EMU PLAINS EMERGES AS OPPORTUNITY ZONE
Emu Plains remains a key “Opportunity Zone” for first home buyers, according to new Equifax data.
Released last week, Equifax’s Quarterly Consumer Credit Insights – September 2025 revealed mortgage applications rose by 10.3 per cent compared to Q3 2024, the strongest growth seen year-on-year since 2021.
In addition, First Home Buyer appetite climbed with the largest volume of First Home Buyer enquiries seen since Q1 2022.
However, total mortgage accounts declined year-on-year for the second consecutive quarter, likely driven by an affordability threshold challenge.
Despite these challenges, specific geographies continue to
see First Home Buyer demand. Defined by the number of First Home Buyer applications and median loan amounts, key ‘First Home Buyer Demand Hotspots’ in New South Wales include Parramatta, Blacktown, Castle Hill and Hurstville.
While the First Home Buyer Demand Hotspots track areas of surging applications and median
loan amounts, Equifax has mapped the intersection of intent versus affordability, revealing “Opportunity Zones” for First Home Buyers.
The most affordable suburbs among First Home Buyers by average loan amount and within a 60km radius of their closest capital city include Leumeah, Forestville and Emu Plains.
“We know that many Australians, particularly those looking to purchase their first homes, are being priced out of major cities, and we also know that this factor won’t be completely aided by Federal Government incentivisation,” said Kevin James, Chief Solution Officer at Equifax.
“MANY AUSTRALIANS ARE BEING PRICED OUT OF MAJOR CITIES”
“Young Australians looking to break into the housing market could consider alternative regions where these government incentives are likely to provide the greatest benefit.”
And if you’re thinking of an interstate move, Chapel Hill and Holmview in Queensland and Melton South and Burnside in Victoria are the top Opportunity Zones interstate.
Beyond mortgages it was a positive quarter for most credit products, personal loans recorded their strongest year-on-year growth since 2022 (+11.6 per cent) and credit cards posted a second consecutive quarter of doubledigit growth (+13.3 per cent).
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) saw the largest change this quarter with accounts increasing by 18 per cent and total limits by 24 per cent year-on-year.
Western Property
CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE
4 2 2
OPEN FOR INSPECTION Saturday, November 22
2.00pm – 2.30pm CONTACT:
Bennett Property
Michael Bennett • 0414 643 667 michaelb@bennettproperty.com.au
Jacob Bennett • 0487 487 775 jacob@bennettproperty.com.au
LUXURY LIVING ON THE EDGE OF PENRITH
What is so great about this property? Easycare acres, spacious family home with multiple living areas, great storage, surrounded by other quality rural homesteads.
Who does this property suit? Family looking to upsize to small acreage property
Tell us about the suburb the property is in? Castlereagh Road is one of the important transport links in Sydney connecting the Hawkesbury and Penrith regions. Within Castlereagh Public School catchment area. Semi-rural suburb; a mix of residential, small acreage blocks and larger acreage holdings plus horse studs and local farming pursuits.
8:00am to 4:00pm
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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
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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.
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The ResidencesTypical example of Oran Park townhomes
With summer just around the corner and sandals making their seasonal comeback, it’s the perfect time to give your feet a little extra care. Whether you’re slipping into thongs or spending the day in enclosed shoes, these simple tips can help keep your feet healthy and comfortable all season long.
dreaded cracked heel.
Watch out for sweat and fungi
Hot weather and enclosed shoes mean sweaty feet. Damp socks and shoes create the perfect environment for fungal infections like tinea. To reduce your risk, change socks regularly and let your shoes air out in the sun between wears. Protect against warts
Moisturise daily
Open shoes may feel breezy, but they leave your heels exposed to dryness and cracking. A daily moisturiser, especially one containing urea, can help keep your skin soft, smooth, and protected from the
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which loves warm, moist places like public pools and change rooms. The virus can enter through cracked or wet skin, so wearing thongs or sandals in these areas is an
easy way to protect yourself.
Prevent blisters
Blisters often form from friction or walking barefoot on hot surfaces. To avoid them, always wear shoes outdoors, ideally ones that fit well and don’t rub. Comfortable, properly fitted footwear is key to keeping your feet blister-free. Check your feet regularly
As the weather warms up, make a habit of checking your feet for any changes, discomfort, or signs of infection. Early attention can prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy summer without sacrificing foot health. After all, happy feet make for a happier season.
