Home & Lifestyle August 14 2025

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Deep market knowledge and a commitment to outstanding service is what the team at TAG Real Estate promise Penrith.

Their unmatched passion for property aligns with their unequalled desire to serve the community, which is prevalent in their new community give-back

initiative that will launch in early September.

Selling Principal Vedant Agrawal explained a local will win $5,000 and will then donate $1,000 of their winnings to Nepean Hospital.

“We opened our office in St Marys a year and a half ago now, and since then, Nepean Hospital has been at the forefront of our minds as a place to give back to,” Agrawal explained.

“The hospital ensures this community is looked after and has recently had a lot of upgrades.

“To give back to such a spot in the centre of Penrith – which is an up-and-coming CBD – is why we decided to use this initiative as a way to give back to the community where we’ve gotten to know the people really well.”

To get the word out, TAG Real Estate will be collaborating with local cafes and posting on social media.

“There are quite a few wellknown, predominant cafes where a lot of locals go for their day-today coffees,” Agrawal stated.

“We’ll have coffee sleeves at these cafes, and it will come with a QR code which people can scan to enter the $5,000 giveaway.”

Marketing Manager Shiraz Elnazer added the giveaway comes at a time when people are struggling.

“It’s all about giving back to the community that’s supported us, especially knowing times are tough. We wanted to create something uplifting,” Elnazer stated.

“By teaming up with local cafes, we’re not only helping the great cause, but also encouraging people to connect, support local businesses, and feel a sense of community pride again.”

This is a unique initiative for a real estate agency to pursue.

“In real estate, a lot of the industry is heavily driven by a

franchise model, and franchise models don’t really allow much flexibility. They need copious amounts of approvals to pull something like this off,” Agrawal explained.

“That’s a big reason why we took the independent approach when we started the company because it needs less approvals, we have more flexibility, and it’s a lot more tangible in how we can give back to the community.

“We haven’t seen others do this, and that’s a big reason why we went down this path.”

“NEPEAN HOSPITAL HAS BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF OUR MINDS AS A PLACE TO GIVE BACK TO”

The choice has allowed Penrith to penetrate the fabric of the company.

“We started with an office in Wentworthville and now we’ve branched out to the Penrith LGA because a lot of local clients reached out to us about selling or leasing their properties,” chimed Sales Associate Rudra Aggarwal.

“We became more connected in the community with the hospital, schools, and athletics clubs – it became a big part of who we are.” As the city of Penrith grows, there’s nowhere else the TAG team would rather be.

“We’re seeing young families enter the market and getting our assistance to get their foot in the door, which gives us a niche and fulfilling feeling,” Agrawal remarked.

“That’s why we’ve circled back to Penrith which is where we started our real estate careers.”

CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE

3 1 1

OPEN FOR INSPECTION: Saturday, August 16th

2.00pm – 2.30pm

CONTACT:

LJ Hooker Penrith Tony Liras • 0425 269 611 tliras.penrith@ljhooker.com.au

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR YOUR FIRST HOME?

What is so great about this property?

Situated in a great cul-de-sac location, with a functional singlelevel design and the convenience of the lock-up carport and private backyard, this neat and tidy brick veneer home is the perfect starting point for first home buyers, savvy investors, or someone looking to move into a great location.

Key features of the home include three bedrooms, a central kitchen, and a bathroom with bath and shower. The living spaces offer a separate lounge

room and separate dining room. Who does this property suit?

Whether you are looking for an investment property or your first home, this property will perfectly suit your needs.

Tell us about the suburb the property is in?

Situated approximately 1.3 km from the Caddens Corner shopping precinct and Kingswood Public School, and approximately 1.1 km from the University of Western Sydney and Kingswood TAFE, the home is well serviced by Kingswood Train Station and other public transport options.

Creating Dream Pools Since 1976

Proudly family-owned and based in Penrith, Outback Pools has been building premium inground concrete pools and spas for Sydney families for nearly 50 years. We’re known for quality craftsmanship, personalised service, and designs that suit your lifestyle.

