REFRESH YOUR SPACE WITH THESE FUN IDEAS
Summer is the perfect time to refresh our homes with a little more life and colour.
Pots in particular are a simple way to bring together refined textures, sculptural forms, and classic palettes to create a green oasis both indoors and out.
This year’s pots from elho, Capi Europe and Borralheira bring together thoughtful design, sustainable craftsmanship, and enduring style, making them an easy choice for seasonal updates.
A pop of green for your
RRP $22) brightens up any dark corner with a playful pop of sage green, bringing a refreshing energy to the home. Whether styled on a windowsill, bookshelf, or tucked into a quiet nook, it’s an easy, low-fuss way to refresh your space and style your houseplants with a clean, modern touch.
Crafted from recycled plastic and produced using 100 per cent wind energy, elho pots bring nature into your home, while supporting a more sustainable future.
minimalist bubble silhouette of Borralheira Smooth Pot (14cm, RRP $14.98). Designed and made in Portugal, the high-quality ceramic pot is non-porous, and suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
The soft bone glaze brings effortless sophistication to the home with a hint of whimsy, providing the perfect backdrop for your plants to pop.
Embrace nature in neutrals
Ground yourself in the serenity of nature (30cm RRP $49.98). Designed to embody balance
in a gentle breeze. Embrace the rejuvenating spirit of the summer season by choosing a soft-leafed plant, such as a Fiddle Leaf Fig or Peace Lily.
A striking statement
The Capi Planter Ball Groove (35x34cm RRP $79) creates a stylish statement piece. Bold black and white striped grooves blend together to create a striking effect that instantly livens up any space. Whether placed indoors as a chic accent, or outdoors as a focal point, it transforms any regular houseplant into a vibrant display of summer warmth. Choose a sculptural plant such as a Monstera deliciosa or Areca Palm to complete the look.
“ELHO
POTS BRING NATURE INTO YOUR HOME”
Capture the colour of summer
Add a cheerful splash of colour to your home in time for summer with Borralheira Two Tone Pot (13cm RRP $12.98). Its golden two-tone hues create a playful yet sleek accent that instantly brings warmth and personality to your space, whether you’re styling a sunny kitchen corner or brightening a cosy reading nook. Its compact size makes it an ideal fit for desks, shelves, or windowsills, anywhere you want a pop of sunny colour to go with your greenery. The elho, Capi Europe, and Borralheira pot plant ranges are available at Bunnings stores nationwide.
Western Property
CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE
5 2.5 4 + Swimming Pool
OPEN FOR INSPECTION: Saturday, December 13
10.30am-11.00am
CONTACT:
RE/MAX Lifestyle Marketing Gizzelle Powell • 0428 934 618 gizzellepowell@remax.com.au
HUGE OPPORTUNITY
IN GLENMORE PARK
What is so great about this property?
A rare 1,155sqm block with resortstyle entertaining, a tropical pool, wet bar, and dual double garages, offering a unique mix of character, space and modern comfort.
Who does this property suit? Perfect for families, entertain-
ers, car lovers, and investors wanting space, lifestyle features, and strong future potential (STCA). Tell us more about the suburb this property is in?
Located in Glenmore Park’s prestigious first stage, known for its established streets, family-friendly feel, quality amenities, and easy access to Penrith.
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
DIABETIC
For people living with diabetes, caring for your feet is more than a matter of comfort, it’s an essential part of protecting your long-term health. Diabetes can affect circulation, nerve sensitivity, and your body’s ability to heal, which means even small issues like rubbing, pressure points, or minor injuries can become serious if not managed early. Wearing the right footwear plays a vital role in preventing complications, supporting mobility, and helping you stay comfortable and confident every day.
