STYLE SUCCESS
NEW GUIDE PUTS STYLE RIGHT IN YOUR HANDS
The way we design Australian homes has always been influenced by global trends, but what makes them truly ours is how we adapt these ideas to suit our unique landscapes, climates, and lifestyles.
Whether you’re building from scratch or renovating your dream home, understanding the design and building process and making informed decisions is the key to creating a home that reflects your personal style and stands the test of time.
After years of industry-leading trend research and forecasting, Australia’s leading building materials company, CSR is launching its CSR Style Guide – a comprehensive home design and build toolkit covering exterior material colour palettes and unique home designs. Inspired by global trends and adapted to suit Australians, the Style Guide will assist homeowners on their building journey, offering practical tools, expert advice, and a wealth of inspiration from leading Australian brands Bradford, Cemintel, Hebel, Monier, and PGH. By combining curated material palettes, innovative home designs, and insights into the unseen layers of construction, it provides a holistic approach to building.
“With the right knowledge, homeowners can shape every aspect of their home – from the colours and materials to the performance elements that ensure comfort and sustainability,” said Renee McGinty, General Manager of Marketing, CSR. “It’s about creating a space that doesn’t just look beautiful but also feels right for the way you live.”
Homeowners often turn to social media and design magazines for inspiration, but the CSR Style Guide takes it a step further, helping you connect the dots between design, materials, and performance. Here are the main elements to consider when creating your dream home: Define your style through design
Every home begins with a vision, and understanding your style or ‘look’ is the first step.
The CSR Style Guide showcases six popular home designs, each with its own unique character, to inspire your build journey.
elegance of a Contemporary home, the raw textural elements and bold contrasts of Industrial design, or the dramatic gabled rooflines and open spaces of a Barnhouse, there’s a design to suit every taste. For those seeking timeless charm, the Classic style offers traditional gabled rooflines and distinctive fibre cement cladding, while the Modernist design is a highly liveable design style with its nod to mid-century inspiration and connected indoor/ outdoor spaces. If a fresh, breezy aesthetic is your preference, the Coastal style with its varying rooflines and mixed materials has a simple and effortless look.
“HOMEOWNERS CAN SHAPE EVERY ASPECT OF THEIR HOME”
Make colour work for you
The colours you choose for your home define its personality and connection to its surroundings.
A well-chosen palette can evoke calm, create bold drama, or tie your home to nature. The CSR Style Guide features nine curated material colour palettes, including Bright Whites, Strong Darks, and Rich Browns, offering options to suit various architectural styles and personal tastes. Add depth with texture
Texture brings character and individuality to your home’s façade, transforming a simple design into something extraordinary. Combining materials with varying finishes, like PGH Bricks and Cemintel cladding, creates a façade that is visually striking and full of dimension.
textured bricks adds contrast and depth, resulting in a layered, architectural look that stands out in the streetscape. This approach also allows you to highlight key features of your home, such as entryways or accent walls.
Texture also lets you express your personal style. A Modernist home might use earthy textures like stone or bagged brickwork for a natural, grounded aesthetic, while an Industrial design could emphasise bold contrasts with rough, raw finishes for an urban edge.
By thoughtfully mixing materials, you can create a cohesive yet dynamic design that reflects your style and elevates your home’s overall appeal.
Don’t forget what you can’t see Beneath the surface of every stunning home lies a carefully considered foundation of materials designed to ensure comfort, durability, and performance. While a home’s facade and design style often take centre stage, it’s the unseen layers that make it functional and liveable yearround. Insulation plays a critical role in regulating indoor temperatures, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. Bring it all together
Landscaping is more than decoration – it creates functional spaces that reflect your lifestyle, whether for entertaining, relaxing, or spending time with family. Thoughtfully planned landscaping extends your home’s materials and design style, ensuring a seamless connection between the building and outdoor spaces. The CSR Style Guide ensures homeowners are not just inspired but informed, giving them the confidence to work with builders and designers. For more infor
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THE KEY TO A HEALTHIER LIFE AUSTRALIAN DENTAL LABS
We often hear that exercise is good for us, but what if I told you, it could also significantly extend your life? As a physiotherapist, I witness daily how transformative physical activity can be. Recent studies now provide concrete evidence: increasing physical activity, even modestly, can add years to your life.
Adults aged 18 to 64 should aim for 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (such as dancing or circuit classes) each week.
Muscle-strengthening activities should also be performed at least twice weekly. These recommendations apply to everyone, including those living with chronic conditions or disabilities. For older adults, balance and functional strength training is crucial to prevent falls and maintain independence. The consequences of not
meeting these activity levels are significant. Inadequate physical activity is strongly associated with increased mortality. Encouragingly, even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
Among the most sedentary individuals, walking just 28.5 minutes a day could increase life expectancy by over six years. Increasing that to around 111 minutes a day could add nearly 11 years.