From concept to completion, we work closely with you to create a pool that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last. Our team also renovates and refurbishes existing pools, giving them a fresh new life.

Your Local Pool Exper ts

Our Penrith store stocks pumps, filters, cleaners, chemicals, and spare parts from leading brands. We also offer water testing, equipment repairs, and maintenance to keep your pool in perfect condition all year round.

At Outback Pools, we create more than pools — we create spaces for relaxation, fun, and lasting memories.

CONTACT US

Unit 2/18 Abel Street, Penrith 4721 8914 info@outbackpools.com.au

Discover exclusive townhome

living in Oran Pa rk .

Inviting you to enjoy the best of both worlds, Oran Park townhomes combine the space of a house with a back yard and the low-maintenance qualities of apar tment living

You can choose from an exceptional selection of architecturally designed townhomes located near all the town’s popular amenities and most loved at tractions.

Ideal for growing families, downsizers and couples, these distinctive residences of fer excellent value-for-money.

• Spacious, designer interiors

• Landscaped grounds

• Two to five-bedroom layouts

• Private porches and cour tyards

• Family-friendly living areas

• Premium finishes and inclusions

• Tranquil locations

Ready for you to move in, these elegant townhomes are curated for comfor t and practicality. A beautiful lifest yle in one of Au stralia’s fastest growing suburbs awaits.

Arena - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes
The Circuit - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes
Civic Collection - Typical example of Oran Park townhomesB anksia - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes
The ResidencesTypical example of Oran Park townhomes

The Experts

INVESTMENT TIME FRAME AND INVESTMENT RISK

Investment asset classes each have different income and growth characteristics. As a general rule, the greater potential for growth, the increased volatility with the investment. Shares and Property have historically provided the highest levels of growth but, also bare the greatest risk. Conversely, cash and fixed interest are far safer, but of course have a much lower potential return.

When building an investment portfolio, we have a combination of all of these asset classes in a proportion that suits the individual’s appetite for risk. The less risk the investor is prepared to take, the higher exposure to defensive assets of cash and fixed interest in the portfolio.

One of the key factors in deciding the level of risk we are prepared to accept is the length of time we are prepared to invest the money. The longer the investment time frame, the greater volatility we will be willing to consider.

The longer the investment is in place, the closer the long-term performance is likely to be to the expected outcome. The wider the range of possibilities, the greater the sample size required to return a predictable result. Financial planning is all about creating predictable outcomes as best we can.

Financial planners have a minimum investment horizon required for each level of investment risk. An investment time frame of less than three years is most likely to contain no growth assets. A minimum of three years is required to invest 30 per cent in growth assets, six years to invest 70 per cent in growth and 10 years

AN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

If you’ve ever wondered what an Exercise Physiologist is and how they differ from a personal trainer or physiotherapist, you’re not alone. Exercise Physiologists are university-qualified health professionals who specialise in using exercise as medicine to help prevent and manage a wide range of health conditions.

What does an exercise physiologist do?

Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are experts in designing safe, evidencebased exercise programs for people living with chronic health conditions, injuries, or disabilities. They understand how the body responds to exercise and how to tailor programs to suit each individual’s needs,

to have all assets invested in growth.

These are the maximum levels of risk. An investor may have a long investment horizon but have a conservative outlook or will be in a position to achieve their goals without increasing investment risk.

With a long term investment like Superannuation it is worthwhile investigating an aggressive investment strategy. Although you will definitely experience some negative years, you will also experience years well above average. In the event that you have a bad year or two, you will have plenty of time to recover, and the increased exposure to growth assets will, in the long term, provide you with a higher average return than a more conservative option.

In the event that you do take a more aggressive approach to your investment, you need to be prepared for the inevitable negative years. These years will come, and you should accept this.

abilities, and goals. They commonly work with people managing:

• Diabetes or heart disease

• Osteoporosis and arthritis

• Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or other neurological conditions

• Musculoskeletal Injuries or Chronic Pain

• Mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression

Why see an exercise physiologist?