Diabetic footwear is designed to minimise friction, disperse pressure, and shield the foot from irritation. Many styles feature seamless interiors, soft linings, and cushioned soles that cradle the foot without rubbing or creating hotspots. Wider, deeper designs allow room for changes in foot shape, swelling, or the use of orthotics, while slip-resistant outsoles
provide added security when walking. These features work together to create a safer environment for sensitive feet, reducing the risk of ulcers, calluses, or injuries that take longer to heal.
Foot protection at home is just as important. Many people walk barefoot indoors, but hard floors or reduced sensation can lead to unnoticed injuries. Supportive diabetic slippers, recovery slides, and seamless socks help cushion the feet, improve circulation, and provide structure during everyday indoor activity. Ensuring your feet
MOULDS
the entire day, not just outside, can significantly improve comfort and overall foot health.
At The Footwear Store, we’ve curated a diabetic-friendly range that puts safety, support, and podiatry-approved comfort first. Our selection includes trusted therapeutic brands such as Dr Comfort, Drew, Thanner, and Lightfeet socks. These designs feature pressure-reducing materials, orthotic-friendly insoles, and soft, protective interiors, offering medical-grade support without sacrificing style or ease of wear.
Mention the Weekender for 10 per cent off our diabetic
YOUR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS SORTED!
Looking for things to do this school holidays that also teach your child a skill for life and represent great value for money, while also keeping them off screens and devices? We have you covered!
It’s all about health and safety for us, and it’s so important that children learn about water safety as soon and as consistently as possible. One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is to watch children taking on board the water safety lessons learnt in early swimming classes, graduate to preschool classes, then attend camps and intensive programs, becoming safer swimmers all year round, year on year.
This January school holidays we are running our very popular ‘Paddles Super Swim Camp’, a two day vacation care program where water safety meets fun and children learn all about the basics of CPR and First Aid, the Kids Alive Do the Five pool safety rules, and get to practise in water rescues and lifeguarding skills, plus a pool party with the inflatable slide on the final day! Many children attend this camp every school holidays, making lasting friendships and positive memories. Our camp leaders are all qualified lifeguards, and fantastic role models for the children attending. Please note, this camp is only suitable for children kindy to Year 6 who are able to swim without floatation.
The Experts
We are also offering a five or 10 discounted School Holiday Intensive Program in January to fast track swim skills, technique and water confidence which is always popular and rewarding. Lessons are available for Squids to Sharks at Nepean Aquatic Centre, and we offer a discount of more than 30 per cent off our regular lesson price on these intensive lessons to improve children’s swimming and water safety skills during a short timeframe within the school holidays – a perfect way to catch up on skills before beginning weekly lessons or consolidate skills learnt in weekly lessons. Dates and details for both programs are on our website, but be quick, places fill fast! Are your children too young for these programs? No problem. Weekly lessons still remain the most effective way to ensure they are meeting their expected swimming skill benchmarks. Lessons start from 6 months of age.
JULIE SHELDRAKE Nepean Aquatic Centre & Eva Bory’s Swim School 4730 8900
The Experts
PLANNING IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Recent devastating fires across the state serve as a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies. While many people focus on securing their homes and safeguarding their families, it’s crucial not to overlook the safety of our pets during such events. Have you thought about your evacuation plan in a bushfire emergency? Ensuring your furry family members are included in your emergency preparations can make all the difference in a crisis.
Create an emergency kit for your pets: An emergency kit for your pets should be ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Include the following items:
• Food and water: Pack at least a week’s worth of pet food and water in sealed containers. Don’t forget bowls for feeding.
• Medications: Keep an up-to-date supply of
any medications your pet requires, along with a copy of your vet’s contact number.
• Identification: Ensure your pet is microchipped and wears a collar with an ID tag, including your contact information. Keep a recent photo of your pet in case they become lost.
• Comfort items: Familiar toys or bedding can help reduce stress during an evacuation.
• Hygiene supplies: Include waste bags for dogs or a portable litter box and litter for cats.
