RELIEF FOR MORTGAGE HOLDERS AS RATES CUT
All four major banks, CBA, Westpac, NAB and ANZ, have stepped up to the plate, announcing they will pass on the RBA’s 0.25 percentage point cut to variable mortgage customers.
While CBA, NAB and ANZ home loan rate cuts will take effect on May 30, Westpac’s home loan changes will kick in on June 3. Canstar.com.au’s data insights director, Sally Tindall said Australians with variable home loans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing a second rate cut of the year is here.
“While two standard RBA cuts seems tiny compared to 13 hikes over the past three years, it’s a welcome step down from a mountain of pressure and a sign the worst of the cost-of-living crisis is in the rearview
“All four big banks have announced they’ll be passing the cut on in full, which is terrific news. The banks know just how tough it’s been for many of their customers and they’ve made the right decision..
“However, it’s important to realise that some banks won’t lower your direct debit automatically even if you are paying the minimum, including CBA, NAB and ANZ, so if you do need this extra cash in your bank account, rather than your mortgage, make sure you let your bank know.
“While for many borrowers this extra cash will go straight to paying the bills, for those who have managed to keep their head above water, today’s RBA decision also represents a golden opportunity.
“If you’ve got a $600,000
minimum monthly repayments are likely to fall by around $91. However, if you’ve managed to keep up with higher repayments through the rate hikes, consider keeping them the same.
“IT’S A WELCOME STEP DOWN FROM A MOUNTAIN OF PRESSURE”
“If we see a total of four cuts this year, including the ones in February and May, and someone with a $600,000 mortgage with 25 years remaining keeps their monthly repayments exactly the same, they could stand to kick
years early and shave more than $89,000 from the total interest bill, provided they keep up these extra repayments for the remainder of their loan.
“But don’t stop there. Canstar estimates that once lenders pass on this cash rate cut there could be at least 30 lenders offering variable rates under 5.50 per cent. If your new mortgage rate isn’t at this mark as an owner-occupier, it could be time to make the switch.”
The RBA announced it was cutting the official cash rate to 3.85 per cent on Tuesday.
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) said although the interest rate cuts are occurring later than hoped, the relief for Australian households should have a positive impact on trading conditions in the coming
“While [the] decision has been on the cards, we hope it nudges business and consumer confidence in the right direction,” said ARA CEO, Chris Rodwell.
“A lower cash rate should have a positive flow-on effect to retail businesses, many of which are highly dependent on discretionary spending. That’s why we urge the RBA to stay vigilant to opportunities to provide further relief.
“Retailers – particularly small businesses - are the backbone of the Australian economy and play a vital role in job creation and supporting local communities. Retail contributes $430 billion to our economy and employs one in ten Australians – a recovery is critical to our economic well-being. We’re keen to see continued rate cuts by the RBA to
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HELPING TO AVOID SURGERY
At OnePointHealth, we understand that joint pain, particularly in the hips, knees, and shoulders, can significantly impact daily life. While joint replacement surgery is often seen as the ultimate solution for severe pain or loss of function, physiotherapy can play a pivotal role in preventing or delaying the need for such invasive procedures.
Research has shown that physiotherapy is highly effective in managing joint pain and improving function without resorting to surgery. At OnePointHealth, our physiotherapists focus on strengthening the muscles around the affected joint, enhancing mobility, and reducing inflammation. These treatments help alleviate stress on the joint, which can slow the progression of joint degeneration. A key approach we use is strengthening exercises. By focusing on building the muscles surrounding the joint, we can help provide
better support and reduce strain on the joint. We also utilise manual therapy to improve joint mobility and flexibility, as well as educate our patients on proper joint protection techniques. With regular physiotherapy, many patients experience significant pain relief and improved function, often avoiding surgery for much longer, if not indefinitely. For those who are in the early stages of joint degeneration, our team at OnePointHealth can offer personalised treatment plans to address muscle imbalances, joint stiffness, and alignment issues. This proactive approach aims to prevent further damage and delay the need for joint replacement. Many of our patients report better outcomes when they focus on physiotherapy before
considering surgery.
At OnePointHealth, we also emphasise the importance of post-surgical rehabilitation. For those who do eventually require joint replacement, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in recovery, helping patients regain strength and mobility faster and with better long-term outcomes.
If you’re experiencing joint pain or discomfort, don’t wait for surgery to become your only option. Book an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists today at OnePointHealth and let us help you explore non-surgical solutions to manage your pain and improve your quality of life.
