUS
PISCES
ARIES
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
The Mars/Uranus opposition could stir up your restless and reckless side, as you unleash your Inner Rebel. But try to do so in appropriate ways that don’t upset loved ones, antagonise authority figures, or endanger your personal safety! A professional or domestic challenge could also test your mettle. Aim to approach problems with a brand-new perspective. Be inspired by singer-songwriter (and birthday great) Neil Young, “One fresh take can change everything.”
With the Sun, Mercury and Mars activating your aspirations zone, it’s a wonderful week to dream big dreams and set ambitious goals for the future. But family and friends must be handled with an extra big dollop of diplomacy and discretion. As birthday great Joni Mitchell reminds us, “There are things to confess that enrich the world, and things that need not be said.” On the weekend there’s an accident-prone Mars/Uranus opposition so drive extra carefully.
On Monday you’ll find being resourceful and strategic pays off well at work. Tuesday and Thursday favour creative ideas and thorough research. On the weekend there’s a Mars/Uranus opposition so don’t blow your budget with a spontaneous spending spree. Or commit yourself to an ambitious project that you don’t have the time or enthusiasm for. Short-term big talk is no good if it doesn’t translate into long-term action. Patience and persistence are the keys.
TAURUS
GEMINI
CANCER
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
JUNE 22 TO JULY 22
Your ruler Venus transits through Libra (from Wednesday until December 4) which highlights food, fashion, wine and good times. But remember adventurous Jupiter and disruptive Uranus are still charging through your sign, so expect some thrills and spills along the way. Your motto for the moment is from singer-songwriter-musician Neil Young (who turns 78 on Sunday), “As you go through life, you’ve got to see the valleys as well as the peaks.”
Have you been wondering (and worrying) about your professional options in the future? The ideal is to follow your dreams and make your day-to-day work a pleasure rather than a full-time chore. This week Neptune, Pluto and Saturn push you to turn an abstract idea into a rock-solid reality, via an inspiring vision and a strategic plan. From Friday onwards, you’ll find clear communication and lively conversation are the keys to harmonious relationships.
With the Sun, Mercury and Mars all activating your entertainment sector, jump out of your Crab comfort zone, let your hair down and have some fun! Plus, when it comes to your personal and professional friendships, strive to be extra patient, and keep the lines of communication and creativity wide open. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, singer-songwriter-musician Joni Mitchell, “I want to have fun, I want to shine like the Sun.”
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
The week starts well when the planets promise a financial boost and/or pleasant interactions with colleagues, clients or customers. But on the weekend – courtesy of the tricky Mars/Uranus opposition – expect some disruptions or surprises when there is friction between family needs and work responsibilities. Things will gradually settle down if you choose diplomacy over drama, encouragement over criticism and acceptance over judgement.
Are your goals for the future ambitious enough? This week (with Jupiter and Uranus activating your aspirations zone and your ruler Mercury charging into confident Sagittarius) there’s no room for false Virgo modesty or passive procrastination! The Sun, Mercury and Mars also stimulate your thought processes and encourage you to come up with a cracking plan and stick to it. Begin with a dream and then work hard to make it a robust reality.
With Venus (your power planet) trining Pluto and then transiting into your sign, you’ll be at your magnetic and charming best! So it’s a wonderful week to create, collaborate and communicate, in your charming Libran way. As birthday great Albert Camus wrote, “Charm is the way of getting the answer yes, without having asked any clear question.” But avoid making impulsive financial decisions. Take your time, do your research, and get a second opinion.
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
Things are intense at Casa Scorpio as the Sun, Mercury and Mars visit your sign. Pluto makes positive aspects to Venus and Mercury, so passion is high and you’re in the mood to listen and learn. But look out anyone who tries to knock you off your chosen course! Wisdom for the week is from Scorpio singer-songwriter Lorde (who turns 27 on Tuesday), “Take care of your thoughts when you are alone and take care of your words when you are with people.”
Sassy Sagittarius – you’ll experience the greatest satisfaction if you share your goals, aspirations and dreams with likeminded colleagues and friends. Group projects and creative collaborations are favoured. But this week’s stars could also disrupt your daily routine or stir up an old health issue. So do your best to get the balance right between being creative and being thorough; between having inspirational ideas and making practical progress.
Fault-finding Saturn could exacerbate a problem with a friend, neighbour or family member. But hopefully Mercury and Venus will come to the rescue and teach you an important celestial lesson. If you look for the best in the person involved, and work hard on improving your communication skills, then the relationship will gradually improve and have a good chance of longevity. It’s important to take baby steps, with a heart full of love and forgiveness.