Six years ago, I assessed whether an iPad could replace a laptop for overseas work travel. Back then, I found it possible, but I struggled with VPNs, remote desktop access, and the lack of multitasking features. Well, it was time for another holiday in Peru. Unlike my last trip, I did not even bring my laptop. Screen space, portability, weight, and Internet connectivity were my key requirements. The ability to do online banking, email, prepare proposals, and handle general work requirements was a must. Watching movies, television series, and social media was equally important, especially on long plane and bus trips. On a 10-hour bus ride through the Andean mountains, I managed my emails with ease while occasionally switching to my favourite series. The limited space for my iPad on the narrow folddown tray didn’t bother me. It was during this journey that I truly appreciated leaving my heavier laptop behind.
The current iPadOS 26 version delivers genuine multitasking. I now resize, layer, overlap, and manage multiple apps. I can open up to 12 apps simultaneously. I can attend video conferences while working on spreadsheets, chatting on social media, and uploading documents. Additionally, stoplight controls (close, minimise, maximise) and a floating menu bar now simplify navigation.
During those six years, my business technology changed. We moved off a server and transferred our data to Microsoft Teams. Our Line of Business application introduced a cloud interface, eliminating the need for a remote desktop client. Now, I use Microsoft Office, Teams, and OneDrive seamlessly on the iPad. I can access all my work resources securely, quickly, and easily. Xero accounting, another tool I use, updated its web interface and now works much better on the iPad. When compared with laptops, the iPad truly
shines in battery life, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge, whereas laptops often fall short.
I set up dual-screen remote work by connecting my iPad to hotel televisions with a suitable cable. iPads have always supported Bluetooth keyboards, and they now support Bluetooth mice as well. Previously, I found editing items on a touchscreen frustrating and counterproductive. Printing still poses a challenge on the road, since printers must support AirPrint.
In summary, the iPad, is now a viable laptop replacement for travel, meeting almost all of my needs.
JULIE SHELDRAKE
Nepean Aquatic Centre & Eva Bory’s Swim School 4730 8900
THE STARTLING STATS AROUND TEEN DROWNING
In my column a few weeks back I touched on the fact that the National Drowning Report 2025 reported the highest number of drowning deaths since records began, many of which were in the teenage age group. New research shows that the risk of drowning rises sharply for teenagers, surging 1300 per cent or 13 times, between the ages of 10 and 20 years.
Worryingly, the new data shows that drowning in 15–20-year-olds has increased by 34 per cent in the five years since 2021 (COVID-19 pandemic), compared to the five years prior.
Royal Life Saving estimates that over 10 million swimming lessons were missed due to the pandemic. Five years on, many of those children are teenagers, who can’t swim but are likely to be exposed to drowning in rivers and beaches, where strong swimming skills are important.
So, what can be done to address this? Royal Life Saving Australia is urging parents to enrol their eight, nine and 10-year-olds in swimming and water safety lessons as soon as possible, warning that too many children miss out on the vital skills that keep them safe, as teenagers and young adults, when drowning risk increases thirteen-fold. Research shows 60 per cent of kids start lessons before age three, but most have dropped out before age
seven. Royal Life Saving is reminding parents that learning to swim as a young child is a great start – but it’s often not enough to keep them safe as teenagers or last a lifetime.
Royal Life Saving Chief Executive Officer Dr Justin Scarr said, “The decline in swim-
SUPPORT FOR FATHERS
ming skills in children is a key factor driving elevated drowning in teenagers and young adults”. More than half of 10-year-olds and 40 per cent of 15-year-olds can’t swim 50 metres, and most of those may never swim, placing them at life-long elevated risk of drowning.
“If your children quit lessons before seven, a second dose of swimming at age 10 or before could be a lifesaving decision. Whether to build confident swimmers, encourage them into water sports or recreational activities, and to prevent drowning later in life, swimming is for life, and no child should miss out,” Scarr said.
To help parents assess their children at age of 10, before drowning risk elevates, Royal Life Saving is providing the following checklist: Can your 10-year-old swim 50 metres and float for two minutes? If they fell from a boat or slipped off rocks, could they float and/ or swim 50-100m to safety? If peer pressure meant they jumped from a jetty or rocks, could they swim to safety? If they were caught in a river current, would they know what to do to help them survive?
If the answer is no, or if you are not sure, then both we and Royal Life Saving are encouraging parents to get their kids back to swimming lessons! Until next week, stay safer! Love to Swim, Swim for Safety, Swim for Life!