At Sydney Smile Doctor, I see firsthand the benefits of regular dental checkups – and the consequences of delaying them. One of the most valuable things you can do for your oral and overall health is to see your dentist every six to 12 months. These appointments aren’t just about checking for cavities – they’re an essential part of maintaining your health and preventing bigger problems down the track.
Many dental issues – like decay, gum disease, and even early signs of oral cancer – can develop silently, without any pain or visible symptoms. By the time discomfort appears, the condition may already be advanced, potentially requiring more complex and costly treatment. Routine checkups allow us to detect problems early, often before you’re even aware of them, which means easier, quicker, and less invasive care.
These visits also include professional cleaning to
remove built-up plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing simply can’t eliminate. This not only keeps your teeth looking and feeling great but also helps prevent periodontal disease – a condition linked to systemic issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia.
For patients with crowns, implants, or past fillings, we use these appointments to ensure everything is stable and functioning well. It’s also a great time to discuss cosmetic options, concerns, or future treatment plans in a relaxed, preventative setting.
Beyond the clinical benefits, regular checkups help reduce dental anxiety. When you visit the dentist consistently, you’re more familiar
Sydney Smile Doctor sydneysmiledoctor.com.au
with the environment, and small issues are managed before they become major problems – making the experience far less daunting. We also take time during these appointments to educate you on better home care practices. Every mouth is different, and personalised advice tailored to your needs can significantly improve your oral hygiene habits at home. Think of your regular checkup as an investment in yourself. It’s a small time commitment that can lead to better long-term outcomes, reduced dental costs, and most importantly, peace of mind. Prevention truly is better than cure.
With Windows 10 end-of-life occurring on October 14, 2025, what steps must you take to upgrade to Windows 11? This requires planning and preparation. The first thing you need to do is see if your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements.
Check requirements
Windows 11 has higher minimum specs than Windows 10. But the main thing stopping you from upgrading is a missing Trusted Platform Module (TPM). This security chip stores encryption keys and protects your computer from unauthorised access. Downloading the Windows PC Health Check Tool is the best way to check if your PC is compatible. After installation, this will advise you if your computer can be upgraded. It can be downloaded from https://aka.ms/ GetPCHealthCheckApp.
Backup Your Data
The next step is to back up your data. The best way to do this is to turn on OneDrive backup. Once backed up, you can go to any computer and log in to OneDrive, and all your data is there and will synchronise to your computer. You can, of course, go old fashion and copy everything to a USB drive.
Uninstall any non-Microsoft Security and Antivirus software that may interfere with the upgrade. Also, ensure that your Windows 10 is fully patched before kicking off the Windows 11 Upgrade process.
Download Windows 11:
Go to settings Update and security Windows Update. Check for updates. Windows 11 Update should be displayed. This is the easiest and safest way to upgrade. You can also download the installation media and run it via a USB installation.
Install Windows 11
Follow the onscreen
The Experts
instructions. You will be guided through the upgrade in a step-by-step process. It’s not complicated; read each page carefully during the upgrade process. It will require you to enter your Microsoft credentials. This will also allow Microsoft to ensure your backup OneDrive data is resynced. Apply security updates Go to the Windows Update page and apply any updates. Reinstall your Antivirus and update any other applications to ensure Windows 11 Compatibility. If you are uncomfortable with the upgrade process, your local computer support company can do this for you.
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us: 196 Derby Street, Penrith Phone: 1300 645 680 Email: enquiries@sydneysmiledoctor.com.au www.sydneysmiledoctor.com.au
The Experts
KELLIE TICKNER
Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027
EMBRACING RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP
From May 19, 2025, changes to tenancy laws in New South Wales have made it significantly easier for renters to keep pets in their homes. These reforms acknowledge what so many already believe – pets are not just animals; they are cherished family members. For tenants, this marks a major step forward in being able to live with their furry companions without unnecessary barriers.
Under the updated laws, tenants still need to seek permission from their landlord before keeping a pet.
However, there’s now a clear and fair process in place. Landlords must respond to a written pet request within 21 days. If they fail to respond in that time, consent is automatically granted. Importantly, landlords can only refuse consent for specific reasons – such as if the property lacks secure fencing, has insufficient space, or if it would be inhumane to keep a pet there. They are no longer allowed to impose
blanket bans or advertise rental properties as “no pets”.
Landlords can place reasonable conditions on pet ownership, this may include carpets being professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy, or that the tenant repairs any pet-related damage. Open communication between landlords and tenants is key, and conditions must be fair and proportionate to the pet and property in question.