People who meet aerobic activity guidelines reduce their risk of all-cause mortality by 29 per cent. Those who also meet muscle-strengthening guidelines see a 40per cent reduction. These are powerful statistics, showing
KASEY COLLINS
One Point Health 4732 5188
just how much control we have over our long-term health.
If you’re unsure where to start or need guidance on improving your overall health and life expectancy, book in to see one of our experienced physiotherapists at OnePointHealth. We’ll work with you one-onone to create a personalised plan tailored to your goals, abilities, and lifestyle. We also offer weekly Balance, Strengthening and Conditioning group classes – a safe, supportive, and social way to stay active and motivated whilst improving your fitness. It’s never too late to move more. Your future self will thank you.
As a dentist with a strong focus on precision, safety, and patient-centred care, I’ve made a deliberate choice at Sydney Smile Doctor: we only work with Australian dental laboratories. This is not just about preference – it’s about delivering the highest quality outcomes for every patient we treat.
Australian dental labs are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which means they meet strict national standards for quality and safety. Whether it’s a porcelain crown, veneer, bridge or implant restoration, I can be confident that the materials used are biocompatible, durable, and safe – an assurance not always guaranteed when outsourcing work overseas.
One of the greatest advantages of working locally is real-time collaboration. I have direct communication with talented technicians right here in Australia, which allows us to work together on complex cases, review scans,
make aesthetic adjustments, and fine-tune fit. That close clinical-laboratory relationship translates to restorations that not only function exceptionally well but also look beautifully natural.
There’s also the issue of reliability. With Australian labs, we benefit from faster turnaround times, fewer delays, and consistent quality control. There’s no waiting weeks for international shipping, and no concerns about supply chain disruptions or miscommunication due to time zone differences.
Exceptional
Beyond the clinical benefits, there’s also a deeper principle: supporting Australian craftsmanship and industry. Our local dental technicians are highly trained professionals whose skills are vital to modern dentistry. By keeping our lab work onshore, we’re contributing to the sustainability of our healthcare system and investing in the future of Australian dental excellence. In the end, I believe your smile deserves nothing less than the best – and the best is right here at home. When patients choose Sydney Smile Doctor, they can be confident their treatment is truly local, safe and made to the highest standards.
Dr Peterson is an internationally renowned dentist. With a Masters in Aesthetic Dentistry from Kings College London, he provides world class services here in Penrith.
DR. ANDREW PETERSON
UNDERSTANDING URINARY PROBLEMS IN OUR CATS
Urinary issues are a common but serious concern in cats, often falling under the umbrella of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). This term covers a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra, and can cause significant pain, discomfort, or even life-threatening complications. Early detection and treatment are essential, so it’s important for cat owners to be familiar with the signs.
Signs to watch for
One of the first clues your cat may have a urinary problem is a change in litter box habits. This might include urinating more frequently, straining, or going outside the box. If your cat is showing any of the following symptoms, a prompt visit to the vet is crucial:
• Straining to urinate or crying out in pain
• Frequent attempts to urinate with little or no output
• Blood in the urine
• Urinating in unusual places
• Sudden behavioural changes, such as aggression or restlessness
A cat that cannot urinate is experiencing a medical emergency and needs immediate veterinary care.
What causes FLUTD?
FLUTD can affect cats of all ages but is more commonly seen in middle-aged, overweight, or indoor cats. Several different conditions can contribute to FLUTD, including:
• Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC): A common cause involving bladder inflammation with no clear underlying reason.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): More typical in older cats, these infections are caused by bacteria.
• Bladder Stones or Crystals: These can irritate the bladder or even cause a blockage in the urethra.
• Urethral Plugs: These blockages are formed from a mix of crystals, mucus, and cells.
• Stress: Environmental or emotional stress is a major trigger for urinary flare-ups.
• Tumours: Although rare, cancer of the bladder or urethra can also present as FLUTD.
Often, FLUTD is multifactorial – caused by a combination of physical, dietary, and behavioural elements.
Diagnosis and management
Diagnosing urinary issues involves a thorough examination by your vet, along with urine testing, and sometimes imaging. Treatment depends on the cause but may include:
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication
• Antibiotics (if infection is present)
• Special urinary diets and supplements
• Encouraging increased water intake
• Stress reduction strategies
In cases of urethral blockage, emergency intervention is necessary to relieve the obstruction.
Tips for prevention
You can help lower your cat’s risk of urinary issues by:
• Providing clean, fresh water daily –consider a fountain or multiple water bowls
• Feeding a moisture-rich diet (like wet food)
• Keeping litter trays clean and easily accessible
• Reducing stress with a calm environment or pheromone diffusers
• Maintaining a healthy weight through play and enrichment Urinary health is a key part of your cat’s wellbeing. If you notice any signs of trouble, don’t delay – call Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027 for advice or to book an appointment.