Identify pet-friendly evacuation options: Not all emergency shelters or accommodations accept pets. Research pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, or shelters in your area before an emergency strikes. You can also ask friends or family outside the immediate danger zone if they can provide a temporary haven for your pets.
Plan your evacuation route: Have a clear evacuation plan in place, including multiple routes in case one becomes inaccessible. Practice loading your pets into carriers or vehicles to reduce stress during an actual emergency. If possible, transport pets in sturdy carriers or crates to keep them safe. If you have larger animals, such as horses, make
arrangements for their transport and identify safe evacuation locations, such as equestrian centres or open paddocks in low-risk areas.
Know the signs of stress: Emergencies can be overwhelming for pets, and they may exhibit signs of stress such as panting, pacing, vocalising, or attempting to hide. Stay calm and provide reassurance, keeping their routine as consistent as possible.
Prepare for leaving pets behind: If evacuation isn’t possible, never leave pets chained or confined outdoors. Provide access to food and water in easily accessible areas and leave a note on your property indicating the presence of pets for rescue teams.
Stay informed: Monitor weather reports and emergency alerts for your area. Being aware of potential dangers allows you to act quickly, ensuring the safety of everyone in your household, including your pets. By taking the time to prepare an evacuation plan that includes your pets, you can help ensure their safety and well-being during emergencies. While we hope to never face such situations, being ready can provide peace of mind and make all the difference when time is of the essence.
bit about me: I’m a Double Yellow-Headed Parrot and I love my toys, vegetables, water, snuggles, and my dad Steve. Also, I can talk! I can say, ‘Coco’, ‘Hello’, ‘What ya doing?’, ‘Ohoo’, and ‘Mama’.
my name: Coco my proud owner: Samantha i live in: Castlereagh Email alison.hall@westernweekender.com.au with your favourite picture of your pet, and include your name, pet’s name, suburb and a blurb about your favourite furry friend.
Relax & Unwind
JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
This week the Sun, New Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars are all transiting through your networking and goal setting zone. So creative partnerships, joint ventures and group projects are all favoured, as you dream big dreams and spark ideas off other people. But expect confusing communication, resistance to your plans or some financial challenges. The weekend is a wonderful time to write a wish list for the coming year, full of wildly ambitious aspirations.
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
Determined Bulls are keen to power ahead with a work matter or a personal project, but this week Saturn squares Venus (your ruling planet). So high stress levels, long delays and/or short timelines could be a problem, as you are diverted from professional responsibilities by a tricky personal matter, a meddling friend or a frustrating financial issue. With plenty of patience and a dollop of diplomacy, you’ll steer your way through a challenging week.
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
On Wednesday and the weekend, the Sun (your power planet) makes tricky aspects to Saturn and Neptune. So it could be a challenging and confusing week, especially involving children, friends, joint finances and/or trust issues. Clear communication is a must (especially with young children and moody teenagers). You also need to be on alert for secrets, confusing information, fake news and dodgy deals (especially involving friends and finances).
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
This week, the New Moon, Mercury and Venus light up your money zone and Mars moves into your communication and education zone. So it’s time to be more financially literate, more conversationally engaged, and more curious about the world around you. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, actress and activist Jane Fonda (who turns 88 on Sunday), “Stay curious, keep learning and keep growing.” But friends and finances could be a dodgy mix.
Shopping Let’s go
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
It’s a good time to percolate some original and creative new ideas, as Saturday’s New Moon activates your career zone. But the Sun/Neptune square (on Sunday) could drain your Piscean energy and sap confidence so pace yourself and prioritise projects. Don’t make big commitments unless you have the time and motivation to follow through on your well-meant intentions. If a challenging task or project can be put off until another week, then do so.
GEMINI
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
The Sun, New Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars are transiting through your relationship zone so you can’t escape close connections this week! Don’t approach partnership problems with the same old stale attitude. It’s time to recalibrate. If there is a problem: fix it. If there is a misunderstanding: sort it out. If there is too much distance between you and a loved one: get closer. The more positive energy you pour into partnerships, the more satisfying they will be.