While the law now makes it easier to have pets in rental homes, it also reinforces the importance of responsible pet
ownership. Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, all cats and dogs in NSW must be identified and registered. This includes microchipping your pet by 12 weeks of age and registering them by six months. Microchipping is not only a legal requirement – it is essential for reuniting lost pets with their owners.
Desexing is also highly encouraged and often required for full lifetime registration. It helps reduce unwanted litters, improves health outcomes, and decreases the number of animals entering shelters each year.
Tenants must ensure their pets are well cared for and do not create problems for neighbours or the property. This includes
managing noise, preventing property damage, and cleaning up pet waste. It also means providing proper food, clean water, exercise, mental stimulation, and access to veterinary care.
It’s also important to note that tenants with recognised assistance animals do not need to seek permission to keep their animal under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. However, landlords should still be informed of the animal’s presence and provided with any accreditation if available.
These new laws are a welcome recognition of the value pets bring to our lives. With the right balance of compassion, communication, and responsibility, we can ensure that pets remain an important part of our homes and communities – whether we rent or own. Pets are family, and these new laws reflect that – while also reminding us that keeping pets is a shared responsibility between tenants and landlords.
Relax & Unwind
JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
Prepare for some long-term changes in your local community, as serious Saturn moves through your neighbourhood zone for the next three years. Work out ways that you can make a meaningful contribution. This week, as the sparky New Moon lights up your creativity zone, you’re in the mood for avant-garde adventures and bohemian friendships. But remember there’s a fine line between being spontaneously successful and being hastily foolhardy.
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
Saturn is now transiting through your self-reflection zone. So, over the next three years, do your best to consolidate your strengths and work on your weaknesses. As Saturn and Neptune deepen your humanitarian and spiritual perspectives, some Bulls will become involved with volunteer work while others embrace yoga, meditation, religion or metaphysical study. This week’s New Moon signals a fresh approach to money, financial planning and business.
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
Stop being a listless Lion and get cracking Cats! This week proactive Mars is in Leo, ambitious Saturn transits through your aspirations zone, and the New Moon stimulates your hopes and wishes zone. So it’s time to be confident, creative and determined, as you dream big dreams for the future. Draw inspiration from birthday great Stevie Nicks (who turns 77 on Monday), “My life is a testament to believing that if you want something, you can make it happen.”
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Have you been feeling run-down and lacking energy? The next three years is the time to focus on your physical fitness and mental health, as Saturn transits through your well-being zone. Discipline, determination, patience and gradual progress will get you there. This week’s New Moon lights up your mystery and manifestation zone, so it’s the perfect time to dream, imagine, contemplate and create. But be careful with secrets from the past and issues involving trust.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
With penny-pinching Saturn now transiting through your money zone, expect extra expenses and financial responsibilities over the next three years. Which will teach you some valuable lessons about being financially organised, responsible and frugal. So spontaneous spending sprees are definitely not recommended! This week’s New Moon highlights your home zone, so it’s time to spruce up your living space via cleaning, tidying and de-cluttering.
GEMINI
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
With Saturn visiting your hopes and wishes zone for the next three years, you need to get serious about your future plans. Dream an ambitious dream … and then put in the hard work and discipline required to make it happen. Plus be patient and resilient! This week’s New Moon is in Gemini, so it’s the perfect time for an updated look via a different hairstyle, a hot new outfit or a positive new attitude. Friday favours communication, conversation and education.
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Serious Saturn is transiting through your intrigue and secrets zone, which is good for all types of study, research and detailed detective work. And this week you’ve also got four planets (the Sun, New Moon, lucky Jupiter and your ruler Mercury) moving through your career zone. So don’t be shy and overly modest Virgo - it’s your time to shine! Be inspired by Hollywood legend (and birthday great) Marilyn Monroe “We are all stars and deserve the right to twinkle.”
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
Saturn is transiting through your love, romance, children and friendship zone. So – over the next three years – these relationships should strengthen and solidify, but there could also be some challenges and extra responsibilities placed on your broad Sagittarian shoulders. This week’s New Moon activates your relationship zone and boosts your natural inclination to reach out and help others. If you put other people first, then you’ll be rewarded in satisfying ways.
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
For the first time since 1999, Saturn is transiting through your sign (for the next three years). Which could bring more stability into your life – and more challenges. The more disciplined, responsible and self-reliant you are, the smoother the transition will be. This week’s New Moon highlights a fresh start involving travel or education, plus talk of an exciting new project in your local community. A welcome daytrip or weekend getaway is also on the cards.