Relax & Unwind
JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
Courtesy of the powerful Sun in Gemini/Pluto in Aquarius trine, the buzz word this week is transformation. But don’t worry about trying to change (or control) those around you. Focus on yourself first. Can you be more proactive in relationships, pivot professionally or transform your physical appearance? Your motto is from this week’s birthday great, entertainer Cher, “The only thing in the world you can change is yourself and that makes all the difference.”
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
The Sun’s spending the last days in your sign, which provides a golden opportunity to fine-tune who you are and where you’re going. Quick smart! Thursday’s Venus/Mars trine pushes you to draw up a creative plan, as you start transforming your dreams into reality. Then Mercury and Uranus hook up in your sign, which encourages you to think outside the box. Be inspired by Taurus birthday great, Cher, “If you can’t go straight ahead, go around the corner.”
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
It’s your time to shine! The powerful Sun/Pluto trine favours big dreams, passionate partnerships and joint ventures, as you combine dazzling creativity with powerful determination. Plus use your fertile imagination to help manifest your preferred future via goal setting, a practical plan and a patient approach So your mantra is from human rights activist Malcolm X (who was born on May 19, 1925), “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Transformation is the name of the game, as the planets push you to rise Phoenix-like from the ashes of a difficult situation. A challenging close relationship has the potential to be reborn into a much more positive partnership. The Sun/Pluto trine (on the weekend) will help you release old grudges, let go of the past, forgive and forget, and move on. But it will take time, and a situation with a child, teenager or friend could be stressful for at least another week.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
After two long years, Saturn is spending the last week transiting through Pisces. So it’s a good time to be focused, disciplined and patient. But don’t listen to your inner critic, as it tries to undermine your confidence and shake your self-esteem! Be inspired by singer-actress Cher (who turns 79 on Tuesday), “If you’re waiting for someone to believe in you, you’ll be waiting forever. You must believe in yourself.” On Thursday, share a dream with a special family member.
GEMINI
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
It’s a big week for Twins as the Sun transits into your sign and makes a transformative trine to Pluto. So it’s time to be powerful, adventurous and generous. Make the most of the next three weeks, as Jupiter (planet of travel and prosperity) finishes jumping through Gemini. Explore, experiment and enthuse - here, there and everywhere! Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Bob Dylan (who turns 84 on Saturday), “There is nothing so stable as change.”
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Early in the week the Sun powers into your career zone and the focus shifts to professional matters. Then Mercury (your ruling planet) hooks up with Uranus on the weekend, when it’s a good time to question, philosophise, explore and innovate, as you throw out the old rule book and try something new. Be inspired by music great Bob Dylan (who turns 84 on Saturday), “Gonna change my way of thinking, make myself a different set of rules.”
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
The Sun joins Jupiter (your patron planet) midweek in your partnership zone. So – when it comes to close relationships – it’s time to be creative, attentive, adventurous and generous. Attached Archers – pamper your partner and show them they are still Number One. Unhappily single? You could fall for someone from another country or culture. Thursday’s Venus/Mars trine is terrific for creative projects, pleasure, leisure, romance, friendship and travel.
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
You’re in the mood for self-love, romance and/or friendship, as Venus (transiting through Aries) makes a lovely link to Mars (your ruling planet). So it’s a wonderful week to get your hair done, buy a fabulous outfit, enjoy an indulgent facial, manicure, pedicure or massage, plus eat delicious food as you socialise with close old friends or exciting new acquaintances. The weekend stars favour short trips, intense conversations and local community connections.
CANCER
JUNE 22 TO JULY 22
Have you been burning the midnight oil and now you’re suffering from burnout? Or have you been running around on autopilot, making careless mistakes? The Sun and Jupiter activate your solitude zone, so slip into hermit Crab mode as you slow down, simplify your life, prune projects or organise a digital detox. Meditation, contemplation, and relaxation are a must. You could also receive creative ideas or an important message from an intense dream.
LIBRA
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
It’s a wonderful week for relationships, parties, birthdays, engagements, weddings and anniversaries! Venus (transiting through your partnership zone) makes a lovely link with Mars (in your peer group zone). So love, romance, friendship, socialising and celebrating are all favoured as you mix and mingle; socialise and fraternise. And with the Sun shifting into your adventure zone (where it joins Jupiter) you could also book a trip or travel somewhere special.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
Avoid being a gullible Goat. A friend or family member could try to pull the wool over your eyes, so stay alert. Tuesday is terrific for completing a personal project or a business plan. This is the last week that Saturn (your patron planet) is transiting though the sign of Pisces. So aim to channel your creative Capricorn energy into education, communication, neighbourhood connections and/or community projects. It’s a very good time to think global, act local!