At Mannion Lawyers, we provide compassionate, practical family law support specifically tailored for fathers. Our team is dedicated to helping dads navigate the challenges of separation, parenting arrangements, and Family Court with clarity and confidence.
WHAT WE DO
• FAMILY COURT
Guiding fathers through every stage of the Family Court process
• JUSTICE FOR FATHERS
Empowering fathers to protect their rights and achieve fair outcomes
• RECOVERY/RELOCATION ORDER
Supporting fathers to protect their children’s wellbeing and maintain meaningful relationships
The Experts
WHY VACCINATING YOUR DOG MATTERS
With the holiday season fast approaching, many pet owners are getting organised and booking their dogs into boarding facilities. Whether your pet will be staying somewhere for a long weekend or during the Christmas break, making sure their vaccinations are up to date is one of the most important steps you can take. Boarding facilities rely on vaccination requirements to protect every animal in their care, as infectious diseases can spread rapidly when dogs are housed close together. In recent years, concerns around vaccine shortages and the rising cost-of-living may have caused some families to delay their pet’s annual boosters. However, routine vaccination remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect dogs from serious – and often life-threatening – illnesses. Preventing disease through vaccination is always safer, easier, and far less stressful than treating it.
These are the key diseases dog vaccinations help prevent:
Parvovirus (Parvo): Parvo is an extremely contagious virus that causes severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, and rapid weight loss. It can persist in the environment for months, making it particularly difficult to eliminate. The virus spreads quickly in places where dogs gather, such as boarding kennels. Without prompt treatment, parvo can be fatal, so vaccination is essential for protection.
Canine Distemper: Spread through the air, distemper affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Early signs include sneezing, coughing, and eye or nasal discharge, but it can progress to neurological damage. There is no cure for distemper, meaning vaccination is the only reliable defence.
Canine Adenovirus (Infectious Canine Hepatitis): This virus attacks the liver, kidneys, and eyes and spreads through bodily
fluids like saliva and urine. Symptoms range from lethargy and vomiting to abdominal pain and, in severe cases, sudden death. Vaccination provides strong protection against this potentially deadly disease.
Canine Cough (Kennel Cough): Kennel cough thrives in environments where dogs mix – boarding facilities, grooming salons, dog parks, and shows. It causes a persistent, hacking cough and may lead to complications like pneumonia, especially in puppies. Vaccination is recommended for any dog regularly socialising with others.
Leptospirosis and Canine Coronavirus (C2i): Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria spread in the urine of infected rats and mice. Dogs typically contract it through contact with contaminated water, bedding, food, or by licking or swallowing stagnant water. It can severely damage the kidneys and liver and can be life-threatening. Vaccination is especially important for dogs on
rural properties or those likely to encounter rodents or standing water.
Staying up to date with your dog’s vaccination schedule is a simple way to protect them – and every dog they come into contact with. If your pet will be boarding over the holidays, now is the perfect time to check their vaccination status.
Contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027 to arrange a personalised vaccination plan based on your dog’s lifestyle and needs. Keep ahead of the holiday rush and give your dog the protection they deserve.
The Experts
HOW MUCH LIFE INSURANCE DO I NEED?
Imust admit that most people don’t get too excited talking about insurance, and therefore often don’t give it the attention it deserves. The problem is, if the worse happens, very few families would have the means to maintain their lifestyle without proper insurance.
A survey from insurance
provider TAL found that only about one third of Australians of working age had life insurance, and about one in 10 had trauma or income protection insurance. Worse still a Rice Warner survey indicated that even for those with insurance, over half were underinsured.
I’m often asked do we really need life insurance? In simple terms if someone is financially dependent on you, it is likely that you need insurance. How much insurance do I need is a more complex question. At our office we have a very structured method of calculating how much cover will be required.
In broad terms we attempt to
calculate how much money the surviving family will require to maintain their lifestyle for the remainder until life expectancy.
We also estimate future income likely to be earned by the surviving partner (this may be reduced
We have a very defined process to calculate the future income needed. We look at debt, living costs and specific costs such as children’s education. We take into consideration inflation, future changes such as children
without the support of their partner) and saleable assets that have already been accumulated. The gap between the sum required and the future income and current assets is the amount of life insurance we need.
leaving home and other potential changes. We are able to use this information to calculate a figure that the family requires to maintain their lifestyle.
The saleable assets usually include Super and investments,
including investment properties.