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
The New Moon (on Saturday) sets the stage for a fresh start involving your home life, a family member or a domestic project. But do you have unrealistic expectations about a close relationship, especially with a relative? This week the Sun and Moon also square Saturn and Neptune in your partnership zone. So it’s time for a major reality check as you reassess memories from the past, recalibrate your present attitude and set course for a brighter future.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
The Sun, New Moon, Mercury and Venus are visiting your sign this week, which boosts your self-confidence, energy levels and personal magnetism. But nebulous Neptune squares the Sun on the weekend so, if you indulge in gratuitous gossip, make hasty comments or vague pronouncements (in person or online) you could end up in a confusing mess. Smart Sagittarians will slow down, think things through, communicate clearly and double-check often.
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Mars (your power planet) charges into your career zone on Monday so you’ll feel like putting a lot of time, energy and enthusiasm into your job (whether professional or volunteer work). It also increases your need to lead others, so make sure you are being an inspirational leader rather than a plain old bossy boots. Saturday’s New Moon (in your travel and adventure zone) is a good time to escape on a weekend getaway, start a holiday or plan a future trip.
CANCER
JUNE 22 TO JULY 22
When it comes to daily habits, mental health and physical fitness, the more proactive and organised you are, the better. A Sun/New Moon well-being reboot could be just what the doctor ordered! But Saturn and Neptune square the Sun, so a lack of direction and discretion could temporarily side-track relationships and confuse you. And don’t let a dubious acquaintance lead you down the primrose path to trouble. Keep your trusty Truth Detector set on high.
LIBRA
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
Venus (your ruler), the New Moon, Mercury and Mars are in your communication zone. So you’re at your lively Libran best as you charm the cynics and dazzle the doubters. Compatible companionship is a must, as you surround yourself with stimulating friends, positive peers and chatty neighbours. As writer (and birthday great) Jane Austen wrote, “My idea of good company is the company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation.”
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
It’s a good week to wind down and calm down as you meditate, contemplate, relax and ruminate. With the Sun, New Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars all stimulating your solitude and mystery zone (plus Saturn squaring the Sun) it’s also time to look beneath the surface gloss to discover what’s really going on. Once you have rebooted your energy and rejuvenated your spirit, you can make the most of proactive Mars powering through your sign (until January 23).
CRAVING COUNTRY LIFE?
Imoved to Penrith from a country town on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia 18 months ago. Occasionally, I find myself craving the feeling you get from a small town – a unique feeling of community and calmness. As it turns out, Bathurst was my answer.
I arrived in town a few hours before the sun sank, and it was the low afternoon rays that lit up my accommodation for the weekend: Alice Foxren. The quaint red brick bungalow on Keppel Street oozed with charm – and I hadn’t even opened the front door yet.
“BATHURST HAS SO MUCH HISTORY”
The bed and breakfast combined the heritage features of the original 1939 home with modern amenities and design choices – a combination of vintage and minimalist decor. It featured a main bedroom with a king bed, a bedroom with two single beds, a bathroom with great water pressure, a cosy lounge room, a dining room, a fully equipped kitchen (inclusive of ice cream in the freezer), and a sun-soaked private back deck.
It was from the lounge room that a calming slow tempo track seeped from a retro radio.
This was easily my favourite room in the house – especially because married owners Lauren and Todd went to the effort of putting up a Christmas tree! When I wasn’t exploring the historic town of Bathurst, I was on the couch reading a book or watching the new season of ‘Stranger Things’ surrounded by quaint country elegance. I packed many activities into my two days
in Australia’s oldest inland European settlement. Restaurants, museums, distilleries, and a healthy serving of relaxation fuelled my trip, and I’m extending my itinerary to you.
Dining
If you’re chasing a fine dining experience in a relaxed setting, Bootleg Dining is waiting for your reservation.