Unlike general fitness programs, exercise prescribed by an AEP is clinical and specific to you. It is designed not just to improve fitness, but to enhance your overall health, reduce pain, restore movement, and improve quality of life.

An AEP might help someone recovering from surgery safely regain strength, assist an older adult to improve balance and reduce falls risk, or guide a person with diabetes through exercise that helps insulin sensitivity. How is it different from physiotherapy?

While physiotherapists focus on acute injury treatment and short-term rehabilitation, Exercise Physiologists specialise in long-term management and prevention through exercise and lifestyle changes. They work closely with doctors, physiotherapists and other allied health professionals to provide ongoing care. Ready to move better? We can help

If you’re living with a health condition, recovering from injury, or simply want expert guidance to improve your wellbeing, an Accredited Exercise Physiologist can help.

At OnePointHealth, our team is here to support you with personalised programs that are safe and effective.

The Experts

LEPTOSPIROSIS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

With the recent increase in rain – and yet another surge in mouse populations – it’s important to consider the potential impact on our canine companions. Veterinarians are again urging dog owners to check that their pets are vaccinated against Leptospirosis, a serious bacterial disease.

Leptospirosis is most often spread through the urine of infected rats, which can contaminate local waterways, puddles, and damp soil. While traditionally more common in warm, moist rural areas of north-eastern NSW and Queensland, recent years have seen worrying clusters of cases in Sydney suburbs, including Surry Hills, Redfern, Alexandria, and Darlinghurst. Alarmingly, the disease can be fatal to dogs and is also transmissible to humans.

There are no symptoms unique to Leptospirosis, which makes it tricky to detect in the early stages. Dogs may simply appear “off”

– lacking energy, refusing food, or seeming generally unwell. In more advanced cases, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, or even seizures can occur. Some pets develop jaundice, which owners may notice as yellowing of the gums, eyes, or skin.

spirosis is a zoonotic disease – meaning it can pass from animals to people – rapid action is critical. Humans are typically infected through contact with contaminated water, mud, soil, or vegetation, and those who work closely with animals or spend

If a veterinarian suspects Leptospirosis, they will arrange a specific diagnostic test. Affected animals are isolated and treated with strong antibiotics, both to improve their chances of recovery and to reduce the risk of spreading the bacteria. Because Lepto-

time in affected environments are most at risk.

The good news is that there is a safe and effective vaccine for dogs. For pets living in or visiting at-risk areas, vaccination is strongly recommended. A routine annual C7 vaccination not only

protects against Leptospirosis, but also covers Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Kennel Cough, and Coronavirus.

Even if you live outside the current Sydney hotspots, with the mobility of people and pets – and the unpredictability of rat populations – awareness is essential. Knowing the signs and acting quickly could save a life.

If you’re unsure whether your dog is protected, or if you have concerns about potential exposure, speak with your veterinarian without delay. The team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital can provide tailored advice and vaccination services to keep your pet safe.

Concerned owners can contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027 for more information or to book a vaccination appointment.

Leptospirosis is a preventable disease. With vigilance, prompt veterinary care, and up-to-date vaccination, we can help ensure our dogs stay safe.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Each New Moon indicates a shift of gear in a particular area of life. This week the heavens highlight a fresh start involving money, an intimate relationship or trust issues.