Although we call them saleable assets, the assets won’t necessarily be sold, but it is envisaged that they will be used one way or another to help provide for the family.
The calculation of future income is based on the surviving spouse’s income keeping pace with the average Australian wage increases. However we will often make adjustments where a change in work situation is likely. The most common being an increase in work hours when the kids reach school age.
Although these calculations require estimates and assumptions, they provide an excellent framework to ensure that your family is taken care of in the event the worse happens.
Although not something we like to think about, it is all too common that a death in the family which is already emotionally shattering can also result in an enormous amount of financial pressure. Life insurance can relieve this.
Relax & Unwind
JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
Many Aquarians are having problems at work, as Mercury reverses through your career zone (until next Sunday). If it’s too much to handle on your own, then don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from your friends, work colleagues and/ or your extended peer group. Don’t battle on alone … other people are happy to pitch in and help. But Sunday looks unsettling as disruptive Uranus (your ruling planet) opposes Venus, which could lead to relationship hiccups.
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
Mercury is reversing through your relationship zone until next Sunday. So other people could misunderstand you – or tell you what they think you should be doing. With Uranus visiting your sign, it’s time to shake off the shackles of other people’s expectations and be the authentic you! Your motto is from birthday great Bruce Lee, “Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself. Do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.”
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
With intense Pluto powering slowly though your relationship zone, you’re not in the mood for superficial encounters with others, preferring deep, serious, philosophical and/or spiritual conversations with family and close friends. But make sure you communicate your ideas clearly and concisely (especially with relatives and housemates). From November 30, a family drama should start to settle down as Mercury moves forward in your home zone.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Venus and retrograde Mercury (both in your sign) shine a spotlight on personal projects and financial matters, plus power and trust issues. You have a good business brain – just make sure you’re using it! Ignorance is no excuse. Do all you can to improve your financial literacy ASAP. The Venus/Jupiter trine is good news for travel plans, a romantic relationship or helping a charitable cause. Compassion, kindness and patience will take you far.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
Many Pisceans who’ve been travelling have experienced delays, disruptions, breakdowns and/or cancellations, as Mercury has been reversing through your travel zone. Thank goodness Mercury moves forward on November 30. In the meantime, make sure you double-check all things involving car maintenance, transport timetables and connections, itineraries, accommodation and appointments. Sunday’s Venus/Neptune trine is terrific for drifting and dreaming.
GEMINI
22 TO JUNE 21
This week Venus and retrograde Mercury activate your wellbeing zone. So it’s a good week to revise your diet and get your body moving via a gym membership, a rebooted exercise program or a vigorous workout in the great outdoors. Spend some quality time savouring the splendour of the natural world. It’s also time to re-think and double-check emerging plans and projects before you put them into action after Mercury moves forward on November 30.
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Ever-vigilant Virgos are the worrywarts of the zodiac. And when Mercury (your patron planet) is in retrograde mode, you worry and obsess and over-think even more than usual. Which can end up being counterproductive. As birthday great Bruce Lee wisely observed, “If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done.” Sunday promises a fresh start, when Mercury moves forward and you can relax with family, friends and/or neighbours.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
The fiery Sun and feisty Mars are both transiting through your sign. So it’s time to be bold and brave, as you solve problems and take on challenges with extra energy and enthusiasm. Your motto for the moment is from writer (and birthday great) Louisa May Alcott, “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” But Mercury is still in retrograde mode until Sunday morning, so smart Sagittarians will also be prudent, patient and persistent.
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
This week the Sun and Mars (your power planet) are both transiting through your adventure, education and aspirations zone. So – the more exciting your adventures, the more open your mind and the more ambitious your dreams, the better! With Mercury still in retrograde mode (until November 30), it’s time to refine your life direction and then follow your guiding star. Be inspired by birthday great, writer Mark Twain, “Explore. Dream. Discover.”
CANCER
22 TO JULY 22
Mid-week, there’s a marvellous trine between prosperous Jupiter (in your sign) and lucky Venus. So Crab charisma is at an all-time high as you charm the cynics and dazzle the doubters. This week – plan, dream, and write down your goals and aspirations for the future. Then – from Sunday (November 30) onwards (when Mercury moves forward) – it’s the perfect time to apply for a job, bonus or promotion; enter a competition; or call in a few old favours.