CANCER
JUNE 22 TO JULY 22
Saturn is now in your career zone, so get serious about your professional ambitions. Venus and Neptune are also there, which bodes well for a promotion, better job or professional break over the next three years. Just make sure you are patient, persistent and thoroughly prepared. Be inspired by birthday great Kylie Minogue (who’s had a successful career for over 40 years), “I didn’t want to fizzle out. I had to keep going, like a little Shetland pony.”
LIBRA
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
Saturn is now in your partnership zone, so – sometime over the next three years – you could end a relationship that’s no longer working. With Venus and Neptune also in your partnership zone, aim to be more generous towards loved ones, and try to view a troubled relationship from a more compassionate perspective. Are you looking for love? You could be attracted to someone much older, or a long-term friendship could gradually develop into a grand romance.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
Saturn is transiting through your domestic zone, for the first time since 1999. So there are plenty of professional and DIY jobs that need to be done around the home as things wear out (or break down) and need to be fixed. This week the focus is also on physical and mental health as the New Moon stimulates your well-being zone. It’s time to shake up your daily routine, improve your diet, and find fun ways to boost your fitness levels and relax your worried mind.
32.
38. Photographing
52. Cone-shaped
53. Spanish Mrs
54. Muddle
58. Abundant
59. Brewery barrel
61. Wedding March route
63. Organise feast
64. Become extinct (3,3)
65. Model, ... Christensen
66. Coniferous tree
68. Sacrificial block
71. Lion handler
72. Rascals
74. Half-open
76. Sound (horn)
78. Single thing
80. Nonsense! 83. Sphere
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: CAR WORDS
CHILDCARE
MACARONI
SCARCE
VICAR
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about celebrities we have lost in 2025 in this week’s special trivia quiz...
1. George Wendt passed away this week. What is the legendary show he was part of?
2. Who co-wrote the screenplay for ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ and won a Best Director Oscar for ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’?
4. Which iconic rock band was Clem Burke part of?
5. Jay North was the star of which famous sitcom?
6. Which legendary actor, who appeared in ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Batman Forever’ died after a battle with cancer?
3. Which country variety performer, known for her performances on the iconic ‘Hee Haw’ in the United States, died in April at the age of 78?
Blondie
‘Dennis The
Menace’ 6. Val Kilmer
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 see how ‘straights’ are formed.
Does your pet deserve the best?
Paringa Pet Foods is here to help
Since 1986 Paringa
Pet Foods has been manufacturing a range of high quality raw and cooked pet foods, they are the experts on quality pet food.
At Paringa Pet Foods they are dedicated to making pet food fresh, convenient and clean to ensure all pet owners will experience a difference in their animal.
It is Paringa Pet Foods’ mission to make it simple to feed pets the highest quality food without the mess.
While animals can devour anything, including your shoes… eating a diet made up mainly of raw meats offers many health benefits. Paringa Pet Foods develop many of their products with the help from pet nutrition ists, making products full of protein and low in carbohy drates. Raw meat is easy for animals to digest and great for their ongoing gut health. Give your pup an immune system boost thanks to the natural enzymes and nutri ents contained in uncooked meat. Owners should expect to see improvements in the
ets Warehouse Penrith is your local pet shop that has everything you need to keep your pets happy.
As a local team of pet lovers nothing makes them smile more than getting to know their customers and their pets.
The family-run pet shop, located at 89 Batt Street, cater to all pets including dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and Pets Warehouse Penrith specialise in reptiles unlike anywhere else in town and have snakes, bearded dragons, turtles, geckos and blue-tongued lizards available!
If you are new to owning a pet, they can help with that too, and can guide you through feeding, grooming and worming. They also offer cat adoption and aim to give their cats new and loving homes.
Their wealth of knowledge means that they
can offer you friendly and honest advice on the best food, bedding or flea treatment for your pets.
Pets Warehouse Penrith was established in 2013 and since then has been servicing the local community to provide the very best in pet care.
From pet accessories and pet shampoo to animal cages, terrariums, cat and dog toys, and even a DIY Dog Wash, they’ve grown into a company that you can trust to put your pet first.
So, what are you waiting for? Leash up your four-legged friend and pop into Pets Warehouse today!
Pets Warehouse is open seven days a week and is located at Shop 4, 89 Batt Street, Penrith. For more information, call 4733 8133 or visit www.petswarehousepenrith. com.au.