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C addens
C addens News (C addens Corner)
Woolworths
C ambridge Gardens
Coles
McDonald's
Overlander Hotel
C ambridge Park
C ambridge Park Newsagency
Cellarbations
Friendly Grocer
C astlereagh
Ampol Ser vice Station
Claremont Meadows
Iga Claremont Meadows
Coly ton
Coly ton Centre Pharmacy
Coly ton Friendly Grocer
Coly ton Hotel
Coly ton Newsagency
Dan Murphy's
Hewitt Street Takeaway
Cranebrook
Aldi Cranebrook
Cranebrook Community Health
Cranebrook Village
McDonald's
Mother Earth Nurser y Plus Pharmacy
Woolworths Cranebrook
Emu Plains
Chambers Cellars
Lennox Centre Newsagency
McDonald's
Penrith Regional Galler y Woolworths Lennox Village
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Gre at Western Highway)
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)
Emu Height s
Super Save Compounding Chemis t
Erskine Park
Ashcroft’s Iga
Erskine Park Ctc
G lenmore Park
Coles
Mags News
McDonald's
Medi Advice Pharmacy
Woolworths
J amisontown
Abcoe
Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym
B att Street Take Away
Grey Gums Hotel
Har vey Norman
New On York Takeaway
Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen
(Penrith Homemaker)
Patt y’s Place
S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)
S hell Ser vice Station
The Coffee Club Nepean River
Three Sugars C afé
We stern Weekender
York Takeaway
Zoo Fitness
7/ 11 Jamisontow n
Jordan Springs
Brooks Tavern
Jordan Springs Newsagency
Woolworths
Kemps Creek
C altex Ser vice Station
Kemps Creek Bowling Club
Kingswood
B arista Bar Coff ee Shop
(Nepean Private Hospital)
Countr y Brewer
Hallani’s
Kingswood Hotel
Kingswood Newsagency
Kingswood Sports Club
Penrith Gaels Club
Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital
7/ 11 Kingswood
Leonay
Emu Sports Club
Grow C afé (formerly Willow Tree C afé)
Llandilo IGA
Londonderr y Londonderr y Liquor Store
S hell X Roads
Luddenham
Au stralia Pos t IGA Luddenham
Minchinbur y McDonald's
Minchinbur y Fruit Market
Mulgoa
Glenmore Heritage Golf Club
Mulgoa Newsagency
Mulgoa Pharmacy
Nor th St Mar ys
Boronia House (Retirement Community)
Little Bottler
MFC Food Stores
Old Mt Druitt
RM Newsagency
Orchard Hills
Flower Power
Oxley Park
Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy
Penrith
Aldi
Ampol Coreen Avenue
Astina
Atmosphere Gym
Au stralian Arms
Brisket Boys
Ca fé Fre d
Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)
Coles ( We stfield Penrith)
Crescent Mini Mar t
High Street Pies
Hogs Bre ath C afe
Hoyt s Westfield
Joan Sutherland Arts Centre
Liquor Stax Pe achtree
McDonald's High Street
McDonald's Panthers Le agues
McDonald's Pe achtree
Mercure Hotel
Museum Of Fire
Nepean Aquatic Centre
Nepean Motor Group C afé
Nepean Rowing Club
Nepean Village Coffee Club
Nepean Village Newsagency
Nextra Westfield
O ffice of Karen McKeown MP
One Point Health
Panthers Le agues Club
Pe achtree Hotel
Penrith Bowling Club
Penrith CBD Corporation
Penrith City Council
Penrith City Librar y
Penrith Golf Club
Penrith Hotel
Penrith Paceway
Penrith RSL
Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre
Pioneer Tavern
RE/MAX
Sittano s Restaurant
Ta s tify
Tattersalls Hotel
The Heritage Terrace C afé
The Log C abin
We stfield
World Gym
7/ 11 Henr y Street
Regentville
7/ 11 Regentville
Ropes Crossing
Coles
Ropes Crossing Newsagency
Silverdale
CHOICE Pharmacy
Mobil Ser vice Station
S outh Penrith
Budget Ser vice Station
Fish Fish
Friendly Grocer
Grose’s Pharmacy
Southlands Newsagency
Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)
Lemongrove Community Health Centre
South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre
Woolworths
St Clair Blue C attle Dog Hotel
Foodworks
St Clair Librar y
St Clair Shopping Centre
7/ 11 St Clair
St Mar ys
Andrew s Corner Store
Ampol Foodar y Astley Pharmacy
C assand ra’s On Queen
Cr ystal C afé
Guido s Hair C are
Jayam Supermarket
Monfar ville Corner Store
Queen St Newsagency
St Mar ys Band Club
St . Mar ys Diggers
St
McDonald's St Mar ys South