LIBRA S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
With bold, bountiful Jupiter jumping through your professional zone, it’s up to you to be proactive about creating career opportunities. This week, Venus forms terrific trines with Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune which boosts confidence, focus and personal glamour. So it’s time to shoot for the stars! Be inspired by birthday great Bruce Lee, “To hell with circumstances … I create opportunities.” Sunday favours mixing and mingling in your local community.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
Mercury is reversing through your hopes and dreams zone until next Sunday. So a long-cherished dream may need to be re-imagined and reworked so that it better suits your current situation. Rather than seeing it as a disappointing setback, clever Capricorns will perceive it as an exciting new challenge. You’re also unusually impatient, as you communicate about a wide range of topics and share creative ideas with family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances.
SUN, WATER AND PLENTY
The Gold Coast has always been a place close to my heart.
I was born there in 1987 and the first six months of my life, I lived at Kirra Gardens – an apartment building right opposite beautiful Kirra Beach.
The Gold Coast was also a place I holidayed at a lot growing up. I distinctly remember the various hotels and motels I stayed at with my family over the summer.
None of them were ever luxurious hotels, but at that age, all that mattered to me was whether the room had Foxtel, if there was an ocean view, and of course how close busy Cavill Avenue and Pacific Fair – the world’s greatest shopping centre – were to me.
When I turned 19 or 20 and stopped holidaying with my parents, I would admit I was kind of tired of the Gold Coast, having spent so much time there when I was a young kid.
My mission was to travel the world and leave those domestic holidays behind.
“I LITERALLY UTTERED ‘WOW’ WHEN THIS LANDED ON MY TABLE”
So, recently when the opportunity arose to visit the Gold Coast again after nearly two decades, I was genuinely excited to return and see how much it had changed.
As this publication’s senior sports journalist, I was lucky to be invited to the Gold Coast to experience the city as a destination for world-class sporting events.
While Gold Coast sporting teams (I’m looking at you Titans and Suns) have often struggled for success on the paddock, that doesn’t mean that the city isn’t successful in hosting major professional and even semi-professional/amateur sporting events.
In 2018, the Gold Coast was the host city for the Commonwealth Games, which ultimately saw billions of dollars poured into local infrastructure, transport upgrades and the like in preparation for the massive international contingent.
When I was in town earlier this month, I got to witness the historic Australia v India T20 International at People First Stadium in Carrara. This was a huge deal for the region as it was the first-time ever that the Gold Coast had hosted the Indian men’s cricket team.
While the match ended with India winning comfortably over the Aussies, the best result was how successful the game was for Gold Coast tourism, with a record crowd for a cricket match of 20,470 in attendance.
Whether it’s the V8 Supercars racing through the streets ever year, the annual World Surfing League Championship Tour or the Pan Pacific Masters Games, the Gold Coast has proven time and time again that its well equipped to be up there with Sydney and Melbourne as a prime destination for major sporting events.
In March, Gold Coast’s Cbus Super Stadium – the home of the Titans – will host six matches of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, including the highly-anticipated Matildas v Iran fixture on March 5.
If you plan on visiting the region for the women’s football in March next year, or perhaps to see the GWS Giants or Penrith Panthers play there in May and June, there’s several places and attractions I would recommend you visit to make the most out of your few days on the Coast with the Most.
Where to stay…
Firstly, I’d recommend basing yourself at beautiful Broadbeach, particularly the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, one of the leading five-star hotels on the Gold Coast that blends French sophistication with the laid-back Australian coastal vibe.
I stayed at this amazing property for two nights in a Superior Room with an Ocean View and it was the perfect location for my tailored itinerary.
Not only was it a short walk to spectacular Broadbeach and its array of cafés, shops and worldclass restaurants, but it was just a few hundred metres from The
Star Casino and the popular Gold Coast Lite Rail, also known as the “G”, which, for 50c per ride, is the best value public transport in the world!
where I was seated was just pure magic at sunset.
If you love your breakfast with a view like me, definitely head to Tower 28 Café, which is located at
Where to eat…
If you happen to drive out to the picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland to visit the stunning and peaceful Cougal Cascades, make sure you pop in to Pasture & Co, located in the beautiful Currumbin Valley. Pasture & Co is a family-friendly café that uses only fresh, local, organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. My recommendations are the delicious banana smoothie and the extremely colourful Zucchini + Potato Rosti with poached egg. I literally uttered ‘wow’ when this landed on my table!
For lunch, I had one of the biggest feasts of my life at Mamasan, which is located just a few steps from my hotel. The newly renovated restaurant boats a bold menu of East Asian flavours set within an elevated dining venue. Everything I was served here was spectacular!