The restaurant describes its cuisine as modern Australian. Chefs select premium local, Australian and international ingredients to ensure clients indulge in a rich tapestry of flavours. Their sourdough bread and fresh pastas are made in-house, and the meat is cooked over charcoal.
I made my choices for the share-style dining experience based on suggestions from the waiter. Her knowledge of the menu was comforting and resulted in just the right amount of food – ensuring I didn’t leave hungry or overly full.
The next day’s breakfast was in the courtyard at Moubar Vintage. As I waited for my coffee, I watched multiple families file in and out of the area and attempted to pat as many dogs as possible before my breakfast was ready for collection.
Under the shelter of a large, leafy tree, I sipped my morning brew and devoured my cinnamon sugar-soaked pastry as rain gently drizzled.
For lunch, I once again sat under a canopy of leaves at The Hub. True to its name, this eatery was bustling with people.
I ordered one of the day’s specials: the fried buttermilk chicken burger with grilled pine-
The Victoria pub.
Alice Foxren was the perfect place to stay.
Bathurst Courthouse.
The meals at The Victoria were delicious.
STOP IN AT HISTORIC BATHURST
apple, shaved ham, and chipotle mayo served with chips and aioli. This was the perfect pitstop on a busy day (that’s a car racing pun).
I concluded my Saturday at The Victoria for a classic pub meal – a chicken schnitzel with pepper sauce and chips.
This quirky pub served as the perfect starting point for a night out in Bathurst thanks to the friendly staff, happy clientele, and the option to eat and drink either inside or outside under the pink sunset.
Museums and Attractions
Bathurst has so much history, much of which is documented in the various museums around town. Some key players include the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum,
Bathurst Rail Museum, the National Motor Racing Museum, and Chifley Home.
I visited the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum on day one. The fossils and minerals were mind-blowing. The museum featured some of the finest and rarest specimens from around the world.
On day two, I visited the Bathurst Rail Museum. The scale model railway depicting the Great Western Line between Tarana and Bathurst during the 1950s and ‘60s blew me away.
At both museums, I was greeted with enthusiasm. The staff were incredibly passionate about the amazing pieces of history that awaited inside.
Another place in Bathurst that will soon
be an important part of the town’s history is Bathurst Grange Distillery – an award-winning, family-owned gin and whisky producer. I joined a distillery tour to learn the art of distillation and taste premium small-batch spirits with a beautiful view of farmland.
The tour was led by Toby, who has been working on the farm with his father since he was a teenager. He’s now pursuing his dream of using ingredients grown on the farm to create spirits with his family.
So, with that in mind, if you need to scratch the country town itch like I did, or if you simply want to take your family on a holiday steeped in history and community-mindedness, Bathurst is your answer.
transport company, you’ll only e the best from Vic ’s Maxi Transport.
Bathurst Rail Museum had plenty of history.
Bathurst Grange Distillery.
Pre-dinner drinks at Bootleg Dining.
76.
Word Search
Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.
THEME: GENEALOGY
ADOPTION
ANCESTORS
CERTIFICATES
CHURCH RECORDS
COURT
DATES
DEATH
FAMILIES
FAMILY BIBLE
FATHER
GENEALOGIST
GENERATIONS
GIVEN NAMES
MOTHER
OBITUARIES
OFFSPRING
ORAL TRADITION
PASSENGER LISTS
PATERNAL
STUDY
SURNAME
TOMBSTONES
TOWN TRACE
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about Christmas Movies and Television Shows in this week’s
5. What is the highest grossing Christmas movie of all time?
6. In ‘Christmas with the Kranks’, what do the Kranks do that causes a neighbourhood uproar?
7. In ‘Deck the Halls’, what kind of
Candy Cane Forest.
‘Home Alone’
Skip Christmas 7. Christmas lighting 8. Benihana
no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These
to
filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.