Stay Informed Visit our website direct to stay update to date with all recent local news Your home of local news in Penrith
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Crossword brought to you by Emerson’s Envirocare emersonsenvirocaresydney.com | 1800 600 760
Easy
5
8
ACROSS 1. Choose 4. Pined 8. Border upon 11. Beatles drummer 13. Strong colourless spirit 15. United (2,3) 17. Promissory note (1,1,1) 18. Half-diameters 20. Granny 21. Degrade 24. Discernment 27. Country’s amassed earnings (1,1,1) 28. Film style 30. More senior 31. Ranted 33. Go up 34. Modernise 35. Exercise clubs 36. Sore crust 39. Steak cuts (1-5) 42. Light yellowish-brown 44. King cat 45. Steam-room 46. Swindle 48. Derisive smile 49. Open to view 50. Earl ... tea 52. Artless 54. Midge 55. Glossy bird 56. Register 57. Be sullen 60. A distance 62. Cowgirl, Annie ... 65. Kindling material 67. Select band 69. Attacked (3,2) 70. Rope 72. ..., two, buckle my shoe 73. Religious cults 75. Postpone 77. Mileage record 79. Wise saying 81. Angry 82. Corny 84. Calmness 85. Throbbed dully 86. Tubing 87. Solar ray 88. Humble
DOWN 1. Blueprint 2. Witch-like woman 3. Family 4. Hindu meditation 5. Off the subject 6. Genderless 7. Rented movie discs (1,1,2) 8. Otherwise titled (1,1,1) 9. Symbolic brooch 10. Jaunt 12. Approaches 14. Fantasise 16. Hanging unevenly 19. Asian cricketing nation 22. Gesture hither 23. Meanings 25. Queen of Soul singer, ... Franklin 26. Traces 29. Meaner 32. Global navigation facility (1,1,1) 35. Japanese hostesses 37. Fast-moving celestial body 38. Struggler 40. Drilling tool 41. Lucifer 42. Playing-card jack 43. Sacred effi gies 44. Licit 47. Virtual reality personal images 51. US Civil War soldier 52. Freshest 53. Power machine 54. Corset 58. Turn upside-down 59. Water-garden fi sh 61. Under way 63. Confused, all ... (2,3) 64. Unquestioning underling (3,3) 65. Saunter 66. Planet 68. Hops 71. Photo transparency 72. Vow 74. Pool sticks 76. Aerosol shaving cream 78. Computer nerd Previous solution 80. - Medium Wow! 83.Rapid eye movement 8 4 3(sleep) (1,1,1) 6 7
7 8 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 2 5 1 4 3 6 3 2 1 7 6 8 9 2 6 5 7 4 5 solution 7 8 9 Last6week’s 7 8 4 6 5 1 6 5 2 3
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8ts.com
© 2023 Syndicated Puzzles
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Sudoku brought to you by Nepean Aquatic Centre nepeanaquaticcentre.com.au
SUDOKU No. 670
1
Tough
5 5 8 9 1 3
8 2 9
1
6 1
1 2
the western weekender » Friday, November 3, 2023
6 8 9 1 3 4 7 5 2
1 3
2 4
Previous solution - Medium
7 3
How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.
64
7
12
9
8
5
2
8 7
7
6
5
© 2023 Syndicated Puzzles
Crossword
1
1 2 5 6 9 7 4 8 3
3 4 7 5 2 8 6 9 1
2 5 4 3 8 1 9 7 6
8 7 6 9 5 2 1 3 4
9 3 1 4 7 6 8 2 5
7 1 3 2 4 9 5 6 8
5 6 8 7 1 3 2 4 9
4 9 2 8 6 5 3 1 7
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.
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S P A• S E R V I C E S
Word Search brought to you by Platinum Spa Services platinumspaservices.com.au | 0407 700 981 platinumspaservice@gmail.com
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: PROTEIN AMINO ACIDS BEANS BREAD BUCKWHEAT CARBON CHEESE COLLAGEN CONSUMPTION DIGEST ENERGY FOOD GRAINS HYDROGEN IMPORTANT KERATIN LEGUMES LENTILS LIVING CELLS NITROGEN OAT BRAN ORGANIC OXYGEN POLYPEPTIDES STUFF OF LIFE SULPHUR VITAL
Last week’s solution
Test your knowledge about Red Rooster in our special trivia quiz this week...
1. In what state did Red Rooster first open in, back in 1972? 2. Red Rooster wasn’t the original name of the business. What was it called before? 3. Which country closed all its Red Rooster stores in 2009? 4. What disappeared from the Tropicana pack due to a shortage, never to return?
5. In what state are the Red Roosters headquarters located? 6. Who is the Red Rooster Chief Executive Officer? 7. Would you get a Coke or a Pepsi at Red Rooster? 8. Apart from classic chicken nuggets, what other variety of nuggets are available at Red Rooster stores?
ANSWERS 1. Western Australia 2. Big Rooster 3. New Zealand 4. Fried banana 5. New South Wales 6. Clint Ault 7. Pepsi 8. Cheesy Nuggets
Trivia Quiz
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Friday, November 3, 2023 « the western weekender
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Test Your Brain brought to you by Choices Flooring Penrith choicesflooring.com | 4731 4242
TEST YOUR BRAIN STR8TS SUDOK Easy
4
Str8ts, Hexwords & Name the Movie brought to you by Choices Flooring Penrith
6 9 8 1 6 9
5
1 2
1
8 6 7 3
8 7
6 7 2 5 3 9 4 8
8 4 3 2 3 4 5 6 3 4 5 6 7 1 4 3 6 7 8 2 1 7 6 8 4 2 6 5 7 4 3 5 7 8 9 3 2 4 6 5 1 2 6 5 2 1 7 8
1
5 2 4
1
How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will see how ‘straights’ are formed.
9
8 6 2 3 4 7 5 7 4 3 9 8 3 You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com
Hexwords
No. 670
Previous solution - Medium
© 2023 Syndicated Puzzles
Str8ts
No. 670
1 2
Name the Movie
If you can’t tell from the photo, drop the letters from the list below into the circles. We’ve given you a head start.
SFL AWOOTRF W TE L Previous solution:
Previous solution: WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT
Who Am I?
30 Second Challenge
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the western weekender » Friday, November 3, 2023
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intermediates have to complete their own challenge AND the beginners’ challenge, and advanced players have to complete their own AND the intermediate. You can try to improve on your times each day.
32
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HINTS
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