For dinner, you can’t go past the recently opened Meltemi, which was also just a short walk from the Sofitel Broadbeach. The restaurant features flavours from the wind-swept Mediterranean coast, crafted with old age techniques and a touch of modern elegance. I ordered the Pita and Taramasalata Dip for my entrée, the Shawarma for my main, the Bougatsa for dessert, and I washed it all down with the Nick the Greek cocktail, which was simply to die for! The staff here were amazing too and the spot
the Kurrawa Surf Club. Tower 28 is the only absolute beachfront café in Broadbeach, and they serve an amazing Iced Matcha and their French Toast with Apple and Cinnamon really hit the spot!
Where to drink…
The Gold Coast is full of amazing bars and hotels to grab a beverage and watch the ocean, but if you’re after something different, head to this secluded pocket of Miami for a local brewery and distillery tour through the area.
The first place I hit up was Precinct Brewing Co for a $15 paddle of their finest ales. This place exists in a transformed old workshop and was heaving with great music and fun vibes.
The next place I checked out was Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery, which is the Gold Coast’s first and only craft gin, vodka, whiskey and liquor distillery. This venue, brimming with history, blew my socks off! The setting was
The Sofitel Broadbeach Gold Coast is in a prime location.
The Australia v India T20 International was a highlight.
Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery.
Journalist Nathan Taylor kayaking.
OF ACTION ON THE GOLD COAST
phenomenal and the cocktails even better!
My final stop on my crawl was Roji Cat, right next door. This vibrant Japanese-inspired microbrewery and izakaya-style bar opened last year. The venue, which draws inspiration from the neon-lit, bustling backstreets of Tokyo, serve house-brewed beers, sake and delicious street food! The Tebasaki Wings here were insanely good!
Where to play…
Unlike some other major cities around Australia, there’s no shortage of things to do on the Gold Coast – hence its uber popularity. If you want to do something a little different to theme parks, but still want that adrenaline rush, I can’t recommend Arro Jet Boating enough!
With my highly skilled and experienced jet boat pilot “Magic Mike” at the helm, I had the time of my life on this thrilling adventure through the Gold Coast waterways, and so did everyone else on board! The reason Arro Jets stands out above the rest is because it skips slow zones, so you basically dive straight into 45 minutes of spins, 360-degree
manoeuvres, fish tail turns and splashes at speeds up to 90km/h. This is a must-do in my opinion! If you love the water but want a more relaxing way to spend your morning, the team at Australian Kayaking Adventures have you covered. I was lucky enough to spend a few hours with my amazing guide Alex, who took me on a kayaking and snorkelling adventure through the tranquil waters
of the Gold Coast. On our way paddling to nearby Wavebreak Island for a spot of snorkelling and breakfast, we spotted a couple of curious dolphins swimming by. My snorkelling experience also needs mentioning. I’m notorious for not grasping snorkelling, but I can admit, thanks to Alex’s advice, I was finally able to get the hang of it and snorkel with hundreds of sub-tropical fish and
marine life. Thank you, Alex –achievement unlocked!
After so many years apart, I’ve realised that the Gold Coast has changed. It was a great place to visit as a kid and it’s an even better place to visit as an adult!
Whether you’re visiting for a sporting event, a concert or a family holiday, the Gold Coast still reigns supreme as Australia’s ultimate playground.
Shopping Let’s go
The view from Meltemi in Broadbeach.
Arro Jet Boating was an incredible, high-octane experience.
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Connect With Us Online!
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72. Mutilate
74. Discharged
76. Clodhoppers
78. Fuss (2-2)
80. Screened (movie)
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many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org
If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.
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.
SKY LANTERNS
SPACECRAFT
SWEEP
TILTROTOR
WIND
WINGS
ZEPPELIN
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about ‘Hamilton’ in this week’s special trivia quiz... 1. Which character is ‘young, scrappy and hungry’? 2. Which son of Hamilton’s dies in the second act?
have his infamous affair with?
3. What is the final song in Act One?
4. Which song has a section that is the fastest song sung on Broadway?
5. Who did Alexander Hamilton
6. Which is the only song that only has one character on stage?
7. Who are the three Schuyler Sisters?
8. In Act One, which country is Alexander Hamilton and his friends fighting against?
ships.
Maria Reynolds.
7. Angelica, Eliza and Peggy.
8. Great Britain.
Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These
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.