You’ll feel restless, so it’s a good time to travel, experiment and explore. You’ll also be extra curious as you dig up gossip, uncover a secret or start a few controversial conversations! However – if you are too blunt and impatient with loved ones – expect some surprising blowback.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

The New Moon highlights children, teenagers, friendships and leisure activities. There are also opportunities for advancement via connections within your local community, especially if you are collaborative. It will take creative teamwork and sustained effort to turn a lucky break into a long-term success. It’s also time to get some firm direction, as you formulate your personal goals and dreams for the future. Remember – you can’t hit a target if you haven’t got one.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

The Sun (your ruling planet), New Moon and Sun/Uranus square shine a bright spotlight on money matters. Lavish Lions are drawn to luxury-living, and you’re inclined to buy expensive things that you don’t really need. This week, do your best to avoid being an impulsive binge shopper. Spontaneous spending sprees now could lead to financial headaches later. The more creatively and proactively you nurture your nest egg, the more it will gradually grow.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Saturday’s New Moon highlights your hopes and wishes zone, so be proactive about setting goals, dreaming dreams, and creating your preferred future. It’s also a good week to fire up an old friendship or heal a troubled relationship. Positive changes are coming, so focus on exciting projects that make your heart sing. As the Sun moves into Virgo, keep things simple! Be inspired by birthday great, Coco Chanel, “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Monday’s lively stars will pique your Piscean curiosity. Then Saturday’s New Moon encourages you to get a burgeoning romance, business partnership or joint venture moving. Are you unhappily single and searching for love? Be on the lookout for a creative thinker who is a good talker. Your motto for the week is from writer Dorothy Parker (who was born on August 22, 1893), “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

This week the Sun, New Moon and Uranus activate your home zone. A fresh domestic start is likely – but there could be surprises, hiccups or disruptions along the way. Some possible scenarios – problems with a housemate, a real estate sale falls through, a house move is delayed, or a family member behaves in an unpredictable way. Whatever happens – expect the unexpected! Monday is the best day for socialising, creative ideas and lively communication.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

The silvery New Moon lights up your sign Virgo, so it’s the perfect week to update your wardrobe, change your appearance, launch a project, apply for a job or start a new phase of your life. Personal projects, ambitious goals and dynamic friendships are also highlighted. On Sunday, too much nervous energy and impatience could disrupt a burgeoning work project or a professional partnership, as the Sun/Uranus square shakes up your career zone.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Have you been dragging your heels at work? Your career is set to improve, as the late week New Moon signals an exciting new chapter. So make the most of any fresh ideas, professional projects or job opportunities that come your way. But the Sun/Uranus square increases exuberance and decreases patience. So slow down and be careful you don’t over-indulge, over-exaggerate, over-promise or over-commit, especially involving relationships and work.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

New Moon week is the ideal time to ditch bad habits and start afresh. It’s a juggle to get everything done but keep calm and don’t lose your cool! You’re unusually focused, but are you focusing on the right things? Work, health, wellbeing, diet and fitness are the main areas where you need to make some overdue changes and adjustments. But – if you are too hasty and hot-headed – you could find yourself in the middle of an argument, an accident, or a crisis.

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

The New Moon highlights a fresh start involving communication, education, local travel, a relative or neighbour. And with vivacious Venus and lucky Jupiter both jumping through your sign, there’s never been a better time to be more charming, more sociable, more beautiful, more loving and more generous. Your mantra for the moment is from birthday great, fashion designer and style icon Coco Chanel, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

This week dynamic Mars is charging through your sign – and the New Moon lights up your solitude and contemplation zone. So it will be a delicate balancing act between proactively making things happen – and taking the time to relax and slow down. If anyone can manage a tricky juggle, it’s the sign of Libra (symbolised by The Scales, signifying balance and harmony). But expect some disruptions on Sunday, especially if you are travelling.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

The New Moon activates your education and adventure zone, so start thinking about what you’d like to learn and where you’d like to travel in the future. But Uranus disrupts the apple cart on Sunday, when you may have to rearrange your daily routine or change your work plans. Don’t get cranky Capricorn! Be inspired by singer, songwriter and musician Tori Amos (who turns 62 on Friday), “Sometimes you have to do what you don’t like to get to where you want to be.”

THE TRUE JOY OF BEING

From my room on the 11th floor of the five-star Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, I let Sydney sink in.

I watched delivery drivers on scooters speed across roads and sidewalks as if their lives depended on their next distribution; I watched tradesmen in bright orange and vibrant yellow bustle around work sites that would soon be state-of-the-art high rises; and I watched day turn to dusk behind the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

As the sky faded from light blue to gloomy grey, I remained between the corduroy curtains of my room as workers ventured home for the weekend.

It felt strange to observe the city at 5pm. Peak hour traffic no longer looked like an obstacle in my quest to get home; instead, from my vantage point, the distant headlights looked like fireflies traveling across the Harbour Bridge.

the Marriott.

On the other side of my window, the room behind me boasted a king bed decked out in white sheets, a blue headboard that matched the chair and ottoman in the corner, a flatscreen TV framed by white cabinetry, and a light oak desk lit up by an industrial lamp.

Below the bridge on the other side of the harbour, Luna Park’s face had lit up, beckoning me to come play, and standing tall behind her were skyscrapers with thousands of glittering windows. The light peeking through each pane made me wonder what was going on behind them.

Watching the city made me feel remarkably sonder; it prompted me to think twice about the lives of strangers in the street. The opportunity to watch Sydney unravel below me is something I consider a gift from my window at

The room had a vintage feel, emphasized by the beige corduroy curtains, retro lamp, and funky carpet. But don’t get vintage confused with outdated, because it was decked out with all the technological amenities needed.

Downstairs, the foyer was a luxurious escape from busy Pitt Street. Marble counters, an extravagant light feature, and the glistening white tiled floor created a lavish entrance.

Behind the lobby laid Silvester’s Restaurant and Lounge – a warmly lit intimate dining destination. Also at the hotel was

Customs House Bar – a historic gastropub – and Three Bottle Man – a café and laneway bar.

Despite these dining options, I ventured a bit further from the hotel for dinner to try Midden by Mark Olive at Bennelong Point. Midden offers an Indigenous-Australian dining experience under the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

It was here that I was served by the charismatic Carlo, who described menu items with passion and humour unmatched by any waiter I’ve met before.

Of all the dishes I tried at Midden, three in particular blew me away: WA Octopus, Kangaroo Prosciutto, and the Native Rubbed Kangaroo Fillet. The WA Octopus tasted like Australia – ocean and barbecue and Earth. The Kangaroo Prosciutto was paired with rockmelon, and the flavours combined to create a sweet and savoury force of nature. And the

Sydney Harbour Marriott.
Ally Hall soaks in Sydney. Photo: David Montgomery.
The Concert Hall at the Sydney Opera House. Photo: Ally Hall.

A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN CITY

Native Rubbed Kangaroo Fillet was tantalizingly tender and complemented by quandong jus.

Throughout the meal, my eyes traveled between the picturesque plating atop the table and the view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from my seat – each sight fighting for dominance.

The next day, I revisited that view when I returned to the curves of the Opera House for a tour and a show.

The tour was fascinating and visually striking. I learnt about Jørn Utzon, the Danish architect who designed the

international icon. I also learnt the exterior is covered in approximately one-million Swedish-made tiles in two different colours, and that the building’s temperature is regulated using a seawater cooling system that travels through 35-kilometres of circulating pipes.

But that’s all the information I’m going to give you because this is an experience that I now consider a compulsory requirement for locals.

And if you’re like me, you’ll plan in advance and see a show afterwards!

The Sydney Opera House has an exciting Summer Program coming up, including ‘Calamity Jane’ from October 14 to November 16, ‘GATSBY at the Green Light’ from December 13 to March 1, and ‘Duck Pond’ from January 9 to January 12.

It’s easy to forget how fortunate we are to live so close to the world’s best harbour city. If you need a reminder, follow my lead and spend a weekend as a tourist in Sydney, but when you do, don’t forget to be still for a moment and let the city sink in.

Sydney Harbour Marriott is the perfect place for a Sydney staycation.
Kangaroo Prosciutto. Photo: Ally Hall.

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and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

If you like Str8ts check out our

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